Why Everyone Should Own a 1911
I own a quite a few different guns. What can I say? I’m a big gun guy. One of my favorite firearms is my 1911—a pistol I think everyone should own. Perhaps, I am a product of my environment, I live in Utah and in the northern part of the state, there is a city named Ogden. Ogden was home to John M. Browning, who invented the 1911 pistol. In fact, many people consider Browning to be the brains behind the modern design of semiautomatic pistols. [Read more…] about Why Everyone Should Own a 1911
Sign up for K-Var’s weekly newsletter and discounts here.
I’ll Take a M1 Carbine
The M1 Carbine was one of the most widely produced of all U.S. Military rifles and served during World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam War. Millions were produced and at one time surplus models were not only commonly found, they were inexpensive. Today, things are different. A well-used, vintage M1 Carbine is expensive, and the cost will vary dramatically depending on which manufacturer produced the M1 Carbine and the model. I collect, but I shoot what I collect, and that’s why the M1 Carbines from Inland Mfg. and Auto-Ordnance are important to me—and other shooters who favor the M1 Carbine. [Read more…] about I’ll Take a M1 Carbine
Sign up for K-Var’s weekly newsletter and discounts here.
Review: Smith and Wesson L Frame Revolver
As a young shooter, I began firing centerfire revolvers using a Smith and Wesson K frame. I later owned several N frame .357 Magnum revolvers and the K frame Combat Magnum .357 Magnum. I handloaded my own ammunition and learned a great deal about marksmanship and handguns with the Smith and Wesson. [Read more…] about Review: Smith and Wesson L Frame Revolver
Sign up for K-Var’s weekly newsletter and discounts here.
The Arsenal SAM7K-04: New Features on a Proven Pistol
There were many innovative and exciting new products at the 2019 SHOT Show that have already put a dent in my annual firearms budget. However, not all innovation needs to be groundbreaking. Rather, sometimes innovation simply takes something that is already great and adds something simple that makes it better. That is what I found in the new Arsenal SAM7K-04 Pistol. Many of you have probably already shot or own an Arsenal SAM7K pistol and, like me, know the quality of the craftsmanship and reliability that is inherent in all Arsenal products. But, Arsenal has now made this great pistol better by integrating a picatinny rail on the back of the receiver, so now you can attach your favorite accessories. Whether that means using the included sling swivel or finding a compatible brace, the potential for enhancing this pistol just became exponentially greater. [Read more…] about The Arsenal SAM7K-04: New Features on a Proven Pistol
Sign up for K-Var’s weekly newsletter and discounts here.
Shotguns: The Defensive Firearm
Not long ago, the conversation turned to shotguns at the gun shop. While even the folks that are not the ones we call “gunny” know the merits of shotguns for home defense, there are many opinions on the proper load and the best shotgun. The shotgun is primarily a projectile launcher and it is best to use what you are comfortable and familiar with. I have checked my notes before writing this article and I have a good recollection of incidents that have occurred in the past 40 years. [Read more…] about Shotguns: The Defensive Firearm
Sign up for K-Var’s weekly newsletter and discounts here.
Top Carry Pistols for Small Hands
One thing I noticed while working in a retail gun store, was that many people disregard ergonomics for new shooters. This was especially evident regarding carry pistols. I will state for the record, the best way to determine a good carry gun, is to personally handle the guns. This first step will immediately tell you which guns do not fit your hand. Once the list has been narrowed down, rent the remaining guns and let the mechanics of shooting tell you which is best. [Read more…] about Top Carry Pistols for Small Hands
Sign up for K-Var’s weekly newsletter and discounts here.
Gun Test: Glock 43X — Slimline
Glock introduced two exciting, and well designed, pistols at the 2019 Shooting Hunting Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show, with an official January 2 launch date for the Glock 43X and Glock 48. Concealed carry is a very important part of the market. Glock’s service pistols are renowned worldwide for reliability and combat ability. The Glock 17, Glock 19 and other models are widely respected. In concealed carry, the search was on for a viable improvement over both the Glock 19 and the Glock 43. [Read more…] about Gun Test: Glock 43X — Slimline
Sign up for K-Var’s weekly newsletter and discounts here.
Smith and Wesson — Almost Heaven
Smith and Wesson revolvers have been a part of American history for more than 150 years. These remarkable handguns offer real utility in hunting, personal defense, and target shooting. One of my friends refers to his tuned J frame .38 as a ‘little piece of heaven.’ I feel much the same away concerning my modest battery of Smith and Wesson revolvers. [Read more…] about Smith and Wesson — Almost Heaven
Sign up for K-Var’s weekly newsletter and discounts here.
SHOT Show 2019 New Products Recap
The National Shooting Sports Foundation’s (NSSF) 41st Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade Show (SHOT), wrapped up its four-day run with many successes. While the pain of a lackluster introduction of new firearms was felt by many, the industry showed it was laying the groundwork for the next generation with a record number of new exhibitors the Suppliers Showcase and an innovative Pop-Up Preview that proved to be a hit with buyers. [Read more…] about SHOT Show 2019 New Products Recap
Sign up for K-Var’s weekly newsletter and discounts here.
Handguns: Choosing the Right Handgun Sights
I have noticed that discussions on combat handgun sights, combat shooting, and handguns are often hi-jacked by those with an embarrassing lack of experience. All they know is what they have read and much of that isn’t accurate. A shooter should study, true, but they should also gain practical experience and meet the instructor half way with this experience. [Read more…] about Handguns: Choosing the Right Handgun Sights
Sign up for K-Var’s weekly newsletter and discounts here.
First Look: Taurus TX22
I stopped by the Taurus booth at the Shooting Hunting Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show to see what might be new. Taurus has been a leader in innovative products. I have had good luck with several Taurus revolvers and semi-auto pistols in the past, so I was hopeful for 2019. The Taurus TX22 is a new, mid size .22 Long Rifle target pistol that weight 17.3 ounces, and sports a 16-shot magazine. A 10-round version is also available for individuals living in jurisdictions mandating such nonsense. The Taurus TX22 pistol will invariably be compared to the new Kel-Tec CP33, so let’s get right to it. [Read more…] about First Look: Taurus TX22
Sign up for K-Var’s weekly newsletter and discounts here.
S&W Model 27 Classic — The First Magnum Revolver
When the .357 Magnum cartridge was introduced in 1935, Smith and Wesson chambered the cartridge in a deluxe, large-frame revolver. The new handgun was in some ways a development of the .38-44—a heavy frame .38 Special. However, in other ways, the target-sighted magnum was unique. Either way, the revolver cost more than $65 at a time when a new Ford V 8 cost $810. The .38-44 cost about $35 dollars. Useful handguns were available for $20. The fit, finish, and accuracy of the new revolver was exceptional by any standard. The .357 Magnum was the first of many expensive, but custom grade, factory handguns. [Read more…] about S&W Model 27 Classic — The First Magnum Revolver
Sign up for K-Var’s weekly newsletter and discounts here.
Review: Glock 48 9mm
One of the great revolutions in handgun manufacture is the polymer frame, striker-fired revolution. Glock led the way and still dominates the market. Arguably, Glock remains first with the most. I should note that I am not the greatest Glock fan, but I certainly am not a Glock basher. The Glock is, in my opinion, the baseline gun for personal defense and a great choice for many shooters. The Glock is as reliable as a handgun may be, easy enough to use well, and chambers popular cartridges. The Glock 48 follows this tradition. [Read more…] about Review: Glock 48 9mm
Sign up for K-Var’s weekly newsletter and discounts here.
Gun Giveaway: Kahr Arms CT380 Basket Weave
Quality, performance, and fit are all top considerations when deciding where to spend your hard-earned greenbacks on a new pistol. However, when it to comes to Second Amendment supporters, there is a fourth element that is considered with every purchase and that is the people behind the product. It takes more than a manufacturer making a quality product, we want a manufacturer that is as passionate and true to the Second Amendment and the gun toting population as we are. [Read more…] about Gun Giveaway: Kahr Arms CT380 Basket Weave
Sign up for K-Var’s weekly newsletter and discounts here.
SHOT Show — New Products 2019
The SHOT Show (Shooting Hunting Outdoor Trade) in January of each year not only signals the beginning of a new year, but a whole round of product launches to fill our dreams, wish lists, and for a lucky few, gear closets and gun safes. Firearm sales have been rather lackluster as of late, so it is not much of a surprise that manufacturers focused more on expanding existing lines to include new colors and calibers more than completely new introductions. However, that is not to say the industry did not put out some new must-have models! On the other hand, the optics and accessories categories are teeming with new offerings to give your old gear a new look.
We scoured the SHOT Show floor for some of the best new offerings and will bring you a new list each day, so stay tuned. [Read more…] about SHOT Show — New Products 2019
Sign up for K-Var’s weekly newsletter and discounts here.
The Range Bag
One of the inevitabilities, and greatest aspects of our sport, is the accumulation of gear and accessories. Somewhere, deep down inside each of us, is a little devilish voice convincing us to get more stuff. I’ll be the first to admit it; I indulge that little voice often and without apology. Mainly because I have put in the time to select the right range bag and devised a system for packing it. [Read more…] about The Range Bag
Sign up for K-Var’s weekly newsletter and discounts here.
Choosing a Trunk or Truck Gun
Lots of people in the gun community have a trunk or truck gun. For most people, it is some type of beater rifle or shotgun. The theory is, “Why beat up a good gun by bouncing it around in the trunk?” Just throw a beater in there and forget about it. I am not a fan of that technique. [Read more…] about Choosing a Trunk or Truck Gun
Sign up for K-Var’s weekly newsletter and discounts here.
Snubnose Magnum Revolvers — Pocket Power
With the growing abundance of concealed carry permits, as Americans exercise their rights and commons sense, and with a political climate that currently nurtures such progress, armed citizens are flexing their political muscles and choosing to be responsible for their own safety. [Read more…] about Snubnose Magnum Revolvers — Pocket Power
Sign up for K-Var’s weekly newsletter and discounts here.
Review: Otis 7.62/5.56 MPSR Cleaning System
If you have a .308/7.62 caliber rifle and need a comprehensive, compact, packable cleaning kit for the field, then the Otis 7.62mm MPSR Cleaning System is an obvious choice. However, there is more to the Otis cleaning kit than just size. [Read more…] about Review: Otis 7.62/5.56 MPSR Cleaning System
Sign up for K-Var’s weekly newsletter and discounts here.
Gun Test: Walther Creed 9mm Pistol
The face of Walther is far more than just a legacy of James Bond’s Walther PPK but a company offering real innovation. The company has leapt into cutting edge designs, which some gun buyers get right away, such as the fabulous little PPS M1 and M2. Other designs are a bit tougher to understand for the seasoned shooter… that is until they handle them. [Read more…] about Gun Test: Walther Creed 9mm Pistol
Sign up for K-Var’s weekly newsletter and discounts here.