Skill Set: Flying With Firearms
During firearm training classes, the question of flying with firearms comes up a lot. People have a fear of flying with firearms, but it’s just a lack of knowledge about the process. As long as you know how to proceed it’s not a big deal. [Read more…] about Skill Set: Flying With Firearms
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Review: SIG P320 M17 Civilian Model
I have carried and used SIG pistols for many years. I have been issued the SIG P226 and also carried the SIG P220. I have the greatest respect for SIG pistols and particularly appreciate their reliability. When the brass supplied officers with the SIG, we knew that they had not gone for the low bid. By the same token the low bid won over many agencies. SIG needed a polymer-framed striker-fired pistol to compete on an economic and practical basis. The SIG P320 was ergonomic, reliable, and easily used well. SIG finally had a striker fired competitor to the Glock and similar handguns. [Read more…] about Review: SIG P320 M17 Civilian Model
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I Fell for the 10mm — You Will too!
I was at an event in Montana earlier this fall where several gun and ammunition manufacturers were showing off their new products and allowing writers to test them. I found myself hanging out at the Vista Outdoor booth, pining over the 10mm, long enough that I was surprised the guys there didn’t tell me to leave. Vista Outdoor may not be a name you are familiar with, but if you are a shooter/outdoorsman, you probably have used some of their products. [Read more…] about I Fell for the 10mm — You Will too!
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Gun Test: Baby Desert Eagle .45 ACP
When the great handguns of modern times are discussed, the go-to list of reliable handguns that I completely trust is short. The Colt 1911, FN High Power, Czech CZ 75 and the Glock are among these. There are many copies and clones of these handguns. Some are ironmongery but others are excellent firearms. Among the close copies of the CZ 75 that has earned a good reputation worldwide is the Israeli Jericho pistol, otherwise known as the Baby Desert Eagle. [Read more…] about Gun Test: Baby Desert Eagle .45 ACP
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Gun Test: Ruger SR1911 10mm
Ruger’s SR1911 line continues to expand with the introduction of the Ruger SR1911 10mm. This handgun differs considerably from previous pistols and may arguably be one of the best 10mm 1911 handguns ever built. [Read more…] about Gun Test: Ruger SR1911 10mm
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Glock G17 and G19 Gen4 MOS are Game Changers
There are times when you don’t notice a shift in the paradigm, but with the Glock G17 and G19 Gen4 MOS (Modular Optic System) pistols, the move is obvious and clear. Conceal carry pistols equipped with optics are the next stage in the evolution of defensive pistols. Glock has taken its most popular models, the full-size G17 Gen4 and compact G19 Gen4, and created MOS variants. [Read more…] about Glock G17 and G19 Gen4 MOS are Game Changers
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Springfield XDE — Catering to the Rest
With most new concealed carry handguns focused on polymer-frame striker-fired handguns, it is good to see that Springfield Armory has catered to the rest of us with a modern, polymer-frame double-action first-shot handgun with a decocker. [Read more…] about Springfield XDE — Catering to the Rest
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Gun Test: Rock Island 1911 .38 Super
The .38 Super was introduced in the 1911 handgun in 1929 to arm peace officers with a hard-hitting handgun that offered good penetration against the new breed of mechanized thug. The .38 Super saw extensive use in the hands of the FBI and figured into the demise of dangerous fugitives such as Baby Face Nelson. The .38 Super is dimensionally identical to the .38 ACP of 1900. [Read more…] about Gun Test: Rock Island 1911 .38 Super
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Handgun Training —How I Choose the Gun
Handgun training, more so than most pursuits, is charged with individuality. Special teams and rifle companies move as a unit and exercise strict discipline. They have a plan of action. The handgun is a weapon of opportunity carried to meet the unexpected difficulty. The action is not planned, and the response is reactive. For many problems, a trained individual will respond with simple reflex. Reflex is sufficient for some problems, but simple movements set the stage for more elaborate responses. Training and movement should be simple and as straightforward as possible. [Read more…] about Handgun Training —How I Choose the Gun
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How to Choose a Handgun
Everyday, we are bombarded with the freshest information. We hope the information is legitimate, and we weigh our alternatives. Choosing an option involves a mix of assessments and choices colored by innate biases and too often, flawed assumptions. [Read more…] about How to Choose a Handgun
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SHTF Guns — Have You Thought Through Your Choices?
The SHTF gun means many things to many people. Having actually taken incoming fire and proven I cannot stop a bullet, I have a different idea than the casually interested. Planning for an apocalyptic nightmare seems a popular pastime—especially for cinematic writers. Just the same there are times when the need may be real. [Read more…] about SHTF Guns — Have You Thought Through Your Choices?
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Three Top 10mm Pistols — Pick Your Poison
The 10mm Auto cartridge is being rediscovered. There is new ammunition being manufactured in velocities the 10mm was intended for, such as the newer SIG Elite Performance ammo, and firearm manufacturers such as Glock, Rock Island Arsenal (RIA), and SIG offer platforms well suited to this powerhouse cartridge. Which would you choose? [Read more…] about Three Top 10mm Pistols — Pick Your Poison
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Arex Rex Delta — Sneak Peek!
Arex entered the firearms market a few of years ago with a single model in hand. Sometimes, when your product is good enough, one is all you need. Arex quickly followed its initial success with compact and suppressor-ready tactical versions. Next came a target model, but in today’s market, your line is incomplete without a lightweight polymer model for concealed carry or duty use. Introducing the Arex Rex Delta. [Read more…] about Arex Rex Delta — Sneak Peek!
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Gun Test: Glock Model 35
I have previously stated that the long slide Glock Model 35 is a good special team pistol for use by agencies issuing Glock pistols. However, the long slide Glock is also a great home defense and competition pistol. For those who can conceal the piece beneath covering garments, the Glock long slide is a viable defensive handgun. In the proper caliber, the pistol is also useful for hunting thin-skinned game. [Read more…] about Gun Test: Glock Model 35
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Colt 1911 — The Name Says it All
The Colt 1911 Government Model handgun was the result of more than a decade of painstaking development. The .45 Automatic Colt Pistol cartridge was developed in a shorter period with input from many of the great minds of the day including General John T Thompson. John Moses Browning introduced his first self-loading service pistol in 1900. The Colt .38 ACP automatic had interesting features but needed further development. The 1905 .45 automatic likewise needed more refinement. Thus, it was a combination of events led to the adoption of the Colt 1911 Government Model in 1911. [Read more…] about Colt 1911 — The Name Says it All
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Video: Beretta Px4 Storm Box to Match Review!
Due to a technical glitch, this Out of the Box and to the Match Gun Review is actually a re-shoot. After I shot the Beretta Px4 Storm in a match, I found that the memory card in my video camera was bad, so I decided to shoot a new video. Like other Box to Match reviews, the Beretta hasn’t undergone any aftermarket tweaks or adjustments, just a standard clean and oil. [Read more…] about Video: Beretta Px4 Storm Box to Match Review!
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Gun Test: Ruger SR1911 9mm
Ruger is an old line maker that has offered quality products at a fair price for more than 68 years. They were late getting into the 1911 market, but introduced a 1911 handgun that has earned an excellent reputation for reliability, accuracy and value. When the Commander version was introduced, I obtained one of the first short slide 1911 Rugers and found it good. The SR1911 9mm is an aluminum frame 1911 in the Commander configuration they may be even better. [Read more…] about Gun Test: Ruger SR1911 9mm
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Review: Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan
Typically, I review more tactical rifles and CCW pistols/revolvers, but for some strange reason I was surfing the web for guns to review and I ran across Ruger’s Super Redhawk Alaskan in .454 Casull (*also shoots .45 Long Colt from the same gun). “Why not, sounds like fun!” I thought. I guess it is the CCW of the Alaskan Bush. Plus, I just finished reviewing the .50AE and was starting to get feeling back in my hands, so bring it on Ruger! [Read more…] about Review: Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan
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Affordable Concealed Carry: SCCY
In mid-2012, I first read about a new gun manufacturer, SCCY, that was making an affordable CCW (Concealed Carry Weapon) in Florida. Needless to say, I was curious and wanted to test it. Over the years, I’ve always tried to review a variety of guns, at a variety of prices. I understand that anyone would love a $1,000+ gun, but for some that is a currently unattainable dream. Every socioeconomic class in the U.S. has the right to self-defense as well as the ability to defend those they love.
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Aluminum-Frame Pistols Make Sense
After deploying a steel-frame handgun for many years, I have come to appreciate lightweight (LW) frame handguns. Aluminum frame revolvers and self-loaders have become trusted companions. I am not one to save a few ounces at the cost of my life, but I do not wish to carry more weight than necessary. [Read more…] about Aluminum-Frame Pistols Make Sense