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Pistols

Four Guns You Should Own

When I first started buying guns, I looked to fill categories. I needed a handgun, hunting rifle, and a shotgun. Next, I looked for a military rifle, something that was historic and battle proven. Next, I broke the handgun category to a revolver and a semi-automatic. The hunting rifle quickly expanded to rimfire, big game and varmint rifles. However you decide to select your next gun, here are four guns every shooting enthusiast should own. [Read more…] about Four Guns You Should Own

Review: Glock 19X — The Ultimate Fighter

Perhaps the concept is not new to 1911s or other manufacturer’s offerings that come to mind, but the Glock 19X is more than a simple combination of two models. The Glock 19X signals a new direction, and perhaps, a new line of handguns for Glock. In case you are unfamiliar with the 19X, essentially it marries a Glock 19 length barrel with a full size Glock 17 frame. [Read more…] about Review: Glock 19X — The Ultimate Fighter

Review: Taurus PT1911 — Street-Ready Rail Gun

The Taurus PT1911 is an affordable handgun with a long list of features. The 1911 is a great service and protection pistol, not to mention a match winning competition handgun. The problem for most is that the better class of 1911 pistols are increasingly expensive. [Read more…] about Review: Taurus PT1911 — Street-Ready Rail Gun

Review: Glock G29 10mm — Reliability Meets Maximum Power

Glocks are always a favorite among shooters. The design is simple, standardized across the various models, and at the end of the day, you can count on a Glock to go bang! when you pull the trigger. However, sometimes, reliability is not enough. At times, reliability needs to be paired with stopping power. When it is a marriage of stopping power and reliability that you are seeking, the Glock G29 10mm is your answer.
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Beretta M9 — From Military Service to Classic

When the United States Army adopted the Beretta M9, it was quite a surprise to many of us. The apple cart wasn’t upset; it was wrecked. The Beretta replaced the long-serving 1911A1 .45-caliber pistol. While there are many fans of the 1911, there are also many detractors and some who felt the pistol was long overdue for replacement. [Read more…] about Beretta M9 — From Military Service to Classic

New Handguns for 2018

In an age when everything plastic rules, a handgun made of steel with a design more than 100 years old still drives the market. We are talking, of course, of the fabled 1911, and a third of the new guns that follow are based on this legendary platform. That’s not to say that there is no interest in itty-bitty pocket pistols, and it’s clear the revolver is not the antiquated firearm many assume. In fact, when it comes to new handguns for 2018, there is a good mix of old, new, plastic, and steel, with a wheelgun or two thrown in for good measure.
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Springfield Lovers Rejoice: XD-S Mod.2 in .45 ACP

Springfield Armory’s most popular pistol is better than ever as Springfield releases the XD-S Mod.2! The next evolution of the acclaimed XD-S pistol is here. The latest edition of Springfield’s most popular pistol is engineered in a slim, single-stack frame, holding 6 rounds of .45 ACP in a premiere concealed-carry firearm. [Read more…] about Springfield Lovers Rejoice: XD-S Mod.2 in .45 ACP

The .45 Colt — From Cowboy to Action to Self-Defense

There are convincing advocates of individual handgun cartridges. Legendary writers such as Skeeter Skelton and Bill Jordan carried the .357 Magnum professionally and felt it was the ideal outdoors and personal defense cartridge. Elmer Keith favored the .44 Special, but then, when he got the .44 Magnum, he was vocal in praises of this cartridge too. There are individuals who use a variety of calibers for certain chores, and then there are those that choose a handgun caliber early on and use it for a lifetime, but who is championing the .45 Colt? [Read more…] about The .45 Colt — From Cowboy to Action to Self-Defense

Gun Test: Ruger’s New GP100 7-Shot .357 Mag. Revolver

The buying public is voting for revolvers and buying them in great numbers. Fueling the new trend, Ruger introduced a seven-shot version of its popular GP100. While there has been a previous seven shooter in .327 Magnum, the new Ruger GP100 fires the .357 Magnum cartridge. [Read more…] about Gun Test: Ruger’s New GP100 7-Shot .357 Mag. Revolver

Sneak Peek: New Firearms for 2018

The past two years have have yielded little in the way of innovation. Of course there were exceptions that caught shooters’ eyes and found a well deserved spot as home defenders or the top shelf of the safe. The Arex Rex Zero One and Walther Creed immediately come to mind. However, that is the past and we are concerned with 2018, so here are a few models worthy of a closer look. [Read more…] about Sneak Peek: New Firearms for 2018

Glock Grows Gen5 Family With Two New Additions!

Few handguns have changed the market like Glock—and not been the brainchild John Moses Browning. That alone is an accomplishment, but how do you improve on perfection? Glock believes it is with the Gen5 and two new additions, the Glock 26 and the Glock 34 Modular Optic System (MOS) for 2018. [Read more…] about Glock Grows Gen5 Family With Two New Additions!

Springfield Goes Small With a New 1911

The 1911 is a proven platform and top performer in any caliber or size. Springfield’s 911 pistol would make a great carry gun, and excels as back-up gun (BUG). The 911 has all the features and familiarity of the 1911 with a few upgrades and a smaller size.

It’s like Springfield states in its introduction, “When the police are minutes away, but the threat is only seconds out.. 9-1-1. When you have to be your own first responder.”

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Managing the Double-Action First-Shot Pistol

My experience with double-action first-shot, self-loading pistols dates back to the 1970s. I began my police duties carrying a Colt Commander .45 but moving to a larger agency, I carried a Smith and Wesson Combat Magnum revolver. Each had much merit with either offering good hit probability. The .45 offered better control while the wound ballistics of the Federal 125-grain .357 Magnum was excellent. [Read more…] about Managing the Double-Action First-Shot Pistol

10mm Automatic or Magnum Revolver?

As a young man, my constant companion on duty and when hunting and hiking, was not a 10mm, but instead a Smith and Wesson Combat Magnum. While the four-inch barrel .357 Magnum is a great all around handgun for personal defense, I moved to the 1911 .45, which I found ideal and managed to carry on duty. With the 1911, safety, reliability, and hit probability are all that could be desired. Occasionally, I wondered if it was practical to combine the features of the 1911 with a hard-hitting 10mm cartridge to make a suitable outdoor 1911. [Read more…] about 10mm Automatic or Magnum Revolver?

Concealed Carry: Choosing Your First Handgun

Which model should I buy for my first concealed carry handgun? The question is common enough, and for good reason. At times, you may choose to carry more than one firearm for self-defense, different guns—depending on the weather and clothing, or even a back-up gun (BUG). Whichever route you go, here are six tips to consider when choosing your first handgun for concealed carry. [Read more…] about Concealed Carry: Choosing Your First Handgun