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SW Victory 22 pistol with Winchester M-22 ammunition yesterday

Firearms

Range Report: Smith and Wesson Victory .22 Pistol

Smith and Wesson’s Victory .22 has garnered a lot of interest since its introduction a few months ago. The Victory .22 is intended to compete with similar .22 calibers handguns such as the Browning Buckmark and Ruger Standard Model. As such the Victory will have to have good features, good reliability, and acceptable accuracy. The price point is also important. Smith and Wesson’s previous .22 caliber self loaders were not in the class with this pistol and the hopes Smith and Wesson has pinned on this pistol are not without justification.

Sights of a pistol being pointed a zombie target at close range

General

Winning the Fight by Getting Hits at Close Range

Your thought processes are controlled by gut wrenching fear. Having observed innumerable varieties of human evil, I am aware of the endless possibility of attack. Training gives us preparation and practice keeps us sharp. You will default to this training; you will not rise to the occasion. In this article, the author breaks down the six phases to an attack and cover to close-quarter pistol drill for self defense.

Three Ruger Single Six revolvers

Firearms

Review: Ruger Blackhawk

Today, much of the market seems to revolve around tactical gear and personal defense. That is important, nothing is more vital than taking responsibility for our own safety. However, personal defense isn’t the only reason to own a powerful and accurate handgun such as the Ruger Blackhawk. This single-action revolver is also a fine target gun and a great game getter.

Asian woman holding a Kel-Tec PMR 30 handgun.

General

Plinking Fun — Unrestricted!

Plinking is difficult to define, and that is how I like it. Plinking is the purest form of shooting fun. It is without limits or rules other than safety. To place boundaries on recreation, or what may even advance to an art form, is an exercise in frustration. Anything that encourages the learning of proper trigger press and sight alignment is good, but take note of the danger of taking family and friends plinking. It may result in new enthusiasts to the shooting sports.

Kel Tec PMR30 with orange fiber optic rear sight

Gear, Parts and Accessories

Pistol Sights: Speed, and Minute of Felon Accuracy

In a combat situation, the perfect sight picture is elusive. That being said, I almost always use my sights when shooting. The only time the sights are not visible to my eye when I fire is when I am firing from the retention position with the handgun hard against my ribs. For all other situations, the sights and sight picture matter. However, all sights are not created equal. Which sights are right for you and your situation?

Springfield Armory 1911 with a Shoot-n-See target

How-To

Training Tip: Double Taps

The double tap drill is considered by most to be two shots delivered to the target as quickly as possible—but are you doing it right? Practice does not make perfect; perfect practice makes perfect. However, among the most misunderstood tactics in personal defense is the double tap. More than half of those practicing for defense shooting execute the double tap incorrectly. Worse yet, it is most often taught incorrectly.

Right profile view of the Wild bunch shotgun

Firearms

The ’97 Wild Bunch Shotgun

The Winchester 1897 shotgun was manufactured from 1897 to 1957. At one time the ’97 set the standard for combat shotguns. With a five-round tubular magazine fed by a helical coil spring and featuring a reliable slide action the ’97 is a rugged serviceable shotgun. While the author has tested quite a few shotguns for a new book, the pump-action clone of the Winchester 1897 is a hands-down favorite for fun shooting.

Bob Campbell shooting a semi automatic shotgun with two shells in the air

Ammunition

Tactical Shotgun Loads

The shotgun is a great problem solver and best regarded as a tactical system. This is primarily due the respect and homage we pay to the great versatility of the shotgun and its payload. Why many shotguns may fit the bill, it is the ammunition that delivers the lethal blow. Will your load be up to the threat?

JRC rifle with scope right profile

Firearms

Range Report: The Just Right Carbine — Pistol Caliber Carbines

The pistol-caliber carbine enjoys a long and storied history. The Winchester lever action and Colt Single Action Army combination started the ball rolling. Today, the modern self-loading carbine is the popular option. The Just Right Carbine (JRC) is available in 9mm, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP calibers. The JRC may be changed from one caliber to the other relatively easily, but that is not the best reason to own a JRC.

Butt of the Magpul SGA stock right

General

Review: Magpul SGA Stock/Mossberg 500

Firing 20 full-power buckshot loads from a 12 gauge Mossberg ended with my wrist resulted in Epsom salts the next morning. The pistol grip shotgun is acceptable for entry team use, or crowded areas, and ideal for keeping handy in fishing trawlers to take out flipping, gnashing sharks brought in with the more mundane catches. However, for extended shooting sessions, upgrade to Magpul’s SGA stock.