The SIG P229 is a proven handgun—among the most reliable handguns in the world—and among the most accurate. A new version of the SIG P229 is an optic equipped pistol with much to recommend. This isn’t a competition handgun but a pistol designed for duty, personal defense, and tactical use.
Ammunition manufacturers have made great strides when it comes to hunting and self-defense ammunition. Training ammunition however, has (or had) progressed little. Oh sure, your can buy steel case ammunition or remanufactured ammunition at a decent price, but I am talking about training ammunition that still maintains its price point, but offers a technological advantage. Federal offers a practice load that, surprisingly, to few shooter’s have experienced or understand the advantages of. The American Eagle Syntech is well worth your time and effort to obtain and use.
SIG Sauer Elite ammunition has made a big splash in the market in a relatively short time. These loads exhibit good quality and reliability. SIG’s hollow point load features a remarkable new design, the V Crown hollow point.
The Smith and Wesson Combat Magnum .357 Magnum revolver, sometimes known as the Model 19 or Model 66, went into production in 1955 and was discontinued in 2005. At the time of its introduction, the Combat Magnum was the world’s lightest .357 Magnum revolver.
A number of years ago Mossberg offered a short barrel, pump-action shotgun known as the Persuader. The piece is back as a highly finished retrograde shotgun. In my opinion the new Mossberg is better finished and tighter than the original. Retro guns are popular and this one has the look and feel of an older shotgun—the quality appearance. And it isn’t all about looks.
One of the great revolutions in handgun manufacture is the polymer frame, striker-fired revolution. Glock led the way and still dominates the market today. 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.
As a long-time user of Smith & Wesson revolvers, I am excited to see the things the company is doing these days. One of the most interesting handguns to come along in some time is the Model 69 .44 Magnum. This is a 5-shot .44 Magnum revolver built on the L frame chassis. It features square butt grips and a 4-inch barrel.
Not long ago at the gun shop, I was lamenting on some simple facts of life. I have little time to shoot the firearms I really love. The Savage 99 rifle and Colt SAA revolver are among these. My friend Clay asked what I would be shooting if I had the time and on my own dime. I didn’t even have to think about.
Not long ago, at my favorite shop, the conversation turned to Colt 1911 handguns—as it often does. One of the guys commented that his Colt 1991 was a ‘pretty accurate’ piece. He wondered what the pistol would shoot like with a .200 crosspin and a barrel bushing with only .001 clearance rather than .003. Another fellow said, ‘Y’all are talking about the 1991A? That’s the entry level Colt, correct?’ It is, and the latest Colt 1991A1 is a capable, reliable, and accurate handgun.
Among the happiest times I have had when shooting is the time I have spent with single action revolvers. Those true to the Old West in appearance and function are my favorites. When properly finished and well fitted, the single action revolver is a joy to own and use.
Someone said there are two types of artists, the revolutionary and the plagiarist. While this is a little harsh, there is some truth in the statement. The revolutionary is the one who ushers in a major change in the field. There are artists and inventors who stand head and shoulder above the rest. Samuel Colt built on very little that came before him. This solidly set his legacy as a pathfinder.
I don’t mind finding coal in my stocking—well coal black actually although flat dark earth magazines are not bad either. Of course finding AR mags in your stocking is like finding batteries. I wonder what the long, narrow box marked “Adult Signature Required” could be for the fourth day of Christmas?
One of my favorite things to do is to set up and shoot a new gun. I enjoy the process from choosing the correct rings to bore sighting to spending time at the range—and yes, even to working up the perfect and most accurate load for each gun.
About 18 months ago, I decided it was high time for me to try my hand at 3 Gun. Life was good; I carved out some range time and found a friend to attend with me. He had some experience running matches, so he helped me kit up and learn some practice drills. We had a great time, even if he consistently smoked my stage times.
If there is one weapon that is on nearly every tactical shooter’s bucket list, it is the MP5, For most, spending quality trigger time with a MP5 was out of the question—until now. Zenith makes the MP5 delayed roller lock experience attainable. Don’t call the Zenith MKE Z-5RS a clone, knock-off, or wannabe MP5. The Zenith is a licensed version of the iconic Heckler & Koch MP5. Zenith Firearm in Afton, Virginia, imports a number of H&K-licensed delayed roller lock action models from MKE (Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation) of Turkey.
The .41 Magnum is a useful, powerful, accurate, and well-balanced cartridge. Perhaps, it is one of the best revolver cartridges ever designed. Yet, it seems to be almost on its last leg, and far down the list in popularity compared to the .357 Magnum and .44 Magnum. This is understandable in some ways, but the cartridge is just too good to die.
The Firearms Guide Flash Drive & Online Combo is modern, digital, searchable gun publication that combines a reference guide on antique and modern guns with printable gun schematics and blueprints library and with gun value guide. All that content is conveniently placed online, but also on a fast 16GB flash drive as offline backup for Windows PC or Mac.
The M1 Carbine was the most produced American Infantry weapon of World War II. We built around 6.5 million of these tidy little rifles by the time the last shot was fired. At the apogee of production, we were producing 65,000 M1 Carbines a day. Truth be known, the Axis never had a chance.