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The Army demanded that the Single Action Army take down an Indian war pony at 100 yards. Was this a reasonable expectation? The question is an interesting one, and perhaps since we do not have a need to shoot Indian war ponies these days, irrelevant. However, with our interests piqued, we simply had to have the answer, so Bob Campbell took on the challenge. Here are the results.
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.
The Ruger SR1911 is an outstanding value for a feature-loaded production 1911 that you can just buy and have the confidence to pull it out and shoot. The Commander version offers a carry option, which is a ¾ inch shorter, and a few ounces lighter to increase all day carry comfort. But how does it compare tot he full-sized SR1911?
SIG offers full metal jacketed training loads in the popular calibers but also hollow point defense loads. Among the most interesting are the three choices in .45 ACP hollow point loads. As with all top tier manufacturers, premium names need to deliver a premium product—preferably at a reasonable price. For this review, we put 185-, 2000, and 230-grain V Crown offering through their paces.
There are shotguns that do not look like shotguns. All are not practical but a few have merit. Among the most innovative and interesting is the Kel Tec KSG shotgun. The KSG is unmistakably a Kel Tec; the modern design and engineering shows. This is a shotgun you should immerse yourself in to learn the nuances of the design and operation if you plan to deploy the shotgun for personal defense.
A good long-range rifle is a wonderful tool, but its capabilities are only as good as the scope that sits on top of it. The Bushnell Elite Tactical LRS is a looker, in matte black aluminum with rugged-looking turrets and dials. It’s 13.5 inches long, with a 30mm tube. On the objective end, there’s a two-inch sun shade, included in the overall length. Get the full details that make this a must-have riflescope.
The Smith and Wesson Military and Police Shield is among the most popular carry guns in America. Light but reliable and accurate this slim line single column magazine pistol has much to recommend. In fact, many believe Smith and Wesson’s .45 ACP Shield is the answer to their personal defense needs. The author certainly agrees. Will you?
“From pistols designed for concealed carry to modern sporting rifles, all M&P firearms are jam packed with power, performance, and protection. Delivering superior products with versatile, easy-to-customize features, M&P adds undeniable value to every shooting experience. The .38 Bodyguard ups the bar for concealed-carry revolver performance.” That’s some pretty fancy marketing speak from Smith and Wesson. However, the author is ready to back that up and more with his review.
Despite being quite old, the scout rifle concept—originally developed by Jeff Cooper—is still very hot. Ruger’s versions are reportedly still selling well on the retail shelves and now Savage Arms has joined in with its own Model 11 Scout Rifle offering. So, let’s jump in with both feet for a head-to-head comparison between the Savage and Ruger offerings, because after all, buyers will on the showroom floor.
The .38 Super is dimensionally identical to the .38 ACP of 1900. The .38 ACP fired a 130-grain bullet at 1,100 fps. The .38 Super was a sensation, noted for its high velocity of 1300 fps and nine fast shots. Colt upped the power of the cartridge but used the same length cartridge case and chambered the .38 Super in the 1911 when it dropped production of the .38 ACP pistols. At the time, you had to know not to fire a .38 Super in older Colt 1903 pistols.