Firearms

Range Report: Testing Practical .45 Colt Accuracy at 100 Yards

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.

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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.

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Firearms

The Revolver in the 21st Century

Contrary to what you may see in a lot of the popular firearms media these days, the revolver as a self-defense tool is not dead. In fact, there are quite a few options available for those seeking a revolver for home defense, concealed carry, or recreational shooting. But why would you choose a revolver when there are so many semi-automatic pistols available?

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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?

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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.

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Firearms

Review: Ruger SR1911 Lightweight Commander .45 ACP

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?

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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.

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Ammunition

Range Report: Ammunition Worthy of a Top Tier Gun — SIG Elite

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.

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Firearms

Range Report: Kel-Tec KSG Shotgun

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.

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