Ammunition
Handloading Cowboy Handgun Calibers
Over the years, I have enjoyed firing the calibers popular in the Old West. Some refer to these as the…Read More >
Tag: .38 Special
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Firearms
Review: Ruger GP100 Wiley Clapp Model
Some shooters regard revolvers as dinosaurs. Since the introduction of the first reliable self-loading pistols well over 100 years ago,…Read More >
Concealed Carry|Gun Gear|Safety and Training
Concealed Carry Choices and Modes
When a new shooter or trainee begins discussing concealed carry, I offer the best advice I am able. One piece…Read More >
Firearms|General|Range Reports|Reviews
Smith & Wesson J-Frame Revolvers
Many years ago, the first swing-out-cylinder double-action revolvers from Smith & Wesson began leaving the factory. The unicycle was in…Read More >
Ammunition
The General Purpose Handload
The Shooter’s Log is often asked about the ‘best’ handgun load. Unfortunately, many correspondents fail to share the intended mission of the load. The mission has a strong influence as to the desired bullet weight, velocity, and penetration. As an example, you may be perfectly happy to run the .44 Special or .45 Colt with a 255-grain SWC at 700 fps for cowboy action or target practice. If hiking in country in which the big cats or bears may be more than a nuisance, the same bullet up to 1,000 fps would be a better choice.
Gun Gear
Review: Pachmayr Revolver Speedloaders
Revolvers remain an important part of the handgun market. The niche for revolvers is stronger than ever, with the introduction of new revolvers and accessories. Among the most interesting accessories are revolver speedloaders. Many regard them as necessary for personal defense, as much so as keeping a spare magazine for the self-loading handgun.
Firearms
Review: Smith and Wesson Model 649 — S&W’s Best Snubbie
Smith and Wesson has earned an enviable reputation for quality revolvers well suited to personal defense. The small five-shot revolver is among its most popular handguns, with the Model 649 carrying honors as the best of Smith and Wesson’s snubbie lineup. Read the article to see whether you agree.
Gun Gear
Review: Pachmayr Guardian Grips
The Pachmayr Guardian grip is among the most interesting yet and certainly the most innovative. The design is simple enough. This spring-loaded extension rocks into place and allows firing the pistol with much more comfort. A rough analogy is the difference between the flush fit and extended grip offered with compact self-loading handguns.
General
Smith and Wesson Bodyguard .38 — Not Another J Frame
The Bodyguard is a concealed-hammer double-action-only .38 Special snubnose, which is obvious. However, the Bodyguard differs from other J frames in that the cylinder rotates in a different direction—to the right. This is the same as the now defunct Colt Detective Special. Further, if you open the cylinder by pressing the lever on the top of the backstrap, you are enjoying a different manual of arms.
Firearms
Review: Traditions Liberty Single Action Revolver
I have been very happy with Pietta clones of the SAA, and when I saw the looks and price of the Traditions Liberty, it was love at first sight. The revolver features a beautiful blue finish. The engraving is nicely done with an appearance similar to acid etching, but the laser engraving is not as deep as old type German style engraving—and it costs a fraction of the original.