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blue aluminum Pachmayr speed loader with bullets loaded profile

Reviews

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.

Smith and Wesson 649 .357 Magnum revolver left profile

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.

Two Smith and Wesson revolvers with Pachmayr grips

General

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.

Snubnose revolver with pocket knife, and speedloaders

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.

Traditions Liberty revolver right profile on leather holster and American flag

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.

Scott Wagner with the Smith and Wesson Bodyguard with Crimson Trace laser engaged

Firearms

Review: Smith and Wesson M&P Bodyguard Crimson Trace .38 Spl Revolver

“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.

Firearms

Is the .380 ACP the new .38 Special?

Ladies, does it annoy you to walk into a gun shop and immediately be directed to the small, .38 Special revolvers? Have you noticed a switch? Next time you go into a gun shop, ask at the counter for a semi-auto. I bet they will hand you a .380 ACP. Revolvers and .380s are great, but they aren’t everything. Is the .380 the new .38? Read on for my conclusion.

Pistol firing with expended shell still in the air

Ammunition

Handgun Defense Loads

Designed to give handgun cartridges a step up in power and energy by increasing velocity, +P ammunition is not more dangerous; it simply is loaded to greater pressure. What is your choice for a handgun defensive round?