Most Recent Posts

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.

Ruger American rifle with the bolt open

Firearms

Review: Ruger American .308 Rifle

There is a lot about accuracy and optics to be learned by the novice and experienced shooter alike. When it comes to rifles, there are a number of affordable and inexpensive introductions that are cheap and clunky. Ruger has manufactured the exception by offering a rifle that is inexpensive but not cheap.

CCI .22 LR Velocitor ammunition box with bolt action rifle, .22 LR Defense

Ammunition

Is the .22 LR Suitable for Defense?

Most victims meet the perpetrator, at least in part, through some action of their own. Some students want to qualify for NRA courses or concealed carry with .22 pistols. That’s ok for beginners as the .22 is the most excellent training cartridge we have. However, using the .22 Long Rifle cartridge for defense requires quite a stretch, but there is some merit and history to consider.

Man shooting the Ruger American Rimfire rifle

Firearms

Review: Ruger American Rimfire

The introduction of a new bolt-action .22 is a continuation of the classic American .22 caliber sporter. Despite the introduction of modern self-loading rifles, the Ruger American Rimfire has its place, primarily because the Ruger American Rimfire is the stablemate to the world’s most popular .22 caliber rifle, the Ruger 10/22. The Ruger American Rimfire rifle is similar to the Ruger American centerfire rifles introduced a few years ago.

Colt Stainless 1911 with target shot at 25 yards

Firearms

Range Report: Custom Colt Government Model Stainless

Why is the 1911 not only popular but at the top of the heap? Simple. The human engineering behind the pistol has never been bested. The straight to the rear trigger compression, a low bore axis that limits muzzle flip, and excellent hand fit make for a fast and sure handling handgun. The controls, including the slide lock, magazine release, and safety, are within reach without shifting the firing grip. What else could you ask for?

Loaded Smith and Wesson Model 625 JM with cylinder open atop a box of ammunition

Firearms

Review: Smith and Wesson 625 JM — A Fast Shooting Revolver

The Smith and Wesson 625 JM is a big burly revolver that has many good design features. This stainless steel revolver features fully adjustable rear sights, a post front sight with a brass insert often referred to as a gold bead, a full underlugged barrel, and a smooth trigger action.

Springfield TRP pistol, black with several boxes of ammunition

Firearms

Range Report: Springfield TRP 1911

While designed for service use the pistol is suitable for competition and given proper leather, concealed carry. The TRP is a pistol that encourages shooting. You have got to see what it will do and the rewards are there are those willing to master the piece.

Ruger Rimfire Precision rifle right profile

Firearms

Review: Ruger Rimfire Precision Rifle

Among the most exciting rifles to come down the pike this year is the Ruger Rimfire Precision Rifle. This is a bolt-action rimfire rifle chambered for the .22 Long Rifle cartridge. The rifle is based on the full-size Ruger Precision rifle. It would make a great understudy for the .308 rifle, but it is also a fine choice for anyone interested in using an accurate rifle for recreational shooting or small-game hunting.

Storm PX4 SubCompact right

Firearms

Range Report: Beretta Storm SubCompact 9mm

Beretta introduced a handgun a few years ago that was not revolutionary—it was evolutionary. The PX4 Storm married the proven Beretta double-action trigger and de-cocking safety to a polymer frame. Those preferring the double-action first-shot pistol had a relatively inexpensive alternative to the Beretta 92, and those wishing a durable and reliable, polymer-frame handgun had a counterpoint to the Glock. The primary advantage of the pistol is accuracy.