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.
The Colt Single Action Army revolver was the finest handgun of its day with excellent handling and exceptional accuracy. This is the still the single action revolver by which all others are judged. Best of all, Cimarron offers quality reproductions of the SAA featuring excellent accuracy and handling.
The EAA Witness Match .45 is an accurate handgun well worth its price. As for personal defense, a 10-shot .45 with the TruGlo combat light mounted is a terrific home defender. The pistol is similar to CZ 75-type handguns, but features a factory trigger that is as good or better than any the author has ever tested.
Before I begin singing the praises of the Springfield EMP 1911, I should say that I have never felt the 9mm 1911 made a lot of sense. It was like putting a six cylinder engine in a Corvette. The 10mm 1911 is like a 454 Chevelle by comparison. However, the Springfield EMP is not an average 1911 9mm.
The Competition Pistol is a go-anywhere do-anything 1911, that while geared for competition, will also serve well for personal defense. Priced at less than $1,000 and generally available for $899 or less, the Competition Pistol is more than fair for a pistol with this pedigree and performance.
Firing an old handgun that once belonged to someone 100 or more years ago is like shaking hands with the past. We just like to get the feel of the implements of the day. However, our overwhelming concern must be safety. There have always been more cheap guns than good guns, and some were none too safe even when they were new.
With most new introductions in the concealed carry handgun market focused on polymer-frame striker-fired handguns, it is good to see that Springfield Armory has catered to the rest of us with a modern, polymer-frame double-action first-shot handgun with a decocker.
The North American Arms PUG isn’t the ideal defensive handgun. However, it is a well made revolver that never gives trouble. That means a lot. There are folks who simply cannot be convinced to carry a larger handgun, and something is better than nothing. Think of the people would have loved to have had a .22 magnum revolver handy when attacked.The North American Arms PUG isn’t the ideal defensive handgun. However, it is a well made revolver that never gives trouble. That means a lot. There are folks who simply cannot be convinced to carry a larger handgun, and something is better than nothing. Think of the people would have loved to have had a .22 magnum revolver handy when attacked.
The Beretta 92 handles well on a combat course. Recoil is modest even with +P loads. The tapered, double-column magazine is an aid in rapidly replenishing the ammunition supply. As a tactical pistol, the Beretta has much to recommend. As for absolute accuracy, the Beretta takes a back seat to few pistols.
Ruger’s recently released 7.62x39mm American is a smart choice. The 7.62x39mm cartridge is the most popular and well distributed, mid-range caliber in the world. Ammunition is plentiful and inexpensive. Modern loadings, such as the Hornady SST, offer good game taking ability. Handloads put the 7.62x39mm right at .30-30 WCF power. In short, the new Ruger American should prove to be a capable, go anywhere, do anything rifle.