For some time, American Tactical Imports has offered affordable firearms giving everyone a chance to get into the shooting game. These 1911s may be diamonds in the rough, but they are single-action 1911 handguns, and they are .45s. These GI Type guns have given many shooters on a budget the opportunity to try their hand at Old Slabsides at an exciting price.
There are pistols that are so overlooked it boggles the mind. The Czech CZ pistols (Ceska Zbrojovka Uhersky Brod) have appeal to professionals the world over, and the CZ 75 is among the most imitated pistols in the world. At present, few clones have equaled the reliability and build quality of the original. Within the CZ 75 line, is the P01 a new contender for the crown?
Should you carry the most expensive handgun you own or a beater? Some say carry a cheap handgun if you have a cheap life. One camp like to carry a showpiece, while the other wants to have a safe queen in pristine condition. In the end, it is reliability that counts most. Anyway you slice it, Wilson’s Combat EDC X9 is a gun worth betting your life on.
If there is one way to get folks talking off the cuff, it is to broach the subject of deer rifles and calibers. Everyone has a favorite that their dad, granddad, or aunt used to tame the Wild West and deplete the Elk herds in downtown Burbank. The problem is what works for one doesn’t work for the other, at least it doesn’t work as well. How will you pick the right caliber?
I have considerable experience with CZ pistols, from the original CZ 75 to the CZ P-01 and other variants. But nothing prepared me for the experience of handling and firing the newest CZ pistol, the CZ P10-C. It isn’t radical in design and technology, but it is different from anything CZ has done before.
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.
PTR builds an excellent 7.62x51mm rifle based on the Heckler and Koch G3 rifle. A semi automatic version of a reliable and accurate battle rifle, the PTR 91 rifle uses an interesting delayed blowback roller locking system that is different from most rifles. While there are other copies of the HK 91/G 3 rifle, the PTR is arguably the only one to boast equal quality.
The CZ 455 American is easily one of my favorite rifles of all time. However, when I opened the box, my first thought was, “I am so lucky.” The stock on the new CZ 455 rifle showed excellent fit and figure. CZ rifles are never bad, but this was an exceptional piece. Looks are important, but performance is the essence of a Range Report—the CZ 455 American did not disappoint.
The AR-15 is America’s rifle in a very personal and individualist way—and in a manner no rifle has been since the Winchester ’73. The AR-15 may be modified, adapted, and built from scratch to suit the user. The rifle can be surprisingly affordable, or it may be as expensive and extensively modified as the user wishes. The rifle that was built as the subject of this review is in the middle of the road for expense, but at the top of my list for performance and versatility.
Your .223 does not have to be an AR-15. After all, the U.S. Army chose the M14 over the original AR-10. Classic handling means a lot. Read this post to learn why the author loves his older model and the new one.