Handguns and pistols, semiautomatics and revolvers
With the great and growing abundance of concealed carry permits as Americans exercise their rights and commons sense, and a present political climate that nurtures such progress, armed citizens are flexing their political muscles and choosing to be responsible for their own safety. While the revolver is seen as old technology to some, there are few handguns as reliable and accurate as the short barrel .357 Magnum revolver.
The Army demanded that the Single Action Army take down an Indian war pony at 100 yards. Was this a reasonable expectation? The question is an interesting one, and perhaps since we do not have a need to shoot Indian war ponies these days, irrelevant. However, with our interests piqued, we simply had to have the answer, so Bob Campbell took on the challenge. Here are the results.
The military is making noises concerning a new sidearm. There is some controversy. Handguns, for whatever reason, seem to come with more emotional attachment and a sense of history than the rifle. I believe that as a close quarters combat pistol the Beretta 92 is lacking the most important attribute a sidearm should have and that is wound potential. In actuality, the Beretta A3 isn’t a new pistol but a modified Beretta M9/M92. Did it pass the author’s range test? Read the full details here.
The Thompson LaGarde test of handgun calibers has been brought into controversy by some, but it was the definitive word when conducted. Their biomechanical fidelity in the use of both cadavers and live animals must be respected. Others point to the success of the .45 ACP during WWII or the works of Elmer Keith and Skeeter Skelton to determine the best caliber to stop a threat. IN this feature article, Bob Campbell makes his case why he relies on big bores for defense.
Not long ago, I was able to spend time with a long time correspondent and email buddy at an NRA convention. Each of us were carrying cocked and locked 1911 .45s and snubnose .38 backups. Each of us has real world experience that lead to this combination. ‘Old School’ he noted. Things become classics because they work and do the task well.
Do, you have a freshly laminated CCW, CHL—or whatever your state calls it—and trying to decide on your first concealed carry handgun? Even better, perhaps you are looking to buy your first handgun before taking the class for your permit. “Which gun should I buy?” is the most common question, but the answer is not as easy. Heed these tips before making your final decision.
When it comes to personal defense ammunition, we all want the most for our dollar and a load that maximizes the caliber. This is especially true with the popular 9mm Luger cartridge. A number of manufacturers offer target grade loads, hunting loads, and personal defense loads. DoubleTap ammunition offers personal defense loads, and they do it as well as anyone and better than most.
The explosion in handgun choice, and the proliferation of handgun calibers and loads, is immensely interesting. Whether you wish to use a certain caliber and load or not, each is intriguing. Did you know, the popular cartridges of today fill the same basic niche in the same relation to others since Sam Colt codified the pocket, belt, and holster pistol? Colt’s revolvers were offered in .31, .36 and .44 most commonly. The .31 served the same role as today’s .380 ACP pocket pistol; the .36 was the 9mm of the day, and the .44, well, the .44.
Any of the individual millions of SIG, Beretta, Colt and Glock pistols may be expected to come out of the box running, but what about your personal handgun? You have the luxury of proofing the handgun for yourself. You should train, and you certainly should keep up with malfunctions and know the difference between firearm-, ammunition-, and shooter malfunctions.
When outside factors limit the shooters’ ability to control a heavier caliber, determination and marksmanship might carry the day. Self defense demands all the power the shooter can handle. However, that does not mean you have to be over-gunned.