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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?

Firearms

Review: Marlin’s Big Lever Action and the .444 Cartridge

The .444 Marlin is basically a lengthened .44 Magnum revolver cartridge. However, the .444 Marlin is far more powerful than the .44 Magnum. While the .44 Magnum is a fine brush gun, and well suited for hog hunting at moderate range, the .444 Marlin can be a true big-game rifle. The .444 hasn’t replaced the .30-30, but it has enjoyed some popularity with the lever-action crowd. The introduction of the Marlin .45-70 rifle—or reintroduction, as it may be called—cut into the .444’s popularity considerably.

Coonan .357 magnum 1911-style handgun, left profile

Firearms

Review: Coonan’s Hard-Hitting .357 Magnum 1911

The Coonan really shines as a field and hunting handgun for those that appreciate an instant second shot and the fast handling of the 1911 design. The pistol is fast on target to the first shot, but recoil is such that fast follow-up shots are not in the class with the .45 ACP. And that is ok.

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.

Smith and Wesson Shield .380 with magazine

Firearms

Range Report: Smith and Wesson’s Easy Shooting M&P Shield .380 ACP

Over the years, I have seen many people struggle with the handgun. Some older folks, and others with limited hand strength, have a difficult time with the revolver. While revolvers are simple enough to handle, the long double-action trigger press challenges some shooters. The Smith and Wesson M&P .380 pistol is the answer they have been looking for.

Single Action Army revolver right profile

Firearms

Review: Cimarron Revolvers — Single Action Army for the Masses

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.

Firearms

Range Report: Ruger Multi Purpose Rifle (MPR)

The new Ruger Multi Purpose Rifle (MPR) is designed for sporting use, including hunting and 3-Gun competition. It is also well suited to home or area defense and would be a good rifle for agency use. You don’t need many accessories for tactical use, but you need a reliable rifle. This is that rifle and it is affordable.

Dan Wesson Guardian pistol on a used target

Firearms

Range Report: Dan Wesson Guardian

The Guardian is what is referred to as a Commander-type pistol. The Guardian features a 4.25-inch barrel and a full-length grip frame. This isn’t a compromise. Instead, it is ideal for concealed carry. The full-size grip allows fast handling. The sight radius is shorter than the 5-inch barrel Government Model, but excellent shooting may be done with the handgun by those that practice. Read the full story to find out why this should be your next pistol.

Barrel stamp on the Winchester Model 1894

Firearms

Winchester 1894 Rifle and the .32 Winchester Special Cartridge

The Winchester 1894 is the brainchild of John Moses Browning. He was an extraordinary individual and inventor. The lever action rifle was nothing new, but the Model ’94 owes little to previous rifles. The .32 Winchester Special features a .321-inch bullet. Introduced in 1901, the .32 Winchester Special was moderately popular but never achieved the popularity of the .30-30 WCF or the competing .35 Remington. Read to find out why the Model 1894 and .32 Winchester Special make a dynamic pairing.