Among the most reliable and battled tested handgun designs of all time is the Russian Tokarev. It simply doesn’t get the respect the 1911, Browning High Power and CZ 75 do, yet the pistol is always reliable, accurate enough for personal defense, and chambered for hard hitting cartridges. Century International Arms Zastava M88 continues the tradition.
When the Glock pistol was introduced, like many, I was skeptical of the polymer-framed pistol. I had positive experiences with the HK P9S 9mm and did not regard polymer as cheap—far from it. The HK was an extraordinary pistol. Rigorous testing and experience removed skepticism.The Glock was a reliable, affordable, and durable service pistol chambered for the popular 9mm Luger cartridge.
This is a neat and affordable little kit gun—what more could we ask? It is a ball of fun to fire and use! As a kit gun or fishing gun, the .22 revolver is an American classic. There is little muzzle blast or recoil, and the revolver is useful for those who cannot tolerate heavier recoil. And, you just have to have a Charter Arms Pathfinder revolver in the bug out bag.
I have previously stated that the long slide Glock is a good special team pistol for use by agencies that issue Glock pistols. However, the long slide Glock is also a great home defense and competition pistol. For those who can conceal the piece beneath covering garments, the Glock long slide is a viable defensive handgun. In the proper caliber, the pistol is also useful for hunting thin-skinned game.
There is skill in reaching out and busting a song dog at distance, but there is heart-pounding, adrenaline fun in getting up close and personal with good ‘ol Wile E Coyote. When you are going nose to nose with a coyote, you’ll want a shotgun and few loads offer better performance than Winchester’s Varmint X.
A handgun that saw much action from its introduction to the end of the Vietnam War was the Colt 1903 Safety Hammerless. Just the right size for comfortable carry, reliable, and more accurate than most any handgun in its class, the Colt was a remarkable handgun on all accounts. The reintroduction lives up to the reputation, but the historical story is what makes it so special. Read the full story to find out why.
The Ruger AR 556 just may be the most attractive of the mid priced AR-15 rifles. Performance is excellent and invites experimentation.
There is a tremendous interest in research and development of defense loads for handguns. I see these loads offered at gun shows and gun shops by those with no knowledge of how they work to a public with little idea of the dynamics of wound ballistics. Much has been made of the modern 9mm, but not everyone is a fan. Bob Campbell breaks down the ballistics and makes a case for large calibers.
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.
The 5.56mm/.223 Remington is America’s cartridge just as the AR-15 rifle is America’s rifle. The rifle is used for recreational shooting, competition, varmint hunting, medium-sized game hunting, and personal defense. In fact, the same rifle will handle all of these chores—given a skilled shooter. While the rifle is versatile and may fill each role well, no single loading will serve in every pursuit. Which load do you need?