Latest Gun Purchase

CZ-82

This is my recent purchase from HARTSGUNS through Gunbroker.com, where they have a variety of CZ-82's and 83's available for under $200.00. I scored this one for $185.00. I just needed something to carry in the car, under the front seat, for any weird road situation that may present itself when I least need it.

Despite a multitude of high-dollar .380's and 9mm available for about $450.00 to $650.00, I decided to go with 9mm Makarov for their lower priced ammo, and high capacity (12) and high power to weight ratio in these military issue used guns. 

I will keep you posted as to the target performance and reliability of this weapon with available 9mm Mak ammo.

Update: Tried out the pistol yesterday (Feb 12, 2011) at the Apalachicola Public Shooting Range and came away very impressed with the smooth shooting performance and ergonomics of this beat up looking piece. Of course it probably helped that I ditched the stock recoil spring, highly recommended by forums online, for a Wolf XP Makarov Spring, which barely fit into the slide after fitting it onto the barrel.

It's nice to have a carry pistol that outperforms the .380 at about half the price of ammo. Practice makes perfect.

K. A.

CZ 75 SP-01 Long Term Test

Navy Railgun Record Setting Event

Navy researchers notched a world record today at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Dahlgren, Va., when they fired off a projectile packing 33 megajoules of energy using an electromagnetic railgun. That's as much kinetic energy as a 33-ton semi has when it's traveling at 100 mph. Article Link

Colt New Agent .45

$995.00

Double-action-only .45 resembles the venerable 1911 in chopped mode. Differences from the classic version include DAO, no grip safety, no external safety, double recoil spring, no barrel bushing, no exposed hammer, integral trough sight and rounded corners, making it the ideal concealed-carry weapon.

Specs:

• Double Action Only (long-pull trigger)
• Caliber: .45 ACP
• Capacity: 7+1
• Barrel Length: 3 inches
• Overall Length: 6.25 inches
• Weight Empty: 24 ounces
• Finish: Matte Black
• Sights: U-shaped trough
• Grips: Diamond checkered wood

Notables:

• "Manageable, but Noticeable Recoil" 
• Absolutely Snag-Free
• Requires some practice, 100 rounds +
• 12 lb Trigger Pull
• Slide locks open after last shot
• Reliable with a variety of bullet configurations
• Muzzle Velocities: 185 JHP/828 fps, 230 Hydra Shok/790 fps

Bullets in the Gun

Steyr M40-A1

$595.00

More Pictures
We are pleased to announce that Steyr Arms will again import the Steyr MA-1 and SA-1 line of pistols starting in August.  SAI will import additional quantities of both models in both a 9mm version as well as a .40 S&W.  The MA-1 and the SA-1 were two of Steyr's best selling models, but the fall of the dollar versus the euro over the last several years caused the price point to escalate far too high to import.-Steyr Arms, (Early 2010)

I had a hard time finding any negative reports about this pistol, having to go all the way back to a 2001 review by Gun-Tests where they had a complaint about a weak firing pin spring, and an unconventional backup trigger safety. An improved version replaced the Steyr M in production in 2004. 

Many newer gun-owner forums gave rave reviews. I am sure the relative scarcity of the gun has not hurt it's rising cult status either. K.A.

Specs:

• Length x Height x Width: 183 mm x 130 mm x 30 mm
• Weight, Unloaded: appr. 766 g (1.7 pounds)
• Calibers: 9x19, .40 
• Picatinny Rail
• Barrel: 6 lands and grooves w/1:14 twist
• Magazine Capacity: 9mm/15, .40/12
• Sights: Fixed Rectangular Sights with Trilux
• Mechanism: Browning Short-Recoil Method 
• Action: Hammerless and Striker Fired DAO
• Trigger Travel: 4mm at 5.6 lbs
• Safety System: multi-stage consisting of two automatic internal safeties, two external trigger safeties and a manual lock safety (US variants exclude manual safety button)
•  Loaded Chamber Indicator
• 2 Steel Magazines with Polymer Followers

Notables:

• Very Low Slide Profile Minimizes Muzzle Flip
• Optionally Activated 2nd Trigger Safety
• Unable to be Recocked After a Misfire Without Racking the Slide
• Integrated Limited Access Lock and 2 Keys Also Restricts Disassembly
• Left-Side Magazine Release
• Slide Locks Open After Last Shot
• Quality, Precision-Milled Slide
• Tennifer Finish Enhances Corrosion Resistance on Metal Parts
• Fully Supported Chamber
• Capable of Shooting Lead Bullets 
• Tapered, Double-Column Magazines "Allow Fast and Positive Insertion"
• Short-Pull Quick Trigger

Brief Article: Massad Ayoob-1999

Sig P238

$643.00

Offered in a minimum of 11 variations: "Reacting to many requests from the marketplace for a subcompact SIG SAUER pistol, engineers designed the new P238 as a smart looking, small handgun built with the same accuracy and reliability as large frame SIG SAUER pistols. With an overall length of just 5.5 inches a height of 3.96 inches, and weighing just under a pound, the SIG SAUER P238 is the ultimate firepower in an all metal frame concealed pistol......" SigSauer.com

Specs:

• Caliber: .380 ACP
• Single Action Only
• Trigger Pull: 7.5-8.5 lbs
• Length: 5.5"
• Height: 3.9
• Width: 1.1"
• Barrel Length: 2.7"
• Sight Radius: 3.8"
• Weight w/Mag: 15.2 oz.
• Mag Capacity: 6
• Sights: SIGLITE Night Sights
• Fluted Polymer Grips
• Frame Finish: Black Hard Coat Anodized
• Slide Finish: Natural Stainless
• CA and Massachusetts compliant? No

Notables:

• Single action only means cocked and locked carry
• "Excellent fit and finish"
• Find holsters at mernickleholsters.com
• Modeled after the Colt Mustang
• Firing pin safety, hammer safety notch, and disconnector for safe condition carry
• Left-side only thumb safety was "difficult to switch on/off by accident"
• Adequate accuracy at 15 yards

Gripes:

• Heavy trigger pull

Compare Ammo Prices

Check out AmmoEngine.com for the latest ammunition prices!

Happy Holidays.

 Dr. A

True Grit

News Links: Most Dangerous Cities in America

Compact .45 - HK45C

DA/SA Model: $1,147.00

"Smaller in length and height that the standard HK45, the HK45 Compact (HK45C) uses a slim-line grip profile, otherwise is nearly identical in features to the full-size HK45." Heckler & Koch - USA

Specs:

•  Caliber: .45 ACP
• Length: 7.20 inches
• Height: 5.59 inches
• Overall Width Incl. Lever: 1.42 inches
• Barrel Length: 3.94 inches
• Sight Radius: 5.58 inches
• Weight With Magazine: 1.58 lb/716 grams
• Magazine Capacity: 10
• Sights: Fixed
• Action: Recoil operated weapon with modified Browning locking system and recoil buffer system

Key Features:

• Integral MIL-STD-1913 (Picatinny) rail molded into the polymer frame dust cover for mounting lights, laser aimers, and other accessories
• ERGO (HK45 full-size) and slim-line (HK45 Compact) grip profiles with user replaceable grip panels to adjust the feel and grip circumference of the weapon to suit individual operator hand size and shooting preference
• 8-round metal magazine is standard for the HK45C, common high-capacity (10 rounds) that fit both the HK45 and HK45C also available
• Ambidextrous controls with dual slide releases and enlarged magazine release
• Uses the proven modified Browning linkless recoil operating system
• O-ring barrel for precise barrel-to-slide lockup and better accuracy
• Polygonal rifling for longer barrel life and increased accuracy
• Improved ergonomic control levers (safety and/or decocking)
• Low profile drift adjustable 3-dot sights
• Contoured and radiused slide with forward slide (grasping) grooves and anti-glare longitudinal ribs
• Choice of black or neutral colored (tan) polymer frame

Gun Magazine Reviews:

• Incorporates Ergonomics of the Revered P2000
• HK Design Advisors Larry Vickers and Ken Hackathorn
• White, Three Dot Sights Have Good Visibility
• Rubber O-Ring Barrel Bushing and White Recoil Spring Buffer Enhance Pistol Longevity
• "Variant 1" Trigger System Allows Carry Cocked and Locked or Hammer Down, and De-Cocking. (Problem-can lead to accidentally de-cocking the gun when flipping safety off).
• Large Slide-Stop is Ambidextrous
• Trigger Guard Shape Allows Visual Check of DA or SA Modes.
• Smooth DA Trigger Pull-10.5 lbs, SA Pull-5.75 lbs.
• Magazines: Easy to Load. Witness holes 2-8.
• "Consistently Accurate"
•  Best group: 1.1", worst: 1.8" at 50 Feet.
• Reliability: "Flawless". Slide Locks Open When Empty. Drop-Free Magazines.
• Vicious Rumor: "This Piece Recently Adopted by SEAL Team 6"

Gun Forum Opinions: 95% Positive

Gripes:

• Pricey
• Magazines Not Compatible w/Full Size HK45
• Long Trigger Pull in DA

Glock Generation 4

Making a Good Thing Better.................

Glock 17

Improvements over Gen 3:

• Sights-Front sight is now held in place with a hex-head screw coming in from the underside of the slide and up through the sight body.

• Recoil Spring/Guide Rod-Gen 4 has incorporated 2 recoil springs, and a telescoping steel guide rod for a longer-lasting recoil spring, and for  greater reliability with accessory rail items, such as lights.

• Trigger Mechanism-Recontoured trigger-bar for increased trigger spring longevity

• Magazine Release Button-Increased by 3 times in size, for greater accessibility in high stress situations. Reversible for left-handed shooters

• Magazine-Mag-catch cutout on either side to accommodate the reversible slide release button.

• Grip Frame and Backstrap-Interchangeable backstrap pieces to fit smaller, average, and larger hands. Rough Texture Frame treatment, for improved grip.

H&K P30

$1,005

"..... the P30 is a modern police and security pistol that combines function and safety. Ergonomic features include a special grip frame with interchangeable backstrap inserts and lateral plates, allowing the pistol to be individually adapted to any user. Ambidextrous controls include dual slide releases, magazine release levers. Variants with a conventional double-action/single action trigger have a serrated decocking button located on the rear of the frame." Heckler & Koch USA

• .40 caliber or 9mm
• Accessory Rail
• Loaded Chamber Indicator
• Double Action/ Single Action
• Decocking Lever
• Firing Pin Block Safety
• Corrosion proof fiber-reinforced polymer frame
• Polygonal bore profile for increased velocity, easier cleaning, and longer barrel life
• Multiple trigger firing modes
• Patented HK recoil reduction system
• One piece machined slide made from nitro-carburized steel
• Corrosion resistant “hostile environment” blued finish
• Ambidextrous magazine release levers and slide release
• Patented lock-out safety device
• Ambidextrous safety lever (P30S)

Deep Thoughts: I like the thought of owning this pistol in .40 caliber. Gun reviews showed the P30 to be extraordinarily accurate and reliable, with excellent ergonomics, and extremely quick in the "action test", where it took about 1/10 of a second to get off the first double-action shot accurately.

There is the P30 and the P30S, which is the ambidextrous safety model.

Here is an impressive video review I found:

Baby Desert Eagle "Fast Action"

$699

"This is the first striker-fire design from Magnum Research. The Fast Action comes in 9mm or .40S&W and features fully adjustable rear sight, adjustable palm swells for various shooting styles and hand sizes, interchangeable front sights for various shooting styles and bullet weights, hammer forged barrel, full Picatinny rail, ergonomic polymer grip frame and four separate safety devices." Magnum Research

First Impressions: At first glance it looks like Magnum Research has adopted the Walther P-99 frame and engineered it to their own specs, including a new type of trigger system that incorporates the best features of both striker fired pistols like the Glocks, with the double action/single action characteristics of revolvers and certain models of exposed-hammer auto pistols.

Specs:

• Caliber: 9mm, .40 S&W
• Capacity: 10 and 15 (9mm), 10, 11 Round (.40 Cal)
• Length: 7.13"
• Barrel Length: 4", 6 Groove, 1:10 RH Twist
• Width: 4.28"
• Height: 5.3"
• Weight: 24.8 oz.
• Steel Slide w/Polymer Frame and Integral Rail
• Grips: Polymer w/ Replaceable Palm Swells
• Sights: white three-dot, rear adjustable for windage, 3 different height front site blades

Notables:

• Light Weight Polymer Frame
• Light but long double action trigger pull for the first shot, followed by lighter, single action stroke
• Decocker feature, like exposed-hammer automatics
• Internal striker-drop plunger and trigger safety
• Cocking indicator 
• Loaded chamber indicator
• Oversized trigger guard - for gloved hands
• Ambidextrous paddle-shaped mag. release at rear of trigger guard
• "Very good ergonomics and recoil control"
• Accurate to within 2.3" at 50 feet
• Can be safely carried uncocked with a round in the chamber

Gripes:

• Wimpy slide serrations
• Slippery slide finish

Kimber Desert Warrior

$1,458.00
If I win the Powerball lottery, this will be on my buy list for week one.

Listed under the "Custom II" class of guns in the Kimber catalog.

..."Arriving with two stainless-steel 8-round magazines as well as a blued-steel 7-rounder, the Desert Warrior was consistent and reliable. The grip panels were ceramic and provided a cool, comfortable grip."

Specs:

• Caliber: .45 ACP
• Height: 5.25"
• Width: 1.28"
• Weight Empty: 39 Ounces
• Length: 8.7"
• Magazine Capacity: 7
• Thumb Safety: Ambidextrous
• Recoil Spring: 16 lbs
• Guide Rod: Standard Military Length
• Frame: Steel
• Kimpro II Frame Finish
• 1913 Picatinny Rail
• Slide: Steel
• Barrel Length: 5"
• Barrel Material: Match Grade Steel
• Stainless Steel Match Grade Bushing
• Sights: Fixed Tritium Night Sights 6.8" Radius (Meprolight Night Sights)
• Grips: Kimber G-10 Tactical
• Trigger: Solid Aluminum Match Grade, 4-5 lbs

Notables:

• "Khaki" colored frame and slide
• Durable and distinctive finish
• Creative use of contrasting black finish on smaller external parts
• Easy to clean, yet grippy, non-slip finish, even when coated with oil
• Grip panels easily interchangeable for custom fit
• Standard 1911 style field-stripping
• Both 8-round magazines have oversized base-pads
• Actually not type II pistol, even though listed here (This pistol does not require compression of the grip safety to release the firing pin safety)
• Capable of 1.10 inch groups at 25 yards

Gripes:

• Non-checkered front-strap

9mm State of the Art

STI GP6-C

$827.00

Check out the GP6-C's unique lines in this less than great photo from STI International

Specs:

• Caliber 9mm
• Capacity: 17 Rounds
• Frame: 30 RC, Chrome Moly Steel w/ Integral Tactical Rail
• Grip: Textured Polymer
• Slide: 4.15" Tri-Top w/ Front & Rear Cocking Serrations
• Trigger: DA/SA
• Barrel: 4.25"
• Safety: Ambi Thumb Safeties, Internal, Passive Firing Pin Block
• Guide Rod: One Piece
•  Sites: Fiber Optic Front, Adjustable Rear
• Overall Length: 7.9" 
• Weight Empty: 23.8 oz. 
• Blue
• Competition Approved: USPSA (Production Division), IPSC, IDPA

Gun Reviews:

• Built for Combat, or Competition Shooting 
• Ergonomically-Designed Grips
• Accurate for a Combat Pistol: 2" and Less Groups at 25 Yards
• Super-Fast Firing Capabilities
• "Smooth Trigger" 4 lbs SA/8 lbs DA
• "A Great Handgun", Shooting Illustrated
• "Borrows From Many of the Best Handgun Concepts, Old and New"
• Known in Europe as the K-100
• Highly Proven in European Competition Shooting
• Rotating Barrel Action
• Rated for 100,000+ rounds of ammunition 
• Simple and Easy to Field-Strip
• Traditional Double Action/Single Action
• Comes with 17 and 20 Round Magazines
• "Utterly Reliable"
• Can be Carried "Cocked and Locked"
• Totally Ambidextrous
• "Fairly Long Double-Action Trigger Pull"
• No Magazine Safety
• Second Strike Capability (Pull the trigger again to fire an unfired round)

Gripes:

• No Loaded Chamber Indicator
• Cheesy, El Cheapo Case Included
• Sharp Rear-Site Blade
• Slight Rearward Torque During Recoil
• Safety Levers Somewhat Inaccessible
• Brisk Magazine Insertion Sometimes Caused the Slide to Chamber a Round
• Plastic Guide Rod

Pocket Powerhouse!

Gun magazines have given favorable reviews for the Diamondback DB380 micro-compact .380 auto-pistol:
*Update January 2011: Okay, reviews have not been very favorable as of late. Read on.........

$350-$400

"A micro-compact .380 automatic pistol made entirely in the USA. Designed with safety in mind, the DB380 features a "ZERO-Energy" striker firing system (patent pending) with a mechanical firing pin block, a steel magazine catch to secure a sheet metal magazine and real windage-adjustable sights, all in a lightweight pistol."

"A steel trigger with dual connecting bars allows for a crisp smooth, five-pound DAO trigger pull. The DB380 features a FEA (Finite Element Analysis) designed slide and barrel that is stronger than any comparable firearm, resulting in durability with less felt recoil, and the absence of removable pins or tools makes field stripping easier than ever. The slide, barrel, and internal parts are coated to resist corrosion, making this pistol a lifetime investment." Diamondback Firearms 

I thought this gun was best described as a "Baby Glock" by my local dealer, where I went to check it out recently. The gun is shockingly tiny, but somehow manages to have ample grip space. The trigger pull can best be described as "smooth and short", sort of a cross between double-action and single action. Build-quality at first-impression struck me as being exceptional.

Specs:

• Caliber: .380
• Capacity: 6 + 1 in the chamber
• Weight: 8.8 ounces(!)
• Width: .750"
• Barrel Length: 2.80"
• Firing Pin: "Striker Fire"
• Trigger: Double Action Only-5 lbs.

The gun is also offered in other slide configurations, such as:

• Nickel plated,  
• EXO, which they claim never needs lubrication 
• Machined sights, which I believe means that the sights are machined into the slide.

The company also offers three types concealment holsters-ankle, pocket, and belt, and extra magazines, with both standard and with finger-extension versions.

Gun Reviews:

• Smooth trigger pull at 5.5 lbs
• Under 2" accuracy at 7 yard combat ranges
• Quality Construction
• Reliable, "especially likes Winchester Silver Tip self-defense round"

Gun Reviews January 2011: The gun is cute, but reliability sucks. Here's the official review from a reputable gun-testing magazine:

• A "Handsome little pistol"
• Fairly difficult magazine release, and the magazine had to be pulled out.
• Breakdown was a bitch, due to snag-free slide and powerful recoil spring
• Accurate from the bench, with good ergonomics
• Several failure to feed, fire, and trigger reset problems during testing earned the piece a poor review.

Gun Forums:

• Gun forum opinions were mixed. Recent posts included "jam-o-matic p.o.s." to "dependable but fussy with regards to bullet choice." Search keywords: "DB380","db380","Diamondback Arms"

The company address is in Cocoa, Florida, coincidentally in the same town as the established Kel-Tec firearms company, another maker of small polymer handguns.

FNX-9

$703

A  Nearly Perfectly Done Double-Action Auto by FNH USA!

"The new FNX offers all of the features that dedicated handgunners want. The ergonomic polymer frame has a low bore axis for less felt recoil and improved control. The grip panels are checkered and ribbed for comfortable, no-snag carry. Four interchangeable backstrap inserts quickly adapt the FNX to your hand size. The profiled stainless steel slide has cocking serrations front and rear, and the 4" hammer-forged stainless steel barrel delivers pinpoint accuracy. Ambidextrous operating controls make the FNX perfect for competition or personal defense. Every FNX is made in the USA." FNH USA

Specs:

• Caliber: 9mm, .40 (FNX-40)
• Barrel: 4", 1 in 10" Right-Hand Twist
• Height: 5.45"
• Width: 1.55
• Weight: 21.6 oz.
• Magazine Capacity: 17 Rounds
• Double-action/singleaction (DA/SA) operation with decocking/manual safety levers (MS)

Features:

• Slide Material: Stainless Steel
• External Extractor with Loaded Chamber Indicator
• Front and Rear Cocking Serrations
• Newly designed fixed three-dot combat sights with Deep-V rear notch for greater accuracy
• Hammer-forged stainlessbarrel
• Polished chamber and feed ramp
• Rugged polymer frame construction with replaceable steel frame/slide rails
• Two interchangeable backstrap inserts with lanyard eyelets
• MIL-STD 1913 accessory mounting rail
• Serrated trigger guard
• Fully-ambidextrous decocking/safety levers, slide stop levers and magazine release button
• Ring-style external hammer
• Stainless steel magazine body
• Low-friction magazine follower
• Polymer magazine basepad
• Magazine round indicator

Gun Magazine Reviews:

• "Nice trigger pull-very smooth in DA"
• 5 lb single-action trigger pull
• "Can be carried cocked and locked, like a 1911"
• Ambi-safety also acts as a decocker
• Safety lever can be placed on in double-action mode
• Reversible magazine release, for lefties
• "Superb Accuracy"
• "Exceptionally soft-shooting"
• +P Rated

Comments:
This may be the pistol to finally make me go polymer-style, although I've had my eye on the CZ SP-01 Phantom. Choices, choices.

Lightweight 1911 Style Autos

If you prefer more firepower than today's micro-pistols have to offer, maybe you are looking for something more along the lines of "large and light", such as these .45 auto-pistols, which utilize innovations such as aluminum-alloy frames, and shortened grips and slides:

Kimber Compact Stainless II 45 ACP

$1,009

Specs:

• Caliber: .45 ACP
• Height: 4.75"
• Width: 1.28"
• Weight: 27 oz. (empty)
• Length 7.7"
• Mag. Capacity 7
• Full-length guide rod
• Materials: Aluminum Frame and Stainless Slide, Match-Grade Steel Barrel
• Barrel Length: 4"
• Fixed Sights, 5.7" radius
• Grips: Black synthetic double diamond
• Trigger: Aluminum Match Grade, 4-5 lb pull

Notables:

• Extended left side safety
• Plastic rear mainspring housing for weight reduction
• Excellent fit and finish
• Bushing-less barrel design
• Excellent Accuracy
• Excellent Reliability

Negatives:

• Hard to pick up front sight in low light
• Lack of grip texture or checkering on front strap
• Sharp edges around ejection port
• Special takedown tool needed for disassembly
• Bullet feed ramp seems prone to damage over time
• Includes only one magazine

Springfield Armory Lightweight Champion Operator # PX9115LP 45 ACP

$1,076

Specs:

• Caliber: .45 ACP
• Height: 5.5"
• Length: 7.5
• Weight 31 oz. (empty)
• Magazines: two 7-round, blued steel
• Barrel: 4" stainless steel, match grade, fully supported ramp, bushing-less bull barrel
• Sights: Fixed, low profile, combat rear, dovetail front, tritium 3-dot
• Trigger: aluminum match grade, 5-6 lb pull
• Grips: Cocobolo hardwood
• Frame: forged aluminum alloy, accessory rail, black hardcoat anodized
• Slide: forged steel, Black Armory Kote
• Recoil System: dual spring w/full-length guide rod

Notables:

• Full-length grip with a shortened slide
• Steel mainspring housing
• Ambidextrous safety
• Excellent trigger, 4.7 lbs
• Good accuracy
• Great reliability
• Good in rapid-fire
• Quick sight pickup
• Excellent machine work on the barrel feed ramp
• Excellent night sights
• Included holster and mag pouch

Negatives:

• Lack of grip texture or checkering on front strap
• Handsome wood grips tended to be slippery
• Ambi-safety tended to bruise the dominant hand knuckle
• Safety was super-stiff to operate
• Sharp edges on ejection port
• Stiff controls overall, which "did not change with use"
• "Horrible takedown procedure" (and reassembly) 

Sig Sauer 1911 C3 #19GS0031 45 ACP

$1,200

"The 1911 C3 is a 7+1 compact .45ACP featuring rosewood custom wood grips and is available in a Two-Tone finish. Weighing in at just under 30 ounces unloaded, each 1911 C3 is machined to exacting tolerances and hand-fitted to insure reliability and performance." Sig Website

Specs:

• Item #1911CO-45-TSS-C3
• Action: Single Action Only
• Trigger Pull: 5 lbs
• Length: 7.7"
• Width: 1.4"
• Barrel Length: 4.2"
• Sight Radius: 5.7"
• Weight Empty: 29.5 oz.
• Mag Capacity: 7 Rounds
• Sights: Novak Night Sights
• Grips: Slim Profile Custom Rosewood Grips
• Frame Finish: Black Hard Anodized
• Slide Finish:Stainless

Notables:

• Checkered Front Strap, for extra secure grip
• Easy, no-tools takedown
• "Super accurate"
• Stainless slide and barrel
• "Great reliability"
• Fixed sights

Negatives:

• Lacks accessory rail
• Safety on one side only
• Unusually flat at top-of slide
• Pricier than most comparables

Para USA Warthog

$1,069

"This is the stainless version of the original super-compact .45 with truly awesome firepower. There is no smaller, more powerful 1911-style, 10+1 semi-auto .45 ACP in the world." Para USA

Specs:

• Product Code: WHX1045S
• Caliber:  .45 ACP
• Capacity: 10+1
• Barrel: 3"
• Weight: 31 oz.
• Length: 6.5"
• Height: 4.5"
• Action: Single Action
• Material: Stainless

Notables:

• Two 10-round magazines, one with extended grip
• Blackened version available with Trijicon night sights
• Bushing-less-barrel design, stainless match-grade
• Loaded-chamber indicator
• Colt-style series '80 firing pin safety
• Slide features Para's Power Extractor
• Flared ejection port
• Skeletonized hammer and trigger for weight reduction
• Good trigger approx. 5 lbs. of pull w/clean break
• Rubber "O" rings prevent grip screws from backing out
• Vertical serrations on frontstrap
• Left-side thumb safety and grip safety w/swelled palm section
• Front-beveled magazine-well
• "Exceptional accuracy", 2" at 25 yards-Combat Handguns magazine
• Bearable recoil w/200 grain handloads

Negatives:

• Tended to malfunction if not cleaned and oiled every 150 rounds
• Magazines difficult to load completely due to stiff springs
• Hammer drops down even if the slide is not completely closed
• Punishing to the hands after several hundred rounds

Charter Patriot .327 Magnum

.327 Magnums continued............

      Charter Arms Patriot
$536.00

 "Low-recoil snubnose designed for concealed-carry and personal defense."

Specs:

• Model: 73270
• Material: Stainless Steel
• Grip: Rubber w/finger-grooves
• Barrel Length: 2.2"
• Capacity: 6
• Cal: .327 Federal Magnum
• Weight: 21 Ounces

Features:

• Single Action Trigger Pull of 5 lbs
• Comfortable Rubber Grips
• Manageable Recoil "with even the heaviest loads"

Negatives:

• Double Action Trigger Pull "well over 10 lbs, but smooth"
• Sights "hard to line up in low light"

Notables:

•  Solid Cylinder Lockup
• Speer 115 grain Gold Dot clocked at 1,294 fps
• Good accuracy at combat distance (7 yards)

Gun News:
Obama Forbids Sale of Collector M1 Rifles

Ruger GP100 .327 Federal Mag

$701.00

"One extra round in the chamber, comparable energy to the .357 magnum, with less recoil."

Specs:

• Catalog # KGP-4327-7
• Caliber: .327 Fed. Mag.
• Capacity: 7
• Material: Stainless Steel
• Adjustable Rear Sight
• Barrel Length: 4.2"
• Overall Length: 9.50"
• Weight: 40 Ounces

Features:

• Combat Style Hogue Rubber Grips
• Single Action Trigger Pull: 4.5 lbs
• Double Action Trigger Pull 10.6 lbs

Ballistics:
(3 1/16" Barrel) Federal Premium 85 grain clocked at 1,422 feet per second, American Eagle 100 grain was clocked at 1,410 fps/442 ft.-lbs muzzle energy.

Notables:

• Superior Accuracy Single Action from the Bench
• "Great trail gun"
• 
  

Remington 1911 R1

Remington 1911 R1 .45 Auto

$699.00

"Remington blends 100 years of 1911 development into an affordable, well-made pistol."

Specs:

• Order #96323
• Caliber: .45 ACP
• Mag Capacity: 7+1
• Barrel Length: 5"
• Overall Length: 8.5"
• Overall Height: 5.5"
• Weight: 38.5 oz.
• Grips: Walnut Double Diamond
• Barrel Finish: Satin Stainless Steel
• Trigger Pull: 3.5 - 5 lbs
  
  
  
  
  Features:
  • Series 80
  • Built to Industry Standard 1911 Specs.
  • Match Quality Stainless Steel Barrel and Bushing
  • Colt Series 80 Firing Pin Block Safety (should not fire if dropped)
  • Dovetailed Front and Rear Sites (for easy replacement)
  • Scalloped Ejection Port (less damage to cases for re-loaders)
  • Loaded Chamber Indicator
  • Standard 2 Year Warranty
  • Platinum Service Plan
  
  Negatives:
  
  
  
  • Original-Style Thumb Safety (small)
  • Non-Beavertail Grip Safety
  • Not Rated for +P Ammo
  
  Recent Update: Remington R1 Enhanced:
  
  
  
  
  Link of the Week: Pros and Cons of Piston-Driven Carbines 
  
  
  
  
  
  

Compact Carry 9mm!

Need a light, powerful, high capacity, self-defense pistol that won't break the bank? Check out the new Ruger Model SR9c:

$525.00

Specs:

• Barrel 3.5"
• Grip Width 1.27"
• Weight 23.4 oz., +9 rounds 27.6 oz., +17 rds 32.1 oz.
• Length 6.85"
• Height 4.61"

Features:

• Standard 10 rd Magazine
• Hi-Cap 17 rd Magazine w/Finger Grip Extension
• Integral Accessory Rail
• Rear-Sight Adjustable for Windage and Elevation
• Hi Visibility 3-Dot Sight System
• Stainless or Blackened Finish
• 1911-Style Ambidextrous Manual Safety
• Internal Trigger Bar Interlock and Striker Blocker
• Trigger Safety
• Magazine Disconnect
• Visual and Tactile Loaded Chamber Indicator

Gun Magazine Reviews:
"Reliability is there, period.", "Fits well in the hand", "Plenty of accuracy"

Synopsis:
I like the looks of this. I may decide to "pack heat" on my trip to Orlando next month. For low-key carry, I will have to take a serious look at this new wonder-9.

Review Links for this Model:  Gun Blast, Average Joe's, Gun Websites, Jimbo, OneInchGroup

For Glock fans, check out the dependable and concealable G19 9mm:

"The compact version of the G17, this is the preferred pistol of NYPD's 40,000 officers and the standard weapon the United Nations Security Personnel." www.teamglock.com

$646.00

Specs:

• Caliber 9mm
• Trigger Safety
• Magazine Capacity: 15
• Barrel 4.02"
• Grip Width 1.3"
• Weight 21.1 oz. empty, +15 rounds 30.4 oz.
• Length 6.9"
• Height 5.0"

Features:

• Integral Accessory Rail
• Simple and Quick Takedown and Reassembly
• Trigger-pull consistent 5.5lbs

Gun Magazine Reviews:
"Plenty accurate."
"Pick the Glock if ease of maintenance is high on your list."
"Consistent shooting with all bullet weights."
"Can be shot as fast as most shooters can pick up the sights."
"The trigger was simple and repeatable."
"Sights are low profile for speed out of the holster."

Synopsis:
Due to the ease of maintenance and simplicity of operation, plus Glock's reputation for dependability, this would make a great carry gun, car gun, or camp gun for when the chips are down, and you need something that will go off, no matter what.

Check out the compact 9mm offering from Springfield Armory, the Springfield Armory XDM 3.8

"The XDM pistols do not replace the original XD series. The XDM pistols are an American-style update of the XD. These include a streamlined low-mount rear sight with the rear face flush to the back of the slide for maximum sight radius. The front sight has a new profile, too. When you line up the rear sight of the XDM with the blade on the XD Four-inch Service Model, rear edge to rear edge, the shorter-barreled XDM 3.8 actually has about the same sight radius. That’s because the rear sight on the XD pistol is inboard about 0.30 inches. The grip of the XDM is flatter on the sides and longer, too, resulting in greater capacity by three rounds." Gun-Tests.com

$697.00

Specs:

• Caliber: 9MM
• Grip and Trigger Safeties
• Magazines: 2 – 19 Round, Stainless Steel Barrel: 3.8″ Steel, Melonite ®, Fully Supported Ramp
• Sights: Dovetail Front and Rear (Steel) 3-Dot
• Trigger Pull: 5.5-7.7 lbs
• Barrel Length: 3.8"
• Frame : Black Polymer
• Slide: Forged Steel
• Overall Length: 7″
• Height: 5.6″
• Weight w/ empty mag: 27.5oz
• Available colors: Black, Bi-Tone SS/Black

Features:

• Small, medium, and large interchangeable backstraps
• Thumb relief in grip oriented toward ambi-magazine release
• Improved grip texture
• Streamlined slide release and takedown levers
• Improved cocking serrations and accessory rail

Gun review comments:
"All shots were inside the 'A' Zone.", "Consistent accuracy"

Strengths: Fully supported chamber for +P, Ambidextrous controls, Superior action accuracy, High capacity, Ergonomic grip shape.

If you prefer traditional steel-framed pistols, look no further than the CZ 75D PCR Compact 9mm:

"Light alloy frame de-cocker model featuring an extended magazine release, low profile snag-free sights, and a loaded chamber indicator. CZ 75 B is used by more Governments, Militaries, Police and Security agencies than any other pistol in the world. The CZ 75 is quite possibly the perfect pistol." CZ-USA.com

$651.00

Specs:

•  Caliber: 9mm
• SKU: 91194
• Magazine Capacity: 14
• Weight: 1.7 lbs
• Overall Length: 7.2"
• Barrel Length: 3.8"
• Height: 5.0"
• Width: 1.4"

Features:

• Alloy Frame
• Rubber Grip
• Single Action/Double Action Trigger (like a revolver)
• Fixed Sights
• Safety: Decocking Lever, Safety Stop on Hammer, Firing Pin Safety

Notables:

• Oversized left side magazine release
• Ergonomically shaped grip-"fits the hand well"
• Windage adjustable sights were "dead on."
• Decocker allows for short double action trigger pull on first shot
• Beveled magazine well (allows for quicker insertion)
• Viewing holes on left side of magazine only
• 3.5 lb single-action trigger pull
• "Superior Accuracy"

Beretta PX4 Storm Subcompact Type F:

"Delivers concealed carry handling with large frame firepower."

$600.00

Specs:

• Caliber: 9mm or .40 S&W
• Magazine Capacity: 13 or 10
• Action: Single/Double
• Length 6.2"
• Barrel Length: 3"
• Weight: 26.1 oz. Empty

Features:

• Ambidextrous De-cocking Lever
• Stainless Barrel w/Recessed Crown
• Cocking Serrations on Both Ends of Slide
• Accessory Rail
• Non-Reflective Bruniton Finish
• Two Interchangeable Backstraps for Custom Grip Sizing
• Reversible Magazine release
• Extended Slide Catch Option
• Also Takes Full-Size Storm Magazines
• 3 Dot Combat Sights
• Traditional Browning-Style Tilting Barrel Lockup

Other Notables:

• "100% Reliable with a Variety of Bullet Configurations"

Deep Thoughts: "Man, that is one ugly pistol! But, aesthetics aside, the majority of reviews have been glowing, at least for the 9mm version. Reviews for the .40 cal have been hard to come by, but I am tempted to buy this beast, kind of like the homeliest puppy at the pound whose eyes seem to reach out and grab you. I will keep you posted." K

Software for Handloaders

I just read about Quickload, software for handloaders. It looks pretty impressive. Read about it here:

Quickload

Shotgun Wedding

Join us as we take a look at several excellent new shotgun offerings:


Browning Maxus $1,199 to $1,499
12 GA. Semi-Auto
Purpose-Bird hunting, skeet shooting.
Stalker Model:
Description: A new for 2009, 3 1/2" chamber autoloader in matte-black. Camouflage model also available.
Features: stock shim adjustments, adjustable length of trigger-pull, new gas-action and trigger system, aluminum alloy receiver.
Notables: "Slim, trim forearm" is quick and easy to remove and replace. Browning "speed load" feature. Magazine cut-off-for convenient switching of load types. "Lightning trigger system" breaks at 6 lbs. Gun review magazines have described the trigger as having "no initial creep and an extremely crisp break."
Gun Review Ratings: Excellent
Interactive Tour


Benelli Supernova MAX-4 HD Camo 3 1/2" 12 GA. Pump. $599
Purpose-"Superb shotgun for bird hunting."
Reviews: Positives-shim-adjustable stock, action-buttery smooth, nicely balanced-8 lbs., excellent build-quality, flawless camo finish, close fit of barrel extension, comfortable and functional ridged gripping surface, magazine cutoff built into forearm. Negatives-7 lb trigger pull somewhat heavy.
Gun Review Ratings: Excellent





Mossberg 930 Tactical No. 85360 $700
3" 12 Ga. Semi-Auto, fixed choke
Purpose-Self Defense
Reviews: Positives-scope mount, 7 round magazine, large bolt release button, 4.7 lb trigger pull, cocking indicator, easy unload, complete set of stock shims for precise fit, good cycling and reliability. Negatives-bulky sites, sticky buttpad, lack of sling-swivels, non-supported magazine tube, difficulty placing weapon in "vehicle mode", point of impact far from point of aim (slugs)
Gun Review Ratings: Good

CZ-USA 712 Utility $458
3" 12 Ga. Semi-Auto, 5 Separate Screw-In Chokes.
Purpose-Self Defense, Small Game.
Reviews: Positives-vent rib, extensively chrome-plated action and safety, smooth trigger, easy loading and unloading, easy "vehicle mode", good slug accuracy, effective rapidfire mode, good reliability. Negatives-thin buttpad, 8 lb trigger pull, 5 round capacity must be manually expanded from 2 round capacity by removing internal plug post-purchase.
Gun Review Ratings: Very Good


Remington NitroMag 887 $399
3 1/2" 12 Ga. pump-action
Purpose: Waterfowl Hunting
Reviews: Positives- slide release, trigger-pull 4.6 lbs., good recoil pad.
Negatives-noisy sliding bolt shroud, rough machine marks on the barrel guide and side of the barrel near the bolt face, sloppy barrel to receiver fit, small safety button, rough action, muzzle-heavy, mushy trigger, only one choke tube, did not shoot close to point of aim.
Gun Review Ratings: Poor

3 New Guns

New Guns of Note:

Taurus M840
I haven't found any in-depth reviews yet on the M840, but it's a good-looking pistol, and the grip looks like it would fit the hand nicely. I like the exposed hammer, unlike a lot of polymer guns.
Specs:
Action :Single / Double. Caliber :.40 S&W. Barrel Length :4". Capacity :15 + 1. Safety :Ambidextrous. Grips :Black Synthetic. Sights :3-Dot. Weight :32 oz. Finish :Blued or Stainless

Sig 516 (photo from American Rifleman Magazine)
Sig Sauer's recent entry into the gas-piston AR rifle fray.




Gas-piston semi-auto/automatic rifles are purported to offer greatly increased dependability in real-world conditions, as compared to the standard direct gas impingement M4-type military rifles.
Specs: (from the Firearm Blog)
Caliber: 5.56×45mm NATO (5.56mm NATO)
Fire modes: Single shot, 3 round burst and fully automatic (except marksmen models which are semi only)
Controls: Ambidextrous
Gas system: Piston system with 3 or 4 position gas regulator
Upper Receiver: Flat top with picatinny rail
Lower Receiver: Forged 7075-T6 aluminum
Trigger: MILSPEC for all models except the Marksmen which have 2-stage match trigger
Capacity: Takes standard AR-15 magazines
Finish: Black hard coat finish
Barrel: Chrome lined, cold hammer forged, nitrate finish
Barrel Twist: 1:7″ right hand
Stock: Collapsible SOPMOD buttstock
Weight: 6 lbs. (PDW) - 7.28 lbs (Patrol) - 8 lbs (Precision Marksman)
Rails: Free floating aluminum alloy M1913 picatinny quad rails
Sights: Flip-up BUIS (backup iron sights)
Magazine: Ships with 30 round AR-15 magazine. Marksmen models ship with 10 or 20 round magazine.
Other Features: 0.5×28TPI threaded muzzle
MSRP (Price): Not known

FN SCAR 16
New battle rifle from FN designed from scratch, with special attention paid to retaining the proven ergonomics, sighting systems, ammo, and magazines of the familiar M4 weapons systems, at the same time incorporating the short-stroke, piston-action for increased dependability in the field.

Chambered for the high velocity 5.56x45mm NATO / 223 Remington cartridge, the selective fire SCAR™ 16’s innovative gas-operated, short stroke piston system reduces fouling for greater reliability. The SCAR 16 system features three user-interchangeable, free floating, cold hammer-forged MIL-SPEC barrels with hard-chromed bores and three-prong flash suppressors. Fully-ambidextrous operating controls instantly adapt the SCAR 16 to any user. The receiver-integrated MIL-STD 1913 optical rail plus three accessory rails enable mounting of a wide variety of tactical lights and lasers. The side-folding, polymer stock is fully adjustable for comb height and length of pull, and is colored authentic USSOCOM Flat Dark Earth.

Military and Civilian-Legal Versions