Walther PPQ-45

Hands-on review of the Walther PPQ-45:

Currently on my wish-list...

HK VP9

Introducing the Heckler & Koch VP9 striker-fired 9mm semi-auto handgun, building on the highly successful single action/double action hammer-fired P30, summarized here back in 2010, but the VP9 "breaks new ground with its integration of a unique striker firing system with an enhanced HK “light pull” trigger. The net result is trigger quality unequaled in any production striker fired handgun." http://hk-usa.com/hk-models/vp9/

Featuring multiple interchangeable backstraps and side plate choices for the handgun grips, the ergonomics of this 9mm should be superior to your basic Glock or Ruger offering.

HK VP9 $630.00

Specs:

• Locked Breech DAO Semi-Auto
• 7.25" Length
• 5.5" Height
• 1.14 Max. Width
• 26.5 oz. unloaded
• 32.6 oz. loaded
• 4.1" barrel length
• Barrel Material: Steel
• Magazine: 15 rd. detachable
• Slide Material: Steel
• Frame Material: Polymer
• Grips: Textured Polymer
• Sights: Steel 3-dot
• Trigger Pull Wt: 6 lbs
• Trigger Span: 2.63"
• Safety: No manual safety

Notables:

• "Even more accurate than the HK P30"
• "The VP9 is a good personal-defense choice and deserves a solid A rating."
• Allows excellent hand fitting.
• Takes HK P30 Magazines.
• Striker-fired action breaks smoothly.
• Forward and rear cocking serrations allow for solid grip on the slide.
• Due to removable blocks at the rear of the slide, slide can be racked with one hand.
• Red cocking indicator.
• Good combat sights; excellent contrast.
• Comes with two magazines.
• Paddle-type magazine release is easy to get used to.
• Low bore axis results in little muzzle flip.

Overheard on other forums and review sights: "The PPQ has a better trigger","built to last","trigger has minimal reset", "extractor is a solid block of steel", "Glock 17 bore axis is lower", "magazine release may be a problem for those with smaller hands", "magazine changes are fast", "Very reliable"

Kel-Tec PMR 30 Reviews

Leave it to Kel-Tec to come up with this awesome 30-round .22 magnum semi-auto pistol. Reviews have been favorable, resulting in a very hard-to find item. A search on Gunbroker brings up only a few, all of them bid up past the $450.00 mark.

$415.00

The PMR-30 is a light weight, full size pistol chambered for the flat-shooting .22Magnum cartridge (.22WMR). The PMR-30 operates on a unique hybrid blowback/locked-breech system. This operation system allows for the use of a wide variety of ammunition as it seamlessly adjusts between locked breach and blowback operation, depending on the pressure of the cartridge. It uses a double stack magazine of a new design that holds 30 rounds and fits completely in the grip of the pistol. The trigger is a crisp single action with an over-travel stop. The manual safety is a thumb activated ambidextrous safety lever (up for SAFE, down for FIRE). The slide locks back after the last shot and a manual slide lock lever is also provided. The light, crisp trigger pull and fiber optic sights make the PMR-30 ideal for target shooting and hunting small game. - Kel-Tec

Review Highlights:

• Hard-hitting .22 magnum ammo is relatively cheap and easy to find in a variety of offerings.
• 25 to 35% drop in bullet velocity compared to rifle velocities. (example: pistol-1,160 fps/rifle-1,550 fps)
• Best ammo tested for self-defense was Remington .22 Magnum PSP.
• Reliable w/a variety of ammunition as it adjusts to cartridge power.
• Heel-grip magazine release 
• Highly visible fiber-optic sights
• "Ingeniously designed", tapered, double-column magazine.

Tech-Specs:

• Caliber: .22 magnum (WMR)
• Weight Unloaded: 13.6 oz.
• Loaded Magazine: 6 oz.
• Length: 7.9"
• Height: 5.8"
• Width: 1.3"
• Barrel Length: 4.3"
• Sight Radius: 6.9"
• Muzzle Energy (.22 WMR) 138 ft-lbs.
• Capacity: 30 rounds
• Trigger pull: 4-6 lbs.

Slide and barrel are 4140 steel, frame is 7075 aluminum. Grip, slide cover, trigger, mag release, and safety levers are glass reinforced Nylon (Zytel), much like other Kel-Tec Pistols. Magazine is Also Zytel and holds 30 rounds, with round count ports. Other features include: dual opposing extractors for reliability, heel magazine release to aid in magazine retention, dovetailed aluminum front sight, Picatinny accessory rail under the barrel, Urethane recoil buffer, captive coaxial recoil springs. PMR30 disassembles for cleaning by removal of a single pin.-Kel-Tec

Gun News Links:
Navy Rail Gun Fires 1,000th Bullet
Right to Carry Reciprocity!

Dan Wesson Find

I got lucky at an estate sale last week and scored this early Monson model Dan Wesson .357:

4 Interchangeable Barrel Lengths equals Max. Versatility

I'm thinking I got lucky because the gun was completely in parts in the original case, which was somewhat beat-up. Everyone except myself must have thought it was junk. 

I should have this listed on Gunbroker.com by next week. So if you want to find gun bargains in these difficult times, I highly recommend going to estate sales! Be sure and bring your smart-phone, so you can look up values for anything you're considering bidding on.

Find Local Shooting Ranges

Where to shoot in your area:

wheretoshoot.org

New Guns-Late 2011

New guns of note:

Beretta "Nano"

$475.00

The Beretta Nano is the ultimate evolution of the micro compact carry pistol. Utilizing a removable, serialized sub-chassis the Nano pistol can be easily modified with replaceable grip frames and is simple to disassemble and maintain......website

 

Ruger SR40

$525.00

Ruger Website

Intro'd in 2010, but I just noticed it and now it's on my wish list-K.A.........................

Ruger SR1911

A classically styled pistol designed with all of the modern manufacturing advances that you have come to expect from Ruger. Accurate, rugged and reliable, the SR1911 is 100% American-made in American factories with American workers.-Sturm Ruger Co.

 $799.00

Specs:

• Catalog Number: SR1911
• Model Number: 6700
• Caliber: .45 Auto
• Slide Material: Stainless Steel
• Grip Frame: Low-Glare Stainless Steel   
• Sights: Fixed Novak® 3-Dot 
• Capacity: 8+1 
• Barrel Length: 5.0"
• Height: 5.45" 
• Length: 8.67" 
• Width: 1.34"
• Weight: 39.00 oz. 
• Twist: 1:16" RH 
• MA and CA Approved? No  

Features:

• Original 1911 Series 70 design provides for easy takedown and re-assembly.  
• Slim traditional design with hardwood grips and checkered backstrap.
• Precision CNC-controlled machining process  results in a superior slide-to-frame fit and smooth slide travel.
• The stainless steel barrel and bushing are produced from the same bar stock, on the same machine, for improved accuracy.
• Positive barrel lock-up allows for a superior accuracy out-of-the-box. 
• Oversized ejection port and extended magazine release enhance competition performance.
• Lightweight, aluminum, skeletonized trigger features an adjustable over-travel stop and provides a very crisp, no creep, light trigger pull with a quick, positive reset.
• Skeletonized hammer is lightweight and provides faster cycling.
• Dovetailed, 3-dot sight system features a Novak® LoMount Carry rear and standard front sight that combines optimal target acquisition in an ideal carry configuration.
• Stainless steel frame and slide feature blasted, low-glare finish and slide serrations for positive grip.
• Oversized beavertail grip safety provides positive function and reliability. 
• Extended thumb safety and slide stop lever provide for improved, positive manipulation. 
• Visual inspection port allows for visual confirmation that chamber is loaded.
• Titanium firing pin; one 7-round and one 8-round stainless steel magazine; bushing wrench;
  and soft case                                                                                                                                              
  

Independent Gun Reviews:

• Combat Handguns: Enhanced 1911 suffered no malfunctions, despite lack of cleaning, with a variety of 1,000 rounds. Surprising level of accuracy. Modeled after the Series 70 1911, except titanium firing pin. Lacks frame rail. Safety lever favors right-handed shooters. Aftermarket 1911 parts will fit. Very good trigger out of the box, breaking at 5 lbs. Trigger reset at 1/4 inch for rapid-fire capability. Machine injection molded parts keep costs down (hammer, sear, grip safety, thumb safety, mainspring housing, front and rear sights, and disconnector).
• Handguns Mag: A much better gun than the price ($650) would indicate. I’d compare it to lower end Kimber and Smith & Wesson.

Kahr CM9

"Budget version of the Kahr CW9"

 $565.00

Specs:

• 9mm, Capacity 6+1, Barrel 3.0", Polymer and Stainless
• +P Rated
• Mechanism: Trigger Cocking DAO, Browning Recoil Lug, Passive Striker Block
• Fires Without Magazine
• Weight: Pistol 14 oz., Magazine 1.9 oz.
• Dimensions: Overall Length 5.42", Height 4.0", Slide Width .90"
• Sights: Drift Adjustable White Bar Dot
• Comes With One(1) 6 Rd. Magazine, 7 Rd. Available

Standard vs. El-Cheapo Version

Click below for full-sized comparison picture in .pdf

 Notables:

• Tapered Slide Aids Concealability
• Rifled Barrel, as Opposed to Polygonal
• Checkerboarding of Front and Back of Grips (straps) Means Major Control
• "Simple Control Buttons Were Easy to Manage"
• Well Cut Slide Serrations Means a Solid Grip
• "Shoots to Point of Aim"
• "Much Better Trigger than the CW9"
• Plastic Sights and No External Safety
• Top-Heavy When Empty
• Standard Kahr Takedown Process, Simple Reassembly
• Accuracy Under 2" at 15 Yards (?)
• "No problems with a variety of 9mm ammo"
• "Superior ability to land multiple, fast shots."

Basically: "Kel-Tec PF9 still rules this class, but the CM9 is a close 2nd place, due mainly to the higher price."

Forum Opinions:

• Respectable Bullet Velocities for a Short Barrel
• Long-Pull Trigger Must be Fully Reset
• the Sights are a Joke

PF-9 vs. LC9 Pocket Pistols

Pocket 9mm Comparison:

                         Kel-Tec PF-9

                                                                               Ruger LC9




                                 Specs:

              PF-9                                                   LC9

• Length: 5.8"                                             6.0"
• Height: 4.4"                                             4.5"
• Barrel: 3.1"                                              3.1"
• Sight Radius: 4.7"                                     4.6"
• Front Strap Height: 1.7"                            2.3"
• Back Strap Height: 2.6"                            2.7"
• Weight Empty: 14.6 oz.                            17.1 oz.
• Weight Loaded (147 gr): 18.5 oz.             21 oz.
• Capacity: 7+1                                           7+1
• Max. Width: 0.98"                                     1.05"
• Max. Grip Thickness: 0.89"                          .97"
• Frame: Matte Black Polymer                      Matte Black Polymer
• Barrel and Slide: Alloy Steel                       Alloy Steel
• Trigger Pull: 5 lbs                                        7.4 lbs
• Trigger Travel: 3.3"                                     3.3"
• Warranty: Lifetime                                      None Written

Summary: Kel-Tec PF-9 $333.00
Slim and easily concealable. Available in blued, parkerizing or hard chrome. +P rated. 1 magazine and 2 floor plates, one flat and one with a finger ledge. Fixed sights with an excellent sight picture; rear sight adjustable for windage. Checkerboard grips provide excellent traction. Magazine release not easily accidentally hit. No data on whether this is a drop-free magazine. Gun fires without magazine in place. Snag-free out of the pocket. No mechanical safety; internal hammer-block. Good serrations in rear of slide. Light rail groove that did easily snag on clothing. Simple takedown procedure. Reassembly slightly more difficult. Long trigger reset required. Easily rapid-fired. Tendency toward trigger-pinch noted. Heavy recoil with most defense loads.

Summary: Ruger LC9 $443.00
2.5 oz. heavier than the Kel-Tec (17% heavier), steel sights and trigger-plastic on the Kel-Tec, thicker and longer slide, right-handed thumb safety, loaded chamber indicator, includes 1 magazine and 2 floor plates, includes polymer carry-box and pouch, nice matte-blued finish, slide and barrel-alloy steel, polymer frame, Italian-made magazine-like the Kel-Tec, swelled grip, frame cutout tended to cause thumb interference with trigger operation, identical trigger pull length (double action only), more room in the trigger guard, stiffer trigger pull (4 lbs+), "way worse trigger than the Kel-Tec with noticeable stacking at the end", highly visible white-dot steel sights-drift adjustable, front sight tended to snag on clothing, trigger return-reset shorter by 1/8", magazine disconnect means gun is useless without the magazine. Easy takedown and reassembly, beveled magazine opening for easier insertion, slower in rapid-fire, less felt recoil than the Kel-Tec.

Synopsis:
The Ruger is "Heavier, thicker and harder to shoot well"

"An imitation Kel-Tec by Ruger doesn't quite measure up to the original."

                                                                                                   

Legal Full-Auto AR-15

More Info Here!

Bikini Girls with Guns!

AK-47, A History Lesson

Atlas Shrugged

Five-seveN Tactical

$989.00

"Five-seveN^® Tactical handguns and SS190 ball ammunition team up to defeat the enemy in all close combat situations in urban areas, jungle conditions, night missions, etc. and for any self-defense action." FN

Specs:

• Caliber: 5.7x28 mm
• Action: Delayed Blowback
• Overall Length: 8.2"
• Weight, Empty: 1.42 lb/645 g
• Barrel Length: 4.41"/112.5 mm
• Trigger: Single Action Only
• Magazine Capacity: 20 Rounds
• Manual Safety
• Max Effective Range: 50 m
• Frame: Polymer

Notables:

• Highly Accurate. The flat trajectory of the 5.7x28mm ammunition guarantees a high hit probability up to 200 m.
• Extremely low recoil results in quick and accurate firing.
• High Capacity; can accept up to 20 rounds in the magazine.
• Polymer receiver, which makes it 20% lighter than any traditional 9mm handgun.
• Well-balanced, with smooth contours and no protruding parts.
• Safety: Features an ambidextrous manual safety that blocks the trigger mechanism and avoids any accidental shoot.
• Features a Picatinny rail for add-on accessories

Gun Forum Reports: 

• Affordable 5.7x28mm ammo available through CheaperThanDirt.com
• "I've had my FiveSeven over two years now and love it....."
• "I have to say it is unlike any other gun I own......"
• "The 5.7x28mm round is really cool, the bullet is basically the same size as a 55 grain .223."    
• "very little recoil, slightly more than a .22........."
• "very accurate"
• "It fires a very fast round (2,150 ft/sec) and has very hi capacity." 
• Pricey, gun and magazines
• Here is one case where the gun exploded in the shooter's hand, with injury: FiveseveN Warning

FR Herstal 5.7 X 28mm Ammunition

• SS190 — Armor piercing (AP)
• SS191 — AP Tracer
• SS192 — Hollow Point (not AP)
• SB193 — AP Subsonic
• SS195 — “Green” – lead free hollow point projectile with copper jacket (not AP)
• SS196 — Sporting round (Hornady 40 gr. V-max, hollow point lead), (not AP)
• 10700004 — Blank (not classified as ammunition under Federal law)
• 10700005 — Dummy

 

 

Gun Porn

I don't know what they're saying, but this is kinda' hot.......

The Punisher

Read about the latest military weapon, The Punisher:

Guns are Good-Recent Articles

From recent anti-gun article in MSNBC's comment section:

MSNBC loves to distort reality to suit the liberal agenda of their spin-meisters.
Try this on for size:

Convenience store clerk shoots robber
on Tuesday, February 1, 2011
From WKYT in Lexington, Kentucky: A clerk shot and wounded an armed man attempting to rob a Louisville convenience store early Wednesday morning. During the shooting the gunman dropped his weapon, and was later found by police at yet another store, and was then transported to a hospital. Police are still investigating.

Indianapolis, Indiana: Homeowner Opens Fire, Shoots Burglar
on Friday, January 28, 2011
The Indy Channel: After hearing glass breaking early one morning, an Indianapolis man grabbed a handgun and investigated. He found an intruder breaking in, and opened fire, striking the intruder in the buttocks. The intruder escaped, but was later apprehended, arrested and hospitalized. Thanks again to Mike for the tip!

San Antonio, Texas: Soldier handles battle against suspected burglar
on Friday, January 28, 2011
KENS: Police say a man, recently returned from a tour of duty in Iraq, woke in the middle of the night to the sound of his car alarm. Grabbing a gun, he confronted the car thief, firing several warning shots to frighten him away. The man’s daughter was with him at the time but not [...]

Virginia Beach, Virginia: Beach store where clerk shot at man had been robbed recently
on Friday, January 28, 2011
The Virginian-Pilot: A Virginia clerk, immediately suspected foul play when a masked man holding a handgun walked through the door, drew his handgun and fired. The robber quickly ran out the door. Police say the shop had been robbed just two weeks prior. Thanks to Mike and Charlie for the tip!

Chattanooga, Tennessee: Man pulls own gun on armed robbery suspects
on Friday, January 28, 2011
WRCB: Arriving home from a trip, a Tennessee man was unloading his vehicle when he was approached by two armed men. After being attacked and fired on, the man drew a concealed handgun and returned fire. The two gunmen ran away, and the man was able to make it inside and call police. Thanks to [...]

Columbia, Missouri: Man keeps gun pointed at burglar until police arrive
on Friday, January 28, 2011
ConnectedMissouri: A Missouri armed citizen was alerted to a burglar by his dogs, and confronted a suspect in the process of stealing from the man’s car. The homeowner drew his pistol and held the man at gunpoint for police. No shots were fired. Thanks to Mike and Jason for the tip!

Orland, California: Orland shop owner takes shot at robbers
on Wednesday, January 26, 2011
From ChicoER.com: Two armed men robbed the cash drawer and safe at Moe’s Market, but weren’t able to get away before being fired on at least once by the owner. Thanks to Eddie for the tip!

Charlotte, North Carolina: Store Clerk Kills One Robbery Suspect and Injures Another
on Wednesday, January 19, 2011
From WCCB: A Subway clerk thwarted two robbers intent on robbing the restaurant. When the men flashed guns and demanded money, the clerk opened fire with a gun of his own, killing one and injuring the other.

Las Vegas, Nevada: Man Thwarts Robbery by Shooting at Suspect

on Wednesday, January 19, 2011

From KLAS: A 57-year-old man in a Wal-Mart parking lot may have appeared to be an easy target to one robber, but he was quickly proven wrong when, upon being attacked, the man pulled his legal firearm and fired multiple shots at his attacker. The failed robber quickly fled. Authorities aren’t sure if he was [...]http://thearmedcitizen.com/

Wall of Guns

Gun News:
Florida Homeowner Shoots Teens Who Attempt Break-in

Electron Laser Weapon

Taurus 738 380 Auto

$336.00

Currently offered in six different color slide/frame variations, the 738B received a high grade from a leading consumer gun test magazine.

Make way for the lightest Taurus ever created! The 10.2-ounce 738 TCP is not only the lightest semi-auto in the Taurus line; it's lighter than any of our small frame revolvers too! The 738 TCP offers 6+1 shots of .380 ACP, a durable polymer frame and low-profile fixed sights. You have to feel it to believe it! - TaurusUSA.com

738B Specs:

• Caliber: .380 ACP
• Capacity: 6+1
• Overall Length: 5.25"
• Barrel Length: 2.8"
• Sight Radius: 4.5"
• Overall Height: 3.7"
• Front Strap Height: 1.4"
• Back Strap Height: 2.0"
• Weight Loaded (6 rounds): 12.3 oz.
• Weight Empty: 8.7 oz.
• Maximum Width: .85"
• Max. Grip Width: .83"
• Frame: Black Polymer
• Barrel: Steel
• Slide" Matte Black Steel
• Grip: Black Polymer
• Trigger Pull Weight - Double Action Only: 6.5 lbs

Notables:

• Left side magazine release is flush with the frame (less chance of accidental release)
• Drop-Free Magazines
• Two Magazines Included
• Smooth function after about a 50-round break-in period
• Fairly simple breakdown process for cleaning
• Steel guide rod w/twin recoil springs
• Good control-ability for a pocket .380
• Excellent accuracy at 7 yards
• "Well thought-out. A small gun with a big trigger guard."

Gun Forum Reviews:

• Favorable Reviews 9 out of 35

Unfavorable Reviews:

• Bulging Brass (1)
• Sharp Edges "cut my thumb" (2)
• Had to send it back for repair (13)
• Other Problems, (7)  dayattherange.com

Synopsis: A great first run, but give it 6 months to a year so they can work the bugs out of this new model.