Here’s a neat fact about the F-16 fighter jet. The pilot’s seat is far more reclined than those in other planes. That’s a bit of physics and biology trickery to help the pilot deal with high G forces. What does that have to do with pistols? If you create gas ports in a pistol barrel, […]
Does the Smith & Wesson Governor Really Shoot Shotgun Shells and Bullets?
Hand-held shotguns are odd ducks. Can I say that? Actually, I can’t because, at least according to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and firearms they’re not shotguns at all but rather handguns. Here’s the distinction. Shotguns by legal definition have a smooth bore. They are also required by law to have barrels of at least […]
A Ported Pocket .45 From Smith & Wesson’s Performance Center
The 9mm Smith & Wesson Shield is a great carry gun. It’s perfectly sized to balance concealment and control when shooting. As a single-stack magazine pistol, it’s flat, so it’s not only feasible but comfortable to carry inside the waistband. Depending on your clothing style preferences, it might even work as a pocket gun. However, if […]
FN’s Fast and Tiny Five-Seven Pistol
Imagine the 9mm versus .45 ACP argument on steroids. In the 9 v. 45 debate, most arguments boil down to whether fat and slow are better than skinny and fast. With the FN Five-Seven pistol’s 5.7x28mm caliber, what is thin and fast is completely redefined. What? The Five-Seven pistol uses teeny, tiny centerfire cartridges labeled […]
Brass Tacks: The Magnum Research Desert Eagle
When you think of “big” handguns, it’s hard not to mention the Magnum Research Desert Eagle. I’ve been tinkering with one, and here’s the net-net. While available in other calibers, the Magnum Research Desert Eagle really hits its stride with the .50. What? The Desert Eagle is a semi-automatic pistol that operates more like a […]
The Ultimate e-Rat-ication Tool?
I live in an area that marketing-savvy realtors would call “scenic wetlands and natural marsh habitat.” Most other people call the gooey area behind my house a swamp. I love it because of the quiet, the natural sounds that don’t even require an electronic sound machine, and variety of wildlife I can watch from my […]
What’s the Big Deal With the Popular 224 Valkyrie?
The 224 Valkyrie cartridge is hot right now. Dozens of rifles are on the market chambered in this caliber and ammo makers other than originator Federal Premium are concocting a plethora of new loads. I’m even finding 224 Valkyrie brass at my public range. That fact alone is a significant indicator. Like most new cartridges, […]
Springfield Armory’s New SAINT Edge Pistol
Springfield Armory is marching through the MSR forest with a slew of new offerings. The original SAINT rifle has been supplemented with a short-barrel rifle (SBR) version, a free-floated barrel model, a SAINT pistol, and the newest additions, the SAINT Edge rifle, and SAINT Edge SBR. The SAINT Edge family members are the “step up” […]
Springfield Armory 1911 Range Officer Elite Operator 10mm
If you ever find yourself competing in a brass flinging contest, we’ve found the perfect gunfor you. The new Springfield Armory Range Officer Elite 10mm tosses brass as good as any Olympic Hammer Throw contestant. OK, so maybe aeronautical brass engineering isn’t the most useful criteria for selecting a handgun, but it did add some entertainment to our testing sessions. On a more […]
Springfield Armory’s New SAINT Edge Pistol
Springfield Armory is marching through the MSR forest with a slew of new offerings. The original SAINT rifle has been supplemented with a short-barrel rifle (SBR) version, a free-floated barrel model, a SAINT pistol, and the newest additions, the SAINT Edge rifle, and SAINT Edge SBR. The SAINT Edge family members are the “step up” options loaded with premium features and aftermarket gear. If you want the […]