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Click this link to ask Jeff a question!

I am wanting to purchase a .22 semi-auto pistol.  I am considering the 22A S&W, the 45/22 by Ruger or the Browning Buck Mark Camper.  As far as accuracy, trigger and overall quality, which would you prefer?  I enjoy your website.  

Thanks,

Dave

July 29, 2008

They are all good pistols, but the Ruger would be my first choice.

Jeff

Jeff,

I'm contemplating my first Colt SAA in .45 LC. I've been comparing the P1840, and the P2840. I've noted the P2840 has a black powder frame. Not  being familiar with black powder as yet, is it possible to use the P1840  with black powder if necessary? This might be a stupid question, but I'm wondering if the P1840 would be more versatile. Thanks for your help.

Brett

June 10, 2008

The reference "black powder frame" has only to do with the type of retention device for the base pin. It is just a styling thing. You can use any type of suitable powder in either gun.

Jeff

Le escribo desde San Jose, Costa Rica, me gustao mucho su sitio, me ayuda con dudas, cuando observe su articulo sobre la M&P45 me ayududo a  decidirme por comprarla, con la cual estoy mu agusto. Gracias.

Paulo

May 8, 2008

Estoy contento que usted disfruta de Gunblast.com, y que el artículo M&P fue útil a usted. Es una excelente pistola.

Jeff

Hi Jeff I'm a gun owner and live in Australia. We hear all to often about these shootings in schools in the US, innocents killed many injured both physically and emotionally, good folk scared for life. You know more people are killed with firearms in the US each year than are killed on our roads in Aus plus firearms incidents! What is being done about this appalling loss of life Jeff? I'll tell you...... nothing because the average American ego is so large the average American cant pull their head out of their ass to see the light of day. Kids can buy firearms and ammo! What sort of appalling lack of CIVIL RESPONSIBILITY is this. Is the average American proud of this ability to arm themselves? And for what ? To people outside the US looking in, it seems that Americans are paranoid ! Seriously this is how it appears, so much for "living in the land of the free" I love your web site, but heads need to put together, laws changed and the penalties need to fit the crime, here's a thought Jeff. If the ruling was that if a felon commits a crime and has in their possession a firearm, weather it has been produced or not during the robbery/assault a mandatory 20 years jail sentence with NO CHANCE of parole is imposed PLUS time for the offence, I would think twice! Something has to be done Jeff, its all fun and games playing with "big boys toys" but passing the responsibility of owning firearms off to your Constitution is not any kind of responsibility at all! 

Regards, 

Mike Hodgson

March 7, 2008

Firearms have been available here for over 200 years, yet it wasn't until our government created "gun free zones" that these tragedies started taking place. These low-life shooters are going to schools to do their shootings, where they know that no armed citizens will be present. When I was in school, many of us has guns in our pickup truck gun racks on school property, yet we never even thought about opening fire on our classmates. The availability of guns is not the problem, it is the evil that is in the hearts of some people. What you do not hear on the news is how many times lives are saved because someone was armed, and stopped a shooter from doing violence. We arm our police, as you do yours, yet in doing so we are just hiring others to do that which we should be willing to do ourselves. It is every citizen's responsibility to protect our own families, friends, and neighbors from those deranged, evil people who choose to do us harm. Adding a mandatory twenty years to the sentence of someone who has just murdered six people is not a deterrent, and most of these scum take their own lives anyway, after their deeds are done. The police cannot be everywhere at once, and usually they can only show up in time to write a report. If someone tries to do me harm, it is my responsibility, not that of the government, to protect myself. Our society today devalues human life, with the gruesome violence in movies, television, and video games. As a nation, we no longer teach our children the ways and teachings of Jesus, but allow them to do everything that they like, get everything that they want, and suffer no consequences for their actions. That some grow up to be selfish, disrespectful, hate-filled brats should not come as a surprise to any of us.

Jeff

Jeff,

I guess I may have overstepped the mark with a couple of comments I made, I'm sorry. What you have written does make sense to me. I guess we are from two very different worlds when it comes to survival and thinking about it, if lived in the States I would probably carry one myself.

I guess I went off half cocked so to speak!

Keep up that great web site.

Regards,

Mike H :}

No problem at all. I welcome differing views on any subject. I would prefer than people were nice to each other. It is shameful what some do to their fellow man. I do not think that gun control can ever stop violence. A case in point is our prison system. Access in and out is strictly controlled, and there are more police per capita in a prison than anywhere in the world. Guns are strictly forbidden. There are no guns inside the prison buildings, yet murders, rapes, beatings, and robberies still take place in that controlled environment, everyday. Without an armed populace, gangs rule. Evil people will always do evil things. Your comments are always welcome. It is good to hear other opinions on the topic.

Jeff

Would you please compare several of the modern striker fired, polymer frame sa's and rate them from 1 to 10 for quality, dependability, design, features, etc., and of course, your personal preference. I have in mind the new Ruger, Glock, Smith and Wesson, Taurus, Springfield, FN, plus anything new you saw at the shot show.

Thanks,

Rufus Ward - Westminster SC

March 6, 2008

I do not like to do comparisons. Most of the new guns all work perfectly, and comparing them only shows what I prefer. What fits my hand might be different from what works well for others, so I prefer to report on different guns one at a time. Coordinating getting all the guns here at once is also a logistical nightmare, as gunmakers seldom deliver when expected, for reasons involving importation and their production schedules. Also, if I leave out a certain guns, readers will complain that I have slighted their favorite gun. The way that we have done it for years seems to work best.

Jeff

How about a preview of the new SW Nightguard Series -- in particular, Model 396 .44 spl -- saw it at the SHOT Show. Maybe compare it to Charter Arms Bulldog (Pug) which you have already reviewed.

Since SW is a sponsor, I should think the Model could be easily previewed, and know you are a fan (like me) of .44 spl.

Have complete trust and confidence that your review will be honest and candid. Besides, you will scoop Guntests Mag (unless its in their March issue) ... but even still, I would look forward to it.

Also have checked out your sponsors' links often.

Don't care for the mixing of the religious and political content though. But as long as the articles and ads are clearly marked, I don't have to find myself subject to them. Please stick to guns and ammo as I believe your audience is much more diverse than you may think.

However, I do appreciate your site and your willingness to present contrary reader comments and opinions.

Jeff D.
Second Amendment Democrat

February 24, 2008

I have an order in for one. We always wait for a production gun to review. Hopefully, it will be here soon.

Jeff

Great site.  However, I would like to see you a little more critical of products.  Sometimes I feel like I'm reading the company's brochure. Maybe have a counter point paragraph describing some of the problems which were observed.  Nothing is perfect.  Nevertheless, I look forward to your Shot Show report! 

Thanks again,

Todd

January 17, 2008

I always report any problems encountered with a gun. I evaluate the trigger, accuracy, reliability, handling, and overall performance. Perhaps I am biased, as I really do love guns. I report my findings, and I do not waste my time nor that of my readers testing junk. I seek out good products, and report on things that I think are beneficial to shooters. I can't decide upon that which will be the perfect gun for every reader, but try to report the facts, and let the reader decide. Same with scopes and other products. I want to review good stuff. I could go to Wal Mart and buy a junk riflescope, and trash it in a review, but that would serve no purpose. I like shooting, and hate typing on a keyboard, so I would rather do so reviewing a quality product.

Jeff

Your website states: "Vote  for Clinton and say goodbye to your guns" (or something like that). Please elaborate. Do you have one single quote from Clinton in which total disarmament of the American people is a proposed agenda? I said "disarm" and not "control" mind you. Will you please provide any verified quotes from ANY current members of our government in which total disarmament is the objective. Senators, congressmen, House members etc...ANY politician who has made ANY statement encouraging complete disarmament.

I am NOT attempting to start a conflict.

If you can provide me with any verifiable proof of a conspiracy to hijack the 2nd amendment I wish to be enlightened.

Regards,

Craig

December 13, 2007

The top politicians would never come out and flatly call for total disarmament. It would be devastating to their careers. They want to nibble them away a little at a time. Let's look at the Clinton gun ban from 1994 as an example. They wanted to ban the so-called "assault rifles", so they made a ban against any rifle that fed from a magazine and had a bayonet lug and flash suppressor. When that happened, the AR-15 makers just eliminated the flash supperssors and bayonet lugs. The Clinton whitehouse cried "foul", stating that the gun makers were "going around the law", when all they were doing was complying with the law. Then they got the magazine capacity ban into law, once again attempting to eliminate the guns. What is the difference between disarm and control? How can they control a gun which I possess? They cannot control it at all when it is in my possession.

Hillary Clinton on Gun Control:

Hillary Rodham Clinton offered her support for a legislative proposal to license hand guns. The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Charles Schumer, would require anyone who wants to purchase a gun to obtain a state-issued photo gun license. “I stand in support of this common sense legislation to license everyone who wishes to purchase a gun,” Clinton said. “I also believe that every new handgun sale or transfer should be registered in a national registry, such as Chuck is proposing.”

If you own a gun... make sure it’s locked up and stored without the ammunition. In fact, make it stored where the ammunition is stored separately. We’ve made some progress in the last several years with the Brady Bill and some of the bans on assault weapons, but we have a lot of work to do.

Barack Obama has called for a total ban on the ownership of semi-automatic weapons of all types.

John Edwards has called for reinstating the 1994 "assault weapons" ban.

Jeff

Thanks.

You don't need to refresh my memory to the asinine 1994 "assault/crime" bill. It was as pointless as ineffective. The quotes you sent me were as I suspected--not at all what I asked for. I wanted evidence of disarmament. Something to back up the "elect Hillary, lose your guns" statement you made.

Wow. The only thing you could come up with is a license proposal. Yikes!! Run for the hills!!!! I already have one of those actually. I have a Texas CHL (CCW) that I am very proud of.

The only thing bad you presented was the Obama quote. I don't expect much from him anyway.

So where are we? No evidence whatsoever of an attempt to bypass the 2nd amendment. Just some variable layers of gun control. Do you consider the requirement of a driver's license and auto insurance as "vehicle control" ?

Craig

December 14, 2007

How about looking at the examples of every nation that has collected the guns of its citizens. First, every one of them, including Adolph Hitler, called only for registration. After they were registered, then they collected the guns.

Same thing happened just a few years ago in California. They wanted to only "register" the semi-auto rifles. Then, they later collected them, giving the owners a voucher for payment to be made sometime later.

This stuff just ain't right. Infringing upon our gun rights is no different than infringing upon our other God-given rights. Hillary proposed a "one gun per month" limit. How about limits on freedom of speech, or limiting freedom of assembly to one meeting per month. No Sir, I ain't falling for it!

If you want to, vote for Hillary. Go be her personal lap dog if you like. I do not like her. I do not trust her. Your "layers of gun control" IS stepping on the Second Amendment of our Constitution. Driver's license is not at all a good correllation. There is no inalienable right enumerated in our Constitution to drive a car. There is an enumerated right to keep and bear arms, and that means to own and carry guns. It also means that we do not need the permission nor the control of a conniving, corrupt, disrespectful, and hateful woman to freely excercise that right. She is not a nice person, and she wants to control your income, your health care, your retirement, and your guns. She wants to control you, and you Sir, do not seem to mind it at all.

Jeff

My boyfriend has a Ruger 22 single six with a 9 1/2 inch barrel. I have looked everywhere and cannot find a holster for it. He would like a leather shoulder holster to carry it in. Do you know where I would be able to find a holster for it?

Christy

November 10, 2007

With a barrel that long, look closely at one of the Grizzly Tuff holsters. They are comfortable, and are perfect for carrying such a revolver afield: http://www.gunblast.com/GrizzlyTuff.htm.

Jeff

I have decided on a Savage 204, but not whether new or used. I was reading about breaking in new barrel and wanted to know if that makes a big difference in how accurate it may shoot. Buying used to save money a person has no way of knowing how it was broke in. Thanks for your help and your insight. 

John

October 4, 2007

Look the rifle over for signs of abuse, and look at the crown to see if it has been damaged by a cleaning rod. Don't worry about the "break in". It is like seasoning an iron skillet. Just give it a good cleaning with Barnes CR-10, and start over.

Jeff

Thanks for your good sense about the .30-30.  You and Chuck Hawks can't both be wrong, and here on the reservation we eat many elk every year, all shot with .30s, that call into question the modern obsession with flat-shooting magnums.  A 6-lb Model 94 is the funnest hunting rifle, and perfectly capable in the hands of a decent hunter.

Van

September 17, 2007

After all these years, the old .30 WCF still does a fine job.

Jeff

Jeff, I purchased the XD-45 4 inch.  It seems that every time a it ejects a shell after firing it leaves a shall ding about 3/4 of the way up from the base of the shell.  Any ideas what's causing this?

Ray

September 17, 2007

It is hitting the edge of the ejection port, but it will do no harm.

Jeff

Do you think someone can learn shooting a pistol from a .22 caliber versus a 9mm.?  My thoughts include cost and can not think of another (cheaper) way to get as much time on the range for the cost of a .22 Ruger.  I understand I should still practice with my 9mm CCW but do not want to waste my time with a purchase of a handgun for cheaper ammo and handgun for practice if it is not worth it.

David

August 7, 2007

Perfect choice. I shoot more .22 than anything else.

Jeff

I just read the article on your website about Ruger Bearcats and it stated:

Thus Ruger introduced its “prefix” numbering system in January 1969. The Ruger Bearcat had the prefix of “90” added to its serial numbers. Known are serial numbers 90-00022 to 90-25622.

I have a Ruger Bearcat with serial number 91-002XX. Is it maybe not authentic? It looks GOOD to me!!

Melinda

August 2, 2007

The 91- prefix guns are known as Super Bearcats. The major difference is, the Supers have steel frames instead of aluminum alloy.

Boge Quinn

Hello Jeff,

I hope you don't mind a statement. I read some of the questions and thought I might enter a nut to crack of my own. I was in Nam. I used an M14 with selector switch. I pulled Night duty in the Long Bin ammo depot. I used the selector switch most of the time. You can't hurt the M14 (.308). I and others put the M14 through quite a bit of rough handling, dirt, moisture, etc. You can give me the M14 anytime. Thanks.

John in Oregon

July 10, 2007

Thanks for your comments, and mostly for your service. You are correct about the old 14. It was (and still is) a dandy fighting tool.

Jeff

Hi Jeff, I read so much about stopping power. My Question is, does a 380 have enough stopping power? Will a 380 go clean through a body? If so doesn't it depend on where you hit?

Rich

April 10, 2007

With most handguns, there is really no such thing as stopping power. Too many factors involved. The .380 does not have enough power. Neither does a 9mm, .45, or .44 magnum. A 12 gauge shotgun up close is much better. However, a handgun is a compromise between size and power. I would be perfectly happy carrying a Bersa .380, hoping to avoid a fight. Same with a .45.  If I am ever in a gunfight, I hope that I have a rifle or shotgun, but a handgun will do in a pinch. A .380 usually does not completely penetrate a human torso. You nailed it with your last sentence. Practice as much as you can, and pray that you never need it.

Jeff

A Smith and Wesson Mod 66-1, what does the (1) stand for?

Ed

March 3, 2007

In 1977 the gas ring was changed from the yoke to the cylinder, and the -1 was added to the model number to designate this difference. The -1 was made from 1977 to 1982, when the -2 was introduced, eliminating the counterbore for the caseheads.

Jeff

I think killing squirrels is wrong

Mill

February 25, 2007

Okay, but it is no worse than killing chickens or pigs or cattle to eat. Unless you are a vegetarian, you have no grounds to believe that it is wrong. If someone else kills your meat for you, it is no different.

Jeff

What is the scoop on 3'' barrel 45 autos? I have talked to many people who believe .45 ACP was never meant to perform in such a short barrel. What are your thoughts?

Stanford

December 26, 2006

If set up properly, they work well. However, the hard part to conceal on a 1911 is the grip section. The barrel and slide are easy to hide, and I see no reason to go any shorter than a 4.25 inch barrel. Any shorter, and you are giving up sight radius and velocity and gaining nothing.

Jeff

Explain something to me please. I just read some stuff in the "Politics" section of this site and am curious. Why are all you conservatives so damned obsessed with the Vietnam war and specifically "who served or not" or whatever? Wasn't Clinton bashed by you guys for being a "dodger" not long ago? I suppose Cheney-Bush were REAL war heroes back then huh? Shouldn't you be BLAMING the Dems (Macnamara-LBJ) for Vietnam? Double standard, eh? Strange things occur when you apply logic while thinking.

Craig

December 22, 2006

I don't care who served or who did not. I was too young, as were my brothers. Clinton dodged the draft by going overseas, but even that doesn't bother me. I dislike Clinton for his morals. He is a man who cheats on his wife. Anyone who will do that should not be trusted to run our country. It shows a lack of integrity. Many Republicans also lack moral fiber. I vote for people in both parties, and try to vote for whom I believe to be good people, with good leadership skills, and beliefs that are similar to my own. That is the best that any of us can do. Mr. Bush served in the National Guard, which is an honorable branch of our military. I do not know what Mr. Cheney did. It is really none of my business.

Jeff

Well Hello Jeff,

I must admit that after your review of the Bushmaster .308 it makes me rather sick to think they has decided to totally stop production of that rifle.

I must admit that it also makes me quite suspicious about what is not said.... hints of problems in the mass market quality control department perhaps.

Jeff, since I am a fan of testing the poop out of " battle rifles" doing things such as ripping as many rounds through a rifle as fast as I can to see how it holds up, I would like to know if you ever really "torture test" the hell out of a combat rifle and if so what problems (if any) have you encountered.

I feel strongly that if one is going to purchase a military combat civilian semi auto rifle that it should hold up under extreme rapid fire conditions... just as if you were in a major fire fight. Many "authors" are given a far superior rifle so as to achieve the end result of promoting a particular company and its product. To date the only "perfect rifle" that has not malfunctioned under extreme torture tests is the famous AK 47 .   Many of our troops just as back in the days during Nam are losing there life to the far less potent and still far less reliable and high maintenance M16 .223.  and snapping up the enemy's AK 47.

Never do you hear much , if anything from someone willing to publish an article about reliability under extreme battle conditions.

What can you lend to your many readers about the above information and .... What if any brand or maker of a .308 do you feel could stand up to such durability. I personally have seen many fail under what should reflect real all out battle conditions.

I hope you don't mind publishing this, as I hear much that no one is really going to come clean and tell or test a weapon like it should be.... EXCEPT for the makers who often brag of putting thousands of rounds through there rifles and with little to no problems. "Hype" I say, as I have duplicated some of there claims with countless malfunctions and internal parts coming apart.

I truly hope you don't mind editing some of my grammar and spelling along the way. I am lacking to an extent in that department. I think  public is craving your in depth answers in a non political fashion to all the questions above.

All the best,
Louis

September 9, 2006

The Bushmaster was a good weapon, and it used readily available FAL mags. When the magazine ban expired, that was an advantage that no longer mattered, and the Bushmaster was more expensive than its competition. DPMS, ArmaLite, Rock River, and others all make good .308 AR-10s. If I wanted to, I can make any weapon jam. That is not my goal when testing a weapon. Put enough crud into a rifle and it will malfunction, even the AK-47. The latest generation of the M-16 is a very good battle rifle, but it must be kept free of oil in conditions of blowing sand, as the sand will stick to the oil. Even the Israelis like the M-16, and it has replaced the Galil in the hands of many of their units. They are now transitioning to a new bullpup design to replace both the M-16 and the Galil. I test weapons under normal conditions. It would not be realistic or fair for me to abuse a weapon until it failed, as all will eventually. Also, testing weapons for military use is not the purpose of Gunblast. I will leave that to the gentlemen at Fort Benning. I review weapons for target shooters, hunters, plinkers, and for home defense. Therefore, testing under normal conditions that a shooter might encounter seems reasonable to me. I do not think that Donald Rumsfeld has the time to read Gunblast on a regular basis. There is a need to test all military weapons under extreme conditions. I just ain't the guy to it. Pouring a weapon full of sand until it fails is no help to our readers. However, that stuff does interest me, and I do read military type small arms reviews, with a special interest in the findings of the US military proving grounds.

Jeff

Hey Jeff,

I really enjoy reading your articles, and I have to say, I will be soon purchasing a Savage rifle on your recommendations.  I do have a question though.  Each time I read your articles, your groupings are usually extremely tight (1/4" or less).  However, I often read that the norm for out of the box savages are about .75".  I was just wondering if there were any adjustments that you make to the rifle to get such good results?  If so, what are they so that I could do that when my new rifle comes.  Or are you just a really good shooter, or both?

David

September 6, 2006

David,

When shooting groups, I try to determine just how well the gun will shoot, with little input from me. I use the best ammo that I can get, a quality scope, and use an absolutely stable benchrest, usually the Target Shooting Inc. Model 1000. I try to eliminate all human error, as much as possible. This gives the reader an idea of how well the rifle will shoot. Of course, under field conditions, I can't shoot nearly that well, but knowing that the gun will do its part if I do mine, gives me confidence in my equipment.

Jeff

Jeff, I read your column often, and read the one on the Ruger Mini 14. Partly on the strength of your review, plus my own list of defined purposes for the rifle, plus a lot of other Internet research, I'm about to buy the "ranch" edition of the Mini 14.

The question I have is about the whole "accuracy" frenzy surrounding the Mini 14, and usually stirred up by AR15 advocates.  Many folks seem to feel like 1.5 to 3.0 MOA @ 100 yds (which is typical for a new Mini 14) isn't adequate, but as you said, the Mini isn't really intended to be a match target rifle. 

1. So my first question is:  If you were to buy a Mini 14 today, do you think it's worth the money to get it "accurized", spending anywhere from $300 to $600 on up, just to squeeze it down to 1 to 1.5 MOA? Or do you think Ruger are doing an adequate job of manufacturing it as-is, and you'd just leave it alone and use it for what it's designed for?  I hear that when you get a rifle accurized, sometimes it makes it less reliable and robust....I'm not a target competition person, so I don't know if accurizing is worth.  But I DO want to be able to hunt varmints, etc., and I want it to  be accurate enough to hit them at say 150 to  200 yards using a scope.

2. And a second question is, for a person who's not really interested in a combat rifle, but can only afford ONE super-tough, super-reliable, all around weapon that you could hunt with in a pinch, plink with, and defend yourself with, is the Ruger is a better starting point?  I've looked at the AR15's, and I'm worried about the complexity of cleaning one in the field, how finicky they can get with certain ammo, etc.  I really like the Ruger's looks, reliability, etc., but don't want to get it if it's truly a "piece of junk" as some of its critics claim.

Thanks in advance for your feedback, and for your online columns.  I love reading them.

Tom

July 18, 2006

I really like the Mini-14. It is a dandy rifle. I also like ARs. I find the AR system to be a bit more accurate from the bench. However, in the field, I cannot tell the difference between a 1 minute rifle and a 3 minute rifle. There are too many other factors involved. Out to 200 yards, if I miss an animal with the Mini-14, it is my fault. I would get the Mini, and try a few different brands of ammo to see which it likes the best. The only downside to the Ruger is the availability of good, cheap, high capacity magazines. If you want some 20-round mags, pay extra and get some factory Ruger mags. They can still be found brand new at gun shows. If they aren't stamped with the Ruger bird logo, they are not Ruger mags. After firing the Mini, leave the bolt slightly open. I do this by placing an empty cartridge case in front of the bolt sideways, holding the bolt back about 1/4 inch. If you don't do this, be sure to clean and lube the weapon after each firing session, particularly the gas system. Or, just buy the stainless gun and don't worry about it. It is a very good weapon.

Jeff

I have a Ruger No1 that was purchased in 1976 that has the inscription "Made in the 200th year of American Liberty". Is there a collectible value for this gun? I see the current suggested retail for this rifle is $ 1000.00.

Stan

July 12, 2006

The 1976 so-called "Liberty Rugers" are beginning to have collector value, especially if you have the original box.

Jeff

Dear Sir, I mailed a $600.00 deposit to Robinson Armament for one of their new XCR rifles - over one year ago.  I have talked to them on the phone several times and I feel that they have been stalling me.  As a 1967-68, US Marine, with combat experience, I cannot accept any M-16 type rifle design-due to the large number of deaths I personally witnessed after the M16 was hopelessly jammed in the hands of Marines being assaulted.  I saw my fellow troops throw their black rifle at the NVA as a last desperate act. Is it time to cancel my order?  Your opinion will be appreciated!

Roy

July 3, 2006

I would certainly ask for a refund. That is too long of a wait. I understand your disgust with the M16. It was sent into battle before it was ready. However, the current AR-15 weapons are superb, and very reliable, but that is your call, not mine. You might want to take a look at the ArmaLite AR-180. It is a different gas system, and Eugene Stoner designed it as an improvement over the M16. One advantage is that the new ones can use the cheap and plentiful M16 magazines. Also, thank so much for your service in the Corps.

Jeff

I grew up in a family with guns, mostly rifles for hunting and I've done a little myself but apart from that I haven't had much reason to have a gun. I have friends who hunt and I visit their hunting lodge  a lot and my girlfriend has a house in the woods. Recently I was in the woods by myself and it struck me that maybe I should have some protection as there are a lot of bears in these woods. What hand gun would you recommend as protection, safety and easy to handle? I thought about a .357 magnum but I'm not sure. Can you advise me? 

Thanks,

Bill

June 26, 2006

A good .357 magnum loaded with heavy 180 grain loads would serve you well.

Jeff

Hi Jeff, I need to buy a couple of boxes of 38-40 rounds. And what would you say would be a good  cowboy six gun to start shooting as a beginner? Thanks,

Bob

June 21, 2006

I like the USFA Rodeo. It is an excellent firearm.

Jeff

I have been to your site and had a look. I read the articles and still have one question. Has it been tried to produce a longer cylinder on the Taurus Tracker, in order to utilize longer cartridges? Thanks.

Best Regards,

John

May 31, 2006

Not to my knowledge.

Jeff

Hello Jeff, I was wondering why you do not have any reviews on Marlin lever rifles. Is it because of the cross-bolt safety that you don't like?

Dave

May 21, 2006

I like Marlin rifles, and own a few of them. While just about every manufacturer in the gun industry likes to have us review their products, I can't get anyone at Marlin to even return a telephone call. About twice per year, I call the marketing people at Marlin, explain about Gunblast to an answering machine, and leave my telephone number. The gentleman has never returned a call in five years. I have also spoken with their people at the SHOT Show every year, but get not much more than a blank stare from them. Most manufacturers are aware of the value of an Internet magazine, but the folks at Marlin and H&K just do not want us to review their products. At least the marketing lady at H&K came right out and said so. I have yet to hear from Marlin. That is too bad, as they do make good rifles.

Jeff

I'm a big fan of your online magazine (and a big fan of Savage's rifles too) ! My question is about the 6.5mm Grendel and Savage rifles... Since you know many people at the Savage factory I was wondering if they are planning to offer the Savage Model 12  Long Range Precision Varminter in 6.5mm Grendel (since it's just a wonderful caliber) ?

Have a nice day and thanks for the great job you do !

Guillaume

April 26, 2006

At this time, there are no plans to do so. However, I was up there visiting the factory about 11 months ago, and one of the engineers had a box of 6.5mm Grendel cartridges in his desk drawer, so they are considering it.

Jeff

I appreciate your article on the best loads for S&W's Model 19 ("Smith and Wesson Model 19, 357 Magnum - Best Practice Round").  Do you have similar favorites for the S&W 586/686 and Ruger P345?

Thanks in advance,

John

March 27, 2006

I like the 125 grain JHP in .357 for social work, and the 180 for deer hunting. In the .45, I like Cor-Bon PowRBall.

Jeff

Have you seen or heard of doing a trigger job on the new Ruger .17 lever action? I know of one that needs a trigger job. It has a lot of creep.

Wendell

March 24, 2006

Any good gunsmith can do this for you.

Jeff

Can I shoot 22lr in my 22mag pistol or single shot 22mag contender barrel?

Thanks,

Dr. Walt

March 21, 2006

It will work, but is not a good idea, as the cases usually split, and can send hot powder gases back towards the shooter.

Jeff

NOTE: All answers posted on this web site are for educational purposes only. Neither the author nor GunBlast.com assume any responsibility for its use or misuse. 

Any loading data indicated were arrived at using specialized equipment under conditions not necessarily comparable to those encountered by the potential user of this data.  Always use data from respected loading manuals and begin working up loads at least 10% below the loads indicated in the source manual.