Jeff,
I've surely read about half a dozen diverse ways to "break in a barrel" on a new, precision rifle. Some of the writers insist that not breaking it in can damage the accuracy; some go as far as to say that breaking it any way other than theirs will ruin it. Of course the devil's advocate to all of them says just go shoot it. I'd like to know if you recommend or practice any particular regimen for breaking in a new bore.
Ben
December 26, 2011
Just shoot it, keep it clean, and do not let it get too hot to touch.
Jeff
Jeff,
Love your site and your gun reviews. Just re-read your review on the
FN FNAR and had a question about it.
I know you're a lefty, like I am, and that's what I'm interested in. The FNAR (and a few other rifles and shotguns) comes with shims that allow you to add cast on/cast off to the stock. Lefties are supposed to have cast on as I understand it, so I was wondering if you tried the FNAR with the appropriate shim installed and if you noticed any difference. Or do you think the whole cast on/cast off thing is much ado about nothing?
I was going to buy an FNAR not long after they came out. I decided I really didn't much care for my ARs and especially didn't care for the .223/5.56. So I wanted a .308/7.62 battle rifle. Ended up buying a PTR-91, which is a fine rifle, but the FNAR is a much more accurate and easy to carry and shoot rifle. My PTR weighs close to 10 pounds, so it's a handful to carry around. But when you don't have a gas system to tame recoil, you either have to make the gun heavy or suffer from stiff recoil.
I still might buy an FNAR and keep the PTR.
Thanks.
mike
December 6, 2011
Cast is much more critical on a shotgun built for wing or clay target shooting, but a lot of that depends upon the individual shooter. With the FNAR, I would not even change it at all.
Jeff
Jeff, I have a
44 Ruger Super Blackhawk that I inherited from my father some years ago. It is serial
#39XXX. It has a brass grip and trigger frame. It looks identical to the one you have pictured which you state is really
rare (non-prefix), however in my research it states that these rare editions were only serial numbered within a certain serial number range up to like 36000 on the top end. I have definitely established that it was manufactured in 1968. Could it be a rare non prefix brass
44? I guess I don't know enough to know the difference. Could you please enlighten
me?
Thank you,
Bob
November 27, 2011
The brass frame might have been added later. The best solution is to call Ruger Records department. They can tell you exactly the configuration of the revolver when it left the factory, and when it was shipped. If you request one, they will even send a factory letter stating that information. They charge nothing for this service. Call 603-865-2424.
Jeff
Jeff, we're counting on you to explain the whole "zombie" phenom as it applies to guns and ammunition. At least one major ammo maker and (according your
NASGW Show reports) there are also gun manufacturers offering zombie products. Is this something we all need? How does zombie ammo differ from ammo that would be effective on game and uhh... other mammals?
It couldn't possibly be just a marketing ploy, could it?
Alan - Beaverton, Oregon
November 8, 2011
It is just marketing, and I do not understand it at all. If zombies were real, they are supposed to be dead already, so I do not know what good it would do to shoot one. It seems like childish stupidity to me.
Jeff
Jeff,
I had just read your review on the Savage
Axis and felt it was a very thorough report on the rifle. I am buying my fiancé one of these rifles in a .243 and I wanted to properly break in the barrel. In your honest opinion what is the best way to properly break in a new rifle's barrel?
Thank you for your time,
Jon
October 27, 2011
An honest opinion is the only kind that I give.
I just shoot mine. No magic, no fuss. Lots of folks get too worked up over breaking in a barrel. It is a piece of steel, not a life-form of its own. For those who go through detailed rituals with a new barrel, that is okay, if it gets them through the night, but I have seen no benefit to doing so. Just do not let the barrel get too hot to touch, and clean it every 100 rounds or so.
Jeff
Hi Jeff,
My wife and I were shopping small self defense pistols and we were also intrigued by this Taurus. The only difficulty we were having is to return the slide into the firing position from being opened as it is after the last round is fired. It seems quite difficult to pull down the slide stop to let the slide go forward to the shooting position. Are we missing any tricks or methods?
thanks,
John
October 15, 2011
Drop the magazine or insert a loaded mag. Then slightly retract the slide, and release it to go forward.
Jeff
Hi Jeff,
I just purchased a beautiful old model Ruger Blackhawk in .41 magnum. As I hand load myself, I was wondering if you have a preferred handload for this fine revolver?
Thanks, Jeff
October 15, 2011
I like to run the magnum revolvers at magnum velocities. Doing so, it is hard to beat a max load of H110 with any given bullet. For whitetail and such, a good 210 grain hollowpoint is a good choice.
Jeff
Hi Jeff, I was just reading the Charter Arms Pit Bull-Review and to be quite honest with you, one could think that America is something like a war-zone or at least a very dangerous place to live, especially when reading the
fifth paragraph of the subject article. Being from Europe, I'm having a hard time to imagine that people are arming themselves due to
- what sounds to be - a real threat to property and life. Is your area really that scary?
Thanks for all the great article and reviews, your page is a great place to read about guns!
Cheers,
Dietmar
October 14, 2011
Where I live is not as bad as some, but even here, the threat is very real. I have used a weapon for defense myself, and so has my wife, when we were living near Miami, Florida. In our major cities, the threat is very real. Since more and more states in the US now
allow legal concealed carry, violent crime is on the decline here. Because criminals know they might get shot by an armed citizen, violent crime is declining. It is getting better, precisely because more folks are arming themselves.
The report from the FBI below shows the decline. It does not, however, show the number of crimes deterred by armed citizens, as those many times go unreported.
Crime in the United States, by Volume and Rate per 100,000 Inhabitants,
1991-2010 Crime in the United States, Percent Change in Volume and Rate per 100,000 Inhabitants for 2 years, 5 years, and 10 years
a.. In 2010, the estimated number of violent crime offenses was 1,246,248, a decrease of 6.0 percent from the 2009 estimate. b.. All violent crime offense estimates decreased in 2010 when compared with the 2009 estimates. Robberies dropped 10.0 percent; forcible rapes declined 5.0 percent; murders were down 4.2 percent; and aggravated assaults decreased 4.1 percent. c.. The 2010 violent crime rate was 403.6 per 100,000 inhabitants, a decrease of 6.5 percent when compared with the 2009 violent crime rate. d.. Violent crime rates for 2010 declined in all offense categories when compared with rates for 2009. e.. In 2010, the murder rate was 4.8 per 100,000 inhabitants, a 4.8 percent decrease when compared with the rate for the previous year. f.. The estimated number of property crimes in 2010 was 9,082,887, a 2.7 percent decrease from the 2009 estimate. g.. The 2010 property crime rate was 2,941.9 per 100,000, down 3.3 percent when compared with the 2009 rate. h.. The estimated number of motor vehicle thefts decreased 7.4 percent and larceny-theft and burglary decreased 2.4 percent and 2.0 percent, respectively.
Jeff
Hello Jeff, From the great state of Maine. I'm a newbie to the Shooting world. I just bought a
Ruger SP101 and was wondering if you have any ideas about how to improve the sight visibility, either replace it with something like a Small Wonder Sight or simply dab a spot of fluorescent paint on the front sight. Any suggestion that you may have will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for the availability of your expertise. Keep up the great work and keep aiming true.
Sincerely, hight357
October 8, 2011
You can try other front sights if you like. I really like the
XS Big Dot for social work, but if you want to experiment a bit,
fluorescent nail polish works great.
Jeff
Jeff,
I thoroughly enjoy your reviews and videos and have a few questions:
Is there a methodology that you use when constructing a gun review?
What points in a gun review do you consider important to the reader?
I have made several feeble attempts at gun reviews (for a forum that I belong to), but feel that my reviews do not flow as I would like them to.
Do you have any tips that you could pass along?
Best regards,
Daryl
July 30, 2011
I just try to cover every question that a reader might have. I list all the technical details, such as weight and physical size. Folks want to know the trigger pull, and of course, how accurate is the weapon for its intended purpose. Is it easy to carry? Balances well? If a defensive handgun, does it conceal well? Safety features? Just answer the questions that you would want answered if you were interested in such a weapon.
Be yourself. Be honest. If there is something about the firearm that you don't know, find out. If you can't find out the information, say so. "I don't know" is a good answer, if that is the honest answer.
Jeff
Hi Jeff how are you! I'm planning to buy a rimfire pistol Ruger Mark
III Hunter VS Ruger Mark III Target, I just want to know which is the best gun for this two? I cant decide what to buy please help me thanks a lot.
Earl
July 20, 2011
Both are excellent weapons, and just depends upon your personal sighting preference. For paper punching, I prefer the target sights, but for hunting and casual plinking, the sights on the Hunter are probably better. I also love the fluted barrel on the Hunter.
Jeff
Hi Jeff.... Love your site and the information it provides. I recently purchased a
Freedom Arms 475 Linebaugh and want your take on ammo for the piece. How does the Hornady perform in the weapon? The ammo is about half the price of the Buffalo Bore and I'm wondering if I'll be sacrificing performance in using it? If not, why the big pricing delta between brands? Also, an unrelated question, but is it a money-saving proposition to hand load for all calibers rather than buy factory ammo? I'm wondering if I should make the investment in
a Dillon press and dies?
Thank you,
Bill
July 20, 2011
The Hornady is good ammo. If i was going after cape buffalo or a large bear, I would want tougher bullets, such as the Belt Mountain Punch or the Buffalo Bore heavy stuff, but for most game, the Hornady XTP is just fine.
You can handload high-quality ammo for less money than you can buy factory ammunition. However, overall, you probably will not save any money. You will just shoot a lot more.
Jeff
Jeff- Just bought a S&W 4" 29-10 and the factory grips are beautiful, but rough on recoil- what do you recommend? Great gun and fun but could be less abrasive on an old man's tender front paws.
Thanks,
Eric
April 10, 2011
I like the smooth walnut from Eagle Grips or the synthetic rubber from Hogue.
Jeff
What is the transfer bar safety on the super Blackhawk? How does it work and how long has Ruger been putting this on their revolvers?
Thanks,
Chuck
March 30, 2011
Ruger started using a transfer bar safety in 1971 on their double-action revolvers and in 1973 on their single-actions. It works very well, and prevents the hammer from contacting the firing pin, unless the trigger is pulled. The transfer bar rises to transfer the impact of the hammer to the firing pin, but moves away from that position if the trigger is released. This prevents the weapon from firing if dropped.
Jeff
Re DPM systems - recoil reduction. Hi Jeff, my name is Marilyn. I grew up in Canada and currently reside in PA. I also recently found a new fun interesting world - "guns". We recently bought a
S&W 9mm M&P which i am shooting not so well with. I am to the left (groupings) and slightly low. It is still a new gun (shot 3 outings) but I can tell this one isnt working with me. Maybe the trigger pull. I don't know enough about guns to know what is up. My husband shoots it not so good either but his are not left and low.
My question is: would this DPM system work for an M&P? Just wondering for future. Thanks for any help
Marilyn
February 19, 2011
ps shoot kind of decent with some of our other guns - S&W 60 3" and 2-1/8" 357 (38sp shoot in it mostly) ,
S&W 63 5" 22LR and a Ruger Mark III hunter 6 7/8" (needed to file down mag button to help the magazines seat in properly as they were getting stuck at that button)
Yes, DPM has one for the M&P. Marilyn, I bet that you are right-handed, and are pulling the trigger with the knuckle joint of your finger. Try using the pad of your finger, and PRESSING the trigger to the rear. See if that helps your marksmanship. I believe that it will. Take your time, and concentrate on that sight picture. Speed will come later. Keep me posted.
Jeff
Jeff, Great site thanks a bunch. After reading your review of the
GSG-5 rifle, I purchased and feel in love with one of my own. I've since bought an
S&W M&P 15-22 Rifle as well. I've found them both to be excellent training tools and just a kick in the pants to shoot. I've taken them to hunting camp so the young shooters in the group could try them and they had a ball. I like the idea of the single point sling for these types of carbines but can't seem to find an attachment point that mounts behind the receiver for either of them. Are you aware of anything on the market for the GSG-5 and the M&P 15-22? Once again thanks for a great site.
Dave
February 19, 2011
Excellent rifles. Brownell's has in stock what you need for a single-point attachment for an AR:
http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=31829/Product/AR_15_M16_A2_SINGLE_POINT_SLING_ADAPTER
Jeff
Jeff, Why is so hard to find any articles on the High Standard
AR15? I own one an love it but no-one seems to know much about them.
Awj44jhn
February 19, 2011
I have done a review: http://www.gunblast.com/HighStandard-AR15.htm
However, unless High Standard pays a paper magazine by taking out a large expensive ad, most of them will never review the weapon.
Jeff
While reading your review I saw you mention the SR9c is a defensive pistol. Can you explain this further. What would not be considered a defensive pistol? This would be my first hand gun and after research I was leaning toward this gun... However, Id def like to understand more of the defensive and difference of a non defensive pistols available before I drop
a lot of money.
thanks,
K. Y.
February 10, 2010
It is well-suited as a defensive pistol. There are no clear-cut guidelines, but some pistols are better-suited for self defense than others. For instance, a single-shot pistol would not be at the top of my list as a defensive weapon. Neither would a pistol that is too large to carry comfortably. The SR9c is easy to shoot, and easy to shoot well. The grip feels good to most hands, and the weapon is still easy to conceal in a good holster. It holds 11 rounds of 9mm ammo, and it is built in the USA. Excellent choice.
Jeff
Jeff,
I refer to your articles regularly before purchasing a firearm. I like your perspective and sometimes humorous reviews and the fact you actually use the item before reviewing it.
I recently bought a Smith & Wesson model 63, 3 inch barrel after your reading your reviews of smith & Wesson bringing back the "marvelous little big gun". I enjoyed shooting it and need to get "myself dialed in" to its shooting particulars. One thing that annoys me is that after about 60-70 rounds, maybe less, the ejector rod became very hard to eject the empty casings. This was to the point where I had to let the revolver cool down to work the ejection rod. It simply wouldn't budge and I had no desire to try and bump it on the wooden range table. Is this normal for a new revolver, is it the ammo, can it be fixed or do I need to carry one of the pocket cleaning kits in my range bag and scrub it out after it starts to bind up?
Thanks for your articles and your reply,
Clayton J.
February 3, 2011
It is important to keep the chambers clean, and depending upon the ammo, this might have to be done every couple of dozen rounds. I have found that the good, high- velocity stuff like CCI Mini-Mags to go much farther between cleanings, and the cheaper ammo to need the chambers cleaned more often.
Jeff
Jeff:
Have you considered having a "shoot off" between the to sub compact 9mm pistols? I think it would be a very popular and intriguing comparison. A lot of people will also wonder will these pistols digest most brand of ammo and reloads. Running an IPSC / IDPA course geared for this little pistol would be outstanding.
In any event. I enjoy your reviews.
Kind regards,
Dale
January 11, 2011
I do not like to do shoot off type articles. In the end, I am expected to choose a winner, and that would be very arrogant and presumptuous of me. I cannot pick a weapon for another man any more than I could choose his wife or puppy for him. I prefer to review weapons one at a time, and let the reader choose for himself.
I am supposed to attend a course at Gunsite in early March where we will be shooting a variety of small 9mm pistols.
Jeff
Hi Jeff,
I am trying to choose between the 4.2 inch and 6 inch barrel Ruger GP-100, (.357 Mag) for White tail hunting. Is the 4.2 inch version capable of clean humane shots to about 75 yards or so accurately on whitetails. Or is the barrel length too short to retain enough energy at that range. Will the shorter barrel impact accuracy negatively? Revolvers are a relatively new field for me, if you have any better suggestions or choices they will be much appreciated..
Many Thanks,
Raja
December 11, 2010
The short barrel is just as accurate as the long barrel, and packs almost as much power. However, the longer sight radius of the longer barrel makes it easier for most people to shoot accurately.
Jeff
Hi Jeff,
Your article on boar hunting came at the right time. So, I once again need your opinion. My cuz back in Texas has a small spread (400 acres) in need of some coyote and hog cleaning and said I'm welcomed there for that. While I have a
Remington 700 VTR in 308 I'd rather use my Armalite M15A4CB for this job. Reading a lot about hog hunting and some forums based in Texas, the general view is to use something like 460 Weatherbys, I'm
exaggerating a little, but almost everyone says 223/5.56 doesn't cut it with a 250 and greater hog. I would have thought your 9mm M&P wouldn't either... So, which would you use and what round would you recommend? (My M15 has a
1/9 twist.) Also of note, a Marine gunny friend of mine is tricking the M15 out with new trigger/bolt/grips and stock, along with an
ACOG on top. (He's the owner of http://practical-defense.com/) Great having good friends.
Tom
November 27, 2010
The 223 is fine, but I would use the Cor-Bon load with the DPX bullet. My choice, however, would be my
AR-15 with the 50 Beowulf upper. That thing is a real thumper!
Jeff
Good Evening Jeff,
Great site Mate, love your reviews on weapons and I never buy anything without first consulting your opinion.
Mate I am wanting to buy my Wife a pistol for home defense. I seem to be away with work more often now and I would feel better as would she, knowing that she can protect herself if ever the unfortunate need arises. I have a 12
gauge pump as the home defense staple, but she is not confident or proficient in using it. Thus the need for a pistol, somewhat lightweight and something that she can reload and operate efficiently, but obviously with enough grunt. I have read on many websites, get a 9mm or a 40S&W but these are not female guns in my opinion. She cannot load either of these calibres, maybe people forget that there are other elements to shooting than simply pulling the trigger?
In your opinion what would be the best suited pistol in a semi auto for her?
Appreciate your advice always.
Regards,
Rob
November 9, 2010
A pistol that I have often recommended, for both men and women, is the
Bersa Thunder 380. Loaded with good hollowpoint ammunition, it does a good job as a defensive weapon. It is easy to shoot, and fits small to medium hands very well. Recoil is very manageable, and the weapon is reliable and
reasonably priced.
Jeff
I am a short range, woods hunter. I've never taken a shot at anything living past 100 yards and don't intend to start now. I have a Marlin 336 XLR in
.30-30 that shoots Hornady 170 grain flat point into sub-M. O. A. groups. However, I found a 16" barreled version of my rifle. How much am I REALLY losing is I lose eight inches of barrel?
Stan
November 9, 2010
Nothing at all. Just stand 8 inches closer to the target! Seriously, you will lose a bit of velocity, but the deer will never know the difference.
Jeff
Jeff, I'm trying to build a sensible armory of firearms for hunting, home defense and emergency uses. I'm interested in simplified logistics, which means as few different calibers as possible.
Right now I have a 5.56 X 45 mm autoloading carbine, a little Marlin papoose carbine in .22LR, and a .30-'06 bolt-gun. My handguns are a .357 DA/SA revolver and a .22LR target pistol (Ruger MK III). Finally, I have a Mossberg 500 shotgun with an 18" and 28" cylinder bore barrels.
That's an awfully lot of different calibers. I don't need a huge ultra-high-power rifle, since elk are the largest critters where I live (no large bears). I'd like to minimize calibers, perhaps, by replacing my 5.56 carbine with a lever-action gun chambered in .357 Magnum to go with my revolver. That way, I'd have a
handgun and a long gun pair in both .22LR and .38 Spl/.357Magnum.
I know this is kind of subjective, but I'd like to hear some inputs from people like you who have had a lot more experience than I with firearms. Do you feel, given what I've said, that I should modify/ subtract from / add to my existing armory?
Thanks for your help!
Duncan
November 3, 2010
You are asking the wrong guy! What you stated makes a lot of sense, but I have dozens of different calibers. You asking me that is like asking an alcoholic to help you stop drinking.
Jeff
Good Morning!
Since it's Sunday, you'll probably not get to this until after church service. I just wanted to let you know that on the "My Gunblast Store" page there is a typographical error. In the second or third sentence it says something to the effect of, 'We are constantly look for new PRODCUT to add ....' I just wanted to let you know about it. Your site has become one of my favorites to visit.
Ed in Memphis
October 17, 2010
Thanks for that information. I wish we did not have a store. We do not run it, nor make any money from it. It should not be there, but it is not entirely up to me. I will try to get this information to those who run the store.
Jeff
Jeff, I'm wanting to get a 45 Colt Ruger Bisley Vaquero Model 5129, KNVRB-455 2010 model. Is this model built the same as the older Bisleys, or is it only safe to shoot the light loads in the newer
models?
Thanks,
Ron
October 11, 2010
The KNV tells you that it is a stainless New Vaquero, built on the smaller frame. You do not have to shoot light loads. It can handle plenty stout loads, just not the 45 Colt Magnum or Plus P like the Blackhawk and original Vaquero.
Jeff
Sir; I have an eye problem with scopes.. So My question is
this:
Can I "drop in" my Ruger 10/22 barrelled action (including the sights) into a
Charger stock?? Since I am going "the other way", that is, a long barrel
pistol rather than a short rifle, I assume this would be legal.. And with the stability offered by the charger bipod plus the longer sight radius of the rifle, might make a very accurate piece.. I realize there are many options for increasing the accuracy of the 1022.. An answer plus any advice you care to offer w/be appreciated..
Dan
October 4, 2010
That will work. However, since your 10/22 was built originally as a rifle, it must keep at least a 26 inch overall length to be legal. Otherwise, you are making a "short-
barreled rifle", as termed by the BATFE.
Jeff
Hi Jeff, I just want to ask for your advice regarding a Talon Wallet Holster that I recently bought for my
Ruger LCP with Crimson Trace Laser
installed. The problem is, I find it hard to pull the LCP out of the holster everytime I practice with it. I have tried putting the LCP in and out, in and out several times, I think I have done it about 50 times to break-in the new leather holster, but up to this time, it is still tight & hard for me to draw it fast. What can I do to loosen it?
Jose
September 19, 2010
This happens a lot with new leather. What I do is soak the holster in silicone spray, and insert the gun, twisting it a bit, and then leaving the gun in the holster for a couple of days. This lightly stretches the leather, and makes it work much easier. Water will also work, but it rusts your gun, so I prefer the silicone spray. You can get the stuff at Wal-Mart in the camping gear section of sporting goods. It is sold as a waterproofing spray.
Jeff
Hey Jeff,
First off I want too say that I am a huge fan,, when I need a review on a firearm your website is the first place I look, your always informative and too the point on what you test. My question is about the
CrossBreed Super Tuck holster you tried with your M&P. I also carry OWB for everything but thought about trying a CrossBreed and your review seemed you liked it also. Now here is my
problem...being a Good Ol' Boy from Kentucky I love my beans, cornbread, sweet tea and banana puddin' a little too much if you get my drift and slightly on the plump side. How do you reckon it would work for a hillbilly with a few extra pounds? I want something for my Glock 33. All of my holsters I currently own are from
Simply Rugged and Rob suggested I go with his new Barracuda instead of the Silver Dollar Pancakes I normally purchase. What is your thought/honest opinion on this please? Do you ever use the CrossBreed any more? Thanks,
Mike
August 15, 2010
I have not tried that Barracuda, but Rob is built like you, and knows his stuff. Also, if you don't like it, he will replace it. While the Cross Breed is the most comfortable inside holster that I have tried, you will probably need looser pants and suspenders, if you have much of a belly. Also, depending upon if you wear your pants over or under the belly, the pistol might poke into your side meat when sitting.
Jeff
Hello,
I want to install a gun safe in my bedroom. I want it to meet the following criteria:
1. Can easily hold one large gun (e. g. a large frame revolver, a full-size semi-auto pistol, etc.).
2. Provides quick access (i. e. should not take more than a few seconds to open, even at night).
3. Cannot be easily breached or stolen by a burglar. (Some of those cable-locks look pretty vulnerable.)
4. Not horribly expensive (i. e. would be great if it was $100-200, no more than $300).
5. Is outfitted with foam so the gun is not scratched.
6. OPTIONAL: Would be great if it could do double-duty at home and on traveling (e. g. road trips).
There are so many from which to choose. What do you recommend?
Thanks!
David
August 11, 2010
There are several good brands on the market. I do not trust any of them for access to be quick enough when you are jolted from a deep sleep. A few seconds is way too long. Remember, you are asleep and expecting nothing. The intruder is wide awake, and has been planning his every move. You must have instant access to the weapon, and even then, you are at a
disadvantage. A key is hard to find and operate quickly in the dark. The combination locks are time-consuming, and the biometric locks can also be fumbled. What I do is when going to bed, I open mine and situate the grip of the gun for easy access. When I get out of bed in the morning, I lock it up. Just get one that meets your needs and fits your weapon. The idea is to keep it away from children. A thief will just steal the whole thing.
Jeff
Several sources I have found on the internet comment on the how the ballistic properties of a 9mm Luger round fired from a carbine (e. g. the
Hi-Point 995TS) are vastly superior to those from a pistol. What I can not find is information regarding how the 9mm Luger ballistic properties improve with increased barrel length. Such information would influence whether I buy a 9mm or .40 caliber pistol. I don't find it likely, or practical, to purchase a pistol with a barrel length greater than 5-inches. I am not interested in revolvers and the pistol I purchase would be for home defense.
Your thoughts?
- Peedee
August 11, 2010
That principle applies to every cartridge. Some cartridges max out at about a 14 to 16 inch barrel, but others take 26 inches or more to reach full potential. Any handgun is a compromise. You must weigh ballistic performance with handiness and weight. Both the 9mm and the 40 benefit from a longer barrel. You must decide what you need from a pistol, and balance that with the need for portability.
Jeff
Jeff, What magazine loader do you recommend for the Thureon Defense 9mm magazines?
Thanks!
Doug
August 2, 2010
The LULA loader for the UZI is the best available.
Jeff
Hi Jeff,
Have enjoyed reading your reviews but I have a question RE: Reviews and Savage Rifles. From personal experience I have found that not all Savages are quite as accurate as reviewed.
I read a review on the Model 14 in 308 that shot 1/2" groups and I bought one and shot the same ammo through it and it wouldn't shoot better than
1 1/2" with any ammo from sandbags and I'm a firearms instructor of 28 years. When I called Savage and asked them about the "very" average performance of the rifle a very curt woman told me that they don't
guarantee any better than 1 1/2" groups from their sporting rifles. That's far from the tack drivers I routinely read about.
After having read your latest review of the Savage Edge that shot tiny groups. I have to ask would you consider buying one off of the shelf at Dick's or
WalMart and review an off the shelf gun? I personally think Savage is sending out ringers for review purposes so that they only receive rave reviews. Why don't you give this a try so that the average Joe will have a real idea of what he is going to get when he lays down his hard earned $300.00 because for some guys that is what they can afford. I don't think that you'll find out that 1/2" groups will be the norm from the average off the shelf Savage. Would you consider trying an off the shelf Edge test in 243 Win to see if the average gun is as good as the one Savage provided to you? Being a cop, I smell a ringer.
Bob
July 22, 2010
I have often done that. Many of my Savage rifles have come through my local dealer, ordered from a wholesaler. However, guns are individuals. Using the same ammo used in another gun, you cannot always expect the same accuracy. You might try another brand that would do even better. That is why I always try as many brands as I can get my hands on. You have to experiment a bit. That is where handloaders have an advantage. Altering the powder charge or bullet seating depth slightly can make a dramatic change, and two rifles built on the same day will usually prefer different loads. Besides all this, there are also differences in scopes and mounts. Many times a rifle is blamed for lacking in accuracy, when a scope has a slight internal movement. It has happened to me often. I think that, although 1.5 inch accuracy is not bad, with a little experimenting, you can cut that in half with your rifle. Gather up a variety of quality ammunition, keep the bore clean, use a quality scope, and see what she will do. Keep me posted.
Jeff
Jeff - you've advised of the need to use holsters for certain pocket pistols (e. g., my Glock 26 - I certainly understand your warning), but have mentioned carrying certain "hammerless" revolvers in the pocket without the need for the holster. I'm a neophyte - please explain - is it because of the heavier pull on the revolver, or is there another reason?
Jeffrey
July 16, 2010
Yes, the long heavy pull on a revolver makes it much harder to accidentally discharge than the relatively light, short pull on a Glock 26.
Jeff
Hello, I read one of your articles about
being ready for a disaster and having all of your gear ready to
go. So I was wandering what your opinion be for a good
backpack?
Isaac
June 20, 2010
I have not tried a backpack. I use a military LC-1 harness with a web belt. It holds a lot of stuff, but I think that a good backpack might be better.
Jeff
Hey Jeff,
My Name is Mike I was wondering what do you think about Obama and the second amendment. Do you think he will ban guns all together? Or will our gun founded nation stand up and fight against it? My right to bear arms I know will not go down without a fight! What about you? Hey and by the way I like your beard It give you and Old Texas Style look! Pretty cool! Thanks,
Mike
June 7, 2010
Obama has stated in public that he wants to ban all semi-auto weapons. He cannot do it without help from Congress, and right now, he has a lot of problems already. If re-elected, I think he will try to get the ban on semi-auto weapons.
Jeff
Dear Jeff,
I love your site, extremely informative, and though its tough to find a truly bad review from you guys, I've yet to find a gun that I hated shooting either. I do wonder sometimes at the politics that you allow to enter your writing. For the most part, I understand entirely, I'm a white male that is either extremely radically political, or middle of the road, it depends on who you ask. My primary question for you is fairly subtle. You make no bones about your lack of support for a national "choice" option for health care, yet are a Christian man. Do you
really believe that Jesus would have let Blue Cross explain why the five thousand couldn't be fed? We are, by and large a Christian nation, and I think that's a good thing, yet, we are the last industrialized nation not to offer a national health care choice. Do you believe those ideals are
commensurate with one another? I don't remember Jesus doing a credit check before giving to the poor.
Either way, great site, keep the articles coming, and a review of the new Nikon scope system would be awesome.
Aric
May 27, 2010
I am not sure what Jesus would do. Many in our culture confuse health care with health care
insurance. No one has to buy health care insurance
(although they will under the new law). It is the insurance that Blue Cross sells, not health care. I am free to pay my doctor for
his/her services out of my own pocket. Folks pay companies like Blue Cross to assume the financial risk for them, just as we pay companies like Allstate to assume the financial risk of having an auto accident. Many in our culture feel "entitled" to other people's money, that we should take from those who work to pay for things for those who do not. I think that Jesus would be pleased if I took my money and gave it to some poor family, but how does it please our Lord for the government to steal my money and give it to some poor family? God has the power to give as much as He wants to whomever He wants. Jesus
said: "The poor you have with you always". If I steal from Bill Gates to buy something that I want, that is a crime, but if the government steals it for me, that is called compassion. The government is us, all of us. If it is not right for me to steal, it is not right for us to steal. I live in a country where I am free to work and earn money to buy what I need and want. So are you. If you choose to spend your money on a bigger house than mine, or a better car, then why should I have to buy your health insurance? If I choose to spend all of my money on guns, why should I demand that the government steal your money to buy health insurance for me? How about this idea: Each free man and woman works for
their money, and spends it as they choose? As you stated, there are many places in which to live that the government will tax you heavily, and then provide you with "free" government health care. Why screw up the best health care system in the world, just to be like everyone else? Health care here is expensive, because it is what we want. If our leg itches, we want someone to look inside with a multi-million dollar machine, but to not charge us for the service. We want drug companies to spend billions of dollars and years of research to make us the latest feel-good drug, but then call them evil for wanting to make a profit on that huge investment. We want the evil oil companies to spend millions of dollars every day to provide us a reliable source of power for our cars, but scream loudly that they make nine cents per gallon on gas, then say nothing about our government making 42 cents on that same gallon of gas, without ever lifting a finger nor investing a penny. They reach and take a larger share, but we curse the man who makes the product for us. Be patient, Sir. We are quickly becoming just like all the other nations on Earth. We are more socialized every day. Personally, I think that Jesus must be both hurt and disgusted at us. We steal from our
brethren, kill our babies, and pay subsidies for slothfulness and unwed reproduction. We pay people to not work. The major source of income for women in our inner cities is a check paid for each fatherless child. We pay farmers to not grow food. We pay women to murder their unborn children. We spend more on dog food than on feeding our neighbors. Then, when a man or a company tries to make a product and turn a profit, we demand that his product be given to us for free, for that is our right. I appreciate your comments, and really do not know what Jesus would do. There is an excellent chance that you are right and I am wrong. Thankfully, Jesus does not ask my opinion, nor
condemn me for my faults. His grace is beyond understanding, and His
forgiveness of the things which Man does to his fellow-man is never-ending.
Jeff
Jeff..... I note in your recent posting that Rossi will now offer a very reasonably priced, .45 colt Mare's Leg, built on the 1892 model.
Because the Mare's Legs on the market were all in the $1.200.00 range, I bought a Rossi Model R92-57006, in .45 Colt, a few months ago, for about $500. I'm very happy with the gun. My question... if I found a gun smith to cut off the stock to the length of a Mare's Leg, would it be legal? Will the stock withstand being cut off? Thanks.
Chuck
May 26, 2010
It will violate the NFA of 1934, and can get you five years in a Federal prison. Don't do it.
Jeff
Hi Jeff, I am having a tough time trying to make a decision on getting a Ruger P90 or the
P345, if you have any experience with these two guns what's your opinion on them, and how do they compare.
Mike
May 26, 2010
Both are excellent weapons. If carrying
concealed, the P345 is more compact and lighter weight. The P90 is
an excellent 45, one of the strongest available, but it is pretty
bulky for concealed carry.
Jeff
Some forums say the Glock
36 is a "Girl Gun" What do you say to that? I disagree as it's nowhere near the "girl gun" a LCP is but millions of MEN carry that(including me).
What's your opinion on the Glock 39? It's the same size as the 26,27, and 33. Which is smaller than the 30 and 36. And has .45 power, but only 6 rounds. I'd really like one of each pocket Glock but that would cost too much. I want something concealable but would stop the "bad guy" in one shot.
Mark
May 26, 2010
There is no such thing as a girl gun. That is
just BS spouted by armchair commandos who want to appear to be
more masculine. Shoot and carry what you want.
There is no handgun that can be concealed and
guarantee a one-shot stop. The 39 is a good weapon, but the future
looks dim for the 45 GAP cartridge. My choice of those three would
be the 26, loaded with Cor-Bon DPX ammo.
Jeff
Your thoughts on what you feel is a good CCW for a female? Thanks for your input.
Elaine
May 3, 2010
Same as for a male. It must first of all be small enough and light enough that it will ALWAYS be with you. A 45 is nice, but if you can't reach it, it is of no use to you. Something that seems to work well for everyone is a small, lightweight 38 Special revolver, like a S&W 642, a Charter Undercover, or a
Ruger LCR. Whatever you get, make sure it is what YOU want. Do not be intimidated by some gun store commando who knows everything. Any handgun is a compromise. If you know you are heading for a fight, carry a 12 gauge shotgun. The handgun is what we carry because it is convenient. We can have it with us as we go about our daily lives. Get what is comfortable for you, practice with it, keep it within reach, and keep me posted on your progress.
Jeff
Hi Jeff,
I really enjoy your website. Lots of terrific information. I know you're busy so I won't take much of your time and my question is this. I was given two boxes of CorBon ammunition in 40 S&W. It's the 135 grain cartridge and my question to you: is this round too light? I know the muzzle velocity and energy are pretty high, but I wonder and worry about getting enough penetration. My concealed carry gun is a SIG P229 with a 3.9 inch barrel. According to SIG anyway. I realize you probably don't like to give advice on what cartridge or bullet weight to carry, but I truly would appreciate your input.
Thank you for your time, and have a terrific day.
Best wishes,
Michael
March 14, 2010
That ammo is an excellent choice for self defense.
Jeff
Hello Jeff, I am looking for a new or used revolver. Biggest stumbling block in choosing is caliber choice. I am looking at .357 and .44 Rem mag as options. I currently carry a
Glock 22 and 27 as weapons for work and personal carry but this will be my first revolver to own. I have shot numerous other revolvers: .22LR, .38, .357 and a 44mag
Redhawk. The purpose of the revolver is for hiking and hunting and the locale for my expeditions is Wyoming. I am looking for a revolver with a 3-6" barrel for the lighter weight paired with more accuracy than a stub nose offers. Also, this gun will be carried in cold weather and I will likely wear gloves while carrying it so the small framed guns are inappropriate
choices. I have looked at the SW 327PD in .357 and like the fit and capacity of 8 rounds. I also like the SW 629 Classic in 44mag. but am unsure if I really need to sacrifice the capacity for a larger capacity. A .25 inch hole where you want it, is going to be better than a half inch hole over a bears shoulder... I am a fan of Speer Gold Dot hollowpoints and will likely use them as my primary ammo. Is there a need for the larger caliber, or will .357 suffice? I imagine the maximum ranger I will need the gun is at 50 yards. Oh yeah, I am young, fit, 5'11", 170 pounds, and have XL hands, so the large revolvers
aren't a problem for fit. What caliber do you recommend, and what model or make?
Thank you,
Jeremy
March 10, 2010
There are many good choices available, and the .357 will do most anything that needs doing with a revolver. However,
for a large bear, the .44 is better. The S&W Mountain Gun is just about ideal for what you need. If large bears will be in the area, I would carry it loaded with some good hard cast or tough jacketed bullets. Even the
Belt Mountain Punch Bullet would be very useful, and guarantee the deepest penetration. You can buy the Punch factory loaded by
Grizzly Cartridge Company.
Jeff
I carry a concealed pistol in an inside-the-waistband holster just to the right of my belt buckle, with my shirttail out and covering it. Small .380s, a
Rohrbaugh 9mm, and a S & W Model 36 w/ 3" barrel work fine in this manner. I am interested in a Kimber .45 ACP Ultra Carry II. Do you believe this little 1911-style .45 would be too big for this type of carry?
Thanks much,
Gary
February 19, 2010
Depends upon your body. It seems to me that sitting down would be a problem. Also, I would not want a .45 pointing in the direction of my wedding tackle. Hurts to even think about it.
Jeff
Jeff, I noticed your advice to a guy wanting to arm his gal -- find a gun that she's pleased with and can handle -- and just wanted to add my two cents.
I'll turn 60 this year and my wife and I will celebrate our 31st anniversary. I've taken her shooting many times, outings she's enjoyed, but she's a machine-hostile person who has issues even with can openers and is quite uncomfortable handling firearms alone, forgetting even the basics of safe handling. Did I mention that she's a teacher?
While I love her dearly, she does not have a firearm, but does have some pepper spray, although I leave the room whenever I see her move that
canister from one purse to another. Her relative defenseless situation concerns me because I do spend much of my time out-of-state, but, fortunately, my daughter and son did not inherit this gene and are capable, competent, and prepared when it comes to home and personal defense.
For about a decade I've been a gun-booster; I encourage folks to take up shooting by giving a basic gun-handling lesson in conjunction with trips to the
local NRA range. It's a great range because one must pass a written test before shooting there for the first time, and the range personnel are first-rate: attentive and pro-active.
I've been successful: of the 20 co-workers I've taken shooting, all but one have gone on to purchase their own firearms, and three females have gone on to get their CWPs.
What I've learned is that handgun choice is quite personal. When I take folks to the range, I bring along a .40 S&W semiautomatic pistol, .38 Spl snubby, a .357 revolver with 4" barrel, and a Bushmaster 5.56 carbine for variety. The gals generally are not big fans of the pistol and carbine, they complain about the auto ejection. Two who went on to get CWPs ended up with S&W .38 Spl concealed hammer snubbies in black (despite Charter Arms and Taurus marketers offering a range of shades, both independently said that "black goes with everything") with Crimson Trace and trigger jobs.
But the hoot was the one co-worker, a mid-fifties big gal, daughter of cop who'd previously only fired long guns. She liked the heft of the .357 quite a bit more than the concealability of the .38 snubby two years ago when I first took her shooting. So when I got my
Taurus Judge (blued with 3" cylinder and 3" barrel) last summer, I took her to the range one Friday at lunchtime to try it out. (The NRA range allows only .45 LC, not shot shells). She loved it so much she called around and bought one the next day (at Loudon Guns, in Leesburg, VA), a Saturday. She encountered a bit of resistance from the sales guy who asked, for good reason, I suppose, if she was sure that was what she really wanted. Her response was such that he promptly got the gun, the case, and a variety of ammunition along with cleaning supplies faster than, as you might say, a Bud disappears at a biker rally. Soon after she got her CWP and has become a member of a range near her home.
The Lord moves in mysterious ways, no?
One final point: while I consider the .38 Spl the smallest round capable of doing the job with one shot, I do find that my S&W Airweight snubby with Crimson Trace grip a bit too large to carry under some circumstances and am considering a semiauto .380 ACP. I have tried a friend's Ruger LCP and do like it except, for some strange reason, in my hands the magazine pops out after two or three rapid shots, even after trying several variations in holding the durn thing while someone else watches what I'm doing. (I consumed a precious 50-round box in trying to avoid this problem.) Somehow I'm hitting the magazine release. So I'm still looking...
I thoroughly enjoy your well-reasoned opinions, perceptive reviews, and perspicacious outlook on life. May you continue to enlighten and enrage for many decades more!
Mike - Columbia, SC
January 23, 2010
Thanks for that insightful feedback. I have trimmed down the height (the amount of protrusion) of the mag release on my LCP and my Kel-Tecs for that reason, leaving just enough of a "bump" to drop the magazine when I deliberately want to do so. I never had the problem of releasing during shooting, but sometimes the mag would be released in my pocket, when I bumped up against something.
Jeff
I have looked at the Judge 410/45 for my wife for protection in the house but I think it is to big for her to handle do you think it is. I saw A small 3 shot revolver would you know what that might be and would that be better for her?
Randy
January 9, 2010
Not knowing your wife, that is hard to say. Keep in mind that a larger, heavier handgun has less felt recoil. Take her to a gun store and let her handle a few, to find the gun with which SHE is the most comfortable. It needs to have adequate power, and be something in which she has total confidence. The Judge is a good choice, properly loaded, but if she prefers an all-steel .38 or .357, that will also be a good choice.
Jeff
I am a father of five kids and am getting back into fire arms and hunting because some of my children are showing an interest (the girls, not the two older boys). I have always used hand loads when I use to shoot and have recently been reading postings alluding to legal liability in regard to using hand loads. What do they mean specifically? To me it is as important to teach a kid to make their own hand loads as to hunt or shoot.
Billy in PA
January 8, 2010
I handload just about everything that I shoot. I would not worry about the legal liability. That opinion is voiced by some, in the event that you have to shoot a person in defense, that a jury could be talked into believing that you assembled some ammo with "extra killing power".
Jeff
I have an XD45 and read your page before I purchased. It fires all the 230 gr. I have tried, but I have had no luck with Laser Cast 200 gr. LSWC. I have double checked that I am not crimping the loads, and the seating depth is correct.
When firing this bullet, I have experienced "stove piping"; failure of the slide to go all the way forward to where I need to hit the back of the slide with my palm to be able to fire. I have even experienced the case not being extracted from the chamber.
My local gun dealer says because of the design of the barrel tipping up on extraction then the follow on round will catch the shoulder on the previous round.
You stated in your article that the most accurate load was your hand load using the 200 gr LSWC.
Do you have any suggestions? I figure I will just fire 230 gr round nose or factory loads.
Thanks for your time.
Mark
December 28, 2009
Yes. I learned this many, many years ago. You need a taper crimp die, done in a
separate step after bullet seating. Not a Lee "factory crimp", not a roll crimp, a genuine taper crimp die. It will fix the problem of the slide not going completely into battery. It will fix the problem of the empty case catching on the next cartridge in the magazine. I had these same problems. The taper crimp die is the answer.
Jeff
I am new to your forum.
I have recently acquired a very basic, inexpensive Winchester .22 single shot rifle the Model 67A. I know its not normally the type of arm your Q/A focus on but I'd appreciate the advice. The gun is 100% original from what I can tell, the metal is all in good shape but the bluing on the barrel/action is about 70%. It's all more brown than blue. No scratches, no rust, bright shiny bore. Trigger guard, fore-stock screw and "bolt" cocking device are about 98% blue. The stock is 100% and is actually an interestingly figured stock for the quality/model of gun. Nicer than I've ever seen on a 67 which is why I bought it. I paid slightly less than it's worth in today's market, and I didn't have one in my collection yet. My question is, given the uniqueness of the stock and overall condition of the gun, is it worthwhile to have the barrel re-blued by a professional using a method/color period-correct for Winchester, which would make the gun look perfect or would you suggest I keep it 100% original. Having a nice example of this model for my collection is more important to me than having a shooter, and I don't want to put more $$ in it than it's worth. Finding a perfect 67 single shot in 100% is difficult, and those I have seen are going for about $200 more than what I have into this one.
Thanks
Jay
November 9, 2009
If it was mine, I would put the money into ammunition to run down that perfect bore, and leave the exterior as is. I like a gun with a little character.
Jeff
On the review of the LG-431 laser sight for the Ruger
LCP, you show a leather pocket holster from Simply Rugged. I went to that site and they show a holster for the LCP, but do not give any information about different sizes that will fir the LCP with the laser sight installed.
Can you please tell me the model number of the holster shown in the picture so I can order one?
Ross
November 8, 2009
There is no model number for it, but email or call, and tell them that you want one for the LCP with laser, just like they built for me. Rob Leahy builds each one by hand, and can make anything that you need.
Jeff
Hello Boge,
I recently purchased a Walther PPS 40 and I'm wanting to purchase an IWB holster for it. You're built about like me judging from your website. I'm 6'5" & 300lbs. What is your favorite IWB holster for a small semi-auto like the Walther?
Soli Deo Gloria,
John
October 28, 2009
John,
I rarely use IWB holsters myself, as there's too much of me already in there and I don't have room for a weapon (GRIN). I like a
Simply Rugged pancake, which can be purchased with "inside-out" straps as shown in the article that allow the holster to be used as an IWB holster. The Simply Rugged holster can even be used with their
"Chesty Puller" chest holster,
as shown here. A VERY versatile rig, and an excellent value for the dollar. Plus
Rob Leahy, owner of Simply Rugged, is a good guy.
Jeff also likes the Cross Breed SuperTuck IWB
holster. It looks like a comfortable and stable rig, but I haven't tried it myself.
Boge
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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
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