http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/RSS.ashxAmerican Handgunner March/April 2010 PagesFri, 11 Feb 2011 20:09:32 +0100http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=1http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=1AYOOB: hOmeOwner vs . BurglAr $5.95 OUTSIDE US $9.50 MARCH/APRIL 2010 ® RTF GLOCK 22 FISTFUL OF. What’s NeW What’s Hot 40 reloaDINg ammo Taffin: ColT’s ComebaCk! ultimate 1911 Accoutrement Sixgunner: FNH .40 Pistolsmithing: DroP-IN PartS taffin tests: Iver JoHNSoN A S& W Thu nder Ranc h Revo lver! Win FocuS A SwenSon TribuTe2011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=2http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=2Super Hawg.Super Shooter Super Hawg Pictured: Single-Action, Only the SUPER HAWG from Para delivers: • Six-Inch .45 ACP Long Slide You get more velocity and more sight radius with the six-inch match grade ramped barrel and less felt recoil. • Super Reliability Our exclusive, patented Power Extractor™ has a 50% larger claw to make this 1911 run flawlessly every shot. • Super Targeting You need to see your front sight even in low light conditions. The fiber optic front sights lets you zero in on your target. • Super Durability Get a grip that you can hang on to with front strap checkering. Hawg-tough all weather stainless steel is corrosion resistant. • Super Choice – Single Stack or High Capacity The Super Hawgs are the Best 1911s you can own and they come in either 8-round or 14-round .45 ACP models. • Become a Super Hawg… Super Shooter Today See your Para dealer, or call Para USA at (704) 930-7600. (Also available in high capacity,) 10620 Southern Loop Blvd., Pineville, NC 28134 Phone: (704) 930-7600 www.para-usa.com/super19112011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=3http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=3LIGHT, FAST AND ACCURATE. ® BUILT FOR AMERICA’S FORCES. BUILT FOR YOU. www.fnhusa.com/FIVESEVENlight32011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=4http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=4Cover Photo: Chuck Pittman, Inc. Volume 34 • Number 2 • Issue 204 2010 MARCH • APRIL 48 a swenson tribute gun ROyHUNtINGtON JohnHarrison’sstunningsalutetothegreatmaster. FEATURES 48 66 reloading reVelations DAVEANDERSON It’stimeforyoutotaketheplunge! 50 Handgun ammo JOHNCONNOR What’snew,what’shotandwhatworks. 68 blades oF battle PAtCOVERt theexcitingnewdesignsofSpartanBlades. 52 Colt’s ComebaCk JOHNtAFFIN BigJohntestssome1911s—fromColt! 70 sierra and starline JOHNtAFFIN Familycompaniesthatdeliverthegoods. 56 gloCk 22 rtF MASSADAyOOB HasGlocksucceededintheirquestforperfection? 74 tHe lst gaboon RICHARDMANN Anewlooktothe1911? 62 ultimate 1911 aCCoutrement MIKE“DUKE”VENtURINO Whosaysyoudon’tneedatommygun? Available online only at americanhandgunner.com! tHe Client Africanadventuresandprofessionalinsights. SAMFADALA oPtiCs in tHe Field Whatdoyoureallyneedtoknowabouthuntingglass? SAMFADALA ExclusivE: mri’s miCro desert eagle Hotnewpocket.380! J.B.WOOD 4 62 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MARCH/APRIL20102011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=5http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=574 DEPARTMENTS 34 tHe aYoob Files MASSADAyOOB theHomeownerandtheBurglar:theGraham/ChambersShooting. 44 better sHooting DAVEANDERSON Associatewithwinners! 46 tHe siXgunner JOHNtAFFIN FNHFNP-40semiauto. 102 gunnYsaCk ROyHUNtINGtON 1911FixtureandZombietargets. COLUMNS 8 sPeak out 28 22 gunCrank diaries JOHNCONNOR 24 Handgun Hunting J.D.JONES 26 sHooting iron MIKE“DUKE”VENtURINO 28 realitY CHeCk CLINtSMItH 30 PistolsmitHing ALEXHAMILtON 32 Handloading JOHNtAFFIN 36 taFFin tests JOHNtAFFIN 38 CoP talk MASSADAyOOB 40 CarrY oPtions SAMMyREESE 42 winning edge DAVEANDERSON 114 tHe insider ROyHUNtINGtON 52 66 44 70 HANDGUN OF THE MONTH Check Out Web Blast For More Info, Videos And Pictures About Articles In Every Issue. JUStCLICKONtHEWEBBLAStICON! 68 ! N I W RESOURCES 105 Custom Corner 106 sPotligHt StEVEEVAtt 110 ad indeX 111 ClassiFieds AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM 76 Win this S&W Thunder Ranch Defensive Revolver! GOtO:www.amerICanhandgunner.Com/ ProduCtIndex.html FORCOMPLEtEPRODUCt INFOANDARtICLEANDMANUFACtURER’SLINKS! AMERICAN HANDGUNNER®(ISSN0145-4250)ispublishedbi-monthlybyPublishers’DevelopmentCorp.,12345WorldTradeDrive,SanDiego,CA92128.PeriodicalpostagepaidatSan Diego,CA92128,andatadditionalmailingoffices.Subscriptions:Oneyear(sixissues)$19.75.Singlecopies$5.95(inCanada$9.50).Changeofaddress:fourweeksnoticerequiredonall changes.Sendoldaddressaswellasnew.Contributorssubmittingmanuscripts,photographsordrawingsdosoattheirownrisk.Materialcannotbereturnedunlessaccompaniedbysufficient postage.Paymentisforallworldrightsforthematerial.Theactofmailingamanuscriptconstitutestheauthor’scertificationoforiginalityofmaterial.Opinionsexpressedarethoseofthebylined authorsanddonotnecessarilyrepresentthoseofthemagazineorit’sadvertisers.Advertisingratesfurnishedonrequest.Reproductionoruseofanyportionofthismagazineinanymanner, withoutwrittenpermission,isprohibited.EntirecontentsCopyright©2010Publishers’DevelopmentCorp.Allrightsreserved.Titletothispublicationpassestosubscriberonlyondeliverytohis address.SUBSCRIPTIONPROBLEMS:Forimmediateaction,writeSubscriptionDept.,12345WorldTradeDrive,SanDiego,CA92128. POSTMASTER: SendaddresschangestoAMERICAN HANDGUNNER®,12345WorldTradeDrive,SanDiego,CA 92128.WARNING: Firearms are dangerous if used improperly, and may cause serious injury or death. Due to the inherent variables in the reloading of metallic cartridges, verify all published loads with manufacturer’s data. Consult a professional gunsmith when modifying any firearm. Be a safe shooter! WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM 52011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=6http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=6Get Results with Products from Competition Electronics • NEW version 1.9 with improvements and added data export feature. Your data can now be exported to a spreadsheet program. • FREE download update from our website for those with older versions. board of directors Thomas von Rosen, CEO; Thomas Hollander; Randy Moldé; Marjorie Young PUblisher & editor Roy Huntington Large Shooting Area Managing Editorial Assistant Stephanie Jarrell Editorial Assistant Kerin Van Hoosear Design Director Lisa Stahlhut Production Manager Kevin Lewis Web Site Manager Lorinda Massey Promotions Coordinator Elizabeth O’Neill Advertising Sales Director Anita Carson Advertising Sales Assistant Dana Hatfield Staff Photographer Joe Novelozo John Morrison Jeremy Clough Mike “Duke” Venturino John Taffin Sammy Reese, BCP Massad Ayoob Dave Anderson Mark Hanten Dave Douglas Clint Smith J.D. Jones Patrick Covert Alex Hamilton John Connor field editors contribUting editors Digital USB Interface Accessory for the ProChrono Digital Chronograph Part # CEI-3810 $49.95 This accessory provides you with everything needed to connect the ProChrono Digital Chronograph to a computer and expand it’s functionality with the included software program. Now a PC can be used to operate the chronograph as well as collect and manage the data it provides. It has many useful applications both at home or on the range. It is compatible with all ProChrono Digital Chronographs. (part # CEI-3800). Part # CEI-3800 $119.95 Measures the velocity of your loads to verify their performance, a must when you need to shoot accurately! Accuracywithin 1%. Range of operation- 25 to 7000 ft/sec. Mounts on a camera tripod. 9 volt battery powered (not included). Review of shots, high, low, extreme spread, and standard deviation. ProChrono Digital Chronograph fmg PUblications americanhandgunner.com Publisher & Editor: Roy Huntington Advertising: Steve Evatt, (800) 533-7988 e-mail: steve@americanhandgunner.com americancopmagazine.com Editor: Suzi Huntington Advertising: Denny Fallon, (800) 426-4470 e-mail: denny@americancopmagazine.com Delano Amaguin, (888) 732-6461 e-mail: delano@americancopmagazine.com gunsmagazine.com Editor: Jeff John Advertising: Andrew Oram, (866) 903-1199 e-mail: andrew@gunsmagazine.com shootingindustry.com Publisher & Editor: Russ Thurman Advertising: Anita Carson, (866) 972-4545 e-mail: anita@shootingindustry.com Special editionS fmgpublications.com Editor: Sammy Reese Advertising: Scott McGregor, (800) 553-7780 e-mail: scott@americanhandgunner.com Todd Jarrett “The Pocket Pro is the fastest way to see results at the range.” Pocket Pro II Shot Timer Part # CEI-4100 $59.95 Eliminates light bulbs with a patented electronic design. Use your ProChrono indoors with the NEW AND IMPROVED lighting setup. This durable, compact unit provides optimum lighting with a simple setup. Operates on 110 volt household current, or 24 volts DC. Please call or visit our website for more information and special offers. ProChrono Indoor Lighting System oNLiNE ADvErtiSiNG MANAGEr: Tracy Moore, (888) 651-7566; Fax: (858) 605-0205; tracy@fmgpublications.com CLASSifiED ADvErtiSiNG: Lori Robbins, (800) 633-8001, Fax: (858) 605-0247, classads@fmgpublications.com fMG EASt CoASt SALES: Sig Buchmayr, Buchmayr & Associates 28 Great Hill Rd., Darien, CT 06820; (203) 662-9740, sigbuch@optonllin.net. NAtioNAL ADvErtiSiNG: 12345 World Trade Dr., San Diego, CA, 92128; (866) 972-4545; Fax: (858) 605-0211; anita@shootingindustry.com www.americanhandgunner.com SuBSCriPtioN SErviCES: . (858) 605-0253 Express Service: www.americanhandgunner.com and click “contacts” EDitoriAL: . (858) 605-0243 e-mail: . editor@americanhandgunner.com ProDuCtioN: . (858) 605-0219 e-mail: . production@americanhandgunner.com BooKS/MErCHANDiSE: . (888) 732-2299 e-mail: . rachelle@fmgpublications.com General Counsel/Legal Affairs: . Steele N. Gillaspey e-mail: . sng@g-glaw.com CuStoMEr SErviCE Part # CEI-4700 (blue) $129.95 Part # CEI-4705 (tan2011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=7http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=72011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=8http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=8SPEAKOUT Little Lucy YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE Duke’sarticleaboutLittleLucy(Shooting Iron,Jan/Feb2010)—andthefacthandgunnerwouldoffer thespaceforitattheexpenseoftakingcareofadvertisers—speaksloudlyforbothourshooting fraternityandyourcommitmenttothe“family”whomakesupourbiggerfamilyofshooters,huntersand gunowners.Myhatisofftoyouall.OrshouldIsay,“toallofus”? RonKimberton Viae-mail Helping Little Lucy in one word. If you’d like to donate hard cash to help out, send it to: Shiloh Rifle Manufacturing, PO Box 279, Big Timber, MT 59011. They are keeping the fund alive and making sure Little Lucy gets the money for her treatment. According to Lucy’s father, she has been going to NYC for an “experimental” treatment Readers who would like to follow Lucy’s and after three treatments she seems to progress can visit this Web site: www. be reacting positively. He said she is PACT_postxmas_09_fixed.pdf 12/16/08feeling 9:04:18 AM and behaving like a normal caringbridge.org and then go to the “visit good a person” part and type in lucywaldeisen three-year old. He also said she is just The photographs — Lucy’s eyes break your heart. Is there a fund set up somewhere where loutish old brutes can contribute to helping the family? Bill Harkins Blue Springs, MO as much a “sweetheart in reality” as she looks in those photos. Lucy’s family is touched by the help they have received from shooters everywhere. RH “Shoot Back First” — RH’s response to a letter from GySgt Eric D. Smith (Speak Out, Jan/Feb 2010) was spoton. My tactical instructor in the USAF during Vietnam always said something Shoot Back First 8 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MARCH/APRIL20102011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=9http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=9Incredibly lean and lightweight, the new Taurus 709 Slim comes ready to fight with the best in Taurus innovation, performance and design including the Taurus SA /DA trigger system and “Strike Two” capability. It’s just what you’ve been asking for. An 8-round 9mm powerhouse manufactured from the ground up to give you the advantage in any situation. No Revealing Lumps or Lines The thinnest 9mm in its class. Clean, flat lines keep the Slim hidden under the lightest T-shirts or polos. www.TaurusUSA.com FREE one-year NRA membership with the purchase of any new Taurus fi rearm.2011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=10http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=10SPEAKOUT very similar to that. Kept me alive, I think. Nothing else worked. The series of “letters” from the past (Sixgunner, John Taffin, Jan/Feb 2010) reached a zenith for me that will be hard to pass after John Taffin’s treatment of Elmer Keith and the development of the .44 Magnum. I’ve often thought myself about how I’d like to write a letter to someone from “back then.” Do it some more! Jan Gerstner Delafield, WI Sighting-In I recently purchased a new handgun. What is the proper way to sight in the gun? Is there an article or brochure available. If the rear sight needs to be changed, what is the proper way to do this? Tom Strade Via e-mail Tom, I’ve asked Duke to do an article about it down the road. But to get you going, here are some basics. If you’re using a handgun with adjustable sights, move the rear sight in the direction you want your bullet holes to move. Hitting left on the target? Move the rear sight to the right. Each sight is different so simply experiment moving it “some” to see how it changes the point of impact. Hitting low? Move the rear sight up. There are many rear sight options available and some are easily changed by a novice. I’d say go to www.brownells. com to look at a wide variety of sights that may fit your guns. If your gun has fixed sights things get a bit more complicated. Duke will cover that in his article. RH No Expirations Here I was going to let my subscription expire because I didn’t think I could/ should afford it any longer, but I hung onto the “Preferred Discount Renewal” offer — just in case. Well, “just in case” happened when I received my latest issue today and realized how much I enjoy, and find value in it. I’m mailing in my renewal today. Your magazine is, in my opinion, the best one out there dealing with nearly all aspects of owning and using handguns. I’m a retired soldier who also managed to cram in nearly two decades as a state trooper in the northwest, but have now relegated all that to younger men and women. However, in mindset I’m still a sheep12/9/09 dog and an Oath-Keeper. 10:58:15 AM I find your writers to be top notch and especially like Massad Ayoob, Clint Smith and John Connor. Oh, and Your 10 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MARCH/APRIL20102011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=11http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=11Khaki Digital Foliage Camo Khaki Main compartment and hydration compartment can accept CCW accessories #0431 SITKATM GEARSLINGERTM NEW Main compartment and hydration compartment can accept CCW accessories #0432 KODIAKTM GEARSLINGERTM NEW Khaki Foliage Green Digital Foliage Camo Foliage Green Black #MX0413 S-TYPE JUMBOTM #MX0412 JUMBOTM Better for left-side carry Better for right-side carry Khaki2011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=12http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=12USA PROUD SPEAKOUT Editorship is no slouch either. Thanks for a great publication on handguns, a truly important part of our uniquely American culture and heritage that is under constant attack on many fronts — but must be preserved and defended no matter the cost. K.G. Hogge Via e-mail Thanks for your service, on both counts, Mr. Hogge, and for your support of what we’re doing here at Handgunner. We’ll continue to play hard and have fun enjoying what we all love — shooting, collecting and generally messing about with handguns! RH ©2010 0 B E N C H MA D E KN I F E CO. C O. OR E GON C I TY, T Y, OR , US A Roy’s Backyard Enjoyed your backyard gun-fun in that video you did on the Springfield Armory custom guns (“A Custom XDm Duo,” July/Aug 2009). What I like about it is I get to see an actual pistol in someone’s hands. When a guy sees all the latest offerings out there today online we never know just how they will fit the hand, especially if they are double stack pistols. Things like feel, how do they fit the hand, weight and trigger pull are not known when you see a lot of the new stuff online. I live on a Island and don’t have a store close by where I can get the feel of pistols. Thanks for inviting us into your backyard, and for helping me to actually see those pistols in “real” life. Great stuff! Lonnie T. Via e-mail Lonnie is talking about our online Web Blast features offering additional photos and editorial and/or streaming video to accompany articles in our print edition. Just look for the green “Web Blast” icon, then go to www. americanhandgunner.com and click on Web Blast to find more fun. Watch for more fun in Roy’s Backyard. Visit Us At SHOT Booth#1925 755 MPR a thing of beauty TITANIUM MO N O-LO C K M390 SUPER S T E E L I’m beginning to believe the “pink parts” (The Whinery in our Speak Out sections) are among the most entertaining parts of the magazine! People like Dennis Bachlet and Ol’ Josh Stern remind me of Chester B. Riley on the old Life Of Riley radio program, when he’d say “Don’t confuse me with facts, my head is already made up.” The really sad part is that Josh apparently has a child. Given Josh’s own words, I can only say the poor kid sure doesn’t have much of a role model WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MARCH/APRIL2010 The Pink Parts 122011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=13http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=132011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=14http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=14SPEAKOUT in his old man. I also remind myself it’s Californian intellect like Josh’s that has inflicted the likes of Pelosi, Boxer, Feinstein, et-al, on the rest of the nation. Obama did do one positive thing for my own state, however. He hired the county executive who had nearly bankrupted our county, for a high level job in HUD. The anti-gun Seattle police chief, whose gun was stolen from his car, is now the national drug czar. This is the same guy who then immediately proclaimed on national TV that 90-percent of the guns used by the Mexican drug thugs are from US gun shows. Proven to be wrong, of course. So, by all means, keep us “in the pink” … and keep us laughing! Lee Fowble Edmonds, WA Lee, not everyone in the great state of California is an idiot, as I am reminded almost daily with reader mail from many of our constituents there. They beg to not be included in the unwashed gun-grabbing masses who have pretty much ruined the state. I remain convinced if you could excise San Francisco and most of LA you’d end up with a pretty cool place to live. They could build an underground railroad between them so nobody could escape. Call it LA Francisco maybe? RH .pdf 12/16/08 8:47:20 AM Aliens? Since you’ve proven yourselves to be staunch supporters of America and our way of life, I thought you might explain this to me. If you cross the North Korean border illegally, you get 12 years of hard labor. If you cross the Iranian border illegally, you are detained indefinitely. If you cross the Afghan border illegally, you are shot. If you cross the Turkish border, you spend the rest of your life in prison. But if you cross the US border illegally, you get: A driver’s license, Social Security Card, Welfare, Food Stamps and free health care. Oh well sure … that makes perfect sense. Name withheld by request Via e-mail Laughs Last In today’s shaky economic times, it’s 11/12/09 9:55:58 AM nice to be able to get a two-for-one deal on a great handgun periodical. I pay one cover price and get what I feel are two magazines worth of content! I’ve read quite a few gun mags, from my early teens until now, although “now” is only my late 20s! While many have been 14 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MARCH/APRIL20102011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=15http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=15Pure Adrenaline from Smith & Wesson. Burn through all the ammunition you want with the new M&P15-22. The authentic Military & Police™ .22LR design accepts most after-market mil. std. accessories, plus costs a lot less to feed. Get your hands on one for some serious fun. Engineered and built in the U.S.A. smith-wesson.com NASDAQ: SWHC2011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=16http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=16EQUAL Reliable Feeding Reduced Penetration Excellent for Close Quarter Security Perfect For Civilian Use Are Not Created ALL BULLETS SPEAKOUT informative, none have provided the laughs yours has. It’s like the difference between the “Charlie Brown” teachers (you know . “blah, blah, blah, blah, blah”) and the really cool ones. Both can get the job done, but you know which one is going to stick in your memory. I’m not a subscriber, but for a good reason. I discovered Handgunner one day in the magazine rack at the busy pharmacy where I work, the first time I’d ever seen a gun book there. I work in a pretty, ugh, “progressive” area. I figure as long as I keep buying your book there, they’ll keep stocking it there. And with them stocking it there, maybe some of those “progressives” might pick it up and catch some much-needed education, like one of Connor’s excellent columns on the Second Amendment. Kyle Peterson Via e-mail Premier Products from 605.347.4544 • 800.626.7266 corbon.com Massad Ayoob’s report of the incident at Fairchild AFB (Ayoob Files, Jan/ Feb 2010) was the most intense I have read in a long, long time. It will also provide substantial material for contemplative thought for quite a while. Kudos to Mr. Ayoob and thanks to American Handgunner for providing a platform for his column. C. E. Voigtsberger Ventura, CA The timing of that article was stunningly accurate and gave us all a moment wondering about fate and such. We had that edition to bed long before the shooting occurred at Fort Hood. If only those men and women had been allowed to have the firearms they had been trained to use — to fight back. I think it’s ridiculous to have our military unarmed, regardless of their location. RH Premonition? .30 Carbine Vs. Rats Duke’s article on the .30 carbine as a handgun-replacement (“.30 Carbine Combo Guns,” Nov/Dec 2009) took me back to an incident of my high school years and a guy who had an M2 carbine. A group of friends and our fathers would go to the county dump at night to spotlight rats — a fast, furious and elating shooting game. And, exactly what it sounds like, spotters with lights would climb to vantage points and look for rats amid the trash piles. Shooters would then use handguns and handheld flashlights to try to dispatch the rats. When a rat was spotted, our favored tactic was to run and jump after it, 16 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MARCH/APRIL20102011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=17http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=17shooting madly at the beast until it succumbed, escaped, or the gun emptied. Like I said, exhilarating! Instead of a handgun like the rest of us, M2-guy had a full-auto M2 carbine and a penchant for shooting 30 rounds per trigger pull. Since he used mil-surp ammo, he also favored tracer rounds, and the effect could be truly spectacular! On one shoot, my Dad was behind us, spotting, when M2-guy saw a rat run up the trash pile Dad was on. M2-guy whirled around and cut loose 30 tracers, starting at the bottom of the pile and rising toward Dad! I never knew Dad was so athletic — he did a back-flip off the pile and landed on his feet running. Dad said the visual affects of those tracers rising through the air toward him, bouncing and tumbling after striking the trash pile, was like nothing he had ever seen before, or wanted to see again! Of course, M2-guy was no longer invited to our rat shoots. Mark Crampton Via e-mail I’ve been a big fan of the American Handgunner Web site for some time now, and when I saw Editor Huntington asking for feedback for the Web Blast section of the Web site, I thought I’d drop you guys a line. The only negative thing I have to say about it is you don’t publish enough videos on the site! It’s great fun to watch experts review and test firearms many of us don’t have the opportunity to shoot. Although I enjoy a wide variety of guns, I particularly like high-end pistols and all the bells and whistles that go with them. I live in Finland, and the gun laws are getting ridiculous as we speak. There’s a lot of political pressure on decision makers to ban all handguns due to two recent school shootings. Obviously the culprits were deranged and should never had been issued carry permits, still the media is labeling we gun owners as the bad guys in an effort to justify a flat-out handgun ban. Since then the procedure for getting a new handgun license is more or less like this: In order to get a permit for a handgun you need to get a health certificate from a doctor saying you are mentally fit to own a handgun; be able to prove you have practiced a shooting sport regularly (we’re not allowed to have any guns for self defense); supervised at a shooting club for at least a year (which is near to impossible if you don’t own a gun); agree to an interview (more like an interrogation) done by at least two police officers simultaneously; and pay a fee of 68 Euros (about $100) per application, which means every gun WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM 17 More Roy’s BackYard2011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=18http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=18SPEAKOUT you want a license for. I wish you guys all the best and keep up the good work! Sincere regards from Finland — an American Handgunner and GUNS Magazine subscriber, Patrik H. Relander Via e-mail Patrik, thanks for your many kind words and your update on how bad the situation has gotten in Finland for gun owners. We’ll keep the fight going, we promise. I’ll bet Patrik might like to chat with some American gun owners so drop him a line if you have time. Oh, and there will be lots more from my “backyard” here! RH First, Best Guns I really appreciated your column about first, best guns (Insider, Jan/ Feb 2010) and reading it today has prompted this email because I no longer have that first and only gun my father gave me several decades ago. I have been actively searching for this longlost rifle for the past several years in every manner I can think of and after seeing your column today, I thought I might ask you and your impressive magazine for help. The rifle I seek is a Model 1915 Stevens Favorite lever action single shot in .22 LR. I believe it’s unique in a number of ways that would make it readily recognizable to any of your readers. First, it had a shortened, boylength stock on it. The front sight was a target type with an ivory bead. I believe it had a round barrel. The most recognizable aspect of this rifle is the silvercolored, nickel plated frame and lever. My grandfather had the metal plated when he took the gun into a shop to manufacture a new firing pin. I do not remember if any of the other metal components were plated but the lever and frame most distinctively were. The metal was not polished to be reflective but has a matte silver color. Sadly, I have been unable to locate any photos of this rifle in my family’s picture boxes and albums to use for further detail examination. I sold this gun in the mid 1970s, after getting married and being caught short of cash days before payday in Northeast Ohio. I do not know the buyer. A few years ago I decided I wanted to buy this gun back if it could be located. I have advertised in local newspapers, placed cards on gun store bulletin boards, searched gun sales online sites and asked numerous gun bloggers to promote my search through their blogs. Now it occurs to me to ask you and 18 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MARCH/APRIL20102011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=19http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=19American Handgunner magazine for help in locating this little rifle. If you could find a way to promote my search for this sentimental rifle, I would be deeply indebted. Nate McCord, Ogden, UT Via e-mail Well you guys, let’s see if we can help Nate out here and locate his “First, Best Gun.” Put the word out, and if we can find it, I’ll publish a picture of Nate, reunited with his little .22. And I know you all understand what that would mean to him. Let me know if you have any success, Nate. RH Little 1911s Fussy The article regarding Kimber ’s Raptor II pistols (“Birds of Prey,” Jan/Feb 2010) was well written with excellent photographs of the pistols, but lacked real world experience with the Ultra Raptor II 45 ACP with the 3" barrel. I purchased a blued version of this pistol with four extra KimPro magazines for daily carry. My son purchased a standard Ultra Carry pistol with the 3" barrel. Both of these pistols are not 100-percent reliable and will not run with and the brand of ammunition we have purchased. Each magazine full will result in at least one round failing to feed totally into battery and requires clearing. In addition we have experienced non-feeds with the slide locking open. These malfunctions have occurred with all brands of ammunition, including the Kimber-recommended Federal HydroShok loading. Both of these pistols and the magazines are scheduled to be fine-tuned by a competent gunsmith to see if the reli- ability can be increased where we feel safe carrying them. In the meantime we have reverted to carrying our fullsized 1911s that run 100-percent with just about any type of ammunition. My sense suggests the manufacturers do not submit production guns for testing, but rather select their submissions. Albert L. Chambers Via e-mail Albert, first off, we get standard production pistols from the major makers as test guns. Their marketing departments simply order production guns at our request, which gets sent to us from the production floor just like any other model would get shipped out. The problems you have encountered are not unusual for the tiny 1911s. But there are reasons, and they can be easily corrected. The guns all require a very firm hand-hold, wrist lock and WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM 192011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=20http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=20SPEAKOUT body platform to recoil against. Their tiny slides simply do not have the mass a full-sized gun has to store energy to cycle the gun reliably on their own. So, they need a rock-solid “wall” to lean against. This allows the energy of the fired round to cycle the slide fully to the rear to take advantage of the lesspowerful recoil spring, compressing it fully, then allowing it to snap home, chambering a round. I think you’ll find if you clean and oil your guns with a good quality lube, use clean, good quality ammo and help things along with an extremely firm and stable firing platform (locked wrist, elbow and shoulders forward), those guns will run fine. And that premature slidelock? A classic response to a less-firm grip. Give it a try and let me know how it works. Often, our test guns run 100-percent because we clean and lube them correctly, use good quality ammo and magazines and shoot them properly. Many shooters simply buy a handgun, a box of cheap reloads and go to the range. They are asking for trouble. RH launches a powerful, less-lethal inf lammatory agent at 90 MPH that instantly stops an assailant. See it in action at www.pepperblaster.com PepperBlaster™ fits most brands of 1911 pistols. Installation takes one minute without tools. Adjustable sight is included. .22 LR Conversion Kit offers premium 1911 night sights, magazines, grips, performance parts and refinishing in the high-tech KimPro II ® process. The Kimber Custom Shop™ I found these articles to be a great firearms history lesson — but I’m confused. The articles (Sixgunner, “Letters to Roy,” in the past three issues) starts with Dear Roy May 2, 1933 and April 3, 1936! Are these atually letters from Taffin to Huntington? How can this be? Roy Huntington, who is the current editor, and John Taffin can’t possibly be that old. Okay, maybe Taffin might be, now that I think of it, but surely not Roy? What am I missing? Please explain. Chuck Via e-mail We took some, uh … literary license as it were. I asked John to “write” me a few letters as if he had been around in those early years and knew those gents. John did a stand-up job, and all the historical parts are spot-on. As far as John being old enough to have “been there, done that” — well, it might be close. RH AmericAn HAndgunner ®welcomesletterstotheeditor.We reservetherighttoeditallpublishedlettersforclarityandlength. Duetothevolumeofmail,weareunabletoindividuallyansweryour lettersore-mail.Insendingalettertohandgunner,youagreeto providePublishersDevelopmentCorp.suchcopyrightasisrequired forpublishingandredistributingthecontentsofyourletterinanyformat.SendyourletterstoSpeak out, american handgunner,12345 WorldtradeDr.,SanDiego,CA92128;www.americanhandgunner. com;e-mail:ed@americanhandgunner.com. How’s That? KimPro® Tac-Mag® The ultimate .45 ACP magazine for any brand of mil-spec full size or compact 1911. Three quick-change bases. Stainless steel with Teflon-coated follower. For more information on Kimber products, please send $2 to: Kimber, Dept. 236 One Lawton Street, Yonkers, NY 10705, call (800) 880-2418 or visit www.kimberamerica.com PepperBlaster products not to be sold to minors or where prohibited by law. ©2008 Kimber Mfg., Inc. All rights reserved. 20 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MARCH/APRIL20102011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=21http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=212011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=22http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=22John Connor GUNCRANKDIARIES TM EXCUSES, ALIBIS, PITHY OBSERVATIONS & GENERAL EPHUS bout twice a year the Memsaab Helena and I carve time out of our Carnival of Chaos to do a thorough analysis of our safety and security situation. The phones are turned off and we allow no distractions. Yeah; we take it seriously, considering all threats, not just armed intruders. We talk, make notes on weapons, ammo and accessories, and do “walkthroughs” of threat-response tactics — for around the house, away from home, driving and working. To do any less, we agree, is like buying empty fire extinguishers: meaningless gestures in a game played for lives. Back when I was a cop, I questioned a badly wounded citizen who was confronted by two armed attackers, one with a knife, the other with an old Iver Johnson .22 revolver. Our citizen-victim was a legal concealed-carrier, and well armed. The way the goblins fumbled the first part of the encounter, he shoulda had every advantage over them. He never even cleared leather. At the hospital I learned why he lost that fight, his gun and nearly his life. “I really never imagined it would happen to me,” he wheezed, and his eyes still held true shock. By that point in my life I wasn’t surprised he had gone through the motions of “being prepared” while really being completely unprepared. I had seen too much of it already, even by fellow cops. Simply put, he had the hardware, but not the enabling software. Helena and I spend more time on possible scenarios and our human responses than we do on equipment. I recommend the practice to you, ‘cause I wanna see the Good Guys win. There’s not enough space in this magazine to thoroughly discuss safety and security from soup to nuts, so let me sound off on just one thing I feel strongly about, okay? Envision this scene: You’re awakened by a bump in the night; maybe tinkling glass. You jump up in your jammies — or in the buff — grab your Bedside Boomer and head for the hallway. Do you have a tactical light? Your cell phone? Now both your hands are full. How are you at turning doorknobs or switchin’ on lights with your toes? Punchin’ 9-1-1 with your nose? The home Defense Rig A The heart of a Home Defense Rig: A Level III SERPA holster and Xiphos weaponlight, by BLACKHAWK!. Now picture yourself rising again, this time quickly snapping or buckling on a sturdy, snug-fitting belt you’ve outfitted as sort of a “First Response Tool Chest.” Now you have both hands free until you choose to fill one with the right tool for the job. Your roscoe rides in a Level II or Level III activeretention holster; fast, but resistant to goblin-grabs if you wind up in a high-stakes wrestling match. Spare ammo is on your belt, not in a box in the closet. You have a strobing light and laser mounted on your gun, because carrying fewer separate tools makes sense, though you also have a backup tac-light on your belt — right there by your cell-phone. And you’re packin’ a less-lethal weapon like a PepperBlaster or JPX Jet Protector, right? You want some options other than 230-grain slugs or empty hands. Restraints are a good idea too — handcuffs or plastic zip-cuffs. If you do win the first round with an intruder, I can tell you from experience the longer they are un-shot the more convinced they become that you won’t shoot, especially after they’re disarmed. Sometimes they become dangerously stupid. Believe me; a securely shackled scumbag is easier to manage. If they get active with their legs or elbows, a stiff shot of pepper-snot can restore order and provide entertainment. For Helena and I, a stout fixed-blade knife rounds out the “necessaries” on a Home Defense Rig. Think of it as a “handgun retention device.” One pal of mine adds a whippy collapsible baton, and others carry TASERs or another form of electro-therapy. However you equip your belt, you’re better off than you were. of his staircase, he needed a hand free to unlatch the puppy-gate. He unconsciously tucked his Beretta 92 into the com2011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=23http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=23More pint-size protection than a POISON DART FROG. pistol and poison dart frog shown actual size the potent p238 SUBCoMpACt Reliable and accurate, with all-metal construction. Nature proves, when it comes to self-defense, size doesn’t matter. www.sigsauer.com/p2382011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=24http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=24J.D. Jones HANDGUNHUNTING TIPS, TECHNIQUES AND POLITICALINCORRECTNESS Evolution M Wildcatting W hy “wildcat” or shoot a wildcat cartridge when there are hundreds of factory cartridges to choose from? Performance is one answer. Maybe for more, or less performance — or just for the fun of it. It also wasn’t always that way. The .30-’03 (predecessor of the .30-’06) spawned a great number of cartridges, both wildcat and factory, which are now common. Rounds like the .22-250 wouldn’t be around if it wasn’t for the wildcatters. Even the WSM cartridges evolved from wildcats. Or, you may have an idea and with the proper expenditure of dollars you can find out if it’s worthwhile — or not. Often the final result is far from the original concept. Take for example the .475 JDJ which is simply a full length .45-70 opened up, with the case reformed to handle .475" diameter bullets. For practical purposes velocity with the same weight bullets are almost identical. I wanted to find out if there was any real difference between a 500 grain .458 and 500 grain .475 on animals. At that time the platform was a Contender and both gave a 500-grainer about 1,600 fps. Eventually this case was shortened to become the .475 Linebaugh revolver cartridge. Next it was further shortened to become the .480 Ruger. Many bullets were developed for it and now the 400 grain .475 revolver bullets work exceptionally well at the higher velocities of the .475 JDJ for lighter game in the deer/black bear category. Did it work better than the .45 caliber? After shooting a lot of Asian buffalo with them I thought I saw a tiny bit of edge to the larger diameter bullet, but not enough I could say definitely. I still like it though. Left to right: The .222 Rem., .223, .222 Rem Mag., .20 tactical, .204 Ruger and the .222 Mag JDJ. The JDJ round chases the .22-250 in performance with some loads. any years ago the .375 JDJ came about simply because the .44 Magnum didn’t have the accuracy, trajectory or power to do what I wanted it to do. Simply necking the .444 Marlin to .375 and putting it in a Contender was a simple enough matter. Developing the loads that gave the power without gun damage after thousands of shots was a lengthy process. That project ended up being the world-wide big game handgun hunters caliber of choice for a lot of years, and is still hugely successful. Unfortunately the Contender won’t handle cartridges such as the .308, so necking the .444 to .30 became the .309 JDJ, which comes very close to duplicating .308 ballistics safely in a Contender. Recently, high velocity has again become the rage. The .223 is a fine cartridge in the Contender and with the right twist barrel will easily handle the 75-77 grain bullets very well, but it certainly isn’t a .22-250, and that’s the performance varminters wanted. But unfortunately, the Contender will not take the .22-250. .222 JDJ Magnum ommercially first in the line was the .222 Remington. Next was the .222 Magnum — just a little longer case with a long neck. Wildcatters took bullet diameter up and down. Further modifications resulted in the .223 or 5.56 and one of the greatest success stories ever. Along came the .204 Ruger and its lightweight bullets at super velocities which, lo and behold, was merely the .222 Magnum case necked down a bit and it worked fine in the Contender. Then came the bitching about wind drift and poor penetration. But it still wasn’t a .22-250. I moved the .222 Mag/.204 shoulder forward and changed it to 60 degrees, keeping .22 caliber and found in a Contender it was on the heels ballistically of the .22250 (I’m getting upwards of 3,200 fps with some loads). With a 1" in 9" twist it handled 45 though 77 grain bullets quite well, which no factory .22-250 will do, due to their slow twist rate. Often the wildcat does offer a true value to the shooter. And because of wildcatting, we now have the .222 JDJ Magnum and a good competitor for the .22-250, but shootable in the Contender. C * Go to www.am2011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=25http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=25What’s the secret to making the finest custom 1911’s in the world? There are two of them, really. First, we start with the very best parts machined from the finest materials, from the all-important foundation components including frames, slides and barrels to the smaller parts that ensure unmatched accuracy and perfect function such as sights, safeties, hammers and triggers. Each and every one of those fifty-three parts is produced on the finest CNC machining centers available to guarantee absolute precision, consistency and superior quality. Then there’s the other half of the equation: Hand fitting and assembly by skilled artisans. Each of our master gunsmiths carefully files, hones, fits and finishes with his own two hands all fifty-three of those parts into a perfectly fit, exquisitely built and tuned custom 1911 that fulfills our promise of delivering the most breathtaking out-of-thebox accuracy and the most reliable operation in the world. 1804 Iowa Drive • LeClaire, Iowa 52753 Ph: 563-289-2126 • Fx: 563-289-2132 Office Hours: 9am-5pm Central Time Email: info@lesbaer.com Looking for a superior semi-auto rifle on a par with our 1911 pistols? Prepare to be amazed by Les Baer Ultimate AR Rifles in .223, .204 Ruger and new 6.5 Grendel. Several sporting and law enforcement models available, all guaranteed to shoot 1/2" MOA. www.lesbaer.com2011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=26http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=26Mike “Duke” Venturino SHOOTINGIRON TM Photos: Yvonne Venturino THUMB BUSTIN’ MUSINGS FROM THE DUKE any times I’ve been asked by other “gun guys” if I thought they might be “gun’riter material.” Mostly they mistakenly believe writing a few articles insures them free hunts to the “Three big As.” That is Africa, Australia or Alaska. Not to mention all the free guns and accessories that go with the big bucks gun’riters make. Sure! Right! Dream on! Being a fan of Jeff’s Foxworthy’s “You might be a redneck if …” comedy routines, I’ve decided to paraphrase him so you can judge yourself as to whether you are gun’riter material. If your folks bribed you into going to the senior prom with the loan of their car and some cash but then you took your date home immediately after the dance and then drove to the nearest city with a gun store so you could spend the money on bullet moulds, powder and primers — you may be gun’riter material. If during college you didn’t buy the prescribed school books and instead spent the money on gun magazines, and You Know You’re A Gun’Riter If . M If you would rather be casting bullets while everyone else is watching the Super Bowl then you are probably good gun’riter material. more bullet moulds, powder, and primers, then you may be gun’riter material. If in college you majored in journalism although you seldom read a newspaper, then you’re shaping up to be good gun’riter material. If the college you attended mandated a student have a minimum 2.00 grade point average to graduate and you had a 2.10 average, and your friends still chide you for being an overachiever, then you were probably heading down the gun’riter career road from the very beginning. If you met the perfect girl and decided to get married but had to sell some guns to afford traveling to your own wedding, then you are getting close to becoming a gun’riter. That’s especially true if over the next 30 or so years you never let her forget the sacrifice you made for her. Ball Games? f you have never had any trouble remembering your wife’s birthday or your wedding anniversary because your mind is practiced at remembering numbers because since your early teens you have memorized calibers, powder charges, bullet mould numbers and so forth, gun’riting is probably in your blood. If you have absolutely no interest in any games that involve balls — football, basketball, baseball, tennis, golf, soccer, ping pong or whatever — you have the gun’riter spirit. Likewise, if your TV has never played any game involving any of the above mentioned balls and you only have a fuzzy idea as to what a Super Bowl is but your DVD Library contains movies like Quigley Down Under and Band of Brothers then you are looking like good gun’riter material. If a dinner conversation with a table full of friends centers around the number of grease grooves on your favorite cast bullets, along with their shape, alloy temper and sizing diameters, you may be a boring individual, but likely good gun’riter material. If you are at a gun show, gun store, or shooting match and loudly pronounce to your companions you have all the guns you have ever wanted and then a few minutes later they catch you shelling out money for a new gun, then you are most cerShelling out money tainly gun’riter material. after all. I hought having 200 pounds of pig lead ingots on the dining room floor is a good idea … If you’ve ever been excited buying a gun at a gun show and when you get home you see you already have one in your safe … You find yourself digging deep into your gun safe (safes?) and regularly saying, “Hey, I forgot I had this!” … If you find yourself saying, “But honey, 5,000 rounds of .308 isn’t enough!” … When you honestly think reading 35 year old GUNS Magazines — you bought on the newsstand 35 years before — is a really fun way to spend an evening … When you move you need to hire a 28 foot Penske truck just to haul your ammo … If your desk is cluttered with hundreds of bullets and cartridges that 2011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=27http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=272011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=28http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=28Clint Smith REALITYCHECK ThE PISTol TM FIRST-PERSON THOUGHTS ON SURVIVING IN THE REAL WORLD Five Shot 327 ankle rig Spark’s Summer Special The hold is the same for auto or revolver. Clint uses the “PushPull” of both hands when possible to help stabilize and control the gun. Hands-down,up frontIcarrythe1911full-sizedgun.Ihave andcarry,butnotallatonce(ornotallat oncemostofthetime)aLesBaer,Jason Burton,DaveWilliams/Springfield,Luke VolkmannandaWilsonCombat.When IteachIusetheSpringfieldbecauseof therailanditsusefulnessinthelow-light terminatortacticalruns.theLukeVolkmann 1911isonmynightstandwithitsX300 light.theJasonBurtongunisasspecialas it’sverywelldone;andtheBaergunsarea softspotformeastheBaershophasmade goingon5,000thunderRanch1911s. S&W 325 Thunder Ranch .45 ACP Mdl. 327 .38/.357 Magnum Five Shot Leather IWB holSTErS Rosen IWB rig IuseaMiltSparks and consistency. 55BNmodelofaBruceNelsonIWBdesign andIhavedonesomostofthelast30years.I’veusedthisstyleofholstermorethananyothertypeinmy wholeshootingcareer.Ihavebothrailandnon-railversionsthatarecarriedstrongside,andaresupported byatleastthreetosixmagazinesdependingon,well,Idon’tknowwhatreasons.JohnRalstonofFive ShotLeathermakesmynewestcustomholsters,withtheexceptionofafewrealspecialMitchRosenrigs. For holsters, the key is quality Back ForTh grew up with revolvers and even though everyone tells me they are archaic I still like shooting them, and I never feel under-armed if I carry one. I like revolvers, and I especially like the big ones. A reader asked if I had trouble going from one type of action to the other so I thought I might give you an idea of what I carry, and why, and if I have any issues transitioning from auto to revolver — and back again. ThE rEvolvEr aNd NowadaysIcarryaS&W325and/orModel327revolver.the325isa 4"barreledgunmadeupfromthePerformanceCenterwithnohammerspurandthetriggeronlyworks inDAmode.theadjustablesightisreplacedbyafixedrear,andthegolddotfrontsightisJ-BWelded intotheslottokeepthethingfromfallingoutinactiveuse.the325isasix-shot.45ACPgunmadeupas thethunderRanchSpecial,andiscarriedinfullmoonclipsmodewithspareammothesame. the327isthe8-shotrevolverchamberedin.38/.357caliberswhichIuseintwoformats:a5" barrelandasmaller2"versionIuseasanankleorpocketgun.thesmallergunhasabobbedhammer spurandthesightsarethefixedkind.Icarrythe.38/.3578-shotspeedloadersbecausetheyare betterthanthecheesymoonthingsforthe8-shotguns.IntherevolvermodeIcarrythreetosixspeed loaders,moreoftenfavoringsixsimplybecauseapplyingthesystemunderduressIthinkImightdump someliveammunitionbyaccident.We’renotalwaysmarvelousunderstress. I ThE TraNSITIoN Idon’thaveaproblemtransitioningsinceIshootbothkindsof gunsalmosteveryday.Iseenoproblemfortheshooterotherthanstayingcurrent.Knowingonehasa differentkindoftrigger,yousimplyneedtotraintoyourgunathand. Carryingisnoissueforme.BothtypesarebasicallycarriedinSummerSpecialholstersandthe onlyotheroptionisanankleholsterfortherevolver,andit’smostoftenaback-upgun.Ifabackup guniscarriedIthinkitshouldbeshoteverytimeyougototherange.Itrytoshootacylinderortwo throughtheback-upguneachtimeIgo,mostlysoIrememberit’sinplace. loadING/SParE ammuNITIoN Ialwayscarryspareammoonboth sidesofthebodyinpouchesorinbothfrontpockets—justincase.thesemiautoreloadswiththe lefthandandarevolvercouldbeloadedwitheither,butIgenerallyholdtheopenedcylinderrevolver inthelefthandandloadwiththerighthand,butmuchofthisisover-engineered.youactuallyshould practiceloadingwithbothhands. ItransitionfromonetypetoanotherbecauseIcan.Ican’t saytheconceptisgoodforeveryone,thenagainnoteveryonetrains,andmostpeopledon’ttrainas muchastheydeclaretheydo.Mostpeoplesimplygototherangeandshoot.Shootingislikequalificationsforcops.Qualificationsarenottraining,theyarequalstopunchanadministrativeticket.trainingis anothercategorytodevelop,nurtureandacquireskills.Understandingthedifferencebetweenshooting andtrainingmightbemoreimportantthanwhetherIcarryasemiautoorarevolver.Both typesofgunsareviabletoolsinthehandsoftrainedpeople.Andther2011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=29http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=292011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=30http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=30PISTOLSMITHING Alex Hamilton THE INSIDE SCOOP ON PISTOLSMITHING TECHNIQUES A neatly fitted grip safety can be a thing of beauty and highly functional. DROP-IN PARTS Myth Or Magic? R ight up front I have to tell you, as a custom pistolsmith, I have no love for drop-in parts for either pistols or revolvers, with the exception of a spring kit or two. However, even spring kits can get the novice in dangerous trouble if he does not understand the mechanics and geometry of the internal works. One excellent attribute of drop-ins is they allow you to save a little money and help you sorta personalize your pistol with some minor gunsmithing. But always be sure there is a real life gunsmith close by who can get you out of trouble. Just guessing here, but I would speculate the dropin 1911 pistol grip safety is one of the top selling drop-in parts for any handgun. I am a huge fan of a properly installed, graceful, functional Brown high rise grip safety. There are others, but I find them big and bulky. Drop-in grip safeties like the one shown will cut down on hammer bite from a long spur hammer, but as many of you have found out they are not exactly drop-ins. The grip safety, when at rest, has an arm blocking the rear of the 1911 trigger bow keeping it from contacting and disconnecting the sear from the hammer. When the safety is squeezed, the trigger block arm moves up and away from the trigger bow allowing the trigger to push the sear off the hammer. If the trigger block arm is too long it will have to be precisely fitted for safety, but if it’s too short the safety will not work and will have to be welded and re-cut for proper fit. To test proper operation of your grip safety, pull the trigger without pushing the grip safety in and watch the hammer. If the hammer moves even the slightest the grip safety is not doing its job and will have to be properly fitted by a competent gunsmith. The “money saving” drop-in will end up burning up all the money you believe you initially saved. Match Or NOt? rop-in match barrels for the 1911 are a very popular item, but you must understand what a true match barrel is before spending those Ben Franklins. A true match barrel internally is nothing more than a quality standard “run of the mill” barrel with internal dimensions cut to SAAMI specs. The bore is not tighter nor is the chamber any different than a regular barrel. It’s the outside dimensions that need to be fit, in order to create match grade performance. And it needs to be perfectly fitted to eliminate all barrel movement when your pistol is in battery. A drop-in match barrel will have only slightly oversize external dimensions and will make the barrel lock up only “somewhat” tighter in battery. A drop-in must be loose enough to drop into all or most of the 1911s out there, so it will never be able to give you the true match-grade accuracy shooters demand. The same facts apply to drop-in “match” bushings. If the bushing is so loose you can turn it with your fingers, the loose tolerance translates to vertical stringing and misses on the target. A drop-in thumb safety is where you will really get into trouble, so be very careful when installing this important part. After installation push the safety into the safe position and pull the trigger. If you see the hammer move or after the safety is pushed off the trigger feels lighter you have a serious safety problem and will have to take your gat to a competent gunsmith for fixing. D Use Your Brain A definite “danger zone” when it comes to drop-in bits. If you “install” a drop-in safety, conduct a check to make sure it’s working. Read Alex’s article to find out what that test is. D rop-in trigger jobs are sold by a number of companies and normally include a lighter sear spring, disconnector, hammer and sear. You will pay around $160 for the parts and will more than likely end up taking your pistol to a quality gunsmith to get the creep out and sharpen the pull. To fine-tune the pull will cost another 2011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=31http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=312011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=32http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=32John Taffin HANDLOADING SAGE ADVICE FROM THE HANDLOADING GURUS I n the middle years of the 20th century big bore sixgunners (those shooting revolvers chambered in .357 Magnum, .44 Special, .44 Magnum, .45 Auto Rim and .45 Colt) almost to a man used bullets designed by Elmer Keith and/or Ray Thompson. Jacketed bullets were not generally available to reloaders until well into the 1970s, so it was simply a matter of shooters either buying factory ammunition or casting their own bullets. Lyman, Hensley & Gibbs, SAECO and other mold manufacturers did a brisk business keeping sixgunners shooting. Of the two men mentioned, Elmer Keith is certainly the best known. In fact we can find a mountain of information about him both biographical and autobiographical. Thompson is just the opposite. Trying to find much about him is like trying to catch smoke with a teaspoon. I have been collecting, clipping and saving old gun articles for nearly 50 years. Many raY ThomPSoN: BullET GENIuS of these articles came from issues of the American Rifleman from the 1920s through the 1950s. In all of those articles I have only found one reference to Ray Thompson the man. That article dates back to 1943 and simply says he is getting excellent results with the .401 Boser, a wildcat cartridge which pre-dated the .401 PowerMag and .41 Magnum. The most information available, at least which I have found, is in the 1958 Lyman Handbook of Cast Bullets. This is all it says: “Ray Thompson knows a handgun well, both from the practical and theoretical sides. His work as a Forest Ranger gives him ample opportunity to test his bullets on game as well as the time to solve designing and loading problems.” And that’s it. My friend Terry Murbach located Thompson’s son in Ohio several years ago, however he either knew little about his father or Ray Thompson’s decided not to share it. superb .45 bullet in the .45 Auto Rim. Keith Wrong? T hompson’s great contribution is the gas-check bullet. He did not originate the idea of gas checks, which are copper cups fitted on the base of the bullet. We do know the gas checked design goes back to the early 1900s. The concept became Lyman’s, who patented the gas check in 1906. Elmer Keith had no use for gas check bullets in sixguns and was blunt about it. I have to disagree with Keith on this point, as I find gas check bullets very useful in sixguns. They are Two classic .44 bullets: Elmer Keith’s 250 grain SWC compared to Ray Thompson’s 255 grain #431244GC. almost necessary for full power loads in the .357 Magnum and many .44 and .45 sixguns simply shoot gas check bullets more accurately than plain base bullets. If I had only one bullet mold for the .357 Magnum it would be Thompson’s #358156; this was also Skeeter Skeleton’s favorite .38/.357 bullet. Ray Thompson designed four gas-check bullets for Lyman. They are #358156, #431215, #431244 and #452490. All are still offered by Lyman, however the two .44 bullets have had the 431 replaced by 429 in their nomenclature. The 1958 Lyman Handbook of Cast Bullets also contains Thompson’s thoughts on his bullets: “I designed these bullets with gas checks primarily for the elimination of leading in Magnum loads, with excellent accuracy both at long range and target. Bullet 358156 is designed with two crimping grooves — the first groove for use in crimping the .357 Magnum and the second groove for crimping the .38 Special case, allowing more powder space using 2400 powder for Magnum loads in heavy-duty guns. Bullet 431215 is a high speed bullet for long-range shooting. This bullet proved to have superior accuracy. The late Al Barr wrote that he had 11 consecutive shots in less than a 2" sure call at 50 yards using armrests, backed by 21.5 grains in old-style cases with this bullet in hollow-point style. Bullet 431244 is the bullet I use on game such as boar, bear and timber wolves. Bullet 452490 I have never really tried out, but shooters down in Texas wrote me it was just what the doctor ordered 2011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=33http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=33START YOUR OWN BULLET FACTORY. Recycle scrap wheel weights, shooting range lead, even lead pipe and flashing— Recycle and save. Cast your own bullets and be assured of a reliable supply. A Lee Bullet Mold, Melter, Ladle and bottle of Lee Liquid Alox Lube are all you need to start your own bullet factory, for about $80 retail. Casting bullets saves money and no one saves you more than Lee. Lee Precision Melter 500 watt, energy saving design takes less than 15 minutes to melt 4 lbs. of metal Lee Molds are available in the most popular shapes and are CNC machined for accurate size control—and in most cases can be used without sizing Send $1.00 for your catalog full of reloading bargains www.leeprecision.com Lee Precision, Inc. Dept 453 4275 Highway U Hartford WI 530272011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=34http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=34massad ayoob The homeowner and The Burglar: The graham/ChamBers shooTing situation: Youcomehometofindaburglarleavingyour householdingwhatyoubelieveisabagofyour loadedguns.Hereachesintothegunbagand accelerateshiscartowardyou.andyou’re armedwithonlyasmallsingle-shotfirearm. lessons: Noonecanbeexpectedtooutrunanonrushing automobile.Themostrighteousshootingcan betwistedagainsttheshooter…andsometimes, asinglesmall-boreshotisenoughifyouputit injusttherightplaceatjusttherighttime. It’s Sunday, February 18, 2007, noonish, and Terry Graham, a man approaching his senior citizen years, drives home alone from church to his ranch in southern Smith CountyoutsideofTyler,Texas.Ashepullsintothelongdrivewayleadingtohishouse, hecomestoastop:thereisanunfamiliarFordTaurusparkednearthebackdoor. It’satroublingsight.Terry’shomehasbeenburgledbefore.Heconsiderscalling911, butfrompastexperienceheknowsitwilllikelytakehalfanhourforthefirstsheriff’s deputy to reach this rural place. Besides, there’s a pond on his property, and he has given various friends a blanket invitation to fish, swim and picnic there. It would be embarrassingallaroundtocallthecopsonlytofindanunexpectedfriend. TerryreachesforhiscellanddialsthenumberofGuyOsborn,hisranchforeman,who lives nearby. Guy doesn’t know anyone with a white Ford Taurus either. Terry asks if Guycanmeethimattheendofthedriveway.And—almostasanafterthought,rememberingthepastburglaries—heasksGuytobringagun. Soon,OsbornarriveswithhissonJason,17.Hehasbroughttheonlyguntowhichhe has ready access, a New England Firearms single-barrel, break-open .410 shotgun. It’s asingleshot,ofcourse,andtheoneshellitcontainsismarkedWinchester,#7birdshot. Guy’s car and Terry’s move up the driveway until they’re near the house where they parkandcontinueonfoot. Theyseemovementinsidethehome. Now, obviously, it’s time for 911. Terry tries to dial it, but can’t get through. The phone’sinternalrecordswilllatershowwhy:hehasaccidentallypunched119instead. Contact Terry can now see the back door of his house is open. Suddenly a stranger — an average-sizewhiteguy,maybethirty-something—appearsinthedoorway.He’sholding an overnight bag.Terry recognizes the bag instantly, it’s his, and he knows he keeps it inhisbedroombesidetwoloadedhandguns.Ifthismanhasthebag,Terryrealizes,he mustalsohavetheguns. There’s no time for the seemingly useless cell phone anymore. Terry Graham shouts at the man to put his hands up and get down. Instead, the man reaches into the bag. GrahamsnapsawarningtotheOsbornsthathemayhaveagun. Continued on page 78 34 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MARCH/APRIL20102011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=35http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=352011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=36http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=36TAFFINTESTS John Taffin This trio of Taffin’s grandsons like to help Grandpa and he is doing his part to introduce the young ones to shooting. Are you? THE SIXGUNNER HIMSELF: GUNS, GEAR AND MORE Attention-Getting Affordable 1911s Top left clockwise, the Eagle, the 1911-A1 and the Hawk. Superb group fired with the Iver Johnson .45 Eagle. Iver Johnson’s eagle and hawk ne of my favorite old western movies is from 1950 and is entitled The Eagle and the Hawk with John Payne as the hero and the excellent character actor Thomas Gomez as the Hawk. Someone at Iver Johnson must also be a fan of old movies as they are now offering 1911s, two of which are named The Eagle and The Hawk, respectfully, along with a 1911-A1. Iver Johnson has been around since 1883 and has been mostly known for low-cost, DA revolvers. Back in the 1970s they were also importing Uberti Cattleman SA revolvers. I had their 71/2" Target Model Buckhorn in .357 Magnum and it was an excellent shooter. Very little has been heard from Iver Johnson in recent years, however they are now part of the 1911 scene importing semiautos from the Philippines. I requested and received all three versions: Eagle, Hawk and 1911-A1. All three of these were pre-production test guns so it was not surprising to find a problem or two. All three have trigger pulls which are way too heavy for my tastes, ranging from 63/4 to 8 pounds. This is not a major problem and easily fixed, but nonetheless, I was told it would be fixed on production models. The major problem was with the sights. The problem was not the quality of the sights nor the style but rather how they were affixed to the Eagle and Hawk. Both rear sights, adjustable on the Eagle and fixed combat style on the Hawk, were fitted into dovetails. The first time each gun was fired the rear sights came off, that is, they slid right out of the dovetail. I took them to my gunsmiths, Mike and Tom at Buckhorn, and with a little measuring they easily discovered the dovetail slot on the frame was not the right size for the male counterpart on the bottom of each rear sight. They did some welding on the dovetail slot to obtain a proper fit and also made a new, larger diameter, elevation adjustment screw for the rear sight on the Eagle. They now work perfectly! work and the magazine drops easily when the magazine release button is pushed. The Eagle, as the other two test versions, fed everything flawlessly and shot well with more than typical accuracy. The Eagle retails for $657 in high polish blue and $625 for the matte finish. The trigger pull on the Eagle measures 7 pounds. It was test-fired with nine different loads with five shot groups at 20 yards running from 13/8" to 23/4". The most accurate factory loads were the Black Hills 230 FMJ at 825 fps, Cor-Bon’s 200 JHP+P, 998 fps and CCI Blazers with the 200 JHP at 964 fps and the 230 FMJ at 892 fps. My all-time o Taffin chose a pair of Leather Arsenal inside-the-pants holsters and the latest paddle holster from Safariland. The Iver Johnson .45s are equipped with excellent factory grips. Differences he Eagle starts as a basic 1911 and comes in two versions, one with a matte finish and the other high polish blue and my test gun is the latter. The sights are excellent, with a fully adjustable rear sight mated up with a post front sight. Both are serrated and the rear sight slopes to the rear while the front sight slopes to the front. Both the trigger and hammer are skeletonized. All the controls are on the left side; the slide release and thumb safety are both of the extended style. The safety is very easy to T Continued on page 85 36 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MARCH/APRIL20102011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=37http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=37Paste using Command-F to place in the same position. Utilize “paste remembers layers” to mainta the layer names. ith Shoot•N•C Targets, W bullet holes explode in bright, easy-to-see chartreuse rings providing ® you with instant feedback and eliminating the need to use binoculars or walk downrange. This revolutionary technology has made Shoot•N•C® the #1 reactive target worldwide! • ADHESIVE BACKING makes targets easy to put up • REPAIR PASTERS cover bullet holes extending target life • USE INDOORS OR OUT • AVAILABLE IN A VARIETY OF DESIGNS TARGETS For a free sample and catalog visit birchwoodcasey.com or call: 800-328-61562011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=38http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=38COPTALK Massad Ayoob The Pro Ears Gold unit is a top-of-the-line active hearing protection unit. Don’t skimp when it comes to your hearing. OPINION AND FACTS FROM THE MEAN STREETS an Francisco cop Bill Langlois was most famous for his work as a decoy “victim” for muggers, leading to over 250 felony arrests. However, his one fatal shooting in the line of duty occurred when he was working uniformed patrol. Pictures in his outstanding autobiography with John O’Connor, Surviving the Age of Fear (WRS Publishing, Waco, TX, 1993), indicate his uniform duty weapon was a 6" S&W revolver, worn in a Hoyt breakfront holster. The shooting went down in an apartment building’s stairwell as Langlois confronted a gunman who had opened fire on other officers and was now coming up on him with a handgun. Wrote Langlois, “We ended up firing simultaneously. I saw the orange light of muzzle flash and my training kicked in, telling me that if I had lived to see that, the man’s bullet was already past me. He was not as lucky. My bullet pierced his face just under his right eye and he went down solidly into the staircase … he lay crumpled on the bottom stairs. As I watched, his body appeared to turn and when his gun started to come up again, I fired twice more at him until he was still.” Continued Langlois, “My ears were ringing. The report of two guns going off in the enclosed space of a concrete stairwell had been like a bomb detonating just inches away. I have problems with the hearing in my left ear to this day as a result.” (Langlois, pages 239-240.) The officer had been firing .357 Magnum ammunition. This hero cop was not the first one to suffer permanent hearing damage from a line of duty shooting, nor the last. Some years ago at a SureFire conference where the firm introduced its then-new line of sound suppressors for tactical firearms, they said they had been convinced there was a need to fill there, because they were aware of many cases where police officers had gone out on disability due to hearing loss from gunfire in the line of duty. Active Hearing Protection For Police Active Hearing Protection ctive hearing protection has been available for decades. The best of these units amplify lowlevel sound, but reduce high-decibel noises. The cheapest of them let you hear better than you could through old-fashioned passive muffs or plugs, but cut out their amplification when hit by a sound wave. Go with the former type. The cutouts simply take a certain number of dBs off the top of the given sound, while the high tech reducers bring the loudest possible noise down to a manageable level, such as 70 decibels or so — about what you’d hear with .38 wadcutter loads through regular muffs, in my experience. I prefer mine binaural, rather than stereo. Stereo means you hear the same sound equally in each ear and it sounds as if it’s in the middle of your head, like a good headphone system for music. You can’t tell where the sound actually came from. Binaural means directional: you can tell where the sound came from, and tactically, that can literally mean life and death. I think they’re a must for firearms instructors. Over the years, there have been range accidents where amplified muffs would have allowed an instructor to hear the sound of someone fooling with a recalcitrant gun just before it negligently discharged, or the sound of a struggling shooter muttering “damn thing” or something like that. Some of the old heads here can remember when the mark of a longtime police firearms instructor was raised voices and hands cupped behind ears, because deafness was the occupational hazard. Hearing aids were practically standard issue for retired rangemasters. You see less of that today because of the better ear protection developed over the years. You’d pull the muff cup away from your ear to hear a student/officer’s question, and a SWAT cop would let go with his .308 a few feet away on the firing line. Your ears would ring for a few more days, and some of the2011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=39http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=39The Team Match II™ is chambered in both .45 ACP & 9mm. Slide & frame are machined from stainless steel to exacting dimensions. Heavy Medal Kimber. The Choice of the USA Shooting Team. Team Match II pistols feature an adjustable sight with positive steel-on-steel clicks for match-winning accuracy, ambidextrous thumb safety & Premium Aluminum Trigger™ that breaks clean at 4-5 pounds. USA Shooting Team logo grips, 30 lines-per-inch front strap checkering, beavertail grip safety & extended magazine well have a striking appearance and speed operation. www.kimberamerica.com For information on products and dealer locations please send $2 to: Kimber, Dept. 278 One Lawton Street, Yonkers, NY 10705 Information is also available at (800) 880-2418 The Choice of America’s Best. ©2010 Kimber Mfg., Inc. All rights reserved. Kimber names, logos and other trademarks may not be used without permission. Names of other companies, products and services may be the property of their respective owners. Kimber firearms are shipped with an instructional manual and California-approved cable lock. Copy of instruction manual available by request.2011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=40http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=40CARRYOPTIONS Sammy Reese FROM CLASSICS TO CUTTING EDGE IN CARRY METHODS The Executive Classic and belt combo shows topquality workmanship. The coluMn ThaT alMosT Wasn’T InTernaTIonal handgun leaTher O n a monthly basis, I’m introduced to one or two new holster makers. They may not be new to making holsters or working with leather, they are just new to me. Some are referred to me by friends and readers. Others track me down here at the FMG puzzle palace, also known as the world headquarters. Often they are surprised I answer my own phone. The helicopter pad on the roof makes it difficult to hear the ringer sometimes, but I do my best. Roy prefers to fly into the office rather than drive these days. Who can blame him? It’s a pretty long commute from Missouri. I’m not sure exactly how I came to know of Ian Martin and his company International Handgun Leather, but I’m glad our paths crossed. IHL has been around since 1994 making concealment holsters and cowboy rigs. Ian and I traded e-mails and phone calls for a few days and decided to showcase two totally different styles of holsters. We are both 1911 fans and I told him of my newest carry gun, the Kahr P45 (shameless plug). You can read the feature I wrote about the gun in the latest American Handgunner Tactical Special Edition (another shameless plug). fter a few weeks had gone by and I hadn’t received the A holsters, I called Ian. He told me the package showed delivered two days prior. After some log checking, the Almost Wasn’t package wasn’t delivered here. USPS was contacted by Ian and the investigation concluded the package was delivered to the building across the street. My first attempt to find the package at the guitar manufacturing plant was frustrating. The “supervisor” of the shipping and receiving department was just a little bit high when we spoke (I’m a retired cop I know these things). “Dude, I’ll have to check around, can’t seem to find it right now.” Not wanting to crush his buzz, I told him I would be back in an hour “dude.” When I returned, the package had been found and all was right in the world. I could hear the stress in Ian’s voice disappear when I told him the good news. ’m always excited when I open packages containing holsters. It’s a lot like Christmas morning only I’m lucky, it happens many times throughout the year. The Holster for the Kahr P45 is called the Executive Classic, and it was accompanied by a vertical single carrier and a gunfighter belt. I chose tan for this rig because it’s my favorite color at the moment. And, the 1½" belt slots work best for me since I wear jeans almost everyday. I always stress the belt is the most important part of the concealed carry system. I get calls from time to time about how certain holsters “don’t work.” My first question is always “What kind of belt are you using?” I look at the belt like the foundation of a house. If it’s solid and properly designed, the house will last for years. If it’s made from poor material and not designed to carry the weight of the rest of the house, the structure won’t last very long. The Gunfighter belt is designed from the ground up for the purpose of supporting holsters and magazine carriers. IHL got this one right. The Kahr isn’t very heavy to begin with, but it rode comfortably all day in the Executive Classic. More Than I expecTed I sharkskin T The Combat Slide and matching mag pouch held a Thunder Ranch special easily. he sharkskin Combat Slide and accompanying sharkskin vertical carrier are designed to accept 1911 style pistols from 3-5" and longer, I suppose, since the bottom of the holster is open. I wrote about my current favorite being simple tan leather holsters. Looking at and wearing the black sharkskin rig has caused me to change my mind some. The holster and mag carrier are beautiful to look at and functional as well. My full sized, all steel, Thunder Ranch Special, Commander length Comanche and Officers model all rode comfortably in the Combat Slide. If you have 2011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=41http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=41MEPROLIGHT. The right sight in any light. Meprolight night sight systems are 20% brighter than other brands and backed by the strongest warranty in the business. Fixed and adjustable sets are available tactical shotguns. Different color combinations are offered for some are minor. A complete selection of Meprolight night ® sights and optical sights are available from Kimber. Meprolight. If you can see the target, you can see your sights. Available from Kimber, Dept. 275 One Lawton Street, Yonkers, NY 10705 (800) 880-2418 www.kimberamerica.com Kimber and Kimber of America are registered trademarks of Kimber Mfg., Inc. All other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective companies. © 2010 Kimber Mfg., Inc. ®2011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=42http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=42WINNINGEDGE Dave Anderson SOLID ADVICE TO KEEP YOU AHEAD OF THE COMPETITION Glocken-TexTure rtF Meets rL-1 he Glock RTF (Rough Texture Finish, get it?) is a recent version of the tremendously popular Glock design. The grip frame carries a fine stippling design and the slide has a different pattern for the cocking serrations. Long-time Glock fans will probably consider the changes primarily cosmetic, and they will be right. There are no changes in construction materials, operating features or controls for the very good reason none were needed. Glock Left, my 2nd generation Glock 22, right, the Glock 22 RTF. got those features right the first time. Main differences are in the Actually over the last quarter-century the 1911 grip frame, RTF also has the has changed more than the Glock has. It used to accessory rail and a smoother, be routine to buy a “base” 1911 and immediately better looking slide finish. send it to a pistolsmith for custom work — throat barrel, polish feedramp, lower ejection port, do trigger job, bevel mag well, checker frontstrap, add high-visibility sights, beavertail grip safety, extended thumb safety and the rest. Many modern 1911s have such features out of the box. I can recall back in the 1960s and 1970s when some writers and officers began pushing for autopistols over revolvers. Much was made about revolvers being obsolete, holding too few rounds, slow to reload and hard to shoot with their long, heavy trigger pulls. It seemed the way to promote autopistols was to sneer at revolvers. T The double action he Glock people seemed to revolver, such as understand something others the S&W M&P in the overlooked — cops didn’t hate background was the quintessential police sidearm of their revolvers. Cops didn’t stick with the 20th century. The Glock revolvers out of blind conservatism, 22 is currently the most or because they were unaware of popular police handgun. autopistols. They stuck with revolvers for very good reasons. The revolver was simple to operate, even under the pressure of extreme stress, simply a point-gun, pulltrigger thing. And, it was reliable, even with the hollowpoint bullets which were catching on in the 1970s. As for the long, heavy trigger pull; as the software techies say, that’s not a bug, it’s a feature. Match shooters and hunters like light, crisp triggers. The purpose of our pistols is to shoot. The purpose of the law enforcement handgun is threat management. It will be used under the most extreme stress, with adrenaline levels high, reducing fine motor skills. It needs a pull which requires a deliberate, conscious decision to fire. Shortcomings? Cops would have liked more than six rounds in the gun, and faster reloading should the gun run dry. But not The LaserLyte RL-1 if it meant giving up what they already had. So, Glock gave the fits the rear sight law enforcement community what it wanted. Glocks are easy to dovetail notch of operate — point-gun, pull-trigger. The Safe Action trigger is a Glock slides. bit different in feel from a DA revolver but also requires a long, relatively heavy pull. With a tough rust-resistant finish Glocks are easy to maintain. Most important of all, Glocks quickly earned a reputation for reliability. Finally, by using modern manufacturing techniques, keeping profit margins per pistol low and counting on volume sales to provide an investment return, Glock was able to make their pistols affordable. Glock pistols, in terms of performance and quality for the price, are an amazing bargain. NoTices T Glock unctionally, the RTF is the wellproven Glock design. If you have a recent Glock with the accessory frame rail there’s not much need to upgrade. If you’re looking for a new Glock, I definitely like the RTF features. The grip frame is very secure, the cocking serration pattern works fine and esthetically, the slide finish is smoother and to my eye more attractive. The RTF proved 100-percent reliable (big surprise). It was also a bit more accurate than my older2011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=43http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=432011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=44http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=44BETTERSHOOTING aSSocIaTE WITh WINNErS W ant to be a better shot? Hang out with good shooters. Practice with good shooters. If I had a young shooter to train, the first thing I’d look for is tough competition. Back in 1983 Rob Leatham, then 22 years old, came seemingly out of nowhere to win the US Nationals. Of course even though he wasn’t known nationally at the time he really didn’t just suddenly appear and start winning. He had already been competing at a high level for several years, mainly against shooting partner Brian Enos. Leatham and Enos spent virtually all their free time training. If they weren’t reloading they were shooting, and when it got too dark to shoot they’d find a coffee shop and talk shooting. They took nothing for granted. Every shooting technique or theory was tested. It made no difference if some technique or stance had been used by a previous champion. Arizona then (as now) had a lot of really good shooters. By 1981 Enos and Leatham were trading wins, finishing one-two in every match. Brian told me, “Some time in 1982 Rob seemed to take it up a notch. I just couldn’t beat him anymore. He totally dominated in competition. He didn’t just win every match — he won every stage of every match.” During the remainder of the 1980s Dave Anderson Jerry Barnhart (L) and Rob Leatham at the 1991 Steel Challenge shootoff. Shooters had to knock a can off a post, then draw and engage targets. Look how evenly they are matched. and early 1990s Enos won national titles at the Masters, the Bianchi Cup and the Steel Challenge. Leatham won Bianchi and the Steel Challenge in 1985, but concentrated on USPSA/IPSC shooting where his incredible record is unparalleled. Here he found another tough competitor — Jerry Barnhart. From 1983 through 1992 (the last year in which all firearm types competed together) Leatham and Barnhart dominated the Nationals. Some of their duels are legendary, with the margin of victory hanging on a single shot, a fraction of a second. It seemed they were competing in a world of their own. Over the tenyear span Leatham won six Nationals, Barnhart three. There was only one other champion, Todd Jarrett (1991). Shooters talk about how many titles Barnhart would have won if it hadn’t been for Leatham, or vice versa. Personally I think the rivalry between them was a major factor in their success. Leatham once told me (I’m paraphrasing), “There were lots of good shooters back then, and at every Nationals the odds were some of them would have trained and be prepared to win. But with Jerry there was never any doubt. I knew Jerry would be ready. I knew I’d have to train hard, be prepared physically and mentally. I knew I couldn’t slack off in Nice hats guys. Rob Leatham (L) and Jerry Barnhart dominated USPSA National matches for years. The intense competition between them made both better. This photo must be from the late 1980s as Jerry is still sponsored by Springfield Armory (he later moved to Colt). training, because Jerry wouldn’t. I’m sure Jerry was thinking the same thing. We made each other better.” I doubt Leatham and Barnhart ever trained together, except maybe for World Shoots. They lived in different parts of the country, plus they are very different personality types. But between them is a deep mutual respect, a shared knowledge of hard work and commitment, of knowing how it feels to do your best, win or lose. Maybe only Barnhart knows how great Leatham was in those days, and only Leatham knows how great Barnhart was. Not Book-Learned The Don’t equation hysical skills are best performed when they are so ingrained they become subconscious. The subconscious is learned by seeing and by doing. Ever teach a kid to ride a bicycle? You don’t say, “Here’s a good book on how to ride a bike.” You teach by showing how it’s done, then letting them try it. We see what we want done, and by repetition train the neural paths controlling the muscles until it becomes a subconscious skill. Here’s the thing about mental 2011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=45http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=452011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=46http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=46THE SIXGUNNER John Taffin The FNP-40 accepts the Streamlight M6X combination tactical flashlight and red laser sight. FNP-40 Rapid fire targets shot with the FNP-40. FNH American-Style ince the 1990s, the .40 S&W has been the cartridge of choice for many law enforcement agencies and has been chambered in virtually every 9mm-sized semiauto including the Browning Hi-Power. The latest .40 S&W is from the American counterpart of the first company to offer the Browning Hi-Power 9mm, which is also known as the P-35, since it arrived in 1935. Fabrique Nationale, or FN, was that original manufacturer and has long been known for quality products. The American version of Fabrique Nationale is FN HERSTAL located in Virginia, and this new semiauto pistol is the FNP-40. FN HERSTAL is owned by the HERSTAL Group, which also owns Browning and Winchester. It was HERSTAL which pulled the plug on the Winchester plant in New Haven a few years S back, however they have redeemed themselves by now producing the Winchester Model 70 once again. This is not a Japanese-manufactured rifle but rather comes from the HERSTAL FNH plant in Columbia, South Carolina. Winchesters have been produced under several names in my lifetime, however the company name is now back to the original Winchester Repeating Arms Company, as it was nearly 150 years ago. Integral Grip Frame Controls found on the left side of the FNP-40: takedown lever, slide lock, de-cocker, and magazine release. The FNP-40 joins the long list of polymer pistols with an integral grip frame. With the 4" steel barrel and slide the resulting unloaded weight is just under 27 ounces with an empty magazine; with a full magazine of 14 rounds the actual carry weight is right at 35 ounces. The molded polymer grip frame Typical groups fired with the FNP-40. provides a very secure gripping surface, with checkering molded into the front and back straps coupled with stippling on both sides. Not everyone has the same length fingers nor the same subjective feeling of what the shape of the backstrap should be. To address these differences, Continued on page 97 The FNP-40 was fired with a variety of .40 S&W factory loads. 46 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MARCH/APRIL20102011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=47http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=47FMG AmericanHG.ai 10/7/08 8:51:25 AM The Future of Pepper Defense PepperBlaster™ is better than ordinary pepper sprays. With a revolutionary delivery system, PepperBlaster fires two powerful blasts of penetrating pepper solution. Effective range is 13 feet and PepperBlaster incapacitates an assailant – human or animal – for up to 45 minutes. PepperBlaster is ideal for college students, joggers, commuters, pet owners and anyone who refuses to be a victim. Faster • Easier • Safer See it in action at www.pepperblaster.com Kimber, Dept. 229. One Lawton Street Yonkers, NY 10705 (800) 880-2418 Caution: Strong irritant. Keep out of reach of children. May be unlawful to own or possess in some states or jurisdictions. Use for any purpose except lawful self defense may be punishable by imprisonment, fines or both. Guardian Angel protected by U.S. Pat. 6,951,070B2. Copyright ©2008, Kimber, Mfg., Inc. All rights reserved.2011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=48http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=48A Swenson Tribute Gun Which is which? Roy’s original Swenson is at top while John’s “Tribute” Swenson rests under it. The heritage is obvious, and John captured the look and feel of the original, while updating some of the technology. Below: The original checkered Colt grips on John’s Tribute gun (right), squared trigger guard and classic hard chrome and S&W sights harken back to days in Fallbrook, California in Swenson’s shop. Roy’s original Swenson is on the left. Roy Huntington Photos: Joe Novelozo n 1975 I was at an early regional IPSC-type match in Oceanside, California. The lineup of shooters could only be considered “colorful” in the most literal sense of the word. From one shooter competing with an original Broomhandle Mauser auto to another gent with a Model 29 S&W .44 Mag, shooting fullpower loads from a home-made cross-draw rig, we were, um, uh … ground-breaking? I had a Colt Gold Cup in a Bianchi X-15 shoulder rig and felt quite cutting edge. Then I met Armand. I spotted this older gent hanging around the open trunk of his car in the parking lot, and he had a few custom 1911s on-hand for us to look at. I had only read about custom guns in gun magazines but had never actually seen one. After introducing himself as Armand Swenson, we chatted at length, as he let me look at his pistols. At that precise moment, my life changed. I knew I was holding something special in my hands and had little idea it would drive my enthusiasm for guns of all I 48 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MARCH/APRIL2010 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MARCH/APRIL20102011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=49http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=49On The Shoulders Of Giants Almost too much for the eye to behold. Can you tell which is which? The modified King grip safety, squared trigger guard and “Commander” hammer give John’s Tribute Swenson (left) away. The original Swenson 1911 (right) showcases cutting-edge work for the late 1970s and early 1980s. Both guns feature the Swenson top-strap texturing. Swenson’s vintage “barrel positioner” (shown here on the original version) “forced” the barrel into a consistent lock-up position for each shot — after Swenson had welded-up and re-fitted the hood and lower lugs! Today’s ‘smith might simply use a match barrel and carefully fit it. types in many directions. I also realized I couldn’t ever afford one then. How silly I was. I should have sold my Gold Cup to the next person walking by and put a deposit down. But alas, the innocence (stupidity?) of youth prevailed, and I walked away in a daze, and it took me years to get even a bit wiser about such things. Fast-forward 30 years (where did they go, anyway?) and I found myself editor of American Handgunner. Who says fate doesn’t favor the ridiculous? A reader sends me a note asking if I knew of anyone looking for an original Swenson he had for sale; something he had ordered in the early 1980s just before Swenson died, but had never even fired it. Do I have to Continued on page 92 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM 492011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=50http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=50: Handgun Ammo Rightandbottomofpage:Hornady’s tAPandFPDcartridgeshave earnedawardsfromtheindustry andpraisefromusers,who asked“Canitgetbetter thanthis?”Hornady respondedwiththesenew CriticalDefenserounds,loaded withtheirhard-hittingpatentedFtX slugs.Checkthat“mushroomfarm”at right,okay?Nickelcasesandlow-flash propellantsarejusticingonthecake— oronthemushrooms,whatever… therearealotof taurusJudgerevolvers outthere,anda growingnumberof BondArmsRanger derringerstoo. Whilelotsofoutfits makedecent.45Colt roundsfor’em, FederalPremium istheonlymaker Iknowproducing .410gaugeshotshellsspecificallyforhandguns—andmakingthem uptoFederal’sPremiumPersonalDefensestandards.takeyourchoice oftwoloads:one-halfounceof#4shot,whichoughtabeoneferocious snake-shredder,orfourpelletsof000buck,sufficienttoruinanybad guy’sday.Powerfulmedicineindeed. More Flavors than the Candy PalaCe—and better in a gunFight than a gooseberry guM droP! John Connor he Golden Age of fill-in-the-blank may be a trite cliché, but if this ain’t the Golden Age of Handgun Ammo I will eat my cap, yours and Captain Bob’s too. Just lookin’ at the array of high-performance and specialized ammo for almost any application can result in a severe case of cartridge conflict, but the good news is, almost any choice you make among the premium products will be an excellent one. For example, let’s say you’re looking for low-penetration reduced-ricochet home defense ammo: frangible rounds abound, t 50 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MARCH/APRIL20102011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=51http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=51and virtually all of ’em deliver maximum terminal effect; selective but super-effective. In general purpose self-defense loads you’ll want adequate penetration through heavy clothing, auto glass and assorted barrier materials while retaining mass and reliable expansion. Again, your choices are many and varied, and the science involved in their designs is stunning. Concerned about the capability of your Ruger LCP or Kel-Tec P-3AT? Mike Rintoul at Grizzly Cartridge just developed a .380 ACP round which reliably expands to 2.2"! You finally went to a Cowboy Shoot, got crazy and bought four single-actions in four different calibers including a .45 Schofield? Not to worry; Jeff and Kristi Hoffman at Black Hills have the finest-shootin’ frontier ammo in all your favorite flavors. Hunting heavy hogs with a .44 Magnum? What Randy Garrett doesn’t know about power and penetration would fit in a .22’s hollowpoint, and he puts it all into his Garrett Cartridge Hammerheads. You’ll find these and more below — and then you tell me if I oughta be butterbasting my ball cap, okay? Connor OUT. For more info: www.americanhandgunner. com/productindex.html and click on Web Blast on the homepage for more ammo ideas! SpeerGoldDotrounds,below,areatopchoiceforbothcopsandcitizens,offeringall-aroundsuperior performanceplusthisbonus:lower-pricedSpeerLawmantrainingammo,top,ismatchedtoitsbrother GoldDotloadsinrecoilandshootingcharacteristics— agreatcombination! * Ifyou’reahardcorehandgunhunter, youalreadyknowaboutGrizzly Cartridgeandtheirgreatgameloads. Aftermorethanayearofdevelopment, GrizzlyXtremePersonalSelf-Defense Ammunitionwillbeavailablebefore thisissuehitsprint.Featuringradically expandingbulletslikethat“fanblade” imageonthefrontofthebox—I’veseentherecoveredslugs!—and100-percentweightretention,thesearesomeastoundingrounds.Wouldyoubelieve1.95"expansionofa.44Specialfired fromaCharterArmsBulldogat850fps?yup. Ifyoushoota.40S&W—andIhearmaybenineortenofyoudo—you mightwantaknowyoucannowstockuponWinchesterSupremeEliteBonded PDX1ammo,thesameroundsselectedbytheFBIastheirprimarydutyammunition,in.40S&W.Extensively testedagainstreal-worldstandards, thePDX1’ssix-segmentjacket andbondedcore performedsuperbly fortheFBI’s evaluators,and itwillforyou too.Available in9mm,.40, .45ACPand .38Special. Check’emout. you’llfindmoreaboutGarrett’sgameloadsforthe.44MagnumroundonWeb Blast,butjustincaseyoucontemplatedefendingyourselfagainstdirtbags,Dodge PowerWagons,smalltomediumdinosaursortheDevilhimself,you’llwanttocheck outRandy’smighty.44MagDefenders.their310-gr.“SuperHardCast”roundscome zippin’outofa4"revolverat1,020fpsandhitlikebricks.Now,RandyGarrettsays theyhave“modestrecoil,”andIbelievehim.But“modest”isaveryrelativeterm. WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM 512011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=52http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=52Black Hills 230 FMJs in the Colt Government Rail Model .45 ACP gave pleasing groups. Ride With Us As We Return To Those Golden Days Of Yesteryear. An old familiar below, and the “modern” Colt Rail Model. The Black Hills 230 was a particular favorite of the brushed stainless steel Colt Government Model .45 ACP. Black Hills 130 FMJs in the Colt Custom .38 Super nailed the target neatly. Who says a .38 Super can’t shoot? John found the Colt Custom .38 Super to be a tack-driver. Comeback T he name of the author and the gist of the story have escaped me over the past half-century, but I well remember the title of the article which appeared in our sister publication, GUNS, in the late 1950s. It was “Can Colt Come Back?” Over the passing years we have all seen Colt’s catalog shrink as such familiar revolvers as the Official Police, Match Target, Detective Special, Cobra, Diamondback, King Cobra, Anaconda, and Colt s ’ John Taffin even the Cadillac of Colt Revolvers, the Python were dropped. The semiauto .22 Woodsman Match Target disappeared, as well as the .22 single action sixguns, and even production of the New Frontier ended in the early 1980s. Colt management had its ups and downs, and the few handguns which were left quite often simply did not live up to the legendary Colt name. By the time they were down to only producing the Single Action Army, the 1911 and the Python, many of us wondered if they would survive; and then even 52 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MARCH/APRIL20102011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=53http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=53Both Colt 1911s tested have flat mainspring housings and long triggers, however notice the difference in sights, hammers, grip safeties and grip panels. John snicked the Insight weapon light on the rail-Colt with no problems. A great home defense set up. the Python disappeared. I kept thinking of the old question, “Can Colt Come Back?” To really compete Colt would have to produce Single Actions as good, or better, than the replicas being offered, and also recapture some of the 1911 market which had filled up with dozens of manufacturers. For too many years it was difficult to even reach a live body at Colt. I am happy to report everything has changed; and the answer to the question is not only is it possible for Colt to come back, they have come back. That Journey The trip back has not been short nor has it been easy. It began back in the 1990s when retired General William Keys became CEO. Many of us disagreed with his decisions, however one thing now apparent is he has placed excellent people in key positions. People who are not only available to speak with, they are also committed to putting the Colt focus back on handguns — high quality handguns which can compete with anything else being offered. Someone once said the best man for the job is usually a woman. That certainly seems to be true at Colt. The “man” who is second in command is Joyce Rubino, Colt’s Vice President of Operations, and one who is dedicated to producing the best possible handguns. To this end she has replaced much of the machinery in order to bring the quality up to the Colt standard. Quality is number one with her and it shows in the first test guns I have received. There will be more forthcoming as I cover virtually everything Colt is now offering. One of the questions I posed to Joyce was whether or not Colt would produce a double action revolver again, and if so would it be one of the older designs or something new. She informed me they are researching double action production now and if they do go back to making double action sixguns their research will determine whether it will be a resurrection, or something totally John always wanted a nickel .38 Super but is quite happy with his polished stainless steel Colt Custom .38 Super. As he says, “This one ain’t going back!” WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM 532011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=54http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=54Colt 1911 .45s with leather by Bob Mernickle. John feels this classic styling of Bob’s holsters goes well with the classic “real” Colts! new, so stay tuned. A second “real” person I have corresponded with at Colt both by phone and e-mail is Jeff Radziwon, who is Colt’s Marketing Supervisor. All of the articles you’ll be seeing on different Colt models began with Mike Reissig, another member of the team, who is also part of Colt’s Marketing Department. Jeff tells me while they hold the traditional 1911s in highest regard they are also eager for me to see what is new and vibrant at Colt. He is very optimistic about the capabilities within Colt and expects 2010 to be a record-breaking year; actually another record-breaking year, as things are going very well at Colt thanks to their new direction. We will start by looking at several of Colt’s 1911s, followed later by some of their newer semiauto offerings and also the Colt Single Action Army. I will just add here the single actions now coming out of Colt are as good, or better, than any of the Classic Colt Single Actions offered during the height of production of the Pre-War First Generation (18731940) and Post-War Second Generation Single Actions (1955-1974). Happy Birthday 1911 Standard and enhanced models compared: The Government Model .45 and the Government Rail Model .45 are both brushed stainless steel. We are fast approaching the 100th Anniversary of the Colt 1911. John Browning was the genius behind the 1911, which started with the .45 Model of 1905, followed by the 1910 Model, and then the final version. If any pistol can be called legendary it’s definitely the Colt 1911, the fabled Government Model. It was designed to provide the power of the .45 Colt of the Single Action Army in a modern semiauto. It not only succeeded, it served as a standard military sidearm for more than 70 years and many wish it still was. It’s the number one .45 for bull’s-eye shooting, has been customized by more gunsmiths than any other handgun, produced by more manufacturers than any other semiauto and was chosen by the late Col. Cooper as the best fighting handgun ever devised. Even in the age of the polymer pistols, with so many superb examples being offered, the basic 1911 Government Model is still number one. From 1911 until, I would guess sometime in the 1970s, Colt was the only producer of the Government Model. It served the military in two World Wars, Korea and Vietnam, and custom gunsmiths tuned and tweaked the standard military model, which was deliberately designed somewhat loose to always function. Today we have a long list of custom gunsmiths as well as manufacturers turning out superb 1911s; this is what Colt has to compete with. The good news is they are doing it! I recently received three test 1911s directly from Colt and as one who is not always 54 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MARCH/APRIL20102011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=55http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=55easily impressed, I must say I am definitely impressed. My first handling of these guns revealed them to be very well put together, with a tight slide to frame fit, yet at the same time operating very smoothly. So, let’s take a closer look at today’s Colt 1911s. The Colt Government Model was testfired with an assortment of factory loads and we had no troubles. New Guns Most shooters are familiar with the standard exterior safety features of the 1911 — the grip safety (which must be depressed by the hand before the Colt will fire) works along with the thumb safety (which locks the sear in the cocked position and won’t allow the hammer to fall). In addition to these there is also an internal safety stop on the hammer which is designed to engage the sear should the hammer be accidentally/negligently allowed to fall forward as it is being cocked; this also prevents any type of uncontrolled automatic fire. There is also a disconnector, which is designed to present any possibility of the pistol firing unless a round is fully chambered and the slide is completely forward. The firing pin is shorter than its housing and is held to the rear by a spring and can not protrude through the face of the slide unless a hammer blow overcomes the spring force and the inertia of the pin. There is also a firing pin lock (on Series 80 guns) which minimizes the possibility of an accidental/negligent discharge if the pistol should be dropped or receives a sharp blow to the muzzle. Basically all this makes a single action semiauto as safe as possible. Government Model .45 ACP Series 80: With all the changes and custom features added to the 1911 over the past nearly 100 years there is still nothing wrong with the standard Government Model having no bells or whistles. Holding this pistol in the hand is like being transported back in time, with thoughts of the American Expeditionary Force, the doughboys of World War I, and General Blackjack Pershing. There are, of course the internal safety features, and this particular model is of brushed stainless steel instead of Continued on page 100 1911 Stainless Steel Load MV 5 Shots/20 Yds 1911 Stainless Steel Rail Model MV 5 Shots/20 Yds Black Hills 230 JHP Black Hills 230 JHP +P CCI Blazer 230 FMJ CCI Blazer 200 JHP +P Cor-Bon 200 JHP +P Federal 230 Hydra-Shok Hornady 185 JHP XTP Remington 185 JHP Speer Gold Dot 230 JHP Winchester 230 JHP Load 871 971 864 972 1,040 884 958 1,049 840 976 MV 17/8 1 2 21/8 17/8 11/8 15/8 21/2 15/8 21/4 5 Shots/20 Yds 851 960 836 961 1,055 889 982 1,038 860 944 13/8 11/4 2 13/4 7/8 7/8 11/4 13/8 13/8 11/2 .38 Super Custom 1911 High Polish Stainless Steel Black Hills 130 FMJ Cor-Bon 125 JHP +P Cor-Bon 125 DPX +P Cor-Bon 115 JHP +P Cor-Bon Pow’RBall 100 Winchester 130 FMJ +P Winchester 125 SilverTip 1,231 1,400 1,313 1,504 1,651 1,146 1,170 13/4 15/8 13/8 11/2 11/2 2 15/8 CHART (*groups in inches) 55 Safety locking holster by Bianchi. Excellent combat style rear sight found on the Colt Government Rail Model .45 ACP. Guide rods? We don’t need no stinkin’ guide rods! Belt slide by Gould & Goodrich. Period style holster by Old West Reproductions. WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM2011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=56http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=5656 Glock Photos: chuck PittMan, inc. Massad ayoob WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MARCH/APRIL20102011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=57http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=57Quest For PerFection W hen the Glock 17 pistol first came out in the early 1980s, it had a smooth, sleek grip configuration. It looked like a muted cobblestone surface. Some shooters found that in rapid fire, or with slippery hands, it could shift a little in their grasp. Before the decade was out, Glock had replaced this first generation grip treatment with a Gen 2 format that had “grenade grip” checkering molded in, front and back, and a more textured side surface. In the 1990s, finger grooves were added, replacing the first two generations. This was Gen 3, and when it was subsequently combined with an accessory rail molded into the dust cover of the frame, it became known to Glock enthusiasts as Gen 3.5. Now comes Gen 4, the RTF (Rough Textured Frame) motif, introduced in 2009. Actually looking more like Gen 1 than anything else at first glance, it feels totally different in the hand. The finger grooves are still there — but on frontstrap, backstrap, and both sides, the grip surface is festooned with tiny studs Glock calls “polymids.” These bite into the grasping surface of the hand like, well, like studded snow tires digging into snowpack on a northern winter road. It’s tough to describe, but you can feel it yourself by simply picking up an RTF Glock 22 (or Glock 17, the two models out at this writing, in .40 S&W and 9mm respectively) in your favorite gun shop. Before you leave the counter or put the RTF back, ask to see an identical-sized Glock with the Gen 3 grip pattern. Hold each firmly in your dominant hand, and then slap the front of the slide sideways with your free hand. 57 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM2011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=58http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=5858 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MARCH/APRIL20102011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=59http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=59Glock WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM 592011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=60http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=60Unless your hand is stronger than mine, you’ll feel the Gen 3’s grip-frame move slightly within your grasp. With Gen 4, the RTF, it won’t move as much, if at all. Granted, most of a gun’s movement in recoil is front to back, but there is a little torque in the recoil pattern, especially in one-handed shooting. I have to say — a subjective judgment, of course — the RTF simply stays put better. Like A Rock It sits even more solidly in my hand than a Gen 3 Glock with skateboard tape, or the more sophisticated Tac-Grip, applied to the grip surface. Yet in carrying, it’s less uncomfortable against bare skin. I tried it inside the waistband, under an untucked shirt, and while there was mild discomfort, it was not enough to make me stop carrying it for the day. A week might have been different. More sensitive skin? That might have been a different outcome, too. I find the skateboard tape stuff much more abrasive against my unshielded side in deep concealment. If I was going to carry the gun next to bare skin, I’d stay with my Gen 3 G22. If I was buying the gun to compete with, though, or for uniform duty carry, the RTF would definitely get my nod. Carry in other manners raises other questions. Uniform duty holster? No problem. Concealed carry, with a shirt between me and the gun? With an EOTAC concealment vest, those little polymid nubs didn’t catch the fabric at all. Under the light tee shirt, though, they occasionally caught the fabric enough to make the shirt rise up a little. Original opinion confirmed: Okay for regular concealed carry, but not first choice under a tee shirt against bare skin. Left, from top: Gen 1, 2 and 3/3.5 Glock grip-frames. Right: Glock 22 RTF. Photo: Ayoob 60 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MARCH/APRIL20102011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=61http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=61In shooting, there was just no movement of the pistol within the grasp at all. Recoil moved the gun and hand together, without the grip-frame shifting within the shooter’s hold. A lot of the beta testers I recruited thought after grasping it, “Ooh, this is gonna hurt when it goes off,” but it simply didn’t. The reason for that, I suspect, is the very fact it’s not moving within the grasp and therefore not doing any rasping or abrading. Our testers were all using firm grasps: there’s a possibility it will start to move and scrape a little if the shooter ignores Glock’s advice and shoots this gun held loosely. None of us took the RTF through a thousand-round-a-day shooting course, but shooting a hundred stout .40 S&W rounds at a time simply created no hand soreness whatsoever. RTF In The Field In second quarter 2009, I traveled to Escambia County, Florida, whose sheriff’s department had become the first Continued on page 86 G22 RTF (top) compared to standard grip treatment. Photo: Ayoob Hand-held from the bench at 25 yards, Speer Gold Dot 165 grain bonded JHP put five shots in under 2". Photo: Ayoob WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM 612011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=62http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=62the ultimate 1911 accoutrement The US Government developed the M1 .30 Carbine to replace both the .45 caliber Thompson submachine gun and the 1911 .45 pistol. It didn’t in either case. mike “duke” venturino tommy gun Duke is shown hosing down one of Action Target’s PT-torso steel targets with a burst from his Thompson. the terrific photos: yvonne venturino 62 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MARCH/APRIL20102011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=63http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=63Duke’s M1 Thompson is “select fire” meaning by the flip of a switch it can be fired either full-auto or semi-auto. The Thompson was effective in combat in World War II, but at 13 pounds loaded it was a heavy item for already overburdened GIs. verything even vaguely associated with handguns has been hung onto, around, or near the Model 1911 pistol at one time or another. Personally I like my 1911s plain. In fact my current favorite is a stock military Colt made in 1918. But after saying that I have to brag I have now bought the ultimate 1911 accoutrement — a Thompson submachine gun! That’s right, I caught the full-auto bug and I’m not apologizing to anyone for it. In 2009 I wrote up my 1941 vintage German MP40 9mm in these pages. My quest for World War II submachine guns only got started with that one. A bunch of assorted but mostly unused guns from my collection were sold, which caused a feeding frenzy among gun guys near and far. With money still in my pocket after paying for the MP40 I set about finding a Thompson. They are rather easy to find although darned expensive. And of course, being full-auto they must be registered with the ATF. I didn’t care and paid the exact same amount for one that Yvonne and I e This stamping on the side of all Thompson submachine guns has been a source of confusion for over a half century. Colt made some early Thompsons. Later ones were made either by Savage or Auto Ordnance but all were stamped with this marking. WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM 632011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=64http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=64What’s this? No German helmet, no Hawaiian shirt but the same silly grin. The M1 and M1A1 Thompsons of World War II could not take drum magazines. They were only used with stick magazines of 20 or 30 round capacity. A combat load for a soldier was either three 30-round magazines or five 20-round magazines. Also presumably the Thompson was carried into combat with one affixed. paid for our first house as newlyweds. “Tommy guns” are all the same and yet are very different. They are the same in they all have a wooden pistol grip and buttstock and feed from a detachable magazine. They are all marked Thompson somewhere. They are very different in that at one time or the other Thompsons were made in three different factories belonging to Colt, Savage and Auto-Ordnance. There never was a “Thompson” factory. Thompsons can have vertical or horizontal foregrips and their magazines can be 20- or 30-round stick types or 50- or 100-round drums. They all have peep rear sights but they can be a simple L-shaped piece of steel riveted to the top of the frame or very intricate adjustable ones. Yet, both types are marked “Lyman.” Thompsons can have a Cutts Compensator on their muzzles or be just plain. Their buttstocks can be quick detachable or screwed firmly in place. They can be stamped Model 1921, Model 1928 or Model 1928A1. There are even Model 1921s with a rather crude “8” stamped over the 1. And there are also M1s and M1A1s. All Thompson barrels are 10.5" long and will fit all models. Some are smooth and blued, some are smooth and Parkerized and some are blued with fins. Some other calibers were chambered in “ I didn’t care and paid the exact same amount for one that Yvonne and I paid for our first house as newlyweds. Duke has been firing these .45 ACP loads through his World War II Thompson. At left is US military surplus with 230 grain FMJ bullet headstamped WCC66. Next is 220 grain cast bullet from Lyman mould #452374 and loaded round, then 225 grain cast bullet by Oregon Trail bullet company and loaded round, and then 230 grain Hornady FMJ and loaded round. Duke test-fired his M1 Thompson with a handload and clocked it with the PACT MK IV Timer/Chronograph set to read full-auto fire. It gave a rounds-per-minute count of 701. ” Thompsons from time to time, such as .38 Super, but if you see a Thompson you won’t endanger your money much if betting it’s a .45 ACP. 1921 Gold Collectors prize the Colt-made Model 1921s most. They indeed are beautifully made and finished, but I didn’t want one. My goal was to find a “typical” World War II version, which would have been Models 64 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MARCH/APRIL20102011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=65http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=65This simple bent piece of steel was all the rear sight given to the M1 version of the Thompson submachine gun. 1928, 1928A1, M1 or M1A1 with the latter two being my preference. What I latched onto is a very early 1942 vintage M1, all original except for one detail. M1 Thompson buttstocks should not have the reinforcing cross-bolt. Mine does, but never mind. I found the proper buttstock without cross-bolt, put it on the shelf and allow the non-proper one to collect all the dings and dents I’m inflicting on it from shooting. Why would I go for the less fancy, utility model instead of those beautiful early ones? In my mind the M1 (and M1A1) fits better in my World War II firearms collection, and here’s one reason. When the US military finally got interested in the Thompson submachine gun as World War II was getting started, at first they paid $202.50 for the Model 1928. Their intricate Lyman sight, Cutts Compensator, finned barrel and fine blue finish helped put the price so high. Besides money, it took labor — man hours at machines — to make all those machining cuts. There at the beginning of World War II Savage Arms Company was actually making the Thompson submachine gun under license from Auto-Ordnance Corp. Colt had made the first 15,000 way back in the 1920s and they all only got sold by the late 1930s. Savage’s engineers put their heads together and figured out ways to make the Thompson faster and cheaper without becoming significantly less effective. The result was the M1 Thompson. Auto Ordnance Corporation didn’t particularly like the changes but the government sure did because it dropped their price to about $44.00! A typical M1 Thompson will have a simple L-shaped piece of steel with a hole in it for a rear sight. The front sight is a blade as part of a ring secured around the front of the barrel. That barrel will be smooth and can be either blued (very early) or Parkerized (most common.) The foregrips are all horizontal and the only magazines that fit are the 20 and 30 round stick types. Continued on page 84 Duke considers the Thompson submachine gun as the ultimate accouterment to his 1911 pistols. Both of these are Colts; one a 1911 and the other a 1911A1. Duke’s M1 Thompson is one of the centerpiece items in his burgeoning World War II collection, which includes this restored 1943 Jeep. This tiny “s” on the frame of Duke’s M1 Thompson signifies it was made in the Savage factory. The primary difference between an M1 Thompson and an M1A1 Thompson is the former’s bolt has an internal hammer actuating the moving firing pin, but the latter’s does not have a hammer. Its firing pin is machined integral with the bolt. WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM 652011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=66http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=66R eloaders tend to be thrifty and conservative. We find something that works and stick with it. For example, W-W 452AA is a shotgun powder which also works well in the .45 ACP. I bought a bunch on sale and still have some on hand, even though it was discontinued years ago. I have a dozen pounds of the original Hodgdon H-4831, made in WWII and sold by Hodgdon until supplies ran out in the early 1970s. It makes sense to buy in bulk, and to stick with things that work. But we don’t want to get so attached to old favorites we overlook some powders introduced in recent years. Alliant, makers of such classic powders as Bullseye and 2400, also has Power Pistol for moderate capacity autopistol cartridges, notably the 9mm, 10mm, .40 S&W and .357 SIG. Alliant also has a new line of powders called Power Pro including Power Pro 300-MP for magnum handgun loads. Hodgdon has a bunch of powders I like. I used to use a lot of HS-6 in compensated .38 Supers. H-110 is great in my .44 Magnum and .454 Casull pistols. One I need to try is Titegroup. Hodgdon states it’s an economical, clean-burning and uniform powder with mild muzzle report. Ramshot Zip is a fast-burning handgun powder for target/competition loads in cartridges such as .38 Spl., .40 S&W and .45 ACP. Ramshot True Blu e is a versatile powder which can be used in Revelations Reloading What’s New and What’s Still Cool Dave Anderson Left: For those wanting a heavier duty single-stage press capable of tasks such as bullet swaging as well as routine reloading, the Lee Classic Cast has a rigid frame and compound leverage. Hornady’s progressive loading tool uses their Lock ‘n’ Load feature for fast die changes. A heavy duty and excellent machine, built with typical Hornady high quality. 66 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MARCH/APRIL20102011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=67http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=67A few of the die sets on the loading bench I share with a friend. Mostly RCBS in this photo, but also Bonanza, Dillon, Hornady, and Redding in view here. Pistol is an Inglis P-35 9mm with matching stock/holster, made in WWII. Reloaders tend to buy in bulk (be aware of local fire/insurance regulations, and store properly; all these powders are in a secure fire-resistant vault). W-W 231 and Alliant Bullseye are classic powders in .38 Spl. and .45 ACP target loads. This ancient RCBS Rockchucker single stage press has loaded hundreds of thousands of rounds. While on the slow side, the care and attention you can give to loading individual rounds often makes sense, especially when loading small lots for testing. Today’s die sets (like these from RCBS) are better than ever. Maybe it’s time to toss some of your old steel ones and upgrade to carbide sizers and modern designs? Okay … we know you won’t throw away your old ones! handgun cartridges from .380 ACP to .454 Casull. Both are available in one and four-pound kegs. Winchester powders are now being distributed by Hodgdon. I used to go through a couple of eight-pound kegs of W-W 231 per year, in my competition .45s. It’s a great powder. W-W AutoComp is claimed to be ideal for compensated pistols in calibers 9mm through .45 ACP. And don’t overlook shotgun powders too. W-W WSF is also useful in 9mm, .38 Super and .40 S&W loads. Both It used to be reloaders started out with a single-stage press, maybe because progressives were so darn expensive. Since the “Dillon revolution” made progressives affordable many reloaders don’t even bother with single stage presses any more. I think handgun reloaders need both. Certainly for volume reloading I’d hate to do without a progressive. But for loading a few rounds to testing new powders and bullets, and for teaching new reloaders, a single stage press belongs on every bench. Currently good quality single stage presses — the Lee and RCBS Partner, for example — are so handy and moderately priced there’s no excuse for not owning one. To go with it a hand or bench-mounted priming tool is great when you want to load a batch of 50 or 100 rounds. Handloading has two major benefits. Low volume experimentation allows you to develop and test loads which best serve your needs. High volume reloading saves time and money. Handgunners really should have the equipment to handle both needs. While the standard 550 is already a best buy in progressive reloaders, Dillon somehow managed to design and make an even more economical model, the Square Deal. * For more info on the products seen here: www.americanhandgunner. com/productindex.html Power Pro is a new lineup of powders from Alliant. Four are rifle powders, while 300-MP is intended for magnum pistol cartridges. Sure, you have a progressive reloader set up for .38 Super or .40 S&W, but are you going to change it over just to load a hundred rounds of .44 Magnum or .454 Casull? For these smallvolume loading jobs a single-stage press and hand-held priming tool such as this one from Hornady are much handier. WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM 672011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=68http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=68Horkos Knife — flat dark earth with black micarta. Ares Knife — flat dark earth with green micarta. 68 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MARCH/APRIL20102011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=69http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=69f you want to know what makes a great fighting knife ask someone who’s used one, or in the case of Spartan Blades, LLC, just ask coowners Curtis Iovito and Mark Carey. These two military veterans biographies speak for themselves. Iovito was a member of the US Army Special Forces as a Weapons Sergeant, while Carey was a member of the same elite group, as a Medical Sergeant and Senior NCO. Both men spent 20-plus years each in the military, including special duties in counterterrorism and sniping. Both men went through tours of duty in Asia and the Middle East and were teammates during several years of their service. Needless to say, they both got to know knives along with their firearms, so what better pair to put together a company specializing in edged weapons? Curtis Iovito, the president of Spartan, went into the venture with hands-on experience at knifemaking. During his duty in the Special Forces he took an interest in making knives and developed his skills by making Enyo Knife — flat dark earth. cutters for his buddies in 1st Special Forces Group Airborne. After Curtis retired from military service he worked as the marketing director for a company specializing in large armor development, gaining valuable experience in the business world, which included working with the US government and foreign entities. Spartan vice-president Mark Carey’s post-military career paralleled that of Iovito. Mark also became involved in the armament industry, serving as the Director of Overseas Operations in Kuwait for an armor development company in charge of planning and managing a multi-million dollar military contract. Like teammate Iovito, he gained valuable experience in the business arena and working with foreign governments. When asked why he and Iovito chose knives as the focus of their business effort Mark tells us, “Since Curtis had made knives on and off for years for our buddies and we had learned a lot about manufacturing in short Continued on page 94 Erebus Knife — flat dark earth with tan micarta. Nyx Knife — flat dark earth with green handle. WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM 692011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=70http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=70sieRRa BulleTs Family Businesses ThaT Deliver sTaRline BRass John Taffin Starline’s entire staff proves there are people behind every case you use. And any company with a dog on staff can’t be bad! PhoTos: Roy hunTingTon here are a lot of great people involved in the firearms industry including several generations of families. Two immediately coming to mind are the Hodgdon and Brownell families. I can’t imagine functioning as a shooter without H o d g d o n ’s p o w d e r s a n d the Brownells catalog which covers virtually everything else needed for gunsmithing and shooting. Another prominent family is the Hayden family headed up by Robert Hayden. Sierra started in 1947 and Robert came on board in 1969. Interestingly enough, I’ve never met Robert, however more than 20 years ago my good friend, the late Hal Swiggett, introduced me to Robert’s lovely wife Barbara and then I met their son Robert. Together they make up Sierra Bullets and Starline both of which have relocated from California back to their roots in Missouri. They have both been very helpful to me over the years. What rifle shooter doesn’t know of Sierra’s Match King Bullets? I like names instead of numbers and Sierra offers great names: Blitzking, Varminter, Pro-Hunter, Game King and T Busy as bees if you ask us. Many employees at both Sierra and Starline count their years there in decades. Management treats everyone like family. Photo: Yamil Sued Brass cups are the first step toward cartridge cases at Starline, just as cups are the first step toward jackets at Sierra. 70 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MARCH/APRIL20102011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=71http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=71After being formed, Starline brass has to be annealed (heated and softened) since the forming process “work hardens” the brass. Otherwise cases would be too brittle. Photo: Yamil Sued A draw press turns “cups” into elongated forms, closer to what you and I know of as finished cartridge cases. Can you say “tons and tons of power?” Photo: Yamil Sued Finished cases wait their turn to be boxed and shipped. Starline and Sierra make many of the components that help our military fight their battles, so be patient if your favorite bullet or brass isn’t always available — both companies count our soldiers as their number one customers. And we agree. Photo: Yamil Sued Some of the steps at Starline reminded us of watching bullet jackets being made at Sierra. The forming of cases is done by “drawing” out the brass from the initial cup form using several dies — and those big machines! Some of the equipment at Starline is decades old, but then again, nobody makes these solid iron machines these days. The thrum and pound of machinery is music to your ears when you visit. Many of the machines are from the WWII era and earlier, and helped to make cases that won the war! Lathes are used to both trim cases to length and to machine rims, extraction grooves and such into cases during the creation of finished cases at Starline. Yup, they reminded us of gold too! Here, cases are still in the lubricant used to help during the forming process. WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM 712011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=72http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=72It’s not right until it is and Sierra maintains a lab full of actions for virtually every caliber. Their technician tests thousands of bullets weekly. What a job, eh? Sierra’s legendary reloading manual is virtually iconic in the industry. Photo: John Taffin Be still our beating hearts. We confess it was tough to be near so many beautiful bullets and to have to keep your hands in your pockets! Taffin uses no-end of Sierra bullets. Here’s a line-up for the .45 ACP. Based in Missouri, both Sierra and Starline are in “hunting and shooting” country! Step one: Turning perfectly good copper sheet into the basic “cups” that will eventually be bullets you and I shoot. Lead ingots are only part of the raw goods that come in the door at Sierra daily. They really do “make” the bullets from scratch! From that basic copper “cup” you can see some of the steps involved in “drawing” out what eventually will become a jacket. In this case, on a rifle bullet. 72 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MARCH/APRIL20102011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=73http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=73Lead ingots turn into lead wire through Sierra magic and that “wire” becomes lead cores in a wide range of bullets. Sportsmaster. I’ve used thousands of Sierra sixgun and semiauto pistol bullets over the years, and for testing the DoubleStar 1911-A1 recently I went with four excellent .45 ACP bullets from Sierra, the 185 JHP, 200 FPJ, 230 JHP and 230 FMJ along with Starline brass. Many of my sixgun loads over the years in .44 Special, .44 Magnum and .45 Colt have been assembled with Sierra bullets. There are, of course, other excellent bullets available, and over the course of a year’s testing I use bullets from several manufacturers, however when it comes to brass, I almost exclusively use Starline — to the point I will not purchase anything else but Starline unless for some reason it’s not available. There’s a great deal of hands-on work at Sierra. Here, staffers pack, box and get ready to ship your bullets. And yes, those 50 gallon drums you see are full of Sierra bullets waiting their turn! Handloaders Friends It was not too many years ago when it was very difficult to find anything except very standard cartridge cases. That all changed with the advent of Starline. In addition to the “normally accepted” line of brass, Starline makes it possible to once again shoot such cartridges as .45 S&W, .44 Colt and .44 Russian. Their .45 Colt and .44 Magnum handle heavy loads easily, and cartridges which used to be a pain to load such as the .32-20, .38-40 and .44-40 (because they were so fragile) are now replaced by a much sturdier Starline brass. The large ammunition companies normally have their own brand of bullets and brass, however a check with such companies as Black Hills, Buffalo Bore and Cor-Bon reveals the use of a long list of Sierra Bullets and Starline brass. Sierra also offers one of the finest reloading manuals available, loose leaf, with pages which are easily removable. When I started reloading back in the 1950s it was not all that easy to find components, and even harder to find information. Toll free numbers are maintained by both Sierra (800) 223-8799 and Starline (800) 280-6660, to answer any reloading questions. I don’t want to even imagine what reloading would be like without Sierra Bullets and Starline Brass. So many steps to make a bullet — and at Sierra all the steps are carefully monitored. Here, gilding metal “cups” begin their journey into bullet-hood. * For more info: www.americanhandgunner.com/productindex.html Grand-size roles of copper alloy arrive, eventually turning into Sierra bullets. WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM 732011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=74http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=74Richard Mann A Charming Snake 74 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MARCH/APRIL20102011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=75http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=75The slash-cut slide on the Gaboon sets its appearance apart from all other 1911s. The Gaboon’s internal recoil spring plug and innovative bushing is the engineering behind the look. The NeXt alteration to the 1911 permits the pistol to be loaded or unloaded with the safety engaged. It’s a feature that takes some getting used to but it is entirely practical. The recoil spring plug for the Gaboon looks much different than one from a standard 1911. The recoil spring plug inserts from the rear of the slide and is not held in place by the barrel bushing. ate last fall I received a call from Dustin Bonar. Dustin is the son on the late Joe Bonar who was a friend and the lead 1911 scientist at Novak’s for many years. Joe and I were close. He was in my wedding and threw me in the New River while I was still wearing the tux and the Lightweight Commander he so eloquently engineered for me. Joe passed several years ago and has been deeply missed by family, friends and those who relied on him to build 1911s to keep them safe. Dustin was already working at Novak’s but soon took over his father’s duties there. He was just out of his teens but still knew how to build a 1911. Hell, his dad had been showing him how since before he was kissing girls. For Dustin, 1911s and other firearms were his childhood puzzles. Dustin left Novak’s in 2008 when he decided his creative mind needed more leeway. That’s when he started LST (Lightning Strike Technologies). You probably think “Lightning Strike” refers to an electrical blast or Richard’s Gaboon ran fine with a nice cross-section of ammo. L The recoil spring plug is removed from the Gaboon by pushing it to the rear of the slide. It serves the same purpose as a standard recoil spring plug it just installs differently. LST typically installs Novak sights on the Gaboon but the author preferred the XS 24/7 style sight because they are so fast to get on target. They also put you in mind of the rostral horns on the snake the pistol is named after. the rapid assault of some tactical death squad. Nope, Dustin has been infatuated with snakes for as long as he can remember and routinely kept them as pets when younger. “Lightning Strike” refers to the speed of a snake’s strike. This brings us to the Gaboon; what Dustin Bonar calls his first signature 1911. The Gaboon is an African pit viper that spends most of its time motionless, lying in wait on its prey. A Gaboon strikes with amazing speed and agility and their venom is seriously deadly. With age, the Gaboon grows a pair of rostral horns and is the largest of the vipers. What does this have to do with 1911s? Nothing, until now. Dustin stretched the analogy and by altering the pistol’s appearance with some rakish lines, modernized the 1911. LST offers the Gaboon in 9mm, .38 Super, .40 S&W, .45 ACP and Dustin’s preferred cartridge — the 10mm. The result is a deadly and dependable pistol that, like the Gaboon viper, will lay in wait until called upon to strike at some aggressive troll. Given Colt’s history of naming revolvers after snakes, it’s a fitting moniker. Before we finished our talk I ordered a Gaboon in .45 ACP. Cosmetic? In March of 2009 I drove to LST to collect my pistol and while there Dustin explained his goal with the Gaboon was to radically renovate the looks of the 1911 without sacrificing functionality or altering the mechanics of the original design. To accomplish this, a slash cut is made on the bottom of the slide; the area where the recoil spring plug is inserted. This makes a conventional bushing useless so Dustin devised Continued on page 88 Dustin Bonar in the LST shop assembling the author’s Gaboon. Dustin may look young but he literally grew up building pistols under the tutelage of one of the best 1911 smiths ever; his father, Joe Bonar. There is a great deal of difference between the Gaboon barrel bushing (left) and a standard 1911 bushing (right). From a function standpoint the Gaboon bushing does not hold the recoil spring plug in 2011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=76http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=76WIN! froM The S&W PerforMance cenTer S&W Model 325 HANDGUN OF THE MONTH IncludeS Thunder ranch Gun ruG and defenSIve revolver dvd! 76 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MARCH/APRIL20102011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=77http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=77ENTEr ONlINE AT AMErIcANHANDGUNNEr.cOM! Thunder ranch revolver . 4 5 acP ome people think the revolver is dead, while others — the smarter ones — realize today is actuallytherenaissanceofthewheelgun.Invirtuallyeveryrespect,today’srevolversaremorereliable,moreversatile,betterengineeredandfullof featuresandideasthatdominatepreviousdesigns. 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IncludedwiththerevolverisahighqualityThunderRanch gun rug, and Defensive Revolver DVD, hosted by Clint Smith. ThisDVD(producedinconjunctionwithFMGTrainingVideos),is vintageClint,fulloftipsandrecommendationsonhowtobest handletheThunderRanchrevolver. S Custom Features • Capacity:6rounds • Action:Single/Double • Capacity:6(uses“moon”) • Sights:Goldfront,adjustable whiteoutlinerear • Barrellength:4" • Overalllength:9.5" • Emptyweight:31oz • Grip:Synthetic • Finish:Matteblack over $1,400! Photo: Joe Novelozo totaL vaLue: FORMOREINFO: www.americanhandgunner.com/productindex.html TO ENTER CONTEST: Use a postcard (no envelopes, please) and follow the sample shown. Send to AMERICAN HANDGUNNER, Dept. H3, P.O. Box 501377, San Diego, CA 92150-1377.EntriesmustbereceivedbeforeApril30,2010. Hom marCH/aPrIL 2010 REadER SuRvEy QuESTiONS: 1. Have you ever served in the Military? a) yes B) No 2. Have you ever worked in Law Enforcement? a) yes B) No 3. do you prefer a fixed blade knife or a folding knife? a) Fixed blade B) Folding knife 4. How often do you use the internet? a) More than an hour per day B) daily C) Several times per week d) weekly E) Seldom 5.Have you viewed the digital editions of American Handgunner? a) yes B) No Name ___________________________________ Address_____________City,State,Zip____________ EmailAddress_______________________ CiRCLE aNSwERS TO REadER SuRvEy: samPLe Question#1: (A) (B) Question#3: (A) (B) Question#5: (A) (B) Question#2: (A) (B) Question#4: (A) (B) (C) (D) (E) IfIwin,pleaseshipmyprizethrough: Dealer___________________________________ Address_____________City,State,Zip____________ Phone( )____-________ Storehours__am__pm Limit 1 entry per household. ThiscontestisopentoindividualswhoareresidentsoftheUnitedStatesanditsterritoriesonly.AgentsandemployeesofPublishers DevelopmentCorporationandtheirfamiliesareexcludedfromentering.Contestvoidwhereprohibitedorrestrictedbylaw.Winnersmustmeetalllocallawsandregulations.Taxesandcompliancewithfirearmsregulationswillbetheresponsibilityofthewinners.WinnerswillbenotifiedbyCERTIFIEDMAILonofficialletterhead.ATTENTIONDEPLOYEDMILITARY:USESTATESIDEADDRESS!Nopurchasenecessarytoenter. WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM 772011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=78http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=78AYOOB FILES Continued from page 34 The hand emerges from the bag empty, and the man begins to sprint toward his car. Terry yells, “shoot him!” but Guy, holding the shotgun, has missed the furtive movement toward the bag, and does not yet know it contains loaded guns. He’s not up for shooting, based on what he knows, and he hands Terry the shotgun. Multiple possibilities race through Graham’s brain. He has to assume the two loaded semiautomatic pistols he has left in that bag are now in the criminal’s possession. Will the intruder flee? Will he shoot them all now? Will he run his getaway car down the long driveway, stop out of range of the puny single-shot .410, and gun them all down with impunity? struck the driver in the head. The pellets had been too close together to spread, and the lead payload has struck en masse, still together, creating one large hole that pathologists sometimes call a “rat-hole wound.” Josh Chambers, 33, was found sprawled across the front seat and was pronounced dead at the scene. The post-mortem toxicology screen showed he had cocaine in his system. Chambers had been the black sheep son of good parents, his family well respected locally, but drug problems had consumed his life. He had become a burglar to pay for his heavy habit, and not a very good one. He had been caught on many occasions, had done some serious hard time, and was on parole at the time of his shooting. His continuing pattern of crime and substance abuse had broken his mother’s heart and so frightened his wife that she had divorced him, allowing him only Graham has a heart condition and he knows he can’t outrun an automobile, let alone a bullet. He sees only one chance, and he’s holding it in his hands. And now as the running man approaches his car, it is Olson who sees the suspect’s hand fumble inside the bag. But then, instead of drawing anything, the man and the bag go into the white Ford together. supervised visits to see his children. At the time of his death, Josh Chambers was driving a vehicle that would quickly track to him. He had to have known that Graham, Olson and Olson’s teenage son had ample opportunity to memorize his license plate, which would result inevitably in his capture and arrest. Parolees know exactly what they stand to lose if caught committing another serious crime while they’re tentatively back in mainstream society. Chambers had ten-plus years left to do on the sentence from which he had been temporarily reprieved. There was this new burglary to look at, now committed by a serial offender. He was a felon in possession of controlled drugs, and now, a felon in possession of firearms. He had to know he was looking at the end of life as he knew it. He had made it clear to those who knew him that he didn’t think he could survive without drugs, as he would have to do if returned to prison. And he had every reason to know all these undesirable things would ensue if Graham and the Olsons survived to call the cops, give them his license tag number and testify against him. The travel bag he had thrown on the seat beside him contained several thousand dollars in cash the rancher kept handy for emergencies. It also contained two loaded handguns, a Glock 23 and an IntraTec Tec-22. Various experts determined the vehicle was accelerating at the moment Attack Now behind the wheel, the stranger accelerates. He races the Taurus directly at Terry Graham. Olsen is somewhere behind Graham, and Graham can’t see where he is, and fears for him, too. He knows the man in the car almost certainly has two loaded guns; and now, as the Ford rushes toward him, he perceives the driver’s right hand reaching toward the bag he has thrown onto the seat while beginning his escape. Graham has a heart condition and he knows he can’t outrun an automobile, let alone a bullet. He sees only one chance, and he’s holding it in his hands. In one desperate motion, just before the car can hit him, Graham lunges to the side, raises the shotgun to his shou2011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=79http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=79Made with Pride in the U.S.A. What’s in a name? History. John Taliaferro Thompson founded the Auto-Ordnance Corporation® in 1916 with John Blish and Thomas Fortune Ryan to design and develop a hand held machine gun. The product of this collaboration was the world famous “Tommy Gun®.” Since its inception, the “Tommy Gun” has become an American icon. Carried by G-men and colorful characters like Al Capone and John Dillinger in the 1920’s and 30’s and trusted by our soldiers in WWII. The Thompson was the coveted weapon among specialized troops such as Rangers, Marine Raiders, armored and parachute units. The “Tommy Gun” went on to see service in Korea and Vietnam. At Auto-Ordnance we take great pride in continuing General Thompson’s legacy by producing finely crafted semi-automatic versions of the historic Thompson submachine gun. Put a piece of history in your hands. Own a Thompson! ® ® KAHR ARMS: 130 Goddard Memorial Drive, Worcester, MA 01603 Sales Support & Service: 508-795-3919 Websites: www.tommygun.com / www.tommygunshop.com Courtesy The National WWII Museum www.nationalww2museum.org2011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=80http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=80DMT Ammo Ad Shot Show'10 art2.pdPage 1 11/11/09 3:43:23 PM C M Y CM MY CY CMY K it nearly hit Terry Graham. The sedan, a 1993 Ford Taurus, had a gross vehicle weight listed by its manufacturer of 3,118 pounds. Auto/pedestrian collisions tend to cause massive, mangling, often fatal injuries. This is why police shoot “unarmed motorists” who are driving vehicles at them. In addition, Graham believed Chambers was reaching for one of the guns at the time the homeowner decided the only chance of survival was to shoot the criminal. The grip surfaces of both the Glock and the IntraTec pistols are not conducive to fingerprint retention, so we don’t know if Chambers actually had one of the guns in hand at the time he was shot, and it fell back into the bag. The bag containing the guns was propelled forward onto the floor of the front seat in the crash. However, if the gun was indeed in the burglar’s hand, he would have been only about a second away from whipping it out and firing as he went past. The shooting fit all the parameters of justifiable homicide in self-defense and defense of others. However, the law still had to be satisfied, on both the criminal and civil sides. The Grand Jury Several weeks after the shooting, the Grand Jury of Smith County met to consider the case. It is SOP in Texas for all homicides to go before the Grand Jury. I was brought in to speak as an expert witness, hired by the prosecutor’s office and my testimony was pretty much the same as that of the investigators. Noel Martin, the Sheriff’s Department’s ace crime scene reconstructionist, had determined from the birdshot pattern the muzzle of the shotgun was four feet from the dead man’s head when the fatal shot was fired through the open window. The deceased had appeared to be reaching for one of two lethal weapons as he directed a third — the automobile — at Mr. Graham. Graham sat before the Grand Jury and told them his story; he came across as sincere, humble and honest. They heard from both local police and an outside expert witness the situation had been one in which Josh Chambers had put Graham in a situation of immediate danger of death or great bodily harm, to himself and to others he had the right to protect. The head of the prosecutor’s office, Matt Bingham, meticulously explained to the Grand Jury the laws of the state of Texas in regard to the use of deadly force, including justifiable homicide. The Grand Jury returned No True Bill. That meant they had ruled there was no reason to believe Terry Graham had committed any crime in the shooting death of Josh Chambers. From 80 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MARCH/APRIL20102011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=81http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=81the criminal justice side of the house, the matter was effectively over. But the civil side of the matter was yet to come. One thing you learn if you’re involved in homicide cases over decades, is even if a man has done many bad things and brought fear to the people who most love him, once he is dead it becomes safe to love him again. It’s human nature to seek revenge upon those who kill the people we love. The dead man’s ex-wife filed a wrongful death lawsuit, on behalf of the children she’d had with Josh Chambers, against Terry Graham. Trial was held in July of 2009 in the courtroom of Judge Randall Rogers, in the Tyler, Texas courthouse that a few years before had been the scene of a horrendous mass murder in which an armed citizen had stopped the killing, (saving several people’s lives) but being killed himself in the act. The gunman was killed a matter of minutes later by a courageous Tyler cop. It is a story that has been told in these pages in the past. Graham retained Tracy Crawford, a brilliant attorney hugely respected in the area. Judge Rogers spoke of the plaintiffs’ lawyers, Charles Clark and Greg Porter, as being highly respected too. I was very impressed with Judge Rogers — a stern jurist, but even-handedly so — and will take his word for that. I can only observe that even the best lawyers must feel a need to stretch things when they have a weak case. In his opening statement for the plaintiff, Attorney Porter told the jury, “There’s no death penalty in Texas for burglary or for being a drug addict.” The plaintiffs’ theory was the fleeing burglar had been trying to drive around the homeowner, and had been executed needlessly. The autopsy showed the blast of the small shotgun had entered the side of the head and tracked slightly forward. The plaintiff’s theory was this meant Chambers had been shot from behind as he fled, presenting no danger. However, Terry Graham had hired the right attorney. A harmless man executed for being a drug addict? The plaintiff ex-wife was cross-examined gently but most effectively by defense lawyer Tracy Crawford. He led her to admit in the past she had so feared for her and her children’s safety at the hands of the deceased burglar, that she had filed a temporary restraining order against him. The plaintiff’s theory painted a loving father who was simply a victim of a compulsion he couldn’t control. His former father in law testified, “That man loved his children more than anything.” Crawford asked him softly, “More than drugs?” “I don’t know about that,” the father-in-law answered. In addition to effectively cross-examining the plaintiff’s expert, Crawford WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM 81 The Lawsuit2011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=82http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=82A LASER THIS SMALL IS HUGE. called two of his own: Albert Rodriguez, a top Texas instructor, and me. His strategy was to bracket the defense case like bookends, Rodriguez the first to testify and me the last, with testimony that showed the jury both the state of Texas and national standards were absolutely met when Terry Graham fired the shot that killed Josh Chambers. Rodriguez, by all accounts, did a masterful job of delivering an honest testimony proving unshakable on cross. tore into Chambers’ brain was consistent with a man suddenly realizing his victim was about to fight back, and twisting his head away from the upcoming gun muzzle in the instant before the shot, too quickly for the defendant to stop his trigger finger. Even the plaintiff’s expert had to admit this under Crawford’s dynamic cross-examination. Perhaps the greatest stretch by the plaintiffs was their theory that Graham, armed with a shotgun, had the doomed I can only observe that even the best lawyers must feel a need to stretch things when they have a weak case. In between came the heartfelt testimony of the participants and eyewitnesses. Asked at one point in the investigation if he had been in fear of his life, Graham had of course replied in the affirmative. Asked at another point whether he feared for the Olsons, he had said yes to that too. The plaintiff’s side tried to make it look as if he had given two different, conflicting answers. The jury, a well-educated group comprising eight women and four men, weren’t fooled. They understood Graham felt he had to fire to protect himself and his foreman and the foreman’s teenage son. The testimony of those who were there was unanimous. Graham had said from the beginning he thought he was going to be shot with a gun and hit by an accelerating automobile at the time he fired the fatal shot. Guy Olson said under oath, “The man jumped in his car, put it in gear and took off. At that time Mr. Graham was all but in front of the man’s car. I was afraid the man was going to run over Mr. Graham. Mr. Graham stepped out of the way of the man’s car and fired the gun. If Mr. Graham wouldn’t have stepped away, the man would have run him over with the vehicle.” Young Jason Osborn said under oath, “The man drove his vehicle towards Mr. Graham — like head-on. Mr. Graham stepped to (his) right to get out of the way and shot at the vehicle. The man would have run over Mr. Graham if he had not gotten out of the way.” Defense lawyer Crawford left in tatters the plaintiffs’ theory that Chambers had been “executed” and “shot from behind.” All testimony indicated the shot was fired as the driver came abreast of the defendant: otherwise, how would the birdshot have gotten into the accelerating car, except through that open window? If the shot had come from behind as the plaintiffs wanted the jury to believe, Chambers would have had to have had a neck like a giraffe and hung his head out the window. The very slight back-to-front angle of the pellets as they burglar “outgunned.” By the time Rodriguez and I were done, the jury knew that a single-shot firearm with birdshot suitable for small feathered creatures and little animals at close range was no match for the Glock .40 the dead man had in his possession, the most popular anti-personnel handgun in law enforcement today. His car door would have been in effect a bulletproof shield against the .410’s tiny pellets, and the short range .410 would have been hopelessly outmatched at any distance if, as Graham had first feared, the man had simply driven a distance beyond them, stopped, and leaned out to pick them off. Graham had a single-shot gun with one lonely little shell, and no spare ammunition; Josh Chambers was indisputably in possession of a stolen Glock loaded with eight rounds of .40 S&W hollow point, and a Tec-22 semiauto pistol loaded with 21 rounds of .22 Long Rifle. Both pistols were recovered with live rounds in the chambers. Far from being outgunned, the dead man had a 29-t2011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=83http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=83shooting, and that helped to spike any implication he had acted as a vigilante. We can see why Graham first hesitated to call police. He wasn’t sure it was a burglary, he didn’t want to embarrass unrecognized friends who might have dropped by, and he didn’t want to take a deputy who might be seriously needed elsewhere out of service if he wasn’t sure it was necessary. In retrospect, though, his bitter experience tells us it is wise to call the police even if we merely suspect they might be needed. We are reminded some burglars carry their own weapons and some don’t, but if they’re coming out of our house when we confront them, they may have our weapons now, as Josh Chambers surely had Graham’s. Terry Graham had not been armed when he came home from church. But for his cautious wisdom in asking Guy Osborn to bring a gun, he — and Guy and his son — would have been helpless against a man now well-armed and with a strong motive to murder them all to stay out of prison and continue his cocaine-driven life. Understand, the saying “a good shoot is a good shoot” is almost childishly naïve. In this case, an honest and highly professional district attorney was in office, and a Grand Jury was correctly allowed to see both sides, and this saved Graham from the ordeal of a wrongful criminal trial. However, that was no protection against what I — and, apparently, the jury — considered to be an unmeritorious lawsuit. Even if the “Castle Doctrine” had been in effect, the plaintiff’s complaint was cunningly crafted to get around it, with allegations such as “gross negligence” which are exempted from protection under most such laws. Please don’t read this and think, “Well, he won at trial in the end, so it’s all good.” I never asked Terry Graham, but some close to him estimate his legal bills exceeded $60,000 that he’ll never get back. I’ve seen it go a lot more. And that’s before you factor in what it does to your life to spend about two and a half years with the sharp-edged pendulum of The Law hanging over your head, all the while facing false allegations you’re a vengeful executioner after you’ve spent a full, productive life doing good for people. And, one final bit of advice. This isn’t the first case I’ve seen of the citizen coming home to find the intruder already there and armed. It would be nice if you already had some defensive hardware with you at such a moment, instantly deployable for the defense of yourself and others. If you even remotely think you might one day face an armed and dangerous burglar on your own property, please equip yourself with something more suited to such emergencies than a single-shot .410 loaded with bunny shot. ered by olff Power ed b y Wolf f! For over 50 years Wolff has been the name you trust for precision gunsprings - Recoil Springs - Magazine Springs - Hammer Springs - Firing Pin Springs - Other Springs - Performance Kits For hundreds of Semi-Auto Pistols, Revolvers, Rifles and Shotguns. Like oil in your car, springs need to be changed from time to time. P.O.Box 458, Dept. 381, Newtown Square, PA 19073 Toll-Free at 800-545-0077 or 610-359-9600 * www .gunsprings .com www.gunsprings .gunsprings.com Isn’t it time to make sure your gun is Powered by Wolff! 83 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM2011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=84http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=84uLtImAtE 1911 Continued from page 65 Troops didn’t like the weight and bulk of the drum magazines and generally just threw them away when empty. M1 Thompsons were made in two plants: Savage in New York and Auto Ordnance Corp. in Bridgeport (CT). This fact is a little confusing. All of them were marked with the latter company’s name but those made by Savage will have a small “s” stamped into the frame ahead of the magazine well. According to Bruce Canfield’s excellent book U.S. Infantry Weapons Of World War II, only 285,480 M1 Thompsons were made before the M1A1 upgrade was adopted. By the way, except for the buttstock variation mentioned above and some protective wings alongside the rear sight, the only real difference between M1 and M1A1 Thompsons is that the latter’s bolt has a fixed firing pin while the former model has a separate one actuated by an internal hammer. Worldwide Thompson submachine guns in all models were used in combat in every theatre of World War II. Many went to the British and Chinese under the Lend-Lease Act, and interestingly many of those Chinese ones were turned against American troops in the Korean War. They had been captured from the Nationalist Chinese by the Communist Chinese during and after their Civil War. Many thousand of those Thompsons sent to the Brits early in World War II ended up at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean as victims of German U-Boats. The rate of fire of 800 rounds per minute for the M1 Thompson is rather fast as World War II submachine guns go. By comparison the German MP40 is rated at 500 rpm, the British STEN the same, and the Thompson’s replacement — the M3 Grease Gun — is only about 450 rpm. Only the Russian’s PPsh41 beat the Thompson at 900 rpm. The rpm listed are nominal. All of them are recoil operated, meaning they will actually cycle faster with hotter ammunition and slower with lower velocity ammunition. For this article I test fired a handload using a 220 grain cast bullet over 5.4 grains of Winchester 231 powder. As read by my PACT MK IV Timer/Chronograph that handload provided a rate of fire of only 701 rpm. Thompson submachine guns of all models have an avid, even perhaps a cult following. Does that mean they were the best submachine gun of World War II? My opinion is, “No way.” There were three basic charges leveled against them. They were too heavy, their ammunition was too heavy, and they were hard to control in full auto. All those things are true. The hard to control factor can be cured with training: meaning learning to hold it properly and fire in short bursts. It’s doubtful if the American military establishment in World War II took the time or supplied the ammunition necessary to make everyone issued a Thompson an expert shooter with it. Nothing could be done about the “heavy” business. Empty, my M1 weighs 11.5 pounds. Loaded with 20 and 30 round magazines it’s up to 12.25 and 12.75 pounds respectively. Magazine pouches were supplied for M1/ M1A1s holding either five 20-round magazines, or three 30-round ones. Filled with loaded magazines those pouches weigh 7.25 and 6.25 pounds in the same order. There’s more than one story in World War II oral history where a veteran says he got rid of his Thompson because it was such a burden. So why did the Thompson see so much use worldwide in the Second World War? The answer is simple. It was the only submachine gun available to American and British forces when the conflict began. Most American tanks were issued with a Thompson stored in the turret, and they were given in large quantities to airborne troops to help bolster their firepower. However, early in 1944 the US Government decreed that Savage and Auto Ordnance stop making Thompsons because the M3 grease gun had been officially adopted. Making It Work It’s actually simple. There’s a selector switch on the weapon’s left side for fullor semi-firing. Put it in the mode you would like to shoot, insert a magazine until it clicks into place, then pull the bolt rear2011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=85http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=85tAFFIN tEStS Continued from page 36 Whispers ® .302 ® .338 .375 .416 Whispers are developments of SSK Industries, which operate at sub-sonic and medium velocity modes. 22 through 50 caliber. Custom barrels for Contenders, Encores, bolt guns, semi-autos and the cans to keep them quiet are available. Over 400 calibers. Custom and production AR barrels, uppers and complete guns. Convert your guns or ours. SSK Industries 590 Woodvue Lane Wintersville, OH 43953 Tel: 740-264-0176 www.sskindustries.com favorite .45 ACP handload consisting of the RCBS #45-201 SWC over 7.0 grains of Unique proved to be accurate, with a group of 13/8" for five shots at 20 yards with a muzzle velocity of 972 fps. However the same bullet over 5.0 grains of Bullseye clocked at 895 feet per second and delivered an amazing group of 5/8" for six shots. This gun may not go back! The Hawk is Iver Johnson’s Commander-sized 1911 and, except for the sights and shorter frame and slide, it has all of the same features as the Eagle. The sights are again excellent. They are combat style mounted in dovetails and provide a large black, easy to see sight picture. The rear sight is “melted.” The test version came in the matte finish which makes it a natural for packing in a Leather Arsenal inside the waistband holster. Of the three test guns, the Hawk had the worst trigger pull at 8 pounds, which is way too heavy. Even so I managed to get some excellent groups with it. The best factory loads for the Hawk proved to be Black Hills 230 JHP +P at 926 fps and the CCI Blazer 230 FMJ at 888 fps. Both grouped into 11/2". My two handloads with the RCBS #45-201 also did well with groups at 13/4" or less. The Hawk retails for $594 in the test version matte finish, and $625 with a high polish blue finish. Classic Style Untitled-1 1 That brings us to the third test gun, the 1911-A1. This is a basic matte-finished GI-style .45 ACP with extended grip safety and standard hammer and trigger. The sights are fixed, with a black square notch rear sight mated up with a slanted post front sight, both of which combine to give an excellent sight picture. The slide to frame finish is excellent with no discernible play whatsoever. The trigger pull at 63/4 pounds is the best of the three, however this is still too heavy. The sights were right on the money for my eyes and hold, with the best factory groups running 13/8" for five shots at 20 yards. This was accomplished with both the Black Hills 230 FMJ at 880 fps and the CorBon 200 JHP+P at 1,016 fps. The Iver Johnson 1911-A1 seems to be an exceptional bargain at an MSRP of $532. The GI Commander version is dubbed the Trojan, and retails for $500. It appears Iver Johnson has done an excellent job in coming up with a varied assortment of .45 ACPs at very affordable prices. They also offer .22 conversion units for both the fulland Commander-sized .45s. 12/15/09 3:51:03 PM * For more info: www.americanhandgunner.com/productindex.html WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM 852011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=86http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=86GLOCK 22 RtF Continued from page 61 law enforcement agency in the nation to adopt the G22 RTF. This is the county surrounding Pensacola and its famed Emerald Coast and Navy base. With a history of hurricanes and duties that include beach patrol, boat patrol and even deputies on jet-skis, these folks know about guns in slippery hands. They had adopted the Glock for its superb resistance to salt water and salt air corrosion (Tenifer, polymer, all of that) and had gone to the RTF primarily because it gave their deputies a better grasp on their service pistols. The RTF treatment also includes the first change in slide serration pattern in Glock’s history. The classic straight up and down grasping grooves are replaced in the RTF format with deep, wide semicircular cuts that really do seem to allow a firmer grasp. Escambia County SO, like many law enforcement agencies, teaches a firm racking of the slide rather than the use of the slide lock lever during reloads, and between inclement weather and terribly humid summers in the inland part of the county, they’ve seen a definite improvement in positive slide manipulation with their new RTF guns. Accuracy In the last 20 years, the G22 has become the most popular police service pistol in the United States. With that many people using them, the manufacturer has had mega “beta testing,” and has been tweaking the gun to improve its performance the whole time. That definitely showed when I tested this latest and most evolved specimen of the breed. From the 25-yard bench I tested G22 RTF serial number NBW997 with loads from three respected manufacturers, encompassing the three most popular bullet weights in the .40 caliber. The 180-gr. subsonic load was the original formula for .40 S&W when it was introduced in 1990, and is probably still the most commonly used. It was represented in this test by Federal’s cost effective American Eagle practice ammo, to wit the Total Metal Jacket load with lead-free primers, product code AE40N1. Ammo with lead free primers isn’t famous for accuracy, but this stuff did fine in the test gun, putting all five shots into 2.30", and the best three in the tightest such cluster of the test, measuring only 0.95". As per my usual protocol, I measured each group once for all five to get an idea what an experienced shooter could do with it from a solid rest under calm conditions, and again for the best three to factor out enough human error to get a good idea of the inherent mechanical accuracy of the gun/ammo combination. All groups were measured to the nearest 0.05", from the centers of the farthest-apart bullet holes. The 165-gr. JHP loads at 1,140 or so fps have done very well in law enforcement .40s, including the Speer Gold Dot in that configuration. The Gold Dot gave us the tightest five-shot group of this test at 1.90". The best three shots were 1.25" apart. The 155-gr. JHP at 1,200 fps has proven to be a devastating load in this caliber, by the Border Patrol for example. It was represented here by Winchester Silvertip, which has worked extremely well in the shootings I’m familiar with. It’s the most accurate load in my little Glock 27, but this particular Glock 22 RTF didn’t like it as much, delivering a five shot group of 3" and a best three of 2.1". I’ve been shooting Glock 22s since they came out some 20 years ago. The first ones were not at all impressive for accuracy. That probably had at least as much to do with the ammo as with the guns: the .40 S&W cartridge has never earned the reputation for gilt-edged accuracy that its derivative round, the .357 SIG, did almost from the beginning. However, Glock has learned a lot about building .40s in the intervening score of years, and the ammo industry has learned a lot about that particular cartridge. This new test pistol, the G22 RTF, pleased me with its accuracy. Under 2" for five rounds of a streetproven duty Gold Dot, hand held off the bench? I can’t bitch about that at all. Bottom Line My test crew and I put2011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=87http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=872011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=88http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=88LSt GABOON Continued from page 75 his own bushing and to contain the recoil spring he created a plug perfectly matching the slash cut and inserts from the rear of the slide. To disassemble the Gaboon you pull the slide rearward until the takedown notch is lined up with the slide lock, remove the slide lock while holding the slide and then ease the slide forward, being careful to grab the recoil spring and spring guide as tension is released. After the slide is removed you push the recoil spring plug to the rear and out of the slide. This allows access to the Gaboon’s barrel bushing which has three small holes permitting the bushing to be rotated with a pointed object in case it is too tight to turn by hand. engaged. What I am still getting used to is that since the slide cannot be locked I sometimes have to place my thumb on the rear of slide when holstering. The Gaboon is available with or without the NeXt modification. The Gaboon also comes standard with LST’s aluminum grips. They are available in a variety of colors and have three ball-cut grooves running vertically up the grip. I really liked these grips and they fit flush with the S&A magwell. However, I’m addicted to Crimson Trace laser grips. So I eventually replaced them with the neat looking, digital camo grips Crimson Trace provides to Kimber. I liberated a set and with apologies to Dustin and Kimber; they now reside on my Gaboon. You cannot purchase these grips from Crimson Trace but you can get them directly from Kimber. The result is a deadly and dependable pistol that, like the Gaboon viper, will lay in wait until called upon to strike at some aggressive troll. It’s a comprehensive modification dramatically changing the profile of the pistol and requires the meticulous construction of a new bushing and the time consuming manufacture of a new plug. It also shortens the cycling distance and time. To compensate for this, an 18-pound Commander spring and Commander spring guide are used for 5" 1911s. You may be wondering if this is a totally cosmetic alteration. It’s not. On two occasions I’ve seen a 1911 barrel bushing rotate away from the recoil spring plug during firing. The result was the recoil spring and plug being ejected from the pistol. In both instances this was likely due to improper assembly, but in any case it happened and it rendered the pistol inoperative. It cannot happen with the Gaboon. The Gaboon is also easier to cram into a holster. Though this advantage may be slight, it does exist and is noticeable. Sharpening the muzzle profile of any handgun would do the same thing. If you have ever tried to shove a square-nosed Glock into an inside the pants holster, you will appreciate the ease at which a Gaboon goes to leather — or its den. And of course, “Life’s too short to carry an ugly gun.” Another modification incorporated into my Gaboon was the NeXt feature made popular by Novak’s. By beveling the bottom edge of the slide just forward of the thumb safety, the slide can be manipulated (the pistol can be loaded or unloaded) while the thumb safety is 88 NeXt The other components making up a Gaboon read like a laundry list of the best 1911 parts you can find. The slide is STI and the frame is from Caspian with an S&A magwell and grip safety. There’s an Ed Brown slide stop, ejector and extractor, a Grieder trigger set to your desired pull weight, Wolfe springs, a Kart barrel, commander hammer and Novak Practical Grip Screws. The Gaboon comes standard with a carry bevel package, a Parkerized finish, Novak sights and a price tag of $1,895 — cheap. Other options to include different finishes are available for a few dollars more. Like his father, Dustin believes, more than anything else, a fighting pistol has to work every time you pull the trigger; function first, accuracy second. But reliability and accuracy can coexist and they do in the Gaboon. According to Dustin, that is best accomplished with a barrel bushing and standard recoil management as opposed t2011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=89http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=89-Doug Koenig2011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=90http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=90their trade, Dustin Bonar is a third generation gun builder who is not only carrying on the techniques and secrets his father and grandfather taught him — but doing something more. Dustin is an innovator who has modernized the 1911. He is an inventor who has designed a tactical, tri-rail rifle action that will soon be available, and he has also conceptualized a uniquely concealable shoulder holster for one of his favorite carry guns, a .50 caliber Desert Eagle. Late that evening when I left LST, it was comforting to know the son of a departed friend has found his way and is carrying on his father’s legacy. I also felt a bit closer to Joe even though he has been gone for a while now. During the drive a friend called to tell me about a concealed carry match at a local range the next day. I thought it ironic after years of carrying and competing with a 1911 built by Joe Bonar, I would have this opportunity the day after his son handed me a 1911 he had built. I eagerly agreed to attend. I blazed through the course of fire using real defensive ammunition, and the Gaboon never hiccupped or missed. I had Dustin install XS 24/7 Sights as opposed to the Novak sights, and they stood out like the rostral horns on the viper the pistol is named after. And they were as quick to acquire as a wart on Jennifer Anniston’s nose. Dave Biggers at XS Sights frequently says, “Friends don’t let friends carry target sights.” I completely agree. When the scores were tallied, the Gaboon and I came out on top. I wished I could have called Joe and bragged about his son’s pistol. Since that wasn’t an option I called Dustin to tell him how the Gaboon performed. He didn’t seem too surprised. I commented, “I guess your Daddy did show you all his tricks.” “Yeah,” was Dustin’s somewhat melancholy answer, yet I thought I could hear him blushing over the phone. After a brief pause Dustin continued, “But I got a few tricks of my own I never showed dad.” That looks to be the case and Joe would be proud. Right now I imagine Joe Bonar is hunkered over a work bench out behind the pearly gates, painstakingly grinding away on St. Peter’s 1911. Call it Joe’s penance for all his, lets say … adventures. I can see Joe handing over the finished pistol to the elder apostle and, as the gatekeeper looks adoringly at the custom 1911, Joe will proudly proclaim, “My boy Dustin builds a damn fine 1911 too, but I hope it’s a long time before you get one.” A Test * For more info: www.americanhandgunner.com/productindex.html 90 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MARCH/APRIL20102011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=91http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=91ed-1 1 12/9/09 3:23:08 P2011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=92http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=92swenson Continued from page 49 even say what happened next? Suffice to say that Swenson resides in my safe now, and is featured in this article — along with pistolsmith John Harrison’s stunning tribute to this great master. Which brings us to the guns at hand. But Why John said, “I’d wanted a Swenson since I was a young guy, but family needs and reality reared their heads and it didn’t happen.” Don’t we all understand that one? Once John began to “pistolmith” as he says, he always thought he’d like to try to build his own version of a Swenson gun, a tribute piece, if you will. “What if Swenson had lived another ten or 15 years and seen the rush of 1911 products available today? How would the ‘Swenson’ pattern pistol have evolved,” pondered John? In Armand’s era, if you wanted a part, chances were good you had to make it from scratch or modify an existing factory part. As a matter of fact, Armand’s ambi-safety was one of the very first custom 1911 parts, and is still considered one of the very best in its class. But Armand welded-up barrels, squeezed slides and peened rails to get better fits, things most ‘smiths today would never do.” Nonetheless, today’s custom 1911s, and even the higher-end factory versions, need to pay homage to the great man. While others also lead the way, it was Swenson’s tenacious willingness to stick to it, no-compromise, “it shoots or it doesn’t go out of the shop” attitude that led his drive toward custom touches that changed the functionality of his guns. His work was geared toward a more accurate and reliable 1911, but he still put touches aboard simply for the fun of it, “For the eye,” as he told me all those years ago. John Harrison felt he could do Armand justice — with some modern twists. “What if is how I justified the incorporation of a beavertail grip safety, beveled corners and edges, an oversized match barrel and a front sight featuring a steeper, improved ramp profile,” explained John. “I thought these were worthy features Mr. Swenson would have incorporated had he had them in his time.” John also explained that as he added more modern touches, he nonetheless strived to stay within the style of the earlier time. “I tried not to take away from the Swenson-esque feel of the pistol,” added John. “I resisted the temptation to add anything that might be considered current design fad, yet take full advantage of modern craftsmanship and technology.” In Swenson’s day, he would tighten 92 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MARCH/APRIL2010 Modern Touches2011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=93http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=93frame-to-slide fit by “squeezing” the slide (which resulted in cracked slides at times) and peening the frame rails, then filing everything to fit snugly. Today, it’s becoming common to TIG weld the four corners of the frame rails and then machine them to fit. In the 1970s, Armand didn’t have access to the selection of over-sized match barrels we have today. Armand welded the hood and lower lugs as needed, then added a “barrel positioner” to force the rear of the Colt barrel into a consist lock-up. Today, John simply used a Kart National Match barrel and bushing. And there’s no doubt Armand would have done a similar thing had he been able to. And what’s a “Swenson” without S&W sights? John agreed and mounted an adjustable sight from a K-frame S&W revolver. But unlike Armand, who used to often simply fill the dovetail with pieces from an old sight and peen them into place, John TIG welded the old dovetail closed and re-machined the notch. Easier, cleaner — and I’ll bet something Armand would have done had he had TIG. The hand-matted top strap and French border were de-rigueur, but while John had offered French border for years, the hand matting was something new. “In this case, I did it the same way Swenson did it,” explained John. “The rough textured pattern was created by striking the top of the slide with a large coarse-toothed file, working from differing directions until consistent, complete coverage was achieved.” According to John this was all great fun for the first three our four minutes and then it got old in a hurry. “Even though it was a bit of a pain, I still decided to texture the rear of the slide, extractor head and ejector, where Mr. Swenson used to serrate or checker them in the originals. It just seemed to match up better with the top strap,” said John. John’s pistol offers other “shades of Swenson” ideas. While Armand only built a few pistols with beavertail grip safeties, John used a King Gun Works model and re-worked it to keep the vintage look. An understanding customer of John’s donated an original Swenson ambi-safety for the project, to keep things in order. While Swenson hand-checkered his guns, today’s ‘smith takes advantage of machines to cut checkering. It’s more accurate, and saves wear and tear on wrists, hands and fingers. John finished the initial machine cuts by hand, and I know Armand would have been happy with the final results. I noticed on my original gun there are almost micro- scopic over-runs and tiny glitches in the checkering. Shades of the man’s own hands, and proof it was done the hard way. You can feel him “in the gun” when you hold it. California Classic John finished the frame with the almost trade-marked square trigger guard. While Armand did build some guns without it (mine, for instance), most had it and it adds to the charm. Original checkered Colt grips, a hand checkered recoil spring plug and magazine catch, beveled mag well and a flat main spring housing round-out that distinctive look. The hard chrome finish (done by Metaloy Industries of Berryville, Ark. for John’s Tribute Gun) is the benchmark finish of a Swenson pistol. John feels this is also one of the reasons a Swenson gun seems to last forever. At the S.H.O.T. Show in 2008 someone remarked to John how he thought the Swenson Tribute pistol had turned out wonderfully, and that John had done a terrific job on it. John told me after a little thought, he was reminded of the saying, “How easy it is to look like a hero, when you stand on the shoulders of giants.” * For more info: www.americanhandgunner.com/productindex.html Split more seconds. Shave even more time off your scores by reloading with new AutoComp™ BALL POWDER® propellant from Winchester.® Formulated with the ideal burn rate for auto pistol calibers, AutoComp allows greater gas flow to your gun’s compensator for faster shooting. 6231 Robinson • Shawnee Mission, KS 66202 • Phone 913-362-9455 • www.wwpowder.com Winchester is a registered trademark of Olin Corpor2011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=94http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=94sPARTAn BLADes Continued from page 69 runs and custom projects, we chose to make knives. We believe Curtis’ knife designs are unique and well thought out. Many of our active duty friends wanted a fixed blade knife that would fit with their current gear (body armor, pouches, etc.) and operating environment. We saw there was room for improvement and a niche to be filled. Having been around the firearms, armor and tactical market, we found knife makers and manufacturers to be one of the nicest communities of people. Both men spent 20-plus years each in the military, including special duties in counterterrorism and sniping . so what better pair to put together a company specializing in edged weapons? Carey adds, “Additionally, we are located near the one of the best heat/ cryogenic treatment facilities (American Thermal Metal, High Point, NC) and high tech coaters (IonBond, Greensboro, NC) so the processes we don’t have in-house are close by and are top notch. We know we have found something we can do well and enjoy doing.” Field Or Fight Curtis Iovito’s fixed-blade knife designs are based on many years of active field experience and input from his soldier buddies who use them. Because Spartan Blades is still a budding company, founded in 2008, their line-up is not extensive, but the diversity in their model range more than makes up for that. There is also an emphasis on quality, and that begins with blade steel. According to Carey, “Crucible CPM S30V is our steel of choice. It’s American made, and in our experience the best all around blade steel made to date. It’s expensive to buy, machine, heat/cryo, and coat, but we are making professional level blades for users who want an edge to hold a long time and require minimal maintenance. S30V is the simply the best steel specifically made for knives, made in America.” It should also be noted all WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MARCH/APRIL2010 942011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=95http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=95of Spartan’s knives are proudly made in their North Carolina shop with only USorigin materials. A variety of colors and finishes also add diversity to the Spartan line, with offerings for both field and tactical use. Handles are made of time-proven canvas Micarta and can be had in black, green or tan. SpartaCoat blade finishes (developed for Spartan by IonBond) are offered in Black or Dark Earth, and you can get a Black or Coyote Tan MILSPEC Molle adjustable ballistic nylon sheath to match. Spartan also offers a heat-formed Kydex sheath in basic Black or Coyote Brown formed and fitted by Okuden, one of the better small custom Kydex shops in the US. “We strive to provide our customers knives with a top notch finish, grip and sheath options meeting or exceeding their expectations,” said Carey. As mentioned, Spartan’s designs are diverse. The popular Ares model was designed by Iovito with input from Special Forces soldiers and other governmental agencies. The Ares (10.4" overall, 5.4" blade) is a doubleground drop point with an aggressive blade angle that not only excels as a fighting knife but can handle a wide variety of field chores due to its highly functional blade design. The angle of the blade places it in line with the user’s hand, allowing full use of the upswept angle of the main edge, making for effective cutting during use. The Ares also features a diamond checkered handle for improved grip that is further enhanced with a deep finger groove choil below the guard. A choke-up finger groove is located below the blade which works great when heavy duty slicing is required. The Ares covers all bases. World’s Finest Magazines MEC-GAR is proud to offer “Optimum” - our new and unique series of high capacity flush-fit pistol magazines. The new design of the magazine housing and interlinked magazine components, together with a special Anti-Friction Coating offer far superior performance even in difficult operational environments. The increased firepower of MEC-GAR “Optimum” magazines can be further raised by an optional “Plus Two” adapter. “Plus Two” is a new set of hollow butt-plate and inner base to raise the capacity of the MEC-GAR “Optimum” magazine by 2-rounds and stick out only 5/8” from the butt of the pistol! Available For: Beretta 92FS 9mm 18rd / 20rd Beretta 96FS .40S&W 13rd / 15rd Para-Ordnance P14 .45ACP 14rd SIG P226 9mm 18rd / 20rd SIG P226 .40S&W 13rd / 15rd Springfield XD 9mm 18rd Springfield XD .40S&W 13rd Taurus PT92 9mm 18rd / 20rd Taurus PT100 .40S&W 13rd / 15rd Mec-Gar USA, Inc., 905 Middle Street, Middletown, CT 06457 Tel: (800) 632-4271 Fax: (860) 635-1712 www.mec-gar.com “OPTIMUM”. THE WORLD’S BEST MAGAZINES More Fight Those who like the forward blade geometry of the Ares but like a little more “fight” in their fighting knife will appreciate the Erebus model. Over an inch longer than the Ares, the Erebus (11.5" overall, 6.5" blade) features a fiendish tanto blade design. The Japanese tanto is one of the most wickedly effective fighting blades ever developed and Spartan’s modernistic take on it is a thing of beauty. Not as effective for field use as more traditional blade styles, the tanto still offers a good degree of function and if selfdefense is your main thrust, this knife is for you. The Horkos (10.875", 5.7" blade) is another bad boy in the Spartan line. Carey states, “This knife was commissioned by the Combat Weapons Team of the United States Military Academy (West Point, NY), with custom laser etching to honor the graduating class. This blade is designed to be a great all around combat/utility knife.” The 95 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM2011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=96http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=96Do you need A Gun Belt? Horkos blade design, with its relieved distal spine, is radical compared to most, but purely functional in field or combat. The drop point blade can deliver all sorts of camp duty while the strengthened double-ground tip can wreak havoc on anything that gets in its way. If field use is a top priority the Nyx model (10.2" overall, 5.2" blade) will please the toughest of hard users. The Nyx’s deep-bellied drop point blade can handle everything you’d expect of a field knife, from shaving and splitting to slicing and dicing. Not to be overlooked for combat, however, the Nyx blade is double ground for excellent penetration and also features an aggressive blade angle like its larger siblings. This knife is an all-round performer sized just right for easy carry and accessibility. The Enyo is the smallest of the Spartans and the only neck or inside the waist band knife in the line. If you need a lightweight means of selfdefense and/or everyday cutter, the Enyo (6.25" overall, 2.7" blade) will serve you well. Typically speaking, neck knives are back-ups to larger knives or are used when carrying a large knife is not an option. The Enyo’s short drop point blade can get you out of a pinch in a combat situation if need be, but can also slice up some para-cord and vittles along the way. The Enyo comes with a Kydex sheath and chain for neck carry, para-cord for lashing to gear, and a snap-off IWB loop for other toting options. FREE "How-To " * Gunsmithing DVD Video! Being A Certified Gunsmith Professional Gunsmithing Course Introductory Lesson Robert Dunlap - Instructor, Master Gunsmith V I D E O Become A Certified Gunsmith In As Little As 3 Months - GUARANTEED! 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Ad Code: AH0310 Make Money Part-time, Full-time, Or As A Retirement Income Doing What You Love! Call Today! AGI AMERICAN GUNSMITHING INSTITUTE 1-800-797-0867 ADDED BONUS! You will automatically receive a Two Month FREE Trial Membership in the Gun Club Of America which includes the GCA monthly newsletter and GUNTECH monthly VIDEO MAGAZINE on DVD! An additional $60 value! - yours FREE with option to continue membership at only $29.95 per month. Call us today! Building An Army THE BELTMAN’S HAND MADE BELTS ARE TWO LAYERS OF TOP QUALITY BULL HIDE (NOT COW HIDE) FOR FIRMNESS AND DURABILITY, AND WILL EASILY SUPPORT THE WEIGHT OF A FULL SIZE FIREARM AND ACCESSORIES. SUITABLE FOR CONEALED CARRY, COMPETITION, OR DRESS WEAR, OPTIONS INCLUDE: VELCRO LINING, TAPERING, STIFFENERS, BUCKLE SELECTION ETC. AVAILABLE IN THREE WIDTHS, FOUR COLORS, AND EDGED TO PERFECTION FROM $69.95. ALSO OFFERED IN HORSE HIDE, SHARK, AND GENUINE ELEPHANT. If you carry a gun, YOU DO! (919) 387-1997 www.thebeLtman.net 96 All of Spartan’s knives are named after Greek gods and goddesses, which leaves this bright young knife manufacturer ample room for growth. Spartan’s plans are to build the company with a slow but steady stream of additions. VP Carey states, “We plan to add two to three knives per year. We produced two new knives for 2009 (Enyo and Horko2011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=97http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=97sIXGUnneR Continued from page 46 CALL 1(800)SA2-1911 “the MAG GUIDE people”™ when only the BEST will do! ORDER DIRECT and SAVE! $78.95 Government Model/ Officers’ Model Mag Guide Available: Flat/Arched SS/BL 20 LPI NEW: Flat now available in Smooth Also Available: Grizzly Flat-SS/BL $89.95 FNH provides two easily interchangeable backstraps for the FNP-40, one curved and one with a flat contour. I normally prefer flat backstraps on semiauto pistols, so I quickly changed the rounded version which was installed at the factory for the flat backstrap and I never found any reason to try the alternative. Even with a 14-round magazine, the grip frame measures just over 1" in width and feels very comfortable to me, with a grip frame width semi-beavertail at the top; this aids greatly in the feeling of comfort as well as making the FNP-40 very controllable and easy to shoot. Even with my relatively short fingers I have no problem reaching the trigger when the FNP-40 is in its initial double action mode. The FNP-40 operates double action for the first shot and then subsequent shots are fired in the single action mode. In SA mode the trigger pull measures 4-3/4 pounds. There’s no provision for carrying the FNP-40 with the hammer cocked as with the 1911, but it’s intended to be carried with the hammer down. Unless the hammer is deliberately cocked before firing the first shot, its DA and subsequent shots are single action. Once that first shot is fired, you can press the de-cocking lever downward which allows the hammer to go forward and places the pistol in a safe mode. That de-cocking lever, by the way, is ambidextrous. AL $36.95 Mainspring Housing Available in: Gov’t Model, Officers’ Model, all Para-Ordnance. 20 LPI Flat/Arched-SS/BL (P10/P12 flat only) (flat smooth available for all of the above) AL $95.95 Full Para Mag Guide (For P14/P16 only) Available in: Flat/Arched-SS/BL 20 LPI AL $99.00 Ambidextrous Magazine Release Gov’t Model, Officers’ Model & Para-Ordnance. SS/BL $36.95 “E-Z Fit Hi Grip”® Safety .250 radius-Series 70 & 80 .220 radius S70 for Springfields “PalmSwel”/Standard (jig available) Prices starting at $17.50 S & A Custom 1911 Grips Exotic Woods & Micarta Standard & Slim Line DD, FC & Smooth available in Aluminum Color Catalog Available Same Day Shipping Appropriate shipping charges Dealers Welcome 100% Customer Satisfaction L A NEW–Slim Line Mag Guides & Grips w/screws & bushings available with Lanyard Loop add $10 P.O. Box 299 • Copeville, Texas USA 75121 (800) SA2-1911 • Fax (972) 853-0526 www.smithandalexander.com Hours: M-F, 9am-5pm CST Shootable The FNP-40 comes equipped with excellent sights with both front and rear sights set in a dovetail. The front sight is a tapered forward square post with a white dot inletted into the face, while the rear sight has a square notch with a white dot on each side. They’re very easy to see and pick up quickly. Either sight can be adjusted for windage by tapping them in either direction in the dovetail. For my eyes and hold, the sights were right on with most loads for both windage and elevation. With its black grip frame and stainless steel slide, the FNP-40 is an attractive pistol and these good looks are further enhanced by the use of a Commanderstyle hammer. The trigger guard is large enough to allow the use of gloves when shooting. There are some semiauto pistols with a trigger guard so small the bottom of my trigger finger is irritated when a large number of rounds have been fired. This does not happen with the FNP-40 as there is about 1/4" clearance between the bottom of my trigger finger and the inside of the trigger guard. It’s also refreshing to find there are no warning labels on this pistol. On the left side we find “.40 S&W” “FNP-40” and the FN logo; while the right side of the ~27 Years Experience~ Excellent Selection. World Class Makers. Immediate Delivery. www.BOBneAlcustOmknives.cOm email: Bob@bobnealcustomknives.com P. O. Box 20923 Atlanta, GA 30320 Phone: 770.92011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=98http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=98231.26454 American Handgunner_MAR_APR10.pdf 1 11/4/09 3:20 PM Our Newest 1911 Catalog includes just what you need for building, maintaining and shooting the most popular pistol in history. No rifle, shotgun, or “ other pistol” stuff. Packed with barrels, frames, slides, safeties, triggers, springs, grips, and more, plus all the tools you need to install them. The highest quality products from today’s most respected, custom 1911 suppliers. And, all the sights and scope mounts you’ll need for these fine pistols and the gear you need when you head to the range or field. The Brands you know and trust: Ajax, Briley, Ed Brown, Brownells, Caspian, Clark, Cylinder & Slide, EGW, Essex Arms, Heinie, Hi-Viz, Kart, Les Baer, McCormick, Navidrex, Nighthawk Custom, Novak, Nowlin, MGW, Millett, Milt Sparks, Pachmayr, Rescomp, Safariland, Schuemann, Smith & Alexander, STI, Storm Lake, Trijicon, Truglo, Weigand, Wilson Combat, Wolff, XS and lots more. ! EE Everything 1911 R F 1911#5 CATALOG slide is marked with “FNH USA Fredericksburg VA” and “MADE IN USA.” As with most semiautos, the FNP-40 has a rail in front of the trigger guard for installing a light. For my use I installed a Streamlight M6X which allows two options, a flashlight and a red laser sight. It’s quite easily and quickly attached or removed. FREE to all 1911 enthusiasts. Discount pricing available. Everything we sell is 100% GUARANTEED - Period. 800-741-0015 brownells.com Source Code: CJH For my eyes and hold, the sights were right on with most loads for both windage and elevation. There are three controls on the left side of the FNP-40. From front to back these are the takedown lever, the slide release and the de-cocker. The last is ambidextrous. As a right-hander, I found the de-cocker easy to reach with my thumb without having to change my grip. The magazine release is found on the left side at the juncture of the front strap and trigger guard and with my short thumb it’s necessary for me to slightly change my grip to be able to push the magazine release. When the button is depressed the magazine drops freely and easily. The FNP-40 comes in a lockable plastic case, with not one, nor even two, but three magazines. With the FNP-40 fully loaded and two extra magazines there are only seven rounds left in a full box of .40 S&W ammunition. That’s some pretty impressive and easily carried firepower. The 300 Six varieties of ammunition from Black Hills, Hornady and Remington were used in the FNP-40, with slightly over 300 rounds fired. Hornady 155-gr. XTP delivered 1,113 fps and was the fastest of the bunch. The Black Hills 180gr. JHP delivered a decisive 974 fps and would be an outstanding self-defense load. The functioning was 100-percent perfect, with no problems whatsoever. For me, firing a full magazine takes an awful lot of concentration and except for a military application it’s not likely this many rounds would ever be needed, even though it’s comforting to have them. Test-firing was done at both 10 and 20 yards with 13 rounds, and a more reasonable four shots at seven yards. The FNP-40 was shot both with my forearms resting on a sandbag and also from a braced standing position. The defensivetype four-shot groups were all 11/2" or less and shot right to point of aim. What more could anyone desire in a semiauto chosen for self defense? * For more info: www.americanhandgunner.com/productindex.html 98 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MARCH/APRIL20102011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=99http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=99Shotshell Hunting Line The Fiocchi Tundra Tungsten compound is the breakthrough innovation in waterfowl hunting. Deforms like Lead, can be used with ALL chokes AND is non toxic. Available in 9.5 g./cc (superior weight to Bismuth) and 12.5 g./cc (superior weight to lead). For the Fiocchi dealer near you, Call 417.449.1043 / visit www.fiocchiusa.com2011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=100http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=100TM COLT COMEBACK Continued from page 55 Tuff being parkerized. However the backstrap has the original 1911 straight mainspring housing matched up with the long trigger I prefer, and also has the flat-bottomed magazine with no pad attached. I’m sure pads have their place in competition but I prefer this old style. One major change, and what I consider mandatory, are the improved sights. The original 1911 sights are very tiny 2 Pack For and hard to see; on this 21st-century ver$ sion they are larger with a square notch Plus S/H rear sight matched up with a sloping post front sight. These sights are also of the FREE Shipping white dot style with one dot inlaid into On Orders of the front sight and one on each side of 3 Packs Or More the rear sight. The rear blade is set in a Available in dovetail and is adjustable for windage, Orange or however as it came from the factory Black this 1911 is basically dead on with most loads I tried, and matches perfectly with my eyes and hold. Trigger pull on this stainless steel Our TUFF Orange QuickStrips 1911 measured out at 45/8 pounds on stand out, even in low light, have the RCBS Trigger Pull Scale, with no the edge when you need it most! discernible creep. The fit of the slide See US at ShOT ShOw BOOTh #7006 to the frame is tight with just a very slight side-to-side movement. Vertical New 5 Round .38 & .44 Cal. serrations on the back of the slide aid in cocking, and there are also vertical ser.17hMR .38/.357 .45 ACP .22 Rim Fire S&w .40 .475 Linebaugh rations on the flat mainspring housing. .223 .41 Magnum .480 Ruger Grip panels are checkered hard rubber .30.06 .410 Shot Gun .500 Linebaugh with the rampant Colt logo. .30-30 .44/.45/.460 .500 S&w As expected, shooting this .45 ACP .308 .45 Auto Rim 9mm was pure pleasure, and the results of .32/.327 test-firing 10 factory loads are in the 2 Pack for accompanying chart. The average for 10 New 20 & 12 Gauge $P12.49 lus s/H different loads from 185 to 230 grains was 15/8" for five shots at 20 yards. Best TM QuickStrip Pouch results were with the Black Hills 230 Wraps around belts JHP +P which clocked at 971 fps with 3 up to 1 /4”and is a 1" group, and the Federal 230 Hydradesigned for use with Shok for 884 fps and just slightly over one or two QuickStrips™. 1". This Colt comes with two sevenAvailable in 4 sizes to fit $ your QuickStrips™. round magazines and a padded case. 19.99 Black or Coyote Brown Government XSE .45 ACP Rail Plus s/H Model: The first Colt is basically plainOrder Online: www.tuffproducts.com Jane, however this one has all kinds of Or Call: 877-883-3776 extras. It has the same brushed stainless steel finish as well as the flat mainspring 1060 Colorado Ave. Ste A. Chula Vista, CA 91911 housing and long trigger and of course the same interior features and .45 ACP chambering, however all similarity ends 2.5 x 7 ad 2 color.indd 1 12/2/09 7:50:39 AM at this point. This pistol is designed for serious self defense with all the desirable features many shooters want. Slide to frame fit is absolutely perfect with no movement whatsoever, yet the slide moves very smoothly on the rails. Sights are fixed combat style of the three white dot variety with both being set in dovetails. The rear sight has a locking set-screw, is set low to the slide, and is melted so there are no sharp edges to catch on clothing. The slide has deep diagonal serrations both front and rear for easy cocking. Two eightround magazines are provided. Intensive personalized training in all aspects of practical shooting. Each course is designed to accommodate all levels; beginners, intermediate or advanced shooters wishing to increase their skill speed shooting. Each course will be taught by World Class Grand Master Shooting Instructors. The academy is located in the heart of central Florida near Walt Disney World. Courses limited to eight students per class. Classes available all year: Web site: www.universalshootingacademy.com 8.49 www.riograndecustomgrips.com The Perfe2011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=101http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=101The thumb safety is ambidextrous, the aluminum trigger has three weightlightening holes bored through and is matched with an enhanced Commanderstyle hammer. The grip safety is a beavertail, hollowed at the top to allow it to ride high and not interfere with the hammer. Grips are double diamond checkered exotic wood, which appears to be rosewood. An extra added feature is the machined-in rail found in front of the trigger guard to accept a flashlight. For our test I mounted the Insight Tech-Gear XTI Procyon flashlight which slides easily onto the rail. This light has two switches allowing it to be easily operated with either hand without changing the grip. Pushing either switch up or down activates the light, but if the switch is pushed down twice it becomes a strobe light. If you’ve ever experienced the wrong end of a strobe light you know how discomforting and disorienting it can be. To state it simply this is a real shooting machine! Even with the trigger pull of 51/2 pounds it shoots superbly. With the same 10 factory rounds as used in the standard .45 Government Model, this pistol averaged 11/4" for the 10 different loads with weights varying from 185 to 230 grains. Groups under 1" were accomplished with both the Cor-Bon 200 grain JHP +P at 1,055 fps and the Federal Hydra-Shok 230 JHP at 890 fps. Custom Government .38 Super: I’ve been a fan of the 1911 Colt since I bought my first WWII surplus Government Model in 1957. I like them all, however none of them make the strings of my heart sing like this one. Regular readers know of my affinity for the .44 Special in double action and single action sixguns; it’s the cartridge of true connoisseurs. For me, the .38 Super is to semiautos what the .44 Special is to sixguns. Those who have the same feelings will understand; those who don’t probably never will. I think my fascination with the .38 Super started 50 years ago when Jeff Cooper, who always pushed the .45 ACP, published a picture of a custom .38 Super 1911 and stated as a trailgun it would shoot rings around any 1911 chambered in .45 ACP, especially for targets such as crows and coyotes. I have several .38 Supers from different manufacturers and custom gunsmiths, but I have always wanted, please don’t ask me to explain why, a nickel-plated Colt .38 Super fitted with real mother-of-pearl grips. I know what you’re thinking, so just stop it! This .38 Super is not nickel-plated but rather high polished stainless steel making it even better, as stainless steel will never flake and if it becomes scratched it is easily re-polished. This gun will never go back and I have already ordered two sets of mother of pearl stocks from Eagle Grips. I got the real thing (pearl) for everyday use or as a Texas Barbeque Gun, and an imitation set for heavyduty work if I’m ever so inclined, which isn’t likely at this stage of my life. Other than the high polished stainless steel finish and .38 Super chambering this Colt pistol, which is marked COLT CUSTOM on the left side of the slide, is the same basic semiauto as the Government Model .45 ACP. The slide to frame fit is as tight as the railmounted 1911 and is also very smooth in operation The trigger pull measures 51/4 pounds, and the grip panels are the same exotic wood as found on the railmounted Government Model. Two nineround magazines are provided. Seven different factory loads ranging in weight from 100 to 130 grains were test-fired in this beautiful .38 Super, with the average being just over 11/2" for five shots at 20 yards The best shooting loads all came from Cor-Bon, with the 125 DPX +P clocking 1,313 fps and grouping in 13/8"; 115 JHP+P, 1,504 fps and 11/2"; and the 100 Pow’RBall at 1,651 fps and also 11/2". Colt is definitely back! * For more info: www.americanhandgunner.com/productindex.html NEW � UNPRIMED � BRASS CALIBER Discover the value of reloading your own ammunition with Starline brass. Whether you shoot a lot or a little, you can save some money by reloading. And it all star2011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=102http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=102GUNNYSACK 1911 FIXTURE Roy Huntington actually did it once — tweaked a 1911 frame to the point I couldn’t make it right again. My $39.95 Chinese vise proved too much for the aluminum frame I was working on. It was never right again, and I turned it into a “cut-out” gun to show the workings of a 1911. That one left a mark. A sorta’ heavy box arrived, just today, by FedEx and after opening, I found a heavy, blued metal thingy. I pondered a bit but was confounded. Then the letter from Heirloom Precision dropped out of the box. The “Dear Roy” note from Jason Burton and Ted Yost explained it all. It’s actually a custom fixture you snug-up into a 1911 grip frame (using built-in set-screws), clamping the frame handily from within. Then — and this is the nifty part — the solid steel rod can be scrunched into your vise as hard as you like, in virtually any position. It’s truly one of those “Gads man, why didn’t we think of this?” things. If only I’d had it back then. I It’s about $79.95, is all steel and made in the good old USA. And tell me, honestly, if you file on 1911 frames, would you rather spend $80 now or hundreds later on a messed-up frame with your name on it as the messer-upper? This really is one of those simple tools that suddenly make a pistolsmith’s life easier. Or for that matter, anyone who has ever taken his 1911 down to the frame-and-slide bits could use this. Giving the old girl a good scrub? Do it right and don’t risk a catastrophe. Um, let me do the math here … $80 equals two bottles of decent burbon. Okay, I can live with that. For more info: www.americanhandgunner.com/ productindex.html APG Mission Statement: The American Pistolsmiths Guild Seal Of Approval is designed to set gold standards for the firearms and related industries. The “Approved Seal” will be placed on products having passed a rigorous test of function and quality which will raise the product above others in the same field and class. These “sealed” products will be what others in the field will have to equal or surpass in form, quality and function in order to be held to the same or higher quality standard. The American Pistolsmiths Guild (APG) has been “sealing” the finest pistolsmiths in the nation for over twenty years. The Guild sets gold standards for work, products and business procedures as each member has gone through rigorous grading, scrutiny, observation, and critical examination in order to become a member and is in constant pressure to keep their quality of work and business at the highest standard. The APG has gained the experience and has become a respected member of the firearms community as have its individual members. Products submitted for an APG Seal Of Approval will have to pass tests which will seek answers to questions such as, “does the product perform the job for which it was intended?” Other questions such as, “Is the quality of the product such that it will have a long, useful life greater than anything else in the field,” “is the product ergonomically designed for it to be used with comfort and ease for possibly long periods of time,” and “is the product finished in such a way as to be pleasing to the eye?” Depending on the product and its use in commerce there may be specific questions designed to that particular product and its use. Now is the time for you as a supplier of fine products for the firearms industry to join many of the present Seal partners as: Brownells, Alpha Precision, Ten Ring Precision, Gemini Customs, Kellube, Cominolli, FMG Publishing and D&L Sports to send a statement to all the end users of your products. 102 Firearm Enthusiast, be sure that you look for the APG Seal of Approval before you make your next firearm related purchase. The items Sealed by the APG have ben reviewed by a committee of the APG membership and are of a QUALITY that they would use in their businesses. WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MARCH/APRIL20102011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=103http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=103kay, wait, don’t turn the page! Hear me out. Full time cop and Zombie Target guru-inventor “Joe” said he was simply tired of the same old three bad guy targets he qualified with for the past 20 years. “You know, there had to be a good use for my college degree in graphic design,” he told me. “So I combined my art background and shooting experience and … well … the zombies just came to me naturally.” I’m not sure what that means, but nonetheless, here is Zombie Bob. Beware though, he is, according to Joe, “The only target that will eat your brain.” Hey, I had sergeants like that, and it may explain a lot about sergeants. Joe makes four Zombie Targets — Zombie Osama, Zombie Steve, Zombie Chuck and our friend here, Bob. I think Zombie Osama is self-explanatory but I’m not sure about Steve, Chuck and Bob. But it does make we wonder where Joe got the names from. Maybe we don’t want to meet those fellows in a dark alley. Hey, they might eat our brains. You can also get a certified Zombie Hunting Permit which allows you no limits on zombies, but does remind you to “Please decapitate and burn all remains.” We promise. There is also a nifty skull sticker with crosshairs on it. Now I’m not usually a sticker kind of a guy, ZOMBIE TARGETS GUNNYSACK Roy Huntington O but this one now resides on Spartacus, our John Deere tractor. Zombies beware … Spartacus is alert — and his loader and bucket will make zombie-mush out of you, I’m sure. Might make the decapitating part easier too, now that I think about it. I took Zombie Bob into “Roy’s Backyard” here on our land and shot him full of holes. He kept making faces at me and it was obvious he was frustrated he couldn’t eat my brain. Of course, maybe there’s not much left so it wasn’t worth the effort on his part? Are zombies smarter than we think? Plus, Zombie Targets don’t look like regular human beings so all those pacifists who get upset about us shooting at “people” targets can be happy now. Just don’t get your brain eaten if you get some. For more info: www.americanhandgunner.com/ productindex.html The Bidding Starts Now.® GunBroker.com® is the world’s largest, most popular online firearms auction, with hundreds of thousands of firearms and accessories up for auction every day, and more being added all the time. Handguns for law enforcement, self-defense, plinking, competition, collectors…they’re all here. You’ll also find magazines, cleaning supplies, holsters and more, all at www.GunBroker.com. WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM 1032011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=104http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=1042011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=105http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=105Custom CORNER FLETCHER CUSTOM PISTOLS, LLC Richard Fletcher Custom work performed on 1911’s, Hi-Powers and S&W revolvers. Rockbridge Baths,VA Tel: (540) 460-6151 info@fletchercustompistols.com www.fletchercustompistols.com Custom Cornerfeaturespaidlistingsbytheidentifiedpistolsmiths.ManyaremembersoftheAmericanPistolsmiths GuildandtheAmericanHandgunnerClub100.Advertisinginformationisavailablefrom:AmeriCAn HAndgunner,Adv.Dept.,12345WorldTradeDrive,SanDiego,CA92128;(858)605-0218. Powder River Precision, Inc. www.powderriverprecision.com Quality and timely pistolsmithing Specialized in: Springfield XD/XDM, 1911’s, Glocks and the Browning Hi-Power. (541) 403-2998 (541) 403-2999 PISTOLSMITHS www.tusseycustom.com e-mail: ttussey45@aol.com 775-246-1533 J.B. Custom, Inc. Custom Manufactured Firearms Mare’s Leg Lever Action Pistols, 1894 Winchester Lever Action Rifles and Parts, 1911 Pistols, 1873 Single Action Revolvers and More! See our Web Site www.jbcustom.com Phone: 260-338-1894 Fax: 260-338-1585 E-mail: jabjim@comcast.net 16335 Lima Rd. #5, Huntertown, IN 46748 WWW.DLSPORTS.COM Custom AR15’s, 1911’s, Precision Rifles, Accessories, Training, ITRC Competition Extreme Duty AR15 Magazines Now Available! 307.686.4008 D&L Sports, Inc. PO Box 651 Gillette, WY 82717 105 6/16/09 7:27:17 der_River2.indd 1 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM2011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=106http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=106: TRUGLO SPOTLIGHT New FoRMex waTCH ThenewTRUGLOFormexWatch containsself-poweredTritium lightsourcesandusesthe sameproventechnology employedbyTRUGLO initsawardwinning handgun,rifle,andarchery sights.Thereisneveraneed forbatteries,orsunlight tochargeit—itsimply glows!!Formoreinfo: www. americanhandgunner.com/ productindex.html CQD MaRk 1 Type e BLACKHAWK!MODKnives IntroducingtheCQDMark1Type E,whichisfunctionallyidenticalto theawardwinningCQDMark1.Featuring thesamehigh-strengthbutton-lockmechanism andsecondarysafetyrecessedseatbelt/cordcutter andcarbideglassbreaker,theTypeEhasalltheperformance oftheoriginalbutispricedforeverybudget.MSRPisjust$99.99. 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HoLsTeR LawmanLeather Goods Benchmade Introducingtheonlyall-leather shoulderholsterandharnessthatis 99.9percentresistanttoallelements thattoughmilitaryandLEEquipmentmustwithstand.Formoreinfo: www.americanhandgunner.com/ productindex.html ThenewBenchmadeModel51 Bali-Songhasaspringsatchlocking sechanism,withabladethatisa crownmodifiedspear-soint.The handlesareblackG10,hand-polishedhardware,withjeweledblue titaniumliners.Thebladelength is4.25"andtheoverallweight comesinat3.3oz.Formoreinfo: www.americanhandgunner.com/ productindex.html LaseR/ LigHT paCkage LaserLyte RUgeR 10-22 TaRgeT sToCk ArchangelManufacturing LaserLytehaspaireditsbestsellingSubcompactV2laserand newFlashLyte,tocreatethesmallestlaserandlightcombinationavailable.Itisintimidationandrecognitionallinone package.Thisisamusthaveforanygunowner.Formore info: www.americanhandgunner.com/productindex.html 106 ConvertyourRuger10-22intotheArchangelAccurized (ARS)Rifle(AdvancedRifleSystem).Thisstockismanufacturedentirelyfrommil-specbattleprovenpolymers.Thestockallowsthe shootertoadjustlengthofpullondemand.Theforearmmountedstandard slingswivelstudacceptsHarristypeandProMagbi-pods.Formoreinfo: www.americanhandgunner.com/productindex.html WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MARCH/APRIL20102011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=107http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=107For more information on seeing your product featured in Spotlight contact, Steve Evatt (858) 605-0218. 5-paCk gUN Case ND-3 LaseR DesigNaToR CaseCruzer LaserGenetics TheND-3LaserDesignatorusespatentedtechnologytocreatetruenightvisionand turnsyourscopedrifleintoanighthunter. Usingapowerful,eyesafegreenlaser diodeandaprecisionopticalcollimator,theND-3pairswithyourscopeandallows youtocastabrightbeamofgreenlaserlighttofullyilluminatetargetsofupto250 yards.Formoreinfo:www.americanhandgunner.com/productindex.html MoDeL ak-47C I.O.Inc. The5-PackGun Caseletscollectors, sportsmen,andlaw enforcementprofessionalshittheskyways andbywaysfullyarmed. Polyethylenefoamabsorbs theblowsofroughroads andturbulentairflights. Thiscasecanstoreupto 5handgunsand10magazines.Formoreinfo: www. americanhandgunner.com/productindex.html TheI.O.Inc.AK-47CisahighqualityriflebasedonthefamousAK-47design incaliber7.62x39butmadeintheUSA.Theserifleshaveexcellentprecision.OnlynewUSmadeprecisionbarrelsareusedinthe manufacture.Eachriflecomescomplete inboxwithsling,accessorysetandmanual. 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Formoreinfo: www.americanhandgunner.com/productindex.html spoRT 600 LaseR RaNgeFiNDeR BushnellOutdoorProducts ThenewSport600 LaserRangefinderfrom Bushnelloffersperformanceandvalueforhunters andshooters.Withanoperational rangeof5to800yards,it’sperfectforbowor riflehunters.TheSport600offersversatilityandease ofoperationinaverticalformatandprovidesaccurate distancereadingsinbothyardsandmeters.Formoreinfo: www.americanhandgunner.com/productindex.html 107 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM2011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=108http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=108: SPOTLIGHT For more information on seeing your product featured in Spotlight contact, Steve Evatt (858) 605-0218. M&p gUiDe RoD LaseR LaserMax,Inc. xTi pRoCyoN LCD TaCTiCaL iLLUMiNaToR InsightTechnology Announcingtheadditionofthefullsize,.40Smith andWessonM&PGuideRodlasertoitsfamily ofguiderodlaseraimingsystems.LaserMax istheonlycompanythatofferstheinnovativeguiderod laserdesign.TheM&Pguiderodisuserinstalledwithfactory alignmentand“nogunsmithing”required.Formoreinfo: www.americanhandgunner.com/productindex.html Announcingthenominationofthe XTIProcyonforthe2009BrillianceAwardbyOpticsPlanet.TheXTIdelivers 125lumensofstunningwhitelight.ItspatentedSlide-Lockdesignandadjustablerailinterfaceforeasymountingtomostrailedpistolswhileitscompact, machinedaluminumhousingfitsexistingM3holsters.Formoreinfo:www. americanhandgunner.com/productindex.html ReD HeRRiNg ConsoleVault kC4211 iMiTaTioN peaRL TRappeR HallmarkCutlery Introducingawallsafe, designedtobeinstallbetween twostandard16"centerwall studs.You’reprobablysaying “Ohhum,notanotherwall safe,”buttheRedHerringis thefirstinalineofsafesthat notonlyuseshighsecuritybut alsousesdeception.Theunit appearstobeanelectrical panelwithallthewarnings like:“DangerHighVoltage,” “WarningAuthorizePersonal Only,”etc.Theideais,though, theuserentershiscombo, turnsthelocksbutthesafestill won’topen.Thenthesafeforcesthemtotouchsomething theynormallywouldn’ttoactuallyopenthesafe.Formore info:www.americanhandgunner.com/productindex.html MoDeL 391 DUTy HoLsTeR GouldandGoodrich G&Ghasdesignedadutyholster thatmeetstheneedsofLEProfessionalsastheyfacetherigorous demandsoftheirjobs.Formore info: www.americanhandgunner. com/productindex.html TheKissingCraneseriesfeaturesthe KC4211ImitationPearlModified Trapper.At$29.50SRP,thisbaby isastealandagreatreminderof simpleeleganceofknivespast.The lengthclosedis 41/8"witha31/4" main-blade. Formoreinfo: www.americanhandgunner.com/ productindex.html MossBeRg 500/590 FLasHLigHT MoUNT GG&GTacticalProducts sTiNgeR LeD FLasHLigHTs Streamlight IntroducingtheStingerLED HPandStingerDSLED HPrechargeableflashlightsprovidinghunters, hikers,campers,and otheroutdoorenthusiastswithextraordinarybrightness andversatilitywithC4LEDtechnology,threeintensity levelsandapopularstrobefeature.Formoreinfo: www. americanhandgunner.com/productindex.html 108 IntroducingaFlashlightMountdesignedspecificallyfortheMossberg500/590. Thekitincludesauniquemountingbracketthatsecurelyattachestothefactory foreendtube,usingthefactoryforearm-retainingnut.Alsoincludedisthenew factoryMossbergPolicesyntheticforearmprecisioncuttoclearthe500/590 flashlight-mountingbracket,anassemblytool,andaMIL-STD-1913 rail.Formoreinfo: www.americanhandgunner.com/ productindex.html WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MARCH/APRIL20102011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=109http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=109Grip Gloves Ad Springfield 7/15/09 10:34 AM Page 1 “America’s Finest Handgun Grips” Slip-On Grips That Fit Like a Glove. NEW! Custom Shaped for Each Model Pachmayr A Lyman Brand ® Now Available for Springfield XD! 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Minimumcharge$40.00.Bold words add $1.00 per word.CopyandrerunordersmustbeaccompaniedbyPAYMENT IN ADVANCE. NO AGENCY OR CASH DISCOUNTS ON LISTING OR DISPLAY CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING.AlladsmustbereceivedwithadvancepaymentBY NOLATERTHANTHE1stofeachmonth.Adsreceivedafterclosingwillappearinthefollowingissue.Pleasetypeorprintclearly.PLEASE NOTE*** NO PROOFS WILL BE FURNISHED.Includename,address,postoffice,city,stateandzipcodeascountedwords.Abbreviationscountasonewordeach. MailtoAmeriCAn HAndgunnerCLASSIFIEDS,12345WorldTradeDrive,SanDiego,California92128.NOTE: WE NOW HAVE DISPLAY CLASSIFIED ADS IN BOTH GUNS MAGAZINE AND AMERICAN HANDGUNNER. ASK FOR OUR NEW RATE CARD, Or call (858) 605-0235. APPAREL THE BELTMAN makes sturdy, top quality, DUAL LAYER, Bull Hide belts for dress wear, concealed carry, or competition. Options include: Horse, Shark, Elephant, Velcro, tapering, stiffeners, etc. Handmade in three widths, and five colors from $69.95, any length! Catalogue - $3.00 (refundable) PO Box 1302, Apex, NC 27502. 919-387-1997. www.thebeltman.net. LEATHERCRAFT MILITARIA www.GunBook.net The Social Network for people who love guns. Create your FREE profile today. Upload pictures and videos. Make friends with people who share your interest. WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM 111 1112011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=112http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=112insider ADD IT UP Percentagesayinggunlawsshouldbe morestrictin1990poll. the insider Continued from page 114 78 62 44 90 Percentagesayinggunlawsshouldbe morestrictin2000poll. is not as reliable as we wished. If you know it will work well enough to hit a mythical target more than likely six or less feet away, you can rest easy. Or at least easier. Hunters talk of “one-inch of deer” at 100 yards as being good enough accuracy. And hunters who can’t shoot better than 10" at 100 yards take millions of deer every year. Can we apply that principle to defensive handguns? You bet. If a defensive handgun works — and will shoot within “one inch-of-felon at ten feet” — it will probably serve you just fine. And what would that mean? I suppose it’s whatever you would be comfortable with. It seems if a gun will work and shoot within a 4" paper plate at ten feet it will probably protect the “average” you, and even further than that if you need it too. There’s no need for hysterical internet forum arguments and no need to lose sleep over worrying about whether the new Slam-Fire .49 Magnum shoots 1.78" or 1.96" at 25 yards, unless it’s just fun to think about. And with all that free time you’ll have now, you can worry about other important things — like the 1967 Dodge trucks in your life. Percentagesayinggunlawsshouldbe morestrictin2009poll. Percentageofwildgamekilledby hailstorminAustrianprovince. Best Gun Follow-Up Billionsofdollarsearmarkedbypending FederallegislationtoboostLEprograms. 3.8 Velocityinfpsof.22caliberriflepellets fromsomemodernairrifles. 1,250 Mostpowerfulcalibereverchambered inahandgun. .600 Nitro Express Bulletweightingrains,firedat 1,050fpsfrom.600.Recoilis saidtobe“substantial.” y last Insider (“First, Best Gun,” Jan/Feb 2010) was about those magical “first” guns we’ve all gotten. Mine is a Remington 514 single shot .22, which I still have. In the column, I mentioned my dad was coming for a first visit to our new property we bought here in Missouri. We can shoot on our land, and one of the first things we did when he got here was shoot that old rifle. I thought you’d enjoy this picture I snapped right after my dad had just popped a tiny spinner target at about 30 yards with the rifle — the first time he’d shot it in over 40 years. Looks like a genuine grin to me. Take your dad shooting if you can. Trust me on that. Oh, and please don’t gripe about no hearing protection and such. They didn’t do that in “those” days and I’ll be damned if I’m going to try to change things now. M 1,050 O New! Improved! Tasty! kay, it’s not really tasty, but it is new and improved. If you go to www.americanhandgunner.com/ productindex.html you’ll see a long list of your favorite goodies you see in our pages. If you click on the one you like, you’ll see two links: One gets you to info from our magazines and the other takes you directly to the maker’s Web site for the product. Fast, easy and all in one place. Try it, you’ll like it! Notta 1911 N 112 o, really. It looks like a minty 1911, even feels like one, but it’s not. Believe it or not, it’s a plastic replica, but a very special one. Japanese “pistolsmith” Mr. Vincent (Yusuke-san) makes unique bluing finishes with secret recipes and techniques and does his magic on airsoft and model guns in Japan (http://otonagai-mg.com). Remember, they can’t own real guns there. This is a Western Arms “Colt” 1911 Gas Blow Back Pistol made of a special “heavy weight” plastic. The serial number is “C1031” and is engraved (as is the Colt logo) to be a perfect copy of the original. The trigger, safety and slide release have been blued differently to match the original. While this is stunning work, let’s hope it doesn’t come to this here. Our thanks to Jonathan Marmand of France, the proud owner of this gun — and the exceptional photographer! WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MARCH/APRIL20102011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=113http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=113EntrEprEnEur O ur industry’s own Ken Solinsky, president of Insight Technology, Inc. (makers of night vision and electro-optical systems), was recently selected as the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year, the world’s most prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. He beat out over 300 regional winners from over 25 cities. Ken started his business in his family’s home in 1988, and they now employ over 1,200 people at three sites in Londonderry, N.H., making them one of the area’s largest employers. Cops and soldiers rely on Insight gear, and our Handgunner Hat is off to Ken for his very cool win! Well done! CAnE 1911 O Born a Hunter ld friend Mac Scott touched base with me not long ago and told me of a new thing he’s doing. If you remember Scott, McDougall & Associates, the custom pistolsmith shop specializing in small autos, well, he’s the “Scott” part. After closing shop when his partner and good friend Doug McDougall died, Mac moved to the N/W and is doing fine. After crashing his motorcycle in the early 1980s, though, he got stuck with a limp and has used canes ever since. To make life easier, he made himself a cane not long ago and found the classic 1911 grip frame made it the perfect fit. Now everyone wants one and I told Mac I’d ruin his life and tell the world about ’em here. If you want one, touch base with him at: sales@45auto.com (no phone calls). His Web site is www.45auto.com and has lots more pictures and options. They’re around $150 and made from Goncalo Alves and Sapele wood. Our cane has genuine diamond back rattler grips by Dog Grips, but you can screw your own 1911 grips on ’em if you want to. How cool is that? Don’t hate me Mac. ften “hunting” books are well, um, uh … like those TV deer hunts poorly filmed by bubbas with shaky cameras. Yeah, we know it’s the biggest deer you’ve ever seen, yeah, we know you’re excited, yeah, we know … you get the drift. And no high-fiving after the shot, please. Please? Dwight Van Brunt is not only an old friend, he’s also an industry insider in our game. But what Dwight really is, from birth, is a hunter. He’s a focused, near-insane, help-me-I-can’t stop-hunter. If he’s not hunting, he’s thinking about it, or cleaning his rifles or deciding where to hunt next, or buying tickets to Africa. You get the drill. The “classic” hunting magazine and book guys can paint vivid pictures of a gun dog and an old shotgun in the field, but alas, often lack the ability to connect with the reader from their lofty towers. Their $30,000 Purdys and $10,000 hunts lose us. But Dwight is different. Dwight knows how we think, feels the same feeling we feel about hunting and more importantly, connects when he talks about it with you. His excitement and passion shows, and it invites you to read more. “Fate is a curious animal, presenting itself at times least expected,” says Dwight. Fate has brought us Dwight’s book. Take advantage of it. www.sportingclassics.net, (800) 849-1004 o C&S School O Young Hunter think I’ll let Ryan Wilson of Wilson Tactical and Wilson Combat tell the story about his son Josh’s, first deer. “We got into the box blind before first light and the buck came into the field chasing a doe around 7:00. Josh was sitting on a bar stool with his legs folded underneath him to get enough height to shoot. I was watching through binoculars, waiting for the deer to turn properly for a shot. When we finally got the shot at about 150 yards, I was in the process of telling him to “put the crosshairs right behind …” when I heard the 6.8 SPC bark. I watched the deer jump and kick when Josh shot, and run about 40 yards where it WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM kay, I may be insane for agreeing to this but Bill Laughridge, guru of the Cylinder & Slide Shop, talked me into helping him host his next “How to build a custom 1911” class — at my house! He was visiting and said, looking over my three-stall garage, “You know, you’re pretty central here in Missouri, and, well, um, that garage would be per2011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=114http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=114THE Roy Huntington INSIDER TM = “S On AccurAcy o I shot the gun at the normal combat range of seven yards,” reads all too many lines, in all too many gun articles I see. Who says it’s seven yards, anyway? And I see this reader mail: “I didn’t see any accuracy testing at 25 yards,” generally in reference to an article about a pocket gun of some sort. It got me to thinking: What is accuracy, how much of it do we really need — and is it overrated? Before I retired I took a hard look at 70+ shootings by my old agency’s officers. The time period covered went from the middle 1980s to the early 1990s. The closest distances were muzzle-contact, and the furthest one (by a patrol cop, as opposed to a SWAT rifle shooting) was about 37 yards. The average was about four yards for all the shootings combined, and the majority (about 40-percent) were within contact and six feet. The next majority was between six and 15 feet. This mirrors data I found on a comprehensive study of NYPD shootings during the 1970s. So reach your arms wide and take a look at the space you hold between them. If you ever have to unlimber your defensive handgun, chances are very good those measly six feet will be the average distance you’ll be engaged by a bad guy. And more than likely, it will be even closer. So why then, are we so enamored with guilt-edged accuracy in our defensive handguns? I’ll tell you why — it’s because we don’t have anything better to do. As consumers, we’re constantly forcing the makers to up the ante; to make it more accurate, shoot faster, look cooler … or we won’t buy it. How can one brand, or custom maker, help their product stand out? Easy: “Ours can shoot sub-one inch groups, and those others can’t.” Just as a car maker claims “Our Jupiter Zoomer can go 0-60 in 5.2 seconds while the other guy’s only does it in 5.8 — gun-makers play the same game. Once again, in the real world, who cares if your car is a 5.2 or even a 10.5 second ride? When do we need to go 0-60? When do I need to shoot 1" groups? I’ll grant you, if it’s for fun, that’s another thing entirely. I like accurate handguns, especially if I’m hunting with them. I even appreciate fast cars that handle well. But for my daily driver, I have a 1967 Dodge D100 pick-up. It does 0-60 in about a week and is about as “accurate” when it tracks as an old pitchfork thrown by a drunk farmer. But oddly enough, it not only gets me from here to there, it does it with style, a certain level of panache (or at least I believe it does) and it can carry all sorts of useful stuff. Suzi’s low, fast European car goes 0-60 in about six seconds and leaves a sonic boom in its wake, will make your liver tear loose in the turns, and you can carry two bags of feed corn in the trunk if you have to (although people do stare at Tractor Supply). But, it can get stuck on the ice and in the mud, and don’t even ask me how much it costs to get repaired. So most of the time we take the Dodge to town, and people still stare, but I like to think it’s because she’s a most marvelous color of sky blue. And what does that all mean to us? If you like accuracy, great, “I got it,” as Clint would say, and you should go for it. But … if you are actually looking for a defensive handgun, you need to put accuracy way down on the list of musthaves. Better to think of utter reliability, versatility and long-term toughness first, and think about accuracy last. A tuned 1911 displaying mind-boggling accuracy is very cool, but if it bobbles — even only “now and again” — it’s not good enough for self-defense. Oh, it’s still good for the sheer fun of it, and that’s a good thing too. Perhaps even a great thing. Give me a 4" S&W K-frame .38 Special in a decent holster and a speed loader or two, over the fanciest, most accurate gun out there — if that gun the insider Continues on page 112 insider 114 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MARCH/APRIL20102011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=115http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=1152011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=116http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMA10/?Page=116Ultra CDP II™ pistols in .45 ACP & 9mm have 3-inch barrels & weigh just 25 ounces. The Best Defense. The Custom Defense Package–CDP–from Kimber. The Pro CDP II™ .45 ACP has a 4-inch barrel and full-length grip. At just 28 ounces, it is easy to carry & conceal. CDP pistols are powerful, accurate and absolutely dependable. Built in the , they feature night sights and 30 lines-per-inch Kimber® Custom Shop™ checkering on the frontstrap and under the trigger guard for a positive grip. , Slides are machined from stainless steel and aluminum frames wear KimPro II™ a premium finish that is self-lubricating and extremely resistant to the elements. All have a match grade barrel, chamber and trigger. Adding these features during production reduces their price by over $500, giving them incredible value. See them in action at www.kimberamerica.com. Carry the best. Carry a Kimber. The Custom CDP II™.45 ACP has a 5-inch barrel and weighs only 31 ounces. It is the nest full-size 1911 carry pistol available today. CDP pistols feature match grade barrels, night sights and a Carry Melt treatment that rounds & blends edges to prevent snagging on clothing or holsters. The Choice of America’s Best. www.kimberamerica.com For information on products and dealer locations please send $2 to: Kimber, Dept. 259 One Lawton Street, Yonkers, NY 10705 Information is also available at (800) 880-2418 ©2009 Kimber Mfg., Inc. All rights reserved. Kimber names, logos and other trademarks may not be used without permission. Names of other companies, products and services may be the property of their respective owners. Kimber firearms are shipped with an instructional manual and California-approved cable lock. Copy of instruction manual available by request.2011-02-11T20:09:32+01:00