http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/RSS.ashxAmerican Handgunner May/June 2009 PagesFri, 06 Mar 2009 21:03:59 +0100http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=1http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=1ayoob: ike clanton killing $5.95 OUTSIDE US $9.50 MAY/JUNE 2009 ® sub coMpact Microscopic s& W’ s Win A Kimber Pro Crimson CArry ii . 45 MayheM GP6 Sensible Shooter STI’s Blades and CleanIng gear What’s hot In: burton’s 1911: 1908 sublime steel MysTERy pIsTOl: HElp Us FIND THE TRUTH! p. 39 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM2009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=2http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=2Big Gun . Small Price The 1911 That Makes You an Expert Shot GI Expert™ Product Code: GI45 Para’s NEW GI EXPERT delivers: • Expert Firepower – an 8-round .45 ACP magazine. • Expert Sight Picture – 3 white-dot sights that you can see. • Expert Accuracy – premium stainless steel barrel and full metal bushing. • Expert Trigger – to make you the best shot you can be with a clean, crisp break. • Expert Reliability – the best service, Para’s Gold Medallion Lifetime Service Policy. • Expert Price – Introductory $599 (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail). Dealer prices may be lower. To Shoot Like an Expert. Contact Your Para Dealer Today. www.para-usa.com/expertshot (954) 202-4440 • 1919 N.E. 45th St., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33308-51362009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=3http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=32009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=4http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=4Cover Photo: Chuck Pittman, Inc. Volume 33 • Number 3 • Issue 199 2009 MAY • JUNE 39 1908 .380 MYSTERY PISTOL FRANK KARL Help us find the origins of this little Colt. FEATURES 47 40 40 SUBLIME STEEL ARTISTRY CLINT SMITH A1911“HeirloomPrecision”style. 47 APG GUILD GUN ROYHUNtINGtON An“Utimate”setof1911raffleguns. 48 MEASURED FORCE PAtCOVERt thedesignsofBramFrank. 50 S&W’S SUB-COMPACT PRO-SERIES MIKE“DUKE”VENtURINO DukebreaksoutofblackpowderandtestsS&W’stiniestauto. 58 CLEAN THAT CANNON, COWBOY! Fromgooptogear,here’swhat’snewincleaningkits. 60 48 JOHNCONNOR 60 STI GP6 EURO-TECH 62 BUDDY BLADES MIKECUMPStON Fastandaccurate,anaffordableautofrom“overthere.” JOHNCONNOR Knives,knives,knivesandmoreknives!What’snew? 64 A GALLERY OF CLASSIC COMBAT LEATHER Gotgreyinyourmustache?Youprobablyhaveoneoftheseinyourholsterbox! BOB ARGANGRIGHT 4 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MAY/JUNE20092009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=5http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=5DEPARTMENTS 26 BETTER SHOOTING DAVEANDERSON Drawingtipsfromthepros. 36 THE SIXGUNNER JOHNtAFFIN SixgunsofHamiltonBowen. 72 THE AYOOB FILES MASSADAYOOB Aretiredveterantakesonthethugs. 28 92 GUNNYSACK ROYHUNtINGtON, SAMMYREESE&CLINtSMItH Streamlight,888Professional,5ShotLeatherandLeupold. COLUMNS 8 SPEAK OUT 20 PISTOLSMITHING ALEX HAMILTON 22 WINNING EDGE DAVEANDERSON 24 HANDGUN HUNTING J.D.JONES 28 SHOOTING IRON MIKE“DUKE”VENtURINO 30 TAFFIN TESTS JOHNtAFFIN 32 COP TALK MASSADAYOOB 34 REALITY CHECK CLINT SMITH 68 GUNCRANK DIARIES JOHNCONNOR 70 CARRY OPTIONS SAMMYREESE 74 HANDLOADING JOHNtAFFIN 106 THE INSIDER ROYHUNtINGtON 30 64 24 74 RESOURCES 73 CUSTOM CORNER 96 CATALOG SHOWCASE 101 SPOTLIGHT StEVEEVAtt 102 AD INDEX 103 CLASSIFIEDS HANDGUN OF THE MONTH I W N! 66 Check Out Web Blast For More Info, Videos And Pictures About Articles In Every Issue. AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM WinthisKimberProCrimsonCarryII! JUStCLICKONtHEWEBBLAStICON! AMERICAN HANDGUNNER¨ (ISSN 0145-4250) is published bi-monthly by PublishersÕ Development Corp., 12345 World Trade Drive, San Diego, CA 92128. Periodical postage paid at San Diego, CA 92128, and at additional mailing offices. Subscriptions: One year (six issues) $19.75. Single copies $5.95 (in Canada $9.50). Change of address: four weeks notice required on all changes. Send old address as well as new. Contributors submitting manuscripts, photographs or drawings do so at their own risk. Material cannot be returned unless accompanied by sufficient postage. Payment is for all world rights for the material. The act of mailing a manuscript constitutes the author’s certification of originality of material. Opinions expressed are those of the bylined authors and do not necessarily represent those of the magazine or it’s advertisers. Advertising rates furnished on request. Reproduction or use of any portion of this magazine in any manner, without written permission, is prohibited. Entire contents Copyright© 2009 Publishers’ Development Corp. All rights reserved. Title to this publication passes to subscriber only on delivery to his address. SUBSCRIPTION PROBLEMS: For immediate action, write Subscription Dept., 12345 World Trade Drive, San Diego, CA 92128. 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WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM 52009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=6http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=6BOARD OF DIRECTORS THOMAS von ROSEN, CEO; THOMAS HOllANdER; RANdy MOldé; MARjORiE yOuNg PUBLISHER & EDITOR ROy HuNTiNgTON MANAGING EDITORIAL ASSISTANT STEPHANiE jARREll EDITORIAL ASSISTANT KERiN VAN HOOSEAR DESIGN DIRECTOR liSA STAHlHuT PRODUCTION MANAGER liNdA PETERSON ADVERTISING PRODUCTION KEViN lEWiS PROMOTIONS DIRECTOR RANdy MOldé WEBSITE MANAGER lORiNdA MASSEy PROMOTIONS COORDINATOR ElizAbETH O’NEill CONTRIBUTING EDITORS CLASSIC FIREARMS EDITOR MiKE “duKE” VENTuRiNO VERY SENIOR OLD FIELD EDITOR jOHN TAFFiN VERY SENIOR OLD FIELD EDITOR jOHN MORRiSON CARRY OPTIONS EDITOR SAMMy REESE bCP FIELD EDITOR jEREMy ClOugH FIELD EDITOR MARK HANTEN SENIOR FIELD EDITOR dAVE dOuglAS FIELD & TACTICS EDITOR CliNT SMiTH HUNTING EDITOR j.d. jONES KNIFE EDITOR PATRiCK COVERT LAW ENFORCEMENT EDITOR MASSAd AyOOb PISTOLSMITHING EDITOR AlEX HAMilTON PRACTICAL SHOOTING EDITOR dAVE ANdERSON FMG PUBLICATIONS PUBLISHER & EDITOR: ROy HuNTiNgTON ADVERTISING: dElANO AMAguiN AMERiCANCOPMAgAziNE.COM EDITOR: jEFF jOHN ADVERTISING: jEFF MOREy guNSMAgAziNE.COM PUBLISHER & EDITOR: RuSS THuRMAN ADVERTISING: ANiTA CARSON SHOOTiNgiNduSTRy.COM Special Editions EDITOR: SAMMy REESE ADVERTISING: SCOTT MCgREgOR FMgPubliCATiONS.COM SubSCRiPTiON: (858) 605-0253; www.americanhandgunner.com EdiTORiAl: (858) 605-0243; editorial@americanhandgunner.com ClASSiFiEd AdVERTiSiNg: (858) 605-0235; class@americanhandgunner.com PROduCTiON: (858) 605-0202; production@americanhandgunner.com WEb SiTE: www.americanhandgunner.com ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR ANiTA CARSON ACCOUNT MANAGER STEVE EVATT ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE dElANO AMAguiN ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE jEFF MOREy NATIONAL ADVERTISING: 12345 World Trade dr., San diego, CA 92128; e-mail: steve@americanhandgunner.com; (858) 605-0218; Fax: (858) 605-0220 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. Beasafeshooter! Produced in the united StateS. 6 AH_HotNewV6f300.pdf 1 11/1/07 11:21:42 AM WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MAY/JUNE20092009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=7http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=72009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=8http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=8SPEAKOUT moses didn’t YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE IwasextremelygladtoseeJohntaffin’sarticleonAlanHarton’sgunsmithingprowess(The Sixgunner, March/April2009).Alanisapersonalfriendandallaroundgoodguy,whohappenstohavebarrelsfull oftalent. Mr.taffin,however,needstotakeahistorylesson.Itwasn’tthemagiciansinPharaoh’scourt whoturnedwaterintobloodandconjuredupplaguesoffrogs,gnats,fliesandboils.Itwastheformer PresidentoftheNRA,theRightHonorableMr.Hesston.ReligioushistoriansclaimitwasMoses— buttheyneversawthemovie. JimBritton Houston,texas Craig B., Mark Galvin, David KiseBecause we got a gazillion letters leski, Paul Townsend, Ron Washburn, from readers like these gents (and Tom Keating, Tim Taaca, Shannon, ladies), Bernie Ness at ATK got his arm Ron E. Smith, John Urene, Larry Sapp, twisted far enough so the Speer Gold Robert McAdams, Robert McDonald, Dot .30 Carbine ammo we mentioned Gene Lukshaitis, Mike Brown, Jeff (Insider, March/April 2009) is for Waterson, Wayne Wallace, James real. It should be shipping by the time Basile, Michelle Mertz, J.P.Cole, Frank you read this. Now buy some so they Schroeder, Pat and Sherry, Paul Turner, 9:04:18 AM believe us PACT_postxmas_09_fixed.pdf the next time too. Editor 12/16/08Jim Turner, Theodore Hankin, Javier Thanks to: Steve Cahill, Jon Jones, Garcia, Charles Voigtsberger, David Hell Yes . We Got It! Row, Bill Mast, Charlie Shawl, Tommy Foster, Malachi Meeker … and about 450 more! Vets Appreciate Us I’ve got to tell you your magazine is the best. My father, who is a WWII vet, also shot for the Navy after the war. He’s now 85 and has macular degeneration, which effects his second favorite 8 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MAY/JUNE20092009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=9http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=9Taurus JUDGE 3” MAGNUM TAURUS JUDGE 3” MAGNUM FEATURES: New for 2009, we’re giving you a Taurus Judge® with even more stopping power — The 3” Magnum. Larger and more powerful, this Judge gives you the choice of hard-hitting .410 GA 3-inch Magnum as well as 2.5-inch shotshells and .45 Colt ammunition. This outstanding combo gun has already been proven effective for home defense, personal protection, or simply as a pack gun on the trail. Whatever the situation—the Taurus Judge lays down the law. Now with 3” Magnum rounds for MAGNUM stopping power. ¬ Fiber Optic Front Sight ¬ Fires Both .410 GA 3-inch Magnum or 2-1/2” Shotshell and .45 Colt Ammunition (5 round capacity) ¬ Taurus Ribber Grip ® ¬ Available in Blue and Stainless Steel ¬ Choice of 3-inch or 6-inch Barrel ¬ Available in Blue and Stainless Steel Birchwood Casey ® targets shot at 5 to 6 feet. Left-hand target shot with 5 rounds of .410 GA 3-inch Magnum, #000 Buck 5-pellet loads; Right-hand target shot with 5 rounds of .410 GA 3-inch Magnum, #4 shot. www.TaurusUSA.com FREE one-year NRA membership with the purchase of any new Taurus fi rearm.2009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=10http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=10SPEAKOUT activity — the first being shooting and the second reading. I always know when your magazine comes in since he reads every article with his magnifying glass and tells me which one to read first. There is not a part of Handgunner left undone! My family is full of disabled vets, starting with my father, then my two brothers and then me, so when I tell you we appreciate every article — especially those hilarious editor’s notes — it means a lot. We have a lot of history with weapons starting with the 1911, my father shot in competitions all the way to current production, so we have a keen eye and look for missteps in your articles, but you guys are right on. Thanks for making a group of vets happy, and keep shutting down those whiners — even in war we have time for pictures of pretty girls sporting guns. Who do you think we’re fighting for anyway? George Taylor Wappapello, Missouri George, thanks for your kind words, and a special thanks for your family’s service to our country. No fooling. Editor Hates Politics I enjoy reading every issue of your magazine and I consider your writers to be a most knowledgeable group on the subject of handguns and related topics. I don’t, however, consider your staff to have anything in the way of expertise on subjects political. What they offer in that area is the usual right-wing reactionary blather. If it weren’t for the valuable info on handguns I receive from your magazine, I would say that it “shouldn’t be tossed lightly aside, but thrown with great force.” (With apologies to Dorothy Parker) Richard Garrett Via e-mail Well, warm up your tossing arm, Richard, because we won’t be ignoring politics. They go hand-in-hand with gun owning today thanks to a certain element in the political arena, and we’re not afraid to stand up and tell it like it is. The NRA and other organizations need all the help they can get, and we’re willing to toss our hats in the ring. And if you notice, exactly none of us have ever said we were experts in anything, ever — especially politics. But we all aren’t content to sit on the sidelines and watch our rights eroded. It might have been Teddy Roosevelt who said something along the lines it’s easy to be critical if you’re on the sideline — while the real work is going on in the arena with the sweat and blood. I consider Handgunner “In the arena” when 10 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MAY/JUNE20092009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=11http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=112009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=12http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=12SPEAKOUT it comes to our rights, so we’re keeping our fighting stance going. Oh yeah, we also like to write about guns. Editor .pdf 12/16/08 8:47:20 AM Colt Happiness I recently sent in the slide from my Colt New Agent .45 because of a fine scratch on one of the polished surfaces. I enclosed a note explaining the scratch was due to my carelessness and I would be happy to pay the going rate for the services of their custom shop. A couple weeks later a pristine slide was returned to me with a zero cost receipt indicating the slide had not been polished, but rather completely refinished. Thanks to Colt for an excellent product, and customer service that is second to none. Danny Boote Suwanee, Georgia The Whinery Don’t Label Me As a staunch, actual card-carrying liberal and proud member of the ACLU, I was appalled by the way you treated several of your readers who complained about your wall-like stand regarding gun rights. A friend of mine showed me your magazines. Anyone with any brain at all has to realize common-sense measures are needed to keep guns out of the hands of some people. I think the Obama administration will enact laws that will make it difficult to buy a gun or own one (with taxes helping to control the amount of ammo available) and you’ll see the crime rate go down. Not everyone needs a gun, so those who can’t prove a genuine need won’t be allowed to buy one. It’s really very simple, is working fine in Australia, the United Kingdom and most of Europe, Japan and Asia, and I have a feeling all you right-wing gun-owners should get used to the idea since the time has come for changes to be made. Frank Reedmon San Francisco, Calif. Where do I start? Don’t they realize I get the last word here? Maybe I won’t start at all since there’s obviously no need to discuss the facts here. I wonder how Frank would handle it if he heard a crash at night and found a deranged killer standing in his bedroom? Stutter, trip and maybe feel a spreading warmth as he empties his bladder? If he thought to dial 911 at least the cops would know where to pick up his body. Remember, as Connor says: “The police — minutes away when seconds count.” How 12 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MAY/JUNE20092009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=13http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=132009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=14http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=14SPEAKOUT do these people cross the road safely by themselves? I’m sure Frank would shortout if he flipped his light switch at home and no lights came on. “Oh God, what’s wrong? What do I do now? Who do I call for help? This isn’t fair! Where are the people who we pay to keep the lights on?” Once again, I’m about stunned into a stupor. Maybe there is no hope. But make sure to read the Insider in this issue about my experiences in moving to America where I learned there is, indeed, hope. Editor Meprolight® night sight sets are available for most popular brands and models of pistols, revolvers and tactical rifles. They are tough, 20% brighter than other night sights and backed by the strongest warranty in the business. The Internet Loophole Got to thinking the other day the gungrabbers should look at the Internet. Let’s call it “the WiFi Loophole — why the gun control logic isn’t logical.” It says somewhere important that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” This text clearly shows the freedom of speech is limited to speeches to be performed by qualified individuals or the press, which is also a well organized entity. These two protected forms of speech require the speaker or publisher to account for their actions. Because of a current popular incorrect belief, the Internet culture has taken over. No normal well-intentioned person has any legitimate use for the Internet. Television, radio, books and face-toface discussion are all a normal person needs. The Internet has allowed criminals and terrorists to organize, devise the means, and acquire the methods of inflicting large-scale crimes from miles away. They have the ability to trigger an attack almost anywhere at any time and with limitless scale, all by just using the Internet. This makes interception and defending against these types of crimes difficult. The WiFi loophole allows anonymous users to access the Internet, and even without this loophole often all that is required is an address and $20. This must be fixed by common sense laws restricting access. Furthermore, there’s no reason a normal citizen should need to carry a connection to the Internet around with them everywhere. This serves no purpose but to allow the carrier a feeling of importance and may be more dangerous to themselves than to others. Being distracted while driving, for instance, causes someone’s Internet access device to be used against them, causing an accident that could take a life. If it saves just one life, doesn’t it make sense to Meprolight night sights in both fixed and adjustable versions are offered in a variety of contrasting colors. Their brightness and quality are unequaled. Pistol Sight Sets AR-15 & Clones Quick to install, Meprolight night sights for Colt, Bushmaster, DPMS and others ensure a positive aiming point in low light. Meprolight reflex sights provide a bright, dependable 24-hour aiming point without using battery power. 3X magnification is available. Distributed by Optical Systems Call or write for free catalog. Kimber, Dept. 234 One Lawton Street, Yonkers, NY 10705, call (800) 880-2418 or visit 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. ©2008 Kimber Mfg., Inc. All rights reserved. 14 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MAY/JUNE20092009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=15http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=15ban this terrible technology? And, this close, constant access to the Internet provides someone with the ability to do the harm described anywhere, and might lead to violent outbursts because Internet users are known to have become disconnected from society and often display antisocial behavior. People exhibiting this need have been shown to take disagreements online too seriously, and should not be allowed to carry this catalyst of criminal and anti-social activity around with them. Something has to be done since nobody should have access to this power at any time. One cannot go a day without hearing of some person becoming the victim of a crime committed by use of the Internet. With that in mind, it’s not unreasonable to restrict Internet access in general, and to further limit and license access to individuals who have passed a thorough background check and have been properly trained in it’s use. And of course, it should cost a reasonable amount to the user since it’s a luxury and there is no real need for it. The amount collected should cover the costs of government administration of the licensing process and pay for law enforcement to police the Internet. The IPTF or Internet Police Taskforce should have total responsibility and be allowed to make arrests, even when based on anonymous tips. If all this sounds silly when applied to the First Amendment, we need to remind everyone it’s equally silly when applied to the Second. Andy Weaver Via E-mail Andy, there’s nothing more to add to this. You’ve struck a chord here and we all need to remember to use this analogy when we take the fight to the front lines in local media, talks to service clubs or to anyone who will listen. Well done! Editor It’s come to my attention STI International, the manufacturer of hand guns and high performance parts for 1911 handguns, have suspended all sales to California law enforcement agencies, and to the employees of same. They have tried for years to jump through the hoops the California legislature have put in the way of gun sales, and each time they changed to try to meet the rules — the rules themselves were changed. It takes courage to make a decision like this, and I think every shooter should at least strongly consider their product when purchasing a handgun or parts. I would also suggest each of you contact the gun manufacturer you deal STI Takes A Stand Live: 7" WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM 15 Live: 7"2009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=16http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=16SPEAKOUT with and request they do likewise. I don’t make this request lightly, as I am retired cop. But every officer who enforces archaic laws undermining the 2nd amendment is as guilty as the politician who passed it in the first place. In the jurisdiction where I worked, we did not arrest law abiding citizens who were only carrying for self-protection. In my career I was shot at once and had two guns pointed at me, and those three times were by persons who could not legally own a gun. To counter-balance each of those times, I was covered many times by an armed citizen during hot stops or other dangerous situations. Every law enforcement agency in our state worked to get a-shall issue concealed carry law passed. We were in the first five states to get it passed, and to no police officer’s surprise, murder, armed robbery, rape and assaults all went plunged. Car-jackings virtually stopped. If every manufacturer would stop selling to California, you would see law enforcement officers place pressure on the legislature to change restrictive laws. They would find what it is like to not be able to defend themselves or their families. Too many police officers forget what it’s like to be at the mercy of an armed, conscienceless criminal — when he himself is unarmed. Byron Shoffner Via e-mail Some people have submitted makers should charge $1 million for each handgun for cops in California. If every maker did it, things would change. But the economy is tough, and California cops and their agencies are big customers for most of the mainstream makers out there, so the success of a program like this is pretty much a pie-in-the-sky proposition. And it’s a damned shame if you ask me. Editor • 8 Bit Micro-Processor Controlled • World's Only DLSC™ Technology • Fully Enclosed Military Grade Circuit Boards with Gold Connectors • Computer Activated Auto-Shut Off • High Fidelity Sound Quality • Super Comfortable, No Sweat ProForm™ Leather Seals • 5 Year Warranty • Made in USA Best Pocket Holster? I’m writing in response to an article about Mika’s pocket holster (Carry Options, March/April 2009). Robert Mika makes excellent pocket holsters for handguns, all at a working person’s price. I have had a CCW permit in several states for over 30 years and used his pocket holsters for North American, Glock, Kahr, AMT, Star and S&W handguns for over 15 years. I have used them daily and had many people express their disbelief I was carrying, due to the high level of concealability of his holsters. You don’t have to break the bank to get a quality product. I had a shipment of four holsters mis-shipped several years ago and Robert quickly replaced them for free. An Altus Brands, LLC company Visit us at: www.pro-ears.com email: sales@pro-ears.com WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MAY/JUNE2009 800-891-3660 Contact us today: 162009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=17http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=172009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=18http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=18SPEAKOUT The original shipment was delivered two weeks later and Robert said to just keep the extras! He is not only an excellent holster maker but also a truly honest, customer-oriented, businessman. Quentin D. Anderson, Sr. Sthens, Alabama Check out Robert’s work at www.frontiernet.net/~akim. .pdf 2/12/09 9:47:37 AM Ear Blaster Artistry in Pistolcraft Old World Craftsmanship Real World Function MORRIS CUSTOM PISTOLS You recently got a letter from a guy who thought the .357 magnum was uncomfortably loud and he was afraid it would damage his hearing. You recommended a 9mm or a .38 Special. You failed, however, to point out the .357 magnum has superior stopping power when compared to either a 9mm or .38. I don’t know your correspondent, but it appears he is more concerned about his hearing than about his survival. In addition, I feel it’s unlikely that as many as six rounds from a .357 will cause permanent hearing loss. I presume he’s not regularly firing full magnum rounds in his bedroom! Jon Lawrence Eureka , Calif. The New mcp. MATRIX limited edition. $3495.00 509-476-2425 65 Westlake Rd.Oroville, WA. 98844 www. morriscustompistols.com Jon, I’ve fired .357 magnums in an enclosed room during training. The muzzle blast and noise are numbing. I checked with my doctor friend Davis Bronson, who is also a shooter: “Six rounds — even one round — from a high-intensity round like a .357 in an enclosed area will likely cause hearing damage and it may heal — or it may not. And the likelihood of causing permanent damage is definitely there.” Also, after seeing several people shot and some killed over my 20 years as a street cop in San Diego, I can personally attest the difference in “stopping” power between a good quality 9mm load, a .38, .40 .45, .357, etc. is minimal. During post-mortems I was fortunate enough to attend with my old friend Gene Wolberg from the crime lab, I learned it’s almost impossible to tell the difference between the wounds of pistol-caliber rounds. It’s always better to have something controllable that doesn’t knock you senseless from muzzle blast, noise, flash and recoil. Hitting accurately and fast is what’s critical. At the time I left the PD (around 1999) we had killed 74 criminals with 147 gr. sub-sonic 9mm loads. Most were one- or two-shot stops. If they were hit right, they went down. And the 9mm proved to be controllable, easy to handle and quick for follow-up shots. Since their change allowing .40 and .45 handguns, the stopping rate has WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MAY/JUNE2009 Continued on page 100 182009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=19http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=192009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=20http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=20PISTOLSMITHING Alex Hamilton THE INSIDE SCOOP ON PISTOLSMITHING TECHNIQUES The gold standard in target sights: the Bo-Mar — now gone. Bo-Mar An Industry Icon — Lost in Detroit, Michigan in the 1950s and named using an acronym created from the first names of the owners, Bob and Mary Korzeniewski. The business was moved to Northeast Texas in the 1960s where it operated until the tragic events of a couple of years ago. The precision sight they created to be used on the venerable Model 1911, time-tested Ruger Mark II, sturdy Smith & Wesson Model 41 and others became a gold standard of strength and precision in our industry, and exemplified the muscle and values of this strong American family. Bo-Mar sights have been mounted in existing factory dovetails for bullseye shooters, skillfully low mounted or melded for modern shooters, installed on muzzleloaders and custom mounted with and without its factory base. It was simply an industry foundation product to which all others aspired for close to 50 years. Longview, Texas is not accepting orders at this time and is not for sale. However, there are plans to provide replacement parts as they are needed and there is always hope this will lead to the rebirth of the great Bo-Mar sight. We are going to miss this great product, the company and the family behind it. To Mary, Valerie and the extended Korzeniewski family please know there are literally hundreds of thousands of shooters out here who share a tiny bit of your “all-consuming” loss. Note: If you need to correspond with the Bo-Mar Company please direct your correspondence to 6136 State Highway 300, Longview, Texas 75604. T he American firearms industry and the American custom pistol and revolver industry in particular lost a great leader and product lately. Bo-Mar sights are no more! The owner Mr. Robert (Bob) Korzeniewski died in 2006. Bob’s oldest son Norbert took over the business as president after the death of his father. About one year later Norbert was killed in a tragic automobile accident in August of 2007. It was a heartbreaking, gut wrenching end to one of the oldest and finest handgun sights ever produced in this nation, and a business that involved an entire family of eight children, a loving mother and hard working, inventor father. Bo-Mar was simply the perfect example of the American dream come true. Bo-Mar Tool And Manufacturing Company was founded here is no need to tell most of you about the Bo-Mar sight. It’s as common as your kitchen sink and became the rear sight of choice if you were to be a winner. Bo-Mar sights were on the pistols of Camp Perry, Olympic competitors, IPSA shooters, plinkers and every other competitor who ever walked to the awards stand on Sunday afternoon. The Bo-Mar revolver and pistol rib was the first of its kind and came with either a standard front sight or an extended style that extended out about 1.5" in front of the muzzle. This was before the days of the lightweight red dot scope so shooters did everything possible to create the longest sight radius. The longer sight radius was a little more difficult to hold steady since it emphasized your tiniest movement, but also forced you to concentrate on your sights and stay in the “zone.” There have been many copies of the great Bo-Mar constructed from aluminum, castings, pot metal and MIM, but none ever matched the quality, precision and function of the great Bo-Mar BMCS (Bo-Mar Competition Sight) adjustable rear sight. Right now I have four Bo-Mar rear sights in my parts drawer so when they are gone a big piece of my 40 years in this business of custom pistolsmithing will be lost forever. This fine old American company located in 20 The Gold Standard T * A common part of any serious competitor’s kit, a correctly installed Bo-Mar on his target gun. WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MAY/JUNE20092009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=21http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=21ered 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 .gunsprings .com www.gunsprings .gunsprings.com www Isn’t it time to make sure your gun is Powered by Wolff! 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 MAGAZINES2009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=22http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=22WINNINGEDGE Dave Anderson M&P= Production Class Here’s a pistol and holster perfectly acceptable for everyday use, yet BJ Norris is using this equipment to compete for a national title. SOLID ADVICE TO KEEP YOU AHEAD OF THE COMPETITION The M&P O n the early days of practical shooting competition there were no divisions for different types of handguns. In fact it was one of the original fundamental principles for all guns to compete equally. The idea was, only in this way would we find what worked best. As long as results were more or less in accord with preconceived notions all was well. The 1911 pistol in .45 ACP totally dominated in the early years. It was scored as “major” caliber, it was faster to reload than a revolver, held a couple more cartridges, and it had a crisp, short trigger pull. The 1911’s dominance in competition supported what many already believed, that the .45 was the best defensive handgun in the world, and its winning record in competition was just more proof. But never underestimate human ingenuity. During the 1980s and early 1990s shooters and pistolsmiths developed competition pistols with features such as compensators, .38 Super major loads, optical sights and high capacity magazines. In short, a standard 1911 couldn’t win anymore. Many shooters were put off by the expense of full house guns, not to mention their rapid obsolescence in those years. Moreover, major manuJeff DeGracia shooting at the 2008 facturers were losing interest in USPSA Production division nationals. supporting the sport. By the mid Note modest muzzle rise even 1990s it was evident there had though pistol is in full recoil. to be some way to accommodate both the innovators and those who just wanted to compete with a more practical, less costly handgun, perhaps one they already had. It took some time and lots of discussion but USPSA has really got it right. Currently there are divisions for Open, Limited, Revolver, Limited-10, Single Stack and Production. I roduction is one of the best ideas USPSA ever had. Production is rapidly growing in popularity and is likely doing more than any other factor in bringing new shooters to the sport. Just use the handgun you bought for personal and home defense, or the one you wear on duty every day, and you can compete on a level playing field. Production is bringing manufacturers back to the sport. In Production division you’ll see many fine duty-style sidearms in use, from companies such as Beretta, CZ, EAA, Glock, H-K, ParaOrdnance, SIG, Smith & Wesson and Springfield Armory to name a few. And The M&P has a not just individual shooters; more and polymer frame more we are seeing factory teams. and stainless Glock and Springfield XD pistols steel slide. are very popular in Production. At the 2008 USPSA Nationals it was evident the S&W M&P is rapidly gaining a following. S&W seems to have really gotten this one right. 22 P Manufacturers return peration is similar to the Glock and the XD. It’s a locked breech, tilting barrel design with an abutment on the barrel locking into the front of the ejection port. Pressing the trigger moves the striker back to compress the striker spring, then releases the striker to fire the cartridge. Trigger pull is the same for every shot. In Production division the full size M&P 9mm seems to be very competitive. This model has a 4¼" barrel, 17-round magazine capacity, and weighs 27 ounces empty. It comes equipped with good sights, a ramped steel post front sight and the highly regarded Novak Lo-Mount rear sight. Trigger pull is 6½ pounds with a fairly short reset movement of 0.140". Most competition shooters, as they gain experience and develop their own preferences tend to be a bit picky about sights and trigger. However the Novak rear sight is certainly very good and the trigger pull is acceptable. The interchangeable grip inserts allow the shooter to find a grip frame size to suit different hand sizes. S&W has two versions of the M&P which seem intended for compet2009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=23http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=23! W NE A stunning breakthrough in personal defense ammunition design. Concealed carry and personal defense ammunition is redefined with the introduction of Hornady Critical Defense ammunition. You may have never thought about the effects of fabric and clothing on the performance of personal defense ammo. But clothing — especially heavy clothing — has a lot to do with how the bullet expands upon impact. • The patented FTX™ bullet will expand reliably EVERY SINGLE TIME! • Optimized propellants burn quickly, reduce recoil and limit muzzle flash to protect night vision. • Shiny nickel cases resist tarnish and greatly enhance low-light chamber checks. Conventional hollow point bullets clog with fibers and fabric as they pass through clothing which diminishes expansion and causes unreliable bullet performance. Hornady Critical Defense ammunition eliminates clogging with the use of their patented Flex Tip® bullet. Upon entering soft tissue, the tip swells and imparts equal pressure across the entire circumference of the bullet cavity. The result is UNRIVALED bullet expansion and performance EVERY SINGLE TIME! Flex Tip™ technology guarantees 100% reliable performance in every situation. Conventional hollow point bullets perform unreliably when encountering heavy fabric or layers of clothing. Hornady Critical Defense ammunition is available in these calibers: • 380 Auto • 38 Special • 38 Special +P • 9mm Luger PO Box 1848 Grand Island, NE 68802 308-382-1390 www.hornady.com2009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=24http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=24J.D. Jones HANDGUNHUNTING TIPS, TECHNIQUES AND POLITICALINCORRECTNESS Jerry and the one-shot elephant — about 45 pounds each tusk. The C A s a little tyke in Sunday school I learned Eve gave Adam an apple from the Garden of Eden. I think at the time I envisioned all the troubles of the world came from that act and kept my distance from any ladies wanting to give me an apple — until about age 15. In Anthropology 101 I learned early mankind divided into two basic groups, the gatherers and the hunters. Apparently man wasn’t satisfied with apples and other things and the meat-eater hunter culture evolved. Survival was the name of the game for both cultures and in various parts of the world both cultures thrived. The gatherers got into agriculture and so did the hunters, but to a much lesser extent, as corn is okay by itself but great with meat. Few today hunt for survival. An amazing number who do hunt do so to supplement the store bought foods, Chayce and Paige as well as for enjoyment. with their opening Most of us who hunt do so day deer. Note the for other reasons. I’ve known “scoped” bandage a couple of trophy hunters on Chayce’s noggin. She was proud of who were simply collectors the deer and that who hunted only to collect bandage. the species they desired or “needed” for their collection. Many hunters hunt for trophy animals. And many individuals deep into guns and ammo have no interest in hunting at all. Surprisingly, few real competitive shooters are into hunting. Most often hunting skills are passed down from generation to generation, and some develop an interest, while for others it becomes a passion. A HUNTER’S TAKE hayce and Paige Bianchin are top of the line teenagers. Both are straight-A students and terrific softball players. On the first day of the Pennsylvania deer season, schools are closed and the girls will be in the woods with their dad and granddad. Both have numerous deer to their credit, and last year Chayce found it necessary to use Paige’s rifle which has a shorter stock than hers. Three pounds of trigger pressure created an explosion that harvested a nice buck and produced her first scope scar. She is justifiably proud of both. Since granddad is into handguns, the girls have an interest in that direction. Enter Jerry Biegle who is a passionate handgun hunter. Last May, at age 77, he dropped an elephant with a frontal brain shot at 20 yards with a .375 JDJ Contender. After relating the thrilling elephant incident, Jerry closed with: “This tale of adventure, if you so choose, I’d share it with your readership family. It’s not close and personal, however it might encourage others to reach for their dreams. It started many eons ago, with man’s fascination, when the earth’s largest land animal evolved in the middle Pliocene epoch after the cataclysmic extinction of the dinosaurs. It was meat, just plain meat before it was known to contain protein by our ancestors. Raw, boiled, thrown on a fire, or dried on a bush for later ‘it just tasted good’ eating, and it did the job by filling the belly. And now, we’re suddenly at today and my hunt. The elephants are in front of us in the thick trees; the shooting sticks are up. Andre whispered quietly, ‘shoulder.’ I didn’t see him until he turned his head and looked straight at us head on. At that moment I fired. The trunk went up, his head went back, then his hind legs gave way and that was that. I saw it all. What I didn’t hear myself say, according to Andre, was, ‘I brained the mother.’” Now do you understand how a truly passionate hunter may feel? Spectrum * 24 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MAY/JUNE20092009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=25http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=252009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=26http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=26BETTERSHOOTING Dave Anderson DrawIng: B.J. Norris JoJo Vidanes PHIL Strader TODD jarrett I wish I had a tally of the times I’ve drawn a pistol from a holster, or seen other shooters draw at matches. Add all the practice sessions and scores of matches and it must be hundreds of thousands. Yet I’ve never seen anyone injured as a result of any of those draws. The reason is the pioneers of practical shooting long ago figured out how it’s done safely. This is one of the lessons where a picture is truly worth a thousand words. The shooters shown here are all USPSA Grand Masters. These are not posed pictures on the practice range. They were taken at the 2008 USPSA Nationals. These shooters are all capable of winning any match they enter and are under the intense pressure of top-level competition. Even under pressure their draws are totally safe. Despite differences in build and minor variations in technique the draws are identical in critical aspects. Note the key points in the first photo for each of the shooters. The pistol is gripped by the strong (shooting) hand with the weak (support) hand moving in from the side. The gun muzzle never sweeps the support hand or any other 26 ConClusIons part of the body during the draw. The muzzle is pointed well ahead of the body, already at a point where it could not cause an injury should it discharge. And it can’t discharge because the trigger finger is still straight and outside the trigger guard, and the manual safety engaged. If you want to draw safely it’s essential to follow the example of these Grand Masters. Forget speed, but practice presenting the pistol smoothly from the holster, being absolutely certain to get to this step — until it becomes a subconscious skill. I don’t know what these top shooters are thinking as they shoot a stage (likely they are not consciously “thinking” at all) but I assure you they are not thinking about the draw. Photo two of each sequence was taken about 2/10 of a second later. In the interval the support hand has moved in and the shooting grip acquired. The muzzle is pointed downrange at the target (in fact a shot at this point would likely hit the target). The manual safety has been released and the trigger finger is moving into the guard to contact the trigger. * WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MAY/JUNE20092009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=27http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=27Come See Our 2009 New Products Line-Up! Web: www.Maxpedition.com Toll Free: 1-877-629-5556; Phone: 1-310-768-0098 10% Off Coupon Code: AHMJ09 Khaki Digital Foliage Camo Khaki Main compartment and hydration compartment can accept CCW accessories • Main compartment: 15” high x 8” wide x 3” thick with internal organization • Top front: 7.5” wide x 4” high x 2” thick with internal organization • Bottom front: 8” high x 7” high x 2” thick with internal organization • Black, OD Green, Khaki, Foliage Green: $127.99 Digital Foliage Camo: $133.99 • For the larger version of this bag, see: #0432 KODIAK GEARSLINGER #0431 SITKATM GEARSLINGERTM NEW • Single shoulder backpack designed to maximize utility when rotated towards front of body. • Water bottle pocket sized to fit 32oz Nalgene bottle • Main compartment and hydration compartment can accept CCW accessories • Shoulder strap designed to go over left shoulder for better weapon shouldering • Bag can be worn in front and contents comfortably accessed while sitting down • Compatible with 100oz hydration reservoir • Theft deterrent devices built-in to capture zipper pulls • PALS modular webbing throughout for attaching accessories • Top and side handles • Main compartment: 17” high x 10” wide x 4” thick with internal organization • Top front: 9” wide x 4.5” high x 2” thick with internal organization • Bottom front: 10” high x 9” wide x 2” thick with internal organization • Black, OD Green, Khaki, Foliage Green: $151.99 Digital Foliage Camo: $158.99 • For the smaller version of this bag, see: #0431 SITKA GEARSLINGER Foliage Green • An effective concealed carry system • Velcro quick release belt loop • Collapsible 32 oz. Nalgene pocket Digital Foliage Camo Main compartment and hydration compartment can accept CCW accessories #0432 KODIAKTM GEARSLINGERTM NEW Khaki Foliage Green Black Better for left-side carry Better for right-side carry • Main: 9" x 8" x 3"; Frontal: : 7" x 6.5" x 1.5" with mesh divider and internal keyper • Integral 2" strap (min 40" / max 60") with non-slip shoulder pad • Black, OD Green, Khaki, Foliage Green, Khaki-Foliage, Orange-Foliage: $88.99 Digital Foliage Camo: $93.99 #MX0413 S-TYPE JUMBOTM #MX0412 JUMBOTM Khaki2009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=28http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=28Mike “Duke” Venturino SHOOTINGIRON TM Photos: Yvonne Venturino THUMB BUSTIN’ MUSINGS FROM THE DUKE BUYING FULL-AUTO A The UlTimaTe handgUn accessories fter publicizing in these pages my new found passion — World War II and Korean War vintage submachine guns — several readers have asked about the difficulty in legally obtaining such full autos. Some asked if I got a “full auto license.” Others said “isn’t that $200 a year fee kind of hard to handle if you’re going to buy several as you have done?” And I can tell you this starting out; Nearly everyone I’ve talked to prior to buying their first full auto nearly balked at the thought of going through the government’s red tape necessary to own National Firearms Act items. Besides full autos, such include silencers, rifles with barrels shorter than 16" and shotguns with tubes shorter than 18" among other items. I nearly balked the first time too, for to the unknowing the process seems intimidating. But after the first purchase you realize it’s not that big a deal, especially when you get to own and shoot such a fascinating piece of history. These are four examples of Duke’s new passion. From front to back: German MP40 9mm (1941); American Thompson M1 .45 (1942); British STEN Mk II 9mm (1943); and the North Korean PPsh41 7.62X25mm (1950). The Red Tape Duke literally having a blast with his PPsh41. H ere’s what it takes. First off, not all states allow ownership of full auto firearms, but perhaps surprisingly, most do. For example, here in the northwest, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho and Oregon do allow them. Washington does not. So you need to know that detail first. Second, you can buy a full auto from an individual in your own state or from a dealer in your own state. You don’t need a special license. Here’s how you proceed. The seller fills out the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ Form 4 and gives it to the buyer in duplicate. All BATFE forms can be printed right off their website at www.ATF.com. The buyer then must supply a duplicate set of finger print cards. The finger printing can be done at your local police or sheriff’s department for which they will probably charge a small fee. Also the buyer must affix to the Form 4 two current 2 x 2" photos of himself. Passport photos will suffice. A single Certificate of Citizenship must accompany the Form 4. Again that can be printed from the above website. This next point might be the most difficult in some locales. The chief law enforcement officers for your place of residence must sign off on the Form 4. Here that factor was a no-brainer. I live out in the country so I needed the Sheriff to sign. Not only is he an avid shooter but a friend of many years. Conversely, I have heard that some chief LEOs of big urban areas won’t sign Form 4s for anyone as a matter of policy. Anyway, after filling out the Form 4s in duplicate and affixing your photos, supplying the fingerprint cards in duplicate, filling out a single certificate of citizenship, and getting that chief LEO’s signature, all you have to do is put in a $200 check made out to the BATFE and send the whole shebang to the address on the form. The $200 is a one time fee. It’s not a yearly thing. Then you wait. When the BATFE approves your Form 4 they will mail it back to the firearm’s seller. If that is an individual or dealer in your state then you can go to them and take possession of the gun. The BATFE wishes the buyer do that as quickly as possible. So far in my transactions the wait from the day I mailed the Form 4 until the sub-gun was in my hands has been between two to three months. Somebody is asking right now, “But what if the full auto I want to buy is in a different state?” Then you have to find a Class III dealer in your state to receive the firearm. That initial paperwork goes between the two dealers. Then when the item arrives at the Class III dealer in your state, you and that dealer have to go through the Form 4 procedure as outlined above. ere’s anoth2009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=29http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=292009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=30http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=30TAFFINTESTS John Taffin The NAA Super .22 compared to the NAA .22 — both are five-shooters. THE SIXGUNNER HIMSELF: GUNS, GEAR AND MORE Hodgdon’s Pyrodex P was used for shooting the NAA BP .22s. NAA’s TiNy B/P s so often happens with discoveries or inventions, the Chinese did not really know what they had when they came up with gunpowder. The original purpose was for entertainment, fireworks displays. Someone, somewhere, sometime, somehow discovered if gunpowder was placed in a hollowed out bamboo tube followed by any projectile or projectiles which would fit in the barrel and then touched off at the back with a fuse, very interesting things happen. This was the first example of handloading and from that time until the last half of the 19th century handloading really was hand-Loading. In 1836 Sam Colt produced the first truly workable repeating black powder NAA supplies everything needed for shooting except powder and percussion caps. Penetration test with the NAA BP .22s. WheelguNs A sixgun, the Colt Paterson. This little five-shot revolver required the user to hand load by placing powder in each chamber from the front, then placing a round ball at the mouth of each chamber and seating it with either a separate rammer or one built into the under carriage of the barrel, then placing grease over the top of each ball to seal the chambers against chain fires, and then finally placing a cap over each nipple at the back of the cylinder. The coming of the first Smith & Wesson and Colt cartridge firing sixguns did not obsolete later percussion revolver designs overnight. Shooters, especially those on the far frontier, realized they could carry powder, balls NAA offers a flap holster as well as custom grips for the Super .22. Point shooting was at least fun! and cap and always be able to load their own. Gunshops and hardware stores supplying ammunition were definitely few and far between. Today thousands upon thousands of shooters still enjoy hand loading their own the old way, and virtually every percussion revolver of the 19th century has been replicated for the pleasure of 21st century devotees of the Holy Black. There’s something about black powder shooting that gets into the mind, soul, body, and spirit and we are willing to put up with the required hand loading as well as the smoke, the smell, and the cleanup mess. Teeny Tiny hooting black powder revolvers is simply fun, and as I’ve said many times shooting should be fun. The most fun shooting I know of is with .22s, whether they be rifles, pistols or revolvers. Would it actually be possible to combine the fun of black powder with the great enjoyment of a .22? Continued page 91 S 30 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MAY/JUNE20092009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=31http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=312009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=32http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=32COPTALK Massad Ayoob OPINION AND FACTS FROM THE MEAN STREETS quick Peek t ore than 300 people, all experienced shooters with hopes of leaving a national championship with some sort of trophy, shot Stage 13. They all knew exactly when and where the target would emerge, an advantage the bad guy would not have if the target was a reconnoitering cop performing the quick peek. The distance was seven yards. By my count on the scoresheet, 186 missed the target, 20 inflicted peripheral he 2008 National Championships of the International Defensive “wounds” in areas like the shoulder and 106 did Pistol Association (IDPA) was a tremendous success. Kudos to hit the head, though some were on the edge and those who made it possible, including the host range, Guthsmight not have been fatal. That works out to a ville Rod & Gun Club in Allentown, Pennsylvania. 59-percent miss rate. IDPA is a skill contest involving drawing service-type handguns This actually understates the difficulty of hitting from concealment or from fastened duty holsters, and engaging a quick-peeking target. At the match, the shooters silhouette targets in replicated gunfight scenarios, with live ammunicould make the target emerge at will, by stepping on tion. The winners are determined by the fastest aggregate time, with the pressure plate activator. A would-be cop-killer a half a second added for every point down from a perfect score, and would not have that capability, and would be taken additional time penalties assessed for failure to neutralize the target, much more by surprise when the officer’s head hits on the wrong targets and such things. quickly appeared and just as quickly disappeared. The organization itself stipulates that IDPA is a sport, not Moreover, the “quick-peeking” target we shot at training, but many of us see training aspects in it, from the standwas actually doing no better than a “medium-speed point of both ingraining skills and testing tactics. A classic example peek” by Lt. McGee’s standards. He taught a very of this was found in Stage 13 of the 2008 Nationals, an event titled fast flickering movement of the head. The target “Neighborhood Attack.” The stage description says simply, “A at the Nationals was exposed to us for something crazed gunman is terrorizing your neighborhood. Get him when he like four- to five-tenths of a second. The real-world pokes his head out of cover!” cop is trying to complete the movement in one-tenth of one second, well inside the reactionary gap of the opposing gunman. It is no trick for anyone to perform a quick peek in only a quarter of a second, if they know how. Mas steps up and The key to doing a quick Swing and a miss — is about ready to peek is balance. Make Mas fires and misses, mash down on the just like 186 others who foot-pad activating the sure your lead foot is not tried this tough target. “quick peek” target. exposed behind the cover, tipping the opponent to your presence. Flex that lead leg and, if you can, Back in the 1970s, the legendary Lt. Frank McGee was head of the let your free hand touch the covering wall for balFirearms and Tactics Unit of the New York City Police Department. ance. Now, as you throw your body out and in, the When I visited him there, he introduced me to the Quick Peek, a techforward leg is coiled to kick you back into cover nique that has since been strongly identified with NYPD, and widely quickly, and the hand on the wall can help push you misunderstood. It is a simple flicker of the head out from behind cover back too. Your brain will be cognitively processing and back, to scan the danger zone in front of the officer. what your eyes have seen as you come back behind The quick peek is not a shooting technique, it is a reconnaissance the cover, and if what you’ve seen is an AK47 technique. The gun may or may not even be in hand when you do it. If pointed your way, your body is already in motion to what you see out there is dangerous, you don’t pop back out and shoot get yo2009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=33http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=33RESPONSIBLE CITIZEN ARMED PROFESSIONAL RANGE & AGENCY HOSTING The Training you need from the name you trust. Acad_RC_AHG_address.indd 1 12/1/08 10:50:08 AM2009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=34http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=34SPrInger’S XD t’s common knowledge among people who know me. I’m not wildly excited about plastic handguns. I generally refer to them as polymer pistols and the people who shoot them as the polymer pistol kids. This is never intended to be used in a demeaning manner, but just for fun. Many of the shooters who shoot polymer pistols today come by it honestly, as the plastic pistol was their first introduction to handguns and continues to be their first choice. As the last 20 years have progressed, all the major handgun makers have introduced some sort of handgun made in part from plastic in an attempt to gain part of the market share. The XD pistol has been in America for some time now, but its union with Springfield Armory has made for a blend of excellent guns and competent marketing. It’s pretty easy to sell a good pistol even though it might just Clint Smith REALITYCHECK TM FIRST-PERSON THOUGHTS ON SURVIVING IN THE REAL WORLD Springer grip rework on pistol on left, factory original on right. I take a bit of time to get the word out. The XD, in my opinion, really took a giant step forward over the last few years when the .45 was introduced. Now with the advent of the XDm, a sort of souped-up baby brother, being introduced in .40 and 9mm (so far), the next step verging on a quantum leap forward will be an XDm in .45 caliber. With this description one could figure out I like the XDs and in fact, it’s my favorite pistol of all the polymer guns. Being a bit old to be a polymer kid or a kid of any ilk, then I am and must just be, a self-described older guy who really likes the XD. The .45 caliber XD holds a lot of ammo in a modestlysized package, and is as reliable as the sunrise — and I like the Springfield people who sell it. When letting others fire my XD 5" there have been comments about how the trigger feels. Duly noted the XD trigger is in fact different than a 1911 trigger from Jason Burton’s bench. The manipulation and reset is also different than a Glock. This “trigger” conversation most often evolves around the reset action of the trigger and in fact has been addressed as a custom option by the Springfield Custom Shop on request. uch like Robbie Barrkman has whipped the Glock into shape for many people, Scott Springer is addressing the world of the XD. Scott’s work on the XD trigger is admired far and wide and between the gun work using Springer’s own premium grade trigger parts and turn around times that baffle, the Springer Precision shop draws rave reviews from his clients. The Springer Shop does lots of work on all types of pistols, from 1911s, STIs, Glocks and others, but the major emphasis is always on the XD. Scott also works with IonBond, a metal coating company whose specialty is a coating called DiamondBlack. After meeting Scott, who lives up the road from me a few hours drive, I gave him my old XD — actually it was my very first XD — it was still a strong gun after several thousand rounds. But, it had some wear, and still had all the factory original stuff like sights, trigger and finish. The finish I can’t worry over as the bottom was like new — plastic you know — and the top was nickel by design or as I bought it. The nickel-hard-chrome-whatever stuff is okay, but I sorta wanted a black pistol so I had Scott do a makeup deal on the outside by putting DiamondBlack on the top half. While he was doing the outside I also had him install a set of Dawson DiamondBlack finish wears well even in the Precision fixed sights with inside waist-band holster the Tritium inserts. made by Tracker Leather. Springer Precision Specialized holster for the re-worked XD by Tracker leather. M had Scott do his magic trigger working and parts thing, and you can tell he did. The XD trigger wasn’t bad originally, and especially after it had my normal gunsmith version of a trigger job by — Mr.shootthehellouttait — but there is a marked difference with the work done by Scott. The part of the trigger manipulation most often criticized — t2009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=35http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=352009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=36http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=36THE SIXGUNNER Starting with a Smith & Wesson Model 66 Bowen builds this exquisite double action .327 Federal Magnum. John Taffin H amilton B owen Hamiton Bowen uses the Ruger 50th Anniversary Model .357 Blackhawk as the platform for this exquisite .327 Federal conversion. Both of these Bowen .327 Federal Magnum conversions started life as Ruger .32 Magnum Single-Sixes. Sixguns of The A 36 ll of the dedicated sixgunners in my acquaintance have several things in common. Certainly not the least of which is having spent much time during their younger years staring at pictures of custom sixguns in Elmer Keith’s book Sixguns. Many of us have searched out his old articles from the 1920s and 1930s found in the American Rifleman. Early in our marriage, Dot and I had some tough times. I was attending college full time and working full time to provide for Dot and our three little kids. One of the many things which helped to keep me going was to be able to look at those pictures and dream of someday. Someday — when I would actually have such sixguns I could call my own. All of the men and establishments connected with Elmer Keith and his custom sixguns, such as Harold Croft, E.F. Sedgley, J.D. O’Meara, Neal Houchins, King Gunsight Co. and the Gun Re-Blue Co., were long gone before us I could ever afford anything close to the work they provided. That’s the downside. The wonderful upside is the fact we have a dozen or more custom sixgunsmiths plying their trade today who are every bit as good, and probably even better. WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MAY/JUNE2009 ,2009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=37http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=37Above & Below: Targets shot using .32 Magnum ammo in Bowen’s 45/8" .327 Federal Single-Six exhibits the versatiltiy of this little sixgun. Ruger’s 45/8" .32 Magnum Single-Six compared to Hamilton Bowen’s .327 Federal conversion. Keith Brown duplicates the Combat Magnum stocks of the 1950s in fancy walnut. At the top of this list is a southern gentleman, a man I am proud to have as a friend and fellow Shootist, Hamilton Bowen. Hamilton is not only a superb sixgunsmith he is also one of the most articulate fellows one is likely to encounter, and both of these skills are evident in his book The Custom Revolver. Add in the fact that he also has a superb sense of humor and has a book not only highly informative but oh so wonderfully readable. Education, which is enjoyable and painless seems, to last much longer. Hamilton’s formal education consists of majoring in history and English in college, then graduating from Trinidad Gunsmithing School, and in recent years, actually graduating from law school. All of these combined affect his outlook on life as well as his custom gunsmithing, and he is especially driven by his love of history, which is reflected in some of his custom sixguns inspired by the old classics. Who else but Hamilton would use a Ruger Redhawk to build a modern version of the S&W 1917 double action revolver of World War I? Obviously Hamilton has also been captivated by those old custom sixguns of Elmer Keith and Harold Croft. He has carried out many of Croft’s lightweight sixgun ideas on single actions Continued on page 82 Factory ammo tested in the Bowen sixguns included Speer 115 GD, American Eagle 100 FP, and Federal 85 JHP in .327 Federal and Black Hills .32 Magnum 85 JHP. Bowen’s .327 conversions will handle .32 S&W, .32 S&W Long, .32 H&R Magnum, and .327 Federal, and with an extra cylinder, .32-20. Hamilton Bowen’s 71/2" .327 Federal on a Ruger Single-Six; note the Bowen rear sight, Bisley hammer, and Turnbull case coloring. Ruger’s 50th Anniversary Model .357 is large enough to allow a conversion using both .327 Federal and .32-20 cylinders. WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM 372009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=38http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=382009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=39http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=39380 1908 Mystery Pistol A . Frank Karl Frank shot the old gun with factory ammo. ’ve never been to a gun show where a Colt .380 pocket hammerless pistol, the M1908 (or as some call it, the 1903), wasn’t picked up and handled. I simply can’t resist them. So when I came across one with the back-strap safety stamped “L.P.D. No. 77” I bought it. The seller claimed the gun originated with the Lorain Police Department. This Ohio city, located on the southern shore of Lake Erie, is just two hours from my home. Could L.P.D. signify Lorain Police Department? I The Blazer won at seven yards. Who says cheap isn’t good? Can anyone tell us what the engraving means? A Short History A prolific designer and inventor, John Browning sometimes found it difficult to find American manufacturers. Both Colt and Fabrique Nationale (FN) were approached with his design for a small pocket-sized semiauto. Colt took a pass but FN signed the dotted line and bought the rights. FN introduced a blowback pistol that was lightweight, striker-fired and most importantly, dependable. Chambered for a 7.65mm round, the FN Model 1900 took Europe by storm. Colt realized America stood in the path of a tidal wave of demand for the FN model 1900 and took steps to reclaim their markets. A partnership was formed with Browning for an improved handgun. The 7.65mm cartridge was renamed the .32 ACP and Colt introduced America to the Model 1903. Despite being an under-powdered cartridge, it was very successful. Colt later asked Browning to beef up the pistol so it could handle a more powerful cartridge. Browning convinced the Union Metallic Cartridge Company to develop the .380 ACP for his new semiauto. In 1908 Colt released the M1908 in .380 ACP. It too was a success. My L.P.D. No. 77 T h e C o l t P o c k e t H a m m e rless Automatic Pistols, by John W. Continued on page 84 39 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM2009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=40http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=40ArtiS Arti Stry When Less Is Clint Smith • lthough it causes a kink in some folk’s craws to see an article on a 1911, this story is different because it’s not about just another 1911. I have owned countless 1911s and not all of them were always that great. I find myself in an interesting position though. I recently got a pistol that is as good a pistol as I have ever owned — even though it happens to be a 1911. I’d like to tell you about it. Although I’m not an art fan of sorts — maybe any sorts — I do know what I like to look at. Different things mean, well, different things, to different people, from paintings to music. Picasso is more well-known dead than I will ever be, dead or alive. Yet, I don’t get the Head of Marie painting — the Bullfight I understand — but the Marie-headPhotos: Chuck Pittman, Inc. Steel thing loses me. That rap music or thumping stuff that makes my car windows shimmy when the hat-onbackwards-dude pulls up beside me at a stop light, well, no thanks, you can have my share. Although I do admit I can still hear the bass tones, when the other elevator-music, rat-like squeaking Streisand notes are long gone to my ears from too many close-in booms and thumps in the old days. So it’s hereby been announced I’m not much of a judge of modern day art and music. So then what do I like? The Vietnam Wall in D.C. left a lasting impression on me. Although it’s stated as a memorial, some think of it as art. Another odd form of art to some, but not to me, is riding in the nose of a B24 in flight. The “flying boxcar” is a visual dud to most, but to me I see it as flying art, awkward maybe, but art in its own right. Real art to me is engraved, cut by hand in steel. I like the shallow cut swirl, floral-like designs, but most of all I am impressed with the fact someone Sublime A Art An Heirloom Precision 1911 40 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MAY/JUNE20092009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=41http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=41More WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM 412009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=42http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=42“Young jason Burton found me a series 70 as the base pistol for my newly made-up-old-guy-style 1911.” toward being the icon it is — as a stunningly effective defensive handgun. Or, at least to the point any handgun can be stunningly effective. In the 1970s when we had these guns readily available, sans-good sights and triggers, they often worked well right from the box. This time frame also started the foundation for the custom pistol craftsmanship industry — much of what we take for granted today. Millions of dollars have been spent, businesses and legends made (Baer, Pachmayr, Swenson and Wilson as a few examples) by people working on baseline 1911 pistols. And, I’d like to add, I was lucky. Young Jason Burton found me a Series 70 as the base pistol for my newly made-up-old-guy-style 1911. So we reach way back to then, for something from now. We’ll see, won’t we? does it by hand, steel-on-steel. So with these quirks of art in my head as examples, I could add to this list the Jason Burton-built 1911 as another form of steel art — even if only in my eyes. The Baseline The Bottom Half The baseline pistol is one of my favorites, an original Colt Series 70 5", mostly because they were good pistols and you don’t really see that many anymore. The late 1970s was the era when the 1911 continued to work its way This Burton-built pistol simply goes through a list of the best of the best parts, modifications and hand-built work money can buy. Taking the original pistol to the bench, the frame and slide were completely detailed. The frame rails were welded up and then the slide reset by hand-fitting. With neither Jason nor I being big magazine-well flare-out guys, the old style small, beveled magazine well was hand-cut. The front of the grip strap on the frame was hand-checkered, and the trigger guard was reshaped and cut high to relieve potential negative pressure points for the high grip I like. I prefer — and got — a nicely checkered flat mainspring housing with a very well done lanyard ring attached for carrying the pistol on-a-rope-mode 42 42 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MAY/JUNE20092009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=43http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=43WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM 432009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=44http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=44“to argue group size is a waste of time with a pistol like this.” The terminology “breaks like a glass rod” applies to the trigger job that goes off at four pounds, another personal request. The trigger job is declared as “best-quality” — a term not used since the big name British rifle makers — but most appropriate to the work done on this trigger by Jason. in hostile places, should I find myself in same, but let’s hope not. The slide stop was a standard length, yet relieved to prevent magazines from being “wedged” when empty. This allows for a smooth release and drop of the empty mags. The Smith & Alexander grip safety blended into the frame smoothly without allowing any edges to touch between the two parts. At my request the thumb safety is a Colt standard size with no extension whatsoever. 44 curved arrow pattern. A truly important issue to me was the installation of professional-grade rear sights that were blended and wrapped to the slide, as only Jason would do. This rear sight is the best “fighting” rear sight I have seen, especially for injury and one-handed operation. I vote for it without reservation. The front sight is one of my favorite things about the pistol as it has a 24K gold bar inlaid into the sight ramp. Then the whole thing is cut 75 LPI. I can really see this sight in all sorts of light and like it so well I ditched some night sight versions and had Jason set this sight system on several of my older 1911 pistols. The rear of the slide is cut with a 50 LPI pattern to reduce glare and probably for the CDI (chicks dig it) factor. Jason put a Kart barrel with a 20-degree crown and of course the pistol is chambered for the .45 ACP, which should not surprise anyone. The slide does its thing as smoothly as a polished hydraulic piston might run in the beveled and polished stainless steel EGW bushing. This smooth, dependable operation is continuously assured by the use of a Wilson bulletproof extractor, combined with the polished feed ramp, barrel throat, breech face and chamfered firing pin hole. The ejection port has the old style lowered and flared, cut-and-polish to it. The pistol is set up with Wolff springs of the 16 pound recoil and 23 pound mainspring varieties, making the whole pistol run like a new top. When the top and bottom halves are attached, it makes for a stunning piece of craftsmanship. The Special Stuff The Top Half The slide top was flattened and then re-cut with a very cool triple 50 LPI This next bit may mean nothing to many of the self-proclaimed tactical ninja warrior types. Breeching that ninja-gig, wall of fire, these are things that do nothing except maybe make WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MAY/JUNE20092009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=45http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=45me the happy owner. The dust cover on the Burton-built pistol bears a handcut oval disc with my initials magnificently done by J.R. French of Texas. The ivory stocks were reshaped and hand fit by Jason and then set on the frame with numbered grip screws for proper indexing on the ivory stocks. In all candor, after this is written and the gun gets beat up a bit, I will probably go to a set of rough texture stocks to allow for a better firing grip on the pistol. All the screws and small parts were Nitre blued, adding just a tinge of eye-sparkler to the otherwise solid blue pistol. I’d bet my life on its abilities. The Burton 1911 works the way a handgun is supposed to, as the pistol functioned flawlessly, without any effort, every time I shot it. And that is all I have to say about that. What I Think A Shooter Everything here needs to be taken into consideration with the fact I was attached to the pistol and shot it by hand, not off some metal rest thing. I haven’t figured out how to take one of those gun-holder-metal-table-things into a fight, so I don’t shoot off them when I shoot guns for accuracy or function testing. Bluntly, accuracy-wise, I know the Burton 1911 out-shot me at the range, then again most handguns do. Groups then reflected bi-focal eyes and sort of busted-up hands. I shot Corbon DPX and as well 230 gr. FMJ ammo at ranges to 25 yards on paper, and eight steel plates. I shot several groups over several days to get a feel for the pistol, and also to put several hundred rounds through it so it’s ready to be brought online as a personal defense tool. To argue group size is a waste of time with a pistol like this. What’s the difference, anyway, on a fighting pistol? Nothing — so I won’t. Besides, in your hands, or someone else’s, it will be different. Suffice to say I think I have scored an absolutely magnificent mechanical device made by a very competent young man. Although my first inclination is to store or safeprincess the Burton 1911, in reality it’s going to work. This is an everyday carry pistol to be used for the serious work of personal defense for my family. Being an older guy I think I’ll see if I can wear it out, as I grow even older. Growing older I work to also be growing a bit smarter at the same time, so the potential for me to use the pistol for interpersonal confrontations is very limited. That said, if I ever had to use the Burton 1911, I would, in fact, be using one of the very best of the best pistols I have ever owned. * For more info: Jason Burton, Heirloom Precision, LLC, 2118 E. 5th, Tempe, AZ 85281, (480) 804-1911, www.heirloomprecision.com; Master Engraver J. R. French, 3324 Rustic Drive, Irving, Texas 75060, (972) 790-3299, FrenchJRON@ aol.com; Corbon/Glaser, 1311 Industry Rd., Sturgis, SD 57785, (800) 626-7266, www.corbon.com. 45 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM2009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=46http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=462009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=47http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=47American Pistolsmiths Guild 2009 Roy Huntington Raffle Guns been the recipient of the attentive hands of a cross-section of Guild Members and we present them proudly. The Springfield. Full-sized NM slide and frame; BarSto barrel fitted to slide and frame; Champion adjustable rear sight and gold bead front; Front strap checkered 20 LPI with high cut; Checkered main spring housing; Slide top flattened with serrations and Browning muzzle cut; Beveled mag well opening; Wicked grips with APG logo insert, all touchingly engraved by Brian Powley. The Caspian. Recon Commandersized 1911 frame and slide with mag well; BarSto barrel fitted; SDM low mount tactical U-notch rear sight with gold bead front; Scalloped front strap, mag catch; Slide top flattened with Photos: Joe Novelozo Stunning Two-Gun Set! O nce again, American Handgunner is privileged to be the host for this annual raffle offering from the American Pistolsmiths Guild. An unheard of presentation from this dignified group — this two gun set is, without a doubt, the most stunning package they have ever assembled! The American Pistolsmiths Guild, made up of some of the best custom pistolsmiths and gunsmiths in our industry, is open to that rare few who qualify by submitting their own work, with their own hands, to a steely-eyed group of appraisers. If the work passes, and the vote is high enough, admittance is gained — but only to a rare few. This year, as in years past, they have joined forces for this peerless custom 1911 duo. These two fine firearms (the Springfield National Match, above, and the Caspian Recon Commander, below), have pointed serrations; Mag well shaped and beveled; Wicked grips with APG logo, all boldly engraved by Brian Powley. These guns were graced with the efforts of Jim Garthwaite (Jim Garthwaite Pistolsmiths; Mark Hartshorne (Pinnacle High Performance Handguns); Neil Keller (Kustom Ballistics); Marc Morganti (Gemini Custom); Scott Mulkerin (SDM Fabricating) and Mike Watkins (Watkins Pistolsmithing). * There will be two drawings for these guns, the first winner will get their choice, with the remaining one going to the second winner. Drawing will be May 15, 2009 at 3:00 PM. There will be 1,250 raffle tickets sold at $20 per ticket. Please include a stamped, selfaddressed envelope with your entry (check, money order or cash) to be eligible to: WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM American Pistolsmiths Guild 3238 Della Slaton Rd. Comer, GA 30629, (706) 296-7936. E-mail: jim@alphaprecisioninc.com, (706) 296-7936. Good luck. 472009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=48http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=48The Submarine (top) and the Ontario Abaniko (bottom). MEASURED From top to bottom: The FTD-Functional Trainer Drone; CRMiPT-Close Range Medium ImPact Tool; LBT-Live Blade Tools. 48 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MAY/JUNE20092009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=49http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=49ThE DESignS of BRAM fRAnk Gunting Knife. Lapu Lapu Corto. Gunting Knife. foRcE! estraint versus lethal force has become a hot button issue in our lawsuit prone society, forcing law enforcement agencies and even our military branches to rethink the way our forces are trained. Measured force has been a part of martial arts for centuries, dating back to the earliest forms of wrestling, all the way up to more modern times when less aggressive weapons such as police batons were designed to control and subdue rather than kill and maim. Rarely, however, has a knife ever been considered anything but a cutting weapon until now, thanks to a innovative martial arts instructor and knife trainer Bram Frank. What Frank has done with knives has turned the way we think about using them upside down, making the lowly knife a sophisticated instrument that can be used in any number of ways to restrain and subdue unruly subjects — without so much as opening the blade! Frank’s affinity with the knife came at an early age and combined martial arts training in his teenage years would lead to the highly skilled methods he uses WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM R Pat Covert • PhoToS: chUck PiTTMAn, inc. form which Bram, a student of the legendary Presas, has modified into his own sophisticated breed of the art. Frank’s specialized version is named CSSD/SC, which stands for Common Sense Self Defense/Street Combat. “It’s my style of teaching and doing martial arts and combative applications,” explained Frank. “It has a straight Filipino martial art division that is recognized as Conceptual Modern Arnis-Combat Arnis in the Philippines, and was recognized by Prof. Presas as an official off-shoot of his art of Modern Arnis. My Modular program to teach edged tools is a complete gross motor skill set that is easy to learn and re-teach to others. It’s a train-the-trainer methodology.” Bram’s CSSD/SC training system, however, goes far beyond simple knife combat techniques, it incorporates many other ways to use a knife without ever engaging the blade. He has his own line of specially designed knives that can be used in the closed position in a wide variety of self-defense and restraint applications, such as hitting and gripping the subject, which allows Continued on page 88 49 and teaches today. According to Bram, “When I was around four years old my Grandfather, Dr. Saul Jasen, gave me my first pocket knife and told me if I kept it clean, oiled and sharp it would last me till I gave it to my grandchildren and it would be my best friend. He was never without a pocket knife because it was the most useful tool to carry. My other Grandfather, Harry Frank, bought me my first “tactical folder” a “black cat” — a very flat, locking blade knife — when I was about 10 years old.” At 15, Bram was introduced to karate and has studied many other forms of martial arts since, but none more important to his career than Modern Arnis, a martial arts style founded by the late Professor Remy Presas, the father of modern day Arnis, as a self-defense system. Developed in the Phillipines, Arnis in its simplest form, is a style of fighting in which rattan sticks, often referred to as baston or eskrima, are used as weapons of self-defense. It is an old martial arts style that Remy Presas modernized in the last half-century to the highly advanced level it is today. Knives are also an integral part of Modern Arnis training, an aspect of the2009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=50http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=50. 45 Pocket -Sized Power 50 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MAY/JUNE20092009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=51http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=51S & w’S Sub Mike “duke” Venturino e older guys usually equate the name S m i t h & We s s o n with revolvers, and sometimes I have to stop and make myself realize they now have a share of the Model 1911 market too. A look at their website shows a wide variety of 1911 models ranging from full size with target sights to Commander-size self defense models. Additionally they offer them made from three basic metals: stainless steel, carbon steel and that super light Scandium stuff. Now they are introducing a new version; a sub-compact model, and it’s made of all three types of metals. The frame is Scandium, the slide is carbon steel and the barrel is stainless steel. coMPact SerieS Pro PhotoS: chuck PittMan, inc. w WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM 512009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=52http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=52When boss man Roy offered me the chance to write it up I humbly accepted. Actually I jumped on it because he said they would do the photos in-house so it would be less work for my photographer wife and me. And in all honesty, I also accepted because I had yet to fire a Smith & Wesson Model 1911. This little sub-compact .45 is so new the company didn’t yet have a dedicated shipping box for it and that nearly fooled me upon arrival. The plastic box was labeled “Model 1911PD with 4 ¼" barrel.” Of course that’s the Commander-length. So I thought, “what’s so new about this?” But when I opened the box, this little 3" barreled 1911 popped out. It’s a nice looking little pistol too. It’s finished to a matte black, except for the stainless steel barrel of course. And it comes with some extra features. The back of the grip frame is stippled and the front of it is serrated. Also there’s a beavertail grip safety to protect the shooters hand from hammer bite, even though the hammer spur is a burr type. Stocks are synthetic and roughly textured for a non-slip grip. Sights are low profile Novak white dot types dovetailed to the slide; hence 52 Very New adjustable for windage by drifting, but not for elevation. Magazine capacity is seven rounds, so if the you choose to carry it in cocked and locked fashion there’s room for an eighth round in the chamber. Overall length from the tip of the beavertail safety to muzzle is only 67/8". Height is 53/8" from bottom of the magazine pad to top of the rear sight, with weight being a scant 24 ounces. The safety is a standard 1911 type located on the left side of the frame, so you know how that works. The trigger pull on this sample was very nice and broke cleanly at three pounds, five ounces just about every time it was tried. Looking at the two magazines that came with the pistol I couldn’t help but wonder if they were interchangeable with regular 1911 magazines. Not exactly — they weren’t, being too short to lock up in a standard 1911 magazine recess. Actually standard 1911 magazines will function in this Smith & Wesson sub-compact, but they extend from the grip frame by about a half-inch. As an aside, if you use fullsized mags, use caution when inserting them since the basepad doesn’t stop them from going in too far, and if you slam them hard, things can go wrong. It stands to reason other brands of WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MAY/JUNE20092009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=53http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=53sub-compact 1911 magazines might also work in this little gun, but don’t take my word for it. Try them before buying. Also I was surprised to see how the Smith & Wesson magazines were labeled. They read “ACT-MAG Made in Italy.” Duke Pauses I actually approached shooting Smith & Wesson’s little 1911 with a bit of hesitation. That’s because this wasn’t my first experience with small size Model 1911s and not all of those experiences have been good. In fact the Colt Officer’s 1911 I once bought for myself flat refused to function 100 percent with any type of .45 ACP load fed it. Also I have to admit my right elbow is getting some arthritis, and that’s caused me some functioning problems with at least one brand of semiauto. The friend I was shooting it with accused me of limp-wristing. I told him I wasn’t limpwristing anything. I was limp-elbowing it and I couldn’t help it! It was a needless worry. In shooting this new Smith & Wesson 1911, it functioned 100 percent with several factory loads and two cast bullet handloads. The factory loads were the Winchester 230 grain JHP, the Black Hills 230 grain JHP and the Black Hills 230 grain FMJ. The handloads used Oregon Trail’s 230 grain (actually weighing 223 grains) cast roundnose and some of my own cast slugs. Those latter ones were poured in RCBS mould #45230CM, a roundnose/flatpoint bullet meant for cowboy shooting. I’ve found it to be a fine choice for .45 ACP too. Poured of linotype alloy they drop from the mould also weighing 223 grains. Both cast bullets were sized .452" and loaded over 5.3 grains of Hodgdon’s HP38 powder and given a taper crimp in the loading process. Pop Cans Now at this point most gunzine writers will proceed to shoot the test sample at 25 yards from sandbag rest and tell of its grouping ability. Since Roy is boss and he’s grounded in reality he let’s me tell things the way I want. And what I think is that 25 yards is way past this little .45’s intended purpose. It’s meant as a self-defense/concealed carry pistol and if an assailant is 25 yards away you are probably not in danger. Therefore, I fired this S&W 1911 from a two-handed standing position at 10 yards. And I didn’t measure groups. What’s the point? If it clustered bullets into a space about the size of the end of a pop can then it’s doing its job. 53 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM2009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=54http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=54. 45 54 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MAY/JUNE20092009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=55http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=55S &w Sub coMPact SerieS Pro WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM 552009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=56http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=56It did better than pop can ends. (Duke may have just invented something here: “One minute of pop-can?” I like it. We should use it. Editor) More importantly the question should be “is it putting bullets where it is aimed?” That one I can answer definitely. As the photo shows, it put the Black Hills 230 grain FMJ bullets precisely to the aiming point, and it mostly put them touching one another when I didn’t mash the trigger. Both brands of 230 grain JHPs did almost as well, but for some reason group center with them was just a touch low and to the left. Those cast lead alloy bullets shot just as centered as the Black Hills FMJs and in just as tight clusters. I think they would be great for economical practice shooting with this type of handgun. Here’s an interesting tidbit about my shooting with this particular sample. During target shooting I wasn’t paying attention to where the brass was landing. Then when it came time to police it up I almost couldn’t find it because it had been ejected a good 20' away. My only comment that might be construed as negative in regards to shooting Smith & Wesson’s new sub-compact is it has quite a bit of muzzle flip. This was expected and is true of all such small 1911s I’ve ever shot. Perhaps this could be lessened with lighter bullets but obviously it’s sighted in for 230 grain ones. At this point there should be two Target at left was fired with S&W sub-compact 1911 .45 using Black Hills 230 grain JHP. Target at right was fired with Black Hills 230 grain FMJs. Nice and tidy. questions you should be asking. One I can answer and the other I can’t. First is the natural one about how much velocity is lost going from a standard 5" 1911 barrel. That was easy to check. From one of those new Colt Model 1911A1s (5" barrel) made a few years back the Black Hills 230 grain FMJ hit 838 fps with the chronograph’s start screen about six feet away from the muzzle. From the 3" barrel of the little S&W 1911 the same loads clocked 751 fps. The 223 grain cast RCBS bullets started at 779 from the 5" barrel but were only doing 691 from the 3" one. So it appears the velocity loss is about 80 to 90 fps, which probably doesn’t matter much at these velocities anyway. The question I can’t answer is if you actually gain anything in carryingability by going to this pug-nosed .45. Many people much better versed in handgun carrying than I say its just as easy to carry a 5" 1911 as a sawed-off one, and you’re not giving up anything in regards to sight radius and power. Others say the little 1911 .45s still have enough power and are far more comfortable to carry. I honestly don’t know which school of thought is right. If you find out, let me know would you? What I do know is Smith & Wesson built this sub-compact 1911 .45 to a fine standard of quality. It shoots just as precisely as it should, and it functioned every single time I pulled the trigger. * 56 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MAY/JUNE20092009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=57http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=57SPECIFICATIONS MODEL: PRODUCT CODE: FRAME SIZE: CALIBER: CAPACITY: ACTION: BARREL LENGTH: FRONT SIGHT: REAR SIGHT: OVERALL LENGTH: WEIGHT: GRIP: FRAME MATERIAL: SLIDE MATERIAL: BARREL MATERIAL: FINISH: OTHER FEATURES: SMITH & WESSON 1911 .45 SUB-COMPACT 1911 Sub-Compact-Pro Series 178020 Sub Compact .45 ACP 7+1 rounds Single action 3" Dovetail white dot Fixed white 2-dot 67/8" 24 ounces Fully stippled synthetic Scandium alloy Carbon steel Stainless steel Matte black Oversized external extractor 3-hole curved trigger with over travel stop Full length guide rod $1,264 MSRP PRICE: WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM 572009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=58http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=58Clean THaT Keepin’ Your Hip-Howitzer Happy www.dillonprecision.com The folks at Dillon Precision take gun cleaning seriously, and stock their DeLuxe Pistol Cleaning Kit with top grade goodies like J. Dewey rods, jags and brushes. Add a rag to this Spartan kit and you’re good to go. I’ve used TetraGun products exclusively on several of my guns for over five years now, and I couldn’t be more pleased with their performance in a broad spectrum of terrain and weather conditions. It looks like a toy and works like a champ! The Cleen-Bore SACS (Small Arms Cleaning System) uses CO2 cartridges to propel scrubbing and oiling wads down the barrel — and does an unbelievably good job of it. www.cleenbore.com www.gunslick.com If there is one smell which means “gun cleaning” to millions of shooters, it’s Hoppe’s Number 9, one of the most timehonored and fieldproven families of firearm maintenance. Hoppe’s has evolved over time, but they haven’t bothered to fix what ain’t broke. Hoppe’s works. asked Massad Ayoob what he uses to clean guns. He frowned and spat, “Armorers! I shoot ’em, they clean ’em. I hate cleaning guns!” John Taffin fouls a lot of big-bores, some of ’em charcoalburners. For them, he has a secret process involving a large plastic bucket, a common household chemical, and several miles of bumpy washboard road between his favorite shootin’ place and his homestead. My pal Robert Boatman, author of Living with Glocks and other gun books, told me he uses a toothbrush, a rag, a can of Break-Free CLP and a clothespin. The clothespin is for his nose. He said it’s not so much to block the odor of it, but the pain takes his mind off the chore, which he hates with a passion. “When my ship comes in,” he told me, turning purple with suppressed rage, I www.tetraproducts.com Gunslick’s Snap-N-Pull Pouch cleaning kit includes the newly designed Snap-N-Pull rod and tip system, for quick changes from brush to patch loop to bore mop. www.hoppes.com 58 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MAY/JUNE20092009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=59http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=59Cannon, CowboY! “even a rowboat! A dinghy! I’ll hire some college kid, tell him he’s an intern, and have him do nothing but clean my guns!” I honestly don’t know why they feel that way. I love to clean guns — with a coupla caveats: I love it when I have time to do it right; to linger over and enjoy everything from the pungent smells to the smooth, slick sliding of freshly, lightly lubed steel-over-steel, to the final function-checking and soul-soothing assurance that all is well with my sidearms. And today we have an absolutely amazing array of implements, incredibly effective solvents and crud-blasters, preservatives which actually penetrate steel to prevent rust, and lubricants carrying their own static dust-repelling charge. What’s not to like? The answer: very little. And here’s some to like a lot. For more info, go to www.americanhandgunner.com and click on Web Blast! www.militec1.com John Connor www.proshotproducts.com * Pro-Shot is a small, family-owned company turning out first-rate gun cleaning supplies. Best known for the precise dimensions and concentricity of their rods, jags and patch holders, their proprietary 1 Step Gun Cleaner and Lubricant also becomes more popular every day, particularly among long-range shooters. Got Smiths? If you do, you can clean, lube and protect ’em with Smith & Wesson logo’d products. In fact, you can clean your Smiths using Smiths while wearing a Smiths T-shirt and a Smiths cap … And if you do, get a photo of that and send it to me please. Militec-1 Synthetic Metal Conditioner has a cult-like following among many troops serving in Iraq. In some units, DoD-issue gun care products are used for less critical applications, and infantrymen buy Militec-1 for use on their M16s, M4s, M9s and even M240-G medium machine guns. If that ain’t a testimonial to its performance in dusty, filthy conditions, I don’t know what is. You can buy a handgunspecific cleaning kit from Otis Technology, but why not get this pocket-sized Military DeLuxe kit with everything you need to clean weapons from .22 cal through 12-gauge? Or, why not go all the way with an Otis Elite kit, equipped for a unit armorer, but still smaller and lighter than a laptop computer? www.smith-wesson.com www.otisgun.com WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM 592009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=60http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=60STI GP6 60 Euro-TEch The Texas Concealed Handgun proficiency demonstration is not overly challenging but does demonstrate the GP6’s ease of transition from double to single action. From the bench at 25 yards. The GP6 consistently produced groups of two inches and under with premium quality JHP loads. WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MAY/JUNE20092009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=61http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=61The GP6 is STI’s new Production Class competition pistol. It is an updated version of the Grand Power K100, a proven competitor in the Central European IPSC matches. mIkE cumPSTon 9mm conTEndEr A t the collapse of the Soviet Union, many of the Central European countries took a deep breath of freedom, embracing both the free market economy and private gun ownership — both long suppressed under the Marxist hegemony. In January of 1993, Czechoslovakia parted along historic and cultural lines creating the Czech and Slovak Republics. Concerned with the criminal use of firearms, the Slovak government granted an amnesty for turnin of all illegally held guns and then, wonder of wonders, released them to their owners under a liberal licensing procedure. In Europe, “liberal” has a happier context than elsewhere. Under a variety of readily obtainable licenses, Slovak citizens may own all manner of small arms, including full auto, and also obtain concealed carry licenses. This favorable climate allowed arms designer Jaroslav Kuracina to fulfill a long-standing dream, founding the Grand Power Company and bringing forth the pistol he had designed during his army years. This arm was inspired, in part, by the Austrian Steyr-Hahn, an early 20th century design employing a rotating bolt for the locking sequence. Load A prototype fired 100,000 rounds without measurable change in the major substructures giving rise to the designation K-100 signifying this round-count in thousands. The K-100, in the hands of Slovakian League shooters, proved successful in Production Pistol IPSC competition in Central Europe and gained acceptance in Velocity* Group (Inches) Continued on page 86 Black Hills 124-JHP +P Corbon Thunder Ranch 1 15-DPX +P Remington Golden Saber 124-JHP Speer 125-Gold Dot Personal Protectio Independence 1 15-Ball Black Hills 124-Ball *Velocity at 15 feet, average of five rounds. 1,1 7 1 1,185 1,091 1,1 13 1,098 1,1 19 1.8 2 1.9 1.8 3.3 2.6 The disassembly procedure resembles that of the Walther PPK. Pull the hinged trigger guard forward and down resting it on the left side of the frame. Retract the slide and lift it free from the back. The barrel engages a substantial cross piece in the frame and rotates in and out of engagement. WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM 612009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=62http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=62Benchmade makes lots of cool “big & little brother” duos like the slick-opening secure-locking Presidio Axis folders above. Top and bottom, the multi-function EW-06 Delta and EW-05 Echo are made from solid bars of CPM S30V steel. At center, the superb folding EW-04 Delta shares its brothers’ blade steel, held in its beefy titanium frame. The heat-treated conical glass breaker on its butt is one of several on-board tools. Pair ’em with the slim Snody-designed fixed-blade Instigator for a great team. 1600 Chive. Carrying forward the strength and quality of their tactical lights, SureFire’s knives are designed combat-tough and mission-ready. 1840 Shallot. Buddy SyStem BladeS 62 If you like sweet onions, Ken Onion designed his Shallot and Chive just for you, and the wicked Tanto Groove is a nice match with the little Zing. 1630 Zing. One is none — but sometimes two equal TEN! 1730TBLK Groove. John Connor WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MAY/JUNE20092009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=63http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=63Former Special Forces trooper and respected bladesmith Kit Carson has designed several best-buddy pairs for Columbia River Knife & Tool. All four here are equipped with AutoLAWKS for added strength and safety. Designer Pat Crawford’s Triumph N.E.C.K. fixed-blade can be worn, umm … Guess where? Spyderco has more natural pairs than a deck of cards, all winners. From left to right, the ParaMilitary and Military; at center, the agile FB11 Kumo, then the 4th generation flagship Endura and Delica models. m After Dad crossed the river, when I was a cop, Uncle John told me every man should carry at least two knives: one everybody knows about; used freely and openly for all manner of cutting chores — plus one nobody else knew about. That made sense to me too. So, in my own tradition of over-doing everything, I’ve wound up carrying four: a big tactical folder on my right, a smaller utility folder on the left, and a teensy Victorinox Swiss Army knife, the 58mm Classic. The fourth? Well … “Buddy System Blades” simply make practical sense. Do you want to slice that lunchtime orange with the same blade you picked gravel — and possibly “road-kill Whether for hard duty or formal dress, Al kibble” — out of the soles of Mar Knives offers two pair of great buddies. your boots with this morning? Whip out your dragon-slayin’ monster tactical knife to unzip y Dad told me at an early age about our family tradition of carrying three edged weapons. For hundreds of years they were the classic Scotsman’s stocking knife, dagger and great sword. While they undoubtedly served our ancestors well, evolving conditions demanded different forms. For Dad, that meant carrying a small two-bladed Case pocket knife, a Navy-issue multi-function folder and a fixed blade “deck knife” he had reprofiled to a short, stout spear-point. I was proud to start carrying three blades and honoring that tradition. an Express Mail envelope amidst an easily-shocked flock ’a sheeple in the corporate conference room? Some jobs are just done better with one knife than another, and life seldom allows you to choose the “uses” you may be faced with during the day, when you’re selecting a single knife in the morning. And, there’s always that one possible use; the one that lurks out there in the darkness, even in broad daylight, you know? Here are some discreet, some bold, all solid-gold Buddy System Blades. * For more info: www.almarknives.com; www.benchmade.com; www.crkt.com; www.kershawknives.com; www.spyderco.com; www.lonewolfknives.com; www.blackhawk.com; www.wilsontactical.com; www.surefire.com; www.sogknives.com; www.katzknives.com; www. extremaratio.com; www.ztknives.com. From bottom, the Nomad pairs up with the hand-filling SERE, while the Eagle and Falcon Ultralights dress up mighty fine. At top, the BackUp Model 1 is lean, strong and handsome. BLACKHAWK! Blades offers their best-buddies team folders, the BHB40 and BHB41, in both plain-edge and partially serrated-blade versions. Both are set up to support tip-up, tip-down, right and left side pocket clips. The fixed-blade Kalista makes the same edge-preference offer, and supports over 70 carrying positions. WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM 632009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=64http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=64This SA fast draw rig is from the North Hollywood shop of Andy Anderson. It’s a modified Victory model made special for fast draw legend Thell Reed. One of the original five Combat Masters, Thell was the only one to achieve the rating while using a SA revolver. On www.thellreed.com there is a film clip of Thell appearing on the Ed Sullivan Show and he seems to be using this rig. Once Reed switched to the Colt .45 Auto pistol he used an Anderson Walk and Draw rig like the one shown. The hot holster at the 1976 IPSC Founding Conference, the Milt Sparks “Hackathorn Special.” Ken Hackathorn was the high overall shooter, and had used it worn on a 1.75" waist belt. It worked equally well when worn strong side or cross draw. Chapman, seeing the speed advantage to the cross draw when using the “hands clasped at the waist” start position in early IPSC competition, lead the switch to cross draw. Two Combat holsters from the hand of holster making giant John Bianchi, both dating from the early 1960s. The auto pistol holster, the “Cooper Combat Holster,” was state of the art for the time. It encloses the trigger guard, is steel lined, and has sight rails for use with target front sights. The safety strap was known as the “Carl fly-off strap” designed by Eldon Carl. When the shooter raked the thumb tab loose with their thumb, the fly-off strap literally flew out of the way of one’s draw. Note the buckle end of the belt Andy Anderson’s is stamped “ANDY 1976.” personal Thunderbolt rig by Anderson leather. This was state of the art combat leather when the IPSC was founded. Note the two double magazine pouches, designed and produced at the request of Ray Chapman. Jeff Cooper’s personal speed rig was a custom high front Walk and Draw version of the Thunderbolt. The concealment holster was Anderson’s personal holster for his nightstand .45 Auto pistol. Another of the original Combat Masters was the late Ray Chapman. Ray started competition shooting in fast draw, using SA revolvers with blanks, wax bullets and live ammunition. This lead Ray to the Leatherslaps and he went on to become the first World Combat Champion. This double Anderson Gunfighter rig was used by Ray, who used a similar single holster Anderson rig for the 1911 in winning his World Champion title. 64 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MAY/JUNE20092009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=65http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=65A Gallery Combat of Classic Leather A Bob Arganbright s a Kansas farm boy in the late 1950s, I was spellbound by the new “adult” TV Western series such as Gunsmoke, Have Gun Will Travel, The Rebel and Rawhide. Two stars from these went on to become Hollywood super stars, Steve McQueen from Wanted Dead or Alive and Clint Eastwood from Rawhide. Once out of high school I found and joined the Shawnee Fast Draw Club and have been shooting competition fast draw ever since. In the early 1960s I began reading about so called “combat” shoots. In the beginning, these were merely live ammunition fast draw matches, called Leatherslaps. Most shooters used SA revolvers (Colt and Great Western), though a few used DA revolvers. When Jeff Cooper started hosting and running the annual Big Bear Leatherslap, due mainly to his influence, the 1911 became popular, eventually dominating the competition. But it’s interesting to note the winner of the first Big Bear Leatherslap was Don Nowka — using a DA revolver out of a Berns Martin Speed holster. In the beginning, based in the Los Angeles area, many of the top shooters went to the fast draw holster shops of Andy Anderson (the Gunfighter Shop) and Alfonso Pineda (Alfonso’s of Hollywood). The popular rigs were steel-lined Western buscadero rigs as used in the TV and movie Westerns, but modified for DA revolvers and semiautos. Unfortunately, much bad press was created when a few DA revolver shooters, trained to start squeezing the long DA trigger as soon as they gripped the revolver, switched to the cocked and locked Colt .45 Auto and experienced premature shots on the draw. This problem was solved by fully enclosing the trigger guard in the holsters made for the Colt .45. These Western Combat rigs dominated the sport from the early 1960s until the formation of IPSC in 1976. It should be noted the first World Combat Champion, the late Ray Chapman, used an Anderson Western style speed rig for his Colt .45 Auto in winning the title. I was fortunate in living close to Columbia, MO and finally, some 15 years after first reading about the new West Coast shooting sport of Combat Shooting, I was attending the Founding Conference of IPSC. So, here we will take a fond look back at the speed rigs used by the pioneers of what has become Practical Shooting. Those of you with a bit of grey in your hair will likely smile as you see some old friends here. This is an Anderson Open Front rig designed specifically for maximum speed and safety for Leatherslap competition. The spring loaded safety strap and the snap fastened holster front were added so the rig could be used in matches that required the shooter to move. Anderson told me this was his most popular rig, as it was the safest for a novice shooter. This rig basically placed the gun on a shelf at one’s hip, so it was lightning fast and safe. Before IPSC, many shooters used two handguns. The user of this unique Alfonso Number 1 double rig obviously believed a second gun was faster than a reload. Early Combat shooter Eldon Carl used an Alfonso Number 1 rig similar to this, but in a single holster configuration. * USBP officer Bill Jordan was legendary for his unbelievable speed and accuracy from the leather with his S&W Model 19. Thousands of spectators saw this unique African elephant hide speed rig used by Jordan in his shooting act when he toured for the NRA. The natural rough-out rig is a locking swivel holster for the N-frame revolver from the Hollywood Fast Draw Holster shop of Arvo Ojala. Many early Combat shooters used similar rigs when using DA revolvers. WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM 652009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=66http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=66WIN! HANDGUN OF THE MONTH Kimber Pro Crimson Carry II PEPPErblasTEr Plus: THE KImbEr Kimber’s PepperBlaster offers two shots of 10 percent OC that shoots accurately to 13 feet! A less-lethal alternative is good for at home or on the streets. 66 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MAY/JUNE20092009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=67http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=67imber’s new Pro Crimson Carry II in .45 ACP offers a mix of the conventional and the unconventional — all in a factory 1911. Their partnership with Crimson Trace, innovators of the LaserGrip for handguns, has made a solidly-reliable platform available at an affordable price for home protection, duty carry, field use or concealed carry. Combining many of the custom features of theirhigher-end1911s,theProCrimsonCarryIIhasallthe elegance Kimber is famous for, with a price putting it within reach of most shooters. These lightweight guns, based on aluminum frames, are only 28 ounces with an empty magazine. With a standard magazinecapacityofeightrounds,thisisclassic1911territory butwithmodernfeatures.Afulllengthguiderod,22-pound recoil spring, fixed, low profile sights and Crimson Trace synthetic “rosewood” LaserGrips, is just touching on the features of the Pro Crimson Carry II. And — it’s made in America! • Recessed slide stop pin • Satinsilver/blackfinish • Double Diamond LaserGrips • Aluminum match trigger • 4.0-5.0 pound pull • Extended thumb safety • High ride beavertail • Beveled mag well • Extended mag and slide release • Match grade barrel K Custom Features over $1,200! www.kimberamerica.com• www.pepperblaster.com Photos: Joe Novelozo totaL vaLue: TO ENTER CONTEST: Use a postcard (no envelopes, please) and follow the sample shown. Send to AMERICAN HANDGUNNER, Dept. H5, P.O. Box 501377, SanDiego,CA92150-1377.EntriesmustbereceivedbeforeJune30,2009. Limit 1 entry per household. This contest is open to individuals who are residents of the United States and its territories only. Agents and employees of Publishers Development Corporation and their families are excluded from entering. Contest void where prohibited or restricted by law. Winners must meet all local laws and regulations. Taxes and compliance with firearms regulations will be the responsibility of the winners. Winners will be notified by CERTIFIED MAIL onofficialletterhead.ATTENTIONDEPLOYEDMILITARY:USESTATESIDEADDRESS! No purchase necessary to enter. Hom maY/JuNe 2009 Name ___________________________________ Address _____________ City, State, Zip____________ Email Address _______________________ IfIwin,pleaseshipmyprizethrough: Dealer ___________________________________ Address _____________ City, State, Zip ____________ Phone ( ) ____ - ________ Store hours __ am __ pm samPLe WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM 672009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=68http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=68John Connor GUNCRANKDIARIES TM eXCuses, aLIBIs, PItHY oBservatIoNs & GeNeraL ePHus WhAt, Where, AmAze YOUrself hoW And WoW! And The Best Thing To Be Amazed With Is — YOU! GO AheAd – L Teensy Light In The Dark. We all love cool tactical lights, right? But aside from light-freaks like me, how many people carry one ots of you guys wrote and asked about the blind rescue bowline knot I mentioned 24/7? A pal of mine got a hard jolt in the Jan/Feb 2009 issue. Yeah, it’s a great knot; one that can save lives, with and scorched-black burns on his finmany other uses too. The ability to quickly throw a secure knot which won’t jam, gers when he stuck his hand into an slip or bind can not only make your life easier and impress the heck out of your pals, outlet box he didn’t first illuminate. but you’ll amaze yourself with what a smooth line-handlin’ rascal you are. If you start carrying a mini-light and I don’t know how many lengths of rope I’ve cut and then given to “knot-chaluse it every single time illuminalenged” friends with BRB instructions and a little book on knot-tying. Later, I love tion is needed, you’ll be amazed at it when they say they’re amazed at how useful that skill is. But the BRB is just one how helpful it is. I probably use a element in my sinister “Amaze Yourself” program. mini-light a half-dozen times a day. Whenever I identify gaps in a friend’s skill-sets, I like to give ’em a little gift Check here or on Web Blast at www. and comments like, “next time I see you I’m gonna shake you down to make sure americanhandgunner.com for some you’re carryin’ this, and test you on its use, okay? If you don’t have it, you get recommendations. an Atomic Wedgie. If you have it but fail my little test, you get a Three Stooges Little-Bitty Duty Cutters. More knuckle-noogie on yer gourd.” Some folks find this practice strange, but more are true confessions: I usually carry four pleased and even amazed with the results. knives on my person at all times, Bushnell’s new BackTrack Since I can’t give these gifts and instrucbut my LBDC is used more than can tell you where you are, tions to all of you, how ’bout if you give ’em the others combined. My current how far you’ve gone, and to each other — and yourselves? Go ahead . favorite weighs 2.5 ounces, has a how to get back; amaze yourself. blade under 2" long, and it’s used what we call “a good and abused daily. Get one, use it, and thing.” DMT’s DiaFold features amaze yourself. Note: nobody needs coarse and fine diamond to know what other blade or blades sharpening surfaces. you’re packin’, pal. Wow! You could cut through, umm — soft butter with that! Having played with knives around the world, I gotta conclude that Earth is hip-deep in dull, nicked an’ dinged Lansky’s blades. The weird thing is, as sharpQuick Fix ening technology has improved and has V-notches great sharpening tools become less on each side for coarse expensive, there seem to be fewer and fine sharpening. and fewer people who know how to keep their blades bright and keen. First get a good little pocket sharpener like the Lansky Quick Fix, or DMT’s DiaFold Sharpener; the FWFC fine and coarse model. Even if you claim you’re “edge-challenged,” just follow the instructions and you might just be … amazed. When every blade in your purview is scaryThis ToolLogic mini-light sharp, move up to a real pulls apart and the magnetic swiveling base sticks sharpening system and join to any ferrous surface – a the “one percenters” who really handy feature. can dress an edge right. Matching Boker SubCom F folders. A 68 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MAY/JUNE20092009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=69http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=69Uh, where am I? Whether you live and work in a metro concrete jungle, the High Lonely or the pool-table plains, you should know your cardinal points all the time. I’m one of those lucky people sorta born with an on-board compass, but even I get turned around, so I always keep a little compass at hand. Get one, and take readings at every point you routinely travel. I think you’ll be surprised at least once, and later, amazed at how “centered” you feel when you’ve developed your own on-board internal compass. Enhancing the Mark-II Eyeball. As a police trainer, I used to loan cops a monocular or a set of mini-binocs, and coerce them into using that gear for at least a week, on and off-duty. Every last one reported amazement at how much more activity they saw, and how their overall comprehension of given areas improved. Most people tend to only see what’s happening out to about 60'. That’s bad — and dangerous. Go ahead; become an amazed peeper. How far is THAT? Whether it’s a peak on the horizon or the phone pole down the block, sad to say, most folks’ ability to gauge distances sucks buttermilk. Others just need re-honing of old skills. You might start with a set of pace-counter beads (from many sources including www. brigadeqm.com) and literally pace off some distances around your home and work. You may initially be surprised at how wrong you are — and later, amazed at how accurate your gourd-mounted organic onboard rangefinder has become. Train More, Bleed Less. Finally, get a target setup, one easily put up and taken down, in your garage or hallway, and resolve to practice handgun “presentation,” sighting, reloading and malfunction clearing at least once a week for twenty minutes. Most shooters don’t, and even such short sessions will result in some degree of self-amazement, I promise. If Blade-Tech offers their Training Barrel for your pistol, pop the $13.95 and train safe! Check details at www. GSI ad for AH.pdf blade-tech.com. Revolver shooters can use inert training rounds — try www. stactionpro.com. If you can, put a laser on your roscoe and have an amigo see where that laser-berry wanders or jitters off to when you’re slappin’ the trigger. Accessorize your XL 650 with GSI International’s Bullet Feed System and Rotary Bullet Feeder Seeing Farther See our new video! For more info, go to gsiinternational.com 1 12/19/07 8:36:28 AM 877-951-1890 480-951-1890 gsiinternational.com 480-940-1806 7750 E. Evans Rd., Ste. 6925 W. Frye Rd. 2 Scottsdale, AZ 85260 Chandler, AZ 85226 877-951-1890 * There’s a lot more blurb, photos and info on Web Blast, so go see it, okay? Then (you never have to admit it, you know) go amaze yourself! Connor WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM 692009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=70http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=70CARRYOPTIONS Sammy Reese From CLassICs to CuttING eDGe IN CarrY metHoDs RancheR Carrying a Big one MagnuM caRRy W hen I arrived at Thunder Ranch it was just about dark. I’m glad I wasn’t a few minutes later or I would have had a hard time finding the place. Lake View, Oregon is a lot more remote than downtown San Diego. After being greeted by Clint, Heidi, Roo and Boo the wonder dog, Clint handed me two revolvers and admonished me. “When going outdoors, especially with the dogs, go armed.” The puzzled look on my face caused Clint to go a step further. “It’s not for bad guys, it’s for big mean critters.” Clint and Heidi find mountain lion kills (mule deer) on the property quite frequently and didn’t want to add me to the list of carcasses found. I’m no tenderfoot, but the news put me into a different state of mind when I was walking the property. I’m used to looking for bad guys in my daily travels — lions were a whole new threat for me. I felt much better toting a big bore revolver and a rifle. C lint solved my problem of toting the S&W Model 29 by providing me with the use of his very well worn Rancher Magnum Carry Holster. Once adjusted, the rig fit over my jacket, didn’t get in the way and made access to the big boomer a piece of cake. When the skies opened up I was able to adjust the rig to fit under my raincoat. Concealed, it was slower to draw from, but it kept the rig and gun from getting soaked, and since the gear belonged to Clint there was no way I was going to damage it in any way. What I noticed about carrying a large frame revolver concealed in the Rancher rig was with the right cover garment — it could be done. And it could be done quite comfortably. I don’t think I could pull it off in my San Diego attire of shorts, t-shirt and flip flops, but if you live where it gets cold, it can be done. The Rancher Magnum Carry holster really shines when you need to have a big bore revolver with you at all times, and it has to be accessible. My . Mag 44 hen a 4" Model 29 made its way into my safe, I immediately called Jerry at Haugen Gun Leather and ordered a Rancher Magnum Carry. This system is perfect for toting my Model 29 when I go hog hunting or when my travels take me into bear or snake country. The .44, when loaded with hard cast boomers or shot shells — is what I call a problem solver. The holster is better described as a system of carry. Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t one of those inside/outside, cross draw, ankle rig combos. It’s a shoulder carry rig capable of being adjusted to your body and style of carry. For me the holster works best horizontally across my chest. Although for some people, the more vertical adjustment may be more comfortable or appropriate. At first glance the holster looks confusing, but after a quick familiarization, it makes sense and is easily adjusted. The around-the-body strap holds it close to the chest and keeps it from flapping around. The materials are robust because they have to be for carrying large pistols and revolvers. The leather is flawless and of the highest quality. The hinges, retention strap and snap, as well as the extra ammo holder are designed to outlast the user. My Rancher Magnum Carry holster is on its way to being as well-worn as Clint’s, and that, as they say, is the fun part. W * For more info: www.haugenhandgunleather.com. 70 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MAY/JUNE20092009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=71http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=71Phone: (512)819-0656 For a Free Current Catalog Email: CATALOG@STIguns.com2009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=72http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=72Massad Ayoob The KiLLing Of iKe CLAnTOn Situation: You’re facing a man with a killer’s reputation, believed to have shot one or two of the famed Earp Brothers and gotten away with it … and now, he reaches for the Winchester in his rifle scabbard. Grateful that the notorious outlaw was dead, Western authorities accepted the accounts of his death that they were given. However, for serious researchers, and for Clanton descendents, questions linger. Lessons: In the October, 2008 issue of Wild West magazine, writer Johnny D. Boggs said, “Since 1939 eight theatrical movies have depicted (Wyatt) Earp and the so-called gunfight at the O.K. Corral.” Few of them cared much what happened to the key instigator of that famous fight, Joseph Isaac “Ike” Clanton. The most popular such film was 1993’s Tombstone with Kurt Russell. At the end of it, Ike Clanton is racing in terror ahead of the horses of the pursuing Earp posse, desperately throwing his “gang colors,” a red sash, behind him as a humiliating peace offering. As the movie comes to a close, the mellifluous voice of narrator Robert Mitchum tells us that Ike was killed “two years later,” while committing a robbery. Well, as with so many things in a movie that provided more entertainment than history … not quite. The Road To Clanton’s Death Ike, born in 1847, was the second of four sons of Newman Haynes “Old Man” Clanton. The latter was the patriarch of what we’d call today an organized crime family, who settled in Arizona circa 1873. Old Man Clanton owned a ranch some 30 miles north of the Mexican border, where he established a pattern of raiding ranches in Mexico and stealing cattle in large volume. Some of these rustling episodes reportedly involved mass murder, in which some historians believe Ike took part. The Old Man surrounded himself with a loose group of between one and two hundred full- and part-time criminals who called themselves The Cow-Boys (the spelling of the day), and who sometimes wore red sashes to flaunt their identity. Among them were such notorious criminals as Johnny Ringo and Curly Bill Brocius. Their turf encompassed the boomtown of Tombstone in Cochise County, at a time when Virgil Earp was chief of police there. The Clantons had established a close working relationship with the county sheriff, Johnny Behan. Ike, by all accounts, had trouble holding both his liquor and his tongue. After a stagecoach robbery-murder was committed by Cow-Boy hangers-on, Ike agreed to inform on them to Wyatt Earp, with Clanton being paid as an informant and Earp seeking the glory of the arrests. Having second thoughts about the betrayal, and fearing that Wyatt Earp would “out” him as a traitor, Ike Clanton began conspicuously threatening Earp and his brothers and their colleague, Dr. John Holliday. A series of escalating incidents culminated on a chilly October afternoon in 1881 near Tombstone’s O.K. Corral. That famous gunfight has been detailed in these pages before. Ike Clanton, the main instigator, grabbed Wyatt Earp, Continued on page 76 crying out that he was unarmed and begging Wyatt not to shoot him. 72 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MAY/JUNE20092009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=73http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=73Custom CORNER WWW.DLSPORTS.COM Custom AR15’s, 1911’s, Precision Rifles, Accessories, Training, ITRC Competition Extreme Duty AR15 Magazines Now Available! Custom Corner features paid listings by the identified pistolsmiths. Many are members of the American PistolsmithsGuildandtheAmericanHandgunnerClub100.Advertisinginformationisavailablefrom:AMERICAN HANDGUNNER,Adv.Dept.,12345WorldTradeDrive,SanDiego,CA92128;(858)605-0218. 307.686.4008 D&L Sports, Inc. PO Box 651 Gillette, WY 82717 PISTOLSMITHS www.tusseycustom.com e-mail: ttussey45@aol.com 775-246-1533 Symbol of honest, competent, quality workmanship “LOOK FOR IT!” Member list $2.00 1449 Blue Crest Ln. San Antionio, TX 78232 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM 732009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=74http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=74John Taffin HANDLOADING saGe aDvICe From tHe HaNDLoaDING Gurus “ The Big Black Powder dud Y ou’re crazy,” I told His Editorship. Not usually the way I chat with the controller of the paychecks. But one of our readers, Steve Watson, had asked what we thought would happen if we used black powder in a semiauto pistol and Roy phoned to try to talk me into finding out. My first reaction was it simply wouldn’t work. When he asked me to give it a try anyway “or I’ll give Connor your e-mail address” — I relented. Besides, I got to thinking. What if black powder was all we had access to? Would it work well enough to at least be useful? Instead of just saying no, it won’t work, I decided to actually find out. The epitome of a black powder cartridge for use in a handgun arrived in 1873 with the .45 Colt. The .45 Colt’s original loading was a bullet of approximately 250 grains over 40 grains of black powder. When I assembled such loads using today’s components in balloon head brass which would hold 40 grains of powder, muzzle velocity through a 71/2" Colt SAA was right in the 1,000 fps range. This was an awesome load even by today’s standards! By the 1890s smokeless powder rifle cartridges had arrived and it didn’t take long for our military to realize smokeless powder loads did not provide the telltale smoke the old black powder cartridges did, giving away the shooter’s position. The coming of smokeless powder also allowed the invention of semiautomatic firearms which simply do not work well, or at all with black powder. When the military decided it was time to adopt a new pistol they also wanted to keep the power of the .45 Colt. The .45 Colt is a rather long cartridge and does not adapt well to a grip frame enclosing the magazine, at least not for ordinary hands. The answer of course was the much shorter .45 ACP allowing a grip that is comfortable for just about everyone, with no inherent problem in trying to reach the trigger. The .45 ACP was standardized at a 230 grain bullet in the 800-850 fps range. This was a near duplication of the .45 S&W cartridge which was used in both the .45 Colt SAA and the S&W Schofield. Actually the accuracy of the new black powder 1911 at 20 yards is not all that bad for the first few rounds. Now this is a real black gun! Black powder loads were assembled using these three grades of Goex plus one more as well as Pyrodex P. nOT ThAT BAd? ctually the accuracy wasn’t all that bad at least for the first four or five rounds. The main problem was fired cartridges would not eject. The fired case would either be caught pointing straight up, or the front of the case would be jammed up against the slide. In all the loads fired, only once did a case actually eject properly, and then the next cartridge was stripped from the magazine into the chamber. Several times the action did not even work to eject the fired cartridge even halfway. For each jam, I had to drop the magazine, which allowed the fired case to fall out. After a few shots, fouling made it difficult for cartridges to chamber. So, back to the question: “What if black powder was all we had?” In that case we would basically have a single shot .45 shooting a very low powered cartridge. It won’t work very well, but it could still be a lifesaver. Let’s hope we don’t get reduced to that. … and then comes the problem. A fIGUrInG IT OUT T First comes the smoke … he original .45 ACP loads used a 230 grain full metal jacketed bullet. The case capacity of the .45 ACP is much smaller than that of the .45 Colt and since most black powder loads are given by volume, I found a 1.0 cc scoop gave just enough volume to be able to seat a wad and a bullet and still allow for some compression. As it turned out I am certainly glad I did not load up a bunch of .45 ACP rounds with full metal jacketed bullets; I don’t believe they would have made it out of the barrel! Four different grades of Goex black powder and one black powder substitute were all tried in one of my truly black2009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=75http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=75Get all six of these Special Editions and Save $14.70! Individually they’d cost you $59.70. You can get them all through this offer for only $45.00! 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(outside U.S. $85.00) Order your copies today while supplies last. Call toll-free 888.732.2299 Mon-Fri 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. PST Visit us at www.americanhandgunner.com or www.gunsmagazine.com PO Box 502795 • San Diego, CA 92150-2795 You will find something in each of these issues to use at home or in the field.2009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=76http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=76AYOOB FILES Continued from page 72 Earp shoved him roughly away and barked, “The fight’s commenced! Go to fighting or get away!” Clanton fled to a nearby photo studio as, behind him, nearly thirty gunshots erupted in about as many seconds. When it was over, his youngest brother Billy Clanton lay dead, and so did Clanton associates Tom and Frank McLaury. Virgil and Morgan Earp, and Doc Holliday, were wounded to varying degrees in the exchange of gunfire. After the triple-killing was ruled justifiable by Justice Wells Spicer, the Clanton gang planned vengeance. Virgil Earp was wounded in a nighttime shotgun ambush, hit in the arm and crippled for life; a hat identified as Ike Clanton’s was found at the shooters’ ambush position. Not long after, Morgan Earp was fatally shot in the back from the back door of a local billiard parlor; some believed Ike Clanton was a party to it. The Earp family rode to Tucson to see the wounded Virgil and his wife off on a train to California, where they would bring Morgan’s body for burial and stay with relatives. Clanton gang member Frank Stilwell was there waiting for them, some believe in the company of Ike Clanton. Before the train had pulled out of the Tucson station, Wyatt Earp had shotgunned Stillwell to death. Then began Wyatt Earp’s legendary “vengeance ride,” in which more Clanton associates would die, including Curly Bill Brocius. Ike Clanton, the Earps’ key antagonist, had escaped. Some believed that it was only a matter of time before the Earps hunted him down, too … but Ike would be involved in another homicide that would bring the Angel of Death to face him sooner. Clanton’s Last “Murder” By 1887, gunfire and the legal system was taking its toll on the “dwindling Clanton gang.” Even before the O.K. Corral incident, Old Man Clanton and several of his associates had been ambushed and killed by Mexicans’ gunfire in a canyon as they brought a herd of stolen cattle northward. Wyatt Earp’s trail of revenge had further diminished the gang’s numbers. In July of 1882, Johnny Ringo had been found dead in the Chiricahua Mountains outside Tombstone, with a gunshot wound to the head. Some called it suicide. Others attributed the shooting to Wyatt Earp, perhaps in concert with Doc Holliday, while still others implicated Earp’s associate “Buckskin” Frank Leslie. Phineas, the oldest Clanton brother, and Ike moved north to Apache County 76 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MAY/JUNE20092009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=77http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=77not long after the “Tombstone Troubles,” and Ike finally got involved in one murder too many. On November 6, 1886 Phin and Ike were hosting some friends at their new ranch when trouble broke out between two of their guests. Lee Renfro suddenly drew his gun and shot Isaac Ellinger in the chest. Ellinger died four days later. One witness testified (verbatim) as to the discussion with the mortally wounded victim moments after the shooting, “The deceased then said ‘take him in boys and don’t let him get away.’ Ike Clanton then said to the deceased ‘we can’t do it Ike, he is a friend of ours.’ I asked Ike Clanton how he stood on this affair. He said ‘just as it is. I can’t stand no other way.’ Lee Renfro then said ‘these boys are friends of mine and they stand with me.’ Ike Clanton then said ‘yes, we stand with Lee.’” Those words had made Ike Clanton an accomplice after the fact to the crime of murder. By now, Clanton had made a legion of mortal enemies far beyond the Earp contingent. The deceased Ike Ellinger had influential friends and relatives, and while Ike Clanton had not pulled the trigger, Ellinger had been killed “under his arm,” within the “mantle of his protection” as a guest in his home. The Ellinger family, understandably, wanted justice. Ike Clanton had also become a big wheel in the then-flourishing AntiMormon Society, and the Clanton family’s well-known depredations South of the border had already brought about the death of his father and several associates by Mexican gunfire. In addition, Clanton’s years of flagrant rustling had triggered the wrath of the powerful, well-financed stockmen’s associations. Jonas V. Brighton was hired by the Apache County Stock Growers’ Association as a private detective, or so he claimed. A Civil War vet with a somewhat checkered past, he had taken a correspondence course to become a private investigator, and had bought a badge. It would have been laughable, but for one thing: all who knew him described Brighton as a man who could relax the people around him and get them to speak freely on almost any topic … the mark of the born detective. In any case, his work for the stockmen led him to the ranch of Jim Wilson on Eagle Creek in Graham County, Arizona Territory, on May 31, 1887. He was partnered with a special deputy sheriff. Brighton and the special deputy stayed the night at a cabin on the property. Enter Clanton, Exit Clanton According to the prevailing account, the following morning Detective Brighton and the special deputy were up and going about breakfast when they heard the hoofbeats of a lone rider approaching. Brighton opened the cabin door and saw Ike Clanton on horseback, WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM 772009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=78http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=78launches a powerful, less-lethal inf lammatory agent at 90 MPH that instantly stops an assailant. See it in action at www.pepperblaster.com PepperBlaster™ some twenty yards away. Then the special deputy stepped into the doorway with him, and when Clanton saw that person, a look of shock or fear came over his face. Ike Clanton reached down and grabbed the Winchester in his saddle scabbard, and began to pull it free. A shot was fired. Ike Clanton “reeled in his saddle” as one reporter of the time put it. There was another shot, and Clanton toppled to the ground. The detective and the special deputy cautiously approached his motionless, prostrate form. They said he was dead when they reached him, his Winchester unfired. One gunshot wound had tracked laterally through his chest, armpit to armpit, on a course that would have struck the heart, possibly the aorta, and probably both lungs. Another shot had merely grazed one of Clanton’s legs. Subsequently, ranch owner Wilson and four men from the area identified the body as Ike Clanton’s. They buried him on the property. End of story … at least officially. Law enforcement and most of “polite society” seem to have breathed a sigh of relief that a notorious gang member was gone, and rubber-stamped it as a justifiable homicide. There was no autopsy. There was no investigation worthy of the name. Ike Clanton was known to carry a lever-action Winchester rifle – one was recorded in one of his Tombstone escapades, and was confiscated from him by Virgil Earp along with a revolver shortly before the O.K. Corral incident – but there are no details as to models or calibers or barrel lengths, or what happened to the gun Clanton was allegedly trying to bring into action when he was killed. It is generally accepted Jonas Brighton killed Clanton, shooting him from a distance of some twenty paces. None of the official accounts describe the death weapon. Reference is made to the “ball” that inflicted the fatal wound. This would normally indicate a rifle or handgun. Dan Southard, who teaches Western History in Sierra Vista near Tombstone has studied the Earp/Clanton matters in minute detail, and was told by a Wilson descendant that Clanton was killed with a Greener shotgun. If that is so, a single, solid projectile in 10 or 12 gauge might have been the “ball” that took Ike Clanton out of his last saddle. An account in one Springerville, Arizona publication read, “… when about twenty yards distant where the trail took a turn to the left, (Clanton) threw his rifle over his left arm and attempted to fire; at this instant Detective Brighton fired, the ball entering under the left arm and passing directly through the heart and out under the right arm. Ike reeled in his WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MAY/JUNE2009 Unanswered Questions 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™ 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. 782009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=79http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=79saddle and fell on the right side of his horse, his rifle falling on the left. Before Ike fell, Brighton fired a second shot which passed through the cantle of the saddle and greased (sic) Ike’s right leg.” However, twelve days after the shooting, the Tucson Daily Star reported, “When he (Clanton) saw the officers he reached for his Winchester rifle, which was fastened to his saddle and in the act of (sic) was fired at twice by Brighton, first shot passing through the cantle of Clanton’s saddle and the second passing through his body from right to left just below the armpits, killing him instantly.” First shot or second? Right to left or left to right? Without forensic autopsy, it remains a matter of conjecture. Moreover, while most accounts have Brighton pulling the trigger, some contemporary news sources put the special deputy behind the gun. The 6/11/1887 Arizona Journal-Miner published in Prescott said Clanton was “killed by a deputy sheriff of Apache County,” and the same date’s Arizona Weekly Enterprise in Florence declared, “Ike Clanton was killed at Eagle Creek by Deputy Sheriff Miller, of Apache County, on Tuesday, while resisting arrest.” Who was that special deputy in the cabin doorway with Brighton? A majority of sources agree that it was Albert Miller of Apache County Sheriff ’s Office, though they don’t all say that he and not Brighton did the shooting. Others have suggested George Powell, and one account says it was a deputy named Parnell. However, it has also been theorized that it was someone else entirely in that doorway. Someone whose face would cause Ike Clanton to reach for his gun. Someone with a long memory and a taste for revenge that didn’t fade. Wyatt Earp was said by some to have been in Arizona at the time of Clanton’s death … keep it out of the hot June sun while the ranchmen dug his grave nearby. It is also possible that the blood-soaked, bullettorn upper body garments on a dragged corpse could have become sufficiently disheveled to create the appearance of a wound in the back, to someone who did not examine the underlying body. Still, it seems that neither the press nor the authorities of the time gave any credence to McCarthy’s second-hand story. The general consensus is that Jonas Brighton killed Ike Clanton. There is reason to believe that Brighton continued as a hired gun, killing rustlers while in the pay of cattlemen. Ike And His Death Other Theories Because Clanton’s death was not properly investigated and documented, rumors and even bizarre theories were soon floated. Some speculated that he was killed by famed gunfighting lawman Commodore Perry Owens. Commodore (his given name, not a title) was in fact sheriff of Apache County at the time, but there is no indication that he was anywhere near the Clanton death site. Other accounts had a posse shooting him down, or assorted law-dogs blowing him away when they caught him in a robbery. There is no credible evidence of any of that. In a particularly eye-catching bit of hearsay, a fellow named Jim McCarthy stated that one Peg Leg Wilson had told him that he had been on the property at the time, and that he had seen Ike’s corpse laying inside a cabin, face down with a bullet hole in the back. It is possible that the body was moved inside to There are people who’ve been studying this incident and related ones all their adult lives. They can help us with at least some of the unanswered questions. In November 2008 I attended a panel discussion on the death of Ike Clanton that was held in historic Shieffelin Hall in Tombstone, during the annual Western History Symposium sponsored by Michael Hickey and his Talei Publishers, Inc. Gary Ledoux, one of my favorite Western historians, moderated the eight panelists. Rita Ackerman was there, the author of the definitive book on the subject so far, O.K. Corral Postscript: the Death of Ike Clanton, published by Talei in 2006. Terry Clanton is Ike Clanton’s “fifth cousin, four times removed.” He has nicknamed2009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=80http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=80him well because, notes Fattig, “Ike has always been seen as a minor character.” Yet in Tombstone’s history, says Gatto, “he is a central figure. He was an interesting character.” Ackerman says, “Ike was personable and sociable, and misled by the whiskey bottle.” And Ziegler remarks, “one Clanton obituary in 1887 described him as witty and smart, but unscrupulous.” Terry Clanton is more defensive of his notorious relative. “Ike was a fortyish country boy who always got into trouble when he went into town. Ike never married or settled down, like his brother Phin. Ike was trusted enough by other ranchers that when he went into town, he’d stop by their place, pick up their cash, and deposit it for them. He was known to deposit $20,000 at a time, a huge sum in those days. He didn’t dress like in the movies. When they went into town, he and the other ‘CowBoys’ would often wear three-piece suits. In small towns, they don’t like wealthy, successful people. Ike Clanton was a misunderstood character. Hollywood made him Wyatt Earp’s fall guy.” Other historians confirmed that Ike Clanton was well liked by many in Tombstone. Troy Kelley saw the Clantons “more as middlemen than rustlers.” Agrees Steve Gatto, “Johnny Ringo and Ike Clanton had formed a ranch, and considered themselves speculators, not rustlers.” Tim Fattig says, “The Clantons were Democrats. So was the ruling faction.” (The Earps were republicans.) Adds Lee Silva, “Tombstone boomed simultaneously as a both a cattle empire and a mining town. The Clantons brought beef, so (the town) needed the rustlers. Ike was seen by most as a good guy who saved the town money on beef.” There is no doubt that Ike Clanton was the provocateur of the O.K. Corral fight, and most historians agree that he probably had a piece of the Virgil Earp ambush, and though fewer believe he was also involved in the murder of Morgan Earp. Some believe he was also at the Tucson train station as part of another ambush, but escaped after the Earp faction gunned down Frank Stilwell. The experts are not unanimous on this, however. Jack Ziegler says, “Clanton and Stilwell had separated in Tucson, and Clanton went back to his hotel.” 2/9/09 Terry Clanton is some2:12:56 PM what more emphatic: “Ike Clanton was not in Tucson!” What led to the shooting of Ike Clanton? Again, the experts differ. Terry Clanton says, “It was Mormon territory, and Ike was hooked up with the Anti-Mormon League, a head of that organization.” He adds, “Earp was said by a newspaper to have been in that area the day of the killing. Earp might have paid off the killer.” He stops short of accusing Earp of pulling the trigger 80 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MAY/JUNE20092009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=81http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=81Al Mar Knives Eagle Classic 1005BM 1005C 1005BMT 1005CT Mini SERE 2000 TM S2KB himself, but Clanton says flatly, “I believe Ike was executed.” No one has researched this more deeply than Rita Ackerman. She told us, “the killing of Isaac Ellinger began Ike Clanton’s fall. Lee Renfro killed Ellinger, whose brother was a huge cattleman with big-time money. I feel the killing sealed the death warrant of all present.” Rita does not believe that Wyatt Earp had anything to do with Ike Clanton’s death. He’d had ample opportunity to kill him in the past, including at the O.K. Corral, and had not done so. However, it was established fact that Wyatt Earp had previously engaged Ike Clanton as an informant. She thinks the most likely answer is that Ike, to save his own skin, agreed to tell Wyatt who else was involved in the ambush shootings of his brothers. In return, Wyatt let him live. She sees Earp, as many who knew him did, as an honest man who would have kept such a promise. A proper investigation, even to the standards of the period, might have decisively answered many of the questions that now linger about Ike Clanton’s death. in a 2/5/09 2:58Instead, PM Page 1 sparsely-settled land, the authorities and the press were content to be glad that Clanton was gone and to accept the account of the man who took credit for killing him. It left a family whose descendants believe to this day, more than a hundred and twenty years later, that their relative was murdered under a cloak of improper authority. It was the absence of an investigation that allowed all the bizarre theories to spring up as to who killed Clanton. When did you see a killing with so many suspected triggermen? Perhaps not until the JFK assassination, which was another classic example of a flawed investigation leaving a legacy of public doubt. The Back-Ups BU2-2 TM The Lesson Dillon BU1-2 1-6 American Handgunner Ad For more info on Al Mar Knives visit almarknives.com * If you’re interested in the topic, I’d recommend O.K. Corral Postscript: The Death of Ike Clanton. It seems to embody the deepest research on the matter to date, and can be ordered from Rita Ackerman, PO Box 54127, Phoenix, AZ 85078-4127 for $39.95 plus $8.00 shipping and handling. You’ll also enjoy Terry Clanton’s Internet TV show Haunted Saloon 10pm EST on Tuesday nights, http://clantongang.com/oldwest/hauntedsaloon.html. Bear in mind, though, that Terry is an advocate as well as a historical researcher. Even Rita Ackerman says, “I still don’t have all the answers. There’s a lot of history left.” Western historian Steve Gatto leaves us with perhaps the most telling lesson: “The moral of Ike Clanton’s death is that the people left standing are the ones who tell the story.” WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM 812009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=82http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=821595 1.3V Ad:Sept08 6/4/08 8:31 AM Pag sixgunner Continued from page 37 such as hollowed out recoil shields and loading gates; also stepped down shapes on frames all of which reduce weight. The New Guy Designed by Ken Onion I first met Hamilton in the mid1980s when he was just getting started. At a Shootist Holiday I experienced two of his first custom sixguns. They were not only a first for me, I would bet they were the first examples built by anyone. One was a .500 Linebaugh on a Ruger Redhawk while the other was a .44 Special on a Ruger SecuritySix or GP100, can’t remember which at this late date. Hamilton was also the first, at least as far as I know, to match up Dan Wesson Heavyweight barrels with Ruger Redhawks. In recent years Ruger has finally offered a 4" Redhawk chambered in either a .45 Colt or .44 Magnum. Many years ago Hamilton, seeing the value of a Redhawk as a matched pair of 45/8" blued versions stagstocked, and a matte blue finished heavyduty hard country, packin’ pistol. My Long Range Bowen .44 Special wears a 71/2" barrel. These are certainly some of the finest .44 Specials in existence. One of the best investments I ever made was to provide two Colt Single Actions for Hamilton to use as the first examples of the greatest of the classic single action sixguns for him to experiment with. I provided the guns; he provided the work. At the onset of this project he warned me things may not turn out right, but I had seen enough of his work to know I was in good hands. Those two Colt Single Actions are now fitted with custom barrels and unfluted custom cylinders. One is a 51/2" .41 Special with standard sights, and it was only the first of my Bowen .41s. He has since converted a 4" S&W Model 586 to a double action only .41 and has also used a Ruger Flat-Top .357 to build an exquisite 45/8" .41 Special complete with case colored frame and set off with mouthwatering fancy walnut There exists many a sad tale of sixguns lost by those on horseback, hiking in rough country, even canoeing. Something as simple as a lanyard ring and cord used properly can prevent the loss of a valuable sixgun. Perfect Packin’ Pistol, began offering the Alpine Redhawk with a 4" barrel, round butt and special sights. Innovation is a key word at Bowen Classic Arms. When something desirable isn’t available, Hamilton simply builds it himself. An example of this is his adjustable rear sight for Ruger sixguns. These are offered in both a Heavy-Duty Field sight as well as a version with finer click adjustments. Testimonial to how good these sights are is the fact several other sixgunsmiths are offering them with their custom work. In addition to these sights Hamilton also offers high visibility sights for S&W J-frames. I also believe Hamilton was the first sixgunsmith in modern times to start putting lanyard rings on revolvers. There exists many a sad tale of sixguns lost by those on horseback, hiking in rough country, even canoeing. Something as simple as a lanyard ring and cord used properly can prevent the loss of a valuable sixgun. One of the most practical custom sixguns is a Ruger Three-Screw .357 Blackhawk converted to .44 Special. By starting with either a Flap-Top Ruger as produced from 1955 to 1962 or the Old Model of 1963 to 1972, one winds up with a Colt Single Action-sized .44 Special with adjustable sights and a virtually indestructible action. Hamilton has done several of these for me, including a stocks by my friend Tedd Adamovich of BluMagnum. Sixguns do not come any better looking, or shooting, than this one. The .327 Magnum Made in the USA SPEED BUMP Model 1595 Steel.Sandvik 13C26 stainless-steel Handle.Double-injection-molded gray Akulon® with black Santoprene® over-mold Lock.Stud-lock® Liner.410 stainless-steel Blade.3-5/8 in. (9.2 cm) Closed.4-15/16 in. (12.5 cm) Weight.5.0 oz. MSRP $99.95 www.kershawknives.com 8OO.325.2891 With the advent of the .327 Federal Magnum, Hamilton has what can be considered a modernized .32-20 to w2009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=83http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=83cylinder, which is both fluted and black powder chamfered; the latter is one example of Hamilton’s appreciation for history as this is the way the early Colt Single Actions had their cylinders radiused on the front edge. Of course, the action is totally tuned, trigger pull set at just a hair over three pounds, a Bisley hammer is fitted, the frame is color cased by Turnbull, a steel ejector rod housing is installed, an oversized locking base pin fitted, and a BCA heavy-duty rear field sight is matched up with a serrated front ramp sight. A final touch, and one which makes this an all steel sixgun, is the fitting of an XR3 grip frame and Black Eagle grips from a Ruger 50th Anniversary Model. This latest rendition of the XR3 feels exceptionally comfortable in my hands and works well for .44 Special and .45 Colt loads also. Hamilton’s second .327 Single-Six is virtually the same except for the barrel. Hamilton’s use of Dan Wesson barrels on Redhawks was mentioned earlier; this time he uses a Smith & Wesson barrel to give this little Single-Six a totally different look and feel. Starting with a ribbed K22 barrel, Hamilton machines off the underlug, re-bores it to .327, cuts it to 45/8", and installs it along with a steel ejector rod housing. Custom sixgunsmiths in the period between the two world wars often fitted ribbed barrel to Colt Single Actions; this one matches up beautifully with the Single-Six frame. On this little .327 the front sight is an undercut post and a really nice touch is the installation of a lanyard ring. Two More Along with the two Single-Sixes, I received two other .327 conversions destined to go to two of Hamilton’s customers. One of the best sixguns to come along in this still relatively new century has been Ruger’s 50th Anniversary .357 Magnum Blackhawk. It is the same size as the original Ruger .357 Blackhawk, uses the original sized XR3 grip frame, and is all steel. Hamilton uses this platform for a dual cylindered .32-20 and .327 Federal. To easily distinguish between the two chamberings the .32-20 is fluted while the .327 cylinder is not; both are expertly fitted to the frame, which has a 51/2" Douglas barrel. The front sight is a tapered post on a ramp and is matched up with one of Hamilton’s heavy-duty field rear sights. The hammer and frame are case colored by Turnbull, a locking large knurled head base pin is fitted, the action is tightened and tuned, and the trigger pull set at 21/2 pounds. Finally we come to Hamilton’s double action .327 Federal. This conversion starts with a 4" Model 617 .22 barrel which is re-bored and the full under-lugged barrel is fitted to a Model 66-2 frame which then receives a Model 617 cylinder chambered to .327 Federal Magnum. Everything is tightened and tuned, the single action trigger pull set at three pounds, and an undercut front post of the proper height fitted to the ramp on the Model 617 barrel. There was a time when Smith & Wesson produced usable target stocks and especially so for the K-Frames; those days are long gone. However, this .327 conversion wears a pair of exquisite “diamond” Smith & Wesson Target stocks not by Smith & Wesson but rather are perfect recreations of original S&W .357 Combat Magnum stocks carried out in fancy walnut by stockmaker Keith Brown, who not only duplicates early Smith & Wesson Target and Magna stocks but classic Roper and Kearsarge pre-War stocks as well. A great sixgun deserves great stocks and Keith Brown simply makes great stocks! That’s why Hamilton uses them. For more info: Bowen Classic Arms, (865) 984-3583, www.bowenclassicarms. com; Federal Cartridge Co., www.federalcartridge.com; Keith Brown, Classic Carved Grips, 3586 Crab Orchard Avenue, Beavercreek OH 45430, (937) 426-4147, www.classiccarvedgrips.com. Go to www.americanhandgunner.com and click on the Web blast icon to see John’s complete loading data! * Phone & Fax 1-406-388-1396 NEW! Big Game “PUNCH” Bullets P.O. Box 353 • Belgrade, MT 59714 Belt Mtn. Enterprises, I2009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=84http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=84mystery pistol Continued from page 39 Brunner, is by far the most comprehensive reference on these pistols ever published. Buried in the back of the book I found a listing of roll-marked pistols issued to police departments. Three different entries for Colts stamped with “LPD” were found. The summary of the findings from Brunner’s book are interesting, but still left me in the dark. They show that in 1910, Colt sent one .25 ACP and and 19 in .32 ACP to “LPD.” Then, in 1912, they sent another 100 in .380 ACP to the same agency. Unfortunately, which “LPD” isn’t known, and Brunner says the department that purchased these handguns isn’t known. Could these guns have been retirement gifts from a grateful department to retiring officers? Perhaps a retiring chief might be given a little .25 ACP while the men might receive a slightly more useful .32 or .380 ACP? There are two problems with this theory. First, the guns were roll-stamped, not engraved. A gun commemorating years of loyal service in a dangerous job would be engraved, especially to the chief. And how large would a department have to be to have 20 men retire between 1910 and 1912 so that new guns would have to be ordered? Hardly seems feasible. A closer look at the left side of the hard rubber grip shows three shiny spots were the diamond pattern is worn down. The two lower spots almost match the shooting position of my middle and ring finger of my right hand. The highest spot matches a little callus just beyond the first joint of my right thumb. The checkering on the bottom of the right grip is worn smooth. The muzzle end shows the same slide wear found on holster-carried blued weapons. So, who carried it? Morning Journal and the Lorain Daily News. I searched them hoping to find a clue about how the Lorain police were armed in 1910. The price of eggs was readily available, as was the crime blotter, but nothing about the department’s duty weapon. Another dead end. I contacted the Lorain Police Department, the Lorain Sheriff’s Department and local FOP. One of these three organizations might have a historian, either official or unofficial, who could shed some light on these weapons. Except they didn’t. I asked if there were records I could search. Between moves from one building to another, flooded basements, fires and limited storage space, records from the early 1900s were simply not available. Dead end number three. Present Tense And The Answer? The Colt historian was very helpful. She confirmed the year of manufacturing and that “L.P.D. No. 77” was factory-stamped and not done after-market. She also provided another lead. The gun was shipped to the Iver Johnson Sporting Goods Company of Boston, Massachusetts. Unfortunately, Colt didn’t know its final destination. Iver Johnson Sporting Goods sold other firearms in addition to their line of revolvers. The company went out of business in 1999 and most references deal with their revolver line. The early records, if they still exist, are most likely hidden way in someone’s attic. A dead end. The Lorain Public Library has microfilmed back issues of the Lorain There was one question I could answer — how well does it shoot? I selected four brands of .380 ACP to test fire, Winchester 95 gr. BEB, UMC 95 gr. FMJ, American Eagle 95 gr. FMG and Blazer 95 gr. FMJ. I set targets at 21' and fired fiveround groups of each ammunition off a sand bag support. I know 7 yards isn’t far, but it’s an old timer and so are my eyes. Besides, I doubt you’d want to use these fine old guns much further than that anyway. Some groups were better than others. Winchester and American Eagle delivered about 1.8", the UMC beat it at 1.75" and the Blazer won the day at 1.5". Sub-2" groups are respectable in a self-defense handgun, and equally important, my fine old gun shot where it was aimed. I never experienced a jam, and the trigger breaks consistently at 5.75 pounds. Every time I pulled the trigger I got a bang. The M1908 pointed well and felt natural in m2009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=85http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=852009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=86http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=86STI GP6 Continued from page 61 2009 | CABELAS.COM the global market as well. With their mutual affinity for state of the art manufacturing techniques and shared expertise in export marketing, it’s not surprising that Grand Power of Šálková Slovakia and STI, Incorporated of Georgetown, Texas, have arrived at a meeting of the minds. Grand Power wished to extend its footprint across North America and beyond, while STI was in need of a full-line distributor for Eastern and Central Europe, as well as a proven Production Class competition pistol. The tangible result, entering US distribution in November, 2008 is the STI GP6, a Grand Power/STI International improvement on the basic K-100. The most apparent STI contributions are a reshaped hammer and the STI logos. The basic 26-ounce pistol is a 7.9" L.O.A. SA/DA 9mm, fully ambidextrous pistol, completely suitable for single action use by virtue of duel thumb safeties, a half-cock hammer catch and passive firing pin block. The 4.25" barrel unlocks by rotation around a frame-mounted cross pin, and remains on the same plane as the slide during cycling. The ambidextrous magazine buttons are well buried in the grip, effectively preventing accidental release. The load-bearing frame is of chrome moly steel enclosed in a roughtextured polymer grip frame having the standard accessory rail. STI In-Put © 2009 Cabela’s Inc. AAJ-905 Free Shooting Catalog Field–testing is a way of life at Cabela’s. It’s the only way to make sure all the products in our proven selection of quality shooting gear live up to our high expectations. And to make sure they exceed yours. TRUST OUR GEAR Shop Online Request a Catalog Find a Store In Europe, “liberal” has a happier context than elsewhere. www.cabelas.com 800.272.7992 w 16805_amrcnhndgnnr.indd 1 Brian Tighe 12/30/08 “Spicy Tighe” Assisted Opener $575.00 www.briantighe.com 86 905/892-2734 email: tighe@allstream.net Dismounting procedure resembles the Walther PPK, with the hinged trigger guard pulled forward and down resting on the frame and the slide retracted to the rear and lifted up free of the rails. With the hammer cocked, it’s pos12:15:51 PM sible to function the slide with manual safety engaged. Our sample GP6 has a smooth DA and a short-reset SA trigger releasing at 6 lb.14 oz. The safety levers do not function as de-cockers and that function requires lowering the hammer by hand, a typical European tradition with many autos. Peripherals include a hard plastic box with two 17-round magazines, a sight key (allen wrench), and an owner’s manual. Finding Out Two 5-shot, 25-yard bench groups from each of four premium 9mm defense loads told me all I’m able to WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MAY/JUNE20092009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=87http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=87STI GP6 SPECIFICATIONS Practicalities Some Minuses Caliber: Trigger: Capacity: Length: Barrel: Height Width: Weight Safety: Sights: Features: Accessories: Price: 9x19 DA/SA (SA trigger pull 6 lb./14 oz. 5, 1 7 (supplied) 19 rounds 7.9" 4.25" 5.26" 1.3" (Grip) 26 oz. Ambidextrous thumb/half cock notch, passive firing pin block Windage adjustable rear, three dot Ambidextrous magazine, slide release, Accessory rail Sight key (allen wrench), hard box, two magazines, cleaning rod. $656.44 learn about the intrinsic accuracy of the GP6. The JHP offerings from Blackhills, Corbon, Remington and Speer outperformed two brands of ball loads with the clusters ranging from 1.8" to 2". The bullet holes were evenly spaced and it’s an ironclad synch the pistol will group better than my shooting demonstrates. Shooting from the bench I was aware of slight rightward torque during recoil instead of the usual tendency toward leftward barrel rise. Free standing, the amount of barrel rise and recovery time seemed normal for a 9mm, though it went straight up from the centerline of the target. I’m not sure whether this indicates some compensating effect from the rotary barrel or is merely a function of the low recoiling cartridge. In any case, the GP6 is back on target with maximum speed and minimum fuss. Walking through the Texas Concealed Handgun proficiency demonstration as a way to test some practical function, I found the transition from initial DA shots to SA was seamless, with the DA rounds winding up in the same group as the rest of the rounds in each sequence. The wide, smooth trigger is a positive factor in this. The bulk of the 50 rounds landed in the x-ring of a standard B-27 target, neatly obliterating it. DA/SA transitions grouped tightly in the head portion of the target from 50 feet. At 25 yards, firing single action, head shots on the B-27 are the order of the day. The safety levers lie close to the grip and do not increase the overall thickness of 1.3" across the grip. I find them a bit less accessible than say, the standard safety on the 1911, or a number of other pistols with more protuberant safety levers. That perceived deficit would no doubt diminish with practice. Frequently, brisk though not violent insertion of a loaded magazine would cause the slide to drop, loading the chamber. This could be regarded as a negative factor — or a positive one if you could to do it consistently. I’m not sure if you can since we didn’t try. Notably, the same thing happened with the Daewoo Tri-Action we had at the range at the same time. The GP6 slide locked back positively on empty and showed no tendency toward slide stop engagement with rounds still in the magazine. A truly negative factor in my mind is the use of a plastic guide rod. No doubt this arrangement has been well vetted and is durable and functional in common use. Nevertheless, I proved beyond doubt a schvantz-fingered gun-tester who allows the slide to fly off the pistol in a looping trajectory during reassembly — if only we’d had the video camera going — can break off one of these about an inch from the tip. I would much prefer a metallic guide rod, possibly of some alloy prefixed with the phrase “space-age.” The K-100/GP6 is competing successfully with such European standards as the CZ 75 and it’s variations. There is a you-tube video of the Grand Power people firing a full automatic production variation (http://www.youtube. com/watch?v=4sgf6WBrEjY) — a further demonstration of the vaunted durability of the basic design. It has established a strong presence in European and South American police and military circles and among civilians licensed to carry concealed. STI International provides full service and technical support. Desiderata * For more info, STI International, 114 Halmar Cove, Georgetown, TX 78628; (512) 819-0656; e-mail: sales@STIGuns. com; www.stiguns.com. 87 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM2009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=88http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=88MEASURED FORCE Continued from page 49 for “controlled force” for subduing his opponent and rendering him useless. I have witnessed Bram’s demonstrations on several occasions and actually served as a dummy for some of his techniques. I can say without hesitation it’s not only extremely effective, but as innovative as any martial arts technique I’ve ever seen, including those that use weapons outside the realm of knives. Frank’s commitment to measured force blends perfectly with modern day standards currently taught in our law enforcement and military training today. According to Bram, “first of all it’s the moral and ethical way to respond to situations. Measured force or work within the force continuum is a standard concept in LE, military and martial arts. It is the judicial use of force: one uses only the force needed to complete the objective, no more, no less. Using options of force means one has a measured response that varies and fits the situation and circumstances for there is no one correct response and the response must be fluid, ethical and moral.” Don’t Just Cut To implement his system Bram took the basic idea of a knife and modified it to a multi-use self-defense weapon with options never before seen. Manufactured for several years by one of the most reputable manufacturers world-wide, Spyderco, and now manufactured by Cherusker Messer, these knives have several extra features separating them from the overwhelming pack of tactical knives on the current market. Known as the “Gunting” family, Frank describes these knives as a species unto themselves that continues to evolve. “I think it’s easiest to understand if I compare it to a biological tree: each knife evolves into another within set parameters of definition. In other words I consider the Gunting to be a species of knife with many varieties or types within that species. My species come in three species variations.” The first of these variants is the Drone, or training knife. Dubbed FTD (Functional Trainer Drones) these knives are color coded in red and are safe for hands-on, realistic training and practice. The second in the series are designated as CRMIPT (Close Range Medium ImPact Tool), which are color coded in blue. These are not safe for training, but serve as non-lethal self defense tools. Finally there are the live blade knives, the real deal if you will. Termed LBT (Live Blade Tools), these are fully functional knives, coded any color than red or blue, with sharp cutting edges and piercing tips. Bram’s 88 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MAY/JUNE20092009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=89http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=89Intensive 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 confidence, knowledge and performance in handgun 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 system is extremely flexible, or in his own words, “All Gunting knives can escalate and deescalate within the force continuum — non-lethal, to less than lethal to lethal and back down again to non lethal.” There are several physical characteristics you’ll notice immediately on Bram’s folding knives. Most prominent is a pronounced ramp, somewhat volcanic in profile, protruding above either the symbolic Spyderco thumb opening hole or Bram’s current copyrighted/trademarked rounded triangular hole which mimics the ramp. The ramp is heavily notched and can be used for snatching, grabbing, pinching and hitting during various defensive moves. Just locking an assailant’s thumb between the ramp and your own finger grasp can allow you to twist or move the opponent into any number of uncomfortable and submissive postures. The notches, or “grabbing teeth,” greatly enhance the gripping power of the knife and also inflict a level of pain when dug into the flesh. Being hit by the ramp is also quite painful, especially on a bony part of the body such as an elbow or knee. Bram states, “my knives are made to be used closed. They trap, lock, control and can be used like a ball peen hammer or a mini tomahawk or envision a mini warhammer like those used by medieval knights in armor.” All Gunting knives possess what Frank refers to as “indexing” which, according to Bram is, “the ability to go from forward grip to reverse grip and back without taking one’s hands or fingers off of the knife. There are actual indexing points to capture one’s thumb and fingers to allow for circular rotation of the blade within one’s grip. These points can be bearings, indents, spoon clips, and holes through and through, post in a hole or any variation on the theme.” Frank’s knives also have an added feature one might not expect. “All Gunting knives have Vision ImpairedLow light systems termed VILL.” He explains. “The Gunting family uses Braille rather than relying on color coding to differentiate each model from each other under low light or vision impaired situations. One bump is a trainer, two bumps marking one side of a triangle is a working tool/CRMIPT and a full triangle, three bumps, fully loaded is a live blade.” Continuing The Species Although the first Gunting system was produced by REKAT under the name Escalator, the system gained a high level of popularity when it was produced and marketed by Spyderco; who offered a Gunting Trainer Drone, CRMIPT tool and Live Blade models. According to Bram,” The Gunting name is from the concept of a scissoring 89 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM2009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=90http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=90motion, a limb destruction, and an escalation in force.” Frank redesigned the Gunting system to a newer handle design more attuned to the pistol grip he prefers. Named the LLC, short for Lapu Lapu Corto, Frank describes the LLC as, “clearly a member of the Gunting family but its handle is more pistol-like, and it’s the first Gunting to possess proud liners and my newest lock, the puzzle lock. Lapu Lapu is the name of the Filipino hero — Chieftain who defeated Magellan (actually killing him) — and forcing the invading Spanish forces to the seek REGISTER TODAY other ports. Corto means “small-short” WWW.SUREFIRE.COM/ITRC and there is an actual Abaniko Lapu ENROLLMENT IS LIMITED Lapu fixed blade and the smaller tactical $600 fee for each two-person team folding versions are called LLC Lapu Lapu Cortos. It comes in three sizes: Open to military personnel, law enforcement, mini, standard and magnum versions.” and qualified civilians with no criminal history The complete LLC series includes both folding knives and fixed-blades. The ITRC Championships feature new open-range Bram’s SANGUT model is the Filipino version of a Karambit, a style of combat rifle & carbine courses up to 1000 yards. knife that has gained a high degree And fast-action CQB carbine and handgun shooting. of popularity the past several years. Unlike Karambits, Sanguts must be able to work in a forward grip as well as Open-Range Day for zeroing firearms on Aug. 20 reverse grip. Bram also requires that his Sangut perform all the other tasks expected of his other Gunting models. The complete LLC series — Desangut, Tusok, Maxx, Guro, and BO#1 — are manufactured and sold by Precision Rifle Training Course: Aug. 17, 18 & 19. $750 tuition per person Cherusker Messer, a distributor in Germany. Bram’s Abaniko fixed-blade is offered by Ontario knives and made by CALL 1(800)SA2-1911 “the MAG GUIDE people”™ Micro Tool. A variation of the Abaniko when only the BEST will do! ITRC ad.indd 1 1/30/09 8:39:59is AM made by Linton Cutlery Company ORDER DIRECT and SAVE! in Taiwan under the model name of “Submarine.” The Abaniko with its 7" $78.95 A L $36.95 A L Government Model/ Mainspring Housing blade, and the Submarine, which is 18" Available in: Officers’ Model of mean and nasty steel, both have a Gov’t Model, Officers’ Model, Mag Guide all Para-Ordnance. 20 LPI Available: humped rear guard feature that can be Flat/Arched-SS/BL Flat/Arched (P10/P12 flat only) used similar to the ramps on Bram’s SS/BL 20 LPI (flat smooth available $95.95 A L NEW: Flat now available folding knives. for all of the above) in Smooth Full Para Mag Guide Also Available: For those interested in training, (For P14/P16 only) Grizzly Flat-SS/BL $89.95 Available in: Bram has DVD videos available Flat/Arched-SS/BL 20 LPI through Jaded Edge Productions and teaches at seminars here in the US and $36.95 $99.00 “E-Z Fit Hi Ambidextrous worldwide. To list all the awards this Grip” Safety Magazine Release Prices starting at $17.50 unique and innovative martial artist has .250 radius-Series Gov’t Model, S & A Custom 1911 Grips 70 & 80 .220 radius Officers’ Model & won would take an article it itself, but Exotic Woods & Micarta S70 for Springfields Para-Ordnance. SS/BL Standard & Slim Line suffice it to say he is not only one of the “PalmSwel”/Standard DD, FC & Smooth (jig available) most decorated masters in knife combat NEW–Slim Line Mag Guides & Grips w/screws & bushings ever and his current schedule has him jet-setting from one end of L available with Lanyard Loop add $10 the planet to the other. A available in Aluminum AUGUST 21, 22 & 23 SUREFIRE TRAINING FACILITY, GILLETTE, WYOMING PRIZES VALUED AT $40,000 2009 INTERNATIONAL TACTICAL RIFLEMAN (ITRC) CHAMPIONSHIPS THE ® Color Catalog Available Same Day Shipping Appropriate shipping charges Dealers Welcome 100% Customer Satisfaction P.O. Box 299 • Copeville, Texas USA 75121 (800) SA2-1911 • Fax (972) 853-0526 www.smithandalexander.com Hours: M-F, 9am-5pm CST * For more2009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=91http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=91TAFFIN TESTS Continued from page 30 The answer is a most resounding yes and North American Arms actually builds .22 cap and ball sixguns, minirevolvers requiring hand loading. These little spur-triggered, five-shot .22s are not toys and, are in fact, high quality working revolvers. North American Arms offers two models, the NAA .22 Cap and Ball and the NAA Super .22 Cap and Ball; the latter has a longer barrel and cylinder for increased velocity. Both the barrel and cylinder of the smaller model are approximately 1" in length while the Super Model’s corresponding measurements are approximately 1.5" in length. North American Arms supplies everything needed except powder and cap. This includes .22 bullets, powder measures, loading tool, even a nipple pick; they also offer custom grips, including oversize grips which are easier to hold onto, and holsters. To load either version the spring-loaded cylinder pin is pulled forward, the cylinder is removed, and then hand loaded and carefully returned to its proper position. Wanting to see just how powerful these little guns were I made up a 6/13/07 10:53 baffle boxTshirt_1.6 figuring three .75" pieces of pine would be enough and actually I only needed one. Using the provided powder measure, Hodgdon’s Pyrodex P, and a Remington #10 percussion cap, the muzzle velocity of the standard NAA .22 was 287 fps while the longer barrel and cylinder of the Super .22 was 429 fps — neither were powerful enough to penetrate the first pine board completely. When fired, the .22 bullets from each one penetrated to .198" and .232" respectively, and then bounced off and hit my denim jacket. So, the first lesson learned is do not shoot at hard objects at close range. Point shooting on paper resulted in good accuracy, and basically both of these little .22s shoot to point of aim. AM Page 1 Just For Fun I’ve often carried a .22 LR or a .22 Magnum in a shirt pocket as a backup to my normal carry gun, or in a few circumstances when nothing else was practical; but that is not what these Mini-22s are intended for. These are not Packin’ Pistols but rather Pleasurable Pistols. Fill the cooler with lunch and cold drinks, invite family members or friends, find a shady spot to sit down, and then enjoy each other’s company and pure fun of shooting. Untitled-1 1 GET YOUR GUNS GEAR! Team GUNS T-Shirt Nobody ever had too many T-shirts,except us and we need to clear them out. Get this top quality, pre-shrunk 100% cotton T-shirt imprinted with Team GUNS logo on the front and back. (Colors: Ash or Black)(Sizes: M,L,XL,XXL) * $21.95 each ($31.95 Outside U.S.) (Price includes shipping) For more info: North American Arms, 2150 South 950 East, Provo UT 84606, (800) 821-5783, www.naaminis.com. WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM ORDER TODAY! Call Toll-Free 800-628-9818 Order at www.gunsmagazine.com 912009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=92http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=92GUNNYSACK Streamlight Super tac Clint Smith treamlight dominates the industrial and firefighting markets when it comes to innovation and problemspecific responses for these fields. In addition, Streamlight has made strong inroads into the tactical arena over the past several years. Never one to rest on laurels, Streamlight’s new Super Tac is a monster light in peewee packaging using new C4 LED technology. Using a bucket of lumens, the deep-dish big-headed reflector simply flings light across enough ground that it is a true weapon-mounted light that can be hooked up to rifle. If the light is on, the target is illuminated at 100 yards, well enough to engage — with the only issue being threat-level confirmation. The Super Tac can be hand-held or mounted into the Streamlight base system as used on the Thunder Ranch S Rifle Illumination system. It has an easy on-and-off ability, and most importantly, the mount accepts different lights like the TL-2 and TL-3 with like-sized bodies. Although not a favorite of many users in the real world, remote switches can be attached; but the as-issued push button momentary — or constant on tail cap — is a very effective working design. The Streamlight Super Tac lives up to its super name. www.streamlight.com. COMPETITIVE EDGE missing 92 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MAY/JUNE20092009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=93http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=93GUNNYSACK l Sammy Reese triple eight pockettoolS ike they said in their press release: “Whoever said big ideas come in small packages must have been thinking about Triple Eight’s newest line of tiny — but powerful — pocket tools.” And after handling the trio, I came away impressed by their tiny size but powerful build. The pivot point is more like an axle and is big enough you can pry if you need to (especially good when using the CopTool version). The S.O.L. (on the left), is a fierce-looking sticker that also does double duty to open the mail or spread your peanut butter. And yes, S.O.L. stands for just what you think it does — a last ditch “get you out of it” cutter. The CopTool (center) is a nifty rendition of the genre, offering all the assets of a fixed blade version with the convenience of clip carry. If you need a scraper/cutter/pry-bar, this is the thing for you. And the WrightKnife (right) is, well, just that — the right knife for 99 percent of your cutting chores. Elegant and minimalist, these PocketTools are one of those “well, duh!” answers to lots of knife questions. They are all made from 440C, have aluminum scales and possess that instantly addictive cool way they open and close. A nicely designed pocket clip keeps any of them (or all three?) in secret places on and around you. At only $49.95 each, you can afford all three, so don’t be stingy. I liked these lots because they’re small and powerful enough to make sure you never break rule number one: “Have a knife.” www.888professional.com. WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM 932009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=94http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=94GUNNYSACK t Roy Huntington here’s a young fellow we featured in our pages by the name of John Ralston who does business at 5 Shot Leather, and I felt compelled to feature his work again. For two reasons — the first is its good, and that’s reason enough on it’s own. But it’s just as important to take note he’s a young fellow who has leaped into this business trying to make a go of it. We need young, we need new and we need to encourage this sort of conduct. So we’re encouraging. After working with Sammy Reese on his Carry Options column on John (July/Aug 2008), I was struck by the fine workmanship displayed on John’s goods. This was no garage-hack work (something I get regularly from people trying to go up against the likes of Mitch Rosen, Mat Del Fatti and Lou Alessi and others if their ilk). John’s attention showed a maturity level not usually seen in a newcomer. He didn’t just buy a Tandy Leather tool kit and some old shoe leather and stitch-up a “gen-u-eye-n” holster. Then, a box showed up and I found a ruggedly constructed ankle rig for my favorite style of revolver, that commodity known as a J-frame. Ankle rig is a favorite carry method for me and that, coupled with the J-frame fit, got my 5 Shot ankle holSter attention. So did the design. I like over-built, but I don’t like Russian T-34 tank-overbuilt. John’s rig, dubbed, oddly enough, Ankle Holster, shows that combination of design, material and workmanship that’s over-built, but not over-stupidly built. I’ve since carried it with a Scandium J-frame and found it serviceable and durable. The wool backing, as opposed to sheepskin, is unusual but comfortable. The only change I’d make would be a strap or snap if I was to carry this as a back-up gun as a cop. Running and jumping and climbing might need a more secure system, but the friction fit has performed fine for my more sedate style these days. About $125 according to his Web site, and he lists delivery times that are within reason for an actual human being as opposed to Lazarus. For more info: www.5shotleather.com. 94 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MAY/JUNE20092009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=95http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=95GUNNYSACK i Roy Huntington n a nutshell, this latest from our friends at Leupold is a stunner. It’s not just a rangefinder. It will compute your trajectory to within one yard, even taking into account any angles involved. It uses high-tech magic and something called “True Ballastic Range” that needs to be fed with “state-of-the-art ballistic algorithms.” I knew a guy named Al once, but don’t know anything about algorithms. But Leupold does and the result is something so cool it can do most of your thinking for you before you pull the trigger. My kind of goodie. Interestingly enough, the range-finding software in this little widget was developed by the same outfit who helped develop the navigation and guidance systems for ICBMs and other missiles. If they can find another city thousands of miles away, I’ll bet they can handle that groundhog 347 yard away. It can tell you how much to hold over, give you info in MOA or inches, is matched to seven firearm ballistics groups (.308/.30-06 for instance) and three archery ballistics. The test unit (along with most of the models) has a quick set rotary menu, long range mode, rain mode, compass, line of sight mode, thermometer, last target mode and a host of other features too long to list here. I’m about moded-out anyway. The RX-IV Boone and Crockett edition can even help you accurately measure the width and height of a target, as well as showing you where to aim! I told you it does most of the thinking for you. This is a far cry from the early days and as busy as it sounds, I found it to be very easy to use, compact and rugged. I dropped it sorta’ accidently-on-purpose on my rock patio and it still told me how far that pesky squirrel was. Let’s see here … azimuth set, Al the gorithm set, distance set, hold-over set … now, if I could just find my pistol. About $300 or so and worth every cent. Especially if you can find your gun. For more info: www.leupold.com. leupold rX-ii rangefinder WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM 952009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=96http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=962009 Catalog Showcase Since 1964, A. G. Russell™ Knives has supplied the knife needs of customers worldwide. The A. G. Russell name means quality, dependability and knowledge. Catalogs and web site includes most quality production brands and many handmade knives, some available only from A. G. Russell. 479-571-6161. www.agrussell.com. FREE Dept GB0509C A. G. Russell Knives 2900 S. 26th St. Rogers, AR 72758 CATALOG INQUIRY #10 A.G. RUSSELL™ KNIVES AMERICAN COP MAGAZINE A Magazine By Cops, For Cops. Cops need information they can trust. That’s why FMG Publications is bringing the “tell-it-like-it-is” reputation of American Handgunner into the police publication world. American COP will offer solutions to real-world problems YOU deal with every day. $19.95 US and $39.95 Foreign includes six bi-monthly issues. Plus FREE Tool Logic Magnetic Light with your paid subscription. Visit us online at: www.americancopmagazine.com CATALOG INQUIRY #11 AMERICAN HANDGUNNER MAGAZINE Imagine a magazine with such detailed information that each issue makes you feel like you’ve fired the guns featured. Every issue provides the latest news on handguns and accessories in a tell-it-like-it-is style you won’t find anywhere else. Nothing prepares you for handgunning like American Handgunner. 1 year subscription $19.75 (outside the U.S. $39.75). CATALOG INQUIRY #12 Our catalog display allows AMERICAN HANDGUNNER readers to select literature on a wide variety of shooting product s. HOW TO ORDER Please check the boxes of the literature you’d like to receive on the attached order form. Enclose (in the envelope provided) a check or money order payable to AMERICAN HANDGUNNER for the total literature fees plus $2.50 handling charge. If paying by credit card, please include all information needed. OR: Send a list of the catalogs you want to request, listing the name and catalog inquiry number of each, with your check or VISA/MC/Discover # for the total catalog fees plus $2.50 handling charge. Mail to: AMERICAN HANDGUNNER, P.O. Box 509093, San Diego, CA 92150-9093 . Catalogs will be mailed directly to you by the companies making the offer. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery. AMERICAN HANDGUNNER and Publishers’ Development Corporation are not responsible for unprocessed orders. Companies participating in this section have accepted full responsibility for filling reader requests. You can also download an order form online at www.americanhandgunner.com 2008/2009 ANNUALS Order our 2008 or 2009 Annuals individually for $9.95 US/$17.95 Foreign. You can order four 2008 or four 2009 Annuals for $32.95 US/$65.00 Foreign. Or, you can order all six 2008 Annuals or all six 2009 Annuals for $45.00 US/$75.00 Foreign. www.gunsmagazine.com www.americanhandgunner.com CATALOG INQUIRY #13-28 BENCHMADE KNIVES For two decades, Benchmade Knife Company has been committed to designing and manufacturing world-class sports cutlery and superior edged tools. We continually strive to provide high quality U.S. made products that will deliver unparalleled performance and exceptional value for our customers. FREE. CATALOG INQUIRY #29 96 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MAY/JUNE20092009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=97http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=97BLACK HILLS AMMUNITION Black Hills Ammunition specializes in .223 and .308 ammunition. It’s the choice of the US Army, USMC, USAF and the US Navy Rifle Teams. We also have 14 different calibers in our Cowboy Ammunition Line, 10 calibers - 29 different loadings in our Black Hills Gold™ Hunting Line and superb but economical remanufactured ammunition in many calibers. $2.00. CATALOG INQUIRY #30 BROWNELLS INC. FREE! Our 1911 Catalog #4 includes more great products to build, maintain and shoot the most popular pistol in history. Nothing for rifles, shotguns or “other” pistols. Just the best 1911 goodies ever! Everything 100% Guaranteed! 1-800-741-0015 or brownells.com. Dept. #BZD. JONATHAN ARTHUR CIENER Preeminent Designer/Manufacturer of .22LR Conversion Units in the World. These allow the use of inexpensive .22LR ammo in your firearm. Products include models for 1911A1, Browning Hi-Power, Beretta 92/96, Taurus PT92/99, Glock 17/22 & 19/23 Pistols, AR15/M16, Mini-14/AC556. AK47/84 rifles, Thompson SMG. Catalog with info on purchasing direct - $5.00. www.22lrconversion.com CATALOG INQUIRY #32 CATALOG INQUIRY #31 CIMARRON ARMS Cimarron Firearms offers detailed copies of the firearms used taming the frontier of Texas and the American West. Cimarron is clearly recognized as the leader in authentic high quality Cowboy Action Shooting firearms, supporting SASS since its start in 1987. Send $5.00 or your FFL to: Cimarron F.A. Co. P.O. Box 906 Fredericksburg, TX 78624 CATALOG INQUIRY #33 COMPETITIVE EDGE DYNAMICS Competitive Edge Dynamics has been leading the industry for over eighteen years, with professional shooting products, including CED timers, Chronograph, Digital Scales, Hearing Protectors, Range Bars, and so much more! Specializing in advanced design, technology, and function, CED products have become “the standard” in the industry today. FREE. Visit us online 24 hours a day at: www.CEDhk.com Phone: (888) 628-3233 • Fax: (610) 366-9680 Email: info@cedhk.com CRIMSON TRACE CORP. FREE CATALOG! Crimson Trace Lasergrips are the world’s only gripintegrated laser sights. Instinctive activation button turns on laser with normal grip pressure. Fully adjustable for accuracy at any distance. Easily installs for a custom fit on dozens of revolvers, semi-autos, 1911s and AR-15, Smith & Wesson, Sig Sauer, Beretta, Kimber, Ruger, and Glock. Call 1-800-442-2406 or go to crimsontrace.com for a free catalog today! CATALOG INQUIRY #35 CATALOG INQUIRY #34 DAVIDSON’S GalleryofGuns.com is the ultimate online catalog that features a state-of-the-art consumer firearm purchasing tool called Gun Genie. Gun Genie allows you to conveniently purchase new firearms from one of the world’s largest inventories, with the convenience of shopping at home! Let GalleryofGuns.com do all the work for you. FREE. www.galleryofguns.com CATALOG INQUIRY #36 DAWSON PRECISION Dawson Precision, Inc. is proud to be your competition handgun parts source for STI, Glock, Kimber, Para Ordnance and many other pistols. We offer a full line of optic and tritium sights, adjustable and fixed carry sights. We also sell the full line of STI pistols. WE WON’T BE UNDERSOLD! Free Catalog www.competitionshooters.com DESANTIS HOLSTER Original gunny-sacks (patented), full line of law enforcement duty and plainclothes holsters and accessories in leather, nylon and synthetic tactical gear, belts, ankle and shoulder rigs, hunting holsters and rifle slings. Extensive selection of cell phone holsters. Catalog $5.00. CATALOG INQUIRY #37 CATALOG INQUIRY #38 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM 972009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=98http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=98EL PASO SADDLERY Since 1889 El Paso Saddlery has been making the finest holsters, belts and accessories in the world. Our products include antique and modern styles. So why buy a reproduction when you can have the REAL THING. $5.00. GALCO INTERNATIONAL Galco International 2009 Catalog Building upon four decades of experience, Galco continues to design and produce these innovative products shown full color, in our 40th anniversary year catalog. These many cutting-edge products will help Galco remain your number one gunleather choice for another forty years! Galco as always - “For those who demand the best.and know the difference.” FREE. Galco International 800-874-2526 GalcoGunleather.com GUNS MAGAZINE GUNS Magazine makes the shooting sports more enjoyable. Read about the latest shooting trends and newest guns. Tips and test reports will help you buy better and shoot straighter. Discover why sportsmen all over the world have been shooting with GUNS Magazine for over 40 years. 1 Year Subscription $24.95 (outside U.S. $44.95). CATALOG INQUIRY #41 CATALOG INQUIRY #39 CATALOG INQUIRY #40 HOGUE GRIPS Hogue - for the finest OverMolded™ rifle and shotgun stocks in black, OD green & camo. Handgun grips in soft rubber, exotic hardwoods, G-10 and aluminum. Also HandAll® grip sleeves, custom grip screws, slings and swivels, recoil pads, Tamer™ pistol grip shotgun stock, PowerSpeed™ holster, firearm accessories & more. FREE CATALOG HOGUE® Inc 1-800-GETGRIP www.hoguegrips.com CATALOG INQUIRY #42 LASERMAX The only company to offer the Internal Guide Rod Laser that fits inside a wide variety of semi-autos. Smith & Wesson M&P Coming FALL 2009! Go Green with our Uni-Green™ laser for Picatinny rails. The NEW Sabre™ for standard and compact Glocks has an extended beaver tail to aide in recoil control. $2.00 catalog – receive $20 coupon via e-mail www.lasermax.com CATALOG INQUIRY #43 PEARCE GRIP Pearce Grip offers rubber grips and magazine mounted grip extensions for a variety of firearms. Check out our fine products on the web at www.pearcegrip.com or send for your free product information. CATALOG INQUIRY #44 PRO MAG INDUSTRIES If there’s one characteristic about our magazines we vowed never to change, it’s the quality that goes into their manufacture. This dedication to only turning out superior products for dependable performance has held true since our conception. That’s why each and every one of our magazines comes with a lifetime warranty. What’s more, when it comes to selection, we carry magazines to fit most popular models – foreign and domestic. Each and every ProMag is made right here in the U.S.A. where pride and craftsmanship go a long way in ensuring your satisfaction. Visit us online to see our full line. FREE. www.promagindustries.com REDDING RELOADING EQUIPMENT The 2009 Redding Catalog features new die sets for the 30 Remington AR, 338 Marlin Express and 416 Ruger as well as a new Competition Seater for the 357 Sig. It also introduces a completely new die system to remove the bulge from 40 S&W cases fired in some autoloaders. For up-to-the-minute Redding information and helpful tech tips, visit our website at www.redding-reloading.com Redding Reloading Equipment 1089 Starr Road SPORTSMAN’S GUIDE The LOWEST Prices, the BEST Quality, GUARANTEED! Name-brand ammo, shooting and hunting gear and clothing at low discount prices for 32 years. Big savings on names you trust.Winchester,® Remington,® Browning,® Steiner,® Federal® and more. Fast shipping and 100% satisfaction guaranteed! Tollfree 1-888-622-4365. www.sportsmansguide.com FREE CATALOG INQUIRY #47 Cortland, NY 13045 607-753-3331 CATALOG INQUIRY #45 CATALOG INQUIRY #46 98 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MAY/JUNE20092009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=99http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=99SPRINGFIELD ARMORY Springfield Armory offers a full line of XD® pistols the new XD (M)™, 1911-A1 pistols, M1A™ rifles, and a full 1911 Custom Shop. Call 1-800-680-6866 today for your free catalog or visit www.springfieldarmory.com Springfield, Inc. 420 West Main Street, Geneseo, IL 61254 CATALOG INQUIRY #48 WOLF has a great selection for the sports shooters. High volume shooters can still rely on WOLF Polymer coated cartridges like the: 7.62x39, .223 Rem (.55, .62 and .75 GR) as well as pistol rounds such as: 40 S&W, .45 AUTO, 9MM, and .357, Magnum. WOLF Gold Brass line includes: 33-250 Rem, .223 Rem, .75 GR Match HP, 30-30 Win, 308 Win and 6.5 Grendel (120 & 123 GR). All boxer primed and reloadable. WOLF .22 Match Target and Match Extra are excellent competitive rounds. WOLF Primers are making their place known among reloaders nationwide. 100% Performance Guaranteed on all WOLF Ammunition! www.wolfammo.com 888-757-9653 FREE. WOLF PERFORMANCE AMMUNITION CATALOG INQUIRY #51 Thank you for trusting your business to Streicher’s. We understand you have a choice when purchasing the Law Enforcement and Public Safety equipment you rely on every day. That’s why our mission in 2009 continues: to become Your Professional Equipment Solution. We hope you’re as excited as we are about our 2009 product lineup. In this catalog, you’ll see that we’ve added some of the most innovative life-saving products ever made available in the industry. As always, you can check online at www.PoliceHQ.com and www.Streichers.com to research and purchase nearly ALL of the products and services we offer, as well as find the most up-to-date information and exclusive specials. Your Equipment Solution is only a phone call (or mouse click!) away. $3.95 STREICHER’S Features a variety of topics from collecting and gunsmithing to hunting, self defense and cowboy action shooting. Enjoy exciting hunting from Africa or get closer to home with a video on better home safety and personal protection. Take advantage of hardcover books featuring full color photos of firearms. Get First Team merchandise and more. $1.00. www.gunsmagazine.com www.americanhandgunner.com CATALOG INQUIRY #52 GUNS BOOKS/MERCHANDISE CATALOG INQUIRY #49 WILSON COMBAT The Wilson Combat 2009 catalog celebrates 31 years of gun crafting excellence. This catalog contains 52 pages of high resolution photos of our current line of firearms, as well as a complete, comprehensive overview of our product line. Please visit www.wilsoncombat.com or call our customer service department at 1-800-955-4856 to obtain your copy today. FREE. www.wilsoncombat.com 800-955-4856 CATALOG INQUIRY #50 WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM 992009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=100http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=100READY, AIM . . . SQUEEZE! SPEAK OUT Continued from page 18 remained the same, regardless of caliber. On a side note, I once watched a gang member take a load of police buckshot into his lower back area from about 35 feet when he pulled down on a group of cops during a felony vehicle stop. He ran almost a block, shooting, before he fell. So “stopping” power isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, unless you’re using a centerfire rifle of at least medium caliber. And Clint would be happy to talk to you about that! Editor Although shooting is only one part of Brennan’s life, this little bit of shooting success and the recognition gained certainly helps give him some of the self-confidence he will need to be successful in other areas of life. Brennan’s Dad William W. Price Via e-mail Well there you go. It seems not all kids who use firearms are inner-city gang members. Imagine that. Well done Dad, and well done to those who have helped Brennan out. Let’s keep the ball rolling. Editor Safe Gun Safe Better Recoil Control! Captains of Crush® Grippers - 10 strengths www.ironmind.com IRONMIND - AMERICAN HANDGUN 2.25 X 5 JAN 2009 Your article on the reasons for buying a gunsafe (“Why I Bought A Gunsafe,” Jan/Feb 2009) was right on the money. I’ve heard (and considered) the argument that for the cost of a safe, you could buy another gun or two. Well, I can’t tell you what it was like to walk into my house recently and see it trashed. I ran to the backroom, fearing the worst. The burglars worked over my safe using tools from my garage, but the safe held. Those simple, metal gun cabinets might be okay for keeping out a small child, but a quality safe is an investment that will really pay off if you are ever burglarized. Gene Stephens Austin, Texas Spaghetti Guns I just picked up several copies of the March/April 2009 edition of American Handgunner. It came out at just the right time. Brennan has been in a real slump this school semester — his senior high school year — and the recognition in the article on the 2008 STI/American Handgunner match sure perked him up. I am especially appreciative of Terry’s photos and coverage of the match included in your publication. Because I’m his Dad, I’m extremely proud of his performance at that match; but all I can claim is that I drove him there, bought his guns and reloaded his ammo. The majority of credit goes to people like Jerry & Kay Miculek and BJ Norris, who spent time with Brennan helping him, as they have with so many others, by getting kids involved in the shooting sports with their excellent training. And there are others like the Brian Haas Foundation, Ralph Arredondo and Bevin Grams, who have provided him with scholarship and equipment support that gave him self-confidence and helped him to be able to compete. There are so many other people to thank who have helped Brennan over the past five years of his involvement in competitive shooting that I can’t even began to name them all. What I do know is I’m very grateful to them all. 100 Kid Shooter On a quiet night a week ago I indulged myself by watching one of my old favorites, “Buono, il brutto, il cattivo” — The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. The quintessential Clint Eastwood “Spaghetti Western.” The movie seems to take place near the end of the American Civil War. What prompts my question is the bad guys and the good guys all seem to be shooting cartridge-firing cap-and-ball revolvers. I was aware of these conversions, but were these actually in existence as of the late Civil War years? A couple of scenes show the guns up close, and neither Tuco’s nor Blondie’s has a top strap. Could you comment on whether this was just “movie magic” and a total anachronism? Do you have any idea what guns are actually portrayed in the movie? Gary Smith Gilbert, Ariz. This, from Duke Venturino: Gary: It was movie magic. The reason they use conversions instead of cap & ball revolvers is the time element. It takes too long to reload cap & ball revolvers for retakes of2009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=101http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=101: SPOTLIGHT Rimless RevolveR Charter Arms For more information on seeing your product featured in Spotlight contact, Steve Evatt (858) 605-0218. Charter Arms has come up with an affordable revolver that chambers rimless semiauto rounds in the same manner as a standard rimmed cartridge revolver. This first model is in .40 S&W chambering and will be followed by the .45 ACP, and the 9x19mm Parabellum. Now the average gun owner can own an affordable, trouble-free revolver chambered in these popular semiauto rounds without the need for specialized ammunition clips and a specialized gun. Check out all the details on the Web at www.charterfirearms.com. shootinG saFety combo kit Howard Leight This Woman’s Shooting Safety Combo Kit features eyewear with clear polycarbonate lens with an anti fog coating and 99.9 percent UV protection, with a dusty rose frame color. Also included is a metallic dusty rose earmuff and an adjustable headband. The Adult Shooting Safety Combo Kit features an adjustable fit earmuff and flexible eyewear frame. These combos fit the bill safety wise besides being stylish and affordable. Check them out on the Web www.howardleight.com. opeRatoR GRade Field Jacket EOTAC EOTAC, introduces the retro look Operator Grade Field Jacket updated in contemporary materials and features. This jacket is constructed of an extremely durable and wear-resistant 9 ounce all cotton Iron Twill treated with DuPont Teflon fabric protector. It’s loaded with features including four spacious front cargo pockets with side bellows and drainage holes. To learn more about all the exciting new products from EOTAC, look them up on the Web at www.eotac.com. the eaRl North American Arms p238 acp subcompact SIG Sauer Reacting to many requests from shooters for a subcompact SIG Sauer pistol, engineers designed the new P238 as a small handgun packed with the same accuracy and reliability as the large frame SIG Sauer. With an overall length of just 5.5", a height of 3.96", and weighing in at just under a pound, The P238 is the ultimate firepower in an all metal frame concealed pistol. To get all the specs on the P238 in .380 ACP, check them out on the Web at www.sigsauer.com. Introducing the .22 WMR plinker, The Earl, for sale in California! It has an exemption from the regs outlined in CA SB 15 available to 5+ shot single action revolvers with 3" barrels and an overall length of 7.5 ". This means these firearms don’t undergo testing of manufacturer’s certification requirements. Similarly, NAA will also make available in California its MiniMaster. Visit www.naaminis.com. BLACKHAWK! aR15/m16 telescopinG stock Choate Machine and Tool Choate Machine and Tool introduces their new telescoping stock for the Ar15/M16. This five position telescoping stock has two storage compartments with O-ring sealed screw caps. The storage compartments are water tight and hold two AA or three Lithium batteries in each side. The stock has a nonslip hard rubber butt plate and three places to attach a sling: one on the bottom, a slot through the stock and a detachable sling swivel in the middle. The aluminum recoil buffer tube and storage compartment caps are powder coated in a matte black finish. Visit them on the Web at www. riflestock.com. WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM BLACKHAWK! reenergized the low-light product market with it’s Gladius strobe light. The Gladius Maximis features new, improved capabilities that maximize its function in critical close-quarter situations. It runs for 90 minutes at full power output of 120 Lumens and 400 hours at its lowest setting of 1.5 Lumens. It has a water resistant aluminum body, with a multifunction tail cap providing one finger switching between modes. The 1" body diameter is compatible with all standard weapons mounts. See more at www.blackhawk.com. Gladius maximis liGht Ever wonder what gunmaker Bill Wilson carries on a daily basis? Well wonder no more because here it is. You take a Wilson Combat CQB compact, add the “round butt” treat2009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=102http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=102INDEX OF ADVERTISERS A.T. Custom Gun Works Al Mar Knives Alpha Precision American Cop Subscription Amer. Hand. Subscription Arntzen Corporation ArredondoAccessories BarnesBullets Bar-Sto Belt Mountain Enterprises Benchmade Knives Berry’s Manufacturing Brian Tighe Knives Cabela’s Caspian Arms ChipMcCormickCustom CompetitiveEdgeDynamics Cor-bon/Glaser Crawford Knives Crimson Trace 73 81 73 38 11 83 89 91 78 83 3 10 86 86 18 19 92 12 78 15 CrossBreed Holsters 12 Cylinder&Slide 19 D & L Sports 73 DeSantisHolsters 29,80 Dillon Precision 81 Elite Operator 77 Elite Sports Express 18 Elite Survival Systems 88 European American Armory 13 FMGSpecialEditions 75,95,102 Fobus USA 71 Galco International 6 Gary Reeder Customs 73 Ghost,Inc. 89 GUNS Magazine Subscription 46 GSIInternational 69 HiViz 80 HKS Supply 84 Hogue Grips 6 Hornady Ammunition 23 10 Insight Technology Ironmind Enterprises 100 Kershaw Knives 82 Kimber 78,108 Knifemart 21 LambertKnives 69 LaserMax 76 Law Concealment Systems 88 Les Baer Custom 107 Lightfoot Knives 88 Maxpedition 27,93 Mec-Gar USA 21 Meprolight 14 Morris Custom Pistols 18 MTM Molded Products 33 OneStopKnifeShop.com 87 PACT,Inc. 8 Para USA 2 Pearce Grip 77 Pro Ears 16 Pro Mag Industries 14 Rick Hinderer Knives 77 Sig Sauer 33 Singletary Customs 73 Smith&AlexanderInc. 90 Springfield,Inc. 16,17,25 SSK Industries 100 STI Int. 71 Surefire 35,90 SwatMagazine 94 TaurusInternational 9 Ten Ring Precisions 73 Thunder Ranch Training DVD 85 TOPSKNIVES 89 Tussey Custom 73 UniversalShootingAcademy 89 USA Shooting Team 31 W.C. Wolff Company 21 7,76 WilsonCombat Order Your Copy While Supplies Last ONLY $9.95 PERSONAL DEFENSE (outside U.S. $17.95) 2008 ANNUAL Call Toll-Free Mon-Fri 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. PST 888.732.2299 Order at www.americanhandgunner.com LOOK INSIDE: » » » » » » 102 P.O. Box 502610 • San Diego, CA 92150-2610 3-Gun Home Battery First Aid Ammo Knife Defense Carry Guns Plus Much More WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MAY/JUNE20092009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=103http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=103AMERICAN HANDGUNNER FOR SALE CLASSIFIED Classifiedads$2.00per-wordperinsertion.($1.50per-wordperinsertionfor3ormore)includingname,addressandphonenumber(20 word minimum). Minimum charge $40.00. Bold words add $1.00 per word. Copy and rerun orders must be accompanied by PAYMENT IN ADVANCE. NO AGENCY OR CASH DISCOUNTS ON LISTING OR DISPLAY CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING. All ads must bereceivedwithadvancepaymentBYNOLATERTHANTHE1stofeachmonth.Adsreceivedafterclosingwillappearinthefollowingissue. Please type or print clearly. PLEASE NOTE*** NO PROOFS WILL BE FURNISHED.Includename,address,postoffice,city,stateand zip code as counted words. Abbreviations count as one word each. Mail to AMERICAN 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. ACCESSORIES ACCESSORIES GUN PARTS GUNS FOR SALE GUNSMITHING INSTRUCTION E-mail: OKEEFE1@QWESTOFFICE.NET 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. Hand made in three widths, and five colors from $59.95, any length! Catalogue-$3.00 (refundable) PO Box 1302, Apex, NC 27502. 919-387-1997. www. thebeltman.net. AUCTIONS/SHOWS BOOKS BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES EASY WORK! EXCELLENT PAY! Assemble products from home. For free information send SASE: Home Assembly-AH Box 450 New Britain, CT 06050-0450 KNIVES & SWORDS LEATHERCRAFT COLLECTORS EMBLEMS & INSIGNIA FIREWORKS WANTED TO PURCHASE WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM 1032009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=104http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=104insider ADD IT UP $50,000,000 Denomination on a Zimbabwe note worth 2 cents. Ratemurderisdownfrom1991. the insider Continued from page 106 CharTer rimless Wonder T 43% 12% 32% 24% 80 30 Year Low Violent crime rate. Murders committed with knives in 2007. he new Charter Arms Rimless Revolver (the CARR, but not the kind you drive), will be out first in .40 S&W, then — be still our quaking hearts — .45 ACP and last in 9mm. A really cool thing is the 9mm will also handle .380. The rimless case picker-outer doo-hicky in the cylinder niftily snags rimless cases and gets rid of them with a flick of the ejector rod. At $449 for the .40 and .45 and $399 for the 9mm, Charter has a trio of winners here. Can hardly wait, and yes, I’ve already assigned articles on them so be patient. www.charterfirearms.com Photo: Don Hacklander Murders committed with no firearm involved. SIG . Lower rate of violent crime in right to carry states. Rifle production jobs eliminated by S&W at Rochester N.H. plant. C Yearlyratefemalehunterparticipation is growing in Canada. 3% 40 States that have passed right to carry laws. alled the P238, this new compact SIG is basically a diminutive single action 1911 in .380, shades of the old Colt Mustang series, since the P238 has an aluminum frame and weighs just under a pound. But, the big difference here is these guns will more than likely run like a top and be accurate for their size. I’m waiting on one of these and will test it personally and let you know. At around $515 MSRP, I’ll bet it sells for around $450 in stores. If you like this sort of thing, well, here’s one. www.sigsauer.com 380 t was a good year for old friends. At S.H.O.T. I found that Ken Onion, the inventor of the “SpeedSafe” design and the fellow who virtually single-handedly put Kershaw on the map, was inducted into the Blade Magazine Cutlery Hall of Fame. Ken’s the 45th member and the youngest to ever make it. It took him completely by surprise at the Blade show last May, as he sat at one of the front tables during the banquet. I love it when you “get ‘em good” like that! “Roy, I was so thrilled and stunned I just couldn’t believe it.” I believe it Ken. You’re right up there with John Browning, only with sharp things. A Handgunner “Well Done” to Ken! Ken OnIOn KudOs I J 104 ust back from S.H.O.T. show where no end of astounding and not-so-astounding goodies were displayed. Ruger’s new Lightweight Compact Revolver (or LCR — get it?) is definitely in the astounding category. Made with a polymer sub-frame, or, as they call it a “High-Tech Polymer fire control housing,” an aluminum frame, innovative cam-driven innards and a “retro” Ruger LCR looking fluted cylinder, this is definitely something unusual for a Ruger. Available with standard “rubberlooking” grips or Crimson Trace Laser Grips, at about 13.5 ounces and with a pinned, replaceable front sight (fixed rear) this sorta’ re-writes the small-frame revolver book. Staffers who shot it said the polymer frame feels like it softens the recoil some in this .38 Special +P-rated five-shooter. Well done, Ruger. And just between us, I doubt we’d have seen this sort of thing if the “old man” were still around. Ruger is rocking lately. www.ruger.com/lcr. WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM • MAY/JUNE20092009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=105http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=105Coke Bottles hen you buy your classic S&Ws make your next stop Raj’s Web site so you can pick out a set of classic “Coke Bottle” S&W grips. The early guns were equipped with an elegantly profiled grip that came to be known as a Coke Bottle grip due to the curvy shape. They immediately turn a S&W into a genuine retro-gun. Or (and?) you could get some stag, ivory, pearl, fancy wood or, well … you get the drift. Tell Raj Handgunner sent you. www.eaglegrips.com W ld bud and a pistolsmith familiar to Handgunner readers, Marc Morganti was awarded the American Pistolsmiths Guild “Pistolsmith of the Year” award at their banquet just before S.H.O.T. this year. And, to top it off, Marc was elected president of the Guild at the same time. A double hitter! Sorry I missed the party, Marc. Check out Marc’s Web site to see his stunning work. www.geminicustoms.com Guild Good Guy S&W Classics lady ick me I’ve gone to heaven. With no small amount of arm-twisting, S&W has continued to expand the “Classic” revolver series under Tony Miele’s watchful eye. At S.H.O.T. I eyeballed and hefted, as we gun-guys say, a new Model 58 and Model 14 (among others of their ilk). Yikes and Geronimo … it really is the good old days. So, if you always had a hankering, now’s the time. There’s no telling how long this will last, so buy ’em while the buying is good. Who says old can’t be new? Thanks S&W, thanks Tony. www.smith-wesson.com K know you’ve wanted to do it, yearned to do it, wished you could do it — well, we did it. Here, Handguner staffer and all-around rad-dude, Jade, put his Springfield Armory 9mm to good use administering the final solution to his phone. “I just had enough of ‘not enough bars’ and was tired of being bullied by my cell phone,” he explained in an after-action debriefing. “And they say a 9mm isn’t enough gun. I think it did just fine.” Us too, Jade. Can you hear me now? WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM shot-Phone I n our on-going effort to showcase lady-hunters, simply because we can, here’s a duo sure to steal your heart. Young Mandy (age 9!) is a neighbor of mine and took this very nice doe on her parent’s property here in Missouri. She used a Savage Youth Model in .243 and it “only took one shot, Mr. Huntington!” Well done, Ms. Mandy, and kudos to her parents who have the sense to show her these things safely. Food doesn’t always come on Styrofoam trays. And Samantha, at 14, is all smiles with this fine big fellow she took in Montana. Samantha made a perfect 70 yard, double lung shot with a Remington Model Seven Youth rifle in 7mm-08 wearing a Leupold scope. Her first deer, she said “hunting is awesome!” I wonder how these young ladies may look at guns and hunting in the future? Did we make new friends here? Ya’ think? Well done ladies, and a big American Handgunner salute to you both and to all the young people hunting and shooting safely out there. What-say we encourage this sort of conduct? hunTers i * 105 insider O ou probably know of Freedom Arms, the makers of the finest single action revolvers in the world. Wayne Baker, father of Bob Baker, the guy who runs Freedom, is the man behind the company and the one who started it all. But there’s much, much more to this astounding gent. At a trade show recently, he showed me his book he wrote and as I looked it over, I realized this stately gent in front of me had lived a life many could only dream of. From his 32 missions over Germany in a B-24 to his life-long work building and creating, Mr. Baker is a genuine American hero. I told him I’d like to tell my readers about it in Handgunner. “Thanks, that’d be just fine,” he said, handing a book to my wife. “That’ll be 20 bucks,” he said with a twinkle in his eye. I paid up, made sure he signed it, shook his hand, and smiled at this irascible character. “Much of my life has been about freedom — finding it, enjoying it, making use of it, challenging those who would take it away from me, and doing what I could to protect and defend it,” he says i2009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=106http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=106THE Roy Huntington INSIDER TM m insider There was little sense of community or neighborhood, and all too often, their collective worlds stopped at the ends of their noses. Wonder or care about someone else? Hardly. But things are very, very different here. Joplin is at the juxtaposition of the mid-west and the south, so it enjoys elements of both cultures that spill over and mix. A collision, y wife, Ms. Suzi, and I just tackled a cross-country but in a good way. The “Show Me State” offers friendship, move from Southern California to just outside of a work ethic, a ready-hand to help out (always) and comJoplin, Missouri. We bought a rambling home on 20 fort food riches. The gentle touch of the south lends a hand wooded acres so we could, as Suzi says, “get out of dodge” with a soft drawl from some, and heavy doses of southern and escape the ruckus of urban life in California. Having hospitality from everyone — always genuinely offered. And been here about four months at the time of writing, I’ve feelings can be hurt if you refuse — which we don’t. Can learned some things. you say “sweet tea”? First off, my nearest neighbor (a gentleman and his We’ve learned you need to factor-in “visiting” time when family who enjoy guns and shooting on their own property) you meet people. Doesn’t matter where, or the circumstances is about a quarter mile “up the road” as they say here. When (pumping gas, Home Depot, buying groceries, the UPS man we first moved in Suzi and I were exploring our woods to or “that nice fellow around the corner”) you always spend the east and we popped out at the rear of his property and time to “visit” and see how the other person is doing. And Kent was outside barbecuing. I had a .45 in an old tanker the damndest thing is — it’s genuine. When Larry at the holster on since I didn’t know what was out there, and felt lumber yard asks if that project is going okay, he means a bit embarrassed to be openly armed like that, meeting my it. And if it’s not, he’ll stop by and help out if you need it new neighbor for the first time. I slid the holster off and put — without being asked. So far, my UPS man, Fed-Ex guy, it on the ATV’s seat and held out my hand. “Sorry about the mail-lady, neighbors, strangers I’ve met, and people virtually gun, but I didn’t know what to expect back there,” I said. everywhere have offered support, help, advice or just a hand “I figured you were our new neighbor,” exclaimed Kent, in welcome. Now we’re spoiled — and I can shoot in my reaching for my outstretched hand, “and when I saw that .45, I back yard, if that don’t beat all. was happy to see you weren’t some anti-gun liberal! Welcome It’s a far cry from standing in line at a Starbucks in San to Missouri, and come on in to meet my wife and family.” Diego and having everyone in line on their cell phones, Since then, I’ve helped Kent’s wife, Cindy, load her truck ignoring one another (including the poor 17-year old behind with deer she and her daughter hunted on their property, and the counter), rushing, being pushy and all-in-all, being rude, they’ve taken good care of our home while we’ve traveled. and not even realizing it. Remember: their world stops at Friends to trust in — fast. Welcome to Missouri. the ends of their noses. And hold the door for you when you With the trees around us we are, indeed, a very private leave? I don’t think so. Don’t you hate it? We did too, and we place. We went from typical urban-suburbia “house on a left because of it. Oh, and the traffic, and the cost of living, street with a zillion others just like it” to this restful, wonthe noise, the lack of places to shoot and the … well, you derful bit of America smack-dab in the heartland — and the understand. differences are stunning. I remember (so long ago it seems One more thing. I’ve noticed here, not only do people now) hearing dozens of lawn mowers running on Saturdays, wait patiently in line at the store, but if you’re fumbling with listening to my neighbor2009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=107http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=107LES BAER Full Page What’s the secret to making the finest custom 1911’s in the world? There are two of them, really. 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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.com2009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=108http://fmgpublications.ipaperus.com/FMGPublications/AmericanHandgunner/AHMJ09/?Page=108The Custom Crimson Carry II™ is light, powerful & absolutely dependable. Carry Light. The Ultra Crimson Carry II™ features a 3-inch bushingless bull barrel & short grip to enhance concealability. Weight is only 25 ounces. Introducing Kimber Crimson Carry 1911 .45 ACP Pistols. Crimson Carry pistols combine light weight and unequaled Kimber® quality with . Standard Kimber the proven tactical advantage of Crimson Trace® Lasergrips® features like match grade barrel, chamber, barrel bushing and trigger, rounded and blended edges, beveled magazine well and high ride beavertail grip safety ensure unequaled performance. Custom touches include a new recessed slide stop pin and two-tone non-reflective finish. Proudly made in America, a Kimber 1911 is the best choice for duty, home defense and concealed carry. See Kimber pistols in action at www.kimberamerica.com. The Pro Crimson Carry II™ has a 4-inch barrel & fulllength grip. Ideal for duty carry or home defense, it weighs just 28 ounces. Crimson Carry .45 ACP pistols feature Crimson Trace Lasergrips in a new, exclusive rosewood nish with classic checkering & the Kimber logo. The Choice of America’s Best. 2008 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. www.kimberamerica.com For information on products and dealer locations please send $2 to: Kimber, Dept. 185 One Lawton Street, Yonkers, NY 10705 Information is also available at (800) 880-24182009-03-06T21:03:59+01:00