Author: Richard Johnson

Richard Johnson is an American author, editor and entrepreneur.

A former police officer and trainer, he left public service and founded Tac6 Media, LLC.

Richard is a prolific writer with hundreds of articles related to firearms and law enforcement published by Harris Publications, Athlon Outdoors, NRA, Police & Security News, The Firearm Blog, Human Events and more.

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news

Smith & Wesson Model 627 in .38 Super

The new S&W model 627 revolver in .38 Super.

Smith & Wesson introduced the limited edition model 627 in .38 Super. This competition-caliber revolver features red, white and blue grips and a glass bead finish that give it a very distinctive look for both the range and the Sunday BBQ.

Designed and built by the Smith & Wesson Performance Center, the model 627 has a 5 1/2″ barrel with compensator, a Patridge front sight and adjustable rear sight. And yes, it has an internal lock.

The S&W 627 comes with full-moon clips and a spent case removal tool.

The standard S&W model 627 is an eight-shot .357 Magnum. This version is in .38 Super, a cartridge frequently associated with competition shooting in the United States. Combined with the styling of this handgun, it would appear S&W is gearing this firearm for the competition market.

The model 627 is available to your dealer only through Birmingham-based Bangers distributor. Pricing is set by the dealer, and no MSRP is given by Smith & Wesson.

Specifications:

  • Model: 627
  • Caliber: .38 Super
  • Capacity: 8 Rounds
  • Action: Single/Double Action
  • Barrel Length: 5 1/2″ Angled
  • Front Sight: Patridge
  • Rear Sight: S&W Adjustable
  • Overall Length: 11″
  • Weight: 45.5 oz.
  • Grip: Red, White, & Blue Wood
  • Material: Stainless Steel Frame and Cylinder
  • Finish: Glassbead

2013 Update

At this time, the S&W model 627 in .38 Super is no longer available through any normal channels. The limited production gun was made only as a short run for the Bangers distributor, and no more were made. The revolver is not listed in the Smith & Wesson catalog or on the company’s website.

Occasionally, a model 627 in .38 Super will come up for sale or auction on one of the internet gun sales sites, and a collector can find the guns there. However, one can expect to pay a premium over the original price because of the relative rarity of the gun. Do not expect to pick up a pristine, unfired gun on the cheap.

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Rifles

KAC Chainsaw Machine Gun

Mossberg Chainsaw

Somehow I missed this gem at the 2009 SHOT Show. Knight’s Armament showed a new chainsaw-styled machine gun, which is based on the Stoner LMG (light machine gun). This functioning chainsaw machine gun is belt-fed, chambered in 5.56, and has an integral suppressor and 37mm flare launcher. Oh, and the appearance kicks ass.

Knight’s said that this machine gun was more of a fun expriment than a serious exercise in a new platform development. However, they make an excellent point, which was with new sighting systems, bringing a rifle to your shoulder to align the sights may be obsolete in the near future. If so, something like the chainsaw machine gun may be a better alternative as a shooting platform. The concept is certainly worth exploring.

The non-machinegun chainsaw is a fairly ergonomic tool that many people use regularly. I’ve always found chainsaws to be a natural extension of my arm and easy to wield without any real training or optics. Granted, shooting a machinegun-like device from the hip is different, but I think the ergonomics can make sense.

Imagine having an optic on the gun that relays a signal via wire or Bluetooth to a heads up display integrated into the helmet. It may sound like an Aliens rip-off, but I think the system could work.

My question is: Can you shoot this gun without yelling “get some!”? I’m not sure. Knight’s Armament has a real flair for developing the fun guns, and this one is right at the top of the fun chart. Mossberg went on to develop a shotgun that uses a chainsaw-like appearance:

Mossberg Chainsaw

The Mossberg Chainsaw shotgun is a curious design, but not nearly as fun or practical as the KAC Chainsaw machinegun. Mossberg makes a few good use-cases for their shotgun, such as breeching duties, but I think the hip-fired machine gun is a more useful tool.

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Rifles

Addax Tactical Gas Piston AR-15 Upper

Addax Tactical AR-15 gas piston uppers.

There has been much talk about improving the AR-15/M-16 with a gas piston system rather than the direct gas impingement system in use since the 60’s. Companies like the Ruger have attempted to capitalize on this trend by producing gas piston rifles such as the SR556. If you already own an AR or two, you can retrofit your gun with a piston system, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars.

Addax Tactical makes a gas piston upper for the AR-platform called the ATAC-GPU or Advanced Tactical AR Carbine Gas Piston Upper. Addax Tactical states the ATAC-GPU “utilizes a specially designed, self regulating, long stroke piston system for enhanced dwell time and lower recoil.”

The ATAC-GPU is manufactured with mil-spec and match-grade parts, and Addax Tactical says it is built tough enough for all law enforcement and military applications.

Available options for the ATAC-GPU include Vltor MUR upper receivers, cold hammer forged 16″ barrels, 10.5″ – 16″ mil-spec barrels, compensators, flash suppressors, and a variety of Cerrakote finishes. Addax offer the uppers in 5.56 (aka .223) and 6.5 Grendel and 6.8 SPC. Prices start at $875 and go up depending on what options you want.

addax-02

Update: This specific system is not currently available from Addax Tactical. Other AR-15 piston uppers are available from Addax and other companies. A quick Google search can help you find a system that will work for you. I do not know if this system will be coming available in the future, or if this is a dead product now. If someone has any insight into this piston upper situation, please add to the discussion in the comments section below. I know I would like to know more information, and I’m sure other readers would like to hear about it as well. Also, if there is anyone who is running one of these uppers now, let us know how you like it.

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Holsters

On Quality Holsters and Guns

One of the Internet arguments that never seems to die is whether you should carry a pistol with a cartridge in the chamber. The argument against carrying with “one in the pipe” is based on the idea that it is unsafe to do so. People are concerned about “accidental” discharges while it is carried, or if the pistol is dropped.

I’ll be completely up front and tell you that with a quality firearm, quality holster and competent owner, the handgun should be carried with a cartridge in the chamber if you are carrying for self defense. In most instances, a self-defense situation involving the use of deadly force develops far to quickly for you to draw your weapon and then work the slide before being able to employ the handgun.

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Optics and Sighting Systems

Crimson Trace LG-375 Lasergrips for the Taurus Judge and Tracker

Crimson Trace announces the latest addition to the Taurus revolver line-up is now available. The new Model LG-375 fits both the Taurus Judge and Tracker models and offers an ergonomic and comfortable grip designed with the advantage of an ergonomically located laser with the proven performance you’ve come to expect from Crimson Trace.

The LG-375 offers a rubber overmolded construction for comfort during extended shooting sessions and the instinctive activation that is synonymous with Crimson Trace.

The new LG-375 features an integrated two-piece design for easy installation, snap-in battery retainers, and generous relief in the side panels to facilitate speed loaders along with a master power switch. The Lasergrips are sighted in for 50 feet at the factory but can be zeroed in at different distances by using the windage and elevation adjustments.

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