Categories
Ammunition

Winchester Bonded PDX1 Personal Protection Ammunition

Winchester Ammunition is bringing a new line of self defense ammo to the market in 2009: the Bonded PDX1 Personal Protection Ammunition.

The PDX1 Personal Protection Ammunition is “engineered to maximize terminal ballistics, as defined by the demanding FBI test protocol, which simulates real-world threats.” While I believe the protocol is a useful tool to make a side-by-side comparisons of different cartridges and bullet designs, I do not believe that it simulates “real world threats” for the vast majority of people who own firearms for self defense.

Categories
Handguns

Smith & Wesson Model SW1911 Sub Compact – Pro Series Pistol

Smith and Wesson has brought a new subcompact 1911 in .45 ACP to the market in their SW1911 line. The SW1911 Sub Compact Pro Series is a tiny 1911 with an obvious eye on the concealed carry market.

The SW1911 features a Scandium frame, carbon steel slide, and stainless steel barrel, which all weighs in at only 24 ounces unloaded. The gun is offered in matte black.

Categories
news

Smith & Wesson Model 57 Classic in .41 Magnum

The Smith & Wesson Model 57 Classic is a modern version of the original 57 that was introduced in 1964. The Classic Model 57 was introduced by S&W at the 2009 SHOT Show. 

Categories
Optics and Sighting Systems

Crimson Trace LG-401 Lasergrip for Government and Commander 1911 Pistols

Crimson Trace manufactures high-quality red laser aiming devices for a wide range of self-defense pistols and revolvers. The Crimson Trace LG-401 is the lasergrip aiming device for the Government and Commander sized 1911 pistols.

The LG-401 replaces the grip panels with the Crimson Trace lasergrips. The red laser emitting diode, sits above the right grip panel and is activated by a switch that wraps around the front of the magazine well. When you obtain a shooting grip, you naturally activate the laser when you are ready to fire.

The laser is easily adjustable by the user; it does not need to be installed by a professional gunsmith. Trust me – if I can do this (and I can,) anyone can.

Crimson Trace LG-401

Crimson Trace lasergrips are used by a wide variety of law enforcement and military organizations and are generally considered to be very rugged. The LG-401 is no different, offering the same reliability found in all of the Crimson Trace products. This can be carried on duty by law enforcement officers and military servicemen.

I have shot a number of pistols and revolvers wearing the Crimson Trace lasergrips. They fit my hand well and the laser actuation is easy and natural. No switches to fumble with.

The only issue I have with Crimson Trace laser is the use of red lasers. In low light conditions, they work great. Unfortunately, in bright conditions you are not likely to ever see the red aiming spot. For example, if you are outdoors on a sunny day, you will not be able to use the CT lasergrips to aim. While you can still use the gun’s standard sights, if you have extensively trained with the laser, but no the irons, you may not revert to the proper sighting technique when the pressure is on.

This Crimson Trace Lasergrips product is a great addition to anyone’s 1911 if they are needing a laser aiming device. These have gotten very positive reviews in recent years. Until they start making green lasers, this is one of the top-quality choices available for shooters today.

Disclosure

GunsHolstersAndGear.com is a for-profit website. I do not charge readers a dime to access the information I provide.

Some of the links on this page and site are affiliate links to companies like Amazon and Palmetto State Armory. These links take you to the products mentioned in the article. Should you decide to purchase something from one of those companies, I make a small commission.

The links do not change your purchase price. I do not get to see what any individual purchases.

Categories
Ammunition

.338 Marlin Express LEVEREvolution Ammo From Hornady

The .338 Marlin Express is the ‘427 big block’ of lever gun cartridges according to Hornady. Hornady states the .338 Marlin is the first “long-range, big game, lever gun specific cartridge.” Introduced by Marlin in October, the firearm has not yet been posted on the Marlin site, but should be listed in the upcoming 2009 catalog.

Using a 200-grain FTX bullet common to the LEVEREvolution line, the Hornady loading of the .338 Marlin Express shows a muzzle velocity of 2565 fps (2921 ft/lb) that maintains 1991 fps (1760 ft/lb) at 300 yards with only a 7.8″ drop. Hornady says the .338 Marlin is “based loosely on the 376 Steyr.”

This is the only load for this caliber from Hornady. Hornady often loads ammo for the smaller, niche calibers. While it is great they are making a LeveRevolution load for the .338 Marlin Express, it would be great to see another load from them in this caliber. I don’t know if there is enough of a following to justify its development, but it would be great from this consumer’s viewpoint.