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New S&W 642!

smith_642_01aSmith & Wesson is updating one of their best selling handguns:  the model 642.  The 642 is an aluminum framed .38 Special revolver that is carried by thousands of cops and armed citizens as a pocket or ankle gun.  In fact, it may be the most popular back-up gun in the United States.

The new S&W 642 features a 2 1/2″ barrel and a full-length, shrouded extractor.  The current 642’s have a 1 7/8″ barrel and a diminutive extractor.

The new 642 has a pinned, black blade front sight, the standard fixed rear notch and the seemingly “hammerless” fully enclosed hammer.  Unloaded weight is only up to 16 ounces, and the overall length is 7″.

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Gun Dudes: A Podcast for the Masses

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Iron Maiden or the Gun Dudes...you decide.

Do you have a group of guys that you sit around with, and talk guns, crack jokes, and quote action movies?  If so, you’ll feel right at home with the Gun Dudes podcast.

A lighthearted, actually fun approach to discussing firearms, the Gun Dudes are a group of guys that cover topics from concealed carry to IDPA shooting with a liberal helping of humor thrown in to keep the conversation interesting.

Howard Leight Impact Sport ear pro review
Iron Maiden or the Gun Dudes…you decide.

While each show will have some specific topics (also known as toe-picks), the Dudes also start each program with a bit of news that highlights citizens using firearms to defend themselves and their families.  A regular segment, the Misfire Award, discusses a criminal act that stands out from the crowd due to its over-achieving level of stupidity.

The Gun Dudes podcast is a member of the Gun Rights Radio Network (GRRN), which includes a wide range of gun and shooting related podcasts.

The Gun Dudes are Carl, (Tactical) Tom, and Stan with frequent guests dropping in to add to the conversation.  Though we have never met, listening to these guys is like sitting around with my own friends.  It is a great program, and I highly recommend it.

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Down Range Radio Podcast by Michael Bane

bane_01Long time gun writer and TV personality Michael Bane publishes a weekly podcast called Down Range Radio.  The show is a general firearms program that covers Second Amendment issues, product reviews, shooting, competition, Bane’s TV programs, and other bits of random things that may relate to music, outdoors, extreme sports, or even gang-bangers in Tampa, FL.

Each program is about an hour, and comes out on Wednesdays.

Podcasts, if you aren’t aware, are audio or video recordings published on the Internet in a fashion similar to syndicated radio or TV shows.  Most podcasts are free, and many are produced by the average guy or by a small business.  If you have a computer with an Internet connection, you can download and listen to podcasts.

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Smith & Wesson Model 627 in .38 Super

The new S&W model 627 revolver in .38 Super.
The new S&W model 627 revolver 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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TAPCO AR-15 Polymer Magazine

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There are a wide variety of AR-15 magazines being made today.  Long-time firearm accessory manufacturer TAPCO makes their own polymer AR-15 magazine that they believe meets the needs of many shooters.

Designed after interviewing military members, law enforcement officers, and citizen enthusiasts, the TAPCO AR-15 magazines are solidly built, reasonably priced, have a number of nice design features, and are available in four colors.

img_7003Overall construction of the magazine feels excellent.  The body of the magazine feels very strong.  In fact, as compared to virtually all other polymer AR-15 magazines, the TAPCO seems the most solid.  The follower slides smoothly through the magazine.  There are no noises from the follower or spring when the magazine is shaken (loaded or unloaded.)

The body of the magazine has a wide, waffle-style pattern for obtaining a good grip.

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