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NRA Life Membership – Best Deal [Limited Time]

Post author By Richard Johnson
Post date June 20, 2018
100 Comments on NRA Life Membership – Best Deal [Limited Time]

Gun owners need to sign up immediately for a lifetime membership to the NRA.

Why? Let me tell you.

The National Rifle Association has new leadership, and they seem intent on fighting for the Second Amendment. And that fight is real.

Just because Republicans control both houses of Congress and a Republican is in the White House doesn’t mean we are safe. Consider that as I’m writing this the Supreme Court – with a supposed 6-3 membership to “our side” – allowed a Maryland anti-gun law to stand.

The anti-gunners will use every tragic crime to push for you to be disarmed using the exact tactics of division they project on others. Sadly, their lies find a home with millions of Americans – voters – who simply don’t know better.

We can’t depend on the Supreme Court, Congress or the President to do what’s right and protect our rights. We have to do that – both directly and through gun rights organizations including the NRA.

We have to fight back – hard.

I don’t mean picking up a rifle and head off to war. I mean politically. We have to block all anti-gun legislation locally and in Washington DC. To do that, we need to organize – something the NRA has been doing for decades.

Current Discounts on
NRA Memberships

For a limited time, the NRA is offering up to 50% off on its memberships. These are FULL memberships with magazine subscription, voting rights and all other privileges.

LOCK IN YOUR DISCOUNT

Organized, we can slow down, modify and stop any and all legislative threats to our freedoms. Disorganized – well, we will have them rammed down our throats.

I think Ben Franklin said it best:

You have several choices in how to join the NRA. Follow my recruiting link here.

The best deal is on the Lifetime Membership which is currently discounted half off in an effort to bring as many people into the fight as possible. That will be a $750 investment into the fight and gets you full voting rights at the National Rifle Association.

The $600 NRA life membership discount from years past is gone! I don’t expect to see it ever come back.

The current best deal is $750 to secure your lifetime membership to the National Rifle Association with full voting rights. Follow my recruiting link here.

Keep in mind, the current NRA membership deal is for a limited time only and can change at any time. Those who have missed prior deals know this to be true.

If you cannot afford a lifetime membership, consider a one-year or five-year membership. While these levels do not earn you voting rights within the National Rifle Association, they still help the fight and provide you with important information about new legislation, a magazine subscription of your choice and a wealth of additional benefits.

NRA Lifetime Membership

If you think gun rights are safe, you would be incorrect. Not only are states like California aggressively attacking your civil rights, but anti-freedom organizations are continuing to push for more legislation at the local and federal levels as well.

Even “safe” states like Florida have gun control laws we have to repeal.

Did you know that under Florida’s laws, a 20-year old can’t buy a hunting rifle to deal with feral pigs destroying his farm?

Why do I need a NRA Lifetime Membership?

Like many of you, I don’t agree with the NRA on every point. Fortunately, new leadership is steering the organizatrion a better direction. And they are fighting many of these draconian laws like the one that prevents adults from owning rifles in Florida.

Plus, as a lifetime member, you get full voting rights. That means you decide who will be on the board of directors. This can help direct the organization down the path that you think it needs to go. I think there need to be some changes, and we need every voting member to make that possible.

Can’t Afford a NRA Lifetime Membership? No problem!

Even if you cannot afford to sign up for the lifetime membership, the NRA still offers a discount on annual memberships.

Annual memberships are benefitting from a $10 price drop. An annual membership does not get you voting rights until you’ve been a member for five consecutive years. However, it gets you on the team with the magazine and other benefits until you are in a position to jump up to a lifetime member.

If it sounds like I’m pushing hard for everyone to join the NRA, it’s because I am. I want to improve the organization with fresh blood and encourage it to be more active in defending our rights to firearms and self-defense. We live in bad times and a strong, energetic NRA has never been more important. Please, take advantage of this NRA membership discount and sign up. Even if you can only grab a one year deal, hop on board!

Join today and help chart our course for the future!

Please note: My support of the NRA does not diminish my support of other gun rights organizations. I also recommend that everyone be a paid member of the Second Amendment Foundation and the Firearms Policy Coalition.

Tags lifetime membership, NRA

Handguns

Walther PPQ Subcompact

Walther Arms announced its latest pistol: the Walther PPQ SubCompact. This new 9mm handgun takes all of the popular features of the PPQ M2 and puts them into a more concealable platform. This announcement was made at the 2018 SHOT Show where the guns were on display at the Industry Day at the Range event.

The Basics

In many ways the Walther PPQ SSC is just a chopped PPQ M2. However, that description diminishes how good this pistol could be. Nevertheless, it shares many of the iconic features of the larger gun just in a smaller package.

The PPQ Sub Compact has a 3.5″ barrel with a 1:10″ twist. This is 0.5″ shorter than the standard PPQ M2. One of the key measurements of a concealable handgun is the grip length. While Walther doesn’t give a measurement for the grip alone, the height of the gun is listed as 4.4″. This is a drop of 0.9″ from the full size pistol.

In more concrete terms, this means that the subcompact version of the gun is not long enough for the pinky to wrap around the grip. With the gun chambered in 9mm, 10 rounds fit into a flush seating magazine.

What is very nice is full compatibility with the larger 15-round and 17-round magazines of the larger PPQ guns. These mags use a spacer sleeve to provide a full grip on the gun. Also, the spacer sleeve prevents the magazine from striking the ejector when inserted into the pistol.

There is no immediate word if a .40 S&W chambered gun will be offered in the future. I doubt that adding the .40 S&W is a priority for Walther Arms since theÂ 9mm is the most popular self-defense cartridge in existence. However, I could see them introducing it as it could be used as a backup gun for law enforcement agencies in a manner similar to how Glock positions the G17/G22 and G26/G27 pistols.

Walther continues the use of a push button style magazine release on this pistol. While I prefer this, I know there are many Walther fans who like the lever style release. While not truly ambidextrous, the button can be moved to the right side of the gun if you prefer.

Keeping with the idea of matching the gun to the shooter, Walther Arms retains the ambidextrous slide stop lever. Additionally, the grip has backstrap panels that are swappable.

Specifications

Caliber	9mm
Capacity	10 rounds, 15 rounds in extended mag
Action	Quick Defense Trigger, semi-auto
Barrel Length	3.5″
Overall Length	5.4″
Weight	21.2 oz
Height	4.4″
Width	1.3″
Grip	integral polymer
Finish	black
MSRP at introduction	$649

Price and Shipping

The PPQ SC has a suggested retail price of $649.

Walther Arms states the PPQ Sub Compact is shipping now. You should be able to slide by your local gun shop and order one up today. I would expect demand to be heavy for these initially, so you may have a delay depending on how many your dealer can get.

While I will likely keep my Walther PPS M2 as my daily carry gun, I am very interested in this gun. Having additional rounds on tap is certainly a good thing. The ability to use larger magazines in the PPQ SubCompact is also very interesting to me.

I look forward to trying one of these out in the near future.

Last Update: October 16, 2022

Special thanks to Paul Carlson of the Safety Solutions Academy. Carlson is a top notch defensive firearms instructor and an honorable man. If you ever have a chance to shoot with Carlson, jump at the opportunity. You won’t regret it.

While I haven’t yet had a chance to shoot this pistol, Carlson did and was able to provide these photos. Later today, he will have a video that I will post here.

Tags 9mm, handgun, new gun, pistol, PPQ subcompact, Walther

Optics and Sighting Systems

ATN Thor 4 Thermal Scopes: Better Performance, More Features

Post author By Richard Johnson
Post date January 22, 2018
3 Comments on ATN Thor 4 Thermal Scopes: Better Performance, More Features

American Technology Network (ATN) Corp. announced a new line of thermal rifle scopes called the Thor 4. These scopes offer a wide range of options and features that are sure to interest many hunters.

Sensors

At the heart of this scope is the ATN Obsidian IV Dual Core T. This is the technology that makes the rest of the features possible in this scope. In the base scopes, the sensor provides a 384×288 resolution while the optional sensor offers 640×480 resolution.

With the internal lithium ion battery, you can expect at least 18 hours of runtime with the first sensor. The upgraded sensor should still run for at least 16 hours on a single charge according to the data provided by ATN.

With this scope, you have the option of three viewing modes: black hot, white hot and color mode. A variety of electronic reticles are included in the scopes.

There are additional sensors and measurement devices in the scopes. These include a gyroscope, accelerometer, barometer, compass and range finder. These all feed data to a ballistic calculator.

Lenses

Variable power magnification lenses are part of the Thor 4 system. Like any other scope, you have to select the one that makes the most sense for you.

The 384×288 sensor can be paired with one of four different magnification lenses: 1.25-5x, 2-8x, 4.5-18x and 7-28x. With the 640×480 sensor, you have four different magnification lens choices: 1-10x, 1.5-15x, 2.5-25x and 4-40x. The higher the magnification factor, the higher the final price of the optic.

Video

Video capabilities have been upgraded in the Thor 4 models. These scopes use a dual core processor that has enough computing power to handle both recording high definition video and streaming it over WiFi.

In practice this means that you can record the entire hunt onto a microSD card while your partner can see things on his or her phone or tablet in real time. It also allows you to stream live to social media while recording locally if you wish.

I highly recommend checking out my friend’s hunting website that has additional information on hunting with thermal optics.

The microSD slot can handle high capacity cards: up to 256 GB of data. To put that into perspective, that is a quarter of a terabyte of data. Video is recorded at a resolution of 1280×960 @ 60 fps with the display showing 1280×720.

Controls

On the Thor 4, ATN opted to use a zoom wheel on the left side of the scope. Instead of pressing buttons to zoom in, you simply rotate this knob to move in or out.

Button style controls are still present on the top of the unit. These controls cover other things you may wish to change such as the reticle type or viewing mode.

WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity allows you to send data to your phone.

Ballistic Calculator

Using the data collected with its sensors and a load profile you select, the optic can do calculations for you for more precise shots. In theory, you range the shot and the computer automatically adjusts the reticle location based on all of the data its collected. All you have to do is pull the trigger.

Ranging the shot is accomplished by keying in on the height of the animal you are stalking. From the top of the animal to the bottom of the animal is enough height that the computer can calculate distance.

If you want a faster, more precise way of ranging, ATN offers an auxiliary ballistic laser, the ABL 1000. This laser integrates with the front of the scope and provides a direct measurement to the target.

Cost, Where to Buy

The cost of the new Thor 4 series of thermal scopes varies depending on how you choose to equip it. The base model, a Thor 4 384 1.25-5x has a suggested retail price of $1,999.

Upgrading to the 640×480 sensor and changing the lenses affects the price. Going to the largest sensor and using the 4-40x glass jumps the price to $4,799. While that may seem like a lot to the average shooter like me, I recognize that the technology built into this scope is far beyond anything I could have ever had just a few years ago. ATN deserves to make their money back on all of the research and development that goes into this kind of scope.

For me, I would probably buy the ATN Thor 4 640 1-10x. This would seem to make the most sense for my shooting. It offers the highest resolution with a broad range of magnification for short to medium range targets.

Last Update: October 23, 2022

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.

Tags ATN, ATN Corp, optics, scopes, thermal

80% Builds

Liberty MkIX: 80% 1911 Frame with Significant Advances

Post author By Richard Johnson
Post date January 22, 2018
35 Comments on Liberty MkIX: 8035 1911 Frame with Significant Advances

If you like to build your own firearms, the Liberty MkIX line of 80% 1911 frames may be of great interest to you.

Table Of Contents

Sizes & Models
Fewer Parts
Hand Fit, Lefties
Pricing, Where to Buy

The new Liberty MkIX pistols from Freedom Concepts Laboratory promise fewer parts, lighter weight and improved fit for a range of shooters. With a range of frame sizes, you will be able to build a 1911-style handgun that meets your needs instead of trying to arrange your life around the gun’s size.

Sizes & Models

Initially, there will be three basic models:

MkIX-G – a government sized model with a 5″ slide, short accessory rail, full grip and 8 round magazine
MkIX-Gx – an extended model with a 5″ slide, full length accessory rail, full grip and 8 round magazine
MkIX-O – an officer sized model with a 4″ slide, short accessory rail, full grip and 8 round magazine

All three models are made of a proprietary blend of glass filled polymer. The frame rails are made of steel for increased durability.

I should be careful to note that these are 80% receivers, or frames, and not completed firearms. To be used as a firearm, you must complete a number of machining actions on the part before it can be assembled into a working handgun. Once you complete the required machining operations, you can complete it with 1911 parts.

The machining process will require some simple tools and work on your end. Until the machining is complete, this is (legally speaking) just a hunk of polymer. It can be shipped straight to your home without paying $30 or more to have it transferred through an FFL.

Yes, it is perfectly legal to build your own gun. Homemade firearms are completely lawful under federal law and most states. See my article on the federal requirements about applying a serial number to a homemade firearm for more information.

Fewer Parts

According to Freedom Concepts Laboratory, the new 80% 1911 frames use standard 1911 magazines, slides and internal parts. However, the company says the frames require 40% fewer parts than a standard 1911 pistol.

In addition to the 80% 1911 frames, the company will sell a reusable jig. This will be sold separately since it can be used to complete multiple firearms.

Freedom Concepts Laboratory states it will support the frames with a full line of parts kits to make assembling the guns as easy as possible for the home builder. This includes a “one box, one gun” package that includes all of the parts you need.

Hand Fit, Lefties

One of the things that 1911 shooters tend to love about the guns is the way they fit into the hand. However, that doesn’t mean the traditional 1911 grip is ideal for all shooters.

To improve the shooting experience for folks of all hand sizes, the company designed the frame to accept different sizes of backstraps. Interestingly, the patent pending backstrap system also captures the mainspring assembly. I look forward to seeing exactly what the designers did here.

Left-handed shooters may be interested in the ambidextrous nature of this frame. The frame comes with the parts needed for a right-handed shooter: magazine release button and frame mounted safety on the left side of the gun.

However, the company will also offer an ambidextrous upgrade kit for $75. No modifications to the frame are needed to install the ambi kit.

Pricing, Where to Buy

The pricing of these new 80% frames is interesting. The full suggested retail price is $139. This puts them in the same ballpark as the Polymer80 frames for Glock compatible pistols.

However, to sweeten the deal, Freedom Concept Laboratory will offer full pistol kits that include everything you need to assemble a completed frame into a working 1911. These kits will have a MSRP that starts at only $399.

One of the complaints I hear regularly about building your own Glock-style pistol is that the cost of all the parts exceeds the price of just buying a new factory Glock. At $399, the Liberty 1911 is a real bargain. Not only do you get to build your own gun, but it comes in a lot cheaper than nearly any 1911-style pistol on the market.

All three of the models are expected to ship in March 2018.

Last Update: October 23, 2022

According to Freedom Concept Laboratory, the Liberty MkIX pistol frames will be sold through Brownells and the Glockstore. I’m a fan of both companies, and would not hesitate to do business with either in the future. If you like doing business with Brownells, please use my affiliate link here so that I receive a small portion of the profit from that sale. It doesn’t affect your price and it literally helps me feed my family. I do not have an affiliate relationship with Glockstore, but I recommend them regardless. You can access them through this link.

Tags 1911, 80% frame, Freedom Concepts Laboratory, gun, handgun, homemade firearm, Liberty 1911, Liberty MkIX, pistol

Handguns

FERRO 9mm Pistol from DRD Tactical: Steel Frame Glock

Post author By Richard Johnson
Post date January 19, 2018
18 Comments on FERRO 9mm Pistol from DRD Tactical: Steel Frame Glock

DRD Tactical announced it would show the new FERRO 9mm pistol at the 2018 SHOT Show. The new pistol is fed from Glock compatible magazines, but unlike a Glock pistol, it has a significant twist: it has a steel frame.

A stainless steel frame is a bit heretical for many fans of the Glock system. Even though it wasn’t the first gun with a polymer frame, Glock popularized the concept back in the 1980s. Since then, there has been a significant trend toward polymer frames in military, law enforcement and self-defense handguns.

[Catch my review of the original Glock 17.]

However, there are many shooters who prefer to have a steel frame from which to launch projectiles. If you are of a like mind, it would seem the DRD Tactical FERRO is one possibility for you to consider.

In addition to the frame, DRD Tactical uses stainless steel for the barrel and slide as well. As shown in the above photograph, the FERRO can ship with a threaded 4.88″ barrel. You can also purchase it with a non-threaded 4.48″ barrel – the identical length to a standard Glock 17 pistol.

The trigger is provided by Apex Tactical Specialties. Additionally, the gun comes with an extended slide lock and magazine release. On top is a set of night sights.

DRD Tactical will ship the gun with three Magpul 17-round GL9 magazines.

Exactly how compatible this gun is with a Glock remains to be seen. I suspect that a lot of the parts interchange between a G17 and the FERRO. However, there may be some that do not.

The DRD FERRO 9mm will be offered with a black nitride finish and with a NiB Battleworn finish as is shown in the photo. DRD Tactical expects to ship the gun by spring of 2018. I do not have word on a price yet.

For those that are not familiar, DRD Tactical is a Georgia based company that is known for building high quality rifles like the APTUS, KIVAARI and quick takedown Paratus.

Tags 9mm, DRD Tactical, Ferro, Glock, handgun, new gun, pistol

Current Discounts on NRA Memberships