Rancorous debate often accompanies the topic of selecting a self-defense cartridge. Everyone has an opinion and cites various authorities to bolster their positions. Perhaps the most frequently used standard in the best caliber for self defense debate is the FBI ammunition test protocol. But, is the FBI testing method good for predicting effectiveness of ammunition?…
The Stoeger STR-9 might just go down as the best new handgun under $400 coming out of the 2019 SHOT Show. It is also one that might be missed by a lot of people who don’t recognize the Stoeger Industries name. Before the annual trade show, news about the 9mm pistol leaked out. I was…
Sometimes a firearm development is enough to make an even jaded reviewer do a double-take. That was my experience when I saw the details on the new Thumb Operated Receiver from Iron Horse Firearms. [Ed. note: Iron Horse Firearms is now known as Blackwater Worldwide.] The new Thumb Operated Receiver, or TOR, is an AR-style…
Ahead of the 2019 SHOT Show, Mossberg announced a new pistol: the MC1sc. The Mossberg MC1sc is a subcompact 9mm handgun that is designed for the concealed carry and self-defense markets. It offers a range of features that make it worth considering. The Basics One hundred years ago, O.F. Mossberg & Sons opened its doors…
Polymer80 announced a new Glock-compatible 80% pistol frame called the PF940CL. This new user-completed frame combines a full-size slide and barrel with the company’s short grip. The result is a gun with a longer sight radius and increased velocity with the improved concealability of a compact handgun. (Ed. note: The above photo is of the…
Did you know that it is legal to publish information on how to make a hydrogen bomb? The Progressive magazine did it in 1979 after fending off a government attempt to censor it. In light of that, it makes the latest brouhaha about printing a single-shot pistol seem silly. After all, what are the digital…
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….
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…
If you like to build your own firearms, the Liberty MkIX line of 80% 1911 frames may be of great interest to you. 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…
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….
[Editor’s note: Taurus announced the new Defender 856 at the 2020 SHOT Show. The new guns are +P rated with a 3″ barrel and a front night sight.] Taurus USA announced the return of the Model 856 revolver. While the gun is interesting on its own, I find that it is an even more compelling…
Rumors of a multi-caliber revolver being introduced at the SHOT Show are true. Say hello to the Taurus 692. The Model 692 is a revolver that is chambered in .357 Magnum. As most shooters know, you can shoot .38 Special loads from a .357 Magnum wheelgun. The twist, however, is that you can also shoot…
Magill’s GlockStore announced the introduction of a new 80% Glock compatible pistol frame: the SS80. This is a subcompact frame that allows you to build a Glock 43 style pistol at home. The SS80 is the first G43 compatible 80% frame on the market. It is also one of just a few Glock compatible 80%…
Winchester Ammunition announced a new defensive ammo called the Hybrid-X. The Winchester Hybrid-X ammo merges multiple bullet technologies to provide rapid incapacitation of a violent attacker. But, is the new design an improved manstopper or just a gimmick? Although the ammo has a long way to go to prove itself, I think the line has some…
Taurus USA announced on its Facebook page that the company is now shipping the Spectrum pistol. (Update: You can read my Taurus Spectrum review here. At the 2019 SHOT Show, I will try to track down someone at Taurus who will be willing to comment on the problems I’ve experienced with the gun.) Taurus made…
If rumors are to be believed, Taurus has a number of new revolvers coming out in 2018. These have not yet been announced by the company, but I have had a number of sources provide details that make them appear credible. So, with a sizable grain of salt, here is what I am hearing: Raging…
The Ruger EC9s is one of the most expensive – yet reliable – 9mm pistols currently on the market. Designed for concealed carry, this micro-compact pistol offers a lot of features which I review here. If you don’t want to read the whole article, here’s the bottom line: the EC9s is a good quality defensive…
Lone Wolf Distributors will show a new pistol caliber carbine at the SHOT Show in January 2018. The new AlphaWolf Pistol Caliber Carbine (PCC) appears to be different from the existing G9 carbine platform the company currently offers. According to the company, the new gun was specifically designed to provide excellent accuracy and superior reliability….
It appears Polymer80 is set to release a new 80% Glock compatible pistol frame at the 2018 SHOT Show. Called the PF940SC, the new unfinished frame is designed to be compatible with the sub-compact sized Glock pistols like the G26 and G27. Polymer80 offers a number of 80% receivers that allow you to complete various…
PCP Ammunition will show its new 6.5 SOCOM cartridge at the 2018 SHOT Show according to information released by the company. Although details about the new cartridge are scant, it would appear that the cartridge was designed for the new sniper rifle system that the United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM) is exploring. Earlier this…
Building your own AR-15 from an 80% lower has become a popular hobby. Of course, there are many other firearms you can build from scratch as well: everything from a 1911 to a 10/22. Firearm manufacturing is a highly regulated industry, and everyone wants to stay within the bounds of the law. So, what is, and…
