Taylor Sheridan: Not Only Known for Creating Yellowstone

By

-

November 10, 2022

veronicamarsconfessions — Photo: VeronicaMarsConfessions

With season 5 of Yellowstone premiering next week all eyes have been on Taylor Sheridan’s cowboying and script writing. Many know that he is not only a Filmmaker and actor but also a real life cowboy. Within those roots is a lot of the same interests that he brings to Yellowstone, Native American heritage within the wild west. Not only has he brought those roots to Yellowstone and had major success but he has brought it to other current TV shows and movies without many even knowing yet enjoying in the same regard.

TV Shows

Yellowstone: Taylor Sheridan both created and starred in Yellowstone. This greatly successful show goes over the current day Cowboying, the fight for land in Montana, and the appreciation of this world and it’s animals. It has a beautiful balance between both sides of the coin, the white peoples American Dream and what they bring to the world, and the Native Americans loss of land and continued battles. Season 5 premiering Nov. 13, 2022. NEXT WEEK.

Taylor Sheridan actually starred in 1883 as Charles Goodnight. Photo: Decider.com

Yellowstone Spin off 1883 and the new Sequel, 1923: Ah yes, 1883. Small Pox and white people moving West. This show was gritty, bloody, and again showed both sides of the coin. 1923 has now been announced and will have the same vibes. Premiering Sunday, Dec 18th 1923 is the Origin story of Yellowstone and will be split into two seasons. It will focus on the Drought, Great Depression, and the End of Prohibition within the Duttons world.

Alaska Daily starring Hilary Swank
Photo: ABC.com

Special Mention Alaska Daily: Premiering recently on Oct 7th, 2022. While this show is not written by Taylor Sheridan it continues the story that largely needs to still be talked about, the uninvestigated kidnappings, rapes, and murders of Native American Women. The same premise that Taylor Sheridan’s “Wind River” went over.

Alaska Daily features Hilary Swank, a Journalist that left NY after getting her story snuffed, and travels to Alaska to work for The Daily Alaskan. There she learns about the culture of Alaskans and Native Americans, meanwhile investigating crooked cops and the rapes and murders of Native American Women.

Movies

Wind River: Directed by Taylor Sheridan featuring Gil Birmingham and Kelsey Asbille, both from Yellowstone, and Jeremy Renner. This movie is another take on Snowy Wyoming, Whites working there and the American Indian Reservations. Jeremy Renner is set to investigate the death of Kelsey Asbille, an American Indian who’s body was found miles from any buildings or people. The father of Kelsey Asbille being Gil Birmingham, another Taylor Sheridan favorite.

Sicario: Written by Taylor Sheridan. We all know the premise. Emily Blunt, Benicio Del Toro and Josh Brolin star in this take on a Government Task Force pursuing a drug lord on the border of the United States and Mexico.

Hell or High Water: Written and starred in by Taylor Sheridan this Western has guns, robberies, and cowboys. Nuff said.

He Also likes to Use the Same Actors.

Gil Birmingham: Wind River, Hell or High Water, Yellowstone

Kelsey Asbille: Wind River, Yellowstone

Tokala Clifford: Wind River, Yellowstone

Ian Bohen: Wind River, Yellowstone, Sicario

James Jordan: Wind River, 1883, Yellowstone

So, if you like Yellowstone..you will probably like the above listed TV Shows, Movies, and Actors

Smith & Wesson launches their EQUALIZER.

By

Keith Finch

-

November 8, 2022

Could you tell?

Could you tell what it was called from the image?

It is subtle.

The S&W Equalizer is the next iteration of their popular EZ line of handguns. Following the trend of micro hi-caps, the Equalizer has upped their capacity while retaining the easier to use slide and recoil reducing features of the original EZ pistols. These pistols have been wildly popular with those weaker and compromised hand strength or dexterity, often due to age or injury.

It has been a reliable modern semi-auto for folks who traditionally could not physically use one.

Now with more bullets, optic compatibility, and a name I would normally credit Springfield Armory for.

From Smith & Wesson,

SPRINGFIELD, MA., (11/08/2022) – Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select: SWBI), a leader in firearm manufacturing and design, introduces the all-new S&W^® EQUALIZER™.

Level the playing field with our best-performing micro-compact to date. Next-gen EZ technology, low recoil impulse, and versatile magazine capacity all in a compact footprint, make the EQUALIZER™ an ultimate CCW. This 9MM offering provides the perfect balance of power and capacity across 10, 13, and 15-round magazines. The EQUALIZER™ features a single-action trigger that allows for a short take-up, clean break, and fast reset to make follow-up shots quicker. The slide operates using easy-to-rack technology to cater to a wide variety of needs and the frame includes a picatinny-style rail to mount lights or lasers for any defense scenario. A new optic cut pattern allows the user to mount their choice of sight for enhanced accuracy and the 3.675” barrel gives a longer sight radius for increased iron sight precision. The EQUALIZER™ also features a new grip texture and pattern designed to give you more control when firing and more comfort when carrying.

“The EQUALIZER™ is a total package micro-compact pistol. Its multi-purpose design allows for a variety of setup options for use at the range and/or for personal carry, while not compromising on firepower or comfort,” said John Myles, Senior Manager of New Products.

Get the big performance you need in a small, versatile handgun. Smith & Wesson is proud to introduce the S&W^® EQUALIZER™.

MSRP $599.00.

Check out the EQUALIZER at www.smith-wesson.com.

To stay up to date on all the latest news and events, be sure to follow Smith & Wesson on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

About Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc.
Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select: SWBI) is a U.S.-based leader in firearm manufacturing and design, delivering a broad portfolio of quality handgun, long gun, and suppressor products to the global consumer and professional markets under the iconic Smith & Wesson^®, M&P^®, and Gemtech^® brands. The company also provides manufacturing services including forging, machining, and precision plastic injection molding services. For more information call (844) 363-5386 or visit smith-wesson.com.
Smith & Wesson, M&P, EQUALIZER, and S&W names and logos are trademarks of Smith & Wesson Inc. in the United States and other countries. © 2022 Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. All rights reserved.

Flechette Ammo For Shotguns – Are They Worth It?

By

Travis Pike

-

November 8, 2022

I love shotguns, likely more than most people, and loving shotguns means learning about the wide variety of loads available. The simple, large, smooth bore nature of shotguns allow them to utilize any number of practical and more impractical load. Some are fun, like Dragon’s Breath, and some are just silly. Today we are looking at one of the sillier ideas to shove down the barrel of your shotgun, a flechette load.

What’s a Flechette?

A flechette is a sharpened steel dart with a fin to stabilize the round. Flechettes have been used in a number of different weapons since the first world war. Flechettes have been loaded into recoilless rifles, artillery shells, and even shoulder-fired small arms. We are addressing the latter here.

Flechettes have been loaded into experimental rifles, like the Steyr ACR, as well as rifles and handguns designed to be used underwater, like the HK P11. For the average gun owner, the only real example of a flechette round comes in the form of shotguns.

Various companies produce exotic shotgun loads. Most are silly but seemingly promise sky-high performance. That’s where flechette rounds fall into play. They’ve become one of those things that are often seen as some secretive, exotic option that is somehow both superior to standard buckshot but also not widely used or produced.

Do flechette shotgun rounds really offer superior performance to your standard buckshot round? Has the ammunition world conspired to make buckshot more popular even though flechettes are seemingly superior?

The Origins of Shotgun Flechettes

Flechettes in shotguns go back to the Vietnam war. The idea was to add more range to the shotgun as well as greater penetration. Shotguns and their capability to fire a handful of projectiles per trigger pull made them excellent for jungle warfare. A shotgun round full of little, fin-stabilized darts seemed promising.

Western Cartridge Company produced the shells, and this specific load utilized 20 projectiles grouped into a very long shot cup. This shot cup would stay with the projectiles until they left the barrel to prevent damage to the barrel. Buffer material was added, and the flechettes were backed by a metal ring to support the flechettes.

These rounds were issued to troops on a limited basis, and then they weren’t. Why? Well, because they didn’t work very well.

Real World Performance

The main problem with flechette rounds is that they often don’t fly straight. Once they leave the shotgun cup and the barrel, they begin to tumble in the air. Some go head over head, others spin horizontally, and some just fly sideways or backward. When around does fly straight, it does okay.

In ballistic gel testing, they often suck. Some penetrate less than three inches. When a flechette enters the gel tip forward, it does better, but that is so rare that the juice isn’t worth the squeeze. All those projectiles hitting sideways and backward are useless.

You can buy flechettes by the pound (Courtesy SARCO)

The spread is often also rather absurd, especially compared to modern buckshot. It spreads wider and faster than any load of modern buckshot. If you get fancy and use Hornady Critical Defense or Federal FliteControl, you are beating the pants of flechette-based rounds.

Do They Offer Any Advantages?

Oddly enough, yes, they do. Shotguns suck at defeating armor. Standard pistol armor can resist buckshot effectively. A sharpened, pointing projectile does a much better job of penetrating soft armor than a spherical ball of ammunition. These rounds can chew through soft armor if one of the many sharpened little darts is flying correctly through the air.

That sounds cool…but do you know what else can penetrate soft armor? Any rifle round. If you are using a long gun, then you might as well use a rifle if piercing soft armor is a concern. Even after it pierces armor, the flechette isn’t sailing too deep into the threat, whereas a rifle round will continue to reach appropriate depths to stop the threat.

In the Texas Tech Vietnam Archive, I did find an on-the-ground story from a soldier armed with a shotgun and flechette rounds. He didn’t have any testimony in regards to shooting the enemy with the weapon, but he did shoot a ¾ inch board. He said the rounds chewed right through it. Flechette shotgun rounds can penetrate hardcover and even soft armor, but it isn’t as effective as an intermediate caliber rifle.

Just Say No

For serious defensive or duty use, just say no to flechette rounds. As they sit right now, they are just a fun novelty. They are an interesting part of shotgun history, but there is a reason they were experimented with and promptly forgotten about.

Armed Self Defense Works

By

Lars Smith

-

November 8, 2022

Photo of the location of a self defense shooting in Southampton Twp. PA on Friday 10/28/22 — Credit: Tyger Williams / Staff Photographer Copyright: © The Philadelphia Inquirer 2022

Legally Armed Defender Faces Four Attackers Outside of a Bar

4v1 fights generally don’t end well for the victim. Even with a high degree of martial arts proficiency, fighting four people is still long odds. Thankfully, armed self defense is legal in much of America. With the expenditure of some money and free time, an individual armed with a handgun, and a modicum of training can level the playing field, even against long odds. For a 5’6″ 140lb man like Liam Hughes that’s exactly what happened when he and a friend exited a bar in Southampton Twp. Pennsylvania late Friday night.

Despite multiple head wounds, including a split lip and a concussion, Hughes fought through two successful attempts to drag him from his vehicle and beat him to the ground. On the third, he managed to lunge inside his vehicle to reach the handgun he had concealed inside. Dragged from the vehicle, he found himself on the ground again, multiple attackers looming directly over him. undeterred by Liam shouting that he had a gun, they advanced a final time. Armed self defense made the difference.

After being beaten repeatedly by numerous, larger assailants who seemed unbothered by the fact that their victim was armed, Hughes finally resorted to lethal force, discharging 8 shots, killing two of his attackers and hitting a 3rd in the arm before recognizing that the threat had ended and the two remaining attackers had fled. Hughes ceased fire, and almost immediately called 911.

In a press conference, the District Attorney cited Hughes’ attempts to defuse the situation, announce his armed status prior to resorting to self defense, and generally calm, cooperative behavior with both the dispatcher and police as causal factors in his decision not to charge him. The video of the incident is available here, and is unfortunate testimony to the fact that, while violent assaults are not commonplace, armed self defense is the best method of surviving pulling that short straw.

The Colt M1903 and M1908 Pocket Hammerless – An Unlikely Duty Gun

By

Travis Pike

-

November 7, 2022

When I say duty pistol, you probably picture something like the 1911, the Glock 17, or the Beretta 92 series. You likely don’t picture the Colt M1903 or M1908 Pocket Hammerless pistols. However, you might be surprised how often these handguns popped up as a duty pistols. Why are these odd choices for a duty pistol?

First is the calibers. The Colt M1903 is a .32 ACP pistol, and the M1908 is a .380 ACP. These two calibers are most commonly known for their role in pocket pistols. Speaking of pockets, the name Pocket Hammerless is also a good clue as to what the pistol was intended for. Browning designed the pistols to be low profile and easy to carry concealed, not as duty pistols. Although it’s not truly hammerless, the Colts feature a shrouded hammer.

At the end of the day, John Browning didn’t design the M1903 and M1908 with the intention of them becoming duty pistols, but here we are. Let’s look at five times the Pocket Hammerless guns served as duty pistols.

The OSS

The Office Of Strategic Services is the predecessor to the CIA, and in WW2, were the spymasters opposing the Axis powers. The agents of the OSS operated quietly, and they made good use of the concealable nature of the Colt M1903 pistols.

It bears mentioning that .32 ACP was popular in Europe, and that made it easy for resupply and caliber logistics with other intelligence agencies. OSS-marked M1903s have become quite collectible these days. The little guns were likely easy to carry in plain clothes and were probably often tucked into pockets and vests with ease.

The NYPD

The NYPD was forward-thinking in the early 1900s. While the majority of the officers carried Colt .32 revolvers, the NYPD issued detectives M1903 and M1908 pistols. These lightweight pistols gave their officers a fair bit of firepower for the early 1900s. The detectives were likely better armed than the average beat cop.

These Pocket Hammerless guns held more rounds than the standard revolver, and the M1908 version in .380 ACP outperformed the little .32 Colt revolvers. To teach NYPD detectives how to shoot the city of New York, hired Olympic Gold Medalist Alfred Lane.

The United States Military

Your standard General must be too fragile to carry an actual fighting pistol. That’s the joke I like to make anyway. General Officer’s pistols are typically much smaller and lighter than the standard issue handgun. The Army issued the M1903 and M1908 to General Officers, often their name and rank denoted on the guns.

A 4 Star general’s Pistol – Courtesy of Lock Stock and Barrel Investments

Patton, Eisenhower, Marshall, and many more carried these pistols. Surprisingly the Colt Pocket Hammerless models remained in armories until the 1970s when they were eventually replaced by the M15 General Officers pistol.

The Japanese Military

In the late 1930s, Japanese Officers were expected to provide their own handguns, and a popular choice for Japanese Officers was the M1903 Colt. Much like Europe, the Japanese stuck to smaller calibers for their duty pistols. These little M1903s were quite popular with Officers, and they were even fairly common with Japanese police forces.

A Japanese example of the M1903 Coutesy of Pre98 Antiques

In the book Shots Fired in Anger, LtCol John George says that “All kinds and calibers of foreign handguns were carried by members of the Japanese forces on Guadalcanal, the most popular being the .32 Colt Automatic, the 30 and 9mm Luger, and the 7.65 mm Browning.”

The Shanghai Municipal Police

The Shanghai International Settlement was one of the most dangerous cities in the world. The SMP pioneered modern police work in a number of ways. This includes their gunfighting skills. Men like Fairbairn and Sykes pioneered combative shooting, and they did it with Colt Model 1908 Pocket Hammerless guns.

Their gunfighting skills were developed with the world’s first shoot house, modern move-and-shoot techniques, and even an early version of point shooting. Honestly, after shooting one of these guns, I get why they did point-shooting. The sights are so freaking small they are nearly impossible to use. The SMP was quite forward-thinking, and it shows by choosing an automatic over a revolver.

The Pocket Hammerless World

The Pocket Hammerless guns might never have been designed to be duty guns, but they most certainly served well in that role. Colt’s little guns are sleek and slim and are admittedly excellent shooters. I can certainly see why they were so beloved for so long.

(Cover Image Courtesy of Turnbull Restorations.)

The First Generation Beretta APX

By

P.E. Fitch

-

November 7, 2022

Unveiled in 2016, the Beretta APX was the 500 year old gun company’s first major duty oriented polymer framed striker fired 9mm handgun. At the time of its launch, this pistol certainly was categorically nothing new since many major gun manufacturers had already been marketing some form of a 9mm striker fired polymer framed pistol. The Beretta APX, while well thought out and smartly designed lived in the shadows of its bigger rivals like Glocks, Smith and Wesson M&Ps, the SIG-Sauer P320, et al. The lack of wider aftermarket support as compared to those giants also did not help its case. However, what compelled me to independently purchase my own specimen in early 2021 was the fact that gun is a sleeper. For what it cost and the feature set that my basic no frills full size “duty” pistol has out of the box, it was certainly a deal.

To clarify, the original APX duty size handgun is no longer sold as a “new” retail item. Beretta USA has revamped their APX line and is now selling the Beretta APX A1, which is the current iteration of this pistol—it is optics ready among other things too. But this article is about the original duty sized APX, which is what I own and what I am writing about.

Even now and in spite of the fact that this particular model is no longer at the forefront of the APX family, it has it niche. Like an older Glock, this is the kind of pistol one can keep in the back of their safe to hand out as a loaner or to keep as a backup. The APX could also serve casual gun owners well, like people on a budget or those who just do not expect to shoot all that much but still need a pistol.

Upon closer inspection, it’s evident that Beretta had done its homework during the development of this handgun. As far as the guns Beretta has produced throughout its history are concerned, the APX will probably never win any beauty contests. However, when in the hand, it’s quite evident that utility and practicality were one of Beretta’s design parameters during development. The pistol’s grip is extremely ergonomic and this is something that is immediately noticeable. The grip is friendlier to those with smaller sized hands (which is another reason I think it makes a great loaner pistol). The APX also ships with a few different interchangeable backstrap grip inserts in order to suit a wide variety of users. While most semi automatic pistols have slide serrations that are carved into the material of the slide itself, the APX differs in that it has no serrations. Instead it has a series of widely spaced spines throughout the whole length of both the left and right sides of the slide. Visually, these look very odd, but in reality they are very practical and very easy to grip in order to rack the slide across all conditions—muddy, wet, frozen, bloody, dusty, with or without gloves, etc. Unfortunately, the new APX A1 does not have these spines.

Like other truly modern handgun designs, the Beretta APX also has ambidextrous slide releases and as a left handed shooter this is something I appreciate after a lifetime of having to adapt to right handed firearms. The magazine catch is reversible while it is placed in a great location where most human thumbs can actuate it. A Picatinny accessory rail adorns the dustcover underneath the muzzle. The out-the-box trigger on the 1^st generation APX pleasantly surprised me. It does not have the typical spongy striker trigger. The trigger travels approximately 0.15 inches or so until it gently reaches its “wall.” Pushing past this trigger wall to break the shot is fairly pleasant. Once again, for the cost of admission, I will not complain terribly about the APX’s trigger. Because the pistol is popular amongst IPSC competitors overseas, trigger spring kits and related accessories that improve ignition are available. The same is true for fiber optic sight options. Plenty of shooters have aslo been shooting their first generation APX pistols with slide mounted red dots as well. Like the Sig Sauer P320 and P250 before it, the Beretta APX also has a serialized fire control group, so the grips and frames are freely interchangeable.

I shot this Dot Torture drill using my 124gr 9mm handloads loaded with HS-6.

Besides their affordable prices and usefulness, the saving grace of the APX is the fact that it has many common parts that are cross generationally interchangeable with its newer brother, the APX A1. Both pistols use the same 17 round magazine and these will obviously not be difficult to find. They also share several small parts, so keeping the older generation Beretta APX afloat is not that impractical. Given the continued progress Beretta has made with the APX line, the aftermarket for parts today is probably a little more accessible than it was when the first pistols launched. I decided to shoot the Dot Torture drill for my APX’s maiden voyage.. I attached my U-Boat “A” to the accessory rail and worked from my PHLster Floodlight. All in, this was a very reasonable handgun to shoot and I would consider that a respectable five yard dot torture target. For a gun that cost me $349 retail in 2021 at a big box outdoor store not including taxes or fees, I am satisfied.

A Futurama Forgotten Halloween

By

Lars Smith

-

November 7, 2022

Picture of Lee Lemon, character from the TV show Futurama — Credit: Futurama/20th Century Fox

In an amazing callback to Futurama, probably the best late-90’s animated comedy about space, Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons runs an Angstadt Arms MDP-9 at a Halloween match while dressed up as Lee Lemon, thus generating the most meta Halloween costume I can think of: a man, dressing up as a woman dressing up as a man.

The DOOP uniform, the always luxurious ponytail and perfectly shaped moustache and goatee dyed impressively purple, and of course the goggles (they do nothing!) make this costume impressively complete. If you’re a fan of Futurama, you know immediately what Ian’s doing here, but in case you aren’t, here. You’re welcome.

Gunday Brunch 75: Sometimes We’re That Guy

By

David R

-

November 6, 2022

The boys are all back, and this week we’re talking about times that they were “that guy.” You all know that guy. We’ve all been that guy. Share your stories in the comments or via email!

SIG MK 25 Navy Model

By

V. Caldwell

-

November 5, 2022

SIG1 — The SIG MK25 is among the most reliable handguns in the world.

My goal is to test and evaluate every handgun fairly. Range testing and mechanical evaluation if part of the job. Some of the new pistols are unproven and demand more attention and a critical eye. It isn’t often I encounter a firearm that is so well proven there is little I can add to the legacy. Then there are legends. The SIG SAUER MK 25 Navy Model- a development of the P226 is one of these. This 9mm handgun has been in every hot spot on earth. While the mechanics of firearms are interesting and well worth study, it is the people who use the firearms who are most interesting. As such, this is a handgun that most people approach with reverence. The type has been used in many actions, including an operation that was among the most important and successful anti-terrorist operation of all time.

Despite a US Military trail that declared the Beretta 92 and SIG P226 had parity in performance and chose the Beretta on the low bid the Navy went with the SIG pistol. Without going into detail and opening a can of worms again, it seems that, in the original competition, the Navy believed the SIG featured superior ergonomics and that, in light of certain failures during testing of the M9, the SIG is the superior handgun. Both handguns had received excellent grades and proven very reliable. While the SIG was not adopted by the U.S. Army, the P226 handgun secured thousands of police sales.

During the 1980s many police agencies were transitioning to the self-loading pistol. At the time the only home grown double action first shot 9mm pistol was the Smith & Wesson 59. It came off very poorly compared to SIG or Beretta on every count. The SIG was designed with human engineering, reliability and accuracy foremost. The original P220 single column magazine pistol is the primogenitor of a long line of successful pistol. The SIG P220 features a smooth, double-action trigger. After the first double-action trigger press, the pistol fires and the slide cocks the hammer for subsequent single-action shots. There is no manual safety. There is no manual safety, the double-action trigger is the safety feature. The handy, frame-mounted de-cocker lever allows you to de-cock the handgun easily, safely lowering the hammer to the ready position from full cock. Experienced users regard the SIG de-cocker as the superior system among service pistols.

The Michigan state police were among the first American agencies to adopt the SIG P226. The P226 is a high capacity version of the P 220 9mm. The P228 and later P229 are compact versions. It is still a modern and reliable handgun and was an innovative design when first introduced. The pistol features a double-action trigger with a smoother compression than any handgun in its class. Compared to the external drawbar of the Beretta 92, the SIG P226 features an internal drawbar connecting the trigger to the hammer. The lockup is simple but very strong. The barrel hood locks into the slide. There are no locking lugs. Angled camming surfaces lock and unlock during the recoil cycle. The SIG has no manual safety but safety features such as the double action trigger and a positive firing pin block that locks the firing pin in place until you press the trigger completely to the rear.

The sights have evolved from the original but have always been excellent combat sights. The pistol features a high-grade aluminum alloy frame and originally a stamped steel slide. The modern SIG P226 has a stainless steel slide. SIG has offered the plastic grips in a number of different configurations and stippling. Series production runs of the SIG P226 handgun exhibited minor variations on the grip-strap checkering and control surfaces. Originally, SIG manufactured the pistols in West Germany, but today, they are made in Exeter, N.H.

The SIG P226 has won many test programs based on ergonomics and reliability. The Ohio State Patrol chose the SIG P226 as a service pistol after a grueling 228,000-round test of more than a dozen different handguns. The SIG that captured first place in the OSP test was a double-action-only variant in .40 caliber. Despite being chambered for a high-pressure/high-momentum cartridge and that the action was a major modification of the original, the pistol was the most reliable they tested. Overall, it was one among other impressive showings.

The flat dark earth commercial MK 25 illustrated is among my favorite handguns. I often carry the pistol in a DeSantis Speed Scabbard. There are lighter 9mm handguns but none more reliable or with better practical accuracy. The usual finish for aluminum-frame handguns is anodizing, which often wears during service use, leaving sections of exposed aluminum. Nitron finish is much more durable. The MK25 was one of the first SIG P series to use a light rail. In this handgun the double action trigger breaks at a clean 12 pounds. The single-action trigger press is crisp and breaks at 4.25 pounds. Reset is different from most double-action pistols. You are always in control with the P226 action. Reset is not as rapid as a competition handgun, but the action is ideal for a service handgun. If desired, you may fit the SIG Short Reset Trigger (SRT). The MK 25 is supplied in a locking plastic case, along with a total of three magazines, a realistic minimum with one in the pistol, one on the belt and one resting. I have on hand a number of SIG P226 9mm 20 round magazines. They work well and make a lot of sense if the pistol is used for home defense.

I fire the pistol often when I wish to enjoy a precision handgun with more than a little history. Before firing I lubricate the pistol and load the magazines properly. I load the magazine with three rounds and tap the magazine base on the boot heel to ensure the rounds seat. Then load three more and continue until the magazine is fully loaded. gazine. I give the magazine a final rap to securely seat all the cartridges. That method ensures good feed reliability.

A pistol this size and weight is controllable with modest recoil. Drawing quickly and lining up on target as the front sight hit the target and I pressed the trigger, I had a hit. For those who practice, the SIG P226 is a pistol that responds well to the proper technique. It was no problem to put every round in a magazine into the center mass of a man-sized target at 25 yards. As for absolute accuracy firing from a solid benchrest firing position the pistol will group five shots into 2.0 inches with quality ammunition. Occasionally a superior loading and a trained shooter will put five shots into less than two inches from a solid rest.

I normally deploy one of three loads depending on availability. The Federal 124 grain HST, the Federal 124 grain Hydra Shock, and the Speer 124 grain Gold Dot. I slightly prefer the Hydra shock based on police service experience and study. There are reliable accurate loads with a good balance of expansion and penetration. There is a counter argument in wound ballistics, and some prefer a bullet that is heavier than standard, drives deeper in penetration, and has a balance of expansion and penetration that favors penetration. There is also the argument that a heavier bullet with longer bearing surface exhibits greater accuracy potential. I have found the Speer 147 grain Gold Dot very accurate. The 147 grain Federal HST offers good expansion more so than any other heavy 9mm I have tested German police in the 1970s trials demanded that the handgun be accurate enough for hostage rescue shots. The SIG P series was born out of the war on terror, and today, it continues to serve on the front line in that capacity.

Specifications

Caliber 9mm

Action Type: DA/SA
Trigger Pull DA: 10.0 lbs (actual weight, 12 pounds)
Trigger Pull SA: 4.4 lbs (actual compression, 4.25 pounds)
Overall Length: 7.7 in
Overall Height: 5.5 in
Overall Width: 1.5 in
Barrel Length: 4.4 in
Sight Radius: 6.3 in
Weight with Magazine: 34.4 oz
Magazine Capacity: 15 rounds
Sights: SIGLITE night sights
Grips: Black polymer factory grips
Frame Finish: Black hard anodized
Slide Finish: Nitron
Accessory Rail: Yes
Features: UID identification label, anti-corrosion coatings on controls and internal components, anchor engraving

A legendary handgun with first rate performance.

The New SK Customs “La Revolución.”

By

Keith Finch

-

November 5, 2022

Pancho Villa of La Revolución series by SK Customs 1911 pistol — Pancho Villa of La Revolución series by SK Customs

HAYMARKET, VA – November 4, 2022 – SK Customs is celebrating the rich history of the Mexican Revolution with their latest series, “La Revolución.” Kicking off the historical series is the “Pancho Villa,” a gun that tells the story of Mexico’s revolutionary general, Francisco “Pancho” Villa.

“We are proud to announce our new series, ‘La Revolución,’” said Simon Khiabani, owner and founder of SK Customs®. “‘Pancho Villa’ marks the first pistol in the limited-edition production run of only 300 full size Colt 19ll chambered in 38 Super. These beautifully engraved, collectable firearms honor the Mexican Revolution, a defining historical event that lasted just over 10 years.”

A beautiful Cannas floral scroll frames a dramatic illustration of Pancho Villa on horseback galloping into battle on the left side of the firearm. Along with an engraved depiction of The Monument to the Revolution in Mexico City, the side is completed with the general’s Army, known as “División del Norte,” holding a banner with Pancho Villa’s iconic phrase, “Fusílenlo, Después Averiguamos,” translated as “Shoot him, we’ll find out later.”

pancho villa 1911 by sk customs scrolling and engraving

sk customs 1911 pancho villa la revolucion slide work

The coat of arms Free and Sovereign State of Durango emblem, engraved with “REVOLUCION,” decorate the right side of the “Pancho Villa.” Selective coverage of a Cannas floral scroll with frosted shadowing border a right profile design of the general fearlessly galloping into battle. This side of the pistol is completed with the phrase, “El Centauro del Norte,” translated “The Centaur of the North.”

An accentuated portrait of Francisco Pancho Villa titled “1878-1923 Centenaro,” signifying the 100^th anniversary of his passing sits on top of the slide. The top of the ejection port showcases Pancho Villa’s Bandolier loaded with .30-30 caliber cartridges while the rear sight features Mexico’s coat of arms (1899-1917).

The gun is perfected with a highly polished frame, slide, barrel and hardware engraved with selective silver and gold plating on the slide. Custom antique gold peso medallions embellish the new Kirinite style grips for a notable finish.

Each firearm in this series includes an engraved edition number. To learn more about SK Customs® the history behind this sequence of pistols, visit skguns.com.

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to be the first to learn of our newest production launches.

About SK Guns/SK Customs

We have changed the future in being the industry’s only series driven custom, limited-edition, production of manufactured collectible firearms. The SK Guns® brand has taken the next step to further deliver our vision on what custom limited-edition means to us by being “Uniquely Custom®”.

Our team of master engravers, expert finishers, historians, and master gunsmiths dedicate themselves to every detail within our brand of SK Customs® production lines of custom firearms. To learn more about our past, current and future products, visit skguns.com.

Taurus Holiday Rebates – G-Series

By

Keith Finch

-

November 4, 2022

November 2022 (Bainbridge, GA) – Taurus, manufacturer of premium handguns for defense, hunting, and sport shooting, is excited to kick off summer with a rebate on new G-Series personal defense handgun purchases. This limited-time rebate covers all G-series models, including the G3, G3c, G2c, and the GX4.

From now through January 15, 2023, consumers who purchase a new G-series 9mm can receive a $50 rebate on GX4 and GX4XL pistols and a $25 rebate on qualified G2C, G3, G3C, G3X, and G3XL pistols purchased between November 1, 2022, and January 15, 2023. Rebate redemption is easy. Simply complete the rebate form or online submission with the original Taurus G UPC for each product. Include a dated copy of the receipt or itemized sales invoice and mail everything to: Taurus G Rebate, Dept. 13009, P.O. Box 5018, Stacy, MN 55078-5018.

Participating consumers can pre-qualify for the rebate by visiting TaurusUSA.com/Rebate. Rebate status can be followed at TaurusUSA.MyCheckStatus.com or by calling 844-567-8041.

Since their introduction, the G-series semi-autos have led the polymer striker-fired personal defense handgun segment for their reliability and class-leading performance-to-price ratio. With models ranging from the full-size G3 to the micro-compact GX4, and with available T.O.R.O. optic mounting options, the G-series offers EDC and deep-concealment options to meet any lifestyle and carry requirements.

Taurus G-series handguns are noted for their accuracy, dependability, and exceptional ergonomics that accommodate shooters of all sizes and experience levels. Now Taurus consumers can enjoy even greater value when they purchase a new G-series 9mm through January 15, 2022.

For more information on the award-winning Taurus G-series handguns, go to TaurusUSA.com.

Musket on Speed

By

Keith Finch

-

November 4, 2022

The M16A2 was the rifle I entered service with. May 2007 I was handed a mostly purple FN M16A2 with scarred handguards and no finish left on the exposed barrel. This was the US fighting rifle standard and the M16A4 and M4/M4A1 were not in wide circulation yet. Most of the ones in US hands were already forward in Iraq and Afghanistan, and they were kept there since they were in short supply. The advanced optics stayed in country too.

So yes, back in my day I shot with iron sights.

The M16A2 personifies what 5.56, good range set irons, and a 20″ barrel can accomplish. Speed helps the system beat wind at greater distance. The mass of the system keeps recoil very low.

The ability to repeatedly place rounds onto target at the limits of a weapon’s effective range are a hallmark of a shooter who knows what they are doing and can complete the shot process. The rifle can hit 600 meters (as shown in the video) and the A2 has an 800m setting for an “area target”

What Josh and Henry show here is the combination of a rifle’s raw potential, decent environmental factors, and familiarity with what all the tools of the system can bring together. It nicely showcases how all the parts of a shooting system matter, especially the shooter.

A familiar rifle is a comforting thing. That old saw about “beware the man with one gun, he probably knows how to use it…” has a kernel or two of truth when it comes to a knowledgeable shooter. Ownership doesn’t equate to skill, but skills will tend to bias one towards a system they are comfortable running all the controls for, even if it isn’t the latest and greatest. One must be objective, one must be self honest, one must be humble about how honed the skills are. Lots of owners out there, far fewer users.

Chasing gear is fun, but nothing replaces proficiency.

Tests And Standards

By

P.E. Fitch

-

November 4, 2022

Recently, I took Citizens Defense Research Tests and Standards course for the third time. I have been fortunate to see this course’s firsthand evolution and progression since the first time I took it in 2019, when it was still a one-day class. What the course currently offers is a night and day difference from that first time I shot it. And even then, it had something to offer.

Test and Standards is a relatively high round count (for 2022 standards (pun fully intended)) two day course of approximately 500-700 rounds that focuses on purely technical pistol shooting skills. The course and the instructors cover every aspect of making a pistol shot, from the time the pistol is first drawn through the end of a string of shooting. All shooting is done either at three or five yards, and students deliberately shoot at smaller targets such as one inch squares or two inch circles. However, the biggest aspect about this course and perhaps the reason to take it is the fact that there are few open enrollment courses that offer the level of individualized feedback and evaluation from the instructors that Tests and Standards provides. The instructors filter through the entire group of students and take notes on every individual. Afterward, students will go through a series of one on one coaching and evaluation that includes a “diagnosis” to their shooting ills and the “prescription” to improve whatever pistol malady they may suffer from. Students are encouraged to focus on this throughout the remainder of the class.

Task failed successfully. Those who have taken the class will recognize this. If you sign up for it, I promise this is a very fun drill.

The other huge aspect that students may not likely find anywhere else is the fact that this class includes a good amount of individual and group dialogue about shooting itself. With the level of discourse and insights offered by the instructors, I’d suggest to the prospective pupil to bring a notebook and be prepared to take copious amounts of notes or some type of audio recording device. The sort of feedback students gain along with the individualized attention are worth the price of admission. These instructors have a knack of analyzing their students to a deep extent and in ways I have not witnessed at other shooting courses. Personally, every time I’ve taken Tests and Standards I have been able to improve my shooting ability and I become that much safer and faster. I distinctly recall learning very safe appendix-carry reholstering habits during my first class that are ingrained in me to this day. During the second and third times I’ve taken this course, the instructors have helped me not only develop a faster and smoother draw but also gain confidence in the skills I already had within.

It wasn’t until the last iteration of Tests and Standards that I participated in when I realized just how richly detailed and nuanced the group discussions provide. More than once I have seen miracles on CDR’s firing line occur over the course of one weekend. Some of you are probably reading this and you know who you are. I have witnessed the instructors touch and connect with their students to the extent that grown men have been brought to tears after overcoming some type of mental or habitual shooting hurdle that was setting them back from shooting as well as they could. I mentioned previously how I have been party to Tests and Standards’ evolution from those one-day classes into what it currently is. Citizen’s Defense Research deserves credit for always striving to pro-actively evolve their classes and their efforts in keeping their material relevant. That very first class felt like running a battery of shooting drills and tests under organized coaching (good coaching might I add), but this latest rendition challenged students to take into account their internal moods and feelings when shooting. This is impressive because Lanny Bassham, the competitive Olympic shooter who wrote the book, With Winning In Mind, leans heavily into some of these internal state concepts.

Aside from the material and discussion topics, it bears mentioning that Citizens Defense Research strives to provide the best learning environment possible. The instructors constantly remind students to stay hydrated and during the last two iterations I have personally attended, they provided awnings directly on the firing line. The shade certainly ensured that everyone had a better time while avoiding sun fatigue: something that can drain anyone after a few hours. After all, as students we spend so much time and effort traveling and attending private shooting courses. So why should we diminish the return on our investment by distractions like sun fatigue and unnecessary loss of energy when they are easily avoidable?

Tests and Standards does not require any exceptional or advanced shooting ability, per se. With the individualized coaching, the instructors have something to offer shooters of every skill level or demeanor. The only real requirement asked of prospective students is a focus on safe firearms handling and a safety mindset. Moreover, the class is gear and pistol agnostic. Most any reasonable holster, whether carried openly or from concealment is welcome. (Maybe leave the SERPA at home though). Red dots or irons sights, it does not make a difference because Citizens Defense Research will help you get the most out of each system. I would like to point out that revolvers are not the best choice for this specific course as most of the drills and exercises are set up around a semi automatic handgun with a magazine that holds at least fifteen cartridges. Prospective students would do well to show up with no less than 800 rounds and at least six magazines, to be safe. That said, CDR is very mindful about the usefulness of each trigger pull and they avoid needless blasting.

I’ve shared the firing line at this course with this dude twice now. He’s taken Test and Standards 4-5 times himself. Watching him expertly shoot and manipulate a TDA pistol is always a treat.

Safe shooters of any skill level interested in expanding their shooting awareness, analyzing their personal shooting process, and doing the work will probably gain something from taking this outside-the-box pistol class.

The Audley Safety Holster – Modern Retention in 1914

By

Travis Pike

-

November 4, 2022

We take for granted the number of awesome holsters available these days. It’s tough not to. There is an overwhelming number of excellent holster designs. Back in the day, this wasn’t the case, but in 1914 a man named Francis Audley designed the Audley Safety Holster, which would continue to influence holsters today.

Francis Audley was a leather craftsman who traditionally worked on horse tack. As vehicles rose in prominence, Mr. Audley looked for an alternative source of income. This led him to make holsters. He made many styles of holsters, but the Audley Safety Holster was his claim to fame.

What’s So Special About the Audley Safety Holster?

The holster was innovative, and he wisely set up a shop across from the NYPD headquarters. This built-in customer base allowed his innovative design to get some wind under its sails. The Audley Safety Holster used a unique retention device. A small metal tab locked around the trigger guard and kept the weapon in the holster.

To draw, the user pressed the tab inward, and this released the pistol. Admittedly this wouldn’t quite pass muster today. However, it was 1914, and things were a little fast and loose for the time. Prior to the Audley Safety Holster, the only method of positive retention was a great big flap that covered the whole gun. This was rarely fast and hardly accessible.

The Audley Safety Holster allowed the shooter to draw a fair bit quicker while keeping active and positive retention over the weapon. A bad guy couldn’t fight the weapon away from the user, and it could essentially only be drawn by the user.

There are some glaring safety issues with this design. However, it’s worth noting that automatics were traditionally carried with an empty chamber in this time period, and the long heavy trigger of a double-action revolver was considered safe enough. It was also the first of its kind, and we didn’t have the same vein of knowledge then that we have now.

These days duty holsters that contain those features are common, the standard, really. In fact, companies like Safariland and Vista Outdoors both cite the 1914 patent of the Audley Safety Holster in their designs.

Who Used The Audley Safety Holster?

The Audley Safety Holster was designed for numerous firearms, including the 1911, full-sized revolvers, the Colt M1903/1908, Baby Brownings, and many more. Sadly Audley never got to see the success of his pistol holster. He died in 1916, and the H.D. Folsom company acquired his patents.

The holster was fairly popular, but an incident in 1922 brought in a massive amount of orders to the H.D. Folsom company. A police officer named Patrolman Motz was murdered inside a police station when a criminal took his own gun away from him. Commissioner Enright then ordered every man of the 12,000-strong NYPD to equip themselves with an Audley Safety Holster. He also opened a shooting school and encouraged the men to practice their draw with an empty gun.

The holsters also found a home with the OSS. However, it seemed like most OSS men provided their own holsters. Roger Hall, an OSS agent and Jedburgh operative carried his Colt M1903 in an Audley Safety Holster. The holsters continued their production until the 1960s or so, when they were eventually replaced with various designs.

Looking Back

The Audley Safety Holster changed the game for combative-oriented holsters. It was the first modern holster to feature an easily defeated retention device. While it wasn’t perfect, it did create a new genre of duty holster, and it’s one we benefit from to this day.

(Cover Image Courtesy of Forgotten Weapons.)

5.11 Announces New Footwear for Fall 2022

By

248 Shooter

-

November 3, 2022

COSTA MESA, Calif. (Oct. 26, 2022) – 5.11 Tactical®, the global innovator of purpose-built apparel, footwear and gear, today unveiled an expanded lineup of footwear available this fall, including updated models, expanded colorways and the introduction of all-new items.

“As many public safety professionals, outdoor enthusiasts and training experts know, footwear is an integral piece of gear,” said 5.11’s Vice President, Global Product, Matt Page. “Without proper footwear, even the most routine tasks can become difficult, which is why we strive to provide functional and comfortable footwear for a wide range of activities.”

The A/T Ranger 2.0 ($110) features 5.11’s All Terrain Load Assistance System Technology (A.T.L.A.S. Technology) that provides complete support, whether on a job or a hiking trail. A removable support plate creates extra support when there are heavy loads to carry. The breathable mesh construction keeps feet cool while the scratch rubber toe cap adds durability and protection. The outsole is patterned with a multi-direction lug design for maximum grip on any terrain while the Ortholite® insole is combined with a 5.11® Echo Lite high rebound EVA midsole for maximum support and comfort.

The A/T Mid Boot ($150) has been expanded to offer a new coyote colorway. This customer-favorite also utilizes 5.11’s A.T.L.A.S.technology to distribute weight, improve stability and return energy to offer all-day support, performance and comfort. Additional features include a 3D molded TPR toe and heel for protection, a welded-mesh upper for breathability and a high traction outsole.

The Norris Sneaker ($115) is now available in a volcanic colorway to give customers additional styling options with this durably but casual, high-top sneaker. Offering an outstanding blend of style and functionality, the Norris features a Vibram® Marbrani outsole with XS Trek to provide traction and durability along with Ortholite® technology that cushions with support and comfort. It’s ASTM certified for puncture resistance and built with a super-strong Welmax board that protects feet against up to 1,200 newtons of force.

A new High Gloss Duty Oxford ($100) has been introduced for those who serve and need a dress uniform show that feels as good as it looks. The high-shine patent leather upper creates a clean and professional style while an Ortholite® footbed provides increased cushioning and a tough Vibram® outsole offers functionality.

For more information about 5.11, its product offering and to find a 5.11 store near you visit www.511tactical.com.

# # #

About 5.11, Inc.

With offices around the globe, 5.11 works directly with end users to create purpose-built apparel, footwear and gear designed specifically to enhance the safety, accuracy, speed, and performance of tactical professionals and technical enthusiasts worldwide. 5.11 products exceed rigorous standards, which have allowed the brand to establish a reputation for innovation and authenticity, and become the premier choice for those who always have to be ready. 5.11 products can be purchased online, through authorized dealers and retailers, as well as at 5.11 company-owned retail stores.

Learn more about 5.11’s best-selling gear and accessories at www.511tactical.com. Find a full list of 5.11 company-owned retail stores at https://www.511tactical.com/locations/. Connect with 5.11 on Facebook, Twitter @511Tactical and on Instagram @511Tactical and #511tactical

5.11, Inc. is a subsidiary of Compass Diversified (NYSE: CODI).