If you’re like me, you turn to YouTube when you’re trying to learn a new skill or educate yourself on a topic. It should be no surprise that anyone with a camera and an internet connection can share their opinion with the world, regardless of how meritorious it may or may not be. But who should you turn to for your information? Style influencers or lifestyle bloggers?
I’ve seen several style influencers that have recommended some rather questionable concealed carry methods that don’t hold up to pressure testing. I don’t blame them per se. They don’t know any better.
This is just a reminder to make sure that you’re getting information from the right sources. Just because there’s a shared interest doesn’t mean that they’re qualified to speak on the topic.
A singular source for all the answers is certainly alluring, but more often than not, it tends to be a trap.
The closer perspective is entirely me just trying out a slightly different look, and in no way an attempt to hide the fact that my fly was down for the duration of this video….
So, in a topic that is both current and annoying, people are asking why America isn’t better at Olympic shooting sports. Caleb tackles that question in his trademark solo style
American Tactical just announced the new TRX Bronco bolt-action rifle. The Bronco is part of American Tactical’s Black Creek line and is built to be a compact, lightweight rifle for the ranch, range, or backcountry hunting.
The TRX Bronco
The TRX Bronco uses the Black Creek TRX Short action, which can drop into any Tikka T3 chassis. It’s offered in both .308 Winchester and 6.5 Creedmoor and is guaranteed to shoot 1 MOA with commercial ammunition. Currently, two barrel lengths are listed, 16.5 and 18.5 inches. Although it doesn’t expressly say, from looking at the pics and video, it appears to have a factory-threaded barrel.
American Tactical is also teasing a short 9-inch barreled version if you watch the video on the product page. It feeds from double-stacked AR10/SR25 magazines, which are readily available and give plenty of capacity. The TRX action is fitted with a TriggerTech REM700 field trigger.
The TRX Bronco Hunter uses the two-piece, adaptable chassis system. It comes with a 10-inch forend, but you can swap that out for other lengths as well. The chassis is made of aircraft-grade aluminum and is fitted with a folding stock. The stock captures the bolt handle when folded. This, along with a patent-pending safety wedge, locks the rifle in the “safe” position. As a result, the rifle is unable to fire when the stock is folded. This lets you store it fully loaded in your pack or vehicle and know that it cannot fire but is still ready to go when you fold open the stock.
If you’ve been looking for a compact, lightweight rifle that still packs enough punch for most any North American big game, then check out the TRX Bronco Hunter.
Caliber: .308 WIN & 6.5 CM Weight: 6.9 lbs Capacity: 10 rd. AR-10 Compatible Magazine Included Trigger: Triggertech Field Trigger Barrel: 16.5 and 18.5 inches Chassis: 13 inch Modular Chassis Stock: Side Folding Colors: Black and Tan MSRP: $1499.95
My Beretta 92X Performance 9mm pistol, pictured in its current-day configuration with LOK wraparound Veloce grips.
In the autumn of 2020, I purchased a Beretta 92X Performance pistol. For the better part of two years after the purchase, that Beretta handgun became my go-to shooter. It was the gun I took to training classes and my gun of choice for USPSA. In fact, it was the gun that I was shooting when I first started to learn how action pistol matches worked in the first place.
Why Re-Hash the Beretta 92X Performance?
Even amongst all the handguns in my safe today, this Beretta is still one of my personally owned guns with a higher-than-average round count (by my own standards). Most importantly, it was the first handgun I ever reviewed in any way for any publication. You’re welcome to read that review here, and though I’m still content with my writing, it was an atypical review, to say the least.
I was a brand-new writer and still getting a grasp on the craft. For fun, I’ve decided to write a “re-review” of my Beretta 92X Performance. Moreover, my pistol-shooting skills and understanding of handguns themselves have also evolved in tandem with my writing. Enough has changed, and it prompted me to try writing about this pistol again from my 2024 perspective.
I’ll also fully admit to hardly shooting my 92X Performance these days because I’m tied up shooting and writing other handgun reviews while also focusing on guns with dots. But it has been nice to pull it out of its spot from the safe and revisit it, like catching up with an old friend.
Every Beretta 92 with a Brigadier slide has this “mountain” side profile on the slide. This is a macro shot I took with my phone when I first bought mine. To say I was thrilled was an understatement.
500 Years, One Passion, and Atonement
On a personal level, the 92 series has always been something of a passion project for me. A few months ago, I also wrote another article related to the M9, and even though that project didn’t involve any range time, I really enjoyed drafting it because it served as a reminder of just how much I enjoy these guns.
The same is true of my “old” Beretta 92X Performance, which has gone by my wayside. It doesn’t have a dot, and it hasn’t been in any of my recent projects, either. However, it’s nice to be reminded of things one appreciates and just how much joy they used to bring, especially this [92XP0 one] because it’s a steel-framed Beretta 92.
For the longest time, steel-frame Beretta 92 models of any stripe were expensive, rare, and difficult to find. So when Beretta launched the 92X Performance in 2019 globally and made the gun more accessible to the masses, I and any other serious Beretta 92 enthusiast considered it a “big deal.”
With that said, I’m also not blind to the fact that many of these guns produced during the COVID era had several reliability issues, especially in terms of firing, cycling, and quality control. I know this tainted the poor 92X Performance’s reputation, considering that the Beretta 92 pattern as an archetype is generally viable, extremely reliable, and proven.
Anecdotally, it appears to me that most of the guns with problems were made between 2021-2022. I’m under the impression that by this point in time, 2024, all of those kinks and issues have been handled because I haven’t heard any chatter about these since spring 2023. I also haven’t heard of any more issues from shooters at my club who use them, either.
Malfunction Free
Speaking from my experience shooting my own 92X Performance, which was manufactured at some point during 2020, I’ve never faced major issues or malfunctions. I’ve fired all manner of 9mm handloads and factory rounds. Across a few thousand rounds (between 3 to 5 thousand in my estimation), I’ve had only two seemingly random feedway stoppages, both from factory ammunition, ironically.
Even so, these were so odd that I can’t rule out user error or the lube drying up. It is hard to diagnose stoppages in the middle of a USPSA stage when the timer is running, after all. In the grand scheme of things, along with my cumulative experience shooting Beretta 92s, these are insignificant.
Beretta 92X Performance Overview, Frame and Trigger
The Beretta 92X Performance is a full-size pistol chambered for 9mm Luger. It was created for sport shooting and employs a locking-block delayed blowback mechanism made famous by the German Walther P.38 military pistol. The 92X Performance is specifically manufactured and assembled in Italy and has Italian and European CIP proofmarks.
A near perfect Dot Torture Target (49/50) I shot during the early days. In single-action, Beretta 92s tend to perform well which is one of their greatest attributes. Unfortunately, a slow-fire drill like Dot Torture won’t expose the nuances (good or bad) about a gun’s grip.
Over the decades, Beretta has refined this semi-automatic locking block action and developed it into something quite reliable. The system also confers certain advantages over other contemporary designs, such as a very short and nearly horizontal path from the magazine’s feed lips into the chamber.
With locking blocks, barrels need not tilt, either. The tabs of the locking block will pivot and fall out, allowing the slide to travel to the rear and for the action to cycle.
This is one reason Beretta 92 slides are also nearly fully open from the top. There’s no need for material there. This also benefits the gun’s ejection, as there is hardly anything to block brass from flying out.
Steel Frame
The 92 X Performance is built around a steel frame instead of the typical aluminum material that most Beretta 92 frames use. The heavier steel frame on this model weighs roughly a pound more than the aluminum units. But since it’s built for sport, the extra weight is advantageous in resisting the 9mm recoil impulse.
The result is a full-size pistol that’s extremely soft-shooting and easy to control in that sense. The trade-off is the heavier weight, which is certainly noticeable when the gun sits in a competition holster. Anyone who has worked with a CZ Shadow 2 will relate.
The steel frame on this model includes a practical Picatinny railed dustcover and a gently curved trigger guard that’s visually different from the typical 92 frame with the sharp corner. Unfortunately, the grip portion uses the cramped Beretta Vertec profile. I say, unfortunately, because this profile specifically leaves something to be desired and makes the gun feel like a “compact” (think CZ Shadow 2 Compact, Glock 19, etc.) in the hand, as opposed to the heavy and full-size pistol the 92X Performance truly is.
In the same vein, its downward-angled beavertail is something I’m also not fond of. I find it gets in the way of building a solid grip quickly. While attractive, the Nistan finish on the frame has a tendency to feel somewhat slippery, even with the grips checkering. It’s noticeable when shooting during the hot and humid summer months.
On my pistol, it has also been susceptible to minor rust spots on the slide, especially during that hot and humid summer training and match season.
Surefire just announced the release of the new XR2 Compact Light and Laser. The XR2 is a rechargeable handgun weapon light and laser sight made for mid-size concealed-carry pistols.
XR2 Compact Light and Laser
The XR2 uses twin recoil-proof LEDs with 800 lumens downrange output. They have enough spill to maintain situational awareness while still lighting up the target. In addition to the lights, it has a <5-milliwatt Class IIIa laser for aiming without relying on your weapons sight.
The laser is available in red or green, and the ambidextrous switch allows for easy activation. The mode switch lets you select from light only, laser only, or light plus laser. It also has momentary on or constant on modes.
Quick Detach battery
What makes the XR2 unique is its quick detach battery. The rechargeable battery can be removed or swapped without taking the light off of the gun. That means you don’t lose the zero on your laser when you change batteries.
It has a battery-mounted fuel gauge that lets you keep track of your charge. That way you don’t have to guess when your light might go dead. The XR2 Compact Light and Laser comes with a charging cradle with two charging bays so you can always have a spare battery available to swap out.
Click here to read Part 1 of this article, which covers the hands-on portion of actually shooting shells through my shotgun. Recovered Hornady Versatite wads are shown above.
Old 2019 photo of the same shotgun, my Beretta 1301 Tactical next to some spent Flite Control wads I recovered.
Pattern Analysis
Does the Hornady Versatite wad make a difference? It does. One simply needs to look at the patterns my Beretta printed at 5 and 10 yards. In this way, they’re very similar to patterns I had seen in the past with Flite Control, where all the pellets are still inside the wad or very close to it.
Examining the recovered Versatite wads, they are quite similar in appearance to the Flite Control wads themselves. So, it wouldn’t be a stretch to assume they both work off similar principles.
In fact, something that Matt Haught of Symtac Consulting taught me is that both the Versatite and Flite Control wads share a “common ancestor” from the wad used in little known Choke Law Enforcement Buckshot load developed by a man named Chris Billings some 25 years ago.
Even at shorter distances of 5-10 yards, one can generally observe a larger pattern from standard buckshot loads that use unsophisticated horsehair, felt, or plastic wads.
For reference, the wider 10-yard pattern from Target 1 in Part 1 of this series is still fairly “tight” in relation to those standard loads. The same is true of the patterns printed at 15, 20 and 25 yards so there’s no doubt the Versatite wad certainly affects the shot column positively.
Is There a Trade-Off?
With that being said, I think the ultra-low recoil found in this load comes at a trade-off, especially for further shots. There’s much discussion on Internet based shotgun groups and social media channels about how high velocity buckshot with nine pellets ought to be avoided because it promotes fliers. Could the opposite could also be true too?
Perhaps the propensity for fliers could also increase with payloads with lower muzzle velocities that run out of steam sooner. According to Hornady’s own website, these loads exit the muzzle of an 18-inch Remington 870 at 985 FPS (the 1100 FPS rating is based on a longer 30-inch test barrel).
985 FPS is certainly on the milder side of shotshells, and the trade-off for less recoil in this instance will be slightly wider patterns beyond 20 yards. I’m also curious how the lack of grex or other variables in the Hornady TAP loads affects dispersion at further distances.
Anecdotal Comparison
My 25-yard patterns in Part 1 could be an indication of wider patterns with slower velocities. But again, to test that out, I’d need a more robust sampling involving more than one shotgun barrel. I found some old photos on my phone from four years ago that serve as weak anecdotal information that’s also in line with my observation “educated guess.”
These pictures show cardboard sheets that I shot with the same Beretta 1301 using both Federal reduced recoil 9-pellet Flite Control LE 132 00 (1145 FPS) and their High Velocity Flite Control LE 127 00 (1325 FPS). The latter also happens to be my cartridge of choice. But looking over these photos, it’s clear that the faster LE 127 00 has a marginally tighter pattern at 25 yards.
Do keep in mind that both Flite Control loads use copper-plated shot and grex, which are other variables that could also play a role. Nonetheless, the faster LE 127 00 load seems to pattern slightly tighter, even with the “flyer.”
The pictures: I took only one shot at each target. I shot these nearly four years ago before I was better informed about shotguns and patterning them properly. In my defense, any flavor of Flite Control was very hard to come by during peak COVID. At least I managed to have both of these saved on my phone, so I wanted to share them. At the time, I was measuring spread by measuring the furthest two pellet impacts with a ruler along two axes.
I shot these sheets of cardboard with the same Beretta 1301 shotgun at 25 yards in November of 2020 using the Federal Flite Control 9-Pellet LE 127 00 (HV) and LE 132 00 (low recoil) loads.
Additional Anecdotal Images: Old School Buckshot
While digging through my phone for the above Flite Control patterns, I found more images of poorly labeled buckshot patterns from early 2020 that I had patterned through my Beretta 1301 for fun as well. I had four shells, two with blue hulls and two with green hulls from Remington-Peters.
Both of these 12-gauge loads were loaded with 12 pellets of 00 buckshot, and both had very stout recoil and threw wide patterns at 15 yards, as shown below. Due to the way the pellets were stacked in the shell, they had a tendency to fly out and throw cool snowflake patterns at closer distances. They were visually stunning but not helpful as pellets ought to ideally remain centralized (see green pattern below on 20-inch wide cardboard).
My intention in showing these is for additional reference and to illustrate how well the Versatite or Flite Control shuttlecock-shaped wads work in of themselves.
3-4 inch “snowflake” patterns15 yards
The Takeaway
Trading Velocity For Recoil
The ultra-low-recoil nature of this load means that it cycled, but just barely, through my Beretta 1301 Tactical. Even though the Beretta Blink gas system is one of the most tolerant in any semi-auto shotgun, like any system it still has a threshold of the type of shells it can reliably cycle.
Beyond the patterning exhibited by the Hornady 12ga TAP low-recoil load, which I don’t find to be too disagreeable, this load is best left to pump-action shotguns only. To be clear, all shells were successfully fired through my shotgun without any jams or stuck hulls. On a defensive firearm like my home defense shotgun, I don’t think compromising the shotgun’s ability to cycle in a critical scenario is worth trading for a payload with less recoil.
As a rule of thumb, most semi-automatic shotguns generally dislike loads rated below 1200 FPS, and perhaps I was better off patterning these 12-ga TAP loads with a Remington 870. I simply opted for my Beretta 1301 because their Steelium barrels are of extremely high-quality and I wanted to see how the Versatite wad would react.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, shotguns and their patterns can be fairly unique, which is why it’s important to always pattern and verify a specific load through a specific shotgun above everything else. In the case of this post, that was my ulterior motive. To simply share some anecdotal figures and my experience trying out a new-to-me shotshell.
The similar characteristics between the open wad in the original Choke LE buckshot load, Federal Premium’s Flite Control wad, and the Hornady Versatite wad trying out Big Red’s shells had been on my to-do list for some time. In my area, it isn’t easy for non-LE to get their hands on Hornady TAP ammunition in general. So, I figured the best use of these odd 20 shells I randomly got would be to pattern them through my Beretta 1301 just to see what they could do.
Hornady does sell shotshells loaded with their Versatite wad to the public under the Hornady Black and Critical Defense product lines. So, in fairness, Hornady isn’t restricting Versatite loads to law enforcement SKUs only.
The quality of the shells themselves was what you’d expect from Hornady. Clean and crisp crimps with smooth hulls and spotless brass bases. Since context matters, I wouldn’t immediately dismiss the Hornady 12-gauge TAP load, especially if the distance in my defensive domain is less than 20 yards.
Unfortunately, I don’t have any more shells at the moment, but I’d love nothing more than to shoot more patterns at 20 and 25 yards since those were somewhat of a mixed bag, as shown in Part 1. It certainly looks like this Hornady TAP 12GA Versatite load will generally pattern well into an A/C zone-sized target inside of 15 yards.
When I first saw Desert Tech’s TREK-22 bullpup conversion stock for the Ruger 10/22 platform at SHOT a couple of years ago, I was pretty enamored with it. It’s a really sleek, compact package, perfect for a survival rifle or as a Jeep, snowmobile, or ATV gun. I wanted one pretty bad but didn’t have a donor 10/22 handy. Well now Desert Tech has solved that problem by releasing the TREK-22 as a complete rifle.
The TREK-22
Desert Tech is known for its bullpup hunting and tactical rifles. The company has a lot of experience in making precision, compact rifles and now they’ve applied it to the .22LR.
The TREK-22 has an overall length of just 26.5 inches and weighs only 4.8 pounds. It manages to pack an 18-inch, free-floated bull barrel into that space. The barrel is threaded for a suppressor or compensator, too. It uses a straight blade trigger that has a reduced trigger pull weight of just 3.5 pounds. Which is pretty amazing for a bullpup system.
The TREK-22’s stock is made from Glass-Reinforced Polymer. It has integrated M-LOK slots, sling studs, and a MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail. In addition, it has storage for two extra magazines. The TREK-22 stock has an integrated angled grip, keeping the whole package very slim. Although it looks a little odd, it actually feels very comfortable when you’re shooting. The available colors are Olive Drab green, Flat Dark Earth, and Gray.
The TREK-22 is made in the U.S.A. and has an MSRP of $799.99. However, there’s a $50 discount available for pre-orders. Shipments begin in September of 2024, and the first run is limited. So, if you think you want one, you better jump on a pre-order now.
In Part 1 and Part 2, I covered the finer details of the Taurus Executive Grade Revolver. Part 3 of the Taurus 692 Executive Grade Review covers the live-fire portion, shooting rimmed .357 Magnum and .38 Special revolver cartridges. In Part 4, I will cover shooting 9mm Luger ammo and the gun’s results with the other cylinder.
Other than a 25-round box of Hornady Critical Defense (110-grain FTX .38 Special +P), I exclusively fired .357 Magnum cartridges. This includes the fairly new High Desert Cartridge Company offerings, along with factory cartridges from Fiocchi (125 and 158-grain Defense Dynamics JHP) and Sierra (158-grain Sportsmaster JHP, also relatively new).
15-Yard Accuracy and Velocity Evaluations
I shot the Taurus 692 Executive Grade revolver off a bag at a distance of 15 yards. Using my new Garmin Xero C1 chronograph, I captured the muzzle velocity of 20 rounds from each load of the cartridges I list above (and below). Prior to shooting for groups and data, I drifted the rear sight so that 158-grain loads would print dead-center at 10 yards as the gun sat in my hands freestyle.
To simplify the process, I shot everything into groups of ten rounds for a total of ten ten-round groups. I seldom shoot double-action revolvers in single-action, but I made an exception in this case for pure convenience. Funny enough, after shooting the Taurus 692 Executive Grade’s trigger in single-action 100 times, I think the double-action trigger pull is nicer than its single-action trigger pull, ironically. This is fine by me because revolvers are meant to be shot double-action.
For consistency’s sake, I also used a deliberate 6 o’clock hold, and this certainly affected my point of impact, which pushed nearly every group low, naturally. I couldn’t help but notice how much lower the shift affected the lighter Fiocchi .357 Magnum 125-grain JHP and the Hornady 110-grain .38 Special +P loads.
The nice thing about a revolver like the Taurus 692 Executive is that it has both adjustable sights and a more modern and faster 1:10 barrel twist. Both of these can help the revolver better adapt to more modern loads.
Unfortunately, some groups are skewed by error on my part. But this is part of the reason I chose to shoot ten-round groups in the first place. Ideally, I’d have a Ransom rest, but those aren’t cheap and are even more cumbersome.
Hornady Critical Defense 110-grain FTX (.38 Special +P)
Notes: This was the only .38 Special load I tested through the Taurus 692 Executive Grade. Though the recoil impulse when shooting off a bag/rest always feels different than shooting with a natural two-handed grip, it was definitely noticeable how mild and pleasant this cartridge felt through this fairly heavy and ported revolver.
Sierra Sports Master 158-grain JHP
Notes: Group 1 with the Sierra Sports Master 158-grain JHP was the tightest overall group I fired with the Taurus 692 Executive Grade. The reason Group 2 was more open is more my fault than the revolver or these cartridges. I’ve been shooting Sierra Sports Master ammunition since last year for my accuracy evaluations, and it has proven to be generally consistent and accurate.
Fiocchi Defense Dynamics 158-grain JHP
Notes: I had two egregious flyers that I decided to omit from Group 1. They’re on the far left and nowhere near the main cluster. Group 2 has 11 shots because I accidentally deleted the muzzle velocity of one of the original 20 shots, so I fired an extra round to account for it.
Fiocchi Defense Dynamics 125-grain JHP
Notes: Nothing out of the ordinary to report. It’s decent overall ammo across calibers. But I’ve noticed that Defense Dynamics tends to be on the flashy side, at least with 9mm and .357 Magnum, so far.
High Desert Cartridge Company 158-grain XTP
Notes: I wrote an entirely separate article about the High Desert 158-grain XTP load and what it’s designed to do.
Shooting The Taurus 692 Executive Grade On The Range
Shooting various loads off a bench or bag only tells one small part of the story in any handgun review. While it’s good for printing groups and capturing muzzle velocities, it’s only good for that. There’s a lot of nuance that gets left out.
Therefore, my proper introduction to the Taurus 692 Executive Grade revolver began with some 10-round NRA B-8 targets. I shot these targets with High Desert Cartridge’s .357 Magnum practice load and Federal American Eagle .357 JHP at 10 yards. I would have grouped and chronograph these, too, but I didn’t have enough on hand.
Dot Torture
My other standard operating procedure in reviewing handguns is shooting Dot Torture. So, I also shot 50 rounds at a Dot Torture target using the Fiocchi 125-grain JHP ammo.
Dot Torture is an interesting exercise that’s both easy and challenging. There is no time limit, and the goal is consistency and accuracy over each of those 50 rounds. It calls for steady focus and requires the shooter to apply the fundamentals with each trigger press made. I dropped three careless shots for a final score of 47/50.
My biggest insight from shooting Dot Torture with the Taurus is just how controllable of a double-action trigger this revolver has. While any tuned competition revolver will have a lighter double-action pull, the trigger on the Taurus is smooth enough to allow the shooter to carefully manage the trigger for each shot until the trigger breaks. The fact that I managed to shoot what are arguably the hardest targets on Dot Torture—the single-hand only at #5 and #8—cleanly is strong proof.
Shooting Controlled Pairs
After Dot Torture, I took some leftover cartridges and attempted to shoot controlled pairs quickly at a 4×6-inch target from 5 yards. My splits weren’t blazing fast, but they were certainly spirited. However, while shooting these, the gun’s hardwood stocks, though gorgeous, proved less than ideal due to their shape.
I will cover this in more detail towards the end of my review. But to summarize, the stocks can easily slide under in the hand during recoil, making it harder to control the revolver during rapid double-action shooting.
Although the porting changes the revolver’s blast and reports, its helpfulness in controlling muzzle flip was quite noticeable. Likewise, it does become handy for extended sessions shooting full-house .357 Magnum loads, as I was shooting that day.
SIG SAUER just dropped the updated GEN II ROMEO5 a couple of days ago, and now they’re following with the ROMEO3MAX-PRO. The ROMEO3MAX-PRO is a pistol optic designed in conjunction with Max Michel. Max is the Team SIG Captain and a 7-time World Speed Shooting Champion.
The ROMEO3MAX-PRO
Let’s take a look at what’s new with the ROMEO3MAX-PRO. First, it uses the common DeltaPoint Pro footprint for direct mount. Older versions of the ROMEO 3 have a proprietary footprint and require an adapter plate. Eliminating the need for the plate allows you to mount your optic lower. This gives you less height over the bore axis and lets you co-witness your iron sights better.
SIG increased the dot size from 6 MOA to 8 MOA (it is also available with a 3 MOA dot). This allows for faster reticle acquisition and lets you run the dot at a lower brightness. Aside from saving battery life, the lower brightness decreases reticle distortion, which is especially helpful to folks with astigmatism.
The ROMEO3MAX-PRO adds three additional brightness settings, giving you more range to fine-tune your brightness in varying lighting conditions. SIG also reconfigured the brightness buttons so that up is now at the front and down is at the back. This is the industry standard, so folks will be able to operate the optic intuitively.
Additionally, the company switched from Allen head screws to slotted screws for windage and elevation adjustments and to access the battery tray. Now you don’t have to keep a tiny Allen wrench in your range kit, any small slotted screwdriver will do.
The lens size increased to 31mm from 30mm. It’s a touch bigger and gives you a little better downrange awareness. SIG has also included a MAGNETAC rubber optic cover. The cover automatically turns the reticle off when you install it. This helps save battery life when the gun is in storage or when not in use at the range.
The ROMEO3MAX-PRO is designed by and for competitive shooters and carries an MSRP of $699.99.
This is the second part of my review of the Taurus 692 Executive Grade revolver. You can read Part 1 here.
Ergonomic Trigger And Hammer
A detail shot of the back of the Taurus 692 EXG’s frame. The checkering on the hammer spur is clearly visible.
Ignition with the Taurus 692 EXG comes by way of an exposed hammer and a modern frame-mounted firing pin. The hammer, which matches the rest of the revolver with the same satin hue, has a wide, knurled spur. The trigger also has a matching satin stainless tone.
I appreciate that neither the hammer spur nor the face of the trigger is excessively wide, as one would find on a more purpose-driven, accurized target revolver. Working in tandem with the hammer is a transfer bar safety of the same type commonly found on virtually all modern-produced Taurus revolvers.
The width of the trigger face is just about perfect. It’s not too narrow nor too wide while also being smooth and rounded. On revolvers, length of pull will vary with stocks. But the distance, as measured from the centermost portion of the trigger face to the interior of the Altamont stocks’ sinusoidal curve, is about 1.75 inches.
Executive Grade Action
As part of the Executive Grade family, this revolver’s action gets extra attention compared to the typical Taurus Tracker offerings. As such, the trigger pull is smoother out of the box compared to the standard models. Using a digital trigger pull scale, ten double action trigger pulls averaged out to 9 lb, 12 oz. In single action, ten trigger pulls averaged out to 6 pounds even.
This revolver isn’t a match-grade competition gun, so expecting that type of trigger pull from the factory is pointless. However, for a general-purpose revolver or gun that’s likely to be carried on the hip, the smoothness and feel from the factory double-action trigger pull are fantastic.
My experience with Taurus products also means that this trigger will wear in and feel even better after some use. I tend to shoot virtually every revolver with a double-action trigger pull, and this one gets no complaints from me. With a proper grip, it’s smooth enough to not disturb the sight picture.
At this point, I’ve fired nearly 250 rounds of .357 Magnum loaded with various bullets and propellants. Due to the open nature of the revolver’s architecture, they tend to accumulate soot from propellants more so than semi-auto handguns. Oftentimes, this extra layer of soot and fouling starts to affect the trigger’s linkage in both trigger pull smoothness and the manner in which the cylinder rotates.
The 692 EXG’s satin finish seems to resist this soot and reinforce the action’s smoothness.
Quick Change Cylinders
Each revolver comes with a fitted set of Taurus 692 Executive Grade 9mm and .357 Magnum / .38 Special cylinders. As the 9mm Luger is a rimless round, it requires the use of a moon clip for best results.
In addition to the Taurus 692 Executive Grade’s fit, finish, and craftsmanship, its most distinctive feature set is also what comprises the heart of this very revolver: its multi-caliber quick-change cylinder feature. It allows end users to easily shoot three different types of ammunition through the same revolver: .357 Magnum, .38 Special, and 9mm Luger.
Virtually any revolver chambered for .357 Magnum will safely handle .38 Special cartridges; the .357 Magnum is based on the .38 Special, after all. 9mm Luger is a rimless and tapered pistol cartridge meant for semi-auto handguns. This places it in a different league from straight-wall rimmed revolver rounds. However, it still shares a nominal diameter of .35-caliber along with .38 Special and .357 Magnum.
Most 9mm projectiles tend to measure between .355 to .356 inches in diameter, while most .38/.357 projectiles measure between .357 and .358 inches, depending on style. With only 2 to 3 thousandths of an inch in difference, it can be fired safely through the same bore.
The included fitted cylinders are unfluted with the same satin stainless steel finish as the rest of the 692 EXG’s metal. Because fluted cylinders are still the norm in the world of revolvers, the lack of flutes, in this case, adds another layer of distinction. Moreover, both cylinders each have 692 EXG’s unique serial number engraved along with the caliber. Both the 9mm cylinder and the .38/.357 cylinder have a seven-round capacity.
Both the .357 Magnum / .38 Special and 9mm Luger Cylinder Assemblies in all of their unfluted glory.
Cylinder Retention System
Beyond the lack of cylinder fluting and the physical versatility provided by the ability to handle three different calibers, I think the Taurus 692 Executive Grade’s cherry-on-top is a one-of-a-kind “cylinder retention system.” I’ve previously touched on this feature in my article about how important revolver yoke screws are.
Most revolvers use the yoke screw (a specialized set-screw) to keep its yoke and cylinder securely fastened to the frame. Removing these components means that this screw must be undone every time. In the case of every multi-caliber Taurus Tracker revolver that ships with different cylinders, the traditional yoke screw is omitted and replaced by a spring-tensioned quick-detach plunger that holds yokes in place.
With this Taurus Tracker-specific feature, removing and switching cylinders only takes the literal push of a button and adds to the level of modularity and convenience that a multi-caliber revolver affords in the first place. Furthermore, the “cylinder retention system” also prevents undue wear and tear on the would-be yoke screw and its fine threads. Quite frankly, it’s such a novel yet simple detail that helps make the Taurus 692 EXG more functional.
The 692 EXG’s sideplate still uses a screw in the same spot where standard yoke screws fit. However, in this case, it only supports the sideplate. The QD plunger assembly is completely independent and most resembles the mechanism of a 1911 magazine catch.
A close-up of the 692 EXG’s trigger and its button for its quick-release cylinder mechanism
Each Revolver Gets A Nanuk Transportation Case
In today’s market, ample handguns ship with basic cases, and this is something most reviewers, including myself, tend to gloss over as it’s not too directly relevant. However, I’m making an exception for this review because Taurus sends each 692 Executive Grade revolver in a hard-sided, impact-resistant, sturdy Nanuk carrying case.
The case’s interior has egg-carton padding and foam inserts with a cutout for the revolver and a separate cut-out for the spare cylinder assembly. These Nanuk cases also employ a pair of “Powerclaw” latches along with a prominent gasket to seal the inside and a pressure-release valve. It also includes a pair of reinforced holes for padlocks.
I think the inclusion of this case is a legitimate value add to every Taurus 692 Executive Grade revolver that’s sold. The revolver-shaped foam cut-out can be removed, so almost any full-size (or smaller) pistol, a spare magazine, and a 50-round box of ammunition will fit inside this Nanuk case, making it convenient for airline travel.
Externally, the case itself isn’t too thick and reasonably fits in most checked baggage. In fact, this summer, I’ve flown with this Nanuk case at least once.
Interior of Taurus 692 EXG Nanuk Hard-Sided CaseExterior of Taurus 692 EXG Nanuk Hard-Sided Case
This year, Taurus showcased the latest member of its premium Executive Grade product line: the new Taurus 692 Executive Grade revolver. This large framed double action .357 Magnum revolver is part of Taurus’ Tracker revolver family. The Tracker family consists of revolvers built around larger frames and barrels that vary between 2.5 and 6.5 inches in length.
Tracker revolvers are available in a wide spectrum of calibers, such as rimfire rounds like .22 WMR, .22 LR, and .17 HMR, and larger centerfire revolver cartridges like .357 Magnum and .44 Magnum. This also indirectly includes cartridges like .38 Special and .44 Special, which are also compatible with .357 Magnum and .44 Magnum revolvers, respectively.
Tracker revolvers that are specifically chambered for .357 Magnum and .38 Special also come with an additional fitted cylinder that’s reamed out for 9mm Luger. So, customers end up taking home a three-in-one revolver.
Taurus 692 Executive Grade Overview
692 Executive Grade Frame And Stocks
The Taurus 692 Executive Grade is a seven-shot double action revolver with a three-inch ported barrel that includes two cylinders, chambered for .357 Magnum and 9mm Luger. Both of these cylinders are unfluted and match the frame’s satin stainless steel finish.
Besides the satin finish, many of the Taurus 692 Executive Grade’s accents are in line with the rest of the Taurus Executive Grade series. These include the unique Taurus Executive Grade hologram found on the sideplate, a brass front sight, and wide, fan-shaped Altamont hardwood stocks.
The unfluted cylinder adds a distinctive and visually striking touch.
A Familiar Frame
My frame of reference vis-a-vis revolvers is best informed by my experience experience with classic Smith & Wesson revolvers. So, I couldn’t help but notice that the frame of the Taurus 692 Executive grade closely resembles the classic Smith & Wesson L-Frame.
I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that the 692 was very reminiscent of Smith’s classic 686 models. To clarify, 692s are not S&W 686 clones. But they’re categorically similar in that their frames and cylinders are of similar dimensions, and they shoot the .357 Magnum cartridge. Given the historical influence of Smith & Wesson in Brazil during the 20th century, the trained eye can detect similarities between the S&W and Taurus double-action schemes with each respective gun’s sideplates removed.
The cylinders spin in the same counterclockwise direction, and the cylinder release latches both actuate forward to unlock cylinders. The modern Taurus revolver action found across its products is best described as a simplified approach to the original double-action mechanism first codified by Smith & Wesson over one century ago.
By no means am I implying anything negative by referring to the Taurus lockwork as simplified; these revolvers have proven to work reliably and efficiently across the board in my experience with several different models. An apt comparison would be contrasting the original Colt AR-15 layout and action to nearly every modern gas-actuated rifle that followed it. The Colt AR-15 is the firearm that started the trend and set the patterns for everything else moving forward.
In the revolver world, I’d argue that the Smith & Wesson double action scheme did the same for many modern revolver lineages. Furthermore, there’s no doubt that S&W’s global pervasiveness during the 20th century was also a factor overseas as much as it was in the United States.
The 692 Executive’s Grip Frame
A close-up of the wide fan-shaped Altamont stocks
Removing the stocks of the 692 Executive reveals a grip frame very different from that found on any Smith & Wesson K or L-Frame revolver. Taurus Tracker grip frames are smaller and more rounded to the point where having either a square or round butt is irrelevant. Likewise, the hammer spring is a more modern coil spring instead of the old-fashioned leaf spring and strain screw combination found on Smiths.
The Taurus 692 EXG’s smaller and more generalized grip frame allows for a wider variety of grips and stocks to fit. The included hardwood Altamont stocks with the Taurus 692 Executive Grade have light diamond checkering on both the right and left sides, while the frontstraps and backstraps are smooth.
The fitment of the stocks is excellent, without any visible gaps. Even the seams where both sides join are nearly invisible (and parallel with the grain of the hardwood). The bottom portion of these stocks fans out and has a profile akin to many of the wooden stocks found on both vintage Smith and Colt revolvers. I think they most closely resemble the classic Colt Python’s stocks.
Sights & Barrel
The Taurus 692 Executive Grade is fitted with a solid one-piece three-inch barrel. This unit includes a faster (and arguably more modern) 1:10 barrel twist and eight port holes (four on either side) right behind the muzzle and angled upward at approximately two and eleven o’clock. The muzzle also has a recessed crown that’s set back approximately ⅛ inch deep.
On the breech side, the forcing cone matches the diameter of the charge holes, which is helpful when handling full-size magnum rounds, especially over time. The 692 EXG’s ejector rod nestles and hides in a cutout milled into the one-piece barrel. While this barrel technically does not have a true underlug by virtue of its shape, it does fit that profile, and the rod is shrouded and protected from the outside world.
The front sight, which sits on a pedestal, has a captured brass rod in a configuration that mostly resembles a fiber optic front sight. This is a unique touch that’s found on some of the other Executive Grade Models, such as The Judge EXG and the 605 EXG. In tandem with its multi-caliber role, the rear sight found on 692 EXGs is fully adjustable for windage and elevation, as having fixed sights on a multi-caliber handgun would render it less practical.
The rear sight’s face is plain, smooth, and black with a square notch. In good lighting, the end-piece of the brass rod will catch light and clearly contrast against the black of the rear sight.
There are a lot of grip options for the AR-15 platform, and all of the other platforms that use AR grips. Some are adequate, and some are excellent, and generally, they don’t cost too much. Upgrading your grip is probably one of the easiest ways to customize your rifle, and if you can combine excellent with inexpensive, that’s a plus. MEAN Arms has a couple of AR grips that you may not be aware of that do just that. MEAN is the maker of the MA Loader and EndoMag, but they also do a whole lot more.
The Standard A2 Fat Grip
Let me start by saying that MEAN does a basic fat A2 grip as well. The “fat” grip is what you find on military rifles and better commercial rifles. It’s basic A2 pattern, but is wider, and generally more comfortable. If you’re good with a simple grip like you used in the service, then this is the one for you. You can get it in a variety of colors, too, including black, FDE, OD green, gray, and storm white. It’s a lot better than the skinny A2s you find in most build kits and sells for just $5.99.
The Echo Grip
I think of the Echo Grip as an A2 for the 21st century. It’s a fat profile pistol grip that uses a proprietary polymer that looks like woven carbon fiber. It has a sleek, upscale style but not an upscale price. It’s a smooth grip, which may be a plus or minus, depending on what kind of build you’re doing. It’s comfortable but doesn’t provide much texture if you think you’ll need that for foul weather. The Echo Grip is available for only $15.99.
MA Rubberized Grip
If you do need a grippier grip, then the MA Rubberized Grip is the one for you. It’s once again made with a proprietary polymer and has a rubberized outer surface. This one is sans finger groove, which many folks prefer. It has an extended beavertail to protect the web of your hand and is also very comfortable.
I like the look of the Echo and am using it on a couple of builds. But I think I’d pick the MA Rubberized grip for a work gun or hunting rifle that might see foul weather use. The MSRP on this one is an extremely reasonable $12.99.
MEAN Arms
MEAN has been in the polymer injection business for over 50 years. It does custom injection molding, mold design, and part fabrication. The company actually does a lot of OEM manufacturing for other companies and now sells directly to consumers as well.
MEAN Arms AR Grips come with a grip screw and washer and are covered by a lifetime warranty. If you need to upgrade a new factory rifle or are looking at picking up some build parts, then take a look at what MEAN has to offer.
BlackPoint Tactical just released a new Bandolero Holster for rimfire pistols. The Bandolero is a design collaboration with Bushcraft and Survival Instructor Kevin Estela. It’s designed so that it carries out of the way of your EDC pistol, and other gear.
The Bandolero Holster
Rimfire pistols have a definite role in the outdoors. Having a rimfire for pest control, small game hunting, or even some opportune plinking, all have their place. A .22LR isn’t going to replace a heavier pistol used for 2-legged or 4-legged defense, though, so carrying it without interfering with your primary sidearm is an issue. Even if you aren’t carrying another pistol, belt carry isn’t always convenient if you’re carrying a pack or other gear. The Blackpoint Tactical Bandolero holster offers a good solution.
The Bandolero is designed for common .22 pistols such as the Ruger MK IV 22/45 and Browning Buckmark. It can hold the base pistol or one equipped with an optic and suppressor. It uses a single strap and slings over your shoulder, much like the old military M3 Tanker shoulder holsters. It’s simple to put on and take off.
The Bandolero has a longer strap than the old M3’s, though, and allows the pistols to ride low on the chest or down near the belt line. There’s also a belt keeper built in so that you can anchor the holster to your belt if you want to. In addition, it works in a cross-draw configuration.
Carry and Construction
The Bandolero can be adjusted so that it can be slung behind the back, out of the way, if needed. Most chest-mounted holsters have fixed positions, but I like the flexibility that the Bandolero offers. Just like with a rifle on a two-point sling, there are times you want to flip it around to the back to get it out of the way if you need to bend down to perform a task.
The BlackPoint Tactical Bandolero holster is constructed of molded Kydex. It is currently available in OD green and has a black Multicam nylon strap. It weighs just under 5.6 ounces. The Bandolero’s MSRP for the Browning Buckmark or Ruger Mark IV 22/45 is $99.99.
Key Features
Modified Cross Draw—Designed to be carried and not interfere with any backcountry or bushcrafting activities.
Suppressor Compatible—Many .22 suppressors can be mounted and used in the holster.
Belt Grabber—New Belt Clips are designed to anchor the holster to the belt.
Thread Locker—Applied to all screws to prevent loosening over time
RDS Compatible—Built to accommodate popular, pistol-mounted RDS sights
The prevalence and utility of slide-mounted red-dot sights have permeated across the landscape of modern handguns to the point where major law enforcement agencies even issue or allow them for uniform duty beyond specialized units like SWAT teams. To meet this demand, major leading pistol manufacturers now offer duty guns that ship from their factories with their slides already finished and cut for the specific mounted red-dot optic footprint of their law enforcement customers’ choosing.
Considering police work, these optics footprints tend to revolve around the Aimpoint ACRO and Trijicon RMR footprints. LE SKU directly milled slides offer different conveniences since they make the optics mounting process more straightforward by eliminating an optics-mounting plate. Likewise, they also allow the sights to sit lower over the slide—something that’s helpful when pairing back-up iron sights.
Unfortunately, because these types of pistols are slotted for law-enforcement customers, they’re generally not available to the general public for purchase. One exception to this rule is Walther Arms, which recently made its LE SKU 9mm Walther PDP Professional ACRO (SKU: 2881225PRO) available to anyone who may lawfully purchase a handgun in addition to its regular qualified law enforcement customers.
Walther PDP Professional ACRO: Turnkey Tactical Package
Walther + Aimpoint ACRO P-2 + XS R3D Night Sights
Top view of the Aimpoint ACRO P-2 and the bright XS Sights front sight.
The Walther PDP Professional ACRO consists of a standard full-size Walther PDP with a 4.5-inch barrel. However, instead of the Walther PDP “master” slide cut, these models are directly milled for the Aimpoint ACRO footprint and include a 3.5 MOA Aimpoint ACRO P-2 enclosed emitter red-dot sight mounted and installed.
For duty use in 2024, the Aimpoint ACRO P-2 reigns supreme due to its durability, design, and form factor. Because of the ACRO P-2’s and Aimpoint’s reputation, in general, it’s seemingly universally accepted for duty use in almost any law enforcement agency in the United States.
If you follow my work, I’m not shy about my appreciation and enjoyment of Walther PDP pistols in general. In my previous reviews, I’ve pointed out that the PDP “master” cut on their slides is one of the lowest among modern striker-fired pistols. This is also true of the ACRO specific cut on the slide of the Walther PDP Professional.
Because these slides do not require a plate, the ACRO P-2 sight sits low enough to allow the standard height backup iron sights to fully co-witness through the P-2. The backup iron sights that ship with the Walther PDP Professional ACRO are not an afterthought either. The slide has XS Sights R3D Night sights already centered and installed.
These high-contrast iron sights consist of a very eye-catching bold orange front sight with a tritium vial insert and a low-profile rear sight with two smaller tritium vials and an extremely generous square notch. I appreciate the synergy between a very low-sitting optic and the chance to pass on taller front sights, which can be snag or cutting hazards.
A Familiar Platform
Aside from the Aimpoint ACRO-specific slide cut, the XS Sights R3D night sight, and the Aimpoint ACRO P-2 itself, the top end of the Walther PDP Professional ACRO is otherwise identical to any other 4.5-inch full-size PDP handgun with the polygonal twist and stepped-chamber barrel.
Rear view of mounted ACRO P-2 and R3D rear sight. Notice the depth of the slide’s cut and how low the P-2 sits relative to the rear sight.
Additional PDP Professional ACRO Accessories
It’s indisputable that the main draw to the Walther PDP Professional ACRO is its somewhat unique top-end complete with a hard-use red dot and night sights ready for service. Similar to the PDP SD Pro models, Walther also includes its premium flat-faced Dynamic Performance Trigger and factory low-profile magazine well.
Besides the PDP SD Pro models, this same trigger and magazine well are included with the five-inch PDP Match Steel Frame pistol. Standard PDP triggers are already some of the best anyone can use as factory stock options. But I’ll admit that after shooting my steel-framed Walther more, the flat-faced Dynamic Performance Trigger definitely grew on me.
It comes very close to providing that crisp and flat 1911/2011 feel and reset, especially after the first few boxes of ammo when the trigger’s components and linkage start wearing in properly. To date, I’ve shot some of my fastest-ever splits with my PDP steel frame pistol, and I know the trigger positively contributes to this.
Due to personal preference, I don’t use magazine wells on any PDP, and the ruleset for USPSA Carry Optics doesn’t allow them either. That said, these magazines do require compatible magazine baseplates, so the three included 18-round PDP magazines are also equipped with them. Again, they’re the same style as the ones found with the PDP SD Pro or steel match pistol.
The Takeaway
LE-SKU handguns are nigh impossible for anyone outside of law enforcement circles to purchase, to the chagrin of many serious shooters who also like to employ the same hard-use mounted optics on their own pistols. Even for Walther, this was the case, too, until it recently made changes so that the PDP Professional ACRO was also available to civilians earlier this year.
With a standard retail price of $1599, this turnkey tactical handgun package is not cheap by any means. But neither are the optics, sights, or other accessories included in this package. For those with valid law enforcement credentials, Walther does offer a $600 IOP (individual officer purchase) discount. This is a damn good deal for a gun that only needs ammunition, a tactical weapon-mounted light, and a duty holster to be set.
Colt CZ Group, a stalwart in the defense industry, has recently made a significant move by acquiring the Mk 47 automatic grenade launcher. The Mk 47 Striker, a belt-fed, fully automatic, closed-bolt machine gun, is now under the ownership of Colt CZ Group, having purchased the rights from General Dynamics.
The new MK47 Light Weight Automatic Grenade Launcher.
During my service in the Marine Corps, the Mk 19 always stood out as a formidable weapon. This All-American machine grenade launcher, a beast in the heavy machine gun category, was first introduced in 1968. While it remains a potent weapon for infantry, light armor, boat crews, and more, it’s worth noting that it’s now 56 years old as of 2024.
Age doesn’t mean it’s terrible, but technology improves. The Mk 47 series represents that improvement. General Dynamics developed the weapon in 2006 at the behest of the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane. The Mk 47 makes numerous improvements over the older Mk 19.
These improvements include:
The Mk 47 reduces weight from 77.6 pounds to 39.6 pounds unloaded with no accessories.
The weapon uses a closed bolt system, which increases reliability and safety.
The Mk 47 features an increased effective range from 1500 meters to 1700 meters.
The weapon uses a short recoil system rather than an API Blowback design, which reduces recoil.
The Mk 47 – Make It Smart
The significant improvement from the Mk 19 to the Mk 47 is utilizing smart grenades. The Mk 47 can use the same high velocity 40mm grenades as the standard Mk 19 and other NATO machine grenade launchers. The compatibility with the Mk285 smart grenade allows military forces to increase their lethality.
U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Monica Roybal, 386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs photojournalist, fires an MK-47 automatic grenade launcher at the Udairi Range Complex, Kuwait, Oct. 12, 2020. Members assigned to the Joint Special Operation Forces Support Detachment-Kuwait hosted a range day for mission-essential partners to build relationships while ensuring readiness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kenneth Boyton)
The internal programmable fuse allows the weapon to detonate the grenade without the need for impact. This allows the grenade to explode above or beside enemy forces hiding behind cover. The explosion above or beside renders the cover mute, allowing shrapnel and concussive force to eliminate threats. It can effectively hit a threat around a corner.
The grenades pair with a range-finding sighting system to determine the appropriate range. As we’ve seen in the Ukraine, the infantry forces are at a stalemate and meeting in trenches. This is the type of weapon that, when fielded widely, would make that type of warfare unsustainable.
Fielding the Mk 47
Three modern forces have fielded the Mk 47 series. In the United States, special operations have fielded the weapon in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria. The Israeli IDF has fielded the weapon in limited numbers, and the Australians purchased 200 of these weapons.
As of this writing, the Mk 47 is not slated to replace the Mk 19 amongst general infantry troops. Conventional forces use the Mk 19 primarily on vehicles, armor, and tripods for defensive purposes. Conventional troops don’t require a lightweight grenade launcher.
The weapon also has its downsides. A lighter weapon does wear quicker, and it requires more money per use hour. While that’s fine for SOCOM, it’s not desirable for big Army. Perhaps improving the durability will be an objective of Colt CZ Group.
The Acquisition
Colt CZ Group’s purchase of the Mk 47 series allows them to enter a market they haven’t tapped in a long time. It represents a larger weapon platform than typical for the modern Colt company. This is a significant acquisition for Colt and might represent a renewed effort to produce high-quality military weapons.
