Like Colt’s famous Single Action Army and first double-action revolvers, the Models 1877 and 1878, the first swing-out-cylinder revolver was designed and patented by William Mason, Colt’s brilliant armory superintendent. Mason’s patents dated November 15, 1881, and December 6, 1881 for the swing-out cylinder. When Mason’s design was put into production in 1889, the U.S. Navy immediately adopted new Colt double-action as its standard-issue sidearm; it became known as the Model 1889 Navy. It was initially chambered in .38 Long Colt and .38 Short Colt.

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In 1892, Colt introduced the improved New Model Navy and Army revolvers, and the U.S. Navy and Army ordered the latest .38 Colt pistols. This continued an unbroken chain of supplying revolvers to the U.S. military since 1855, when the .36-caliber Colt Model 1851 Navy became the first standard-issue sidearm. Colt retained that honor for 130 years until 1985, when the Colt Model 1911A1 was replaced by the Beretta 92F.

Colt produced various .32- and .38-caliber revolvers with swing-out cylinders from 1892 through 1905, but for law enforcement and personal protection, the most significant and enduring change came in 1905 with a model that would become synonymous with lawmen: the Colt Police Positive.

Following the .32 Colt New Police introduced in 1896, the Police Positive was an improved design with the cylinder rotating clockwise (unlike counterclockwise like previous models), a larger, rounded-contour cylinder release (beginning in 1909) and a positive lock that prevented the firing pin from coming in contact with the cartridge unless the trigger was pulled. The pistol’s internal safety and safety lever blocked the hammer, preventing an accidental discharge if the gun was dropped. In the Old West, it was common to carry a single action (SA) with the hammer on an empty chamber; it was also advised to do so even with double-action (DA) models before the Police Positive.

As noted by the R.L. Wilson in The Book of Colt Firearms, the Police Positive .38 served two purposes. First, it succeeded the .38 Colt Model 1877 Lightning DA/SA revolver, which had been discontinued at the end of 1904. Second, to quote a Colt catalog from 1905, “It will meet the great demand for an arm similar to the New Police, caliber .32, but larger in bore, with the greatest penetration, velocity and range. As a .38-caliber Pocket Revolver, it has no equal.” And it didn’t.

The Colt Police Positive

Built on Colt’s D-frame, the Police Positive was regarded as a small-frame revolver. It remained in production until 1943, with sales surpassing 406,000. It also provided the frame from which the Colt Police Positive Special, Banker’s Special and Detective Special models were based.

Although 2-, 5- and 6-inch versions were offered, the 4-inch-barreled Police Positive became the handgun of choice for law enforcement for almost 40 years. In fact, from 1905 to the early 1920s, there were already more than 150,000 Police Positive revolvers in use. By the time production ended, it was by far the most ubiquitous Colt revolver carried by civilians and lawmen alike.

The 4-inch-barreled Police Positive — chambered in .38 Colt New Police, a version of the .38 S&W — proved to be an ideal carry gun or backup to a larger-caliber Colt Single Action. With an overall length of 8.5 inches and weighing just 22 ounces empty, it was a light pistol to carry. The Police Positive model was also available in the lighter .32 Colt and the new, more powerful .38 Special beginning in 1908, which S&W had developed in 1902 as a more powerful cartridge for use by law enforcement. So, Colt extended the Police Positive’s frame and cylinder to accommodate the longer, more powerful rounds. Colt manufactured the .38 Police Positive Special until 1995, carrying the design for a remarkable 88 years. In that time, Colt produced more than 1.5 million revolvers.

S&W Joins The Fray

Colt and Smith & Wesson tried to compete with each other in the late 1800s by offering newer, more innovative revolvers to capture the lion’s share of the market, but then, in 1899, S&W unveiled its first .38-caliber K-Frame — the Military & Police.

Three years before the more conventional .38-caliber K-Frame, S&W had introduced the I-Frame. The 1896 models were chambered for the .32 S&W, and the cylinder was released by pulling the end of the ejector rod forward. The thumb release lever used today replaced the design on the second model in 1903,. In 1899, the Military & Police became the greatest competitor to Colt for the military, law enforcement and civilian handgun markets.

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Through generations of K-Frame Military & Police models spanning 120 years, the venerable .38 Special has remained a staple of the S&W line, with the .38 Military & Police (pre-Model 10) being produced until 1957, when the Model 10 designation was established. The Model 10 remained a direct competitor to the Colt Police Positive Special until Colt discontinued its double-action model. By the early 2000s, Colt had ended all double-action revolver production, leaving the market to S&W. Of course, Colt rejoined the competition last year with its new DA/SA Cobra.

Slugging It Out

I got my hands on a circa-1924 Colt Police Positive chambered in .38 Colt New Police (.38 S&W) and the latest version of the S&W Model 10 in .38 Special. Obviously, this is a ballistics mismatch, but I thought it’d be interesting to compare Smith vs. Colt revolvers for their handling and accuracy.

While both revolvers are 1.25 inches wide and sport 4-inch barrels, the Colt is slightly smaller and lighter overall than the S&W. This makes the Colt a bit more carry friendly — if you’re inclined to pack a vintage Colt revolver.

The S&W has a wide ramp front sight while the Colt uses a narrow half-moon. Both revolvers have integral rear sights, with the Colt’s being considerably smaller than the S&W’s. On smaller details, the Colt is more elegant in design, with its rounded cylinder release and trigger shoe, and exposed ejector. Both guns also have square butts, with the Colt sporting checkered hard rubber grips and the S&W using wood.

Results

To keep some balance between the guns and the 94 years separating them, I ran the shooting test with lead round-nose (LRN) cartridges: Remington 146-grain .38 S&W rounds for the Colt, and Winchester 150-grain and Freedom Munitions 158-grain rounds for the S&W.

The Police Positive obviously had a performance handicap against the .38 Special, but it still sent 146-grain bullets downrange at an average velocity of 650 fps. The 150-grain .38 Specials clocked an average velocity of 746 fps. The 158-grain .38 Specials were in the 790-fps range.

The old Colt Police Positive’s recoil was modest, and it shot a little low at 15 yards. The best five-shot group measured 1.13 inches. The Model 10, with its heavy barrel and greater overall weight, was also light on recoil, delivering slightly wider groups. Using the 158-grain rounds, the Model 10’s best five-shot group — just above the point of aim in the 10- and X-rings — measured 1.38 inches.

As you can see, despite being older by 94 years, the old Colt Police Positive was able to match the accuracy of the S&W Model 10 — a newer version of an old rival. Time has proven to be relative where these two classic revolver designs are concerned. Special thanks to Mike Harris of Allegheny Trade Co. in Duncansville, Pa., for the circa-1924 Colt Police Positive used here, and to Smith & Wesson for the new Model 10. 

Colt Police Positive Specifications

Caliber: .38 S&W
Barrel: 4 inches
Overall Length: 8.5 inches
Weight: 22 ozs.
Grips: Checkered Rubber
Sights: Fixed
Action: DA/SA
Finish: Blued
Capacity: 6
MSRP: N/A

Smith & Wesson Model 10 Specifications

Caliber: .38 Special
Barrel: 4 inches
Overall Length: 8.9 inches
Weight: 34.4 ozs.
Grips: Wood
Sights: Fixed
Action: DA/SA
Finish: Blued
Capacity: 6
MSRP: $739

This article is from the September/October 2018 issue of Combat Handguns Magazine, on sale now. Grab your copy at OutdoorGroupStore.com.

The post Tale of the Tape: Smith & Wesson Model 10 vs. Colt Police Positive appeared first on Personal Defense World.

Since August of 2017, I’ve tested a half-dozen 10mm Auto pistols. I’m not complaining. In fact, I’ve found the experience educational and entertaining, although my shooting hand was sometimes a bit sore afterwards.

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But note what I wrote: a half-dozen pistols. In general, when you mention the 10mm Auto, most shooters envision a semi-automatic pistol chambered for that cartridge. As such, it gladdened my heart when I learned I would be testing a Ruger Super Redhawk 10mm revolver this time.

Ruger Super Redhawk 10mm Going Full Circle

I cut my shooting teeth on double-action revolvers and have been an admirer of them ever since. My first handgun was a .22 LR revolver, and my first carry gun was a .38 Special. A .357 Magnum revolver accounted for the first deer I took with a handgun. Also, when I began competing in action pistol matches, I used a .45 ACP revolver. I have long agreed with my older brother—an avid shooter, sheriff’s deputy and engineer in the firearms industry—who says, “For the first six shots, a double-action revolver is the best handgun in the world.”

Ruger introduced its Super Redhawk line late in 1987, in .44 Magnum with 7.5- and 9.5-inch barrels. It differed from the earlier Redhawk revolver because it used the same trigger system as the popular .357 Magnum GP100 revolver (in fact, many of the parts are interchangeable between the revolvers) and a heavier frame with a strengthened topstrap and frame extension into which the barrel is threaded. This made for an extremely strong and well-supported barrel/frame interface and stiffened the barrel without the need for an underlug, as is the case with many magnum revolvers.

Locking Up The Ruger Super Redhawk 10mm

The Super Redhawk’s cylinder locks up at three points. First, the center pin on the end of the ejector rod enters a recess in the recoil plate. Then, a latch on the front of the cylinder crane engages a cutout in the frame extension. Finally, a heavy-duty bolt in the bottom of the frame engages notches in the cylinder to provide extra locking.

Ruger also followed the beat of a different drummer with the cylinder release. Instead of pushing it forward (a la S&W) or pulling it back (a la Colt), you push it in, which forces the center pin forward while pulling the cylinder crane latch back. This lets you swing the cylinder out to the left. Pushing on the ejector rod extracts all six spent cartridge cases simultaneously.

The Ruger Super Redhawk was designed for use with a telescopic sight. Milled crescents are machined into the topstrap and frame extension, letting you attach steel scope rings that are supplied with each revolver. Rings clamp onto the revolver securely and stand up to the recoil of the heaviest revolver cartridges.

The Super Redhawk proved a commercial success. The platform eventually expanded with .41 Magnum, .454 Casull and .480 Ruger options joining the lineup.

10mm Origins

This leads us to this new Super Redhawk chambering. In the late 1970s, police forces were switching from .38 Special/.357 Magnum revolvers to 9mm pistols, much to the consternation of the bigger-bullets crowd—those who believe you should never go into harm’s way with a handgun in a caliber that does not begin with a four.

Whit Collins proposed a medium-caliber cartridge that propelled a bullet of about 200 grains at 1,000 fps to provide the ballistic advantages of the 9mm and the fight-stopping ability of the .45 ACP.

Colonel Jeff Cooper lent his support to the idea and teamed up with Thomas Dornaus and Michael Dixon to develop such a cartridge. Dornaus and Dixon formed a company to manufacture a pistol based on the CZ 75, which they dubbed the “Bren Ten.” It was chambered for the new cartridge, baptized the 10mm Auto.

Norma further developed the cartridge, but the product was considerably hotter than originally envisioned, propelling a 170-grain JHP to 1,300 fps and a 200-grain FMJ to 1,200 fps.

Manufacturing problems led to the demise of the Bren Ten, but through the years, several companies have produced 10mm pistols. For a brief time, the FBI used a S&W 10mm pistol but found its weight and recoil problematic. A few American police departments use 10mm pistols, and Denmark issues them to the Slædepatruljen Sirius (Sirius Sledge Patrol) in northeastern Greenland for defense against the polar bears that officers sometimes encounter during winter patrols.

10mm Performance

Some commercial 10mm loadings produce performance similar to the .41 Magnum revolver cartridge, which is why the current resurgence of interest in the 10mm is primarily among handgun hunters. It takes little imagination to deduce why Ruger’s marketing gurus came up with the idea of combining the popular Super Redhawk revolver with the newly popular 10mm Auto cartridge.

The 10mm Super Redhawk is a member of a small but distinctive community—revolvers chambered for pistol cartridges. The first were the M1917 revolvers used by the U.S. Army during World War I, which used a pair of stamped-steel half-moon clips, each holding three .45 ACP cartridges, that allowed the extractor to eject the casings. With the burgeoning popularity of action pistol shooting in the 1970s, the full-moon clip was developed. It held six cartridges, allowing rapid reloads for shooters (including me) using .45 ACP revolvers in competition.

Benefits of Pistol Cartridges in Revolvers

I’m sure some of you wonder why Ruger would chamber a revolver for the 10mm when there are so many excellent revolver cartridges. But pistol cartridges provide several advantages for wheelgun shooters, the first of which is reloading speed.

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Pistol cartridges generally have shorter overall lengths than magnum revolver cartridges. When connected on a full-moon clip, they can be dropped into a revolver cylinder quickly and ejected faster than the longer cartridges traditionally used in revolvers. Another advantage is that the full-moon clip holds the spent cases together for reliable extraction and ejection, and a stray case cannot slip under the revolver’s extractor, jamming up the works.

As for cost, a perusal of websites shows that 10mm ammunition is cheaper than most .44 Magnum, .454 Casull and .480 Ruger rounds. Lastly—and this is of interest to reloaders—spent brass is easy to find and pick up.

So there you have it. The new Super Redhawk is chambered for a cartridge capable of taking large game with the advantages of more reliable ejection and faster reloading. What’s not to like?

Ruger Super Redhawk 10mm Fit & Feel

The Ruger Super Redhawk sent me was the first of its kind I tested, and it’s an impressive revolver. When I picked it up, I was reminded of that famous line from Crocodile Dundee: “That’s not a knife. This is a knife.” Let me tell you, this is a revolver.

Although its 6.5-inch barrel provides excellent balance, I’ll wager that at 3.38 pounds unloaded, you won’t do much one-handed shooting with it. The muzzle is also crowned to protect the rifling from damage.

The fit, finish and quality of materials were excellent, but the double-action (DA) trigger stroke was rather heavy, and it took 6 pounds of pressure to trip the hammer in single-action (SA) mode. Since this was a brand-new revolver, I’m sure both will improve with use.

At The Range With the Ruger Super Redhawk 10mm

Taking advantage of a mild February afternoon, my wife, Becky, and I headed to our gun club to see how the Ruger would perform. We measured the gun’s accuracy with four types of 10mm ammo by shooting targets at 20 yards from an MTM K-Zone rest. The Ruger shot to the point of aim out of the box and produced some impressive groups. However, it showed a preference for slower bullets, and group sizes opened up as velocities increased. Thankfully, its weight and hand-filling rubber grips made recoil extremely controllable.

After chronographing the ammo, I mounted a Leupold 4x28mm M8 scope on the Ruger, and it took about 10 rounds to zero. Pacing off what I figured was close to 40 yards, I set up a Birchwood Casey Pregame boar target. Returning to the firing line, I sent 10 rounds downrange. I don’t have lots of experience with scoped handguns, but by carefully placing the scope’s crosshairs on the target and nursing the trigger a bit, I placed nine shots of 10 in the target’s kill zone. Not too bad for the first time out, eh?

I believe Ruger’s new 10mm Super Redhawk would be well suited for taking deer-sized animals at moderate ranges. It would also be a viable choice for hunting guides, campers, rangers or homesteaders in regions where they might encounter dangerous animals. And if you happened to have a 10mm pistol in your gun safe already, you won’t have to buy or reload a new cartridge. For more information, visit ruger.com.

Ruger Super Redhawk 10mm Specs:

Caliber: 10mm
Barrel: 6.5 inches
OA Length: 12 inches
Weight: 54 ounces (empty)
Grips: Cushioned rubber
Sights: Ramp front, adjustable rear
Action: DA/SA
Finish: Satin stainless
Capacity: 6
MSRP: $1,159

Hornady 175 Critical Duty: 1,141 fps, 1.3 inches

Hornady 180 XTP: 1,162 fps, 1.5 inches

Sig Sauer 180 V-Crown JHP: 1,244 fps, 1.8 inches

Winchester 175 Silvertip: 1,258 fps, 2.3 inches

Bullet weight measured in grains, velocity in fps by chronograph and accuracy in inches for best five-shot groups at 20 yards.

This article is from the September/October 2018 issue of Combat Handguns Magazine. Grab your copy at OutdoorGroupStore.com.

The post The Ruger Super Redhawk 10mm Offers Accuracy and Power appeared first on Personal Defense World.

A quick walk through a well-stocked gun shop with today’s revolvers and semi-auto pistols might seem daunting. However, a mental dash through firearms history will help sort things out.

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Let’s go back to the 1100s, when the first man-portable “firearms” were invented. After the Chinese discovered gunpowder, it didn’t take long for them to determine that stuffing some of it in a bamboo tube, topping it with rocks and igniting it would throw the projectiles farther and faster than human power could accomplish. Fast-forward to the mid-19th century, when mankind had refined firearms. But they were still essentially stuffing rocks down tubes on top of a charge of black powder and igniting it.

19th Century

Samuel Colt patented the revolving (and repeating) pistol in 1836, while his competitors Horace Smith and Daniel Wesson bought the rights for a “bored-through” revolving cylinder for a pistol from Rollin White to go with their patent on self-contained ammunition cartridges. By 1856, when Colt’s patent expired, Smith and Wesson’s timely launch of Volcanic Repeating Arms in 1852, and its subsequent sale to Oliver Winchester in 1855, financed the iconic revolver company that bore the names of the men.

As firearms patents expired, other gun companies sprang up and kept improving technology, metallurgy and chemistry. This ultimately resulted in today’s revolver.

Not satisfied with the six shots offered by most revolvers, Hugo Borchardt patented his C93 self-loading pistol with some help from his assistant Georg Luger. However, Borchardt’s ego got in the way of making changes to his design—the first mass-produced, magazine-fed, self-loading pistol—so the German military asked Luger to make some changes. He obliged, and by 1908, the iconic P-08 Luger, firing the 9x19mm Luger cartridge, was born.

America’s most prolific firearms inventor, John Moses Browning, patented his first firearm design in 1885. His discovery of the waste of burning powder gases led to his self-loading automatic machine gun designs. This quickly developed into semi-automatic pistol designs by 1899. His designs continued to improve, but his initial design—which incorporated a barrel surrounded by a shroud, creating the first pistol “slide”—is still the primary one used in most recoil-operated semi-auto pistol designs today. Browning also produced some of the most popular pistol cartridges still in use, including the .25 ACP, .32 ACP, .380 ACP and .45 ACP.

Today’s Handguns

Three basic pistol designs exist today: the revolver, semi-auto and the less common breechloader with one or more barrels. Because revolvers and semi-autos make up most handgun sales, we’ll dissect those to better understand their attributes. Understanding how pistols work will give you a deeper knowledge of how to handle them safely and effectively.

When a gun fires, the primer ignites the powder charge, and the burning/expanding gas pressure drives the bullet down the barrel. The rifling puts a spin on the bullet, which keeps the bullet pointed in the same direction during flight, increasing accuracy. Rifling consists of spiral cuts in the bore. The raised parts of the rifling are called grooves, and the lands are the ridges of metal between the grooves.

“Caliber” describes the size of a handgun bore and the size of the bullets designed for various bores. Caliber is usually measured as the diameter of the lands in the bore and expressed in hundredths of an inch, thousandths of an inch or millimeters. For example, a .357-caliber handgun bore measures 0.357 inches in diameter. There are no standards established for designating caliber, which can make things confusing. In some cases, caliber is given as the diameter of the bullet or something close in size to the bore diameter or bullet diameter.

However, every pistol is designed to fire a specific cartridge. Be sure that the ammunition matches the data stamp on the firearm, and follow the manufacturer’s specifications regarding power rating. For example, some sturdier pistols can fire +P ammunition, which is loaded for more power. Lesser designs can’t handle this more powerful ammunition without damaging the gun.

Basic Components

All modern handguns have three basic groups of parts: trigger group, frame and barrel.

The trigger group contains the component parts that fire the cartridges. The frame is a metal housing that might also serve as the handle (grip) of the handgun. It contains the trigger group. The barrel is the metal tube through which the bullet travels. Of course, a handgun barrel is much shorter than a rifle or shotgun barrel because the gun is designed to be shot while being held with one or two hands rather than being placed against the shooter’s shoulder. The term “action” can describe the function of the weapon, or as a noun, describe the specific part of a gun.

Repeating handguns (revolvers and semi-autos) hold more than one round of ammunition. A revolver uses a cylinder to store the ammunition, while a semi-automatic pistol uses a removable magazine inserted into the grip.

The term “pistol” is another point of confusion. Some assert that it describes the action type—that is, a distinction between the terms pistol and revolver—maintaining they are two handgun types. To clear things up, the term pistol describes any weapon designed to be fired with one hand. The word “pistol” is the primary handgun category, with revolvers being a descriptive subset of pistols.

Revolvers

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The best way to delve into learning about revolvers is to start with “single-action” models. This revolver is the earliest design that required the shooter to manually cock a hammer before pulling the trigger. After firing each shot, users must manually cock the hammer, which makes the cylinder rotate and place an unfired cartridge in line with the barrel to ready it for discharge with a subsequent shot. When all rounds are fired, the loading gate is opened, revealing a spent cartridge case. The empty case is forced from the cylinder by an ejector rod, and the cylinder is rotated by hand to expose the next empty cartridge. The process is repeated until all cylinders are empty. New cartridges are inserted into each empty chamber in the cylinder until all are filled to ready the gun to fire again.

The “double-action” revolver is similar but adds a second method of firing. In double-action mode, the trigger rotates the cylinder, cocks the hammer, releases the hammer. Because double-action mode requires more mechanical work to operate the pistol, it requires more trigger-finger force to fire the gun. Some double-action-only revolvers have hidden hammers and only fire in that second mode.

Semi-Auto Pistols

Self-loading pistols share many common features, typically including reciprocating slides that move back and forth while the barrel stays relatively motionless. The travel of the slide chambers cartridges from the magazine and extracts loaded cartridges or fired cases from the chamber.

Some of the earliest self-loading pistol designs have magazines that don’t detach from the gun, such as the Mauser C96. Most modern self-loading pistols use a detachable magazine, however. This allows users to carry several preloaded magazines for rapid reloading. Semi-auto pistols with detachable magazines incorporate a latch, button or lever that releases the magazine so it can be removed. Two of the primary advantages of self-loading pistols over revolvers are the speed of reloading and the increased ammunition capacity.

All firearms have an action type, which is the group of moving parts that control the firing and operation. Semi-auto pistols also incorporate several action types, including single-action, double-action, striker-fired, double-action-only and double-action/single-action. Those are the most common action types, although some might expand the list.

A novice might conclude that double-action means a gun can shoot two ways, or make similar assumptions about other action types. The simplest way to determine the action type is to see how many actions occur when the trigger is pulled. If the trigger only releases a pre-cocked hammer, the gun is a single action. But, if pulling the trigger simultaneously draws the hammer to the rear and releases it, firing the gun, it’s a double action. However, if both actions are possible—cocking the hammer manually or pulling the trigger and drawing the hammer to the rear—it’s a double-action/single-action.

Internal striker-fired pistols are the most modern designs. The firing pin is partially cocked when the slide is drawn back, and it’s fully cocked and released when the trigger is pulled.

Safeties

Manual safeties on self-loading pistols can take several forms. Some pistols incorporate multiple safeties, but others only use a passive two-part lever embedded in the trigger. The oldest safety designs include a lever on the rear of the frame or slide. Additionally, some safety levers act as decocking devices, too.

Grip safeties can also be part of the design, whereby the shooter has to squeeze the grip to depress the safety before firing. The Colt Model 1911 has a grip safety as one of its three safety mechanisms. The others are the thumb safety and the hammer itself, which must be cocked before firing.

A cautionary note about safeties: Some models include a key-lock safety to prevent unauthorized people from firing the pistol. These can malfunction from the wear of firing and leave the owner with a gun that won’t work. Additionally, some models incorporate an internal safety that gets engaged when the magazine is removed. The downside to that design is it typically makes the trigger press harder and less smooth.

This article was originally published in Personal Defense World, Gun Primer 2018. To order a copy, please visit outdoorgroupstore.com.

The post Understanding Exactly How Today’s Revolvers and Semi-Auto Pistols Work appeared first on Personal Defense World.

You’ve done your homework. You’ve surfed the web, read magazines and asked friends for advice. You’re ready to purchase your first gun. Now what?

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It’s time to take the next logical step and make a few trips to some local gun store. Here’s some advice to make the experience less intimidating and give you an idea of what to expect.

The Visit to a Gun Store

I’ve shopped in countless gun shops from coast to coast, ranging from sleepy little stores with a dozen rifles, shotguns and pistols on display, to outfits with more than 1,000 guns in gleaming glass cases and racks that seemed to go on forever. A big gun store with a lot of traffic can be a great place to shop, but the selection can be mind-boggling. These big shops are the best places for novices to visit, though.

Let’s assume you’re going alone instead of with an experienced friend. You walk through the door and might be greeted by several signs from famous gun manufacturers, and a sign that says something like “No loaded guns on the premises” or “Any loaded guns must stay holstered at all times.” Basically, the gun store owner wants a safe environment where customers can comfortably and safely handle merchandise. Shop owners don’t want customers who have concealed-carry permits to handle loaded weapons in an unsafe manner among a shop full of patrons.

In better shops, you’ll quickly be greeted by a smiling salesperson. My advice is to first tell them you’re just browsing. Take some time to look around the shop to get a feel for what’s available. After making some mental notes about various products, walk to the glass cases and check them out. If you see someone talking to a salesperson and looking at a handgun, pretend you’re looking at something nearby and eavesdrop. You can learn a lot by listening to someone else who might be in a similar situation. You never know what you’ll learn as you listen to other customers and the salespeople working with them.

Compare & Compare

Now it’s time to do some comparison shopping, and I don’t mean pricewise. When you have picked out the salesperson you want to work with (if there’s more than one), let them know you need help. If you’re in the market for a pistol for personal protection, let the salesperson know that—if they haven’t already asked. One of the first questions a salesperson should ask is whether you have or will soon receive a concealed-carry or CCW permit. This will help them narrow the selection. If you aren’t going to lug the pistol in a holster on your belt or in a bag, weight isn’t as much of a factor. If the pistol you seek will be stowed in a bedside table, it won’t matter as much if it’s heavier. Weight and size make a difference if you plan to carry the gun every day.

This might be your first gun purchase, but it might not be the first time you have handled a pistol. Remember, the salespeople will know gun-handling safety rules backwards and forwards, as do many of the store’s patrons. When the salesperson hands you a gun, pay close attention to where you point it. Experienced shooters really hate having a gun—even an unloaded gun in a shop—pointed directly at them. So, in terms of etiquette, I guess you could say it’s rude to point a gun at someone else. If the salesperson doesn’t show you that the gun is unloaded before handing it to you, double-check it yourself. Keep your finger off the trigger until you verify that the gun is unloaded. If you’re uncertain about something, don’t be afraid to ask.

Finding The Right Fit

As you handle various pistols, you’ll notice that many feel different. When you’re testing out the fit and feel of a pistol, form a “V” with your thumb and fingers, and press the pistol’s grip deeply into the notch that is formed. Grip the pistol as high as possible to the centerline of the barrel. Grip it firmly. You will notice that various grip panel styles feel sharp and edgy or smooth. Pick the one you’re most comfortable with, and try several of that style.

Ask the salesperson if it’s okay to dry-fire the pistol; he’ll typically say yes. If it’s a semi-auto, draw the slide back fully, and if it locks back on the empty magazine, use the slide-release lever to let it slide back into battery. Sometimes you will need to use both hands to activate the slide release. Release the safety while pointing the gun toward the floor, and gently press the trigger until you hear the audible click or see the hammer fall. Do it again. You will notice that some pistols take more trigger-finger strength to fire than others. Make a mental note of what feels the most comfortable.

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When you test a revolver, rest it on its side in the palm of your non-dominant hand. Push or pull the cylinder release with your trigger hand while using the middle finger of your non-dominant hand to gently push the cylinder open. Visually check to see that it’s empty, and then close it. Cock the hammer, and feel the amount of pressure it takes to drop the hammer. Then, pull the trigger again in double-action (without cocking the hammer first) to get a feel for how much more pressure it takes for the hammer to fall.

Make it a goal to try at least a dozen pistols. Twice that isn’t excessive. Take the time to discuss caliber choices. The most popular caliber for self-defense pistols nowadays is the 9mm.

Revolvers & Semi-Autos

When a double-action revolver is loaded, it takes the least amount of motor skills and coordination to fire. Just point, squeeze and fire. In a deadly high-stress situation, this can be a game-changer that could tilt the odds in your favor. Some of the most popular lightweight, short-barreled revolvers only hold five rounds, and the standard is six rounds. It can take a few moments to reload, and that can be difficult in stressful situations if you’re unfamiliar with the gun. Limited capacity is definitely a con here, too.

Semi-auto pistols are typically heavier than revolvers, but that extra weight brings some advantages. More weight means they are more manageable under recoil. Many common mid-sized semi-autos hold more ammo, too. There’s a good chance you can find a semi-auto that feels good with a cartridge capacity from 15 to 18 rounds. Some semi-auto pistols are quite small, too. A .380 ACP with a single-stack magazine holding six or seven rounds can be covered with an average-sized hand.

Finally, keep some of these tips in mind, learn as you go and try to enjoy your first trip to the local gun shop. Hopefully it won’t be your last.

This article was originally published in Personal Defense World, Gun Primer 2018. To order a copy, please visit outdoorgroupstore.com.

The post Important Tips to Make Your First Trip to the Gun Store Easier appeared first on Personal Defense World.

Handguns have always been popular for personal protection, and they sell very well today, even though the gun market has slowed a bit in the last year. The brisk sales are partly explained by a Pew Research Center study in which the majority of male and female respondents said they own guns for protection rather than hunting or other sports. And it’s also due to a 30-year increase in the number of states that have “shall-issue” concealed-carry laws. Therefore, it’s no surprise that there were a number of personal protection handguns designed to meet varying tastes and needs of a strong market. There were some entirely new personal protection handguns produced, as well as many newly released variations of already popular models.

Scroll through our gallery above to see what personal protection handguns made our list.

This article was originally published in Concealed Carry Handguns, 2018. To order a copy, please visit outdoorgroupstore.com.

For more information about these personal protection handguns, please visit:

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Chiappa Rhino 30DS
chiappafirearms.com

Colt Night Cobra
colt.com

Kahr CM9 Kryptek Camo, CW380 Kryptek Camo, S9
kahr.com

Kimber K6s 3-inch, K6s CDP, Micro 9 CDP (DN)
kimberamerica.com

Remington RM380 & R51
remington.com

Ruger EC9s, GP100, LCRx, SP101, SR1911 Officer Style
ruger.com

Sig Sauer P365
sigsauer.com

Smith & Wesson Performance Center Model 686/686 Plus
smith-wesson.com

Springfield 911, XD E .45 ACP, XD-S Mod 2
springfield-armory.com

Taurus Model 692 & Model 856
taurususa.com

Walther PPQ SC
waltherarms.com

The post 23 Personal Protection Handguns to Keep You Safe appeared first on Personal Defense World.

What is the ideal home-defense weapon? A river of ink has been spilt chasing that thorny question. Everywhere there are gun owners, there will be arguments about home-defense weapons. The perfect home-defense array would be a platoon of Rangers, a CONEX box filled with Claymore mines and a drone bristling with Hellfire missiles circling silently overhead. However, that’s a bit extreme even by my standards. In the real world, selecting one from numerous home-defense weapons is a decision driven by a variety of factors.

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Thinking Clearly About Home-Defense Weapons

It all begins with a sober threat assessment. Do you live in a rural orphanage filled with inquisitive children half an hour from the nearest sheriff’s deputy? Or in a domicile with a few responsible adults next door to the police station? Are you a military veteran with a zillion rounds under your belt or a neophyte just getting into the game? Such details drive the gear.

For starters, you simply must ensure that little fingers cannot get to your defensive guns. If you cannot be certain of that, then you need to opt for a non-lethal solution. PepperBall and Taser make some good ones. If you can manage real steel, then it is time to move on to the next decision.

Smoothbores as Home-Defense Weapons

Once you have determined it is safe to own a firearm, it is time to divine exactly what sort of gun you need. While most folks default to a handgun, a pistol is actually one of the toughest guns to shoot well. Though a handgun is a good choice for many shooters, sometimes something longer might be a better fit.

Pump shotguns have a robust following, and for good reason. Nothing on the market carries more downrange horsepower than a properly stoked 12 gauge. However, a 12-gauge shotgun can be a complicated beast to run in a hurry, and its muzzle blast and recoil are invariably intimidating. If it is miserable to shoot a gun, then that becomes a disincentive to train. A firearm without proficiency is a liability.

No less a firearms visionary than our own former Vice President Joe Biden once opined that the humble double-barreled 12 gauge was the optimal home-defense weapon. Personally, I wouldn’t trust Joe with yarn, much less a live weapon, but his argument does have some merit. Single- and double-barreled scatterguns are easy to run, and a 20- or .410-gauge shotgun does have a friendlier personality than its larger 12-gauge sibling.

If you opt for a shotgun, selecting among autoloaders, pump-action repeaters and break-open designs is half the fun. Imported single- and double-barreled guns are tire-iron reliable and dirt cheap. High-end gas-operated race guns can cost a  fortune. That rarefied space in between sells a lot of quality gun magazines.

Rifles & Carbines as Home-Defense Weapons

Black rifles are ubiquitous these days, at least in the free states. If your home state sucks so bad that they don’t trust you with a proper defensive rifle, you should move. Down in the Deep South where I live; however, we take our freedom seriously.

Modern sporting rifles, like AR-15s, enjoy negligible recoil, a prodigious magazine capacity and exquisitely engineered ergonomics. Such a gun is easy to learn and easy to run. Additionally, it seems counterintuitive, but a high-velocity .223 Remington bullet frequently doesn’t penetrate as wantonly through common building materials as might a heavier pistol round.

AR- and AK-platform rifles make up most of the fare these days. However, the AUG, SCAR, M1A, FAL and dozens of others keep the market vigorous. MSRs are civilianized versions of military tools, so they are designed to be efficient and effective. In the hands of a determined homeowner, such a rifle becomes an excellent equalizer.

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Of course, the perfect home-defense firearm might actually be a pistol-caliber submachine gun. These are functionally recoilless and easily controllable by just about anybody. However, the prejudices of the uninitiated conspire to keep these splendid tools out of most civilian hands. There are, however, some effective facsimiles available.

Sig Sauer, Zenith, CZ-USA and a few others offer semi-auto, pistol-caliber carbines and pistols. Pistol variants equipped with revolutionary “pistol stabilizing braces” offer most of the submachine gun awesomeness without any of the NFA baggage or exorbitant expense of a fully automatic weapon. Stubby rifle-caliber guns are comparably effective, though the muzzle flash and blast from those short barrels can rock your world in enclosed spaces.

Revolvers as Home-Defense Weapons

Despite the relative challenges of learning to run a handgun well, pistols are the most popular defensive firearms in America. They come in hundreds of shapes, sizes and calibers for every budget and personality. To understand the handgun market in America, one needs to understand some basic morphology.

Revolvers once ruled the roost. Starting with Samuel Colt’s iconic Peacemaker, wheelguns offered that magical combination of reliability, accuracy, portability and power required to dominate the defensive firearm scene. Even today, there remains a place for a proper revolver.

A modern defensive revolver offers the safety of a long double-action trigger pull along with the option of a crisper single-action pull should the situation call for more precision. Though they are a bit slower to load than a comparable autoloader, revolvers manage heavier rounds better and are fairly stupid-proof. Just point the gun in the direction of something you dislike and squeeze.

Autoloaders as Home Defense Weapons

This deep into the Information Age; however, it is the autoloader that fills most folks’ holsters. John Moses Browning designed the vast majority of pistols. However, gun companies make and lose fortunes in the nuances of magazine capacity, caliber, safeties and hues. Whether you have large mitts or small, there is something out there for you.

Defensive handguns also diverge further based upon their mission. If the gun is to hide in your bedside table or in the glove box of your car, then size and bulk don’t mean a great deal. If the gun will ride on your belt underneath a T-shirt throughout a torrid Mississippi summer, size, shape and weight become critical attributes. Once again, the indomitable engine of capitalism feeds the need.

Most companies build mainstream combat pistols and carry guns around polymer frames these days. Everybody makes them, and concerns regarding their durability, reliability and invisibility have been long since put to rest. Your tolerance for weight and bulk drives the caliber and magazine capacity, while barrel length and frame dimensions determine whether or not the gun can be readily concealed. The trigger design and ergonomics are likely the reasons you purchased this periodical in the first place.

A Word On The 1911

John Browning’s inimitable Model 1911 deserves special mention. Despite that the 1911 first drew breath back during the administration of the last American president to sport a proper mustache, William Howard Taft, the 1911 continues to arm gunmen of distinction even today. Today, shooters can find 1911s with frames conjured of polymer, aluminum and good old-fashioned ordnance steel. There are barrel lengths and calibers aplenty, as well as enough ancillary widgets and accessories to sink the Titanic.

The single-action trigger of the 1911 is the standard by which all others are judged, and the gun’s array of safety devices, both manual and otherwise, keep it inert until called upon to become angry. Particularly in its steel-framed guise, the 1911 is a boat anchor to carry concealed, but that hasn’t kept me from toting one halfway around the planet in all fashions and climes. Home defenders wielding a full-size 1911 will never be accused of not packing enough gun.

Ruminations

Selecting a proper first defensive firearm is a huge undertaking. We pack a gun so that if the unthinkable occurs, we will be ready to defend our home and families with deadly force if needed. Of all the many deplorable attributes of the human animal, the fact that we even have to contemplate such wretched horrors speaks to our innate inability as a species to embrace civility. However, despite their undeniably dark mission, firearms really are fun when used properly.

The details demand sober assessment, while the allure of power under control carries a timeless appeal. In the face of this most intimate of decisions, the modern gun market inundates the new gun consumer with myriad choices. While the details can seem overwhelming at first brush, we gun nerds are typically an amiable lot and enthusiastic to help.

Once the trappings grow familiar, the ambience of the local gun emporium or firing range become conducive to splendid recreation and superb fellowship. Competition, training or just swapping lies over a Coke can be a great way to while away a lazy afternoon. This storied culture orbits reliably around the many-splendored facets of humble home-defense weapons.

This article was originally published in Personal Defense World, Gun Primer 2018. To order a copy, please visit outdoorgroupstore.com.

The post A Beginner’s Guide to Home-Defense Weapons and Protecting Your Castle appeared first on Personal Defense World.

While snubnose revolvers are popular for carrying, their grip size can make shooting difficult. This is especially true for those with larger hands. The Lyman Pachmayr GuardianGrip provides shooters the ability to use a full, three-fingered grip when needed.

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Originally released for Smith & Wesson J-frame revolvers, Lyman now makes a Ruger LCP model.

According to Lyman, what makes the GuardianGrip so interesting is its patented finger extension. The grip can be carried in a compact state, but extend with the push of a button. The spring-loaded finger extension drops down out of the grip. This allows shooters to place their whole hand on the gun’s grip.

Lyman constructs the grip from high-strength polymer. This makes the grip impervious to moisture, weather and chemicals. Additionally, the GuardianGrip comes with an open backstrap design for greater concealment, along with textured panels for positive retention when shooting.

The GuardianGrip can also be used with speed loaders, as the grip is compact and contoured. It also only weighs 2 ounces, so it adds no significant weight, or bulk, to handguns.

Now the GuardianGrip is only available for two handgun models. In fact, the unit only fits round butt J-frame pistols. Hopefully, the company will introduce more versions, as the the GuardianGrip makes shooting compact revolvers much easier. Whether at the range or in a situation, the GuardianGrip provides a better grip, which also improves accuracy.

Lyman Pachmayr GuardianGrip

• Patented Design
• Converts from a 2 finger boot grip to a full-size 3 finger grip with the press of a button
• Contoured for use with speedloaders
• Impervious to moisture, weather or chemicals
• Open backstrap design with checkered grip panels
• MSRP: 49.98

For more information about the Lyman Pachmayr GuardianGrip, please visit lymanproducts.com, or watch the video below.

The post Lyman Pachmayr GuardianGrip for Ruger LCRs Debuts appeared first on Personal Defense World.

Have you noticed how seldom you see a photo of a revolver on the cover of a gun magazine nowadays? I was at a newsstand the other day and perused half a dozen well-known gun magazines. Their covers were emblazoned with pictures of the newest polymer “wondernine” pistol or AR-platform rifle. Whatever happened to concealable revolvers?

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Readers familiar with my scribblings know that when it comes to handguns, despite my admiration for semi-auto pistols, deep down I have always been—and will always be—an unabashed fan of double-action revolvers. I cut my handgunning teeth on self-cocking wheelguns and developed an admiration for the breed.

The Reason for Concealable Revolvers

And at the danger of repeating myself (again), let me state the reasons for my admiration. First, few handguns handle better than a quality double-action revolver. Period. Its operation is also simple and straightforward: Lift the revolver, aim, pull the trigger. If it doesn’t go bang, all you need to do is pull the trigger again.

Then there’s safety. To make a double-action revolver “safe,” you simply take your finger out of the triggerguard. Is it loaded? Open the cylinder and find out. And finally, we can’t forget about reliability: A revolver’s functioning is not influenced by variables in ammunition, magazine designs, the shooter’s grip or recoil. It has 100-percent ammunition tolerance with the proper caliber. Provided that the shooter’s trigger finger functions, chances are the revolver will, too.

Admittedly, semi-autos have replaced revolvers in the holsters of most police officers and in the pockets and nightstands of many civilian shooters. But there’s one area in which the popularity of revolvers has not diminished. In fact, it has actually seen a resurgence. That area is small, concealable revolvers meant for personal defense.

For most of the 20th century, the term “concealable handgun” was usually synonymous with .38 snubbie revolvers. In fact, for decades, the two most popular — the S&W Chief’s Special and Colt Detective Special — were .38 Special revolvers with 2-inch barrels. They were the overwhelming choice of American police. Additionally, they were equally popular with civilians who carried a handgun for self-defense or kept one in their nightstand drawer in case something went bump in the night.

Despite the plethora of compact semi-autos today, the snubbie revolver’s compactness, simplicity of operation, state of instant readiness and reliability make it the choice of many folks who go about daily activities armed.

Concealable Revolvers: The Contenders

To see how the current crop of snubbies perform, I obtained five revolvers from various manufacturers. There were the Colt Cobra, European American Armory (EAA) Windicator, S&W Model 60, Ruger SP101 and Taurus Model 605.

These wheelguns have many features in common and others that set them apart. They’re double-action/single-action (DA/SA) revolvers with external hammer spurs. Loading and unloading is accomplished by swinging their cylinders out to the left side and pushing on their ejector rods. This simultaneously extracts all cartridge cases. The cylinder release catches on the EAA, S&W and Taurus are pushed forward, the Colt’s is pulled to the rear and the Ruger’s is pushed inward.

The Colt, Ruger, S&W and Taurus revolvers are all made from stainless steel, while the EAA stands out with an aluminum alloy frame mated to a steel cylinder and barrel. Three of the guns have 2-inch barrel’s, but the S&W has a 2.13-inch barrel while the Ruger has the longest at 2.25 inches.

Two of the test guns were .38 Specials, but the EAA, S&W and Taurus could also fire .357 Magnum cartridges. Three of the guns hold five rounds, but the Colt and EAA hold six rounds. They all use frame-mounted firing pins, but the Colt, Ruger and Taurus use transfer-bar systems to ignite cartridges. The S&W and EAA use hammer-block safeties.

All of the test guns came with fixed rear sights and ramp-style front sights — except for the Colt. The Colt stood out with a fiber-optic front sight. Additionally, the guns came with recoil-absorbing rubber grips and weighed between 21.4 ounces (S&W) and 30 ounces (EAA) unloaded.

Rules of the Range for the Concealable Revolvers

My shooting buddies Perry Windsor and Dick Jones, avid competitive shooters and CCW holders, volunteered to help me run these snubbies through their paces at the Piedmont Handgunners Range in Southmont, N.C., on a clear, breezy day. As in previous “battle royales,” we evaluated the revolvers in seven categories — reliability, ergonomics, trigger control, recoil control, sights, off-hand accuracy and reloading ease.

Remembering their intended roles as close-range defensive handguns, we decided to limit the test firing to the real-life distances of 3, 5 and 8 yards. With every drill, each shooter would begin by holding the revolver in the low-ready position and carry sufficient speedloaders. Because the Colt and EAA revolvers hold six rounds, we believed it would be interesting to see if that extra round would make much difference.

To avoid repeating drills from previous “battle royales,” we ran the snubbies through these tests:

Five/Five/Five

The shooter begins by facing five IPSC targets at 5 yards. He draws the revolver and fires one round on each target freestyle (two-handed), performs a reload and reengages the targets the same way. He then repeats the drill, firing the revolver unsupported (one-handed). Then he runs it a third time, firing the revolver weak-handed.

Paper/Paper/Steel

The shooter begins facing a pair of IPSC targets at 5 yards with a Birchwood-Casey Popper between them at 8 yards. He draws the revolver and double-taps each target, then shoots the popper. The drill is run four more times. Note: This was the only stage in which shooters had the option of firing the revolver in SA mode.

Close-Quarters Dump

The shooter begins facing an IPSC target at 3 yards. He draws his revolver and dumps five or six rounds on the target as fast as possible. Then he performs a reload and reengages the target. The drill is repeated two more times.

Each shooter fired 85 rounds from each revolver (a few more with the EAA and Colt) for a total of 425 rounds through the five test guns. Every gun was loaded with the new 100-grain .38 Special +P Honey Badger load from Black Hills (black-hills.com). Anthony Welsch at the Target Barn (targetbarn.com) provided the IPSC targets. Tommy Campbell at Safariland (safariland.com) supplied us with several of his company’s Comp I and Comp II speedloaders, and Dick Jones brought along some HKS speedloaders.

Concealable Revolvers Maintenance

Earlier, I had test-fired each revolver to verify its functioning and zero, after which I cleaned and lubricated it. This was the only maintenance they received. If one choked at the range, we attempted to correct the problem and kept on shooting. And as spent cases piled up in the brass bucket in front of the shooting line, each revolver’s strong and weak points came to the fore. But before I list them, I must make a general statement.

Extensive firing revealed a problem that’s more endemic to revolvers than semi-auto pistols — fouling. Unburnt powder and other fouling built up behind the extractor plates, on the recoil shields and inside the ejector rod shrouds, which prevented the cylinders from closing completely or made cylinder rotation difficult, resulting in trigger strokes that would have made Hercules grunt with effort. As a result, we periodically wiped and brushed off fouling. If we had been using lead ammo, the fouling would have been more pronounced, but we believe the 100-percent copper Honey Badger ammo reduced this problem considerably. But because you don’t normally fire the number of rounds we did through this type of revolver, it must be taken into consideration.

Firing that many rounds out of short-barreled, relatively heavy-recoiling revolvers with minuscule grips isn’t something you would want to do every day, but we persevered. Then we each graded the wheelguns on the aforementioned criteria, with a “1” being the poorest and “5” the highest score. Those were then added and averaged to give each pistol a final score in each category.

What Happened to the Colt Cobra

We experienced a sight malfunction with the Colt Cobra. The malfunction caused us to inadvertently, and unfairly, score it with all zeros. We should have printed the following numbers with that particular revolver: Ergonomics: 4; Trigger Control: 5; Recoil Control: 4; and Reloading Ease: 4. Colt sent us a replacement front sight, and here is the standalone review of the new Colt Cobra.

In-Depth Results For Our Concealable Revolvers

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Reliability

With the cleaning, four of the revolvers proved reliable, although we had to clean the EAA more than the others. Two of us opined that this might be the result of tighter tolerances.

Ergonomics

This was another four-way tie. They all had comfortable grips, and their controls were well located and worked smoothly.

Trigger Control

The Taurus had the heaviest trigger stroke, which two of us found a trial when firing one-handed. We believed the Ruger had the smoothest stroke, followed by the S&W. The EAA Windicator might have finished first, except two shooters found its grooved trigger uncomfortable after extensive firing.

Recoil Control

The recoil with the fast-stepping Black Hills ammo was rather sharp, but thanks to its heavier weight and larger grips, the EAA ran away with this category, and it was a three-way tie with the remaining lighter guns and their smaller grips.

Sights

Although the EAA’s sights were the largest and easiest to acquire, the front sight’s smooth face reflected light badly, making it disappear if sunlight hit it in just the right (wrong) way. The Taurus’ stainless-steel front sight was low and difficult to acquire, as was the Ruger’s. We believed the S&W’s could have been higher, but it was still faster to acquire than that of the Ruger or Taurus.

Off-Hand Accuracy

This would have been a four-way tie, except the EAA’s larger grips and weight helped it pulled ahead. But all four put rounds where the shooter wanted them to go with respectable speed.

Reloading Ease

It became immediately obvious that — except for the EAA, with a cylinder that swung out farther — the size and shape of the grips on the other revolvers interfered with the speedloaders, making reloads difficult. The grip on the Taurus had a shape (or had been relieved a bit more aggressively) so it interfered less than those of the Ruger and S&W. Several times shooters found it more convenient to simply reload with loose rounds from their pockets rather than use speedloaders.

Of course, since the odds of CCW holders being confronted by a howling mob of drugged-up juramentados ranges from nil to zero, folks won’t typically be required to make fast combat reloads with this type of revolver. But a bit of judicious reshaping of the grips would make it possible.

Note: 5 is a perfect score for each category for a total of 35 points

Conclusion

Easily concealable revolvers have a place as personal-protection handguns. They are small, relatively light and easy to operate. They fire powerful cartridges and, with proper maintenance, are utterly reliable. The only downsides are limited cartridge capacity and slow reloading. I believe the first of those criticisms is debatable, and the second is of minor importance.

For more information about these concealable revolvers, please visit colt.com, eaacorp.com, ruger.com, smith-wesson.com and taurususa.com.

This article is from the September/October 2018 issue of Combat Handguns Magazine, on sale now. Grab your copy at OutdoorGroupStore.com.

The post Ranking and Scoring 5 Concealable Revolvers on the Range appeared first on Personal Defense World.

With the introduction of the Kimber K6s DASA, the company is now offering shooters single action on its revolvers. In fact, this is the first DA/SA variant Kimber has offered in its revolver line. And this thing is a beauty.

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To start, the K6s DASA comes with a brushed, stainless-steel finish and checkered laminate Walnut grips. This gives the gun a neat look, fluctuating between modern and old-school styling. Additionally, Kimber rounded the edges on this .357 Magnum to reduce the potential for snags during the draw. This, of course, give the gun a blended look that just increases it attractiveness. It also comes with a knurled hammer spur, which also reduces snagging.

With two barrel lengths available — 2 inches and 3 inches — shooters can choose which six-shot version to use, whether for concealed carry, backup or home defense. While one additional shot doesn’t seem like much, it can make a difference. Especially since, 1.39-inch diameter cylinder is about the same size as many five-shot revolvers.

However, the most important feature Kimber included is the trigger. The gun has a short, smooth, no-stack, 9- to 10-pound trigger pull. This provides confidence in accuracy. In single-action mode, the K6 fires with a 3.5-pound pull.

The new K6s DASA from Kimber provide a good looking, yet practical, method of self-defense from a company known for its quality.

Kimber K6s DASA

• Action: DA/SA revolver
• Caliber: .357 Magnum
• Barrel Length: 2″ or 3″
• Overall Length: 6.62″; 7.62″ for 3″ model
• Sights: White dot
• Finish: Brushed stainless
• Grips: Walnut laminate checkered
• Trigger: 10 lbs. DA; 3.5 lbs. SA
• Capacity: 6
• MSRP: $970

For more information about the Kimber K6s DASA, please visit kimberamerica.com.

The post Kimber K6s DASA: Manufacturer Unveils First DA/SA Revolver appeared first on Personal Defense World.

Small, lightweight and concealable are attributes that make for an ideal carry gun. Adequate sights, and a good trigger don’t hurt either. You might think I’m talking about the next great semi-auto pistol but you’d be wrong. Instead I’m talking about a revolver. Is it even possible for a revolver to be a legitimate carry weapon anymore? I think so.

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While I’m no huge closet fan of wheel guns, I do respect what they bring to the table in the way of simplicity and reliability. It doesn’t get much easier than aiming and pressing a trigger. It is also nice not having to worry about a slide moving back and forth and the potential for malfunctions.

Once you put in quality time with a revolver, you’ll quickly find out how easy it is to be consistent with the trigger. You tend not to flinch. I think it’s because as you focus on making that trigger press as smooth as possible, you’re not thinking about the discharge. At least this has been my experience. With semi-auto pistols, a short travel is going to result in a discharge. And as you time the trigger break, you anticipate the recoil. Somehow this lessens with revolvers, especially if you don’t cock the hammer and fire single action.

The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 38

Single action; however, isn’t an option with the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 38. The revolver has no external hammer. The long, smooth, double-action pull of the Bodyguard 38 is actually quite easy to become accustomed.

The Bodyguard 38 features a one-piece, aluminum-alloy upper frame. This makes it very lightweight. Of course, this can be scary in a little revolver, but even with 38 +P loads it’s not bad. A 1.875-inch, stainless-steel barrel spins up the slug. The gun contains five in total in the cylinder.

In fact, if there is one negative about a revolver for concealed carry, it’s capacity. We look at concealed carry from a defensive standpoint, but more often discuss it from an offensive position, and typically train that way. Sure, 25- to 50-yard shots are great, but trying to sell that for personal defense could be tough. A gun like the Bodyguard 38 excels at 10 yards and closer. Also, speed loaders provide extra ammo if needed.

Other features include a PVD-coated, stainless-steel cylinder and ambidextrous cylinder release that is easy to reach and operate. It is made of polymer and seems a bit inadequate, but time will tell.

Powerful, But Manageable

Shooters shouldn’t be afraid to shoot +P ammo through the Bodyguard 38. The grip is comfortable and does a relatively good job of soaking up the punishment. I’ve got thin hands, free of excessive meat. So, anything with lots of recoil transmits immediately to my bones. But I found no issue dumping cylinder after cylinder of +P ammo from the tiny Smith. It was fun and I couldn’t stop.

It was also easy to aim. The Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 38 features a pinned front sight and integral rear sight. Both are typically of what shooters might expect to find on a revolver. Pair these features with the lack of a hammer and you get a snag-free option to tote in a pocket without worry about accidental discharge.

Would I carry a revolver? Yes, as a backup to a larger primary, or even as a primary when my choice of dress doesn’t allow for a larger defensive tool. Of course, many shooters prefer a snub-nosed revolver, as it is easy to carry every day. A snub in the pocket is much better than any full-size left at home.

For more information about the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 38, please visit smith-wesson.com.

Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 38 Specs

• Action: Double action only
• Caliber: 38 Special +P
• Barrel Length: 1.875”
• Overall Length: 6.6”
• Front Sight: Front ramp
• Rear Sight: Integral
• Grip: Gray polymer
• Weight: 14.2 ozs.
• Cylinder Material: Stainless steel
• Barrel Material: Stainless steel
• Frame Material: Aluminum alloy
• MSRP: $385

The post Examining the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 38 as a CCW Revolver appeared first on Personal Defense World.

Over the years, a number of calibers have come and gone. Also, I’ve heard countless questions and comments from friends about the “perfect handgun caliber.” Too often the conversation delves into the tactical, military or law enforcement aspects of the 9mm versus the .45 ACP. The conversation will then dip into the historical and pit the German Luger against the Colt 1911 from the early 20th century. It’s easy to see where we base our decisions, and it isn’t hard to find out why people choose what they do. After all, nothing is more personal than a firearm that you trust your life to.

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You see, calibers are just like a great pair of shoes. You pick those that fit you best, feel comfortable and can be used regularly. They also make a statement about who you are. Once the conversation circles back around, I find myself going old school and landing on a wheelgun cartridge, or at least what I used to think was just a wheelgun cartridge.

What a Wheelgun Cartridge

I’m talking about the venerable .357 Magnum. Developed by the fine craftsman at Smith & Wesson with input from a hero of mine, Elmer Keith, and Phil Sharpe, the cartridge was born from its parent, the .38 Special, and released in the mid-1930s. My favorite attribute of this caliber is probably that it was designed to defeat the metal found on car doors. Not the tinfoil you find on today’s cars — I mean honest-to-goodness sheet metal.

A by-product of the Gangster era, the .357 Magnum was built to defeat car doors, ballistic vests and most cover used by bootleggers and rum runners of the day. Its overall case length exceeded the .38 Special’s so that it could not be mistakenly loaded in an older revolver not designed to handle the higher pressures of the new magnum cartridges. It is for this reason that I find the cartridge so appealing. In terms of ballistics, the .357 Magnum is difficult to beat, with 158-grain loads reaching in excess of 1,200 fps and nearly 540 foot-pounds of energy. Just ask around or read some reviews and you’ll see that the .357 is always ranked among the top handgun cartridges in production today.

In This Corner, the Coonan Classic

Once I arrived at my caliber of choice, the next logical step was finding the best vehicle. I told you earlier that the conversation usually circled around to the 1911. Well, what I hadn’t even thought of was how the .357 had an obscure cousin in the 1911 family developed by Dan Coonan. The Coonan website touts that he changed the handgun market with the introduction of his stainless-steel masterpiece, and I would have to agree.

Weighing in at 42 ounces unloaded, the Coonan Classic is a handful. However, once you load 7+1 rounds, the weight moves into the 48-ounce range. This feels very comfortable in hand and balances very well. Since I have smaller hands, I chose to add a Wilson Combat extended magazine release to make life easier. The controls are identical to a standard 1911, but the grip is deeper, giving you a lot more surface area to hold onto when it comes to firing.

Proven Features

What makes the Coonan a unique firearm is that it carries a number of proven features from other handguns. For example, the magazine’s articulated follower adjusts as the rimmed .357 cartridges are loaded. Therefore, the magazine reliably feeds each round every time. I ran several boxes of Hornady, Federal and Winchester through my test sample without a single malfunction. The beauty of the magazine design is that it mimics rimfire magazines in tipping the cartridges, placing them in a way that’s easy on the feed ramp.

One look at the barrel and you’ll notice the link-less lower lug that is found on another one of Browning’s designs — the Hi-Power. Follow this up with an external extractor and you capture some awesome features from all over the world of handguns.

When most people think of the .357 Magnum, they imagine recoil and a sore hand. Nothing could be further from the truth when it comes to the Coonan Classic. Shooting full-house Hornady Critical Defense rounds was effortless, and I stacked shot after shot inside a 1-inch group at 15 yards with what I would consider average, if not downright comfortable, recoil. You see, the genius of the Coonan design is the fact that its weight helps fight the inevitable recoil. Everyone wants a gun that shoots better than themselves, and the Coonan does exactly that.

The Challenger, Kimber K6s

If you can pair the .357 Magnum with a semi-auto, why would you buy anything else? This brings us to Kimber. With the debut of the K6s in 2016, Kimber turned the shooting world on its ear. Rather than polishing its already accomplished 1911 chops and going after Coonan, Kimber shifted its focus to the smaller and more compact field of revolvers.

Right off the bat, you can tell that the K6s was designed to be carried, and often. Each angle is polished and smooth to prevent snagging. The revolver also has low-profile sights, a concealed hammer and a shorter grip for that same purpose.

The K6s is named for its six-round capacity, which is one more than you’ll get with competitors from Ruger and Smith & Wesson. The double-action-only (DAO) trigger on my K6s DCR test sample came in at just under 10 pounds. This is terrific if you are used to the hefty 12- to 14-pound triggers of competitive revolvers. Kimber markets the trigger as being one of the best unaltered triggers in the industry. After shooting a few groups less than an inch wide at 10 yards, I have to agree.

The barrel on the K6s DCR is short at 2 inches, and the overall length is 6.6 inches. With a width of 1.39 inches, this is a slim revolver, and you can tell by the flat edges of the cylinder that Kimber wanted to save weight where it could. Several other K6s variants are available now, but they’re all built around the .357 Magnum. Kimber thought out this handgun and has the potential to be a classic.

Duking It Out

To see how these guns would fare in terms of personal protection, I tested them with three different loads. Hornady’s 125-grain Critical Defense rounds feature the company’s patented Flex Tip technology to expand reliably. At 10 yards, it was easy to produce 1-inch groups with both guns using this ammo. I also tested the guns with Federal’s 158-grain Personal Defense JHPs and Winchester’s 125-grain PDX1 Defender rounds, which produced slightly larger groups, but nothing over 2.2 inches.

I tested both pistols off-hand, and the Coonan and Kimber obviously offered drastically different shooting experiences. But these are both top-tier firearms that display good craftsmanship and handle this legendary caliber well.

For everyday carry, the K6s wins on size and practicality. Its overall design is built around today’s EDC mindset. It is also being reliable and efficient. It handled all of the test rounds perfectly, and I definitely appreciated the trigger, which is much lighter than similar revolvers. The large cylinder release was also smooth and easy to operate.

In terms of pure awesome, the Coonan Classic wins hands down. As my own personal version of a Dirty Harry masterpiece, the Coonan exudes all the attributes of some of the most legendary pistols ever designed and places them into an exquisitely crafted firearm built to deliver superior accuracy and tremendous functionality.

The only real drawback to these pistols is their lack of industry support. Head to your local Cabela’s or Bass Pro and you’ll probably be out of luck when it comes to holsters. DeSantis fashions one for the K6s.

The Verdict

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Without question, the Coonan Classic elevates one’s thinking when it comes to the application of the .357 Magnum in a non-wheelgun platform. It’s simply a pleasure to shoot, and the company also offers compact variants for those looking for an EDC version. As one of the only truly new revolver introductions in the past decade, the Kimber is a spectacular offering. Its compact size, smooth design and consistent trigger pull should deliver exactly what you need for concealed carry. The only decision I have to make now is which one to buy first.

Coonan Classic

• Caliber: .357 Magnum
• Barrel: 5 inches
• OA Length: 8.9 inches
• Weight: 42 ounces (empty)
• Grips: Walnut
• Sights: Black, fixed
• Action: SA
• Finish: Stainless
• Capacity: 7+1
• MSRP: $1,600 (as tested)

Kimber K6s DCR

• Caliber: .357 Magnum
• Barrel: 2 inches
• OA Length: 6.62 inches
• Weight: 23 ounces (empty)
• Grips: Laminated wood
• Sights: Fiber-optic front, notch rear
• Action: DAO
• Finish: Satin silver
• Capacity: 6
• MSRP: $1,088

For more information about the Coonan Classic and the Kimber K6s, please visit coonaninc.com and kimberamerica.com.

This article was originally published in Concealed Carry Handguns 2019. To order a copy, please visit outdoorgroupstore.com.

The post .357 Mag Shootout: Coonan Classic 1911 vs. Kimber K6s DCR Revolver appeared first on Personal Defense World.

To describe something as the best is to say it is unequivocally better than the rest. It’s a bold statement that I don’t make cavalierly. Today, the semi-auto pistol dominates the self-defense market and snub nose revolvers don’t get as much attention.

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I am not arguing that the revolver is superior to the autoloader for self-defense; that is a personal decision. However, there are two families of snub-nose revolvers whose excellent design, ergonomics, strength, workmanship and power-to-size ratio have convinced generations of people to bet their lives on them. Those families are the Colt Detective Special, produced from 1927 to 1986, and the Smith & Wesson Chief’s Special, introduced in 1950 and still in production today. If you are considering a snub nose revolver for concealed carry, shooting these pistols will be a useful educational experience. They are the benchmarks by which all others are judged.

Colt Police Positive

Colt pioneered the revolver, and by the 1890s, it was perfecting the swing-out cylinder and its own double action. Smith & Wesson was doing the same. Colt’s .38s got the military contracts, but in 1898, S&W introduced a more powerful .38-caliber cartridge. The .38 Special was an immediate success and remains one of the most popular handgun calibers in the world.

The Colt Detective Special and its common siblings, the Cobra and Agent, are all basically Colt Police Positive Special revolvers with 2-inch barrels. By 1908, when Colt introduced the Police Positive Special in .38 Special, it was the most compact double-action .38 Special revolver with a swing-out cylinder in the world. Its small size and weight, combined with its strength and the power of the new .38 Special cartridge, made it extremely popular with police and civilians. Its grip size was manageable for small and large hands alike.

The Police Positive Special was the sleekest and most graceful double-action Colt ever made. It had better-than-average fixed sights for the time, pointed well and allowed accurate double- and single-action firing.

Going Undercover

It wasn’t until 1927 that Colt introduced a 2-inch-barreled version called the Detective Special. The company marketed these snub nose revolvers specifically for plainclothes law enforcement officers needing a more concealable handgun. From 1927 until 1973, the Detective Special loaded the most firepower into the smallest package that you could buy. (In 1973, Charter Arms introduced its Bulldog series of five-shot .357 Magnum and .44 Special snub noses that were comparable to the Colt in size, but not in quality or strength.)

The Detective Special was 6.75 inches long and weighed 21 ounces. Like the Police Positive Special, this Colt held six shots and featured a Positive Lock internal-hammer block safety. This prevented an unintentional discharge if it was dropped. It was a huge success and set the standard for what a concealed-carry revolver should be. During the 61 years it was in production, it was modified only slightly.

Changing Up the Detective Special

After 1947, notable changes to the Detective Special included a longer ejector rod and altered grip frame. Additionally, Colt switched the front sight from a round half-moon to one with a little ramp cut on the back. The grip frames on these post-1947 guns were a little roomier behind the triggerguard and considerably shorter. The grips themselves though were virtually the same size as the earlier guns.

In 1950, Colt introduced the Cobra, an aluminum-framed clone of the Detective Special that weighed only 15 ounces. The less expensive, and less finely polished, Agent followed in 1962. In 1973, Colt made the barrel heavier and included an ejector rod shroud and a ramped front sight that ran the full length of the barrel.

Then, in 1986, production of the Detective Special and its D-frame variants ceased due to flagging sales resulting from the rising popularity of 9mm semi-autos in the American market. A short run of Detective Specials was made from leftover parts in the mid-1990s, but thereafter, Colt seemed determined to abandon the venerable design in favor of something new. The SF-VI and DS-II snub nose revolvers retained the look and feel of the 1970s Detective Specials, but in stainless steel and significantly re-engineered for economy. Production of these models did not extend beyond the late 1990s. At present, shooter can only find these snub nose revolvers on the used/collector market.

Hail To The Chiefs

Colt had a virtual lock on the top end of the snub nose revolver market until 1950, when S&W created an even more compact .38 Special revolver. Smith first introduced the gun at the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) conference, where a contest was held to name the new handgun. Of course, the chiefs named it the Chief’s Special.

After 1957, S&W started using numerical designations, and the Chief’s Special was renamed the Model 36. The model numbers are very helpful, since S&W had far more variations of the Chief’s Special than Colt ever had of its Detective Special.

To make the Chief’s Special, S&W beefed up its venerable 19th century I-Frame into the slightly larger J-Frame. Engineers also slimmed the revolver down by using a five-shot cylinder. The gun measured only 6.5 inches long with a 1.87-inch barrel and weighed just 19 ounces in steel. It had fixed sights and a grip frame about 20-percent smaller than the Colt Detective Special. This made it easier to slip into a pants or coat pocket. Well made with a stronger lockup than a Colt and an exceptionally good shooter, the Chief’s Special was immediately popular. Colt now had a real challenger in the marketplace.

Airweight Snub Nose Revolvers

In 1951, S&W made an aluminum-framed version called the Chief’s Special Airweight. The company later named it the Model 37. Like Colt, it tried and failed with aluminum cylinders (they eventually cracked) before turning back to steel. Still, the gun weighed only 14 ounces, and S&W’s Airweights are very popular concealed-carry guns to this day. The downside is there’s more felt recoil, which can make extended range sessions unpleasant.

In 1952, on the 100th anniversary of Smith & Wesson, the Chief’s Special’s hammer was cut down and the frame modified to completely enclose it. The resulting double-action-only revolver was exceptionally graceful and compact. It offered a snag-free draw from the pocket. Also, shooters could actually fire reliably from inside a pocket. A grip safety was added but eventually dropped. S&W named the new pistol the Centennial, but changed it to the Model 40 in steel and Model 42 in Airweight form.

The Greatest?

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In 1955, S&W introduced the Bodyguard, arguably the best concealed-carry revolver of all time. It appeared first as an Airweight (Model 38), then in steel (Model 49) in 1959 and later stainless steel (Model 649). The Bodyguard was a Chief’s Special with the rear frame raised to enshroud all but the grooved top of the hammer. With virtually no exposed hammer, the Bodyguard had the perks of the Centennial, with the addition of manual cocking for single-action shooting.

Colt never made a concealed-hammer Detective Special, but did offer a flip-up hammer shroud accessory. However, its installation required gunsmithing skill. The shroud was in high demand by policemen who carried the Colt for undercover work.

Going Stainless

In 1965, S&W broke new ground for the firearms industry when it offered the Chief’s Special in stainless steel. The company designated it the Model 60. Also, it was the first stainless steel production firearm ever made. S&W soon followed with stainless steel versions of all its steel J-Frames, generally adding a “6” in front of the old model number. For example, the Model 49 Bodyguard became the Model 649 in stainless steel.

Detective and Chief’s Specials are high-quality, accurate, durable snub nose revolvers. The aluminum-framed models were not intended for +P ammunition, but the steel-framed guns will handle it. Modern .38 Special +P loads appear to be comparable to standard loads used prior to the 1970s. If you look at the 1940 catalog entry for the Detective Special, it states that the revolver will handle the .38 to .44 Special. That cartridge was a precursor of the .357 Magnum and pushed a 158-grain jacketed bullet to over 1,000 fps. Of course, a steady diet of hotter ammo is likely to accelerate wear and give your hand a beating. Also, bear in mind that you can never be sure what type of abuse an old gun has endured before you got it. That being said, it’s common to practice with standard loads and save the +P for concealed carry.

Personally, I prefer the even trigger pull of the S&W J-Frames. The Colt trigger is nice, too, but it stacks toward the end of the pull. I also prefer a heavier steel gun to the alloy Airweights, as I find it easier to get back on target between shots in rapid fire. I also figure its makes a better club should I expend my fifth round and fail to execute my exit strategy.

Still Going Strong

I have known many policemen who chose Detective Specials over Chief’s Specials because the Colt had six shots to S&W’s five. The owner of Sportsmans Rod & Gun in Elizabethtown, Ky., chose the Colt Cobra for the same reason. Later, he retired it in favor of a compact 9mm semi-auto because it was thinner and had more shots. His store is one of the best and largest in the state, and he sells a lot of concealed-carry firearms. He told me that revolvers take second place to autoloaders. However, modern S&W J-Frames still dominate snub nose revolvers. They are the most expensive of their peers and still the best sellers. That should tell you something.

It takes a lot more practice to shoot a revolver well than it does an autoloader. However, in my experience, mastering that double-action trigger pull made me a much better marksman overall. I am a simple guy, and revolvers are pretty simple. Aim and pull the trigger and they go bang.

If they misfire, you just pull the trigger again. I don’t have to defend my gun shop or chase down felons, so I’m sticking with the five-shot S&W Model 649 clipped onto my belt or slipped into my pants pocket. I hate to sound like a curmudgeon, but in my observation, new is not always better. And for my purposes, the compactness, reliability, power and shootability of this 60-year-old design cannot be beat. I have a feeling that a great many vintage Colt and S&W snub nose revolvers are still about town, discreetly, in a great many pockets.

This article was originally published in Concealed Carry Handguns 2019. To order a copy, please visit outdoorgroupstore.com.

The post These Snub Nose Revolvers Set the Standard for Modern Wheelguns appeared first on Personal Defense World.

When Steve Jobs and Apple introduced the iPod to the world, it was an instant success. Yes, it could hold most people’s entire music library, and it was very hip looking. But there was one factor that truly beat out all others in contributing to the MP3 player’s meteoric rise — simplicity. The user interface was a simple click wheel, and an individual could pick up a new iPod and intuitively use it without ever having to read the instructions.

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In the world of firearms, the revolver is the iPod equivalent. They are intuitive, simple to load and operate (even for novices), and are very reliable. There are no safeties to fumble with, magazines to seat properly, decocking levers to learn how to use, or magazine disconnects to worry about.

Recognizing this, manufacturers like Smith & Wesson and Taurus continue manufacturing new models to accommodate the needs of the ever-growing concealed-carry market. The two we received for this edition of “Tale of the Tape” are S&W M&P Bodyguard 38 and Taurus 856, which were both announced just prior to this year’s annual NRA show.

The Contenders

Both new models are purpose-built for generally the same tasks — concealed carry and home defense. Both revolvers are chambered in .38 Special and can handle +P loads as well. But, despite their matte black appearances, that’s about where the similarities end. Each one has its own unique characteristics that stand in contrast to the other, and these differences can be either a positive or negative depending your perspective.

Taurus 856

The Taurus 856 is a small-framed steel revolver that is a step up in size from the Model 85. This allows it to carry six rounds instead of just five. It weighs in at 22 ounces unloaded, which can help soak up the recoil of snappier rounds. However, the extra size and weight might make it a little inconvenient for someone looking for a weapon with a smaller footprint and less weight for easier concealment.

The Taurus 856 is also a traditional double-action/single-action (DA/SA) design with an external hammer. You can cock the hammer for more precise shot placement with a lighter trigger pull, but you also must recognize the possibility of the hammer snagging on clothing during the draw. Also, the practice of cocking the hammer in a defensive scenario has the potential for legal ramifications in the case of an accidental discharge or a prosecutor’s assertion of a negligent discharge due to a “hair trigger.”

Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard 38

On the other hand, the Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard 38 weighs just 14.2 ounces thanks to its upper aluminum alloy frame and polymer grip. The Bodyguard also comes with a stainless-steel barrel insert that some people claim is more accurate, but the jury’s still out on that one. Your own mileage may vary. The Bodyguard’s main advantage, since it only carries five rounds, is its size and light weight, making it very easy to carry all day without getting in your way.

Conversely, the Bodyguard has a double-action-only (DAO) system. Since there is no hammer to cock, the user must go through the heavier DA trigger pull for every shot. This requires steady hands and lots of practice to stay on target. The upside is there is an additional layer of safety with the heavier trigger and no hammer to snag during a draw.

Also, the Bodyguard can be fired from within a jacket pocket since there is no hammer to be impeded by surrounding material. This means you can keep your hand on the weapon without anyone being the wiser.

First Impressions

Going to the range and putting these little shooters through the paces gave me a better understanding of what each offered in terms of features and performance. To keep the playing field as level as possible, I shot both only in DA mode.

Both revolvers utilize an integral sear sight channel that is less than ideal. However, these budget-priced handguns are intended to be used within close proximity to a target. This is a good thing, as the black front sights on these guns are next to useless in low light. The front sight on the Taurus is also integral, while the Bodyguard’s front sight is pinned in place. This means you can replace it with a more visible alternative.

Despite the Bodyguard’s smaller size, it actually felt more comfortable to hold. There is a relief cut behind the triggerguard that is significantly deeper than that on the 856. This allows for a higher grip more in line with the barrel and a shorter reach to the trigger. Again, this could be a pro or con depending on your hand size.

Trigger & Accuracy

The DA trigger pull on each revolver was pretty standard. The 856 had a pull weight of 10.25 pounds, while the Bodyguard’s was 9.51 pounds. Though heavier, the trigger pull on the Taurus 856 actually felt much smoother. I could feel a little bit of stuff happening inside the Bodyguard’s mechanism that detracted a bit from the pull.

Both revolvers held their own when it came to accuracy. I tested them with Winchester’s 130-grain FMJs and Speer’s 135-grain +P Gold Dot hollow points. Shooting off-hand at 7 yards, I was able to consistently get groups under 1.5 inches with each despite the lackluster sights. The Taurus had the edge in the accuracy department, with its best group coming in at under an inch at 7 yards.

Even though the Bodyguard is 35-percent lighter than the Taurus, I was surprised how pleasant it was to shoot, especially with the snappier +P Speer loads. I didn’t get any type of sharp or stinging sensation while shooting it. However, it was a little harder to control because of the thinner and narrower grip.

The Verdict

As always, there are no absolutes. The best choice is going to come down to each user’s particular circumstances. Do you want the extra round and recoil-dampening heft of the Taurus or the light weight and easier concealment of the S&W? Neither is the wrong answer, and it’s always great to have options. Either way, both products will serve you well provided you pick the right tool for the right job and circumstance.

Despite the use of 19th century technology, revolvers are here to stay. And thankfully there are still companies providing quality products that are simple and easy to use. In terms of personal and home defense, the Smith & Wesson M&P Bodyguard 38 and Taurus 856 will both provide reliable service at a price that is tough to beat.

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S&W M&P Bodyguard 38

• Caliber: .38 Special
• Barrel: 1.88”
• OA Length: 6.6”
• Weight: 14.2 ozs. (empty)
• Grip: Polymer
• Sights: Fixed
• Action: DAO
• Finish: Matte black
• Capacity: 5
• MSRP: $385

For more information about the M&P Bodyguard 38, visit smith-wesson.com.

Taurus 856

• Caliber: .38 Special
• Barrel: 2”
• OA Length: 6.55”
• Weight: 22 ozs. (empty)
• Grip: Rubber
• Sights: Fixed
• Action: DA/SA
• Finish: Matte black
• Capacity: 5
• MSRP: $329

For more information about the Taurus 856, visit taurususa.com.

This article was originally published in Combat Handguns November/December 2018. To order a copy, please visit outdoorgroupstore.com.

The post Tale of the Tape: S&W M&P Bodyguard vs. Taurus 856 .38 Special Snubbie appeared first on Personal Defense World.

If you’ve ever been hunting, you know how hard it can be to bag game. Using a handgun only makes the task more challenging, but that’s what we’re all about. You have to earn your food. At the same time, you might need protection in the backwoods from other predators of the two- and four-legged variety. Thankfully, the firearms industry has plenty of options to cover every need, and we’ve rounded up some of the best revolvers and semi-autos hitting the market with the power to stop animals, big and small, in their tracks. Check out these hunting handguns.

This article was originally published in Combat Handguns November/December 2018. To order a copy, please visit outdoorgroupstore.com.

Hunting Handguns Company Links

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Browning Buck Mark Plus Camper UFX Suppressor Ready
browning.com

Browning Buck Mark Plus Lite Flute UFX Suppressor Ready
browning.com

Cimarron Bad Boy
cimarron-firearms.com

Coonan MOT-10
coonaninc.com

Excel Arms Auto Mag
automag.com

Janz Revolvers
janzrevolver.com

Ruger Super Redhawk 10mm
ruger.com

SAR SR-38
sarusa.com

Smith & Wesson Performance Center Model 686/686 Plus
smith-wesson.com

Taurus Model 692
taurususa.com

Taurus Raging Hunter
taurususa.com

Taylor’s & Co. Drifter
taylorsfirearms.com

Traditions Rawhide Series
traditionsfirearms.com

The post 13 of the Best New Hunting Handguns to Stop Animals of All Sizes appeared first on Personal Defense World.

While a long gun — rifle or shotgun — probably makes a better self-defense firearm, most of us typically carry a handgun. This is because handguns are more easily concealable, and they truly are more convenient in most cases.

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So, we at Personal Defense decided to review the offerings over the past year and come up with the 10 best handguns of 2018 that you should consider.

Now we haven’t ranked them in any certain order, as it can be difficult to get a bunch of gun writers to agree on anything. Instead, we just wanted to show you what we felt were the most interesting new handguns that came down the line. We reviewed most of these during the year. And those we haven’t will probably be seen in 2019.

Best Handguns of 2018 — SIG Sauer P365

Shooters like subcompact handguns, as they are easy to carry every single day. However, most contain limited rounds. This is what makes the SIG Sauer P365 was so interesting. SIG figured out how to put 10 rounds of 9mm into the flush-fit magazine of a subcompact pistol. An additional magazine holds 12 rounds in this small and slim double-action pistol. Even better, SIG developed some ammunition specifically for the P365, as well as lights and lasers.

See our review of the SIG Sauer P365.

For more information, visit sigsauer.com.

Best Handguns of 2018 — Smith & Wesson M&P380 Shield EZ

The popularity of the Shield continues with the S&W M&P380 Shield EZ. Smith & Wesson designed this handgun for those needing a gun that is easier to manipulate. It is also available in the lighter .380 ACP load. Additionally, the company broke from the norm of offering this caliber in a subcompact pistol. The Shield EZ sits right between the compact and the standard M&P Shield. It even comes with a grip safety similar to the 1911, which makes it excellent for those needing an easier handgun.

Check out the full review of the M&P380 Shield EZ.

For more information, visit smith-wesson.com.

Best Handguns of 2018 — Nighthawk Agent2

Nighthawk often partners with other companies to introduce custom handguns. For the Agent2, the company teamed with Agency Arms, Railscales, Cerakote and Hillbilly 223. This 1911-style pistol features G10 Railscales grips and a lightened and stylized rail that incorporates a patented “accelerator” cut. The magwell, barrel bushing, grip safety, thumb safety and slide stop all sport a flat-edge profile and aggressive serrations. It also comes with a Heinie ledge rear sight and fiber-optic front sight in both 9mm and .45 ACP. The only downside is the almost $4,500 price.

Learn more about the Nighthawk Agent2.

For more information, visit nighthawkcustom.com.

Best Handguns of 2018 — Walther PPQ SC

Subcompact pistols are popular because they are easy to carry all day. The Walther PPQ SC 9mm pistol features ambidextrous controls and a non-slip, cross-directional grip surface. It also comes with a .1-inch trigger reset and a Picatinny rail. Despite its size, this gun holds 10 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and comes with a windage adjustable rear sight. Shooters can even somewhat customize its grip with the included backstraps.

Watch the Walther PPQ SC in action.

For more information, visit waltherarms.com.

Best Handguns of 2018 — Wilson Combat Vickers Elite Commander

When a pair like Wilson Combat and Larry Vickers get together, something special is coming out. In this case, the Wilson Combat Vickers Elite Commander jumps out with its full-size frame and 4.25-inch barrel. This 1911 features a match-grade barrel, 40 lines per inch on the mainspring housing and the reliability of Wilson. Additionally, this well-thought out gun comes in three chamberings — .45 ACP, 9mm and .38 Super.

Learn more about the Wilson Combat Vickers Elite Commander.

For more information, visit wilsoncombat.com.

Best Handguns of 2018 — Ruger Security-9

You just can’t beat simple and affordable, particularly regarding handguns. Sure, there are prettier handguns, but the Ruger Security-9 is a well-built self-defense pistol. The Security-9 features a glass-filled nylon, accessory rail and adjustable 3-dot sights. It also comes with the same Secure Action firing system as the LCP II. This system combines the trigger pull of the LCP with the feel and reset of a single action. And Ruger does all this for under $400.

Learn more about the Ruger Security-9.

For more information, visit ruger.com.

Best Handguns of 2018 — Canik TP9SF Elite

Striker-fired pistols aren’t always pretty, but they do the job. Particularly one like the Canik TP9SF Elite. This next-generation striker comes out of Turkey, an area with a rich history of firearms. Now the Elite is slightly smaller than the TP9SF. It features a 4.19-inch barrel and the dimensions of a mid-size pistol. Because of this it comes with a 15-round magazine. But it can also use the higher capacity magazines of its big brother.

Read the full review of the Canik TP9SF Elite.

For more information, visit canikusa.com.

Best Handguns of 2018 — FN 509 Tactical

FN created the 509 for the Army’s Modular Handgun System program. And while the Army did not choose it, it is still a great handgun. Then, the company decided to beef it up some and bring out the FN 509 Tactical. This full-size fighter features everything needed to fend off a horde. In fact, the gun comes with a single 17-round magazine and a pair of 24-round magazines, which give shooters the ability to carry 66 rounds of 9mm ammunition.

Check out the FN 509 Tactical.

For more information, visit fnamerica.com.

Best Handguns of 2018 — Kimber K6s CDP

It surprised many shooters when Kimber jumped into the revolver market. It was also surprising that Kimber didn’t start with a .38 Special pocket revolver. Instead the company introduced a six-shot, .357 Magnum carry gun in the K6s. Then, the company brought out the K6s CDP (Custom Defense Package). Now this revolver comes with Kimber’s Carry Melt treatment to be snag free. It also features low-profile, tritium, 3-dot night sights and a two-tone finish. However, the most interesting features are its narrow cylinder and its trigger. Sure, it is double-action-only, but it doesn’t stack and it is quite smooth for accuracy.

See how the K6s CDP stacks up against the original.

For more information, visit kimberamerica.com.

Best Handguns of 2018 — Springfield 911

Advancements in technology has made the .380 ACP a viable self-defense round. So, it should come as no surprise that manufacturers have brought out a variety of compact handguns. This includes the Springfield 911. Now most companies used polymer to create these popular pistols. Springfield, however, made the 911 from metal. Nor did the company make the trigger DAO. In fact, this subcompact is pretty traditional, containing many features of a 1911.

See the full review of the Springfield 911.

For more information, visit springfield-armory.com.

The post Personal Defense World’s 10 Best Handguns of 2018 appeared first on Personal Defense World.

When the Taurus Judge hit the market, there was nothing like it. It was the ultimate revolver to pass judgement on any criminal. For a while, it seemed that no other manufacturer would be able to touch the Judge. That is until the introduction of the Smith & Wesson Governor. It seemed S&W was determined to build a bigger, better and nicer revolver. I had to find out which was really better, so I got my hands on both of these beasts for testing.

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The Contenders

Comparing the Judge and the Governor is something like comparing two brands of the same type of cereal. Taurus reached the market first with its .45 Colt/.410 combination. It is a beast of a revolver with a great feel and good sights, and Taurus offers a variety of different configurations. For reference, I officially tested the “2-441031T” model.

Smith & Wesson had to play catchup and is kind of still playing catchup when it comes to available variants. Both companies offer good warranties, however, and both of these odd revolvers perform basically the same way. And, in my opinion, they make for the ultimate home-defense and trail guns. So, what makes one of them better and what makes them different?

Let’s start with the obvious. While the standard Judge is a five-shot model, the Governor holds six shots. The cylinder on the Governor is also a little larger, obviously, because it holds an extra round. The other big difference is that the Governor is also capable of firing .45 ACP rounds. While you do have to use moon clips to hold the .45 ACP ammo in place, you can mix .45 ACP, .45 Colt, and 2.5-inch .410 shotshells all in the same cylinder. S&W even includes two 6-round and three 2-round moon clips with every Governor.

Another big difference comes when you look at the sights. The Governor comes with a tritium night sight up front that works very well. I was able to acquire targets very quickly with ease in pretty much any lighting situation. On the other hand, the Judge has a fiber-optic front sight, which isn’t bad, but it doesn’t glow in the dark. Both utilize rear sight channels like many other revolvers. In the end, the sights on both revolvers worked very well. It’s really a tough call, but I give a slight edge to the Governor because the front sight glows in the dark. Again, I look at these guns as very good home defenders, and a glowing sight offers an advantage in a dark home-defense situation.

This brings us to the revolvers’ grips and ergonomics. The Judge has a very soft ribbed/rubber grip that Taurus calls “Ribber.” The soft ridges are comfortable on the hand and provide a very good grip on the firearm. However, the grips also like to collect dirt and debris, and it doesn’t provide the no-thought hand placement of its competitor. The Governor, on the other hand, provides a harder rubber grip with molded finger grooves and subtle texturing that feels perfect in my hands. This is a very nice, more traditional wheelgun grip that has a very ergonomic feel and provides me with that grab-and-shoot hand positioning I want in a fast-breaking defensive situation.

Entering The Ring

In testing, both the Judge and Governor performed flawlessly and really produced identical results downrange. I tested the Judge and Governor with a variety of .45 Colts and .410 rounds, and the recoil was very mild with the former ammo type. The .410 loads I ran produced only moderate recoil; they gave the guns a decent jolt, but it wasn’t very violent. It was also easy to load.45 Colt rounds and eject their spent cases with both guns. However, loading and ejecting .410 shells proved a bit challenging for the Governor, which preferred the smoothest shells. The Judge doesn’t seem to have as tight tolerances and thus didn’t have as many issues.

I did shoot some .45 ACP rounds through the Governor, but because I striving for an apples-to-apples comparison, I didn’t do much with them. But, it is worth noting that the Governor digested all three ammo types without any malfunctions. The moon clips are a little tough to use, but they worked well.

At the range, I didn’t expect great accuracy results because these are snub-nose revolvers. However, both the Judge and Governor exceeded my expectations. At 15 yards, I shot groups measuring about 2.5 inches wide with some Cowboy Action .45 Colt rounds. Then I switched to some full-power 230-grain .45 Colt JHPs. What a difference a load makes! The recoil as a bit heavier but still manageable. The Judge seemed to handle the added recoil a little bit better than the Governor. I think it may be due to the grip design. The Taurus’ soft grooves seemed to make the recoil a bit more manageable than the Governor’s harder rubber grip. The more powerful .45 Colt load produced much wider groups. However, I dropped a few shots at the same 15 yards anticipating that recoil. Once I figured it out, I created 3.5-inch groups with the Judge and 4-inch groups with the Governor.

I was particularly excited to turn these two beasts into mini shotguns with .410 shells. A birdshot-equipped Judge or Governor would work reasonably well for small pest control. However, the pellets are small in size and few in number, and they spread very rapidly. No, they wouldn’t reliably kill a snake at 10 yards. But this ammo makes for some very fun skeet shooting. A few of my friends joined me for just that, and it was fun and difficult. We burned through about 150 rounds and only hit five clays. Good thing birdshot .410 birdshot rounds are very inexpensive, because I plan on doing more of this skeet shooting in the near future.

Buckshot loads proved to be both effective and cost-efficient. The .36-caliber pellets in the Federal’s 000 Buckshot loads consistently hit within 4 inches of each other out of both guns. Pretty impressive considering the 2.75- and 3-inch barrels of the Governor and Judge, respectively. This is why I call these guns the ultimate home defenders. I tested the buckshot at 7 yards to achieve these impressive results. With the right ammo at relatively short range, the .410 revolver is a devastating defensive weapon.

I also tested Winchester’s PDX1 .410 ammo along with Hornady’s .410 Triple Defense rounds. Instead of traditional birdshot or buckshot, the 2.5-inch PDX1 shells contain three copper discs and 12 BBs that travel at around 750 fps. The three copper discs consistently produced fairly tight groups. Unfortunately, the 12 BBs went all over the place. One shot from 7 yards away caused massive devastation to my paper target, and I couldn’t account for 6 BBs for most of my shots.

Each Hornady .410 Triple Defense round consists of two round .35-caliber balls topped with one non-jacketed FTX slug. The .41-caliber FTX slug definitely engages the gun’s rifling and produced patterns similar to those created by the three discs in the PDX1 rounds without the hassle of the little BBs. Both rounds worked very well in the revolvers, but I would use the Hornady ammo over the Winchester in a defensive situation because the BBs are less predictable.

The Verdict

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So, who is the victor, the Taurus Judge or the Smith & Wesson Governor? This is going to come down to brand loyalty for a lot of people. Price is another big consideration, too. The Judge I tested has an MSRP of $589, while the Governor is $869. That’s a big difference in price for two guns that perform almost identically. The Governor one-ups the Judge with one more round in the cylinder and one more choice for ammunition, though. Unfortunately, Smith & Wesson only offers one style — a simple, straightforward black model — while Taurus offers many different models, finishes and configurations.

Both the Judge and the Governor are incredible guns and, in my opinion, would make great choices for home defense. I personally like the feel of the Governor a little over the Judge, but I recommend that you take both for a test-drive when you get a chance.

Taurus Judge

• Caliber: .45 Colt/.410
• Barrel: 3 inches
• OA Length: 9.5 inches
• Weight: 29 ounces (empty)
• Grip: Ribber
• Sights: Fiber-optic front, fixed rear
• Action: DA/SA
• Finish: Black
• Capacity: 5
• MSRP: $589

Smith & Wesson Governor

• Caliber: .45 ACP/.45 Colt/.410
• Barrel: 2.75 inches
• OA Length: 8.5 inches
• Weight: 29.6 ounces (empty)
• Grip: Synthetic
• Sights: Tritium front, fixed rear
• Action: DA/SA
• Finish: Black
• Capacity: 6
• MSRP: $869

For more information about the Smith & Wesson Governor and the Taurus Judge, please visits smith-wesson.com and taurususa.com.

This article was originally published in Personal Defense World 2019. To order a copy, please visit outdoorgroupstore.com.

The post Revolver Showdown: The Smith & Wesson Governor vs. the Taurus Judge appeared first on Personal Defense World.

Back in the 1980s, John Linebaugh developed a handgun cartridge with extreme power and velocity. He made it be cutting down a .348 Winchester rifle cartridge to fit .510 caliber bullet. Today, many consider the .500 Linebaugh to be the largest production handgun cartridge available. However, those wanting a revolver in this caliber had to custom order it and wait a long time to get the gun in hand. That was until the introduction of the Magnum Research .500 Linebaugh BFR.

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Magnum Research realized that the BFR (Biggest Finest Revolver) and the .500 Linebaugh were practically made for each other. The company designed the BFR from the ground up to handle magnum cartridges. This, of course, is similar to how Linebaugh came up with the first of his magnum cartridges. And since Magnum Research also manufactures the Desert Eagle, the company knows its way around large-bore handguns.

Built of stainless steel, the BFR features a precision barrel that works with both lead and jacketed bullets. In fact, the company claims that the BFR is the “most powerful single action gun made.” In any case, this is the only production model handgun that fires .500 Linebaugh rounds.

“Up until now, the .500 Linebaugh was a custom proposition only, costing thousands of dollars and long wait times,” said Max Prasac. “Now you can have one at a fraction of the price of a high-end custom, that will scratch your .50 caliber itch.”

Magnum Research .500 Linebaugh BFR Models

The .500 Linebaugh BFR is available in four configurations. The standard model with a 7.5 inch barrel or 5.5 inch barrel has an MSRP of $1399, and the standard model featuring Bisley grips with a 7.5 inch barrel or a 5.5 inch barrel has an MSRP of $1482.

Of course, Magnum Research produces the BFR in other calibers, including .500 S&W and .475 Linebaugh. As such, shooters can find a BFR that can handle their big-bore desires.

For more information about the Magnum Research .500 Linebaugh BFR, please visit magnumresearch.com.

The post Power in Production: The Magnum Research .500 Linebaugh BFR appeared first on Personal Defense World.

A few years ago, Colt jumped back into the revolver market with the Cobra in .38 Special. This stainless-steel revolver containing six rounds impressed shooters. However, it wasn’t long before some started clamoring for a .357 Magnum version. The company has responded with the Colt King Cobra.

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“Our customers started asking for a .357 version of our Cobra immediately after the release, and at that moment we knew we had to prioritize this great addition to the Cobra family” said Justin Baldini, Product Director at Colt. “We couldn’t be more excited to add the power of .357 Magnum back into Colt’s Double Action Revolver lineup.”

Colt King Cobra Features

The new Colt King Cobra features the same stainless-steel construction and six-round capacity as its smaller brothers. It also features a heavy-duty frame and full-lug, 3-inch barrel, as well as a user-replaceable front sight and Linear Leaf spring trigger.

These features, of course, differentiate this revolver from others, especially since most revolvers feature 2-inch barrels and only hold five rounds. However, most shooters will simply love the fact that the King is back. In fact, lots of people were very disappointed both times Colt discontinued the line.

The company plans to introduce the new revolver at the 2019 SHOT Show with consumers getting an opportunity to see the gun up close at the NRA Great American Outdoor Show in Harrisburg, Penn. However, the new revolver will be available through Colt dealers sometime this month. MSRP on the Colt King Cobra is $899.

For more information about the Colt King Cobra, please visit colt.com.

Colt King Cobra Specs

• Action: Revolver
• Caliber: .357 Magnum
• Material: Stainless steel
• Barrel Length: 3″
• Capacity: 6
• MSRP: $899

The post FIRST LOOK: The .357 Magnum Colt King Cobra Revolver Has Arrived appeared first on Personal Defense World.

A lot of people believe that folks should carry a full-size 9mm or .45 ACP pistol for self defense. However, the .38 Special was the preferred round for a very long time, making snub-nosed revolvers, such as the new Taurus 856 Concealed Hammer model, viable protection guns. Additionally, revolvers were the original point and click handgun.

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Now the 856 model has been around for a while. In fact, these guns are well known for reliability and accuracy. So, the only real functional change is the removal of the hammer spur. This makes this DAO revolver easier to draw from concealment holsters, especially pocket style holsters. The lack of a hammer spur prevents the gun from snagging on the edges of pockets, which is where many prefer to carry these guns.

The 856 features a soft, ergonomic rubber grip to minimize felt recoil and to promote fast target reacquisition. Also, this gun can handle .38 Special +P loads, and it even provides one additional round over many compact revolvers. This doesn’t sound like much, but one round can make a difference.

Shooters can even choose among aluminum, carbon steel or stainless-steel frames. However, Taurus is now offering an element of customization by producing revolvers in four color finishes — Azure (blue), Rouge (red), Bronze and Burnt Orange. The company also offers a carbon steel frame paired with a matte black cylinder or a stainless-steel frame and matte stainless-steel cylinder. So in addition to being an excellent concealed-carry gun, the 856 can also reveal some personality of the owner.

Taurus 856 Concealed Hammer Revolver

• Action: DAO
• Caliber: .38 Special +P
• Capacity: 6
• Trigger Pull: 10 to 12 lbs.
• Barrel Length: 2″
• Overall Length: 6.55″
• Height: 4.8″
• Weight: 15.7 ozs. (unloaded)
• Sights: Serrated ramp front/fixed rear
• Grip: Soft rubber
• Safety: Transfer bar
• MSRP: $363.63 to $415

For more information about the Taurus 856 Concealed Hammer revolver, please visit taurususa.com.

The post New Taurus 856 Concealed Hammer Model Also Comes in Custom Colors appeared first on Personal Defense World.

Charter Arms has long built excellent revolvers for the shooting public. Now, the company has come out with what it calls a “true fighting handgun” with input from self-defense and concealed-carry experts. And while many features are well known to gun owners, the company has brought out something quite different with the Charter Arms Professional.

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To start, the company stayed completely away from polymer. In fact, the gun contains only steel and wood. Charter makes the frame, cylinder and barrel from stainless steel, and this revolver sports contoured walnut grips. And while this isn’t completely unusual, it is different today, as many guns contain at least some polymer. The company also added an additional round — two rounds compared to some — bringing out a seven-shot revolver. One or two rounds might not make much of a difference, but its possible.

The Professional comes with a 3-inch barrel with full lug, and Charter coated all metal surfaces with a Blacknitride+ process, which it touts as indestructible. It also features a Green LitePipe front sight for quick target acquisition.

However, most interestingly, the company chambered the gun in .32 H&R Magnum. This is quite a bit lower than what many would consider for self defense, but the company is standing by its choice.

“The .32 H&R Magnum caliber has always been an underrated caliber that’s ideal for concealed carry and well-suited for the range,” said Charter Arms President Nick Ecker in a statement.

Charter will unveil the Professional at the 2019 Concealed Carry Expo on May 17-19 in Pittsburgh. Until then, we’ll just have to let our imaginations consider the possibilities.

Charter Arms Professional

• Capacity: 7 rounds
• Caliber: .32 H&R Magnum
• Finish: Blacknitride+
• Weight: 22 ounces, unloaded
• Barrel: 3 inches
• Length: 7 13/16 inches
• Front Sight: Green LitePipe
• Grips: Contoured Walnut
• MSRP: $438

For more information about the Charter Arms Professional, please visit charterfirearms.com.

The post First Look: Charter Arms Professional in .32 H&R Magnum appeared first on Personal Defense World.