American Handgunner articles from January 2008

American Handgunner archives from January 2008

Beaten with a Kodak.(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)(Letter to the editor)
January 1, 2008... Your response to A.J. Burnes (Speak Out, Nov/Dec 2007) was too kind. Anyone who thinks the photos in your magazines are "utterly absurd" needs to get his head out from where the sun don't shine so he can see them better. Burnes begs to be...

Bad pics?(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)
January 1, 2008... Is it just me, or is Burnes living on another planet? He had the gall to label the pics in American Handgunner "photo-distortion?" I find all the photos to be of uniformly high quality, especially for the genre. You've only got to pick up one...

A glad guy.(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)(Letter to the editor)
January 1, 2008... I'm glad as hell, and I can't take it any longer. I'm glad, because I'll soon be taking delivery of my shiny new S&W Model 27 .357 Mag. 8-shot (with the non-fluted cylinder), and I've just finished reading your outstanding July/August issue....

Dad-talk.(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)(Letter to the editor)
January 1, 2008... I bought your magazine yesterday, and as with most of the car magazines I have, its first resting home was next to the "throne." I have to say Handgunner was one of the few magazines I've carried into the living room to continue reading....

Gauntlet thrown.(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)(Letter to the editor)
January 1, 2008... Recently, there were two shocking developments that have set the gun control world on its ear. Sarah Brady, head of the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, has announced she is stepping down and disbanding her organization. "'It's a losing...

Ammo conspiracy.(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)(Letter to the editor)
January 1, 2008... Ayoob's recent column (Cop Talk, Sept/Oct) on Winchester ammo got me thinking about Olin's ammunition sales policy. Winchester Ranger ammunition is either legal for civilian sale, or it isn't. If the "Law Enforcement Only" designation printed...

Ex-golfer.(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)(Letter to the editor)
January 1, 2008... A friend passed along a copy of your issue on the CZ SP-01 (Nov/Dec). I read that first issue cover-to-cover and it was just great. I read the article on the CZ, bought the gun, shot it and it's great too! So good, in fact, I just subscribed to...

Wadcutter wonder?(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)(Letter to the editor)
January 1, 2008... In your Sep/Oct issue Brad Adams asked your opinion on the best load for his model 36 S&W. Your answer was to use the Federal 148 gr. LWC. The Federal Web site lists this load at 710 fps. This load seems rather anemic for self defense. You...

Gun Culture.(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)(Letter to the editor)
January 1, 2008... After reading Dukes feature Shooting Iron, ("My Gun Culture," Nov/Dec 2007) I was compelled to write. I'm sure most of us know 99.9 percent of gun owners are trustworthy, loyal, friendly people. Duke's column really hit the bullseye. American...

Lady Reader.(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)(Letter to the editor)
January 1, 2008... I'm a subscriber and have been for some time. I rarely write letters to the editor, but the letter ("Pile of Garbage," Sept/Oct 2007) really irritated me. I think the magazine is great and your writers are top notch. It does scare me sometimes...

Anti-anti 1911.(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)(Letter to the editor)
January 1, 2008... I felt badly about Clint's comments on people expressing extreme opposition to 1911 articles ("Too Tough Taurus," Nov/Dec). Just before Thunder Ranch in Texas closed, I took a course from Clint. If he says something, I listen. His wisdom and...

Connor's handicapped?(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)(Letter to the editor)
January 1, 2008... I wasn't going to write about Connor's beliefs on point shooting, mostly because I know the only reason he's working there is because of the California law on hiring the handicapped--especially in the "mentally challenged" category. I'm 65, a...

Editorial spot-on.(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)(Editorial)(Letter to the editor)
January 1, 2008... Please make John Connor's editorial ("Virgina Tech: Rage, Reflection and Rejection," Insider, Sept/Oct) available online for downloading for non-commercial purposes. This is without a doubt the very best piece on the subject I have ever read,...

Wilson Combat.(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)(Letter to the editor)
January 1, 2008... Recently, a couple of magazine followers in my 15-year-old "practice" Wilson Combat magazines finally succumbed to the rigors of range training, and while they continued to function, they did not cause the slide stop in my Wilson Combat custom...

Springfield Armory.(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)(Letter to the editor)
January 1, 2008... Recently my son purchased a used Springfield Armory V10 .45 1911 at a show. We were only able to put one box through it before it totally malfunctioned. A local pistolsmith installed a new recoil spring. Same thing. Jam after jam and it seemed...

The old guys.(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)(Letter to the editor)
January 1, 2008... I was going through some old magazines and noticed a large number of writers are no longer in print. I wonder what has happened to them? People like Art Blatt, Howard French, Clay Harvey, David Steele, Neal Fortin, Chuck Adams, David Arnold and...

Hillary vs. sharks.(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)(Letter to the editor)
January 1, 2008... Upon reading the blurb at the bottom of the page detailing how you might plan to properly take a picture of Hillary Clinton about to get eaten by a shark (Pistolsmithing, Sept/Oct) I was appalled at the flippant attitude with which Hillary's...

I'm not runnin': so forget about it, okay?(GUNCRANK DIARIES[TM]: EXCUSES, ALIBIS, PITHY OBSERVATIONS & GENERAL EPHUS)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 2008 CONNOR If His Editorial Immenseness Roy-Boy prints one or more of the letters--I asked him semi-nicely not to, so I'm sure he will--you'll see why I'm upset. It's happening again: A buncha you guys want me...

The "First Memsaab"?(GUNCRANK DIARIES[TM]: EXCUSES, ALIBIS, PITHY OBSERVATIONS & GENERAL EPHUS)
January 1, 2008... Oh, man... I just had a flash sight-picture of a buncha death-wishful armed idiots attacking First Lady Helena (the "First Memsaab"?) with the kids in harm's way! The best and most survivable course of action for the members of her protection...

Presidential perks.(GUNCRANK DIARIES[TM]: EXCUSES, ALIBIS, PITHY OBSERVATIONS & GENERAL EPHUS)
January 1, 2008... I guess there could be some perks to bein' president. I've seen that huge hallway in the upper deck, and it's got plenty of room to put in a seven, ten, and 15-yard combat range, at least. That could really help me unwind after a long,...

Who's serious?(SHOOTING IRON[TM]: THUMB BUSTIN' MUSINGS FROM THE DUKE)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The only full auto firearm I've ever had a serious yearning to own is the 9mm German MP40 of World War II fame. I even had a chance to shoot 50 rounds through one once, but never could see any sense in putting out...

KAPOWWE.(SHOOTING IRON[TM]: THUMB BUSTIN' MUSINGS FROM THE DUKE)
January 1, 2008... The outfit that had these things is called KAPOWWE (www.kapowwe.com) so I called them. The pleasant young lady I spoke to answered my questions thusly, "Yes, they are one-to-one scale. Yes, they are made of metal. Yes, the folding stock does...

Horses beware.(SHOOTING IRON[TM]: THUMB BUSTIN' MUSINGS FROM THE DUKE)
January 1, 2008... But one thing I am sure of is my MP40 BB gun is extremely accurate. It doesn't just spray those BBs all over the countryside. They go where aimed, at least out to 20 yards or so. I put up a target and from 10 paces let fly about a 30 round...

When warriors pass.(COP TALK: OPINION AND FACTS FROM THE MEAN STREETS)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] BILL BLACK The early summer of 2007 was a hard one on the small cadre teaching cops to fight both ethically and effectively. June brought news that Bill Black was on his deathbed. He had fought cancer for seven...

C'mon back!(HAND LOADING: SAGE ADVICE FROM THE HANDLOADING GURUS)
January 1, 2008... We may like to think we're in control, however we are pretty much controlled instead by our senses and emotions. Consider our sense of smell and see if your experience is anything like mine. I became very interested in guns long before I was...

Going boom.(HAND LOADING: SAGE ADVICE FROM THE HANDLOADING GURUS)
January 1, 2008... If you are one of the baby boomers, one generation after mine, I would guess your experience was pretty much like mine. Now that the nest is empty and the kids are out on their own, it's time to think seriously of getting back into reloading....

Buy the goodies.(HAND LOADING: SAGE ADVICE FROM THE HANDLOADING GURUS)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A powder scale, powder measure and a reloading press with dies are all absolutely necessary equipment. Twenty years ago most reloaders used a balance scale; now we have excellent electronic scales for setting powder...

Random thoughts.(REALITY CHECK[TM]: FIRST-PERSON THOUGHTS ON SURVIVING IN THE REAL WORLD)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] I hear this regularly: "I have a bad habit of" or guess that's a bad habit of mine," In actuality, I believe these aren't "bad" habits--simply habits. The real question is as you learn more, will your opinion of your...

The .44 AutoMag.(TAFFIN TESTS: THE SIXGUNNER HIMSELF: GUNS, GEAR AND MORE)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Most big bore semiauto shooters know of the Desert Eagle, the Grizzly, the Wildey and the relatively recently arrived .50 GI, however before any of these there was the .44 semiauto of Harry Sanford. Sanford is one of...

The way it wuz.(HANDGUN HUNTING: TIPS, TECHNIQUES AND POLITICAL-INCORRECTNESS)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It occurred to me the largest category of readers of this column were born after the freedoms my generation took for granted vanished. No doubt about it--I'm in the Old Fart category and glad of it. My mother-in-law...

Better shooting: Jim Cirillo.
January 1, 2008... Others who knew Cirillo much better and longer than I did will no doubt provide better and more eloquent memorials. The best tribute I can make is to increase awareness of the hard-won knowledge Jim left behind, wisdom which has saved the lives...

100 percent no bull: Tauris Holsters.(CARRY OPTIONS: FROM CLASSICS TO CUTTING EDGE IN CARRY METHODS)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] There's just something about expertly crafted leather holsters. Sure, they re pleasing to the eye, but that s a sad thing because we usually wear them concealed. They're comfortable to wear, they mold and conform to...

Dick Heinie.(WINNING EDGE: SOLID ADVICE TO KEEP YOU AHEAD OF THE COMPETITION)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Not so many years ago if you wanted a "modern" 1911 you had to have a custom gun built. Today we have so many modern 1911s it's hard to keep track. What is even more impressive, most of them are pretty darn good...

The sixguns of David Clements.(THE SIXGUNNER)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Have you ever noticed how you can be surrounded by hundreds, even thousands of guns in gun shows and gun shops and not be able to find a particular version you're looking for? If you spend much time with guns it has...

Whose idea was this?(PISTOLSMITHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP ON PISTOLSMITHING TECHNIQUES)
January 1, 2008... We've all used products, perfected over the years to the point where they suit our needs perfectly. All of a sudden you go to the store to buy a new gizmo and, hey wait--it ain't the same. Some bright guy, more than likely a bean-counter in the...

The new Taurus Gauchos! Single action-action.
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] So many clones, copies, replicas and look-alikes of the Colt Single Action Army revolver have come from Italy in the last few decades that new ones hardly gain notice anymore. But, several years ago when I heard...

The classic Colt 1851 navy.
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In 1951, just nine years after the Hayes Big Fight, Samuel Colt showcased the Navy Colt at the Crystal Palace Exposition in London. Revolver evolution had proceeded at break-neck speed and the 1851 model represented...

STI trio: defense, target and tactical!(Cover story)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In these days of "No warranty, expressed or implied" it's nice to see STI's. "We unconditionally warranty our products for their intended purpose, when installed properly. As with any product, abuse and normal wear...

Quest for the best: who says a 1911 can't be different?
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Some older guys go for a fantasy car or try to date girls younger than the underwear in their dresser. all me strange, but I was focused on the perfect pistol. I wanted a full house, go-to-hell government-sized...

Win an heirloom pistol package for $10!--and help LTW help kids.
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] This year you have another chance to win an heirloom matching custom pistol, holster and knife for only $10--and help a great cause in the bargain. We're talking about you maybe-owning top-of-the-line work by such...

Mild to wild: Kershaw rides the success wave!
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] If Kershaw knives continues its current pace, Webster's dictionary will soon need to add another definition under the word "flash." Founded in Portland, Oregon by Pete Kershaw in 1974, the fledgling company quickly...

For grunts: goodies and gear for our warriors 'deployed forward'.(HANDGUNNER'S 2007 GIFT GUIDE)
January 1, 2008... In the process of puttin' together these military Christmas Gift Guides for the past few years in both Handgunner and our sister publication GUNS Magazine--and enjoying a lot of communication with you folks about it--I've come to the conclusion...

Cool stuff: puttin' the cool in Christmas.(HANDGUNNER'S 2007 GIFT GUIDE)
January 1, 2008... You know the drill: I do all the hard work, finding, foolin' with and testing the toys, and all you have to do is buy 'em, right? And don't worry, we won't rat you out if you clip your favorites and leave them strategically scattered around...

The lessons of Jim Cirillo.(The Ayoob Files)
January 1, 2008... Situation: A master shooter applies his skills to a high-risk felony squad... and learns there is more to shooting than gunfighting. Lesson: One of the last of the modern master gunfighters, Jim Cirillo left us a rich legacy of wise...

Iron mind grip training.(GUNNYSACK)
January 1, 2008... Performance training today is much more specialized then in years past, and today's athletes are finding better ways to improve their performance. For the average Joe, a tenth of a second isn't much, but to a world-class pistol shooter, it can...

ASP Triad.(GUNNYSACK)
January 1, 2008... For the past 25 years ASP has been known for innovative protection gear for cops. From batons and restraints, to training, watches and lighting, ASP has built its reputation on quality. The ASP Triad is a compact, comfortable, high intensity...

CCI .22 trio.(GUNNYSACK)
January 1, 2008... Technology has done wonders for our industry, and even the lowly .22 has benefited, which means we shooters have reaped the rewards. This trio from CCI is proof. Their new "Select" target load is carefully constructed to deliver top accuracy...

Microtech UTX-70.(GUNNYSACK)
January 1, 2008... Nifty is the word coming to mind. Probably more than 99 percent of the time, a 1" or 2" blade will handle the cutting chores you have. And, as compelling as a big blade can be, they're sort of like 6" .44 Magnums--they get left at home....

Lasergrip for S&W M&P pistols.(SPOTLIGHT)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Crimson Trace Crimson Trace has announced the revolutionary new Lasergrip LG-660 designed for the Smith & Wesson M&P Pistols in .40, 9mm, .45 ACP and .357 Sig. It replaces the stock M&P hack strap grip insert and...

Black Mamba style holster #M40.(SPOTLIGHT)
January 1, 2008... DeSantis Holsters Handgun hunters were the first in civilian life to pick up on chest carry holsters. Concealment was not an issue, and n big revolver rode comfortably and was accessible in this position. Gene DeSantis brought the chest...

THOR Sirius 9 Watt LED Rechargeable.(SPOTLIGHT)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Cyclops Solutions I tell you my eyes were thor looking at this wicked lamp for just n few seconds but they're ok now. Cyclops designs brilliant solutions with the outdoor enthusiast in mind. The newest addition...

Monkey Combat Admin Pouch.(SPOTLIGHT)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Maxpedition Hard Use Gear The Monkey Combat Admin Pouch is designed to be attached In and worn on the chest area of a tactical vest or body armor. This design solves many of the problems that plague regular admin...

Uni-Max Green laser sight.(SPOTLIGHT)
January 1, 2008... LaserMax LaserMax announces the newest member of their Uni-Max family of stackable rail mounted weapons accessories, the Uni-Max Green laser sight. Green Laser sights offer high visibility and fast acquisition for the unaided human eye....

Elite Tactical Magazine (ETM).(SPOTLIGHT)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Wilson Combat Wilson Combat, developer of the legendary 47 Series magazine, announces a completely new 1911 magazine for serious, particularly combat-oriented shooters. Dubbed the Elite Tactical Magazine or...

Firearm Safety Net.(SPOTLIGHT)
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Benjamin Firearm Safety Technology Benjamin Firearm Safety Technology introduces the Firearm Safety Net (FSN). It's a safe, cost-effective and easy way to collect spent shell casings at the range. With the price...

Add it up.(THE INSIDER[TM])
January 1, 2008... 3,000 Gallons a dripping faucet wastes yearly. +14% Gun and ammo sales, first three months of 2007. 16,000 Members of USPSA. 500,000 Aimpoint sights in use by US forces. 13,000 Number of US Border Patrol agents. 12 TO 20...

1,000,000 rounds.(THE INSIDER[TM])
January 1, 2008... On a recent whirlwind trip to the Black Hills on business, I had a chance to spend a very few minutes with Jeff and Kristi Hoffman, owners of Black Hills Ammunition. Jeff asked if I'd like to sit on a million rounds of .223, and who could...

You Tube video.(THE INSIDER[TM])
January 1, 2008... If you're looking for a quick way to answer some anti-gunner's questions, send them to the following link on You Tube, the Web-based video site. It's newsman John Stossel blowing big holes in a series of anti-gun arguments. John is a good...

Tiny terror.(THE INSIDER[TM])
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Since we publish sister magazine American COP, we get cop goodies all the time. This one caught my attention since I'm always on the lookout for a good time-waster. Between waiting for writers to meet deadlines,...

Political Correctness.(THE INSIDER[TM])
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Here's that plaque reader George Missbach sent me. I quoted it in a Speak Out response recently, but thought the actual item had better impact. Feel free to copy it, quote it or otherwise spread the word. I'm sure...

SIGARMS now SIG SAUER.(THE INSIDER[TM])
January 1, 2008... SIGARMS announced it has changed its corporate name to SIG SAUER, aligning the company with its globally recognized SIG SAUER brand of firearms. The change reflects the growth in demand for SIG SAUER products. In response, the company has more...

Save yourself.(THE INSIDER[TM])
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] My old bud, George E. Dvorchak, has knocked out a handy pocket-sized first aid book for the field. George is a rare bird indeed. He's not only a senior writer in the hunting/guns field but an honest-to-gosh medical...

Handgun hunting.(THE INSIDER[TM])
January 1, 2008... Well, he did it. That her-do-well Gary Reeder (of Reeder Custom Guns) wrote a first-person, been-there, done-that, handgun hunting book. Gary's shot just about everything, about everywhere, and I'll bet only J.D. Jones might have killed more...

Lightweight Hi-Powers!(THE INSIDER[TM])
January 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] That rascal Bill Laughridge has done it again He sent me a before and after" version of his latest "gotta' have it" gun. He's somehow cornered the market on a few lightweight Hi-Powers, formerly of the Belgium...

Never say never.(THE INSIDER[TM])
January 1, 2008... A reader sent this pic (and a few other close-ups) of a genuine completely homemade black powder pistol. He did it in his spare time, with only hand tools. The breech has a tiny touch-hole where a Greenie Stick-em" cap is placed. The hammer...

The laws.(THE INSIDER[TM])
January 1, 2008... Laws of social behavior often sound like serious things until you realize they are really just somebody's opinion. Take "Murphy's Law" for instance. It states: "If anything can go wrong, it will." Murphy's opinion--probably after a bad day at...