American Handgunner articles from March 2005

American Handgunner archives from March 2005

Black powder blasts.(Speak out: your forum to pontificate, ponder and probe)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... Duke Venturino's article "Old West Pistol Power" (Jan/Feb 2005) was something new for Handgunner and I enjoyed the hell out of it. Sign me up for more, my check's enclosed! Chad Martin, Salt Lake City, Utah

Mr. Negative.(Speak out: your forum to pontificate, ponder and probe)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... I'm incensed at Clint Smith's column (Reality Check, Jan/Feb 2005). How dare he calls anyone who disagrees with him a foul, pornographic name like "T*rd Suckers" and if he thinks I'll buy any gun from S&W then he deserves to be called the same...

Taffin wades in.(Speak out: your forum to pontificate, ponder and probe)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... I would like to thank I.I. Butler (Speak Out, Jan/Feb 2005) for enlightening me. Even at my advanced age I'm willing to admit I have been wrong. What really hurts is the fact I have wasted nearly half a century shooting such a worthless...

More please?(Speak out: your forum to pontificate, ponder and probe)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... I'm on my third reading/scanning of the last double delivery received of my subscriptions to American Handgunner and GUNS. I'm now down to reading interesting articles on guns in which I have no personal interest, but are the reasons these two...

Tactical orange peeling.(Speak out: your forum to pontificate, ponder and probe)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... I'm confused about the use of the word "tactical." It appears on about every other page of your magazine, and in countless places in other publications too. It's used to describe guns, flashlights, attachments, knives, clothing, footwear, hats,...

Pointing guns.(Speak out: your forum to pontificate, ponder and probe)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... You have a great magazine and it's the only one I'll buy. But, I always grimace when I see a photo of a gun of any kind pointed directly at me. It had to be pointed at the photographer or at least the camera, neither of which is probably meant...

Guten tag.(Speak out: your forum to pontificate, ponder and probe)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... Greeting from the old world. Yes, you're right, I can't live without stories about the 1911. I feel you always tell the truth, and that gives me a good background to any decisions I have concerning guns and gun handling. By the way, Single...

Knife rip-offs.(Speak out: your forum to pontificate, ponder and probe)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... Thanks for that article on knife rip-off companies ("Rip-Off!," Sept/Oct 2004). You guys have the best magazine in the biz, and that's the truth. I'm not trying for brownie points or even a few pictures of my knives in your mag, either! Honest....

Guns for America.(Speak out: your forum to pontificate, ponder and probe)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... I would just like to say thanks for the great advice from John Taffin. Clint Smith and the rest on going out and buying a gun for America. I did just that, and so should you. I also look forward to the Duke's articles. The two in the last issue...

Leftovers.(Speak out: your forum to pontificate, ponder and probe)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... Okay, your Editorship, you win already! I'm poor, but will bite the bullet and anti-up for subscriptions to both GUNS and Handgunner, and in return, you should: a) triple Conner's limit on his triple gold charge card, then turn him loose...

No charge S&W.(Speak out: your forum to pontificate, ponder and probe)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... Just had to tell you about this one. While striping my Smith 649 for a detailed cleaning, the bolt plunger spring (really tiny) took off into that dark hole where all the errant 1911 springs go, and could not be found. I called to buy one from...

Sexy shoulder rig.(Speak out: your forum to pontificate, ponder and probe)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... Saw the shoulder holster in Clint's article ("Quadruple Quest" Sept/Oct 2004) and wanted to pass some info on. Clint's holster is available from Jerry Evans at www.haugenhandgunleather.com. He's selling them for $149.95 plus shipping (around...

Mitchell mag masher.(Winning edge: solid advice to keep you ahead of the competition)
March 1, 2005... When managing a reload with the 1911, many (right-handed) shooters flip the gun a bit to the left so the thumb can hit the mag release button. Obviously the technique works since it's used by some of the very best action competitors. Still,...

Flip-flop.(Winning edge: solid advice to keep you ahead of the competition)
March 1, 2005... So why not relocate the mag button on the right side of the frame for right-hand shooters'? That s just what Jim and Artie Mitchell have done. Currently Mitchell releases are made for single-stack 1911s and for the popular STI and SVI high-cap...

Sticker shock.(Winning edge: solid advice to keep you ahead of the competition)
March 1, 2005... I tried guns fitted with the Mitchell release in a over a dozen holsters from various makers, both competition and concealed carry models. In no case was there a problem with the button interfering with holstering, or being inadvertently...

This love-hate thing with S.H.O.T. Show.(Guncrank diaries: excuses, alibis, pithy observations & general ephus)
March 1, 2005... They say dogs can predict when an earthquake's coming, you know? Out in the Pacific, some seabirds know when a typhoon s building before a single blip shows on the radar. There's lots of critters who seem to be able to detect any number of...

You can get killed.(Reality check: first-person thoughts on surviving in the real world)
March 1, 2005... Being involved with firearms and firearms training for the last thirty years, I've heard some pretty amazing things come from the mouths of the unknowing. I had a pretty well-known I.P.S.C. shooter tell me "I'm so fast I'll shoot you before you...

Only one gun? John picks his 'favoritist sixgun.(The Six Gunner)
March 1, 2005... In my long association with American Handgunner and our sister publication GUNS, I've been fortunate to work with several editors who were very easy to get along with and who also always treated me right. Currently (and I hope for a long, long...

Wonderful contraptions.(Shooting iron: thumb bustin' musings from the Duke)
March 1, 2005... I don't have much use for adjustable sights on a handgun. Now that's not the same as saying adjustable handgun sights don't have much use. They do. Adjustable handgun sights are wonderful little contraptions that add much to precision shooting....

Load tihkerers.(Shooting iron: thumb bustin' musings from the Duke)
March 1, 2005... Here's the main difference. If you're a reloader, then adjustable is right for you. If you are a dedicated fixed-sight shooter, then you'll have settled on a darn good load before ever worrying about the sights. Then you'll sight that gun in...

Un-sighted-in.(Shooting iron: thumb bustin' musings from the Duke)
March 1, 2005... I strive to have my "using" handguns well sighted in, and did so back in my younger days too Often on checking them after returning from a trip--they weren't. Sometimes, I had to remove debris from the sight blade just to shoot, but admittedly...

Shipping, parts and a good screw.(Pistolsmithing: the inside scoop on pistolsmithing techniques)
March 1, 2005... When beginning work on a handgun the first thing you must do is protect the finish. Gun shops and home workshops are rooms with sharp metal laying around, grinding dust in the air and concrete floors. (Get a rubber mat...). Place tape on all...

Parts is not parts.(Pistolsmithing: the inside scoop on pistolsmithing techniques)
March 1, 2005... When requesting work by a quality pistolsmith it's best to allow the craftsman to choose the parts he thinks are the best quality. You might save a few dollars buying the parts yourself, but it could cause the pistolsmith a large headache if...

Trigger travel.(Pistolsmithing: the inside scoop on pistolsmithing techniques)
March 1, 2005... The screw imbedded in the front of a match trigger is an over-travel screw and when adjusted properly, stops the trigger's rearward movement after the sear disengages the hammer. When the screw is properly adjusted the trigger action feels...

Galco's good gadget.(Handgun leather: from classics to cutting-edge in carry methods)
March 1, 2005... Over the past few years Handgunner and our sister gunzine, GUNS, have harped at you about taking a shooting class or two or three. I pulled out the last couple of years of Handgunner and GUNS and started to count articles on the topic. There...

Training rig.(Handgun leather: from classics to cutting-edge in carry methods)
March 1, 2005... The best holster to use at a firearms class or when you go the range for self-directed practice is the holster you use in everyday carry. If you wear a suit to work, it doesn't make a lot of sense to show up at a defensive handgun class wearing...

It's an eye-popper.(Handgun leather: from classics to cutting-edge in carry methods)
March 1, 2005... The Training Holster was developed for the firearms instructors at Gunsite Training Academy. The ensemble includes an 1.75" wide belt, the Training holster and a double magazine pouch. The holster rides high on the belt similar to most...

The drills.(Cop talk: opinion and facts from the mean streets)
March 1, 2005... Slow fire drill: Five shots on target, unlimited time, two-hand standing. Done once each from five, ten, fifteen, twenty and twenty-five yards. Each shot reinforces the basics and the shooter also verifies sight zero. Five-second drill:...

Fast & accurate for cops.(Cop talk: opinion and facts from the mean streets)
March 1, 2005... Four-time world IPSC champ Rob Leatham needs no introduction to our readers. They might be surprised, however, to learn Federal law enforcement agencies seek him out to train their personnel. Rob starts his lecture by explaining he's not a cop...

Eyes on you.(Cop talk: opinion and facts from the mean streets)
March 1, 2005... There's a lot you can learn from Rob, and not much opportunity to do it. He only does a few classes a year because so much of his time is taken up on the competition circuit and in research and development for Springfield Armory. For...

Do I have 'ta clean it?(Handloading: sage advice from the handloading guru)
March 1, 2005... Not long ago a reader wrote to ask if he should clean the bore of his handgun when switching between lead and jacketed bullets. As usual with firearms there is no single, pat, answer. It depends on which way you're going and has a lot to do...

Heavy metal.(Handloading: sage advice from the handloading guru)
March 1, 2005... Leading is an insidious process and one that perpetuates itself because the roughness generated by a little lead just makes is easier for more to be deposited. So the only way to be absolutely sure, is to clean the bore before you shoot...

Cheap = good.(Handloading: sage advice from the handloading guru)
March 1, 2005... Lead bullets can be very economical--usually far less than half the cost of jacketed bullets for handloading. Most of the time we can find a combination of components that will give us accuracy comparable to jacketed stuff if the lead bullets...

Better shooting.
March 1, 2005... BRUCE PIATT TELLS-ALL Bruce Piatt is a three-time Bianchi Cup champion, perennial USPSA Law Enforcement champion, and full-time New Jersey police officer. A lot of handgunners can shoot fast; quite a few can shoot accurately. Of those who...

Antelope: a great hunting experience.(Handgun hunting: tips, techniques and political-incorrectness)
March 1, 2005... I recently returned from the Handgun Hunters International, 18th consecutive antelope hunt on the Durham Buffalo Ranch near Wright Wyoming. Gregg Richter (handgunhunter@hotmail.com) has ramroded the Hunt for HHI every year. He also does...

Simply fun.(Handgun hunting: tips, techniques and political-incorrectness)
March 1, 2005... Usually about 16 handgun hunters attend this hunt. In 18 years, all but five hunters have filled their tags. Normally one buck and one or two does are taken by each hunter, and a hunter can anticipate harvesting a buck in the 14" category. ...

Hardware hints.(Handgun hunting: tips, techniques and political-incorrectness)
March 1, 2005... This is open country and a firearm that is at least 200 yards-capable and a shooter with that capability is necessary to effectively hunt it. A good long-range scoped-revolver can work. I could have taken one buck in sure revolver range on this...

Faster than a speeding bullet? Only your chronograph knows for sure.(Taffin tests: the sixgunner himself: guns, gear and more)
March 1, 2005... It was not my fault! It was 25 years ago. and even today in this society in which it's very difficult to find anyone taking responsibility for their actions, I still contend I was not to blame. I warned him repeatedly, however he simply...

What about you?(Taffin tests: the sixgunner himself: guns, gear and more)
March 1, 2005... It's a simple fact. If you are a serious shooter, you need a chronograph. Ammunition manufacturers publish performance data and several companies produce excellent reloading manuals. However no company, nor any book, can tell you exactly what...

But which one?(Taffin tests: the sixgunner himself: guns, gear and more)
March 1, 2005... Thankfully, there are several manufacturers producing several models of chronographs with everything from entry-level machines recording muzzle velocities, up to sophisticated equipment that could probably be programmed to start the coffee and...

1:43 seconds: the hecksel-rice shooting.(The Ayoob Files)
March 1, 2005... Situation: A man is trying to crush you to death with his car. There's nowhere to run... but there's a .40 caliber pistol in your hand. Lesson: Critics scorn you for "putting yourself in danger." Be able to explain action/reaction...

Bowling for Columbine--Part IV.(Gun Rights)
March 1, 2005... This is the final installment in my review of Michael Moore's film, Bowling for Columbine. I have taken so much time with this movie because it is one of the most wide-reaching and effective cultural assaults on the ethos of keeping and bearing...

Thor: .45-70 fun: this god of thunder can thump!
March 1, 2005... It was my fault, 110 doubt about it. And like most, if not all so-called firearms accidents, it was not an accident at all; it was caused by negligence on my part. I had mounted a scope and was now concentrating on sighting in. Everything was...

The .45 Colt sucks! Heresy? Listen-up before you blow a gasket!
March 1, 2005... When our exalted editorship was telling me Smith & Wesson asked what caliber they might consider as a follow-up to the very successful return of the Model 21 .44 Special we unveiled on the cover of Handgunner (Nov/Dec 2004), he said his vote...

Canadian cutters: knifemaker Kirby Lambert sends down some sweet slicers.
March 1, 2005... It's always personally rewarding to feature a talented up-and-coming custom knifemaker with a great sense of design and craftsmanship, if for no other reason than to reward them for their hard work. It's particularly satisfying to write about a...

The Patriot 1911: 'u build it' 1911 fun!
March 1, 2005... "It was most frustrating, pleasing, gut wrenching, pleasurable gun experience I can recall!" So said Art Behrens after completing pistolsmith Dave Sample's on-line course that results in a truly custom 1911. Art and his son, Michael, are both...

Metal magic: basic blue is out--hi-tech is in!
March 1, 2005... Handguns can be expensive. Expensive to buy, expensive to "gussy-up" with goodies and certainly too expensive to allow to rust-away into little tiny brown smudges on a gun-rug. Plus--and this is the fun part about all this--a custom finish can...

Les Baer's ultimate master .45: perfecting perfection?
March 1, 2005... The English language contains many wonderful words. Honor. Truth. Responsibility. Love. Trust. Duty. Quality. Excellence. Faith. One of my favorite words is "perfection " I have often talked of Perfect Packin' Pistols and Perfecting Perfection....

9mm as target pistol: Springfield Armory and STI show us how to do it.(Huh? What?)
March 1, 2005... Guilty as charged, that's me. I'm only one of many shooters who firmly believed the 9mm Luger cartridge was a real dog as far as accuracy was concerned. All of us are wrong. This began with an assignment to go to the NRA PPC National...

The S & W fighting 500: is this finally 'enough' gun?
March 1, 2005... I should receive very few arguments about using "enough gun" about this little test. People write, recite, quote, banter and female-dog over the correct gun to carry for your personal defense. It's too big, too small, too uncomfortable,...

American Pistolsmiths Guild presents: Gun of the Year 2005.
March 1, 2005... Once again, American Handgunner is proud to be the exclusive venue for this year's American Pistolsmiths Guild Raffle Gun of the Year. Once a year, the talented members of the Guild gather to create a one-off, stunning example of the custom...

Camp Perry: a duffer's perspective of the nationals.
March 1, 2005... You don't have to be a pistol master to enjoy the national championships of bullseye pistol shooting. "Ready on the right, ready on the left, ready on the firing line." Three seconds after the last command, there is a pneumatic hiss and four...

Brit wants to shoot.(Speak out: your forum to pontificate, ponder and probe)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... I recently found a copy of your excellent magazine wile I was on holiday and read it cover to cover. Upon returning home, I couldn't find it. Do you send subscriptions to the UK? Secondly, I was wondering if you could tell me the laws in the US...

Holster happiness.(Speak out: your forum to pontificate, ponder and probe)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... After reading the article about the Lou Alessi CQC/S holster (Handgun Leather Sept/Oct 2004) I decided to find a dealer to order one from. Via the internet, I found a dealer in Oregon (Lightning Arms Sports, Inc.) and ordered one, and it...

Snyder best.(Speak out: your forum to pontificate, ponder and probe)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... I want to compliment you on the responsible, truly journalistic way in which you are approaching the series of articles on Bowling for Columbine (Gun Rights). After reading the first installment I actually watched the "documentary." It took me...

A good crank.(Speak out: your forum to pontificate, ponder and probe)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... I subscribe to several handgun magazines, but American Handgunner stands head and shoulders of them all. I find the information useful, and the style of writing is more interesting, and, shall we say, less dry--than the other magazines. I enjoy...

.40 vs..45--who cares?(Speak out: your forum to pontificate, ponder and probe)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2005... There's still quite a bit of controversy over which caliber (.40/.45) does the best job. Most of the old timers seem to prefer the proven .45 ACP over the newer .40 S&W. So how do we laymen who want a good-shooting and sure-stopping semiauto...

Weaver nightview.(GunnySack)
March 1, 2005... Once upon a time darkness was the perfect cover for activities you didn't want observed. Of course the downside was you ran into things. Near the end of World War II both the U.S. and Germany developed bulky infrared illumination systems. Then,...

Crimson Trace Lasergrips.(GunnySack)
March 1, 2005... When folks started hanging lasers, lights and mud-flaps on their handguns I didn't board that wagon. One of the things that troubled me most--especially about lasers--is they were presented and perceived as a solution to poor accuracy. We hear...

P11 combination sight tool.(GunnySack)
March 1, 2005... Glock night sights have a tiny little hex screw holding the front sight on and nobody has fingers small enough to reach inside the slide to start the little 1/8" screw. PI Inc. has come up with a clever little tool to do the job. I'm sure...

Spyderco knives.(GunnySack)
March 1, 2005... Every year Spyderco brings us bunches of new knife models that are both attractive and functional. These days, knife collecting has become a serious hobby and Spyderco fits that niche as well. It's always hard to pick stuff from their...

Stainless steel LTC pistol.(Spotlight)
March 1, 2005... Pare Ordnance Para's popular Lt. Colonel compact, single stack, 1911 pistol is now available in all-weather stainless steel. The LTC has the same frame as a full-size 1911 but the slide and barrel have been shortened to 4.25". All models...

Fatboy Versipack S-Type.(Spotlight)
March 1, 2005... Maxpediton Hard-Use Gear The guys at Maxpedition just keep on cranking out the useful gear for your outdoor needs. The Fatboy Versipack S-Type is the newest in the line and made for bard use. Originally designed for Search and Rescue work,...

YK-500 Binoculars.(Spotlight)
March 1, 2005... Carson Optical Carson's YK-Series Binoculars have superior quality optics to ensure crystal clear images. The extra long eye-relief is perfect for those of us who wear eyeglasses. The nitrogen purged waterproof body is covered with a...

Tactical Style grips.(Spotlight)
March 1, 2005... Alumagrips Alumagrips sweetens their current line of precision machined aluminum grips for the 1911 with the addition of the new Tactical Style. The new design is partly smooth and partly checkered providing easy access on the draw and...

Concealment vest.(Spotlight)
March 1, 2005... Coronado Leather Coronado Leather introduces the new Classic Old West Vest, featuring a unique internal holstering system for ambidextrous concealed carry. Hand cut and sewn with old world craftsmanship, this vest is made of the finest...

Platinum Tip 500 S&W Hollow Point.(Spotlight)
March 1, 2005... Winchester Ammunition Attention big bore handgun shooters. Winchester Ammunition has added the 500 S&W cartridge to its Supreme line of handgun hunting ammunition featuring the Platinum Tip Hollow Point bullet. This heavyweight bullet...

Strion.(Spotlight)
March 1, 2005... Streamlight Streamlight, known the world over for pioneering big ideas in rechargeable flashlights, proudly presents one of our smallest ideas ever: Strion, the world's brightest, ultra-compact rechargeable flashlight. Strion's exclusive...

HK Knives.(Spotlight)
March 1, 2005... Heckler and Koch Inc. An entirely new line of knives bearing the famous HK Brand comes to you from arms-maker, Heckler and Koch Inc., of Sterling Virginia. HK tapped the design skills of Custom Knife Maker Mike Shady and the quality...

Sigtac Neck Knife.(Spotlight)
March 1, 2005... Sigarms The folks at Sigarms are proud to introduce the new line of proprietary knives for police, EMS, military and civilian applications. Created with input from frontline officers, soldiers, and others who use these important tools on a...

.38 special 110GR. DPX.(Spotlight)
March 1, 2005... Car-Ban Car-Ban has introduced its new line of DPX ammunition. DPX is the new Deep Penetrating load designed for, well deeper penetration. The DPX uses a Barnes X bullet shaped to yield 12" to 16" of penetration. In lab tests, the unique...

Enviroclean FA.(Spotlight)
March 1, 2005... Ogre Mfg. LIc. Enviroclean FA is a unique general purpose biodegradable cleaner for all types of firearms. Removes lead, gunpowder, copper fouling, cleans and lubricates all in one easy step. Enviroclean has a high flashpoint (200 F) so...

Laser sighting system.(Spotlight)
March 1, 2005... LaserMax LaserMax is an award-winning company that has specialized in the design and manufacture of high-tech laser diode modules for more than fifteen years. Pictured here is the LMS-2291 far the Sig P229 but LaserMax has a variety of...

CZ 75 Compact.(Spotlight)
March 1, 2005... CZ-USA CZ-USA has announced the introduction of the new CZ 75 Compact in 40 S&W. This new model features a steel frame with an M3 accessory rail for attaching tactical lights and lasers as well as an ambidextrous safety. With the...

Powerlock S60.(Spotlight)
March 1, 2005... SOG Knives SOG has developed the ultimate folding pliers tool with the new Powerlock $60. The $60 has component locks, is comfortable to use, and offers a complete tool package. Using SOG's exclusive interlocking gear system, Compound...

Hydration Pack.(Spotlight)
March 1, 2005... Elite Survival Systems The new 7708 Hydration Pack pulls double duty as o compact efficient daypack. It has one large main compartment and two middle compartments with drainage. Inside the main compartment is n hydration compartment with...

Tool logic: need a light?(Check It Out)
March 1, 2005... When it comes to interesting Gizmos, Tool Logic produces some fine ones. Tool Logic's Revolutionary SL Series knives are ultra-light, rugged and multi-functional. The SL1 Light is made from 420J2 stainless Zytel, with a razor sharp,...

Crouching Tiger?(The Insider)
March 1, 2005... Just so you don't think all our champion photographer can do is push a shutter release, herewith is a sort of "Ichi" photo you won't see often. Ichiro. (on the left) is actually an accomplished knife-and-sword guy too. Here he does some serious...

A flash in the pan.(The Insider)
March 1, 2005... This widget is a good one and is sort of one of those "Why didn't I think of it myself" things. Larry Cohen is a nice fellow and when I got this unit I realized it just made sense. If you've ever been shooting "'way out there" sometimes it's...

Faster-blaster.(The Insider)
March 1, 2005... S&W couldn't leave it alone. Now the big X-Frame .500 S&W Magnum is available in a fancy new cartridge--the .460 XVR (extreme velocity revolver!). Basically a .500 chambered for the new round, the stats for the revolver remain essentially the...

Add it up.(The Insider)
March 1, 2005... $28,000 Winning bid on e-Bay for 1 O-year old grilled-cheese sandwich with Virgin Mary's image on it. $590 Annual cost of wasted food average household tosses. 3.2 MILLION "Non-powder" guns (BB, pellet, air-soft) sold...

Holster time!(The Insider)
March 1, 2005... Sometimes I just have to share some stuff, and after writing Handgunner's gunleather column for years, it's hard to give it up. Here's a few highlights from goings-on and frankly, they all deserve some light. OLD WEST REPRODUCTIONS ...

Needless, useful information.(The Insider)
March 1, 2005... Cow Branding We thought you might need to know, in Texas it's illegal to put graffiti on someone else's cow. But, it's okay to paint your own, so go ahead if you were inclined to. CCW and Blood Donors And you never know when you...

Books and books.(The Insider)
March 1, 2005... Our own Duke Venturino has authored a series of "Shooting" books, and here's a reminder to check 'era out. There's four, and we particularly like his Shooting Lever Guns and Shooting Colts that were instant classics when they came out. But all...