American Handgunner articles from March 2008

American Handgunner archives from March 2008

Correction.(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)(Correction notice)
March 1, 2008... The Ayoob Files, "The lessons of Jim Cirillo," Jan/Feb 2008 is printed in its entirety on our Web site at: www.americanhandgunner.com. And Jun's partner's correct name is Violet Jimenez. We apologize for any confusion.

Tough love.(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)(Letter to the editor)
March 1, 2008... You guys haven't lost your touch. I know you get along with S&W because you helped bring back the classic revolvers working with them and Clint, and we're all thankful. But you're still not afraid to remind them about something that might...

Tough love II.(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)(Letter to the editor)
March 1, 2008... That article about those shrouded barrels reminded me of the one J.D. Jones wrote in the 1980s on the early Model 625s S&W did. He ripped 'era a new one for the quality control in those days and they responded by upping the ante and turning...

Foxtrot?(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)(Letter to the editor)
March 1, 2008... Uh, urn, Roy'? My wife and I tussle for dibs on your great magazine, so recently I hid a new issue under the bed. Late that night I woke to a rumbling Arizona monsoon. I'd just opened the gun-zine when a thunderous "Boom!" roused my slumbering...

New gunner.(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)(Letter to the editor)
March 1, 2008... I'm new to your magazine and so far it's great. I'm also new to owning a gun. I've owned many guns over many years and finally decided to do things the right way. Recently, I went on a men's retreat with my church and many of my friends brought...

Bestest 1911.(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)(Letter to the editor)
March 1, 2008... About a year ago I had the bright idea to quell some questions going over and over in my head by calling your magazine. To my surprise, the phone was answered by His Editorship himself, who was genuinely cheerful and happy to answer my...

STI guns.(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)(Letter to the editor)
March 1, 2008... Thanks for putting the great STI guns on your mag ("STI Trio," Jan/Feb 2008). One gets fed-up of endless reruns of the "gun of the year" kind of thing that is a phenomena in every topical magazine. Still, I'm a happy subscriber, although your...

Huh? What?(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)(Letter to the editor)
March 1, 2008... Living in Florida now for 25 years I was shocked recently to be seated next to former VP Al Gore on a flight to Palm Beach. Most American's don't know this, but Mr. Gore routinely travels business class on scheduled flights. He travels with no...

10mm question.(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)(Letter to the editor)
March 1, 2008... On a chance, I e-mailed a question to you guys requesting an e-mail for J.D. Jones in the hopes that 1) if I got an e-mail address and 2) if he even answered, he could point me in the right direction on some 10mm questions. To my incredible...

Cheap is good.(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)(Letter to the editor)
March 1, 2008... You did it again! I've been a subscriber for many years and feel you are the best in magazines for the shooter. I read the article on the Taurus 1911 ("Too Tough Taurus," Nov/Dec 2007) and went to my gun shop to check it out. There was no ...

Duke's culture.(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)(Letter to the editor)
March 1, 2008... I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed Duke's article "My Gun Culture," Nov/Dec 2007) Handgunner. As a shooter and collector I love researching the history of a particular firearm, searching for just the right deal, and then the...

More culture.(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)(Letter to the editor)
March 1, 2008... Just read Duke's Shooting Iron column on our Gun Culture. It was so right on that I couldn't believe it. I was on an Army Marksmanship Unit, I've shot in cowboy shooting, and I spend a lot of time at the range. For the most part, gun people are...

Muzzle flash follow-up.(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)(Letter to the editor)
March 1, 2008... I found myself particularly intrigued by Lucien Haag's article regarding muzzle flash ("Muzzle Flash!," Nov/Dec 2007). After considering it for, I realized I had several follow-up questions to which there may not be ready answers. If the muzzle...

Shameless baby pic.(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)(Letter to the editor)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Here's my granddaughter, Emma Flint. You can see I'm starting her out right! Kelly Flint Via e-mail

Scott rocks.(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)(Letter to the editor)
March 1, 2008... I just had to drop a line and say thanks. A few months back I wrote to you to inquire about a gunsmith to fix up a new model Springfield Armory "Mil-spec" 1911. You hooked me up with Scott Mulkerin of SDM Fabricating and I just needed to say...

Hamilton's work.(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)(Letter to the editor)
March 1, 2008... Just got my Ruger MKIII back from Alex (www.tenring.com) and wanted to thank you for the advice to send it to him. The trigger is way better now and dealing with him has been a pleasure. I generally don't trust the media, but had no hesitation...

360 S&W.(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)(Letter to the editor)
March 1, 2008... I have a little hand cannon, and have large hands and have difficulty banging on to the little revolver. It occurs to me a larger palm swell grip might solve my problem. One of your writers described this piece as carried a lot and shot little....

Armed society?(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)(Letter to the editor)
March 1, 2008... Massad Ayoob once praised the fact Israel is an armed society, which is far from the truth these days. Today, we have terror and rising crime rates, and they still take our guns away. The Ministry of Interior just published the figures of gun...

Kid magnet.(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)(Letter to the editor)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Here's a picture of my two grandsons. Notice the big grins. We went to the range today, and in the excitement I forgot to bring my camera. So I took this pic when we got home. Dante Lamb is on the left, he's 10....

Guns & men: metal vs. mettle: the Memsaab speaks.(GUNCRANK DIARIES[TM]: EXCUSES, ALIBIS, PITHY OBSERVATIONS & GENERAL EPHUS)
March 1, 2008... These boys think they're so sly, but I read them like books; kindergarten books; three words to a page, with big bright pictures in primary colors. I'm talking about our Uncle John and Uncle G (the latter, some of you old-time Handgunner...

The .500 JRH.(TAFFIN TESTS: THE SIXGUNNER HIMSELF: GUNS, GEAR AND MORE)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Another .500 cartridge and factory revolver to handle it have arrived on the scene. Several years ago gunsmith Jack Huntington began experimenting with .500 cartridges chambering them in Freedom Arms revolvers....

A gripping experience.(BETTER SHOOTING)
March 1, 2008... How the handgun is gripped affects many aspects of shooting; steadiness, consistency, recoil control and indexing. An effective grip should also enhance trigger control by allowing the trigger finger to be placed squarely across the face of the...

300 or so.(REALITY CHECK[TM]: FIRST-PERSON THOUGHTS ON SURVIVING IN THE REAL WORLD)
March 1, 2008... The 300 or so will be the number of new operator/tactical/contractor automatic weapon/explosive entry training schools that soon will spread wings and flourish behind every small hill in America. With each new issue of any gun magazine, there...

Master Mernickle.(CARRY OPTIONS: FROM CLASSICS TO CUTTING EDGE IN CARY METHODS)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The word master is put in front of other words to describe those who have reached the pinnacle of their chosen profession. In my quest to find a word exceeding the master label, I had to go Don King and make one up...

No common sense.(SHOOTING IRON[TM]: THUMB BUSTIN' MUSINGS FROM THE DUKE)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] For some strange reason, probably related to my lack of common sense, my gun trading forays these last few years have netted me samples of the four above mentioned British military revolvers. Two have some minor...

Shot in the head: the Brad Beck incident.(The Ayoob Files)
March 1, 2008... Situation: Shot in the center of the forehead at close range, a courageous armed citizen is still able to fight back... and prevail. Lesson: Because you've been shot, even in a vital zone, doesn't mean you've been killed--and, always,...

2008 Seal Of Approval.(PISTOL SMITHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP ON PISTOLSMITHING TECHNIQUES)
March 1, 2008... Just about the entire time I've been whacking on guns I've been telling customers, "The firearms industry is the only industry I know that can sell you a product that doesn't work." When Colt was the only major company producing the 1911, the...

Gear placement on duty belts: an officer survival issue.(COP TALK: OPINION AND FACTS FROM THE MEAN STREETS)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Some departments mandate exactly where on the duty belt each item of equipment will be carried. "Uniformity," don't you know. That concept can be taken too far. Until a few years ago, there was one state patrol that...

High volume reloading.(HAND LOADING: SAGE ADVICE FROM THE HANDLOADING GURUS)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] High volume reloading has its own challenges, primarily time and money. There are some basic principles to remember like speed costs money, brass management is important and small cost savings per round adds up fast....

Brass basics.(HAND LOADING: SAGE ADVICE FROM THE HANDLOADING GURUS)
March 1, 2008... Watch shooters policing up their brass. Often you'll see them with a double handful of brass, shaking the cases. This isn't just in order to hear the pleasant jingling sound. The shooter is listening for the discordant flat note indicating a...

Saving money.(HAND LOADING: SAGE ADVICE FROM THE HANDLOADING GURUS)
March 1, 2008... The primary purpose of high volume reloading is to save money. The key to saving money is small savings per cartridge, which add up as you load in multiples of a thousand. Bullets are heavy, so shipping costs are high. If you don't have a...

The "new" Luger?(WINNING EDGE: SOLID ADVICE TO KEEP YOU AHEAD OF THE COMPETITION)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Pistole 08 is a new service pistol. Made in Germany, its design is by Georg Luger. The 9mm Parabellum (9x19) cartridge fits the pistol like it was made for it. It s also offered in 7.65mm, but it looks like the...

Shorter vs. longer.(HANDGUN HUNTING: TIPS, TECHNIQUES AND POLITICAL-INCORRECTNESS)
March 1, 2008... Handgun Metallic Silhouette shooters have known for about 40 years there is negligible difference in the velocity of a normal rifle cartridge fired from a rifle or the same cartridge fired in 14" to 15" pistol barrel. Generally speaking, it's...

The sixguns of Ben Forkin.(THE SIXGUNNER)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] This is one of those good news/bad news stories. The good news is I was hunting on the Penn Baggett Ranch outside of Ozona Texas. Penn's place was a number one gathering for us gunwriter types, Bart Skelton, Gary...

Les Baer: ultimate master: a proven .45 ACP performer.
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] The word ultimate doesn't leave much room for equivocation--it either is or it ain't. So I'll quibble with Les about the name because I'm sure the ultimate 1911 hasn't been built yet--and never will be. Besides,...

Prior to the peacemaker: the revolvers that 'really' won the West!
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Before the Colt Peacemaker? Before the Colt Peacemaker there was a whole boatload of other Colt single action revolvers. And in truth they had a lot more influence in the Old West than did the Peacemaker because the...

Defensive revolver Thunder Ranch: .45 model 325: a "modern revolver".(Cover story)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] They always say it can't be done. I don't know who they are but if you have the right idea and the people who are smart enough to listen, things can get done. If only Skeeter Skelton had known Tony Miele at S&W, he...

Paint 'yer gun: lo-tech hi-tech from Brownells.
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] To me, there's nothing like a vintage gun with a deep blue coloring to the metal. Even though stainless steel and composites are more resistant to the elements and are easier to take care of, I simply still enjoy...

Maxpedition.(HARD-USE GEAR PERSONIFIED)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] I saw this little booth at a gun show in San Diego years ago. The walls were lined with a tough-looking gear showing design ideas I d never seen before. It pulled me in. I chatted with Tim Tang, the young fellow in...

Who are these guys?
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Every two months we have a tendency to burn-up a couple of hours of your time while you wade through the pages of Handgunner. Since we can never replace that time (once used, gone forever) and appreciate the fact you...

Built for brawn: Bill Harsey's knives: made for extreme use.
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] It's often been said we are a product of our past, that what we learn in our formative years will be our compass later in life. If so, knifemaker Bill Harsey's knives are a direct reflection of his rugged upbringing...

D&L J-frame sight.(GUNNYSACK)
March 1, 2008... I think we can safely say many of us have been frustrated by the fixed sights available on factory J-frame revolvers, especially when the gun won't hit to point of aim. Granted, the new M&P series offers a much-needed improvement, but there's...

The nemesis.(GUNNYSACK)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] I'm not working the mean streets anymore, but my backup J-frame S&W is always with me usually in my pocket. My quest to find a pocket holster capable of breaking-up the outline of the gun and staying in my pocket...

Wicked grips.(GUNNYSACK)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Sometimes, you just gotta' do it, and Wicked Grips is there for you. When the yearning strikes and nothing will work but a set of "E-Gads man, where did you get those grips!" hits you, call Ed Strange of Wicked Grips...

Custom 1911.(SPOTLIGHT)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Miller Custom Miller Custom specializes in hand-built and blended 1911 pistols. From full, ground-up builds as pictured here, or rebuilds of any nature, one thing is for sure; you con count on quality, service...

M4 TAC-PAC insert.(SPOTLIGHT)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Section8Tactical Section8tortical has just released the M4 insert for their popular TAC-PAC. TAC-PAC is a modular storage device for small parts. It is field configurable with interchangeable inserts. The M4...

SOG Visionary Folders.(SPOTLIGHT)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SOG Knives The new SOG Visionary Folders feature the same blade design of the Spar Elite Series, with the handle of an X-Ray Vision. The design is further enhanced with the revolutionary Arc-Lock for fast access...

The Gripmaster PRO.(SPOTLIGHT)
March 1, 2008... Gripmaster The patented PRO expands on the design of the original Gripmaster providing serious athletes with the most advanced technical hand exerciser in the world. It has a larger profile, superior steel springs that resist wear, an...

Modular chassis system.(SPOTLIGHT)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Sidearmor Expanding on the modular hoister concept, Sidearmor has brought the concept to life through on entire system designed to he easily configured to your exact mission requirements. Able to switch your...

Lunada Gearslinger.(SPOTLIGHT)
March 1, 2008... Maxpedition [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Lunada Gearslinger is a "step up" in size from the bestselling Remora with u main comportment 12"x8"x3". A longer padded ambidextrous shoulder strap provides more comfort in carrying heavier...

Hi-cap magazine.(SPOTLIGHT)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caspian Arms The new 18-round .40S&W 140mm magazines ore now available for Caspian Arms Hi-Capacity Receiver. They feature a quick release base plate assembly that makes breakdown and re-assembly a snap. Caspian...

Pocket Pro Carrying Case.(SPOTLIGHT)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Competition Electronics Competition Electronics, who brought you the Pocket Pro II, now announces the availability of the Pocket Pro Carrying Case. This handy case will protect your timer during transport and...

Uni-Max Green laser sights.(SPOTLIGHT)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Lasermax Green laser sights offer the highest and visibility and fastest acquisition for the unaided human eye. The advantages of the green color spectrum are easily apparent when comparing the Uni-Max Green to...

The Ohai holster.(SPOTLIGHT)
March 1, 2008... CrossBreed Holsters [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] New from CrossBreed, the Ohai is designed to replace the floppy holster found in same concealed carry bags. It features a molded Kydex scabbard mounted in a leather backer with a Velcro...

Impression embossed belts.(SPOTLIGHT)
March 1, 2008... The Betlman Jim Speidel, The Beltman, added a valuable piece of equipment In his shop this post November. What's new is a customer-requested impression machine that permanently compresses the fibers of the leather with an embossing pattern...

Crimson Trace Grip.(SPOTLIGHT)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] North American Arms North American Arms is pleased to announce the availability of Crimson Trace Loser Grips for their large-frame .380 ACP end the .32 NAA Guardian semioutomatic pistols. The Crimson Trace LSD is...

Flash hole deburring tools.(SPOTLIGHT)
March 1, 2008... Redding Reloading During the manufacturing process, burrs that can cause erratic ignition and velocities are often left inside a case's flash hole. Redding now manufactures two different tools for the removal of flash hole burrs. The...

Evolution holster.(SPOTLIGHT)
March 1, 2008... Fobus Holsters Fobus Holsters is pleased to announce the addition of the Evolution Series Holster for the Beretta Vertec. The Evolution uses the Fobus passive retention system that secures tee pistol while allowing instant presentation,...

Bull Dog and Mag Pug.(SPOTLIGHT)
March 1, 2008... Charter Arms Charter Arms introduces two new S-shot, Double-Action Only models to their extensive line of revolvers. The 24-oz .357 Mug Pug and the 22-oz .44 Bulldog pock decisive punch into their lightweight frames. The DAO Bulldog with n...

Rollypoly Extreme.(SPOTLIGHT)
March 1, 2008... Maxpedition [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The #0233 Rollypoly Extreme is n radical evolution of the Maxpedition's unique sequential folding pouch concept. With its many layers, this product is very complex to build yet folds up so compactly....

Add it up.(THE INSIDER[TM])
March 1, 2008... 13-14 BILLION Condoms made each year. 11.2 GALLONS Nitro Methane burned per second by dragster. 44 AMPS Fed to each spark plug (same amperage as arc welder.) 11.2 GALLONS Fuel burned per second by fully-loaded 747 jet. 59%...

S&W closes cop contract.(THE INSIDER[TM])
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] S&W recently received an order for the M&P .45 pistols from the New Hampshire Department of Safety. The contract calls for a total of 500 of the company's M&P pistols chambered in .45 ACP to be issued to officers in...

Colt guru.(THE INSIDER[TM])
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Eddie Janis, the sole-proprietor of Peacemaker Specialists, has officially entered the 21st. Century. Eddie's new Web site showcases his stunning work on Colt single actions, and entertains with some very cool "guess...

Triple the fun.(THE INSIDER[TM])
March 1, 2008... Looks like we did it again. When you've got somebody like Clint Smith aboard you'd be remiss if you didn't work with him to do what he does best--teach. Once again, FMG has teamed-up with Clint to produce three new DVDs, expanding on the...

New/old guys.(THE INSIDER[TM])
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Some changes have taken place at the ol' Yost-Bonitz shop. Ted Yost, Jason Burton and Steve Bailey have set forth on their next evolution by forming a new company where they will continue to do what they're known...

Catchy kit.(THE INSIDER[TM])
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] If you're new to something, sometimes it makes sense to buy a "kit" to get things going. The Traditions Black Powder Redi-Pak has everything you need to start making stinky smoke, but you'll have to add the caps and...

You might be a gun nut.(THE INSIDER[TM])
March 1, 2008... If you buy a gun at a shop only to find out you used to own it a couple of years ago. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

First-light scores.(THE INSIDER[TM])
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The new guys on the block, First-Light, scored a success by getting their foot in the door with the United States Customs and Border Protection guys. This will allow these officers (including Border Patrol agents and...

New Ruger auto.(THE INSIDER[TM])
March 1, 2008... You'd better get used to saying "new" and "Ruger" in the same breath, and this latest took us all by surprise. I'm sorta proud of the fact I can usually drum-up some insider-type info (hence the name of the column) but this one trumped us all....

Say it ain't so.(THE INSIDER[TM])
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Reader Scott S. of Hilliard, Ohio sent me this pic of the back of his truck. Ever since Connor said he'd never run for president, these seem to be turning up. Sort of a "reverse-campaign?" Scott says Connor would win...

Errata.(THE INSIDER[TM])(Correction notice)
March 1, 2008... We goofed on the distance the Kimber Guardian Angel shoots (Gunny Sack, Nov/Dec 2007). It should read 13 feet not 13 inches. Sorry Dwight. And, in Taffin's Sixgunner (Jan/Feb 2008) I missed the area code for Caudill Custom Stocks. It should...

It's just a courtesy.(THE INSIDER[TM])
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The event was a presidential candidate group-grope and steak-fry held in Indianola, Iowa, in September 2007. If it's not edited out before this goes to print, you can view a report and video at...