American Handgunner articles from November 2002

American Handgunner archives from November 2002

Speak out.
November 1, 2002... SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER Is the item in "Add It Up" in the September/October issue about Sarah Brady buying her son a rifle for his birthday really true? Where was it reported? Ben Ballengee Abilene, Texas The incident is documented...

.22 rarified aire. (Pistol Smithing).
November 1, 2002... Sucking accuracy out of a semiautomatic pistol is a pretty straightforward proposition. The custom pistolsmith simply welds, hammers and fits everything together so tight it takes two donkeys and a mule to pull the slide back. To get a revolver...

Attaining the unattainable. (Pistol Smithing).
November 1, 2002... In order for your Model 41 S&W or Ruger Mark IV to shoot sub-1" groups at 50 yards, here is what you must do. Line your barrel or replace it completely with a high-quality match grade rifled one, in either European .114" land diameter or a...

Tight is good. (Pistol Smithing).
November 1, 2002... Factory .22 caliber barrels in pistols such as Smith's Model 41 are supposed to be built for target shooting or to accuracy standards a cut above the norm. But, they are still chambered to handle all brands of ammunition from the cheapest and...

Lilliputian reloading. (Hand Loading).
November 1, 2002... I can't begin to count the number of times people have told me they would like to start loading but it just took more space than they had to offer. Loading setups can occupy a lot of space--but they don't have to. A few square feet of temporary...

The kit and kaboodle. (Hand Loading).
November 1, 2002... Yet another argument we hear is that it costs too much to get started. That's almost always an excuse rather than a reason because regardless of how cheaply you can buy factory ammo, you can load it for less. In actuality, a very complete...

It's only money. (Hand Loading).
November 1, 2002... The marketplace is a bewildering mass of selling and pricing practices. When I was getting started in reloading there was a gun shop one town over that carried everything a loader could want at prices that were considerably below those charged...

One hump or two? (Handgun Hunting).
November 1, 2002... Camels were introduced into Australia during the exploration days of the great Australian desert. Like the Australian donkey, they eventually became feral animals and proliferated. Donkeys are a terrible problem for ranchers in some areas of...

It ain't all romance. (Handgun Hunting).
November 1, 2002... Originally, the Professional Hunter -- now simply popularly called the PH (and definitely not the politically-incorrect White Hunter) was an individual who hunted and killed excess animals professionally, wherever they were found. By the way,...

12,000 miles to smoke a camel. (Handgun Hunting).
November 1, 2002... Back to those nasty feral camels. One Australian trip was special. Alan's wife was a petite, sophisticated urban executive who was not a shooter and had never hunted or even been in the outdoors. Tents, donkeys and the outback were as foreign...

Point-less shooting. (Reality Check).
November 1, 2002... I'd say it's pretty tough to shoot a handgun instinctively, since no one I ever met dropped from the womb handgun in hand. Should it ever happen, there then I guess would be someone with the potential to be an instinctive shooter. Gifted...

Aimlessly awkward. (Reality Check).
November 1, 2002... UN-AIMED FIRE True un-aimed fire would probably be best represented by the emergency firing of a handgun from a retention position very similar to hip shooting. But, in this case, the pistol is elevated so the muzzle is pointed at the...

What's best? (Reality Check).
November 1, 2002... It might depend on the amount of time and effort you can devote to the skills involved. Repetition is the mother of skill, and practice makes perfect. What effort will you commit to saving your life? What time, what monies, what level of...

Weaving an Isosceles? (Cop Talk).
November 1, 2002... You've probably heard it all during this ongoing debate between the Weaver stance and variations of the Isosceles shooting platform. "Isosceles is more natural!" "Weaver is bio-mechanically stronger!" Now comes Marty Hayes,...

Fist-fit factor. (Cop Talk).
November 1, 2002... Recently, Marty told students, "We follow our instincts in a crisis. We center ourselves with the threat, because a creature with binocular vision instinctively wants to get more visual input and this maximizes the field of view. Where the head...

Editor's note. (Cop Talk).
November 1, 2002... Handgunner's reputation for bringing new ideas into the limelight is on integral part of our philosophy. At times, these ideas maybe controversial. This is one of those times. The Firearms Academy of Seattle is well-known and Marty's...

Finding the default mode. (Cop Talk).
November 1, 2002... With four years of research behind the concept, using hundreds of students in both daylight and low light, Marty reports the equation seems to be, "small hand plus large grip equals Isosceles, and large hand plus small grip equals Weaver." The...

They call her "Mrs. forces". (The 10-Ring).
November 1, 2002... But she thought she was just a lady doing some grocery shopping... A few months ago the media widely reported that "Israeli forces" shot and killed a Palestinian suicide bomber before he could set off his torso-wrapped explosive charge in a...

No, no, I'm more disabled than you are! (The 10-Ring).
November 1, 2002... And the subtitle to this one is, "Never bring a knife to a gunfight even if it's a really, really big knife." When two middle-aged patients got into a beef over a handicapped parking spot in front of a hospital in Spring Hill, Fla., bystanders...

We don't think he's getting the job. (The 10-Ring).
November 1, 2002... Connecticut has some pretty loony gun laws, and as a result, police departments often get applicants with zero firearms experience. Gilbert MacConnell wasn't one of them. He'd already passed his written and oral exams and the physical agility...

Okay, pardner, slap some plastic. (Combat Shooting).
November 1, 2002... Synthetic holsters are extremely practical. They're slim, light, very strong and rigid and practically impervious to wear and to the elements. But they're, 'er, synthetic. It's what's good about them, and to many shooters, what's just a little...

Injecting your Kydex. (Combat Shooting).
November 1, 2002... Uncle Mike's newest is made of injection-molded Kydex. The holsters are held snugly against your body with either a belt loop or paddle. They're slim, light and well-designed and the front edge is cut down so during the draw, the muzzle clears...

Long live leather. (Combat Shooting).
November 1, 2002... For inside-waistband carry, leather is still hard to beat. It's more comfortable against the body than a hard synthetic, and with a rough-out exterior, the holster surface clings to the clothes to help hold the holster securely. Uncle...

Rotating options. (Combat Shooting).
November 1, 2002... Fobus holsters are precisely molded in two halves for specific models. These are then riveted together, to provide a secure fit, and can be purchased with a belt loop or paddle option. A further option is the "Roto-Holster" system. With this...

Lashie come home. (Handgun Leather).
November 1, 2002... There are moments in this life when we must simply accept things for what they are, no matter how seemingly foolish or absurd. The voice-activated TV remote control is one. The LASH holster is another. The Locking Action Safety Holster...

The Level IX holster. (Handgun Leather).
November 1, 2002... Blame Safariland for all this level-stuff. Trying to easily describe the degree of retention capability of different holsters, Safariland's marketing department came up with the notion of rating holsters -- theirs of course -- on a scale of one...

Empty guns, empty minds. (Handgun Leather).
November 1, 2002... Let us wax philosophical for a moment on this whole question of empty guns. Is it safer to carry a gun in Condition Three than Condition One? Yes and no. If you're a hydrocephalic moron apt to bobble, fumble or sail a loaded gun across the...

Good, gone gunleather. (The Six Gunner).
November 1, 2002... I'm not a collector but after nearly 50 years of shootin' sixguns, I have certainly accumulated a lot of stuff. I don't want to simply "collect" because to me that denotes that I have to find one of every version and type of whatever is being...

Popping Bubblegum: a case study of the retreat requirement. (The Ayoob Files).
November 1, 2002... Situation: The rapist who threatened to kill you is reaching and your only defense is an illegal gun. You shoot and are convicted of Manslaughter. Lesson: "The wheels of God grind slowly, but they grind exceeding small," is sometimes...

What IFS? (Tactical Advantage).
November 1, 2002... Most American Handgunner readers have given thought to the type and model handgun they've chosen for self-protection. Handguns and ammo have been carefully considered, as well as an appropriate holster. Hopefully each of us has taken the time...

The "if only I had" club. (Tactical Advantage).
November 1, 2002... Have you practiced searching and clearing your home or place of business? If not, I guarantee you'll screw-up when the flag goes up. All professionals rehearse their fighting plans. SWAT teams rehearse over and over again to get their execution...

Fumbling in the dark. (Tactical Advantage).
November 1, 2002... If you keep a handgun in your home for self-protection, consider how you may most likely be attacked. Will your problems come after dark? Is your home secure and easy to defend? Are you best served to call 911 and wait for the police, or do you...

They said it couldn't be done, so he did it! (Taffin Tests).
November 1, 2002... In the early 1960s, big game hunting with a handgun was starting to take hold (mainly thanks to the writings of such as Elmer Keith and Al Goerg). Pistoleros were also looking to seriously start handgunning varmints. For Keith, a handgun had...

A different bird. (Taffin Tests).
November 1, 2002... Ruger went a different route and fitted their Blackhawk with a single shot breechblock. It worked just fine with the .256 and Ruger called it the Hawkeye. The third cartridge, the .221 Fireball, was introduced in the bolt action Remington...

Selected loads for the reeder coyote classics.
November 1, 2002... SELECTED LOADS FOR THE REEDER COYOTE CLASSICS .218 BEE REEDER CUSTOM SUPER BLACKHAWK 8" Bullet/Load MV Group Hornady 55 SX/13.5 gr. H4227 2,143 1" Hornady 55 SX/14.8 gr. AA1680 2,024 5/8" Speer...

Shooting lessons from the movies? (Better Shooting).
November 1, 2002... The atrocious shooting techniques displayed in movies and television don't really bother me. Bad guys watch movies too, and if they learn to hold their pistols sideways, blink at every shot and rack shotgun slides five times for every shot...

Can semantics get you killed?
November 1, 2002... What's "single action," "double action," or "double action only"? Accepted gun lingo, like Webster's dictionary, often allows multiple meanings for the same term. The resulting confusion can be farther-reaching than you'd think. Indeed, can...

Women's impressions: first-day jitters; take the advice of those who've gone before!
November 1, 2002... Her stomach discontentedly churns the early breakfast bolted-down in place of her usual coffee. Delays for road construction and a wrong turn have stolen her extra driving time and the dashboard clock counts only minutes before the early...

'Super' Government Models: return to the thrilling days of yesteryear when 'Super' equaled. 38 special!
November 1, 2002... If you say, ".38 Super" to a bullseye shooter he won't think of an IPSC racegun but of a Government Model .38 Super converted to fire the .38 Special cartridge. Long before there was any such thing as IPSC, bullseye shooters were using...

Born of steel: Ryan Wilson is a rising star in the business of the blade.
November 1, 2002... Most custom knifemakers will tell you the job ain't easy. They'll also tell you not to give up your day job unless you're ready to make some sacrifices. If you're lucky, you'll be able to break into full-time work in your 30s or 40s. God...

Handgun safeties; the firing pin safety: second time around.
November 1, 2002... When Colt installed a firing pin safety in the Government Model pistol in 1980, those who claimed it interfered with the trigger pull soundly cussed them. And it did. Interfere with the trigger pull, that is. Shooters decried the "new" Series...

John Wesley Hardin's death gun. (Handguns of Note).
November 1, 2002... Hardin's cousin by marriage, James Miller, known as "Killing Jim," had requested legal assistance in a case involving armed altercations with Sheriff G.A. (Bud) Frazier. In two shooting incidents, Miller had survived being shot by Frazier,...

The SIG 228 grows up: engineered spit and polish by Robar turns this compact package into near perfection.
November 1, 2002... Let's just say it. No gun is perfect. Since today's handguns are built to meet the needs of the masses, there are a few of us who, not quite fitting the "masses mold," would like some features on a given pistol to be a little different. You...

Quik-shok ammo: a triple play--in lead.
November 1, 2002... If the name Tom Burczynski is not familiar, you are either a newcomer or not paying attention. Burczynski is the designer of the Hydra-shok bullet that, in 1985, started a real revolution in defensive handgun ammunition. It's become the...

My dog ate my gun: and other stories from the S&W Customer Service Department.
November 1, 2002... To the lay observer, it would seem now that since those wacky Englishmen have crawled back into the dismal socialist bog that sspawned them, a Smith & Wesso Customer Service Representative should be leading a fairly dull life. A working...

Smith & Wesson's Model 41: collectibles, edibles, and a lesson in history.
November 1, 2002... Smith & Wesson historian Roy Jinks wrote a book titled History of Smith & Wesson, and in it he tells the story of young Joe Wesson's keen interest in semiautomatic handguns. "[Joe's] father had given him a free hand in the development of new...

Guns with a past: the guns of Grandy Pardue; for this lawman, only the .45 Colt would do!
November 1, 2002... Through the years, we have seen the continuous revolution of the great handgun caliber controversy with strong support for virtually everything, from the smallest to the largest cartridges that can be carried. Right or wrong, good or bad, each...

Smith & Wesson Model 952: Smith's newest is a blend of 9mm power and classic accuracy.
November 1, 2002... Long before we had IPSC, IDPA or speed shooting there was just one competitive pistol event. And way before S&W had Third, or even Second Generation pistols they had a target pistol that was a real player. The sport was NRA Bullseye pistol and...

Airborne Defense: Fighting Back. (Video Review).
November 1, 2002... A Steve Tarani Video One of the most frustrating elements of the 9-11 attack is the feeling of helplessness many Americans experienced afterwards. If you're like most, you wished you could have been aboard those planes -- to help fight...

Tetra gun tests tough.
November 1, 2002... My first thought when I opened the box was, "I'm the wrong guy for this." I'm not picky about the oils and lubes I use on firearms, I'm nasty-hyper-critical, in the way only people who have shot for their lives can be. I don't have brand-name...

An American legend: William Batterman Ruger.
November 1, 2002... JUNE 21, 1916 - JULY 6, 2002 Few people familiar with firearms would fail to recognize the Ruger name. From it's humble beginnings in 1949 in a small workshop in Southport, Conn., to its present place as the largest firearms maker in...

Wilson chamber brush. (Gunny Sack).
November 1, 2002... I am surely not compulsive when it comes to gun cleaning and I have seen guns loved to death by their obsessive owners. But sometimes we really must clean things we usually ignore. I'm thinking of the chamber of a 1911 barrel -- especially one...

American Gunsmithing Institute training tapes. (Gunny Sack).
November 1, 2002... The leading cause of death in firearms is inept gunsmithing either by a hobbyist or alleged professional. Most of the time this is due to a lack of understanding of HOW things work or how truly horrible it is to go wandering aimlessly around a...

Blue Wonder cleaner. (Gunny Sack).
November 1, 2002... Blue Wonder from Novum Solutions is a really good gun cleaner, but, like many good things in life, it's also a bit messy. It is a thin, amber-colored gel with a pleasant odor. The neat thing is it will cling to a bore brush and stay in the bore...

Bushnell's multi-position spotting scope. (Gunny Sack).
November 1, 2002... I wouldn't say I'm jaded, but it takes something really cool to trip this old trigger. And Bushnell has done it. The latest addition to their Spacemaster line of spotting scopes is a 20-60 zoom with a 60mm front element and a "multi-position...

TrueShot Premium Silver Bullet line. (Spotlight).
November 1, 2002... Oregon Trail Bullet Company Sophisticated reloaders understand what it takes to create an accurate and effective load far hunting or competition. Oregon Trail introduces the TrueShot Premium Silver Ballet line, created to provide the...

Style N38 the Nemesis. (Spotlight).
November 1, 2002... DeSantis Holster & Leather Goods DeSantis Holsters unveils its newly-redesigned Style N38, the Nemesis line of pocket concealment holsters. The improved design of the Nemesis is symmetrical, and reinforced on all models. The outside of the...

Poly-Dunk-Kit. (Spotlight).
November 1, 2002... Cylinder & Slide Cylinder & Slide, famous for the Dunk-Kit, announced the Poly-Dunk-Kit formulated for polymer frame haudguns. Special solvents remove powder fouling and crud in minutes. The Poly-Denk-Kit can also be used to clean any type...

6x16A Monocular. (Spotlight).
November 1, 2002... Minox Minox introduces the 6X16A Monocular. This compact unit delivers a full six-power magnification combined with a wide 420 foot field of view at 1,000 yards and a unique extreme close-up setting for macro viewing of small objects from...

The Tighe Pan knife. (Spotlight).
November 1, 2002... Lone Wolf Knives Lone Wolf Knives introduces the Tighe Pan knife by Brian Tighe. With a blade built to a Rockwell hardness of C 59-61, then sub-zero quenched to enhance its toughness and edge retention, the titanium handle is shaped to...

Tactical Weapons Maintenance and Supperssor Kit. (Spotlight).
November 1, 2002... MPC MPC, manufacturer of firepower FP-10 CLP, announces the release of the Tactical Weapons and Suppressor Maintenance Kit. The kit comes with a long-reaching 12cc syringe applicator tip is ideal for precision application into far reaching...

2002 Basic Reloaders Manual. (Spotlight).
November 1, 2002... Hodgdon Powder Hodgdon Powder Company presents the 2002 Basic Reloaders Manual. The all-new and revised 74-page manual is in an easy to read format. It features thousands of pistol, rifle and shotgun recipes along with wad and shut charts...

CornerLock Gun Safe and Cabinet. (Spotlight).
November 1, 2002... Knoxx Industries Knoxx introduces the patented CornerLock Gun Safe that installs quickly and easily in any corner, guarding your guns from theft or misese. Able to withstand mare than 2,500 pounds of force, the CornerLock is a safe and...

Take pre-emptive strikes. (The Insider).
November 1, 2002... "It's a pleasure to meet you, sir," said the young man with the gun, looking me directly in the eyes. I smiled as I shook his hand, noticing his firm handshake. The powder smears on his sweaty face matched his serious demeanor. He glanced away...

Catalog vs. Catalog. (Insider).
November 1, 2002... Brownells (famous for their "to-die-or" catalog of gunsmithing goodies) is suing Midway USA. Midway's latest offering is an "Affordable Gunsmithing" catalog touting their line of gunsmithing supplies. Brownells claims their own catalog design...

Add it up. (Insider).
November 1, 2002... 15 Percentage overall sales in the industry are up over last year, primarily related to police and government sales, especially ammunition. 50,000 Concealed carry permits issued by Michigan in the first year. 34 ...

New meaning to the term "firepower". (Insider).
November 1, 2002... You saw it here first. Own your very own genuine Kalashnikov Vodka AK-47. This is a no-foolin' rendition of the all-to-familiar AK, made in Russia, crated in an honest gun-type crate and filled with just as honest Kalashnikov vodka. All for...

AWA sued by Colt. (Insider).
November 1, 2002... AWA International, Inc. (does business as American Western Arms), the manufacturer of the "Peacekeeper" and "Longhorn" single action 1873 revolvers, has been sued by Colt's Manufacturing and New Colt Holding Corporation for allegedly copying...

Cammo confusion. (Insider).
November 1, 2002... First, you carpet your bedroom with the latest in wall-to-wall offerings from Advantage and Real-tree. Nicely ask your wife or girlfriend to don her matching nighties (courtesy of your last trip to the Cabelas catalog). Then turn the lights...

Fly me to the moon? (Insider).
November 1, 2002... It seems Thunder Ranch has raised the bar in "fun" training. Ever wanted to ride in a helicopter? Like to shoot rifles? How about shooting rifles from helicopters? T.R.'s new "Aerial Gunnery" class is just the ticket. But move fast -- the first...

Parts is parts. (Insider).
November 1, 2002... Got a "Talon" pistol? Too bad. We tried to call 'em but they were out of business. Could this be one of the reasons? This reminds us of the old used-car guarantee: "We guarantee this car completely. If you drive it off the lot and it breaks...