American Handgunner articles from September 2007

American Handgunner archives from September 2007

Web blast!(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)(Letter to the editor)
September 1, 2007... Just got my July/August issue of American Handgunner and was checking out the Web Blast feature on your Web site. Great Idea! The magazine just keeps getting better. Jeff Kilgore Via e-mail

More blast ...(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)(Letter to the editor)
September 1, 2007... The Web Blast is a great new feature! Dave Anderson did a wonderful job in the well-produced video. Careful--you may loose him to Hollywood. John D. Look Via e-mail The new Web Blast feature is great! Couldn't wait to try it out....

More union thugs.(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)(Letter to the editor)
September 1, 2007... I'm very much offended at Alex Hamilton's remarks about unions (Speak Out, July/Aug 2007). This is not hate mail directed toward Mr. Hamilton, threats about my subscription or a debate with Mr. Hamilton on his opinions. I work for a large...

The differentiator.(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)(Letter to the editor)
September 1, 2007... Well, let's see, Kawasaki has the Eliminator, Clint Smith has the Terminator and American Handgunner wears the Differentiator hat--which sets you apart from the competition. Mike (Duke) Venturino's article is a perfect example of that notable...

Hawaiian handgunners?(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)(Letter to the editor)
September 1, 2007... I think the idea of an official Handgunner Hawaiian shirt is a brilliantly conceived idea. I LOVE the idea of a whole line of "Official Handgunner Hawaiian Shirts" with maybe four or five to choose from. If you get them, we will buy them! Do...

Scary thoughts.(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)(Letter to the editor)
September 1, 2007... You raised the specter of Hawaiian shirts for the crew. After (too) much thought, I believe there are logistical problems to be addressed. This list is not exhaustive, nor is it meant to offend either by omission or inclusion, but here are some...

More shirts/DVDs.(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)(Letter to the editor)
September 1, 2007... Hey, I just finished reading the newest edition and I gotta admit--American Handgunner Hawaiian shirts sound like a great idea for concealment. Sign me up for two large, please? Additionally, I've recently received Clint Smith's Thunder Ranch...

A pile of garbage.(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)(Letter to the editor)
September 1, 2007... First, let me say I am an avid hunter, shooter, reloader, belong to the NRA and subscribe to three different gun magazines. So at 60 years old I am not a novice when it comes to firearms and reading about them. I guess I will not beat around...

Not garbage.(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)(Letter to the editor)
September 1, 2007... At long last I'm going to be at the same address long enough to get a subscription. I have rarely missed an issue over the years, however there were those occasions when I was, urn, "indisposed" by my Uncle Sam. Though on one occasion I drove a...

Dynamic moto-gun.(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)(Letter to the editor)
September 1, 2007... Just a quick note to thank you for the great "Vincent Pistol" spread in the latest issue ("Black Lightning," July/Aug 2007). All of us at Pistol Dynamics are very happy to be able to share this unique project with the shooting world, and...

Master-Stroh.(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)(Letter to the editor)
September 1, 2007... I was so glad to see John Taffin's article on master gunsmith, Jim Stroh (Taffin Tests, May/June 2007). Years ago I found a bargain on a well-used three-screw Super Blackhawk and found that while it was a real shooter, the grip really didn't...

Big guy CCW.(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)(Letter to the editor)
September 1, 2007... WOW! Mike Venturino's concealed carry article for BIG MEN was really--how shall I put this gently--well rounded. Seriously, I'm not pointing a finger, because when I do, there are three pointing back at me. As one of the...

Gun a month.(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)(Letter to the editor)
September 1, 2007... Our new Governor here in Massachusetts has proposed a new "one gun a month" law. I work hard and make a good living for my family, but I'm honestly not sure I can afford one additional gun a month. I'm hoping one of your writers can address...

Too many 1911s?(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)(Letter to the editor)
September 1, 2007... First of all, I think the Web Blast links are a wonderful addition to the content of the magazine. Keep 'em coming! Next, in my effort to make sure that dead horse gets one last kick, I thought I would add my two cents to the "why do you...

Best snubbie load?(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)(Letter to the editor)
September 1, 2007... I've got a superannuated S&W M-36 from the late 1970s that shoots closest to POA with 158 gr. LSWCs. Could I carry it stuffed with something like WW 158 gr. LSWC-HP +P loads, practice with standard velocity loads, and blow off a box or two of...

Good gals.(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)(Letter to the editor)
September 1, 2007... I had renewed my subscription in January with an extension. After I sent my check, I received no more magazines. I notified your subscription department about this and the next day I had a response. I have never had an e-mail response that...

Bigger blasphemy, hairier heresy.(GUNCRANK DIARIES[TM]: EXCUSES, ALIBIS, PITHY OBSERVATIONS & GENERAL EPHUS)
September 1, 2007... After that last column, I can hear the cries of the Mad Mullahs of Marksmanship all the way from the bazaar: "Blasphemy! He places grip and trigger control above The Front Sight! Heresy! He speaketh of point shooting, when all know it is an...

The two dudes: silenced but still speaking.(GUNCRANK DIARIES[TM]: EXCUSES, ALIBIS, PITHY OBSERVATIONS & GENERAL EPHUS)
September 1, 2007... Lessons learned from "The Two Dudes" have become even clearer to me with the passage of time. They taught me weapon and caliber mean less than hitting first and hitting decisively; that is, sufficient to end the fight. In both cases, mine was...

And also blessed.(GUNCRANK DIARIES[TM]: EXCUSES, ALIBIS, PITHY OBSERVATIONS & GENERAL EPHUS)
September 1, 2007... I believe they are also blessed who can plant rounds roughly in the boiler room at 11 paces without that front sight. Blessings too for those who remember their sidearm is a hand-gun, not a "handsgun;" who practice popping with either paw...

The new FBI report: beneath the tip of the iceberg.(The Ayoob files)
September 1, 2007... Situation: After 40 homicidal attacks on police, surviving officers and perpetrators talk about it in depth with the FBI. Lesson: There are a few startling revelations--and many validations of gunfighting principles we've known all along....

Carly's gun.(WINNING EDGE: SOLID ADVICE TO KEEP YOU AHEAD OF THE COMPETITION)
September 1, 2007... An advantage of belonging to an active pistol club is the opportunity to see lots of pistols. My friend George McLaughlin has two Bedell Custom Open pistols, one for himself, the other for his 16-year-old daughter, Carly Alm. They were kind...

A handgun hunting class?(SHOOTING IRON[TM]: THUMB BUSTIN' MUSINGS FROM THE DUKE)
September 1, 2007... To be blunt, I've always been a bit dubious about handgun hunting. My thoughts are that it ranges from difficult to idiotic. So, when invited to check out a Thunder Ranch Handgun Hunting Class, I was intrigued. I've attended many TR rifle and...

Zero first.(SHOOTING IRON[TM]: THUMB BUSTIN' MUSINGS FROM THE DUKE)
September 1, 2007... The first morning was spent in getting everyone's handguns perfectly zeroed and that also satisfied my first bit of curiosity--what sort of handguns do people bring to a handgun hunting class? Except for Anna LeMaster's S&W Model 327PD .357...

Final test.(SHOOTING IRON[TM]: THUMB BUSTIN' MUSINGS FROM THE DUKE)
September 1, 2007... As a graduation finale the class went hunting. Instead of Oregon, this particular Thunder Ranch class was held at a familiar location--the old Thunder Ranch site in Texas, now called the Flagler Ranch. It's a game ranch with several species of...

Close quarters reloading.(HANDLOADING: SAGE ADVICE FROM THE HANDLOADING GURU)
September 1, 2007... Not long ago I was looking for some packing boxes to store stuff for a pending move and found a large 20mm ammo can in the corner. It was marked "Reloading, etc." The ravages of time and old age left me clueless as to what might be lurking...

Step by stepping.(HANDLOADING: SAGE ADVICE FROM THE HANDLOADING GURU)
September 1, 2007... Start out by checking your cases as you normally would and discard any that are really crunched and need serious resizing. I say this because the 310 tool--while it will sorta full-length resize the handgun calibers--is not anywhere near as...

Little Lyman.(HANDLOADING: SAGE ADVICE FROM THE HANDLOADING GURU)
September 1, 2007... Lyman still makes this tool and I'm told it sells well. Today, h most are sold for rifle callipers; especially the old straight cased black powder loads shot in silhouette competition. I decided since I was also working on a nostalgia article...

Heavy bullets and the Springfield XD45.(TAFFIN TESTS: THE SIXGUNNER HIMSELF: GUNS, GEAR AND MORE)
September 1, 2007... The original .45 Colt proved to be too much for the military and the powder charge was dropped to 30 grains of black powder. For a short while in the mid-1870s the Army used the Smith & Wesson Schofield using the .45 S&W with a 230 grain bullet...

Frontier performance.(TAFFIN TESTS: THE SIXGUNNER HIMSELF: GUNS, GEAR AND MORE)
September 1, 2007... The .45 ACP in a 5" semiauto pistol was very close in performance to the .45 S&W in a long barreled SA. However, the 230 grain full metal jacketed "Hardball" at 800 fps is quite a ways from the original .45 Colt, with its 255 grain bullet at...

Shielding the good guys.(REALITY CHECK[TM]: FIRST-PERSON THOUGHTS ON SURVIVING IN THE REAL WORLD)
September 1, 2007... Historically, shields are intended to be defensive weapons held by the hand or arm opposite the offensive weapon. Made of various materials, shields ranged in size and thickness based upon the weapons opponents were using. And, as with many...

Modern rendition.(REALITY CHECK[TM]: FIRST-PERSON THOUGHTS ON SURVIVING IN THE REAL WORLD)
September 1, 2007... Today, thanks to the foresight of a few individuals, small portable ballistic shields are available. Manufactured by Armor Development Group, under the direction of Mr. Howard Kent, these handy shields come in a variety of styles and threat...

How it applies.(REALITY CHECK[TM]: FIRST-PERSON THOUGHTS ON SURVIVING IN THE REAL WORLD)
September 1, 2007... On the very bottom line, I think the shield would be best used in the defensive mode. Excessive movement or manipulation--like opening doors--may not be all that great of a idea with your hands full of shield. The best potential for civilian...

Sam's customer.(PISTOLSMITHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP ON PISTOLSMITHING TECHNIQUES)
September 1, 2007... Sam Colt, being the great salesman he was and understanding the old business adage, "Give the customer what he wants," built his great business on just that. He listened to frontiersmen, lawmen, cowboys and even bandits and came up with designs...

Even gun'riters.(PISTOL SMITHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP ON PISTOLSMITHING TECHNIQUES)
September 1, 2007... In more modern times we have Bill Jordan, Elmer Keith and even our own Clint Smith who all pressured Smith & Wesson to make models and modifications to suit their's and the public's need. In Elmer Keith's case he just couldn't punish himself...

Something to ponder.(PISTOL SMITHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP ON PISTOLSMITHING TECHNIQUES)
September 1, 2007... Scenario: You're a world class photojournalist on vacation with Hillary on Ted's yacht. Hillary falls overboard and is drowning. Your opportunity for a Pulitzer Prize photograph is going down for the second time. Question: Do you shoot the...

Customers as inventors?(PISTOL SMITHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP ON PISTOLSMITHING TECHNIQUES)
September 1, 2007... We gunsmiths get a lot of credit for some really cool stuff coming out of our meager little shops. When others see our neat custom features we puff out our chests and take all the credit for coming up with novel ideas. But wait--are we the real...

Winchester's LE seminar.(COP TALK: OPINION AND FACTS FROM THE MEAN STREETS)
September 1, 2007... Just returned from Winchester's law enforcement seminar. Winchester sees itself as a strong No. 2 in this market, exceeded only by ATK, which has two major police brands under its umbrella, Speer and Federal. While 9mm is still far and away the...

The wake of the starfish.(COP TALK: OPINION AND FACTS FROM THE MEAN STREETS)
September 1, 2007... We watched as the Winchester team put the newest Ranger-T iteration through its paces on ballistic gelatin, firing through sheet steel, wallboard, plywood and fight and heavy clothing. The 124 grain +P 9mm, 180 grain subsonic .40, and 230 grain...

Private people.(HANDGUN HUNTING: TIPS, TECHNIQUES AND POLITICAL-INCORRECTNESS)
September 1, 2007... In the 30 years of the American Handgunner, various gun sports and attitudes of the public seem to have changed greatly. In the case of handgun hunters the only real change I see is the number of young men and women who are really hard core...

$$$$.(HANDGUN HUNTING: TIPS TECHNIQUES AND POLITICAL-INCORRECTNESS)
September 1, 2007... Two things are necessary to hunt extensively. First and foremost is money. Next is a desire to spend those bucks often in less than comfortable places like a primitive hut in sub-zero temperatures and an altitude of 10,000 feet, all the while...

Mucho grande.(HANDGUN HUNTING: TIPS, TECHNIQUES AND POLITICAL-INCORRECTNESS)
September 1, 2007... In one interesting tropical area some of us hunted from an eight-wheel drive swimming vehicle. Others drove on raised roads through the swamp. The game was some kind of deer, but supposedly as big as an elk. Our local guide rode inside with the...

Concealing the big gun: Milt Sparks.(CARRY OPTIONS: FROM CLASSICS TO CUTTING EDGE IN CARRY METHODS)
September 1, 2007... My problem is this--I prefer to carry a full size model 1911 and live in a part of the country where it's warm about 90 percent of the time, meaning, my off-duty uniform is primarily shorts and a tee shirt. Did I mention I'm also a skinny dude?...

Solution man.(CARRY OPTIONS: FROM CLASSICS TO CUTTING EDGE IN CARRY METHODS)
September 1, 2007... I called Tony Kanaley from Milt Sparks and told him my problem. "So you are a skinny fella who wants to conceal a full-size 1911 in a warm climate? Inside the waistband is the only way to go," he tells me. Tony told me his guys can make...

Toss up.(CARRY OPTIONS: FROM CLASSICS TO CUTTING EDGE IN CARRY METHODS)
September 1, 2007... The Versa Max 2 rode lower in my waistband than the Summer Special, and the wider separation of the belt loops pulled the butt of the gun closer to my body. Other than some minor differences, they both held the weapon at the same angle in the...

Chainsaw utility: Kel-Tec's 21st century hunter.(THE SIXGUNNER)
September 1, 2007... This newest flavor of handgun is the Kel-Tec PLR-16, advertised as a 5.56mm Long Range Pistol. It possesses the same ungainly look as the classic "Broom-Handle" Mauser, as well as the black plastic styling which seems to yell "Assault Pistol"...

Gut feeling.(BETTER SHOOTING)
September 1, 2007... Henning Wallgren is an IPSC Grand Master shooter, winner of many national championships in Europe, after taking up the sport in his native Norway. In North America he has won multiple state championships, the Canadian nationals twice and placed...

Let it happen.(BETTER SHOOTING)
September 1, 2007... "Waiting for my turn to shoot I'll walk around, tape targets, stay in the present. I want to stay 'light' in the mind, not overcomplicate things. I'm aware of what is happening, so when my turn is coming I'll be prepared and ready. I'll have...

Preparing.(BETTER SHOOTING)
September 1, 2007... At every stage of an IPSC match a ritual takes place. First there's the walk through, in which match officials explain the stage to each new squad and demonstrate any unusual aspects. Next the shooters move through the stage, occasionally...

SigTac Auto: fast & furious.
September 1, 2007... Sharp enough to shave with and then not have to worry about your five o'clock shadow, the SigTac Tactical Auto comes combat-ready right out of the packaging. This seemingly innocent looking knife has plenty of torque and practically jumps out...

Teaching in Iraq: an American cop's perspective.
September 1, 2007... I wake up and realize today is August 5th 2006; it was almost 16 months ago my wife dropped me off at the airport in Boise, Idaho. I kissed her goodbye and walked into the airport. I flew to Virginia and then on to Iraq. I am one of several...

Shotguns or rapiers? .45 ACP revolver accuracy.
September 1, 2007... Over the years I've tested dozens of .45 autos, but never subjected any older revolvers to a formal test. My collection of S&W revolvers has grown and it dawned on me I had examples of all the models of .45 ACP revolvers that were regular...

Past and future tacticals! SOG specialty knives & tools.
September 1, 2007... When SOG Specialty Knives & Tools, Inc. opened their doors over 20 years ago few could have predicted they would become such a strong force in the cutlery world. But then, few would have predicted the tactical knife market would become the...

What's on your side? Mag pouch particulars.
September 1, 2007... "Would you mind picking that up for me, please?" I asked, pointing to the loaded .45 Super magazine that had just hit the restaurant floor with a clatter. The woman sitting next to me dutifully reached for it. "I don't get it," she said,...

CZ-75 SP-01: an impressive classic evolves.(Cover story)(Company overview)
September 1, 2007... The CZ-75 was one of the first double action, high capacity autopistols. Thirty years later it remains one of the very best--and its popularity continues to grow. But why? Accuracy and reliability, to begin with. I've fired many CZ-75 pistols...

The Centennial returns: S&W's incomparable Model 40!
September 1, 2007... Introduced in 1952 (the 100th anniversary of the founding of Smith & Wesson), "Centennial" was the chosen name for the then-new Model 40. It was chambered in .38 Special, with the intent of delivering good performance in a small, concealable...

Taking care of ammo: don't kill your carry loads.
September 1, 2007... With the nearly universal switch to automatic pistols cops--or anyone who carries--have some new stuff to deal with. When we carried revolvers primarily, about the only thing we had to do with ammo was wipe the green stuff off the rounds in the...

Avoiding the six gun doctor.
September 1, 2007... Why is it a shooter will leave a brand new gun in the box and make a bee-line for the nearest pistolsmith to "make it better?" Thereby is established a behavioral pattern triggered instantly when any glitch rears its head. It must be human...

A super .38 super USFA retro classic 1911.
September 1, 2007... "Yeah buddy, that's just what the world needs, another 1911 clone." That's what I rather sarcastically thought a couple years back at a SHOT Show when I stepped into the US Firearms booth and saw what they intended to make next. Despite my...

10mm custom carry model: customized by Kase Reeder of Reeder Custom Guns.(HANDGUN OF THE MONTH)
September 1, 2007... This is a unique package indeed. Reeder Custom Guns offers this business-like rendition of a 10mm on a 1911 frame--OR--a custom gun of YOUR choice from Reeder's shop worth $1,795 at retail! An astounding offer from this legendary custom shop!...

Violence and nonviolence: Part 6.(Gun Rights)
September 1, 2007... I'm investigating ways of opposing tyranny. The theory behind the Second Amendment is that so long as people retain their right to arms, they can rise up and overthrow, or at least resist the tyrant, by armed insurrection. I'm questioning this...

Benchmade Model 615 Mini-Rukus.(GUNNYSACK)
September 1, 2007... Benchmade has made lots of noise (rukus?) with their AXIS lock system, and the latest Model 615 Mini-Rukus continues the clamor. A modest knife--but with heft to meet tough jobs head on--the SV30 Premium Steel 3.40" blade can cut its way into...

Wheeler Engineering FAT Wrench.(GUNNYSACK)
September 1, 2007... Too many times a gun can give its owner fits as the zero wanders, or bits and pieces work lose. Proper maintenance is more than a quick wipe and a twist of a screwdriver. Putting the proper torque on stock bolts, sight screws, scope tings,...

The Codex.(SPOTLIGHT)
September 1, 2007... Pila Flashlights The newest addition to the Pila line is the Codex ($82 MSRP), which offers truly unique features and options no other flashlight has available. With the module easily installed, the Pila flashlight can be set to emit...

The Colossus Versipack.(SPOTLIGHT)
September 1, 2007... Maxpedition Hard Use Gear For those who need something larger than their Jumbo, Maxpedition offers the Colossus Versipack. Large yet manageable, the Colossus has main and secondary comportments each filled to the gills with internal...

Model 4584 The Evaders.(SPOTLIGHT)
September 1, 2007... Bianchi Holsters The new Bianchi Evader Model #4584 was designed in response to the high demand from low enforcement and civilian markets for a reasonably priced yet high-quality durable, nylon belt slide concealment holster with an...

Delta and Echo fixed-blades.(SPOTLIGHT)
September 1, 2007... SureFire SureFire's new Delta and Echo fixed-blade edged weapons make a welcome addition to any knife collection, but they're really built to fulfill the needs of some of the most demanding customers in the world. SWAT teams, elite special...

Merlin folding Backpack.(SPOTLIGHT)
September 1, 2007... Maxpedition Hard Use Gear The Merlin folding Backpack is a lightweight "escape-and-evasion" style backpack that folds into itself forming a small MOLLE-compatible packet which can be attached onto belts or other modular platforms using...

SuperTuck Deluxe.(SPOTLIGHT)
September 1, 2007... CrossBreed Holsters The SuperTuck is widely considered to be the best IWB holster available and has recently been improved by the folks at CrossBreed. The new SuperTuck Deluxe continues to set the standard for luckability, extended-wear...

Carbon Fiber/Ram's Horn Auto.(SPOTLIGHT)
September 1, 2007... California Knives California Knives goes High Tech with a new Carbon Fiber Handled Auto and the stunning Ram's Horn Handled model. Whichever model you choose, this piece of craftsmanship is convenient, compact and oil parts and components...

1911 pistol.(SPOTLIGHT)
September 1, 2007... Briley Mfg/Pistol Dynamics Briley Mfg. and Paul Liebenberg of Pistol Dynamics have collaborated on the introduction of a new 1911 pistol. The first 40 units will be offered through Briley in Texas and hand built by Paul and team in the...

Lie book?(THE INSIDER)
September 1, 2007... Okay, it's not supposed to be a lie book so don't turn it into one. But Ryan Wilson's idea of a log book to record the animals you take is a good one. I often find myself telling a story about some hunting experience and get stuck on the "when"...

Greg moves up.(THE INSIDER)
September 1, 2007... Old friend Greg Mooney of Benchmade was recently made president of the company. Greg's been in the front-lines there, selling, marketing and more since 1997, and it seems the hard work has paid off. Benchmade continues to innovate and break new...

Shiloh rifles stolen.(THE INSIDER)
September 1, 2007... Those nice people of Shiloh Sharps Rifle company had their company truck, along with their stock of display rifles stolen on April 16th in Kansas City, Kansas. Anyone who placed orders or bought accessories during the NRA show and provided...

Add it up.(THE INSIDER)
September 1, 2007... 99.9639 Percent of time cops use no force during contacts. "HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS" Number of rounds of .223, .308, 9mm and .45 ACP on backorder. 8-1 Georgia court ruling deputy could not be sued after pursuit crash left suspect a...

Dreaming.(THE INSIDER)
September 1, 2007... Go ahead, dream. I do it all the time. Just got a nifty catalog from Gizzly (they have so many goodies like this make sure you take your heart medication when you look). I spotted this "gotta' have it some day" lathe and wanted to share it with...

Classic scribes.(THE INSIDER)
September 1, 2007... No, it's not always about guns. Sometimes the finer things in life demand attention too. Steve Beck sold me a couple of pens that are, simply put, to die for. Custom made with rare woods and other materials, he can do one up for you in just...

M&P happiness.(THE INSIDER)
September 1, 2007... Crimson Trace is keeping up with the rush of new handgun models by introducing a grip laser system for S&W's new M&P in .45 ACP. The pre-production sample sent to me by Travis Noteboom of Crimson Trace, replaced the rear portion of the grip of...

Sammy settles.(THE INSIDER)
September 1, 2007... You've already seen Sammy's mug at the top of the Carry Options column. Sammy comes to us as a former Marine Captain and eight-year veteran street/SWAT/etc, cop on the city of Escondido. California. It seems a miscreant felt it necessary to...

Roxy arrives.(THE INSIDER)
September 1, 2007... A big Handgunner welcome is due Roxanne Smith. one of the new faces at FMG. Roxy comes with a college degree in journalism, so she'll help to keep our commas and dangling participles in check. She's learning about guns. knives and flashlights...

Fly guys.(THE INSIDER)
September 1, 2007... A young fellow, AM2(AW) Warrick SW, sent me this picture and, well, I just had to run it. His team (the HSL-42 Det 3 Fat Monkeys--a name they came up with themselves) is a small air detachment from HSL-42 out of Mayport, Florida, currently...

Virginia Tech: rage, reflection and rejection.(THE INSIDER)
September 1, 2007... How could this have happened? Is that a serious question? In a place where possession of a gun--and indeed, any effective means of self-defense--is prohibited; a place packed with young people who have been taught that surrender and submission...