FN Five-seveN Charles E. Petty Is this the shape of handguns to come? A radically new pistol/cartridge combination graces the cover of this first issue of American Handgunner in the 21st century. The gun was developed as part of a military weapons system and is also available to law enforcement. For reasons that will become […]
Les Baer’s ultimate master .45: perfecting perfection? John Taffin 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. What makes perfection so intriguing is the fact it’s often so […]
Nifty Nighthawk Dave Anderson There’s a new superstar in the high grade 1911 world. Nighthawk Custom got going in 2004 and already has established an outstanding reputation for quality of design, materials and workmanship. This success is hardly surprising. Four of the master gunsmiths at Nighthawk previously built 1911s for Wilson Combat, and together have […]
Good News, Bad News J.D. Jones The bad news is the Thompson/Center Contender has been discontinued. The good news is the Contender will be replaced with a new model Contender displaying the same great handling characteristics as the original. Currently manufactured Contender barrels will fit the new gun. Look for an Encore-type action in the […]
Tales From The Morgue Massad Ayoob Given the numerous departments using the .357 SIG, a database has started to develop. So far, the .357 SIG has achieved high marks. In one shooting, it punched into a heavy duty truck cab to kill a gunman when .45 slugs hadn’t penetrated. One Virginia trooper told me he […]
Komrade Nagant’s revolver: no wonder the Soviet Union fell apart David M. Fortier In the late 19th century, the introduction of smokeless powder by the French created a flurry of activity among the world’s armies. State-of-the-art weapons were obsolete over night, leading to a mad scramble to replace black-powder weapons. Imperial Russia was caught in […]
What would Wyatt say? Wimp loads, close targets and high-tec mods: what’s happening to cowboy shooting? Mike Venturino What would Wyatt Earp say about cowboy action shooting today? That’s anyone’s guess, but here’s mine. The scenario is that magically three modern cowboy action shooters are plucked from present day and set down beside him in […]
Colt’s new service John Taffin Still producing percussion revolvers in 1869, Colt was caught off guard as Smith & Wesson introduced the future. It was the Model #3 .44 S&W American chambered not for ball and powder that loaded from the front of the cylinder, but in actuality was the first big bore cartridge firing […]
Mernickle custom holsters – Handgun leather: from classics to cutting-edge in carry methods Way up in the North Country of British Columbia, Canada, Bob Mernickle has been living his dream. He loves leather and guns–don’t we all? Bob started making holsters as a necessary hobby. He competed in fast draw competition and couldn’t find a […]
The thighs have it – Handgun Leather Cameron Hopkins Hardly anyone agrees on every little thing, especially when it comes to tactical gear. And disparity of opinion is found among the members of SWAT teams and Spec-Op units as well. The Navy SEALs favor the SIG P226, while the D-boys opt for customized 1911s. Different […]