Perhaps one of the most iconic guns in US history is the Tommy Gun. Also called the Chicago Typewriter, the Thompson submachine gun has been used by thugs and heroes throughout this country’s history. Like the equally famous 1911, the Thompson has been associated with the .45 ACP cartridge.

Auto-Ordnance, a brand owned by the Kahr Firearms Group that manufactures modern carbines based on the original SMG, hopes to expand the horizon of fans with the introduction of a new Thompson carbine chambered for the 9mm cartridge.

The new Thompson T5-9L20 is a deluxe model carbine that has much of the original gun’s styling. Kahr Firearms Group is building the new semi-automatic gun with a 16.5” barrel to avoid any extra taxes that would be imposed by the National Firearms Act. Both the frame and receiver are machined from a single billet of aluminum.

As with the traditional guns, the new T5-9L20 uses American walnut for the buttstock, pistol grip and fore grip. On top is a blade front sight with an open rear sight that is adjustable. A single 20-round stick type magazine is included with the gun. No word yet on any kind of drum for the 9mm version of the gun. As the drums were an integral part of the gangster look of these guns, I hope Kahr Firearms Group is working on one.

The company includes a compensator on this rifle. With the comp attached, the barrel length is increased to 18”. In my testing, 9mm ammunition doesn’t seem to gain much of a velocity advantage beyond the 12”-14” range. While 16.5” (or 18” with the compensator) might seem too long for the cartridge, I have not seen any significant velocity drop when moving from 14” to 16” in my guns.

The new 9mm Thomson rifles will have a suggested retail price of $1,364. This is the same price as the T5 Thompson chambered in .45 ACP.

If there’s one thing I learned from Michael Bane, it is that cave diving allows for no mistakes. In his book Trail Safe, Bane suggests that a self-defense encounter is similar to cave diving: both are very dangerous and neither is forgiving of mistakes.

Whether it is cave diving or protecting your life with a firearm, having the right equipment can be the literal difference between life and death. There is a point when spending excessive money on a gun does not offer any additional practical benefit.  However, simply buying the cheapest gun you can find is one ingredient for self-defense disaster. 

Fortunately, there are many good, reasonably priced firearms on the market.  One of my favorites is the Smith & Wesson SD series of pistols. 

The SD line of handguns can be had in both 9mm and .40 S&W. For a variety of reasons, I prefer the 9mm. If you need a firearm and are having to stretch the budget to get one, a 9mm will provide the least expensive option for training ammunition; it tends to be a few dollars cheaper per box. For the shooting hobbyist, the extra expense is probably no big deal. However, for a mom or dad looking to protect their family and put food on the table, those few extra dollars can make a significant difference.

Smith & Wesson bases the SD line on its older Sigma series of pistols. These are striker-fired handguns that use a polymer frame. They do not have some of the features of more expensive guns such as an ambidextrous magazine release or interchangeable back straps. The SD line does, however, offer reliability at an affordable price.

These guns have a 4” barrel with a full-size grip.  This makes them easy to shoot and handle. While the size is a bit larger than many people would like for concealed carry, with a good holster they can be easily carried under a shirt or jacket for protection outside of the home.

Two 16-round 9mm magazines are included with the gun. While this is enough to get you started, I always recommend having additional magazines on hand since they are a foreseeable failure point in a semi-automatic handgun. Like the gun itself, additional magazines are inexpensive. 

If the SD line has a flaw, it is the trigger. The trigger on these pistols is somewhat gritty and a touch heavy when compared to many other striker-fired handguns. However, the trigger is still easy to learn and breaks consistently. I would not consider the trigger bad enough to dismiss the SD as a possible handgun for ownership.

I like the SD line a lot. I own an SD40 that I purchased when the guns were first introduced, and I have never regretted the purchase. The gun has proven to be completely reliable and extremely accurate.

The current line of SD pistols includes options of different colored frames and with features that meet the laws of so-called compliance states.  The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the basic SD9 pistol is $389. Actual prices in your local shop may be much lower. I’ve seen these pistols go for as low as $300 brand new. For a good shooting gun backed by Smith & Wesson’s lifetime service policy, a sub-$400 price tag is a very good bargain indeed.

Here’s what I’m carrying today. As I am writing this, it is 97 degrees. I'm wearing shorts that don't even have belt loops, and this little mouse gun is tucked in my front pocket.

When I’m home, I always have a small arsenal close at hand. My shotgun, though, has a barrel that the ATF considers to be “short.” It doesn’t typically travel with me. My AR-15, too, requires a tax stamp. Right now, chilling at the coffeehouse with my Mac, all I've got is a .380.

I’m not  a prepper, not by a long shot. I know full well that I should be more prepared than I am now, but I’m not. Yet I do have a strategy in place that guides how I think about guns. There, I’m prepared.

It begins with concealed carry. When it is legal to carry a firearm, I do. Even when it isn’t, I often carry a knife. But my gun is my go-to. When I’m kicking around in shorts and a t-shirt, I carry the Kel-Tec. When it is colder, and I am wearing more clothes, I carry a single-stack 9mm. These are givens.

Even now, though, I’ve got another gun close at hand. That’s the focus of this piece. I keep a gun case with me. The case holds a GLOCK 19 and everything I need to carry it. Should some sort of more serious emergency hit, this might be all I had with me to get back home.

Here’s what’s inside. The GLOCK 19 is there. The 19 is big enough and I run it well. When I train with a handgun, this is the one I take. It isn’t my favorite 9mm, but the damn thing runs well, and I can shoot it well. I’ve got complete confidence in this gun.

I also carry a bunch of magazines. The case holds 9 or 10, depending on how much other junk I’ve got stuck inside. In these magazines, I keep different types of ammunition organized. That’s one benefit, for sure, but it also helps my head to know that I could, at any point, walk away with one mag in the gun, two on my belt, and a couple of others in a pocket.

I keep a functional belt in the case, too. It is nylon, basic, and it folds up. If nothing else, it would work in a pinch. I typically wear a nicer leather belt that works better, but this is a back-up.

I’ve also got a good holster. This one is by MultiHolsters. I love it.  It is kydex, of course, and an outside the waistband holster that is still easily hidden with an untucked shirt.  The holster is also built for a light.

The light here is an Inforce light. I’m not in love with it. I was when I bought it. It has simple controls and is easy to turn on with a trigger finger. Now, I have discovered that I can accidentally turn it on without knowing it. I’ve killed more batteries in this light than in any other I own. Yet my holster is built for it, so I keep carrying it. When it dies, I’ll replace it with another and get a new holster, too. Until then, and forever, I carry spare batteries.

The case is meant to carry other flashlights, too. I believe in being threatening when I need to be, and nonthreatening when that is appropriate. To that end, I like to have the ability to use a handheld light. So I keep batteries in there for a couple of those, too.

On the right side of the case, I keep a open slot with some extras. There’s typically a lighter. I keep a modestly big fixed blade there, which would compliment whatever pocket knife I am carrying.

There’s another blade in there, too. It isn’t made of steel, or any metal. It is a later addition, and I don’t know just what I’d use it for at this point. But it doesn’t weigh anything. And for a small piece of fiberglass, it is razor sharp.

The case is basic, and has been taking a beating for years. I think I’ve had this one in circulation for more than 4 years. During that time, it has gone on every road trip, every range trip, multiple plane trips, and every trip to the grocery store.

It is a Seahorse case, and it works. There are much more expensive cases on the market, and some of those might be more trendy, but the Seahorse has performed flawlessly for me. And it doesn’t show the wear too badly either.

The best part of the case is that it is not something that screams “gun.” I’ve been around many gun-shy family and friends with my case in hand, and they never knew what I was carrying. As it is lockable, it is easy enough to secure. Even locked up, though, the case is not a safe. Don’t mistake it for one.

The foam inside I had built by MyCaseBuilder.com. These cats have cut numerous cases for me. I used them for a review years ago and fell in love with their service. You design your case’s with a simple-to-use program on site. They will then cut the foam to your specifications and ship it to you. And if you don’t have a case, they sell those, too.

Let's begin with the elephant in the room. Magpul is the undistputed owner of this subsection of the industry. Magpul mags work well. They're reasonably priced. But they have real competition now and in order to compete with the behemouth Mgpul has become, you have to do something truly unique.

Hexmag came on the scene a few years ago during the height of the magazine shortage. After Sandy Hook, there were very few AR-15 magazines on the shelves in stores. Some of the big-box retailers began importing some magazines of dubious quality. Makers like Tapco and Thermold which had, to to that point, made what most considered entry level magazines, quickly found willing buyers. And a host of new companies jumped on the band wagon.

1. The Hexmag Hex

One of those was Hexmag. Their product launch was simple. Their polymer magazine was easy to hold, thanks to the honeycomb shape hex pattern that gives the comany its name. It is both tactle and good branding. The name was easy to remember, and the mags worked well.

2. The Hexmag Hex Provides Strength

That hex pattern forms a matrix of sorts that allows for thinner walls. When I first felt an empty Hexmag, I was pleased to find that it was strong and light. Yet the plastic didn't feel brittle. And the mold lines on the magazine were sharp, and well placed, to provide a good grip and a solid housing for the ammunition.

3. The Hexmag Hex Holds Stickers

I'd originally hoped that the texture would be like old-school grip-tape on a skateboard, but it is more rubbery. These little jokers can be put all over the magazine and they come in sheets that are precut. You peel and stick. It is easy, and provides even more of a tacticle grip for pulling a mag out of a holster or out of the gun. And they come in matching or contrasting colors.

4. Speaking of Colors

The Hexmag mags come in the most common AR colors. Green, black, tan, and grey are all readily available. This is handy for those who like to accesorize their AR-15s like Barbie dolls. I am morally opposed to accesorising, though I will admit that I once color coordinated a holster for a gun. If that's your thing, you can get pretty colors.

5. The More Important Colors

The best part, in my book is the way that the mags have color coded followers and tabs in the floor-plates. This is a great way to know what's what. Heading out to the range with a bunch of steel-cased 5.56? keep it color coordinated. Have a couple of mags of nice hollow-point .223 you don't want to waste on that cardboard badguy? One glance at your mag will tell you, assuming you are organzed enough to stick to a system.

I've been running Hexmags for three years. I'm a fan. They work great, and are readily available. That may be why some of us picked them up in the beginning, but I wouldn't use them at all if I'd ever found one that failed me. And I haven't.

A six pack will run you less than $50. That's a steal.

You may recall the ETS CAM Loader for pistol magazines. Well now ETS has come out some something similar for double stack loading rifle magazines.

The CAM Loader for Rifles works similarly to their pistol loader. It has a railed section that allows you to scoop up rounds from a box of ammo and you use a plunger to push these rounds into the magazine.

According to ETS' claims, this is a universal rifle magazine loader. In the video above they loaded an AR-15, AR-10, AK47, AK74, MP5, Scorpion Evo3, Colt/UZI, and even a Steyer Aug magazine all with the same CAM Loader for rifles.

Here are the details of the ETS CAM Loader for rifles.

Loads the following magazines:

AR15, AR10, AK47, AK74, FN SCAR-16/17, G36, Steyr Aug, MP5, Scorpion EVO, Colt SMG, UZI and more...

Loads following calibers:

5.56x45 / .223, .308, 7.62 x 39, 300BLK, 5.45 x 39, 9mm and more...

FEATURES

• Lightning fast loading

• Loader easily picks up rounds directly from the ammo tray or can also be used to load loose ammo

• Loader will not damage the magazine in any way

• Made from a durable polymer that will hold up to wear and tear

• Portable and fits easily into your range bag or your pocket

• Lifetime warranty

I am curious to see how easy it really is to use this loader as the magazines mentioned above are very dissimilar. Since it has to be compatible with all those different magazine shapes and calibers, I am skeptical about its reliability. 5.56 brass and .308 brass are vastly different diameters. I do not see how the railed section have hold onto both cartridges. Also I do not think the loader is attached to the magazine since all of those magazine have different style and position magazine notches. I believe the loader is just held up against the back of the magazine and is held in place merely by your hand.

I will try to get one to review it and see if it really is as universal and easy to see as it seems to be in the ETS video.

While considered by some to be an inferior sporting caliber, the 7.62x39 cartridge is actually a respectable round in terms of both terminal effectiveness and relative accuracy. Many people have drawn comparisons between it and the .30-30 Win: a round that has both defended homesteads and put a lot of meat on the table. While I am hesitant to make too close a comparison between the disparate cartridges, for a rough analogy it may suffice.

Sturm, Ruger & Co. is now making the 7.62x39 as an option in the American Rifle Ranch line of bolt-action rifles. Combining the medium power characteristics of the cartridge with the handiness of the Ranch line of rifles, I expect this will make for a pleasing combination. 

The new guns offer the same general characteristics of the existing Ranch guns in the American Rifle line, but they use detachable magazines that are compatible with the company’s Mini Thirty rifle. A single 5-round magazine comes with the gun, but the larger capacity 10- and 20-round magazines will work as well.

Ruger builds the Ranch rifle to be handy – easy to carry and easy to get into action if needed quickly. It has a 16.12” barrel and weighs less than 6 pounds with an unloaded magazine. I’ve found the guns in this line to point easily and swing naturally. 

As part of the American Rifle family, this Ranch gun benefits from the modern features of the line including:

• an adjustable trigger – Ruger uses a user adjustable trigger of its own design in these guns. A shooter can tweak the pull weight from 3-5 pounds. Additionally, the trigger has a blade safety to help prevent an accidental discharge if the rifle is dropped.
• bolt – It is a one-piece design with a full diameter bolt body and a 70˚ throw.
• threaded barrel – Unlike your grandpa’s old bolt gun (probably), Ruger threads the barrel of this gun for use with a sound suppressor or other muzzle device.
• stock – Since this is a working man’s gun, Ruger opted for a synthetic stock on the Ranch rifle. It has a flat dark earth color and soft rubber buttpad. The fore end is a little broader than what might be found on other guns. This allows it to be more stable when rested on a bag when shooting.

If existing American Rifle guns can be used as the example, the new Ranch guns should offer excellent accuracy with the 7.62x39 cartridge. Hornady makes a load in its Black line with a 123 gr SST bullet. The Ruger rifle with this round should make for a good medium game combination. Hopefully, the rifle will inspire additional quality hunting loads from other manufacturers to broaden the selection available to sportsmen.

The guns are shipping now and have a suggested retail price of $599.

LWRC International is known by many shooters as a company that makes short stroke piston system AR rifle variants. However, the company also makes guns that use a direct impingement (DI) system. These DI rifles have been chambered for the 5.56 NATO cartridge. Now, however, the company is making a DI gun that is chambered for the popular 300 BLK cartridge.

According to the company, the new LWRCI-DI is “built from the ground up to be more than just another direct impingement rifle.” Some of the gun’s features are:

• proprietary bolt group – LWRCI uses a keyless bolt of its own design.
• cold hammer forged barrel – 16.1” long, NiCorr treated, threaded (1/2x28), 1:7” twist, A2 style flash hider
• ambidextrous lower and charging handle – The magazine release, safety selector and magazine catch are all accessible from either side of the gun. The lower is compatible with the company’s piston uppers if you decide to swap out later.

• adjustable stock – This rifle uses the company’s own compact buttstock with a six-position receiver extension (buffer tube.)
• modular handguard – The free float handguard is a one piece design with rail modules that can be added for mounting accessories.
• angled fore grip – LWRCI includes one of its own AFGs. The grip has a QD socket for attaching a sling end.

LWRC International uses the Moe+ pistol grip from Magpul on this rifle. The rest of the parts appear to be LWRCI branded pieces.

Weight is kept to a moderate level with an unloaded rifle weighing about 6.6 pounds. With the adjustable stock, the overall length of the gun is 32” to 35.25”.

The new rifle is available now. In addition to the basic black, flat dark earth, olive drab green, tungsten metal grey and patriot brown finishes are available. Additionally, the company offers “California legal” versions of the gun. It has a suggested retail price of $1,089. However, the price can go up depending on the options and finish selected.

One of the enduring designs from Sturm, Ruger & Co. is its Standard, or Mark x, line of rimfire pistols. Having a profile similar to the famous Luger pistol, the classic .22 LR handgun has been shot by millions of Americans over the course of its production life. The first of these blowback pistols hit the market in 1949.

Since those early post-war days, the gun has gone through multiple revisions. The most recent update is the Mark IV pistol. Introduced in 2016, the new guns offer many of the elements from earlier generations but upgraded to a single button take down to aid in field stripping the pistol.

As with other guns from Ruger, the Mark IV is offered in a wide range of variations including models developed for target shooting and hunting. Just announced is the Standard version of the Mark IV that has styling most like the original gun sold nearly 70 years ago.

The Standard pistol features a tapered barrel design that can be had in either of two lengths: 4.75” or 6”. Additionally, this model has fixed sights instead of the adjustable sights found on most of the other Mark IV pistols.

A pair of 10-round magazines come with the Mark IV Standard pistol. While these magazines tend to be reliable, I always suggest having more on hand. A magazine is one of the easiest parts of a gun to damage and is most likely to cause a malfunction. Having extras on hand can ensure a fun range trip every time you head out. 

With the shorter barrel, the Standard weighs about 28 ounces. The longer gun weighs in at a hair over 30 ounces.

It has been my experience that Ruger tries to keep pricing down. In the case of the new Mark IV standard, Ruger set the MSRP at $449 for either barrel length. Since store prices are often cheaper than the suggested retail price, you may be able to grab one of these for less than four bills.

In case you missed it. There were some rumors online about a new Glock. We saw some teasers with the 17M and 19M and while those are for Law Enforcment only, Glock has come out with their latest Gen5 Glock.

What's Different And What's The Same?

At first glance the Gen5 looks like a regular Gen4 Glock. However upon closer inspection it actually more closely resembles a Gen2 Glock with Gen4 features. Like the Gen2 Glock, the Gen5 does not have finger grooves in the front strap. The grip has the Gen4 style grip tecture as well as the Gen4 magazine release. Glock added an ambidextrous slide stop and the  frame does have an accessory rail, something the Gen2 never had. 

Take a look at the bottom of the grip. The leading edge has a semi circular cut out just like the Gen2 Glocks however Glock has molded a flared magwell.

Looking at the photo above, you can see that the Gen5 magazine base plates are different. They are longer. Presumably to facilitate functionality with the finger cut out of the grip.

Glock has also given the Gen5 magazines bright orange followers.

This Gen 5 flyer points out that the Gen5 Glocks will have a new nDLC finish on the slides and the pistols come with a new Marksman barrel which has a new rifling pattern from previous Glocks.

It's What's Inside That Counts

The differences of the Gen5 are not just aesthetic alone. Glock has made sone changes inside the Gen5 pistols.

The slide has been altered for some of the internal changes. The striker safety plunger has been ramped.

The firing pin has been redesigned as well.

These are not the changes to the Gen5 Glock. The internals of the frame are drastically different. Every part of the trigger system is different enough that you cannot use previous Gen Glock parts.

Even the barrel lugs and recoil spring have been changed. The Gen5 G17 barrel lug has been reprofiled so that the G19 and G17 use the same locking block.  So far it seems the G19 can use existing threaded barrels, the Gen5 G17 will not be compatible with exisiting G17 threaded barrels.

The reason for changing the Gen5 Glock 17 is to aid in parts commonality with the G19. This makes it easier for replacement parts to be obtained and inventoried for agencies and commercial armorers. 

The Gen5 Glock is trickling out now to the public. Hopefully we will get one in for a review and see if the changes Glock have made are really worth getting the next generation Glock.

Whether you're a trained marksman or just starting to shoot firearms, gun safety is the most important part of the sport. Shooting guns can be a remarkably fun activity for responsible shooters, as long as you follow the guidelines and basic rules to hit your mark.

From loading your gun to putting away your equipment, there are a few special commandments to follow for a safe day on the range or in the fields. The responsibility is in your hands and simple knowledge on the subject can go a long way. A trained shooter must know respect, responsibility, and discipline with any type of firearm.

Our list of simple rules can help you learn proper gun safety to protect yourself and your loved ones.

10 Commandments of Gun Safety

1. Use Proper Ammunition Always

You should always have the proper knowledge of your gun and ammunition, as well as any gun that you borrow from someone else. Don't disregard the instructions that come with your equipment  - ever.

The warnings are there to keep you and your surroundings safe. Always listen to a knowledgeable instructor for visual and verbal instructions on the proper way to shoot. A small mistake can lead to a tragic outcome. There are thousands of different bullet calibers for rifles and pistols.

If you’re a beginner and absolutely unsure of what ammo or gun magazine to use, check your firearm instruction manual to be sure. The manual will tell you a lot about which ammunition to use. Disregarding these rules can wreck your gun and cause injury to you and others.

You never want a busted barrel or a gun that shoots at you rather than towards a target. Never use wet or damaged ammunition and always check the cartridges before you put them in your gun. Even a small error in your gun's loading or a crack in the cartridge can lead to danger. If you're not confident, consult a trusted shooter to know exactly what's right for your firearm.

2. Wear Proper Ear and Eye Protection

If you've shot a gun before, you'll know the kickback can be brutal. A loud gunshot noise can damage your hearing immediately and keep you from enjoying the sport in the long run.

Ringing in your ears can resonate for days and lead to permanent hearing loss. Shots may also ricochet against clay targets and debris to end up in your eyes. An improper shot can significantly damage your vision and result in expensive medical care. Most ranges and professional shooters insist on quality eye protection to keep everyone safe. Also invest in earplugs and/or or special headphones to protect your hearing while shooting.

Durable goggles and shooting glasses can help to shield your eyes from any ricochet and damage. This equipment is also important while cleaning your gun in case of a worst case scenario. Make sure you're properly protected against any dramatic circumstances.

3. Treat Your Gun With Proper Upkeep

You should never service your gun yourself! Many first timfe shooters think major or minor alterations on the barrel or trigger can make your gun look better, but DIY “style” upgrades come with a cost. Amateur modifications can cause your gun to be dangerous to yourself and others and break the device to no repair.

Modified shotguns and rifles are also very illegal and take away from the fun of the sport. Firearms need to be serviced by a professional and inspected for safety on a regular basis. Consult your manufacturer to see when your gun needs to be serviced.

Ask about adjustment and inspection if you're not satisfied with the current state of your firearm. Never perform adjustments at home if you are not a qualified professional.

4. Keep Your Muzzle Pointed in a Safe Direction

The basic rule of gun safety is to never point your muzzle in a place you don't intend to shoot. Even if you're just unloading or re-loading your gun, the direction should never be towards another person or yourself.

Bullets can also bounce off of walls and ceilings, so take that into consideration when aiming the firearm in an enclosed location. When outdoors, look for neighboring trees and structures to avoid. You may find the safest place to aim your gun is down or up whenever you're not shooting.

This depends on your envionrment; however, you should be fully knowledgeable on the subject before trying this out for yourself. Always be in control of your muzzle's direction and never aim your firearm towards an unintended target.

Remember your target and never point your gun in an area you don't wish to aim at. Consult your user's manual or a trusted professional to see if there's any further information on proper handling.

5. "Safety" Isn't Always Safe

Contrary to the depictions in television shows and movies, the safety switch on your firearm isn't always so safe. Like any other device, this mechanism can be confusing and inoperable. An old gun may have a safety trigger that doesn't completely work and even a new firearm can get jammed.

Even if you assume you know everything about your firearm, a simple safety handling mistake can be dangerous to yourself and others. Deadly accidents have occurred when someone has assumed their gun's safety was on. This reckless behavior can be avoided by staying away from your trigger until you actually mean to shoot a target.

Assume your gun will fire at any time and double check the safety device, never leaving it in the middle of the switch. Don't ever leave your gun rested against an object as the safety toggle may be switched.

Always keep an eye on your firearm so it won't be used by others improperly. Stay safe at all times and keep your gun to yourself!

6. Unload Your Firearm When Not in Use

Only load your firearm on the range or in a designated shooting area away from others. A loaded gun is a tragic danger waiting to happen in the hands of a child or an unknowing adult. Keep your ammunition and gun separate and secure in a proper place.

A formidable, locked gun cabinet is a preferred place for firearm owners. It is completely dangerous to keep a loaded gun in your home bedroom as it may lead to deadly accidents in the event of an emergency.

After you've finished shooting for the day, immediately unload your gun. You can always load it later safely if the event isn't done.

Don't transport your gun to a new location with bullets in the chamber. This action can lead to unfortunate accidents and is completely illegal in certain circumstances if you're pulled over by the police. Even for smaller pistol models, like traditional 1911s or brand new Glock 19 models, always deload your mag and chamber before transporting the gun.

This commandment is also important when handling a new firearm or passing it off to another person to shoot. You must open the action before handling to check for ammo and never predict that a gun is unloaded in a safe space while paying attention to the direction of the muzzle. A true marksman plays it safe.

7. Learn Your Own Gun From Mechanics to Handling

Each firearm has specific regulations and mechanisms that you need to be knowledgeable about before shooting for the first time, or even the millionth time. You need to familiarize with your own gun or any gun you may borrow to shoot to make sure that yourself and others stay safe.

Older guns have different handling methods than newer firearms, and these simple rules will keep you and others protected. Educate yourself on specific firearms to prevent an unsafe situation. Don't disregard the instruction manual that came with your gun; this vital pamphlet contains a ton of important information that you may have overlooked.

A manufacturer may even provide an extra copy if you've misplaced your manual. The library and internet can educate you on the history and specifications of your gun. Look for proper sources before taking them to heart. Another important rule is to know how to properly store your firearm.

Don't be afraid to do your research as this information can keep injury and accidents from occurring. Larger rifles are much different than smaller guns to protect your household from a deadly incident.

8. Check Your Barrel Before Shooting

Your unloaded firearm may not be so protected after all. Before loading your gun, check out the action for forgotten ammunition in the magazine and chamber. Even any grime like mud or dirt can damage your gun and cause injury or damage to the firearm.

Try to clean your gun every time before you go out to hunt or shoot in any environment. If something feels wrong while you're shooting, stop firing your firearm immediately and safely check the action. Common warning signs include recoils and noises when shooting or a weak trigger effect.

Always be aware of the ammunition you load into your firearm. A smaller gauge may block the barrel and cause it to burst. Educate yourself on the proper ammunition and loading techniques for your firearm. It's never too safe to double check before you shoot as long as you do it safely in a controlled environment.

9. Look Out For Failure When Firing

If you pull the trigger and your gun doesn't fire or locks up, stay safe! Point the muzzle in a proper direction away from you and others.

Unload the firearm by cautiously opening the action and safely throw away the cartridge when you feel it isn't working properly. Your gun may be at risk of firing even if it doesn't shoot immediately after pulling the trigger. Keep your eye on the muzzle and make sure it isn't pointed at you or any bystanders.

Try to clean and handle your firearm in well ventilated places. You don't want to be exposed to lead or injury in a damp and enclosed space. Make sure to wash your hands after handling or cleaning your firearm.

10. Watch Your Target and Surroundings

There's no way to undo a shot. One simple misfire can result in injury or a tragic accident. Keep your eye on the target and know what lurks in the background of your shooting area. Never fire at a random movement or noise or it could be an unintended target! Keep calm and protect yourself and others.

It's important to take a deep breath and know your surroundings completely before shooting. This may take a minute to feel completely comfortable but it could also save a life. Bullets can shoot miles at rapid speed depending on the gun and you need to take in the distance and the direction of your shot. Bullets may even ricochet and skip your target.

Assess the location before a day of shooting and recognize any immediate problems or accident spots. Keep the area clear and secure for a safe shooting experience.

Follow These Gun Safety Commandments

Target shooting and hunting can be safe and fun with the proper protection that only the shooter can provide. It is important to recognize your own responsibility while shooting.

You may want a course in handling and gun owner responsibility if you're feeling unsure about safety protocols. Take your newfound knowledge to inform friends and children about the proper ways to handle a firearm. If you're just starting to shoot, look for supervision and supervise those who need help.

Don't be afraid to ask your instructor and knowledgeable shooters about their expertise. Feel free to speak up when you witness unsafe handling and shooting procedures. Gun regulations and safety procedures are very important to the sport. Safety is always first on the range or in the fields.

When Smith & Wesson’s parent company, American Outdoor Brands (AOB), acquired Crimson Trace, I suspected that would be a great diversification move for them. However, I also suspected we might see closer collaboration between the sister companies. As I guessed, some of the early partnerships are starting to come to market. One of the first is the new M&P15T with the Crimson Trace LiNQ System. 

The LiNQ System is a new wireless white light and green aiming laser unit that is designed for modern sporting rifles like the AR-15. It allows the shooter to mount the light and laser module anywhere on the gun and control it from the pistol grip without the need for running wires and mounting tape switches. In theory, this system could make mounting and running lights and wires with zip ties, Velcro and heavy duty tape a thing of the past.

I am cautiously optimistic about this system. I’ve dealt with too many problems involving near field communication (NFC), Bluetooth and other wireless technologies to be without serious concerns regarding its use on a lifesaving tool like a firearm. However, I have universally had great experiences with Crimson Trace products. Reaching back through my dusty memories, I cannot recall a single instance where a Crimson Trace product failed on me. I cannot say the same about most other manufacturers.

Crimson Trace designed the light with an LED that throws 300 lumens. Lumens are a measure of total light output and tell us nothing about the shape of the beam or reach. That information is not readily available from Crimson Trace. However, I have an M&P15T with the LiNQ System coming for testing, so I should be able to get a feel for what the light is capable of then.

The rifle itself is part of the company's respected M&P15 line. It is chambered for the 5.56 NATO cartridge and uses a mid-length, direct impingement system with a low profile block. The 16” barrel has a 1:8” twist and is surrounded by a free float handguard that has M-LOK attachment points. It has a 6-position adjustable stock, Magpul MBUS sights, a 30-round Magpul PMAG and weighs less than 7 pounds.

The MSRP is listed as $1,499 with the LiNQ System. Without the rifle, the LiNQ system retails for $649. The standard M&P15T is $1,159 (and that’s with a heavier quadrail and carbine length gas system,) so less than $1500 with the LiNQ seems like a good deal if you plan on adding one anyway.

Finding a quality hunting rifle can sometimes be a challenge for more diminutive shooters. Compared to full size rifles, guns with reduced dimensions are relatively few and far between. This can make it difficult in finding a reliable gun with a good fit for a new shooter whose first experience – good or bad – will have a lasting impression on them.

Fortunately, there are companies that cater to shooters of all sizes. Browning is one of those companies. One of its latest efforts is the AB3 Micro Stalker. This is a rifle that is built on the experience of the original A-Bolt rifle line that offered excellent reliability and accuracy for many years.

The new AB3 Micro Stalker offers three key features when compared to the standard AB3 Composite Stalker: a reduced length of pull, a shorter barrel and an excellent recoil pad.

In crude terms the length of pull is the length of the buttstock. Smaller framed shooters can have a difficult time when shouldering a rifle if the stock is too long. A stock that is excessively long can shift the balance of the gun too far forward and make for uncomfortable shooting. This is one reason why adjustable length stocks are so popular on rifles like the AR-15: they can quickly be adapted to shooters of all sizes.

Browning gives the AB3 Micro Stalker a 13” length of pull. This should help to improve the shooter’s comfort, ability to properly address the trigger and overall enjoyment of shooting.

For the AB3 Micro Stalker, Browning reduced the barrel length to 20” in all calibers. For the standard AB3 hunting rifles, the barrel lengths range from 22” to 26” depending on the cartridge for which the gun is chambered. A shorter barrel further improves the balance of the gun and should not significantly impact bullet velocity.

Smaller statured shooters will frequently have less mass to absorb the felt recoil or kick of the gun. To help with this, Browning makes the highly regarded Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad a standard feature on the rifle. The pad is soft and really helps to reduce the punishment of recoil on a smaller shooter. Also, the pads have a tacky surface to help reduce stock movement when the gun is shouldered.

All of these guns have a synthetic black stock and weigh about 6.5 pounds. Four chamberings are being offered by Browning: .243 Win, 6.5 Creedmoor, 7mm-08 Rem and the ubiquitous .308 Win. All of those are proven hunting rounds. Each of the guns has a 5-round magazine. The suggested retail price of these guns is $599.

One of the fantastic things that Browning offers with this rifle is something it calls Growth Insurance. Since many AB3 Micro Stalker rifles will be sold as a youth’s first hunting rifle, Browning offers a trade up program that allows the parent to purchase a full size rifle at 50% off retail within the following five years.

Want a discrete weapon system in 5.56 or .300blk that can fit inside a backpack? Introducing the new Sig MCX Rattler.  If a MCX Virtus pistol/SBR is an MP5, then the MCX Rattler is the MP5K equivalent. This gun is tiny. It is Sig's new PDW platform in the MCX Virtus line. It boats a mere 5.5" barrel with a short stroke gas piston system. The receivers have been smoothed out to minimize drag.

Rapid deployment, thin, agile, and precise. This is the MCX Rattler. Featuring a 5.5" PDW barrel, the MCX platform has never been more compact or accessible. Ready to go where-ever it's needed, the MCX Rattler has a thin, foldable stock for easy concealment and stowage. This gun was designed from the ground up to be as discrete as possible while retaining all the capabilities of the MCX. Free-floating M-LOK handguards matched with a PDW upper and a PDW Ultra Thin Folding Aluminum Stock, the MCX Rattler SBR is the ideal choice for fast-moving operators.

The Virtus SBR is a rather small weapon with a 9" barrel. It comes with the folding adjustable stock and is equipped with a forward assist and brass deflector.

The MCX Rattler does not have a forward assist and the brass deflector has been reduced. The grip has been changed to a K style grip. The grip angle is more vertical and more ergonomic for a smaller weapon that is physically closer to the chest.

Sig will also be releasing the Rattler as a pistol variant. They are a bit pricey with an MSRP of $2,719.

Here are some screen shots of the Rattler from the video above.

On Sig Sauer's website, the Rattler only comes in .300blk however there was an ad that mentioned 5.56 caliber as well.

With an MSRP of $2700 and a possible street price around $2000-$2200, this will be a bit more than your standard AR pistol. However it offers features that AR Pistols cannot provide. Such as a folding stock and the Rattler can be fired with the stock folded. Yes you could get a .300blk pistol with a LAW folding adapter but it is not the same nor as compact. Also the LAW Adapter only allows a single shot to be fired while it is folded.  With the gas system you should be able to easily suppress the Rattler for sub sonic .300blk and hav an extremely quiet suppressor host. I am not sure if an AR pistol will cycle with such a short barrel and gas system.

It will be interesting to see the MCX Rattler perform in person. I can't wait to try one out. Even with the high price tag, I still want one.

After several years of waiting, the newly manufactured shotguns from Kalashnikov USA are finally here. These will likely generate a lot of interest in the shooting community.

Who Is Kalashnikov USA?

Some of you might be asking who is Kalashnikov USA. That’s a fair question.

After Russia invaded the Ukraine in 2014, the United States government imposed a variety of sanctions on Russia. One of those sanctions prevented the additional importation of firearms from Russia. Because of this, new products from Concern Kalashnikov could no longer be obtained in the US market. This ban included the popular Saiga 12 shotgun. 

At the time, the sanctions went into effect, Kalashnikov USA, or K-USA, was an importer who ensured 922(r) compliance of the guns. As the Concern Kalashnikov guns would no longer be available for importation, K-USA pivoted and restructured itself to be a manufacturer. The company moved to Florida and got to work designing new firearms for the American shooting market.

K-USA does not have any ties to the Russian company Concern Kalashnikov.

KS-12

The first of the K-USA guns is the semi-automatic shotgun called the KS-12. This gun is a 12 gauge shotgun that feeds from detachable magazines. A 5-round magazine comes with the gun, though other capacities will also be offered. According to the company, the KS-12 does accept Saiga 12 compatible magazines.

As you might expect from the gun’s appearance, it has some commonality with the typical AK-based rifle. For example, a large safety switch is on the right side of the receiver and the gun uses a gas piston system.

The 18.25” barrel is threaded and comes with a thread protecting cap. This gun isn’t a featherweight at 8.5 pounds. That’s very similar to the Saiga 12 shotguns made by the Russian company.

KS-12T

If you like the KS-12 but would like a few more features, take a look at the KS-12T. Called the “autoloading tactical shotgun” by K-USA, this scattergun uses an skeletonized buttstock, adds a flash suppressor and provides a handguard with lengths of Picatinny rail. The shotgun also comes with a 10-round magazine.

Production

Not only are the guns in production, but they are shipping as well. After such a long delay after they were announced, I was beginning to suspect that the guns would never ship. I am glad to see I was wrong. 

The next thing I hope the company is able to produce is the AK Alpha rifle it announced in 2016. A blend of an AK heritage with modern updates such as an adjustable stock and ambidextrous charging handle. Also, the safety switch is replaced with something that looks more like the AR’s selector.

One of the most popular concealed carry guns on the market today is the Smith & Wesson Shield. Since its introduction, this line of single stack pistols has taken the shooting industry by storm. While Smith & Wesson does not release exact production numbers to the public, I would not be surprised to discover that the Shield is the company’s best-selling gun. 

Recently announced by the company is that the Shield is getting a new look. Actually, it’s getting more than just a fresh coat of paint. It is also getting some new features and options that are likely to excite both current owners and potential new customers alike. 

2.0 Treatment 

When Smith & Wesson launched the new M&P M2.0 line earlier this year, it signaled a change that would ripple across the line. The introduction of a M2.0 Shield model, which is part of the company’s M&P line, is not a surprise to me. 

A quick examination of the gun shows it has been given a similar texture improvement as the larger guns received. The new texture is aggressive and provides a more positive grip. Yes, people with sensitive hands may not like it. However, for a gun that may be used to save your life, the texture does offer more secure purchase if your hands are wet from rain, sweat or blood. 

Like the full size and compact M&P M2.0 pistols, the new Shield models have a new trigger. Smith & Wesson describes the new trigger as being crisper with a lighter pull. Also, the reset is easier to feel and hear.

Lasers & Night Sights

Out of the gate, Smith & Wesson is offer a number of sighting options for the M2.0 Shield. The standard model comes with 3-dot sights.

A buyer can upgrade to 3-dot night sights if he or she prefers. Considering that many self-defense encounters happen in reduced lighting conditions, night sights may appeal to you.

A third sighting option is a factory integrated laser aiming unit. Recently, Smith & Wesson’s parent company purchased Crimson Trace. I speculated then that we may see a range of new options in S&W firearms that included Crimson Trace products. This looks like one of them.

The new Integrated Crimson Trace Laser unit rides under the barrel of the pistol and is activated by a button on the side of the unit. It uses a red colored laser for aiming assistance.

Additional Details

As with the first-generation Shield pistols, these guns can be had with or without manual thumb safeties. I prefer a striker-fired pistol without a safety, but there are obviously a lot of people who disagree. S&W has options for both groups.

Also like the original pistols, the new Shield can be purchased in models chambered for the 9mm cartridge and for the .40 S&W cartridge.

These guns ship with a single flush fitting (7 rounds in 9mm and 6 rounds in .40 S&W) magazine and an extended magazine (one additional round in both calibers.)

Pricing varies depending on the options selected. For the base model gun in either caliber, the MSRP is $479. If you add tritium sights, the price increases to $579. For one of the models with the Crimson Trace laser, the price is a surprisingly affordable $499.

Concealability

The number one selling point of the single-stack pistols is how easy they are to conceal. Length is still an issue, usually, so they don’t make good pocket guns. Most are about an inch wide, though, which makes them great for appendix carry, and small of the back.

Multiple options for carry

If you aren’t inclined to carry appendix, or small of the back, there are other options. The single-stack guns are easy to conceal strong-side, out of (or in) the waistband. Get a thin holster that doesn’t add girth, and cover it up with a coattail or a long shirt. The single-stacks are even good candidates for cargo pocket carry, which makes carry in the summer easy (if not immediately, instantly accessible).

 Increased caliber selection

A brief study of single-stack pistols shows just how rapidly they’ve developed. .380s like the PPK gave way to other .380s. 9mms followed. Then Springfield Armory rocked the concealed carry world with the .45 ACP XDS. It wasn’t long before GLOCK dropped the 43, bringing a single-stack 9mm to the top spot.

 Controllability

This whole line of guns, though, regardless of the brand, has one thing in common. They are small, which means there isn’t a whole lot to hold onto. They can be jumpy. The harder hitting calibers have more muzzle-flip. But they are more easily controlled than the .380 mouse-guns like the Kel-Tec P3AT, or the Beretta Pico.

 Compromise

In the end, everything centers around compromise. A good single-stack looks like an actual gun. In many self-defense situations, that can be enough. It may not be as impressive as a full-sized GLOCK, but it can make a point. And the short barrel may drop off some pressure, but it still delivers good ballistic performance.

In the end, every point on this list points to compromise. And these guns are excellent options for those who won’t compromise on their self-defense.

The phrase, “affordable, exotic leather” sounds like an oxymoron. If something is exotic, it is by definition, uncommon. Things that are uncommon tend to fetch a higher price than more ordinary items. But somehow, the craftsman up in North Carolina at MTR have managed to do just that.

Founded in 2009 by Matthew and Stephanie - a young couple with no experience in business but a love of quality leather - MTR Custom Leather produces amazingly well-done holsters from some of the toughest, most beautiful leather available.

At Big 3 East 2017, co-owner Stephanie showed off some of their more exotic holsters including a pink alligator IWB holster and a new solid-leather self defense tool. The latter is the newest edition to their product lineup, and since it contains not metallic or edged components is safe and legal to carry in locations where most self defense tools are prohibited.

Constructed of compressed, multi-layered cured leather, the new Peace Maker is rock solid with just enough give to prevent the user from injuring themselves. It functions like a knuckle duster or brass knuckles, providing smaller folks a more powerful punch in a pinch.

This is great news for defense-minded individuals who fly often, as the MTR defense tool won’t be flagged by TSA, and doubles as a stress ball and grip strengthener. The small defense tool retails for $20.

As for the new holsters, MTR is not offering holsters (as well as other leather goods) in frog leather and Manta Ray - both are incredibly durable, beautiful comfortable and available in dozens of colors.

Depending on the holster size, material and color, these range in price from $39 for a basic IWB holster to $125 for a 1911 paddle holster made of shark leather. What’s more, MTR now makes special holsters that accommodate pistols with lights, lasers or other accessories attached - make them truly custom-fitted to the shooter’s pistol of choice.

All these products are available now, and anything not on the site can be custom ordered through email or over the phone.

If you are looking for a long-range rifle that won’t break the bank, take a look at the new Mesa Long Range from Christensen Arms. This short and long action bolt gun is chambered in several great distance cartridges with a sub MOA guarantee. Plus, it has a MSRP of less than $1,600.

According to the company, this gun is built on the proven Mesa platform. Performance wise, the Mesa Long Range is designed to fall between the existing Mesa rifles and the company’s dedicated precision rifles: the ELR and BA Tactical.

Christensen Arms uses a 416R stainless steel, free floated barrel with a medium Palma contour on these rifles. The length and twist rate are dependent on what cartridge they are chambered for. The following are cartridge chamberings for the Mesa Long Range along with the barrel information:

• 6.5 Creedmoor – 26” barrel with a 1:8” twist
• .308 Win – 24” barrel with a 1:10” twist
• .28 Nosler – 26” barrel with a 1:9” twist
• 7mm Rem Mag – 26” barrel with a 1:9” twist
• .300 Win Mag – 26” barrel with a 1:10” twist

Regardless of caliber, all of the barrels are threaded (5/8”x24) and come with both a thread protector and muzzle brake. The chambers are match grade.

A carbon fiber stock is used on these guns. An adjustable height comb is standard. It uses spacers to achieve the desired height. Christensen Arms uses Invar pillars and spot bedding. A recoil pad is affixed to the rear of the gun. As you can see in the photos, the stock is black with a gray webbing pattern. 

Additional features found on this rifle is a match grade trigger with a 2.5-3.5 pound pull, an enlarged ejection port, a fluted bolt knob and an internal magazine with a hinged floor plate. The magazine capacity is four rounds, though it is reduced to only three in the Magnum loads.

Long range rifles tend to be heavy due to the components used. While the Mesa Long Range is heavier than the original Mesa rifle, they all come in under 10 pounds. Depending on the chambering selected – and the corresponding barrel length and bore diameter – these guns weigh from 8.9 to 9.9 pounds.

The rated weights do not include an optic. Of course, no sights are included on these rifles. To keep things fairly simple, the receiver is set up to be compatible with any standard Remington 700 scope bases.

Are you tired of ot having enough rail space on our KRISS Vector? Well KRISS USA has come out with a modular handguard called the MK1 Rail. It slides over the lower recevier and bolts into the side where your side rails would normally be.

The KRISS Vector MK1 Modular Rail is designed as a bolt on hand guard extension for your KRISS Vector CRB, and is made from hard anodized aluminum alloy. The rail's shape follows the form factor of the KRISS Vector's body and is milled to reduce weight while still maintaining a rigid structure for support. The KRISS Vector MK1 Modular Rail features female threading along the three o'clock, six o'clock, and nine o'clock surfaces for the attachment of the included KRISS Vector Picatinny Side Rail Kit. The MK1 Modular Rail mounts directly to the body of your KRISS Vector and will fit on both the KRISS Vector GEN I and GEN II models.

 I first saw the MK1 rail at the last NRA show back in April. At first glance I thought they missed an opportunity to use MLOK rather than threaded holes and side rails. However that was due to my ignorance of the issues inherent in the design.

Looking at the Vector CRB above, you can see how little space there is between the handguard and the barrel shroud. There is not enough room to use MLOK hardware as the locking nut and screw would interefere with the shroud. In order to accomodate MLOK or Keymod, the rail would have to be larger. Here it is a slim as it can be.

In the past there were limited options in extended handguards for the KRISS Vector. Diamondhead USA made one a few years ago.

The Diamondhead handguard extended the top rail for a better sight picture but offered little in terms of side rails.

There are some airsoft quad rails that you could get like the one below.

Or you had to modify a handguard like I did on my KRISS Vector carbine. This was a Midwest Industries Gen 1 free float AR15 handguard. It was wide enough to fit around the barrel shroud and lower receiver.

According to KRISS USA the MK1 Rail has an internal diameter of 1.72". This should be perfect for using a suppressor underneath the handguard. KRISS USA markets this handguard for the carbine Vector however you could use it on a Vector pistol or SBR. The only issue is if you dont use a suppressor then your hand is dangerously close to the front of the muzzle and exposed to the muzzle blast.

The new KRISS Vector MK1 Rail retails for $149.95 and is available on their website.

So Long Tavor SAR, Thanks For The Memories

IWI has announced that they are phasing out their flagship rifle, the Tavor SAR. The Tavor SAR was well received in 2013 when it was released in the US Market.  However when IWI introduced their Tavor X95 in 2016, the Tavor SAR sales dropped. Shooters were embracing the upgrades of the X95. Lighter trigger, integrated rail system, magazine release button akin to an AR-15 and an interchangeable grip system.

IWI will be concentrating on the X95 as well as their new Tavor 7. The Tavor 7 is a new Tavor chambered in .308.

Here is the press release about the Tavor SAR.

Harrisburg, Pa. (September 2017) - IWI US, Inc., a subsidiary of Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) Ltd., announced today that they will be phasing out the original TAVOR® SAR from their product line.

 

The TAVOR SAR revolutionized the market for bullpup carbines in the US when it was first introduced in 2013. When the "next generation" TAVOR® X95™ was released in 2016, sales of the original SAR declined as consumers willingly embraced the improvements and upgrades in the X95.

 

"The market has spoken and it prefers the TAVOR X95", said Michael Kassnar, VP of Sales & Marketing for IWI US. "We will phase out TAVOR SAR production over the next few months and concentrate on our X95, along with our recently announced TAVOR 7, for the future."

 

The 2017 Golden Bullseye Award winning rifle of the year from Shooting Illustrated, the TAVOR X95's compact, ergonomic design coupled with it outstanding reliability has won rave reviews from the public and shooting sports media, as well as law enforcement agencies.

 

The TAVOR X95 bullpup includes many upgrades from the original SAR model including a new fire control pack with a 5 to 6 lb. trigger pull, a repositioning of the ambidextrous mag release to an AR-15 location, Picatinny rails at the 3, 6 and 9 o'clock positions on the forearm with removable rail covers, the charging handle moved closer to the shooter's center mass and a modular TAVOR style pistol grip that can be replaced with an optional standard pistol grip and traditional trigger guard with a smaller, lower profile bolt release button.

The TAVOR X95 is available in 5.56 in 16.5" barrel for right and left handed shooters, and an 18.5" barrel (also available for restricted states), 9mm with a 17" barrel  and the new .300 Blackout version. Conversion kits in 9mm and the new .300 Blackout are also available and color finishes include Black, Flat Dark Earth and OD Green. MSRP is $1,999.00 (.300 BLK is $2,049.00).