American Handgunner back issues from March 2009:
Messin' with 'em.(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)(Letter to the editor)
Mar 01, 2009; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Admit it, you had Mike wear that thing just to mess with that "Kimber puts runes on its guns so they and the LAPD must be Nazis" guy from a few issues back, didn't you? Yep, I would have too. Marty Ross Via e-mail ...
Gun culture at work.(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)(Letter to the editor)
Mar 01, 2009; ... I work for a very large package shipping company. Every package coming through our building gets handled by loaders like me. A few months ago I was laboring away as usual when down the chute comes a single Chip McCormick Custom .45 magazine. It wasn't apparent which box it had come from. A ...
"Baron Duke".(SPEAK OUT: YOUR FORUM TO PONTIFICATE, PONDER AND PROBE)(Letter to the editor)
Mar 01, 2009 ... If Yvonne keeps letting him wear that thing (Duke's German helmet), do we have to ...
Revolver happiness.(SPEAK OUT)(Letter to the editor)
Mar 01, 2009; ... Of late, I've noticed you're covering more revolvers, and I've especially enjoyed reading about the compact models. It's brought back an appreciation for the revolver. Sometimes I nearly salivate when reading some articles (try not to picture it). I ...
Takes two.(SPEAK OUT)(Letter to the editor)
Mar 01, 2009; ... In 2008, Taffin has tested both the Charter Arms DA-only .44 Bulldog, and more recently the Charter Arms Patriot .327 Federal. It happens I've been trying to figure out which one of these to buy so I ...
Squirrel meds.(SPEAK OUT)(Letter to the editor)
Mar 01, 2009; ... I have never written to a magazine of any kind before but I felt compelled to write this time. J.D. Jones wrote an article on "the little ones" (Handgun Hunting Jan/Feb 2009). The last sentence in his column was both exhilarating and heartbreaking. I thought I was the only person to use a ...
Too loud?(SPEAK OUT)(Letter to the editor)
Mar 01, 2009; ... The letter from Damion Pauksta (Speak Out, Jan/Feb 2009) was a joke, right? Someone has broken into his home and he's worried about his hearing when he shoots the poor victim of society who is forced to rob and kill to exist? Get a S&W 325PD with ...
And ...(SPEAK OUT)(Letter to the editor)
Mar 01, 2009; ... I'm writing to thank Clint Smith for the good advice he gave me in his recent column (Reality Check, "Why Not A Revolver?," Nov/Dec 2008). I've always preferred semiautos for the simple reason they fit my hand well and I hadn't met a revolver that would. There were only two revolvers I had ...
Frisco fan.(SPEAK OUT)(Letter to the editor)
Mar 01, 2009; ... You are my sanctuary here in San Francisco. I'm writing today to acknowledge what you bring to those who are not as lucky to live in an area supportive to gun owners. I was born and raised in San Francisco, as my father was. I still live and work as a physician in this city, and I am a gun ...
Uh-oh, more liberals.(SPEAK OUT)(Letter to the editor)
Mar 01, 2009; ... Despite some recent letters from self-described gun-owning liberals like Chris and A.M. in recent issues, I'm in agreement with His Editorship. There are fundamental differences between liberals and conservatives that extend far beyond simple gun ownership. Conservatives, generally, ...
And ...: in reference to your response to the letter from "A.M." in Oakland, I think one of the reasons you personally have not swayed the so-called liberals to your side is because, right or wrong, as editor of your fine magazine, you are perceived to have an agenda.(SPEAK OUT)(Letter to the editor)
Mar 01, 2009; ... In reference to your response to the letter from "A.M." in Oakland, I think one of the reasons you personally have not swayed the so-called liberals to your side is because, right or wrong, as editor of your fine magazine, you are perceived to have an agenda. While we liberals, when making ...
Change-voter.(SPEAK OUT)(Letter to the editor)
Mar 01, 2009; ... I know some of these democrats who, in spite of being gun owners, hunters and shooters consistently vote for gun-grabber democrats just because they are dems--including voting for Obama. I also know some dems who, like me, saw the light somewhere along the line, put their freedoms above ...
Perfect Packin' Pistol?(SPEAK OUT)(Letter to the editor)
Mar 01, 2009; ... First off, thanks for the fine publications you guys put together. I can honestly say out of all the gun rags out there your magazines are not only the most informative, but the most entertaining. This is mainly for Mr. Taffin as it's come to my attention he is the in-house ...
New shooter.(SPEAK OUT)(Letter to the editor)
Mar 01, 2009; ... I'm a 49-year old male and I have not owned any type of gun--until recently. After a nearby home invasion hit too close to home I bought a Smith & Wesson .357 magnum, and now I'm trying to figure out what to buy next. Coincidently, I also recently cancelled my local newspaper subscription ...
Luger glitches.(SPEAK OUT)(Letter to the editor)
Mar 01, 2009; ... About a year ago I read a comment somewhere saying the 9mm ammo manufactured for the Luger in Europe has a more powerful charge than similar ammo made in the USA. If one mistakenly uses American-made ammo it does not have enough energy to knock back the toggle and the pistol will not ...
Recalcitrant rimfires.(PISTOL SMITHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP ON PISTOLSMITHING TECHNIQUES)
Mar 01, 2009; ... More .22 ammunition is expended than most all other ammunitions put together--and that will continue for as long as our poor representatives in Washington allow us. The ammo is cheap as dirt, as are most of the scores of guns chambered for the stuff. For these reasons the old .22 has its ...
Timely tips.(PISTOL SMITHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP ON PISTOLSMITHING TECHNIQUES)
Mar 01, 2009; ... Lead buildup in the throat and chamber is a major problem with all .22 caliber guns. If you shoot shorts in a long rifle chamber a lead ring will form where the case rim meets the bullet. After firing just a few rounds of shorts or CB Longs you will have to clean out the lead ring or you ...
Dry fire it?(PISTOL SMITHING: THE INSIDE SCOOP ON PISTOLSMITHING TECHNIQUES)
Mar 01, 2009; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "Can I dry fire my 22?" The answer is usually, yes. Many, if not all of the old original American and European .22 rimfires were fitted with floating firing pins similar to today's centerfire rifles and pistols. In other words, the firing pin tip just ...
Herrett's custom handgun stocks.(TAFFIN TESTS: THE SIXGUNNER HIMSELF: GUNS, GEAR AND MORE)
Mar 01, 2009; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Fifty years ago I wanted to make a good impression on the young blonde now known as Diamond Dot. She was not a shooter and this was her first time ever to fire a gun. She really liked the looks of the faux pearl grips on my Smith 8: Wesson .357 Magnum ...
Proper fit.(TAFFIN TESTS: THE SIXGUNNER HIMSELF: GUNS, GEAR AND MORE)
Mar 01, 2009; ... Normally Rod does not need a semiauto or DA revolver for the fitting of grips, however there is quite a bit of variation found on single action sixguns so my 71/2" pre-warning New Model .45 Colt Blackhawk and an Old Model .44 Magnum Super Blackhawk were left to be fitted with Single Action ...
Mika's pocket holster.(CARRY OPTIONS: FROM CLASSICS TO CUTTING EDGE IN CARRY METHODS)
Mar 01, 2009; ... I always give my buddies a hard time when they go about their day unarmed. I've heard every excuse possible, ranging from "it's uncomfortable" to "I don't have a gun other than my duty weapon and it's too big to carry concealed." My usual response ...
A pain.(CARRY OPTIONS: FROM CLASSICS TO CUTTING EDGE IN CARRY METHODS)
Mar 01, 2009; ... I'm so much of a pain to my friends about how it's their responsibility to go armed; some have tried to catch me not walking-what-I-talk. A few years ago I was at a BBQ in my best So-Cal duds--shorts, tee shirt and flip flops--when my buddy said, "Caught you." "Not packing? Are ...
No excuses.(CARRY OPTIONS: FROM CLASSICS TO CUTTING EDGE IN CARRY METHODS)
Mar 01, 2009; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] I found out about Mika's Pocket holsters several years ago from a DEA buddy of mine. I told him I was looking for a pocket holster for my J-frame. He smiled as he worked his Mika pocket holster and J-frame from his pocket. He told me he had been using ...
Oops!(CARRY OPTIONS: FROM CLASSICS TO CUTTING EDGE IN CARRY METHODS)(Correction notice)
Mar 01, 2009; ... In the Jan/Feb Carry Options we listed Rafter-L Gunleather's Web ...
Why a holster?(REALITY CHECK[TM]: FIRST-PERSON THOUGHTS ON SURVIVING IN THE REAL WORLD)
Mar 01, 2009; ... I was sorta' stunned the other day when someone said to me, "why do I need to buy a holster, I'll just shove the pistol in my belt." This is quite a question after all the pulp expended on the reasons to carry a proper holster. In reality I guess there are always those who don't get it ....
Other methods.(REALITY CHECK[TM]: FIRST-PERSON THOUGHTS ON SURVIVING IN THE REAL WORLD)
Mar 01, 2009; ... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Big guns are better than small ones for personal defense. Much ado--or as I prefer to call it whining--is made about how uncomfortable it is to carry. We need to get over it and move forward. The guns are not going to be easy or always comfortable, nor ...
Glocken-shooters!(WINNING EDGE: SOLID ADVICE TO KEEP YOU AHEAD OF THE COMPETITION)
Mar 01, 2009; ... Ten national titles were on the line at the United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA) 2008 matches. Men's and women's titles were awarded in each of five divisions: Revolver, Limited, Production, Limited-10 and Open. Perhaps fortunately for other gunmakers, Glock ...
Reloading the .45 ACP part 2: sixguns.(HANDLOADING: SAGE ADVICE FROM THE HANDLOADING GURUS)
Mar 01, 2009; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Today's crop of .45 ACP semiautos are exceptionally dependable, definitely accurate, and certainly make one of the best, if not the best, option for self-defense use and concealed carry. However, revolvers chambered for the .45 ACP will take the heaviest ...
In the beginning.(HANDLOADING: SAGE ADVICE FROM THE HANDLOADING GURUS)
Mar 01, 2009; ... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] The concept of the .45 ACP revolver goes all the way back to World War I when S&W and Colt adapted the .45 ACP cartridge to their big DA revolvers. An engineer at S&W came up with the idea of the half-moon clip which held three cartridges and two of these ...
News from SIG-SAUER.(COP TALK: OPINION AND FACTS FROM THE MEAN STREETS)
Mar 01, 2009; ... First it was SIG-Sauer, then it was SIG ARMS and now they call themselves SIG-SAUER. However they phrase or spell it, this organization provides the second largest-selling brand of police duty handguns in the United States--and they want to catch up with number-one seller Glock. ...
P250 vs. SP2022.(COP TALK: OPINION AND FACTS FROM THE MEAN STREETS)
Mar 01, 2009; ... Already established in Europe for a few years, the P250 started hitting dealer shelves and-police armories stateside just last veal. It's unique in the internal fire control mechanism constitutes the serial numbered gun itself, and barrels, slides, etc. are furnished in different sizes and ...
Classic line updates.(COP TALK: OPINION AND FACTS FROM THE MEAN STREETS)
Mar 01, 2009; ... The SAS variation of traditional SIG-SAUER "Classic line" designs, with factory "melted" edges, will become available with plain plastic stocks and less fancy finishes. More "go" less "show" SIG's DAK option ("Double Action --Kellerman," with a nod to its designer) has become hugely ...
9mm Luger.(SHOOTING IRON[TM]: THUMB BUSTIN' MUSINGS FROM THE DUKE)
Mar 01, 2009; ... As strange as it may sound coming from someone known for a big bore sixgun affliction, I've come to be a 9mm fan. Such a feeling certainly doesn't come from considering it a super duper defensive handgun cartridge. I know very little about such things. My newfound acceptance of the 9mm ...
Reloading.(SHOOTING IRON[TM]: THUMB BUSTIN' MUSINGS FROM THE DUKE)
Mar 01, 2009; ... Owning these guns has led to a considerable amount of 9mm Luger reloading. In order to feed my sub guns I mounted a Dillon Square Deal B press dedicated to 9mm. I picked the Square Deal press for two reasons. First, it's one of the smaller progressive type presses so I've been able to put ...
What? More?(SHOOTING IRON[TM]: THUMB BUSTIN' MUSINGS FROM THE DUKE)
Mar 01, 2009; ... And here are two more reasons the Dillon Square Deal is indispensable. It has a carbide sizing die so there's no need to lube the brass and the seating die is a taper crimp type. That last feature is really important and here's why: back in 1977 with that S&W Model 39 I owned I didn't have ...
No soda, no ice. Just plain, straight-up talk.(GUNCRANK DIARIES[TM]: EXCUSES, ALIBIS, PITHY OBSERVATIONS & GENERAL EPHUS)
Mar 01, 2009; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] One of the benefits of bein' busted up an' crippled is I get to catch up on e-mail from you guys! Usually, given the kinda stuff you write to me about, I can keep answers pretty brief, like, "Dude! Great idea, but don't shoot it in your own gun--borrow ...
Don't clap too loud.(GUNCRANK DIARIES[TM]: EXCUSES, ALIBIS, PITHY OBSERVATIONS & GENERAL EPHUS)
Mar 01, 2009; ... Q: What do you think of the Heller decision? We won! That's great, isn't it? Umm ... Isn't it? Lots of folks are high-fivin', back-slapping and celebrating the Supreme Court's 5-4 decision in D.C. v. Heller. People who ought to know better are claiming this decision has, ...
Our "friends" ain't so hot.(GUNCRANK DIARIES[TM]: EXCUSES, ALIBIS, PITHY OBSERVATIONS & GENERAL EPHUS)
Mar 01, 2009; ... As for those five justices joining in the majority opinion, it seemed to me the lackluster zeal of a few for protecting our rights was less than inspiring. In some ways it seemed the majority's conclusions were grudging and reluctant. And consider these points: First, there Were ...
Fighting on another front.(GUNCRANK DIARIES[TM]: EXCUSES, ALIBIS, PITHY OBSERVATIONS & GENERAL EPHUS)
Mar 01, 2009; ... Dr. Lawrence Tribe is a professor of constitutional law at Harvard. For many years he has been recognized as a top authority in the field. For almost as long, he had held the Second Amendment addressed a "collective" right, not an individual right, therefore arms could be restricted to ...
Over the horizon--barely.(GUNCRANK DIARIES[TM]: EXCUSES, ALIBIS, PITHY OBSERVATIONS & GENERAL EPHUS)
Mar 01, 2009; ... Q: So, do you think another "Assault Weapons Ban" is coming? A: It's mid-October as I write this, and the coming November election will probably give you not just a clue, but a clear statement wrapped around a brick and hurled through your window. According to the LameStream ...
Seeklander's secrets.(BETTER SHOOTING)
Mar 01, 2009; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Mike Seeklander is a top practical shooting competitor, classed as a Grand Master by the United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA). Currently he is chief operating officer with the U.S. Shooting Academy at Tulsa, OK. The USSA is one ...
Forgotten high-vel king.(HANDGUN HUNTING: TIPS, TECHNIQUES AND POLITICAL-INCORRECTNESS)
Mar 01, 2009; ... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] The .30 Mauser was invented by an American, Hugo Borchardt, and chambered in the Borchardt semiauto pistol in 1893 by Ludwig & Lowe, a German firm. L & L became DWM and the pistol was redesigned to become the Luger. The .30 Mauser (7.63x25) was dropped by ...
Works fine.(HANDGUN HUNTING: TIPS, TECHNIQUES AND POLITICAL-INCORRECTNESS)
Mar 01, 2009; ... The Russian military increased the pressure and velocity and changed the name to the 7.62x25 Russian Yokarev for the PPSH series of submachine guns and Tokarev pistols. They then made them by the kajillions for their satellite countries and China. Keep in mind, this ammunition is not ...
200 yards?(HANDGUN HUNTING: TIPS, TECHNIQUES AND POLITICAL-INCORRECTNESS)
Mar 01, 2009; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It's an amazing little cartridge. At best in the autopistols, it's a close-up small game gun even with soft point ammunition. I got interested in it with the series of Whisper cartridges. Handloaded in a silenced 7"-barreled SSK Contender "7.63 MINI ...
Suicide by cop: the Chris Raper incident.(The Ayoob Files)
Mar 01, 2009; ... Situation: The criminal suspect you are interviewing turns away, then suddenly turns back at you, a pistol coming up in his hand ... Lessons: Some opponents aren't afraid to die, because they came to the scene to do just that. Training and decisive response can keep you from ...
Alan Harton's magic: sow's ear becomes a silk purse!(THE SIXGUNNER)
Mar 01, 2009; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Even outside of Disneyland the world is a magical place. King Midas had tile golden touch and Merlin mystified the court of King Arthur with his magical feats; the Starship Enterprise routinely beamed crewmembers tip and down; and the magicians of ...
The world's most stable currency: ammo and you can shoot it too!
Mar 01, 2009; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] My favorite saying about ammunition came from one of the most combat-experienced men on the planet. He was born in a central Asian nomadic tribe which refused to be "collectivized" by the Soviets or exterminated by the Red Chinese. His people were hunted ...
Hi-power perfection.
Mar 01, 2009; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Two Well-Dressed Ladies Around 1974 I was a newbie reserve cop in a small town in Southern California called Chula Vista. It was my first experience in the business and I was getting my feet wet to make sure it's what I wanted to do. Part of ...
S&W's Performance Center.
Mar 01, 2009; ... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] If you look at the history of any sport or industry you'll find people who are engaged in pushing the envelope regarding design, technology or product performance in their respective fields. They're consistently unhappy with the normal or standard, they ...
Museum & engraving!
Mar 01, 2009; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] If you don't already know, you need to know S&W offers factory engraving on your gun or a new gun you're buying. It doesn't have to be a S&W product, but of course, if you're popping for that new Performance Center or Classic Series gun, why not get a ...
2008 STI/American Handgunner World Shootoff championship.
Mar 01, 2009; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Isn't the side-by-side shoot-off the best part of a handgun match? The excitement is shared by the competitors as well as the spectators. The self-imposed pressure we feel during a timed individual string of fire is nothing compared to the pressure during ...
WWH handguns: what would Duke have carried?
Mar 01, 2009; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In World War II handguns were probably the least significant weapon used by any combatant nation. Bayonets probably saw more action. Put a different way, if handguns had never been issued to anyone in that conflict, would the outcome have been different? ...
Brownells: 30,000 gun parts, tools and goodies visiting an industry icon.
Mar 01, 2009; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] I think I ordered my first few parts and tools from Brownells when I was about 15 years old. I distinctly remember working that magic, goodie-infested, distinctively big catalog over until its pages were frayed and smeared with gun-greased kid fingers ....
DiamondBlade Knives: bringing new meaning to the word edge.
Mar 01, 2009; ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A knife is a simple tool for the most part; just a cutting edge with a handle on it. What separates an average knife from a great knife is its ability to handle well, cut like a house on fire, and hold a sharp edge. These are the three most important ...
Competition electronics.(GUNNYSACK)
Mar 01, 2009; ... If you don't have a chronograph then you belong on an Internet forum arguing about things you don't know anything about. I've heard it time and time again, "hey, I'll bet my load goes 1,980 fps, since I use the load the book says and boost it a bit more!" But they don't know, they're only ...
Cylinder & slide recoil plunger.(GUNNYSACK)
Mar 01, 2009; ... You ever done this: carefully rotate the barrel bushing on a 1911, carefully capture the recoil plunger head with your finger, then carefully slide your finger out of the way to catch it, then watch it launch itself across the garage to finally hide "back there" in the deepest-darkest ...
PowerAssist multi-tool.(SPOTLIGHT)
Mar 01, 2009 ... SOG Knives The new SOG PowerAssist tokes multi-tools to a new level. This is the first in the world to house not just one but two assisted opening blades. Start to open the main blade, which is available when the tool is closed, and S.A.T takes over to complete the ...
Damascus Bowie.(SPOTLIGHT)
Mar 01, 2009 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Gordon Graham Knifemaker Knifemaker Gordon Graham brings n new life to the most famous knife of the 1800s. Graham has token the basic classic Bowie Design an mode it in Damascus steel far o beautiful new twist. There are 300 layers in a ladder ...
Operator Grade Tactical Pants.(SPOTLIGHT)
Mar 01, 2009 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] EOTAC The new Operator Grade Tactical Pants from EOTAC are the most versatile and durable mission reedy pants available. Using the proprietary Tactic-Fit sizinng system, the EOTAC punts are designed around the end user. The Action Waist has ...
Book of black powder revolvers.(SPOTLIGHT)
Mar 01, 2009 ... Blue Book Publications If you love blackpowder revolvers, u stern warning is in order. This book might make you drool in public. It might even inspire unbridled envy. Books like this one are produced to make us wistful as we turn page after page of wonderful color photographs of ...
X26 Nemisis cargo holster.(SPOTLIGHT)
Mar 01, 2009 ... DeSantis Hoisters This ambidextrous holster was designed to fit the thigh pocket of most cargo pants. It can be carried either strong side or as o cross draw and is built from a very viscous material The ATT6100 is quite sticky and will absolutely not move out of position in the ...
Crystal 1911.(SPOTLIGHT)
Mar 01, 2009 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Crystal Pistols Crystal Pistols are authentic replicas of the three most popular hand guns in use today--The Mil-spec 1911, the S&W Revolver, and the Glock 21. Each is faithfully reproduced in fine lead crystal in actual size and suitable for ...
IOK-47-C with Polymer Stock.(SPOTLIGHT)
Mar 01, 2009 ... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] I.O. Inc. I.O. Inc. is proud to announce the IOK 47 C rifle with Polymer Stock Modeled offer the famous AK-47 design in caliber 7 62x39 it is completely made in the USA These rifles boast excellent precision and include u US made ...
Model x-22p pistol.(SPOTLIGHT)
Mar 01, 2009 ... Excel Arms Excel Arms is proud to show the new Model x-22p pistol. She's CNC machined from solid aluminum and chambered in .22LR. Built to accept 10/22 magazines, the x-22p has adjustable sights and an integral weaver base to ...
1911 exotic wood grips.(SPOTLIGHT)
Mar 01, 2009 ... GB Diamond Grips [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The 1911 is a classic pistol design which seamlessly combined form with function. Now, GB Diamond Grips offers an added touch of elegance to enhance this enduring sidearm. The concept is simple. A diamond shaped inlay inserted ...