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Gun Nuts Articles for 2016

Posted on by C. J. Daniel

I haven’t posted in a while and it wasn’t because I was sick, dead or suddenly turned liberal. No, the simple fact was my trial period had expired and Caleb was deciding if I was worthy of keeping or if I was to be publicly flailed. Obviously I got a stay of flailing – for now.

With that in mind I wanted to lay out some article goals for 2016. A brain storm of what you can expect from me in the next year. This will help you hit the ignore button sooner, if you so desire.

GOALS

Dry fire – There I said it! I promote dry fire. In fact, the more friends and co-worker discover I deep into firearms, the more request I get for advice on guns, gear, and shooting better. Whether competition or self-defense my most common answer is dry fire. That is normally received with confusion until I explain what I mean. I foresee a multitude of articles that elaborate on this subject.

If turn the tables on a common liberal thought – if dry fire articles help just one person perform better in a self-defense situation, then it is worth it.

Usable Skills and Drills – There are scores upon scores of live fire and dry fire drills out there in the shooting world. Virtually all of them are fun, but only a small percentage really supercharges your skill building. During the past year I have discovered a few that work and a great many that waste ammo. I plan to do more this year, so those that are serious about getting better can separate the pepper from the fly shit. Those drills that are deemed less than effective can be tucked away for fun, less formal, range sessions with friends.

Light Use – Is light reflection really an issue at 3:30am? Does it matter they type of light, i.e.: incandescent, LED, lantern, Bic lighter? I don’t know and I have yet to see an article written evaluating it from that view point. Let’s set a test light by the bedside table, set an alarm and find out. Is it worth carrying a weapon mounted light if you CCW? I don’t know, many trainers say we should, but what do the crime stats tell us?

Long Term Reviews – I have a few items that I can review after owning and using them for years. Some are good and some are mediocre.

Gear Reviews and Mods – Some gear is greatness when bought whereas some is only serviceable; but some of that serviceable gear could be great with a few mods. My friends and co-workers have accused me of modifying everything and leaving nothing stock. Guilty as charged. If I know of an improvement or a decent hack I’ll share it here, but only if I have verified it first.

Gearhead Tech? – Maybe… I love hot rods and engine performance, and while I won’t whip anyone with articles about hot rods, there are certain areas of engine and mechanical knowledge the lay person can use – mechanical knowledge that could be useful when you are evaluating a car for purchase, or taking it in for repair. Being able to tell if the mechanic is feeding you a line of shit is a handy skill to have. Don’t expect more than a one or maybe two of these articles as this is a gun blog, but they are skills that increase your overall preparedness in life and frankly the money saved on car repairs can be used for guns.

Until next time – stay safe.

1911

5 reasons why I hate the 1911

Posted on by Caleb

There’s something about shooting 1911s that reminds me how much I hate the platform. No matter how many times I divest myself of them, sell them, I always seem to end up back with them. In fact, I’ve done some of the worst shooting of my life with 1911s of various flavors.

The 1911 has a lot of problems, and here are five reasons why it sometimes just drives me completely insane.

motivational1911

1. Shootability
1911s are easy to shoot. Ridiculously so. In fact, the light triggers, solid ergonomics and relative ease of operation make them so easy to shoot that you can often hide poor fundamentals behind them. For example, if you struggle with managing your trigger, just tune that 1911 trigger down to 2.5 pounds! Trigger pull issues solved. Hiding skill deficiencies behind equipment impedes your growth as a shooter and can lead to failure at critical moments.

Safariland ALS with Colt 1911-1

2. Endless customization
You know what’s awesome? Buying a used 1911 and having no idea what kind of amateur gunsmithing has gone into the gun. Did someone do a “trigger job” that broke through the surface hardening of the sear? Now your gun might go full auto and you’ll never know until it happens! Plus, parts from Manufacturer X might not fight guns from Company Y, which you also won’t know until after you’ve bought them and failed to install them.

3. So many flavors
This just drives me nuts. There are so many companies making guns called “1911” that the designation has become almost meaningless. It’s to the point that the likelihood of parts from one 1911 fitting another 1911 is pretty much slim and none, which means if you want to standardize on 1911s, you’ll need to also standardize on a manufacturer to make sure you can keep and adequate supply of spares on hand. Don’t even get me started on magazines; even the gold standard of 1911 mags don’t always work right with every gun!

battlefield hardline 1911

4. Pop culture and historical connections
Oh my gosh, you’re always hearing 1911 fanboys go on and on about how “it was in WW2” or “it was in Vietnam” or “how awesome it looked in that one scene in SWAT where the guy’s gun has a clear stovepipe and the propmaster didn’t bother to fix it when the shot changes (seriously, that happened…twice – ed).” No one cares! Looking cool in movies has exactly diddly squat to do with whether a gun will work when you need it to, otherwise Kel-Tecs would be winning world championships and riding in cop holsters. It’s just a bunch of fanboys trying to justify their sad devotion to an ancient religion.

5. John Moses Browning
Yes, I get it. JMB was straight up prolific as an inventor, and also likely a super genius. But he’s no more significant a historical figure than Hiram Maxim or Sam Colt, and half the features on the 1911 weren’t even in his original design. The grip safety that people looooooooooooooooooooooove because it makes the gun sooper-extra-safe was put on at the insistence of the Army…for cavalry troopers! Cavalry!

I really do hate the 1911 platform, ever since I shot my first one years and years ago, and I continue to hate it to this day. I also love it a little bit, but honestly you can’t hate anything and not love it a little at the same time. Why do you hate the 1911?

1911

5 reasons I love the 1911

Posted on by Caleb

There’s something about shooting 1911s that reminds me how much I love the platform. No matter how many times I divest myself of them, sell them, I always seem to end up back with them. In fact, I’ve done some of the best shooting of my life with 1911s of various flavors.

Caleb on the Mover

The 1911 has a lot going for it, and here are five reasons why I just can’t seem to quit the platform.

1. Shootability
Right up front, here’s where it is for me. The 1911 platform lends itself to being easy to shoot. Regardless of the chambering, whether it’s .45, 9mm, .40 S&W, or .38 Super, 1911s just tend to be easy to shoot. Part of it’s the steel frame, part of it’s the (generally) light single action triggers, the fact that the grips give you tons of gun to hold on to; 1911s are just easy to shoot well.

Sig 1911 Carry Scorpion

2. Endless customization
One of the great things about being a 1911 armorer is that if there’s something about a 1911 I don’t like, I can probably find parts to make it into something I do like. Don’t like the sights? Change ’em! Don’t like the trigger pull? Change it! Hell, if you’re a proper crazy person like me you can even buy a part to disable the Series 80 safety that a lot of modern 1911s have.

3. So many flavors
So maybe a Government sized all steel .45 ACP 1911 isn’t your flavor. That’s fine, because you could get a Commander sized aluminum frame 1911 in 9mm instead! Or a double stack 6 inch gun in .40 S&W! While the 1911 tends to run the best in it’s intended format as a 5 inch .45 ACP, you have so many options when it comes to selecting your 1911 to the point where it’s easy to get decision paralysis. Do you want a Colt Defender in 9mm? Do you want a Springfield Operator? So many choices.

Kimber Team Match II

4. Pop culture and historical connections
Magnum P.I. World War II. Last Man Standing. SWAT. Jeff Cooper.

The list of famous movies, famous people, and historical events that the 1911 has been involved in goes on and on and on forever. Whether you’re a fan of the classic GI models used in World War II or Vietnam movies or modern 1911s like the ones used in SWAT or Battlefield Hardline, there is a fictional universe where you can watch your favorite 1911 play. That doesn’t even touch on the real, legitimate historical connection that the 1911 has to some of the most important military events of all time; or it’s connection to some of the founding fathers of modern pistol shooting. Let’s face it, the 1911 is as important to the development of the shooting sports as the Modern Technique itself.

5. John Moses Browning
Need I say more? Only the greatest firearms inventor of all time. JMB.

I really do love the 1911 platform, ever since I shot my first one years and years ago, and I continue to love it to do this day. I also hate it a little bit, but honestly you can’t love anything and not hate it a little at the same time. Why do you love the 1911?

Springfield XD

Springfield Armory® Launches New Suppressor Ready XD(M)® Pistols

Posted on by Caleb

9mm And .45 ACP Models Silencer Ready Out Of The Box With Threaded Barrels And Suppressor Sights

GENESEO, IL, January 12, 2016 – Springfield Armory® is pleased to announce two new suppressor ready XD(M)® handguns. The new 4.5-inch barrel models chambered in 9mm and .45 ACP feature extended pre-threaded barrels and extra-tall suppressor height sights that allow attachment of standard silencers with no customization required.

gunup the magazine july cover springfield armory

The new two new XD(M)® 4.5-inch Full-Size models feature flat dark earth frames matched with a forged carbon steel Melonite® slides.

“Shooters are buying suppressors in record numbers,” observed Springfield Armory® CEO Dennis Reese. “”Shooting pistols suppressed is not only enjoyable, it’s also safer for shooters and bystanders both due to the greatly reduced noise levels. It was important to us to make it as easy as possible for our customers to use a suppressor of their choice.”

The 5.28” barrel extends ¾” from the front of the slide, so no adapter is required – customers can simply attach a silencer directly to the existing barrel threads. The 9mm XD(M)® Threaded model features the standard ½” x 28 threading while the .45 ACP model is cut with a .578” x 28 threads per inch pattern. Both models ship with a thread protector cap to prevent damage while shooting unsuppressed.

Both front and rear sights are custom designed and tall enough to ensure visibility over most standard suppressor bodies. The steel three-dot sights are finely serrated on the shooter-facing sides to minimize glare and provide a more crisp sight picture. The front sight rises .365-inches above the top of the slide for unobstructed sight picture visibility.

“We decided to offer the suppressor models in both 9mm and .45 ACP to meet a variety of customer shooting preferences,” says Reese. “.45 ACP is naturally subsonic, and a perfect choice for suppressor use, but we’re also excited about 9mm options. Our counterparts in the ammunition business are making some great and affordable 9mm subsonic rounds, so we wanted to build a gun for that caliber too.”

Beyond the suppressor-specific changes, the XD(M)® 4.5 Threaded Model shares the same great features of the standard XD(M)® models including match grade hammer forged barrels, interchangeable backstraps, and classic XD® ergonomics.

Both new XD(M)® Threaded models ship with three magazines. The 9mm versions hold 19 rounds each while the .45 ACP magazines fit 13.

The new XD(M)® 4.5” Full-Size Threaded offers everything customers desire in a full-size pistol, just in a quieter package.

About Springfield Armory®
“The First Name in American Firearms,” Springfield Armory® was founded in 1777, when George Washington ordered the creation of an armory to store ammunition and gun carriages during the American Revolution. In 1794, the armory began to manufacture muskets and spent the next 150 years supplying firearms for every major American conflict. The original armory closed in 1968. In 1974, the Reese family took ownership of the Springfield Armory® name and began making the M1A™ rifle. Today, Springfield Armory® develops many products loyal to the company’s heritage, like the 1911 pistol, while ensuring its future with innovative products, including the XD®, XD® Mod.2™ XD(M)® and XD-S® polymer pistols.

Smith & Wesson

Smith & Wesson® Introduces 2nd Generation M&P® 15 SPORT™ Rifle

Posted on by Caleb

Market Leading MSR Delivers Expanded Features, Added Value

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (January 11, 2016) — Smith & Wesson Corp. today announced that it has expanded its popular M&P family of Modern Sporting Rifles (MSRs) with the introduction of the M&P15 SPORT II — a 2nd generation M&P15 SPORT rifle. Backed by the company’s reputation for high quality components and consistent, proven reliability, the new M&P15 SPORT II offers enhanced upgrades to the original, industry leading M&P15 SPORT rifle. Delivering a ready-to-go package with the additional features of a forward bolt assist and dust cover, the M&P15 SPORT II provides added value to this already time-tested platform.

m&p15 sport gen 2

Dependable, accurate and engineered for a wide variety of recreational, sport shooting and professional applications, the M&P15 SPORT II provides the best combination of price and function. Manufactured on a forged upper and lower receiver constructed of 7075 T6 aluminum, the new M&P15 SPORT II is as rugged as it is capable. Chambered in 5.56 NATO, the new rifle has been fitted with a 16-inch barrel comprised of 4140 steel with a 1 in 9-inch twist. For added longevity, the rifle features a durable corrosion resistant Armornite® finish along with a chrome-lined bolt carrier, gas key and firing pin.

The M&P15 SPORT II comes with an adjustable, folding Magpul® MBUS® rear sight and an adjustable A2-post front sight. The standard rifle has been furnished with a six-position telescopic butt stock and a 30-round PMAG®. The MSR measures 35 inches with the stock fully extended and 32 inches collapsed. The M&P15 SPORT II has an unloaded weight of 6.5 pounds and is standard with an A2-style flash suppressor and a forged, integral trigger guard.

The M&P15 SPORT II will also be available in state compliant models.

For more information on Smith & Wesson’s M&P family of products, including the complete line of M&P15 SPORT rifles, please visit www.smith-wesson.com.

About Smith & Wesson
Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC) is a U.S.-based leader in firearm manufacturing and design, delivering a broad portfolio of quality firearms, related products, and training to the global military, law enforcement, and consumer markets. The company’s firearm division brands include Smith & Wesson®, M&P®, and Thompson/Center Arms™. As an industry leading manufacturer of shooting, reloading, gunsmithing and gun cleaning supplies, the company’s accessories division produces innovative, top quality products under Battenfeld Technologies, Inc., including Caldwell® Shooting Supplies, Wheeler® Engineering, Tipton® Gun Cleaning Supplies, Frankford Arsenal® Reloading Tools, Lockdown® Vault Accessories, and Hooyman™ Premium Tree Saws. Smith & Wesson facilities are located in Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut, and Missouri. For more information on Smith & Wesson, call (800) 331-0852 or log on to www.smith-wesson.com.

1911

1911 Rating System

Posted on by Caleb

Based on the popularity of the Taurus PT1911 torture test, and how many of you people want me to keep testing “budget” 1911s in 9mm, I’ve come up with an evaluation plan for how to proceed from here.

Taurus PT1911 9mm

Now that it’s hit 2,000 rounds, the Taurus will go on the shelf, albeit temporarily. The idea is to then acquire samples of other budget/entry level 1911s, such as Rock Island, Springfield RO, etc. Those guns will be subjected to the exact same test cycle at the PT1911, with the results reported here. Then once the stable of guns have all reached 2,000 rounds, I will use my awesome and terrible powers as a certified 1911 armorer to try and correct whatever issues I may have with the pistol. I’ve even come up with a scoring system!

All kinds have a maximum possible score of 100 points, and all guns start with a perfect score. As the 2,000 round test goes, guns lose points for various issues based on the following metrics:

  • Parts breakage before 2,000 rounds: -50
  • Failing the 10-8 Performance Function Test: -10
  • Mechanical issues that can be corrected at the armorer level: -5 points
  • Any failure to complete the cycle of operations (FTF, FTE, etc): -1 point

I might be missing a category that could cause a points loss, but if so I’ll go back and add it in. All guns will get scored at 2,000 rounds, and then after that we’ll attempt to correct any armorer level issues that the guns may have. Based on the scoring system, the Taurus PT1911 would have put the following score:

  • -10 for failing the 10-8 Function Test
  • -15 for three issues that can be corrected at the armorer level: mags not dropping free, erratic ejection, rear sight set screw backing out
  • -9 for failures to complete the cycle of operations

That would give the PT1911 9mm a final score of 66, which is good for a D+. Let me know in the comments what you think of the scoring system. I’m going to use this as my standard to evaluate all the 1911 pistols that we get in for review going forward, but especially for the 9mm 1911 test I’m doing this year. It gives me a perfectly fair benchmark to compare all pistols too that’s based on nothing other than pure mechanical function.

The next two guns I plan to test are a Springfield Armory Range Officer in 9mm and a Rock Island 9mm.

1911

Springfield Armory® Introduces Laser Equipped 1911 Loaded Model

Posted on by Caleb

Loaded Parkerized Ready For Self-defense With Crimson Trace® Lasergrips®

springfield armory laser grip hero shot

GENESEO, IL, January 11, 2015 – Springfield Armory® is pleased to announce a new member to the Loaded family of 1911 pistols. The new Springfield Armory® 1911 Loaded Parkerized pistol is now available with Crimson Trace® Lasergrips®.

Rounding out the five other Loaded 1911 configurations in the product line, the Loaded Parkerized is optimized for serious defensive use. The Parkerized finish is designed to stand up to the rigors of daily carry while the full Government size makes it an excellent home-defense option too. Like other models in the Loaded family, the Parkerized model is built for reliable performance. A five-inch stainless match grade barrel is carefully fit to a bushing and Parkerized forged carbon steel frame and slide for maximum reliability and accuracy.

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