The Firearm Blog

Facebook has published rules for people advertising guns (or other restricted items) for sale. It boils down to ensuring only 18+ year olds can view these advertisements and that language such as “no background check required” is allowed.

Today, we are introducing a series of new educational and enforcement efforts for people discussing the private sale of regulated items:

• Any time we receive a report on Facebook about a post promoting the private sale of a commonly regulated item, we will send a message to that person reminding him or her to comply with relevant laws and regulations. We will also limit access to that post to people over the age of 18.
• We will require Pages that are primarily used by people to promote the private sale of commonly regulated goods or services to include language that clearly reminds people of the importance of understanding and complying with relevant laws and regulations, and limit access to people

At a recent gun show in Albuquerque, New Mexico, I made an impulse purchase. The Kel-Tec PF9. I had been looking for a sub-compact pistol, and wanted something light, thin, and, most importantly, reliable. I had considered a Glock 26, but the shape was just too “glocky”. I had also thought about a Sig Sauer P290RS, but also didn’t want to spend quite that much.

Then, I happened upon a table that had a number of sub-compacts. I was able to do a good side-by-side comparison. Out of all of the pistols that I handled, the Kel-Tec fit my hand the best. I don’t have huge bear paws, but neither is my grip “delicate”. I did my background check, and acquired the pistol with two additional magazines.

Before leaving the show, I also found a deal on a Crimson Trace LG435 (that integrates with the trigger guard and the MIL-STD-1913 picatinny rail) which I, of course, bought and installed.

The original platform debuted in 2007. Kel-Tec describes the pistol as being a hybrid of the PF-11 and the P-3AT “combined into the flattest and lightest single stack 9mm configuration ever made”. It

The Gamo Whisper is one of the most popular break-barrel air guns. Piston-powered air guns can be noisy, the Whisper range incorporates a suppressor to cut down on noise. Gamo has just updated the Whisper and launched the Whisper G2. This new air gun improves on the wildly popular original by adding a better trigger (don’t get me started on the poor triggers sound on air guns), an adjustable cheek piece and a ‘Turbo Stabilizing System’ which brings the internal piston spring to a controlled stop.

From the press release …

The second generation Whisper™ air rifle features the latest in Gamo technology — the Turbo Stabilizing System™.

Check out the Chiappa Triple Threat. It is a triple 18.5″ bbl home defense shotgun. I got a chance to see it on display back at SHOT Show 2013 in the Chiappa booth. The removable stock is an interesting idea to keep the shotgun OAL short. It just looks a little odd to me.

I have been told that TFB will be reviewing the Triple Threat. No idea as to when but look forward to it.

Now Applying for FFL 07

As part of my due diligence, I reached out to the local Planning Commission to verify and get a copy of the latest ordinances to submit with the FFL Form 7 application. Sarah, a Senior Planner forwarded me a copy of upcoming changes to the city codes taking effect April 4th (well after the FFL would likely be issued). The language is significant changed to allow “limited assembly” of components (i.e. assembling complete rifles from lower receivers).

Original zoning ordinance that prohibited any kind of manufacturing.

Recently Brügger & Thomet (B&T) updated their international distributor list to include the new US importer ARMATI. Unlike prior importations of B&T accessories, ARMATI will be distributing B&T parts and accessories through local distributors and resellers, rather than selling the items direct to consumers. This minimizes the overall profit for ARMATI but grants a wider supply.

Already confirmed RTG Parts will be carrying a variety of accessories including (but not limited to) items for the AUG, Benelli shotguns, the B&T TP9 in addition to H&K accessories. Local to me,

At the January SHOT Show, TacStar introduced a new AR-15 stock called the Adjustable Match Rifle Stock (AMRS).  The AMRS mounts to any AR-15 rifle with an A2-type buffer tube.

According to TacStar, the AMRS allows the shooter to make precise adjustments for a custom fit and maximum accuracy.  Among the features offered by the AMRS:

• adjustable length of pull
• adjustable cheek riser
• a short Picatinny rail along the bottom of the stock for the addition of a monopod
• built-in sling loops and quick release, push button sling swivels

The AMRS is made in the USA.  MSRP for the Adjustable Match Rifle Stock is $179.95.  According to TacStar, the AMRS should ship in mid-April.

Guncrafter Industries is now making the American pistol in an all stainless steel version.  The American is a full size 1911-style pistol that has a 5″ barrel.  The original American pistol (still available) is listed as having a forged frame and slide with a black Melonite finish.

Features of the stainless steel American pistol include:

• fitted one piece mag-well
• heavy flanged barrel bushing
• slide top serrations
• 15 LPI checkering both front and rear
• tritium sights all around
• forged stainless slide and frame
• accessory rail

Guncrafter Industries is perhaps best known for the development of the .50 GI cartridge.  The .50 GI was developed for the 1911 platform, but has also been adapted to the

Substantial increases in sales and profits, microstamping and new product introductions were all part of the Smith & Wesson quarterly results call on March 4.  Here are a few of the highlights.

Smith & Wesson announced a net increase in sales of 7.1% in the third quarter of 2014 (fiscal) when compared to the same period a year prior.  When Walther sales are removed from the 2013 numbers, the net sales increase was up 16.7%.

These sales translated into a gross profit of $58.7 million, up $8.7 million compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2013.

Smith & Wesson credited new shooters as “strong drivers” of their growth.  Additionally, S&

Sometimes I just cannot go without re-posting the best of the internet.  Created and posted by EverydayNoDaysOff, the gun-owner meme below gave us a belly-laugh.

Irreverence at its best.

What do you think TFB’rs? Accurate or completely off-kilter?

Want to create your own and have it showcased? E-mail me your best, and if they make me chuckle, we’ll post them up later. 

Looks like southpaws in the U.S. Army are getting an upgrade to their M4s. The Army just awarded a $7.5 million contract for ambidextrous selector assemblies for their M4 and M4A1 carbines. OG Technologies Inc out of New York and Manufacturing Support Industries out of Maryland were awarded the contracts. I wonder why the U.S. Army didn’t just order a bunch off Amazon, I bet they’re even eligible for Prime shipping too. Just last year FN Manufacturing won a $77 million contract to supply the Army with 120,000 M4 and M4A1 carbines.

Not content with only 12 rifles in their Mk4 product line, CMMG has announced the release of the 3GR “3-Gun Rifle.” It comes standard with a 18″ stainless steel barrel, CMMG’s excellent RKM14 keymod handguard. and a Geissele SSA trigger.

TTAG has had a moment with the rifle. It seems that the Muzzle Break is a bit too compensating… We will reach out to CMMG for our own evaluation.

The 3GR retails for $1,399.95, a bargain taking into account purchasing each component individually. 

• Caliber: 5.56mm
• Barrel: 18” medium weight taper profile
• Muzzle: CMMG SV brake, threaded 1/2-28
• Hand Guard: CMMG RKM14 KeyMod hand guard
• Fu

I think it would be safe to say the majority of us enjoy shooting steel targets. On the other side of the coin there are those who don’t shoot steel and to be honest not without good reasons.

There are several factors involved in shooting steel and being safe doing so. The primary consideration is the type and thickness of the steel used. Following this is the angle of the target in relationship to the weapon used. Next is the distance and type of rounds being fired. A 90 degree angle to the shooter is best, however a slight forward tilt at the top of the target works well and directs splatter into the ground directly in front of the target.

When choosing the type of steel for your targets never use T-1 steel targets or any with a Brinell of less than 400.

Zeiss, known for their high end scopes is launching a new line of 50mm objective scopes.  While I know that many are getting tired of objective lenses getting bigger, the 50mm tends to be a good compromise for hunters and shooters.  It give enough light gathering to see in low light situations, or even at night with lights but isn’t so big that it is ridiculous. With a retail price of just $349, these scopes are sure to make a splash with shooters and sportsman alike for good high end glass at an affordable price.

See the Zeiss press release for further information.

NORTH CHESTERFIELD, VA. – Carl Zeiss Sports Optics, the world’s leading manufacturer of high performance sports optics, is expanding its award-winning TERRA 3X riflescope line with four 50mm low-light models: the 3-9×50 Z-PLEX, the 3-9×50 RZ6, the 4-12×50 Z-PLEX and the 4-12×50 RZ8.

ZEISS TERRA 3X riflescopes outperform many other well-known brands by featuring best-in-class image quality, comfortable ergonomics and durable construction. With a ret

Sturm, Ruger & Company released the company’s annual report for 2013.  Not surprisingly, sales and profits were up.  For the entire year, Ruger saw a $196.5 million increase in sales to $688.3 million.

While the very end of 2012 through mid-2013 saw a huge increase in sales across the industry, many people were reporting a return to “normal” sales in late 2013.  During the fourth quarter of 2013, Ruger sales continued to be very strong:  $181.9 million, up more than $40 million for the same period in 2012.

The company believes they have outpaced the industry in sales growth.  According to Ruger, the company sold 18% more units during the year, while total adjusted NICS checks increased only 7%.  Ruger attributed much of the company’s sales growth to the introduction of new products:  the LC380 and SR45 pistols, the Ruger American and ST-762 rifles and the Red Label II shotgun.

Cold Steel recently debuted their new line of rubber training pistols for 2014. The new Cold Steel training pistols are made out of green Polypropylene, and ultra-durable thermoplastic rubber. They’re stiff enough for practicing drawing from a holster or disarming techniques, yet still soft and safe enough to be used in hand-to-hand striking situations. They retail for $31.99 and are available in three configurations. Their “#17″ training pistol is modeled after the popular Glock 17, without any logos or the word Glock anywhere to be found of course. They also have two 1911 training pistols with either the hammer down or cocked. Check out ColdSteel.com for more info.

New from Pro-Defense is the world’s first rail-mounted pepper spray system. Called the F4 Tactical, it mounts to a Picatinny rail and is capable of spraying either short burst or a continuous stream of pepper spray up to 20 feet. The F4 Tactical has a snap safety similar to ones found on most hunting rifles as well as a second buffer safety spring. It comes with one 2 ounce canister of Sabre pepper spray. It retails for $99.99 and is available in black, camo, pink and safety orange. Check out Pro-Defense.com for more info.

At the 2014 SHOT Show, The Mako Group/FAB Defense was showing a pair of new magazine coupling devices called the Pentagon Magazine Coupler and the Opposite Magazine Coupler.  The concept driving these products is to give shooters faster reloads when they are limited to low capacity magazines.

These new magazine couplers are now shipping, though the wait time is listed as “2 to 4 weeks” on the company’s website.

The Pentagon Magazine Coupler (PMC) is in the shape of a five pointed star.  It is designed so a shooter can attach up to five 10-round FAB Defense Ultimag AR-15 magazines.  With five fully-l

The KRISS Group posted up a new video recapping SHOT Show 2014.

During SHOT Show, I got to test fire their new carbine enhanced Vector as well as their Sphinx Pistols. I am extremely eager to see what KRYTAC will be developing in the future.

TFB is firmly committed to our “no politics” rule. That said, there are many innovating developments created that maximize effectiveness under restrictive laws. The “FrankenRuger” is one of those pistols.  The result is a magazine-fed revolver that is 100% California-legal without requiring entry onto the state’s approved-handgun list. 

Please note that this is a one-off prototype and not a production-ready design. 

Created by Jim March back in 2013, Maurice started as a Steampunk project and “went there on its own.” Jim describes the design of the revolver in detail on his YouTube page:

The manual ejector is gone. The barrel is multi-part: the rifled core is a 3.25″ section of Douglas Premium .355″ barrel threaded into the frame and with another thread at the muzzle. There’s a muzzle-end nut that compresses the stainless steel sleeve, pulling the barrel forward much like a Dan Wesson revolver and like a DW, the barrel/cylinder gap can be fin