PocketGunsAndGear

The Lumintop lights reviewed are water resistant to IPX-8 2 meters.  A long dunking for this photo didn't phase them.
Lumintop Lights

Twenty years ago, my home state established a concealed carry licensing program for residents.  At the time, I was working with someone that had an after-hours firearms dealership business.  He was keen to set himself up as a state recognized concealed carry license instructor so he kept me in the loop on class requirements as they evolved.  As soon as classes started popping up locally, I immediately enrolled.  While I was never certain of the numbering scheme used when issuing the licenses, I believe I was within the first 1000 licenses issued across the state.

Back in 1995 the State required that each concealed carry handgun be listed individually by type and serial number on the concealed carry license.  You were allowed to have up to three firearms listed on your license.  Further, you were required to qualify and demonstrate safety proficiency by the type of handgun(s) included on your license.  From my foggy memory, I believe the two types of firearms were identified as Pistol and Revolver.

In the weeks leading up to my concealed carry class, I was faced with the arduous task of deciding which firearms I would be committed to carry on my first license.  If they allowed three, then I certainly needed to have three on my license.  But which three? ...

There seems to be quite a bit of confusion at Remington at the moment.  The HTP, or high terminal performance, ammunition line is still relatively new.  I'm not really sure if this line replaces the Express line, or is being offered in addition to Express.  The Remington website isn't much help.  This particular load is listed as a .357 Magnum on the HTP ammunition information page.  Regardless, a 115 grain +P load from any of the big 4 ammunition makers gets my attention because it's a rarity.  All the other big ammunition makers catalog a 115 standard pressure 9mm load or two, but Remington is unique with their 115 grain +P load.

For this test, I decided to try this new ammo out in a new handgun.  I opted for the Glock 43 with a 3.4 inch barrel length.

TRUGLO TRU-POINT

This is another one of those tests that I've wanted to do for years, but never got around to doing.  The tipping point came two weeks ago when one of the main characters in HBO's True Detective Season 2 got blasted twice in the chest with rubber buckshot.  The first shot, from across the room, sent our hero to the floor.  The masked villain then follows up with a nearly point blank second shot.  Ray, the receiver of the rubber buckshot, describes his injuries as cracked ribs and a sore heart from the buckshot hitting his sternum.  Having a box of rubber buckshot available, I decided to head out to the range and see if rubber buckshot could possibly cause such injuries at the distances shown in the True Detective episode. 

Herter's is the house ammunition brand at Cabela's.  Since it's a private label, we will never know for sure who manufactures the...

Sunjack products are available through theirwebsite.  www.sunjack.com
Sunjack is the consumer products arm of Gigawatt, Incorporated.  California based Gigawatt has been sourcing, designing, and installing solar power products for almost a decade.  Leveraging that experience, Sunjack designed their first portable solar products and raised their initial funding through a Kickstarter campaign in 2014.

The mission at Sunjack is to bring portable energy independence to people around the globe.  Since the company launched in 2014, they have developed a catalog of a dozen solar and LED light related items.  The diverse products should appeal to a...

The Critical Defense line from Hornady was created for concealed carry pistols that typically have barrels that are shorter than service length pistols.  The entire line has been optimized for short barrel pistols and features nickel plated brass for corrosion resistance and slick feeding.  Propellent powder is low flash to protect night vision and also generates lower felt recoil.  The FTX bullet has a red polymer plug inserted into the hollow point cavity during production that aids in expansion when the bullet is fired into heavy clothing barriers like denim or leather.

This is one of those tests I've wanted to do for a long time.  As a newbie to 10mm, I wanted to set up a controlled test to see the terminal performance...

NANUK Protective Cases Website

NANUK Protective Cases are manufactured by Plasticase in Canada.  Pasticase makes a large variety of injection molded plastic cases for use in many industries.  The NANUK line of cases are built for extreme duty and are the most robust cases.  The cases are TSA certified for air travel and come in 20 different sizes.

I own a few injection molded plastic cases from other manufacturers.  Their...

Ruger Charger

The Ruger 22 Charger Takedown Pistol can be considered the second generation of Charger pistol.  The previous Charger always reminded me of a semi-auto version of the Remington XP-100 pistol, but just in the way the stock looked.  Very futuristic with really swoopy curves.  The newest Charger trades away some of that futuristic look in exchange for enhanced customization options and some interesting new features.

TRUGLO TFX Tritium Fiber-Optic Sights
TFX Available Gun Model Chart

I'm a longtime fan of night sights for handguns that may be called into service at night.  I find it comforting to be able to catch a quick visual reference of sight alignment even in total darkness.  I purchased my first set of night sights back in the 1990's and had them installed on my first concealed carry handgun.  Since then I've added, or purchased with factory installed, night sights to most of my night stand and concealed carry handguns. 

In comparison, fiber optic sights are still relatively new to me.  I never...

Federal launched their 380 Auto HST load at the 2015 SHOT Show.  This was big news for those of us that have tested, or watched other people test, ammunition loaded with HST projectiles.  Without researching it, I can't tell you exactly how many test shots of HST I've personally sent into gel blocks over the years.  I can say for certain that my gel blocks have caught more HST bullets than any other projectile brand.  I was always curious why Federal skipped 380 Auto in the HST line when they offer HST in 9mm, .357 Sig, 40 S&W, and 45 Auto/GAP.

The MGW Sight Tool and Glock 42 Adapter are available from several sources.  Prices vary widely, so shop around for the best deal if you can find it in-stock.Maybe I inherited it from my Dad, but I've never had an issue spending money on tools.  If you have the basic skills, having the right tool for the job usually yields better results than trying to make do with less specialized tools.  Can you change out, or adjust, the rear sight on Glock handguns with a non-marring punch and hammer?  You certainly can, and I have done just that on a few occasions with mixed results.

I don't change the sights on every Glock handgun, but I am a...

Winchester started promoting their new Train and Defend ammunition at the end of 2013, as described in the press release..."With the growing number of ammunition choices at the retail counter confronting the influx of first-time gun owners, Winchester Ammunition has created the new W Train & Defend™ brand which provides a straightforward process when choosing training and personal defense rounds.

The W Train & Defend ammunition system is designed to provide threat-stopping power with less recoil to the shooter. The system pairs its range-ready Train rounds with technology-driven Defend rounds, both designed to limit the recoil felt by the shooter. This system provides a perfect solution for new shooters, especially women, who are interested in training to become proficient with their personal defense ammunition."

While general release of Train and Defend may be new, I purchased similar concept ammunition from Bass...

Kahr Arms announced the CT380 handgun in early October 2014.  The CT380 is part of the Kahr Value Series of handguns.  Traditionally, Kahr releases the Premium handgun and subsequently follows with the release of a corresponding Value Series model.  For example, the Premium Series P380 was followed by the Value Series CW380.
What made the release of the CT380 unique was the decision by Kahr to skip the Premium handgun and just develop the Value Series model.  Why Kahr made this decision is...

I have a love/hate relationship with Winter.  In our area, you can be out on the range in a tee-shirt on Saturday, and find yourself shoveling snow on Sunday.  Last weekend was a good example of that.  Rather than complain about the weather, I try to take advantage of the nice weather by hitting the range as much as possible.  When it's too cold, I'll retreat indoors and spend my time on more cerebral activities.  Unfortunately, this means I often find myself with many half-finished projects, and it becomes a real struggle...

Taurus Firearms


One of the more challenging aspects of concealed carry is comfortably concealing the firearm you choose to carry.  We humans tend to be curvy, and firearms tend to be flat with squared edges.  The Taurus Curve addresses this conundrum with a patented curved grip frame designed to conform to the natural contours of the wearer.

When designing The Curve, the Engineers at Taurus created a concealed carry firearm that reduces "printing" while increasing carry comfort, regardless of where The Curve is  carried on the body.  Additionally, the design team removed all the sharp edges to further enhance comfortable carry.  The current Curve model is gently curved to accommodate the right-handed shooter carrying on the right side of the body.

The double action only...

Literally pounds of recovered bullets have been labeled and cataloged for model data and future reference.
Early on in my adoption of Clear Ballistics Gel as my ballistics testing media of choice, I realized that it wasn't an exact substitute for 10% ordnance gelatin. On the other hand, it offers the advantages of visibility, re-use, and stability at all temperatures. Since I conduct and publish a large volume of tests and test outside in all types of weather, Clear Ballistics Gel was a good fit for my budget and testing constraints.

I can't thank Charles Schwartz enough for all the time and effort he's invested in me, as well as his model development. He's been great to...

The P3 Ultimate Target Stand retails for $60 and includes everything shown except the two optional bottle hangers that retail for $6 each.When I bring a new piece of gear into my videos, I will often get questions from viewers about the item.  Very soon you will begin to see the P3 Ultimate Target Stand, from CTK Precision, showing up in my firearm review and shooting videos.  Ahead of that, I wanted to share my thoughts on the P3 Ultimate Target Stand.

Having previously reviewed products from CTK Precision, I had a good idea what to expect as I unpacked the stand.  CTK Precision products are made in the USA using top...

Back in May 2013, I ran my first terminal tests with a newly acquired Beretta 21A.  At that time I was testing the bulk pack ammo from Federal, Winchester, Remington, and CCI.  You can see those test through the various links on the Ammo Tests page.  Coming out of that test, I received many requests to test the CCI Stinger through the same pistol.  At the time, I was really surprised by how many requests I received for this specific test.  I decided to dig a little deeper into the subject.

If you humor me and Google something like "Best ammo for Beretta 21A Bobcat" you will get back a series of links to various forums discussing the subject.  The most recommended ammunition for the little Beretta seems to...

Just in time for holiday gift giving, Ruger announces their new BX-Trigger for all 10/22 rifles and 22 Charger pistols. 

The complete drop in replacement trigger group replaces the factory trigger group and reduces the trigger pull weight from 6 lbs. to a lighter and crisper 2.5-3.0 lbs. 

Innovative packaging, and the included dry fire block, allow you to try the trigger before you buy.  With a retail price of $89.99 it will surely be a must have upgrade for many 10/22 and Charger owners.


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