CheaperThanDirt Blog
Firearms/Guns Blog - Cheaper Than Dirt!
Updated: 5 hours 34 min ago
Bullets: Chunky and Slow vs. Fast and Light
Many of the modern, name brand bullets in .45 ACP or 9mm will do the job well. This data should help you realize, with the proper bullets, ammunition effectiveness is not nearly as large a concern as it once was. That is not say that all bullets in 9mm or .45 ACP perform the same. This article looks at data from different ammunition tests and picks the 3 top performers for consideration.
Range Report: Henry .30-30 WCF
Henry has supplied us with excellent quality .22 rifles at a fair price for some time. While Henry offers a diverse number of rifles, it is best known for lever action rifles. Henry offers distinctively-styled rifles in calibers from .22 to .45 Colt. Offerings include stainless steel, blue, case-hardened and brass-frame rifles. One of my favorites is a .30-30 version
All Guns are NOT Loaded
If you have heard them once, you have heard them 1000 times: the Three Rules of Gun Safety. In fact, originally there were 10. Written by Col. Cooper, their numbers have been reduced over the years for ease of remembering them. The rule that states, “All guns are loaded.” The concept is that you should treat an unloaded gun the same way that you treat a loaded gun. And you should—but not in all cases!
Eye Protection: Safety Versus Prescription
Looking at firearms in use, it is pretty evident that plenty of gas, unburned powder, and oil droplets are in the air. Add ejected cartridge cases from your firearm (and those of people around you), possible ricochets, and it’s a bit of a wonder that many shooters make it to old age with their vision intact. Unfortunately, those requiring corrective lenses have long faced an awkward dilemma, we could either wear prescription glasses or ballistic eye protection, but not both—until now.
Red Flag Laws
Are you aware that several states have laws in place to circumvent your Second, Fourth, and Fifth Amendment rights, relating to guns. Are you aware that in most of those states it only takes one person to declare you as a danger to yourself or others to have your legally-owned firearms confiscated. After the declaration and […]
Review: SIG M17 9mm +P Ammunition
SIG Sauer Elite ammunition has made a big splash in the market in a relatively short time. These loads exhibit good quality and reliability. Building on SIG ammunition reputation is the SIG M17 9mm +P, named after the U.S. Army's new M17 pistol. Billed as military grade, this report sought to determine the worthiness of the new M17 +P. Did it make the grade?
Review: Smith and Wesson Combat Magnum
A sensation when first introduced, the Combat Magnum became one of the most popular handguns of all time. In terms of power, accuracy, and fit and finish, few modern service pistols equal Smith and Wesson’s best revolver. At the time of its introduction, the Combat Magnum was the world’s lightest .357 Magnum revolver. Truly, the Combat Magnum was the revolver everyone wanted and arguably the finest service revolver ever fielded.
Review: Mossberg 500 Persuader
If you are serious about defending the home, the first choice is a shotgun, mainly because a 12-gauge shotgun will repel boarders like no other firearm. A number of years ago, Mossberg offered a short-barrel pump-action shotgun known as the Persuader. Today, the piece is back as a highly finished retrograde shotgun worthy of consideration.
Should You Avoid Reloaded Ammunition?
Today, as during the Vietnam War, one simple fact remain true: Our firearms are obviously worthless without ammunition that works. I’m sure you’ve heard how many gun activists want to make ammo harder to come by and there is no question that depending on where you live, it’s becoming more difficult to walk into your sporting goods store to buy ammo. This has led to a continuing growing popularity of reloading your own ammo—but should you?
Top 5 “Small” Carry Choices for Arthritic Hands
I like to think that I am still close to my prime; but I can certainly see how my parents are no longer near their peak. This is very evident with my mother’s arthritic hands. Roughly 10 years ago, she purchased a Ruger LCP (the original) as her every day carry (EDC) gun. Her hand strength was fine for recoil control, slide manipulation and her finger was certainly strong enough to manage the trigger. Over intervening time, those processes have become much more difficult, making her rethink her handgun choice.
Properties of Survival
In order to survive a threat, three primary elements need to work together. First and foremost, you need to become aware of the threat. You then need to assess the threat. And finally, you must decide upon and carry out the appropriate response. Will you be ready when all hell breaks loose?
Range Report: Remington Black Belt Loads
Today, Remington enjoys an excellent reputation for reliability with a far greater range of loads than ever. One load more than worthy of a cursory look is the Black Belt. Currently, The Black Belt line is comprised of four loads—124-grain 9mm, 124-grain 9mm +P, 180-grain .40 S&W, and 230-grain .45 ACP. Like any load, it is the performance in the gun and down range that matters.
Top 10 (New) Semi-Auto Pistols of 2018
Top 10 lists are always a reader favorite. Readers love to see their personal favorites among the top 10 list. They also like to leave blast-o-grams to the author decrying the list as a shame because their favorite did not make the list. Don't blame the author, this list is all you, the reader or more appropriately the buyers' top choices for 2018 based on sales.
New: Winchester 350 Legend Cartridge
“The 350 Legend is a high-performing, straight-walled cartridge that dominates in velocity, energy, recoil, and affordability, all of which are vital to our customers,” said Matt Campbell, vice president of sales and marketing for Winchester Ammunition. “Winchester is dedicated to innovation and it’s paramount that we continue to deliver meaningful, technology driven products that have a tremendous impact on the hunting and shooting sports industry.”
Review: Glock 48 9mm
One of the great revolutions in handgun manufacture is the polymer frame, striker-fired revolution. Glock led the way and still dominates the market today. Arguably, Glock remains first with the most. The Glock 48 is perhaps two ounces lighter than the Glock 19 9mm and otherwise similar in dimension—save for the thinner grip frame and slide, so why do you need the Glock 48? This article has the answer!
AR-15 Tech: Bolts
Those looking to go “premium” when building or finishing an AR-15 often look at an upgraded bolt carrier group. The primary functioning part in that group is the bolt assembly. The carrier body, as long as it is true USGI-standard specification, will give reliable and correct service. Sure, plated premium carriers are nice, mostly because they clean up much easier. Likewise, a higher-dollar carrier won’t make or break your gun, but a sub-standard bolt might.
To Shoot Faster, Stop Thinking
There are a couple of often-used axioms when it comes to speeding up our draw stroke and shooting: “Slow is smooth, smooth is fast” and “reduce motion to increase speed,” also known as “Conservation of Motion.” Both concepts are valid. It certainly makes sense that the fewer number of movements that you make and the less distance that you cover, the faster your action will be, but many things are easier said then done.
Long Distance Personal Defense Guns
Most of us who carry daily make a choice between comfort and ease of shooting with our choice in EDC pistols. I happen to carry a full size M&P 9mm. As an early concealed carry person, I was sure carrying such a gun would be noticed by everyone and be super uncomfortable. Over time, I gradually learned how to conceal better and more comfortably.
Range Report: Taurus Judge
Handguns are reactive instruments. They are carried on the person to answer a threat. They may be kept at home ready to address a threat in the castle. If we have warning, we will deploy a rifle or shotgun. After spending several months evaluating the Taurus Judge, the author has formed a favorable opinion of it for specialized use.
Fiocchi .22 LR — Plinking and Beyond
One of the best uses for the .22 LR is training youngsters to shoot. The cartridge offers a mild report, is inexpensive, and is plentiful at present, and its accuracy with the right load is excellent. Any ammunition may be used for this pastime or for training. Most often, the most inexpensive ammunition is used. This is OK as far as it goes. However, when you are firing at targets and attempting to shoot to the best of your ability, you will value accuracy more.