CheaperThanDirt Blog
Firearms/Guns Blog - Cheaper Than Dirt!
Updated: 1 day 18 hours ago
Recall Notice — Maverick Hunter Over/Under 12 Gauge Shotguns
Maverick Arms has discovered a manufacturing error that resulted in some shotguns being chambered as being rated for 3 1/2-inch shells inappropriately. Here is the full release from Maverick Arms, with instructions on determining whether your Maverick Hunter is subject to the recall and how to return it to Maverick for replacement.
Range Report: Springfield Saint AR-15
The SAINT is the first AR-15 to wear the Springfield name. That fact should not be lost on anyone looking to purchase their next long gun. That SAINT is billed as entry, and by today's standards the price point may not be inline with that moniker. However, older shooters such as myself that are able to discern quality at a fair price will appreciate the SAINT. As a Springfield fan the SAINT will take its place beside my 1903 Springfield and the modern 1911 Operator, but there is more to the puzzle than the name.
Reader Comments of the Week — November 4, 2017
A recap or sampling of the most active, interesting, or on occasion, randomly selected reader comments from the previous week.
By the Numbers: America’s Top 5 Shotguns
Semi-auto handguns topped the list, which was not much of a surprise. Likewise, semi-auto rifle topped it category, but when it comes to shotguns, that sweet sound of a pump being racked tops the list. Then again, with some of the awesome sales over the past couple of years, who hasn’t picked up a couple extras for when a SHTF scenario becomes reality?
Review: Federal Syntech Ammunition
Syntech uses a total synthetic jacket, termed the TSJ by Federal Cartridge Company. The lead-alloy core is covered with a red polymer coating. No lead, which is termed a heavy metal, is exposed. From the company that gave us Nyclad ammunition, this is just another step but a different and important one. This isn’t really a coating, but more of a durable sheath or shield.
Can I Defend Myself Legally With Something Other Than A Gun or Knife?
Watch U.S. LawShield of Pennsylvania Independent Program Attorney Justin McShane break down the legality of using non-knife or non-firearm weapons for self-defense Pennsylvania and Edwin Walker independent program attorney for Texas. The videos give guidance on the use of items such as tasers, stun guns, pepper spray, and clubs. Like most, I would rather be tried by 12 than carried by six, but taking a few minutes to learn the laws will set you up to hopefully avoid either one should you ever be forced to defend yourself.
Review: Sarsilmaz SAR 9 Pistol
I was fortunate to get my hands on one of the first 50 SAR 9 pistols imported from Turkey by SAR USA—the American division of Turkish gun and aerospace manufacturer Sarsilmaz. The Turks know a thing or two about making firearms—especially ones that are dependable and affordable. In my opinion, what Turkish producers do best is replicate the most useful features of existing models; most often cranking out products that mix traits of familiar American or western European brands to create a unique firearm that costs a bit less than their predecessors. The SAR 9 is an example of this approach to gun design.
NSSF: Statement on Chicago Gun Trace Report
We have all seen surveys that claim gun owners support a proposal based on a couple of pieces such as these when in fact the anti gun forces are proposing something much more insidious. Chicago's latest Gun Trace report may be just such as a strategy, but that is for the reader's to decide. Here is the reading and analysis from the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF).
Throwback Thursday—How to Stay Safe on Halloween
October 31 is one of the most anticipated nights of the year for many kids. Thoughts of all that candy, getting to stay out late, parties at school and a chance to be a superhero for a night are all innocent thoughts in a child’s mind. However, for adults we see the sinister side behind all the sugary treats and silly scares. Many states report higher crime rates on Halloween night.Are you planning to let the little ones trick-or-treat this year? If so, consider our safety tips compiled from various law enforcement agencies from around the country for a safe and fun Halloween night.
Boone & Crockett Conservation Policy Action Alert
H.R.2936, the “Resilient Federal Forests Act of 2017,” sponsored by Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-AR), and supported by 25 national hunting and sportsmen’s organizations, contains many of the best ideas for forest management considered by Congress over the last several years.
Update on California Right to Carry Case Nichols vs. Brown 14-55873
“My case is up for review sometime between February and April,” says Mr. Nichols, “This ruling will have a major affect on gun rights for the United States of America.”
Reader Comments of the Week — October 28, 2017
A recap or sampling of the most active, interesting, or on occasion, randomly selected reader comments from the previous week.
By the Numbers: America’s Top 5 Rifles
If there is one thing we all love, it is a good debate over which gun is best. The regulars all make the list, and that is fine, but the creativity and opinions of the readers is really what’s eye opening and makes it a good a read. That being said, this list is strictly based on national sales numbers, so it's perfect fodder for a good shredding—do your worst. This first, of a three part series, focuses on the top five selling pistols.
U.S. Government Report: Gun Locks Work, Doctor Lectures Do Not
“Our review of the studies relating to safe storage approaches (device distribution and physician consultation) found that providing a free locking device to study participants influenced behavior to store firearms more safely and physician consultation generally did not.” Read the full story.
Range Report: FXH .45 — The Hybrid 1911 From ATI
For some time, American Tactical Imports has offered affordable firearms giving everyone a chance to get into the shooting game. These 1911s may be diamonds in the rough, but they are single-action 1911 handguns, and they are .45s. These GI Type guns have given many shooters on a budget the opportunity to try their hand at Old Slabsides at an exciting price.
Two Is One; One Is None — Preparing for Emergencies in the Backcountry
To be clear, the backcountry is nothing to be afraid of. Getting the proper equipment, knowledge, and practice will get you out and back to civilization safely. On the other hand, being ill prepared gets people in trouble, and there’s no such thing as being over prepared.
Range Report: Glock Gen 5
Glock’s introduction of the Generation 5 pistol has been much anticipated. The new pistol offers significant changes—more so than any previous generation. The first change to the Glock was the addition of a light rail. Next, came the finger groove frame and the rough texture frame later. Read the full review for other changes as well as range performance.
Reader Comments of the Week — October 21, 2017
A recap or sampling of the most active, interesting, or on occasion, randomly selected reader comments from the previous week.
Reality Check — What are you training for?
After recent events in Barcelona, Orlando, Paris, Las Vegas and other places, the prospect of a lone wolf or organized attack with severe consequence seems more and more plausible. I am certain any right-minded person would stop a terror attack if it was within their ability. But that is the question: “Do you have the ability?”
Recall: FN Issues Mandatory Safety Recall of FN M249 Rifles
Not all FN M249S serial numbers are affected by this recall. Therefore, FN M249S owners are asked to please visit the FN M249S Safety Recall webpage and input their serial number. If the firearm is affected, further instruction on returning the FN M249S for service will be provided.