Guns and Ammo

This 2007 photo shows then-attorney general Jerry Brown standing next to a collection of firearms confiscated by law enforcement. Brown, now governor of California, vetoed two pieces of gun control legislation Friday. (Photo by Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times)

A California politician vetoing gun control legislation? Now we’ve seen everything.

As make-believe as it sounds, California Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed two pieces of gun control legislation Friday, a surprising move from the Democratic governor.

According to The Washington Post, Brown vetoed Senate Bill 374—which would have banned the sale and possession of semi-automatic rifles with detachable magazines—and Senate Bill 567, which would have defined some low-capacity shotguns and rifles as assault weapons.

Both bills

The .300 Blackout is definitely a Kool-Aid kind of cartridge—you either love it or you don’t. Nobody I know has a Homer Simpson-like “meh” attitude about it.

Me, I’m on the dark side. I have yet to wholeheartedly buy into Blackout Fever. Why? Because it’s not particularly good as distances stretch past a couple hundred yards, and when I stuff a cartridge into a rifle, I want it to act, well, rifle-like. Until recently, I considered the .300 Blackout a very non-versatile cartridge.

A friend of mine, a ballistician at Barnes Bullets, made a comment that recently caused me to grudgingly crack the door and consider the Blackout more objectively: “It’s the best carbine cartridge out there for combat.”

A lifetime of gun technicana and a recent tour to Afghanistan backed his comment up. “What about long range,” I prodded.

He looked at me as if I was an idiot. (Could be he’s right.) “That’s what designated marksman and snipers are for.”

OK, in a team scenario, that made a lot of sense. The discussion continued. “What about for individual use? It’s not very capable as distances stretch.”

My buddy politely made the poin

So what happens to the value of a lightly engraved Model 1907 Savage in 90-percent original condition and add an authenticated Buffalo Bill Cody provenance to its history? See the end of this article for the answer.

Normally a Model 1907 Savage pistol doesn’t command a lot of collector interest, unless it was one of the approximately 400 manufactured in .45 ACP caliber for the 1907-1911 U.S. Military Trials. This pistol is a great example of what happens when a documented famous provenance can be linked up with a relatively ordinary firearm.

There are certain places on Earth where human ingenuity is preserved in awe-inspiring form. The NRA National Firearms Museum in Fairfax, Va., is one of those places.

Home to an extraordinary collection of firearms from U.S. presidents, generals and pivotal points in world history dating back to 1350, the treasure trove of arms at the museum illustrates history through the guns that made us who we are today.

The foremost examples of human ingenuity on display at the museum include the works of firearm mastermind John M. Browning. Many of Browning’s designs pioneered modern firearm technology and remain in military service to this day. In total, Browning received over 120 patents for more than 80 different firearms, and his designs are still produced by a variety of manufacturers.

As a celebration of his genius, we’re highlighting a selection of Browning’s famous guns on display at the NRA National Firearms Museum. Next time you’re in Virginia, make sure to check out the museum to fully experience the entire collection in person.

Information and images courtesy of the NRA National Firearms Museum.

U.S. Soldiers, Sailors and Marines are inveterate souvenir hunters. One just has to look at the huge numbers of German Pickelhaubes and Lugers that came home following World War I and the copious quantity of captured military gear that made its way into Yankee attics following World War II to prove this assertion.

In the Second World War especially, there were particular treasures. Troops in the European Theatre seemed to favor Lugers (always “captured” from “German officers”), P.38s and dress daggers. The Pacific campaign had its favorites as well. Probably topping the list was the “samurai sword,” which could turn out to be anything from an arsenal-issued, mass-produced chopper to an exquisite edged weapon fitted with a finely wrought, centuries-old blade made by a true master. For a while, “trophy” Japanese soldiers’ skulls were all the rage. Early on, authorities rightly p

In 1907 Fred Leupold set up shop at 5th and Oak Streets in Portland, Oregon. Soon joined by his brother-in-law, Adam Voelpel (and a bit later by John Stevens), the company didn’t make riflescopes in those days. Although scopes existed, they weren’t in much demand. In fact, it wasn’t until after Fred Leupold’s death that Leupold made their first riflescope, but his slogan remains in the corporate culture: “The customer is entitled to a square deal.”

The first commercial Leupold riflescope was the 2.5X Plainsman, introduced in 1947 after Marcus Leupold missed a shot at an Oregon blacktail due to fogged lenses. He figured he could make a better scope than that, and the legend began. Today, this homegrown (now fifth-generation) Oregon company has become a world power in sporting optics.

Life was simpler in the 1960s when I owned my first Leupold scope. It was a fixed-power 2.5X, still a fairly standard optic for the day. But things would change. Today, between hunting/shooting and tactical lines, Leupold offers something like two dozen lines of magnifying scopes—excluding reflex “red dot” sights and nonmagnifying scopes. To encapsulate what’s offered, we&#8217

Certainly one of the more interesting and unique revolvers ever manufactured, the Apache centerfire was produced in Belgium approximately around the turn of the 20th century. With folding trigger, bayonet and steel knuckle grips, this gun remains completely unique in its design.

If you’re interested in older and unusual European revolver variations, this Apache centerfire revolver might be exactly what you’re looking for. This single action six-shot is chambered for 7.6 mm cal., and when the bullet leaves the chamber, it passes through a hole on the left side of the upper frame—eliminating the need for a barrel.

This gun’s ability to protect someone isn’t just measured in firepower, however. The retractable knuckle duster grip could come in handy if a hand-to-hand fight ensues, and if that isn’t enough, the folding triangular blade can also be used for cutting and

UPDATE (9/27/2013): Despite heavy opposition from U.S. Senators and civilians, Secretary of State John Kerry signed the controversial United Nations Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) on Sept. 25.

The treaty establishes regulations for countries who sell or trade weapons across their borders. Official United Nations documentation would be required for the transaction of all types of weapons, from tanks to small arms.

Kerry and the Obama Administration hope their support will motivate other countries to sign on, but so far only six nations have ratified the treaty. The ATT requires ratification from at least 50 countries to become U.N. policy. China and Russia were among 23 nations who abstained from voting.

Many of the countries who didn’t sign the treaty cited vague language in the document that fails to punish countries who don’t play by the rules.

The new global legislation also threatens the constitutional rights of American citizens.

According to NRA Executive Vice Presiden

Manuel Balce Canerta/AP Photo

Even after a wide range of gun control proposals was recently rejected by Congress, the Obama administration continues to push its extreme anti-gun agenda by executive fiat. On August 29, in conjunction with the appointment of B. Todd Jones as director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Vice President Joe Biden announced two new executive actions on gun control. Even more so than some other policies pushed by this president, these latest actions are a blatant attack on law-abiding gun owners and primarily target firearms collectors.

First, the Obama administration pledged to use executive authority and provisions of the Arms Export Control Act to deny future applications, by private importers, to import “military-grade” firearms for sale to private citizens. Obama’s decision would appear to affect primarily the import of M1 Garands and M1 carbines. South Korea c

“Have your way with it,” said Officer Avery. This local police officer had just stopped by my shop and dropped off his new-in-the-box Springfield Armory M1A with no budget restrictions. “Build it as if it were yours.”

This former Marine Corps scout/sniper had once trained on the military’s select-fire version, the M14. It served him well then and, until recently, was his agency’s standard-issue long gun.

Law-abiding citizens have even more options when it comes to giving their semi-auto M1A a makeover, and as a factory-certified armorer I just love working on and building up these rifles. So now what? If you are one of the thousands who bought an M1A from Springfield Armory in the last few years, you might be considering this very question. If you did buy an M1A, sales figures indicate that you pr

When I first heard of Winchester’s newest creation I though it was an all-out oxymoron. Of course, we all want to be able to knock down that bird at 60 yards when he hangs up outside the deeks. In the past the solution was to let him hang or pop a shot and hope for a few magic pellets. Apparently that was all about to change.

Unlike other shotshell advancements, what makes Winchester Longbeard XR so remarkable isn’t the wad or the pellets. Rather, what makes this load unique is what we can comfortably call a revolutionary new substance—Winchester’s “Shot-Lok.”

But Shot-Lok wasn’t the genesis of this project. It was the solution, a way to bridge the gap. The initial problems Criner and company were trying to solve with Long Beard were threefold: Introduce a reliable long range turkey load to the market, present that extended range at the price of an affordable lead load and produce a viable replacement for the high-cost tungsten pellets currently on the market.

Through the years of testing came the Shot-Lok resin solution, a liquid that is poured into the shot cup before the pellets are inserted. When poured

I recently left Gun Abuse Central on a secret mission: to find out what was new and exciting at SIG Sauer. I fully expected to see new handguns and perhaps handle a few Stoner-based rifles. But what I found was even more interesting: suppressors.

Despite the Hollywood hysteria, suppressors are not verboten, not invariably used by contract assassins and drug dealers, and not a signal to others at the gun club that you have succumbed to the alien radio signals being transmitted directly into your brain. They are, in fact, legal to own and use in 39 states, and nearly 30 allow you to hunt or control vermin while using a suppressor.

Ear-Friendly fun
The

The unflagging popularity of full-size 1911 pistols and their clones keep the market ripe with all kinds of parts and add-ons. One of the most popular aftermarket parts to swap out are the grips. Changing the grips on a 1911 is a quick and inexpensive way to personalize it, while adding an ergonomic advantage.

With an endless list of options to choose from, how were the full-size grips chosen and tested for this list? First, the grips had to be practical and useable. Next, they needed to be reasonably priced for their material type or function. Finally, just to spice things up a bit, we looked for options that were unusual or unique in appearance. It wasn’t hard to find products that meet all three criteria. So whether you are looking for a hard-working grip for a good price or something with a whole lot of personality, there’s something  here for you. To wit, these are our choices for the best 1911 grips on the market right now.

Police cordone the area outside the jewelry store La Turquoise in Nice, France, after the store's owner, Stephan Turk, shot and killed a 19-year-old robber, Alexandra Asli, on Wednesday, Sept. 11. (Photo by JC Magnenet/AFP)

Generally speaking, most of the self-defense stories we hear about come from the United States. It’s interesting, then, when international stories of citizens protecting themselves from harm within legal boundaries hit our desk.

Just as they can in America, however, that fine line between what is and isn’t allowed while defending yourself, your family or your property can easily be crossed.

According to the French news website The Local, Stephan Turk, a 67-year-old jeweler from the town of Nice on the French Riviera, shot and killed an armed robber, 19-year-old Anthony Asli, who tried to flee after holding the jeweler at gunpoint ar

Maj. Gen. William H. Rupertus definitely got it right when he penned, “This is my rifle. There are many like it, but this one is mine.”

While most AR-15s will likely never see combat, the Rifleman’s Creed emphasizes the importance of building a bond with your rifle, learning how it works and respecting it as a best friend or brother.

Every AR-15 owner’s agenda should include copious amounts of shooting, cleaning and tinkering. Getting to know a particular rifle inside and out ultimately translates to operating it more effectively.

For many, tricking out an AR-15 is the perfect way to personalize a rifle and simultaneously build a bond with it. The amount of interchangeable and aftermarket parts available today make the platform an open canvas for infinite customizations. Most folks who buy a new AR-15 usually have plans for how to accessorize it before they even bring it home. Others build theirs from scratch with superior components right out of the gate.

Those who have an eye for the AR-15 platform can appreciate how small details really make one rifle stand out from another. While some high-end accessories cost more than an entire rifle, the average enthusiast is usually looking to add form and function at a reasonable price.

As per Maj. Gen. Rupertus’ wisdom, those looking to make a rifl

Vote for tougher gun laws, lose your job. The people of Colorado sent a strong message to gun control supporters Sept. 10 when they voted two State Senators out of office. The vote marks the first time in a Colorado history when a lawmaker has faced a recall election.

According to a response from the NSSF, “When legislators fail to represent the beliefs of their constituents, it is up to the voters to fire them.”

Voters did just that, with state Senate President John Morse, D-Colorado Springs, and Angela Giron, D-Pueblo, now being replaced by Republicans Bernie Herpin and George Rivera.

In early 2013, Morse and Giron supported gun control legislation sponsored and funded by the deep pockets of New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s

Caracal International, LLC has issued a major recall of all Model C pistols.

On Mar. 28, Caracal originally recalled only a small batch of pistols. The recall was updated on Sep. 9 to include every Model C pistol made to date.

According to Caracal, the safety issues cannot be repaired, and all handguns must be returned for a full refund or voucher for other Caracal products.

Caracal’s safety recall warns, “If you own or have access to a Caracal Model C pistol, PLEASE DO NOT LOAD OR FIRE YOUR PISTOL.”

The safety warning also states, “If you have sold or transferred your Caracal Model C pistol to any other person, we ask you to please contact us in any event and provide us with the name and contact information for the person to whom you sold any Model C Pistol so that we may also notify that person of this recall.”

If you own a Model C pistol, you can contact Caracal at (

Against my better judgment, I’m sticking my neck out to address whether the .308 Winchester—aka 7.62x51mm NATO—is a capable long-range hunting cartridge. It has such a cult following—especially in the Eastern, Southern and Midwestern states—that challenging its effectiveness is sure to cause gnashing teeth on a mass scale. Before I jump in with both cold feet, allow me to ask you to throw me a bone here and key in on the phrase “long range.”

Many misconceptions surround the .308 cartridge. To the uninformed, its history with military and law enforcement snipers seem to form the ultimate testament to its effectiveness in any and all situations. Well known as an exceptionally accurate cartridge in many corners of the world, the .308 is allegedly the modern equal of the veteran .30-06 Springfield—which is easily the most p

The term “badass” gets thrown around a lot these days, usually for Hollywood poster boys who pretend to be tough action heroes laying waste to bad guys on the silver screen.

But these Hollywood actors can’t hold a candle to 54-year-old Jon Lewis Alexander. Now a liquor store clerk, Alexander is a 30-year veteran who has done four tours in Iraq, has extradited federal prisoners, and has worked as both a prison guard and a private investigator. Needless to say, this guy is tough, and he has little patience for petty thugs.

One would-be robber in Marionville, Mo., found out the hard way earlier this week when he tried to hold up Alexander, only for the clerk to stick the business end of his own pistol in the criminal’s face.

Check out the video from KOLR-TV in Springfield, Mo.

Photo by Tim Yan

Contrary to popular opinion, the way muzzle brakes work is less voodoo magic than it is rocket science.

It’s true, so you can leave the incense at Auntie Mildred’s cottage when you head to the range to mount and tune an AR-15 muzzle brake. All you need is a wrench and a basic understanding of how a brake works in order to get the best out of it.

How Muzzle Brakes Work
Like the rocket drawings you saw on 7-Eleven comic book racks back in the day, muzzle brakes—also known as compensators—harness exploding gunpowder gases and “ejecta”—particles, burning and otherwise—and redirect them in order to change the acceleration, or movement, of the rifle. Baffles inside the brake create an expansion chamber, and holes drilled into that expansion chamber bleed gas off at various angles to the axis of the barre