Gun World - January 2015 USA

GW-15-01-COVER 11/11/14 10:56 PM Page US_C1
SPECIAL HANDGUN ISSUE
TOUGH &AFFORDABLE
Citadel 1911 9mm
U.S. AIR FORCE
MULTI-PURPOSE
HANDGUNS
REVOLVER
History of the
Aircrewman
S&Ws Model 986
EXPERT TIPS:
Planning
Planning a
a
First
Safari
First Safari
Ruger LC9s
PALM-SIZED
PROTECTION IN .380
ACCURATE FOR
HOME DEFENSE
DOUBLE YOUR
SHOTGUN CHOICES
Bersa Thunder
CZ-USAs Bobwhite and Mallard
JAN 2015 VOLUME 56, NO.1 $4.99 U.S.

DISPLAY UNTIL: 01/13/15 www.gunworld.com
01
74470 03105
Engaged Media By Beckett
GW_1501_C2 11/13/14 8:59 AM Page C2
BUILT ONE AT A TIME.

PROVEN EVERY ROUND.
The Mustang has been a favorite of customers for years. Updated with
21st century technology, the Mustang XSP is sure to become a popular
option for concealed carry. But the most important stories belong to the
men and women who have owned and relied on Colt through the decades.
Make your story include a Colt.
COLT.COM
800.962.COLT
FACEBOOK.COM/COLTFIREARMS
@COLTFIREARMS
GW_1501_3 11/10/14 2:01 AM Page 3
GW-15-01-CONTENTS-4-5.qxp 11/13/14 10:23 PM Page 4
CONTENTS
JANUARY 2015
FEATURES
16 Cover Story:
Pocketful
of Power
The brand-new,
striker-red Ruger LC9s
is everything one
would expect from a
seven-round lightweight
personal protection
handgun, and then
some.
By Dave Workman
54 Thunder
& Lightning
Chambered for the .380
Auto, the Bersa Thunder
represents a good
compromise between
convenient size and
good handling
characteristics.
By James E. House
& Kathleen A. House
24 High Altitude
92 A Tale of
Two CZs
Traditional double
shotguns can command
high prices, but CZ-USA
now offers two
affordable models: the
Bobwhite and the
Mallard.
By Jerry Catania
24
Arms
As post-WWII jet
cockpits became
smaller, the .45 Auto
grew cumbersome, so
the U.S.A.F. requested a
more appropriate pistol.
The result was the
Aircrewman revolver.
By Leroy Thompson
In a world overrun with

1911s, Citadel has the
goods to carve out
its share of this
competitive market.
By Brad Fitzpatrick
44 Wheelgun Wow
The Smith & Wesson
Model 986 is a sevenshot L-frame 9mm
wheelgun perfect for
competition, hiking and
home defense.
By Dr. Martin D. Topper
GUN WORLD | JAN 2015
Photo by Leroy Thompson
34 The Citadel Nine
GUN WORLD (ISSN 0017-5641) Volume 56, Number 1, is published monthly, 12 times a year
by Beckett Media, LLC, 22840 Savi Ranch Parkway, #200, Yorba Linda, CA 92887. Periodical
postage paid at Anaheim, CA, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address
changes to Gun World c/o Beckett Media, 4635 McEwen Road, Dallas, TX 75244. Return undelivered Canadian addresses to: Gun World c/o Pitney Bowes, Inc. PO Box 25542,
London, ON N6C 6B GST#855050365RT001
www.gunworld.com
GW-15-01-CONTENTS-4-5.qxp 11/13/14 10:24 PM Page 5
12
Photo by Tim Stetzer
COLUMNS
Up Front
Craig Hodgkins
10 Ask the Experts

Gun World Contributors
12
New Products
Tim Stetzer
64 Todays Hunter
Thomas C. Tabor
Photo by Steve Sieberts
70 Reload
James E. House
76 Handguns
Dave Workman
82 Gunsmithing
Steve Sieberts
98 Back Pages
Craig Hodgkins
82
www.gunworld.com
ON THE COVER:
Photographs by
Dave Workman and Kevin Williams
Cover design by Johann
Frederick Mendoza
JAN 2015 | GUN WORLD
GW_1501_6 11/17/14 9:03 AM Page 6
EXCITING
JANTZ USA MADE BLADES
AND
Jantz Blades are the highest quality pre-shaped blades available anywhere.
Each of these hollow ground blades are designed by our team and crafted 100% on site at our facility.
Tactical Blades made from CPM 3V
NEW
HANDL
Kirinite combines durability and

stylish resin materials on the marke
techniques at slow working speed
polish with soft wheel or by hand
only. Other colors and 5 x 10 sl
Oyster Blade
Designed for abuse in the field, these rugged field knives

will perform virtually any task while staying razor sharp in
the toughest situations. CPM 3V steel offers great impact
resistance. This allows maximum resistance to breakage
and chipping. Blades are cryogenically heat treated.
Patriot
Tactical Field Blade

The back is flat.
Overall length 8 5/8", blade is 3 1/2" x 1 1/8" wide, 3/16"

thick. Handle Holes 3/16".
CAT.#
STEEL FINISH
TEMPER
HRC
PRICE
Satin
Cryo
58-60
J9168 CPM 3V
99.95
Tactical Fighter Blade
Designed with beauty and usability in mind, the rounded

and ground tip is perfect for shucking oysters practically
and safely. Cryogenically treated and razor sharp. Overall
length 6 3/4, blade is 2 1/4 x 1.04 wide, .100 thick.
Handle Holes 3/16.
CAT.#
J1008
J1089
STEEL
440C
Damascus
FINISH TEMPER
Satin
Cryo
Etched
Cryo
HRC
57-58
58-60
PRICE
29.95
49.95
Pattern 65
Overall
Handle
CAT.#
J9268
length 10", blade is 5" x 1 1/4" wide, 3/16" thick.

Holes 3/16".
STEEL FINISH
TEMPER
HRC
PRICE
CPM 3V
Satin
Cryo
58-60
119.95
THICK
1/8
3/16
1/4
Desert Camo
CAT.#
KI1802
KI1302
KI1402
THICK
1/8
3/16
1/4
Toxic Green
CAT.#
KI1803
KI1303
KI1403
Tactical Combat Bowie Blade

thick. Handle Holes 3/16".
CAT.#
STEEL FINISH
TEMPER
HRC
PRICE
Satin
Cryo
58-60
J9368 CPM 3V
149.95
CAT.#
KI1801
KI1301
KI1401

thick. Handle Holes 3/16", Thong Hole 3/16".
CAT.#
STEEL
FINISH TEMPER
HRC
PRICE
440C
Satin
Cryo
57-58
J6508
39.95
D2
Satin
Cryo
59-61
39.95
J6528
Damascus Etched
Cryo
58-60
J6589
99.95
Pattern 51
THICK
1/8
3/16
1/4
Lava Flow
CAT.#
KI1804
KI1304
KI1404
THICK
1/8
3/16
1/4
Pattern 35
Royal Pearl
Overall length 6 5/8", blade is 3" x 3/4" wide, 1/8" thick.
Handle Holes 3/16", Thong Hole 3/16".
CAT.#
STEEL
FINISH TEMPER
HRC
PRICE
440C
Satin
Cryo
57-58
J3508
32.95
D2
Satin
Cryo
59-61
J3528
32.95
CPM 154
Satin
Cryo
59-60
J3558
39.95
Damascus Etched
Cryo
58-60
J3589
49.95
Large Caper
Overall length 7 3/4", blade is 3" x 3/4" wide, 1/8" thick.

Handle Holes 3/16".
CAT.#
STEEL
FINISH TEMPER
HRC
PRICE
CPM 154
Satin
Cryo
59-60
J8258
34.95
Damascus Etched
Cryo
58-60
J8289
59.95
Small Caper
Overall length 5 1/8", blade is 2" x 1/2"

Handle Holes 1/8".
CAT.#
STEEL
FINISH TEMPER
CPM 154
Satin
Cryo
J8158
Damascus Etched
Cryo
J8189
wide, .100" thick.

HRC
59-60
58-60
PRICE
29.95
29.95
Similar to our Pattern 31 with a full hollow grind.

Cryogenically treated and razor sharp. Overall length 7
5/8", blade is 3" x 1 1/8" wide, 5/32" thick. Bolster Holes
1/8", Handle Holes 1/4", Thong Hole 1/4". See online for
accessories. Available sheath KT310.
CAT.#
STEEL
FINISH TEMPER
HRC
PRICE
440C
Satin
Cryo
J5108
57-58
34.95
D2
Satin
Cryo
J5128
59-61
34.95
154CM
Satin
Cryo
J5148
58-59
39.95
CPMS 90V
Satin
Cryo
56-59
J5178
99.95
Damascus Etched
Cryo
J5189
58-60
99.95
Pattern 52
CAT.#
KI1807
KI1307
KI1407
THICK
1/8
3/16
1/4
Red Pearl
CAT.#
KI1808
KI1308
KI1408
THICK
1/8
3/16
1/4
Glow
Similar to our Pattern 22 with a full hollow grind.
Cryogenically treated and razor sharp. Overall length 8
3/8", blade is 3 1/2" x 1 3/32" wide, 5/32" thick. Bolster
Holes 1/8", Handle Holes 1/4", Thong Hole 1/4". See page
online for accessories. Available sheath KT220.
CAT.#
STEEL
FINISH TEMPER
HRC
PRICE
440C
Satin
Cryo
57-58
J5208
39.95
D2
Satin
Cryo
59-61
J5228
39.95
Damascus Etched
Cryo
58-60
J5289
99.95
CAT.#
KI1815
KI1315
KI1415
THICK
1/8
3/16
1/4
GW_1501_7 11/17/14 9:04 AM Page 7
EW
HERE
NDLE MATERIAL
y and usability in one of the most

market. Use standard wood working
speeds and low temperatures then
y hand. Pictures shown are example
10 slabs also available.
BLADE STEEL
PRICE
8.95
9.95
14.95
PRICE
8.95
9.95
14.95
PRICE
8.95
9.95
14.95
Bearings
CPM S110V is a high alloy martensitic stainless tool steel.

Offers better corrosion resistance than 440C or CPM S90V.
Aim hardness is 58/61. Typical chemistry C 2.8, Nb 3.0, Cr
15.25, V 9.00, Mo 2.25, Co 2.5.
CAT#
QF118
QF658
QF718
QF728
THICK
1/8"
5/32"
3/16"
3/16"
WIDE
1 1/2"
2"
1 1/2"
2"
FINISH
MILL FINISH
MILL FINISH
MILL FINISH
MILL FINISH
PRICE
$ 65.95
$ 98.95
$ 86.95
$113.95
1/8"
5/32"
3/16"
3/16"
1 1/2"
2"
1 1/2"
2"
MILL FINISH
MILL FINISH
MILL FINISH
MILL FINISH
$129.95
$195.95
$171.95
$225.95
36 Steel
CPM 20-CV Tool Steel

CPM 20CV is a martensitic stainless steel with exceptionally
good wear resistance and outstanding corrosion resistance.
Aim for hardness is 58-59Rc. CPM 20CV is a registered
trademark of Crucible Industries LLC.
Typical chemistry: C 1.9, Cr 20.0, V 4.0, Mo 1.0, W.6.
18 Steel
SIZE
1 1/2 X 10
1 1/2 X 10
1 1/2 X 10
FOLDER ACCESSORIES
CPM S110V Stainless Steel
QF136
QF656
QF716
QF726
SIZE
1 1/2 X 10
1 1/2 X 10
1 1/2 X 10
JANTZ
All steel offered below by JANTZ is made in the USA. Visit www.
knifemaking.com to purchase other widths and thicknesses.
18 Steel
SIZE
1 1/2 X 10
1 1/2 X 10
1 1/2 X 10
AT
THICK WIDE MILL FINISH

1/8"
1 1/2" TF218 - $ 36.95
1/8"
2" TF228 - $ 44.95
5/32" 1 1/2" TF318 - $ 48.95
5/32"
2" TF328 - $ 65.95
BLANCHARD
TU218 - $ 42.95
TU228 - $ 52.95
TU318 - $ 54.95
TU328 - $ 73.95
PRECISION
TG218 - $ 48.95
TG228 - $ 60.95
TG318 - $ 60.95
TG328 - $ 81.95
TF216 - $ 72.95
TF226 - $ 93.95
TF316 - $ 90.95
TF326 - $123.95
TU216 - $ 84.95
TU226 - $109.95
TU316 - $102.95
TU326 - $139.95
TG216 - $ 96.95
TG226 - $125.95
TG316 - $114.95
TG326 - $155.95
36 Steel
1/8"
1 1/2"
1/8"
2"
5/32" 1 1/2"
5/32"
2"
GTC 440C stainless steel thrust ball bearings caged

in stainless steel retainers developed by Gustavo T.
Cecchini's GTC Knives to reduce friction and failures,
increase opening time, and easier cleaning. The 100%
stainless steel construction eliminates the problems
of other thrust bearings that are not 100% stainless.
Sold separately.
CAT.#
O.D.
I.D.
BALL DIA.
PRICE
.354
.157
.062
GC101
1.29
.358
.192
.062
GC106
1.29
.378
.218
.062
GC111
1.29
.415
.255
.062
GC121
1.29
.454
.258
.078
GC102
1.29
Decorative Torx Screws for Pivot Pins

Designed and manufactured by JANTZ in our facility.
Use with our threaded pivot barrels. 303 Stainless Torx
head screw, .350 in length and threaded 6-48.
Spinner
Galaxy
Orchid
Turbine
CPM REX M4 High Speed Steel

SIZE
1 1/2 X 10
1 1/2 X 10
1 1/2 X 10
PRICE
8.95
9.95
14.95
CPM REX M4 HC(HS) is a special purpose high speed steel

exhibiting better wear resistance and toughness. Also
providing enhanced machinability and grindability. Aim
hardness is 63/65.
Typical chemistry:
C 1.42, Mn .30,
S .06, Cr 4.00, V 4.0, Mo 5.25, W 5.5.
18 Steel
SIZE
1 1/2 X 10
1 1/2 X 10
1 1/2 X 10
PRICE
8.95
9.95
14.95
CAT#
JF428
JF518
JF528
JF548
THICK
3/16"
1/4"
1/4"
1/4"
WIDE
2"
1 1/2"
2"
4"
FINISH
MILL FINISH
MILL FINISH
MILL FINISH
MILL FINISH
PRICE
$ 52.95
$ 52.95
$ 70.95
$134.95
JF426
JF516
JF526
JF546
3/16"
1/4"
1/4"
1/4"
2"
1 1/2"
2"
4"
MILL FINISH
MILL FINISH
MILL FINISH
MILL FINISH
$103.95
$103.95
$139.95
$268.95
36 Steel
Solar Flare
CAT.#
FF401
FF402
FF403
FF404
FF271
FF273
FF275
FF276
FF277
Gear
Bullseye
NAME
DIAMETER
Spinner
1/4
Galaxy
1/4
Orchid
1/4
Turbine
1/4
Solar Flare
5/16
Gear
5/16
Bullseye
5/16
Cosmos
5/16
Texas Star
5/16
Cosmos Texas Star

TORX
T6
T6
T6
T6
T8
T8
T8
T8
T8
PRICE
2.49
2.49
2.49
2.49
2.49
2.49
2.49
2.49
2.49
FITS
1/4
1/4
5/16
5/16
PRICE
1.95
1.95
1.95
1.95
Threaded Pivot Only
CPM D2 Carbon Steel
SIZE
1 1/2 X 10
1 1/2 X 10
1 1/2 X 10
PRICE
8.95
10.95
13.95
CPM D2 is an air-hardening, high carbon, high chromium

tool steel, heat treatable to HRC 60-62. It offers excellent
abrasion resistance. Machinable in the annealed condition
and exhibits minimal distortion on hardening. Typical
chemistry: C 1.50, Mn .40, Si .40, Cr 12.00, V .95, Mo .90.
18 Steel
THICK
1/8"
1/8"
5/32"
5/32"
3/16"
3/16"
WIDE
1 1/2"
2"
1 1/2"
2"
1 1/2"
2"
MILL FINISH
ZF218 - $ 26.95
ZF228 - $ 34.95
ZF318 - $ 28.95
ZF328 - $ 39.95
ZF418 - $ 35.95
ZF428 - $ 45.95
BLANCHARD
ZU218 - $ 32.95
ZU228 - $ 42.95
ZU318 - $ 34.95
ZU328 - $ 47.95
ZU418 - $ 41.95
ZU428 - $ 53.95
PRECISION
ZG218 - $ 38.95
ZG228 - $ 50.95
ZG318 - $ 40.95
ZG328 - $ 55.95
ZG418 - $ 47.95
ZG428 - $ 61.95
1/8"
1 1/2"
1/8"
2"
5/32" 1 1/2"
5/32"
2"
3/16" 1 1/2"
3/16"
2"
ZF216 - $ 51.95
ZF226 - $ 65.95
ZF316 - $ 55.95
ZF326 - $ 75.95
ZF416 - $ 66.95
ZF426 - $ 86.95
ZU216 - $ 63.95
ZU226 - $ 81.95
ZU316 - $ 67.95
ZU326 - $ 91.95
ZU416 - $ 78.95
ZU426 - $102.95
ZG216 - $ 75.95
ZG226 - $ 97.95
ZG316 - $ 79.95
ZG326 - $107.95
ZG416 - $ 90.95
ZG426 - $118.95
36 Steel
SIZE
1 1/2 X 10
1 1/2 X 10
1 1/2 X 10
PRICE
10.95
15.95
19.95
Pivot barrels are threaded 6-48.

CAT.#
O.D.
LENGTH
3/16
.350
F85B
3/16
.500
F88B
1/4
.350
F96B
1/4
.500
F98B
DOWNLOAD OUR
NEW ONLINE CATALOG AT
knifemaking.com
1-800-351-8900
JANTZ
GW-15-01-UPFRONT-8-9 11/13/14 9:06 AM Page 8
UP FRONT
Timing is
EVERYTHING
By Craig Hodgkins
track of the issues and vote

thoughtfully, and Im beyond thankful that I was born in this amazing
EDITORIAL
country. Ive just never been one to
Editor in Chief: Craig Hodgkins

Managing Editor: Kari Windes
Senior Creative Director: Eric Knagg
Art Director: Johann Frederick Mendoza
listen to a bunch of talking heads

swap opinions.
My sense of timing gets pretty

messed up this time of year.
For me, last weekend was Hal-
Im selective about my sources

of information, whether that be the
media or in person. Thats one of
loween, but youre probably reading
the primary reasons I get out to in-
this magazine in December, even
dustry shows such as the National
though its the January 2015 issue.
Association of Sporting Goods
Its no wonder I usually dont

know what day it is.
I write this having just watched
Wholesalers (NASGW) Expo and
CONTRIBUTORS
Todd Burgreen, Jerry Catania, Mike Dickerson,
Brad Fitzpatrick, Paul Hantke, James House, Jameson
Parker, D.K. Pridgen, John Raguso, Steve Sieberts, Dave
Spaulding, Tom Tabor, Chuck Taylor, Leroy Thompson,
Martin Topper, Dave Workman
ADVERTISING
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Annual Meetingwhich I recently
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Paul Caca
Ryan Lauro
attended in Little Rock (the irony of
OPERATIONS
the national election results pro-
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jecting the largest Republican ma-
Clinton National Airport was not
jority since WWII in both the Senate
lost on me)and to the upcoming
and the House. Throughout the
SHOT Show.
evening, this news was announced
JAN 2015 VOLUME 56 NUMBER 1
I can listen to company repre-
with glee or dread, depending on
sentatives, editors and writers that I
whether I was tuned in to Fox or
respect, and some readers as well.
CNN. Of course, you knew that al-
Then I can make up my own mind
ready, since it happened more than
about the issues affecting the in-
a month ago.
dustry, and what some of the possi-
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watching network news coverage,
planning on being at SHOT Show,
GUN WORLD (ISSN 0017-5641) Volume 56, Number 1, is

published monthly, 12 times a year by Engaged Media by
Beckett, LLC, 22840 Savi Ranch Parkway, #200, Yorba
Linda, CA 92887. Periodical postage paid at Anaheim, CA,
and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address
changes to Gun World c/o Engaged Media by Beckett,
4635 McEwen Road, Dallas, TX 75244. Return undelivered
Canadian addresses to: Gun World c/o Pitney Bowes, Inc.
PO Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B
GST#855050365RT001 2014 by Beckett Media, LLC. All
rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from this
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something my family knows very
look me up, and we can have a chat.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
I rarely if ever waste any time
well. But since the whole balance
ble solutions could be. If youre
But until then, Happy Thanks-
of power shift caught my atten-
giving and Merry Christmas, and I
tion, I stopped channel surng and
hope you have an awesome New
watched it play out.
Years Eve! GW
Engaged Media by Beckett, LLC

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My 11-year-old son happened to

walk into the room as some news
anchor was droning through the
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state-by-state results. He stopped

in his tracks and turned to my wife
with incredulity in his voice.
Dads watching the news?
Now dont get me wrong. I keep
Engaged Media by Beckett

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GUN WORLD
This magazine is purchased by the buyer with the understanding that information presented is from various
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Heres something else the editor would

like to do more often in 2015.
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Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to:
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GW_1501_9 11/10/14 2:50 AM Page 9
GW-15-01-EXPERTS-10-11 11/10/14 10:20 PM Page 10
ASK the
EXPERTS
We do the research so you dont have to.
ize
Question: Ive always shot

double-action pistols, but
have decided to buy my rst
1911. Im torn between a fullsize pistol and a Commandersized gun. I plan to use it for
target practice and home
defense. Ill also carry it if I
can conceal it effectively.
What do you advise?
Matters
By Gun World Contributors
Our experts favorite

1911s include a full-size
Kimber Eclipse Target II,
left, and a bobtail Dan
Wesson Guardian. The
Commander-size
Guardian, which has a
3/4-inch shorter barrel
and weighs 10 ounces
less, get the nod for
concealed carry.
with pistols and want to carry con-
gun all day will, if theyre being
cealed, I would recommend a Com-
honest, admit that the Comman-
mander-sized gun for a number of
ders reduced weight makes a huge
reasons.
difference.
Some people will try to talk you
In addition to their lighter
into buying a full-size gun with a 5-
weight, Commander-sized guns are
inch barrel, arguing that a Com-
a bit more concealable than full-
mander is a poor choice because
size pistols. Thats especially true
its only 3/4 inch shorter, a couple of
for models with bobtail frames and
ounces lighter and doesnt offer
grips, which are commonly offered
much advantage in concealability
on Commander-sized pistols for
Frank M., Salt Lake City, Utah
over a full-size pistol.
that reason. The -inch barrel
Mike Dickerson answers: I nor-
and only ifyoure comparing two
nd many Commander-type pistols
mally advise rst-time 1911 buyers
steel-frame pistols. In reality, most
sporting 4-inch barrels. I wouldnt
to go with a full-size gun because
popular Commander-size guns
recommend going smaller than
you will nd recoil more tolerable
have aluminum alloy frames. They
that with your rst 1911.
and youll likely shoot it more accu-
generally weigh 27-28 ounces,
rately with the longer sight radius.
while full-size 1911s weigh 37-38
own only one 1911, it would probably
However, since you have experience
ounces. Anyone who has carried a
be a Commander. GW
That argument has merit if
length reduction helps, and you can
All things considered, if I could
Our January Expert:

Mike Dickerson hunts extensively across North America and has published hundreds of articles on hunting, ries,
handguns, shotguns, ammo and concealed carry.
10
www.gunworld.com
GW_1501_11 11/10/14 2:45 AM Page 11
THE RUGER LCR

Only one thing matters when it matters MOST.
Patented Ruger Friction Reducing Cam
Smooth, Manageable Trigger with Non-Stacking Trigger Pull
THE BEST DOUBLE-ACTION

REVOLVER TRIGGER PULL IN THE WORLD.
We believe the Ruger LCR has the best factory double-action trigger
pull of any small-frame revolver on this planet. We challenge you to try it
for yourself. The non-stacking trigger pull on every award-winning
LCR is light, smooth and manageable, making the LCR a lightweight,
compact revolver you can rely on when it matters most.
RUGER.COM/LCR
2014 Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.
092414
Trigger Pull Comparison
GW-15-01-PRODUCTS-12-15.CX 13,14 11/18/14 3:20 AM Page 12
NEW
PRODUCTS
The Glock 42 and Serpa
CQC makes for a compact
and concealable package.
The
BLACKHAWK!
Serpa CQC Glock 42 Holster
Text & Photos by Tim Stetzer
he BLACKHAWK! Serpa
CQC holster should be
familiar fare to Gun
World readers by now, but the
company continues to expand
the line as new and popular
gun models hit the market. At
the 2014 NRA Annual Meeting,
it released the two latest
additions to the Serpa line for
the Smith & Wesson M&P
Shield and the Glock 42. I had a
chance to work with the Glock
42 model recently.
12
I work as a plainclothes detec-
The Serpa series holsters are
tive for a county police agency and
made from what the company de-
have carried a Glock 27 in a Serpa
scribes as a high performance en-
holster for the past eight years in
gineered thermopolymer. To those
that capacity. I tried some other
of us who arent engineers, thats
holsters over the years, but the
tough plastic. The holster is a trim
Serpa works well for me. Its fast,
design that minimizes bulk and
secure and comfortable, as well as
maximizes concealment. Its also
very intuitive to operate. If you
cut to allow you to get a full ring
havent worked with a Serpa before
grip on the weapon when you draw.
now let me give you a brief rundown

of the design.
The Serpa is molded to each

gun and is classied as a level 2 rewww.gunworld.com
GW-15-01-PRODUCTS-12-15.CX 13,14 11/13/14 10:45 PM Page 13
tention holster using both an adjustable passive retention screw as

well as securing the weapon via a
Secondary retention on the Serpa is via

the autolocking SERPA Technology Lock,
a fast and simple lock engaged by your
index nger during the draw stroke.
Serpa Technology Lock which engages the trigger guard of the

weapon. The weapon locks in automatically when you holster it, so
theres no need to remember to engage a thumb snap or any other
form of secondary retention. Drop
the gun in the holster and its secure, as simple as that.
The release is just as fast and
intuitive and is done by tapping the
lock button with your index nger
as you draw your weapon. Its quick
to learn and can be done in one
smooth motion with your draw.
Your index nger pretty much automatically slides over the lock and
disengages it as you draw, so its a
very natural action.
The Serpa comes with both a
wide paddle and a belt loop so you
can pick whichever option works
best for you. The mounting plate on
both the belt loop and paddle allow
you to either set your holster up for
a straight drop or at a variety of angles depending what youre most
comfortable with.
The Serpa also will fit other
BLACKHAWK! mounting options
like its Concealment Vest Holster
Platform which lets you mount
your holster to a tactical vest, or inside a fanny pack or bag or pack
equipped with internal MOLLEstyle loops.
NEW & IMPROVED

The latest generation Serpa
differs in a couple of areas from my
nearly decade-old model. One of
the rst things I noticed is that the
new model is cut lower than my old
one. That makes for a smaller pro-
The BLACKHAWK! Serpa uses an

oversized sight channel to ensure
that even larger aftermarket sights
wont snag during your draw.
le and probably gives you a little

www.gunworld.com
13
GW-15-01-PRODUCTS-12-15.CX 13,14 11/13/14 10:45 PM Page 14
The BLACKHAWK! CQC for the

Glock 42 with the paddle holster installed. This was the setup I primarily
used during my testing.
more space to get a full ring grip

when you draw, although I have to
admit Ive never had issues with my
old one.
The other big difference is with
the belt loop attachment. All Serpas can be adjusted to ride on belts
ranging from 1 to 1.75 inches wide.
They use a spacer to adjust the
loop to proper size for your belt.
while. When I saw the Serpa become available, I jumped on it. It
me, this makes it at least a three-
model required a screwdriver to in-
makes a lot of sense to be carrying
season holster. If Im wearing any
stall and adjust the spacer, whereas
a more compact version of my duty
sort of covering garment, I prefer a
the new Serpas use a Snaplock tab
gun in a more compact version of
belt holster and either my duty
that lets you rapidly set up or
my duty holster. The same muscle
Glock 27 or my off-duty Glock 42 in
change the belt size of the loop
memory applies for both the
a Serpa t that bill perfectly. If its
without tools. In addition to adjust-
weapon and the holster that way.
summertime and Im in t-shirts and
The difference is that the old
ing the loop to the belt size, you can
The 42 carries like a dream in
shorts, I will usually switch to an
also adjust how high the holster
the Serpa. Its a light gun anyway,
IWB rig, but that still means that Im
rides depending if you put the
and the Serpa distributes the
rolling with a Serpa at least 9
Snaplock tab above or below your
weight well, especially with its wide
months out of the year off duty, and
belt inside the loop.
paddle option, which is my prefer-
a full 12 months on duty. What can I
ence. While not as concealable as
say? The set up works for me.
I picked up a Glock 42 back in

February, right after the 2014 SHOT
an inside-the-waistband (IWB) rig,
show and had been keeping an eye
it still conceals well under a light
Glock 42, the new Serpa is a great
out for holster options for it for a
jacket or a loose, untucked shirt. For
option on the market right now. As
14
If you need a holster for your
www.gunworld.com
GW-15-01-PRODUCTS-12-15.qxp 11/10/14 10:43 PM Page 15
a matter of fact, if you need a holster for most common carry and
duty guns, you can check out the
Serpa and BLACKHAWK! probably
has a model to suit you. They make
them in both left- and right-hand
models and in a variety of colors, including basic black, coyote tan, foliage green, and olive drab and with
an msrp of only $49.95. Street
prices typically save you a few
bucks over that, the Serpa CQC is a
great deal for anyone in the market
for a fast, reliable concealment rig.
GW
CONTACT
The Serpa CQC rides high and
close to the body. A light jacket
or even a loose untucked shirt
would cover a small weapon
like this Glock 42 easily.
www.gunworld.com
BLACKHAWK!
(800) 379-1732
Blackhawk.com
15
GW-15-01-RUGER-16-23.qxp 11/10/14 10:48 PM Page 16
COVER
STORY
16
www.gunworld.com
Pocketful
of POWER
Text and Photos By Dave Workman
Rugers New LC9s Is A

Palm-Sized Performer
And Its Striker
Fired.
ver since Sturm, Ruger &

Co. rst introduced its
pocket-sized LCP in
.380 Auto, then followed with
the slightly larger LC9, a lot of
shooters were wondering
which evolutionary step would
bring forth a 9mm striker-red
model.
The brand-new LC9s is
everything one would expect
from a seven-round lightweight personal protection
handgun, and then some. Not
only did it perform well with a
variety of ammunition, my
little visit to the high country
revealed that this just might
be a good security pistol for
hikers, campers and anyone
else who ventures off the
pavement.
www.gunworld.com
17
COVER STORY
Sized to t in the palm of a hand,

the LC9s has a glass-lled nylon
frame and steel slide and barrel.
Best of all, this new version will

tuck right into every holster made
for the LC9. It also accepts the
same extended magazines, lasers
and any other accessories designed
for its sibling, and it has a newly designed trigger mechanism that resets fast andin this writers
humble opinionhas one of the
best trigger pulls in its class.
There is not a sharp edge on
this pistol, with the exception of the
top rear of the front sight. Every
other surface is smoothly beveled
or rounded, and I cannot help but
think that this will help speed up an
emergency draw.
Whats more, on a ridgetop
range high up in the central Cas18
A little push and the

retention pin comes
out on the left side of
the frame.
www.gunworld.com
cades, the LC9s proved to be a

pretty accurate little pistol at typical gunfight distance, and I would
not be at all reluctant to use it in a
pinch to put small game in the
bag. There is not a rabbit on the
planet that can take a hit in the
noggin from a 9mm and hop away
laughing.
But the LC9s is not designed
for hunting, nor specically for the
trail. Its a defensive pistol that delivers the goods, with a tough,
glass-lled nylon grip frame, blued
alloy steel slide and three-dot
sights that are easily acquired and
dovetailed front and rear. Those
sights, incidentally, are drift adjustable, and on my test gun (Serial
#327-14375), I found the pistol shot
just a tad high, but once I got used
to where the sights should settle on
a Birchwood-Casey Shoot-N-C target, I started putting them in the Xring with some consistency.
LIGHTWEIGHT
My only bugaboo came in the pistols disassembly, which requires a bit of dexterity,
and a paper clip.
Weighing 17.2 ounces (it felt

much lighter, even fully loaded with
seven in the magazine and one up
terchangeable magazine oor-
the spout), this new striker-red
plates, including one with an exten-
model has a 3.12-inch blue steel
sion for the pinky and the other that
barrel cut with six lands and
is atter for slightly greater con-
grooves on a 1:10, right-hand twist,
cealment. The LC9s is supplied
and an overall length of 6 inches.
with a single magazine.
Did this impress me much? Damn

straight it did, and for good reason.
Im a rm believer in carrying
wide and easily held, even with

sweaty, dirty hands. It doesnt take
defensive rearms, and when they
much of a tug to cycle a round into
are well-built and lightweight, that
the chamber, either, making this a
makes it far more accommodating
very good choice for women whose
for the average man or woman,
hand strength may not be equal to
whether carried in a pocket, purse,
some 24-year-old weight lifter.
IWB holster, deep-concealment rig
Another plus is the manual
or an ankle holster.
Among the features of this gun
www.gunworld.com
The rear cocking serrations are
thumb safety at the left rear of the

frame. It pivots up and forward
that shooters will warm up to is the
slightly into a notch in the slide, and
slim prole. The LC9s is just under
locks this pistol tight. In addition,
an inch wide. It also comes with in-
the gun has a magazine disconnect,

19
COVER STORY
The front sight is dovetailed into the frame, as is

the rear sight. Both are
drift-adjustable.
which for me took a bit of getting
SPECIFICATIONS
used to, but I can see the safety aspect. The handgun also has a vi-
LC9s
sual inspection port that allows

one to instantly see if the chamber
Manufacturer: Sturm, Ruger & Co.

Caliber: 9mm
is loaded.
Ruger packages this gun with
an inert orange magazine insert
that has more than one use. Not
Capacity: 7 + 1
Slide: Blue alloy steel
Frame: Glass-lled Nylon
only can it be inserted into the gun

to simply allow the owner to see in
an instant that theres not a loaded
magazine installed, it also is used
in taking down the pistol, which is
Barrel length: 3.12 inches
where my only peeve came with

the LC9s.
Weight: 17.2 ounces

California approved: No
Sights: Drift-adjustable 3-dot
Ruger also supplies a tough

steel cable lock that can be run
down through the ejector port and
through the grip frame, precluding
the insertion of a magazine. The
OAL: 6 inches
MSRP:$449
20
pistol also comes with a soft-sided

case.
www.gunworld.com
MANAGEABLE RECOIL
One thing got my attention: recoil. Thanks to the dual recoil
spring setup, even with a sizzlinghot 9mm round from CorBon, recoil is easily manageable, which
may surprise a lot of people. For a
gun of this size and construction,
one might expect this piece to be
carried lots and fired little, but
Ruger designers have once again
hit a homer.
Now, about that takedown.
Ruger designed this pistol with a
small takedown pin that one has to
poke out with a small punch or
paper clip. After clearing the pistol
and making certain the chamber is
empty, insert the inert orange magazine and after pressing down on a
small latch on the left side above
the trigger, move the slide rearward
Here, I put the LC9s through its

paces high in the mountains.
about 1/8-inch. Then, using the paperclip from the right side of the
pistol, push the tiny pin out of the
frame. Now that is the only complaint I had, and it has more to do
with clumsy ngers than any design
aw, because I defy anyone to say
theres a aw in the LC9s.
I found that the magazine is
well designed and can be taken
apart in a few seconds so that it
can be cleaned inside, as well as
out. As any veteran semi-auto
shooter will attest, nine times out
of 10, if a pistol malfunctions, the
problem is related to the magazine.
By removing the oorplate, the
magazine spring and follower can
be taken out and given a good spray
with an aerosol to remove the kind
of dust and even powder residue
I denitely like the manual
safety on the LC9s, shown
here engaged, in the safe
position.
that might accumulate, and the

magazine body can be wiped inside
with a soft cloth.
For my little range evaluation, I
www.gunworld.com
21
COVER STORY
where there is noor a delayed
911 response.
Backpackers and even day hikers are sometimes a picky bunch
when it comes to weight. Nobody
likes to be carrying more than is
comfortable, and honestly, fullhouse magnum revolvers, or more
powerfuland largersemi-autos,
present that problem. The LC9s has
them all beat.
My guess is that with a bit of ingenuity, some enterprising hiker
could modify a holster that would
t on a shoulder or waist strap into
which one could tuck the LC9s
without notice.
This little pistol fits easily into
the pockets of a pair of cargo
pants. For a defensive pistol to be
of any use, on the trail or the mean
streets, it must be immediately accessible. Because there are already
several holsters available for the
LC9, made from various materials,
any concern about carrying this
gun is put to rest.
I enjoy taking a walk in the woods now and then, at 5,000 feet in the mountains, and I
found that the LC9s could serve well as a little trail gun.
No doubt in my mind, the LC9s

will quickly garner a loyal following
among people who prefer striker-
grabbed an assortment of ammuni-
not bad out of that short 3.12-inch
fired pistols, and it might even
tion, including the aforementioned
barrel. The Black Hills 124-grainers
score some converts. Its not a
115-grain CorBon JHPs, some Black
averaged 1,026 fps, while the other
show horse, its definitely designed
Hills 124-grain FMJs, a box of Gold
loads clocked in at less than 1,000
as a workhorse, and it answers the
Dot 115-grain JHPs and 124-grain
fps. Still, they will ruin someones
first requirement of a gunfight:
Federal FMJs. They all functioned
whole day in a confrontation.
Have a gun.
So what if its not the biggest,
without a hiccup, and I found the

Black Hills and CorBon rounds
seemed to shoot slightly tighter to
NON-TYPICAL USE
Up front, I mentioned that this
the X-ring, though the difference
new LC9s might nd favor for peo-
between all of this ammunition was
ple wanting some protection in the
negligible.
backwoods. It may not be a grizzly
In an emergency, rounds red
bear stopper, but for predatorsei-
at anything in close proximity are
ther the four-legged or two-legged
going to have the desired results.
varietythis little pistol, with its
Those CorBon rounds were siz-
9mm stopping power and todays
zlers, crossing my chronograph
high-performance ammunition,
screens at an average of 1,202 fps
could be a real game changer
22
baddest hunk of new iron on the

market? The LC9s is a compact little potential lifesaver. GW
CONTACT
Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.
Ruger.com
www.gunworld.com
GW_1501_23 11/10/14 2:09 AM Page 23
GW-15-01-USAF-24-33.CX 25,29 11/13/14 10:58 PM Page 24
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24
www.gunworld.com
GW-15-01-USAF-24-33.CX 25,29 11/13/14 10:58 PM Page 25
HIGH-ALTITUDE
ARMS
By Leroy Thompson
An Historical Review Of Service

Revolvers In The Wild, Blue Yonder
Three of the USAF 2-inch

revolvers: at left, the Model
56, top right; the S&W M13;
and bottom right, the Colt
Aircrewman.
www.gunworld.com
25
GW-15-01-USAF-24-33.qxp 11/10/14 10:54 PM Page 26
The very rarely seen,

Baby Aircrewman a veshot revolver based on the
S&W Chiefs Special (Model
37). Note the Air Force
medallions in the grips.
(Courtesy of Kevin Williams)
Colt based its

Aircrewman on the Cobra,
which was introduced
in 1950.
volvers, the Air Force ordered 1,189
on the back strap. Later in produc-
were developed for a revolver that
of the Colt, 605 of the S&W M&P
tion, it was marked with just U.S.
would come to be known as the
six-shot revolvers, and 605 of the
on the back strap. The rst 605
Aircrewman. As a result, Smith &
S&W Chiefs Special ve-shot re-
M&P-type Aircrewman revolvers
Wesson and Colt developed 2-inch
volvers for further trials. All of these
had AIRCREWMAN/.38 SPECIAL
barreled, alloy-framed revolvers
were considered prototypes. When
CTG. on the right side of the barrel,
that also had alloy cylinders. It was
testing was completed, the Air
but not the marking on the top
understood that an alloy cylinder
Force chose the six-shot S&W M&P
strap. It also had USAF medallions
would not stand up to continuous
Aircrewman, which was designated
in the grips where the S&W medal-
usage, but it was believed that if the
the M13 (not to be confused with
lion would normally be found. For
Aircrewman revolvers had to be
the later, xed-sight .357 Magnum
collectors, there is a wide array of
red, it would only be for a few
revolver). Around 40,000 of these
other features that help distinguish
rounds. Colt based its Aircrewman
Aircrewman were eventually deliv-
an authentic M13 Aircrewman. Al-
on the Cobra, which was introduced
ered to the Air Force.
though still scarce, the M13 is the
Beginning in 1950, bid specs
most commonly encountered type
in 1950. Smith & Wesson offered

two designs; one based on the
Model 12 lightweight revolver introduced in 1953 and one based on the
THE AIRCREWMAN
TAKES FLIGHT
Each of the three types of Air-
of Aircrewman.
The rarest of the Aircrewman
revolvers is the Chief Special-type,
Model 37 introduced in 1951. Note
crewman revolvers has distinctive
known to collectors as the Baby
that S&W, for a short time, actually
markings. The M13, as adopted, was
Aircrewman. It had the same type
offered the commercial Model 12
marked REVOLVER, LIGHT
of markings as the six-shot M&P
and Model 37 with alloy cylinders.
WEIGHT, M13 on the top strap and
type Aircrewman and also had the
PROPERTY OF U.S. AIR FORCE
USAF medallions in the grips. Also
After testing the three re26
www.gunworld.com
rare are the Colt Aircrewman re-
crewman revolvers were carried in
tures of both the Model 14 K-38 and
volvers. They were marked AIR-
the holsters designed to be sewn to
Model 15 Combat Masterpiece re-
CREWMAN/.38 SPECIAL CTG. on
Air Force survival vests. At least
volvers. The Model 56 had ad-
the left side of the barrel and
some Aircrewman revolvers were
justable sights, as well as a 2-inch
PROPERTY OF U.S. AIR FORCE
carried by others, such as Air Force
barrel. At the time it was intro-
on the backstrap. The butt was
Office of Special Investigations per-
duced, Smith & Wesson did not
marked A.F. No. XXX.
sonnel who likely used an open-top
offer the 2-inch version of the Com-
holster designed for a S&W M&P
bat Masterpiece. Among the special
revolver.
features of the Model 56 are the
After a few years of service, the

Air Force began to have problems
with Aircrewman cylinders cracking
and frames cracking at the front. As
lack of serrations on the barrel, top
REVOLVER VARIANTS
strap, rear sight, or back strap and
a result, most were declared unser-
The Air Force also used a variety
U.S. on the back strap. Inside the
viceable and destroyed. One of the
of K-frame (six-shot, M&P-type) re-
yoke was stamped MOD/56. Ac-
problems was that the revolvers
volvers. According to military revolver
cording to Kevin Williams, 15,205
were designed to take the M41 Ball
expert Kevin Williams, at least a lim-
M56s were produced.
.38 Special cartridge, a lightly
ited number of S&W K-22 revolvers
loaded round with a 130-grain full
were purchased for inclusion in Arctic
volver during the Colt War was the
metal jacketed bullet. In at least
survival kits. Colt and High Standard
4-inch Combat Masterpiece (Model
some cases, those that suffered
.22 autos were also used in these kits.
15). Initially, these revolvers were
cracks were red with other .38
At least some 2-inch round butt S&W
acquired for the Strategic Air Com-
Special loads.
M&P (Model 10) steel-frame re-
mands Elite Guard in 1956 and for
The most widely used holster
The most widely used USAF re-
volvers were also purchased in 1960
wider issue in 1960. The Air Force
for the Aircrewman revolvers was a
for use by pilots. Four-inch M&P re-
acquired additional Combat Mas-
apped design developed by Norris
volvers, normally World War II Victory
terpiece revolvers throughout the
N. Murray in 1955 and designated as
Models, were issued during the
1960s including Models 15-1, 15-2,
Universal Handgun Holster and
1950s to various Air Force personnel,
and 15-3, all with 4-inch barrels.
Harness. When tted with a shoul-
including the Air Police.
der strap, it could be carried as a
One of the most interesting of
They were the standard issue

weapon for the USAF Air
shoulder holster, but it also had belt
the revolvers purchased by the Air
Police/Security Police, beginning in
loops and could be carried on the
Force was the Model 56 ordered in
1962 and lasting until 1992 when
belt. It is also likely that some Air-
1956. This revolver combined fea-
the Beretta M9 was adopted.
Note the lack of ribs

atop the barrel of the
USAF Model 56.
www.gunworld.com
27
GW-15-01-USAF-24-33 11/11/14 4:05 AM Page 28
An M13 Aircrewman
revolver along with the
versatile holster with
which it was issued.
This holster could be
worn on the hip or as a
shoulder holster.
SPECIFICATIONS
S&W M13
AIRCREWMAN
Action: Double-action revolver
Caliber: .38 Special, M41 cartridge
Overall Length: 6.875 inches
These revolvers were also issued to
during the period when the Combat
various other Air Force personnel
Masterpiece was ordered. LeMay
who required an individual self-de-
was a rearms enthusiast, who also
fense weapon, including air crew,
was the impetus for the Air Force
missile crew, paymasters, and oth-
adopting the AR-15. (As it was des-
ers in a combat zone. Although as
ignated before becoming the M16
ordered, the Combat Masterpiece
and as Air Force ries were origi-
revolvers were blued, they saw
nally marked; these are not to be
substantial use and some were
confused with the semi-auto AR-15
later parkerized.
available today.)
LeMay reportedly was unhappy
Barrel Length: 2 inches

Weight: 14.5 ounces
(aluminum cylinder)
Cartridge Capacity: 6 rounds
SIGHTS AND LOADS

As military units traditionally
28
security police showing poor quali-
ordered xed-sight revolvers, the
fying scores with their weapons.
question has been asked why the
The target revolver was designed
Air Force ordered adjustable sight
to raise scores, and it did.
revolvers with target triggers and
Sights: Rear-notch, front-ramp
with Air Force personnel, especially
Some of the Air Force Combat
target hammers. Reportedly, this
Masterpieces were supplied to
was at the behest of Gen. Curtis
civilian police departments and
LeMay, chief of staff of the Air Force
later traded or sold off. As a result,

www.gunworld.com
GW-15-01-USAF-24-33.CX 25,29 11/13/14 10:54 PM Page 29
The Model 56 had

adjustable sights, as well
as a 2-inch barrel.
ping power than the M41 load.

Another Smith & Wesson re-
Forces and, perhaps the PJs, CCTs

(Combat Control Teams), and
volver purchased by the Air Force
Combat Weather, are oriented to
was the Chiefs Special (Model 36)
technical activities rather than
with 3-inch heavy barrel. They were
ground combat. This lack of small
used by the Air Force OSI (Office of
arms orientation may have made
a collector may occasionally en-
Special Investigations) and, report-
the revolver appealing, as it would
counter one.
edly, by some women security po-
have been considered safer and
lice. An especially interesting Air
easier to learn the basics than an
about the Combat Masterpiece re-
Force revolver that I have seen ref-
automatic pistol. Of course, numer-
volvers was the rather anemic M41
erence to is the Model 29 .44 Mag-
ous Air Force personnel were armed
load that had been developed for
num with 4-inch barrel. Reportedly,
with the M9 as a constant compan-
use in the Aircrewman revolvers. The
a small number of these were pur-
ion in Afghanistan or Iraq; they just
Combat Masterpiece was a sturdier
chased for use by PJs (Pararescue)
received more rearms training. At
revolver that could handle a heavier
when operating in Alaska or other
least a few of the Combat Master-
load. As a result, the PGU-12/B load,
areas with bears.
piece revolvers remain in use today
One of the major complaints
which pushed the 130-grain FMJ load
An interesting question arises
for training Military Working Dogs
at 1,125 fps from a test barrel, was
about why the Air Force was so
since it is easier to use .38 Special
developed. While the original M41
committed to revolvers prior to
blanks.
round was rated at a pressure of
adopting the M9. The inuence of
13,000 psi, the PGU-12/B was rated
Gen. LeMay has already been men-
at 20,000 psi. From the 4-inch Com-
tioned, but there is quite possibly
In general, those who were is-
bat Masterpiece, actual muzzle ve-
another consideration as well. Air
sued the Model 15 in the Air Force
locity tended to be in the 950 to 975
Force personnel, other than the se-
found it a reliable and serviceable
fps range. Still, it offered better stop-
curity police or todays Security
handgun that they knew was ready
SERVICEABLE EXPERIMENT
Mod./56 is stamped on
the crane of the Air Force
contract revolvers.
www.gunworld.com
29
Backstrap markings of
the Colt Aircrewman.
for action, as long as the chambers

were loaded. In Vietnam or on SAC
bases, security police were normally armed with a riean M2
Carbine prior to the adoption of the
AR15/M16. However, gate guards on
most bases and patrol security police continued to use the Model 15
for many years. OSI investigators
used the M36 revolvers, too, until
the SIG-Sauer M11 pistol replaced
the revolvers.
Although Aircrewman revolvers
Markings on the
backstrap of a USAF
M13 Aircrewman.
seemed like a good idea at the
30
www.gunworld.com
GW_1501_31 11/10/14 2:15 AM Page 31
A Colt Aircrewman, which

was based on the Colt Cobra
but with alloy cylinder, along
with its issue holster.
timea very lightweight, compact

revolver for pilotsthey had a short
life and are remembered today as
an interesting experiment. Certainly,
the array of USAF revolvers offers
an interesting piece of U.S. militarweapons history. GW
32
Standard cartridge for the Aircrewman revolvers and other USAF revolvers was the M41 Ball round.
www.gunworld.com
GW_1501_33 11/11/14 5:08 AM Page 33
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GW-15-01-CITADEL-34-43.qxp 11/10/14 11:27 PM Page 34
34
www.gunworld.com
The
Citadel
Nine
Text & Photos by
Brad Fitzpatrick
In A World Overrun With 1911s,

Citadel Has The Goods To Carve Out
Its Share Of This Competitive Market
hen the John Moses Browning-designed

Colt 1911 came into the world, it was
heralded as the nest pistol ever
designed, a pretty lofty claim. But if any rearm
deserves that designation, it has to be the 1911.
Its available today in a staggering array of
congurations, from combat pistols and
concealed carry guns to target and even hunting
versions that range in price from a few hundred
to several thousand dollars.
www.gunworld.com
35
GW-15-01-CITADEL-34-43 11/11/14 4:11 AM Page 36
Slim, sleek, and well built, the Citadel 9mm with Cerakote nish is a great target or defense gun that wont break the bank. It points
naturally and balances well, and if you already own a 9mm pistol and youre interested in delving into the world of 1911s,
this gun is a natural choice.
In a world of polymer guns

built on CNC machines with double-stack magazines and updated
inner assemblies, the 1911 remains
not only viable, but extremely popular, and still atop the handgun pile
even after more than a century of
dutiful service.
Any company that produces
and sells 1911s had better be able to
clearly state how and why their gun
is better than the thousands of
other iterations of this pistol. Some
brands build budget guns, 1911s that
MIXED GROUPS: WINCHESTERS W TRAIN AND DEFEND

When Winchester announced its new Train and Defend offerings, the concept
seemed long overdue. With millions of shooters buying guns for the rst time and obtaining concealed carry permits, the shooting market needed an easy way for shooters
to determine which ammunition they needed for a given situation. To solve that
dilemma, Winchester announced that it would offer a Train line, which offers reduced recoil, is loaded with FMJ bullets, and comes in 50-count boxes. The Defend ammunition
would be sold in smaller (20 round) boxes and would have bullets that were specically
designed for personal defense, and the idea was that a shooter could buy a few boxes
of Train ammo to practice with and a box of Defend to, well, defend themselves.
As logical as it sounds, there was one big question: Would the two ammunition
types shoot to the same point of impact? Theres little value in training with one round
and then loading another that shoots to a totally different point of impact, and while
most different loads will shoot to similar points of impact at short range, the goal of this
test was to determine how well the Train and Defend loads grouped from the same gun.
To test, I mixed the two ammos in two different magazines and red groups with both at
25 feet, the outer edge of practical self-defense range. At that distance, the two ammo
types red tight groups, and the point of impact was the same (or at least close enough
to be indistinguishable). That was what I suspected, but since I practice with and carry
this ammo at times, I wanted to be sure that the claims stood up.
For more information, visit Winchester.com.
are aimed (pardon the pun) at

36
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GW_1501_37 11/18/14 8:30 AM Page 37
INTRODUCING THE NEW!
THE ULTIMATE 9MM CONCEALED CARRY PISTOL
Like the hammer, the trigger is skeletonized and breaks at just less than six pounds. Notice the t and nish of the gun, which belies its
standing as a budget 1911. The Citadel certainly offers a long list of features, given its price.
SPECIFICATIONS
CITADEL CERAKOTE
1911 9MM
shooters who dont want to spend

a lot of money. Other companies
take a different approach; you can
have a 1911 that is hand-built to your
exact standards, with every internal
part tted and fretted over until the
Action: Single-action semiautomatic

Caliber: 9mm
end product is sublime, but thats

going to cost a lot of money and
take a lot of time. Some brands are
Capacity: 9+1
dressed up with fancy nishes,

great sights, checkering, ared ejec-
Finish: Cerakote two-tone

Grips: Wooden (two sets provided)
Barrel: 5 inches
tion ports, excellent triggers, and so

forth. If youre going to sell a 1911,
you need to have a hook.
Citadels corner of the 1911 market is relatively simple; robust guns
Overall Length: 8.87 inches
that are affordable. Its a simple

claim, but building an inexpensive
Weight: 37 ounces
MSRP: $741
pistol that looks good and functions reliably isnt easy. Nor are the
resulting guns very glamorous,
38
The grips shown here have more aggressive texturing, and they are comfortable
while offering a secure hold on the pistol. If
you prefer, grips with less texture are also
provided, so its largely a matter of taste as
to which ones suit you best.
www.gunworld.com
GW_1501_39 11/10/14 2:24 AM Page 39
Dillon Precisions
XL650
STANDARD FEATURES:
www.dillonprecision.com
Too receive
e i e a FREE
REE Catalog,
a alog call
ll 800-762-3845
0 62 45 and
nd askk for
or stock
o k number
umber K91-14690.
9 4690
compared to the more expensive

versions. But Citadel doesnt just
build inexpensive guns; it builds
quality guns with a surprising list of
features, given the price. Case in
point: the new 9mm Cerakote version of its 1911 handguns.
Ive had the opportunity to
shoot a handful of Citadel 1911s,
and they all performed well. Dont
confuse an inexpensive pistol with
a cheap pistol; there are differences, and those differences show
up when the gun is wrung out with
several hundred rounds of ammunition or after years of use and
abuse. Cheap guns wont handle
that, but the Citadels I shot have
functioned well for years, and I
have yet to hear of one major complaint with the cycling and function
of these guns.
CITADEL SKINNY
Do they come in fancy cases or
The Citadels front sight is a simple black blade, perfectly functional and useful in most
situations. The two-tone look is striking and unique, and the overall t is very good.
bear elaborate nishes? No, not
The barrel has a recessed crown to protect the riing, and the interior of the Citadel is free of the rough machine work that is sometimes found on budget-priced pistols. The Cerakote-nished slide is smooth and easy to operate, and there were no failures or malfunctions during the course of the test.
40
www.gunworld.com
Cerakote now
provides a tough,
resilient alternative
to traditional
stainless or chrome.
(compact version with a 3.5-inch

pipe is also available, perfect for
carry). The two-tone Cerakote nish is matte black and OD green,
and it comes with two sets of
usually, but they go bang, and so

long as you are fairly adept at
checkered wooden grips. The lowprole dovetailed sights are very

simple and very robust, and the
slide is surprisingly smooth for a
1911 that costs less than $750.
Like other Citadel guns, the
shooting, theyre usually plenty ac-
9mm version features an ambidex-
curate. The new 9mm version is
trous safety, a thoughtful addition
cosmetically similar to the standard
from a company trying to keep the
.45 offerings, though it holds an ad-
cost reasonable. I also like the op-
ditional round in the single-stack
tion of two different grips; while the
magazine. From a features stand-
more aggressive Piranha grips are
point, its similar to other Citadel
easy to hang onto (and the 9mm
guns, which means it offers a ared
version of the 1911 produces thor-
ejection port, skeletonized hammer
oughly manageable recoil), the
and trigger, and a 5-inch barrel
lighter texture on the additional
LEGACY SPORTS IMPORTS

HOWA RIFLES
In addition to Citadel pistols,
Legacy Sports also imports a variety of
other pistols, shotguns, and ries. On
the rie side, the company offers Howa
bolt-action ries, which represent one
of the best values in the realm of hunting guns. Howa ries have a push-feed
design with two opposed locking lugs,
three position safeties, and are available in a range of calibers, from .204
Ruger to .375 Ruger. One interesting
package offers a Howa rie with a
Hogue stock and Zeiss Terra 3X scope
for as little as $965, which is an excellent bargain. Howa ries are available
in a variety of different calibers and nishes, and the guns that I have tested
(wood-stocked .308 and a .375 with a
Hogue stock) have all performed very
well. No matter the game, theres a
Howa rie that will meet your hunting
needs at a price thats very hard to
beat. For more information, visit
LegacySports.com.
YOU CAN WAIT FOR HELP TO ARRIVE.
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THE CHOICE IS YOURS.
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41
gun for a malfunction that was

caused by the ammunition.
RANGE PERFORMANCE
At the range, the Citadel performed very well. I suppose that
with an MSRP of $741, this gun is
pushing the upper limits of a budget pistol, but youd be hardpressed to nd a more
feature-loaded 1911 for less money.
Sometimes a small price
equates to large groups, but the
Citadel didnt have that issue. With
Federals HST ammunition, it
grouped 1.79 inches at 25 yards
from the bench, and with Winchesters new Train load, it grouped 2.24
inches. It liked Winchesters Defend
load best, grouping at 1.62 inches.
Thats pretty good real-world accuracy, especially considering that the
black iron sights werent designed
This mixed group of Train and Defense rounds was red off-hand from 25 feet during
rapid-re testing. Both versions of the Winchester ammo shoot very close to the same
point of impact in this pistol.
for target shooting.

The magazine holds nine
rounds, a step up in capacity from
wooden grips are sleek and
which can ruin cheap nishes. With
single-stack 1911s chambered for
smooth, while maintaining some
the Citadel, you can carry as long as
.45 ACP, which generally hold seven
texture. The sights are basic, but
you like without concerning yourself
or eight. The trigger pull was crisp
basic can mean a lot of things,
that the nish is wearing away.
for a production pistol, especially
and I think that Citadel chose the
The grip has a smooth front
one in this price range, and it broke
right irons for the gun. They are
strap, a checkered back, and a
at just less than six pounds. Recoil
basic black, but the low-prole con-
beavertail. The whole combination
was, as stated, manageable, and
tour means that they wont hang
is user friendly and doesnt cause
the ambidextrous safety was a nice
up. The Cerakoting is a really nice
any problems when ring for ex-
touch. My wife and shooting buddy
touch; the nish smooth and con-
tended periods. Mechanically, the
are both lefties. The majority of
sistent, it prevents glare, and (most
gun worked just like youd expect
1911s were designed specically for
importantly) it is virtually impervi-
any 1911 to workawlessly.
right-handed shooters, so while it
ous to the elements.
Inexpensive or not, a 1911 is only
isnt specically planned for south-
worth owning if it functions reliably,
paws, the Citadel does make the
meant that you had a stainless gun,
and the Citadel ran through the
lives of lefties a bit easier.
but Cerakote now provides a tough,
tests without any problems. It
resilient alternative to traditional
should be noted, though, that I
gard to accuracy, but the Citadel
stainless or chrome. I like the low-
didnt test it with any bargain-base-
1911 wasnt designed specically to
luster look, and knowing that the
ment imported ammunition. I stuck
be a target pistol. It works ne in
pistol can take a beating without
with the name-brand U.S. stuff
that regard, but the majority of buy-
being damaged is comforting. If you
from Winchester and Federal, in
ers will be using this gun for target
usually carry a rearm, it will be ex-
large part because I know and trust
practice and defense. I try to spend
posed to a great deal of perspiration,
those brands and wont blame the
a portion of every test shooting the
In years past, a durable nish
42
Bench tests are telling with re-
www.gunworld.com
In a world awash with different
ing or rough interior parts. The
The Citadel is smooth

and supremely balanced
in the hand, and it
withstood a couple days
of hard abuse.
Citadel is smooth and supremely
1911s, the Citadel stands out, not
balanced in the hand, and it with-
only because of its price, but be-
stood a couple days of hard abuse.
cause it offers a lot of features and
While testing the gun, I had to
performs well. If youre in the mar-
make the rounds at our farm check-
ket for a 1911, you can spend all day
ing game cameras, and some of
browsing gun store shelves, but you
these are located in hard-to-reach,
owe it to yourself to at least take a
overgrown patches of country. I car-
look at the Citadel Cerakote 1911,
gun from a standing position, prac-
ried the Citadel along tucked into
especially if youre in the market for
ticing moving drills, performing tac-
the waistband of my pants and
a 9mm single-action semi-auto.
tical reloads, and the like.
made no effort to protect the gun
Youll be pleasantly surprised by
from the thrashing limbs of Amur
both the price and performance.
honeysuckle and wild rose.
GW
The Citadels smooth slide was

easy to manipulate, and it per-
The trail covered about two
formed just like other 1911s Ive

tested that cost more. That isnt to
miles, a distance I walked twice
say its mechanically the same as
with the gun in tow, and it came
the custom guns that companies
through with nary a scratch. I swung
like Republic Forge make one at a
by the pistol range on my way back
time, but for basic function at a
from gathering cameras, and I shot
budget price, the Citadel is ne.
a few spinning targets with the
CONTACT
Legacy Sports International,
(800) 5-LEGACY
LegacySports.com
Citadel. Not only is this gun cheap
There were no failures, no

hang-ups caused by poor machin-
and durable, its also a lot of fun.
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43
GW-15-01-S&W-44-53.qxp 11/10/14 11:32 PM Page 44
The S&W M986 functioned

awlessly with ve different
9mm loads weighing from 50
to 147 grains.
44
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GW-15-01-S&W-44-53.qxp 11/10/14 11:32 PM Page 45
Wheelgun
WOW!
Text & Photos by Dr. Martin D. Topper
A 9mm Wheelgun For Competition,

Hiking And Home Defense
oes anyone really know why 9mm

revolvers arent more popular? The
9mm. +P is more powerful than a
.38 Spl. or a .38 Spl. +P, and 9mm
snubnosed revolvers using +P loads
produce the same energy as some .357s
and generate only about half the recoil.
S&W and Ruger even made 9mm
revolvers that used moon clips that reload
as rapidly as speedloaders and are easier
to carry concealed. Still, 9mm wheelguns
didnt catch on when they were first
released a few decades ago, and most
concealed carry 9mms were soon dropped
from production.
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45
GW-15-01-S&W-44-53.qxp 11/10/14 11:32 PM Page 46
The 986s titanium cylinder

holds seven rounds of 9mm Luger
ammunition, giving a competitor an
extra insurance round when
shooting six steel plates.
A DIFFERENT APPROACH
At the 2014 Shot Show, S&Ws
Performance Center came out with
two 9mm wheelguns, and both are
for home defensea big change
pecially in climates where the hu-
from earlier 9mm guns aimed at the
midity is high.
concealed carry market.

The two new S&W stainless
MODEL 986
very different than the 2- to 4-inch-
steel revolvers have titanium alloy
barreled 9mm. revolvers built in the
cylinders to reduce weight and
me at the Florida Gun Exchange is a
past. The rst is the M929, which is
Hogue one-piece polymer stocks
good-looking handgun that bal-
an eight-shot N-frame gun with a
with nger grooves. Both guns are
ances well in the hand, despite the
6.5-inch compensated barrel and
produced in S&Ws Performance
additional weight of its 5-inch slab-
the second is the M986, which is a
center and use moon clips for fast
sided barrel. Part of this was due to
seven-shot 5-inch gun built on the
reloads. Theyre well-suited to steel
its lightweight seven-shot titanium
L-frame.
target matches and for carry in a
alloy cylinder, which helped keep its
shoulder holster while hiking, hunt-
weight to 34.9 ounces. The guns
ing or camping in the outdoors, es-
nish was an even and non-reec-
These are competition/recreation revolvers that can also be used

46
The Model 986 S&W sent to
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GW-15-01-S&W-44-53.qxp 11/10/14 11:33 PM Page 47
tive matte stainless. The adjustable
Fit and nish were good, and
high level of quality control, but even
rear and partridge-style front sights
there were no issues with
with the best quality assurance sys-
were nished in matte black and
cylinder/crane alignment or cylinder
tem, its possible for tolerances to
they stood out well when the gun
end shake. The M986 did, however,
accumulate in the wrong direction.
was raised to eye level. All surface
have one problem. The guns timing
Therefore, one should always check
markings were sharp, the lines of
was off, despite the fact that the
a gun over before taking it out of the
the gun were straight and evenly
extractor star was well formed and
store. If a problem is evident, it
spaced. There were no tool marks
there was no indication that the
should be sent back for adjustment.
or other signs of poor workmanship
cylinder was dragging on the recoil
Major gunmakers like S&W have ex-
on the exterior of the gun.
shield or forcing cone. The cylinder
cellent customer service.
The single-action trigger pull
was simply not turning sufficiently
averaged 4 pounds. The double ac-
for the bolt to lock into the bolt
tion pull measured 12 pounds. Con-
notches.
sidering that this is a 9mm gun that
The 986 was returned to the
SHOTS FIRED
The second 986 was cleaned
and taken to the range to test ve
must work with foreign as well as
factory, and I was sent a second
manufacturer-supplied loads: Black
domestic ammunition, these pulls
gun to nish the test. The replace-
Hills 115-gr. +P, which uses the Hor-
are quite acceptable because some
ment was in perfect time and re-
nady XTP hollowpoint, CORBONs
foreign 9mm Luger loads use hard
mained so throughout the
90-gr. +P JHP, Federals 147-gr.
primers and require a stout blow
evaluation.
Hydra-Shok, Libertys 50-gr. +P
from the ring pin to ensure reliable

ignition.
Ive been to the S&W Performance Center and can attest to its
JHP, and Winchesters 147-gr. Train

FMJ. These loads represent the full-
The M986 has a titanium cylinder that helps keep its weight down, which is important for those who carry while
hiking in the outdoors.
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47
GW-15-01-S&W-44-53.qxp 11/10/14 11:33 PM Page 48
The rear 986s rear sight had more than enough elevation adjustment to shoot 9mm bullets of all
weights to the point of aim at 15 yards.
range of bullet weights found in
were standard pressure, a broad
factory ammo. Bullets of widely dif-
range of velocity readings were
ferent weights were used to test re
recorded. The lowest velocity was
S&W PERFORMANCE
CENTER M986
the M986. Thats because a re-
recorded with Winchesters 147-gr.
volvers bore axis is relatively high in
Train load. It left the muzzle at an
relation to the shooters hand. This
average of 857 fps with an extreme
Barrel: 5 inches
makes revolvers roll in the hand
spread of 72 fps. The fastest was
during recoil, and the rolling motion
Libertys 50-gr. +P nickel-plated
normally causes bullets of different
fragmenting copper hollow point.
weight to shoot to different points
Its average was 1,973 fps and its ex-
of aim.
treme velocity spread was 94 fps.
SPECIFICATIONS
Frame: Stainless steel

Stocks: Hogue monogrips
Finish: Matte stainless
If a revolver has a relatively long
All of the +P loads red in the
barrel like the M986, the effect of
986 generated extreme velocity
the recoil roll is magnied and the
spreads between 94 to 142 fps,
vertical dispersion increases. Fortu-
which is fairly large. On the same
nately, the rear sight of the 986 had
day I red, I also took several of the
a sufficient amount of elevation ad-
+P and standard pressure loads
justment that the gun could be ze-
used in the 968 and red them in a
Capacity: Seven rounds
roed with any factory load.
SIG P320 (Editors note: please see
Sights: Black Partridge blade front,

black adjustable rear
ity, muzzle energy and for accuracy
review). The loads red in the SIG
at 15 yards. Due to the differences in
produced much lower extreme
bullet weight and the fact that
spreads. The velocity readings gen-
some loads were +P, while others
erated by +P loads in the 5-inch
Length: 10.5 inches

Weight: 34.9 ounces
Caliber: 9 mm. parabellum
Each load was tested for veloc-
MSRP: $1149
48
the December 2014 issue for that
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GW-15-01-S&W-44-53.qxp 11/10/14 11:33 PM Page 49
M986 were similar to 9mm loads
holds a larger charge of slower
racy, at least at the relatively short
red in a 4-inch semi-auto. The
burning powder, which burns more
distance of 15 yards.
non-+P 147-gr. loads produced ve-
completely in a longer barrel. There-
locities that were similar to a stan-
fore, the .357 generates more veloc-
shooting the M986 during the Army
dard pressure .38 Spl. red out of a
ity and energy than a 9mm. when
L stage of the Informal Weekly Bulls-
4-inch barrel.
both cartridges are red in guns
eye Match at the Flagler Gun Club
with barrels longer than 3 inches.
and by shooting steel plates at the
three +P loads generated between
The relatively short 9mm Luger
Volusia County Gun and Hunt Club.
384 to 432 ft-lbs from the 986s 5-
round generates most of its velocity
The M986 is not designed as a Bulls-
inch barrel. Nine-millimeter semi-
in the barrels rst few inches.
eye gun, but it kept all shots on tar-
When it comes to energy, the
autos produce a similar level of
Accuracy was tested using an
Practical accuracy tests involved
get at the 15- and 25-yard distances
energy and have a very good street
MTM Front Sight rest to steady the
used for the match. This perform-
record. So as long as you use +P
gun and a Leupold Kenai spotting
ance clearly would be adequate for
ammo with bullets that weigh 124
scope to assess hits on target. Full
self-defense at these distances.
grs or less, the M986 should pro-
results are in the accompanying
duce enough energy to be as effec-
table. Three ve-shot groups were
plates, however, the M986 came into
tive for personal defense as a 9mm.
red at 15 yards with each load. Av-
its own. Firing double-action at 15
semi-auto.
When it came to shooting steel
erage group sized ranged from 2.52
yards, 6-inch steel plates were no
However, the relative parity
inches to 3.64 inches. This level of
match for this revolver. The M986
that short-barreled 9mm revolvers
accuracy was very close to the re-
hammered the plates down with mo-
have with snubnosed .357s begins
sults obtained from the SIG P320.
notonous regularity. Switching to a
to vanish when both cartridges are
Given this, the difference in extreme
tree with 4-inch plates that moved
red in barrels of more than 3
velocity spreads between the M986
left or right when hit, the M986 again
inches. The .357 Magnum case
and P320 really didnt affect accu-
bounced them at will. Clearly, the
The long sight radius, black target

sights and round smooth trigger of
the M986 enhance its potential for
precise double-action rapid re.
www.gunworld.com
49
GW-15-01-S&W-44-53.qxp 11/10/14 11:33 PM Page 50
The M986 proved to be an outstanding revolver for shooting steel plates.
TEST PERFORMANCE
LOAD NAME
VELOCITY MUZZLE
ENERGY
AVE. 15 YD. GROUP
Black Hills
115-gr. +P XTP
1,244 fps
395 ft-lbs
3.56 inches
CORBON 90 gr.
1,387 fps
384 ft-lbs
2.52-inches
Federal
147-gr. Hydra-Shok
859 fps
241 ft-lbs
3.38 inches
Liberty Civil Defense

50-gr. Copper HP
1,973 fps
432 ft-lbs
3.64 inches
Winchester 147 gr.

Train FMJ
857 fps
240 ft-lbs
2.72 inches
Five-shot groups red at 15 yards from an MTM Front Sight rie rest. Velocity was the average of ve shots
measured 15 feet from the muzzle with a PACT 1XP chronograph.
50
www.gunworld.com
GW_1501_51 11/10/14 2:33 AM Page 51
GEAR AS PREPARED
AS YOU ARE.
BLACKHAWK! DIVERSION BAGS AND PACKS

feature advanced protective engineering, yet mimic everyday
items for discreet carry of rearms and other sensitive items
2014 BLACKHAWK! NORFOLK, VA U.S.A.
BLACKHAWK.com
GW-15-01-S&W-44-53.qxp 11/10/14 11:33 PM Page 52
CONTACT
Black Hills Ammunition
(605) 348-5150
CORBON Ammunition
(800) 626-7266
Corbon.com
Federal Cartridge Company
(800) 322-2342
FederalPremium.com
Florida Gun Exchange
(386) 304-9499
FloridaGunExchange.com
Hornady Ammunition
(800) 338-3220
Hornady.com
This 1.53-inch target was red from the M986 at 15 yards using Winchesters
147-gr. Train FMJ load.
986s accuracy, reasonable power

and moderate recoil made it a very
good gun for shooting steel.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The S&W M986 is a well-made,
multi-purpose revolver. Its at its
Leupold Optics
Leupold & Stevens
(800) 5387653
Leupold.com
Liberty Ammunition
(941) 567-6272
LibertyAmmunition.com
best when shooting steel targets.

But even though its not a bear gun,
loading it with +P ammo makes it a
reasonable choice for home defense
and most personal protection needs
while hiking and camping.
Nine-millimeter revolvers may
not have been the most popular kids
on the block when they were introduced as regular production guns
about 40 years ago, but the situation is different today. Having a revolver that shoots the same ammo
as your semi-auto makes good
sense when both are chambered for
The stipling and grooves on Hogues
polymer monogrip provides a very sure grip
and promotes quick, accurate re when
shooting falling plates.
52
one of the worlds and Americas

most popular cartridges. GW
MTM Case-Gard Products

(937) 890-7461
MTMCase-Gard.com
Smith and Wesson
(800) 331-0852
Smith-Wesson.com
Volusia County Gun and
Hunt Club (386) 717-1394
VolusiaCountyGunAndHuntClub.com
Winchester Ammunition
(800) 356-2666
Winchester.com
www.gunworld.com
GW_1501_53 11/10/14 2:36 AM Page 53
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AR rifles, we knew they couldn't be like everyone
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Email: info@lesbaer.com
GW-15-01-BERSA-54-63.qxp 11/11/14 1:53 AM Page 54
54
www.gunworld.com
Thunder And
Lightning
Text & Photos by James E. House and Kathleen A. House
The Bersa 380 Proves That Good

Things Can Come In Small Packages
ood things come in small packages,

and when it comes to firearms, this
saying may easily be applied to the
Bersa Thunder 380. There has recently been
high interest in small pistols and it seems
every month marks the announcement of a
new model.
Some of these almost border on the
ridiculous; they may be chambered for such
cartridges as the .40 S&W or .45 auto but
have 3-inch barrels and weigh less than a
large size beverage. The Bersa Thunder 380
is small, but not too small.
www.gunworld.com
55
On the Bersa,
the safety also
functions as a
decocking lever.
The Bersa Thunder 380 is a
fense applications. Many such
compact pistol that bears more
loads raise the level of performance
than a casual resemblance to the
of the 380 Auto to the equal of
legendary Walther PPK. Cham-
more powerful calibers a genera-
bered for the 380 Auto, the Bersa
tion ago.
represents a good compromise be-
In Europe, 380 Auto pistols
tween convenient size and good
have seen use in military and law
handling characteristics.
enforcement for many years, even
The 380 Auto is also known by
when hardball bullets were about
such names as the 9mm Kurz,
the only choice available. It is not
9mm Browning, 9mm Corto,
the purpose of this piece to evalu-
9x17mm, and a few other titles.
ate the effectiveness of the 380 as
Bersa rearms have been produced
a defense round, but rather to dis-
for over half a century; a company
cuss the suitability of the Bersa as a
started by engineers who were Ital-
defense pistol. Frankly, any pistol
ian immigrants. The company is pri-
chambered for the 380 Auto may
vately owned and is located in
not make you feel as well armed as
Ramos Mejia, Argentina.
with a 9mm Luger, 40 S&W or 45
Recent years have seen the introduction of a bewildering array of

ammunition aimed at personal de56
Auto, but neither would you be defenseless with a 380.

The 380 Auto cartridge has a
www.gunworld.com
level of power that can be accom-
a slightly longer magazine that
consist of a square post front and a
modated by a pistol that does not
holds eight rounds. It also features
rear blade with a square notch. A
require a locked slide and barrel;
sights that have a very low prole
white dot appears on the rear face
such pistols operate on the blow-
along the top of the slide to help
of the front sight and similar dots
back principle. These pistols are
prevent snagging when the pistol is
are located on either side of the
somewhat simpler to construct,
drawn. A slightly different variant is
notch in the rear sight. The rear
which means that they are gener-
known as the Thunder 380 Com-
sight is adjustable for windage, and
ally less expensive. This is reected
bat. With the number of variants
we found that the adjustment
in the usual retail price of the Bersa
available, it is possible to have a
screw worked positively. Elevation
Thunder being around $300 for the
Bersa Thunder that suits your aes-
was found to be perfect, and it was
blue version.
thetic preference.
a simple matter to adjust the point
The Bersa Thunder 380 repre-
The Thunder utilizes a maga-
of impact horizontally to coincide

with the point of aim.
sents an entire family of pistols that
zine that holds seven rounds, has a
includes a dozen variants. In addi-
3.5-inch barrel, and weighs 20
tion to the standard all-blue model,
ounces. According to our point of
Thunder is especially simple, as a
there are Duotone models that
view, the fact that the pistol has a
result of it having a xed barrel.
have a nickel-nished slide or
visible hammer and can be red ei-
After removing the magazine and
frame, another having an all satin-
ther single or double action makes
making sure that the chamber is
nickel nish, a model with pink
it more attractive than many pistols
grips, and others that have a built-
in 380 Auto caliber. That mode of
in laser in the grip.
re control is precisely what many
The Thunder Plus series utilizes
shooters prefer in an autoloading
a double-stack magazine that
pistol. The safety lever, located at
holds 15 rounds. The Thunder CC
the rear of the slide on the left-
(Concealed Carry) has nger
hand side, also functions as a de-
grooves in the front of the grip and
cocking lever. Sights on the Bersa
On the left-hand side of the

frame, above the trigger, are the
slide release lever and locking
device. The magazine release is
located below the slide release.
www.gunworld.com
Disassembly of the Bersa
The rear sight on the Bersa Thunder has

white dots on either side of the notch and
is adjustable for windage. Note the nicely
stippled top strap.
57
The Bersa is easily

disassembled by pushing
downward on the takedown
lever, while pulling the slide
to the rear.
RESULTS OBTAINED WITH 380 AUTO FACTORY AMMUNITION.

VELOCITY, FT/SEC
58
Ammunition Type
Adv.
Exptl.
Std. Dev.
Federal 90-grain Hydra-Shok
1,000
904
25
Fiocchi 90-grain XTP
975
965
Hornady 90-grain Z-Max
910
928
20
Winchester Defend 95-gr JHP
950
941
19
Winchester Defender 95-gr PDX1
1,000
952
26
Winchester 95-gr FMJ
955
960
18
www.gunworld.com
UNSURPASSED
CAPACITY
CZ P-09
With 19+1 in its ush tting

magazine, the P -09 cant be beat
when it comes to 9mm service pistols.
The Bersa represents a good

compromise between convenient
size and good handling
characteristics.
empty, the slide is pulled fully to
that caliber and in recent
the rear. On the right-hand side
months it has been very difficult
of the frame located just ahead
to nd ammunition for them.
of the trigger is the takedown
Some of the most popular de-
lever. That lever is pivoted at the
fense loads in 380 Auto are Fed-
front and the rear portion of the
eral Hydra-Shok, Speer Gold
lever is serrated. Pushing the
Dot, Hornady Critical Defense,
lever downward allows the slide
Winchester PDX1 and Silvertip,
to be pulled slightly farther to
Cor-Bon, and others.
the rear and lifting the slide up-
Such ammunition raises the
ward at the rear allows it to be
performance level of the 380
slid forward, which disengages
Auto enough to almost make it
the slide from the rails. Moving
equivalent to a 38 Special. Al-
the slide forward allows it and
though these types of ammuni-
the recoil spring, which ts
tion do not make a 380 Auto
around the barrel, to be removed.
equivalent to a 40 S&W or a 45
Assembly is simply the re-
formance to make a 380 an ade-
takedown lever must be held in
quate choice for use in defensive
the downward position as the
situations.
The popularity of 380 pis-
t*OUFSDIBOHFBCMFCBDLTUSBQT
t$POWFSUJCMF TBGFUZPSEFDPDLFS
t0NFHBUSJHHFSTZTUFN
t1PMZNFSGSBNFXJUI1JDBUJOOZSBJM
t NN 48
t5XPNBHB[JOFT
tZFBSXBSSBOUZ
Auto, they do offer sufficient per-
verse of this process, but the
spring and slide are replaced.
MAIN FEATURES
Firing of the Bersa Thunder

began by sending some plated
1305&$5t)6/5t$0.1&5&
tols for defense is evident from
bullets from reloads and Win-
the fact that an enormous num-
chester USA FMJ bullets down
ber of pistols are chambered for
range. Performance was aw-
www.gunworld.com
www.cz-usa.com
59
After the slide has been

pulled completely to the
rear, it can be lifted up to
free the slide from the frame.
Numerous types of ammunition are available that make the 380 Auto an effective defense tool. The 380 Auto defense
loads shown here (left to right) are 90-grain Federal Hydra-Shok, 90-grain Fiocchi XTP, 90-grain Hornady Zombie Max,
95-grain Winchester Defend, and 95-grain Winchester PDX1.
60
www.gunworld.com
The pistol has a

visible hammer and can
be red either single or
double action.
less with both types of ammo. Next
remarkable. The Federal Hydra-
came the tests with some of the
Shok load fell somewhat short
most popular types of defense am-
of advertised velocity, but keep
munition. Velocities were measured
in mind that velocity at 10 feet is
at 10 feet from the muzzle by
not as high as it is at the muzzle
means of a Competition Electronics
and there are differences in test
ProChrono chronograph. The re-
equipment.
sults obtained are shown in the accompanying table on page 58.

The data shown in the table il-
In order to have some idea

of the accuracy of the Bersa, we
placed a target 10 yards from
lustrate some remarkable results.
the bench and red with hands
Two of the six loads tested gave ve-
propped over a rest. Five shots
locities at 10 feet that are actually
with the Winchester PDX1 De-
faster than the advertised muzzle
fender clustered in 2.1 inches
velocity. Also, two others almost
with four of the shots in 1.0 inch
duplicated the advertised veloci-
centered on the target.
ties. Considering the differences in

test rearms and the Bersa, that is
www.gunworld.com
BEALR
A
L
K L GE
AC
A GOT.
C
BL
TI T
TACJUS
TERNG
H
G
I
I
BR ODUC
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A
TIC
.
INTTR
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T
AC
LIGH
BROWNING.COM
With the Fiocchi 90-grain

XTP load, four of ve shots were
61
In addition to the all-blue

version, the Bersa is also
available in stainless nish.
(Photo courtesy of Bersa)
The Bersa functions extremely

well and displays excellent handling and accuracy characteristics.
With high performance defense
ammunition, it is a good selection
for concealed carry or home defense. Signicantly, the Bersa Thunder is available for about $300
from most large dealers, making it a
cost effective selection, as well. GW
This approximately 2-inch group obtained at 10 yards is typical of our results and
shows that the Bersa Thunder is plenty accurate for its intended uses.
in a 1.2-inch cluster and all ve
The recovered Federal Hydra-Shok
shots measured only 2.2 inches. For
measured 0.530 inches, the Hor-
such a small gun, accuracy at this
nady Z-Max measured 0.525
level is more than adequate for the
inches, and the Winchester PDX1
intended use of the gun.
measured 0.673 inches. All of the
Expansion of the bullets red

into jugs of water was impressive.
62
bullets retained essentially 100 per-
CONTACT
Bersa S.A.
Eagle Imports Inc.
(732) 493-0333
Bersa.com
cent of their of initial mass.

www.gunworld.com
GW_1501_63 11/10/14 2:41 AM Page 63
GW-15-01-HUNTER-64-69.qxp 11/11/14 2:05 AM Page 64
TODAYS
HUNTER
Your First
By Thomas C. Tabor
AFRICAN
SAFARI
A Trip Worth Your Bucket List
A major part of the fun of any safari is the opportunity to see a

large variety of animals in their natural habitat.
64
www.gunworld.com
ike the salmons unrelenting

urge to return up river to its
birthplace, for many of us
there is a similar tugging of spirits
attempting to draw us back to our
own ancestral beginnings on the
Dark Continent. For those of us that
share that burning desire to follow
in the footsteps of those infamous
safari hunters like Selous,
Newmann, Cummings, Sutherland,
Roosevelt and my own personal
favorite writer and hunter, Denis
Lyellthe opportunity is there and
waiting for you.
www.gunworld.com
65
TODAYS HUNTER
Accommodations on many safaris are on par with any of

the worlds four-star hotels, but with an African are.
While it is the dream of many

hunters to embark on their own
African hunting safari, many feel it
able and doable an African safari
helpful when it comes to making all
can become.
the necessary arrangements and
Like most hunts, safari costs
connections for the safari. An agent
is simply too costly to consider. In
are generally based on the rarity
can be a great source for informa-
reality, however, many African sa-
and desirability of the animal to be
tion and has the ability to quickly
faris are quite affordable, frequently
hunted. In other words, the big ve,
and easily answer any of the nor-
costing less than many hunts taking
consisting of lion, leopard, ele-
mal before-and-after-the-hunt
place in Alaska or Canada. And
phant, rhino and buffalo are both
questions that arise.
many of these latter northern coun-
fairly rare and in big demand and
try hunts usually involve going after
therefore the cost to hunt them re-
a single species of game, while the
ect those characteristics. But that
typical African plains game safari
rule is not necessarily limited to
generally involves the hunting and
only the big ve; it also applies to
taking of multiple game animals.
other species of game as well, mak-
Now having said that, no one
ing it appropriate to select the
should expect to be able to book,
game to be hunted carefully if you
for example, a 21-day safari all-in-
are worried about cost.
clusive of lion, leopard and elephant and be able to do that for a

minuscule amount of outlay. That
BOOKING YOUR SAFARI

African safaris are generally
simply isnt going to happen. How-
booked either through a booking
ever, booking a plains game hunt
agent or directly through the pro-
that might span seven to 10 days in
fessional hunter or PH (Africas
length and using a bit of logical re-
term for a guide/outtter). Ive al-
straint when it comes to the ani-
ways booked my safaris directly
mals to be hunted, you might be
through my PHs, but having access
pleasantly surprised at how reason-
to a U.S.-based agent can be very
66
There are essentially two types

of safari bookings. In the last few
STUDYING-UP
Many hunters, having never been on
a safari before, go there not fully understanding the wildlife that they will be
encountering. Being able to identify and
understand the diversity found in Africa
will benet you in many ways and add
to the enjoyment of your experience.
Having an understanding of both the
animals you intend to hunt, as well as
the non-game species like the beautiful
bird life, the varied reptiles and even the
insects will enrich the experience of all
involved. There are many books on
these subjects, but one I have found
very benecial is Mammals of Southern
Africa, written by Burger Chilie. This
book contains great colored photos of
the species, provides a thorough description of each animal, includes information on their habitat and habits, all in
an easy-to-read reference manner.
www.gunworld.com
years, package hunts seem to have

become very popular. This style of
safari is sold as an all-inclusive
package that usually includes all
accommodations while actually on
your safari and allows the hunter to
take any or all of the animals on a
prescribed list of trophies.
AN INCLUDED SPOUSE IS A HAPPY SPOUSE

Many African safaris lend themselves to taking a spouse along. In most cases there
will be a daily charge assessed for this service, but in my way of thinking it is well worth
the extra money. The accommodations are frequently some of the best in the world
and most spouses thoroughly enjoy being included. I would also recommend booking
in a few side trips either through your professional hunter or elsewhere. The national
parks in southern Africa are absolutely great, as well as the many of the historical sites.
And when it comes to parks, there is no better one than the world-famous Kruger National Park. Understand however, Kruger spans more than 7,500 square miles and for
that reason, I would suggest no less that three days be devoted to such a side trip.
Additional animals frequently

can be hunted, but there will be a
trophy fee access. For lack of a better term, the second type of hunt is
essentially done on a pay-as-yougo basis. In this case, the hunter
pays a daily rate up front, which
usually includes accommodations,
meals, transportation while on safari, and the assistance of the
guides, trackers and skinners. Then,
a trophy fee is assessed for each
animal taken or wounded.
On either style of safari, the
transportation to and from the airport may be charged separately, but
not always. There are advantages
and disadvantages in both of these
styles of safaris. If you choose to go
Eland are considered to be the largest antelope species and makes a huge and impressive trophy.
The national animal of South Africa, the springbok, once roamed that country coast to coast in huge numbers, like the American
bison. Although still plentiful in many areas, their numbers are smaller than what they once were.
www.gunworld.com
67
TODAYS HUNTER
PH be apprised of these so that the
appropriate arrangements can be
made before your arrival. Just like
American game, the different
species prefer different types of
habitat; with the PH knowing your
desires beforehand it can go a long
ways to ensure your success. Special diets, your physical condition
and any potential medical issues
should also be explored and discussed.
DESTINATION
First-time safari destinations
frequently take place in South
Africa, Zimbabwe or Namibia, but I
personally feel that South Africa
provides the most opportunities.
After an animal is taken on
safari, like Toms eland shown
here, the professional hunter
and the staff takes over from
that point on. A massive animal
like this one, however, can present a real challenge in handling.
On the positive side, the game in

Zimbabwe is both diverse and plentiful, but in recent years this country
has been plagued with uprisings
and civil unrest, much of which appears at times to be supported and
your hunt as successful as

possible.
After the hides have been skinned,
eshed and dried, they will be sent to the
taxidermist for further processing before
shipping to the hunter is completed.
No matter which style of

safari you choose to book, it
behooves the hunter to provide
the PH and or the agent with a clear
understanding of what your hunting
backed by the corrupt Zimbabwe

government. While the majority of
this violence is directed toward the
white farmers, visiting safari
hunters on occasion can get caught
up in these dangerous situations.
Namibia on the other hand, is
with a package, I would suggest
preferences and priorities are well
usually considered to be as safe of
that you thoroughly explore with
before you arrival in camp. For ex-
a destination as South Africa and
the PH or agent the past success
ample, your highest priority might
the hunting costs are about the
rate for each of the species on the
be to take an exceptional trophy
same as well, but the diversity of
list of acceptable animals, as well
kudu or nyala over and above all the
the game isnt quite on par with
as the expected trophy quality, be-
other species. Or maybe you might
that of South Africa.
cause whether you are successful
want to spend a signicant portion
or not taking the animals, in
of your available time pursuing the
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
essence you have paid for that op-
smaller species of game like steen-
Cost of your safari is largely
portunity. And, while this recom-
bok, duikers, klipspringer, etc. On
based on the species you wish to
mendation would also apply for the
one my own safaris, I asked that I be
hunt. Whether you decide to book a
pay-as-you-go safari, if no animal is
allowed to hunt game birds for two
package safari or hunt on a trophy
bagged, there is no outlay of cash to
of my days, which added greatly to
fee basis, the type of animals you
be paid in the way of trophy fees.
my overall experience.
take will dictate how much you will
That being the case, it is in the nancial interest of the PH to make

68
Whatever your preferences

might be, it is important that your
be paying for the safari. So, if you

want to keep your expenses down, I
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PLAINS GAME FIREARMS, AMMO AND SHOT PLACEMENT

Most hunters nd their normal deer hunting rie works perfectly ne for most
plains game species. Cartridges in the .270 to .30 caliber are generally considered
adequate, but if going after eland, you might want to a little larger cartridge like
maybe something in the area of a .375 magnum. African game can sometimes be extremely hard to anchor. These animals spend much of their life in fear of predation
and that has given them a stubborn tenacity to hold onto life. So, when it comes to
ammo, I would strongly suggest shooting only the best quality hunting bullets, like
possibly the Nosler partition, Swift A-Frame, Barnes Triple-Shock X, or Speer Trophy
Bonded Bear Claw.
The vitals of African game are positioned much further forward than those of the
American game. For African game, a shot intending to impact the heart and lungs is
best placed about a third of the way up from the bottom on the brisket, but rather
than behind the shoulder as in American game, it is best that the bullet enter directly
over the center of the front leg.
would suggest initially concentrat-
portation costs from the airport
ing on taking one or two of what I
to the hunting camp, side trips to
would characterize as the spectac-
the national parks (which should
ular species, like kudu, nyala, gems-
never be avoided), tips to the
bok or eland, then, add in several
P.H. and staff, shipping and treat-
other species that typically demand
ment of your trophies and, of
less cost. Plains game like duikers,
course, the cost of mounting all
steenboks, impala, blesbok,
those trophies you will be bring-
warthogs and springboks are all im-
ing back. All trophies will have to
pressive animals in their own right
be cleaned, chemically treated
and will make terric trophies, but
and quarantined before they are
cost you a lot less.
allowed to be shipped to you.
Additional costs that you will
Typically this process can take
likely incur on a safari would include
from 6 months up to a full year
accommodations and food before
and there will be charges for
and after your hunt, possible trans-
these services. GW
THE NEXT
GENERATION
IS HERE!
THE GENESIS
OF MODERN
MULTI-PUMPS
AUTO SAFETY
EZ LOAD RAMP
SHOOTS BBS
& PELLETS
Cross-sticks are frequently used as a

shooting rest while on
safari. This method not
only provides a steady
rest for the hunter, but it
also elevates your bullet
ight above the low-lying
vegetation.
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See the selection here:

UmarexUSA.com/GunWorld
69
GW-15-01-RELOAD-70-75.qxp 11/11/14 2:12 AM Page 70
RELOAD
LOADING THE
Several powders having relatively fast burning rates are suitable for
loading the .380 Auto, with four of the best being shown here.
70
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.380 AUTO
Text & Photos by James E. House
he 9mm Luger has been around since 1902

and may well be the most popular handgun
cartridge throughout the world. However,
other 9mm cartridges are also popular, with the
.380 Auto heading the list. It is also known as the
9 x 17mm, 9mm Browning, 9mm Kurz, and 9mm
Corto, with Kurz and Corto indicating short in
German and Spanish, respectively. Browning
introduced the cartridge in 1912 in a small pocket
pistol made in Belgium.
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71
RELOAD
When loading .380 ammunition,

things need to be done carefully
because pressure changes rapidly
with bullet seating depth and
powder charge.
The .380 Auto has modest
velocities of around 1,000 fps. Such
employed. As a result, all of the
power, so it can be utilized in hand-
loads generate about 200 ft-lbs of
major ammunition companies have
guns that feature a simple blow-
energy, which is sufficient for defen-
introduced specialized .380 Auto
back design, rather than the locked
sive use, especially when some of
loads for defensive use in recent
barrel and slide that is required for
the loads using premium bullets are
years.
the 9mm Luger, .40 S&W, .45 Auto

and other powerful cartridges. As a
result, .380 Auto pistols can be
made very compact and light, making them attractive for concealed
carry. If you doubt the popularity of
the .380 Auto, examine the selection of pistols in this caliber and as
this is written, try to nd factory
ammunition.
Factory loads for the .380 Auto
generally employ bullets in the 90to 100-grain range that have muzzle
72
For comparison, the .380 Auto is shown with (left to right) the 9mm Luger, .40 S&W,
10mm Auto, and .45 Auto.
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RESULTS OF TESTING LOADS FOR THE 380 AUTO.
Bullet
Case
O.L., in.
Powder
Load 1
Gr.V, f/s
Load
Gr. V, f/s
88-gr Remington JHP
GFL
0.970
Titegroup
2.8
812
3.0
860
88-gr Remington JHP
GFL
0.970
Win. 231
3.2
855
3.4
918
90-gr Hornady XTP
GFL
0.970
Titegroup
2.7
823
2.9
875
90-gr Hornady XTP
GFL
0.970
Win. 231
3.2
902
3.4
953
95-gr Remington FMJ
GFL
0.978
CFE Pistol
3.7
806
3.9
861
95-gr Remington FMJ
GFL
0.978
IMR 700-X
2.5
708
2.7
763
100-gr Berry HBRN
Remington
0.980
Titegroup
2.6
698
2.8
794
100-gr Berry HBRN
Remington
0.980
Win. 231
3.0
754
3.2
806
100-gr Berry HBRN
PMC
0.980
IMR 700-X
2.4
658
2.6
704
100-gr Berry HBRN
PMC
0.980
CFE Pistol
3.3
675
3.5
726
Velocities are shown as the average for ve shots.

These loads were safe and reliable in the authors handgun, but neither the author nor the publisher accepts any responsibility for their preparation and use by others.
Because the Bersa .380

provides a balance of size,
weight, and low recoil, it is
a favorite of my wife, Kathy,
who did all of the ring
during the tests.
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73
RELOAD
tridge length and seating depth. It

also means that small increments
Maximum length
for .380 cartridges is
0.980 inches, but
most factory rounds
are somewhat
shorter.
in powder charges can drive up

pressure very quickly. This is not to
indicate that loading the .380 Auto
is dangerous, but it does require a
close watch.
For testing the loads produced
normally those found on the faster
in this project, a Bersa .380 Auto
reloading equipment that the most
end of the chart that shows burn-
having a 3.5-inch barrel was em-
popular calibers are .223 Reming-
ing rates. There is no shortage of
ployed. This little pistol has maga-
ton, .45 Auto, 30-06 Springeld,
good candidates, however, and
zine capacity of seven rounds and
.308 Winchester, and 9mm Luger.
some of the suitable powders are
weighs only 20 ounces. As a result,
Further down the list in terms of
Winchester 231, Hodgdon Tite-
it is more comfortable to shoot
popularity, the .380 Auto can be
group, IMR 700-X, Accurate No. 2,
moderate loads for practice and
loaded to produce ammunition for
and CFE Pistol. The .380 Auto uti-
plinking and to utilize full power
plinking or for more serious uses. A
lizes small pistol primers, as would
factory loads primarily for defensive
good selection of bullets is avail-
be expected for a cartridge of such
purposes.
able including full jacketed, hollow
small capacity.
It has been stated by makers of
point, and plated varieties.
When loading the .380 Auto, it
Cartridges were assembled

using a variety of bullet types and
is important to keep in mind that in
appropriate powders. In all in-
my wife does, so I need to produce
such a small case, there is not
stances, Winchester small pistol
ammunition occasionally. Powders
much usable volume. This necessi-
primers were employed and cases
for use in the small .380 case are
tates being careful with overall car-
were trimmed to a length of 0.670
I do not own a .380 Auto, but
74
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90-grain Hornady XTP bullets

were intended to provide practice ammunition that approach
factory loads. The other loads
are for practice and represent a
very moderate level of power.
After testing with the lighter
loads shown, the powder charge
for each load was increased by
0.2 grain. The results indicate
that the small increment in powder charge resulted in an increase of approximately 50 fps
in velocity.
However, it should be mentioned that all loads cycled in the
Bersa Thunder and not a single
stoppage of any kind occurred
during the testing. Because .380
Auto pistols are of differing quality and age, it is better to err on
the side of caution when assembling ammunition.
When powder charges of
to .675 inches. In view of the issues
only 2.5 to 3.0 grains are used, a
described earlier, powder charges
pound of powder is sufficient to
were weighed carefully. The maxi-
load more than 2,000 car-
mum overall length for .380 Auto
tridges. From the standpoint of
cartridges is 0.980 inches and car-
the propellant, this makes the
tridge lengths were kept near that
.380 Auto one of the most eco-
gure. Five cartridges were assem-
nomical of centerfire cartridges
bled for each load and velocities
to load.
were measured at 10 feet from the
A compact .380 Auto with
muzzle utilizing a Competition Elec-
xed sights is hardly a target pis-
tronics ProChrono chronograph.
tol. However, during the test r-
The load parameters and results
ing, a target was placed at
obtained are summarized in the ac-
approximately 25 yards from the
companying table.
bench and my wife had no trou-
Like many other shooters, my

wife enjoys shooting handguns that
have low recoil and muzzle blast.
ble in keeping shots on the

target.
The .380 is a delightful little
Consequently, this project was en-
pistol to shoot and if the shooter
visioned as producing some loads
has prociency with the piece, it
approximating the factory level of
provides an acceptable level of
power and others that were in-
protection. There may soon need
tended for practice and plinking.
to be another at our house. GW
The loads employing the 88-grain

Remington hollow point and the
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75
GW-15-01-HANDGUNS-76-81.qxp 11/11/14 2:25 AM Page 76
HANDGUNS
Campus
Rugers LCRx in .38 Special is a

lightweight, unobtrusive revolver,
shown with a Mitch Rosen ankle
holster and a DeSantis belt rig.
76
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CARRY
Text & Photos by Dave Workman
In Gun-Sensible States, It Makes Sense
olorado is one of a
handful of states where
legally licensed students
can carry concealed on the
campuses of public universities
and colleges. That wasnt
through the magnanimity of the
legislature, but thanks to two
lawsuits, in 2010 and 2012, by
the Students for Concealed Carry.
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77
GW-15-01-HANDGUNS-76-81 11/11/14 4:59 AM Page 78
HANDGUNS
People who make

the decision to carry
should follow some
common sense rules.
Workmans CCW advise for

carrying on campus: Keep it
small and discreet. The Ruger
LCP (top) or the Kel Tec below
are reasonable choices for close
range emergency self-defense.
essentially forced to adopt guide-
dent in 2002. A failing student
after the Virginia Tech tragedy in
lines, and the arguments that col-
named Peter Odighizuwa opened
2007. It has grown to some 30,000
lege students were not mature
re, killing a professor, the dean and
members, according to a report
enough did not register well with
a student. Two other students who
produced by the Carnegie-Knight
people who had served in the mili-
had guns in their cars ran to get
News21 team of journalism stu-
tary at age 18 or 19.
them, and when they approached
SCC was founded on the day
dents. The organization has had
But the right of self-defense
some successes and some set-
does not vanish at the property line
backs, but they continue to try.
of a college or university. It exists
the gunman and ordered him to

drop his gun, he did.
On many campuses where
along the dark walkways between
rearms are still not allowed, stu-
where concealed carry is allowed
lecture halls and dormitories, in
dents have staged empty holster
on campus at this writing included
parking garages and libraries.
protests. Its a form of free speech
In addition to Colorado, states
Idaho, Oregon, Kansas, Mississippi,
Attackers have become used
protected by the First Amendment.
Utah and Wisconsin. SCC chapters
to such places being so-called
All that is required is an empty hol-
have tried to get a bill passed in
gun-free zones, so it comes as a
ster on ones belt. That says it all.
Texas, and they will be back again
surprise to opportunist criminals
in 2015.
when someone not only fights

back, but has the tool in hand to
BEEHIVE STATE
Utah broke a lot of ground in
make it decisive.
Could an armed student make
HOW TO CARRY?
For those lucky enough to attend a university or college in a gunfriendly state, one must be discreet.
the guns-on-campus debate, and
a difference? Some argue that
Youre carrying for personal protec-
there was considerable resistance
armed students already have, at
tion, not a public spectacle. Nobody
by university authorities. They were
the Appalachian Law School inci-
needs to know youre armed.
78
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GW-15-01-HANDGUNS-76-81 11/11/14 4:38 AM Page 79
Enable Your Ideas with a PCNC Mill
That translates to carrying a

smaller handgun, so as not to be
noticed. Oversize team sweatshirts, baggy pants, bulky vests
Discerning gunsmiths and manufacturers know theres only one

choice in CNC for affordable precision:
The Tormach PCNC 1100.
ner of cover garments one can
Take aim at your most demanding machining needs

- engraving, milling, threading, reaming, and boring. Big
or small, Tormach hits the bullseye to deliver for you.
wear on a college campus and
Every PCNC 1100 features:
in the winter; there are all man-
1100 lbs cast iron construction
Ground P4 ballscrews and single

shot lubrication
Computer controlled spindle speed

and direction
PTFE bonded slideways (similar to Turcite)
know, Ive reviewed several com-
Precision R8 spindle - 100 to 5000 RPM

with vector drive technology
pact pistols in these pages over
Easy to use in manual or automatic modes
nobody will be the wiser that

you are packing.
But dont be alarmed. As
longtime Gun World readers
2011 Pistolsmith of
the Year - SDM
Fabricating Inc.
uses his PCNC
to customize a
357 Magnum.
$8480
(plus shipping)
the years. My recommendations

would include Rugers LCP in
.380 ACP and the LC9 and LC9s
in 9mm. Id also give the nod to
Product information and online ordering at
Shown here with

optional stand,
LCD monitor,
machine arms,
and accessories.
www.tormach.com
the LCR in .38 Special, Sig

Sauers P938, P290, P238 and
P232.
I used to know a young
woman who carried a North
American Arms in .22 Magnum.
It was the only gun she had, and
at close range, the .22 WMR is a
nasty round that produces a hellaciously scary muzzle ash out
of the NAAs short barrel, and
has a point blank punch that will
ruin somebodys whole day.
Smaller pistols from Kahr,
Kel Tec, Beretta, Taurus and
Smith & Wesson all make sense,
and dont overlook the Colt Mustang. All of these can be carried
easily in pocket holsters or IWB
rigs, out of sight and out of mind.
Never carry a gun in a backpack,
where students typically have
their books and laptops. Thieves
will grab those in a knockdown
grab-and-run, and you do not
want them to get your defensive
sidearm in the process.
BE SENSIBLE
People who make the decision to carry should follow some
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79
HANDGUNS
The right of selfdefense does not vanish

at the property line of a
college or university.
Workmans vintage Model 70

Beretta went with him to college.
Its still a stopper. Below is the
.380 ACP from SIG Sauer.
common sense rules. Stay alert!
ings or other structures that might
do. The proper mindset is to learn
People who walk or sit and get en-
provide a safe backstop for a bullet.
from the examples of others.
grossed in sending text messages
Sure the campuses were gun-
Early in September, the rural
or talking on cell phones are not sit-
free zones, and anybody who
Toppenish School District in eastern
uationally aware, and that applies
thought that prevented the pres-
Washingtons Yakima Valley made
as much to broad daylight as it
ence of guns was simply delusional.
headlines by announcing that
does the evening hours.
I met one guy who had a .22 in his
eleven school officials would be
dorm room. Another guy living in my
packing rearms on the job at that
on lighted walkways wherever pos-
off-campus apartment house car-
communitys public schools. When
sible, have a ashlight that might
ried a .45. At the time all I could af-
educators show by example that
have a strobe feature (a suddenly
ford was a second-hand .32 ACP
guns on campus can be good
activated strobe at close range can
Beretta, but there were times when
things, its time for other education
blind and disorient someone long
that pistol was very reassuring. In
professionals to listen up. Ditto,
enough to allow a hasty retreat),
short, there was a lot of hardware
students who are of legal age to
maybe carry mace, and know your
on that campus during my time
obtain a concealed pistol license or
terrain. Huh?
there, and nobody got hurt.
permit.
Dont walk alone at night, stay
Well into the last century, when

I was attending a community college and later a major university, I
had night classes. I made sure I
SCC was and remains a good
WHO SAYS IT
MAKES SENSE?
Firearms instructors and sea-
idea. Their efforts should be supported because the reforms they

promote just might one day save a
knew the safe routes, and places
soned armed citizens habitually tell
life, and that life could belong to
where someone might be hiding
novice shooters what they can and
your daughter or son, niece or
behind a bush to pull a robbery. And
should do, rather than drone on
nephew. GW
I also knew the proximity of build-
about what you cant or shouldnt
80
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GW_1501_81 11/10/14 2:47 AM Page 81
GW-15-01-GUNSMITH-82-91.qxp 11/11/14 2:43 AM Page 82
Part Four starts with the pistol looking like this
82
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Project
1911
Text & Photos by Steve Sieberts
Part Four: Fitting And Installing

The Trigger And The Sights
ur 1911 pistol is coming

together, and is actually
starting to look like a
handgun and not just a box of
assorted parts. The next step in
the build process for this column
will be to t and install the
trigger parts, perform the trigger
job and install the sights. This is
the most critical aspect to the
build process because if we
make a mistake here, it affects
the safety functions of the pistol,
and therefore, the safety of the
shooter and people around the
shooter at the range.
www.gunworld.com
and ends with it

looking like this, about
90 percent complete.
83
GUNSMITHING
forward. Fortunately, we are working with brand-new, high quality aftermarket parts. Working with used
parts has its own set of challenges
and techniques, and are too involved to be covered in a single column, so for this edition, well focus
on the tools and techniques needed
to t new, aftermarket trigger and
safety parts into our 1911 pistol in a
safe manner.
The rst thing to do is to inspect the parts to make sure there
are no obvious aws in the manufacturing. This rarely happens.
Companies are very cognizant of
the fact that these parts need to be
made to be as safe as possible, and
stick to very close manufacturing
tolerances, but things can happen.
Next, well prep these parts by polishing the sides of the sear and
hammer to remove machining
marks. I want to keep at surfaces
at, so Ill use a large diamond
stone for this. (See photo.) We are
going to install shims in this pistol
between the hammer and sear and
the frame to remove side play later.
Once the hammer and sear is prepped and the angles cut and the hooks are the height
you want, install the parts and apply a little oil, then try the trigger without the safeties.
The trigger on this gun fell at about 4 pounds and was very crisp, which is good for a
defensive pistol. I will adjust this a little lower, since I want this pistols trigger to break at
about 3 pounds because it will be used primarily for IPSC and IDPA competition.
We also need to break any sharp

edges with a soft India stone.
Next, we t the trigger and for
this gun, Ive chosen the popular
Videki three-hole aluminum trigger.
two rounds in the magazine until
This trigger is oversized in height, so
guns for long enough and work on
Im sure the gun is safe to re with a
Ill take a little bit off at a time,
trigger systems, you will experi-
full magazine. Never re any semi-
checking for t as I go. It should
ence a semiautomatic firearm
automatic weapon with a full mag-
freely slide into the slot and go front
that doubles, or even worse, goes
azine until you have tested it with
and back without vertical move-
full auto. This is very disconcerting
two rounds repeatedly and are ab-
ment. I also usually take the debur-
when it happens, not to mention it
solutely sure the rearm is safe.
ring wheel and lightly go over the
If you gunsmith or tinker with
can be disastrous if you let a
I cannot stress this enough.
sides and rear of the stirrup, as well
weapon with a full magazine go
Proceed carefully any time you are
as the edges to polish it so it slides
full auto.
working on, replacing or modifying
in the trigger track smoothly.
Every semi-auto rearm that I
any part of the re control system
Now is the time to install the
work on that I have modied or re-
of any rearm. Having said that, the
hammer strut to the hammer, and
placed any part of the re control
steps to t and install the trigger
to make sure the retaining pin is
system will get test red with only
parts to the 1911 are fairly straight-
ush, I usually stake the pin with a
84
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and their respective reamers
DISCONNECTOR CAUTION
from Brownells and ream

the hammer, sear and
frame. This ensures the
trigger pull is consistent.
One critical measurement I make is to the disconnector. This part has to
be a certain dimension of
1.300 +/- .005 and not below.
Remember, parts that are being tted
into a dovetail always go from right to left.
When ling, always take a little more off
the right side of the dovetail so the part
tightens up as it enters the dovetail. Here,
Im driving in the sight from right to left
with a brass drift. Dont worry about
leaving brass on the gun for now; it will
come of in the renishing process.
Too short and it could be unsafe.

Next, Ill take the hammer and sear
and stone those surfaces on the
Power Sear Fixture. Always use
The disconector is one of the four

safeties on the 1911A1 pistol. The other
three being, the grip safety, thumb
safety and the half cock notch on the
hammer. The disconnector makes sure
the gun does not re when out of battery, and is one of the more critical parts
on the gun. Do not alter a disconnector
in any way. Especially on the dome, or
the top of the part where it rides on the
disconnector timing track and in the
disconnector timing slot. The top of the
disconnector is precisely machined and
then surface ground for very precise angles and dimensions. Shortening the
length of the disconnector or altering
the top of the disconnector in any way
will risk the chance of the part failing,
and the gun possibly ring out of battery, injuring the shooter or bystanders.
some type of xture to do this work,

never try to do this freehand.
Brownells sells several types
of xtures to do trigger work, and
40 percent of the total surface.

The hammer hooks get lowered
center punch, then stone the sides
different pistol smiths will use dif-
using the xture and a feeler gauge
again to make sure the pin doesnt
ferent types of tools and tech-
to no lower than .015. Some pistol
protrude and drag on the frame. I
niques, but still arrive at the same
smiths will go higher or lower, de-
also want to make sure the ham-
point. The sear nose gets stoned at
pending on personal preferences. I
mer and sear pins are a good t in
a 60/40 ratio, where the primary
use the hammer as a lever to hold
the frame, and the hammer and
angle surface is 60 percent of the
the sear in place. The Power Sear
sear. If they are a sloppy t, get the
total, and the escape angle, or
Fixture instructions recommend a
oversized hammer and sear pins
backside of the sear nose is cut at
C-clamp for this, but I nd this
Here Im checking to see if the magazine is

binding from the trigger stirrup. If the
magazine does not fall freely, the problem
could be caused by a number of things,
such as the frame being too narrow, the
trigger stirrup, or the magazine catch.
Isolating problems is one of the most
important things a gunsmith can do.
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85
GUNSMITHING
Polish and deburr the

trigger track inside the
frame to make sure the
trigger slides freely.
The rst thing to do is to

inspect the parts to make
sure there are no obvious
aws in the manufacturing.
The trigger tted and the

pistol is now ready to be
tted with internal parts
and a trigger job performed.
86
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takes too long to set up and remove. I also check the sear spring
and polish to the top of the left and
center leaf. The sear spring can be
used to make slight -pound adjustments, up or down, to the
weight of the trigger pull, but if the
Im showing how to install the roll

pin. I actually wont install the
ejector-retaining pin until the pistol
is complete and has been renished.
Also, I normally dont use roll pins,
as I like solid ejector pins. If you use
a roll pin, and if you eventually do
remove it, always replace it with a
new roll pin. Never reuse roll pins.
weight is too heavy or light, look at

the engagement surfaces.
What I usually see is that people will try to bend the sear spring
excessively to get the trigger pull
adjusted up or down one to two
pounds, usually trying to get it really
light, and the sear spring ends up
looking like a pretzel, and the hammer will follow, because there isnt
enough spring pressure to keep the
sear engaged. The .014 hammer
hook height, the 60/40 sear nose
relationship should give a crisp,
clean, safe trigger pull of about
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87
GUNSMITHING
Here Im driving a pin punch

through the frame hole to make
the spot on the ejector leg where I
need to le to t the retaining pin.
three to four pounds. Next, I install

the hammer and sear shims per
manufacturers instructions to remove the side-to-side movement
of those parts.
Install all of the trigger parts
and leave out the grip safety. Try
the trigger. If you hear two clicks
when cycling the action and are releasing the trigger, the rst one is
disconnector click, which is where
the disconnector is too long and is
dragging on the disconnector timing slot, (see photo). The x is to
scrape the disconnector timing slot
with the disconnector scraping tool,
not by shortening the disconnector.
(see photo) Never shorten a disconnector for any reason, and never
polish the top of a disconnector.
The second click is the disconnector resetting, and is normal.
Fitting the rear sight involves ling

the dovetail with the proper le.
Go slow and check your work. Its
easy to take too much off.
Scraping the timing slot will allow

88
www.gunworld.com
GW-15-01-GUNSMITH-82-91 11/11/14 10:31 PM Page 89
of the game.
more room for the disconnector
ger, then lower the safety. The sear
and will remove the annoying
should not move at all. The thumb
click.
safety is checked by trying to press
tted, and the safeties tted and
Once we have the trigger parts
the trigger without actually gripping
functioning correctly, its time to
we can t the thumb and grip
the pistol (see photo). The hammer
move onto the sight installation. The
safeties. The stud on the thumb
should not fall.
rear sight Im using for this gun ini-
Once the trigger pull is set,
safety bears against the shelf on
For a closer look at checking
tially is a Novak Hi-mount sight,
the left side of the sear when the
thumb and grip safeties, check out
which is tted into a simple dovetail. I
thumb safety is engaged. (See
my columns on Inspecting the
covered tting and ling sights into
photo.)
1911, available in back issues of Gun
dovetails in my previous column on
World. Fitting these parts is always
Files and Filing, but the process is to
away the step to give the trigger
time consuming, but hand-tting
le the dovetail with the correct le,
stirrup clearance. Then give it a
parts is the denition of a custom
and drive the part into the dovetail
slight angle to let the grip safety
pistol. Craftsmanship is the name
from the right to left.
To t the grip safety, le
reset, and check it with the

mainspring housing tool in place.
Go slowly and check your work
as you go. The method to tting
any of the parts on rearms is to
le and/or stone a little, and
then check your progress.
To check the safeties for
proper functioning, engage the
thumb safety and press the trig-
BUSINESS
DIRECTORY
www.gunworld.com
John Bartulin
866-866-5146 ext:2746
jbartulin@beckett.com
89
GUNSMITHING
Part of performing a trigger job is

to try the trigger out repeatedly.
These parts have to seat in a
little. Tripping the trigger ve to
ten times will do this.
The front sight is a little differ-
types of sights we can install with
move the excess metal of the sight
ent. For this gun, Im installing a
this tool: a wide tenon sight and the
tenon and make sure the sight still
swaged front sight. This uses high
narrow tenon sight. Most 1911
ts ush to the slide and is square
pressure to cold-form the tenon
swaged-type sights are narrow
on top. I want to make sure the
into the slide recess provided for
tenon. Colt Gold Cups are wide
sight tenon does not extend below
this purpose. Done properly, it pro-
tenon front sights because Bullseye
the inside radius of the slide and
vides a very rm way to install a
shooters found that the heavy re-
rub against the barrel bushing,
front sight; done improperly, the
coil of a steady diet of 230-grain
whatsoever.
sight comes loose and/or ies off
hardball would cause the sight to
during ring, which is not conducive
loosen and y off, so Colt made the
this pistol project. The only items
to shooting good scores if it hap-
sight tenon a little wider. The larger
left are to t the extractor and set
pens during a match. (Not to men-
tenon gave the sight more gripping
the extractor tension, t the ejector,
tion being embarrassing if you are
power when swaged in place.
break all of the sharp edges and
the one that did the installation.)
Once we have everything tted
That is not the best way to impress
and squared up, degrease both
your range buddies with your gun-
parts, and apply a little dab of red
smithing prowess.
loc-tite to the sight tenon and press
To t the tenon-type front
excess loc-tite. Fit the swaging tool
tenon ts into the rectangular hole
into place and apply a little bit of
that was broach cut into the front
high-pressure grease to the groove
of the slide. Ensure the sight ts
in the swaging tool where the tenon
ush and no light is visible between
will slide through, and drive the
the sight and the slide and that the
swaging iron through the tool (See
sight is absolutely vertical with re-
photo). Once the sight is swaged
spect to the slide. I always look at
into place, remove the tool and
the sight from many angles to make
check your work. You will need to
sure its trued up. There are two
use a Dremel or Foredom tool to re-
test re the pistol for accuracy and

functioning. GW
CONTACT
the sight into place. Wipe off any
sights, rst make sure the sight
90
One more column will nish
Brownells Inc.
200 South Front St.
Montezuma, IA 50171
Brownells.com
Caspian Arms Ltd.
75 Cal Foster Dr.
Wolcott, VT 05680
CaspianArmsLtd.com
www.gunworld.com
GW_1501_91 11/10/14 9:59 PM Page 91
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GW-15-01-CZSG-92-97.qxp 11/11/14 3:14 AM Page 92
A Tale of
TWO CZS
Text & Photos by Jerry Catania
Aordable 20-Gauge Elegance
raditional double shotguns generally

command high prices, but CZ-USA has
two ne modelsthe Bobwhite and the
Mallardmanufactured by HUGLO in Turkey
that are now available to the U.S. market.
92
www.gunworld.com
The Mallard (bottom) and the

Bobwhite (top). CZ-USA has done
a ne job bringing affordable doublebarrel shotguns to the market.
www.gunworld.com
93
The Mallard broken

open, showing the internal
mechanism and the satin
chrome nish of the action.
MAKE THAT A DOUBLE?
mechanism, at least for me. For ex-
their smaller gauges. CZ does not
ample, with one barrel choked full
slap a 20-gauge barrel on a 12-
balanced, are shorter than pumps
and the other improved cylinder,
gauge frame like many makers, and
or semi-autos with the same barrel
the hunter is equipped for overhead
this contributes immensely to their
length, and provide complete con-
passing shots whether coming in or
ne handling and light weight. Han-
trol over the ring mechanism.
going out. Both CZs come with ve
dling is excellent on both models.
Many die-hard upland game
choke tubes.
Double shotguns are better
hunters prefer a side-by-side to
Each CZ shotgun utilizes a
CZ BOBWHITE
anything else, while virtually every
boxlock action. Invented by Anson
champion in the international
and Deeley in 1875, the boxlock
pounds, the CZ Bobwhite is a lively
shooting sports uses an over-under.
uses concealed hammers that self-
handling side-by-side shotgun.
The side-by-side, with its greater
cock when the action is broken
Available only with 26-inch barrels
downip and straighter stock, is
open. The boxlock uses fewer parts
and a Splinter forearm, the bob-
ideal for rising birds, while the preci-
than earlier exposed hammer shot-
white is fast handling, indeed. The
sion of the single sighting plane on
guns, which makes both simpler
raised, solid rib and the brass bead
the over-under breaks more clays.
and faster than the exposed ham-
front sight make a ne combination
mer jobs. Pushing the top lever to
for getting on target quickly. The
advantage in the eld, namely, the
the right allows the action to open
Bobwhite has an English straight
instant choice of two choke con-
and breaking it cocks the hammers,
stock of handsome Turkish Walnut
strictions. Choosing which one to
while at the same time, dual extrac-
with a 14.5-inch length of pull. It is
use is fast with the use of two trig-
tors lift the shells for removal and
complemented with a sporting
gers, and it is easier to keep track of
replacement.
clays-type pad (thin rubber pad
Doubles also offer a very real
which one was red than with the

safety/selector of a single-trigger
94
Best of all, both utilize a properly sized receiver and frame for
With a weight of only six
with a smooth plastic insert on top)

that will not snag on your shirt as
www.gunworld.com
torand is non automatic, mean-
SPECIFICATIONS
ing that when you close the

breach on two live shells, the
CZ-USA
MALLARD
Bobwhite is ready to re, and if

you pull the trigger, the gun will
re. You must remember to place
TYPE: OVER/UNDER SHOTGUN,

20 GA., 3 INCH
the safety in the safe position if

you do not intend to re immedi-
BARREL LENGTH: 28 INCHES
ately, just like any other shotgun.
WEIGHT: 6.5 POUNDS
of the bobwhite are black chrome
The gracefully tapered barrels

plated on the outside and smooth
LOP: 14.5 INCHES
chrome-lined on the inside. They

are tted for screw-in choke
EXTRAS: FIVE CHOKE TUBES
tubes, and ve are supplied, from

Cylinder Bore to Full Choke.
MSRP: $583
At the afore-mentioned six

pounds, this gun will not wear
you quickly (and often imperfectly,
you out carrying it in the eld all
in the eld) shoulder the gun.
day. Recoil was mild with the 7/8
The Bobwhite is built on an at-
ounce dove loads I red in it,
tractive engraved and case-hard-
but the triggers were very heavy;
ened action, and comes with
much harder to pull than the
double triggers. Most high-end dou-
Mallard o/u. CZ/HUGLO did an
bles utilize single triggers, but,
excellent job of regulating the
again, I like two triggers. They give
barrels. Patterns were consistent,
me an instant choice between bar-
even, round, and well-centered.
rels, without having to remember

how to ip the safety/selector and
CZ MALLARD
which barrel I left it at after the last
Dubbed a no-nonsense
shot. The tang safety functions only
meat-and-potatoes shotgun by
as a safetynot as a barrel selec-
CZ, the Mallard is that and so
The double trigger

mechanism of the Bobwhite.
Note the trigger guard is
case-hardened as well.
www.gunworld.com
95
induced drag (believe it or not), and

provides better barrel cooling as
well. Recoil sensation was (subjectively) less than with the Bobwhite
side-by-side which, again, is one of
the advantages of the over-under.
The Sporting Clays pad does not
catch on shirts, and the double triggers provide instant access to different choke constrictions.
Everyone who handled the Mallard when I was testing it wanted to
own it. It just felt right to everyone.
I dont know if the 12-gauge Mallard
is so nicely balanced, but I am
tempted to get one and nd out.
Close-up of the
Mallards extractor.
The Mallard has 3-inch chamthe production costs low. It has
bers and this makes the 20-gauge
been a favorite for those who like
version just as good as a 12 for
the functionality and reliability of
doves, quail, snipe, rabbits, squir-
an over/under with a cost well
rels, and a whole host of small and
much more. According to the CZ-
below most semi-auto shotguns
upland game, andat 1.5 pounds
USA website, the Mallard is de-
and even some pumps on the mar-
lightermaybe better. The Mallard
signed to be the simplest, most
ket these days.
is quick in the hands, and steady to
cost effective over and under shot-
Subjectively speaking, the Mal-
swing. Patterns were excellent:
gun CZ-USA produces. It features
lard handles like an over-under
round, without holes, and the bar-
the standard box-lock frame with
costing three times as much. In fact,
rels were correctly regulated. You
the same hinge system used in the
since its built on a smaller frame
cant ask for more.
more detailed models, but it em-
than most other 20-gauge over-
ploys a dual trigger system to keep
under shotguns, it actually handles
bringing working double-barrel
better.
shotguns to the market that almost
Fit and finish were excellent in
SPECIFICATIONS
CZ-USA has done a ne job
any hunter or competitor can afford.
both metal-to-metal, and metal-
It gives up little (maybe less) to the
to-wood. The black chrome barrels
high priced Japanese and Italian
CZ-USA
BOBWHITE
contrasted nicely with the satin
guns, but if you always wanted a
chrome receiver. The Turkish Wal-
nice side-by-side or over-under for
nut butt stock with rounded pistol
hunting or competition, you wont
TYPE: SIDE-BY-SIDE SHOTGUN,

20 GA., 3 INCH
grip provided a touch of class, as
be sorry if you try one of these. They
did the Schnabel fore-end. The
are elegant guns. GW
BARREL LENGTH: 28 INCHES

WEIGHT: 6.0 POUNDS
LOP: 14.5 INCHES
balance was sweet. The 28-inch

barrels seem to provide better handling than 26-inch barrels in a 20gauge over-under, at least for me.
A raised and ventilated rib provided a highly visible sighting plane.
EXTRAS: FIVE CHOKE TUBES

MSRP: $778
96
The mid-rib was ventilated as well,

just like in a ne skeet gun. This aids
CONTACT
CZ-USA
(800) 955-4486
CZ-USA .com
in faster swinging by reducing windwww.gunworld.com
1. Publication Title: Gun world

2. Publication No.: 0017-5641
3. Filing Date: 10-01-14
4. Issue Frequency: Monthly
5. No. of Issues Published Annually: 12
6. Annual Subscription Price: $17.95
&RPSOHWH0DLOLQJ$GGUHVVRI.QRZQ2IFHRI3XEOLFDWLRQ
Beckett Media LLC.,
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8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General
%XVLQHVV2IFHRI3XEOLVKHUBeckett Media LLC.,
9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher,
Editor, and Managing Editor:
Publisher Beckett Media LLC.,
Editor: Craig Hodgkins, Beckett Media LLC.,
Managing Editor: Kari Windies, Beckett Media LLC.,
10. Owner: Beckett Media LLC.,
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13. Publication Title: Gun World
14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: Nov 13-Oct 14 /
Oct-14
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17. Publication of Statement of Ownership: January 2015
18. Signature: Nick Singh
Advertiser Index
ATK - Blackhawk
51
Numrich Gun Parts Corporation
79
ATK - Savage Arms
33
Pat Crawford Knives
95
Browning
61, 75
Red's Gun Lube
15
Colt's Manufacturing Company
Rio Grande Custom Grips
95
CZ-USA
59
SCCY Industries
41
Davidson's
81
Springeld Armory
63
Dillon Precision
39
Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc.
11, 100
DoubleTap Ammunition
89, 99
Tormach LLC
79
European American Armoury
ULTIMAK
87
GTUL
79
Ultra Holdings
23
Guncrafter Industries, LLC
31, 89
Umarex USA, Inc.
69
Jantz Supply
6-7
Walther Arms
37
Les Baer Custom,Inc.
53
WILSON COMBAT
89
Major Surplus & Survival
The advertiser index is provided as a service to

Gun World readers. Gun World is not responsible
for omissions or typographical errors on names or page numbers.
Now
Gun World
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GW-15-01-BACK-98-99.qxp 11/13/14 10:40 PM Page 98
BACK PAGES
ton Model 1100 12-gauge. She also
cinched the Womens Championship at the same event with an
all-around tally of 365x400 to set a
new class standard.
Then, it was on to the 1964
Skeet National and World Championships in Reno.
After the dust had cleared following ve days of shooting, Vermillion had netted multiple rst
place wins, including Ladies 28gauge Class B and Ladies 20gauge Class B. She also scored as a
member of the 28-gauge Five-Man
Junior Team (her four teammates
were all 15- and 16-year-old boys)
that took rst with a winning score
of 237x250. Finally, her overall
score of 525x550 brought winning
trophies for an all-around Ladies
Class C rst and a Class B second.
Quite a week, evenas Cotter-
A Shotgun
START
By Craig Hodgkins
A new year, a new column. At
Our January 1965 cover featured

Gib Johnson of the Ferris Mountain
Ranch in Lamont, Wyo., holding a
Winchester 94 lever action wearing
a Redeld 2x scope.
her skill.
Here was a youngster who
handled a shotgun better than
most adult males, he wrote, but
with a slight build, long golden hair
and a modest, soft-spoken way
that served to complement just the
actor Robert Stack joined the edi-
right measure of femininity.

Vermillions father, Howard,
itor, a position he held through May
had represented the United States
of 1999.
in the 1932 Olympics as a member
But that wasnt the only inter-
of the ve-man team that earned a
esting shotgun news appearing in
silver medal. Dianne began training
the January 1965 issue. Erstwhile
on clay targets with him at age 10,
associate editor, Dan Cotterman,
and in June of 1964, she became
also weighed in with a story about
the rst Sub-Junior Girl to score
12-year-old skeet-shooting sensa-
100x100 at the California Skeet
tion, Dianne Vermillion. This being
Championships, wielding a Reming-
let pusher. GW
trasted her age and gender with
World offices 50 years ago when
98
thought of itfor a precocious pel-
1965, Cotterman naturally con-
least that was the case at the Gun
torial team as our Shotgunning ed-
man may have written if hed
In August of 1964,
Dianne Vermillion
netted multiple
victories at the
World Skeet
Championships
held in Reno, Nev.
www.gunworld.com
GW_1501_C3 11/10/14 2:42 AM Page C3
GW_1501_C4 11/10/14 2:48 AM Page C4
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RUGER 9 E CENTERFIRE PISTOL
SR9
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SR40
SR40c
SR45
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and short reach from the backstrap to the trigger create a comfort level that will challenge any standard-sized,
striker-red pistol available today. A structurally rigid, recoil-reducing, glass-lled nylon frame and alloy or stainless
steel slide combine to create a low-maintenance, rugged and reliable line of handguns.
Dovetailed, High-Visibility
3-Dot Sight System
Ambidextrous Manual Safety and

D-Shaped Magazine Release
RUGER.COM/SR-SERIES
2014 Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc.
070214
Unique Reversible Backstrap

is Adjustable for a Flat or Arched Fit
Integral Accessory
Mounting Rail

Gun World - January 2015 USA

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GW-15-01-COVER 11/11/14 10:56 PM Page US_C1

SPECIAL HANDGUN ISSUE

U.S. AIR FORCE

S&Ws Model 986

CZ-USAs Bobwhite and Mallard

JAN 2015 VOLUME 56, NO.1 $4.99 U.S.

GW_1501_C2 11/13/14 8:59 AM Page C2

BUILT ONE AT A TIME.

GW_1501_3 11/10/14 2:01 AM Page 3

GW-15-01-CONTENTS-4-5.qxp 11/13/14 10:23 PM Page 4

In a world overrun with

GUN WORLD | JAN 2015

Photo by Leroy Thompson

34 The Citadel Nine

GW-15-01-CONTENTS-4-5.qxp 11/13/14 10:24 PM Page 5

10 Ask the Experts

JAN 2015 | GUN WORLD

GW_1501_6 11/17/14 9:03 AM Page 6

JANTZ USA MADE BLADES

Tactical Blades made from CPM 3V

Kirinite combines durability and

Designed for abuse in the field, these rugged field knives

Tactical Field Blade

Overall length 8 5/8", blade is 3 1/2" x 1 1/8" wide, 3/16"

Tactical Fighter Blade

Designed with beauty and usability in mind, the rounded

length 10", blade is 5" x 1 1/4" wide, 3/16" thick.

Tactical Combat Bowie Blade

Overall length 13 1/4", blade is 8 1/4" x 1 1/5" wide, 3/16"

Overall length 8 7/16", blade is 3 1/2" x 1 1/8" wide, 5/32"

Overall length 7 3/4", blade is 3" x 3/4" wide, 1/8" thick.

Overall length 5 1/8", blade is 2" x 1/2"

wide, .100" thick.

Similar to our Pattern 31 with a full hollow grind.

GW_1501_7 11/17/14 9:04 AM Page 7

y and usability in one of the most

CPM S110V is a high alloy martensitic stainless tool steel.

CPM 20-CV Tool Steel

CPM S110V Stainless Steel

THICK WIDE MILL FINISH

GTC 440C stainless steel thrust ball bearings caged

Decorative Torx Screws for Pivot Pins

CPM REX M4 High Speed Steel

CPM REX M4 HC(HS) is a special purpose high speed steel

Cosmos Texas Star

Threaded Pivot Only

CPM D2 Carbon Steel

CPM D2 is an air-hardening, high carbon, high chromium

Pivot barrels are threaded 6-48.

GW-15-01-UPFRONT-8-9 11/13/14 9:06 AM Page 8

track of the issues and vote

country. Ive just never been one to

Editor in Chief: Craig Hodgkins

listen to a bunch of talking heads

My sense of timing gets pretty

Im selective about my sources

loween, but youre probably reading

the primary reasons I get out to in-

this magazine in December, even

dustry shows such as the National

though its the January 2015 issue.

Association of Sporting Goods

Its no wonder I usually dont

Wholesalers (NASGW) Expo and