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XS Sights just announced its XS Lever Handguard (LVR-HG) for Henry lever-action rifles. The LVR-HG was designed for the modern lever-action shooter, meticulously crafted based on real-world usage for those looking to update their Henry rifle with a customizable handguard solution that is rugged, lightweight, and will accommodate lights, lasers, or any other M-LOK compatible device.

The XS Lever Handguard features a sleek profile that compliments the lines of the receiver for a classically sturdy fit that enhances structural integrity while preserving most of the traditional look and feel of a lever gun. The LVR-HG boasts six M-LOK slots on each side, seven on the bottom, and angled slot cuts to dissipate heat and provide positive grip and comfort during long days at the range, or on the ranch.

Extending customization options for Henry lever-action rifles, the XS Lever Handguard is designed to integrate seamlessly with XS Sights’   lever rail, ghost ring sights, and white stripe front sight, providing a complete upgrade ecosystem for your rifle.

“This new handguard allows Henry lever gun owners to add functional upgrades like lights, lasers, grips, and stabilizers to their rifle while staying true to the lever gun’s classic appeal,” said Jeff King, Marketing Manager at XS Sights.

The LVR-HG will fit all Henry rifles with options available for .357 Magnum and .38 Special, .44 Magnum and .44 Special, and the venerable .45-70 Government.

Specifications:

• Aircraft-Grade Aluminum — lightweight yet rugged and durable
• M-LOK Attachment Points — create your own custom lever build
• Low Profile Design — match receiver lines for improved handling and stability
• Angled Slot Cuts — dissipates heat effectivity for comfort during extended shooting
• Weight Management — balance between sturdiness and portability
• Fits Henry lever guns cambered in .357 Mag, .44 MAG, and .45-70
• Kit Includes: Handguard, screw kit, barrel mount, receiver mount, blue threadlocker

MSRP for the XS Lever Handguard comes to $247.50 and it is available now on the   company’s website.

I’ve always loved traditional lever actions, but I’ll admit to having a thing for the modern lever guns we’ve seen in recent years also. I like the XS Lever Handguard, especially when fitted with those American walnut M-LOK panels with a cherry wood stain that I am told XS will be releasing in the future. What are your thoughts on the recent lever gun revolution and the XS Lever Handguard that puts us right in the middle where we can enjoy classic style with a modern twist? Let us know in the comments below.

For more information on all XS Sights accessories, please visit www.xssights.com.

SK Guns is back at it again with a new fresh and sexy permutation of a 1911 for us, but this time it’s not meant to simply be a collection piece; rather, these are meant to be shot! SK Guns is spending 2025 by venturing into the world of shootable pistols. Similar to some of their launches earlier in the year, the Agent Eclipse was produced in partnership with Stan Chen Customs, Agency Arms, and the color-case hardening was completed by the Famous "DOUG."

SK Guns @ TFB:

• Lost States Series 3rd Ed, "The Lost State of Transylvania" – Daniel Boone
• SK Customs Introduces the Third Production in the "La Revolucion" Series
• SK Customs Unveils 3rd Edition of the Untamed Series – Luchando Tigre
• This Gun is FIRE! SK Guns Announces Agent Firecrest AOS 1911 Pistols

SK Guns Agent Eclipse AOS 1911

With these new Agent Eclipse AOS 1911s, the serrations are more aggressive than ever, and the frame and one-piece Stan Chen Customs mainspring housing and magwells are highly polished and color-case hardened by “DOUG,” as we previously mentioned. They are available in 9mm or 45 ACP, and are available to ship now. The para-ported variations start at $1,950 while the chunk-ported configurations start at $1,975.

• Agent Eclipse C AOS 1911 - MSRP $1,975
• Agent Eclipse C AOS Camo 1911 - MSRP $1,975
• Agent Eclipse P AOS 1911 - MSRP $1,950
• Agent Eclipse P AOS Camo 1911 - MSRP $1,950

A Word from SK Guns on the NEW Agent Eclipse AOS 1911 Pistols

St. Augustine, Florida - March, 2025 - SK Guns® is proud to announce the next edition of its collaboration with Agency Arms, Stan Chen Customs and Color Casing by the famous “Doug.” The Agent Eclipse AOS 1911 is the follow-up to the Agent Firecrest AOS 1911 pistols, which sold out of all 300 limited units within days. The companies have come together again to offer the latest rendition in both 9mm and 45 ACP. In addition to para-ported and chunk-ported options, the Agent Eclipse will have three variations of the popular REACTIV™ Maxx grips.

“We received an immense amount of positive feedback following the launch of the Agent Firecrest AOS 1911,” said Simon Khiabani, owner and founder of SK Guns. “Along with that feedback, we received an overwhelming amount of requests for a two-tone variation. We have listened to our loyal customers, and are proud to introduce the new Agent Eclipse. It has been a great experience working with Agency, Stan Chen and the famous ‘DOUG’, and I am excited to see these partnerships continue to grow.”

Final Thoughts

This is an exciting development to come from SK Guns because they are not only making ornate firearms for shooters, but now they are offering us shooters as well. As always, let us know all of your thoughts about SK Guns and their NEW Agent Eclipse AOS 1911 Pistols in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.

Every gun enthusiast likely has their own vision of the perfect "gun room." For me, it’s always been about recreating the feel of a true armory, which is why I’m thrilled to welcome today’s guest, Tom Kubiniec from SecurIt Tactical. SecurIt goes beyond basic gun storage, offering innovative organization solutions for everyone from your weekend warrior to full-time gun shop owners and armorers as well. With a military background and experience designing armories for various units in the U.S. Military, SecurIt delivers everything from traditional gun safes to cutting-edge, lightweight, quick-access options that are simple to set up, highly secure, and ready when you need them most. Today, Tom will highlight some of the standout features of SecurIt’s product line and shed light on some of the ways he’s helping to improve the industry as a whole through education, modern manufacturing techniques, and smart security features that don’t hinder authorized access.

More TFB Behind the Gun Podcast Episodes:

• TFB Behind the Gun #147: DMR and Shotgun Talk w/ Bryce and Kevin
• TFB Behind The Gun #146: Col. Julian T. Urquidez of Texas Triggers
• TFB Behind the Gun #145: The Proving Grounds 2024 Championship

TFB Behind the Gun #160: Tom Kubiniec w/ SecurIt Tactical

On today’s episode of TFB’s Behind the Gun Podcast, we’re chatting with Tom Kubiniec from SecureIt Tactical about all things gun storage. SecureIt has been around for over two decades, starting out by designing armories for the military and law enforcement before branching out to civilian and commercial sales. Tom and his crew aren’t just about locking guns away—they’re pros at keeping them organized, too.

Tom walks us through his work with the U.S. military, sharing how SecureIt’s clever designs make life easier for military, law enforcement, and everyday gun owners by keeping their gear tidy and secure. With years of experience under his belt, he’s spotted what’s outdated in the gun storage and safe world and come up with fresh ideas that fit today’s firearms, collections, and shooters’ needs.

So, what does SecureIt actually offer? They’ve got a lineup that’s pretty impressive—like the Agile™ Model 52, a lightweight gun safe with their CradleGrid™ system that lets you customize how you store your rifles and gear. There’s also the Fast Box™, perfect for quick-access hidden storage, and their gun wall kits that turn your space into a slick, organized display. Whether you’re looking for a heavy-duty cabinet or a retrofit kit to upgrade an old safe, they’ve got options that mix practicality with some serious innovation.

• https://www.secureitgunstorage.com/
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZb3HLZuU80PVoAFxf_UDLQ
• https://www.instagram.com/secureit/
• https://www.facebook.com/gunstorage/

Listen right here at TFB:

Listen to Behind The Gun on TFB – https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/podcast/

Listen on Apple Podcasts:

Listen to Behind The Gun on Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tfb-behind-the-gun-podcast/id1505843385

Listen on Spotify:

Listen to Behind The Gun on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/5riFj2wJFloCtoKzvCc4ml?si=V-JiLBcXQSKw6cdtWzqdTw

Please support our Behind The Gun Podcast sponsors:

Silencer Shop – www.silencershop.com

Silencer Shop – www.silencershop.com

If you’ve said that buying a silencer is too expensive, too long of a wait, or that the paperwork is too confusing, you’re not alone. Buying a silencer is a big deal, and we don’t take it lightly either! But it’s the easiest it’s ever been!

Kimber – www.R7Mako.com

Kimber – www.R7Mako.com

Kimber’s award-winning R7 Mako: the polymer-frame, striker-fired micro-compact with 14 rounds total capacity, and a trigger you have to experience to believe. Feed your appetite for something different at www.R7Mako.com.

VNSH Holsters – www.vnsh.com/behindthegun

The VNSH (pronounced Vanish) holster is quickly becoming one of the most popular holsters in America and thousands of customers say it’s the most comfortable holster ever. Because you’re a supporter of TFB’s Behind the Gun podcast you can go to www.vnsh.com/behindthegun to get a $50 discount on the vanish holster which normally retails for $130. Visit www.vnsh.com/behindthegun to claim your $50 discount today!

The 2011 platform has long been a favorite among competition shooters—fast, accurate, and smooth in a way that makes your average off-the-shelf gun feel clunky in comparison. But let’s be honest: these pistols have historically been big, heavy, and not exactly carry-friendly. Staccato not only noticed this gap in their product lineup but due to the more widespread adoption of Staccato 2011 pistols for not just competition, but duty as well meant that the new Staccato C was an inevitability. Staccato announced its launch earlier in 2024, with the first few pieces shipping out in mid-2024 - mine included. This updated model replaced the earlier single-stack Staccato C, introducing enhancements like a beefier frame and new magazine geometry tailored for versatility in concealed carry, duty, and home defense as opposed to pure competition performance.

For the last half-year, I’ve had the opportunity to extensively test the 15-round compact grip variant to see if it truly delivers that perfect balance of performance and practicality that I think Staccato is going for with their newest C variant. As opposed to their newest Staccato CS - an even smaller 2011 more fit for CCW, the C still looks to be the one gun you might want to buy if you were dead set on a 2011 but wanted to be able to carry it and compete with it too. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor, a concealed carrier who appreciates a good trigger, or just someone who loses the shooting performance of Staccato pistols, the question remains: does the new Staccato C work as a high-end jack-of-all-trades?

More from Staccato at TFB:

• Staccato HD: New 2011 Pistols with Glock Magazine Compatibility
• Staccato 2011 Pistols Duty-Approved by Over 250 Agencies
• TFB Review: Staccato Tactical DS H.O.S.T 4.0 – Long Term Review

TFB REVIEW: The New Staccato C – The Most Flexible Staccato Yet

Product Link: https://staccato2011.com/products/staccato-c

Specifications:

• Caliber: 9x19mm
• Barrel Length: 4.0” Bull Barrel
• Trigger Pull: 4 - 4.5 lbs
• Frame: Aluminum
• Slide: Optics-ready, forward and rear serrations
• Grip Options:
• Compact Grip – 15-round capacity
• Full-Size Grip – 17-round capacity
• Weight: 26 oz (unloaded)
• Recoil System: 4.0” Tool-less
• Sights: Fiber optic front sight, Dawson Precision rear sight
• Safety: Ambidextrous manual thumb safety
• Magazine Compatibility: Staccato C/CS 2011 pattern magazines

Features

• Optic-ready slide factory-cut for red dot optics
• Lightweight aluminum frame for carry and duty use
• 1911-style single-action trigger with a crisp break and minimal reset
• Slim profile designed for improved concealability without sacrificing capacity
• Tool-less recoil system for easy maintenance and simplified takedown
• Aggressive grip texture and high undercut trigger guard for improved control
• Flared magazine well for smoother reloads
• Forward and rear slide serrations for better manipulation and press checks

MSRP: $2,599.00

Testing the Staccato C

I’m not what you’d call a “big guy.” In boots, I barely reach the average height for the US and when it comes to the average American physique, I’m a little on the slimmer side of things. What I’m trying to say is that it’s not easy for me to conceal a pistol the size of a Staccato C - even if it's technically possible. On paper, the Staccato C has about the same form factor and heft that the Glock 19 does with the 2011 being just slightly larger and heavier. If you can easily or reasonably conceal a Glock 19, you should be able to do so with a Staccato C.

To really put this thing through its paces at the range, Staccato sent over a Safariland ALS holster and a Dawson Precision optics mount so I could get a better feel for how it plays with duty-style retention holsters and various optic setups. And because no serious pistol test is complete without a weapon light, I also attached a SureFire X300 Turbo—one of my go-to pistol lights, and a common favorite among LEOs, competitive shooters, and concealed carriers.

First Impressions

At first glance, the Staccato C checks all the right boxes. It’s got a 4-inch bull barrel, a lightweight aluminum frame, and an optics-ready slide. It’s available with two grip options including a slightly larger version that features 17-round magazines as standard, but I’m testing the 15-round compact grip, which keeps the profile sleek while still offering plenty of rounds in the mag. With a tool-less recoil system, slim profile, and Staccato’s signature smooth trigger, this is a good example of Staccato’s slow but methodical progression as a pistol company throughout the years.

Even though I am a pretty big fan of my Glock 45, the Staccato is a beautiful pistol in its own right and looks way better when compared side by side. While the Glock 45 might get a few questions here and there at the range, the Staccato C is always a conversation starter when it's fully kitted out, and it’s usually the gun that most of my friends enjoy shooting the most at the range.

Range Performance

I’ve been consistently running between 250 and 500 rounds through the Staccato at every range trip for about six months now, and let me tell you, it’s been a ride. I’m no stranger to burning through mags at the range—usually with my Glock 45—but this thing’s a different beast. A lot of average and even good shooters who are primarily striker-fire gun shooters will have an almost instant improvement to their speed/accuracy combo when shooting virtually any single-action gun.

The Staccato C is no different, and I suppose it is an instant improvement over any striker-fired gun if you only care about having a lighter, shorter, and more defined trigger pull. However, even with the improved handling characteristics of the 2011 platform, it won’t completely erase any bad trigger-pull habits you have, but it will definitely mask them for a while.

It shouldn’t come as any surprise then that the Staccato C feels like it was mostly meant for competition. That crisp 4–4.5-pound single-action snap with practically no reset—perfect for ripping off doubles faster than you can blink. I ran it with the Dawson Precision optics mount and swapped between the Trijicon RMR HD and Holosun 507COMP a handful of times, and both feel and look pretty good on the Staccato C. However, I eventually settled on the more competition-oriented big-window 507COMP. Compared to my Glock 45, which is solid but a little mushy in the trigger department (as to be expected from a Glock), the Staccato C feels almost like cheating on every trigger pull—every pull’s a clean break and every follow-up’s right where I want it under controlled fire.

I threw it in the Safariland ALS holster Staccato sent over, and drawing from retention is smooth as butter—key for any match where you’re racing the clock or if you want the best in security when you’re on the range. The SureFire X300 Turbo was mostly mounted on there for some added weight and to better fit the ALS holster. During an ill-fated drop test to check out the C’s drop safety, the X300 Turbo, unfortunately, had its front lens fractured - a necessary sacrifice in the name of safety checks. The Staccato C shares the same additional safeties that all Series 80 1911 pattern pistols do so no worries on that front.

If red dots aren’t your thing, then I’m happy to report that the fiber-optic front sight and Dawson rear are money if you’re running irons. However, with the optics cut, I’d be nuts not to go red-dot for virtually any other application than CCW.

Recoil’s tame thanks to that bull barrel, grip texture, and added weight of the X300—nothing snappy like the shorter Staccato CS I’ve tried. It’s not just controllable; it’s fun to shoot, which matters when you’re dumping rounds all day. Compared to the much larger Staccato XL, the new C feels more maneuverable, and controllable the way I have it set up.

At the Range with Staccato and SureFire

Staccatos often suffer from a lot of internet rumors and anecdotes that they’re either unreliable or prone to malfunction when dirty. Until 2024, I had very little experience with actual Staccato platforms until I was offered an opportunity to visit the Staccato Ranch for a media event along with SureFire. Combined we got to test out a few different variants of Staccato’s pistols including the C2 and C pistols. In the interest of continuing my testing on the platform, I chose to go with a Staccato C once again for the entire week. For part of the class put on by legendary practical shooter Matt Pranka of XRAY ALPHA, we were able to test out an early prototype variant of the highly anticipated Suirefire XC3 weapon light. This compact light is Surefire’s newest, low-profile weapon light and I think it's a perfect fit for both the Staccato C and the smaller CS.

Throughout the week-long event, a dozen other individuals ran a bunch of Staccato pistols absolutely ragged through an entire class structure which consisted of lots of drills and followed up by some friendly competition in the form of a few mock USPSA stages. While there, I shot Staccato brand ammunition exclusively and ran into no malfunctions just as with the mixed 9mm factory ammo I’ve been shooting at home. It obviously wouldn’t have felt like a true Staccato event without these stages and I think it really gave us writers a chance to see what these pistols were capable of. If you’re within driving distance, Staccato Ranch is open to the public and they now offer memberships. It’s set up and built for competition so it’s a great place for those of us who love to run our guns under the buzzer.

At the end of the week the class I couldn’t recall if I had seen any other pistols malfunction, but I did know that my own handgun which I kept for the entire week didn’t have any malfunctions at all despite the brutal combination of the XRAY ALPHA class structure and the dusty, hot, and dry Texas heat. If previous STI or Staccato pistols had a tenancy to need constant maintenance, I certainly didn’t see it during my week with the Staccato C at the Ranch.

Final Thoughts

After six months and thousands of rounds with the Staccato C, I’ve got a pretty solid read on this thing. It’s been a blast—literally and figuratively—and I’ve put it through the wringer, from casual range days to mock match drills with Lucas D who is not only a better shooter than me but is also one of the biggest Staccato fanboys out there. For me, a skinny dude who’s not exactly built to hide what the 1990s would call a “compact” pistol, the carry part’s been the trickiest. Sure, it’s close to a Glock 19 in size, maybe a hair bigger and heavier, but I’m still fiddling with holsters to make it disappear under a shirt. If you’re bigger or better at concealing than I am, you’ll probably have an easier time—but let’s be real, this gun shines brightest when it’s out of the holster and in your hands at the range under the timer.

That 4-inch bull barrel, legendary Staccato trigger, and optics-ready slide combined with the smaller form factor make it easy to get used to right out of the box and also customize to your heart's content with the healthy amount of aftermarket support there is now for the 2011 market. It’s faster and more precise than my Glock 45 but it’s also nearly three times the price while still having the same level of flexibility in virtually all of its duties.

So, does it nail the jack-of-all-trades title? Pretty damn close. For competition, it’s a no-brainer—I’d take it to a match tomorrow. Duty use? The ALS holster and 15-round mag say yes, and it’s got the reliability to back it up (drop test mishap aside—RIP X300 lens). Carry is where it stumbles a bit for me personally, but if you can conceal a Glock 19, this isn’t much of a stretch. At $2,599, it’s a chunk of change, but you’re getting a 2011 that flexes hard across the board—prettier than my Glock, smoother than most, and a total crowd-pleaser at the range. My buddies keep begging to shoot it, and I get it: it’s a head-turner that delivers.

Today we have some sweet photos of the M110 SDMR Sniper System, which is a semi-automatic precision rifle that is chambered for the 7.62×51mm NATO round. The optic is a SIG Sauer TANGO6 1–6x24 low-power variable optic, which blends in perfectly among the other strange shades of FDE. The bipod is a 6-9 Harris with a LaRue mount to fit the M-LOK handguard.

These are the U.S. Army National Guard Soldiers with the 2-113th Infantry Battalion, Charlie company, New Jersey Army National Guard, and you can see them train in a live fire target practice. The location was the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey.

Below: The most dangerous end of the M110 SDMR, with the OSS SRM6 suppressor.

This is TFB’s Photo Of The Day, please come back for more interesting images of soldiers and firearms.

Source: U.S. Army National Guard, photo by Sgt. Seth Cohen.

Welcome back to Wheelgun Wednesday, TFB’s weekly article series where we discuss all kinds of firearms with cylinders, including unusual ones like the modern multi-caliber pepperbox that we took a look at a couple of weeks ago or what we have for today's edition - the ROTO 12 revolver shotgun line by American Gun Craft. ROTO 12 shotguns are basically black powder percussion revolvers; each chamber of their cylinders must be primed and loaded with FFG powder and projectile. Well, thanks to that feature, purchasing them does not require an FFL transfer; the company can deliver these wheelguns directly to your doorstep (with a few exceptions).

Wheelgun Wednesday @ TFB:

• Wheelgun Wednesday: The Legendary Smith & Wesson N-Frame
• Wheelgun Wednesday: Looking at K-Frame and L-Frame S&W Revolvers
• Wheelgun Wednesday: A Look At The Manville R12, 12 Gauge Revolver

ROTO 12 shotguns have 12-gauge bore/chamber dimensions and use standard 209 shotgun primers. The 8-shot cylinders have a quick-change design and automatically rotate as fast as the trigger is pulled. These shotguns are compatible with AR-15 pistol grips and buffer tubes/stocks.

The ROTO-12 shotguns are currently available in the following three configurations:

• ROTO 12 Compact Shotgun - a barrel-less version
• ROTO 12 CS “Chain Saw” Shotgun - a 10” barreled version with a chainsaw-style top grip
• ROTO 12 Shotgun AR/AK Under Barrel Mount - an underbarrel version with a 10" barrel

The MSRP of the ROTO 12 Compact Shotgun is $1,255, the ROTO 12 CS “Chain Saw” Shotgun costs $1,535 and the price of the ROTO 12 Shotgun AR/AK Under Barrel Mount is $1,525. Spare cylinders can be purchased for $219. At the time of writing, the ROTO 12 shotguns are available for pre-order with the estimated start of shipping in early Summer 2025. As mentioned in the first paragraph, the company can ship these guns directly to your doorstep throughout the United States (including California) with the exception of New Jersey, Washington D.C., New York State and Illinois; purchases from these states must go through an FFL transfer.

It seems like all three configurations are designed to keep your support hand away from the cylinder gap to prevent injuries from the escaping gasses. I wonder what the likelihood of a chain fire is. Let us know in the comments section what you think about the American Gun Craft ROTO 12 shotgun line.

Pictures by American Gun Craft, www.americanguncraft.com

I've been on a bit of an optics kick lately, adding various sighting solutions to my firearms. When the opportunity came to test out Meprolight's Tru-Vision SR MIL-STD Red Dot Optic, I jumped at the chance to see how this would perform on an equally unique looking firearm. After spending a full day at the range in Minnesota's wonderful 30-degree windy weather, I can say with confidence that this red dot delivers on its promises. Let's dive into the details.

More Meprolight @TFB:

• TFB Review: Meprolight MPO Pro-S vs MPO Pro-F
• TFB Review: Meprolight MPO PRO-F Closed Emitter Pistol Sight
• TFB Review: Meprolight FABS Self-Illuminated Metal Flip Backup Sights
• TFB Review: Meprolight MPO-DS Red Dot Sight
• TFB Review: Meprolight MEPRO M22 PRO Self-Illuminated Reflex Sight

Specifications: Meprolight Tru-Vision SR

The Tru-Vision SR features a micro-chassis design that protects the electronics from damage in harsh conditions. It's built to be shockproof and waterproof, with a compact and lightweight form factor that still provides a large viewing window. The optic includes selectable reticles, offering either a 2/65 MOA Speed Ring or a 2 MOA dot, giving shooters options based on their preference and application. Here's the rundown on the specs:

• Weight: 10 oz (283.5 g)
• Dimensions: 2.8" x 2.2" x 2.6" (71.1 mm x 55.9 mm x 66.0 mm)
• Display Window Dimensions: 29x20mm
• Reticle: Selectable 2/65 MOA Speed Ring or 2 MOA dot
• Reticle Color: Red
• Windage/Elevation Adjustment: 0.5 MOA
• Manual Brightness Levels: 12 Day + 4 Night
• Automatic Brightness Levels: 8 Day
• Power Supply: 1x CR123 Battery
• Weapon Mount: Picatinny Rail Quick Release (MIL-STD 1913)
• Height over bore: 1.93" for use with lights and lasers
• Environmental: MIL-STD-810 qualified

The Tru-Vision SR has an MSRP of $599.99, which puts it in the same price bracket as competing optics. For the money, you're getting a MIL-STD qualified optic with some useful features like the dual reticle system, shake awake functionality, and the 1.93" height that works well with today's popular setup of having lights mounted at 12 o'clock. While not inexpensive, the price seems fair given the build quality and feature set. If you need a duty-grade optic that can take abuse, the value proposition makes sense.

“The Mepro Tru-Vision™ SR MIL-SPEC red dot sight featuring dual selectable reticles —2/65 MOA Speed Ring or 2 MOA dot. A micro-chassis protects the electronics from damage in the harshest of conditions. It is shockproof, waterproof, and durable. At only 10 oz., the compact, and lightweight design creates more space for co-mounting magnifiers, laser pointers, IR pointers, etc. on your picatinny rail.

Energy-efficient, it has 4- or 8-hour sleep mode as well as full on Shake Awake for LE and home defense use. The single CR123 battery provides thousands of operating hours.

The Mepro Tru-Vision™ SR also features an automatic brightness control system ensuring clear visibility of the red dot in any lighting condition. User can manually control the 16 brightness settings (12 daytime, 4 nighttime) or use the 8 automatic brightness settings.”

First Impressions/Unboxing: Meprolight Tru-Vision SR

The Tru-Vision SR comes in a tasteful modern package, with presentation that reminded me of an Apple product – it's clearly part of the experience. Inside the box, you'll find the optic, a soft cover, display stand, one battery, lens brush, and a lens cloth. It's a complete package with everything you need to get started.

My first challenge came when installing the battery. I struggled to turn it on until I realized I was actually holding it backwards. The Tru-Vision SR has a unique profile that's different from most red dots of a similar silhouette on the market. While most optics have their slope facing one direction, this one faces the opposite way, which can be initially confusing.

Once powered up, I took note of the clarity of the glass and the crisp reticle. The optic's construction feels solid without being excessively heavy. The QD mount attached firmly to my rail without requiring any adjustments, which was a pleasant surprise.

One feature that caught my attention was the adjustment screws for windage and elevation. They're slotted, so you'll need a tool, but they're large enough that a small coin would likely work in a pinch. I always keep a screwdriver in my range bag, so this wasn't an issue for me. After spending time with tiny adjustment screws on pistol red dots, the size of these was a welcome change.

Range Time: Meprolight Tru-Vision SR

I tested the Tru-Vision SR on two different firearms: a META Tactical APEX chassis with a PSA Dagger compact 9mm, and a Zastava M70. The Minnesota weather wasn't doing me any favors with temperatures around 30 degrees and wind, but it provided a good test of the optic's performance in less-than-ideal conditions.

With the APEX setup at 15 yards, I managed to get a decent 3-inch group with 5 shots. Moving back to 25 yards, my group opened up significantly to about dinner plate size. Concerned that the optic might be the issue, I quickly switched it to my Zastava M70. This is where the QD mount proved its worth – being able to quickly transfer the optic with cold, numb fingers was a mercy.

On the M70 at 25 yards, I immediately got a tight 1.5-inch group with 5 shots. This confirmed that the Tru-Vision SR was doing its job perfectly fine – the accuracy issues were with the APEX chassis setup, which is more of a fun gun than a precision instrument.

I tried both reticle options during testing but spent most of my time using the combined 2/65 MOA Speed Ring. The reticle remained visible and clear throughout the day in various lighting conditions.

One surprising aspect was the automatic brightness adjustment. Typically, I turn this feature off on optics I own because the constant refresh can be annoying or laggy. However, the Tru-Vision SR's auto-brightness system transitioned seamlessly between lighting conditions without any jarring changes. I found myself shooting in and out of covered areas as well as the wind blowing clouds in front of the sun. It was subtle and effective enough that I actually left it on throughout testing.

I didn't have a chance to thoroughly test the shake awake and sleep mode features prior to my range session. These weren't my top priorities for the initial testing, so I'll have to evaluate them at a later date.

Night Vision Mode

The Tru-Vision SR has a large NV button to activate a dedicated night-vision mode for use with such devices. I don’t have a night-vision headset to test this, but Josh C., our editor-in-chief, has been testing both the Tru-Vision SR and the budget NVG50 night-vision monocular from Good Nite Gear.

Josh cloistered himself in a dark room with the NVG50 and an AR with the Tru-Vision SR mounted. First, he looked through the Tru-Vision SR via the NVG50, and the bloom completely blew out the reticle.

Pressing the NV button for “over three seconds” (In Josh’s testing, 5 seconds was the most reliable count) dramatically dims the reticle, making it difficult to see with the naked eye, but perfect for night vision tubes or sensors.

While night-vision mode is a bit finicky to enable (reasonably so), a single press of the large NV button turns it off.

Final Thoughts: Meprolight Tru-Vision SR

The Tru-Vision SR proved to be a solid performer in real-world conditions. Despite the cold and wind, it provided a clear sight picture and held zero throughout testing. The unique shape takes some getting used to, but doesn't detract from its functionality in the least.

What I appreciated most were the practical features – the large adjustment screws, responsive buttons, and reliable QD mount. These aren't flashy selling points, but they make a difference when you're actually using the optic in the field.

In closing, I want to say thank you to Meprolight for allowing TFB and myself the opportunity to try out their Tru-Vision SR MIL-STD Red Dot Optic. That is greatly appreciated. Also, we would like to know what all of you guys and gals think. Do you believe that the Tru-Vision SR is worth spending your money on? Would you mount this on your tactical rifle? Would this be your go-to optic for your home defense gun? Let us know all of your thoughts in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.

Anyone who has built their own AR-15 will have inevitably come across the all-important task of choosing what barrel twist rate they’ll be using. When I built my first AR-15, I relied entirely on a diagram I found on 4chan’s weapons board, /k/, which mapped twist rates to bullet weights. The extremely rudimentary chart clearly identified what common barrel twist rates worked best with what bullet weights, but beyond that, it offered no scientific explanation or reasoning behind it.

Even though that worked out well for me in the long run, probably by sheer luck, you should probably have a more informed idea of what your new rifle will be using for its twist rate so you can then make better decisions about what type of ammo you’ll be using.

Understanding AR-15 Twist Rates

Before we talk about specific twist rates, let’s first talk about what these terms mean exactly. The rifling consists of spiral grooves inside the barrel that impart spin to a bullet as it exits. This spin stabilizes the projectile by leveraging gyroscopic principles, counteracting aerodynamic forces that might cause it to tumble. The twist rate, measured in inches per complete revolution, governs how rapidly this spin occurs. A faster twist (e.g., 1:7) imparts more rotations over a given distance than a slower twist (e.g., 1:12).

Why does this work? Well, the physics of stabilization is rooted in angular momentum. A spinning bullet resists changes to its orientation, much like a top or gyroscope. The faster it spins, the greater its resistance to destabilizing forces like yaw or precession, small oscillations that can grow if unchecked.

This concept is well-documented in ballistics literature, reloading handbooks and even U.S. Army Research Laboratories, but I’m equally as familiar with this concept from going through the process of flight school. This knowledge of physics has been integral to both weapons and projectile development throughout the centuries, and today we have a pretty solid grasp on how each individual measurement affects what the ideal twist rate is in a rifle like the AR-15.

Considering Projectile Length, Weight, and Stability

Bullet length is by far the most significant factor influencing the best twist rate. Longer bullets with a higher length-to-diameter ratio are inherently less stable in flight because their center of gravity and aerodynamic center are farther apart. This increases their tendency to tumble unless spun at a higher rate. Early AR-15s, firing short 55-grain .223 Remington bullets, used slower twists like 1:12 or 1:14. Modern ammunition and, by extension, virtually all modern military rifles use heavier ammunition, such as the 62-grain M855 loading, which features longer projectiles that demand faster twists—1:9 or 1:7—to maintain accuracy at typical combat distances.

The Greenhill Formula, a classical ballistic model, provides a rough estimate of the necessary twist rate: T = 150 × D² / L, where T is the twist rate (in inches per rotation), D is the bullet diameter (in inches), and L is its length (in inches). For a .223 caliber (0.224 inches) bullet that’s 0.75 inches long, the formula suggests a twist of about 1:10. While this model oversimplifies real-world dynamics—ignoring velocity and bullet shape—it underscores my main point earlier: longer bullets need faster twists.

Weight also correlates with length but isn’t the sole determinant, especially in an age where many loads use entirely lead-free projectiles, which can have drastically different weight distribution depending on how they are formed. With that being said, in general, heavier bullets are often longer to maintain caliber, increasing stabilization needs. However, density—weight relative to volume also matters. A short, dense bullet (e.g., lead-core with minimal jacket) may stabilize with a slower twist than a longer, less dense one of equal weight (e.g., with a steel penetrator). Bullet construction further influences behavior due to weight distribution, as it has a direct influence on the center of mass for the projectile.

Matching Twist Rate to Purpose

The AR-15’s versatility in the modern age means its twist rate must align with its intended use. For varmint hunting with 40–55-grain bullets at moderate ranges (100–300 yards), a 1:12 twist stabilizes lightweight projectiles without excessive spin, preserving accuracy and minimizing jacket stress. However, in 2025, this is a poor choice as there are so few projectiles and loads that use anything less than 55-grain. 55-grain ammunition is probably the most commonly available and most affordable weight for both .223 and 5.56, but there are plenty of other heavier loads that can be far more useful and often perform better.

A 1:7 twist, which is on the opposite end of the spectrum (a fast twist rate for an AR-15), tends to increase stability over distance and maximizes ballistic efficiency for heavier projectiles like 77-grain OTMs. This twist rate is also somewhat application-specific, and this is echoed in firearms training manuals and online forums as well, with many people concentrating on using expensive match-grade ammunition to push the limits of the AR-15’s long-range capabilities. A clear example of this is the SPR concept, which is comfortably capable of consistently hitting man-sized targets at 1000 yards with the right ammunition.

Over-spinning can also occur when the barrel’s twist rate is too fast for a bullet, potentially magnifying manufacturing flaws, like uneven jackets, leading to wobble or disintegration. This has been a recent point of contention for people examining the relatively new 8.6 Blackout cartridge, which uses an insanely fast 1:3 twist rate. While underpinning the projectile leads to poor stabilization, overspinning the projectile can cause catastrophic structural failure.

Common Twist Rates

• 1:12 - Ideal for lightweight bullets (40–55 grains), this twist suits older .223 loads for short-range hunting or casual shooting. It’s less common in modern AR-15s but remains effective for niche roles like varmint hunting
• 1:9 - A balanced option, this twist stabilizes bullets from 55 to 69 grains, making it a go-to for general-purpose rifles.
• 1:7 - Designed for heavier bullets (62–80+ grains), this fast twist is standard in military M16/M4 barrels firing M855 or M856 rounds. It’s ideal for long-range precision, though it may over-stabilize light bullets
• 1:8 - A compromise between 1:7 and 1:9, this twist handles 55–77 grains effectively. 1:8 is likely the most popular twist rate as far as sheer numbers go

No twist rate is universally optimal, but in my opinion, 1:8 gets pretty dang close for most of us. Even so, each involves compromises. A 1:7 twist excels with heavy bullets but may destabilize lighter ones, risking damage to any attached suppressors. A 1:9 offers flexibility but might falter with the heaviest loads at long range. Specialty twists like 1:10 and 1:12 can be scarce, but they still do exist for those rare cases where you are after a very specific application for the rifle. I typically prioritize range, ammunition cost, and availability, which almost always inevitably leads me to either a 1:7 or 1:8 twist rate.

My Final Thoughts: The Case for 1:8 in Most Scenarios

After exploring the interplay of twist rates and projectile characteristics over the years, the 1:8 twist has always performed as the most flexible choice for the majority of AR-15 users, including myself. Capable of stabilizing a wide range of bullet weights—from 55 to 77 grains—it offers reliable performance for general-purpose shooting, whether at the range, in competition, or for hunting. Its versatility minimizes the risks of over- or under-spinning across common loads, making it a practical default for most shooters. However, special circumstances call for alternatives. For instance, the 1:7 twist provides distinct advantages in setups like Special Purpose Rifles (SPRs) like my Munitionworks MOD J, which is optimized for long-range precision with heavy 77-grain match rounds, often used in designated marksman roles. Similarly, 1:7 is preferable for military applications involving tracer rounds like the M856, which benefit from the faster spin at extended ranges. On the other end, a 1:12 twist may still be ideal for niche uses, such as varmint hunting with very light 40-grain bullets at short distances.

At the end of the day, I feel like the easy choice is always going to be 1:8 unless you’re after something specific. However, I’d like to hear your thoughts on this one. Do any of you use a twist rate on your AR-15s that falls outside of the most common 1:8 and 1:7 twist rates? Let us know in the comments!

Strike Industries has just dropped a practical new accessory for anyone still running a standard A2 birdcage flash hider—the A2 Blast Shield. Designed as a drop-in solution to reduce side concussion and redirect muzzle blast forward, this blast shield is geared toward both professional and civilian shooters looking to enhance comfort without replacing legacy muzzle devices. This product is clearly in high demand: Strike Industries has sold out of the first batch, and a second is on its way now.

Originally designed for military rifles like the M4, the A2 flash hider has been a staple for decades. However, as more agencies and shooters face the challenge of modernizing aging platforms without blowing budgets, Strike’s A2 Blast Shield offers a smart, low-cost fix. Rather than removing a functioning A2 device—which can be difficult or even damage your rifle—this new blast shield is simple and risk-free to install.

The shield slides over a mil-spec A2 flash hider, screws into place, and locks in with a locking fork mechanism. The result? A noticeable reduction in side blast and concussion, especially beneficial during confined indoor shooting, team training, or when running drills with others on the line.

The Strike A2 Blast Shield also fills a niche in the market. While there are plenty of blast diverters out there, few are designed specifically to work with the ubiquitous A2 birdcage. That makes this an especially appealing upgrade for anyone running government-issued rifles or budget builds that don’t leave room for more expensive suppression options.

Whether you're a professional looking to modernize older duty rifles or a civilian shooter wanting to tame blast on your AR, Strike’s new offering adds functionality with zero fuss. It's available now directly from   Strike Industries.

A recent development in the Russian GP under-barrel grenade launcher series is the GP-46, part of Kalashnikov Concern's export series of weapons chambered in NATO calibers. Chambered in NATO 40×46mm low-velocity (LV) ammunition, this launcher is introduced alongside the new AK-19 assault rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO. In today's geopolitical arena, this is for those customers wanting to balance their friendship between two global superpowers.

The Nades

The 40x46 low-velocity grenade round has been used for over half a century. In the 1950s, the United States was developing a weapon system and high-explosive grenades to increase the lethality of infantrymen, something better than rifle grenades. The result was the 40x46 low-velocity grenade and the M79 standalone, single-shot launcher. The development of this program began in 1953, and the M79 was finally adopted in 1960. The grenades achieved a muzzle velocity of approximately 250 feet per second, and their maximum effective range is around 400 meters.

The 40x46mm rounds utilize a high-low propulsion system. Rheinmetall initially developed this high-low pressure concept during World War II. When the round is fired, the primer ignites the propellant in the high-pressure chamber, generating approximately 35,000 pounds per square inch of pressure. This pressure then expands through vent holes into a cup, causing a rapid pressure drop to around 3,000 psi, resulting in over a 90 percent reduction in pressure. This design produces manageable recoil, comparable to a shotgun, and operates at a lower pressure, allowing aluminum barrels to be used.

As the projectile is fired at a speed of 250 feet per second, the rifling inside the barrel imparts a right-hand spin to the grenade at a rate of 37,000 revolutions per minute. This spin, combined with the initial setback upon firing, activates the fuse in the projectile.

Russian Grenade Production

JSP NPO Pribor, a Moscow region-based company, locally produces NATO 40x46mm low-velocity grenades. The Bogorodsk branch of JSC NPO Pribor (Noginsk) is one of Russia's leading manufacturers of small-caliber ammunition and explosives. It also produces electronics, tools, and dies, including the VOG-30D, an extended-range 30mm grenade.

The GP-46 under-barrel grenade launcher can be attached to any AK-based weapon and mounts similarly to other grenade launchers in the GP series. Considering the current situation in Ukraine, utilizing the GP-46 alongside the large quantities of captured Western aid would be wise.

The GP-46

The grenade launcher features a steel barrel and can be configured for loading from the left or right side. It has an automatic safety catch to eliminate the risk of firing when the launcher is not connected to the rifle or the standalone unit. This safety lever is located at the rear of the launcher’s body.

The controls are fully ambidextrous, including both the safety and the trigger. A unique feature of this design is that the trigger is a lever positioned midway down the weapon, specifically designed to be activated by the operator’s thumb from either side. The safety utilizes HK-style pictograms, making operating easier regardless of the user's language.

The grenade launcher ladder sight is graduated to 400 meters in 50-meter increments and features an adjustable front sight. This design is standard for the GP series. A range scale is also located on top to facilitate range estimation, a feature also found on the GRP-20 grenade launcher.

The GP-46 easily mounts, like all other GP series under-barrel grenade launchers. The grenade launcher is attached to the rifle via the accessory lug on the gas block. A rear automatic safety on the GP-46 prevents it from firing when not connected to the rifle or stand-alone unit; unlike traditional GP series grenade launchers, the GP-46 indexes on the receiver to disengage the safety when mounting the launcher to an AK. This safety can be disengaged as a stand-alone shoulder stock is installed. Notably, there is a significant divergence in preferences within the US Army, with my experience where some leaders advocate for weapon-mounted configurations. In contrast, others prefer a stand-alone setup with the M320s.

Weighing just 3.3 pounds (1.5 kg) and measuring 14.9 inches (380 mm) in length, the GP-46 has a rate of fire of 5 to 6 rounds per minute, which is one round less than the M320's rate of 5 to 7 rounds per minute. This similarity in performance is expected due to their shared design concept. However, the GP-46 uses cased grenades, resulting in a lower rate of fire compared to the traditional GP series, which employs caseless VOG grenades and can achieve around 20 rounds per minute.

There is no information regarding the GP-46's capability to use medium-velocity 40x51mm ammunition. This type of ammunition is designed to extend the effective range from 400 meters with the 40x46 LV to 800 meters. The MEI Mercury medium-velocity 40mm ammunition also achieves a similar range of 800 meters. The GP-46 features a steel barrel and it is highly likely that it can accommodate medium-velocity ammunition.

The GP-46 introduces a new product to Kalashnikov Concern's export portfolio. This firearm showcases the company's ability to adapt to Western trends by offering a new caliber option. Its unique features could help Kalashnikov Concern maintain competitiveness in the global arms market.

Some Norwegian Heckler & Koch firearms in today’s Photo Of The Day, where we see the HK416N and the AG-HK416 in action. We have Norwegian Army service members assigned to Task Force Viking’s Quick Reaction Force, in a live-fire exercise at a shooting range near Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, on December 31, 2024. What a place to be on New Year’s Eve!

The training event was designed to sharpen squad-level tactics, improve proficiency with multiple weapon systems, and sustain combat readiness in preparation for potential operational deployments.

As part of the ongoing mission to support Coalition efforts, the exercise reinforced the Norwegian contingent’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to emerging threats. According to the source, Task Force Viking plays a critical role in the Coalition’s broader mission to advise, assist, and enable partner forces in their fight against ISIS while working to uphold regional security and stability.

Source: U.S. Army, photo by Sgt. Steve Asfall.

Say you’re hunting in the high mountain ranges of Indiana, and you want to reach out and knock over an elk. Or maybe you’re in Ohio farmland, glassing fields a mile away, in the next county over, and you see a Booner step out of the treeline. Thanks to a collaboration between Barrett and Federal, you no longer have to pass on that shot because your straightwall cartridge rifle isn’t powerful enough! Today, on April 1, they’ve revealed the new 50 SW cartridge for the long-distance hunter who needs to follow straightwall cartridge restrictions.

Long-distance hunting @ TFB:

• Long Range Dreams: An Inside Look at Barrett Firearms
• Speer Impact Bullet NEW To Remington Premier Long Range Ammunition
• Browning X-Bolt Hunter Long Range Bolt-Action Rifle
• TFB Step By Step: How To Shoot Long Range – The Accessories

An innovative approach

The new 50 SW is based on a cartridge that Americans know well; it uses the same hard-hitting half-inch bullets that powered the M2 machine gun to World War victory with the .50 BMG cartridge.

Ever since Carlos Hathcock first fitted an M2 machine gun with a scope to make it into a sniper rifle, long-range shooters have seen the potential of the .50 BMG at extreme distances, but it is a bottleneck cartridge that is illegal to use in jurisdictions that require straight-wall cartridges. Necking up the .50 BMG cartridge to accept larger bullets would have resulted in projectiles that were too heavy for accurate long-range shooting, so instead, Federal’s designers shrunk the case to match the base of a .50-cal projectile.

Obviously, this diminished case capacity, which means less muzzle velocity. What to do?

Federal’s engineers solved the problem by lengthening the case, allowing shooters to actually increase the amount of powder behind the bullet, pushing it even faster.

The result? A muzzle velocity of 3,100 fps, compared to the ~3,000 fps speed of most factory .50 BMG loads. Federal’s engineers say this difference will be very noticeable.

“The popular trend in shooting these days is precision, long-range cartridges. No matter how fast your bullets are traveling, we can always find more speed,” says the PR for the new round. “Picking up an extra 100 feet per second might make the difference between getting that trophy for your man cave wall, or going home a failure from yet another deer season.”

There are drawbacks that come with the new cartridge, of course. Now, straight-wall shooters used to open-sight .44 Magnum lever guns must factor in the curvature of the earth, humidity and the Coriolis effect on their bullet. To counter this, Federal says it is releasing a new app specifically aimed at helping hunters dial in their long-range shots when using this cartridge.

The custom built rifle

The overall length of the new 50 SW cartridge is 8 inches, up from 5.45 inches for .50 BMG. This meant Federal had to partner with a riflemaker for an all-new bolt-action platform built around the load. That’s where Barrett comes in.

Well-known for their .50-caliber sniper rifles, it was easy work for Barrett to extend the receiver and magazine of their M107A1 rifle to accommodate the new extra-long cartridge. The new rifle made for the 50 SW round is called the M107A50SW. See it in the photo below, with components enlarged to handle the new round.

“We’re really proud of this new rifle,” says Barrett’s spokesperson. “For years, we’ve supplied our .50-caliber rifles to military customers, but now, the uniform we’re interested in most is classic hunter’s orange. We know that hundreds of thousands of customers across Pennsylvania, Michigan and other places with straight-wall cartridges will see the advantage of fifty-hitting power, and move to our new platform.”

There will be some adjustments, for sure. To reduce recoil to a level manageable for most shooters, Barrett had to make the new M107A50SW weigh 45 pounds. Combined with a muzzle brake, that is said to reduce recoil to a barely-noticeable 38 lb-ft kick.

“We’re really interested in exploring the possibilities of this new platform,” Barrett says. “With the two hottest trends in hunting being straight-walled cartridges and long-range shooting, combining them both only makes sense, and we’re proud to be the first to do it.”

Expect the 50 SW cartridge to debut on April 1, 2026. April Fools!

Saturday morning cartoons are back! NBC plans to revitalize the Saturday morning cartoon with a new programming block—NBC Action Saturday, due to launch in 2026. The block will run from 8 AM through 11:00 AM every Saturday morning, with a slate of original cartoons and children's entertainment. As Editor in Chief of The Firearm Blog, I’m excited to announce that we’re joining the fun with the upcoming TFB Pew Patrol.

TFB Pew Patrol is based on the real-life personalities and adventures of the TFB crew. Each Saturday, we’ll take on a new gun-packed adventure with our pal, Boomer the Gun Dog. Of course, each episode will end with a special message about gun safety and other important issues, such as, “Hey kids, remember: Keep your booger hook off the boom switch.”

TFB Pew Patrol Official Announcement

“Saturday mornings just went full semi!”

Join the elite, eccentric, and entirely animated crew of TFB Pew Patrol—a ragtag team of misfit operatives who solve high-stakes problems with even higher-stakes overreactions! When danger threatens Tactical Town, these heroes roll out in their over-accessorized adventure van, gear up with foam dart launchers, and deploy their not-so-secret weapon: Boomer the Dog, a tactical good boy with a nose for trouble and a backpack full of snacks (and maybe a smoke grenade or two).

Each episode is packed with:

• Questionable tactics
• Unnecessary night vision
• Educational-ish segments like “Know Your Pew!”
• Short shorts
• And heartwarming lessons like “Always check your safety (and your snacks).”

Whether they're defending the backyard range from garden gnomes or rescuing chickens from the clutches of the Evil Count Malfunction, the Pew Patrol never misses… unless it's on purpose.

TFB Pew Patrol—where friendship is full auto, fun is mag-fed, and Saturday mornings are locked and loaded!

TFB Pew Patrol Cast List

• Bang Bang: Hrachya Hayrapetyan
• Boomer the Dog: Daniel Day-Lewis
• Captain Click: Dave Coulier
• Count Malfunction: Javier Bardem
• Dotty: Luke Cuenco
• Gramps Pew: Josh Centers
• Hop: Unvoiced
• Scopey: Matt Moss

Season One Episode List

“Boomer Goes Boom”

Boomer eats the team’s last flashbang. Chaos. Sparkles. Friendship.

“Mission: Backyard BBQ”

A covert cookout op goes hot when Gramps Pew mistakes the grill for enemy fire.

“Operation: Pillow Fort Siege”

Dotty digs in. Captain Click demands breaching charges. Boomer has a tactical nap.

“The Day the Pew Went Silent”

All gear malfunctions at once. The team is forced to rely on communication. NO ONE IS READY.

“NVG Night at the Museum”

Scopey installs night vision goggles on everything. Including a sandwich.

“The Great Gear Swap”

A mysterious tactical box causes the team to swap loadouts—and personalities. Bang Bang in a ghillie suit is a problem.

“Safety is Optional!”

A cautionary tale about trigger discipline disguised as a musical number.

“Boomer’s Barkening”

Boomer takes the lead when his tennis ball rolls into restricted territory.

“Ghost of the Gun Range”

Dotty insists the range is haunted. Scopey invents a ghost detector. Gramps Pew just yells at the air.

“The Final Pew-Down” (Season Finale)

The villainous Count Malfunction returns with his dreaded army of Jam-Bots. The team must unite, reload, and hug it out.

Look for the first episode to debut April 1, 2026. April Fools!

In this article, I want to look at some of the differences between training at the range and training for self-defense. Training for both is equally important, but training at the range isn't always training for self-defense. There's a common misconception that training in general will also be training your self-defense skills.

Competition-Based Training

When it comes to shooting at the range and practicing for competitions, the goal is to hit the A Zone on a target as quickly as possible. Typically, people will shoot with a complete belt system that allows their handgun and spare magazines to be easily accessible. Your range belt is going to be set up for the fastest motions possible with the least amount of effort when it comes to magazine changes and movement. Find drills that focus on throttle control, and time-based drills where time adds stress to your overall performance - various drills like the 25,15,10 drill where you fire 5 rounds at 25 yards, 15 yards, and then finish at 10 yards. This forces you to take extra time at the beginning, which will put you behind on time and forces you to fire quicker at the closer targets. It’s all about throttle control and being able to make your hits under a time crunch.

The main goal of competition pistols is to have the most amount of control and ease of shooting without worrying about size or weight. As a result, competitive handguns are extremely easy to shoot fast most times with minimal felt recoil. In most cases, these handguns will have a standard capacity of 17-21 rounds in their magazines with metal or texturized grips. When it comes to competitive gun belts, there's usually a minimal holster with slight retention to keep the gun secure but easy to draw. Magazine holders on a shooter's belt are typically slightly further away from the body to make it easily accessible for a quick reload. Everything is built for speed and efficiency and as a result, can be bulky which it doesn’t matter for competition.  Competitive belts are similar to tactical range belts where they are extremely handy to use but impossible to conceal practically.

Self-Defense Training

Shooting for competition and shooting for self-defense can look nearly identical from afar. While the base skills and fundamentals are very similar, everything else is very different from drawing and even the type of firearm used during training. Like I said earlier, the competitive side of shooting uses equipment and handguns that are designed to be the easiest to shoot quickly. Concealment holsters are designed to be as slim and low profile as possible. The main goal of a carry holster is to offer stability and retention to your carry pistol while keeping it as close to the body as possible. Compared to competitive gear, this mindset is almost directly opposite because it is purpose-built.

Self-defense firearms are built to be easily concealable and depending on the model of the handgun, can end up being tricky to fire under stress. A gun like the SIG P365 or original Glock 43 can be super easy to conceal, but when it comes to shooting, it can start to be a real handful at times. Being able to draw consistently from concealment and fire accurate shots on target is a completely different experience from training in a competitive aspect. When drawing from concealment, the handgun will have a barrier that needs to be cleared before drawing the pistol. This is typically not a big deal with even minimal practice, but it is always better to put in regular training to develop that muscle memory. Given enough reps and practice, drawing and presenting the handgun will become second nature and will become effortless rather than a stressful ordeal.

Deciding What You Want To Train

If you're someone who is interested in both the competition space as well as self-defense, you will definitely get skills being reinforced and your fundamentals will be built up by practicing both skills. Doing both aspects allows you to practice the fundamentals while also practicing the various skills associated with each style of shooting. Of course not everyone will be shooting both and some will lean more into the competitive space while others will be exclusively shooting for the self-defense aspect, which is perfectly fine either way. The biggest takeaway from this concept is to get out and make training a priority, whether it is for competitive reasons or practicing for concealed carry, training is the number one way to improve your skills.

The fundamentals of shooting as well as reloads can be beneficial for overall skill building, but competition training is drastically different from actual self-defense shooting. When it comes to your pistol choice, oftentimes you will have two very different options for competition and concealed carry. Competition guns are typically full-size and weight pistols. Competition shooting really is centered on engaging targets and moving from area to area in the least amount of time possible.

Overall Thoughts

Learning to train for what you are focused on is an important skill. For those of you who are new to shooting, it may be tricky knowing exactly what skills you should be focusing on, but competition shooting involves more shooting and moving from target to target, whereas self-defense shooting is all about drawing from concealment and engaging threats if you absolutely have to.

Either way, it’s great to get out and train at the range to develop your skills but training with purpose will accelerate your ability to grow and will make you advance that much faster. What are some of your favorite drills to practice when at the range? Let me know down in the comments below. If you have questions about range tricks or guns in general, feel free to shoot me a message on Instagram @fridgeoperator. Stay safe out there and we will see you in the next one.

This is the CW Gunwerks and JMac Customs Signature Series - 14.5" IMR Limited Edition Rifle, perfect for our Photo Of The Day. CW Gunwerks, based in Miami, Florida, builds each rifle with careful attention to detail. Partnering with JMac Customs, which designs and manufactures most of the components, the two companies focus on quality and precision.

The rifle spec is a 7.62x39mm 14.5" CHF barrel with pin/weld keymount 4C and a milled Infinity modular receiver. The trigger is an ALG AKT-E, with a Krebs Custom Selector.

With the exception of the Combloc bolt, carrier, and small parts, all components and accessories come from top U.S. manufacturers. The result is a high-quality, American-made AK. Only 20 rifles are being produced, each individually numbered 1/20, 2/20, and so on.

At the time of writing there were a few ones left, priced at $3,545.00.

More details can be found here: https://www.jmac-customs.com/signature-series-14-5-imr-limited-edition-rifle/

Hello and welcome back to another edition of The Rimfire Report! This ongoing series is all about the world of rimfire and its many interesting guns, history, ammo, and more. In this continuing series where I test as many .22LR offerings as I can get my hands on, we’ve covered everything from CCI’s Standard Velocity to European budget picks like S&B Club. This week, I’m taking a look at a classic American staple—Federal Lightning 40-grain 22LR, marketed as an affordable, all-purpose round for plinking and small game. I dug up a roughly 30-year-old box of the stuff when doing some spring cleaning in the shop and thought I’d run it through our series of tests to see how it’s held up over all these years.

More Rimfire Report @ TFB:

• The Rimfire Report: Daisy 2202 .22 LR Rifle – BB to Rimfire
• The Rimfire Report: Federal Classic 40 gr CPRN - Still Good?
• The Rimfire Report: Hot N' Light - CCI Stinger 32gr CPHP

The Rimfire Report: A 30-Year-Old Box of Federal Lightning 22LR

Federal Lightning 22LR is part of the Champion line, designed for recreational shooting, target practice, and small game hunting. It’s a high-velocity round with a 40-grain lead round nose (LRN) bullet, promising reliable performance at a budget-friendly price. I can’t find any hard data on when exactly Federal decided to start dropping the “Lightning” moniker. The best I can tell from digging through various forums is that the Lightning branding started to disappear from shelves from around 2005. On the reverse side of things, Federal was selling the Lightning brand of 40-grain LRNs as early as the '70s, where it is said they were sold for about $1.40 per box of 50 rounds.

• Bullet Weight: 40 Grain
• Bullet Type: Lead Round Nose
• Muzzle Velocity: 1,240 fps (advertised, rifle barrel)
• Rounds Per Box: 50
• Usage: Plinking/Target Shooting/Small Game
• Features: Non-corrosive priming, beeswax-lubricated bullet

This ammo’s been around for ages—think back to the days when you could grab a brick at Walmart or Bi-Mart for a couple of bucks at most. It’s still widely available today, albeit solely through the new Champion name, with 50-round boxes running about $4-$5 (around $0.08-$0.10 per round), and bulk packs like 500-round bricks often popping up for under $40. That price point makes it a solid contender for high-volume plinking, but Federal also touts it as a small game option. I was curious to see if this ammo would still work at all, being probably over 30 years old or more. So, to the range with my old box of ammo I went.

A Different Kind of Chornograph - The Caldwell Velociradar

While I absolutely love the Garmin Xero C1 Pro Chronograph, I have also been toying around with the new offering from Caldwell - the Velociradar. In contrast to the nearly pocket-sized Garmin, the Velociradar is about the size of a Labradar but features an onboard rechargeable battery, a 2” color screen, and a more advanced “Chirp” radar which allows the chronograph to give you a bullet's ballistic coefficient with each shot. A chronograph that can give you the real-world BC of your bullet means you should be able to quickly and effortlessly develop a dope card for your rifle, just with a couple of shots and with real data instead of what’s on the manufacturer’s box. For our tests today, the BC won’t really matter - but just in case you’re wondering, the Velociradar gave us a BC of 0.127, which is pretty on par for most bulk 22LR loads (it's not very aerodynamically efficient).

Velocity Data

Federal’s advertised velocity for the modern Champion ammo is 1,240 fps. While the high end of our data set did indeed give us this velocity, unfortunately, the old boxes don’t have an advertised velocity or even a bullet weight listed, so we can’t confirm 100% what Federal’s claims for this ammo were, but it’s likely they were and still are the exact same as the modern Federal Champion 40-grain LRN ammo. In fact, I used some modern Federal Champion 40-grain to zero the rifle before testing the box of Lightning.

With a standard deviation of 30.8 fps and an extreme spread of 155, this ammo is either clearly showing its age or its price range, or both at the same time. It's not impossible for bulk HV ammo like this to perform well in a consistency test, but what I’ve found is that most bulk offerings typically have pretty large extreme spreads as well as sometimes very abysmal standard deviations (the important one). 30.8 FPS isn’t bad in the grand scheme of things and I think that our accuracy test should demonstrate that as well.

Accuracy Data

For accuracy, I shot five 10-round groups at 50 yards, using the B14R zeroed with modern Federal Champion 40-grain. The Federal Lightning seemed to group at about 1.5” consistently under my hands, respectable for a round that, at the time, only cost a couple of pennies to shoot. I’d say this level of accuracy is more than adequate for popping cans or nailing a squirrel at moderate range - probably what this ammo would have been used for if it had found its way into my hands all these years later. The point of impact shifted about half an inch high compared to CCI SV, likely due to the higher velocity, but it was consistent enough to adjust for pretty quickly using the modern ammo.

The beeswax-lubricated lead bullet left some fouling in the bore after 50 rounds—not excessive, but more than modern copper-plated options like CCI Mini-Mags. The wax itself had long since degraded and worn into more of a white powder, but it didn’t seem to hinder feeding or extraction from the B14R in the wet spring weather. I doubt you’d get the same performance out of a semi-auto.

Final Thoughts

Federal Lightning 40-grain 22LR is exactly what it promises: a no-nonsense, affordable round that’s fun to shoot and versatile enough for casual use. The velocity and accuracy are good enough for what they’re sold for, and what’s most amazing to me is that after decades of being repeatedly stored and moved, all 50 rounds went off without a single malfunction.

Today, Federal’s Champion 22LR is sold at $0.08-$0.10 per round, which makes it tough to beat for range days or for teaching new shooters. That said, it’s not breaking any records, and it most certainly won’t win you any matches—premium options like CCI Green Tag or even Browning PRO-22 outshine it in consistency and refinement, albeit at a higher cost. If you spot a bulk pack on sale, it’s worth grabbing if you like to have bulk ammo around to feed a day of carefree plinking with your friends and family.

What’s your take on Federal Lightning? Have you ever run it through your .22s when it was still in production, or did you stick to other brands for your plinking days? Drop your thoughts below—I always enjoy hearing from you. Thanks for reading The Rimfire Report, and I’ll catch you next week for more rimfire goodness!

The FN P90 is one of the most overlooked personal defense weapons in the world. Designed by FN Herstal in 1990, this futuristic bullpup fires 5.7x28mm, offering high capacity, low recoil, and impressive ballistic performance—especially when compared to 9mm. Whether you’re curious about its performance in real life or want to see how it stacks up against competitors like the MP5 or Ruger LC Charger, this video covers everything: reliability, suppressor performance, ammo availability, and why the P90 might be one of the most practical backpack guns ever. Also ... did I mention GoldenEye, Stargate, and Outer Heaven babe troopers from Metal Gear?

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This is my interview with Steyr AUG developer Dr. Ingo Wieser. I sat down with Dr. Wieser, a key member of the Steyr AUG development team, to discuss his role in designing one of the most iconic bullpup rifles in history. We talk about the AUG's past, its evolution, and where he thinks the future of the assault rifle is headed. Filmed in Austria, this exclusive interview gives insight into the mind of a true firearms expert.

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Welcome to TFB Weekly Web Deals 131! We’re back with more deals on guns, gear, ammunition, and accessories from some of our most frequented online retailers like Primary Arms, Natchez Shooters Supply, Palmetto State Armory, Brownells, and more. Whether you’re looking for deals on new or used guns, ammo to add to your reserves, or specific accessories like flashlights, range bags, optics, bipods, and magazines, each week we’ll have new sets of deals that might fulfill one of those needs and save you a few dollars.

Previous TFB Weekly Web Deals:

• TFB Weekly Web Deals 116: Cyber Monday Ammo Deals
• TFB Weekly Web Deals 115: Deals for November 25th, 2024
• TFB Weekly Web Deals 114: Deals for November 18th, 2024

TFB Weekly Web Deals 131: Deals for March 31st, 2025

Palmetto State Armory Deals

Rock Island GI Standard CS 45 ACP 7 Round Pistol, Parkerized

Sale Price: $349.99

The M 1911 GI standard is a great representation of the original US GI combat issue 1911 and is chambered in 45 ACP and built with our exacting engineering standards. Fixed, low profile sights and traditional smooth slim design are perfect for quick pull holster use. A durable parkerized finish gives it a tough, smooth, non-reflective surface.Smooth wood grips offer comfort in both feel and design. The 3.50" barrel offers a true compact version perfect for concealed carry and small storage while delivering the kinetic power of the 45 ACP cartridge. True to all Rock Island 1911s, the GI Standard comes with a crisp factory 4- to 6-pound trigger for a great experience right out of the box.

SAR USA P8S Compact Steel Framed Pistol 9mm 3.8" 17rd

Sale Price: $279.99

This pistol achieves a perfect balance of form and function. Its striking stainless steel finish is complemented by a suite of performance-enhancing features: a compensated slide with cooling channels, adjustable rear sight, and interchangeable front sight. This is a firearm that truly caters to the discriminating shooter's appreciation for both beauty and precision.

• Lightened Slide for Less Reciprocating Mass
• Ported Barrel
• CNC Machined Forged Steel Frame and Slide With Crowned Barrel for Improved Accuracy
• Adjustable Rear Sight
• Interchangeable Front Sight
• Manual Safety

SAR USA B6C Compact 9mm 3.8" 13rd Pistol, FDE

Sale Price: $199.99

The SAR USA B6 series, a trusted choice for law enforcement globally, offers exceptional value and versatility. Its polymer frame design, coupled with an integrated grip spur, ensures quick target acquisition and comfortable handling. Available in both standard and compact sizes, the B6 is suitable for home defense or concealed carry. For those seeking a personalized touch, the compact model is also offered in a variety of color options, maintaining all the standard B6 compact features.

• Polymer Frame
• Forged Steel Barrel & Slide
• Rear Sight
• Manual Safety
• Firing Pin Block and Hammer Block

PSA PA-10 Gen3 AR-10 Complete Lower .308 MOE EPT w/ Over Molded Grip

Sale Price: $179.99

We are excited to introduce the highly anticipated Gen 3 PA-10 Complete Lower Receiver, crafted based on valuable customer feedback. Constructed from forged 7075-T6 aluminum, these lowers undergo precision machining and are then hard coated with black anodize to MIL-8625 Type 3 Class 2 specifications, ensuring durability and longevity. The complete lower package includes the sought-after EPT fire control group, along with a Magpul MOE Stock and a PSA Overmolded Pistol Grip. With the PSA PA10, you can enjoy the same configuration flexibility as the AR15, making it the perfect platform for the .308 cartridge. Elevate your shooting experience with the Gen 3 PA-10 Complete Lower Receiver, designed to meet and exceed your expectations.

Gen 3 enhancements at a glance:

• Lower includes relief cuts for a broader compatibility with .308 BCG’s.
• Twice-staked castle nuts
• Standardized carbine length buffer tube with short, heavy buffer

ATI Schmeisser 5.56/.223 AR-15 60rd G2 MLE Magazine

Sale Price: $39.99

American Tactical has partnered with German arms manufacturer Schmeisser GmbH to exclusively import and distribute the Schmeisser S60 60 round AR-15 magazine. Made from glass-reinforced polymer, this patent-pending magazine features a unique follower system that allows for double capacity from a normal AR magazine without being bulky or cumbersome. Designed to shoot both .223 REM & 5.56X45MM, the Schmeisser S60 will give you an instant capacity upgrade over the standard AR mag at an affordable price for your AR Carbine or Pistol.

Now featuring a last round bolt hold open integrated into the follower!

PMC Bulk .223 Ammo 55 Grain FMJ w/ Bandolier in M2A1 840 rd/can

Sale Price: $429.99

Load up with bulk .223 ammo from PMC right here at Palmetto State Armory. Ideal for serious competition shooters to the casual range paper puncher, this .223 round is a reliable performer that is ready when you are.

Primary Arms Deals

Daniel Defense H9 9mm Pistol

Sale Price: $959.99

Crafted for exceptional control and accuracy, the Daniel Defense H9 9mm pistol sets itself apart with the thinnest profile and lowest bore axis in its class. This translates to reduced muzzle rise and faster, more precise follow-up shots, enhancing your overall shooting performance.

While drawing inspiration from the classic 1911 in terms of ergonomics, trigger feel, and pointability, the H9 incorporates the best attributes of modern striker-fired pistols. This includes ambidextrous controls for ease of use by both left and right-handed shooters, an optics-ready slide for customization with red dot sights, and a lightweight, yet robust, aircraft-grade aluminum frame.

Die Free Co Kung Fu Pistol Grip - Black

Sale Price: $16.99

The Die Free Co Kung Fu Grip is a comfortable and highly ergonomic pistol grip for AR-15 and AR-10. The Kung Fu Grip is constructed from lightweight, impact-resistant polymer and features a comfortable yet grip-enhancing texture, an enhanced finger groove, and a natural, 12-degree grip angle. The grip angle of the Kung Fu pistol grip brings the average shooter's hand, wrist, and forearm in line, reducing strain and improving the ergonomics of firearms with shorter length of pull. The lightweight and highly ergonomic Kung Fu grip enhances the shooting experience with its premium, durable construction.

Geissele Automatics Super AR-15 Charging Handle - Black

Sale Price: $83.54

The Geissele Automatics Super Charging Handle is a fully ambidextrous, dual-levered, gas-busting charging handle designed specifically for the AR platform. Machining the Super Charging Handle from a solid block of 7075-T6 aluminum allows for the levers to be dual contoured with a checkered handling surface to aid with gloved use. The levers themselves have been extended over the standard AR-15 charging handle for faster and easier operation regardless of which side you're charging from. Finally, the rear lip has been raised to help redirect the gas from suppressed or short-barreled rifles away from the shooter's face. All parts are hardcoat anodized black.

Bravo Company Manufacturing Stock - Mod 2 SOPMOD - Black

Sale Price: $54.99

The BCM Mod 2 SOPMOD Stock is a significant improvement over standard M4 stocks, offering enhanced ergonomics and exceptional durability. Its patented semi-clubfoot design fits Mil-Spec and intermediate length receiver extensions. The Mod 2 stock retains the patented BCM internal latch system and ambidextrous rotation limited QD interface, and features an end user removable buttpad, an improved VBOST sling retention point, and two additional web sling attachment slots. The modular buttpad allows shooters to choose between a rubberized pad for light infantry use and a non-slip surface for high-ready weapon manipulation.

SureFire M640U Scout Light Pro Weapon Light - 1000 Lumens - Black

Sale Price: $249.99

The SureFire M640U Scout Light Pro offers the same size with 1000 Lumen output as the standard model, but features a brand-new body design with a versatile mounting system. The new light body mount can be switch from either picatinny or M-LOK and allows you to orient your light at any angle to optimize ergonomics when use in conjunction with laser aiming modules or other accessories. The M640U Scout Light Pro Weapon Light uses two CR123A battery to power the 1000 Lumen white light and the Head utilizes a proprietary TIR lens that produces a highly focused beam at a high intensity with soft surrounding light. The rear tailcap switch offers momentary or constant on function and can be replaced with other SureFire Scout tailcaps for use with remote switches. The entire weapon mounted light is constructed from aluminum, hardcoat anodized black, and O-ring sealed to protect it from the elements. The SureFire Scout Light Pro Weapon Light brings more versatility to your weapon system without the added cost of a mount.

Brownells Deals

Super-X 22 Long Rifle 40gr Power-Point CP 222/Box

Sale Price: $17.49

Since 1922, Winchester Super X ammunition has provided exceptional quality and outstanding performance for all types of hunters and shooters who rely on its time-proven dependability backed by legendary excellence. Super X delivers proven accuracy, sure functioning, exceptional quality and outstanding performance rimfire ammunition.

RISE ARMAMENT  AR-15 RA-140 RAVE SUPER SPORTING TRIGGER

Sale Price: $109.00

RISE’s RA-140 Super Sporting Trigger (SST) for ARs has been a popular choice for many customers and now it’s even better than ever as the Rave 140.

Extreme reliability through enhanced engineering. No take-up — just a smooth, crisp break and a short Quik-Klik™ reset you can feel. Elementary installation — no set screws to tighten. Sleek appearance to accompany the enhanced performance. Available with curved or flat trigger blade. Single stage, 3.5-lb. pull weight. The ideal cost-conscious upgrade. Includes free anti-walk pins for worry-free. Installation. Melonite-coated interior parts for enhanced strength and corrosion resistance. Contained in an anodized housing machined from a solid block of 6061 aluminum, which is more. durable and longer lasting than punch-tin housings to help the trigger perform flawlessly under a variety of conditions. Compatible with AR-style platforms with mil-spec dimensions — including .223/5.56, .308, 6.5, and 9mm calibers. Backed by the RISE More-Bang-for-Your-Buck Performance Guarantee and Lifetime Warranty

HOLOSUN HS510C SERIES LONG GUN REFLEX OPTICAL SIGHT (FDE)

Sale Price: $232.49

The HS510C is a versatile open reflex optic designed for long gun applications. HS510C is at home on carbines, PCCs, and shotguns due its durable design. HS510C features and aluminum housing with titanium hood for added shock resilience and includes a QD absolute co-witness mount (1.41” dot height).

HS510C is packed with Holosun innovation including Solar Failsafe, Shake Awake, MRS (Multi-Reticle System), Red Super LED with up to 50k hour battery life, with 10 daylight and 2 night vision compatible intensity settings. A lower 1/3 co-witness spacer is available separately from Holosun dealers that increases the dot height to 1.63”.

STREAMLIGHT TLR-1 HL WEAPONLIGHT (Kit)

Sale Price: $149.99

Provides a 1000 lumen blast of light for maximum illumination while clearing a room or searching an alley. Its wide beam pattern lights up large areas so you can identify who or what is nearby.

Lightweight, compact, high lumen lithium battery powered Gun-Mounted Tactical Light featuring the latest in shock-proof high power LED technology and providing 1.5 hours of continuous run time. Tethered battery door and latch mechanism prevents battery door loss while providing easy battery replacement. Rail clamp designed to rapidly attach/detach from side of weapon. When enabled, strobe activated on two or more momentary paddle hits.

BROWNELLS BRN-16A1 M16A1 Upper Receiver Black

Sale Price: $101.99

Designed in conjunction with Nodak Spud, the Brownells M16A1 Upper Receiver matches the features of the original M16A1 Receiver. Perfect for a “Retro” or reproduction build, these uppers precisely mirror the original profile. This match is only possible by utilizing forgings with the proper profile built-in.

Features specific to the Brownells M16A1 Upper Receiver are the original A1 profile, with no shell deflector, A1 rear sight housing and proper carry handle contours. The upper starts off as a 7075 T6 aluminum forging, then is machined to mil-spec dimensions. Once machined, the upper is finished with a matte gray or matte black hard anodized finish. The gray finish mimics the original anodizing found on the early rifles. The black finish matches most modern lowers found on the market today, as well as the Brownells BRN-16A1 Lower Receiver sold separately. Upper receiver does NOT have M4 feedramps.

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Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome back to TFB’s Silencer Saturday, brought to you by Yankee Hill Machine, manufacturers of the new Victra-12 shotgun suppressor. This week, we are looking at the new silencers from BOE Suppression. They have finally made it out into the wild, and a few made it to me. Let’s take a first look.

Silencer Saturday @ TFB:

• Silencer Saturday #373: A "Class Tree" Wooden Silencer
• Silencer Saturday #372: Centurion Arms Maximus-L
• Silencer Saturday #371: PSA Gets Into Silencer Sales
• Silencer Saturday #370: Silencer Mounting Overview
• Silencer Saturday #369: ATF Silencer Industry Data

Background

C-Products has been in the magazine business since 2011. I first found them thanks to their 5.45x39 AR mags, which worked far more reliably than the competition’s offerings. The company eventually rebranded their magazine line as “Duramag” and they are one of the most common options on store shelves these days.

Duramag’s foray into silencers was first revealed publicly at SHOT Show 2023. Justus showed me the prototypes and explained the design. It used an additively-manufactured core with an outer sleeve and separate front end cap. The end cap had a series of vents that could be optionally closed. Here are some pictures of that original prototype on display:

Suppressor Design

The actual production models are branded under the BOE Suppression moniker. Let’s take a look at what comes in the box. The first thing of note is the box itself, a nice hard case with foam cutouts. BOE ships the silencer fully disassembled with the core, outer sleeve, and end caps separate. All of the pieces are labeled with the bore diameter to help avoid any accidental “re-sizing” of a caliber that is too large.

The actual production items are very similar to the prototypes shown back in 2023. Most of the overall layout is the same, with a core unit slipping inside an outer serialized body, secured with a front end cap. There are a few differences, though. The 2023 prototype had a front end cap that twisted to open and close the vents. Production models have two end caps, one that has vents and one that is closed.

Additive manufacturing and creative internal structures are becoming more common, and BOE embraces these trends as well. But the monocore baffle stack differs from other vented designs. Rather than having a regular baffle stack with some additional flow paths around the outside, the BOE design uses baffles that end in a honeycomb configuration that sits against the outer silencer tube. The baffle closest to the muzzle has forward-facing vents that face the end cap.

The outer sleeve is made of grade 9 titanium for strength without the weight of other materials. Purchasers have two options for core materials, titanium or Inconel. Inconel is heavier but is the more appropriate material for very hard use applications like short barrel rifles. Both the Inconel and titanium cores come finished with a D360 coating to fight wear and carbon buildup.

The Family

BOE Suppression sent me three different suppressors to test out. First up is the Mod 1 in .30 caliber with a titanium core. This is an all-around setup for most common rifles. I shoot a lot of long range bolt actions and this is a natural fit for those guns.

Next is another Mod 1 with a titanium core, but this one has a .36 caliber bore diameter. This larger bore allows calibers like .338 Norma, .338 Lapua, or .35 Whelen. That works out perfectly, because I supposedly have a .35 Whelen inbound for a review. I do not have confirmation on compatibility with 9.3x62, which has a .366 bullet diameter, but I will follow up with the company to see if that is a usable cartridge.

Finally, we have the Mod 1S. S stands for Short, and it is a shortened Mod 1. The S model is 2.2 inches shorter and five ounces lighter than the full-size can. This particular one has a 5.56 bore and Inconel baffles. I plan to put this on some shorty ARs and hammer it with both the vented and enclosed end caps. Thankfully all three of these models have very clear labels to avoid any incorrect caliber issues.

On The Range

My FFL has a range attached so I was able to put a few rounds through it while the paperwork is still pending. I scrounged up a SilencerCo HUB-compatible (Bravo) direct-thread mount in 1/2x28, and it threaded into the back of the Mod 1 .30 caliber suppressor. This is the beauty of HUB threads on a silencer. It is brand-agnostic (for the most part, every once in a while someone does something weird) and you can pick the parts that are best for your arsenal. BOE included a wrench tool to get everything snugged down. 

I mounted it on a Steyr Scout Mark 2 and fired a couple of rounds. Shooting a .308 Winchester indoors makes it hard to give a detailed impression of the sound quality, but it made a significant difference. Look for more feedback on this once I can get to an outdoor range. I will also gather some comparison testing on POI shift.

That’s all for this week’s Silencer Saturday, I'll leave you with some more detail photos of the suppressors. Thanks for joining us, as we will be back next week to explore the world of firearm sound suppression.

SILENCER SHOP –    HANSOHN BROTHERS –    DEADEYE GUNS

MAC TACTICAL

ALL YHM PRODUCTS AT BROWNELLS

DEALERS: If you want your link to buy YHM suppressors included in future Silencer Saturday posts, email:   silencers@thefirearmblog.com

The Glock clone market is alive and well and in a lot of ways is continuing to grow at an exponential rate. From the looks of things at SHOT Show 2025, the sheer amount of parts, options, and even serialized frames that are available for this common pistol footprint is not going to stop. In a lot of ways, the Glock Gen 3 clone market has reached the amount of customization options and DIY accessibility as the AR-15 market has. So it's only natural that Strike Industries would start their own firearms brand - Strike Arms (more about that here). I’ve been fortunate enough to receive not only one of the new Strike Arms SAP-C serialized frames, but Strike Industries was also kind enough to send along every other part needed for a DIY build - similar to what you’d do if you had ordered a bunch of AR-15 parts off of PSA. Today we’ll go over the cost of all the parts, what they offer compared to a stock Glock, and hopefully demonstrate just how easy it is to go from a box of parts into a functioning pistol in just one evening.

More from Strike Industries @ TFB:

• Strike Industries Unveils New Strike Arms SAP-C Glock 19 Frame
• New: Strike Oppressor Lite V2 from Strike Industries
• Strike Industries Introduces Their Own Polymer G19 Strike Mag

The One-Night Glock Clone: Strike Arms SAP-C DIY Build Review

Going over cost first, no one is going to argue that going the Strike Arms route is going to be less expensive than just buying an off-the-shelf Glock Gen 3. You can find those for about $500 in new condition and for about half that in used condition. What Strike Arms and Strike Industries are trying to offer customers here is a way to have the satisfaction of building their own gun while having access to modern features that allow even more customization - most notably the 4-slot dust cover rail, and the ability to mount optics right out of the box through the use of the Strike Slide. Below is a list of items they sent and their associated cost.

• Strike Arms Pistol Compact Frame (SAP-C): $149.95
• LITESLIDE for GLOCK™ G17 or G19 GEN3:  $249.95
• Strike Barrel for GLOCK™ G17 or G19:  $197.95
• Slide Completion Kit for GLOCK™ G17 or G19 GEN3: $69.95
• (2X)Aluminum Extended Magazine Plate for GLOCK™ G19 (9mm):  $77.90
• (2X)Strike Magazine for GLOCK® G19 (9mm): $23.90

Total Strike Build Cost: $769.60

The way I see it, you’re getting the same functionality and upgrades that you’d normally get from a Glock Gen 5 MOS pistol, but with a much more flexible options mounting solution, as well as an aesthetic that is different enough from the traditional blocky Glock look, but also isn’t as zany as some of the more “Gucci Glocks” that are floating around out there that I personally don’t have a taste for. Obviously, most of that $770 value for me is largely also going to depend on how reliable and durable the pistol is, which we’ll go over in a future article after I’ve had plenty of time to abuse the SAP-C.

Assembling The Gun

Having grown up in a family that very much valued the 1911, as well as the M9 pistols, I was an early adopter as an adult of both and I’ve had my fair share of at-home gunsmithing nightmares with both as well. When I picked up my first Glock (an old LE trade-in G17) I was astonished at just how simple the slide assembly and fire control assembly were. This is partially what makes the Glock Gen 3 such a great DIY gun - it’s really simple to put together and with all of the parts listed above you’ll have a functioning Glock with about 30 minutes or so of assembly time.

Firing Pin Assembly

The first thing you’ll want to do is construct the firing pin assembly, so you’ll need to gather your two spring cups, the firing pin, channel liner, firing pin spring, and the spacer sleeve.

• Put the spacer over the firing pin with the cut-out sliding over the hook on the firing pin
• Slide the spring over the firing pin, compress it and then insert the spring cups into the end of the spring to retain the entire assembly.

Extractor Assembly

Once this is done, you’ll then set it aside to be installed inside of the slide later. Next, I typically like to get the extractor components together and assembled as they’ll go into the slide as one piece like the firing pin. To assemble the extractor assembly simply:

• Insert the narrow end of the black plastic bearing into the spring
• Insert the round pointed end of the plunger into the other end of the spring
• Set aside with firing pin assembly

Firing Pin Channel Liner

After this, you’ll want to take the firing pin channel liner that comes with your slide completion kit and insert it into your slide. You can do this with the included tool and you may or may not have to use a small light hammer and a few light taps to properly seat the firing pin channel liner (if you don’t have a channel liner tool, you can also use a 7/32 round punch. The only thing to note here is that the rounded or beveled end of the channel liner should go into the slide first with the more flat side of the liner being the end that faces you when you look at the rear of the slide.

Firing Pin Safety and Firing Pin Assembly Installation

The firing pin safety plunger looks sort of like an uneven barbell and is always inserted with the beveled end facing out toward the bottom of the slide. Simply combine the firing pin safety and its associated spring and drop them into the Strike Slide.

After this, you’ll want to apply a tiny bit of pressure with your thumb while you simultaneously insert the firing pin assembly into the firing pin channel with the raised portion of the firing pin facing down. You’ll know that you’ve inserted the firing pin assembly far enough into the channel when you let go of the firing pin safety plunger pressure and everything stays in place. Once this is done, you can move on to installing the extractor and the plunger we assembled earlier.

Extractor Plunger and Extractor Installation

Your gun will technically work without these parts, but your pistol will be a one-shot wonder without them, so it's best to get this part right on the first try, so you’re not waiting another few days for new parts to arrive.

All you need to do is drop the extractor into the slide with the rounded end matching up with the rounded hole inside of the slide's ejection side. It’s virtually impossible to misalign this part. Once that’s seated you’ll want to hold the extractor in place while you insert the plunger spring, bearing, and plunger into the rear of the slide through the small hole on the top right-hand side of the rear of the slide where the cover plate goes. The plunger assembly should gently hold the extractor in place.

The next part can be tricky without a properly secured pistol, so if you have a small vise or pistol block, now is the time to use it. For this part, it’s also handy to have a small punch and a light armorer hammer handy as well. The last piece of most of this puzzle is the slide cover plate which I found to fit quite tight on the Strike slide. You have to maneuver this part in while you depress both the firing pin assembly and extractor assembly. To do this simply use the punch to depress the rounded parts in the rear of the slide, and tap the pre-staged slide cover plate in till everything lines up.

Final Pistol Assembly

After the slide assembly is all put together, you’ll essentially have a field-stripped Glock pistol. In the case of the Strike Liteslide, there is an included optics cover plate for those of you who don’t want to use a red dot. The slide itself is cut for standard Glock pistol sides, so I decided to use some Tyrant CNC Night Fission sights to fill in the gaps. I ended up slapping on my Trijicon RMR HD using the included optic mounting hardware and then I put the pistol together like you would any other 9mm Glock.

Strike Mags

Strike Industries also sent along two Strike mags for testing with the pistol. What I like about these is that they are much easier to disassemble than standard OEM Glock mags, making them much better candidates for baseplate upgrades than OEM mags. Strike mags are about $12 a piece and are probably not as durable as OEM Glock mags, but in my testing so far at the range they’ve held up pretty well with the attached baseplates.

Of course, with the Strike Arms SAP-C, you can use standard Glock mags. I’ve tested out the pistol functions at home with OEM Mags, Extar Mags, and P-Mags without any issues. We’ll test those again at the range to see how they compare or if they alter the performance of the pistol at all.

Final Thoughts On the Build

I found the process of putting together a Glock for myself from just a box of parts pretty satisfying. I think a kit like this, as well as a Strike Arms SAP-C frame, would be a great gift for a budding gunsmith or a family member who just loves to put together guns. There isn’t anything too difficult about putting one of these together and unlike assembling an AR-15, putting together a Glock runs significantly less risk of losing springs and detents… mostly because there are much fewer of them or none at all.

The complete Strike Arms build isn’t a budget build but it’s one that I think gives you a few visual and functional upgrades over a standard Gen 3 Glock, and also looks good doing it. In our next article about the SAP-C, we’ll take it to the range and I’ll share my thoughts on its slightly different ergonomics, its added accessory capabilities, and of course, its reliability when compared to a standard off-the-shelf Glock pistol.

Photo Of The Day and we take a look at what’s going on in Russia. In January 2025, Kalashnikov Concern delivered the first batch of the upgraded Model 2023 AK-12 rifles to a customer, fulfilling scheduled government contracts. As the standard-issue service rifle of the Russian Armed Forces, the AK-12 is said to see widespread adoption, with annual production volumes remaining consistently high to meet ongoing military demand.

The 5.45 mm AK-12 is the standard service assault rifle of the Russian military. The barrel is 415 mm and the weight is 3.7 kg.

The latest iteration of the AK-12 incorporates refinements aimed at improving ergonomics, reliability, and battlefield effectiveness, reflecting feedback from operational use.

The images above are probably as close as most of our readers will ever get to a real AK-12.

However, there’s another chance as Kalashnikov Concern just unveiled Russia’s first domestically produced airsoft gun—the AK-12—at the All-Russian StrikeCon 2025 festival.

This airsoft rifle is the result of a collaboration between Kalashnikov Concern and StrikeArms LLC, maintaining the exact dimensions of the real AK-12. It is mentioned that most of the external components are mass-produced counterparts of the AK-12’s original trim, manufactured at Kalashnikov Concern’s facilities in Izhevsk. As a result, the airsoft copy retains the exact size, coatings, and durability of the real AK-12.

Below is an image of Russia’s first airsoft gun.

Source: Kalashnikov Concern

Ask an American shooter what the ultimate Fudd cartridge is, and they’ll probably tell you .30-30, or maybe .308 or .30-06. But if you ask in Africa, Australia, or Canada, they’ll probably tell you it’s the .303 British, and with good reason. By gross tonnage, it might have laid down more big game than all those other three cartridges put together.

Three-Oh-Three Firepower @ TFB:

• New Canadian Rangers' Lee-Enfield Replacement Designated C-19
• HISTORY: The British Pattern 14 Rifle with C&R Arsenal
• A MENA Modernist take on the Lee Enfield
• POTD: Duck Hunters Discover Bren Gun In Chesapeake Bay

A Military History

The stereotypical Fudd loves a cartridge with a military history, and boy, the .303 British has that in spades. Introduced in 1889 for the Lee-Metford bolt-action rifle, the .303 British is still in action today. Although they’re being phased out of front-line use, Lee-Enfield rifles in .303 British are still in police armories all over India, as well as Pakistan and Bangladesh. The Canadian Rangers were issued Lee-Enfield rifles until 2018. Forget about “Muh two world wars.” The .303 British was used in those same two world wars, along with the Boer War, the Boxer Rebellion, the Congo Crisis, the Korean War, the Malayan Emergency, the Suez Crisis, the Irish War of Independence, the Six Day War and countless smaller conflicts around the world over the past 130-plus years.

As the name implies, the .303 British cartridge was designed and primarily produced and used by the Brits and their Commonwealth allies. But with millions of .303 military rifles made, they found their way into the hands of other militaries and paramilitaries (post-World War II Haganah fighters and Afghani tribesmen being prime examples).

And, with millions of rifles surplused out of service after the world wars, the sporting market was there to buy them up and sell them to hunters.

A Sporting History

Actually, the .303 British was used by hunters as early as the late 1800s. With a ready supply of government ammo available, military officers and other people in British colonies bought the Lee Speed and other sporting rifles chambered in this cartridge. These weren’t just bolt-actions; some great break-action singles or doubles were made around this cartridge, and the rimmed design worked well for these applications. Here in North America, Winchester sold its Model 1895 in .303 British. Those rifles turn up regularly in Canada, and outside of the Savage 99, they were one of the most powerful lever guns that you could buy for a long time.

W.D.M. “Karamojo” Bell might be the most famous early adopter of the .303 British as a sporting cartridge; he used one to knock over many head of African game. One of his first gigs as a professional hunter was blasting lions with a single-shot .303 for the Uganda Railway, a job for steely nerves, a steady hand—and a cartridge you could rely on. Although he’s best known for shooting elephants with a .275 Rigby, he also used a Lee-Enfield at times.

He was a rarity in the world of professional hunters, and most people would be best to avoid using such light calibers for such heavy work. However, other men in the same line of work used .303 as well, and many farmers and other men on the African frontier would have used a Lee-Enfield for the same practical reasons: they were accurate enough, and the ammo was readily available.

After the world wars, the ammo was even more readily available—especially after World War II.

The .303 Selling Spree

By the end of World War II, the British Commonwealth had approximately 42 bajillion rounds of .303 to dispose of. You’d never get an official number of how many rounds they had to get rid of, but I know that the Canadian military took literal boatloads of this stuff out into the Atlantic and dumped it overboard. And they sold a lot more of it off to other militaries and civilians. And they sold the rifles that chambered the round.

When I was a kid in eastern Canada, 40 years after World War II ended, these rifles were still available from army-navy stores for low prices. We’re talking a hundred bucks for a basic sporterized Lee-Enfield, with the forestock cut down and maybe some different sights installed, and the original 10-round magazine included.

In the States, a thrifty hunter might have bought a Winchester 94 (or if they were really frugal, a Savage 219 or 170 or 340) in .30-30 for an economical deer gun. In Canada, you bought a .303. It was cheap, it hit hard, and it was powerful enough to flatten any big game you’d come across.

It’s almost impossible to overstate how popular this cartridge was in Canada. The .303 British was so popular that a Canadian surplus importer used to rechamber perfectly good SVT-40 rifles to .303 British and re-stock them for hunters. It was so popular that, until very recently, eastern Canada’s largest gun retailer could only keep used .303 rifles in stock for a few hours before they were gone, mail-ordered to some rural customer. It was so popular that about a decade ago, a Canadian distributor actually special-ordered a run of Ruger #1 single-shot rifles in .303 British, and had no trouble selling them all.

It was the same in other Commonwealth countries. New Zealand hunters bought these rifles by the truckload and shot goats and red stags. Aussies bought a pile of old .303 rifles and used them for kangaroos, sambar, crocs and whatever else they could find. And through all the former British colonies, inventive keeners wildcatted the .303 to all sorts of different combinations.

But unlike the .30-06 which begat the .270 or the .308 which begat the .243, the .303 British’s hybridized offspring never really gained much popularity. Fudds wanted their .303 British in 150-grain loads for deer, or 180-grain loads for moose (or even 215-grain, when they were factory-made).

The .303 British Today

Despite the millions of rifles made in .303 British, and the millions of pounds of big game they’ve shot, the cartridge is practically dead in the mid-2020s—and COVID killed it. Sort of.

The changes in the North American ammo manufacturing industry after COVID-19 (not to mention the panic buying caused by politics) mean that cartridges like .303 British are going to see smaller, more expensive production runs, or vanish altogether. And it’s the same thing for firearms manufacturing. Nobody wants to make rifles chambered for ancient rimmed cartridges; they want to streamline production and make rifles in exciting, hyped-up new calibers, in straight-wall or hyper-magnum configuration.

The result: No new .303 British rifles since the Ruger #1, and that was an anomaly. Selection of sporting ammunition has decreased, and it has gotten prohibitively expensive. It’s too bad; most of these rifles were rugged and reliable, and filled the freezer for decades. Their cheap, commercialized replacements may be more accurate, but no more effective, and the old .303 British surplus guns will be discarded eventually by the shooters in the Commonwealth, just like the Scandinavians cast off their old Stiga and Carl Gustaf Mauser sporters in favor of new guns.

In the jungles of Vietnam, US special forces started to deploy under-barrel grenade launchers with the philosophy of combining grenadier and rifleman “seamlessly” into one platform. Beginning development in 1964 with the GLAD project (Grenade Launcher Attachment Development), MACV-SOG (Military Assistance Command, Vietnam-Studies, and Observation Group) operators were finally slung in 1967 with the XM148 grenade launchers under their XM177 carbines, the progenitors of the Colt Commando, M4 series, and arguably, the AKS-74U “Krinkov.” Just a year later, the US was fielding to great effect full-size M16s with the pump open XM203, instantly recognizable by its distinct cheese grater ventilated heat shield over the rifle’s barrel. Soviet intelligence quickly took notice of this development cycle, likely long before the weapon ended up in the hands of US operators.

Nonetheless, developing under-barrel grenade launchers is easier said than done, especially for a weapon platform inherently less modular than the M16. The Soviets recorded the first proposal in 1963 and began experimenting with grenade launcher attachments in 1966 with the TKB-048, the first under-barrel grenade launcher of the socialist state, yielding unsatisfactory results.

The TKB-0121 followed in 1971-1972. After initial failures, the project came under the direction of V. N. Telesh, and subsequent Soviet grenade launchers to this day would be based on his ideas.

Nonetheless, it took nearly a decade for the Soviet arms bureau to accept a working model, the GP-25, Grenatamyot Podstvolny 25 – literally as grenade launcher under-barrel 25, adopted formally in 1978.

Once again, just over a decade later, the design was updated to the GP-30 by the Tula based Central Design Research Bureau of Sports and Hunting Arms TsKIB SOO. This time, the GP-30 had staying power just like its American counterpart, the XM203.

All iterations of the GP series require mounting to full-sized AKs, precluding the AK104/5, AKS74U, and the current shortened versions of the AK200 series. The system also has a safety lock only to allow fire once secured to the “grenade launcher lug” below the rifle’s gas block.

The GP-30 was a 30% lighter package than the GP-25, reduced in weight by over half a pound or .26 kg. Designers removed the sighting pendulum, reduced its indirect fire capability from the launcher, and relocated the sights to the right side. A simplified aiming system with a quadrant sight is marked out to 400 meters and allows for quick acquisition and impressive accuracy. The GP-30 has a 40 millimeter launching tube, capable of firing 40x102 mm VOG-25 fragmentation and 40x122 mm VOG-25 P bouncing/airburst charges.

Like most Russian weapons, firing the GP-30 is soldier-proof. Unlike the prominent American design, the Soviet weapon is muzzle-loading with a spring catch to lock the grenade in place, no matter the orientation of the firearm. The safety selector on the left side of the launcher is a simple 90-degree lever. The two-position safety markings are ОГ for ogon’ (fire) and ПР for predokhranitel’ (safety). 

The firing pin actuates with each trigger pull like a double-action revolver. The GP-30's recoil is surprisingly mild, comparable to shooting a 12-gauge shotgun. However, due to the AK's design, which allows for considerable flex, the GP series puts excessive stress on the host rifle. This limits the service life of the Kalashnikov, as each gun is not to exceed 400 shots from the GP, as cracks typically begin to form behind the front trunnion.

After the firing, the ammunition for the GP arms is 10-40 meters. The charges have a self-destruct feature after 14-19 seconds, should the grenade fail to detonate after primary impact. The VOG grenades are high-low pressure ammunition and caseless in that the propellant and primer are contained in the base of the grenade. There is no shell to extract when fired, as with US designs. A new grenade is inserted, theoretically reducing the system's overall fire rate. The typical rate of fire is 5-6 rounds per minute with aimed fire and up to 20 rounds per minute for un-aimed “area suppression.”

When unloading the launcher, be aware of the spring-loaded extractor push rod located on the left side. Russian operators have noted that this straightforward design carries a higher risk of accidents, so caution is advised. One should think carefully before placing hands in front of a live grenade launcher tube.

Although the GP series has some mechanical safeties to prevent the grenade from firing during the loading process, these safeties have been known to fail. To load the GP safely, use your middle and index fingers to seat the grenade past the locking switch. Avoid using your entire palm or all five fingers to grasp the grenade, as applying too much force can inadvertently trigger an accidental discharge if the firing pin is stuck in the forward position. While such incidents are rare, they are still possible.

Newer GP models, such as the GP-34 designed by Izhmash (now known as Kalashnikov Concern), include improved safety features to prevent such accidents. The latest version, the GP-30M, is a simplified and lighter launcher, with the sight further simplified to a leaf sight.

The Soviet and current Russian production of under-barrel grenade launchers includes field maintenance equipment, such as a cleaning kit, a carrying pouch with a rubber butt pad attachment, and an improved recoil spring assembly for the AK, designed to prevent the dust cover from popping off during the recoil of firing a grenade. The latest development by Kalashnikov Concern is the development of a new grenade launcher called the GPR-20.

After extensive testing overseas, the GP series has demonstrated exceptional performance. It is exceptionally accurate and boasts an impressive rate of fire. These weapon series allows for quick operation, and their user-friendly design helps operators manage the stress and uncertainty of the battlefield. Additionally, these launchers are lightweight and feature a compact design. The GP series launchers will likely remain a standard feature in armed conflicts in the coming decades.

Photo Of The Day and we take a closer look at the M110 KAC flow-through suppressor called M110-PRG mounted on a M110 SASS. It’s amazing how long these suppressors are, in a world of much shorter ones for the 7.62x51mm caliber. They certainly give the M110 that special look.

“On day three of the 54th WPW and 34th AFSAM Sniper Championship, snipers compete in the enemy in the open match at Fort Chaffee, Ark., Dec. 10, 2024. The WPW and AFSAM Sniper Championship, hosted by the National Guard Marksmanship Training Center, brings together elite marksmen from around the world to compete in precision shooting and tactical decision-making, honoring the storied legacy of military sniper excellence.”

The bipod is the MDT CkyePod, which we recently had a look at: TFB Review: MDT Lightweight CkyePod Bipod.

Source: U.S. Army National Guard, photo by Cadet Alex Chrisco.

Welcome back to another edition of Concealed Carry Corner. Last week, we had some fun talking about what people carry depending on the car they drive. If you happened to miss that article, be sure to click the link here to check it out. This week, I want to take a closer look at some trends when it comes to customizing guns as well as the overall size of carry guns. I get a fair amount of questions from readers about what size handgun they should pick when it comes to carrying a concealed handgun. Let’s take a look at how, in most cases, it’s better to carry fewer items and why less really is more.

Size Versus Time

When it comes to carrying a concealed firearm, size and weight are two of the biggest factors to being able to carry it comfortably all day long. Sure, you can carry just about anything for one full day, but by the end of the day, you may have hot spots so bad you can’t comfortably carry next day. Various upgrades like a better belt and properly fitting pants can help tremendously, but these items don’t automatically make carrying a larger gun easier. No matter what tricks or upgrades you use, there’s no overcoming just how heavy some guns can be, especially on hot summer days when your skin may be more irritated.

Having a smaller carry pistol like a Glock 48 or 43X allows you to carry a handgun comfortably all day long without having major issues with fatiguing. Generally, the rule with carrying a concealed firearm is that your time carrying comfortably will be directly affected by the overall size of your carry gun. Lighter guns will always be easier to carry for a longer time, whereas heavier guns will make you fatigued at a faster rate. This is true, no matter if you have a thicker belt and pants designed for carrying concealed. There’s no defeating gravity and making that full-size pistol weigh less. When you’re looking at your carry gun, it’s important to be realistic about the overall size and then see what the realistic time it is to comfortably carry that firearm before fatigue sets in and you start to become uncomfortable.

Bulk Is The Enemy

The number one force behind fatiguing is the weight of your carry gun. Size isn’t as big of a factor as bulk since most people can carry a Glock 17 or 19 longer than a heavier full-size or commander 1911. The weight of an all steel pistol is hard to combat, and even when you do everything possible, the weight will still become an issue after a few hours. Trust me, I love nothing more than carrying my full-size metal framed handguns. If anyone has a hard time admitting that metal guns fatigue you faster, it’s me, but at the end of the day, it’s the truth.

What most people don’t realize is that accessories can create a decent amount of bulk as well. Weapon-mounted lights, red dots, compensators, and threaded barrels all add weight and extra bulk. You could be carrying a lightweight handgun, but by adding a different frame, light, and red dot, you can genuinely double the weight of that particular firearm. The point of having a smaller handgun is to have something that can be easily carried for a long period of time, but adding so many accessories has completely defeated the original purpose of that specific carry gun. Now, certain upgrades like red dots may be a necessity for some, especially those of you with aging eyes. Those upgrades are a trade-off to make you more effective with a handgun, but looking at what you need in a carry gun and only having the essentials is what more people need to see. Adding lights when you usually carry in the day is unnecessary. The less you have on your gun, the easier it will end up being to carry all day, every day.

Choosing What’s Best

The point of this week’s article isn’t to scold you for what you carry; it’s more about challenging you to look at your carry gun and crtically ask yourself if the gun and attachments fulfil your needs and if they are more of a want or need in your personal life. I carried a weapon-mounted light on my guns for years when, in reality, I carried at night maybe 15% of the time. If you plan on carrying at night, then those firearms are set up perfectly, but if you’re carrying at 8:00 AM and won’t be out at dark, that extra weight and bulk are really not necessary.

There’s nothing wrong with carrying a heavier carry gun if you shoot it better than other options. I’ve had this chat with multiple people in the past, where we start talking about the rationale behind carrying their set up, and after that conversation, they will typically take the light off or switch it up to become lighter. The key to carrying comfortably is carrying the least amount of items you need to ensure you can make it through the entire day with no issues of fatigue. At the end of the day, you have to carry what's best for you and it's never a bad idea to reassess your choices to see if they are worth hauling around.

Overall Thoughts

I will be the first to admit, it's always fun to try out new options and add the latest and greatest to your handgun. I’m one of the first people to throw on lights or a new red dot to my full-size gun to test it out. The biggest thing I’m trying to help you guys avoid though is fatigue, which may persuade some of you not to carry when a simple fix of keeping the guns standard is the only changes that need to happen in order to carry it all day without fatigue.

What are some of your daily carry options? Do you prefer something with accessories or more streamlined? Let me know in the comments below. If you have questions about carrying concealed or firearms in general, feel free to shoot me a message on Instagram @fridgeoperator. Stay safe out there and we will see you next week for another edition of Concealed Carry Corner.

TFB’s Concealed Carry Corner is brought to you by GLOCK

In the increasingly competitive red dot market, closed emitter optics have been gaining popularity for their durability and protection against the elements. The Meprolight MCO PRO is a relatively new entry in this category, promising a combination of ruggedness and versatility. I had the opportunity to test this optic in the field, and here's what I found.

Specifications: Meprolight MCO PRO

The MCO PRO features a closed emitter design that shields the internal components from environmental factors like rain, snow, and dust. It offers a user-selectable 3-segment reticle system with multiple brightness settings to accommodate various lighting conditions. Here's a breakdown of the key specs:

• Mount: MIL-STD-1913 (Picatinny)
• Emitter Type: Closed
• Dimensions: 2.06" x 2.28" x 1.59" (52.3 mm x 58.1 mm x 40.4 mm)
• Weight: 5.33 oz (151.3 g) with battery
• Body Material: 7075-T6 Aluminum
• Battery Type: CR2032
• Battery Life: 25,000+ hours at setting 5
• Reticle: 3-Segment SpeedRing (2 MOA Dot, 2/68 SpeedRing, SpeedRing with 1.5 Mil holdover dots)
• Brightness Levels: 10 Daylight/2 NV
• Illumination Modes: Auto & Manual
• Windage/Elevation Adjustment: 0.5 MOA per click at 100 yards
• Adjustment Range: ±30 MOA (both windage and elevation)
• Eye Relief: Infinite
• Parallax: Free at 50 yards
• Waterproof Rating: IP67

The Meprolight MCO PRO comes with an MSRP of $439.99, positioning it competitively among other closed emitter optics on the market. For the price, you're getting a feature-rich optic with multiple reticle options, robust construction, and admirable battery life. When compared to other closed emitter options, the MCO PRO offers solid value, especially considering its construction and versatile feature set.

“Unlock the ultimate shooting experience with the all new Meprolight® MCO PRO. Our advanced closed emitter design shields against all elements for peak performance in any environment. It features a user-selectable 3-segmentreticle with 10 Day/2 NV brightness settings allowing you to customize visibility for every scenario. Setting 5 gives you an impressive 25,000+hours of battery life, complemented by automatic and manual brightness control along with a convenient Shake Awake feature. Plus, the recoil block ensures alignment and zero hold. It is IP67 water/dust proof rated. This durable optic is built for precision. Enhance your setup with a 1.93”riser (available separately) for initiative night vision use and delve into a new level of reliability and accuracy.”

First Impressions: Meprolight MCO PRO

The MCO PRO arrives in a stylish, modern package similar to the Tru-Vision SR I reviewed. The presentation is clean and thoughtful, with all components securely arranged. Inside the box, you'll find the optic itself mounted on a display stand, a lens cloth, two different Torx wrenches, a small retractable tool with a Torx bit specifically for the battery compartment, and a CR2032 battery.

My immediate impression was that the MCO PRO has a smaller footprint than some competing closed emitter designs while still offering a generous viewing window. The aluminum housing feels robust without adding excessive weight. At just 5.33 ounces with the battery installed, it's noticeably lighter than many options in this category.

The side-loading battery compartment is a nice touch, though I found the two tiny screws a bit fiddly—I'd almost prefer a single larger screw that would be harder to lose. The included tool for battery installation is handy, but it's one more thing to keep track of when you're at the range. I don’t think it’s entirely fair to critique a small tool, but it would be nice if it had a hole for a key ring or something. It legitimately would be handy for a range bag tool, but as it sits, it'll get lost at the bottom of the bag.

Range Time: Meprolight MCO PRO

I mounted the MCO PRO on my Zastava M70 for testing. I used the mount that comes included with the optic, which provided a comfortable shooting position plus a UTG side mount to actually get it to mount to my gun. The mounting process itself was straightforward, though I did find myself wishing for a quick-detach system like the one on the Tru-Vision SR.

Testing conditions were typical Minnesota winter—30 degrees and windy—which didn't provide much opportunity to test the closed emitter design against rain or dust. However, the cold temperature had no noticeable effect on the optic's performance.

The glass clarity on the MCO PRO is excellent, providing a clear sight picture without distortion. The reticle remained crisp at moderate brightness settings, though I did notice that at higher brightness levels in lower light conditions, there was some fuzziness around the edges that made the smaller elements of the multi-reticle pattern more difficult to distinguish. For most practical shooting scenarios, this wouldn't be an issue.

One of the standout features is the auto-brightness function, which performed surprisingly well. Unlike some other optics I've used, where the automatic adjustment can be jarring or slow to respond, the MCO PRO transitioned smoothly between different lighting conditions. I typically disable this feature on other optics, but the MCO PRO's implementation was good enough that I left it enabled throughout my range session.

Zeroing the optic was straightforward, with positive and precise clicks for both windage and elevation adjustments. The 0.5 MOA per click adjustment provided a good balance between fine-tuning capability and making meaningful changes with each click. I experienced no issues with holding zero during my testing. Below is a 5 shot group at 25 yards standing.

I didn't have the opportunity to thoroughly test the shake awake feature during this range session as it wasn't my top priority for the initial evaluation. Similarly, I can't provide meaningful data on the battery life claims, though the 25,000+ hour rating at setting 5 is pretty typical if it holds up in real-world use.

Final Thoughts: Meprolight MCO PRO

The Meprolight MCO PRO offers a compelling package for those looking for a closed emitter red dot sight. Its combination of a compact form factor, multiple reticle options, and clear optics make it a versatile option for various applications. The build quality feels solid, and the attention to detail in features like the auto-brightness system shows that Meprolight put thought into the user experience.

What impressed me most was how Meprolight managed to pack so many features into a relatively small and lightweight package without compromising on durability or optical clarity. While there are some minor quibbles—like the small battery compartment screws and lack of a quick-detach mount, plus the fact that you need to purchase the 1.93" riser separately—these don't significantly detract from what is overall a quality optic.

In closing, I want to say thank you to Meprolight for allowing TFB and myself the opportunity to try out their MCO PRO Closed Emitter Red Dot. That is greatly appreciated. Also, we would like to know what all of you guys and gals think. Do you believe that the MCO PRO is worth spending your money on? Would you mount this on your tactical build? Would this be your go-to optic for your home defense gun? Let us know all of your thoughts in the Comments below! We always appreciate your feedback.

Trying to figure out the best holster to carry a concealed handgun in daily can become overwhelming with options and configurations. The age-old question when looking for a new holster is to choose between Kydex and leather holsters. Both materials have their strengths as well as their drawbacks. To add even more options to the market, I decided to check out a hybrid holster that is made out of both materials. I recently snagged all three styles from Falco Holsters and gave them a fair shakedown to see which style I prefer the best.

Kydex Holsters

The most popular choice when it comes to concealment holsters has to be the classic inside-the-waistband Kydex holster. Made from high-strength polymer, Kydex holsters offer a comfortable, affordable way of carrying your firearm without the risk of it coming unholstered accidentally. One of the biggest benefits of Kydex is the amount of retention you can have on your gun and the ability to adjust retention. Kydex holsters have that classic audible click where Leather holsters tend to have a snug fit that retains the pistol rather than an audible click like Kydex.

This particular IWB holster is the A903 2021 from Falco Holsters. This holster has a claw attachment to help push your waistband out which helps reduce any printing when carrying both appendix or strong side carry on your hip. Some prefer streamlined holsters, but personally, I love the claw attachment to give me that little push to hide my carry gun more effectively. When carrying something smaller like this P365 XL, having a lightweight holster allows the overall package to be concealed easily with no worries of fatigue throughout the day. Kydex is dependable and will usually hold up better over time than leather with better retention as well.

Leather Holsters

Leather holsters have been a great choice and tend to have that classic look while being semi-flexible which ultimately makes leather the more comfortable option. When it comes to the leather inside the waistband holster, I did find it to not be as aggressive on the waistline which made for a more comfortable carrying experience. Leather holsters tend to have a slight break-in period to fit a carry pistol correctly. The break-in period was relatively quick and the thick material used allows for a very snug fit. These types of holsters with thick sections of leather will help keep the rigidity and retention of my SIG P365.

Between the leather and Kydex holsters, I felt the leather holster was more comfortable while carrying for 8+ hours a day. Depending on how you carry and what you wear, there is a possibility of having hot spots where a Kydex holster rubs your body to the point where it becomes uncomfortable.

This particular holster is the A634 Langdon from Falco Holsters. Carrying with the leather holster did cut down on having hot spots and the leather was more forgiving on my body after a full day of carrying especially on hot days. Another huge plus on the leather holster is the ease of cleaning the holster compared to Kydex. A common misconception of Kydex holsters is the fact people think they can scratch the finish. While the holster itself cannot scratch the surface of your carry gun, the material and debris that accumulates inside the holster over time can start to scratch the finish of your carry gun.

Most Kydex holsters will have grooves and ridges where material will build up over time and if left uncleaned, can start to damage your carry pistol. The odds of your gun getting scratched from leather is drastically lower since the inside sections don’t have rigid lines. So, is leather the better choice or is there another option? Let’s look at a newer third option.

Hybrid Holsters

The newest option on the market is a hybrid holster system that allows for the retention of Kydex with the comfort of leather. When I saw this option available, I really wanted to give it a shakedown since on paper, this is the best of both worlds. This particular holster is the A911 TalonGuard from Falco. Having the more comfortable aspects of leather holsters with the retention and security of Kydex is the best of both worlds. Once I got my hands on this Falco TalonGuard hybrid-style holster, I started carrying this option after carrying Falco’s leather and Kydex options.

Throughout my time with the hybrid system, it is more comfortable than the traditional Kydex holster but has an audible click which gives me peace of mind that the traditional leather holster doesn’t. The leather section does make carrying for long periods of time more comfortable with fewer hot spots than Kydex holsters. I wasn’t sure what to expect when initially grabbing these holsters for testing but over time, I can confidently say Falco has hit the nail on the head with the TalonGuard hybrid holster. Each material has its pros and cons, but the hybrid system allows for the best of both worlds without having to deal with the negative aspects of each style.

Overall Thoughts 

If I had to keep just one of these holsters and not be able to use any other, I would ultimately have to pick the Falco A911 TalonGuard hybrid holster for the fact that it allows you to have the best of both worlds without dealing with the shortcomings of a traditional leather or Kydex holster. The ability to have a rigid lock-up and audible retention with the improved comfort of the leather wrapping makes the Falco TalonGuard genuinely one of my favorite holsters I have tried out.

If you guys are looking for a new holster, I would certainly encourage you to check out the TalonGuard hybrid holsters from Falco. What’s your favorite type of concealment holster that you like to carry? Let me know your thoughts down in the comments below. If you have questions about holsters or firearms in general, feel free to shoot me a message on Instagram @fridgeoperator. Stay safe out there and we will see you in the next review.

It's not often that we get to talk to the founder of a lot of firearm companies on this show, but today I have the pleasure of bringing you guys Mr. Bill Reilly, founder of SIM-X ammunition. Like all great ideas in the firearm world, Bill’s impetus for SIM-X came about in his basement, or rather, a desire for him to shoot in his basement safely. As you’ll learn today, Bill’s simple basement idea would grow and develop pretty quickly into what we have today: SIM-X ammunition. SIM-X’s claim to fame is an extremely high velocity, lightweight, lead-free ammunition for handguns and rifles that changes up the game for your shooting health, and the terminal effectiveness and safety of your self-defense and training ammunition.

More TFB Behind the Gun Podcast Episodes:

• TFB Behind the Gun #147: DMR and Shotgun Talk w/ Bryce and Kevin
• TFB Behind The Gun #146: Col. Julian T. Urquidez of Texas Triggers
• TFB Behind the Gun #145: The Proving Grounds 2024 Championship

TFB Behind the Gun #159: SIM-X Ammo with Bill Reilly

In this episode of TFB Behind the Gun Podcast, we sit down with Bill Reilly, founder of SIM-X Ammunition, to unpack the story behind his company and its practical take on ammo design for training, competition, and self-defense. Bill opens up about how his hobby of shooting in his basement drove him back to school and sparked the creation of SIM-X. He breaks down the ammo’s competition roots and how it’s engineered for performance in both training and matches. Operating out of northern Salt Lake City, Utah, SIM-X focuses on lightweight, high-velocity rounds tailored for shooters who value function and reliability. We dig into Bill’s journey and explore how SIM-X goes beyond performance, contributing to healthier shooting habits with its lead-free ammunition in a no-nonsense chat about what’s next for the industry.

• https://www.simxammo.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/simxammo
• https://www.instagram.com/simxammunition/
• https://twitter.com/simxammo
• https://www.youtube.com/@simxammunition

Listen right here at TFB:

Listen to Behind The Gun on TFB – https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/podcast/

Listen on Apple Podcasts:

Listen to Behind The Gun on Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tfb-behind-the-gun-podcast/id1505843385

Listen on Spotify:

Listen to Behind The Gun on Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/5riFj2wJFloCtoKzvCc4ml?si=V-JiLBcXQSKw6cdtWzqdTw

Please support our Behind The Gun Podcast sponsors:

Silencer Shop – www.silencershop.com

Silencer Shop – www.silencershop.com

If you’ve said that buying a silencer is too expensive, too long of a wait, or that the paperwork is too confusing, you’re not alone. Buying a silencer is a big deal, and we don’t take it lightly either! But it’s the easiest it’s ever been!

Kimber – www.R7Mako.com

Kimber – www.R7Mako.com

Kimber’s award-winning R7 Mako: the polymer-frame, striker-fired micro-compact with 14 rounds total capacity, and a trigger you have to experience to believe. Feed your appetite for something different at www.R7Mako.com.

VNSH Holsters – www.vnsh.com/behindthegun

The VNSH (pronounced Vanish) holster is quickly becoming one of the most popular holsters in America and thousands of customers say it’s the most comfortable holster ever. Because you’re a supporter of TFB’s Behind the Gun podcast you can go to www.vnsh.com/behindthegun to get a $50 discount on the vanish holster which normally retails for $130. Visit www.vnsh.com/behindthegun to claim your $50 discount today!

Over the years I’ve had the personal pleasure of getting to know Jonathan of Wild Arms Research and Development. His solo mission to push the boundaries of DIY rocket and launcher projects has grown from his first attempts at a DIY Panzerfaust, all the way through the epic events surrounding his M202 FLASH project, and now with the new Hyper Velocity Rocket project.

The subject of his latest book, Johnny has spent the last couple of years doing a deep dive into the world of hypervelocity kinetic energy rockets, a technology that relies on sheer speed rather than explosive payloads to penetrate armor. This project began with a thorough exploration of decades of history, tracing the evolution of these rockets back to the 1960s with the development of the SPIKE rocket for the Avenger and Cobra platforms. Jonathan has sifted through digital archives, rifled through countless patents, filed FOIA requests, and even interviewed former engineers while working with museum collections. With all this effort, his next book is going to be his best yet.

More from Wild Arms Research and Development @ TFB:

• New DIY RPG-2 44mm Launcher Chalk Rounds from Wild Arms Research
• The 308 SCA Semi-Caseless Ammunition by Wild Arms Research and Development
• "Man Portable Air Defense System: Fliegerfaust" Book Now Available

The Hyper Velocity Rocket - Wild Arms Research and Development

The inspiration for this project - the SPIKE rocket - is a 2-inch diameter rocket engineered to launch a 1-pound tungsten rod at speeds around 5000 FPS. Initially developed during the Cold War as an anti-armor weapon (with variants even aimed at countering advanced helicopters), every detail from the motor construction and nozzle materials to the precise dimensions had to be accounted for and replicated by Johnny to get a modern variant working with the materials and tools he has access to.

“The original design I wanted to recreate and test for the book was a rocket called SPIKE (Single Penetrator Kinetic energy) which was a 2” diameter rocket that carried 1 pound tungsten rod that traveled 5000 FPS. Originally designed as an anti armor weapon for vehicles and helicopters, a variant that dispensed dozens of small tungsten penetrators was developed to counter Russian Helicopters in the Cold War. 2 years of research went into figuring out every aspect about this rocket from motor construction, nozzle materials, to dimensions.”

According to Johnny, a major hurdle came in the form of the propellant. Although it was based on the same type used in reproduction rockets like the M202 and Fliegerfaust, this project required an extremely fine oxidizer particle size—a detail that classified it as an explosive material by the ATF. Despite unearthing a patent that outlined the formula, key details were missing and when it comes to rocketry, you don’t really want to be taking any wild guesses as to its exact composition. Lengthy bureaucratic challenges and the complex logistics of obtaining a federal explosives license meant that Jonathan had to consider alternative designs as do many other DIY rocket builders.

In a fortunate twist, a supporter of the project discovered an obscure early patent that detailed a simpler 1-inch diameter rocket. Initially projected to reach 9000 FPS (though material limitations brought it down to about 7000 FPS), this design skipped the complications of an explosive payload by using a solid projectile. Months of more dedicated research allowed Jonathan to gather enough details to start recreating and testing this slightly altered design from the 2” SPIKE. Replicating the actual launcher seen in some of the diagrams might be a bit of a pipe dream though.

“A supporter of the page stumbled upon a patent buried in google patents that were not previously found which detailed a very early kinetic energy hypervelocity rockets that were simple and predated the very advanced propellants that used the regulated oxidizer particle size. The 1” diameter rocket was projected to travel 9,000 FPS, although material limitations limited the rocket to 7,000 FPS. The rocket lacked any explosive payload and was just a solid projectile. Several months of research went into this very obscure design but enough was recovered to be able to start recreating it and testing it.”

With support from his community—raising around $4000—Jonathan was able to have custom components manufactured for the project. He collaborated with Black Locust Design LLC who stepped in to manufacture the rocket hardware that included nosecones and nozzle assemblies. A lot of testing is required before these ever get fired from static motor tests, testing inhibitor materials, and simulated heat tests on the nose cone, but we are a major step forward. Meanwhile, Reaction Composites helped out by producing filament-wound carbon fiber tubes with high-temperature resin matrices for a robust yet lightweight motor case. Johnny in the meantime has been busy developing a new launcher that spins the rocket as it launches, providing a stabilizing spin that increases the likelihood of a successful, predictable, and accurate flight path.

Johnny is likely to start testing these rockets in the coming months, provided he can get his initial set of rigorous and extensive tests done to confirm fuel and rocket stability. In addition to a lot of the research, design work, and manufacturing work that Johnny does to make these rocket projects happen, he’s also hard at work most of the time setting up test fires. Not just to see if the rockets work, but to compare them to the historical representations that inspired these projects in the first place.

The legal challenges didn’t slow him down either. Jonathan navigated the complex regulatory landscape by consulting independent attorneys, a former ATF agent turned industry expert, and even securing a written opinion from a regional BATF head—all to ensure that his work complies fully with the law and that his latest project won’t wind him up in jail.

New Book Coming Soon!

As he continues testing and refining his design, Jonathan is also documenting every step of his journey. His forthcoming book will not only share the technical build diary of the Hyper Velocity Rocket but also chronicle the fascinating history of these high-speed projectiles. Those of you who have purchased his books in the past will know that these books are full of great pictures (many of which you’ll see in this article), lots of technical details, as well as a very underrated section on the history and development of the inspiration for the project.  

Stay tuned for more updates—and be sure to check out Johnny’s social media pages and YouTube channel for updates on this and other rocket projects from Wild Arms Research and Development.

The FN SCAR-H PR has been adopted by various military forces, including the French Army. The French variant is equipped with a Schmidt & Bender 1-8x24 PM II ShortDot Dual CC scope and, depending on the mission, a suppressor. Our Photo Of The Day takes us to an exercise in the United Arab Emirates, where French soldiers do some of their training.

The caption from the 27e Bataillon de chasseurs alpins (officiel) reads (machine-translated from French):

“From October 12 to November 9, 2024, the 27th BCA continued its adventure in the United Arab Emirates during the Dhiaab al Jabal 2024 exercise. In addition to the climbing sessions, we got into the thick of mountain combat. Each day, our mountaineers progressed a little more in an arid environment, combining crossing techniques with tactical maneuvers. The emphasis was placed on the use of passage equipment: makeshift ladders, or even improvised rappelling. At each obstacle, our hunters had to implement methods tested in the Alps, adapted here to the heat and steep rocky slopes. We, mountain troops, are the only ones capable of evolving in this way in steep terrain, and this specificity makes the difference in securing our movements and surprising the adversary.”

The FAMAS seems long gone, replaced by the Heckler & Koch HK416F.

Photos: CAL Antoine V. 27e Bataillon de chasseurs alpins (officiel)

Welcome back to another edition of Wheelgun Wednesday. A few weeks ago we took a look at some of the differences between K and L-frame revolvers from Smith & Wesson. If you happened to miss that article, be sure to click the link here to check it out. This week, I wanted to continue the coverage of various frame sizes with the N-frame revolvers that are quite possibly the most well-known revolver culturally out of all models but what makes it special compared to the other models? Let’s take a closer look at the legendary Smith & Wesson N-frame revolver.

Where It Began

When it comes to the N-frame revolver, we first have to take a look at where the story starts. Most people agree it started in the early 1900s with the New Century line of revolvers sometimes called the Triple Lock. This new style of revolver was vastly different from previous models with a cylinder that swung out rather than the top break models that most were familiar with at the time. Smith & Wesson created the N-frame as a heavy-duty revolver to accommodate the larger calibers of the era like .44 and .45. These early N-frames were fighting pistols and with the extra material on the frame, they were widely known to be long-term use revolvers that someone could depend on.

Later on in the 1930s, the more powerful magnums started to hit the scene with the first magnum chambered hitting the marketing in 357 Magnum which became widely known as the Registered Magnum. Later on in the Mid 1950s Elmer Keith went on to develop the 44 Magnum after successfully creating the 357 Magnum in the 1930s. In reality, Elmer Keith truly does deserve his own weekly shout-out, but the N-frame revolver is legendary mostly because of Elmer Keith developing the magnum cartridges throughout the 20th century.

Pop Culture Kicks In

With the 44 Magnum variants hitting the market in the 1950s and the 41 Magnum coming out in the 1960s, these were really the years that the large-frame magnum double action revolver thrived. In 1971 Clint Eastwood made the N-frame’s popularity skyrocket with the classic movie Dirty Harry saying the 44 Magnum is “the most powerful handgun in the world and could blow your head clean off.” This made the Model 29 and N-frame revolvers a hot ticket item where people would go out and buy any variant they could find. The true Dirty Harry Model 29 is a blued six-and-a-half-inch model, but even the eight and three-eighths versions were popular in the 1970s and 80s.

One of the common jokes was finding one of these 44 Magnums for sale with a box of ammo for sale but only two rounds missing from the box. These were not handguns for the faint of heart and even though a ton of people bought these handguns during the Dirty Harry years, not many actually shot a ton of rounds through them. As the years went on, the N-frame revolver was used still as a heavy-duty use for the 357 Magnum offering 8 shots, as well as being chambered in 9mm and 10mm.

The N-Frame Today

Even to this day, the N-frame is still being released as new models from Smith & Wesson. Smith recently released the Model 629 Mountain Gun which is a classic yet modern take on the 44 Magnum. These models are full stainless steel construction, as well as a tapered lightweight barrel profile to keep the overall weight lighter than a bull barrel construction. This new model is a fantastic example of an all-American handgun that I would argue would sit right next to the 1911 or classic pistols of that era. The large-frame revolver has been used for over 100 years now and new variants are still being released with upgraded materials and modern machining.

Smith & Wesson makes several variants of their N-frame revolvers in the classic model line with both 44 Magnum and 41 Magnum models available as modern throwbacks to the classic revolvers that were made from the 1950s to 1980s. I think it’s a fantastic line to keep alive for Smith & Wesson because it’s such a classic part of American gun culture. You aren’t a true gun guy until you have at least one big-bore revolver you can take to the range and shoot.

Overall Thoughts

When it comes to a classic American revolver, there are a few options like the Colt Python, but nothing comes close to classic American firearms quite like the N-frame series of revolvers from Smith and Wesson. With the help of Elmer Keith and pop culture, it has turned into a mainstream item not only in the shooting community but also in mainstream culture. I absolutely love my example and if you haven't gotten your hands on one, I highly suggest trying to find one, they certainly don't disappoint.

Let me know your experiences and thoughts on the N-frame in the comments below. If you have questions about N-frames or firearms in general, feel free to shoot me a message on Instagram @fridgeoperator. Stay safe out there and we will see you next week for another edition of Wheelgun Wednesday.

A new legal ruling has paved the way for the return of Franklin Armory’s Reformation. You may remember back in 2018 Franklin Armory launched the Reformation, an AR-15 with Franklin Armory’s patented straight cut land and groove rifling design. This placed the Reformation in a grey area of being neither a rifle nor a shotgun. Franklin Armory argued this meant that as simply a ‘firearm’ the Reformation was not subject to the NFA and could have a short barrel without requiring a Tax Stamp. In 2019, however, the ATF classified the Reformation as a GCA-only regulated short-barrel shotgun - last month this was overturned.

In February, the ATF issued a new ruling, following a lawsuit levelled by Franklin Armory. As a result the company says they will now “begin shipping a variety of Reformation model configurations to consumers through federally licensed firearm dealers (FFLs) this week.”

Franklin Armory President Jay Jacobson said: “Reformation was designed to be the ultimate home defense weapon. It provides excellent ballistic effectiveness in a short package, yet it does not trigger any NFA entanglements because the ruling made it clear that Reformation is simply just a GCA Firearm. It has been an honor to secure this victory for the Second Amendment community in the face of agency overreach and tenacious litigation.”

 Below is a section from Franklin Armory’s announcement of the Reformation’s return which explains the FRAC v. Garland ruling:

“Adjudicated Proper Classification for Reformation Granting Plaintiff’s Motion for Summary Judgement on behalf of Firearms Regulatory Accountability Coalition (FRAC) and Franklin Armory in FRAC v. Garland, U.S. District Court Judge Daniel M. Traynor stated emphatically that the ATF “exceeded its authority” in attempting to classify Reformation as a “shotgun” under either the GCA or the NFA. Excerpts from Judge Traynor’s ruling include:

- Congress defined “shotgun” specifically and said it had a “smooth bore.”

- The definition of “smoothbore”…is unambiguous. The barrel has “no grooves or ridges on the inner surface.”

- According to the contemporary dictionary, straight grooves in a barrel would not fit the definition of “smoothbore” or “rifle.”

- Congress gave ATF the ability to enforce the law, not change it.

- Franklin Armory presented a square peg, and ATF shoved it into a round hole. If Congress wanted “shotgun” to be a catch-all category for anything that doesn’t fit “rifle,” it could have done so.

- Franklin Armory created a weapon that doesn’t fit into the round holes made my Congress, but that does not give ATF authority to change the shape or size of the hole to make the Reformation fit.

- Therefore, ATF exceeded its authority in defining “smoothbore” as anything lacking “functional rifling.”

Judge Traynor’s ruling further ordered that the ATF’s prior misclassification of Reformation must be vacated to its proper classification as a GCA-only weapon, and that “No further action from ATF is needed.””

Franklin Armory have also explained that “possession of a Reformation firearm is federally legal and does not require any NFA-related tax stamps. FFLs can now transfer Reformation as a GCA-only firearm just like other similarly classified firearms, including the Mossberg Shockwave, Remington Tac-14, and Franklin Armory’s own XO-26.”

 7.5-inch and 11.5-inch barrel length versions of Reformation are now available for purchase through Franklin Armory’s dealer network in the vast majority of US states. Below is some information on the two models:

“Reformation Model Configurations and Pricing

Each Reformation model features the patented NRS™ (Not a Rifle or Shotgun) barrel technology and offers the consumer a choice of either a fine-tuned traditional semiautomatic trigger or Franklin Armory’s patented Binary Firing System®, allowing a single round to be fired on both the pull and release function of the trigger. More information on the operation of the Binary Firing System can be viewed in the video “ How Binary® Works.”

Franklin Armory’s Reformation RS7™ is built on a hard-use rated forged aluminum upper and lower receiver set, featuring a 7.5-inch barrel, a 7-inch Franklin Armory FST handguard, salt bath nitride bolt carrier, B5 Bravo stock, B5 P-Grip 23, B5 vertical grip, pistol length gas system, and Franklin Armory’s linear compensating and flash suppressing Triumvir® muzzle device. Reformation RS7 is available chambered in both 5.56 NATO and .300 Blackout calibers. MSRP for the Binary® equipped Reformation RS7 is $1,179.99. MSRP for the Reformation RS7 with a fine-tuned traditional semiautomatic trigger is $1,099.99.

Franklin Armory’s Reformation RS11™ is built on a proprietary billet aluminum receiver set, featuring an 11.5-inch barrel, an 11.5-inch Franklin Armory FSR handguard, salt bath nitride bolt carrier, Magpul SL-K stock, Ergo Ambi Sure grip, carbine length gas system, and Franklin Armory’s linear compensating and flash suppressing Triumvir® muzzle device. Reformation RS11 is available in both 5.56 NATO and .300 Blackout. MSRP for the Binary® equipped Reformation RS11 is $1,669.99. MSRP for the Reformation RS11 with a fine-tuned traditional semiautomatic trigger is $1,479.99.”

With recent rulings and changes in leadership at the ATF it's certainly an interesting time for the US firearms industry. You can find out more about the Reformation at FranklinArmory.com/Reformation.

Do you remember when the Reformation was first introduced? Were you tempted by the unusual rifling configuration and small package back then? And are you planning to pick up a new Reformation now they’re finally shipping again? Let us know in the comments!

Even though we enjoy probably the best firearms laws on the planet in the United States, for anyone who lives in an area where crossing state lines is a daily occurrence, you might often run into a situation where your permit isn’t recognized simply by you going to work for the day. Frustrating, right? While a national CCW reciprocity law has been a constant topic of discussion for as long as I can remember, on Tuesday, the likelihood of that becoming a reality just increased, at least a little bit. On March 25, 2025, the House Judiciary Committee voted 18-9 to advance the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, as the National Rifle Association (NRA) shared on X. Now, it’s headed to the full House for a vote.

More Concealed Carry News @ TFB:

• Concealed Carry Corner: Things To NOT Do Concealed Carrying
• Concealed Carry Corner: Gift Ideas For Concealed Carry
• TFB Behind the Gun #149: Navigating Tricky IL Gun Laws w/ David S

House Judiciary Committee Votes In Favor of CCW Reciprocity Act

This bill, introduced by Representative Richard Hudson, would let your concealed carry permit work in any state that allows concealed carry, kind of like how your driver’s license works nationwide. With 22 million permit holders and 29 states already on the Constitutional Carry bandwagon, this change feels long overdue for a lot of people who have had the liberty that a constitutional carry state gives them.  H.R. 38 has 177 cosponsors in the House, showing that a lot of leaders agree it’s time for a fair, consistent standard that applies to all states.

If it passed and went into effect, that would be the end of it, but this small vote in favor doesn’t mean that this ongoing CCW saga is over - in fact, it might not even be the big win that a lot of people claim it is. The bill needs to pass the House, where it just needs a majority to move forward. Then comes the Senate, which might be trickier. If it clears both chambers, it’ll land on the President’s desk to become law.

If the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act (H.R. 38) becomes law, states would still have some control over concealed carry within their borders, but with limits. The bill means states must recognize out-of-state concealed carry permits if they already allow concealed carry for their own residents. However, states can still set their own rules, like banning guns in places like schools, parks, or bars, or restricting certain firearm types. So, while a Texas permit holder could carry in New York, they’d have to follow New York’s local laws about where and how to carry, which might even include firearm and ammunition restrictions. States can’t completely ignore out-of-state permits, but they can make it tricky with their own restrictions.

For those of us who like to travel around the breadth of our great country often, this law would mean quite a lot. Knowing that your right to self-defense travels with you, whether you’re visiting family or just on vacation, would be great for the citizen, and hopefully alleviate the strain on local law enforcement. What would this mean for you? Have you ever faced a situation where your permit didn’t cross state lines? Let us know how H.R. 38's passing into law would affect you.

Baron Maddock, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The word on the street is that the big changes at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives will continue. According to CNN, hundreds of ATF agents are about to be transferred over to the FBI instead.

ATF News @ TFB:

• ATF Apparently Seizing "Lethal Eye Muzzle Devices": What You Need to Know
• ATF Pistol Brace Ban VACATED By Court
• ATF Open Letter to FFLs – Determination of 'Readily Completed' Frames
• Never Go Full ATF – Analysis Of Bump Stock Ban

The mainstream media report

There have been rumors of ATF agents shifting to the FBI, or perhaps seeing the whole agency rolled into the FBI, for weeks now, ever since the election of President Trump. Now, CNN is reporting that this is indeed going to happen. As per a story initially published on March 22, 2025:

“FBI Director Kash Patel, who also serves as acting director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, has outlined plans to move as many as 1,000 ATF agents to the FBI, cutting ATF’s agents by more than a third, three people briefed on the plan told CNN… The move is expected to begin with the reassignment of a couple hundred ATF agents to border-related criminal enforcement duty as FBI agents, one person briefed on the matter said.”

Read the whole thing here. Note that it’s all unnamed sources in that story, but it seems unlikely that this is made up, as it is following a general pattern that we’ve seen since the change in the White House.

With a little over 2,500 agents currently working for the ATF, the move would be a huge impact on the agency, as about 40 percent of them would be transferred over to the FBI. It is also possible the remainder would be reassigned to other federal law enforcement agencies.

Previous ATF big boss Steven Dettelbach stepped down from his role in January. Currently, Kash Patel is serving as acting director. See TFB’s commentary on what that means for American gun owners here.

As for the transferred ATF agents: Take note that the FBI itself is transferring hundreds of agents away from its DC headquarters to offices around the country. ATF agents are joining an agency that is itself in a period of transition.

Strike Industries has expanded its lineup with the launch of the Strike Extended Mag Release for CZ Scorpion EVO 3. Designed as a low-cost, high-performance upgrade, the Strike CZ Scorpion EVO 3 Extended Mag Release offers improved ergonomics and control for faster magazine changes.

Strike Industries says: “Building off of our original aftermarket mag release design, we've extended the ambidextrous fins for users to more easily drop magazine with the downward flick of a finger. Made out of high-strength polymer, this lightweight solution optimizes one-handed operations for CZ Scorpion owners. Additionally, we've increased the length of the tongue which makes it even easier for quick and smooth magazine reloads — giving the support hand's thumb a larger target to hit on those fast manipulations under duress.”

Purpose-Built for the CZ Scorpion EVO

The CZ Scorpion EVO 3 Extended Mag Release replaces the OEM magazine release, giving users a larger surface area for activation while maintaining a streamlined profile that’s ideal for both defensive and recreational use. It’s compatible with the CZ Scorpion EVO platforms (except the 3+) and is fully ambidextrous, making it a practical upgrade for both left- and right-handed shooters.

This extended release improves reload speed by allowing shooters to engage the mag release more intuitively and with less effort. Whether you’re running a home defense setup or building out a competition-ready PCC, this part offers improved efficiency without compromising reliability. Strike Industries has kept the footprint tight and snag-free, making it a smart choice for gear-conscious users running slings, mag pouches, or tight vehicle interiors.

The CEVO EMR is made from a lightweight and durable polymer, offering a perfect balance between performance and weight savings.

Key Features:

• Designed specifically for the CZ Scorpion EVO
• Extended, ergonomic surface for faster magazine changes
• Fully ambidextrous design
• Budget-friendly
• Lightweight polymer construction
• Drop-in installation

The Strike CZ Scorpion EVO 3 Extended Mag Release is ideal for users who want enhanced magazine control without adding unnecessary bulk.

For CZ Scorpion enthusiasts looking to improve their reload times and handling, this release offers a simple and effective upgrade that installs in minutes with basic tools. It’s well-suited to shooters of all experience levels, from first-time gun owners to seasoned competitors.

There have been numerous efforts to enhance hit probability through mechanical improvements and advancements in ballistics. A key innovation is an electronic automated control system. In January 2025, Russia patented an electronic automated fire control system for small arms, filed by Kalashnikov Concern. A mock-up of this concept was first publicly showcased in 2023. This automated control system is designed for the AK-12 and the future GPR-20 under-barrel rocket launchers. This may be a development to counter the new US Army’s new Vortex Optics XM-157 Next Generation Squad Weapon-Fire Control (NGSW-FC) or, more ambitiously, the XM29 Objective Individual Combat Weapon (OICW).

The latest Russian smart scope system features a hybrid electronic automated fire control system that combines advanced technologies to reduce human error and enhance weapon precision and soldier lethality. This smart scope integrates a digital display, laser range finder, thermal imaging, image recognition, ballistics calculator, atmospheric sensors, and a compass. It adjusts the ballistics profile based on current atmospheric conditions to improve the likelihood of hitting a target on the first shot. This definitely sounds like a development influenced by the XM157.

This new optic enables soldiers to engage targets quickly and accurately at a distance, eliminating the skill factor and human error of the aiming and the shot process. The idea behind this system is that it has the potential to transform every soldier into an expert marksman instantly, without the need for difficult, expensive, and time-consuming additional training, which most armies have a difficult time facilitating enough training and range time. This approach seems practical, especially for a conscript army, at least on paper.

 The system

The hybrid electronic automated fire control system is equipped with a rangefinder, image recognition, digital display, and thermal imaging, all interconnected through a communication interface. Its design includes an optical device with sensors allowing for automated firing based on sight signals. The patent does not specify the sight magnification.

This sighting system is designed for the AK-12 assault rifle and GPR-20 under-barrel rocket launcher and offers automated firing options for both. The rangefinder includes a ballistic calculator, information display, atmospheric sensors, and a system to determine the weapon's position. The weapon's location is established by determining its position relative to the target using an inclinometer sensor, electronic gyroscope, accelerometer, or magnetometer.

The image recognition module comes with an integrated information display. The trigger mechanism is an electric drive, while the power supply module includes a control system. The image recognition module identifies targets by utilizing data from the rangefinder and imaging modules, marking the target area on the display. Users can adjust firing modes, allowing options such as fuse selection and both automated and manual firing modes, which indicate compatibility with future programmable GRP-20 grenades. AK rifles aren’t known for the best triggers, but this may make it more interesting as the system tracks the position of the trigger.

The calculations demonstrate that the automated firing mode enhances shooting effectiveness by minimizing or eliminating errors and facilitating automatic target recognition and firing procedures. “As a result, the likelihood of hitting the target with the first shot at a range of 300 meters increases by 1.6 times for head targets and 1.4 times for chest targets.”

The system includes a 5-minute internal battery backup, with the primary battery located in the rifle stock; the runtime is not specified. The fire control system is designed to allow for the addition or removal of modules. With additional communication interfaces, the scope can update to newer software and keep up to date with the newest evolving threats.

The patent describes a soldier equipped with a display but doesn’t provide specific details. This display could range from a simple chest-mounted unit to a helmet-mounted one, similar to the U.S. Army’s Integrated Visual Augmentation System. Such a setup would enable Russian soldiers to use a helmet-mounted system to see through the scope without directly looking through the optic. By integrating this technology, soldiers could fire their weapons behind cover while positioning them around obstacles. This time, actually seeing what they are shooting at.

Conclusion

Implementing a hybrid automated fire system can significantly enhance weapon accuracy and soldier effectiveness on the battlefield. These technologies improve the speed of target acquisition, increase accuracy through precise measurements, enhance situational awareness, and reduce cognitive load during engagements. Collectively, they represent a substantial shift in Russian military doctrine and technology.

The Russo-Ukraine War has accelerated the transfer of battlefield technology within Russia, which will help close the technological gap in the future. Given its global implications, it raises the question: will all the components be of Russian origin, or will foreign processors and electronic sub-components be utilized? This consideration leads to potential supply shortages and increased reliance on foreign suppliers.

Lastly, what scale will this sighting system be developed for? It is likely intended for the future Ratnik program. While technology can enhance capabilities, it cannot replace the need for proper training, which applies to all military forces. To improve soldiers' shooting skills, it is essential to return to the basics and first master the fundamentals before incorporating advanced technologies. This is particularly important because technology can fail or underperform, which is common in the military, necessitating a return to basic skills. This is where the XM157 features an etched reticle designed for use if the system malfunctions. This technology could significantly enhance their combat effectiveness if the Russian smart scope is deployed at scale. However, we must wait for further information to be released on its development, and I will follow up as it progresses.

In my opinion, this is one of the strangest modern firearm designs and makes for an excellent Photo Of The Day. The SIG Sauer P320-FLUX Legion is a modular handgun platform built around the P320 fire control unit. It includes a FLUX chassis in Legion gray, a compensated Legion slide, and a skeletonized trigger.

According to SIG Sauer, this setup blends a 9mm pistol with carbine-like stability, offering improved control while maintaining a compact form factor.

Key features include a spring-loaded stabilizing brace for quick deployment, an integrated flared magwell, a front Picatinny mount for accessories, ambidextrous safety and magazine release, a non-reciprocating optic mount, and two 30-round magazines.

During the SHOT Show, I had the opportunity to get acquainted, although briefly, with the setup. Very few pistol chassis seem to be suited for me, and I don’t think this one does it for me either. Of course, it requires some training to handle all the functions, but it was a lot more complicated than I first anticipated. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t look cool. 

Source: SIG Sauer

While it sees less frequent use than the trigger, magazine release, or bolt catch/release (hopefully), the AR-15 charging handle ranks among the most deliberately chosen and commonly upgraded components selected by owners for their rifles. While the standard mil-spec configuration satisfies all basic and necessary functional requirements, it frequently lacks the refinements necessary or preferred by those in more specific situations, such as:

• Malfunction clearance
• Rapid cycling under stress
• Management of suppressor-induced gas blowback

Though over five decades old, the AR-15 charging handle continues to undergo constant adaptation, customization, and refinement, with pseudo-ambidextrous designs emerging in the mid-1980s from manufacturers such as Badger Ordnance, followed by contemporary gas-deflecting variants as suppressors became a more common household item.

In this article, we’ll be going over some of the best and most well-reviewed options out there on the market so you can have an idea of what you’ll want to put on your next AR build.

Best AR-15 Charging Handles for 2025

Mil-Spec Charging Handle

Product Link: https://palmettostatearmory.com/psa-ar15-m16-7075-t6-forged-mil-spec-charging-handle-24080.html (Budget Friendly Example; Colt equivalents available via distributors)

You’ll typically only find these in one anodized color—black type III hardcoat. Virtually anyone and everyone who makes or sells ARs will sell a non-ambi mil-spec charging handle and if you’re not after anything specific, the basic might just be your best bet.

The mil-spec charging handle’s value lies in its proven simplicity and economic efficiency. Its lightweight construction and minimalistic design ensure no extra snag points or additional mechanical components to fail, and operation is consistent with the original design.

As demonstrated in military service applications, the basic AR-15 charging handle works just fine. Reputable producers will deliver units that adhere to stringent standards, offering a baseline of reliability for cost-conscious, clone, or traditionalist builders. While it’s nothing to write home about, it gives us a good baseline on which to judge more specific, unique examples of charging handles we have today.

Pros:

• Minimal cost aligns with budget-sensitive applications
• No extra parts or mechanical components to fail or wear out
• Consistent operation with “normal” AR-15s
• Established mil-spec standards guarantee operational dependability

 Cons:

• Non-ambidextrous design restricts versatility for some operators
• Basic latch offers limited control in adverse conditions
• It can be difficult to use with gloved hands

Radian Raptor Ambidextrous Charging Handle

Product Link: https://www.radianweapons.com/accessories/charging-handles/60408

Priced at $104.95, the Radian Raptor is probably the aftermarket option that I’m most familiar with. Made from 7075-T6 aluminum with a MIL-A-8625F Type III Class 2 hard-anodized coating. This ambidextrous unit features oversized, serrated latches, weighs approximately 1.5 ounces, and is offered in finishes such as black, FDE, and tungsten grey. Radian certifies durability exceeding one million cycles, which should exceed the life of even your rifle’s pressure-bearing components.

The Raptor has two things going for it - it’s liked by many, and is still somewhat on the more affordable side. The enlarged, serrated latches provide secure manipulation under compromised conditions—e.g., moisture or gloved use—while the ambidextrous functionality gives you universal accessibility for left and right-handed shooters or operating the rifle from your non-dominant side. While the latches are enlarged and wider than a mil-spec handle, their streamlined profile minimizes interference with ancillary equipment like slings, a critical factor in tactical configurations or competition use.

Pros:

• Ambidextrous functionality accommodates diverse operator handedness
• Oversized, serrated latches enhance tactile control in adverse shooting situations
• Lightweight, high-strength materials ensure longevity and aesthetic versatility

Cons:

• Higher price point may exceed budgetary constraints for some users
• Absence of gas mitigation features limits suitability for high back-pressure suppressor applications
• Aesthetic finish options, while appealing, confer no operational advantage

Tyrant Designs NexGen Charging Handle

Product Link: https://www.tyrantcnc.com/ar-15-upgrades/charging-handles/nexgen-charging-handle-ar15.html

Priced at $79.95, the Tyrant Designs NexGen Charging Handle is CNC-machined from 7075-T6 aluminum with a hard anodized finish and a heavy focus on that sci-fi space gun aesthetic. This ambidextrous model features contoured, scalloped latches, weighs approximately 1.5 ounces, and integrates a minimalist gas-deflection ridge as well as some integrated, partially rubberized latches. Basically, Tyrant CNC tried their best to give you a “Gucci” charging handle that still has some extra usefulness on the range.

Meant to blend perfectly with Tyrant CNC’s NexGen AR-15 handguard, the NexGen Charging Handle features scalloped latches, designed with subtle contours, to enhance grip and reduce fatigue during repeated manipulation, performing reliably with or without gloves thanks to the rubberized portions. The integrated gas-deflection ridge provides modest blowback reduction, and the sharp angles are raised and chamfered where necessary to maximize comfort without sacrificing the overall look. That being said, this one probably would appeal most to those who are after a specific aesthetic, but still want the charging handle to be somewhat affordable and more functional than a mil-spec one.

Pros:

• Competitive pricing delivers value for technical enhancements
• Contoured latches improve grip and operational comfort
• Gas deflection ridge supports moderate suppressor compatibility
• Reasonably priced, even with the extra features

Cons:

• Weight matches mid-tier options without ultralight benefits
• Gas mitigation is less pronounced than specialized designs
• Aesthetic focus may overshadow functional priorities for some users

Geissele Super Charging Handle (SCH)

Product Link: https://geissele.com/ar15-m4-super-charging-handle-sch.html

Priced at $107.10, the Geissele Super Charging Handle is a common recommendation for those looking for a “duty-grade” ambidextrous charging handle. The SHC features contoured, checkered latches and a rear gas-mitigation lip in addition to its nice and compact ambidextrous latches. The SHC weighs in at 1.7 ounces and is available in a wide variety of anodized colors.

The SCH’s fortified construction is the main draw for it, in addition to the name behind the product. The contoured, checkered latches provide superior tactile feedback even without gloves while the latches themselves are much shorter and have a stronger curve to them. This simultaneously makes the charging handle easier to operate in inclement weather or with protective gloves but also makes it prone to snagging on any webbing or cordage you have on you. The rear lip effectively reduces gas blowback, a significant advantage for suppressed configurations, but it still isn’t quite as effective as some of the more dedicated gas-defeating charging handles out there.

Pros:

• Robust construction withstands extensive operational stress
• Rear gas-mitigation lip extends its use to suppressor-based builds
• Ergonomic latch design enhances control and operator comfort

Cons:

• Premium pricing aligns with its specialized capabilities
• Curved handle latches are prone to snagging on clothing, webbing, and slings
• Excessive for users without suppressors or high-intensity requirements

BCM Ambidextrous MK2 Charging Handle - Medium Latch

Product Link:  https://bravocompanyusa.com/bcm-ambidextrous-mk2-charging-handle-medium-latch-5-56mm-223/

Priced at $89.95, the BCM Ambidextrous MK2 Charging Handle is another common go-to for those seeking a reliable, operator-focused, heavy-use, ambidextrous charging handle. Forged from 7075-T6 aluminum, it features medium latches extending 0.92" beyond the main body, a snag-free profile, and enhanced gas-diversion channels—upper, lower, and side—for blowback reduction. Weighing 1.5 ounces, this handle reflects BCM’s combat-driven, durable ethos with more modern features, including the option for oversized latches for competition use.

The MK2 balances durability and practical ergonomics. Its medium latches offer accessible operation with or without gloves, while maintaining a compact form that minimizes snagging risks compared to larger designs. The gas-deflection system, optimized for BCM MK2 uppers but functional across mil-spec receivers, reduces blowback effectively for suppressed setups. Backed by Bravo Company’s phenomenal reputation and legacy within the industry, it’s a solid performer for users needing consistent reliability in diverse conditions and a bit of extra functionality at the same time.

Pros:

• Forged aluminum construction ensures long-lasting durability
• Gas-diversion channels enhance compatibility with suppressed builds
• Medium latch design optimizes accessibility and low-profile utility

Cons:

• Mid-tier pricing lacks standout value for budget-focused buyers
• Slightly heavier than ultralight options at 1.5 ounces
• Not compatible with adjustable gas-keyed bolt carrier groups

Strike Industries ARCH-EL Charging Handle

Product Link: https://www.strikeindustries.com/si-arch-el.html

Just a hair under $50, the Strike Industries ARCH-EL is lovingly made from 7075-T6 aluminum for competition use. This non-ambidextrous model features a single large extended, low-profile latch, weighs 1.2 ounces, and emphasizes rapid manipulation and weight reduction over durability or looks.

The ARCH-EL is clearly optimized for competitive shooting, where speed, weight, and replaceability are all more important than long-term durability. Its extended latch allows for swift bolt cycling, critical for disciplines such as 3-Gun, while its non-steel construction allows you to cycle the gun more often with the charging handle without the extra wear that comes with steel latching mechanisms. This design prioritizes operational tempo over ancillary features, offering an economical solution for competitors who need to shred through stages, ammo, and components fast.

Pros:

• Ultralight construction enhances maneuverability in competition
• Extended latches facilitate rapid and precise bolt operation
• Cost-effective pricing supports performance-focused upgrades or frequent replacement

Cons:

• Reduced robustness may limit durability in harsh environments
• Single-latch design is sub-optimal for left-handed shooters
• Absence of gas mitigation features restricts the broader utility of some newer charging handle designs

Breek Arms Warhammer Mod 2 Ambidextrous Charging Handle

Product Link: https://breekarms.com/products/warhammer-ach-breek-arms-ambidextrous-charging-handle

The Breek Arms Warhammer Mod 2, priced at $49.99, is another budget-friendly design that is machined from 7075-T6 aluminum with a hard-anodized finish. This ambidextrous design features oversized, textured latches, weighs approximately 1.4 ounces, and is another option that leans more heavily on the speed side of performance over long-term durability. Unlike the ARCH-EL from Strike, the Warhammer is an ambidextrous design with a bit more aesthetic flair added into the mix.

The Warhammer Mod 2 offers a compelling synthesis of affordability and functionality, made for budget-oriented competitors seeking ambidextrous capability. Its oversized latches, enhanced with textured grooves, provide reliable engagement with or without gloves, accommodating one-handed operation—a practical asset in training or even in field conditions. The setback latch design ensures compatibility with large optics, while its robust aluminum construction withstands moderate use. The one major downside with the Warhammer Mod 2 is inherent in its design — the latches are so long that they will snag on virtually anything.

Pros:

• Economical pricing aligns with budget-conscious requirements
• Oversized, textured latches enable secure handling across conditions
• Ambidextrous design supports versatile operator preferences

Cons:

• Moderate weight exceeds ultralight competition options
• Extremely large handles will snag on clothing, gear, and slings
• Durability, while adequate, may not match premium-tier longevity

Final Thoughts - Operator’s Choice is Ultimately Best

When it comes to selecting a “good” charging handle for your AR-15, the decision hinges on the operator’s specific needs, priorities, and operational context. We’re fortunate enough in 2025 that the market offers a spectrum of options, ranging from minimalist, budget-friendly designs to premium, feature-rich models, each with trade-offs in weight, ergonomics, durability, and specialized functionality like gas mitigation or even just pure looks. Whether the focus is on rapid manipulation for competition, rugged reliability for duty use, or cost-efficiency for a casual build, the right choice aligns with how the rifle will be employed.

The beauty of today’s offerings lies in their diversity: you can get pretty much anything you want and there are always new types of charging handles coming to the market. Features like enhanced latches or blowback reduction address some of our more modern demands—think gloved hands or suppressor compatibility—yet no single handle excels in every scenario. Budget constraints, aesthetic preferences, and even compatibility with existing setups further shape the decision. Ultimately, the best charging handle isn’t the one with the most features or the highest price tag—it’s the one that seamlessly integrates into what type of work you’ll be doing on the range.

A number of years back SIG Sauer Electro-Optics, the Oregon-based optics division of SIG Sauer, released the very affordable, compact ROMEOZero pistol red dot. Today, they’re excited to announce the new ROMEO-RS. RS, standing for “Reinforced Steel,” is another pistol-mounted red dot made from an internal steel chassis or frame and other metal components for a more robust and slightly larger version of the ROMEOZero. The new red dot not only features a new body design and two variants to choose from, but several other creature comforts that might make it an attractive option for your own micro-compact 9mm pistols.

More from SIG Sauer @ TFB:

• Ultimate Guide: The SIG Sauer MCX Rifle, Carbine And Pistol Platform
• $11 Million Verdict In P320 Lawsuit, SIG Sauer Plans To Appeal
• The Rimfire Report: SIG Sauer 522 Classic Overview

Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger - The New SIG ROMEO-RS

Introducing the ROMEO-RS™ (Reinforced Steel) pistol-mounted red dot. Inspired by the design of modern striker-fired pistols that employ high-strength polymer and metal, the ROMEO-RS housing forms around a rugged steel chassis and metal components to provide critical strength and consistency through every round.

Specifically engineered to provide the accuracy and convenience of a pistol-mounted red dot at a cost that competes with high-end iron sights, the ROMEO-RS is available in both PRO and COMPACT industry-standard footprints with 3MOA, 6MOA, or CIRCLE/DOT reticle configurations available.

Designed, developed, tested, and assembled in Tualatin, Oregon, the ROMEO-RS is fully backed by SIG SAUER’s Infinite Guarantee™ and available now.

Pricing for each of the new dots starts at $149.90 for the ROMEO-RS Compact version. The compact version and “PRO” versions of the dot are virtually identical in terms of features, but the compact is slightly narrower and shorter at 1.10 inches tall and with a 24mm aperture. Meanwhile, the larger PRO variant will be sold for $169.99 and is 1.21” in height and features a larger 31mm objective lens. The compact variant will use the popular RMSc mounting footprint, while the larger PRO variant will use the DeltaPoint Pro footprint. Both optics are available now from the SIG Sauer website, with free shipping currently available on both of the new red dots.

In an announcement earlier today that many of us never saw coming, the legendary and long-tenured TRP (Tactical Response Pistol) has some new brethren in the family. Springfield Armory has introduced the 9mm cartridge to the TRP series of handguns as well as the Agency Optics System of mounting red dots (AOS). The FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team was the original motivator or impetus for this design, and now flash forward 20+ years and we find ourselves here today looking at a sharpened and evolved 1911 handgun. So, today we are going to take a look at the Springfield Armory 1911 TRP AOS 4.25” Carry Contour 9mm to see how it truly performs. Let’s dive in!

Springfield Armory @ TFB:

• TFB Review: Springfield Armory Model 2020 Boundary 7mm PRC
• TFB Review: Springfield Armory 1911 Operator AOS 5” .45 ACP
• TFB Review: Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0C 9mm
• TFB Review: Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy Compact 3.5” AOS 9mm

Specifications - Springfield Armory 1911 TRP AOS 4.25” Carry Contour 9mm

With the Springfield Armory 1911 TRP AOS 4.25” Carry Contour 9mm that we are reviewing here today, much of the specs you are familiar with will carry over from models of years past. You have a forged slide and frame, Cerakote finish, Match-Grade barrel, tritium night sights, and it's all culminated together into a bulletproof package. 

• Cartridge: 9mm
• Color: Coyote Brown
• Barrel: 4.25" Forged Stainless Steel, Match Grade, Fully Supported Ramp, 1:16
• Slide: Forged Carbon Steel, Coyote Brown Cerakote®, Optics-Ready
• Frame: Forged Aluminum Alloy, Carry Contour, Coyote Brown Cerakote®
• Sights: Tritium Front, Black Serrated Rear
• Recoil System: Commander Length GI Style