September 2009

Semiautomatic Shotguns for Self-Defense: We Like 'Utility'
When it comes to defending the home, the shotgun is and probably always will be a popular choice. The favorite design for this purpose has long been the pump-action shotgun. Simplicity, low cost, and reliability are their hallmarks. Cycling a pump shotgun relies directly upon the operator, while semiautos load themselves. Perhaps this is why the pump is more widely trusted. In this test we will find out if two semiautomatic shotguns can earn the same high level of confidence as the shuckers have earned. Furthermore, we’ll pit a base-model autoloader against a fully dressed tactical model to see just what upgrades help or hinder. Our test shotguns were the $458 CZ-USA No. 06029 712 Utility 12 gauge and the $700 Mossberg Special Purpose 930 Tactical No. 85360. Both shotguns were constructed with black synthetic stocks and black aluminum receivers. The CZ shotgun was a basic model, as its name would imply. The Mossberg was outfitted with several upgrades from the tactical aftermarket.

17 HMRs: Henry's Lever Gun Vs. Savage and Ruger Bolt Actions
It has been said in the industry that 'when all else fails, invent a caliber.' Part and parcel of any highly new-product driven industry is the constant attempt to invent new lines of price and performance where none exist in a tangible, real-world sense. One fairly recent cartridge development that has gained traction and popularity is the Hornady 17 Magnum Rimfire introduced in 2002. It is remarkable in many respects, gaining distinction as the first successful rimfire cartridge to hit the market in over 40 years. The last rimfire considered to be a 'successful' introduction was the 22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire in 1959. Most all of the 17-caliber cartridges offered today are either 17- or 20-grain. With such flyweight bullets, as a practical matter they are most suited for ground squirrels, rabbits, and similarly fragile and small-sized game or varmints. CCI reportedly manufactures most all 17 HMR ammunition, though there are slight differences between the brands themselves. As far as we know, this is still the case. As for the case itself, it is the 22 WMR necked down to accept the 17 HMR’s 0.172-inch-diameter bullet.

Two Full-Size 9mms: Browning Hi-Power Loses to Bulky 90-Two
In our ongoing examination of today’s 9mm handguns, we now take a look at two full-size autos. These are a recent entry from Beretta, the 90-Two, and one of the all-time classics, the Browning Hi-Power. While the latter is SA only and the other DA, both are big handguns, and the prospective gun buyer looking for a full-size nine might well want to consider comparing these two. We tested them with three types of ammunition, American Eagle 115-grain ball, Black Hills’ 147-grain ball, and the slightly hot Fiocchi 115-grain JHP. Here are our findings. Before we tried this handgun we changed its rather large grip for a slimmer one provided by Beretta ($21.50), following the excellent instructions in the owner’s manual. This reduced the largest grip circumference by about a quarter inch, which was significant and added greatly to the comfort of this large handgun. The magazine release could also be reversed. To call this a large handgun is an understatement. It was fully as large as a 1911, with more bulk above the hand as seen from the rear. Fully loaded it weighed nearly as much as a fully loaded 1911 (1.16 kg versus 1.19; 18 rounds versus 9.). The light rail in front of the trigger guard had a plastic cover that increased the bulky look. The grip angle was a good deal sharper than a 1911. Some would complain this gun points too low, but we didn’t find that to be a problem. Two 17-round magazines came with the gun in its padded hard case. Also in the case was the instruction manual and the one-year warranty statement.

SuperMag Battle: Remington NitroMag vs. Benelli SuperNova
Somewhere in the neighborhood of 1988, the last 'new' production shotshell cartridge of any note was introduced by Federal Cartridge Company: the 31⁄2-inch 12 gauge. It was the Mossberg 835 slide-action that helped launch it, and it was the proliferation of the long shell that sealed the demise of the 10-gauge shotgun, as you can actually get more performance out of a 12-gauge 31⁄2-inch load, chambering it in a shotgun that is less bulky, more versatile, and less costly to shoot than a comparable 10-gauge gun. That’s not quite obsolete, but Federal Cartridge currently lists only five 10-gauge loads, while the company offers more than 75 different 12-gauge shotshells. Whether a 31⁄2-inch 12 gauge makes a lot of sense today is another matter. The preconceived notion is that a 31⁄2-inch shell is automatically a Roman candle—but that is far from the truth. The 23⁄4-inch 'baby magnum' lead shotshell has always had a 11⁄2-oz. payload. Typical steel 31⁄2-inch shells are 13⁄8-oz. to 11⁄2-oz. payloads: no heavier than many older 23⁄4-inch lead loads, much less 3-inch 12-gauge shells.

Gun Tests Test Inventory Available for Purchase: August 24, 2009
Houston-based B.A. Brooks Sports is a Federal Firearms License dealer who supplies firearms for Gun Tests evaluations. B.A. Brooks Sports sometimes has guns acquired for Gun Tests evaluation that readers might want to purchase. The following list describes those firearms and accessories. B.A. Brooks Sports is solely responsible for any firearms transactions, and there is no set update frequency of the inventory list. To ensure you receive notification of updated inventory lists when test guns become available, we suggest you set up an RSS feed for this site. All interstate sales require FFL-to-FFL transfers and local NICS checks. Unless otherwise noted, the goods are in at least Excellent resale condition, and in many cases they are Like New. Most of the products have their original packaging and warranties or warranty cards enclosed. In almost all cases, the magazine article about each gun recounts all the rounds shot through the guns. B.A. Brooks Sports won't sell products that were defective in Gun Tests evaluations. We don't always get great deals on test guns, so we can't always offer you a great price. IF YOU CAN BUY A GUN CHEAPER ELSEWHERE, GO FOR IT. Once you receive the product, the magazine will not be held responsible for any damage that occurs from use.