July 2010

7.62x39mm Semiautos: Three Alternatives to the AR-15 Rifle
Interest in defensive carbines has grown so much that aftermarket catalogs such as Brownells (www.brownells.com), now mail a separate issue dedicated to the AR-15 platform. But the AR is not the only available long gun and 223 Remington/5.56mm is not the only round available for self defense—for instance, there’s the 7.62x39mm. This round was developed by the Soviets circa 1943. According to some loading manuals, popularity of this cartridge in the United States saw a boom when GIs returning from Viet Nam brought home Communist Bloc weapons. Since then, other more American designs have been chambered for the 7.62x39mm. To perform our tests, we traveled to American Shooting Centers in Houston. Here we had our choice of benches facing towering berms at distances of 50 yards to 600 yards downrange.

Anti-Rust Test: Boeshield T-9, Slide-Glide Lite Are Our Picks
In the July 2000 issue, we tested several rust-preventative compounds by preparing a bare, degreased steel sample and then anointing it with a selection of oils and other compounds that were supposed to provide protection against rust. We then left the steel sample outdoors in the rain, added some salt water to speed things up, and reported the results. The upshot of that test was that Boeshield T9 was the winner, providing essentially perfect protection against salt, rain, and odd water samples.

Wild Bunch Pistols, Part II: Kimber Wins Modern Guns Test
In our May 2010 review of pistols suited for Cowboy Action’s widely popular new Wild Bunch side match, we noted two different categories of 1911s eligible to compete. There are two SASS classes set forth for 1911 handguns, which roughly correlate to the traditional and modern single-action class. In our first review of handguns suited for the SASS Wild Bunch category—named in deference to the Sam Peckinpah movie, The Wild Bunch—we covered five traditional GI-type handguns from Springfield Armory, High Standard, and Colt. Prices ranged from $500 to $1000, a fairly large spread. The Springfield pistols included the GI Model, a stainless GI, and the Mil-Spec. The High Standard pistol was the 1911A1, and the Colt, the 1918 Black Army.

Red-Dot Sights from Aimpoint, Insight Technology, and Vortex
Why does an illuminated dot provide faster recognition for the shooter? First and foremost, the illuminated dot is the brightest object in the field of view. This brings your eye to the dot like a magnet. The key to shooting quickly with an illuminated dot is to focus on the target with the dot in your peripheral vision. Find your desired point of impact, cover it with the dot, and fire. In this test we will be evaluating several aspects that we think should be considered when choosing an electronic dot scope. Ease of mounting and sighting in, durability in terms of function and repeatable adjustment, and quality of vision regarding the dot and its surrounding field of view.