Recreational

Small semiautos that match the physical dimensions of pistols we tested recently - such as Para-Ordnances $740 P12-45 - are usually referred to as compacts or sub-compact. But when pistols of this size class are miniaturized 1911s, the tag of "Officer's models" is hung on to them, even though they may not exactly fit the mold of the original Colt's Officer's model.

Manufacturers are taking a fresh look at the Officer's model for a number of reasons. For one, the 1911 pistol has legions of fans inside both competitive shooting and law-enforcement circles. Also, many military and ex-military personnel recognize the .45 ACP's superiority over the 9mm Parabellum, a cartridge choice often perceived as NATO's intrusion into American affairs. Traditionally the Officers model offered a six-round magazine, like the 945s. However, the Para Ordnance P12 integrates a double-stack or staggered-round magazine that holds ten rounds.

The P12 has been around a while and is essentially bug free. It fits the hand surprisingly well and points easily. Function was 100 percent despite warnings from some gunsmiths who seem weary of semiautos fitted with short slides. The P12 action also includes a Series 80-style firing pin block. This mechanism is not a favorite with 1911 purists, and some gunsmiths have a difficult time refining the action with this feature in place. But the P12 did not suffer any malfunctions because of it.

The graceful, light, and distinctive L.C. Smith Hammerless Double sidelock is a favorite of American shotgunners. Here's how to fix its most common problems. If you own a Smith and want to make it suitable to shoot again, or if you are presented a Smith to repair, here's what you need to know about the shotgun.

Kowa Sporting Optics is pleased to introduce the next generation in the iPhone digiscoping family, the TSN-IP5 iPhone adapter for the iPhone 5. Just like its predecessor, the TSN-IP4S, the TSN-IP5 adapter comes with two standard rings, one for the Kowa 880/770 series scopes and one for the Kowa BD/SV/YF series of binoculars.

The San Antonio Police Department has selected the M&P40 as its new service firearm and has begun to convert officers to the new handgun platform. Gun Tests has its own rating of the pistol.

Gun Tests’ Houston-based test team takes a detailed look at two very different AK-compatible rifles in the May 2013 issue of the magazine. Contributing Editor John Taylor, more widely known as JT, and the magazine’s Houston test team examined the WASR-10 imported by Century International Arms and the 556 Russian (556R) made by SIG Sauer.

Gun Tests’ Idaho-based test team takes a detailed look at two carryable 40 S&W pistols in the May 2013 issue of the magazine. Sr. Technical Editor Ray Ordorica examined the Glock 23 Gen 4, $650, and the Taurus 24/7 G2C, $555.

Silencers, like machine-guns, are regulated under the National Firearms Act (NFA) of 1934, and are regulated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. The procedure for owning a silencer may seem daunting at first, but actually requires less paperwork than buying an automobile.

The new 1X MP Zombie Assault sight from Bushnell features one power magnification and a versatile illuminated reticle that allows shooters to quickly acquire targets in shooting games, competition, or while honing their skills at the range.

Take a moment before hauling that trash to the dumpster—you may find something useful, such as .22 barrels.

Ryan Cleckner shares his process for properly setting up your rifle and scope combination so that it naturally aligns with your eye. (NSSF Video)

The Glock 33, or G33, was chambered for 357 SIG and operated just like its medium- and large-size brothers, (models G32 and G31 respectively). The most notable difference was the short grip, which limited the shooter to holding the pistol with only two fingers. The rear of the stubby grip showed a generous palm swell and the trigger guard was generously undercut, or generously under-molded.

Ryan Cleckner shares his process for sighting in a scoped rifle. There are some basics here, including bore-sighting, starting with a short 25-yard shot to get on the paper, and shooting groups before making adjustments at 100 yards. Two items at the end are also worth considering: slipping the scales and finding mechanical zero.