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Colt Python Classic Python-SP2WCTS 357 Magnum

When the FBI carried 357 Magnum revolvers between 1981 and 1991, the standard issue was a S&W Model 13 with a medium-sized round-grip K-frame and a 3-inch barrel. Consider the Model 13 a benchmark for a concealed-carry 357 Magnum revolver. It offers better shootability than a smaller-frame revolver with a smaller grip, yet doesn’t feel like a brick on your hip when you carry it. 

Henry Firearms Big Boy Revolver H017BDM 357 Magnum

When the FBI carried 357 Magnum revolvers between 1981 and 1991, the standard issue was a S&W Model 13 with a medium-sized round-grip K-frame and a 3-inch barrel. Consider the Model 13 a benchmark for a concealed-carry 357 Magnum revolver. It offers better shootability than a smaller-frame revolver with a smaller grip, yet doesn’t feel like a brick on your hip when you carry it. 

Smith & Wesson Model 686 Plus 164300 357 Magnum

When the FBI carried 357 Magnum revolvers between 1981 and 1991, the standard issue was a S&W Model 13 with a medium-sized round-grip K-frame and a 3-inch barrel. Consider the Model 13 a benchmark for a concealed-carry 357 Magnum revolver. It offers better shootability than a smaller-frame revolver with a smaller grip, yet doesn’t feel like a brick on your hip when you carry it. 

21 Sharp Evaluation: We’re Not Impressed with the Round

On September 18, 2024, Winchester introduced a new rimfire cartridge called the 21 Sharp. The company said the new 21 Sharp rimfire cartridge was purposefully designed to provide top performance with lead-free projectiles rather than accommodating lead-free bullets later. Supposedly, the new cartridge allows for a range of bullet types, including full metal jacket (FMJ), copper matrix, and plated-lead options. Jacketed hollow-point (JHP) bullets will also be available in 21 Sharp, according to Winchester. We wanted to see what was up with this new round, comparing it to existing 22 LR and 22 Magnum choices side by side at the range. 

Winchester Holds Its Own Against Remington, Savage

In the January 1997 issue, we tested a trio of 300 Winchester Magnum bolt-action rifles intended for long-range hunting. In this installment of Gun Tests Classics, we revisit the winner of that test, a Winchester Model 70 Classic Laredo, and see if its current used pricing makes it a good choice for today’s shooters to look for in the used rack at your local gun store. 

Download the Full April 2025 Issue PDF

  • 357 Magnums
  • 22 LR Target Rifles
  • SIG P365 Holsters
  • Gun Tests Classic:  Remington 7600

Colt Viper SP4WRR 357 Magnum

Some shooters need one handgun to do everything — some self defense, some target plinking, a bit of small-animal hunting. We think that a mid-size, mid-weight, mid-price 357 Magnum revolver does a great job of filling those and other needs.

Ruger SP101 05771 357 Magnum

Some shooters need one handgun to do everything — some self defense, some target plinking, a bit of small-animal hunting. We think that a mid-size, mid-weight, mid-price 357 Magnum revolver does a great job of filling those and other needs.

Taurus Model 66 2-660049 357 Magnum

Some shooters need one handgun to do everything — some self defense, some target plinking, a bit of small-animal hunting. We think that a mid-size, mid-weight, mid-price 357 Magnum revolver does a great job of filling those and other needs.

Springfield Armory Model 2020 Rimfire 70217 22 LR

Shooting 22 LR bolt-action rifles keeps you grounded. They are affordable to shoot often because ammo costs a fraction of what centerfire ammo does and lacks the noise, muzzle blast, and recoil. Not only is shooting a 22 rimfire inexpensive and fun, it also helps build a solid base in rifle-shooting technique, from trigger control and breathing, to judging distance and reading the wind. Three new target-style 22 LR bolt actions that we thought would be fun to shoot were the Springfield Armory 2020 Rimfire, Savage’s B Series TimberLite Thumbhole, and the Hammerli Arms Force B1. All of these rifles were recently introduced and are said to provide performance and accuracy. The common characteristics of these three rimfire rifles are the 22 LR round, manually operated bolt actions, detachable rotary magazines, and they are optic ready. From there, the features start to differ.

Hammerli Arms Force B1 5800300 22 LR

Shooting 22 LR bolt-action rifles keeps you grounded. They are affordable to shoot often because ammo costs a fraction of what centerfire ammo does and lacks the noise, muzzle blast, and recoil. Not only is shooting a 22 rimfire inexpensive and fun, it also helps build a solid base in rifle-shooting technique, from trigger control and breathing, to judging distance and reading the wind. Three new target-style 22 LR bolt actions that we thought would be fun to shoot were the Springfield Armory 2020 Rimfire, Savage’s B Series TimberLite Thumbhole, and the Hammerli Arms Force B1. All of these rifles were recently introduced and are said to provide performance and accuracy. The common characteristics of these three rimfire rifles are the 22 LR round, manually operated bolt actions, detachable rotary magazines, and they are optic ready. From there, the features start to differ.

Savage Arms B Series Timberlite Thumbhole 70218 22 LR

Shooting 22 LR bolt-action rifles keeps you grounded. They are affordable to shoot often because ammo costs a fraction of what centerfire ammo does and lacks the noise, muzzle blast, and recoil. Not only is shooting a 22 rimfire inexpensive and fun, it also helps build a solid base in rifle-shooting technique, from trigger control and breathing, to judging distance and reading the wind. Three new target-style 22 LR bolt actions that we thought would be fun to shoot were the Springfield Armory 2020 Rimfire, Savage’s B Series TimberLite Thumbhole, and the Hammerli Arms Force B1. All of these rifles were recently introduced and are said to provide performance and accuracy. The common characteristics of these three rimfire rifles are the 22 LR round, manually operated bolt actions, detachable rotary magazines, and they are optic ready. From there, the features start to differ.

Listen to Mexico’s lawsuit against Smith & Wesson

I know you won’t do it, but I want to encourage you anyway. Go listen to the oral arguments attached to the blog entry entitled,...