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Rock Island Armory LI380 56798 380 ACP

About a hundred years ago, there were quite a few service-size pistols in 380 ACP. The Walther PP, Browning 1922, JP Sauer 38H, Colt 1903, and a few others were considered service and battlefield pistols. These nice-sized handguns were popular, if only for a badge of office. While many nations adopted the 9mm service pistol after World War II, oddly enough, the Soviets adopted an upgraded Walther PP redesign. This size pistol is often lauded as ideal for personal defense. Handling and convenience are valued over combat ability. This is, after all, a handgun that may always be with you without a huge weight penalty. They may be held close to the body with good retention and handled quickly in the home. A double-action first-shot trigger and manual safety add safety measures for a purse or night-stand gun. This type of handgun and high-capacity variants, such as the Beretta 84, were popular service pistols just before the first wave of terrorism in Europe. So what do similar-size handguns offer today? A lot of convenience, easy shooting, and a degree of terminal ballistics.

Ruger Sass Vaquero 5133 357 Magnum

For the Cowboy Action Shooting competitor, a tuned six-shooter can offer better reliability, more speed, and improved shooting comfort — no small matter with about 100 rounds typically being fired in a cowboy-style match. But a tuned shootin’ iron can also appeal to the recreational shooter, who simply wants a better gun than what he or she might buy untried over the counter. 

Taylor’s & Company Short Stroke Gunfighter RC1/556209DE 357 Magnum

For the Cowboy Action Shooting competitor, a tuned six-shooter can offer better reliability, more speed, and improved shooting comfort — no small matter with about 100 rounds typically being fired in a cowboy-style match. But a tuned shootin’ iron can also appeal to the recreational shooter, who simply wants a better gun than what he or she might buy untried over the counter. 

Uberti El Patron Competition 4122 357 Magnum

For the Cowboy Action Shooting competitor, a tuned six-shooter can offer better reliability, more speed, and improved shooting comfort — no small matter with about 100 rounds typically being fired in a cowboy-style match. But a tuned shootin’ iron can also appeal to the recreational shooter, who simply wants a better gun than what he or she might buy untried over the counter. 

Tikka T3X Varmint JRTXH312 223 Remington

   Few cartridges are as popular in this country as the 223 Remington. Much, if not most, of the ammo shot by rifles so chambered will be sent downrange by Modern Sporting Rifles. The 223 Remington round is easy to find, is relatively inexpensive, produces low recoil, and can be accurate, especially in a good bolt gun. Turnbolts tend to be more innately accurate and have longer barrels than gas semi-autos, and many have great triggers few semi-autos can match, which can also make them easier to shoot more accurately.

Winchester XPR 535700208 223 Remington

   Few cartridges are as popular in this country as the 223 Remington. Much, if not most, of the ammo shot by rifles so chambered will be sent downrange by Modern Sporting Rifles. The 223 Remington round is easy to find, is relatively inexpensive, produces low recoil, and can be accurate, especially in a good bolt gun. Turnbolts tend to be more innately accurate and have longer barrels than gas semi-autos, and many have great triggers few semi-autos can match, which can also make them easier to shoot more accurately.

Savage Model 110 Varmint 57066 223 Remington

   Few cartridges are as popular in this country as the 223 Remington. Much, if not most, of the ammo shot by rifles so chambered will be sent downrange by Modern Sporting Rifles. The 223 Remington round is easy to find, is relatively inexpensive, produces low recoil, and can be accurate, especially in a good bolt gun. Turnbolts tend to be more innately accurate and have longer barrels than gas semi-autos, and many have great triggers few semi-autos can match, which can also make them easier to shoot more accurately.

Ruger Hawkeye Predator 17122 223 Remington

   Few cartridges are as popular in this country as the 223 Remington. Much, if not most, of the ammo shot by rifles so chambered will be sent downrange by Modern Sporting Rifles. The 223 Remington round is easy to find, is relatively inexpensive, produces low recoil, and can be accurate, especially in a good bolt gun. Turnbolts tend to be more innately accurate and have longer barrels than gas semi-autos, and many have great triggers few semi-autos can match, which can also make them easier to shoot more accurately.

Rock Island Armory TAC Ultra MS HC Combo 56632 9MM Luger

The 1911 pistol is a mature platform. The sidearms have been in common use by military, law enforcement, and civilians alike for more than 100 years. Properly-trained gunsmiths know how to make them run reliably, and properly-trained shooters know how to employ them. The grip angle is just about perfect, and the single-action trigger can be one of the best in the handgun world. Sights have improved exponentially over the last century, as have magazines and the ammo that goes in them. Primary concerns for those using a 1911 on a regular basis are ammo capacity and price. Here, we have two imported 9mm pistols that we think address both issues.

Tisas 1911 Duty B9R Double Stack 12500017 9MM Luger

The 1911 pistol is a mature platform. The sidearms have been in common use by military, law enforcement, and civilians alike for more than 100 years. Properly-trained gunsmiths know how to make them run reliably, and properly-trained shooters know how to employ them. The grip angle is just about perfect, and the single-action trigger can be one of the best in the handgun world. Sights have improved exponentially over the last century, as have magazines and the ammo that goes in them. Primary concerns for those using a 1911 on a regular basis are ammo capacity and price. Here, we have two imported 9mm pistols that we think address both issues.

Smith & Wesson Model 29 Classic 150145 44 Magnum

About a generation ago, the 44 Magnum reigned as the most powerful handgun in the world. It has since been toppled in size and power by other cartridges, but not before a few handguns chambered in the round became legendary. Not only with shooters, but also the general public through pop culture.

Magnum Research Desert Eagle MK XIX DE44 44 Magnum

About a generation ago, the 44 Magnum reigned as the most powerful handgun in the world. It has since been toppled in size and power by other cartridges, but not before a few handguns chambered in the round became legendary. Not only with shooters, but also the general public through pop culture.

Shotgunner Rhode Beasts Cali Ammo Scheme

A panel of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that California’s law requiring a background check for each ammunition purchase violates the Second...