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The other hammer-fired pistol tested was a SIG P239. This was a police trade-in that came with three steel single-stack magazines. The P239 was produced from 1996 through 2018 and is a metal-frame pistol designed for conceal carry.

The sensation of the Taurus Defender 856 is that it is a six-shot version of the J-frame 85 in which Taurus changed the lockwork and cylinder to make a six-shot hideout revolver, compared to the common five-shot revolver.

Taurus has pioneered a switch-cylinder system in this revolver. There are also 22 Long Rifle/22 Magnum versions. The cylinder is easily changed simply by pressing in a plunger on the right side of the frame.

The M206 is a chunky revolver at 25 ounces. The six-shot double-action has a swing-out cylinder, and its cylinder latch operates differently from the other three revolvers. This latch is pulled to the rear rather than pressed forward to open the cylinder.

The European American Arms Windicator is manufactured by Weihrauch of Germany. The Windicator doesn’t have a side plate and differs considerably in design from the other handguns.

Re Gun Sales It seems to me that some time ago you folks sold your test guns somehow. Does this still hold true, and if so what is the process? I have a strong interest in acquiring a Ruger SP101 in 327 Federal. Thanks in advance for any answers/help. — Marty Hey Marty: We haven’t […]

To start, remove the baseplate from an existing OEM Glock 19 magazine. Having a baseplate removal tool makes this easier. When you take the baseplate off, be sure to capture the magazine spring with a finger.

The Henry Classic Lever Action 22 looks like a miniaturized Winchester Model 94 with the straight pistol grip stock, smooth satin-finish wood, hooded front sight, barrel band, and adjustable rear sight.

The Taylor’s & Co. Scout looks a shrunken version of the iconic Winchester Model 1873. The bright-silver receiver is highly polished. In fact, these are aluminum plates that screw onto the actual receiver. There is just right combination of bling and Old West look.

The BL-22 is one of Browning’s most classic and iconic rifle designs. It was introduced in 1969, originally manufactured in Belgium. Production moved to Miroku in Japan in the 1970s. Our sample is a new model Grade I, which means it has a deeply polished blued metal finish and high-gloss stock — typical Browning aesthetics.

We owe much of the 44 Magnum concept to the late Elmer Keith. Mr. Keith spent a good bit of the early to middle parts of the last century working with (and sometimes blowing up) hot-loaded 44 Special revolvers. As with many great experimenters, he did not let setbacks stop his work. Convinced of the practicality and efficacy of a max-loaded 44, he finally won Smith & Wesson over to his way of thinking, along with Remington ammunition. The revolver that became what we know as the Model 29 (and what Clint Eastwood made really famous in 1971) was introduced in late 1955.