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In the January 1996 issue, we tested a quartet of 40-caliber semi-autos, three of which had significant drawbacks, our shooters said. In this installment of Gun Tests Classics, we revisit the winner of that test, a Smith & Wesson Model 4013, and see if its current used pricing makes it a still-valid recommendation for today’s shooters.

For the rifleman, there is nothing that soothes the soul and brightens the day like a good-quality 22 bolt-action rifle. For the serious rifleman who hunts with a centerfire rifle, the 22 offers alternative training options and makes for a fine small-game rifle. Some shooters realize a more expensive rifle may be needed for precision work and small-game shooting, and an adult-size stock for an adult makes sense. This bumps the price up over the simple $200 bolt gun.

For the rifleman, there is nothing that soothes the soul and brightens the day like a good-quality 22 bolt-action rifle. For the serious rifleman who hunts with a centerfire rifle, the 22 offers alternative training options and makes for a fine small-game rifle. Some shooters realize a more expensive rifle may be needed for precision work and small-game shooting, and an adult-size stock for an adult makes sense. This bumps the price up over the simple $200 bolt gun.

It is an accepted fact that the rifle shooter will be able to place his hits more accurately when using some type of supported position. That is, shooting off a bipod from a prone position is going to be infinitely better than standing offhand. As a result, we’ve learned to use bipods, bags, backpacks, shooting sticks, and more in our efforts to achieve stability with our long guns. The latest trend we’re seeing is the use of tripods for support in a variety of field positions and elevations. We see people using tripods made with conventional and inverted legs, Arca Swiss or Picatinny clamps and Hog Saddles, QD and screw-down clamps. Leg dimensions vary, as do the types of ball heads. 

• Unusual Bolt Actions
• 9MM Luger Pistols
• Shooting and Tactical Gloves

Re “Snubbies from Smith & Wesson and Colt’s Compete at the Range,” November 2024

I read the article and agree with your assessment of the S&W 442 UC Lipsey’s Special. Last month, I received the six-shot 32 H&R Magnum version of the same gun from Lipsey’s (S&W 432) and was unimpressed with the trigger pull. I was also unimpressed with the weight, which was 2 ounces heavier than the factory claims. Because S&W makes 38s in the 12-, 14-, and 16-ounce ranges, I was hoping this revolver would be on the lighter side, but I guess the sights and wood grips add weight. For petite women and the infirm, the weight difference can be significant, as is the needlessly heavy double-action trigger pull. I inquired about my concerns with S&W, but have yet to receive a reply from the company.

Several major manufacturers are producing new firearms totally outside their normal niches, examples of which include the new Expedition rifle from Taurus and the new CBX Tac Hunter, a bolt gun from Colt. 

Several major manufacturers are producing new firearms totally outside their normal niches, examples of which include the new Expedition rifle from Taurus and the new CBX Tac Hunter, a bolt gun from Colt. 

The compensated 9mm seems more popular than ever, with Smith & Wesson, Springfield, and SIG offering pistols with compensators on the end of the barrel, mounted integrally in the slide, or as a simple cut out in the barrel. Most of us don’t consider the 9mm to be a hard kicker. Just the same, the addition of a compensator seems to be an important trend. Another movement finding favor is manufacturing a handgun with an aluminum frame as an alternative to the usual polymer-frame 9mm. The additional weight results in less recoil. In either case, the difference in speed shooting is noticeable because recoil is less.

The compensated 9mm seems more popular than ever, with Smith & Wesson, Springfield, and SIG offering pistols with compensators on the end of the barrel, mounted integrally in the slide, or as a simple cut out in the barrel. Most of us don’t consider the 9mm to be a hard kicker. Just the same, the addition of a compensator seems to be an important trend. Another movement finding favor is manufacturing a handgun with an aluminum frame as an alternative to the usual polymer-frame 9mm. The additional weight results in less recoil. In either case, the difference in speed shooting is noticeable because recoil is less.

An email from a subscriber suggested we take a look at shooting gloves, particularly gloves that protect your hands from harsh recoil. Shooting gloves offer protection from heat and cold as well as abrasions, and they can take the sting out of recoil. The question is, how much protection do you need? Shooting gloves typically offer less protection than tactical gloves, which provide knuckle and finger protection from abrasions and knocks. 

Okay, November 5, 2024, was a great day for gunowners, who can now hope to be ignored for four years by the incoming Trump Administration, which is set to be sworn in on January 20, 2025. What, you ask, is so great about being ignored? Well, like when Donald J. Trump vanquished the absurdly anti-gun Hillary Clinton back in 2016, everything else was gravy. Not having the evil eye of Mordor washing over us every day was quite the blessing. Same is true of outgoing Vice President Kamala Harris. Sending her back to California, or wherever, is just the best news I’ve heard in well, four years. Everything after firing her in a landslide national vote likewise is gravy.