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Stevens Model 334 18839 243 Winchester

The current “cool” trend among rifle enthusiasts seems to be long-range disciplines. Especially for the PRS game, 6mm rifles rule. Those chamberings offer good downrange performance, the ability to buck the wind well, and to do so with recoil light enough to allow the shooters to spot their hits and misses. We talked to the folks at RCBS recently, and they confirmed the popularity of the likes of the 6 Dasher, 6 BR, 6 BRA, and 6 Creedmoor chamberings in their competition die sales. Interestingly, the most famous of all the 6mms, the 243 Winchester, is conspicuously absent from that list. At least, that is, until you look at their sales of hunting-class dies, and then the 243 is in the top ten.

Ruger American 6904 243 Winchester

The current “cool” trend among rifle enthusiasts seems to be long-range disciplines. Especially for the PRS game, 6mm rifles rule. Those chamberings offer good downrange performance, the ability to buck the wind well, and to do so with recoil light enough to allow the shooters to spot their hits and misses. We talked to the folks at RCBS recently, and they confirmed the popularity of the likes of the 6 Dasher, 6 BR, 6 BRA, and 6 Creedmoor chamberings in their competition die sales. Interestingly, the most famous of all the 6mms, the 243 Winchester, is conspicuously absent from that list. At least, that is, until you look at their sales of hunting-class dies, and then the 243 is in the top ten.

Download The Full February 2024 Issue PDF

  • Subcompact 9mms:  FN, SIG, Shadow Systems
  • N-Frame Revolvers
  • Hearing Protection

Shadow Systems CR920 Combat Subcompact 9mm Luger

Among the trends we have noted over the past decade is the replacement of the snubnose 38 Special revolver with the slim-line 9mm Luger pistol. Pistols such as the 9mm Smith & Wesson Shield and Glock 43 are the most popular pistols for concealed carry these days, but SIG took the platform even further with the SIG P365, a 10-shot 9mm with good reliability and practical accuracy. Other makers followed suit, including Smith & Wesson with the Shield Plus and Ruger with the Max 9. In this installment, we match up three comparable handguns, but each with different features. These makers have managed to stuff as many as 17 rounds into the magazine. Two offer a flush-fit magazine for pocket carry and an extended magazine for holster carry.

Sig Sauer P365 XMacro Tacops 365XCA-9-Tacops 9mm Luger

Among the trends we have noted over the past decade is the replacement of the snubnose 38 Special revolver with the slim-line 9mm Luger pistol. Pistols such as the 9mm Smith & Wesson Shield and Glock 43 are the most popular pistols for concealed carry these days, but SIG took the platform even further with the SIG P365, a 10-shot 9mm with good reliability and practical accuracy. Other makers followed suit, including Smith & Wesson with the Shield Plus and Ruger with the Max 9. In this installment, we match up three comparable handguns, but each with different features. These makers have managed to stuff as many as 17 rounds into the magazine. Two offer a flush-fit magazine for pocket carry and an extended magazine for holster carry.

FN America FN Reflex 66-101408 9mm Luger

Among the trends we have noted over the past decade is the replacement of the snubnose 38 Special revolver with the slim-line 9mm Luger pistol. Pistols such as the 9mm Smith & Wesson Shield and Glock 43 are the most popular pistols for concealed carry these days, but SIG took the platform even further with the SIG P365, a 10-shot 9mm with good reliability and practical accuracy. Other makers followed suit, including Smith & Wesson with the Shield Plus and Ruger with the Max 9. In this installment, we match up three comparable handguns, but each with different features. These makers have managed to stuff as many as 17 rounds into the magazine. Two offer a flush-fit magazine for pocket carry and an extended magazine for holster carry.

Smith & Wesson Model 27-9 No. 150341A 357 Magnum

Considering our readers’ interest in the 10mm cartridge in recent years, we weren’t too surprised to receive a request to cover the 41 Remington Magnum. With a tad more energy than the 10mm, the 41 Magnum essentially occupies the same space in the energy rankings as its 40-bore brother, but it does so in a rimmed case more suitable for a revolver. But while the 10mm has recovered from its “can’t get no respect” status, the 41 Magnum still suffers from mediocre sales, and we’re not sure why.

Hearing Protection: We Check Out Four Electronic Muffs and Buds

Gun Tests Reader John suggested a while back that we take a look at ear protection because he had an awful experience with a well-known electronic earmuff brand. Firearms produce sounds, sometimes very loud sounds that can permanently damage your hearing. How many times have you had to endure a buffeting muzzle device on the rifle in the next lane? Having the right shooting accessories can make a day at the range more enjoyable as well as protect your hearing.

Smith & Wesson Model 29-10 No. 150145 44 Remington Magnum

Considering our readers’ interest in the 10mm cartridge in recent years, we weren’t too surprised to receive a request to cover the 41 Remington Magnum. With a tad more energy than the 10mm, the 41 Magnum essentially occupies the same space in the energy rankings as its 40-bore brother, but it does so in a rimmed case more suitable for a revolver. But while the 10mm has recovered from its “can’t get no respect” status, the 41 Magnum still suffers from mediocre sales, and we’re not sure why.

Smith & Wesson Model 57-6 No. 150481 41 Remington Magnum

Considering our readers’ interest in the 10mm cartridge in recent years, we weren’t too surprised to receive a request to cover the 41 Remington Magnum. With a tad more energy than the 10mm, the 41 Magnum essentially occupies the same space in the energy rankings as its 40-bore brother, but it does so in a rimmed case more suitable for a revolver. But while the 10mm has recovered from its “can’t get no respect” status, the 41 Magnum still suffers from mediocre sales, and we’re not sure why.

What About the Retro Receivers?

Re “Four AR-15 Lower Receivers Assembled and Range Tested,” April 2022

Enjoyed the article on AR-15 lower receivers. In your discussion of the Brownells (Retro) BRN-601, you mentioned the BRN-180, but failed to mention the AR-18, AR-180, and AR-180B were all piston-driven, not direct impingement. Additionally, the AR-18 and 180 came with a folding stock and priority magazine. The AR-180B lower reviver and stock (non-folding) are one piece, made of a polymer material. And the magazine well was modified to accept standard AR-15 magazines. Keep up the good work. — James

Download The Full January 2024 Issue PDF

  • Downrange
  • What About Magazine Counts?
  • Three-Gun Shootout
  • Bolt Guns:  Bergara, Mossberg, Ruger, Savage
  • More 10MM's

Rebellion In The Lower Courts

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed the Protect Illinois Communities Act in January 2023, and it is among the nation’s worst gun-control laws. It bans...