Weapons of Choice: Savage Model A17

Savage has worked on a rifle that will properly fire the .17 HMR cartridge in a semi-automatic rifle for a little over two years. While the .17 HMR has been around in bolt-action rifles for some time, the modernized so-called 'varmint' ammunition has been an improved cartridge versus the .22 caliber magnum for small game hunting and 100-yard target practice. It is still economical, especially for those who have been using the .223 caliber (5.56mm) for small game hunting rather than using .22 magnum for small game hunting up to the size of boars.

Weapons of Choice: CMMG Mk47 AKM-Mutant

CMMG is offering an AR platform rifle that has the features of the AK-47, a hybrid: Mk47 Mutant.

While the idea of chambering an AR platform rifle with AK47 7.62x39mm rounds is not new CMMG has engineered a hybrid rifle that has the ease of takedown of an AR 15/M16 with a receiver designed for the 7.62x39mm cartridge that has more range/power than the 5.56mm/.223 caliber.

Weapons of Choice: MKA 1919

For those who like the M16/AR15 platform, Akdal Arms, a Turkish company is offering a gas operated, semi-automatic shotgun built on an AR frame. It is the MKA 1919. Like the AR, it is easy to maintain and the 19.7-inch barrel can be easily removed from the upper receiver. Charge the shotgun with the familiar charging handle on the receiver and fire with the look and feel of an AR series rifle.

Weapons of Choice: Anderson 'No Lube' Rifles

The M16/AR15 rifle platform has come a long way in configuration and Anderson Rifles, a 35-year-old toll-and-die manufacturer, has taken the platform to a new level: no lubrication required as the following video shows:

Weapons of Choice: Desert Eagle - Magnum Semi-Auto

DE .50 caliber in stainless steel

This gas operated, rotating bolt semi-auto pistol has become famous thanks to Hollywood and Magnum Research quality manufacturing.
The Desert Eagle series of pistols offers calibers from .50 caliber through the magnum line and even the .357 Mag.
Unlike the Coonan 1911 chambered for .357 Magnum, the Desert Eagle will not cycle .38 Special ammunition nor does it offer a recoil spring to do so. Magazine capacity is nine rounds. You can purchase replacement and upgrade parts directly from Magnum Research, including spare mags.

Weapons of Choice: Coonan M1911 Chambered in .357 Magnum

That's right, you read the title correctly - a .357 Mag semi-auto magazine fed pistol.
Revolvers chambered for .357 Magnum has been a favorite of those who cherish "wheel" guns, and get a bonus of being able to fire .38 Special ammunition, which is cheaper at the range.

Classic 5" barrel in stainless steel

Weapons of Choice: Taurus Curve

Taurus has come up with an innovative pistol in .380 ACP that is designed for conceal carry to fit the curve of the body in concealment – the Taurus Curve model. Featured at the 2015 SHOT Show in Las Vegas, it has a smooth curved grip-frame that gives it a space-age look and features an integrated LaserLyte LED Light and Laser combination system built in. It resembles the pistol models found in the Mass Effect futuristic role-playing game, for those familiar with the EA-Origin game series. 

Weapons of Choice: Benelli 828U Over and Under

Benelli 828U

Except for English shotguns, Benelli remains the premium among the best. Purchased by Beretta, the oldest firearm manufacturer and kept in the family; it has retained its excellent quality.

Featured at the 2015 SHOT Show was the Benelli 828U, an over/under smoothbore with a beautiful nickel receiver and the standard quality walnut stock. It also features floating barrels with adjustable drop and cast. If you like the nickel receiver, the MSRP is $2,999. The black-anodized receiver has an MSRP at $2,499. Custom engraving, of course, is extra.

After Action Report, 2015 SHOT Show: Glock Generation 4 Series with MOS

Glock 41 with MOS [Modular Optic System]

I am liking the new Glock “G” Models: G34 (9mm), G35 (.40 Cal), G41 (.45 ACP), and G40 (10mm Auto). It has the lines of a classic semi-auto and the quality of a Glock. The only thing I have had against Glock and similar “boxy” pistols was its shape. 

Beretta M9A3: US Army Rejects Evaluation of Service Pistol Replacement

M9A3

The US Army has declined to evaluate the new Beretta M9A3 as part of a contract of US military service pistols. The US Army has been using the Beretta M9 since 1985, but the service pistols are starting to show their age from such long service. Despite accepting an updated M9 to replace worn out pistols and the cost of maintenance has made the Army and the Pentagon to look for something more modern and more affordable. However, in the meantime, the Army has an open contract with Beretta to stock armories as necessary. Beretta wanted the contract to be extended and continued, so it developed the M9A3, which has several features the Army was looking for at a lower price per unit than the current contract.

Aimpoint: Is It The Right Choice for Quick Target Acquisition?

Aimpoint, a Swedish manufacturer, was the first to produce an electronic version of the iron sight system. It has continued to provide innovations in firearm optics and has expanded its catalog of quality optics introducing a new generation of compact model optics in the fall of 2014. It has also offered AR shooters optics that are tailored for their customized firearms. However, overall performance is what counts as the comparison video demonstrates at the end of this article.

The Micro T-2 Sight is an updated version of the Micro T-1. The Micro series was introduced in 2007 by Aimpoint making it a worldwide standard for compact reflex sights. 

Will US DOD Replace M9 Beretta, If So, With What?

Beretta M9

Despite that Beretta fixed the slide problem of the Beretta 9mm military service pistol with the Model 92-FS, it appears that the Department of Defense and US Army is looking to replace the Beretta M9 with something else after 25 years of service that replaced the Colt M1911 that served the US military for 75 years.

So, beginning in 2012, there has been a search for a possible replacement for the Beretta, which, by the way, is a great semi-automatic pistol in my opinion. I have admired the Beretta shotguns for years, the oldest firearm manufacturer in the world; especially interested in their new line of assault rifles (beyond their 9mm carbine) that is represented in the Model ARX 100 carbine that is so impressive.

Weapons of Choice: Colt M2012 and Armalite AR-30/AR-31

The Colt M2012 family of bolt-action rifles had two new models added to the line. The M2012MT308T is chambered for .308 Winchester, designed for long sessions at the range, as well as ruggedness and accuracy. It comes accurate out of the box even including the target it was tested on. Colt has teamed up with Cooper Firearms of Montana that is part of production of the M2012MT308T, M2012LT308G, and M2012LT260G. 

Weapons of Choice: Beretta Pico and Nano Semi-Automatic

The Beretta Pico, introduced in October 2014, is a new line of firearms the prestigious company offers that is the smallest conceal carry semi-automatic on the market, so far. It is only 18mm wide and is chambered for the .380 semi-auto cartridge. It has adjustable sights, a low-recoil mechanism and a tough finish that will last for decades with proper care. It weighs only 11.5 oz unloaded and is a double-action only pistol. Stainless steel and polymer constructed, it is easy to maintain and sweat resistant. 

Weapons of Choice: CMMG Ak47 Mutant

CMMG makes AR platform rifles in .22Lr (Mk4), 5.56mm (Mk4), .308 WIN (Mk3), 300BLK (Mk4), and 9mm (Mk9). Now there is the Mk47 in 7.62x39mm (Russian-AK ammo) it calls the “Mutant”. It is an AK47 platform with the modular ability of an AR-15, where you can upgrade the trigger, pistol grip, and stock.

Mk47-Mutant-T, click to enlarge

Weapons of Choice: Sig Sauer P320 - Another Addition to the Sig Sauer Line

SIG P320C

The Sig Sauer P320 is a no-nonsense striker-fired pistol that law officers have come to appreciate; even those who like the M1911 and Beretta 92-FS/92-G. Its features include:

• Striker Safety.

• Disconnect Safety.

• 3-point Take Down Safety System.

• Take-down cannot take place without removing the magazine.

• System prohibits take-down without slide locked to the rear.

• Rotation of take-down lever allows disassembly without tools or trigger manipulation.

Weapons of Choice: Beretta ARX

Beretta ARX-100

Third Generation Rifles are starting to escalate in popularity in the civilian market. The first generation of assault rifles originated in WWII that included the US M14, German G3, British LA1 and FN FAL. Included in that bunch as far as popularity goes, but not in assault rifle category, is the Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR) and the Thompson Carbine/submachinegun. Soviet Russia and communist bloc countries also introduced the SKS and AK-47 – most of the rifles, except BAR (30-06) and Thompson (.45ACP) are in 7.62mm. Some people like the Thompson carbine because it uses the same cartridges found in semiautomatic sidearms – making it practical. The same reason why those who like the firearms of the Old West have rifles chambered in .45 Long Colt and single action pistols in the same caliber.

Revolver or Semiautomatic?

The age-old argument between those who like revolvers and those who do not is probably just left alone. 

S&W MP .357 Magnum (can use .38 Special ammo)

However, I just wrote an article about bug-out bag systems and recommended the revolver; so I thought I would list the advantage revolvers have over the popular semiautomatic pistols …

While semiautomatic pistols are easier to reload and carry more ammunition at one time, revolvers allow more flexibility when it comes to ammunition; for example, .38 Special ammo will fire safely in .357 Magnum chambered revolvers. The cheaper .38 Special caliber is good for range target practice and the .357 caliber load can be kept in gun for home defense and in bug out situations.

Note: never fire .357 ammo in a handgun chambered for .38 Special!

Beretta: 500 Years of Family Tradition

Beretta Estates

One of the historical firearm manufacturers that I am enthusiastic about along with US manufactures like Smith & Wesson, Colt, Remington, Springfield Armory, Winchester, and Browning is Beretta. I also like the foreign manufacturer, now in the US – Taurus.

Beretta is a 500-year-old firearm manufacturer, which in itself is something. It has remained in business and kept its world-renowned reliability because of the company's traditional excellent quality and moving along with new innovations and designs that keeps it competitive with modern firearm manufacturers. 

AR Rifle: Comparison Between Piston-Driven and Gas Impingement Systems

Comparison between the gas impingement and piston-driven AR rifles ...

• Piston-driven firearms operate cleaner.
• Piston-driven firearms operate cooler.
• Piston-driven firearms are less accurate, generally, than gas impingement systems.
• Piston-driven firearms cost more.
• Suppressors work better with the gas impingement firearms, especially those with an adjustable gas block that allows control of the amount of gas directed back through the gas tube.
• Both systems are reliable.
• Parts for gas infringement system rifles are easier to find and less expensive.

Gun Digest photo