Building off its popular line of rifles, Fierce Firearms has developed updated models of the Rogue family. The updated models have lightweight designs, Fierce’s Dual-Lug action, and the updated lighter Rogue stocks.
Fierce Firearms has updated its Rogue line of popular bolt-action rifles. The updated rifles are available in the CT and Carbon Rogue models. (Photo credit; Fierce Firearms)
CT Rogue
The first in line to get the upgrade is the CT Rogue. According to Fierce Firearms, this is the most affordable, lightweight accurate rifle on the market. It features the 2-Lug titanium action that has a Cerakote finish, along with a Fierce C3 carbon barrel that has a .75 MOA accuracy guarantee. The CT Rogue also features QD flush cup mounts and an improved integral bi-pod rail with front access.
The CT Rogue is available in a myriad of calibers starting at .22 Creedmoor up through .300 PRC. The rifle has a starting weight of 5.4 pounds for the Short Action rifles and 5.7 pounds for the Long Action rifles. Pricing for the Fierce Firearms CT Rogue starts at $2,599 and goes up depending on which options are included.
Carbon Rogue
The Carbon Rogue rifle is being touted as the most affordable, lightweight accurate carbon barrel rifle, according to Fierce Firearms. The Carbon Rogue has a lot of the updated features that the CT Rogue also has, with the exception of the action. While the Carbon Rogue has the same Fierce 2-Lug action as the CT Rogue, the Carbon Rogue has a stainless steel action.
The Carbon Rogue also still has the hand lapped C3 Carbon barrel and carbon fiber Rogue stock. The lightweight and ergonomic design of the LR negative comb design keeps things sleek and easy to manage. The Carbon Rogue rifle has a starting price tag of $2,199.
A part of the updated line of Rogue rifles is the CT Mini and the Carbon Mini rifles which are specifically designed for youth and lady shooters. (Photo: Fierce Firearms)
CT Mini Rogue
With the model upgrades, Fierce Firearms created a smaller version of the popular rifles specifically designed for youth and lady shooters. The Mini version of the CT Rogue has all the same great features as the original CT Rogue with a minor adjustment. The length of pull has been reduced and it includes extra spacers for additional adjustments.
The CT Mini Rogue from Fierce Firearms is available in all the calibers as the CT Rogue rifles and comes with the CT Mini Rogue stock that is lightweight and streamlined. The CT Mini Rogue has a .75 MOA accuracy guarantee and a price starting at $2,950.Carbon Mini Rogue
Like the CT Mini Rogue counterpart, the Carbon Mini Rogue rifle was designed with the youth and lady shooters in mind. It has the reliable Fierce Dual-Lug action with the lightweight Mini-Rogue stock. The Carbon Mini Rogue has a shorter length of pull, just 12.75”, like the CT Mini Rogue, and has the adjustable comb that comes stock on the rifle.
The Fierce Firearms Carbon Mini Rogue features the improved integral bipod rail, adjustable Bix’N Andy Dakota adjustable trigger, and QD flush cup mounts, just like the rest of the updated Rogue firearms. The Carbon Mini Rogue has a base price of $2,550.
Ethical hunting requires carefully-placed shots with the end goal of making a one-shot kill. In order to accomplish that, hunters need quality, precise rifles. Not only must those rifles be designed for the rigors of the hunt but they must be lightweight, reliable, and rugged. Bergara’s HMR (Hunt/Match Rifle) Carbon Wilderness does all that, and more, thanks to the company’s dedication to producing superior firearms. The proof is in the hunting results. This is a feature-packed rifle made to exacting specifications, and it’s well worth considering as the next addition to your gun collection.
The Bergara HMR Carbon Wilderness rifle is made for serious hunters who require precision from their firearms. (Photo: Bergara)
Bergara states their HMR rifles have garnered global respect and recognition, and that the platform is perhaps their most popular. This rifle is specifically designed to deliver stunning precision and the ability to withstand whatever the elements throw at it, and it does it with style. It was made with an eye for accuracy and ergonomics, all at a lighter weight than many similar rifles. The Bergara HMR Carbon Wilderness is a bolt-action rifle that is part of the B-14 Wilderness Series and is offered in a variety of calibers, including 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 308 Win, and 300 Win Mag.
The rifle has a detachable AICS box magazine. (Photo: Bergara)
The carbon barrel of the HMR Carbon Wilderness is a No. 6 carbon fiber with stainless steel, so it’s mechanically and thermodynamically strong. It’s offered in either 20 inches, 22 inches, or 24 inches, with length depending on caliber choice. The muzzle of the barrel is threaded 5/8-24 and has an Omni muzzle brake.
Bergara’s Wilderness Series rifles feature the gun maker’s glass-rod smooth B-14 Action with a Sniper Grey Cerakote finish for protection from the elements and general wear and tear. The action in question is a two-lug system with a sliding plate extractor and a coned bolt nose and breech for reliable feeding and extraction.
This rugged rifle comes with a sub-MOA guarantee. (Photo: Bergara)
Features of the Bergara HMR Carbon Wilderness include:
Ships with a 5-round AICS magazine (guns chambered in 6.5 PRC ship with a 3-round magazine).
6.5 Creedmoor and 6.5 PRC barrels have a 1-in-8 twist rate.
308 Winchester and 300 Win Mag barrels have a 1-in-10 twist rate.
Overall length between 40 and 42 inches, depending on caliber.
Empty weight is between 7.5 and 8.3 pounds, depending on the caliber.
5/8-24 threaded muzzle with Omni muzzle brake, although it’s being threaded means it’s possible to run with a suppressor.
Bergara HMR molded stock with mini chassis.
Sub-MOA guarantee, provided the shooter brings the skills.
Stock finish designed to blend into outdoor terrain to reduce the risk of scaring off game.
Sling and bipod attachment points.
Drilled and tapped for easy addition of an aftermarket optic.
Two-position safety that’s part of the trigger; gun can be unloaded while on safe.
Adjustable cheek riser so it can be fit to the shooter.
Hardcore hunters require an equally hardcore rifle. (Photo: Bergara)
MSRP for the Bergara HMR Carbon Wilderness starts at $1850.00.
When you’re shooting long-range or out hunting big game, your ammunition matters. Your load of choice must be reliable, consistent, and accurate. The Federal Premium centerfire fire ammunition line is designed to not only meet but exceed the needs of marksmen and outdoorsmen. Two new products from the company’s family of ammunition stand out for long-range and hunting: Gold Medal CenterStrike and ELD-X. Each load is made to perform to the highest standards and is offered in a variety of calibers.
Federal Premium ammunition is available for long-range and hunting applications. (Photo credit: Federal Premium)
Features of Federal Premium Gold Medal CenterStrike:
Precision-built OTM bullet design to deliver superior ballistics and greater precision.
High ballistic coefficient design for greater wind resistance.
Created to adhere to the company’s highest standards for accuracy, pressure, and velocity.
Gold Medal primers for reliable ignition.
New brass can be reloaded.
Specially formulated propellant to ensure excellent and consistent performance.
Federal created Gold Medal CenterStrike specifically for long-range shooters and competitors. The round’s proprietary open-tip match bullet has a sleek profile that does more than look good; this bullet design delivers stellar ballistics. This load is held to a high standard for exacting specifications for superior long-range performance. Federal produces Gold Medal CenterStrike in 308 Win., 6.5 Creedmoor, and 223 Rem.
Gold Medal CenterStrike is available in a variety of calibers including 308 Winchester and 6.5 Creedmoor. (Photo credit: Federal Premium)
Features of Federal Premium ELD-X:
Aerodynamic secant ogive for a higher ballistic coefficient and reduced wind-related drag
Polymer tip resists deformation and initiates expansion for consistent results and impressive wound channels
Specially formulated propellant for reliable performance
Nickel-plated brass for greater visibility in low light and resistance to corrosion
Robust jacket shank for better overall results on target
Extremely high ballistic coefficient which translates to a flatter trajectory and improved accuarcy
Concentric and consistent copper jacket for superior weight retention and for less barrel fouling with live fire
Optimized boat-tail for stability, accuracy, and a higher ballistic coefficient
As for the company’s ELD-X hunting load, it’s produced using the well-known bullets of the same name. These bullets are known for being match-accurate and hard-hitting, providing both fantastic ballistics and also devastating wound channels. Federal’s ELD-X has a high ballistic coefficient and is made for effective expansion at a broad range of velocities.
Federal’s ELD-X hunting load features the proven bullet of the same name. (Photo credit: Federal Premium)
Federal is now loading this proven bullet in nine different centerfire cartridge options, so odds are they have one to meet your hunting needs. Available calibers range from 243 Winchester to 300 Winchester Magnum. These hunting loads are produced using the company’s own factory-made components and strict adherence to quality control standards.
A closer look at the Hornady ELD-X bullet which is used in Federal’s ELD-X hunting load. (Photo credit: Hornady)
What calibers would you like to see this ammunition produced in? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
MSRP for Federal Premium Gold Medal CenterStrike and ELD-X depends on caliber and quantity.
Kat Ainsworth Stevens is a long-time outdoor writer, official OGC (Original Gun Cognoscenti), and author of Handgun Hunting: a Comprehensive Guide to Choosing and Using the Right Firearms for Big and Small Game. Der Teufel Katze has written for a number of industry publications (print and online) and edited some of the others, so chances are you’ve seen or read her work before, somewhere. A woman of eclectic background and habits, Kat has been carrying concealed for over two decades, used to be a farrier, and worked for a long time in emergency veterinary medicine. She prefers big bores, enjoys K9 Search & Rescue, and has a Master’s Degree in Pitiless Snarkastic Delivery.
Magpul is announcing its new products for 2023 and they started out with storage and transport solutions you’ll want to see. Hard case users have long lamented the supplied inserts, so Magpul has finally applied its touch to the subject by expanding its DAKA line to include hard cases and GRID organizer inserts.
The DAKA hard cases are designed to address many of the issues that users experienced with typical hard cases, giving the market a stronger, more reliable option. The DAKA GRID inserts are drop-in replacements for foam inserts that allow the user to customize the interior of their case.
Magpul DAKA Hard Case
The hard case is constructed from injected molding that uses gas-charged polypropylene. This material helps reduce the weight while giving the case better strength capabilities and enhancing the overall integrity when compared to other hard cases. Plus, the case also has extra storage space in the double-walled corner pockets, adding impact resistance and a place to put smaller items inside the case.
The DAKA hard case is available in three sizes and comes with an intuitive DAKA Organizer system. The case is a huge step forward for hard cases and addresses many of the issues that folks have with other cases on the market. (Photo credit: Magpul)
The latch design is another step forward with large, easily operated push-button releases. When pressed, the latch opens and remains in the open position so it can be used as a handle as well. The latch can be closed with a simple downward motion anywhere on the latch body complete with a click that is easily heard. Also on the latches are standard lock pass-through holes that keep the case shut when locked. Magpul took it one step further by creating a lock recess that will house the lock, with the aid of a zip tie, to keep the lock secure and away from snag points.
The DAKA hard case is available in three different-sized models and will accept most shotguns and long rifles. The DAKA hard cases start around $300 and go up to $369 for the biggest case with the GRID organizer included.
DAKA GRID Inserts
The DAKA inserts for the hard case are another push forward in firearm storage. The GRID insert replaces foam inserts in one swoop, even working in Pelican V800 and V730 cases. This drop-in GRIP and block make it so the end user can fully customize the interior of their case to fit whatever needs they have that day.
The GRID Organizer system from Magpul is a bit like playing with grown-up Legos with organization inside a hard case. The pieces are completely adjustable and won’t wear down like the foam inserts. (Photo credit: Magpul)
The Expanded Polypropylene Panels (EPP) of the GRID organizer fit securely together to allow the user to customize the interior to organize, brace, and secure rifles, optics, ammunition, and other accessories or gear. The GRID is adjustable, meaning the user can change the interior from one moment to the next, depending on what they are carrying which doesn’t require any tools for changing it up.
Magpul has expanded its DAKA line-up to include a hard case and GRID organizer, all made in the USA. GRID Organizer is shown inside a Pelican case. (Photo credit: Magpul)
Unlike traditional foam inserts, the GRID allows the user to reuse the inserts time and again without any permanent damage or changes. The EPP is resistant to chemical intrusion and damage so cleaning the interior, should the need arise, is simple. The best part is the DAKA GRID doesn’t degrade like foam and will keep the user’s gear safe and secure time after time.
The DAKA GRID organizer is available for the two Pelican models in addition to extra GRID blocks for purchase as a stand-alone, with more designs on the way.
Serious outdoorsmen require serious rifles. The guns used while trekking the wilderness must be reliable, durable, and accurate, and it’s helpful if they’re also lightweight. To accomplish these things and more, Bergara created the Wilderness Ridge Carbon rifle. This rifle is made for the outdoors and designed to not only meet but surpass the needs of outdoorsmen everywhere. Chambered in calibers capable of taking a wide range of game, the Bergara Wilderness Ridge Carbon does it all.
The Bergara Wilderness Ridge Carbon rifle is designed to deliver stellar precision in a lighter platform. (Photo credit: Bergara)
According to Bergara, the Wilderness Ridge Carbon was made to embody pure performance with features useful for real-world applications. That includes details like fluted bolts, specialized coatings, and stock options created to stand up to the rugged and unforgiving wilderness. And thanks to the rifle’s finish, it does these things while seamlessly blending into its outdoor surroundings.
The gun features a proprietary blend carbon fiber barrel. (Photo credit: Bergara)
The rifle has a No. 6 carbon fiber barrel with 410 stainless that’s equipped with a threaded 5/8-24 Omni muzzle brake. Of course, because it is threaded, it’s also simple to mount a suppressor to it. The barrel is available in either 20, 22, or 24 inches, depending on what caliber the shooter selects. The Ridge Carbon Wilderness boasts a variety of features included to simplify your hunt and make it a success. This includes Bergara’s B-14 action, which has a spring-loaded ejector, side-mounted bolt stop, and a fluted 4140 Chromoly steel one-piece-bolt body. The action itself is finished in a Sniper Gray Cerakote for resistance to wear and to reduce potential glare. This rifle also has a hinged floor plate.
This rifle has a B-14 Action with a Sniper Grey Cerakote finish for advanced protection from the elements. (Photo credit: Bergara)
Other features of the Wilderness Ridge Carbon rifle include a side-mounted bolt stop and 90-degree bolt throw angle, both of which are meant to facilitate smooth cycling and ease of operation. The gun has a two-position safety and the rifle can be unloaded while the safety is engaged. An American-style synthetic stock with a SoftTouch finish provides comfort while shooting and has great aesthetic appeal as well.
The Wilderness Carbon Ridge does have a sub-moa guarantee; you bring the skills, and the gun will do the rest. Bergara produces this rifle chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 308 Win, and 300 Win Mag. It has an empty weight of 6.4 pounds.
The bolt of the rifle is designed for smooth, reliable cycling. (Photo credit: Bergara)
Features of the Bergara Wilderness Ridge Carbon rifle include:
Barrel length of 20-, 22-, or 24-inches depending on caliber.
Carbon fiber barrel for lighter weight and superior overall performance.
Synthetic stock with SoftTouch finish for a more comfortable live fire experience.
When it comes to keeping your firearm clean, you do not need a kitchen sink’s worth of tools and chemicals. A universal gun cleaning kit, a cased set with jags, brushes, and rods for different calibers, might be the ultimate setup if you have a number of different firearms. But they can be expensive and full of items you may not use. A good bronze brush, cotton patches, and appropriate oils and solvents can solve just about any cleaning task. Perhaps the most important step to proper cleaning is getting down the bore. For this, there are usually two options: a cleaning rope or a cleaning rod. Both have advantages and disadvantages, yet both are worth having.
The Cleaning Rod
It is easy to get out of control with cleaning accessories. This set will clean muzzleloaders from .32 to .75 caliber. But I only own a .54!
When it comes to a universal gun cleaning kit, you are going to get a few different cleaning rods. The cleaning rod is just that—a rod that you use for cleaning that is shoved down the bore. Specifically, they are typically made of soft brass or aluminum. Some, like the Tipton, are made of carbon fiber. Some are single pieces while others are threaded sections fastened together to the desired length. Both are female threaded for male cleaning accessories such as bore mops, bore brushes, and jags.
A few passes with a bore mop or bore brush dipped in solvent can dislodge hard fouling like lead and copper buildup. After which, you can fit the rod with the jag. The jag will hold a solvent-dipped or dry patch that you can run through the bore to finish the cleanup. You know you have a clean bore when your patches come out light grey or white. A follow-up using a lightly oiled patch finishes the cleaning job and helps to insulate the barrel from rust.
A brass cleaning rod set with an accompanying handle, brushes, and jags. This compact setup comes out of a caliber-specific gun cleaning kit. Multiple rods for multiple long gun calibers found in some universal kits can be tricky to store.
Pros
Fast when assembled. While not as quick to use as a cleaning rope, when the cleaning rod is assembled and threaded to a brush or jag, it is a uniquely stable platform that can make quick work of stubborn fouling. A brush or patched jag can be run at both the muzzle and breech end for double the passes.
Easy to check your progress. Because you have to change cleaning patches as you go, you can determine just how much cleaning remains.
Cons
Bulky. A disassembled rod and accouterments will take up more space, particularly if you need one to clean a full-length rifle or shotgun.
May damage some bores. Some shooters will not use a cleaning rod for fear that the rod will rub and damage the rifling of the bore. Others will not use soft aluminum rods because aluminum corrodes like steel rusts and the aluminum oxide, an ingredient in sandpaper, might sand the bore. Some play it safe by using softer, rustproof brass rods. Truthfully, you are probably more likely to shoot out a barrel than damage it with a rod. I have never incurred such damage. On the other hand, damage is a bit more likely if you run a benchrest gun that gets more cleaning in a month than what an ordinary hunting rifle might get in ten years.
The Cleaning Rope
A cleaning rope, like this Hoppe’s No. 9 BoreSnake, takes up very little room but you are limited to bore cleaning only.
A cleaning rope can go by many different names, but Hoppe’s BoreSnake is the original and the name has been used to describe similar products. A typical cleaning rope is a few inches longer than a given barrel length and has large and small ends. The large end is the cleaning surface. The small end is usually weighted to easily drop down the bore. After applying solvent or oil to the large end, funnel the small end down the bore to the other end. When the small end comes out, grab it and pull the rope through the bore. Repeat as desired.
Some cleaning ropes will substitute a large woven end for a threaded end to use with brushes and jags like a cleaning rod. Avid’s Bore Boss has a bronze bore brush on top of the large mop end. The original BoreSnake has a bore brush embedded inside the rope.
Pros
One step use. With a cleaning rope, all that is required to clean the bore is to run the weighted end down the bore and pull it out from the other side.
Ease of storage. Cleaning ropes can be rolled into a small bundle that makes them effortless to carry when you are on the go.
Cons
Must be laundered. Sooner or later, the cleaning rope will have to be cleaned as it acts like a bore brush combined with a long patch. The entire unit has to be laundered.
No shortcuts. Where a cleaning rod’s jag can be refitted for patches at both ends of the muzzle, you have to repeat threading the rope down bore for each pass.
Hard to read. When a white cleaning patch comes grey off a jab, it is easy to tell that you need to continue cleaning. Ropes are usually colored, which can hide how clean or unclean the bore is.
Where Both Meet
A gun cleaning kit with rods or a cleaning rope? Why not both?
If you have multiple firearms in different calibers, or you conceive the possibility that you might, it is probably worth the investment to buy a universal cleaning kit —even if you won’t use some of the rods, mops, and jags right away.
Cleaning ropes are minimalist by comparison. It is just a bristled rope and you can buy multiples for different calibers. It is an excellent way to clean the chamber and bore of your firearm and they are infinitely easier to store. I keep a 22 caliber BoreSnake in my range bag and hunting kit since most of my firearms have a .22-inch bore. If I am ever experiencing issues with a given gun, I have that rope as part of that kit. After a few passes, I can be back in action with a bore that is fairly clean.
For more detailed work, I prefer to use the rods and brushes I leave at home. You might have different prerogatives. I ran into more than a few outdoorsmen over the years that simply take a rope to the bore of their rifle without touching the action. That is fine for your average hunting rifle or shotgun, but not enough if you shoot revolvers and semi-auto pistols. A full disassembly is needed every once and a while; it is here that a kit with rods and brushes shines. On the other hand, it is hard to beat the field-expedient rope when you are on the go. For that reason, it is a good plan to get your hands on both.
FN America, LLC, banking on the popularity of the FN 509 Tactical, has upgraded its offerings in the Tactical line to include a 10mm option as well as a .45 ACP option. The FN 510 and the FN 545 pistols have threaded barrels for muzzle devices, optic cuts for red dots, and suppressor-height night sights.
The FN 510 Tactical pistol is a part of the upgraded Tactical line of pistols from FN America. Chambered in 10mm, a popular defense round, the pistol has the same styling as the 509 Series pistols and two magazines from the factory. (Photo credit: FN America)
The two pistols carry the industry-first capacity, according to FN, with standard 15-round and 22+1-round magazines for the FN 510 Tactical and 18+1-round extended magazines for the FN 545. These pistols are chambered in two very popular full-bore personal defense calibers, but the packages are not much larger than the original FN 509 pistol, making them easy to conceal and comfortable to shoot.
“There has been significant interest from FN owners in pistols chambered in big bore calibers over the last several years,” said Chris Cole, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for FN America, LLC. “We are excited to announce the release of the FN 510 Tactical and 545 Tactical pistols, chambered in 10mm and.45 ACP, that advance our flagship striker-fired line of pistols and complement our FNX-45 Tactical and FN 509 Tactical.”
True to FN 509 family’s styling, these additions have enhanced grip texturing, changeable backstraps, and slide serrations. Both heavy-duty defensive pistols weigh just over 30 ounces (32 and 31 ounces respectively) and feature a double-action system with a roughly 6-lb trigger pull weight.
“We pioneered the Tactical feature set in the FNX-45 and FN 509 Tactical pistols, introducing the industry’s first pistol that shipped from the factory with a threaded barrel, optics mount and extended capacity, and until now, the FNX-45 Tactical had the highest capacity of any .45 ACP pistol available from the factory,” said Chris Johnson, Senior Product Manager, Pistols, for FN America, LLC. “This expansion into new, big bore calibers has been a long time in the making and we are excited to offer these pistols with this unprecedented capacity – 18+1 in the FN 545 Tactical and 22+1 in the FN 510 Tactical – along with the features our customers seek in an FN Tactical pistol.”
The other updated member of the Tactical series pistols is the FN 545 Tactical Series. This pistol is chambered in .45 ACP and has suppressor-height sights with tritium inserts. Weighing just 31 ounces, the pistol is a solid contender as a concealed carry weapon. (Photo: FN America)
The FN 510 Series as well as the FN 545 Series pistols come with the patented Low-Profile Optics Mounting System that is compatible with every major optics footprint, meaning end users can use almost any red dot optic on the market for their pistol. Additionally, the pistols boast suppressor-height sights with tritium inserts, giving the pistols viable backup sights.
Both pistols feature 4.7-inch cold hammer-forged barrels that have been threaded 0.578”x28 that are compatible with most all muzzle devices or suppressors. Available in either black or flat dark earth (FDE) and come with two magazines (15-round and 22+1 for the FN 510, and 18+1 for the FN 545). The FN 510 Tactical and the FN 545 Tactical pistol have an MSRP of $1,139.
There is a multitude of potential training guns out there, but those chambered in 22 LR often find favor among instructors and moms and dads. After all, 22 LR is a truly soft-shooting round that produces little-to-no felt recoil and hardly any muzzle rise, making it ideal for teaching new and young shooters alike. With the TaurusTX 22 Compact, the gun maker is making the 22 LR available in a smaller handgun platform that is a stellar fit for smaller hands and offers many benefits, including high concealability.
The TaurusTX 22 Compact is chambered in 22LR and designed to be easier to conceal and also as a better fit for smaller hands. (Photo: Taurus)
Taurus states that the TaurusTX 22 Compact delivers class-leading reliability, capacity, and shootability, all in a compact 22 LR platform. The TaurusTX 22 Compact is the smaller version of the popular TaurusTX 22, a full-sized handgun. This compact model is meant to be used for everything from plinking to teaching new shooters, and more.
The gun is optics-ready and boasts a variety of shooter-friendly features. (Photo: Taurus)
This gun offers 13 rounds in a staggered column magazine for excellent capacity without being overwhelmingly large. This pairs well with the Taurus Performance Trigger System which the manufacturer claims is “excellent” and designed for fast, accurate shots. Accuracy is further enhanced by the fact that this pistol is optics-ready right out of the box, making it possible for shooters to use the red dot sight of their choice right out of the box. The footprint is compatible with Shield RMSc and Holosun K optics.
The pistol is shown here with a Riton red dot sight. (Photo: Taurus)
Features of the TaurusTX 22 Compact include:
22 LR chambering.
13 +1 capacity.
Compact size, making it easier to conceal and more comfortable to shoot for those with smaller hands.
3.60-inch barrel length.
3.90 overall height.
16.5-ounce empty weight, so it’s light enough to be comfortable in a holster and for weaker arms to hold up for longer periods of live fire.
Twist rate of 1 in 10 with six grooves for stabilizing 22 LR more effectively.
6.7-inch overall length, so it’s truly compact.
Black finish to reduce glare.
Angled forward and rearward slide serrations for easier racking of the slide.
Optics ready, which means it’s easy to add an aftermarket red dot sight.
Manual external safety for an added layer of safety for shooters and concealed carriers.
Striker-fired for reliable cycling and ignition.
Other safety features include striker block and trigger safeties.
Textured grip to improve hold during live fire even with wet hands.
Polymer frame, making the gun durable, resistant to wear and tear, and lighter weight.
Flat-shooting with minimal felt recoil thanks to small caliber.
Easier to rapidly acquire target and deliver follow-up shots thanks to chambering and size.
Versatile platform for plinking, training, shooting predators and varmints, and close-range self-defense.
A 13 +1 capacity gives you plenty of rounds to shoot without being so excessive as to cause the gun to be heavier. (Photo: Taurus)
MSRP for the TaurusTX 22 Compact is set at $469.99.
Kat Ainsworth Stevens is a long-time outdoor writer, official OGC (Original Gun Cognoscenti), and author of Handgun Hunting: a Comprehensive Guide to Choosing and Using the Right Firearms for Big and Small Game. Der Teufel Katze has written for a number of industry publications (print and online) and edited some of the others, so chances are you’ve seen or read her work before, somewhere. A woman of eclectic background and habits, Kat has been carrying concealed for over two decades, used to be a farrier, and worked for a long time in emergency veterinary medicine. She prefers big bores, enjoys K9 Search & Rescue, and has a Master’s Degree in Pitiless Snarkastic Delivery.
Retention is important, whether you’re in law enforcement or carry for personal defense reasons. Not all holsters provide the same types and degrees of retention, either, which is why it’s important to do some research to ensure you’re getting the best possible design for your needs. The Comp-Tac CT3 Level III Duty Holster for the Glock 48 is specifically designed to deliver greater levels of retention than most standard holsters and is also made to be durable and long-lasting. This holster is made for serious duty, and it’s available for the Glock 48.
The Comp-Tac CT3 Level III Duty Holster is designed for the Glock 48, a popular defensive pistol. (Photo: Comp-Tac)
Comp-Tac states that this retention holster was created with law enforcement in mind. This is a well-made, durable holster made to give a reliable option for duty carry to those who spend their days and nights out protecting the streets. It’s for everyone from night-shift officers to Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) operators, and it’s useful for any gun owner seeking a high level of retention. The CT3 from Comp-Tac is a level III holster that utilizes friction, an automatic ejection port lock, and a hood, all of which must be deactivated for the weapon to be drawn. A two-year design process was required to design this holster, and according to the manufacturer, it meets most requirements set by law enforcement agencies for duty weapons.
The holster is offered for a variety of Glocks and provides three levels of retention. (Photo: Comp-Tac)
The CT3 Level III Duty Holster is made so the user must have a full firing grip before drawing their firearm. This feature, in combination with the autolocking ejection port lock and the intuitive self-activated hood system, makes this both an effective and quick-draw level III holster. The Comp-Tac CT3 was designed in a collaborative effort with members of law enforcement. The holster offers a variety of mounting options and is meant to cater to those who might want to choose between a traditional on-the-waistband mount or an integrated drop offset.
A variety of accessories are also offered for the CT3 including the Comp-Tac Mid-Ride Belt Mount and the QLS Adaptor Plate. The plate can be used to mount the CT3 to different systems. These options were designed for officers with multiple duties, including Patrol or SWAT.
A variety of mounting options are available for the CT3. (Photo credit: Comp-Tac)
Truett Whitt, sales manager at Comp-Tac Holsters, said, “We are proud to announce the first Level III duty holster for the Glock 48. This firearm is a new product option with a multitude of uses. Law Enforcement Officers are choosing this firearm as it provides comfort and confidence in use. Aside from our CT3 Level III holster being a great option for duty carry with this firearm, we’re also catering to the concealed carry market by offering a wide range of other holsters for this gun.”
The Comp-Tac Spartan holster is also available for the Glock 48. (Photo: Comp-Tac)
Other holsters available for the Glock 48 from Comp-Tac include:
MSRP for the Comp-Tac CT3 Level III Duty Holster starts at $150.00. MSRP for other holsters depends on the model and specific features selected.
Having the correct ammunition for the task at hand is important, and that’s something the team at Federal Premium understands. The renowned ammo maker designs and produces a full line of ammunition for everything from training to self-defense to hunting. Perhaps some of their most popular loads are related to handguns, and whether you’re in the market for a classic like 9mm or something newer, like 30 Super Carry, Federal has you covered.
Federal Premium offers a full line of ammunition for training and defensive applications. (Photo: Federal Premium)
Federal engineers designed both Punch ammunition and the new 30 Super Carry cartridge to be ideal for self-defense applications. The Punch line is known to be a reliable defensive load capable of fantastic accuracy and producing substantial wound cavities, and 30 Super Carry has come on the scene as a solid defensive caliber. These two products together deliver a load that’s easier to shoot accurately and effective on target. This makes Punch 30 Super Carry a fantastic option for defensive shooters.
The company’s Gold Medal Action Pistol ammunition is designed to help shooters compete at the highest level; this ammo line is specifically made for action shooting sports. It’s available in 9x19mm Luger and 40 Smith & Wesson and delivers accuracy and consistency that far outdoes Federal’s original Gold Medal line. And, of course, it’s loaded to power-factor requirements. Thanks to a fully encapsulated FMJ bullet and Catalyst lead-free primer, this ammunition also shoots more cleanly.
On the training side, Federal has Train + Protect in 10mm Auto. The company states this is a full-power offering that features their VHP bullet for precise performance at the range and consistent expansion on impact.
Federal’s Gold Medal Action is designed to outperform the original line. (Photo: Federal Premium)
Features of Gold Medal Action Pistol 9mm:
Designed for incredible accuracy.
Fully encapsulated FMJ, meaning cleaner shooting.
Flatter nose bullet delivers more reliable knockdowns on reactive targets.
Loaded to meet power factor requirements.
Catalyst high-performance lead-free primer for less fouling and lead exposure.
Federal brass and specially formulated propellant for superior overall performance.
Loaded according to stringent accuracy specifications.
Federal Premium Punch in 30 Super Carry is a great option for those who concealed carry. (Photo credit: Federal Premium)
Features of Punch 30 Super Carry:
Jacketed hollow-point bullet design for an ideal combination of effective penetration and consistent expansion.
Skived jacket and soft lead core also facilitate expansion.
Made specifically for self-defense applications.
Quality brass case with primer seal for reliable performance and ignition.
Federal Premium Train and Protect 10mm Auto is a full-power load. (Photo credit: Federal Premium)
Features of Train and Protect 10mm:
VHP (Versatile Hollow Point) bullet based on Federal’s trusted hollow point design
New brass case is reloadable.
Reliable primer for consistent ignition.
Loaded to produce superior performance on the range and in defensive situations.
Whether you compete, carry for defensive purposes, or spend significant time training, Federal Premium has you covered. Visit their website to check out their complete line of ammunition.
What’s your favorite Federal ammo? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section.
