When you think of great gun movies, you probably don’t immediately jump to the 2010 movie “Killers.” After all, it’s both a comedy and a somewhat unlikely cast for running guns (except for Tom Selleck). It stars Ashton Kutcher and Katherine Heigl, who play a newlywed couple where one of them tries and fails to conceal their past as a professional assassin.
In the 2010 movie Killers, Ashton Kutcher plays a former professional assassin who tries to hide his past from his new wife. (Photo credit: imfdb.org)
Spoiler alert, the assassin was Kutcher. Anyway, the movie does include a nice selection of firepower, and that’s what we’re here to talk about. Here are our top five picks for guns of “Killers.”
Magnum Research Mark VII Desert Eagle
Actress Katherine Heigl wields her main weapon in “Killers.” The Magnum Research Mark VII Desert Eagle in 50 AE is an interesting choice for a movie about an assassin. (Photo credit: imfdb.org)
Although it might be a bit unlikely an assassin would stash a Desert Eagle for later use, that’s exactly what Ashton Kutcher’s character did in “Killers.” And when it became necessary, he handed it off to his wife, played by Katherine Heigl. The Magnum Research Mark VII Desert Eagle would be Heigl’s main weapon for the duration of the film. She used it about as well as expected given her character, and did things like accidentally dropping the magazine out of the gun during a particularly tense moment.
Is a massive handgun in 50 AE realistic for this? Maybe not, but it’s a movie.
The Mark VII Desert Eagle is, of course, chambered in what was most likely 50 AE. This model was the original 50 AE from the company and it wasn’t until they decided to change the components of the 357 Magnum and 44 Magnum guns that Magnum Research came up with the Mark XIX for 50 AE. It’s a gas-operated pistol with a 7 +1 capacity and some serious heft. It weighs around 72 ounces, empty, which does help mitigate felt recoil and muzzle rise. You have to admit it’s an intimidating-looking gun on the silver screen.
Glock 21
Actor Ashton Kutcher’s main handgun in the movie was a Glock 21. The Glock 21 is a less surprising movie choice although the fact that it’s a 21 rather than a 17 is somewhat unique. (Photo credit: ammo for sale)
No movie is complete without a Glock, but most movies seem to tend toward including a G17, their popular 9mm model. In “Killers,” they instead chose the G21, which is chambered in 45 ACP. They might have given Heigl a bulky Desert Eagle as her main handgun, but Kutcher got a plastic fantastic Glock.
Throughout the movie, the G21 is used for everything from interrogation to car chases to the usual action of it being taken away by the bad guys and used against the good guys. Oh, and Kutcher uses it to threaten Heigl’s dad at the end (played by Tom Selleck).
The G21 is a full-sized pistol with a capacity of 13 +1. Because it’s a 45 ACP, it’s a little heavier when loaded, but even that’s only around 38 ounces (the Desert Eagle is far heavier). Glocks are understandably popular for their durability and price point, but they really do tend to shoot well, too. We’d be interested to hear what you think about the caliber choice for the movie, though.
Colt M4A1
Yes, an assassin out to get former-assassin Ashton Kutcher uses a Colt M4A1 in the movie. Complete with a carry handle. (Photo credit: imfdb.org)
Yes, apparently if an international assassin wants to take out a former assassin, they use out-of-date firearms. In this case, it’s the Colt M4A1, and while the AR platform itself is certainly not outdated, the M4A1 version is questionable. From its old-fashioned iron sights to its carry handle, this is not quite what you’d expect an assassin to use.
In the movie, the gun is wielded by actor Kevin Sussman who is attempting to carry out a hit on Kutcher so he can collect the money for it. Of course, he ultimately fails, and we like to think maybe it’s because he didn’t use a tricked-out modern version. Just saying.
We all know the M4 has been around for a while. It’s a full-auto capable gun used by the military, which is probably why it was chosen for the movie. The M4A1 variant was designed in the early 2000s and began seeing use by the United States Military in 2010. This is where we get into a classic versus modern (civilian, no-stamps, no-full-auto) platform debate. What do you guys think?
Heckler and Koch UMP45
The Heckler and Koch UMP45 makes an appearance when yet another assassin takes a shot at carrying out a hit against Kutcher. Dressed as a courier, the would-be killer leaps from a van wielding the UMP45. Does he succeed? No, and Kutcher takes his gun for later use. This is a relief because it’s always frustrating when perfectly good guns and ammo are ignored by the main characters.
Kutcher and Heigl in the aftermath of a firefight with their guns. (Photo credit: imfdb.org)
This is a submachine gun that went into production in 1999, meaning your average guy can’t own one, not even with a stamp. It was actually used by the 5th Special Forces Group against insurgents in Iraq but hasn’t seen extensive use. It’s a blowback-operated, mag-fed gun that has a cyclic rate of around 600 rounds per minute. It’s a fun gun, and we just wish we could get our hands on one (legally). There are other chamberings out there and even a semi-auto version in 9mm.
Benelli M4
Calling shotgun got tactical in “Killers,” and also showed how this particular shotgun is a dual-purpose weapon (or so Hollywood thinks). In one scene, Kutcher basically uses the Benelli M4 as a makeshift pull-up bar in a closet. Could it work? Yes. Would we want to hang our weight from a shotgun? Not particularly. What if we hurt it?
The Benelli M4 is a well-made shotgun that sees some serious tactical use in “Killers.” (Photo credit: imfdb.org)
The Benelli M4 is, as you can see, a shotgun of tactical design. It’s a piston-driven, auto-regulating, gas-operated system that was first designed for the United States Marine Corp. So, of course, it’s a 12 gauge. It’s drilled and tapped for optics but does have a Picatinny rail atop the receiver and ships with irons. The gun has a 5-round capacity, an 18.5-inch barrel, and a 14 3/8-inch length of pull. Whether or not it’s to be trusted as a pull-up bar is on you.
What’s your favorite scene from “Killers”? Share it in the comments section.
Gungrave. Why does that sound so familiar? I saw the advertisement for a game called Gungrave G.O.R.E. and was struck with an odd feeling of nostalgia. I couldn’t place it. It looks anime-like, and I know for sure I didn’t watch any anime. These days, all mysteries are solved by whipping out my old phone and typing it in. A YouTube video for a PS2 game called Gungrave hit me hard with nostalgia and woke up some lost memories of my youth.
Back in 2002, I played a game called Gungrave on my PS2. I had completely forgotten the game and had no idea there was a sequel. To be fair, this was the fourth entry in the series, and I honestly thought it ended after the first game. With that flashback and nostalgia in mind, I hit the download button on Xbox on Gungrave G.O.R.E.
That guy is having a really bad day. (RED Entertainment)
Gungrave G.O.R.E. offers neat character designs, huge bosses, and decent graphics. I played in the cel-shaded mode to give it a cartoonish pop to it. The graphics are overtly cartoonish, and that offers its own charm against the old ultra-violence of the game.
You play as a character named Beyond the Grave, or Grave for short. He’s a dead hitman revived to fight crime. He carries around a coffin on his back for reasons unexplained, and it also doubles as a melee weapon. On top of that, you also carry a set of akimbo pistols that each have two barrels, so you fire four shots with every trigger pull. It’s all about style and flare and not so much tactics and intelligence.
The Plot of Gungrave G.O.R.E.
I don’t like anime because of what I call “Stupid Anime Bullsh!t.” It’s cheesy characters, massive exposition dumps, poor storytelling, and oddly sexualized cartoons. With that in mind, I most certainly dislike the plot of Gungrave G.O.R.E. It’s a quasi-silent protagonist who is trying way too hard to be a brooding bad boy.
Typical anime antagonist dresses like a weirdo and is silent and too serious. Check. (RED Entertainment)
He barely says anything, and all he needs is his two guns. Literally, that’s it. The game has you chasing a criminal organization called the Raven Clan, who is producing a drug called SEED. SEED users eventually turn into monsters, and you’ll fight plenty as you play. Other than that, I couldn’t tell you the story. You’re part of a team, but you seem to be the only one doing anything of note. You have an annoying narrator telling you the obvious as you play, and she gets annoying fast.
I don’t mind games with shallow plots. It is all about the gameplay, anyway. Just know that going into this game, you won’t find anything of note story-wise. The story is just a vessel to get you into different environments, killing people. You can certainly skip all the cut scenes, but if you do, you’ll miss some great translation errors.
The Gameplay
Here is the gameplay loop. You enter an environment composed of hallways, then you traverse forward, shooting everything that moves and most things that don’t. Your weapons in Gungrave G.O.R.E. are isolated to your pair of pistols and your coffin. You have a variety of techniques and combos you can employ with those weapons.
This includes some serious gun-fu, charged shots, the ability to take hostages, and a number of special abilities called demolition shots. You chew through hundreds of enemies throughout the game, blasting away with your guns in a symphony of gunfire and chaos. Your finger might get tired of pulling the controller’s trigger.
Two guns that fire four rounds with every trigger pull. (RED Entertainment)
I don’t understand how the Raven Clan can recruit so many people because by level three. I had to have killed thousands. The enemies vary from guys with guns and rocket launchers to guys with tire irons. Big ups to the tire iron guys rushing a man rapidly firing two pistols in their direction. There are a number of mutant bad guys and various shielded enemies. Certain enemies require you to use certain techniques to defeat them.
The environment varies from dingy hallways to the jungles of Vietnam. (RED Entertainment)
Your level objective is literally “Kick their Ass,” and that’s it. Your real objective is to try to get a high ‘beat’ score and a high Art score. Beat score is you keeping up a combo and builds by shooting bad guys and the environment. Art score is built by using executions and Demolition shots. You get graded for both at the end of the level.
The real fun comes from trying to get your Beat score as high as possible, and you can get it up to the thousands of beats with proper planning.
Is it fun?
That’s the magic question. I guess it’s okay. Honestly, I got a little bored midway through and was just hoping to finish levels. The enemies are repetitive, and the bosses never felt super difficult, either. If I had paid $50 for it, I’d have been disappointed, but I didn’t, so here we are. Learning how to mix the beat and art score on top of not dying can be a thrill, but it’s repetitive to a degree.
Not to mention the environments are super tight, and there is no room for exploration. It’s just a run to the finish line.
The Guns
The fictional pistols are the only guns present. I went to the Gungrave G.O.R.E. Wiki and looked up the stats on these bad boys. They are called the Cerberus…which makes no sense since Cerberus had three heads and these guns have four barrels. They fire two 15mm bullets per trigger pull, so they aren’t slouching in the power department.
You’ll be swarmed with bad guys at every level. (RED Entertainment)
If you beat the game, you can unlock the Evo Cerberus and Golden guns, which handle differently. The Golden guns shoot much faster, and the Evo Cerberus deals a lot more damage. That’s it for the guns, and don’t expect anything realistic.
Getting Gorey
Gungrave G.O.R.E. is an okay game. Maybe if I was a die-hard anime fan, I’d be more into it, but I found it to drag on. I wished the levels were over about midway through, and I trudged through the game to get it done. It’s just not for me. It’s a mindless shooter that can be fun if you’re into that, but it’s not for me.
Davidson’s, a wholesaler and distributor of firearms, accessories, and ammunition, has an extensive list of exclusive firearms and packages in their catalog. Adding to that catalog, the company has collaborated with Glock, Holosun, and Gunsite Academy in Arizona to come up with the Gunsite Glock Service Pistol, or GGSP.
Davidson’s collaborated with Glock, Holosun, and Gunsite Academy of Arizona to bring an exclusive 9mm package to shooters. The G45 base features a direct-mounted Holosun optic and Gunsite logo engraved on the slide. (Photo credit: Davidson’s)
Starting with the very popular 9mm Glock 45 pistol, the exclusive package features a direct mount Holosun, Ameriglo suppressor-height sights, and a slide engraved with the Gunsite Academy logo. The Glock 45 base is a great start with a compact crossover pistol in 9mm. The pistol has a compact slide with a full-size frame and all the Gen 5 Glock trimmings.
“GLOCK is very pleased to collaborate with Gunsite and Davidson’s to provide the Gunsite GLOCK Service Pistol to meet the needs of those that prefer an optic-equipped, high capacity, striker-fired pistol”, said Bob Radecki, National Sales Manager for Glock. “Gunsite, GLOCK, and Davidson’s are leaders in their fields of endeavor and the features chosen for this pistol reflect that leadership and insight.”
In the package along with the optic are Ameriglo suppressor-height sights and three 17-round magazines. The full-sized frame and compact slide make this package a sure thing in the right hands. [Photo credit: Davidson’s]
The GGSP pistol, taking the design and engineering for the G19X and combining it with law enforcement specs, has a Glock Marksman barrel and a double stack magazine. The trigger in the GGSP boasts the Glock factory minus connector that reduces the trigger pull weight down to 4.5 pounds and reportedly makes it smoother. Additionally, the GGSP has enhanced texture for better handling, a reversible magazine catch, ambi slide stop lever, and the Modular Backstrap System (MBS) to customize the fit of the pistol in the shooter’s hand.
The GGSP features a direct-mounted Holosun red dot optic, specifically the HE509T-RD X2. For this, the slide has been milled to accept the optic and not just a mounting plate, which Glock only does for LE or Military clients. The Holosun optic has a titanium housing, up to 50k house of battery life, shake-awake technology, and a multi-reticle system. Between the Ameriglo suppressor-height sights and the Holosun, the GGSP is a sure thing in the right hands.
To round out the GGSP package is the FBI rounded magazine release and three 17-round magazines. The whole GGSP package from Davidson’s carries an MSRP of $1274.99
Why would anyone choose to defend themselves with the .22 Long Rifle? Surely, there are other choices that would be far better. Let’s take a look at why we might decide to rely on the .22 LR to defend life and limb.
There are those who will laugh at the idea of using a .22 for defensive reasons. Those same people were likely never shot with one.
A 9mm round next to a .22 Long Rifle round. Quite a size difference!
The .22 Long Rifle needs little introduction, having a long and storied history in American shooting lore. It dates back to the late 1880s. A high percentage of shooters have started shooting with the .22 LR because of the advantages that it offers. Namely, low recoil, muzzle blast, and noise. It’s probably a fair statement to say that the .22 LR is one of the most popular calibers in the United States, given the recent shortages of the .22, and the rate at which people were madly emptying it off the shelves.
Advantages
.22 LR ammunition is inexpensive. Because of the lower cost of the ammunition, shooters can store away a goodly supply for a rainy day. As well, .22 LR firearms are generally less expensive than those that come in larger calibers. The low muzzle blast, noise, and recoil make it easy to control by both beginners and advanced shooters. Firearms in this caliber are typically light and easy to handle.
Below are some velocities that were listed by manufacturers to give you a general idea of what the .22 LR is capable of. Keep in mind that these are likely taken from rifle-length barrels, which will be different than short pistol barrel velocities.
CCI Stinger: 32 grains—1,640 feet per second.
CCI Mini-Mag: 36 grains—1,260 feet per second.
CCI Velocitor: 40 grains—1,435 feet per second.
Remington Golden Bullet: 40 grains—1,255 feet per second.
Remington Thunderbolt: 40 grains—1,255 feet per second.
Federal “Punch” Personal Defense: 29 grains – 1,070 feet per second.
Federal has even come out with a specific load for the .22 LR, their Personal Defense “Punch” ammunition. It features a nickel-plated lead core bullet. It’s a flat-nosed bullet intended to penetrate sufficiently with short-barreled handguns. Federal states that it achieves 1,070 through a two-inch handgun barrel, and 1,650 from a 24-inch rifle barrel. This is something to take notice of when a manufacturer specifically makes rounds geared toward defense for the .22 LR.
Federal’s Personal Defense Punch ammunition is specially made for defensive use in .22 LR pistols. (Photo: Federal)
Winchester also has a defensive load: the Silvertip hollow point in .22 LR that is designed to break up into four pieces upon impact. Their quoted velocity for this 37-grain slug is 1,070 from a two-inch barrel.
I have some thoughts on a bullet designed to break up (mind you, I’ve not tested the Silvertip, nor heard reports about its effectiveness), especially in a small caliber such as the .22 LR. It’s already very small. I’m not sure that having it break up even more is such a great idea. I’d personally feel more comfortable having a .22 LR round that holds together in one piece and penetrates deeply so that it reaches vital organs. That’s just me.
On the other hand, having a couple of separate wound channels might be an advantage. I guess the jury will be out on this one (no pun intended) until reports of the round’s street effectiveness start rolling in.
Personally, I think it’s refreshing to see ammunition manufacturers making rounds specifically to enhance the .22 LR for defensive purposes. It also indicates that people want these products, or the ammo makers likely would not be making them. So a demand apparently exists.
Other Applications
Various military units have used the .22 LR, as far back as WWII. It can be suppressed to extremely quiet levels, which lends itself to a number of applications. And it’s not just the US that has used it; Israel and other countries have taken notice and employed the .22 LR. Israel used a suppressed version of the Ruger 10/22 to take out rioters by shooting them in the leg as a “less lethal” option (it turned out to be a bit more than “less lethal”, however, and was discontinued).
Militaries have been using the .22 LR in suppressed versions for sentry removal and removal of guard dogs for many decades. During the Vietnam war, suppressed .22 LR pistols (mostly the High Standard HDMS) were used, mostly by Special Forces and the CIA. From what I can gather, the OSS used the High Standard pistol and suppressor during WWII, as well.
In Northern Ireland during the 1970s, the British Army issued the Walther PP to their soldiers for self-defense when they were off duty.
Law enforcement has even been known to use it on occasion when they need a quiet round that won’t over-penetrate.
Lethality
Given its long and storied military career, there can be little doubt that the .22 LR is lethal. Shot placement, naturally, has always been stressed as being paramount. Shot placement with any caliber is important, but even more so when we are talking about a tiny round such as the .22 LR.
I doubt that anyone knows exactly how many people have been planted due to the .22 LR, but one thing is for certain: It is a lot! Not necessarily because it is a super-lethal round. Rather, because the .22 LR has been around for so long and in such huge numbers.
Nevertheless, incidents abound where the .22 was used to defend the home successfully—especially .22 rifles, with their longer barrels and higher velocities.
Practice
Undeniably, the .22 LR allows people to practice a lot more than with any other caliber due to being the least expensive round out there at this time. I’ll be honest, I shoot my .38 revolver very sparingly because, at the time of this writing, FMJ ammo for it costs about $35 for a box of 50. It’s one of my handguns that gets shot very little and carried a lot more than it’s shot. I should practice more with it, but the reality is that I’m not made of money.
The .22 LR ammunition, however, costs a fraction of what the larger calibers do (and this has always been the case). This allows for far more practice with the “Mouse Gun.” There’s a lot to be said for someone who practices a great deal with a firearm. They will feel more confident with the gun and be a more effective shooter as opposed to using a gun that they are unfamiliar with and scared of.
Many years ago, I heard an account of an elderly woman who was living in South Africa. She had a .22 LR Colt Woodsman pistol that she shot very often and became extremely comfortable and skilled with. As fate would have it, a marauding band of would-be murderers descended upon her ranch one night and she had to use her .22 to defend herself. If my memory serves me correctly, she took out ten of the miscreants. Each one was found to be shot in the head. Think about it—a grandmother took out a large number of hostile attackers with headshots. At night. Could we all do as well as she did?
Evidently, the practice and low recoil of that pistol allowed her to feel at ease with using it. And use it she did!
Recoil
This is possibly the best aspect of the caliber—there almost isn’t any recoil! Follow-up shots are lightning-fast. New shooters aren’t scared away. They can focus on learning accuracy and delivering fast shots, which equates to confidence. To be an effective shooter, that’s important.
Diminished Physical Capacity
Some people are not combat-trained or competition shooters who spend every waking moment training or reading up on guns.
For people who have physical infirmities that prevent them from working the slide on heavier calibers or even picking up heavier firearms, the .22 can provide a valued alternative. The recoil springs on most .22 caliber firearms are fairly light, allowing people who can’t operate the slide on, say, a 9mm to be able to do so on a .22 LR.
As we age, arthritis becomes more of an issue with many of us. Things like racking a heavy slide can cause pain. Recoil jolting our hands can also cause pain. You don’t see too many elderly folks at the shooting range firing Airweight revolvers with full-house .357 Magnum loads (to be fair, you don’t see many sane younger people doing that either).
The point is, the .22 LR is less punishing on our bodies than other calibers. For people with physical issues, that can be important.
And .22 LR rifles are even tamer to shoot, with nearly no recoil and less than moderate muzzle blast. Lots of shots can be delivered into very tight groups in a short span of time. A lot of rounds in a small area quickly can spell success for self-defense.
Good For Non-Gun People
Let’s face it, not everyone is a “gun person.” If you’re reading this article, you very well may be a gun person, or at least you’re interested in self-defense enough to read this article. Non-gun people are not going to appreciate such aspects of shooting as recoil and muzzle blast.
The fact that the .22 LR does not have a huge muzzle blast or recoil might make it the most attractive option for those who want to defend themselves with a firearm. Is the .22 LR optimal? Not really, but it gives a niche group of people an option.
The Ruger 10/22 is a great choice for non-gun people to use for home defense. Ruger makes extended magazines that elevate the little carbine’s effectiveness.
My youngest daughter is not a gun person at all. I did, however, teach her how to use a Ruger 10/22 in the event there are invaders while no other family members are home. She is well-versed in how to operate it. I’d never ask her, at this point in time, to pick up an AR-15 because it would scare the living daylights out of her. But that 10/22, with its lack of recoil and minimal muzzle blast, is a realistic alternative.
Now for the best part: that 10/22 has a 25-round magazine in place, and there are a couple of other magazines handy nearby in case 25 shots are not enough. Realistically, though, it’s likely that 25 rounds will persuade a home invader to leave very quickly. And if he does not leave, that is a lot of potential holes in his body.
Increased Capacity
When revolvers are chambered for the .22 LR, they typically have more capacity than higher-caliber revolvers. Given that the bullets are smaller, having more of them offsets their low power, at least a little bit.
Back-Up
One of the defensive roles that the .22 LR handgun sometimes takes on is as a backup to a full-sized handgun. Being light and small makes them concealable and handy.
Penetration And Performance
As mentioned, the .22 LR is no powerhouse. Penetration seems to vary greatly. My friend, James Hebert, does ballistic testing, and he showed me some results that he’s experienced.
CCI 40-grain Mini Mag through four layers of denim into 10% ballistic gelatin. Fired from an NAA Mini Revolver with a 2.5-inch barrel. (Photo: James Hebert)
A 40-grain CCI Mini Mag was fired into 10% ballistic gelatin from ten feet. The handgun was an NAA Sidewinder, fired from ten feet through four layers of denim. The penetration appeared to be around eight or so inches at the deepest. The slugs appeared to stay intact with little deformation.
When fired into 10% ballistic gelatin from a Marlin Papoose (16-inch barrel) from 25 yards using CCI Blaser 40-grain lead bullets through four layers of denim, penetration was 12-13 inches.
These rounds were fired from a Marlin Papoose with a 16-inch barrel through four layers of denim into 10% ballistic gelatin. They penetrated 12-13 inches. (Photo: James Hebert)
Conclusion
Acknowledging the .22’s limitations, there are, in my opinion, enough pluses to outweigh the disadvantages.
Lightweight, small handguns can be very attractive for concealment. Ones that do so with very little muzzle blast and recoil make the package even more alluring. Even for people who are not into firearms, the .22 LR can allow them to become proficient enough to defend themselves.
Of course, the added velocity of a rifle-length barrel only adds to the effectiveness of the .22 LR.
No one is saying that the .22 LR is a miracle worker. However, it sure beats having nothing at all. In the right hands, it can get the job done if the shooter does their part.
Generally speaking, your scope should outdo your rifle. This is because without clear glass specifically designed for performance, you’re not going to get impressive results on target. The Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18×44 FFP Riflescope is made to deliver in many ways from clarity to durability, and the company created it for versatility, too. This optic is meant for everything from competition to tactical applications and offers a bevy of features to make it happen.
The Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18×44 FFP Riflescope is designed for versatility and precision. (Photo credit: Vortex)
Vortex states they designed this scope for gun enthusiasts and competitive shooters for use in dynamic shooting scenarios. The Strike Eagle 3-18×44 FFP riflescope is specifically made to close the gap between tactical mid- and long-range shooting, making it possible to have a single scope that does it all.
This scope is a feature-packed, first focal plane riflescope made with what Vortex promises is bombproof construction. The scope offers a sophisticated reticle and what the company describes as superior optical quality, meaning shooters can send rounds downrange with maximum speed and precision. Yes, the quality of your glass affects target acquisition and follow-up shots, and the Strike Eagle makes it possible to engage targets quickly and precisely.
The optic has a 34mm tube and rugged housing. (Photo credit: Vortex)
The optic is cut from a solid block of aircraft-grade aluminum for improved durability and longevity. It has a robust 34mm tube and delivers significant amounts of elevation and windage travel. After all, the last thing you want is a scope that runs out of adjustment range. Vortex suggests pairing this optic with their 34mm Pro Riflescope Rings which are available in Medium 1.1 inch, for a rock-solid, ultra-precise mounting system complete with torque specs laser-engraved on the rings to keep them immediately accessible.
The Strike Eagle ships with the pictured items. (Photo credit: Vortex)
As for the reticle, it is an illuminated, EBR-7C made to get on target fast regardless of magnification or lighting situation. The internal XD Optical System is designed to offer higher resolution and color fidelity for sharper images, making target identification easier. It does have a throw lever to facilitate making adjustments quickly, allowing faster shots. Also, the Strike Eagle features the RevStop Zero System to ensure a reliable return to zero. Oversized turrets have distinct clicks so shooters can make adjustments exactly as needed.
Features of the optic include:
First Focal Plane, meaning the scale of the reticle remains in proportion to the magnified image.
Rugged, durable housing to resist wear and tear.
Distinct, tactile turret adjustments so changes are precise.
Three-inch sunshade included.
Fully multi-coated lens for clarity and light transmission.
Nitrogen gas purged to make it fog proof and waterproof.
Glass-etched reticle for an exact, intricate design.
The patented design of the RevStop Zero System provides toolless zero stop for a secure, solid return to zero after turret adjustments.
The optic turrets are designed for crisp, clear adjustments. (Photo credit: Vortex)
MSRP for the Vortex Strike Eagle 3-18×44 FFP Riflescope is set at $849.99.
Precision rifles are typically dedicated platforms, which means you have an entire, large rifle with a single purpose: Making beautifully precise shots. And while that is fantastic, it can also be nice if the rifle in question has some versatility. What if your dedicated caliber rifle was capable of performing as a multi-caliber platform? That’s what the 21st-Tec Bellator has to offer. It’s a multi-caliber precision rifle that makes it possible for shooters to have one rifle capable of running a variety of calibers with just a few quick parts swaps. With the Bellator, you have options.
The 21st-Tec Bellator is a multi-caliber rifle designed for the utmost precision. (Photo credit: 21st-Tec)
21st-Tec states their patent-pending Bellator Rifle System is a multi-caliber modular bolt action rifle that’s specifically made to deliver superior precision. In fact, the gun maker says the gun is designed for sub-MOA long-range accuracy in not one but four calibers: 338 Lapua Magnum, 300 Norma Magnum, 308 Winchester, and 6.5 Creedmoor. That means whether you prefer magnum rounds, classics, or the current hotness, you’re covered. This modular system was made with long-range shooting enthusiasts in mind and does it all from competitive shooting to range time to law enforcement applications.
The Bellator is offered as pictured with a folding stock but is also available with an adjustable stock that does not fold. (Photo: 21st-Tec)
The Bellator was created to offer the modularity typically associated with the AR platform. It has a variety of useful features such as a drop-in AR trigger, selector, take-down pin, grip, and magazine release. The barrel system, bolt, and magazine well are user changeable and created to make the process straightforward. The company also made the bolt with a forward-located left-hand handle and right-sided ejection.
Converting the rifle from 338 Lapua Magnum to 300 Norma Mag is accomplished by simply swapping the barrels. It’s that easy because these two calibers utilize the same bolt and 10-round box magazine. The change from 338 Lapua Magnum to 308 Win is done by changing out the barrel, bolt, and magazine well, which remains a relatively easy process. When converted to 308 Win/6.5Creedmoor the rifle uses standard AR-10 magazines. The gun ships with either a folding fully adjustable stock or a non-folding fully adjustable Magpul PRS stock, giving shooters options according to their specific needs.
The rifle is available in flat dark earth, as pictured, or black. (Photo: 21st-Tec)
This rifle is offered in Hard Coat Anodized Black or FDE (flat dark earth). All rifles are shipped in custom-cut high-density foam hard cases with wheels to protect the firearm and provide easy storage and/or transport. The Bellator’s button rifled barrels are made from 416SS and come in the following lengths: 338 Lapua Magnum and 308 Win in 24-inch length with 300 Norma Magnum and 6.5 Creedmoor in 26-inch length.
Each gun ships in a hard-sided case. (Photo: 21st-Tec)
Rifles have Picatinny rails to make it easy to mount optics and other aftermarket accessories. All rifles have a listed empty weight under 12 pounds regardless of stock or finish.
MSRP for the 21st-Tec Bellator multi-caliber rifle is set at $5000 for non-folding stock and $5600 for folding stock models.
Emissary Development, a relatively young firearms accessories company, has updated its SureFire X300 weapon light paddle shifter design for a better profile and easier installation.
Emissary Development has updated its paddle shifter for the SureFire X300 to incorporate some much-needed design changes. Overall the changes make the paddle shifter easier to install and help eliminate snagging issues with certain holsters. (Photo: Emissary Development)
Emissary Development first got its start in 2020 but has nearly a decade of experience in the firearms industry under MilSpec Enterprises. With this experience and knowledge, changes came around for the paddle shifter design for use with the SureFire X300. The main changes they incorporated in the design are a new set screw, armature port changes, and the overall paddle profile.
First off, the set screw update came by way of the locking feature that was added. According to Emissary Development, it will give the paddle shifter a significantly better hold on the switch armature. They also state that it will make it easier for the paddle switch to install.
Another item Emissary Development updated is the armature port that was opened to aid in smoother installs, and it as allows for a higher level of quality control for the manufacturing process. Lastly, they updated the paddle profile overall. In the previous model, there were some overhanging materials that would snag on a handful of Safariland holsters. According to Emissary, the new profile tucks the edge of the paddle closer to the frame to prevent any further snag issues.
The main changes for the paddle shifter are the updated set screw locking feature and the anti-sag profile. (Photo: Emissary Development)
Word of note from the company, they still recommend that Safariland holsters be modified to prevent any other wear and unwanted contact with the paddle. If users of the older model have had issues with their holster and paddle shifter, the company welcomes them to contact the for a replacement to the updated model.
Emissary Development is expecting the updated paddle shifter for the SureFire X300 to be available soon. No word on the price tag but it is expected to be around what the previous model was listed at.
Never one to sit on its laurels, Reptilia is living up to its goal of developing quality gear with a specific user in mind. Enter a drop-in upgrade to its Reptilia AUS Mount or Geissele Super Precision 34mm magnified optic mounts with the ROF-90 mount.
Reptilia upgraded its line-up with the ROF-90 for Micros mount. Developed at the request of an unnamed end user, the ROF-90 allows for a micro-optic to be mounted at 90 degrees. (Photo: Reptilia)
At the request of an unnamed user group, the Reptilia ROF-90 for Micros was developed as a means for a quick transition from a primary optic to a non-magnified optic. But the ROF-90 also adds the options for close-in target engagement and passive aiming with a night vision unit. As the name would imply, the ROF-90 for Micro pattern optics puts the optic at a 90º angle, or 12:00, to add a close-range optic for the scope. Reptilia states that one option for the Micro pattern optic is it be zeroed for use with subsonic cartridges while keeping the magnified optic for use with supersonic ammunition.
The 34mm ROF-90 for Micro pattern mount is machined from billet 7075-T6 aluminum to keep things light, with it weighing only 27 grams. Finished for strength and durability, it has a MIL-STD Type III hardcoat anodizing. The ROF-90 optic axis height adds just 1.8” to the system. The model was engineered in such a way as to minimize each optic’s distance from the host scope’s centerline while making sure there is enough room between the two that the sight picture is clear of impediment.
Available in Black and Flat Dark Earth (FDE) hardcoat anodize, the 27-gram mount is small and lightweight, adding less than 2″ height to the host weapon. (Photo: Reptilia)
The 34mm ROF-90 for Micros is compatible with a long list of Micro optics, including:
Aimpoint: Micro R-1, H-1, H-2, T-1, T-2, CompM5
Sig Sauer: ROMEO4 , ROMEO5 & ROMEO-MSR
Vortex Optics: Crossfire, Spitfire, Sparc I & II
Primary Arms: Classic Series Gen II, SLx Advanced Rotary Knob Microdot, & SLx Compact 1×20 Prism Scope – ACSS-Cyclops
The 34mm ROF-90 for Micros from Reptilia is available in FDE (Flat Dark Earth) or Black and has a price tag of $114.95
Patti Miller is one of the most awesome females in the tactical/firearm (or any) industry. Imagine a tall, hawt, dangerous Laura Ingalls Wilder type with cool hair and a suppressed blaster and you’ll be getting the idea. What’s interesting is that in addition to being a willing brawler and intrepid adventuress, she’s also an Ent/Ogier level gardener and a truly badass baker.
Choosing a handgun for home defense typically means you’re looking at full-size pistols, because there’s no need for the gun to be small enough to comfortably conceal. Of course, you should demand more of a defensive handgun than its size. A gun you intend to use to defend your life should be reliable and accurate, and if it offers other features that make it possible to customize it to your needs, even better. The Rock Island Armory RIA 5.0 is designed to deliver on all those points, and then some. This is a pistol well worth a closer look.
The RIA 5.0 is a pistol designed to deliver fantastic performance in tactical applications. (Photo credit: Armscor)
Rock Island Armory states the RIA 5.0 is a game-changer. The gun has a lot to offer including a patented RVS recoil system the company says is engineered to maximize barrel mass and linear movement. This serves to mitigate felt recoil and muzzle rise which, in turn, translates to greater accuracy.
The gun is chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum and has a 17 +1 capacity. (Photo credit: Armscor)
The barrel of the RIA 5.0 sits deeper into the bore axis than on many guns which helps the muzzle remain flatter during live fire. A flatter shooting pistol means rapid target acquisition and faster, and more accurate, follow-up shots. The gun also has a two-piece modular grip for the purpose of enhancing ergonomics and recoil control. Its design is made to offer both the flexibility of polymer and the durability of a full-length aluminum receiver.
Martin Tuason, President and CEO of parent company Armscor/Rock Island Armory, said:
The RIA 5.0 is really an engineering marvel. It’s an extremely shootable sporting pistol with a meticulously engineered trigger system. Best of all, we’re proud to say it’s made entirely in the U.S.A.
Forward and rearward slide serrations make manipulating the slide easier. (Photo credit: Armscor)
Features of the RIA 5.0 include:
9x19mm Parabellum chambering
17 +1 capacity
4.91-inch barrel
2.47-pound empty weight which helps reduce felt recoil and improve accuracy.
Dawson Precision fiber optic front sight in a dovetail cut to draw the eye and make acquiring the target easier.
LPA adjustable dovetail cut rear sight.
C More RTS II red dot sight is also available as an alternative to the iron sights.
4.5-pound trigger pull weight set at the factory.
E100 Cerakote finish for resistance to wear and tear.
RVS recoil system to create a flatter-shooting gun.
Two piece modular grip for stability and comfort.
Safety blade trigger.
Deeper bore axis for smoother, more accurate shooting.
1.33-inch overall width.
5.17-inch overall height without red dot sight.
8.11-inch overall length.
Angled forward and rearward slide serrations for easier manipulations.
Accessory rail ahead of the trigger guard for lights and lasers.
The gun is offered with iron sights or with a C More RTS II red dot sight. (Photo credit: Armscor)
Thanks to the accessory rail in front of the trigger guard, it’s easy to add a weapon-mounted light or laser. Angled slide serrations make racking the slide simpler and a textured grip facilitates a firm hold even with wet hands.
What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
Whether you are a new gun owner or a veteran shooter, you can’t overlook a good cleaning kit. A universal cleaning kit with jags and brushes to clean firearms in different calibers might be the ultimate if you have a healthy collection of firearms. But sometimes a well-rounded caliber-specific kit is appropriate. Breakthrough Clean Technologies sells a number of these kits from 22-45 caliber in for both rifles and pistols. I own more 22 caliber rifles and pistols than anything else and I clean them all with a full-sized rifle rod. So, I got the Breakthrough’s Vision Series 22 caliber handgun cleaning kit to dedicate to my pistols.
Although you may want to add additional pieces, Breakthrough’s kit is more than complete for most needs and is ready to use out of the box.
The BCT .22 Cleaning Kit
The kit comes in a lockable plastic case and includes a plastic palm handle, two threaded brass rods, a bore mop, a bore brush, and two cleaning jags. In addition, it includes Breakthrough’s proprietary oil, military-grade solvent, and twenty synthetic patches.
The kit includes all that you will need for initial cleaning, but an additional bronze cleaning brush would add a bit more flexibility.
There are plenty of inexpensive kits out there and they are often lacking in some way to keep down the costs. Some don’t include small amounts of oil, solvents, or patches to get you started. Others use threaded plastic handles that loosen up over time or plastic jags that become brittle and break when using the solvents and brisk motions you would expect during a cleaning session.
Breakthrough gives you enough cleaning supplies to get through a few cleaning sessions before you replenish them, and they did not skimp on the actual kit itself. The plastic handle has a brass threaded portion inlet into the handle and the included jags are all brass. One jag is the traditional eyelet type that allows you to scrub the inside of the bore and chambers of your pistol, while the other is a compression-fit jag that is excellent for pushing lead and copper fouling off the rifling and into the patch.
The kit itself is bog standard but is thankfully all metal in construction!
The brass rod is fairly standard equipment, as it is soft enough to prevent wear on the bore as it goes to work. When threaded and attached to the jag, it can clean up to an 8 1/2-inch barrel—more than enough length for most handgun barrels. The brush uses synthetic bristles instead of the usual bronze brush you will find in most kits. Some have stated concerns with bronze brushes wearing out the rifling of the barrel, but this is unfounded. In any case, a synthetic brush is tough enough for fouling.
The oil and solvent could be replaced with any alternative once you run out, but Breakthrough’s option not only works, but it also does not smell!
In Use
After a few hundred rounds through my Ruger Wrangler Birdshead, it was starting to get sticky to operate. I disassembled the revolver and laid out the Breakthrough kit to try it for the first time. I am used to dipping patches and brushes into a solvent, but the included solvent is in a spray bottle. I was able to hose down the problem areas, particularly around the revolver cylinder, its chambers, and down the bore.
For a quick through with the brush, the eye-lit jag was easy to feed patches and I used it to clean the cylinder chambers while I used the compression jag in the bore. Slivers of leading came out on the first patch. Although I still prefer a bronze brush, the synthetic brush and solvent solution had done their job well. With a few more passes using clean patches, I was finished with the bore. I repeated the same process with the cylinder of my revolver and was able to get it clean in short order.
I usually opt for an oiled rag, but the needle bottle is less wasteful and targets exactly where you need lubrication.
After giving the revolver a wipe-down with solvent, I followed up with oil. It comes in a bottle with a needled point, allowing me to apply just a few drops at a time on the moving parts. A lightly oiled patch down the bore and chambers, as well as a quick oil wipe-down, finished the operation in all of ten minutes.
And perhaps the best part of all is that Breakthrough’s oil and solvent do not stink! But don’t worry, you can always stock up on Hoppes No. 9 when you run out. Likewise, the synthetic patches that Breakthrough supplies do not shed fibers while you are working with them. I prefer cotton patches for this reason and generally stay away from synthetic patches, but these left nothing of themselves behind.
A Few Things to Add
The Breakthrough Vision Handgun kit is an excellent buy that will outlast some of the others on the market, but there are a few additions you might want to look into to make your kit complete.
For those occasions where you will need a screwdriver to take off grips and adjust sights, a dedicated screwdriver/punch set is recommended. Breakthrough does not provide one with this kit, but it is a worthwhile trade-off to get cleaning supplies you will certainly use instead of a screwdriver that you may not need for a modern pistol. Still, a good screwdriver set is good to have for the abovementioned tasks. A screwdriver is often included in some small kits, but they tend to be ill-fitted to machine screws and take up space in lieu of cleaning supplies. A universal cleaning kit will often come with a screwdriver and a good set of bits, but you are also stuck with the space and expense of having caliber-specific accessories you may not need.
The only change I would make to the Breakthrough kit is the inclusion of a small bronze brush. I use a larger one to break up stubborn fouling baked onto surfaces like revolver cylinder faces and feeding ramps. I would prefer a pocket version over the redundant cotton bore mop that serves the same function as a jag. I could have made good use of an included brush to scrub the cylinder face and inside the cylinder frame to get at tough fouling that the bore brush is ill-suited to reach. Such a brush would also be handy for cleaning around the muzzle and along the rails of an autoloading pistol. But this is a relatively minor gripe. A small bronze brush is inexpensive enough to purchase and a hard-bristled toothbrush can be a good substitute. But all in all, the core of the kit is built to last and the included cleaning supplies are easy to use and effective. For most of us, a Breakthrough Kit with a bronze brush will cover most cleaning needs for very little money.
