Maxim Defense, a manufacturer of state-of-the-art precision firearms, firearm parts, and accessories, has upgraded the MSX suppressor line to include the PRS suppressor rated for 6.5 or .308 Win. Designed to minimize the increase in cyclic rate and gas blowback of a suppressed firearm, the PRS is a great addition to the Maxim family. According to Maxim Defense, the PRS is designed to be the lightest suppressor for shooting or hunting, and the company believes it achieved the previously impossible strength-to-weight ratio.
Maxim Defense updated its MSX family of suppressors to include the PRS suppressor. The 7.9″ long, 10.8-ounce suppressor is constructed from military-grade materials and is rated for 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Win. (Photo: Maxim Defense)
Primarily, the PRS suppressor is designed to significantly reduce the sound signature, decrease the flash signature, reduce recoil, and increase shoot accuracy. While the suppressor has a simple 3-piece MonoKore design, it is fully serviceable by the end user and disassembles with common tools.
Technical Specifications
Available Calibers: 6.5, .308 Win
Thread Pitch: 5/8-24
Material Composition: Grade-5 Titanium, 7075-T6 Aluminum
Weight: 10.8 oz
Length: 7.9” overall length
Diameter: 1.75” outer diameter
Finish: Type-III hardcoat Anodizing
“The DNA of the PRS comes directly from our hugely successful M240 suppressor,” said Dave Larson, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Maxim Defense. “We utilized the same technology and engineering of the M240 to manufacture this serviceable, lightweight, incredibly-quiet suppressor. The PRS is the perfect companion for your next hunt.”
The PRS suppressor is constructed from Grade-5 titanium and 7075-T6 aluminum which keeps the suppressor from being too heavy, with it weighing only 10.8 ounces. The suppressor only adds 7.25” to the overall length of the host rifle, meaning the suppressor isn’t a deadweight at the end of the barrel.
According to Maxim Defense, the suppressor drops sound to below hearing-safe levels, with an average measurement of 131.9dB on a 6.5 Creedmoor 18” bolt action rifle at MILSTD-1474D standards. The suppressor comes threaded 5/8-24, common threading for 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Win calibers that it’s rated for.
The PRS suppressor has a Type-III hard coat anodizing, but the company states it has a limited rate of fire of 20 rounds at one round per second, and then it needs to be allowed to cool to ambient temperature. Part of the MonoKore design is the core has integrated carbon cutters for tube cleaning.
The 7.9” PRS suppressor is available in black, FDE, and grey and has an MSRP of $695.
Although lever actions are often associated with cowboys in old Westerns, there’s far more to the platform than John Wayne and “True Grit.” In fact, there are numerous tactical applications for the lever-action platform. The POF-USA Tombstone proves this point with its durable, tactical stock and 9x19mm Parabellum chambering: This is a lever-action rifle made for modern times, and it’s made to get the job done, whatever it may be.
The POF-USA Tombstone is a tactical lever-action rifle. (Photo credit: POF-USA)
According to POF-USA, the Tombstone is their take on everything a lever-action rifle should be. They’ve accomplished this by revolutionizing the original design, taking a radical approach and applying purpose-driven enhancements. The Tombstone is a modern-day lever-action rifle chambered in the ever-popular 9x19mm Parabellum, meaning it has defensive applications and can also be used for hunting small game.
The company states this is yet another example of their unique designs. For example, the Tombstone is magazine fed instead of utilizing a magazine tube for feeding like standard levers do. The gun comes standard with one 20-round magazine although there is also an optional 10-round magazine for restricted states or shooters interested in a low-profile or somewhat more compact look.
The gun is chambered in 9mm. (Photo credit: POF-USA)
Jeremy Selting, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at POF-USA, said:
The Tombstone has been in the works for quite a while now and its truly representative of what POF-USA is all about, revolutionizing the original lever-action design with enhancements. The feedback from writers who have reviewed the Tombstone has been extremely positive with the common theme being that the rifle is extremely enjoyable and fun to shoot.
The gun is offered in black or flat dark earth. (Photo credit: POF-USA)
As mentioned before, this gun is chambered in 9mm. The Tombstone features a 16.5-inch free-floated, fluted barrel. The muzzle is threaded ½-28 and comes standard with a removable dual-port muzzle brake. Integrated XS Ghost Ring Sights are used for rapid target acquisition and can be easily adjusted for sight picture alignment. The gun’s receiver has a milled Picatinny top rail, making it easy to add an aftermarket red-dot sight or variable-powered optic, should you choose to do so.
The handguard is a monolithic 10.5-inch MLOK-compatible modular receiver rail and has slots at the three and nine o’clock positions. Picatinny rail sections are located at the six and twelve o’clock positions. Basically, there are plenty of options for mounting aftermarket accessories to the gun. As for the stock, it’s an interchangeable Magpul SGA 870 nylon stock which is fantastic for durability and to keep the platform lighter weight. In fact, the gun’s unloaded weight is an ultra-light 5.75 pounds.
A Picatinny rail and M-LOK compatible handguard make it possible to mount a variety of accessories to the gun. (Photo credit: POF-USA)
Features of the POF-USA Tombstone include:
9x19mm Parabellum chambering
20 +1 or 10 +1 capacity
Threaded barrel for the use of muzzle brakes, suppressors, or other accessories
Picatinny top rail for easy addition of optics
M-LOK compatible rail so you can mount lights or lasers to the gun
3.5-pound trigger pull weight set at the factory
Cross bolt safety
16.5-inch free-floated barrel
Offered in black for flat dark earth
MSRP for the POF-USA Tombstone starts at $1962.00.
While many see 9x19mm Parabellum as king, there are other cartridges out there that have gained popularity. 10mm Auto is a fantastic example. Lately, there’s been an ever-increasing number of new 10mm handguns released by a variety of manufacturers. The Hi-Point JXP10 is a budget-friendly contender designed to be what the gun maker calls “the working man’s gun.” This pistol offers a variety of features geared toward those who practice concealed carry.
The Hi-Point JXP10 is a 10mm handgun designed to be budget-friendly. (Photo credit: Hi-Point Firearms)
The Hi-Point JXP10 has a polymer frame and purpose-built slide. Angled, narrow serrations are located at the front and rear of the slide to facilitate slide manipulation and the edges of the slide itself are also blunted to reduce the risk of snags. The serrations are cut aggressively enough to help the shooter rack the slide under a variety of circumstances, but not so sharp as to be overly uncomfortable. In addition, this pistol has a patterned, textured grip for a firm hold even with wet or sweaty hands. It doesn’t have molded finger grooves, which is a big plus for most shooters.
The pistol has a threaded barrel and an accessory rail in front of the trigger guard. (Photo credit: Hi-Point Firearms)
Two things that significantly differentiate this model from previous Hi-Point pistols are the threaded barrel and the accessory rail ahead of the trigger guard. With the threaded barrel, shooters can choose to add a compensator or suppressor to their gun while the rail makes it easy to add weapon-mounted lights or lasers. After all, target identification and proper aim are vital to defensive shooting, and that means using a light or a light and laser combo.
With a 49-ounce empty weight, the gun is heavy enough to help reduce felt recoil. (Photo credit: Hi-Point Firearms)
The gun has a capacity of 10 +1. According to the manufacturer, it’s +P rated, which implies it’s capable of withstanding full-pressure 10mm loads. It has a 5.2-inch barrel length and an overall empty weight of 49 ounces, both features which help mitigate muzzle rise and felt recoil. That, in turn, leads to improved accuracy. The JXP10 has an oversized external thumb safety. Other features include compatibility with aftermarket Glock front sights and the magazine being compatible with the 1095 carbine.
Hi-Point states the rear sight of the gun is red-dot ready. (Photo credit: Hi-Point Firearms)
Features of the Hi-Point JXP10 include:
10mm chambering.
10 +1 capacity.
5.2-inch barrel for greater accuracy and to somewhat reduce muzzle rise.
49-ounce empty weight, which helps mitigate felt recoil and improve accuracy and rapid target acquisition.
Black finish.
Threaded barrel for easy addition of aftermarket barrel-mounted accessories.
Front and rear slide serrations for easier slide manipulation.
External thumb safety.
Standard 1913 compatible accessory rail for weapon-mounted lights and lasers.
Fully adjustable rear sight for proper sight alignment and accuracy.
The rear sight is listed as red dot compatible.
Front sight compatible with aftermarket Glock sights, giving shooters myriad options.
Last round hold open feature, meaning the slide locks back after the last shot is fired.
8.5-inch overall length, so this is a full-size pistol.
YC9 style slide.
Designed to be functional and to meet many of the features desired by those focused on self-defense.
Is this the gun that convinces you to join the Hi-Point family? Let us know what you think in the comments section.
Handguns are purpose-driven tools. Choosing one is a matter of hand size, skill level, personal preferences, and intended use. Fortunately, there are enough handguns on the market to fulfill whatever you’re looking for. For those in the market for full-sized, incredibly durable handguns, there’s the Canik SFx Rival-S, an all-metal handgun that’s fantastic for a variety of uses. This gun is meant for everything from competition to range time to defensive use.
The Canik SFx Rival-S is an all-metal gun built to last. (Photo credit: Canik)
The SFx Rival-S is a steel-framed pistol, meaning it’s built to last and endure dedicated use. According to Canik this gun is the evolution of the multi-award-winning Canik SFx Rival and maintains the popular ergonomics of the platform but with an all-metal design. It has an overall empty weight of 2.67 pounds, making it solidly designed but not excessively bulky. It’s 8.09 inches long, has a five-inch barrel length, is 1.41 inches wide, and has a height of 5.75 inches. The SFx Rival-S is chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum. This pistol’s additional weight and aluminum 90° break flat trigger are meant to decrease recoil and improve split times and accuracy. The gun maker states this model is “Forged for Superiority!”
The gun is available with either a chrome finish or a black finish. (Photo credit: Canik)
This is an optics-ready pistol, so if you prefer a red dot to iron sights, it’s a simple process to mount your choice of dot to the gun. Canik states it’s designed for 100% co-witness and has ambidextrous controls. Each gun ships with a carefully created two-tier water-resistant hard travel case and two 18-round magazines, a competition holster, five optics plates, three different grip sizes, an external magwell, two aluminum magazine base plates, a fiber optic front sight with multiple color choices, tool kit and punch, cleaning kit, and speed loader. Basically, this gun is ready for just about anything right out of the box. It’s available as either the Rival-S (Chrome) or the Rival-S Dark Side (Black).
Aggressive slide serrations make racking the slide of the SFx Rival-S easier. (Photo credit: Canik)
Features of the Canik SFx Rival-S include:
9x19mm Parabellum chambering.
18 +1 capacity.
5.0-inch barrel length for reduced muzzle rise and improved overall accuracy.
All-metal design mitigates felt recoil which, in turn, helps accuracy and rapid target acquisition.
Wide, angled forward and rearward slide serrations for easier slide manipulation.
Accessory rail in front of the trigger guard for weapon-mounted lights or lasers.
Safety blade trigger for an added layer of user safety.
The slide is ported to produce a flatter-shooting gun.
Ambidextrous controls and forward indexing points make the gun more user-friendly.
Optics-ready slide, making it easy to add a red dot sight to the gun.
Textured grip to help the shooter maintain a firm hold on the gun during live fire even with wet or sweaty hands
90° aluminum flat-face trigger for greater trigger control.
Extended competition magwell to facilitate faster, easier magazine changes.
The all-metal gun is made to withstand serious use. (Photo credit: Canik)
MSRP for the Canik SFx Rival-S is set at $949.99 for the Chrome model and $899.99 for the Dark Side model.
Firearms storage is one of the less-exciting topics that’s vitally important to address. It may not be as exciting as the latest Blaster 3300 or solar-powered eye pro, but it’s something that must be considered. If you own firearms, you either own or need to own a safe (or two, or three). But if your safe or safes are all the massive, upright kind, how fast you can really get at your home defense gun? Do you have a setup that allows you to keep your handgun out of unauthorized hands while remaining accessible to you? The SnapSafe Two-Gun Keypad Vault addresses that problem, making it possible to safely store your home defense handgun without making it impossibly slow to get to it.
The safe has a four-button keypad that can be programmed for any code between four and six digits long. (Photo credit: Kat Stevens)
What is the SnapSafe Two-Gun Keypad Vault?
The SnapSafe Two-Gun Keypad Vault is pretty much what it sounds like: A safe large enough for two handguns (or one handgun and some ammo). It’s small enough to fit into tight spaces such as under a desk or bed but big enough to get your hand into it without a struggle. It’s possible to utilize this safe for long-term or short-term storage, and we’re going to tell you how.
This is a basic safe with redundant locks. It’s made from 16-gauge steel, which is 1.6mm thick. This type of steel is an A36 mild carbon steel alloy that’s regularly used for structural work. It has a minimum yield of 36,000 psi and tensile strength between 58,000 and 80,000 psi. Basically, that means it’s strong enough to withstand a beating, but given enough time, you’re going to get through it. That doesn’t translate to this safe being a poor choice by any means, just that measures should be taken to use it correctly.
Features of this safe include a programmable keypad that can use a four to six-digit code, a tubular round key backup, and a spring-loaded door. There’s also a removable inner shelf that can be used to hold another gun or other objects. A protective foam liner on the interior of the safe helps protect guns from scrapes and minor damage. This safe is recognized by the California Department of Justice as an approved Firearm Storage Device (FSD).
The safe is made from 16 gauge steel and has a keypad and backup lock. (Photo credit: SnapSafe)
How big is the safe?
On its exterior, the safe measures 9.0 inches wide, 8.8 inches high, and 12.7 inches deep. That’s not too far off its internal dimensions, although the inside is a bit smaller due to the thickness of the steel and overall construction. Inside, the safe is 7.5 inches wide, 6.4 inches high, and 10.5 inches deep. Shipping box dimensions put it at 16.5 inches wide, 12 inches high, and 12 inches deep. It weighs 12.8 pounds, shipped, and a bit less once it’s out of the packaging. It’s not a bulky or otherwise massive safe.
The safe can be placed on a bookshelf, but we only recommend this method if it’s for temporary storage while you’re in the immediate area. (Photo credit: SnapSafe)
How do you use the safe?
It’s possible to utilize the SnapSafe in various ways. The safe can be used for temporary storage on a bookshelf or pushed under a table, counter, or desk. If you use it in this way it’s important to remember how easy it is for someone to simply pick it up and walk off with it. That makes this type of use a good idea only if you are present and keeping an eye on it. Some gun owners use the safe this way to keep their gun locked up while they’re sitting at their desk or in their living room watching television. It’s certainly a great method for keeping hands off your gun when you’re still in the area.
A pair of pre-drilled slots in the bottom of the safe makes it possible to bolt it down. (Photo credit: Kat Stevens)
If you intend to leave firearms in this safe longer term, you’ll want to bolt it down. SnapSafe makes this possible thanks to pre-drilled holes in the base of the safe. Sturdy bolts can be used to attach the safe to the floor, and it’s highly recommended. If the safe is literally bolted down, no one’s going to wander off with it (and its contents). Many gun owners choose to use it this way for long-term storage of their preferred home defense handgun. They might bolt it down in a closet or even under an end table. Your storage options broaden quite a bit when the safe is securely attached to the floor.
In this picture, the shelf has been lifted so you can see the angled ledge it rests on. Having the shelf at an angle makes it easier to access your gun. (Photo credit: Kat Stevens)
How does the safe work?
To use the safe to store your handguns, program it. The safe comes with a manual that’s easy to follow; programming takes seconds. The keypad runs on four AA batteries, which are not included. Take care to choose a numeric code sequence someone else won’t readily think of. That means no birthdays, holidays, or overly simplistic things like 1234. Of course, it also needs to be something you can remember under pressure. To that end, we suggest practicing opening the safe until it becomes second nature. That means pressing the keypad from whatever angle you’d be accessing it, whether that’s reaching down from the bed or around a corner under an end table or desk. Ideally, you won’t need to hunker down and stare at the safe while you’re opening it.
The backup key comes in handy and should be stored in a location where it cannot be easily found. That means storing it right next to the safe is a no-go, as is hanging it from a hook you keep specifically for key storage. Be creative, but don’t make it impossible.
This safe has a door that’s constantly under spring-loaded pressure. That means when you activate it through the keypad or key, the door pops open. There’s no pulling it down or fussing with it. It also allows the safe to have a sleeker construction with hidden seams to make it pry-resistant. Hinges are similarly recessed to prevent someone from breaking in.
Is the safe fireproof?
No, this safe is not fireproof. Frankly, the heat generated by a house fire will do damage to the contents of most safes. Some just take longer than others. That doesn’t mean it isn’t a good idea to get your hands on a fire-resistant safe, just that it’s wise to be realistic about its limitations.
The safe is designed to hold two handguns. (Photo credit: Kat Stevens)
How many guns does it hold?
SnapSafe designed this model to fit two handguns, one per ledge. It’s certainly possible to cram more in there, but once you do that it’s not possible to safely remove a single gun without a struggle. We suggest sticking to two handguns total, although we like to put one handgun on the bottom and store ammo and spare, loaded magazines on the shelf. By doing that it’s a lot easier to draw your defensive handgun and also snag a spare mag if need be. That brings up an interesting point: If the same isn’t bolted down, the rush to get your gun can involve everything getting knocked around. Bolting it down means drawing the gun is a much smoother, faster process.
Should I get a SnapSafe Two-Gun Keypad Vault?
Speaking from personal experience and the use of more safes than can be counted, I’d say yes. As long as you use this safe correctly, it’s a great option for locking up the gun you want on hand to defend your home. And because you can fit two guns, you can use it for your main gun and a backup or for both yours and your other half’s main guns. SnapSafe makes good quality safes, and this keypad vault is yet another example of their reliable functionality. Remember, it’s your responsibility to safely store your firearms, and that is likely to mean having more than one safe.
For the last two decades, Tactical Solutions has carved out a name and business for itself as the go-to for top-of-the-line .22lr and rimfire firearms and accessories. After years of testing and development, the XRT Trigger assembly for Ruger 10/22 and X-Ring rifles has arrived. The fully drop-in trigger assembly is manufactured with the highest level of craftsmanship that TacSol is known for. The XRT has an all-metal construction, including tool steel components, with side panels that are removable for easy cleaning and maintenance.
Idaho-based Tactical Solutions (TacSol) has developed its own drop-in 10/22 trigger in the XRT trigger assembly. The trigger has side panels for easier maintenance and cleaning along with all-metal construction for longevity. [Photo credit: TacSol]
Straight from the packaging, the Tactical Solutions XRT trigger assembly has a 2.5-pound trigger pull, which depending on who you ask, is on the lighter end of the pull weight range meaning it requires less pull than other triggers on the market. The assembly also has key features such as a custom extended magazine release that allows the shooter to remove the magazine faster and easier.
According to TacSol, the assembly is easy to install, with only minor fitting issues with certain stocks. Rounding out the features for the XRT trigger assembly is an automatic bolt release, making it a small pullback on the bolt to get it to release as opposed to a button release.
The XRT trigger from TacSol is one of the more expensive options on the market when compared to options from Timney or the like, but with the TacSol name, it surely will be a solid option. End users can get the XRT trigger assembly drop-in for their own 10/22 rifles or buy the complete TacSol setup in the X-Ring rifle featuring the XRT. The XRT trigger assembly from Tactical Solutions has an MSRP of $459.00.
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.
Odin Works, a popular firearms and accessories company based in Boise, Idaho, has a full line-up of parts, accessories, and firearms mainly for the AR platform. The company’s motto is “Forward with Purpose”, and the offerings match that. Previously, Odin Works offered longer options for the AR10 platform, but now has a shorter package to choose from.
With complete upper receivers, it’s all done for you and generally ready to go out of the box. With the Odin Works .308 11.5” upper receiver in the line-up, end users can get a shorter carbine-length upper that is plug-and-play. According to the company, the complete upper is ready to enhance the shooter’s experience.
ODIN Works, an Idaho-based firearms company, has updated its AR10 offerings to include an 11.5″ .308 upper. The upper comes complete with a barrel, bolt carrier group, charging handle, and gas block for straight-from-the-box function. (Photo credit: Odin Works)
The 11.5” barreled .308 complete upper is built on a forged upper and is designed to work with the DPMS Gen 1 pattern lowers. Inside the upper is an Odin Works 11.5” Tactical Match Carbine length .308 barrel matched up with the carbine length gas system inside a 10″ forend. The barrel seems to be threaded, as it ships with a matched thread protector so adding your favorite muzzle device or suppressor should be an easy task. Not only that, but the upper has an Odin adjustable gas block so fine-tuning the system will be a breeze.
Helping with the overall performance of the 11.5” AR10 upper is the multi-caliber high-pressure BCG (bolt carrier group) with a black nitride finish for durability. To round out the upper is the Odin eXtended charging handle, O2 Lite M-LOK forend with accessory rails with plenty of space for add-ons.
The Odin 11.5” AR10 .308 complete upper comes fully assembled and with Odin’s Warranty in place. The package, according to Odin, is a setup that is going to shoot phenomenally and look amazing. The .308 upper from Odin has an MSRP of $999 and is available now.
CCI is well known for its .22 caliber ammunition, among others. But did you realize that they also make many other calibers? Among them is the 9x19mm (also known as 9mm Luger). Let’s take a closer look at their Blazer Brass 9mm.
Origins
CCI was started back in the 1950s by Dick Speer (the brother of Vernon Speer, who founded Speer bullets) and Arvid Nelson. Previously, Dick Speer had worked as a machinist at Boeing Aircraft’s Seattle Plant.
With its headquarters in Lewiston, Idaho, It stands for Cascade Cartridges, Inc. The parent company, Vista Outdoor, is the largest manufacturer of ammunition in the United States. The name has become synonymous with high-quality ammunition and reloading components.
Of note, CCI also sells the Gold Dot line of bullets, which is wildly popular.
9mm
Back in 1986, there was an infamous shootout between two criminals and the FBI in Florida. In fact, it quickly became known as the “Miami FBI Shootout.” Two determined bank robbers named Platt and Matix were on a murder/robbery spree and were quite wanted by the authorities.
Several FBI agents found them, tailed them, and attempted to take them down in a residential neighborhood. The resulting gun battle was epic, with two agents being killed and five wounded. Both Platt and Matix were also killed in the exchange of gunfire.
The suspects were heavily armed, with weapons including a Ruger Mini-14. FBI agents had a mixture of revolvers, 9mm autos, and two 12-gauge shotguns.
To make a long story short, Platt was hit several times. One 9mm projectile stopped just short of reaching his heart and eventually caused his death. However, he still continued fighting for a time after this fatal wound.
Pointing Fingers
The FBI blamed the 9mm round as a “failure” and said it was because of the so-called failure of the bullet that the agents died. They began a quest for a newer, better round. They also declared that bullets needed to penetrate at least 12 inches to be considered effective at stopping bad guys. Overnight, the 9mm became Persona Non-Grata.
The whole thing wasn’t necessarily fair or accurate; any round could have failed to stop Platt, regardless of caliber. Nevertheless, the 9mm got a bad rap and when the .40 caliber S&W was introduced, agencies (and civilians) adopted it in droves. The 9mm was discarded like a red-headed stepchild.
Resurgence
Fast forward to the present day. Lo and behold, shortcomings with the .40 S&W were realized. Added recoil, wear and tear on weapons, and higher costs are now on the radar.
CCI offers stellar bullets through their Blazer Brass line!
You guessed it—we’ve come full circle, and the 9mm is, once again, in the good graces of many agencies. Yes, they are returning to the 9mm. It has less recoil, costs less, and the firearms last longer because of the lower recoil impulse. It’s also easier to control in rapid fire, again owing to that lower recoil impulse.
And with technology these days, the hollow point bullets in 9mm are pretty darn effective. The Prodigal Son has returned; the 9mm is once again in good graces.
Present Day
It seems that more 9mm ammunition is now being cranked out by companies. For us, that’s a good thing, because there’s more ammo floating around. And CCI is happy to oblige our needs!
I’m no stranger to CCI ammunition, having used it for decades in various calibers. I’ve long been a fan of their .22LR ammunition; it’s the gold standard by which all other .22 ammo is measured.
However, I’ve also enjoyed their 9mm ammunition as well. Their Blazer line of ammunition is very popular with many agencies for training, as it’s economical and reliable. I’ve used it for that very same reason.
Blazer
CCI’s Blazer line is available in several calibers. The 9mm can be had in 115, 124, and 147-grain rounds. Today I’ll be reviewing the 124-grain FMJ load, which I have used in every 9mm pistol that I’ve either owned or reviewed.
Nowadays, the 9mm is perhaps the most popular round for the new wave of micro-compact pistols. Seen here is the S&W CSX with CCI Blazer Brass 124 grain FMJ.
That would include:
Glock 17
Glock 19
Glock 19X
Glock 43
Glock 43X
H&K USP (and USP Compact)
Springfield Armory XDm (in fact, a few of them)
Springfield Armory XDe
S&W CSX
S&W 5903
Sig P228
Sig P226
Arex Delta X
And I’m certain there are several that I’m forgetting about! Suffice it to say, I have extensive experience with the Blazer line, having used it in training, practice, and competition. It has proven 100% reliable, and I’ve never had a failure of any sort with the ammunition, nor from any firearm while using this ammo. It’s performed exactly how I expect CCI ammunition to perform.
Interestingly, not all pistols will feed every type of ammunition that they are fed. It’s not unheard of for one pistol to have its favorite types of ammunition—even the same model pistol from the same manufacturer. All the pistols I used, however, liked Blazer ammo.
As an aside, I have friends who also use these rounds in their pistol caliber carbines (and their regular pistols), and they report the same—it works well and reliably all the time.
My Glock 19X loves Blazer Brass ammo. I have trained with this pistol and used it in competition.
Details
CCI states that they state that they use Boxer-type primers and primer pockets to make reloading easy.
CCI reports the muzzle velocity of FMJ 124 grain load is 1090 Feet Per Second. At 50 yards, the velocity is 1,019 FPS, and at 100 yards, velocity is 965 FPS. While this round doesn’t have screaming velocity, it’s not a slow one, either.
Unlike some other ammunition that can be found on the market, CCI arrives in its packages clean and polished. It looks good! I think good-looking ammo reflects pride from the manufacturer, which instills user confidence, as well.
Uses
While I’ve mentioned using these bullets for training, practice, and competition, there is one other aspect that I can think of. And that is defense.
A group fired from the S&W CSX in rapid fire at 10 yards.
I’ll make no bones about it, I’d really, really rather not use a 9mm FMJ round for defensive purposes unless I was really in a jam. And if I’m ever using FMJ for defense, it truly means that I’m in dire straits. They tend to grossly over-penetrate. In fact, from 1990 until around 1998, the New York Police Department mandated that its officers carry 9mm FMJ rounds for duty use! Yes, you read that correctly…for duty use!
In 1995 and 1996, five people were hit by bullets fired by NYPD officers after those bullets had passed through suspects. In short, overpenetration caused injuries to bystanders. During that same time period, 17 police officers were also struck by bullets that had passed through suspects! We can see that, during this very short period of time, Full Metal Jacket ammo caused some chaos in the NYPD. And that’s not even taking into account the rest of the time period that these rounds were being used.
Obviously, FMJ ammunition is not the premier combat load that any of us should be choosing, instead opting for some form of hollow point ammo. Not only for safety but for stopping power.
The Bottom Line
The CCI Blazer line of ammo is clean and shoots great. Many agencies rely on it for training and practice, as do shooters around the country. Many use it for competition as well. Personally, it’s reliable enough that I’d depend on it for defensive purposes, other than the fact that it is FMJ. It is also accurate and consistent.
And now for the next best part: the price. As I write this, GunMag Warehouse sells this ammo at a great price that you’ll have a tough time beating! I recommend stocking up while the gettin’ is good.
It isn’t just the red dot you drop on your gun that matters, it’s also the mount. There are a lot of different mounts and guns out there and also a wide variety of shooters. That means options are needed for height, eye relief, offset, and more. If you have a Holosun AEMS, the Reptilia Corp 1.93-inch DOT Mount is made specifically for it, and it’s designed to enhance overall performance.
Looking for a different height and better field of view through your Holosun AEMS? Check out the Reptilia mount.
The mount raises the red dot above the rail for better visibility. (Photo credit: Reptilia Corp)
Reptilia Corp states the 1.93-inch height DOT Mount for Holosun AEMS is offered in both black and flat dark earth anodized finish. Those finishes give the component greater resistance to the wear that comes with heavy use, prolonging the life of the mount. Similar to the company’s other red dot mounts, the 1.93-inch Height DOT Mount for Holosun AEMS is designed to be a lightweight, slim-line mounting solution that delivers additional height. This makes for a more comfortable shooting position, especially when upright, and can improve accuracy and rapid target acquisition.
The mount is machined from billet 7075-T6 aluminum for durability and attaches to any M1913 Picatinny rail (meaning it’s compatible with most setups). It has a spring-loaded nitrided steel clamp and mounting bolt for a fast, easy installation process. Reptilia designed the mount so it sits flush with the body of the mount for a low-profile, anti-snag design that’s important to reduce the risk of the sight catching on objects.
The mount is available with a flat dark earth finish. (Photo credit: Reptilia Corp)
Features of the Reptilia Corp 1.93 inch Height DOT Mount for Holosun AEMS include:
Type III hardcoat anodized 7075 aluminum for durability, longevity, and resistance to wear and tear.
Nitrided 4140 steel to withstand scrapes and bumps associated with serious use.
60 grams, meaning it doesn’t add excessive weight or bulk to the gun.
Made in the USA.
Compatible with the Holosun AEMS.
Places the red dot sight 1.93 inches higher than the rail it’s attached to, which improves alignment with the shooter’s eyes and can enhance accuracy and target acquisition.
Offered in black or flat dark earth anodized finishes.
Easily mounted to the gun’s Picatinny rail; does not require a gunsmith.
Designed to rest flush against the gun’s rail to reduce the risk of snagging during use.
Adjusting the height can help shooters visualize the dot.
Lifetime warranty for manufacturer defects.
The Holosun AEMS is made with a red or green dot. (Photo credit: Holosun)
As for the red dot sight the mount is designed for, it offers a host of features, including:
Red or green dot.
Runs off a CR2032 battery.
Shake awake technology to simplify activation.
2 MOA dot reticle, so it won’t unnecessarily obscure targets.
Broader field of view than many other sights.
Want a Reptilia mount but don’t have a Holosun AEMS? Don’t worry, the company makes mounts for a lot of other red dots as well. (Photo credit: Reptilia Corp)
What do you think, will you be adding the Reptilia mount to your setup? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section.
MSRP for the Reptilia Corp 1.93 inch Height DOT Mount for Holosun AEMS is set at $109.95.
Many gun owners focused on self-defense end up putting a red dot sight on their carry guns. Of course, not all guns ship from the factory compatible with a red dot and even fewer arrive with one already on the gun. The Beretta APX A1 Carry, does, though. There’s a model available from the respected gun maker that ships with a Burris FastFire 3 mounted on the pistol, meaning it’s ready to go out of the box (once you zero your red dot, of course).
The Beretta APX A1 Carry with Burris FastFire 3 is an excellent defensive handgun option that’s ready to zero and shoot right out of the box. (Photo credit: Beretta)
The Beretta APX A1 Carry is a compact handgun chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum. It’s a striker-fired gun and was specifically designed for those who concealed carry. Forward and rearward serrations make it easier to manipulate the slide and a textured grip makes a firm hold easier, even if the shooter’s hands are wet. There’s even texture on the frame itself to facilitate better overall handling. This gun does not have an external manual safety but does have a number of internal safety mechanisms such as a striker block safety and internal trigger safety.
The FastFire3 is a great red dot designed to enhance speed and accuracy. (Photo credit: Burris)
As for the Burris FastFire 3 included with the gun, it’s a proven, well-made red dot sight that’s fantastic for tactical applications. The model used on the Beretta APX A1 Carry has a 3 MOA dot which is preferred by many shooters because it doesn’t obscure targets or otherwise distract. It has an automatic brightness sensor, meaning it will adjust itself to the light, but it also offers three manual settings in case the user prefers something different.
3.0-inch barrel length, making it easier to conceal.
An overall height of 4.17 inches without the Burris FastFire3, so adding the red dot only adds a negligible amount of size.
An overall length of 5.63 inches, minimizing printing concerns while remaining large enough for comfortable shooting use.
Overall width of 0.9 inches, so it’s slim enough to carry comfortably.
Aggressive, angled slide serrations make racking the slide easier.
An empty weight of 19.8 ounces without a red dot sight, meaning it’s light enough that it won’t drag your belt down.
Short, light trigger pull with a clean break and enhanced ergonomics to improve trigger control and accuracy.
Modular chassis, making it possible to swap out chassis with other guns from the same line.
The gun and red dot combo make a great carry option for defensive handgunners. (Photo credit: Beretta)
Features of the Burris FastFire3:
3 MOA red dot, so it won’t obscure the target.
The battery can be accessed through the top of the sight.
Three manual brightness settings so the user can set it according to personal preferences.
Automatic time-out feature when not in use to extend battery life
The combination of the gun and red dot make a fantastic defensive pairing. What do you think? Tell us in the comments section.
MSRP for the Beretta APX A1 Carry with Burris FastFire3 red dot sight is set at $499.00.
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.
