It’s not only handguns that need good weapon-mounted lights, it’s long guns, too. The Streamlight ProTac 2.0 Rail Mount is designed for long guns and offers 2,000 lumens to give you an edge in brightness. Having the right light is a must for target identification and useful whether it’s going on your home defense gun or a hunting rifle. There’s no such thing as too much light.
Thanks to the innovation of the team at Streamlight, there’s also no such thing as a light that’s impossible to operate or mount to your gun. They’ve made it as simple as possible. Check it out.
The Protac 2.0 Rail Mount is designed to easily mount to your rifle. (Photo credit: Streamlight)
The Streamlight Protac 2.0 Rail Mount is a great option for illumination needs on long guns. It’s a fantastic entry-level light and has applications including home defense, truck defense, range time, and hunting. Low-light/no-light situations call for bringing some light to the subject, and this is one way to do it.
The light comes with a variety of parts including a mechanism you can attach to your gun’s rail to activate the light without overly adjusting your grip. (Photo credit: Streamlight)
As mentioned before, this light produces 2,000 lumens with a max candela of 17,700. The company states its run time is 2.5 hours. Unlike other models that take CR123A batteries, the Protac 2.0 Rail Mount runs off a proprietary SL-B50. This simplifies powering the light because it can simply be charged via USB port with no need to remove the battery from the housing.
There are three settings for the light including low, high, and strobe, each of which uses different amounts of battery power.
The light is made to mount directly to the rail of your long gun. (Photo credit: Streamlight)
Features of the Streamlight Protac 2.0 Rail Mount include:
Runs off a proprietary Streamlight SL-B50-protected Li-Ion USB-rechargeable battery pack so there’s no need to purchase batteries regularly, or remove batteries from the housing.
User-friendly thanks to TEN-TAP programming which offers your choice of three selectable programs: High/Strobe, High Only, and Low/High.
High: 2,000 lumens; 266 m beam; runs 2.5 hours, approximately
Low: 250 lumens; 93 m beam; runs 11 hours, approximately
Strobe for signaling or disorienting: runs 4.5 hours, approximately
The battery can be charged with a USB cord while still in the housing although you can remove it for charging if you prefer. (Photo credit: Streamlight)
IP67-rated, dust-tight, and waterproof to one meter for 30 minutes for longevity (IPX4-rated when the remote switch is plugged in).
Two-meter impact resistance tested, meaning it’s durable and resistant to wear and tear.
6000 series machined aircraft aluminum with Type II MIL-Spec anodized finish to withstand the bumps and scrapes that come with regular use.
Mounts directly to Picatinny rails, making the process simple and straightforward.
Available as “light-only” or “system” (system includes remote pressure switch which is fantastic for speedy operation).
6.30 inches in length, so it doesn’t add unnecessary bulk.
9.06 ounces with one SL-B50 battery pack.
Available in black to reduce glare and make it less likely to give away your position.
Limited Lifetime Warranty.
MSRP for the Streamlight Protac 2.0 Rail Mount is not known at this time but dealers have it listed for approximately $175.00.
Everything retro feels to be in vogue again, or so it seems. Companies have been recycling older designs or looks and repurposing them for today’s market. The SureFire SFA2-556 is a great example of this, bearing a striking resemblance to the older A2 birdcage flash hiders of yore but with current technology and accuracy.
SureFire has a piece of nostalgia made with current technologies in its SFA2-556 flash hider. As an A2-reminiscent muzzle device, it can be used with any SureFire Blank Firing Adapters or Mil-Spec BFA that require one. (Photo: SureFire)
The SFA2-556 has a closed-tined adapter that was specifically designed and engineered to be used with any SureFire Blank Firing Adapters or Mil-Spec BFAs, specifically used in training purposes that need a blank firing adapter. Additionally, SureFire states that the SFA2-556 also acts as a precision mounting platform for the SureFire SOCOM Fast-Attach Suppressors or can be used as a standalone muzzle device.
The SureFire SFA2-556 comes threaded 1/2×28 for the 5.56 caliber and represents the traditional birdcage flash hider with handy wrench flats that make installation a breeze. With a similar construction to its other SOCOM muzzle devices, the SureFire SFA2-556 is constructed of stainless steel that has been precision cut and treated for durability. According to SureFire, it is highly resistant to gas and particle erosion thanks to the DLC heat-treated coating the flash hider receives.
One hurdle in shooting suppressed, or not suppressed for that matter, is a repeatable zero with the system. Thanks to the multiple bearing surfaces on the SFA2-556, the mounted suppressor aligns correctly every time. The overall size of the mount, at just 2.9 ounces and 1.9 inches long, means the weight will be negligible and very similar to other muzzle devices on the market.
The SureFire SFA2-556 flash hider is a solid choice for those already running SureFire suppressor or anyone looking for a piece of nostalgia with a current twist. The SureFire SFA2-556 flash hider for 5.56 caliber has an MSRP of $169.
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.
AKs don’t have to be all wood furniture and classic lines; sometimes, AKs get tactical. The BarWarus ALPHA-1 AK Rail helps you trick out your AK with modern accessories, and it does it with Z-style. The modularity options are practically endless. Whether you’re a fan of the Zenitco-style handguard rail system or simply want to be able to add more aftermarket accessories to your AK, this component is well worth a closer look.
The BarWarus ALPHA-1 AK Handguard Rail system is made in z-style and offers fantastic options for accessories. (Photo credit: BarWarus)
BarWarus states the ALPHA-1 AK Handguard Rail system is a two-piece aftermarket component designed in the Z-style. The Z-style is Zenitco and refers to the purpose-driven, long handguards designed for the AK platform with Picatinny rails on three sides. As for the ALPHA-1 AK Handguard Rail, it’s designed to withstand serious use and is made to hold whatever accessories you feel like adding to your AK platform rifle.
The handguard is a two-piece system designed to significantly improve the modularity of the platform. (Photo credit: BarWarus)
Although the ALPHA-1 AK Handguard Rail is a two-piece system, it’s easy to place on your AK platform rifle. There are eight set screws used to secure the topmost rail to the handguard. The upper portion of the handguard is specifically designed not to interfere with the line of sight when using iron sights. Screws are, of course, included. With Picatinny rails on three sides of the handguard system, it’s possible to add whatever lights, lasers, or offset sights you like. The handguard is currently available in black.
In addition to the Picatinny rails, there’s a mini Basis rail on the underside of the handguard. That means you can mount Basis-compatible accessories beneath the handguard, giving you even more options. The entire system has a weight of 380 grams, so it doesn’t add significant bulk to the gun. Basically, swapping out your current AK handguard for this system vastly improves accessory options.
The system is designed to improve the platform’s modularity. (Photo credit: BarWarus)
Features of the BarWarus ALPHA-1 AK Handguard Rail system include:
Black finish for aesthetic compatibility with a broader number of guns.
Compatible with the following AKs: 103, 104, 105, 74S, 74M, AKM, AKMS, and rifles based on them.
Not compatible with: AKs with milled receivers (only works with stamped receivers).
Picatinny rail on three sides for the addition of aftermarket accessories.
Basis mini rail on the underside of the handguard for even better accessory options.
Weighs 380 grams, which is 13.4 ounces, so it isn’t excessively bulky.
Installation manual included.
Only sold as a set, parts not sold individually.
Ships with eight set screws.
In addition to making it possible to add accessories, the system gives shooters more real estate to hold during live fire.
The ALPHA-1 AK Handguard Rail System weighs just over 13 ounces. (Photo credit: BarWarus)
Is this handguard system going to be your next modification on your AK? Tell us what you think in the comments section below (and tell us what accessories you’d mount to it).
MSRP for the BarWarus ALPHA-1 AK Handguard Rail system is set at $410.00.
If you try to look up what the best caliber is for self-defense, you will probably find both of these statements:
The perfect caliber for self-defense is .380.
You should never use .380 ammo because it’s junk.
Use it. Don’t use it. It’s great. It’s awful. We have a billion rifle rounds and arguments can be made for each caliber including what it works best for. The same is true for handguns.
There are reasons why people choose .380 and there are reasons why they don’t. Like any other caliber, it just depends on what works best for you. Today I’m going to focus on the Blazer .380 95 Grain FMJ, but I also want to look at why people carry .380 and why training is needed for those who do carry it.
CCI’s Blazer brass case .380 is great for range practice and breaking in that new CCW gun.
CCI Blazer .380 FMJ Brass Case
Blazer .380 FMJ brass ammo is known for its reliability and overall good quality ammo for training. At just under 1,000 fps, the ballistics are about the norm of any standard 95-grain .380 round. Blazer uses good quality brass and non-corrosive boxer primers. While their quality is excellent for the range, it is very affordable compared to other brands out there. I have been using Blazer ammo for years in multiple calibers and have never had any issues with it. I have also found Blazer ammo is a good choice for long-term storage because of the non-corrosive boxer primers.
It is easy to fall into the trap of buying the best ammo for self-defense and then buying the cheapest stuff out there for range time. The only problem with this is that practice time on the range is one of the most crucial types of training needed to prepare for that self-defense situation we hope never comes. But if it does, training with cheap ammo will cause the gun to recoil differently, may not be as accurate, and may cycle through the gun differently. It is ok to shoot cheap ammo for fun on the range, but it should not substitute serious training for concealed carry.
Why carry a .380?
Yes, it is true, .380 is far less effective than .45, 10mm, .40, or even 9mm. But that does not make it useless. A .45 carries some serious knock-down power. But with that knock-down power comes serious recoil. Larger bullets also mean less ammo or much larger magazines to carry the same amount of ammo. A 9mm has better recoil and is smaller so it makes a great CCW round. In fact, the 9mm is probably the most popular self-defense round today. But there could still be a reason why some want to carry a .380.
Blazer ammunition is reliable and of great quality for the price. The Blazer .380 FMJ 95-grain round is a brass casing with corrosion-resistant boxer primers.
The 1st reason is that a .380 is very compact and allows maximum capacity before you go even smaller like a 32 ACP or .22 caliber. My philosophy has always been to carry the largest handgun that can still be concealed. The size of handgun I can carry changes each day depending on what I am doing and the clothes I can wear. If I’m off duty and it’s 95 degrees outside, it will be harder to conceal a 1911. If it’s cool out and I can wear a jacket, hoodie, or some type of outer shirt that covers more up, a larger gun is possible. But I still find days where I grab my .380 and head out.
When you carry a weapon daily, it can start to feel like a chore at times. There are days that my clothing just won’t conceal a larger gun. If I’m wearing a shirt and jeans that just won’t hide a larger gun, I’m tempted to go without one. But that is not very responsible, so I grab the smallest gun I have and strap it on. After all, that’s better than no gun, right?
Another reason some people carry a .380 is because of the low recoil. If someone has trouble with recoil on smaller guns and a larger framed gun is not an option, a .380 can be a good alternative.
Is a .380 effective?
A .380 is not as effective as a 9mm or larger caliber round. But that does not mean it’s useless in a self-defense incident. Is the risk higher that an attacker would not be stopped as fast? Yes. But it can still be effective, and it can still work. In my years in law enforcement, I have seen people shot with .45 caliber ammo that walked into the hospital without any help. I have also worked cases where a single .380 wound was fatal instantly.
The .380 (left) is smaller than the 9mm (right) and has less recoil. While it doesn’t have the power as the 9mm or larger calibers, it can be a great option for those needing to carry a very small compact weapon.
Most self-defense shootings take place at less than 20 feet. This means the likelihood of needing to use a .380 caliber for self-defense is going to be very close. A .380 can be effective when the target is within a few feet and the weapon can fire multiple rounds quickly. This does not mean I prefer a .380 as a daily carry, but I can still draw and fire mine quickly if I do need a very compact gun.
Why should you train with a .380 if you carry it?
I fell into the same category as others and thought if I train with a 9mm, I can handle a .380. After all, a .380 is not as much fun to shoot on the range as a 9mm or some other larger round. Small compact guns are just not comfortable to shoot. But even if you train with a 9mm or larger caliber gun, training is still needed for a .380 if you are going to carry one. The smaller frame of the gun requires more grip strength to control. This is especially true if the compact gun is a larger caliber like .40 or .45.
Every gun and every caliber shoots just a little bit differently. A .380 may not kick very much but regular training should still be done to be efficient with it. Contrary to what people think about the “cute” little guns, a small compact gun can be much harder to shoot quickly and accurately than a full-size gun. I find running drills with my Ruger LCP Max more challenging than running them with a Glock, 1911, or Sig P320. The rule for any weapon should be, if you carry it, you train with it.
On the range with the Blazer .380
When I train with one of my CCW weapons, I like to shoot three kinds of ammo from it. First is self-defense ammo. If I am going to carry ammo for protection, I want to make sure my gun will shoot it without any issues. I know it’s expensive but it’s worth it to buy an extra box the 1st time you train with it. The 2nd type of ammo I use is good-quality FMJ for regular training. When I use the Blazer .380 FMJ in my LCP Max, it is very smooth and has no issues.
The Blazer .380 brass ammo shoots smoothly and is just as accurate as the self-defense ammo I carry.
The 3rd type of ammo I shoot from a CCW gun is the cheapest stuff I can find. This is not what I use for quality training, but to see if the gun has limits. Does it jam with the cheap stuff or can it handle cheap ammo too? If it does well, the cheap ammo may be a good choice when you want to plink at pop cans as the sun goes down. Most of my training, however, is with quality target ammo, and the Blazer 95-grain FMJ is a great choice for this.
Summary
Find what works for you and go with it. If a .380 is all you can carry at times, then carry a .380 caliber gun. CCI’s Blazer .380 Brass Case is a great choice for training with your .380 and is an excellent price for the quality of ammo you get. My agency uses Blazer for some of our training events and we have not had any issues.
This .380 target ammo comes in a good quality box with a solid plastic ammo holder that makes it easy to store. It also has good-quality brass casings for those who like to reload and save some money. CCI’s Blazer is a great brand and .380 is a good caliber for those wanting a low recoil small caliber round.
Long has been the plight of shooters searching for an adequate holster for their suppressed handguns. When a holster is found that works for one pistol, it doesn’t necessarily work for another. Enter the HUSH Holster, which stands for Holster Universal Suppressed Handgun.
HUSH Holsters has a universal handgun holster that works best when said handgun is suppressed. [Photo credit: HUSH Holsters]
The ingenious design of the HUSH Holster works best with suppressed handguns but can be used on unsuppressed pistols as well. Employing the TLR1 weapon light and rail to lock the handgun in place, it would be difficult to find a gun with a rail that can’t be used with the HUSH Holster, whether it’s a Glock, FN, HK or Steyr. The holster holds the pistol securely and safely with an easy locking mechanism that can be disengaged for a quick draw.
According to HUSH, the holster has a locking system that interacts with the weapon mounted flashlight and disengages with a finger sweep back away from the trigger. The backward motion of the finger sweep helps avoid confusion when drawing the weapon. The system automatically reengages when the pistol is inserted back into the holster.
The HUSH Holster works on a range of belt widths and automatically locks the pistol in place to keep it secure. To disengage the lock is a simple finger sweep allowing for a smooth and quick draw of the suppressed pistol. [Photo credit: HUSH Holsters]
The system has undergone extensive testing and is said to perform even under extreme conditions so the end user can use the holster with confidence knowing the pistol won’t fall out or release itself.
The holster has two different models, one is constructed from lightweight carbon fiber-infused Nylon while the other is made from Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) Additive Technologies combined with Vapor fusing, or Nylon 12. Both holster options come in either a right-hand or left-hand draw option for all shooters.
Currently, the holster is available in Black, but other colors will be released in the future. According to reports, the holster comes from HUSH with an OWB (outside the waistband) belt-loop style mount that will work on most standard belt widths (1.5”-2.25”), with adapters available for wider belts. The Carbon Fiber holster has a price tag of $99 while the HUSH MJF has a price tag of $120.
Romeo Hotel Engineering, a small boutique suppressor company, has expanded the offerings for shooters looking for a shotgun suppressor with its Thicc-Boi-12 suppressor which was designed exclusively for the Standard Manufacturing DP-12 pump action shotgun.
Started by Riley Hart, a Design Engineer from Heckler & Koch, Romeo Hotel Engineering was founded to take a different look at firearm design and all the possibilities. The Thicc-Boi-12 shotgun suppressor meets that idea perfectly. According to Romeo Hotel, the company took over two years of research and development to make the Thicc-Boi-12 suppressor.
Romeo Hotel Engineering developed a suppressor for the DP-12 shotgun called the Thicc-Boi-12 suppressor. Weighing 32 ounces and adding eight inches to the overall length of the gun, the suppressor reduces the report by 10 to 15 dB. (Photo credit: Romeo Hotel Engineering)
Thicc-Boi-12 Specifications
8.0″ in length
2.5″ x 2.5″ silencer body dimensions
35 oz. total weight
User serviceable with DP-12 tool and T-25 Torx bit
Lifetime Warranty
TB12 Multi-Tool socket included
Protective choke tube thread covers included
The shotgun suppressor has a hard coat anodized 7075-T6 black aluminum construction for the suppressor body and lid. The Thicc-Boi-12 adds only eight inches of length to the shotgun and weighs in at 35 ounces. With a boxy design, 2.5” by 2.5”, the suppressor slides over the tubes and is secured to the shotgun with a pair of castle nuts. The suppressor requires a specially designed attachment system that includes a pair of custom-designed 4130 steel black oxide choke tubes that thread into the barrels. That’s right, because of the double barrel design, you must have the choke tubes to securely attach the suppressor.
According to the company, the Thicc-Boi-12 suppressor can handle a variety of shell options including slugs, buckshot, and birdshot. The suppressor reportedly reduces the muzzle report by 10 to 15 Decibels, depending on the ammunition used but the company recommends using subsonic shot shells for the best results.
An additional added feature of the Thicc-Boi-12 suppressor is that it is user-serviceable with the DP-12 tool and a T-25 Torx bit. The suppressor comes with a TB12 Multi-Tool socket, choke tube thread covers as well as a Lifetime Warranty. The Romeo Hotel Engineering Thicc-Boi-12 shotgun suppressor has a price tag of $1,185.75, and all NFA rules apply.
Your rifle’s chassis is its foundation, and without a quality, solid foundation, your gun simply won’t perform at its highest capabilities. If you have a Savage or Ruger American rifle, Kinetic Research Group (KRG) has the aftermarket upgrade you might be looking for. The KRG Bravo chassis system is compatible with those rifles and designed to improve performance, precision, and comfort while shooting. Yes, a good chassis can do all that, and more.
The KRG Bravo Chassis is compatible with Savage and Ruger American rifles. (Photo credit: KRG)
KRG states that the Ruger American Bravo Chassis is AICS magazine compatible and has no add-on bottom metal pieces required. That makes switching over to this chassis system fast and easy. All you will need to get it done is an AICS pattern mag compatible with your caliber and the chassis, of course. Installation involves seating the barreled action into the inlet, torquing the action screws, and checking to be sure it’s securely placed. There’s no need for a pile of tools or a trip to the gunsmith.
The chassis system is compatible with Savage or Ruger American short-action rifles. (Photo credit: KRG)
This chassis is designed to be ergonomic and economically friendly. Every chassis ships with length of pull spacers and an adjustable cheekpiece so the gun can be fit to the shooter. That means better results down-range, and repeatable ones, at that.
The Savage Bravo Chassis is similarly designed and compatible with short-action Savage rifles. More specifically, the chassis works with Savage SA (4.4-inch/4.275-inch spacing) side bolt release. If you’re installing it on a rifle chambered in .223 Remington or 5.56 NATO, it might require a small mod to the bolt stop so the AICS magazines are functional. Please note the Bravo Chassis isn’t compatible with the Savage Axis.
The Bravo Chassis comes standard with length of pull spacers. (Photo credit: KRG)
Features of the chassis systems include:
AICS magazine compatible for ease of use across platforms.
Available in black.
Ships with a spacer kit to adjust the length of pull to the shooter.
Has an adjustable cheek riser for a snug cheek weld, which improves overall accuracy.
Made from polymer for lighter weight and to eliminate heat transfer during live fire.
Mounting holes located at various positions are compatible with L2 Picatinny rail, ARCA Rails, Barrier stops, and more.
M-LOK compatible slots in the sides and bottom of the forend for the addition of aftermarket accessories.
Access hole for action mounting screw, making it possible to remove the action taking off the forend (to do this you will need an extended hex).
Aluminum parts Type III hard anodized for resistance to wear and tear.
Most fasteners are stainless steel, some with black oxide coating, for greater durability.
Steel parts salt bath nitrided or stainless steel for longevity and improved long-term performance.
An adjustable cheek riser makes it possible to get a good cheek weld for enhanced accuracy. (Photo credit: KRG)
MSRP for the KRG Bravo Chassis is $399.99 for the Savage or Ruger American model.
The first question that most people ask when receiving any gun is, what is the best ammo to use with it?
This depends on many factors, including what the shooter is actually using the gun for, however one of the largest factors that makes a certain ammo type the best is the actual gun. Not every gun is alike and even with a pistol that was made on the same manufacturing line back to back, it may still shoot better with one type of ammo vs the other. With that though, there is merit to see how ammo performs to get an idea of where to start.
10mm is quickly becoming a favorite in many households. On a day of putting a new Sig XTEN through its paces, we were able to shoot six different kinds of ammo and see how they grouped and how the recoil felt. Ammo choices are not only based on the grouping size during testing but also on how well you as the shooter can shoot the gun. One type of ammo can show a great group but another close 2nd could be a lot easier to shoot. And let’s face it, this is 10mm, and it is not the easiest of shooting, to begin with.
Below are the results.
The Gun
We have a brand new Sig P320 XTEN. This is a full-sized, striker-fired, polymer-framed, 10mm Auto pistol with a 5″ barrel and day/night sights.
Honestly, the Sig P320 XTEN is a P320 but in a larger frame and different caliber. The recoil acceptance for the power of the 10mm is on point and the firearm is still practical. It has day/night sights, is optic-ready, and can be seated into holsters that many already own.
As shown in my hands during a couple of drills, the XTEN controls are friendly to any sized hand. It accepts the recoil of the 10mm even while having a polymer frame.
For this exercise, a five-round group is shot at 25 yds at a B-8, not under time, for each type of ammo. To have consistent shooting I called on Joshua Shaw, A GrandMaster in USPSA to shoot the groups.
Ensure that you are shooting at a distance far enough away to show the spreads in ammo. Josh stated that 10 yds won’t really show the difference in ammo, you have to push out. So get to a distance where you can still capably shoot but far enough to show the different capabilities in ammo.
Shooting a B8 at 25 yds is no easy feat. Now shoot it six times back to back with 10mm. Due to how tough that is, I asked GM Josh Shaw to ensure that this testing is legit.
This type of drill is good for anyone that just received a brand-new firearm or barrel. Here’s a tip: don’t go to the store and pick up a ton of ammo. You might end up with ammo that shoots like crap in your gun, or you might miss out on a more capable gun/ammo pairing. Instead, shoot this drill with five different types of ammo first.
Doing this means that you only have to buy one box per ammo type and use a couple of targets to really hone in on what type of ammo works best in your firearm. It also takes less than an hour at the range.
A little-known fact: we often do this drill and testing during reloading in the precision rifle world. When we get a new barrel we will use the last load as a baseline to start our grouping and velocity tests, but we will load a couple more rounds with different powder loads and seating depths. This is the same thing that we are doing today with a pistol. Barrels like different things, as do pistols, don’t allow yourself a less capable firearm because you didn’t take the time to find the best ammo for it.
The Ammo
Jacketed Hollow Point ammo was chosen for this grouping test. This type of ammo is great for defensive situations or hunting. 10mm is a very niche caliber. Below are the ammo types for each group.
PMC Bronze:10mm Auto, JHP, 170gr.
Nosler: 10mm Auto: JHP, 180 gr.
HSM: 10mm Auto: JHP, 180 gr.
Federal HST: 10mm Auto, HST JHP, 200gr.
Federal PUNCH: 10mm Auto, JHP, 200 gr.
Sig V-Crown: 10mm Auto, JHP, 180 gr.
These are the five types of ammunition that were used during the grouping exercise. We decided to do this exercise with all JHP due to it being a defensive round and not just a plinking round. (The CCI Blazer target/plinking ammo was left for shooting quick drills and testing how the XTEN handles recoil overall.)
The Groups
Don’t worry about what side of the paper that the rounds are impacting, just focus on group size. The iron sights weren’t adjusted before shooting and different ammunition will always need a different zero.
Left: The PMC ammo shot a great five-round group at 25 yds with three rounds touching. Center: The Nosler group at 25yds. Don’t worry about where it impacted the paper, just look at the group size. The iron sights were not adjusted. Right: HSM at 25yds. Definitely larger but still great with 10mm. Left: The Federal HST shot a very tight five-round group at 25 yds. Center: Federal Punch at 25 yds. While Federal Punch has a lot of the same specs as Federal HST, it does expand differently during penetration. Right: A 5five-round group with the Sig V Crown Ammunition. The fact that a group like this can be shot with 10mm is pretty wild.
The Results
Based on the target alone, the best group that day was the SIG V-Crown 180 gr JHP,and worst was the Federal Punch 200gr. Feedback from Josh was that the softest shooting was the PMC ammunition, which also proved to have a great group.
Group sizes in order, beginning with the tightest group”
Sig V-Crown 180gr JHP
PMC 170gr JHP
Federal HST 200gr
HSM 180gr
Nosler 180gr
Federal Punch 200gr
When choosing your desired ammo type you want to know the group sizing as well as how you can manage the recoil. Josh stated that the softest shooting was the PMC. Even if that didn’t have the tightest group, it had a great group and Josh could handle it better than other ammo types. To have a capable gun, the shooter needs to be capable too, and a softer shooting ammo type could allow for better shooting, no matter what the group testing showed.
Personally, for this specific gun, I would first look at how the ammunition expands between the two best ammo types on the list, Sig V-Crown and PMC. After that research, I would then go forward with my decision on what to carry in that gun. Without the expansion research, I would choose the PMC as my ammo type due to softer shooting and a great group.
Remember, these groups are for this particular Sig P320 XTEN. Yours may like different ammo.
FAB Defense has given the AR-15 aftermarket buttstock market another option with its tactical GL-CORE Impact stock. With its exposed shock-absorbing spring, this new buttstock has a look that sets it apart from the rest of the market.
The collapsible, durable, and lightweight tactical AR-15 stock is purpose-made to withstand all weather conditions thanks to the fiberglass-reinforced polymer composite construction. To help secure the stock from the rattle, it has two unique anti-rattle pieces that hold the stock tight to the AR-15 tube. Yes, both those pieces come in the box from FAB Defense.
FAB Defense has given the market another tactical option with its GL-CORE Impact buttstock. The stock is constructed from a fiberglass polymer composite to make it durable and lightweight. (Photo credit: FAB Defense)
The FAB Defense stock has an exposed spring that is part of the recoil-reducing mechanism. The recoil spring is connected inside the tube and holds the whole mechanism in position. It works when the firearm is shot, like any other AR15, the buffer tube goes back into the stock. But when the buffer tube slides back, the spring part of the GL-CORE Impact buttstock compresses and absorbs the recoil of the system.
According to FAB Defense, the GL-CORE Impact stock is adjustable and has interchangeable buffer tube adapters for use with all AR-15/M4, MIL-SPEC, and commercial buffer tubes. A rubber butt pad and angled toe are on the end of the buttstock to prevent slipping on the shoulder. The pad is shaped to fit on the shoulder better and supposedly increases the maneuverability of the weapon.
The exposed spring design of the GL-CORE Impact helps demonstrate how the spring absorbs the recoil from the rifle when shot. [Photo credit: FAB Defense]
The GL-CORE Impact from FAB Defense also features two integral quick-detach rear sling swivel connectors, an inverse positioning lever (so no accidental opening), and an optional integrated cheek weld for an overall compact and sleek design. It is available in Matte Black, Olive Drab Green, and Flat Dark Earth.
The GL-CORE impact buttstock is available with an MSRP of $105, with additional options for $18 for the adjustable cheek rest and $12 for the sling swivel.
Are you looking for some good full-metal jacketed 9mm ammo? You have no doubt heard of Blazer Ammunition. It is made in the USA (Lewiston, Ohio) and manufactured in the CCI production facility. I use Blazer ammo a lot and never hesitate to pick up a box when I’m at the store. These days there isn’t really such a thing as cheap ammo, but Blazer is about as good of a deal as you can find. It’s not just on the budget-friendly side though, it happens to be some good ammo.
Blazer 9mm FMJ 115 grain ammo is perfect for range day training. Blazer has been good quality budget ammo for years.
You can find some cheaper stuff like Wolf or Tula, but the cheapest is not always the best way to go. Even if you want to save some money and just put in a little range time, you want to make sure you have ammo that will be consistent and reliable. Some guns handle just about any kind of ammo, and some do not like the cheap stuff. I rarely see a handgun that won’t handle Blazer’s FMJ 9mm rounds.
The Legendary 9mm Luger
Some people still think the 9mm Luger is a newer, more modern round. And while improvements have been made to improve it, the 9mm Luger was invented in 1901. This was even before the .45 caliber that John Moses Browning invented. It is a tried-and-true caliber that is now used by people all around the globe. It is the standard issue caliber by the US Military and law enforcement around the country. Arguably the most popular concealed carry round by citizens everywhere, it continues to gain in popularity. It is just large enough to be effective yet small enough to allow for multiple rounds to be carried without adding a lot of weight.
Because the 9mm round is so effective, it has been used in nearly every type of firearm on the planet. Guns like the Beretta 92F, Glock 17, the classic German Luger, and more have all been chambered in the 9mm round. It serves well as a universal caliber for anyone wishing to have a concealed carry gun as well as a larger framed gun while only stocking up on one type of ammunition.
Blazer Ballistic Performance
9mm ammo can be found in mostly three common grains: 115, 124, and 147. The heavier the grain, the slower the bullet, but the more energy it will have when it hits its target. When using a full metal jacket like the Blazer 115 Grain FMJ, you have better accuracy and distance on the range than you would with a hollow point round. A 9mm round can be effective out to a few hundred yards. From a handgun, body-size targets can be hit relatively easily at 100 yards. That makes a 9mm handgun a very handy weapon for self-defense.
Blazer 9mm ammo is not just reliable but can also be worth some money after you fire it. Their brass cases are well made and because of their high-quality brass, can be reloaded up to five times. This makes the casings worth collecting after you are done on the range. If you are not into reloading, save them up and sell them to someone who is. It will bring down the overall cost of ammo while allowing some range time. Blazer’s non-corrosive casings and boxer primers make this a great budget ammo for the range.
Blazer 9mm brass ammo is reliable and accurate. The brass casings can be reloaded or sold which reduces the overall cost of the ammo.
Storing Blazer Ammo Long Term
There are some types of ammo I would not recommend storing for long periods of time. When you do store ammo, you want to make sure the manufacturer uses good-quality powder, casings, and primers. Blazer ammunition should be fine to store long-term if you keep the moisture away from it. Heat is also an enemy to all ammo so store it in a dry, cool place if it will be set aside for the long haul.
Blazer ammo boxes are thick cardboard that will help protect it during storage times and the plastic crates that hold the ammo are excellent. Some of the cheap stuff comes with flimsy crates that fall apart as you stack multiple boxes inside of an ammo can. The best method for storing is to place the Blazer boxed ammo inside a military surplus ammo can with a few desiccant packets to help control the moisture. Keep the ammo can in a cool, dry place and it will be good to go.
It’s easy to properly store Blazer 9mm boxed ammo and it will last for years.
On the Range With Blazer
I shoot a lot of different brands of ammunition but one of my favorite stories involves Blazer ammo. Every now and then luck intervenes and makes a shooter look better than they really are. I was this lucky on the range one afternoon during a training event. I had just finished a 2-gun shoot that involved running, crawling, and switching from handgun to rifle throughout the course. The last shot of the event was an eight inch metal plate at 100 yards with the short barrel rifle we carry on duty. After making it ding, the range instructor yelled “bonus point if you can hit it with your handgun.” In a very off-handed way, I raised my Glock out to my side with one hand and pull the trigger. A split-second pause and then, “Ding.”
To this day we joke about how it must have been that Blazer ammo! What’s not a joke however is that it was Blazer ammo, and it did hit the target. Could I have made that shot again one-handed without really taking any time to aim? Probably not, but it made me more impressed with Blazer’s FMJ boxed ammo.
It doesn’t matter if I’m shooting Blazer 9mm 115 grain ammo from a suppressed short, barreled rifle or my favorite sidearms, I have never had an issue with Blazer’s quality or accuracy on the range.
Summary
There is a lot of good ammo out there, but it’s hard to beat the quality and price of Blazer’s ammunition. It’s packaged well, made with good materials, and shoots great. I don’t really have anything to complain about with their product. I carry hollow points in my handguns and train with FMJ like the Blazer 9mm 115 Grain ammo. It’s great for storing and the price is about as cheap as it gets before you start losing quality. I would definitely give Blazer two thumbs up.
