Choosing components for your AR-platform rifle or pistol can be a challenge, especially when you’re shooting suppressed. In fact, did you know certain charging handles can decrease gas blowback, making for a more pleasant shooting experience? Enter the new SilencerCo Gas Defeating Charging Handle (GDCH), designed by one of the leading suppressor manufacturers in the country to optimize your suppressed shooting.
SilencerCo is one of the best-known suppressor manufacturers in the industry. (Photo credit: SilencerCo)
According to suppressor maker SilencerCo, their new Gas Defeating Charging Handle reduces the overall blowback of gas commonly generated by the AR-15 platform. They also boldly state that unlike many other models made by other companies for a similar purpose, theirs really works.
The SilencerCo GDCH is made for the AR-15 platform. (Photo credit: SilencerCo)
How does this new AR 15 charging handle work?
SilencerCo designed their new charging handle with a proprietary design, incorporating an O-ring seal which functions to prevent gas from escaping from the most problematic and obvious point of egress. This seal cuts back on how much gas is blown back into the shooter’s face during live fire which, in turn, makes for a more comfortable day at the range or out hunting.
Other features of the SilencerCo Gas Defeating Charging Handle include ambidextrous levers for easier, smoother charging or clearing an AR-15. The charging handle is totally manufactured in-house and machined from aircraft-grade 7075 aluminum for durability while maintaining the necessary lighter weight. The GDCH is compatible with all current, common chamberings for the AR-15 platform whether on a rifle or pistol.
Even if you aren’t running a suppressor, this is a solidly-made charging handle (Photo credit: SilencerCo)
SilencerCo Product Manager Andrew Herbst had the following to say about the company’s latest product launch: “It’s been a long time since we have seen a product that so greatly improves the user experience while shooting the AR platform suppressed. Now shooters don’t have to choose between protecting their hearing and dealing with hot gas blowing into their eyes and affecting their ability to breathe. The SilencerCo Gas Defeating Charging Handle is the answer to this common problem.”
The new SilencerCo Gas Defeating Charging Handle is designed for use with suppressors. (Photo credit: SilencerCo)
Even if you do not have a suppressor, you can benefit from this charging handle. After all, when it comes to AR components, quality matters. SilencerCo has a solid reputation backing the design and manufacture of its products, and it extends to smaller parts like receivers and charging handles. If you do run a suppressed AR-15, there are significant benefits to swapping out your existing charging handle for one specifically made to reduce gas blowback. The heat, pressure, and smell of blowback are severe enough that any reduction is certainly a good thing.
The SilencerCo GDCH is ambidextrous for ease of operation. (Photo credit: SilencerCo)
The SilencerCo Gas Defeating Charging Handle is available now on the company’s website and at select retailers.
Product Specifications:
Uses an O-ring seal to redirect blowback
Machined from aircraft-grade 7075 aluminum
Type III Hard Anodize finish
Features ambidextrous design for intuitive manipulation and smooth charging
When I pulled into the range to meet Bob for a shooting session, it was with the full realization that we were not going to just be turning loaded rounds into empty brass. No, not at all. Bob is a consummate instructor who goes full bore all the time, every time. The man is incapable of going to the range casually; there are goals for every range session. I love his teaching style, and I always learn something. He taught me to have at least one goal in mind for every training session.
This particular day, we’d be running the AK platform. Anyone who is familiar with the AK realizes that they have a plethora of sharp edges, all the better to cut the living hell out of your hands while running the gun. I’d be fine, though.
Nowadays, our training has taken on a new urgency, given the state of our society. One never knows what twists and turns things will take next week or even tomorrow.
As we laid out our gear to get ready for shooting drills, Bob asked me if I had gloves to wear to protect my hands. Gloves?! What the hell, Bob, I have working man’s hands, I don’t need no damn gloves!
We began shooting drills, which included many magazine changes at high speed. I was persevering, but damn, my hands were getting pulverized. “Hey, Bob…uhhhh…you still have them gloves?”
Bob looked at me disdainfully, shook his head, muttered something about “(Expletive) greenhorns,” and handed me the gloves. Thus was my introduction to Mechanix Gloves.
I’ll tell you, they made that shooting session a lot more tolerable and saved me some bleeding. I was able to concentrate more on training and learning, as opposed to being distracted by pain.
The gloves make it easy to work all controls on firearms as well as facilitate mag changes, all while protecting your hands.
Mechanix offers a solid product. The thing I believe I like the most about them is the dexterity that they offer. The palms are made from synthetic leather and really allow me to feel everything that I need to, and yet offer a decent amount of protection so my palms don’t get chewed up. The thickness of the leather in the palms of the Fast Fit model is .6 mm and they have “touch screen technology” (I tried it, and it actually works).
The uses for these gloves are many. Because of the dexterity they permit, I can perform magazine changes, easily feel the magazine release, and access magazines from pouches. I can easily pick up small tools and such for maintenance jobs and can feel the controls for operating machinery.
The palms are thin enough that you can easily work the lock on a knife to fold it while wearing them.
The Fast Fit gloves have elastic around the cuffs, which makes it easy to don and doff the gloves, yet keeps them on securely. On a practical level, it works very well.
The Fast Fit Gloves utilize elastic around the cuffs, which is effective at keeping the gloves secure on the hands.
The part of the glove that covers the back of the hand uses TrekDry, which is breathable and facilitates keeping the hands cool in warm weather. The gloves that I have are in the MultiCam pattern, and also Coyote Brown. I like the Coyote because it blends well in many environments, but is also low-key and doesn’t draw much attention when doing “normal” activities. In short, they don’t look overly “tactical.”
The MultiCam pattern works well in most environments.
I recently purchased another pair of Mechanix Gloves, “The Original” model. They are very similar to the “Fast Fit” model, with a few minor exceptions.
The leather on the Original is .8mm (it also has touch screen technology), which is slightly thicker than the .6mm of the Fast Fit gloves. I purchased the Original gloves with the intention of wearing them at my job. I often have to touch metal lift gates and chains on trucks, and in the colder months, I like a little protection for my hands (temperatures here can reach zero degrees or even lower at times). Despite the fact that the gloves are intended for warm weather, they do offer some protection in the colder months. The fact that they are light and I can feel what I’m grabbing very well is a major plus.
Another difference on the Original gloves is that the cuffs have a hook and loop closure as opposed to the elastic cuffs. The hook and loop does hold the gloves on more securely, but for my needs, the elastic works nicely and makes it easier and faster to don and doff the gloves. Personally, I find that I prefer the elastic system that’s used on the Fast Fit gloves.
The Original model has hook and loop closures on the wrist for a secure hold.
Mechanix took pains to make certain that the gloves fit extremely well; they feel like they were tailored for my hand. The leather is cut and stitched in such a way that the leather doesn’t bunch up, and I’d use the word “Sleek” to describe how they feel.
The seams are double-stitched and gloves are assembled so that there are no loose folds of material to get in the way.
So far, the Mechanix gloves are holding up very well and seem durable. Granted, I don’t beat the hell out of them, but I’m quite satisfied with how they’re wearing.
They are available in several colors: Coyote, Woodland Camo, MultiCam, Black, and Wolf Grey.
Mechanix offers a variety of gloves, including impact-resistant and cut-resistant tactical gloves. Some other varieties that they have are mens’ and womens’ gardening gloves, Durahide leather gloves (for heavy work), Winter insulated gloves, Winter water-resistant gloves, impact-resistant winter gloves, heat-resistant gloves, and welding gloves.
Mechanix gloves are great for a range session and have become a permanent part of my shooting kit
I’m considering picking up a pair or two of their water-resistant, insulated winter gloves.
On top of performing very well, Mexhanix gloves also look attractive, which never hurts. They are used by a variety of law enforcement and military teams, as well as other folks in all walks of life.
Mechanix gloves work in great tactical environments.
Now for one of the best aspects of these gloves: the price. I picked up the three pairs of gloves that I currently own for around $13.95 each, which I consider to be very reasonable. The rest of their gloves are priced pretty reasonably as well; nothing in their lineup appears as though it will break the bank.
Overall, I endorse Mechanix Gloves. They function well, look good, and are available at a great price point. Plus they help in training and on real operations. For law enforcement, military, mundane jobs, hunting, and a myriad of other functions, they are just what the doctor ordered.
The latest American-made rifle from Century Arms fulfills a particular niche. It’s the Century Arms BFT47, and it’s precisely what it sounds like: an American AK-47 platform rifle. According to the manufacturer, the new rifle is the ideal merging of American engineering on a classic Soviet platform.
The Century Arms BFT47 is a bulged and trunnion rifle. (Photo credit: Century Arms)
Century Arms states the BFT47 was designed specifically to offer superior reliability, durability, and accuracy, all in an AK platform at a more buyer-friendly price point. Features include a Bulged and Forged 4140 steel front trunnion, a carburized 4140 steel bolt, 1.5 mm heat-treated stamped 4130 steel receiver, manganese phosphate finish, and 16” 1:10 chrome-moly 4150 steel barrel.
According to the company, the BFT47 will cycle reliably using all factory 7.62x39mm on the market. They feel this rifle is designed from the trunnion out to “Just keep going.” It’s certainly accurate to say the gunmaker has a long history of designing and manufacturing AK-platform rifles and pistols.
(L) The rifle has a bulged and forged 4140 steel front trunnion. (M) The rifle has an enhanced safety selector and bolt hold-open feature. (R) The BFT47 has an extended, T-shaped magazine release. (Photo credits: Century Arms)
Regarding the launch of the new rifle, Century Arms National Marketing Director Adam Ruonala said, “This is an exciting launch for Century Arms. For many years we have been the leader in AK sales in the US, we have taken that experience as well as the feedback from our millions of customers around the world and developed a rifle that we are confident will deliver in even the toughest of circumstances!”
The reason for a bulged and forged trunnion is its greater rigidity and durability. Yes, it creates a heavier rifle, but it also means the gun in question is designed to hold up better to serious use.
This AK-platform rifle boasts a number of features including an RAK-1 enhanced trigger group, enhanced safety selector with bolt hold open, extended T-shaped magazine release, and an optics mount. It also has a bayonet lug and cleaning rod. Specifications include an overall empty weight of 7.50 pounds, 7.62x39mm chambering, overall length of 37.25 inches, and adjustable front sight. The BFT47 has a 16.25-inch chrome-moly 4150 steel barrel with a 1-in-10 twist rate and the receiver is 1.5mm heat-treated stamped 4130 steel. Each gun ships with a 30-round US Palm AK30R magazine.
The company says the BFT47 will cycle reliably using all factory 7.62x39mm on the market.
Century Arms’ BFT47 will be released in a variety of configurations with the first featuring American hardwood furniture. The manufacturer has titled this version “Core.” Future versions will include the “Essential” and the “Elite,” the latter of which will ship with an optic and various accessories. All rifles are backed by the Century Arms lifetime warranty. The company did not mention a specific timeline for release of future variations.
The first configuration to be released is going to have hardwood furniture. They’re calling this version “Core.”
The “Core” model of the BFT47 line has an MSRP of $829.99. MSRP for future variations have not been announced at this time. The Century Arms BFT47 is available now from select retailers.
Federal Ammunition is making an addition to their Punch Personal Defense line of ammunition with a 44 Smith and Wesson Special load (also referred to simply as 44 Special). The popular ammo maker’s Punch line was first introduced in 2020 and has been met with significant demand. With the expansion to include 44 Smith and Wesson Special, the company will be catering to a broader range of revolver shooters.
Federal’s Punch line of defensive ammunition was first announced in 2020. (Photo credit: Federal Ammunition)
As the product line’s name suggests, Federal designed Punch for superior defensive performance, specifically to penetrate through barriers such as heavy layers of clothing. The new 44 Smith and Wesson Special load features a 180 grain jacketed hollow point (JHP) created to cycle and perform well in both revolvers and carbines. Data from Federal’s own testing and studies show the ammunition performs as concealed carriers prefer in its ability to stop a threat, even when it must penetrate heavy clothing before impacting the attacker themselves.
When asked about the decision to include 44 Smith and Wesson Special in their Punch line, Federal Handgun Ammunition Product Manager Chris Laack said, “We saw a need for a reliable, accurate, terminally effective option for the .44 S&W Special that doesn’t have to be the top scoring product in duty ammunition test procedures. So, we looked at specifications from our Hydra-Shok Deep, HST and other bullet designs, and took what made sense for Punch. We modified the thickness of the jacket, skive depth, hollow point geometry and even differences in lead cores to build the recipe for Punch in .44 S&W Special.”
Federal Punch 44 Smith and Wesson Special 180 grain JHP. (Photo credit: Federal Ammunition)
Although barriers like glass, car doors, and wooden panels aren’t unheard of in self-defense scenarios, the average self-defense shooter is more likely to face clothing barriers. Not all defensive ammunition is capable of penetrating heavy layers while maintaining good penetration depth and reliable expansion, but Federal made Punch to do just that. FBI standards for ballistic gel testing were used to ensure superior performance of the new load.
“Shooters need a simple answer to the ‘What ammo do I need for self-defense’, question,” said Federal Handgun Ammunition Product Manager Chris Laack. “Things to consider such as function, reliable ignition, barrier performance, terminal performance, ballistics and other considerations are a lot to digest for most people. What some consumers really need to know is it will function in their gun, every time, and that it will be effective stopping a threat as quickly as possible. Punch’s .44 S&W Special is our easy answer for them.”
Federal’s Punch line, pictured here from the launch of the product in 2020, is designed for superior penetration through heavy layers of clothing. (Photo credit: Federal Ammunition)
Federal Punch’s .44 Smith and Wesson Special Load boasts a variety of features including high-quality brass cases, advanced powders, and the sealed reliability of carefully designed, sensitive primers. According to the ammo maker, when using Federal Punch, self-defenders can be confident their chosen load out-performs comparably-priced competitor’s rounds. Other available calibers in the Punch line include 380 Auto 85 grain JHP, 38 Special +P 120 grain JHP, 9mm Luger, 40 Smith and Wesson 165 grain JHP, 45 Auto 230 grain JHP, and 10mm 200 grain JHP.
A few of the Punch calibers from the line’s 2020 launch. (Photo credit: Federal Ammunition)
Federal successfully launched its HammerDown line in 2020, and now the company is expanding that product line’s options to include the 45 Colt, 35 Remington, and 444 Marlin cartridges. According to the company, HammerDown is the industry’s only ammunition product line truly designed for optimal cycling and overall performance from the time-tested, lever-action rifle platform.
Federal Ammunition recently announced the expansion of their HammerDown line of ammunition to include .45 Colt, 35 Remington, and 444 Marlin.
“Our goal for HammerDown was to deliver enhanced performance in any lever-action rifle. HammerDown provides the velocity and terminal performance required to be an effective and ethical hunting round for big game,” said Federal Ammunition Centerfire Rifle Product Manager Eric Miller. “With the addition of the 45 Colt, 35 Remington, and 444 Marlin options to our lineup, that performance is now available to a broader audience of hunters and shooters.”
These bonded hollow point bullets provide supposed best-in-class expansion and weight retention on impact, according to Federal.
The velocities of all-new HammerDown offerings are customized to produce superior ballistics and terminal performance through lever-action barrel lengths. The construction of the molecularly bonded soft point bullets has also been adjusted for the best accuracy and expansion at those velocities. The geometry of each round’s case, bullet, and cartridge ensures flawless cycling through a tubular magazine and typical lever-action feeding systems. HammerDown is now offered in .45 Colt, 35 Remington, and 444 Marlin in addition to the original loadings of 30-30 Win., 357 Magnum, 327 Federal, and 44 Rem. Magnum.
Federal Ammunition worked in partnership with Henry Repeating Arms in designing these rounds. They are specifically engineered for lever guns with the bullets optimized for better terminal performance.
“One of the enhanced design features found in all HammerDown ammo is that we chamfered the front face of the case rim on all the nickel-plated cases. This removes any sharp edges to increase reliability of feeding,” continued Miller. “This feature essentially improves cycling in all lever-action feeding systems, such as side-gate loading and tubular magazines.”
I’ve got one helluva wife. She’s smart, funny, beautiful and gives great gifts. One gift she gave me this Christmas was the Caldwell Target Turner. Targets that turn, spin, and react can be a lot of fun. Shooting targets that just stand there and get shot is fun and sufficient for training, but it’s not the only option.
The Caldwell Target Turner does exactly what the name applies. As the name implies, it turns the target. It turns the target approximately 90 degrees back and forth. It acts as both a target turner and a stand. The primary components are the Target turner assembly that comes with three legs that fold and adjust.
The axle supports the two target holder rods, which then support your target backing. Caldwell includes a folding target backer, but it’s easily replaceable by anything light and friendly. This includes cardboard, which is my favorite medium for target backers.
Setting Up the Caldwell Target Turner
Caldwell sends all the goodies you need to build out the Target Turner. This includes the nuts, bolts, and tools to get it done. It took me less than fifteen minutes to assemble the legs to the base. Everything else pops on and off without issue.
The kit breaks down easily for convenient carry.
The Target Turner is designed to be broken down and carried easily in the supplied carry bag. The kit’s plenty lightweight and it breaks down with ease, which makes it easy to take it to and from the range. The biggest downside to the kit is the battery pack. It holds eight AA batteries. That’s a hefty juice investment, and according to Caldwell, the battery life is about eight hours.
It’s easy to tote the range in its easy toting bag.
The system stands tall enough to easily avoid shooting the base and can stand taller with whatever cardboard you use as a backer. I went pretty dang tall with the thing without issues. The low center of gravity ensures it doesn’t get blown over via wind, and it spins without disruption.
Going Reactive
Why do you want a target to spin around? Or to turn in this situation? Well, it makes your training more reactive and brings movement into the fold. It allows you to exercise your reaction times in a non-predictable or predictable pattern. The Target Turner base has an accelerator that allows you to adjust from Turtle to Rabbit.
Turn it one way or the other to change the speed.
The adjustable speed allows you to adjust the turn from every six seconds or a turn every second. The accelerator doesn’t necessarily adjust per second. It just rotates and speeds up as you turn the dial. You’d have to time the turns to understand how fast the target is actually turning.
The reactive design of the Target Turner makes for a more challenging training environment. This allows you to practice a variety of skills not only against a timer but against a potentially moving target. Plus, it’s just a ton of fun, and the more fun you’ll have, the more likely you are to train. Your target doesn’t need to just sit there and do nothing. Instead, it can move and change things up.
At the Range
Setup took no time at all. I messed around a bit with the accelerator and found a somewhat slow speed to start with. It certainly wasn’t six seconds’ worth of time. I started at 15 yards with my AR and practiced some simple engagements as the target turned towards me. Admittedly, you can fall into a predictable rhythm, but it’s a lot less predictable than a target that just stands still.
I stepped up my practice with the Target Turner and turned up the speed of the device. At the same time, I practiced my own failure to stop drills—two shots to the chest and a single, well-aimed shot to the head. The target spun, and I flew into the drill. It’s so much fun and delivered an outstanding training experience.
I was quickly finding new ways to use the Target Turner to enhance my training and to increase the challenge. One way was dropping the big targets and moving to smaller, more challenging targets. A series of 3×5 cards on my target backer made things a lot more challenging and, with their placement, a lot less predictable, especially as the targets rotated and quickly limited my time to get on target.
To change another thing up, I rotated the base oh so slightly to ensure the target didn’t turn to fully face me. This limited the target’s exposure and added a new degree of challenge to my time at the range.
Going 3D
What quickly became apparent was that pairing the Caldwell Target Turner with 3D targets was the way to go. I grabbed the cheapest possible 3D target on the market, which is the Birchwood Casey Torso target. It’s made from recycled material and still rotates with ease when attached to the Target Turner.
3D targets add a different edge to your training. Turns out the side of a person’s body is quite small.
I stapled the target to a target backer, and this added an entirely new edge to the Target Turner. The 3D target provides me multiple angles to shoot, and the Target Turner exposes both the front and side angles of the target. This changed things up and not only made me utilize the Target Turner to its fullest extent, but the Birchwood Casey 3D targets as well.
These cheap targets turned without issue and offered both a large and small target when turned.
I could engage the smaller sides of the target and engage, or I could wait and engage when the target turned towards me. It was an entirely new training experience, and as far as I know, it’s the safest and simplistic way to train with moving targets.
Moving On
Since my first days at the range, I’ve used the Target Turner extensively, not only for live-fire but dry fire as well. The Target Turner can easily be used for a multitude of training environments. I’ve used it inside my kitchen, paired with an AR-15 equipped with the Mantis Blackbeard system.
I’ve taken it in the yard and used the Target Turner with a Sig P365 BB gun for close-range retention training. Trying to draw and shoot the target as it spins towards you creates a lot of challenge and plenty of excitement—a heckuva lot more fun than practicing with a stationary target.
It’s a simple setup and it works well. Makes your range time a fair bit more fun.
The battery life might last eight hours, but after six hours, I noticed a little lag in the acceleration. What might affect battery life was using the heavier cardboard backers for larger targets and the heavier 3D targets. I’m not sure, but even six hours of use seems generous. It took three weeks of heavy use to get six hours of use in. After a set of new batteries, the Target Turner came back to life and spun just as rapidly as it did on day one.
The Caldwell Target Turner is an amazing piece of gear. It’s a ton of fun, and I had a blast with the device. It changes up your training and what you can accomplish. Best of all, according to my wife, it costs less than 100 bucks. Not a bad investment to change things up.
True Velocity has had some major announcements lately. First, it was reported that True Velocity had partnered with Beretta USA for production of the U.S. Army’s NGSW (Next Generation Squad Weapon) and was developing the rifle for international and commercial sale. Now they have announced their NGSW prototype, the RM277, and will be known on the commercial line as the Genesis.
True Velocity recently announced their Genesis rifle, which is the commercial version of the RM277 rifle from the Next Generation Squad Weapon, or NGSW program.
The Genesis is the 6.8mm bullpup based on the RM277 NGSW rifle. While the rifle is not yet commercially available, interested individuals are recommended to sign up “to reserve a place in line” for the launch.
The True Velocity Genesis has yet to be released to the public, but it is already creating a stir with their video showing off the rifle. A still shot from the video shows off the new rifle.
True Velocity began to announce the news on social media, sharing a simple rotating graphic of the ‘Genesis’ and the following short caption:
True Velocity is excited to announce the most advanced rifle ever created, “The Genesis”. To reserve your place in line to order, sign up with your email on our website at tvammo.com. There will be limited production so act quickly. You will be receiving more information soon regarding the commercial version of the Next Generation platform “The Genesis”.
Genesis Specs
Caliber: 6.8 TVC
Overall length: 29.125 inches
Barrel Length: 19.0 inches
Patented Recoil Mitigation System
The Genesis rifle has a patented recoil mitigation system that looks like it could stand up to their claim of it being the “most advanced rifle ever created”.
Another video posted by True Velocity gives the first look at the new Genesis rifle. The Genesis rifle has an overall length of 29.125 inches and has a 19-inch barrel. The patented recoil mitigation system is put on display in the video and looks intriguing.
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.
The Smith & Wesson CSX is one of the most talked-about new guns of 2022 and has been blowing up the internet. If you’re like me, you want to gauge as many opinions as possible before dropping 600 bucks (or more) on a new blaster. So, here’s another good rundown without a lot of fluff from the guys at Gun Talk Media in the video linked below.
The Smith & Wesson CSX has been blowing up the internet.
Not an M&P
One point needs to be made up front: the CSX is not a new model in Smith & Wesson’s M&P line. It’s a completely new platform. The main things that differentiate it are the aluminum alloy frame, as opposed to the M&P’s polymer frame, and the fact that the CSX is hammer-fired. The video notes that the CSX seems to fill a distinct niche in the subcompact carry gun market with those features and its frame-mounted thumb safety. Those are features that many folks like, but they are few and far between in a world dominated by striker-fired polymer guns. It is allowed that the grips have “an M&P flavor to them” and that does seem to be the case. Hey, if you have a good grip already in production, and it works, why not use it? But the grip doesn’t make it an M&P except maybe at first glance.
Let’s hit the CSX’s features
Aluminum alloy frame
Hammer-fired
Ambidextrous frame-mounted thumb safety
Ambidextrous low profile slide stop
Reversible magazine release button
Barrel Length: 3.1 inches
Weight: 20 ounces
Three dot sights with anti-glare cuts in the top of the slide
The Smith & Wesson CSX shoots well and the recoil is very controllable The hammer-fired CSX fits well in the hand and is completely ambidextrous
Where does the CSX stack up?
The size of the CSX is rightfully drawing attention. The video features several guns of similar size on the table with it, and the CSX is one of the smallest. Among those guns is a Colt Defender, included with the interesting observation that the CSX is “kind of 1911-y” with the hammer and thumb safety. Other interesting comparisons are with the popular Springfield Armory Hellcat and the Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Sub and M&P Shield Plus. The CSX will likely be a major competitor for the Hellcat, mainly because of its differences than its similarities. The comparisons with the M&P guns are interesting because it shows where the CSX fits in the Smith & Wesson lineup.
The CSX should be a major competitor of the Springfield Hellcat (L) and is smaller than its cousins, the M&P 2.0 Sub (M) and the Shield Plus (R)
A Few Points and Opinions
A few points should be made outside the list of features. The trigger on the CSX has generated some talk. It’s noted here that the trigger is “solid bodied” and has the ubiquitous blade trigger safety. The pull weight is checked and comes in at an average of 5.12 pounds on the gauge. It’s then pointed out that trigger pull is subjective to each shooter in terms of weight and smoothness. That’s true, but there’s no firm opinion offered here. Take that as you will. It is noted that the trigger guard is a bit small, which is again subjective depending on the shooter. Some will like it, and some won’t.
The CSX’s trigger averages about a 5-pound pull. The trigger guard may be a bit small for some shooters.
The magazines look to be well thought out. The ten-rounder is flush. The “extended” twelve-round mag is only about a quarter of an inch longer. Well done, Smith & Wesson. In that case, why wouldn’t you carry the twelve rounder? The mags are said to be tight going in and full mags are harder to eject than empty mags. Could be a breaking-in issue.
There is only about a quarter of an inch difference in the length of the 10-round mag (L) and the 12-rounder (R) Note the M&P style grips.
The thumb safety is always going to be a matter of preference, but the video opines that Smith & Wesson “hit the sweet spot” with this one. It’s low profile and can be operated without a big change in the shooter’s grip. The slide can also be operated with the safety engaged.
Smith & Wesson may have hit the “sweet spot” with the low-profile frame-mounted thumb safety.
The CSX shoots well and the recoil was very controllable. The reviewer “liked it a lot.” Overall, the review is positive, if ambiguous in a couple of places. But for a “first look” review, an opinion of “pretty cool” might be about the most we can expect. Have you shot the CSX? Let us know what you think about it.
I’ve always looked at Hickock as a sort of grandfatherly figure, and the fact that he’s obsessed and very knowledgeable with firearms just makes it better. When you tune in to a HIckock45 video, you can be certain that there will be a gratuitous volume of shooting. This particular video does not disappoint in that department as Hickock takes an in-depth look at the Tisas 1911A1. No, he doesn’t focus on how much it weighs or the dry technical specifications. What he does is give it a good workout on the range.
So, what is a Tisas 1911A1?
The Tisas is made in Turkey and imported into the US. From outward appearances, it looks just like a US Army 1911A1. From the nicely parkerized finish to the authentic-looking plastic grips, to the lanyard loop, it is really very similar to the original. The slide is forged steel and the barrel is five inches long and hammer forged. On the side of the slide are the markings, “Model 1911A1 US Army.” From a little distance, the pistol actually does look a lot like a real Army .45 ACP pistol.
The parkerized finish, markings, and plastic grips could fool a person into thinking this pistol is government issue.
The pistol is built on the series 70 action, so there is no firing pin block. There is a short trigger, arched mainspring, and beavertail. Hickock is fond of the trigger pull.
He is not too fond of the sights, though, considering that they are very basic and very small. USGI style all the way. These days, we’re spoiled by the sights on carry pistols, as they are high visibility affairs. Back in the day, pistols were not blessed with such luxuries.
Hickok compares the Tisas 1911A1 to a few other USGI 1911s. The authentic USGI .45s. Hard to tell the difference between them and the Tisas model.
Shooting the Tisas
Hickock runs through quite a few magazines with the .45, and there really aren’t any surprises. It is 100% reliable and recoil isn’t burdensome. Honestly, it’s a plain vanilla 1911 style pistol.
Hickok clanging steel at well over a hundred yards, even with the pistol’s mediocre sights. Note the pistol is in full recoil.
During his shooting (did I mention there’s a lot of it in this video?), Hickock nails targets both near and far. How far? At the outer limits of his range, which appears to be well over 100 yards. Yeah, he’s a damn good shot, as he hits targets smaller than a man at over a hundred yards. The fact that he does it with a GI-style pistol that has mediocre sights makes it kind of impressive. The man can shoot!
Not only did the steel suffer, but the 2-liter soda bottles fell to the .45 ACP too!
Why would someone want to buy a Turkish copy of a USGI 1911?
Hickock mentions that it would be attractive to those who are on a tight budget. This pistol has an MSRP of $399, which means the street price will be lower than that. For the reliability that you get, the price is not bad. For those who do modifications on firearms, this would be an inexpensive way to get a project off the ground. It’s an inexpensive way to own a facsimile of a military pistol. And although the configuration isn’t ideal for defensive carry, it could serve in that capacity. Finally, reenactors might be attracted to this one as an inexpensive way to add to their uniform.
As mentioned, the Tisas pistol is a spitting image of the real USGI .45s. It even has the markings!
There are many who will turn up their nose at a Turkish, imported pistol. For them, this video will likely hold no allure. But for those with an open mind or who are on that budget we talked about, this pistol might be appealing.
Springfield caused quite a stir last fall when they announced their new SA-35 9mm — a call back to the Browning Hi-Power. As time goes by and more and more SA-35’s make it to their owners, there’s going to be a demand for compatible holsters. Enter CrossBreed Holsters. They just announced that they now have available a broad range of holsters and carry options for the all-new (classically inspired) Springfield Armory SA-35 9mm pistol.
The company assures that these SA-35 holsters are high-quality, and if they ever do fail they are backed by the CrossBreed Lifetime Warranty.
The SA-35 is a modern interpretation of the classic P-35 handgun designed by legendary gunmaker John Moses Browning. Holding close to the original styling but imbued with modern enhancements via material construction, ergonomics, and overall performance, the Springfield SA-35 answers the call of those who appreciate a wood-and-steel approach to the 9mm semi-auto platform.
“CrossBreed is incredibly excited to see Springfield Armory bring such a classic piece of American firearms history back into the spotlight,” said Nathan Engelking, Executive Vice President of Marketing. “The High Power-style pistol has been highly sought after for years, even becoming somewhat of a collector’s item. This has driven an incredible demand that we expect is going to do terrific in today’s firearm market. We are excited to be able to offer holsters for such a great pistol!”
CrossBreed Holsters for the SA-35
SuperTuck IWB
SnapSlide OWB
DropSlide OWB
OWB Mag Carrier
SuperSlide OWB
Tuckable IWB Mag Carrier
Accomplice Mag Carrier
Bedside Backup
Pac Mat Holster Only
Pac Mat, Ohai Modular Holster
Pac Mat Magazine Carrier
Ohai/ Bedside Backup Mag Carrier
Accomplice Mag Carrier with QLS
SuperTuck IWB
This inside the waistband holster is 8.5” x 1.5” x 8”, weighs 0.85 lbs, and is versatile for carry options.
SuperSlide OWB
The SuperSlide is an outside of the waistband 3-slot holster that can be worn in one of two positions. According to the folks at CrossBreed, it provides excellent weight distribution of your firearm, ensuring stability and comfort.
Ohai Modular Holster
According to the CrossBreed website, “The Ohai is a modular holster that is hand molded to your firearm and backed with Hook and Loop so it can be mounted on various surfaces such as the underside of a desk, inside of a Hook bag, in the console of a car, etc. Includes one piece of loop fastener for placement of your holster (Additional Hook & Loop is available for purchase).”
OWB Mag Carrier
CrossBreed says the OWB Mag Carrier has been redesigned for better concealment and easier access to the mags. It weighs 0.4 lbs and comes in a single mag carrier for $36.95 or a dual mag carrier for $56.95.
Bedside Backup
The Bedside Backup Holster hides in between the mattress and bedframe, it comes in Standard Black, FDE, Sniper Grey, OD Green, and Tiffany Blue. Along with the SA-35, this holster is good for firearms like the Canik TP9, 1911, Glock 17, Glock 26, and Kimber micro 9mm.
Pac Mat Holster
CrossBreed says the Pac Mat is a safe and secure way to carry firearms in briefcases, messenger bags, backpacks, bugout bags, etc. It measures 9” x 1.5” x 8”, weighs 0.55 lbs, comes in black cowhide or natural.
For more information on these and other holster solutions from Crossbreed, and to learn about the company’s Lifetime Warranty and Try It Free, Two Week Guarantee, visit their website at https://www.crossbreedholsters.com/
This has been a collaborative effort by two or more members of The Mag Life contributor team: to wit, a JWOT (Joint Writing Operations Team). We’ll advise which specific contributors in the text of the article. Subscribe to GunMag TV and follow GMW on Instagram, @gunmagwarehouse. Connect on Facebook, /gunmagwarehouse/.
