The ability to hunt at night broadens your options exponentially. Although not all animals can be hunted at night, many predators and non-game animals can be, such as feral hogs and bobcats. If you don’t have thermal, hunting them is a lot harder. If you have thermal on hand, your success will be far greater. Of course, not all animals come close. For example, coyotes are notorious for getting hung up at a distance. X-Vision Optics is here to help with the long-range friendly Impact TS300, a thermal scope specifically made for those longer shots.
The X-Vision Optics long-range Impact thermal scope, the TS300, is designed to perform at longer distances. (Photo credit: X-Vision Optics)
According to X-Vision optics, the TS300 has a 640 x 480 thermal sensor capable of detecting large animals at distances past 3,000 yards, which is truly impressive. The TS300 offers a total of ten reticle styles with six color options and six different palettes, meaning you can select the features you prefer for the place and time.
This thermal has an IP67 weatherproof rating, meaning it’s more capable of withstanding the elements, and it’s made with a durable chassis. Even better, this scope can be used for day or night hunting, meaning you can have one scope that does it all on your favorite rifle.
Between the Impact TS300’s 3100-yard detection range and 1400-yard recognition range, you can be confident you’ll find your target. This scope has a high frame rate of 50 Hz and 12 µm pixel size, meaning it can capture sharp images and provide smooth tracking of even quickly moving animals at a distance. The scope’s objective lens is 35mm in diameter and, according to the manufacturer, it has a field of view of 70 feet at 100 yards. Magnification for the TS300 is listed as 2 to 16x.
The thermal is designed for day or night use, making it significantly more versatile. (Photo credit: X-Vision Optics)
One great feature of this thermal scope is the fact that it emits a WiFi signal, making it capable of connecting to numerous devices at the same time without relying on data. This facilitates a true long-range connection, allowing devices to connect to the thermal up to 150 yards out. The TS300 ships with free applications for IOS and Android devices so pictures and videos can be saved either on a connected device or utilizing the scope’s internal memory of 16 GB.
According to the manufacturer, the scope is capable of finding targets out to 3000 yards. (Photo credit: X-Vision Optics)
Other features of this scope include optional hotspot tracking, a capability that utilizes a crosshair to pinpoint and then follow whatever the hottest object is in its field of view. which uses a small crosshair to pinpoint and follow the hottest object in its field of view. This makes it much simpler to track a far-off, moving object. In addition, the scope has a stadiametric rangefinder so you can figure out just how far away a target really is in real-time. A picture-in-picture feature also allows the user to see the scope’s max magnification in a subset of the main screen.
MSRP for the X-Vision Optics Impact TS300 thermal scope is set at $5999.99.
My experience with Federal Ammunition harkens back a few decades. As snipers for our state law enforcement agency, we were always issued Federal ammunition (and also for our duty weapons most of the time). Federal Match 168 grain boat-tail hollow-point ammunition proved to be 100% reliable in our sniper rifles, as well as incredibly accurate. We never had an issue with it, and it gave completely reliable performance.
In my personal weapons, I’ve used Federal for decades too. One of my favorites has been their Hydra Shok line of ammunition, especially for my 9mm handguns.
.38 Special 158 Grain Lead Round Nose
Recently, I received some 158-grain lead round nose target ammo in .38 Special for testing. It is their American Eagle line, which I’ve used for years and which has proven to be very reliable. I’ve never experienced a misfire with it, nor had any other issues.
The ammunition arrives in a 50-round box, which is standard for most pistol ammunition. This ammunition is categorized as “Practice” ammunition for the range.
Federal’s American Eagle .38 Special 158-grain Lead Round Nose ammunition is economical when compared to other ammo. It is also reliable.
Considering its solid, lead, round nose construction, it wouldn’t be a great choice for defensive purposes, although, at one time, my agency actually issued this round to us as duty ammunition.
The projectiles are loaded into brass cases, which can then be used for reloading if desired. Another nice aspect is that this ammunition is made in the USA. It’s always good to support American companies.
Federal lists the muzzle velocity from a four-inch barrel on this ammunition as 770 feet per second. This is not surprising, given that it’s among the heavier .38 Special loads out there.
The Test Guns
I used two guns to test this ammunition. The S&W 642 Airweight revolver and the Rossi R92 lever action carbine.
S&W 642
The 642 is a lightweight revolver with an alloy frame. The barrel and cylinder are stainless. The hammer is enclosed, commonly referred to as “hammerless,” which is great for drawing because there’s no hammer to snag. What’s more, it can be fired from inside a pocket reliably because there is no hammer to get hung up on the inside of the pocket.
The little revolver weighs 14.4 ounces, making it extremely convenient to carry. It’s small, too—just 6.3 inches long. Sights are integral and fixed. The barrel length is 1.875 inches.
S&W’s 642 is an old favorite for carry. Very light with no external hammer, it slips into a coat pocket easily. The American Eagle target ammo performs perfectly in this revolver.
Rossi R92 Lever Action Carbine
Rossi’s R92 lever action is a copy of the Winchester 1892 carbine, made in Brazil. The caliber of the carbine is .357 Magnum, but it will also handle .38 Special. The capacity is eight rounds. This gun wears a barrel that is 16 inches in length, which makes it very handy, light, and fast handling. Sights are a front post and a rear buckhorn.
Loading is accomplished via a side gate in the receiver. The R92 weighs 5.68 pounds. The overall length is 33.7 inches. Both factors contribute to this being a very light, short carbine that is a joy to handle.
The American Eagle 158 grain Lead Round Nose target ammo fed perfectly through the Rossi R92 carbine.
I’d long desired a .357/.38 lever action carbine for several reasons. The handiness was always appealing. The round itself, when fired from a carbine, experiences far more velocity than when fired from a revolver. Low recoil was another attractive factor.
And these days, the .357/.38 is cheaper than rifle caliber hunting rounds, which are currently over $1 per round in most cases.
Length of Rounds
As far as the Rossi carbine is concerned, the length of the rounds is relevant. How so? Because it’s chambered for the .357 Magnum cartridge. The length of the 158-grain .38 Special rounds is about the same as the 158-grain .357 Magnum rounds. That means they’ll both feed similarly.
I’ve fired shorter, lighter .38 Special rounds through the Rossi, and occasionally a live round will pop out the top ejection port. That’s because the carbine is set up to fire full-length .357 Magnums. This is a common occurrence with pistol-caliber lever actions; those shorter rounds sometimes sneak out while feeding.
I actually set the Magnum rounds next to the .38 Special rounds being used here and compared them. The length of both was the same, which was promising as far as feeding was concerned.
Another advantage of the Federal 158 grain Round Nosed Lead round is their profile. The nose shape helps with feeding in the Rossi carbine because the round nose goes right up the feed ramp and into the chamber. It helps keep feeding smooth.
At The Range
S&W 642
Firing through the little Smith & Wesson 642 held no surprises. Reliability, of course, was perfect as always. Muzzle blast and recoil was about average for the .38 Special. Recoil was certainly far less than with +P rounds. Understand, the incredibly light weight of the S&W 642 means that you’re going to feel it whenever you shoot.
We were shooting against steel targets rather than trying to eek out the last shred of accuracy for this range session. The ammunition was somewhat limited, so we decided to just have a little fun and see how the rounds performed against steel.
Ejection from the 642 was positive as it was with rounds from other brands. All in all, the American Eagle target ammo worked just fine.
Our test range abounded with steel targets.
Rossi R92 Carbine
At the outset, I was hoping that the 158-grain .38 Special rounds would feed through the Rossi without a hitch. My fears were unfounded, as feeding went smoothly. I attribute it to the long length of the 158-grain rounds. None of the rounds popped out the top ejection port, so that was a win. No doubt, the round-nosed profile helped a lot in the feeding for this platform, too.
Firing .38 Special rounds through the R92 carbine is especially fun because there’s virtually no recoil. It’s almost like shooting a .22 Long Rifle, except it’s launching a 158-grain projectile instead of a 40-grain bullet. Muzzle blast is very tame as well.
Without a doubt, the 16-inch barrel increased the muzzle velocity of the .38 when compared to the four-inch factory test barrel. As I don’t have a chronograph, though, I couldn’t be certain just how much the increase is.
Overall
The American Eagle 158 grain Lead Round Nose ammo from Federal are a winner. Muzzle blast and recoil are tame. Feeding is slick and smooth. Accuracy is certainly acceptable. I highly endorse them for practice and training.
The fact that this target ammo sells for $29.99 per 50-round box allows us to practice more because it’s priced lower than the majority of other rounds out there.
It’s a good idea to stock up on some of these while they’re available. Who knows what tomorrow will bring? This is definitely the quality ammunition that you need.
FN America, LLC has given lovers of its pistols another option to choose from with the release of four promotional pistol bundles for the FN 509 and FNX-45 Tactical. These bundles include upgrades like the FN 509 flat-faced trigger and fiber optic front sight, in addition to the five magazines per package.
Each pistol bundle will be packaged with three additional extended capacity magazines, if available, to reach that 5-magazine total. The bundle will come inside a premium FN zippered range bag and will be available for a limited time only.
FN America has released limited editions of the FN 509 Tactical, FN 509 Compact, FN 509 MRD FOS, and FNX-45 Tactical pistols with five magazines. The pistol bundles, a few shown above, come with three additional higher-capacity magazines when available. (Photo credit: FN America)
FN 509 Tactical
The first package is for the FN 509 Tactical pistol. This pistol is a duty-proven pistol with upgrades that are perfect for a high-round count shooter, like FN’s custom flat-faced precision trigger. The FN 509 Tactical is optics-ready with suppressor height night sights and includes three 24-round magazines and two 17-round magazines. The pistol bundle is available in black or FDE with two different magazine configuration options for an MSRP of $1,104.
FN 509 MRD FOS
The next package from FN is for the FN 509 MRD FOS, the fiber optic front sight option. This pistol is patterned after the handgun chosen by the LAPD. This pistol also features FN’s custom flat-faced precision trigger, and the shooter can co-witness with a fiber optic front sight. The FN 509 MRD FOS has a flat dark earth or black finish and a factory-milled slide. The pistol has magazine choices of three 10-round magazines or three 24-round magazines. The FN 509 MRD FOS bundle has an MSRP of $899.
FN 509 Compact
The third pistol bundle from FN is the FN 509 Compact pistol bundle. The FN 509 Compact is the next generation for personal protection and is specifically designed for concealed carry with a full-sized performance. This pistol bundle has three extra 24-round magazines, ambidextrous controls, and a flat-faced precision trigger that is perfect for high-round count practice shooters. The pistol bundle is available in black or FDE and has an MSRP of $754.
FNX-45 Tactical
The last five-magazine FN pistol bundle is the FNX 45 Tactical. The FNX-45 Tactical pistol offers performance with the latest technological advancements that no other handgun can match, according to FN. This .45ACP pistol has ambidextrous controls and is available in either black or FDE finishes. The FNX-45 Tactical pistol bundle has an MSRP of $1,379.
When the topic of the 25 ACP cartridge comes up, I inevitably think of one of the late Jeff Cooper’s musings on that little round. He cautioned us to “carry a 25 if it makes you feel better, but never load it. If you load it, you may shoot somebody. And if he finds out about it, he may be very angry with you.”
While Cooper may have been selling the 25 a bit short, there is no denying that the 25 ACP is about as light of a self-defense option as you can get. Stories of moms and pops dropping hoodlums with a single shot from a 25 are easily countered with anecdotes of the round skipping off the human skull and a general inability to stop a determined attack.
I love the 25 ACP as a historical footnote in the history of the concealed carry handgun, but there is no denying that the round is diminutive, and finding a suitable load outside punching paper is frustrating. The available self-defense hollow point offerings don’t work as advertised and adequate penetration is only guaranteed with some50-grain full-metal-jacket loadings.
Some years ago, I asked the folks at Buffalo Bore about the viability of producing a 25 ACP load. Buffalo Bore is well known for loading its cartridges as high as possible while staying within safe SAMMI pressures. To my surprise, I was not the only interested party. In 2022, Buffalo Bore announced two 25 ACP loadings including a 60-grain hard-cast flat-point loading. It was a load I could not refuse testing.
Buffalo Bore ammunition next to a Beretta Bobcat.
The Buffalo Bore 25 ACP Round
Buffalo Bore produces the Outdoorsman line of high-velocity, hard-cast lead flat-point bullets designed for penetration. A hard-cast bullet is a cast lead bullet mixed with trace elements of tin or antimony to make it harder and more resistant to deformation. The flat nose profile allows for better crushing of tissue and a straighter line of penetration over a round-nosed projectile. The Outdoorsman load is designed for big animals and can be had in rounds like the 38 Special, 357 Magnum, 10mm, on up.
Buffalo Bore’s approach was simple. Use the 25 ACP’s limited case capacity to boost velocity and pair it with a heavy, non-expanding projectile whose job is to penetrate.
Buffalo Bore took the same concept and miniaturized it to create a load with the best chance of penetration in the 25 ACP. The round is loaded in Starline brass and uses a 60-grain hard-cast lead bullet with a flat nose. The Buffalo Bore load is heavy-for-caliber, given that most 25 ACP loads run from 35-grain hollow-points to 50-grain ball ammunition. Despite having a heavier bullet, Buffalo Bore gets this load out at an advertised velocity of 850 feet per second—over 100 feet per second faster than the best commercial 50-grain loads. When we are talking about velocities this low, that difference is significant.
The Test
The 25 ACP pocket pistol is much maligned. Polymer 380 pistols have more or less taken over the same role in this century that the 25 had in the last. Some have even said that a pistol in 22 Long Rifle is a more powerful option. So I decided to evaluate Buffalo Bore’s 60-grain load alongside some other cartridges.
First, I shot the Buffalo Bore load alongside Aguila’s 50-grain full-metal-jacket loading over my Caldwell Chronograph from a distance of ten feet to check the velocity of both rounds. Buffalo Bore prides itself by printing advertised velocities based on shooting real guns, rather than test barrels. Through my Beretta 21A Bobcat with a 2.4-inch barrel, I shot a five-shot string with an average velocity of 858 feet per second—very close to advertised. The Aguila load clocked in at 772 feet per second.
Next, I shot through stacked pine 2x4s to test barrier penetration from the same distance. I fired a pair of rounds from both loads. I did the same using 22 LR CCI Mini Mags out of a Ruger Wrangler and 380 ACP Federal full-metal-jacket using a Ruger LCP.
The entrance holes of the 22 LR and 25 ACP loads tested. A single Buffalo Bore round almost made it through the 2×4. All other rounds besides the 380 never came close.
*Furthest penetration depth measured from entrance to base of the projectile.
Although the 22 LR had the advantage of being fired out of a longer barrel, it was outperformed by both 25 ACP loads. Both 380 projectiles broke through the first board but were stopped by the second. One Buffalo Bore round bulged the back of the first board, but all the other rounds failed to come close to the other side.
Next, I shot four rounds of the Buffalo Bore load into a stack of Clear Ballistics 10% ordinance gelatin blocks fronted by four layers of denim. Despite the round’s flat-nosed profile, three out of four began to veer off from a straight path after the twelve-inch mark. Two came to rest at the bottom of the second block at the 17.5-inch mark. One penetrated straight to the fourteen-inch mark. All three of these rounds tumbled in gel, but the wound tracts had no cavitation. In essence, they resembled straight, icepick wounds. The last round penetrated straight and did not tumble, hitting my backup block and stopping at the 21-inch mark. In previous testing using the same setup, I could reliably get 10-12 inches of penetration using standard 50-grain ball ammo.
One round penetrated straight to the 21-inch mark, while the others stopped between the 14-17½-inch mark. I could not match this performance with a 22 LR, even out of a rifle. A wider shot of the first two gelatin blocks and wound paths from the Buffalo Bore load.
To say that the Buffalo Bore load overperformed is an understatement, but that performance is of limited value if the round is not reliable. Most 25 ACP pistols, whether they are new or not, are usually old designs optimized around the one load that was around for the longest time—the 50-grain ball round.
Buffalo Bore’s 60-grain flat-nose load is far enough outside the parameters of a typical round-nosed 25 ACP ball or hollow-point load that it may cause feeding issues. The manufacturer’s website cautions us to test this load to ensure proper feeding. For my own edification, I decided to shoot for accuracy to see if there would be any cycling issues. I could reliably place eight rounds into a fist-sized group at seven yards and recoil was equally as mild as the 50-grain ball load, although quite a bit more powerful. I had a single round’s nose get caught against the top of the barrel. This was only one of the twenty rounds I had available for testing, and I am confident this load will be 100% reliable with another box or two through the old Bobcat. But that flat nose can be an issue for some pistols.
Parting Shots
It can be cliche to think that modern is always better. In the case of the 25 ACP and the 380 ACP polymer pistols that largely replaced it in the concealed carry market, that sentiment rings mostly true.
Guns like the Ruger LCP and the S&W Bodyguard are not the easiest handguns to use, but they are easy to carry and bring much more power to the fight. But there are still some compelling reasons to opt for the 25. As small as the polymer 380 is, many 25-caliber pistols are smaller still and the sedate caliber can make it easier to shoot well.
I don’t believe Buffalo Bore’s 25 ACP loads are going to bring about a quarter-bore renaissance. But their efforts to bring that little round to the next level show that there is still plenty of demand for the round with serious use in mind.
When it comes to rifle selection, portability matters. Whether you’re hunting squirrels in the woods, headed to the range for target practice, or traveling, it helps to have an easily transported firearm. The Volquartsen VT2 line of takedown rifles is designed for just that thanks to its easily operated levers and buttons that separate the gun into two compact pieces. This popular platform is now available in 22 LR, bringing a new level of versatility to the line.
The Volquartsen VT2 Takedown is a rifle designed for easy operation and accurate results. (Photo credit: Volquartsen)
Volquartsen states the VT2 Takedown rifle in 22 LR is ideal for everything from storing the gun with your gear during your next outdoor trek or placing it in your backpack for easy access during a hunt or hike. This rifle is designed for versatility and is useful for everyone, from the small game or varmint hunter to the overlander or survivalist. As the manufacturer says, the VT2 Takedown is ready when you are.
The rifle is chambered in 22 LR and can be quickly and easily disconnected for storage or transport. (Photo credit: Volquartsen)
Disconnecting the two halves of the rifle is as simple as depressing the takedown button and releasing the locking lever with a downward pull. Doing those two things makes it possible for the barrel to slide out of the receiver. That’s all it takes for the gun to be reduced to a more compact size for storage or transport. To put the gun back together for use, slide the barrel into the receiver and return the locking lever to its original position.
A Picatinny rail atop the receiver makes adding a scope to the gun simple. (Photo credit: Volquartsen)
The VT2 Takedown in 22 LR is made so accuracy and repeatability are a given. This rifle offers a truly unique design and is made according to exacting specifications. This ensures the point of impact remains reliable even after the gun has been taken down into two parts and put back together again. Regardless of how you choose to store it, the VT2 is built to perform.
Features of the gun include:
22 LR chambering
Picatinny rail for easy addition of a scope
Adjustable stock so the length of pull can be changed to fit the shooter
2.25-pound trigger pull weight set at the factory
6 pound, 13 ounce overall empty weight
10 round capacity
MSRP for the Volquartsen VT2 in 22 LR is set at $2261.00.
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.
The 25 ACP round has been used in self-defense for over 100 years. Although considered underpowered today, the 25 is still a useful tool. It’s also a historic footnote that paved the way for the modern pocket pistol we now take for granted. Follow along as we explore both the history and ballistics of a small round that is anything but diminutive.
In the 1980s, Seecamp attempted to modernize the concept of the pocket 25 ACP with its LWS 25. It is perhaps the best and one of the few still in production.
What Came Before
In my time rubbing elbows with fellow concealed carriers, I have often asked what round they consider to be the bare minimum in terms of ballistic power. While we have to admit that all pistols are underpowered compared to a good rifle or shotgun, some pistol rounds are better than others. Many prefer to carry a mid-size or subcompact pistol chambered in 9mm Luger, while a pocket pistol chambered in 380 ACP will suffice if the wardrobe dictates it. The 380 ACP is moderately powered, pushing a 95-grain bullet at about 900 feet per second out of a typical pocket pistol like the Ruger LCP. A pocket pistol chambered in 25 ACP can get a 50-grain bullet out of the tube at 750 feet per second.
Montgomery Ward & Co.’s catalog from 1895 shows us the state of concealed carry in that moment. The company sold typical Colt and Smith & Wesson revolvers, but most of their ad space was given to inexpensive pocket pistols in dull chamberings. (Montgomery Ward and Co., Catalogue 1895, (New York: Skyhorse Pub., 2008,) 466)
In the context of modern concealed carry attitudes, the 25 ACP stinks ballistically. But if the round is so terrible, why was it introduced in the first place?
The long and short of it is that firearms even less powerful than the 25 were common for concealed carry. Although big brands like Colt, Smith & Wesson, and Webley did well in sales of large .44 and .45 caliber pistols for martial and police service, these companies and dozens of others, both known and obscure, sold pocket pistols like hotcakes to a civilian market that had to contend with ordinances that prohibited the open carry of firearms.
Ease of carry and the ability to get a jump on an opponent outweighed power. The Remington Model 95 derringer chambered in the dinky .41 Short was a perennial favorite, as was a smattering of revolvers chambered in 22 Short and 32 S&W like the Colt Open Top Pocket and Iver Johnson Safety Automatic. In Europe, small revolvers like the Velo Dog weren’t uncommon in a coat pocket.
Small-bore rimfire pistols were common in the late 19th century. The 25 ACP is indeed small, but centerfire and less prone to dud rounds.
When John Browning created the 25 ACP and designed his FN Model 1905 pistol around it, he was out to build a better pocket pistol. The Model 1905 was a small, blowback-operated semi-automatic pistol that could go into a gentleman’s vest pocket. The 25 ACP cartridge is centerfire and more powerful than the 22 Short. The 1905 held more rounds than its contemporaries, like the 5.7 Velodog, and could be fired more quickly than the typical derringer.
As compact as this Walther PP in 32 ACP is, it is large compared to the Beretta 418 chambered in 25 ACP.
The Rise and Fall of the 25 ACP
After its debut in 1905, the 25 ACP was more immediately popular in Europe than in the United States, largely in part due to the World Wars. Although never designed for a martial role, pistols like the FN 1905, Mauser 1914, and the Beretta 418 saw use as both private purchases and official issuance to those in non-combat roles. It is little wonder that when Ian Fleming tapped into his past as an intelligence officer during the Second World War to create the martini-guzzling super spy James Bond, the character was initially armed with a Beretta 418 in 25 ACP.
The United State Army issued some Colt Vest Pockets (Colt’s version of the FN 1905) during the Second World War, but the reception of the 25 ACP in the American market had a slower burn. Although guns like the Colt Vest Pocket make for a classic hideout gun of the Prohibition era, small-framed revolvers chambered for .32 S&W Long and .38 Special were far more popular. But the 25 ACP’s acceptance picked up after 1945. Returning GIs came home with plenty of captured handguns. Large firms like Browning, and Beretta sought the American market, as did smaller consortiums like Astra and Tanfoglio.
In the decades since the end of the war, if you wanted a pocket pistol there were two viable options: opt for a small-frame snub-nose revolver like the Smith & Wesson Chief’s Special or the Colt Detective Special or run a 25 ACP pistol like the Beretta 950 or the Baby Browning. If you didn’t have as much cash to spare for either, an Astra Cub or something similar would suffice.
Unfortunately, the choices grew worse before better. The Gun Control Act of 1968 regulated the importation of foreign handguns by subjecting the models in question to a point system that determined whether a handgun had a sporting use. The 1960s was not a decade of universal bliss and the GCA was championed as an effort to limit the number of small handguns on the street. Manufacturers responded in kind. The grip frame of the Walther PPK was extended to meet import requirements. Browning successfully licensed their design through PSA. Beretta chose to construct a manufacturing facility in the United States. Others, like Astra, pulled out of the market entirely.
In response to the drought, American firms filled the void. Bauer produced unlicensed, though high-quality, copies of the Baby Browning. Seecamp created the LWS 25, a double-action-only pistol designed for instinctive point shooting. Others like Bryco, Jennings, and Raven produced inexpensive 25 ACPs that lacked the refinement and build quality of their European counterparts.
In attempting to disarm criminals of their cheap, concealable Saturday-night-specials, the GCA ultimately created more of them to the benefit of the criminal and the detriment of law-abiding citizens in need of protection. In 2003, Kel-Tec introduced the polymer-framed P3AT, an eleven-ounce double-action pocket pistol chambered in 380 ACP. The age of the modern pocket pistol had begun and by then, the 25 ACP was synonymous with criminality and junk.
Most 25 ACP pistols are based on older designs and tend to be smaller than even the smallest 380 ACP pistols available now. But some, like the Beretta 21A Bobcat (left) is comparable in size to pistols like the Ruger LCP. (right)
The 25 ACP Today
There are entire sections of gun store counters nationwide filled with small-framed 380 ACP pistols designed for pocket carry and priced to sell—and they do sell! By all metrics, guns like the Ruger LCP and the Smith & Wesson Bodyguard 380, are just as light as the 25 ACP pistols of old and pack an objectively bigger punch.
Likewise, the 22 Long Rifle cartridge has grown in capability. This rimfire round had been around since the end of the 19th century, but in the 1980s, compact autoloading handguns like the Beretta Bobcat were becoming more common. Likewise, reliable, high-velocity loads like the CCI Mini-Mag and Stinger served to mitigate some of the issues associated with rimfire rounds. Despite all of it, the 25 ACP has yet to die.
Some pistols were made in such huge numbers that the demand for the ammunition persists. Several manufacturers still produce 32 S&W for the millions of small break-top revolvers that were around when the 25 ACP came on the scene. Likewise, millions of 25 ACP pistols were made, and it appears that the people who have them are using them for serious work.
Although not nearly as cheap or plentiful as the 22 Long Rifle and the 380 ACP, several foreign and domestic manufacturers load both full metal jacket as well as defensive hollow point 25 ACP ammunition. Among the latter include known lines like the Hornady Critical Defense, Hornady XTP, and Speer Gold Dot. The ammunition situation mirrors firearm availability. There are many 25 ACP handguns to choose from, but most of them are decades old. Unlike pistols chambered in those other calibers, it can be tricky to find a new handgun in this chambering. Currently, Beretta, PSA, Seecamp, Phoenix Arms, and North American Arms offer a 25 ACP pistol.
Compared to a true service cartridge, the 22 LR, 25 ACP, and 380 ACP fall quite short in the ballistics department. All of these fall low on the power and handling spectrum, but the differences between them are more than academic.
The 22 Long Rifle shooter has the benefit of cheap, practice ammunition and plenty of handguns to choose from. Some experts have stated that the 22 LR is more powerful than the 25 ACP. That is technically true, but effectively false.
Most 22 LR ammunition is designed for a rifle barrel and is chronographed out of a rifle-length test barrel from the factory to give an advertised velocity. The CCI Stinger, for instance, has an advertised velocity of 1640 feet per second. Out of a pocket pistol with a much shorter barrel like a Beretta 21A, that same round will clock in just north of 1000 feet per second. This is still impressive compared to a 25 ACP 50 grain load traveling at 750 feet per second. But you are getting that velocity with a lighter 32-grain bullet that lacks the sectional density of the jacketed 25 load.
In this caliber, 50-grain hardball is the winner. A comparable solid 40-grain load like the CCI Mini Mag will have a similar sectional density as that load, but velocity is knocked down to 850.
25 ACP defense hollow points are available but they generally underperform despite giving greater velocity out of a pocket pistol. In denim-fronted 10% gelatin, they seldom expand and the hollow point cavity creates too much drag. Penetration in this medium is between 8-10 inches.
In a block of 10% Clear Ballistics gelatin fronted by four layers of denim, the 25 ACP hardball load can reach 12 inches of penetration. The CCI Mini Mag 40 grain load reaches to the 10-inch mark. Similar tests using 2x4s as penetration mediums confirm that the 25 retains a marginal advantage in the pocket pistol arena over the 22 LR. And despite the advances in 22 LR ammunition, the round is still a rimfire. It uses a heeled bullet that tends to collect debris and the rim priming can still be faulty. Even with the best ammunition, dud rounds still happen.
The case against the 25 ACP is more compelling when compared to the 380 ACP. Defensive 380 loads are hit-and-miss when it comes to penetration and hollow point expansion but there are a few that work quite well. With a full-metal-jacket or Buffalo Bore’s 60-grain hard-cast load, the 25 ACP can achieve comparable penetration but there will not be any expansion.
On the whole, the .380 is going to poke bigger and deeper holes in whatever you are shooting, and it will do it out of a pocket platform. The cost of the .380 is controllability. Although less powerful than a service caliber like 9mm Luger, the .380 ACP can be snappy when touched off in a lightweight pistol. It takes more mental and physical preparation to hold the pistol on target for quick follow-up shots. While you trade off ballistic performance in most cases with the 25 ACP, what you get in exchange is an even smaller handgun that is much easier to shoot for the end user.
Jeff Cooper once advised us to “carry a 25 if it makes you feel better, but never load it. If you load it, you may shoot somebody. And if he finds out about it, he may be very angry with you.” But how do we square the history and usage of the 25 ACP when he also opined that the No. 1 rule of a gunfight is to have a gun? By today’s standards, the 25 ACP isn’t much and there are scant few new pistols chambered for it. The world has moved on and bigger is better, right? Well, not always. And in those situations where a bigger gun can be counterproductive, a properly loaded 25 ACP pistol not only beats having no gun, but is, and has been, a proven and useful tool.
Glock has added a few models to its Gen 5 line-up, including the 9mm G47 and variants of the G20 in 10mm and the G21 in .45. Shown initially at SHOT Show 2023, the Gen 5 models are readily welcomed by consumers, some of which have been waiting for these updated models for over 10 years.
The Glock 21 was initially released in 1990 and had its last update in 2011, essentially frozen in time since then. Glock seemed to be following market trends since then and focused more on the smaller framed 9mm, but what some have seen as a resurgence of large framed pistols, has breathed a fresh breath into the larger full-sized framed 10mm G20 and the .45 G21 pistols.
Glock has updated some full-sized larger framed pistols into the Gen5 family. Debuting at SHOT Show 2023, Glock unveiled G47 (9mm), G20 (10mm), and G21 (.45 ACP) pistols. (Photo credit: Glock)
So, what got updated on the Gen 5 Glock 21?
According to Glock, all the Gen5 qualities are present in this compact-sized pistol. The G21 Gen5 MOS has improved accuracy, lighter recoil, and is ready to accept an optic on the slide. The G21 has dropped the finger grooves on the grip but added a flared magwell and a standard ambidextrous slide-stop lever.
It has a barrel a little over 4.5” and an overall weight of just under 26 ounces unloaded. Although the G21 Gen5 MOS does not have the freshly announced flat-faced Glock Performance Trigger, its trigger does have a smoother pull and an improved reset when compared to previous models.
The G21 Gen5 MOS pistol is only of only a few .45 ACP pistols available with the MOS feature, meaning it’s optics-ready out of the box. (Photo credit: Glock)
The G21 Gen5 MOS pistol has the nDLC surface finish on the major metal components that give the pistol unmatched hardness and rust resistance. The frame has a high traction texture for a better feel and grip on the hand. The pistol also features a reversible magazine catch that can be quickly changed, and the Glock Modular Backstrap System (MBS) so the shooter can adjust the fit of the pistol to their hand easier.
To help round out the features on the Gen5 Glock 21 is the MOS portion standard from the factory, which stands for Modular Optics System, meaning it’s optics-ready out of the box. So far, the G21 Gen5 MOS is one of only a few .45 ACP pistols in the Glock catalog that have the MOS standard. Initial reports state that the Gen5 MOS pistol will come with the No. 2 optics plate that is compatible with Trijicon, Ameriglo, and Holosun patterned red dots, with other plates available from Glock.
The Gen5 Glock 21 MOS has a 13-round capacity with Glock’s Safe Action System and the high visibility orange magazine followers. The G21 Gen5 MOS pistol is available with an MSRP of around $650.
Westerns are a significant part of American media, especially with big names like John Wayne and Clint Eastwood. Just about everyone has heard of them, if not seen their movies. Many foreigners think of America as the wild west stereotype to this day, which goes to show the sheer impact of the old movies many of us know and love. And, of course, there’s the classic theme of charming cowboys saving the west—or sometimes bandits in black clothes causing havoc.
But what’s a cowboy or a bandit without a gun? Just about everyone in the old west is armed with a revolver if not also a shotgun or lever-action of some kind. Typically, the weapon of choice in old Western films is paired with some crazy handwork and tricks (most of which we don’t recommend attempting to replicate at home).
Tonight, we’re looking at a few classic guns of old American Westerns. Who knows, maybe we’ll inspire you to start up “True Grit” or “The Outlaw Josey Wales”.
The Searchers — Colt Single Action Army
John Wayne in his famous form as a cowboy in the wild west, armed with a Colt Single Action Army. (Photo Credit: The Searchers, Warner Bros.)
A western isn’t a western without a Colt Single Action Army (SAA). This revolver is known for its recognizable design from its plow-handled grip to its solidly built frame. To this day, the old-time revolver is still being produced by the same model, even with new versions available. The SAA is alive and well in the 21st century.
In “The Searchers,“ Ethan Edwards (played by John Wayne, because of course) returns home to Texas after the Civil War to find members of his brother’s family killed or abducted. He finds out members of the Comanche tribe are guilty of the crime and vows to save any survivors. The SAA revolver is anachronistic as it was made in 1873 but the movie is set in 1861-1865. Edwards, among several others, uses the pistol on their mission to save the surviving victims throughout the film.
Lou fires his Winchester Model 1973 on the train, trying to defend himself against Grant. (Photo Credit: How the West Was Won, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer)
“How the West WasWon” covers 50 years of expansion in the west to make way for settlers. The story is told from the perspective of several generations of the Rawlings and Prescott families. The Winchester Model 1873 is a significant rifle as it’s seen historically as the rifle that “Won the West.” So, of course, it has to be used in a movie all about the West. It was relatively affordable while it was made and worked well. Not only was it popular centuries ago but it’s still a much-loved platform today. Who doesn’t love a good lever action?
In the movie, this rifle gets used the most during a shootout on a train. Zeb Rawlings (played by George Peppard) runs into an old enemy, Charlie Gant (played by Eli Wallach) boarding a train at Gold City’s train station. Previously, Zeb had killed Charlie’s brother, which resulted in threats toward Zeb and his family. After finding out that the local marshal can’t—or won’t—help, Zeb takes it into his own hands.
Zeb suspects that Charlie is on the train to steal a shipment of gold, so he prepares to ambush him with the hesitant aid of Marshall Lou Ramsey (played by Lee J. Cobb). Lou and Zeb use their Winchesters to fire at Gant throughout the conflict. This is just one of many strides the families take in this film to expand the west. Things used to be a bit more lawless.
Capacity: 7 to 14-round tube magazine depending on caliber
Length: 49.3 inches, but depends on specific production
Action: Lever-action
Unforgiven — Spencer 1860 Saddle Ring Carbine
Will uses his Spencer 1860 Saddle Ring Carbine to aim and fire at Davey. (Photo Credit: Unforgiven, Warner Bros.)
“Unforgiven” starts when Quick Mike (played by David Mucci) cuts up a prostitute’s face. The local sheriff brushes it off, so the other prostitutes in the area put a $1000 bounty on Quick Mike’s head. William Munny (played by Clint Eastwood), Ned Logan (played by Morgan Freeman), and the Schofield Kid (played by Jaimz Woolvett) team up hoping to get the bounty. Ned uses a Spencer 1860 Saddle Ring Carbine, claiming to be the best shot ever. He later hands it off to William to take a shot at the outlaws.
Specifications
Type: Carbine
Caliber: .56-56 Spencer rimfire
Capacity: 7-round internal tube magazine
Length: 47 inches
Action: Lever Action
Red River — Remington 1866 Derringer
Tess takes her Derringer out of her sling at the order of Dunson, shocked he noticed she had it. (Photo Credit: Red River, United Artists)
“Red River” is a film based on the historical Chisholm Trail in 1867 following a cattle drive. Tom Dunson (played by John Wayne) has sworn to kill Matt Garth (played by Mickey Kuhn) as he claims he’s a thief. Tessa Millay (played by Joanne Dru) meets Matt eight days before Dunson arrives at her camp and falls in love with him, but she can’t go with him once he leaves.
She ends up confronting Dunson about his intent to kill Matt. She slips a Remington 1866 Derringer into her shoulder sling but Dunson calls her out and tells her to take it out of her sling. Laying his own revolver on the table, he says the gun wouldn’t have done her any good. The incredible concealability of derringers does a lot to recommend them, but having only two shots to fire is less advantageous. Nonetheless, she couldn’t conceal it from Dunson.
Specifications
Type: Handgun
Caliber: .41 rimfire
Capacity: 2 shots, fired one at a time
Length: 4.875 inches
Action: Hammer-fired
The Wild Bunch — Browning M1917
Lyle uses the Browning M1917 against Mapache’s men during a final shootout. (Photo Credit: The Wild Bunch, Warner Bros.-Seven Arts)
One that is less common in old American Westerns is the Browning M1917. The hefty machine gun was used in several wars and still holds a great reputation today. In “The Wild Bunch,” a group of old outlaws seeks out one more heist before they retire. Heading to Mexico, they decide their final task will be stealing the United States ammunition train, which they intend to give to General Mapache’s revolutionary army.
They steal a Browning M1917 for Mapache as a gift. In a comical scene, Mapache (Emilio Fernández) attempts to shoot the machine gun single-handedly. It is then used in combat by the outlaws in a fight against the Mexicans. It should be noted that this firearm is likely an anachronism due to the timeframe of the movie being prior to its creation. But it’s still cool to see it on film as an interesting historical machine gun.
Sig Sauer has expanded the MCX series of rifles to include the commercial version of the U.S. Army’s XM7 rifle in the MCX-SPEAR rifle. The Army rifle is a part of the Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW) program. The civilian version has been eagerly anticipated since the NGSW program was announced. The MCX-Spear currently is available in 7.62 NATO and 6.5 Creedmoor, with 277 SIG Fury coming later.
“The SIG SAUER-MCX family of rifles has become synonymous with innovative engineering and premium quality in a reliable and proven carbine.” said Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, Commercial Sales. “The next generation has arrived with the new MCX-SPEAR, offering enhanced AR-10 capabilities in the MCX platform for the first time on the commercial market.”
Sig has expanded the MCX family of firearms to include the MCX-SPEAR, which is the commercial version of the US Army XM7 Rifle. (Photo credit: Sig Sauer)
According to Sig, the MCX-SPEAR is an adapter multi-caliber rifle packed full of features the end-user would expect and want. The SCX-SPEAR features a rear and side non-reciprocating charging handle for the ultimate flexibility in shooting positions and optics options with the gas-piston system. The system also features a two-position adjustable gas valve for shooting suppressed or non-suppressed. The rifle is suppressor ready with the Sig SLH and SLX suppressor-ready QD mount flash hider.
The MCX-SPEAR has fully ambidextrous controls with bolt catch, bolt release, and other fire controls. The rifle has a lightened free-floating M-LOK handguard with a full-length Picatinny rail for the attachment of accessories. Additionally, the system has integrated stainless steel QD mounts in the lower receiver for a fast and easy way to attach a sling.
Rounding out the features of the Sig MCX-SPEAR rifle is a 6-position folding Magpul SL-M stock, a two-stage Matchlite Duo trigger, and ships with one 20-round magazine. The MCX-SPEAR also has a user-interchangeable barrel to swap between calibers easily.
According to the Sig Sauer company website, the rifle will be available in full-length, short-barreled, and pistol lengths. Barrel lengths will range from 16” for the full-length down to 13” for the SBR and Pistol versions. All weapons have a coyote tan anodized finish.
Back during the chaos of the pandemic, ammo prices shot up. Components were scarce and demand was high, so you took what you could find. Now, just about everything is readily available again and PMC Bronze .308 Winchester is setting a high standard of performance at a price that seems like the good old days.
The full-metal-jacketed rounds are ideal for those who genuinely practice with their .308s. If you are a high-volume shooter or really enjoy range time with an AR-10, PMC is a solid option.
While the 147-grain projectile is on the lighter end of the .308 family, these boat-tailed bullets provide consistent repeat accuracy at the low end of the price spectrum.
PMC Bronze .308 Winchester
2780 FPS
Reloadable brass casings
Clean-burning powders
Boxer primers
Boat tail FMJ bullets
Medium- to long-range target ammo
Running a gun like the Ruger SFAR can eat a hole in your wallet. It doesn’t have to be that way. PMC can help with that.
What is the 147-grain .308 good for?
That’s a fair question. The 147-grain bullet was originally designed to run in belt-fed machine guns. It is brass jacketed, and there’s no hollow point hiding behind the jacket.
Consider the requirements for a belt-fed gun. The rounds are going to get beat to hell before they ever get in the chamber, so the projectile needs to stand up to some abuse. And accuracy—while important—isn’t really a requirement. Or not the first priority, anyhow.
If you need a sturdy round that will run well, the 147 is a solid choice. And it has made the progression over to becoming a popular range ammo for practice and competition. It is good for running on steel and paper.
The PMC has brass jackets, boxer primers, and the brass cases are reloadable. PMC’s volume allows them to produce with solid components without running up the costs.
PMC
PMC is a South Korean company known for their quality. They make all of their own components, so they control the quality control. They make millions of rounds annually, and many in the industry put them at number four, volume-wise, for ammo producers.
Yet stateside, they’re not renowned for their precision. They make exceptionally accurate ammo, but you’re more likely to find the value end of the spectrum—the range ammo. With their volume, though, this makes sense.
The PMC .308, on sale, runs less than $1 a round.
But make no mistake—this is not bargain-basement range ammo. PMC produces consistent performance and reliability. The .308 brass is even reloadable. PMC isn’t dumping garbage on the US market in order to maintain margins; they’re relying on their volume of production to keep costs reasonable.
How does it shoot?
I ran the 147-grain .308 through two platforms. The first, a Ruger SFAR, is ideal for the 147 grain on the range. I didn’t push it past the 100-yard mark as I was on a short range. The shots were consistent, as expected.
Shooting with the Ruger and a low-powered scope, the PMC performs very well. This group was shot standing, braced, but it shows what’s possible. You don’t have to give up accuracy, even with range ammo.
For high-volume runs with a .308, ammo can get pricey. That’s really the sweet spot for PMC.
The other gun I was working on was a Remington 700. I’m new to the Model 700 and I was trying to learn the nuances of the trigger. The best way to do that is to put rounds down range.
The Remington Model 700 has a long track record of performance. Even with varied grain weights, the gun shoots straight. This is from 100 yards, off a bipod.
I sighted in with the 147-grain PMC and ran round after round, feeling for the break on the 700 (which is just over five pounds).
At the risk of stating the obvious, I’ll note that the PMC wouldn’t be my first choice for hunting with the Model 700. Not that it isn’t capable. It is. But the round isn’t designed for expansion.
But the accuracy at 100 yards is impressive. I wouldn’t hesitate to hunt hogs with this platform and ammo combination. I tend to hunt hogs with semi-autos and prefer magazines with stellar capacity. But a single shot placed perfectly can be even more effective.
These boat-tailed FMJs are going to penetrate. Pass-through is likely. So accuracy is paramount.
But I keep coming back to the range.
Though you could hunt with PMC Bronze ethically, that’s not its intended purpose. This is ammo designed to help you hone your skills.
When you need to get warmed up for fall or learn the feel of a new gun, the PMC shines. On sale, the PMC runs less than a dollar a round. That’s a steal for .308 in this new era of ammo inflation.
