When Taurus decided to take their revolvers to the next level, they launched the Executive Grade line. First came the 856, and now they’ve launched the Taurus Judge Executive Grade. This brings about a new era of the Judge, now a revolver with enhanced features capable of greater accuracy and improved comfort during live fire. The Judge Executive Grade promises to be a stellar option for gun owners looking for their next hunting carry gun, as well as a great choice for shooting targets and general use.
The Taurus Judge Executive Grade revolver is upgraded for enhanced accuracy. (Photo credit: Taurus)
The new Taurus Judge Executive Grade boasts a number of upgraded features. Perhaps its greatest enhancement is a hand-fitted action that is, of course, capable of firing both .410 bore shotshells and .45 Colt. The gun’s accuracy using 45 Colt is improved over the original platform. You bring the shooting skills and let the Judge do the rest. According to Taurus, during testing the revolver impacted targets out to a distance of 100 yards. This success elevates the Judge to a fantastic option for defensive use that can also accurately strike dangerous game and predators at greater distances.
The gun ships in a Pelican Vault hard-sided case for protection. (Photo credit: Taurus)
Another feature courtesy of the Executive Grade treatment on the Judge is a highly visible brass bar front sight. The use of an eye-catching material that contrasts with the frame of the revolver helps improve target acquisition and assists shooters with follow-up shots as well.
The pistol has walnut checkered grips and a stainless steel frame. (Photo credit: Taurus)
The Judge is designed to be a versatile revolver that can be used for many applications including hunting, self-defense, and target practice. It has a 5-round capacity and, as mentioned above, takes both 410 bore and 45 Colt. The fact that it can run shotshells, as well as cartridges, broadens its uses. Taurus hopes this will be your next backcountry gun, and it certainly has its appeal for that purpose. Of course, this is a revolver that can go from the woods to the bedside table with no issues, so it’s not only for outdoorsmen. Home defenders will love this gun as well.
Features of the Taurus Judge Executive Grade include:
410 Bore/45 Colt chambering.
Hand-fitted action for enhanced accuracy.
Walnut checkered grips for aesthetic appeal and a firm hold during live fire.
Hand-polished satin finish reduces glare.
Custom trigger for greater trigger control which translates to improved accuracy.
Ships in a Pelican Vault hard-sided case.
Double-action/single-action.
Approximate empty weight of 29 ounces.
3.0-inch barrel.
Defensive and hunting applications.
Rounded, angled trigger guard to prevent snagging on the draw stroke.
Curved trigger blade to maintain the model’s classic appearance and for good finger contact on the trigger.
What do you think, will this be the Judge that joins your gun collection? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
MSRP for the Taurus Judge Executive Grade is unknown at this time.
Red dot sights are now preferred by numerous shooters; gone are the days when red dots were rarely seen on the firing line, let alone on defensive handguns. Of course, adding a red dot to a handgun often means finding the correct mounting plate or having the slide of the gun milled. And while manufacturers have worked to create an increasing number of optics-ready semi-autos, revolvers have fallen by the wayside. No more, though, thanks to Taurus. The latest innovation in revolvers comes from Taurus in the form of the T.O.R.O. line of optics-ready revolvers. Yes, you read that right.
The Taurus T.O.R.O. is a line of optics-ready revolvers. (Photo credit: Taurus)
According to Taurus, these revolvers came about as the result of a customer survey back in October 2022. Today the company is pleased to announce the first-optics ready small frame revolvers to hit the market, the Taurus 856 T.O.R.O. and 605 T.O.R.O. Both guns are milled at the factory to be compatible with the optics plate meant for this specific use. The plate works with red dots with a Holosun K footprint.
The optics-ready revolvers are compatible with the compact Holosun K footprint. (Photo credit: Taurus)
The ability to run a small-frame revolver with a red dot on it is a fantastic step for those focused on self-defense. Many shooters prefer red dots due to how they’re designed to draw the eye and facilitate rapid target acquisition. Also, red dots can be zeroed for precision when using specific ammunition. This means your optics-ready revolver could function at a significantly greater level than it did with fixed iron sights.
Both the 856 and 605 T.O.R.O. are based on the company’s Defender line. Revolvers in this line have rugged, steel construction, three-inch barrels, and replaceable front sights. Their smaller size allows them to be more readily concealed while their steel frames lend themselves to better balance and somewhat mitigate felt recoil. As for the triggers used in these guns, they’re the gun maker’s popular double-action/single-action that’s designed for a smooth pull.
Of course, using a red dot on your Taurus T.O.R.O. will require a holster, and Taurus has you covered. The company has already partnered with respected holster manufacturers to bring compatible holsters to market.
These are the first-ever small-frame optics-ready revolvers. (Photo credit: Taurus)
Features of the Taurus Defender 856 T.O.R.O.:
Small frame optics-ready revolver.
Five-shot capacity.
Chambered in 38 Special, +P rated.
Optics plate compatible with the compact Holosun K footprint.
Compact grips are meant to create a more comfortable shooting experience and enhance concealability.
Stainless steel cylinder for maximum durability and longevity.
3.0-inch barrel for concealment purposes.
Target-style trigger made with a smooth pull.
Matte black or stainless steel finish.
The Taurus Defender 605 T.O.R.O. has features and specifications similar to that of the 856 T.O.R.O. but is chambered in 357 Magnum. Please note the optic itself is not included.
The revolvers are available in stainless steel or matte black. (Photo credit: Taurus)
What do you think, will this convince you to run a revolver for defensive purposes? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
MSRP for the Taurus Defender 856 and 605 T.O.R.O. varies by specific model but starts at $445.99.
I never played the original Homefront, but I’m vaguely familiar with it. I remember hearing it was a mediocre game. That bummed me out because I love the idea of a game where America gets invaded, and you get to be a guerilla fighter. Why we never got a Red Dawn game is beyond me. I did play Homefront Revolution for about two hours when it first came out, and it was a giant buggy mess. However, six years later, I decided to give it another go, and I’m glad I did.
The bugs and frame rate issues are seemingly fixed, and we get a first-person shooter that puts us in the role of a guerilla fighter in an alternative history of 2029. In this world, North Korea is a dominant force and a major superpower. America fell into debt and defaulted, causing an invasion by North Korea and its advanced military force. You are a guerilla in Philadelphia getting a modern take on the revolutionary war.
Those night sights glow quite brightly.
You’re part of a small band of rebels who resist the North Korean occupation. The story is mostly skippable and unremarkable. We get a handful of characters, and all but two are somewhat forgettable. The bad guys are just the North Korean troops and officers, no real nameable villains. Most story elements revolve around giving you an excuse to get in firefights and blow stuff up. I’m perfectly fine with that because it wasn’t the story that captured me; it was the world of the game.
America Under Siege
Homefront Revolution is an open-world sandbox-style game. It’s not exactly a huge sprawling world, but a combination of different zones that are all fairly small and compact. They are dense areas, though, that never feel small, but they aren’t big wastelands of nothing. There is seemingly always something going on and something always to be aware of. There is also verticality, and climbing up and around buildings can be a legit way to get around.
Each of these worlds is either a green, red, or yellow zone. Red zones are open battlefields and bombed-out portions of Philly. Here you’ll run into patrols, tanks, and roaming airships you have to avoid. You’ll find snipers waiting for you to make the wrong move, and you’ll see other resistance members engaging in open warfare.
When you face down a sniper with a pistol you need to be sneaky.
Yellow zones are civilian ghettoes where there are patrols, drones, and various light armored vehicles roam around. Here you can run into regular people alongside soldiers. The soldiers are always looking for you, and as a wanted resistance member, you have to keep your head down.
Green zones are the North Korean strongholds where the upper crust of North Koreans live, as well as diplomats and American traitors. It’s heavily patrolled by NK forces, complete with soldiers, tanks, drones, and more. Starting a fight here is tough, and stealth is your friend.
The Minimanual of the Guerilla
I will say each zone is unique and interesting. The red zones make you feel like you are in a bombed-out city. Buildings are crumbling, and you can scale and parkour your way around. You can get in street-to-street gunfights. You might need to pin down a sniper so you can cross the street to take them down. In the beginning, you might only be doing that with your handgun, and that’s thrilling.
The weather effects are fantastic. In the game, the sun had set, and a raging thunderstorm moved in. Rain and lighting were pounding the environment, and the light from trash fires set the mood as I crept through the wrecked urban sprawl.
The creators really captured the environment of a blowout city.
A patrol walked the streets, and I crept into the third story of a building where a barrel trap sat. I released the barrels on the patrols and opened fire with a light machine gun. I killed three troops and a couple of drones. The mothership moved in, and I had to hit and run before I it found me and turned me into a pink mist.
In the yellow zone, you’ll run into people being harassed and homes being raided. You can choose to provide aid or avoid it altogether. When civilians see your weapons, they’ll scurry away or even straight up tell you to leave because the Resistance just causes trouble for them.
Is that a Magpul AFG I see?
As you spend more time in the zone accomplishing objectives and missions, you’ll win the hearts and minds of the people. They will then rebel and begin fighting back, and the patrols will lessen significantly. That’s the world the game builds, and it’s fantastic.
The Guns
The Homefront Revolution guns are a mixture of fictional and real. What’s neat is that while there are only a few guns in the game, the game allows you to upgrade them to various configurations. You can swap your M4 assault rifle to an LMG configuration by swapping the upper receiver. You literally just pop the upper off and toss on the belt-fed upper. This changes the caliber to 7.62 NATO as well. Or you can turn it into a grenade launcher.
Your handgun allows you to rip the slide off of your gun and then toss on an SMG upper and stock, almost like a RONI or KPOS conversion. The pistol is some odd configuration of 1911, M9, and maybe P226, but it looks real. The shotgun is a Mossberg 590/500 series that can be converted to a Sidewinder-style drum-fed automatic shotgun or the Inferno launcher.
The SOCOM 16 is your battle rifle, which can become a sniper rifle in .50 BMG or into the Freedom Launcher that launches fireworks at bad guys. There is also a Crossbow that can transform into an awesome blunderbuss or a flamethrower as well. It’s a neat system overall.
You can outfit your guns with various accessories.
On top of these swaps, you can add optics, vertical grips, lasers, and a few more gizmos to make your gun work for you. You can also wear gear that affects your weaponry, like a tactical vest, to carry more ammo.
Homefront Revolution — An Underrated Classic
When the game was released, it got terrible reviews, mostly tied to its technical issues. All these years later, those issues seem resolved. It’s a fun game that makes you feel like a guerilla. Your armament is interesting, and the game environment provides a unique experience. Homefront Revolution is a great first-person shooter, and I look forward to playing the three DLCs that came with it.
Anderson Manufacturing, a family-owned Kentucky-based firearms manufacturer, has partnered with Advanced Armament Company (AAC) to expand Anderson’s offerings to include a series of suppressor-ready firearms, rifles, and pistols. The seven guns are tuned and equipped to host a suppressor right out of the box.
With this new series, Anderson’s Product Engineer, Truman Brough, hopes to ease the process for consumers to shoot suppressed, “We’ve teamed up with AAC, a world-class suppressor manufacturer, to offer this new series of Suppressor Ready firearms, tested and tuned with Select AAC suppressors. Each firearm has unique features to make it easier than ever to start shooting suppressed the moment your new tax stamp clears.”
Anderson A4 Series
Anderson Manufacturing has upgraded its offerings by joining forces with AAC with its Suppressor Ready Line of firearms. The firearms, like the AM-2000 shown above, are fine-tuned for shooting suppressed and are ready to go out of the box. (Photo credit: Anderson Manufacturing)
The A4-2000 pistol has the Anderson 10.5” barrel chambered for 5.56 with a front sight and a 1:7 twist rate. The A4-2000 operates on a carbine-length gas system inside a T-Market quad rail handguard. It has an SBA3 Pistol Stabilizing Brace along with a Magpul Flip-up rear sight on the end. The firearm has an AAC 51T Blackout Flash Hider muzzle device that will allow for use with a suppressor. It also features a heavier buffer with the H3 to slow the cyclic rate adding reliability when the system is suppressed. Anderson Manufacturing tested the system with the AAC Ranger 5 suppressor with good results. The firearm has an MSRP of $939.99.
AM-15 Series
The AM-15 Specter Pistol also features a 10.5” barrel, but this one is chambered in 300BLK and has a twist rate of 1:8, and the 51T Blackout Flash Hider. It runs on a pistol-length gas system inside the free-floating Anderson 9.5” MLOK handguard. The pistol also has the SBA3 Pistol Stabilizing Brace, Magpul K2 grip, and a Breek Arms Warhammer Micro Mod2 charging handle. The AM-15 Specter pistol was tested with the AAC Ranger 7 suppressor and has an MSRP of $799.99)
The AM-15 Specter Rifle has a 16” barrel chambered in 5.56 and also features the 51T Blackout Flash Hider. The rifle has a mid-length gas system in the Anderson 15” free-floating MLOK handguard. It features the Breek Arms Warhammer Micro Mod2 charging handle along with the Magpul K2 grip and Anderson adjustable carbine stock. It was tested with the AAC M4-2000 and Ranger 5 suppressors. The MSRP for the AM-15 Specter rifle in 5.56 is $870.
The Suppressor Ready Series of firearms range from smaller striker fired pistols up to long rifles, similar to the AM-15 Specter rifle. This rifle has a 16″ threaded barrel and was tested with an AAC suppressor for fit and function. [Photo credit: Anderson Manufacturing]
AM-9 Series
The AM-9 Series pistol features an 8” Anderson PCC Profile barrel that has been fitted with an Anderson Knight Stalker flash hider. The barrel sits inside a 6.75” MLOK handguard. The pistol has an SBA3 Pistol Stabilizing brace and like other Anderson Manufacturing weapons, it has a Magpul K2 grip. This model has the LRBHO (last round bolt hold open) feature and comes with one 27-round GL9 PMAG. It was tested with the AAC TI-Rant 9M-HD suppressor in both long and short configurations. The weapon has an MSRP of $899.99.
AM-10 Generation II Series
The last rifle from Anderson Manufacturing in the Suppressor Ready Series is the AM-10 Silent Ranger rifle chambered in .308 Winchester. The Silent Ranger has an 18” barrel with a 51T Blackout flash hider on the muzzle. It has a mid-length gas system inside the 15: Anderson Stable-Lock handguard. It also features a Schmidt Tool two-stage trigger, Breek Arms Warhammer Micro Mod2 charging handle, and also has all the same Magpul furniture. It was tested with the AAC Ranger 7 suppressor and has an MSRP of $1,200.
Kiger-9C
The Kiger-9C SR is a suppressor-ready pistol chambered in 9mm with a threaded barrel. The Kiger-9C models are striker-fired semi-auto pistols with suppressor height sights. [Photo credit: Anderson Manufacturing]
The Kiger-9C SR is chambered in 9mm, and according to Anderson Manufacturing, it is the dark horse in the market. It is a striker-fired, locked-breech, semi-auto pistol with all the suppressor-ready features. It boasts suppressor height sights, a threaded barrel, and a finely tuned recoil spring. It was tested with the AAC TI-Rant 9M-HD suppressor in the short configuration. The Kiger-9C has an MSRP of $499.99.
The second pistol is the optic-ready variant of the Kiger-9C pistol, the Kiger-9C Pro SR. The compact 9mm pistol has a skeletonized slide with suppressor height sights. It also has a threaded barrel and the same tuned recoil spring. It was also tested with the AAC TI-Rant 9M-HD suppressor in the short configuration. The Kiger-9C Pro SR has an MSRP of $549.
If you’ve ever fumbled to reach the controls on your handle or had trouble with a sticky release or lever, you’ve probably considered replacing them with aftermarket parts. There are a great many aftermarket accessories available, but they’re not created equally. Tyrant CNC stands out as a company with numerous carefully designed parts made to upgrade your guns, and if you have a Sig Sauer P365, they have a great product for you. Their Sig Sauer P365 Extended Magazine Release is made to make running your gun smoother and simpler, and it’s easy to install, too.
The Tyrant magazine release for the Sig P365 is designed to make it easier to operate the gun’s controls. (Photo credit: Tyrant)
According to Tyrant Designs CNC, there’s no need to look any further than their Sig Sauer P365 Extended Magazine Release. The part is carefully molded from steel for superior durability and resistance to wear; this is a mag release that’s made to hold up to heavy use. Tyrant designed it as a simple drop-in replacement for the factory release on all P365 platforms. Yes, it’s compatible with them all, including the P365 Macro, P365 Spectre, P365 Spectre Comp, P365x, and P365XL.
The P365 mag release is designed for ambidextrous use. (Photo credit: Tyrant CNC)
This magazine release is made to merge well with the existing ergonomics and style of the Sig P365 handgun. It has a raised 3mm control surface with deep serrations with rounded edges, making the release easier to feel and simpler to operate. This release has ambidextrous functionality, which is a vital feature. In addition, the profile of the release is raised somewhat with chamfered edges, meaning you can eject your P365 magazine quickly.
No gunsmith is needed to install this release in your Sig. It’s made with a straightforward drop-in style. (Photo credit: Tyrant)
Tyrant states that the fit, finish, and overall quality of this release is nothing but the best. Installation doesn’t require a gunsmith or any special tools. It takes only seconds to install it yourself. And, of course, the release is specifically engineered for easy fitment inside P365 grip modules. The release is meant to add the ideal amount of texture and surface area to your magazine release to facilitate faster reloads and easier overall operation.
Features of the Tyrant CNC SIG Sauer P365 Extended Magazine Release include:
Designed for the SIG Sauer P365—Made to fit Sig Sauer P365, P365 X, P365 XL, P365 MACRO AND ALL P365 SPECTRE series.
Molded from steel for durability.
Serrations on the release face for an improved surface grip during use.
Extends further than the factory release for easier function.
Made in America.
Available in black or gold.
No gunsmith is needed for installation.
Ambidextrous design.
Raised 3mm control surface.
Made to facilitate faster reloads and seamless magazine ejection.
The extended P365 mag release is offered in either black or gold so shooters can choose whether it blends in or stands out. (Photo credit: Tyrant)
MSRP for the Tyrant CNC Sig Sauer P365 Extended Magazine Release is set at $29.95.
Mossberg, one of the leaders in precision bolt-action rifles, has an update to the Patriot family with the Patriot LR (Long Range) Tactical bolt-action rifle. The updated Patriot LR bolt-action rifle is available in the most popular long-range calibers: 6.5 Creedmoor, 308 Win, and 6.5 PRC.
Mossberg has expanded its Patriot line of bolt-action rifles to include the Patriot LR (Long Range) Tactical bolt-action rifle. The LR Tactical variant of the Patriot is available in 6.5 Creedmoor, 308 Win, and 6.5 PRC. (Photo credit: Mossberg)
Taking the proven Patriot platform, the Patriot LR Tactical has a twin-lug push-feed steel action with a medium bull barrel. The carbon steel barrel has an 11-degree match crown, a matte blue finish, and is threaded 5/8”-24 which is perfect for a suppressor. The barrel is 22 inches long for the 6.5mm Creedmoor and 308 Win models and 24 inches long for the 6.5 PRC model.
This Patriot LR Tactical uses the MDT Field Stock chassis system with the V-Block aluminum bedding for barrel stability and a Magpul M-LOK compatible forend with slots at the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions for mounting accessories easily. The stock also features an adjustable height comb height, done with the use of a tension knob, along with an adjustable length-of-pull with the use of the supplied spacers.
The Mossberg Patriot LR Tactical bolt-action rifle comes standard in an FDE finish and the same features that made the Patriot a popular rifle in the first place. Adjustable features with the precision of a Mossberg can’t be beaten. (Photo credit: Mossberg)
Mossberg employed a factory-installed 20 MOA Picatinny rail for extra elevation adjustment with optics. The Patriot LR Tactical uses the patented LBA (Lightening Bolt Action) adjustable trigger that has a two to seven-pound adjustment range. Also, on the LR Tactical rifle is an oversized bolt handle and a smooth-cycling fluted bolt.
The integrated magazine release lever sits forward of the oversized trigger guard. To round out the features of the Patriot LR Tactical rifle is an ergo-centric straight-wrist grip with texturing, swing swivel studs, and flat dark earth (FDE) finish.
According to Mossberg, the Patriot LR Tactical rifle from Mossberg is designed to enhance your long-range performance and accuracy by delivering precision and functionality. The LR Tactical uses AICS-style box magazines and each rifle has an MSRP of $1,085.
Finding a good quality, reliable shotgun or rifle can be a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. The latest additions to the Savage Arms family of firearms come from the Stevens line in the form of the 560 Field Shotgun and 334 bolt-action rifle. Both guns are made to last, perform reliably, and be versatile. These guns can be used for everything from hunting to range time, and all while offering the proven performance we’ve come to expect from Savage.
Stevens 560 Field Shotgun
The 560 Field shotgun is designed for hunting use but also excels at sporting applications. (Photo credit: Savage Arms)
The Stevens 560 Field is described by Savage Arms as a hard-working, beautiful Turkish semi-auto shotgun. Two sizes are available: full-size and compact, meaning shooters can choose their size according to the fit they require. The shotgun boasts many great features including a raised ventilated rib, fiber optic front sight, and an aluminum alloy receiver. The barrel is hard chrome lined for superior durability and to withstand heavy use. This shotgun is available in 12 gauge.
The shotgun has a Turkish Walnut stock and forend. (Photo credit: Savage Arms)
Features of the Stevens 560 Field:
12 gauge.
5 +1 capacity.
Semi-automatic, gas-operated.
Right-side ejection port.
Black barrel to reduce glare.
26-inch barrel on the compact model, 28-inch barrel on the full-sized gun.
Carbon steel, hard chrome lined barrel for incredible durability.
14.5-inch length of pull on both models.
Three-inch Chamber.
Turkish Walnut stock and fore-end for classic aesthetics.
Raised ventilated rib with fiber optic front sight for improved target acquisition.
Lightweight aluminum alloy receiver to reduce overall weight while maintaining the longevity of parts.
Manual safety.
Over-sized controls, making it easier to operate the gun even while wearing gloves.
Trigger guard safety.
Includes three Chokes (IC, IM, F) so shooters can switch chokes out as needed for the task at hand.
Stevens Model 334 Bolt Action Rifle
The rifle is available in three calibers. (Photo credit: Savage Arms)
According to Savage, the Stevens Model 334 bolt-action rifle is where value and performance meet. The rifle offers a number of well-designed features that make it a fantastic performer including a two-stage adjustable trigger and a 60-degree bolt lift for rapid follow-up shots. This rifle has a free-floating button barrel for reliable accuracy and consistent overall performance. Two color configurations are offered: A Turkish Walnut stock with a beautifully contrasting silver bolt or a black synthetic stock with a matching matte black action. It’s being made available in three calibers: 243 Winchester, 308 Winchester, and 6.5 Creedmoor.
The rifle is drilled and tap and comes standard with a Picatinny rail atop the receiver. (Photo credit: Savage Arms)
Features of the Stevens Model 334 include:
243 Winchester, 308 Winchester, or 6.5 Creedmoor chamberings.
Detachable three-round box magazine in all calibers.
Three-position safety.
Two-stage adjustable trigger so it can be changed to meet the shooter’s preferences.
Ergonomic stock and recoil pad for comfort during live fire and to enhance shooter accuracy.
Matte black synthetic stock or Turkish Walnut stock available.
Matte black carbon steel receiver with integrated recoil lug.
Drilled and tapped receiver with Savage M110 Spacing and steel MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny Rail, making the addition of aftermarket optics easy.
Free-floating, button rifled, carbon steel barrel with 11° Target Crown for superior accuracy on target.
Two-Sling swivel studs so shooters can carry the rifle with a sling if they so choose.
MSRP varies by model.
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.
Choosing a firearm for defensive purposes is typically a matter of finding a reliable, accurate gun that’s the correct size and caliber for the situation. If you’re looking for a home defense or truck gun, you have more room to choose because it doesn’t have to be holstered. AR pistols and rifles come in quite useful for those applications, and Bersa has an entire lineup of new firearms that could easily become your next gun for your home or vehicle. The BAR15 and BAR9 series are AR rifles and pistols designed to Bersa’s exacting standards, and you should definitely check out these American-made guns.
BAR15
The Bersa BAR15 is a 5.56 NATO chambered AR pistol. (Photo credit: Bersa)
Bersa’s BAR15 line includes a trio of guns: a 7.5-inch barrel AR pistol and a pair of rifles with 16-inch barrels. All three BAR15 options are chambered in 5.56 NATO. The BAR15 7.5 inch 5.56 MFT is an AR pistol with some Mission First Tactical, hence the name MFT. The pistol has a 30 +1 capacity and ships with one MFT magazine. It has an overall length of 23.25 inches with the buffer tube at its shortest and 26.25 inches with the buffer tube extended. Bersa lists its empty weight as 5 pounds, 4 ounces, making it a nice, lightweight option for defensive or range use.
The BAR15 has three options including the pictured AR pistol which has a 7.5-inch barrel. (Photo credit: Bersa)
The Bersa BAR15 16-inch 5.56 Magpul has a Magpul MOE stock and pistol grip. This carbine length AR is shown with a 32.5-inch length with the stock collapsed and 35.75 inches with the stock fully extended. Thanks to the adjustable stock, this gun can be adjusted for length of pull according to the shooter’s needs. Features include a class III hard anodized finish for resistance to wear, a 1 in 7 twist rate, and an empty weight of 6 pounds, 4 ounces.
The Bersa BAR15 16 inch 5.56 Magpul has Magpul furniture. (Photo credit: Bersa)
As for the BAR15 6 inch 5.56 MFT, it’s another carbine length AR with features quite similar to those of the other carbine in the line. However, it has Mission First Tactical furniture with a Minimalist stock.
BAR9
The company’s BAR9 line includes two AR pistols, one with a four-inch barrel and one with an eight-inch barrel. The first is the Bersa BAR9 four-inch with a compensator. This pistol is chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum and has a 30 +1 capacity with the included Bersa magazine. Features include a KAW Valley XL Slim 9mm Compensator, Magpul MOE+ pistol grip, and 1-in-10 twist rate. This model has an overall length of 21.5 inches with the buffer tube at its shortest and 24.25 inches with the tube at its full length.
The Bersa BAR9 AR pistol is offered with either a four-inch or an eight-inch barrel. (Photo credit: Bersa)
Next up is the Bersa BAR9 eight-inch with compensator, another 9mm chambered AR pistol. This pistol shares features with the shorter-barreled BAR9, making the overall size the biggest difference between the two. The gun has an overall length of 26.0 inches with the tube at its shortest and 29.0 inches with the tube extended. Its empty weight is five pounds, 12 ounces.
MSRP for the BAR15 and BAR9 guns varies by specific model.
One of the fantastic things about the AR platform is how customizable it is, and there are a lot of parts on the market to support that. However, some parts stand out above others. The Luth-AR 308 Widebody Hand Guard is one of those. This handguard is designed to be versatile while also providing greater support and a more stable foundation. Those things translate to enhanced accuracy and precision, both of which are important to everyone from precision shooters to hunters to those at the range ringing steel. Keep reading to learn more about the latest from Luth-AR.
The Luth-AR 308 Widebody Hand Guard is designed to give ARs chambered in 308 Winchester a new handguard profile option. (Photo credit: Luth-AR)
Luth-AR says this part was designed specifically for 308 Win AR rifles. The handguard is made from high-quality, 6061-T6 Aluminum extrusion for durability and longevity. It’s also hard coat anodized black for superior resistance to wear and tear. The barrel nut, which is included, is made from alloy steel with a Melonite finish so it remains secure and solid while withstanding the rigors of serious use.
The handguard measures 15 inches in length and weighs 1.3 pounds, so it won’t add unnecessary bulk to the user’s rifle. Features include a sleek, ergonomic design that’s comfortable to grip and a wide, flat base for a secure grip when shooting off-hand. The broad base also creates a more stable base shooting from a rest which can improve accuracy.
The barrel nut needed for this handguard is included as are all necessary screws. (Photo credit: Luth-AR)
According to Luth-AR, the 308 Widebody Hand Guard is a great option for shooters interested in upgrading their rifle with a versatile, sturdy handguard. There are M-LOK slots along the top and bottom of the handguard for the easy addition of aftermarket accessories such as a bipod, weapon-mounted lights, or lasers. The handguard has a matte black finish to reduce glare.
Luth-AR includes everything you need to install the handguard yourself. No gunsmith is needed. (Photo credit: Luth-AR)
Features of the Luth-AR 308 Widebody Hand Guard include:
M-LOK slots so aftermarket accessories can be easily mounted to the rifle.
15-inch overall length.
Widebody Hand Guard Barrel Nut included.
Includes four clamp screws for installation.
Two vertical set screws are also included to control linear movement.
Thread lock for simple and quick installation.
Made from 6061-T6 Aluminum extrusion for durability and to maintain a lighter overall weight.
Finished with black hardcoat anodized, matte finish to withstand wear.
Dimensions
Height: 2.00 inches.
Width at the widest part: 2.26 inches.
Inside height: 1.625 inches.
Inside width: 1.35 inches.
No gunsmith is required for installation.
Made for everyone from precision shooters to hunters to 3-gun competitors.
The handguard measures 15 inches in length. (Photo credit: Luth-AR)
This handguard is a good option for shooters that want a more stable platform or who prefer a wider base and narrower top on their handguard. Thanks to its M-LOK compatibility there’s no problem with mounting accessories, and the Picatinny rail is full-length, so you can add whatever optics or magnifiers you want.
What do you think? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section.
MSRP for the Luth-AR 308 Widebody Hand Guard is set at $
Military Armament Corporation, a relatively young firearms company with the same name as an old market standby, has expanded its line of offerings to include a throwback with the JSOC 1911 pistol. The company states that it’s a classic design from the battlefield lessons of the 1970s and 80s.
CEO, Tim Mulverhill, explained, “The new Military Armament Corporation draws it’s roots from the era of a resurgent American resolve, when we once stood between the massed divisions of the Soviets and our allies in Western Europe, hunted drug cartel kingpins in South America, and being called a communist was the greatest insult imaginable”.
MAC took the lessons learned from the 1970s and 80s and rolled them into the JSOC 1911 pistol. The .45 ACP pistol features a full-sized textured grip with an ambi mag release and dual safeties. [Photo credit: MAC]
The JSOC 1911 pistol is a .45 ACP pistol with a 416R match-grade barrel featuring an 11-degree target crown all in a government-sized forged carbon steel slide and frame. The JSOC 1911 pistol also has a black skeletonized trigger with an overtravel adjustment to go along with the skeletonized hammer.
The slide features an LPA fully adjustable rear sight inlet that allows for a lower profile and easier concealed carry with a brass bead front sight. The full-sized grip features 25 LPI checkering on the front strap and the one-piece competition-style mainspring housing.
Featuring the MAC logo on dark walnut checkered grips, the gun has a beavertail grip safety and ambidextrous thumb safeties. An extended magazine release rounds out the features of this gun. It ships with a cleaning kit, cleaning cloth, hard locking case, and two 8-round magazines.
According to MAC, the company incorporated modifications that used to be performed by 1911 custom shops or by the military armorers at the time into the JSOS design. The JSOC 1911 has a Tennifer QPQ finish on the frame and the slide. No word on pricing yet, but that information, as well as the pistol, will be available at SHOT Show 2023.
