CategoriesNew Gun Releases

TaurusTX 22 Compact: Versatility Redefined

There is a multitude of potential training guns out there, but those chambered in 22 LR often find favor among instructors and moms and dads. After all, 22 LR is a truly soft-shooting round that produces little-to-no felt recoil and hardly any muzzle rise, making it ideal for teaching new and young shooters alike. With the TaurusTX 22 Compact, the gun maker is making the 22 LR available in a smaller handgun platform that is a stellar fit for smaller hands and offers many benefits, including high concealability. 

The TaurusTX 22 Compact is chambered in 22LR and designed to be easier to conceal and also as a better fit for smaller hands. (Photo: Taurus)

Taurus states that the TaurusTX 22 Compact delivers class-leading reliability, capacity, and shootability, all in a compact 22 LR platform. The TaurusTX 22 Compact is the smaller version of the popular TaurusTX 22, a full-sized handgun. This compact model is meant to be used for everything from plinking to teaching new shooters, and more.

TaurusTX22 Compact
The gun is optics-ready and boasts a variety of shooter-friendly features. (Photo: Taurus)

This gun offers 13 rounds in a staggered column magazine for excellent capacity without being overwhelmingly large. This pairs well with the Taurus Performance Trigger System which the manufacturer claims is “excellent” and designed for fast, accurate shots. Accuracy is further enhanced by the fact that this pistol is optics-ready right out of the box, making it possible for shooters to use the red dot sight of their choice right out of the box. The footprint is compatible with Shield RMSc and Holosun K optics.

Pistol with a Riton red dot sight
The pistol is shown here with a Riton red dot sight. (Photo: Taurus)

Features of the TaurusTX 22 Compact include:

  • 22 LR chambering.
  • 13 +1 capacity.
  • Compact size, making it easier to conceal and more comfortable to shoot for those with smaller hands.
  • 3.60-inch barrel length.
  • 3.90 overall height.
  • 16.5-ounce empty weight, so it’s light enough to be comfortable in a holster and for weaker arms to hold up for longer periods of live fire.
  • Twist rate of 1 in 10 with six grooves for stabilizing 22 LR more effectively.
  • 6.7-inch overall length, so it’s truly compact.
  • Black finish to reduce glare.
  • Angled forward and rearward slide serrations for easier racking of the slide.
  • Optics ready, which means it’s easy to add an aftermarket red dot sight.
  • Manual external safety for an added layer of safety for shooters and concealed carriers.
  • Striker-fired for reliable cycling and ignition.
  • Other safety features include striker block and trigger safeties.
  • Textured grip to improve hold during live fire even with wet hands.
  • Polymer frame, making the gun durable, resistant to wear and tear, and lighter weight.
  • Flat-shooting with minimal felt recoil thanks to small caliber.
  • Easier to rapidly acquire target and deliver follow-up shots thanks to chambering and size.
  • Versatile platform for plinking, training, shooting predators and varmints, and close-range self-defense.
taurustx 22 compact pistol
A 13 +1 capacity gives you plenty of rounds to shoot without being so excessive as to cause the gun to be heavier. (Photo: Taurus)

MSRP for the TaurusTX 22 Compact is set at $469.99.

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.
CategoriesNew Gun Releases

Comp-Tac Level III Duty Holster: Glock 48 Compatible

Retention is important, whether you’re in law enforcement or carry for personal defense reasons. Not all holsters provide the same types and degrees of retention, either, which is why it’s important to do some research to ensure you’re getting the best possible design for your needs. The Comp-Tac CT3 Level III Duty Holster for the Glock 48 is specifically designed to deliver greater levels of retention than most standard holsters and is also made to be durable and long-lasting. This holster is made for serious duty, and it’s available for the Glock 48.

The Comp-Tac CT3 Level III Duty Holster is designed for the Glock 48, a popular defensive pistol. (Photo: Comp-Tac)

Comp-Tac states that this retention holster was created with law enforcement in mind. This is a well-made, durable holster made to give a reliable option for duty carry to those who spend their days and nights out protecting the streets. It’s for everyone from night-shift officers to Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) operators, and it’s useful for any gun owner seeking a high level of retention. The CT3 from Comp-Tac is a level III holster that utilizes friction, an automatic ejection port lock, and a hood, all of which must be deactivated for the weapon to be drawn. A two-year design process was required to design this holster, and according to the manufacturer, it meets most requirements set by law enforcement agencies for duty weapons.

Comp-Tac Level III Duty Holster glock
The holster is offered for a variety of Glocks and provides three levels of retention. (Photo: Comp-Tac)

The CT3 Level III Duty Holster is made so the user must have a full firing grip before drawing their firearm. This feature, in combination with the autolocking ejection port lock and the intuitive self-activated hood system, makes this both an effective and quick-draw level III holster. The Comp-Tac CT3 was designed in a collaborative effort with members of law enforcement. The holster offers a variety of mounting options and is meant to cater to those who might want to choose between a traditional on-the-waistband mount or an integrated drop offset.

A variety of accessories are also offered for the CT3 including the Comp-Tac Mid-Ride Belt Mount and the QLS Adaptor Plate. The plate can be used to mount the CT3 to different systems. These options were designed for officers with multiple duties, including Patrol or SWAT.

Comp-Tac Level III Duty Holster
A variety of mounting options are available for the CT3. (Photo credit: Comp-Tac)

Truett Whitt, sales manager at Comp-Tac Holsters, said, “We are proud to announce the first Level III duty holster for the Glock 48. This firearm is a new product option with a multitude of uses. Law Enforcement Officers are choosing this firearm as it provides comfort and confidence in use. Aside from our CT3 Level III holster being a great option for duty carry with this firearm, we’re also catering to the concealed carry market by offering a wide range of other holsters for this gun.”

comptac spartan holster
The Comp-Tac Spartan holster is also available for the Glock 48. (Photo: Comp-Tac)

Other holsters available for the Glock 48 from Comp-Tac include:

MSRP for the Comp-Tac CT3 Level III Duty Holster starts at $150.00. MSRP for other holsters depends on the model and specific features selected.

CategoriesNew Gun Releases

Federal Handgun Ammo: Train and Protect

Having the correct ammunition for the task at hand is important, and that’s something the team at Federal Premium understands. The renowned ammo maker designs and produces a full line of ammunition for everything from training to self-defense to hunting. Perhaps some of their most popular loads are related to handguns, and whether you’re in the market for a classic like 9mm or something newer, like 30 Super Carry, Federal has you covered.

Federal Premium offers a full line of ammunition for training and defensive applications. (Photo: Federal Premium)

Federal engineers designed both Punch ammunition and the new 30 Super Carry cartridge to be ideal for self-defense applications. The Punch line is known to be a reliable defensive load capable of fantastic accuracy and producing substantial wound cavities, and 30 Super Carry has come on the scene as a solid defensive caliber. These two products together deliver a load that’s easier to shoot accurately and effective on target. This makes Punch 30 Super Carry a fantastic option for defensive shooters.

The company’s Gold Medal Action Pistol ammunition is designed to help shooters compete at the highest level; this ammo line is specifically made for action shooting sports. It’s available in 9x19mm Luger and 40 Smith & Wesson and delivers accuracy and consistency that far outdoes Federal’s original Gold Medal line. And, of course, it’s loaded to power-factor requirements. Thanks to a fully encapsulated FMJ bullet and Catalyst lead-free primer, this ammunition also shoots more cleanly.

On the training side, Federal has Train + Protect in 10mm Auto. The company states this is a full-power offering that features their VHP bullet for precise performance at the range and consistent expansion on impact.

gold medal action pistol
Federal’s Gold Medal Action is designed to outperform the original line. (Photo: Federal Premium)

Features of Gold Medal Action Pistol 9mm:

  • Designed for incredible accuracy.
  • Fully encapsulated FMJ, meaning cleaner shooting.
  • Flatter nose bullet delivers more reliable knockdowns on reactive targets.
  • Loaded to meet power factor requirements.
  • Catalyst high-performance lead-free primer for less fouling and lead exposure.
  • Federal brass and specially formulated propellant for superior overall performance.
  • Loaded according to stringent accuracy specifications.
30 super carry ammo
Federal Premium Punch in 30 Super Carry is a great option for those who concealed carry. (Photo credit: Federal Premium)

Features of Punch 30 Super Carry:

  • Jacketed hollow-point bullet design for an ideal combination of effective penetration and consistent expansion.
  • Skived jacket and soft lead core also facilitate expansion.
  • Made specifically for self-defense applications.
  • Quality brass case with primer seal for reliable performance and ignition.
10mm ammo
Federal Premium Train and Protect 10mm Auto is a full-power load. (Photo credit: Federal Premium)

Features of Train and Protect 10mm:

  • VHP (Versatile Hollow Point) bullet based on Federal’s trusted hollow point design
  • New brass case is reloadable.
  • Reliable primer for consistent ignition.
  • Loaded to produce superior performance on the range and in defensive situations.

Whether you compete, carry for defensive purposes, or spend significant time training, Federal Premium has you covered. Visit their website to check out their complete line of ammunition.

What’s your favorite Federal ammo? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section.

MSRP varies by product and quantity.

CategoriesNew Gun Releases

Dillon Rifle Company TAC 501: 50 BMG Goodness

There are a lot of pros to running big bore rifles. Not only are they fantastic for long-range precision but they can be quite effective for hunting applications. And, they’re fun to shoot. The Dillon Rifle Company TAC 501 is one such rifle, and it’s designed to perform. From its stock to its muzzle, every detail of this gun is meant to improve your shooting experience, and all in 50 BMG.

The Dillon Rifle Company TAC 501 is chambered in 50 BMG and designed for superior precision. (Photo: Dillon Rifle Company)

The Dillon Rifle Company states that The Beast TAC 501 is a purpose-built long-range weapon system made for superior overall performance. It’s chambered in 50 BMG, which is a great caliber for long-range use, but also simply enjoyable to shoot in general. The TAC 501 is built on renowned McMillan TAC 50 legacy, which is noteworthy due to its holding the record for the longest engagement by a Canadian special operations team. If you want a platform made to withstand serious use, this just might be the 50 BMG for you.

TAC 501 muzzle end
The rifle ships with a bipod for stability and greater accuracy. (Photo: Dillon Rifle Company)

This rifle system features a heavy 416 SS barrel with cut rifling. The weight of the barrel is ideal for large bores like 50 BMG and it’s made to be durable and long-lasting. The 27.5-inch barrel is made from match-grade stainless steel and has a 1-in-15 twist. As for the barreled action, it has a black Cerakote finish or natural stainless finish with a clear coat and nickel finish for resistance to wear and tear. The Beast TAC 501 has a Remington 700 style trigger with a factory-set pull weight of 4.5 lbs. and a bottom safety. It also has a manually operated, detachable box magazine and a 5 +1 capacity.

Dillon Rifle Company TAC 501
The rifle weighs 28 pounds empty and without a scope. (Photo: Dillon Rifle Company)

Thanks to the rifle being fitted with a custom-built Grayboe carbon fiber stock, it has improved strength and impressive durability. Other features include a spacer system, a Limbsaver recoil pad, and an adjustable cheek rest. It also has a rear rake side baffle muzzle brake, which helps manage recoil, increase shooter comfort during live fire, and improve accuracy. A B&T heavy-duty Atlas bipod is included.

According to the Dillon Rifle Company, The Beast TAC 501 rifle is capable of sub-MOA accuracy. You bring the skills and the rifle will do the rest.

right side view of Dillon Rifle Company TAC 501
This rifle is capable of producing sub-MOA groups. (Photo: Dillon Rifle Company)

Features include:

  • 50 BMG chambering.
  • 5 +1 capacity with detachable box magazine.
  • Overall empty weight of 28 pounds, without a scope, meaning it has the necessary bulk to offset felt recoil.
  • Overall length of 55 inches.
  • 27.5-inch 416 SS barrel with a 1-in-15 twist rate to stabilize heavy 50 BMG bullets.
  • Natural Stainless or Black Cerakote finish barreled action so the shooter can choose according to personal preferences.
  • 30 MOA rail.
  • Proprietary nickel-plated bolt with large teardrop bolt knob for smoother bolt manipulation.
  • Remington 700 style 4.5lb trigger for a clean break, short re-set, and good follow-through.
  • 1.0-inch adjustable cheek rest so the gun can be fit to the shooter.
  • Length of pull between 13.5 and 14.25 inches using the included 0.25-inch spacers so it can be adjusted to the shooter.
  • 3, 6, & 9 position MLok rails for the addition of aftermarket accessories.
  • Atlas Bipod has tilt and pan to give shooters options during live fire.
  • Integrated thumb hook & thumb shelf for greater accuracy.
  • Sling studs on the rear of the stock in case the shooter chooses to add a sling.
  • Stock is available in three colors (Deep Blue, DRC Green, & Basic Black).
  • Ships in an SKB lockable case to keep the rifle protected from damage.
  • Includes J Dewey cleaning rod, jag, and nylon brush so shooters have what they need on hand for basic maintenance.

MSRP for the Dillion Rifle Company The Beast TAC 501 is set at $10,500.00.

CategoriesNew Gun Releases

Avidity Arms to Release the PD-10 at SHOT Show 2023

Imagine my surprise when a press release regarding the Avidity Arms PD-10 crossed my desk. By desk, I mean Gmail since this isn’t 1997. I popped it open and was surprised to find that Avidity Arms was shipping the PD-10 this year. Avidity Arms and Rob Pincus have been developing the PD-10 for going on eight or so years now. The PD-10 predates a lot of the micro-compact 9mms we see today.

The PD-10 offers a slim handful of gun. (Avidity Arms)

The idea was originally pitched well before guns like the Glock 48. I remember a common phrase being used to describe the PD-10 was a ‘single stack Glock 19.” The idea is simple, build an ergonomic platform that is easy to conceal with modern carry methods. It’s big enough to fill your hand, but slim at one inch, making it easy to conceal in an IWB configuration.

Rob Pincus directly tied himself to this gun and tied it to his reputation. How can you be a firearms instructor who teaches defensive shooting and release a gun that pulls a Remington R51 at the range? Building new guns is also hard, this isn’t a Glock Gen 3 clone like every other company is putting out, it’s something new and different. The design was tied to several principles.

PD 10 Avidity arms with optic and threaded barrel
The PD-10 is a thoroughly modern pistol. (Avidity Arms)

Principles of Design

Ergonomics

The gun was designed to fill hands both big and small. The more hand you have on the gun the easier it will be to keep on target.

pd10 rear
The weapon is very thin. (Avidity Arms)

Carryability

Small guns are easy to carry. Big guns are easy to shoot. To find the right size you have to find the right compromise. The PD-10 is designed to be thin, only an inch at its widest. However, it’s not a pocket pistol. The grip fills the hand and the gun has a four-inch barrel. Modern handgun ammunition is really designed around duty-sized guns and to achieve the best effect from a barrel between four and five inches.

PD10 with red dot
It’s red dot ready, which is a big deal with modern guns. (Avidity Arms)

Shootability

I fired an early version of the PD-10 at SHOT years ago it had an odd and interesting trigger. It’s called the Smooth Strike Trigger and is crisp and consistent throughout its pull. It breaks at 90 degrees and is quite nice, and features the famed safety dingus from Glock pistols.

Each PD-10 will ship with Ameriglo Claw Sights. These are sights designed by Rob Pincus a decade or so ago. They are very easy to see, and have a high visibility front sight backed by a blacked-out rear. They get the claw name because the sights grip and allow the gun to be charged with one hand.

Oh, and the gun will come optics-cut to accommodate anything with the Shield RMSc footprint, like the Holosun 507K.

PD10 iron sights
The iron sights look fast and easy to see. (Avidity Arms)

Avidity Arms PD-10 Specifications

  • Caliber: 9mm
  • Action: Semi-automatic/striker-fired
  • Capacity: 10+1
  • Barrel Length: 4″
  • Frame: Gray Polymer
  • Sights: Steel, wide rear notch w/ front square
  • Safety: Integrated trigger, firing pin block
  • Overall Length: 6.94″
  • Width at widest: 1″
  • Overall Weight: 18.8 oz.
  • ISONITE QPQ Coating
  • MSRP: $624: PD10-OC $599: PD10

Features:

  • Deep Tang
  • Aggressive Grip Pattern
  • Accessory Rail
  • Safety Index Point
  • Contoured Slide Stop
  • Aggressive Slide Serrations
  • Loaded Chamber Indicator
  • Captured Recoil Spring
  • Magazine Extraction Relief Cut
  • Flared Magazine Well
  • Undercut Trigger Guard
  • Oversized Magazine Release
  • Steel Trigger-Tab Safety
  • Striker Blocking Drop Safety
  • Low Variance Trigger with Short Reset.
  • Slide Cut for Red Dot Sight (PD10-OC Model Only)

Avidity Arms is making the pistol in the United States. They’ve teamed up with several holster makers including G-Code, Tacrig, and JM4 to ensure holsters would be ready at launch.

PD10 clear frame
The clear frame looks amazing. (Avidity Arms) 

You can check out the PD-10 At SHOT 2023 at the Davidson’s Booth. Visit AvidityArms.com for more information about the pistol and Avidity Arms, LLC, or email [email protected].

CategoriesNew Gun Releases

Liberty Ammunition OverWatch Line – The Mag Life

Liberty Ammunition, the Florida-based ammunition company, has announced its new OverWatch line, made at the request of a government agency. According to Liberty, the OverWatch line will include law enforcement/Government agency calibers as well as personal defense calibers.

At the request of the unnamed government agency, the bullet design has a key feature: Open Cavity Design with Maximum Organ Displacement. The Open Cavity Design (OCD) gives the bullet a delayed rupture that allows for the Maximum Organ Displacement, or MOD, according to Liberty Ammunition.

Liberty Ammunition has released a line of ammunition that was designed for an unnamed government agency, called the OverWatch line. The ammunition will be available to LEO/government customers as well as civilians. (Photo: Liberty Ammunition)

Liberty Ammunition reports that the .45 ACP option will have a bullet weight of 105gr and a velocity of 1600 FPS. No word on the ballistic information for the other coming rounds but more information will be released at the upcoming SHOT Show.

“We are extremely proud of this new design; it is the ultimate in self-defense ammunition. OverWatch provides terminal performance through hydrostatic shock and deep penetration. The President referenced this terminality in a speech and OverWatch delivers superior terminal performance for self-defense.” said Gary Ramey, CEO of Liberty Ammunition.

Ramey added “OverWatch will have all calibers for law enforcement/government agencies and core self-defense calibers for the civilian market. OverWatch will be available through our distributor network and begin shipping immediately after SHOT Show…”

OverWatch ammo box
OverWatch ammunition is said to have Open Cavity Design (OCD) with Maximum Organ Displacement (MOD). (Photo: Liberty Ammunition)

Liberty Ammunition states that they are committed to being the leader in the self-defense ammunition realm. Their goal is to provide ammunition that has higher terminal velocity, travels at higher speeds to create hydrostatic shock (also known as terminal performance), and is lighter to carry than other brands.

The OverWatch line, as with all Liberty Ammunition, exceeds barrier penetration requirements and still ruptures as designed in soft tissue. No word on pricing for the different caliber options for the OverWatch line from Liberty Ammunition.

CategoriesNew Gun Releases

CBX Precision Rifle System from Colt

Colt, a name synonymous with quality rifles through the years, has done it again. Colt has upgraded its rifle offerings to include the CBX Precision Rifle, a bolt-action chassis rifle with features the company says are ideal for the competitive shooter.

The CBX Precision Rifle from Colt is compatible with a lot of aftermarket accessories like optic mounts, weights, AICS magazines, and even suppressors. The rifle can be completely customized to match the fit needs of the end user, including a choice of caliber.

Colt has upgraded its rifle offerings the include the user-adjustable CBX Precision Rifle System. The rifle is available in .308 Win or 6.5 Creedmoor. (Photo: Colt)

“Our engineers excelled in the design of the CBX Rifle,” remarked Jessica Treglia, Colt Manufacturing, Director of Commercial Products. “We’ve created a premium precision rifle worthy of the Colt name.”

Available in both .308 Win and 6.5 Creedmoor, the rifle’s modular aluminum chassis features a 15-inch extended forend with an ARCA rail and M-LOK for mounting accessories. Additionally, the CBX features a user-adjustable length-of-pull and cheek weld so the end user can custom-fit their CBX Precision rifle.

Those features aren’t the only things that the end user can customize. The Colt CBX also has an adjustable trigger, so the end user can adjust it from a 2.5-lb pull up to a 5-lb pull weight. As a bonus for the shooting experience is a flat-bottom receiver that reduces flex and improves accuracy, according to Colt.

The CBX rifle has a black nitride-finished barrel that protects it from corrosion with a 5.8-24 threaded muzzle and thread protector. Speaking of the barrel, which is 24” for the .308 Win and 26” for the 6.5 Creedmoor, it is a carbon steel, button-rifled barrel that has been ballistically optimized for length and twist, according to Colt.

For a solid shooting platform, the CBX has what Colt refers to as an aggressive barricade stop. The CBX also features an ergonomic two-position safety and a 60° bolt throw that allows for faster cyclic rates and increased optic compatibility.

To round out the features of the CBX Precision rifle is an angled pistol grip, built-in thumb shelf, QD cups, and an ambidextrous magazine release. “We are proud of the CBX rifle platform and know shooters will love how it performs,” added Treglia.

Colt CBX Precision Rifle Specifications:

  • Barrel Length: 24” .308Win; 26” 6.5 Creedmoor
  • Weight: 10.75lbs (unloaded)
  • Capacity: 5+1
  • Twist Rate: 1:10RH 6 GR .308 Win; 1:8RH 6 GR 6.5 Creedmoor
  • OAL: 47” .308 Win; 49” 6.5 Creedmoor
  • Trigger Pull: 2.5-5 lb (user-adjustable)
  • MSRP: $1,899

The CBX rifle weighs a little under 11 pounds unloaded and has an overall length of 47” for the .308 Win and 49” OAL for the 6.5 Creedmoor. The Colt CBX Precision Rifle has a price tag of $1,899.

CategoriesNew Gun Releases

Cadex Defense CDX-SS Seven STARS Covert Rifles

Cadex Defense, a Canadian company known for some of the best long-range rifles, has updated its CDX-R7 CPS rifle platform to a shorter-barreled version named the CDX-SS Seven STARS Covert. The company has a long list of clients including the US Department of Defense, Canadian and French Armed Forces, RCMP, and International Law Enforcement Agencies, with any one of those agencies benefitting from the updated rifle. The updated CDX-SS rifle platform is available in four calibers: .223 Rem, .300 BLK, .308 Win, and 6.5 Creedmoor.

Canadian-based Cadex Defense has updated the CDX-R7 CPS rifle into the CDX-SS Seven STARS Covert rifle with a shorter barrel and suppressor option. (Photo: Cadex Defense)

While all rifles are available with a 16.5” barrel, the .223 Rem and .300 BLK rifles are also available with an ultra-short barrel. The shorter rifle features an 11-inch fluted barrel with a Covert Slim titanium suppressor that is small enough to fit inside the M-LOK fore-end. Cadex Defense offers the 16.5” barreled rifle in order to comply with countries that have an overall length minimum requirement of 26 inches.

The M-LOK fore-end tube is shorter than on other Cadex Defense rifles, but the company states that it is a fully functional 19-inch Picatinny top rail for accessories such as optics, lights, and night vision device mounting. The platform comes standard with a folding buttstock of the Strike PRO chassis that lets the shooter quickly adjust the stock without tools. With the folding stock, the rifle has an overall length folded of around 26.8 inches and an overall length of just under 36 inches when the stock isn’t folded.

Color options for CDX-SS Covert
The Cadex Defense CDX-SS Seven STARS Covert rifle comes in a myriad of Cerakote color options, including options for what the company calls Battle Worn Schemes. Shown here in NRA Blue, Sniper Gray, and OD Green. (Photo: Cadex Defense)

The Cadex Defense CDX-SS Seven STARS Covert rifle comes with a 10-round magazine and weighs just under 11.5 pounds. There are plenty of Cerakote color options, including standard colors or what the company calls Hybrid Battle Worn color schemes.

There are no specific details available on projected pricing or the suppressors, but the company’s current catalog shows two different titanium suppressor models, one for the Covert 16.5” and the Covert 11” rifles.

CategoriesNew Gun Releases

Speer and CCI: Defensive Performance

Speer and CCI, both of which are owned by Vista Outdoor, are front-runners in the ammunition industry. Both brands are well known for producing quality products, whether for self-defense purposes, hunting, or plinking, and they constantly come out with innovative products. Two excellent examples of their dedication to quality are the CCI Clean-22 22 LR RN (round nose) and Speer Gold Dot G2 Carbine 9mm HP (hollow point). Although the two loads serve different purposes, they each perform well and deliver as promised.

CCI Clean-22 Purple and Speer Gold Dot Carbine ammunition are great options for dedicated shooters. (Photo: Vista Outdoor)

According to Speer, Gold Dot Carbine produces ideal velocities and is specially designed to deliver that performance out of carbine-length barrels. The ammo maker also states the rounds cycle flawlessly, which is a vital feature of defensive ammunition. This ammunition is made using the company’s G2-style, elastomer-filled bullet nose which is carefully tuned for effective penetration and reliable expansion, even when passing through common barriers. The 9mm load utilizes 135-grain hollow point bullets.

With the proliferation of carbines being used for home defense, as truck guns, or for hunting small predators and varmints, Speer Gold Dot G2 Carbine makes good sense. Having the right ammo in your gun for the task at hand is a must, and Speer’s Gold Dot line has proven itself for years on multiple fronts.

speer gold dot ammo
Speer Gold Dot Carbine is defensive ammunition designed for 9mm carbines. (Photo: Speer)

Jesse Whiteside, CCI and Speer’s Product Management Senior Director, said:

We are extremely proud of these two new product introductions. For the first time ever, defenders can get Speer Gold Dot’s legendary accuracy and terminal performance in ammunition built specifically for carbine platforms. Also, CCI rimfire shooters can now get all the benefits of Clean-22 technology with the flat trajectories and power of an extreme velocity load.

CCI 22 LR
CCI Clean-22 22 LR RN is made to shoot cleaner so your gun doesn’t get as dirty. (Photo credit: Vista Outdoor)

If you’re a fan of 22 LR, CCI Clean-22 is a great addition to your ammo stockpile. These 31-grain rounds have purple polymer coatings on the bullets to prevent lead fouling and keep your gun cleaner, longer. Standard 22 LR tends to be incredibly dirty, so it’s nice to have a round made for the specific purpose of remaining clean. And, of course, these are CCI’s Hyper Velocity rounds, so they perform well, too. Whether you’re plinking cans or teaching a new shooter, CCI Clean-22 handles it well. In fact, these rounds work especially well in suppressed rimfires.

22 LR ammunition
A purple polymer coating on the bullets of CCI’s Clean-22 line means less barrel fouling. (Photo: CCI)

According to CCI, the Clean-22 22 LR with purple polymer produces an average velocity of 1550 fps (feet per second). As for Speer Gold Dot, the line is known for delivering solid ballistics and producing significant wound cavities on impact. Odds are you have at least one gun that could benefit from one of these loads.

What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

MSRP for the two loads is not known at this time.

CategoriesNew Gun Releases

Zev Hellbender Z17 & Z19 Slides

Zev, the Washington-state-based manufacturer of aftermarket parts, accessories, and complete weapons, has updated its offerings for Glock and OZ9 slides to include the updated Hellbender slide. The Hellbender slide is compatible with Gen 3 and Gen 5 Glock 17 and Glock 19 pistols as well as Zev’s own OZ9 pistols.

Zev has expanded its offerings for aftermarket Glock slides with the Hellbender Z17 and Z19 slides with RMR cuts. These slides are available for both Gen 3 and Gen 5 Glocks, as well as the Zev OZ9, in both black and gray colors. (Photo: Zev)

The Hellbender sports coffin-shaped cuts on the top of the slide and three side windows per side. The cuts are there to help cut down on the overall weight of the slide and help reduce the recoil impulse of the pistol. The Hellbender is manufactured from single billet 17-4 stainless steel to incredibly tight tolerances that factory slides. Zev states that this increases consistency in barrel lockup for improved performance and accuracy of the weapon.

Additionally, the Hellbender features deep serrations on both the rear and the front of the slide. This creates a more aggressive grip for betting handling and manipulations of the slide. The Hellbender gives durability and accuracy when it matters most, according to Zev.

Zev Hellbender slide from the side
The Zev Hellbender slide is manufactured from single billet 17-4 stainless steel for durability and lighter weight. (Photo: Zev)

Like all other Zev slides, the Hellbender has the patented optic cut with threaded mounting posts machined in the slide for a more stable and secure optic mounting platform. Since the optic cuts are so deep, it allows the red dot sight to sit lower in the slide making it so the shooter is able to co-witness with even standard iron sights.

Zev Hellbender slides have DCL or PVD coatings that have a Rockwell hardness rating above that of factory slides, according to Zev. Also, using a Hellbender slide will reduce the reciprocating weight, reduce shooter fatigue, and increase the speed of follow-up shots. This is thanks to it weighing less than factory slides, with the Z17 weighing 9.3 ounces and the Z19 weighing 8.2 ounces.

Hellbender windows and cuts
The Hellbender slides feature a coffin shape cut on the top of the slide along with three window cuts on each side. The slide also features serrations for better manipulation. Photo: Zev)

The RMR plate is included from Zev for the Hellbender and the slides are available in black or gray for all models. The Zev Hellbender Z17 and Z19 have a price tag of $455.

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