Traditions Firearms ALS 2100 Shotgun Review

By Justin Miles

I have almost three years worth of experience with this great shotgun. In short, it's usability completely outweighs the bargain price you can expect to pay for this gun. I have not had any serious issues from its use, and would highly recommend picking one up a Traditions Firearms ALS 2100 Shotgun from the shelf if you find one used.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: A very lightweight shotgun that is very affordable

Target Market: Hunters and personal-defense advocates that need something that is both cheap and user friendly

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product):

• Lightweight shotgun and has great reliability
• Comes with a recoil base pad.
• Low recoil
• Takes all kinds of twelve gauge shells up to 3 inches)

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available? Camouflage synthetic and hardwood

What others are saying?: On Shotgun News, the forum member SpecialEd says that it’s a great shotgun that shoots slugs very well.

Price point:

MSRP = Not Available Retail = $150 to $350

I need it now! Availability: Used Firearms websites - Armslist, Buds Guns, Gunbroker, Local Gun Shops

Our Rating:

Pros:

• Very reliable
• Lightweight
• Great trigger

Cons:

• Very few spare parts
• It’s hard to remove the magazine blocker from the tube. You need a special tool for this.

Score: 8.0 Great

Sig Sauer 1911 .22 Review

Now I am a 1911 guy. I love all 1911’s. Unfortunately this is only my second one I currently own. I purchased the Sig Sauer 1911 .22 so I could train with “cheaper ammo”. I know, what 22LR? Well I have been able to keep a steady supply and its definitely cheaper than .45. Also my son is kinda fond of my Colt 1911 in .45 but is a little to small to shoot it yet. This on the other hand he shoots like a pro. It is a bit picky about ammo and needs the good stuff (hi velocity) tho cycle the slide reliably. Now as it turns out, this pistol is manufactured for Sig Sauer by GSG and GSG seems to sale for about $100 less. Why did I buy the Sig? Because I found it in the store. Also I feel the finish might be a little better compared to the GSG’s I have seem. Or maybe that is my justification for paying more. It came with only one magazine so I went online to purchase extra’s and found that they are about $30 dollars. I also discovered there are few nifty accessories and upgrades for the Sig Sauer/GSG. They make +4 followers for the magazines as well as +1 and +3 base plates. I also discovered an accurizing kit that replaces the guide rod and bushing with stainless parts. Although I have only had this for a short time, I have put 5-600 rounds through it with only a couple of misfeeds. I really like the fit and finish as well as the extended ambi-safety and extended slide release.

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Quality, reliable firearms

Target Market:  Plinkers and Practice weapon

FNB's: (features and benefits of this product)

• 1911-22 Specifications
• Caliber - .22LR Hi-velocity
• Overall Length - 8.5 in
• Overall Height - 5.5 in
• Overall Width - 1.4 in
• Barrel Length - 5.0 in
• Sight Radius - 5.4 in
• Sights - Contrast Sights
• Weight w/Magazine - 2.2 lbs
• Frame Material - Alloy
• Frame Finish - PTFE
• Slide Material - Alloy
• Slide Finish - PTFE
• Magazine Capacity - 10 rounds
• Trigger - SAO
• Trigger Pull† - SAO 4.2 lbs - 5.6 lbs
• Features Skeletonized hammer and trigger

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?:  Comes in Black and Camo.

What others are saying?:    Cabelas

Price Point:

• MSRP = $460.00
• Retail = I paid $365.00

I need it now! Availability:  Readily available at   GunsAmerica and Buds Gunshop

Our Rating:

+ Nice fit and finish + Feels like a standard 1911 + Weight almost the same as a standard 1911 + Most aftermarket 1911 parts are interchangeable + Magazines are comparable in size/weight

- Magazine lockout - Plastic guide rod - Odd looking beavertail grip safety - Requires Hi velocity ammo

Score: 8.5 Great