Smith & Wesson Model 60 "Chiefs Special"

 

By Ryan Michad

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: The Quintessential Snubby Revolver; Concealed Carry; Accuracy.

Target Market: Concealed Carriers, People who enjoy classic revolvers, snub-nose revolver enthusiasts.

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product) Key Features Stainless Steel Construction Chambers .38 Spl +P Ammunition (Some chamber .357 Mag.) Traditional S&W Safety Mechanisms Ramped Integral Front Sight and Notch Rear Sight (Non-Adjustable) Five Shot Capacity

Does it come in black?  The S&W Model 60 is available only in stainless steel.  There are, however, other revolvers in the S&W Lineup similar to the S&W Model 60 which offer other materials & finishes.

What others are saying? “While the new Model 60 did not live up to my expectations in terms of accuracy, the subsequent sample S&W sent me was superb.” -Jeff Quinn, Gunblast.com Gunblast.com Review

Price point MSRP = $729.00 Retail = $350 to $550

I need it now! Availability:  These are readily available at any gunshop that stocks Smith & Wesson Firearms or you can also find many examples on Gunbroker.com

Our Rating +  The revolver is very small, and very concealable. +  It chambers .38 Special +P which is a fairly decent self-defense round. Some models also chamber .357 Magnum. +  It has stainless steel construction which offers some measure of corrosion resistance. +  For a small snub-nose revolver, it has surprising accuracy.

-  The gun recoils quite heavily when loaded with .357 Magnum rounds. -  The sights, while satisfactory for close up work, are lacking. They tend to wash out in bright sunlight, being made out of stainless steel. -  The gun only holds five shots, so you have to be comfortable with reloading and with the guns limitations.

Score: 8.0 Great!!!!

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Ruger Redhawk

  By Ryan Michad

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame (What this product does best?) Rugged Reliability and Power

Target Market (Who does this product serve best?) Handgun Hunters, Silhouette Shooters, Big-Bore Revolver enthusiasts.

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product)

Key Features Stainless Steel Construction Three Cylinder Locking Points Transfer Bar Safety Mechanism White Outline Rear Sight; Red Insert Front Sight Hunter Model Offers Mounting Points for Optics

Key Benefits The Hunter Model includes free scope rings

Does it come in black? The Ruger Redhawk comes in stainless steel only.

What others are saying? “The Ruger Redhawk is built to last a lifetime” -Jeff Quinn, Gunblast.com Gunblast.com Review

Price point (MSRP versus actual retail) MSRP = $989.00 to $1049.00 Retail = $500 to $800

I need it now! Availability (Where can I buy this TODAY?) These are readily available at any gunshop that stocks Ruger Firearms or you can also find many examples on Gunbroker.com

Our Rating +  The Trigger pull is AMAZING! I was very impressed with the smoothness of the action and the pull weight was not very heavy at all, but not too light. +  The gun balances well in the hand. +  The heavy weight of the pistol (54 oz.) helps soak up some of that .44 Magnum recoil. +  The built in provisions for scope mounting on the Hunter model are a real plus.

-  The heavy weight is both a plus and a minus.  You would want a good holster to carry this in the field all day. -  The rubber grips that came on it did not allow me to hold the gun well. The factory wood grips helped me maintain control of the revolver much better.  Others may have a different experience.

Score: 8.5 Great!!!!

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Firefield Micro Reflex Sight FF26001

By Ryan Cross

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame  Most compact, lightweight reflex sight in Firefield line

Target Market Target shooters, hunters, home defense/self defense

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product) 3 MOA dot reticle (red) Unlimited Eye relief 1 MOA adjustment (continuous) Compact size Uses 2032 Lithium batteries (included)

What others are saying?Does it come in black? Black Only

Wayfair

Price point (MSRP versus actual retail) MSRP =  $59.99 Firefield Retail = $50.67 Wayfair

I need it now! Availability Firefield Wayfair

Our Rating (What we say about it) + 2 brightness settings (Full, and Dim) + Economical- much cheaper than comparable models from trijicon or burris + Low Profile design, reticle is closer to bore than other red dot styles. + Includes tools for adjusting windage/elevation, plus hard plastic cover. -  No direction of adjustment printed/engraved on sight near either adjustment screws, must refer to owner's manual -  Mounted using single large knob/ thumb screw instead of Hex or Allen key screws. -  Made in China

Score:   6.5 Okay

Featured FFL

Ryan Cross prefers Promised Land Firearms for all his FFL needs.

Ryan Cross Blog

What you you think?

I was in need of a low-profile red dot sight to mount to a .22lr pistol.  I did not want to enter the price points of Trijicon, RMR, Burris FastFire, etc.  It comes with a small screwdriver for adjusting, and a wheel that shows direction or rotation for adjustment of windage and elevation.  It appeared to be designed to slip over the screwdriver tool as a rotation guide, but did not fit well.  This sight did get sent back to manufacturer after it failed during initial sight-in.  Under warranty, it was replaced within 1.5 months.  The replacement has faired much better and has held zero after 200+ rounds of 22lr.  I've seen others mount onto 12 gauge shotguns, but I do not yet have the confidence it will withstand the recoil forces beyond the .22 family.

Thompson Center Hot Shot .22LR

By Mike Emert

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame - The Hot Shot is well known for being one of the easiest youth rifles for a learning platform. Target Market - Youth FNBs (Features and Benefits) Key Features Single Shot. Break Action (Disengaged with trigger guard). Peep sight. Polymer forend and butt stock. Hammer with “safety always on” feature.

Key Benefits Very simple to use! Easy platform to learn on. Very light. (3 lbs) Safety is well designed.  Hammer must be all the way back to make contact with the firing pin when the trigger is pulled. A slip while cocking the hammer will not contact the firing pin.

Does it come in black? Yes. It has been available in pink and camo as well.

What others are saying? Shootingtimes.com Novascotiahunting.com

Price point (MSRP versus actual retail) MSRP = none Retail = $185 - $200 (since it was recently discontinued retailers can barely keep them in stock)

I need it now! Availability The Hot Shot was discontinued by TC in early 2013.  It will take some research and work to find one.

Our Rating I think Thompson Center did well in designing the Hot Shot to look identical to their Pro Hunter model.  It is a perfect size for a small youth to learn on but would be too small for even a young teenage male.  This model offers simple, and easy operation making for a fun and educational learning experience. + Single Shot. + Acquire target easily with peep sight. + Break action is very smooth + “Safety always on” feature is very nice. - Availability (Discontinued) - Too small for a young teenager to use practically but could still be a fun option to plink with.

Score 8 Great! Would be higher if it weren’t discontinued.

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I really wish this model was still available! It’s an excellent learning tool. The Crickett would be the Hot Shots biggest competition but for being geared towards first time, youth shooters, the break action of this rifle via the trigger guard and the difference in how the safety works makes this rifle a better option.  This obviously is subjective to what the child prefers, however.

Streamlight TLR-1s

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame  Intensely bright, virtually indestructible tactical light, attaches/detaches to almost any gun in seconds.

Target Market Home Defense/Self Defense minded gun owners.

FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product) LED rating of 300 lumens Strobe setting (toggle or hold) 2.5 hour run time Compatible with various mount types using included rail keys.

Does it come in black? Black Only

What others are saying? Glock Pro

 Price point (MSRP versus actual retail) MSRP =  $202.98 (no MSRP given on streamlight's website, but listed on LApolicegear Retail = $99.99

 I need it now! Availability Local Gun Shops, Sporting Goods, LE Suppliers, Cabelas

 Our Rating + Controls are easily in reach when mounted on a handgun (paddles on either side of the trigger guard) + Robust construction and bottom is flush with Glock trigger guards. + Extremely bright, temporarily blinding with direct eye contact. +  Mounts fast and easy with thumb screw and spring loaded mounting jaws, easily swap between sidearm, shotgun, and long guns with picatinny rails present. +  Activation modes - light momentarily activates with pressure on the paddle in one direction, and toggles on when pressed in the opposite direction. -  Light protrudes over half an inch past the muzzle of a Glock 19 (Choice of firearms/light issue: Streamlight makes shorter models) -  Control paddle activates with slightest pressure, often flashes on when drawing from holster or setting down on uneven surface. -  May require a custom holster, light body is 1.375" wide where as most handguns are narrower, as well as holsters.

Score:   8.5 Great

Featured FFL Ryan Cross prefers Promised Land Firearms for all his FFL needs.

Ryan Cross Blog

The TLR-1s is a great light for those looking to forgo pressure switches and specifically mount to a handgun platform, although it works on shotguns and rifles decently as well.  The strobe's activation is a bit challenging to use in stressful scenarios, as it requires a rapid "double tap" of the paddle switch (easier to do with supporting hand's thumb as opposed to trigger finger on a handgun). The light does protrude over half an inch from the muzzle of my Glock 19, however it isn't too intrusive and the controls are exactly where they need to be.  I've used the beam as a spotlight numerous times, its deceptively bright for its size. Great addition to the 'truck gun.'

Remington - 1911 R1 Enhanced Review

Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points

Claim to Fame: Accuracy and reliability

Target Market: Mid range 1911 market with emphasis on reliability

FNBs:

Key Features

• Adjustable Rear Sight
• Fiber-Optic Front Sight (Red)
• Front/Rear Slide Serrations
• Beavertail Grip Safety with Checkered Memory Bump
• Enhanced Hammer
• Anodized Aluminum Match Trigger
• Enhanced Wide Thumb Safety
• Flat Checkered Mainspring Housing (20 LPI)
• Match Grade Stainless Barrel and Bushing
• Front Grip Strap Serrations
• Custom Grips with Thumb Groove and Ambi Cut
• 8-Round Magazines with Bumper Pad (2)

Key Benefits

• More accurate
• Very shootable factory sights
• Free cleaning, lube and inspection in the 1st 12 months
• 7 day warranty repair turn around and free shipping
• Looks better than standard R1 in my opinion

What other aesthetic options or finishes are available?:  Black ... OK technically it’s “Satin Black Oxide.”

• Product Overview
• Brochure PDF

What others are saying?: “The pistol’s fiber-optic sight is one of the most robust of this type the author’s seen. The Enhanced also features front slide serrations.”

• Guns & Ammo - Handguns Review
• HausofGuns.com

Price Point:

• MSRP = $940.00
• Retail = $772.81
• Used = $775.00

I need it now! Availability:  Available on many websites includeing gunbroker.com

Our Rating:  I really enjoy how well it shoots. Very easy to acquire your next target with the front red fiber sight and black rear sight. Slide serrations and grips are pleasing to the eye.

+ Solid midrange 1911 price point + Great stock sights + Match grade barrel

- Base of front sight extends too far out and scraps kydex off of some holsters

Score: 8.5 Great

Featured FFL

Jake Challand prefers ZZ Cops Gun Room for all of his FFL needs.

Jake Challand

http://www.gunguyradio.com http://www.thisweekinguns.com

Glock 17 Gen. 4

by Mike Emert Firearms Insider Reviews - 8 Key Points Claim to Fame: Its superior reliability and simplicity Target Market: Law Enforcement, Competitive Shooters, Homeowners, Target shooters FNBs (Features & Benefits of this product) Key Features:

• Polymer frame.
• Aggressive stippling on the grip
• 3 safety features including Trigger safety, Drop safety, and Striker safety.
• Upgraded recoil spring
• 17 round magazine capacity with optional 19 or 33.
• Ability to modify the magazine catch to left hand shooter.
• Adjustable grip size.
• Loaded chamber indicator.
• 5.5 lb. trigger.
• 4.5" barrel.

Key Benefits:

• Light and durable
• Heavy trigger pull for high stress situations
• High magazine capacity
• Easy to take down

Does it come in black? Yes. And many options for customization. Lone Wolf Distributors Glockmeister What others are saying? Most people who shoot the G17 love it! The Truth About Guns Guns and Ammo Price point (MSRP versus actual retail)

• MSRP = $549 (Must go through a dealer)
• Retail = Buds Gun Shop offers them for $539 with a cash discount

Used = Gun Broker has had them as low as $440 I need it now! Availability: You can get the G17 Gen4 at virtually any local gun shop or online retailer. Our Rating: You can’t go wrong with Glock. It’s a versatile platform which is easy to learn and easy to operate.  Their reputation proves they are reliable and there really is no good argument against that. + Reliable, reliable, reliable! + Light weight + Minimal amount of parts + If there is a function or feature you want changed, it’s easy to do it. + 17 round magazine - Ugly (But I can get past that). - Some have experienced spent brass hitting them in the face. Score 9.5 Amazing!

Mike Emert Firearms Radio Network This Week In Guns

What do you think? If there is someone who doesn’t like the G17 Gen4 for some other reason than personal preference then I sure would like to know why.  I understand some people may not shoot Glock as well as they shoot another gun due to their body type or their personal mechanics.  The G17 Gen4 has really set the bar high as far as reliability goes, and you can’t get any more simple in the operation of the gun.  It’s rugged and trusted by law enforcement agents worldwide.  Popularity is not always the best way to determine a product’s quality but when lives are at stake, popularity is probably the biggest factor to consider.