Category: Reviews

In the past, I have used high speed video to analyze various aspects of AR-15 operation. Today, I did some testing at the range with several action springs. This is intended to be an ongoing test, so all three action springs were brand new. They are: - Tactical Springs/Sprinco "Blue" recoil spring - Brownells M4 Recoil Spring - Chrome Silicon - Brownells AR-15/M4 Recoil Spring The test weapon was a 16" carbine gas AR-15 with a .063" gas port, H buffer, 5.56mm NATO chamber, M16/Auto bolt carrier, and AR-15 fire… Read More

After quite a bit of time at the range and in the field, here's my review of the LWRCI REPR. I found a lot of things to like and a few to not like. Photo from the 600 yard match, where I used the REPR along with Federal Gold Medal Match 168gr.

I was recently loaned this Smith & Wesson 1911 for a review, and have spent the last few weeks inspecting, carrying, and shooting it. I came away with one big reservation, but overall, a positive opinion of the pistol. It - and the other E series 1911s from S&W, all of which cost less than this tricked-out model - should bring some much-needed quality competition to the factory production 1911 market. Also, please read Hilton Yam's review of a similar pistol, which goes into more detail, and comes from the… Read More

Here's some high speed video comparing why free floated barrels move during firing. The results shouldn't be very surprising, but the cause is a lot more simple than some might think. The movement is not due to barrel fluting or piston/op-rod operation, but the simple act of a muzzle device placing uncontested force at the very end of the barrel. Because the barrel is free floated, it only has support where it meets the receiver. As a result, we see the barrel move a bit. When this same rifle has… Read More

I often venture "off the beaten path" alone, and while this is fun and rewarding, it's not the safest thing in the world. I let people know where I'm going and when I'll be back, and have various signaling and communication devices with me, but there's nothing quite like having your location monitored at all times. I don't think I need to explain GPS technology to anyone. It seems that everything has a GPS in it nowadays, and we've come a long way from the bulky units I first started… Read More

A number of the firearms you have seen reviewed on this blog, such as the SCARs, the FNAR, and the FNX-9, among others, were loaned to me by my friend "ferris2son," as he is known on various firearms forums as well as this blog. He's wheelchair-bound, but wasn't willing to give up on shooting, so he came up with the idea to mount a rifle to his wheelchair. Using some barstock and a KZ Gooseneck mount, he's able to attach just about any rifle that has a bottom picatinny rail,… Read More

Coinciding with requests for longer reviews is the arrival of a S&W 1911 - the new "E" series model with no Swartz safety and the improved Performance Center extractor. This model also has the Melonite finish and an accessory rail. The review will take a while to complete due to other work and the interests of being thorough, but I am shooting for a 7 minute Youtube video. Too long? Too short?

In my experience, most people who are looking to buy AR-15s do so because they want something that looks like what the military uses. Most of these people then buy 14.5" or 16" M4 type rifles, regardless of what they actually need or have a use for. I have a variety of ARs, and several have 20" barrels and collapsible stocks. They're great shooters and would fit the needs of a lot of civilian shooters (uh-oh, I said it) much better than an M4. But they don't look as cool,… Read More

I was recently loaned a Blue Force Gear Six Pack Bandolier by Deliberate Dynamics and have been spending a significant amount of time with it. Similar in design to the BFG TenSpeed line of products which sacrifice long-term durability for significant weight, cost, and size savings, the bandolier lists for $43.95 and is designed to hold six M4 type magazines in its elastic pockets. It has a shoulder strap and a waist strap, both of which are constructed from thin webbing. This piece of gear defines minimalism. It naturally hangs… Read More

As many who read my blog know, I like Spike's Tactical. Granted, they've given me a lot of stuff - but it's all looked at with a critical eye, and I don't often find things to complain about. With the SAR rails, however, I did. Spike's sent me two SAR rails, a 12" and a 9". They're very light - the 9" weighs under 10 ounces - and I like the titanium barrel nut that makes installation very easy. They have 4 QD sockets for sling swivels, and the width… Read More