Handguns 2007

322 Pages·2006·24.97 MB·English

by  Ken Ramage

19th Today’s Handguns for Sport & Personal Protection
HANDGUNS 2007 Edition HANDGUNS

is the absolute
must-have reference for the active handgunner.
HH
H
andgun experts report on the latest products for
AA
handgunners, including autoloading pistols and revolvers,
ammunition, and handloading tools and components.
2007
NN
Authoritative articles report on the latest trends and practices
regarding handguns, personal protection, and handgun hunting.
DD
The extensive catalog section is heavily illustrated and
updated for this edition. Coverage includes both
commercial and semi-custom handguns, plus GG
important accessory categories like laser,
metallic, and scope sights and
UU
handgun grips.
The expanded and
NN
updated reference
section includes
fi rearms laws
SS
by state, and
the NRA’s
current Right-to-Carry
Reciprocity Guide.
22
00 19th Edition
00
Edited by
Ken Ramage
77
Catalog of Current Handguns
Expanded, Well-Illustrated
• Autoloaders • Single Shots • Airguns
ISBN-13: 978-0-89689-415-0 $24.99 U.S. • Revolvers • Blackpowder
ISBN-10: 0-89689-415-0 ($32.99 CAN)
52499
(cid:39)(cid:85)(cid:78)(cid:0)(cid:36)(cid:73)(cid:71)(cid:69)(cid:83)(cid:84)(cid:165)(cid:0)(cid:34)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:75)(cid:83) ALL NEW PRODUCT REPORTS:
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19TH EDITION
Edited by
Ken Ramage
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CAUTION: Technical data presented here, particularly technical data on handloading and on fi rearms adjustment
and alteration, inevitably refl ects individual experience with particular equipment and components under specifi c
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ISSN 1933-6373
ISBN 13-digit: 978-0-89689-415-0
ISBN 10-digit: 0-89689-415-0
Designed by Patsy Howell & Paul Birling
Edited by Ken Ramage
Printed in the United States of America
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H Staff
ANDGUNS
EDITOR
Ken Ramage – Firearms & Gun Digest Books
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
Holt Bodinson – Handgun Ammunition Larry Sterett – Handloading
John Malloy – Autoloading Pistols John Taffi n – Revolvers & Single-Shot Pistols
A O C
BOUT UR OVERS
Now fans of “Old West” guns can have a beautifully engraved Grade 1 Ruger New
Vaquero single-action revolver at the very reasonable (MSRP) price of $1,000, or $1,950 for a
consecutive serially-numbered engraved pair––which includes the price of the stainless steel
Ruger New Vaqueros with black checkered ‘hard rubber’ grips or simulated ivory grips.
These New Vaqueros feature genuine engraving cut into the surface of the
revolver’s cylinder, cylinder frame, barrel and grip frame. This work is done
in Southport, Conn., by the Ruger Studio of Art & Decoration.
The skilled artisans of the Ruger Studio take a standard engraving pattern
and hand-cut and fi nish the engraving to an exceptional degree. Look at the
cover images to see the depth and symmetry of the engraving.
For those who wish to create one-of-a-kind fi rearms, the Ruger Studio of Art &
Decoration offers additional embellishment and personalization to any desired degree,
at an additional charge. Contact the Ruger Studio at 203-259-7843 for details.
19TH EDITION (cid:2) 3
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C O N T E N T S
About Our Covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
FEATURES:
TRENDS
Handgun Hunting: Guns, Gear & Game . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
by George Dvorchak, Jr.
Handgun News: Autoloading Pistols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
by John Malloy
A Mid-Bore Shootout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
by Bob Campbell
The History of Glock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
by Bob Hausman
Handgun News: Revolvers, Single-Shots & Others . . . . . . . . 40
by John Taffi n
A Medium Number of Medium Bores . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
by Lee Arten
Smith & Wesson’s Classic Model 27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
by Massad Ayoob
PAGE 6 Handloading Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65
by Larry Sterett
Handgun Ammunition, Ballistics & Components . . . . . . . . . . .70
by Holt Bodinson
The Ultimate 1911: The 460 Rowland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76
by Bob Campbell
Engraved & Custom Handguns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
by Tom Turpin
Service Pistol Shootout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
by Chuck Taylor
Police Trade-In Guns Can be Good Deals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
by Lee Arten
PAGE 42 GUN TESTS
Taurus Gaucho . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
by Dave Workman
Detonics 9-11-01 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
by Dave Workman
HANDLOADING
Smith & Wesson’s Model 22-4 Revolver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
by Mike Thomas
SELF-DEFENSE/CONCEALED CARRY
Bigbore Battle—Glock Model 37 versus M1911 . . . . . . . . . . . 114
by Chuck Taylor
Changing Faces of Holsters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
by Bob Campbell
One Good Gun: The Smith & Wesson M649 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
by Lee Arten
The Auto Pistol Tactical Reload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
by Massad Ayoob
PAGE 68
4 (cid:2) HANDGUNS 2007
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VINTAGE ARMS
The Rarest Blackpowder
Reproduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
by George J. Layman
CATALOG OF ARMS AND
ACCESSORIES
GUNDEX® . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
SEMI-CUSTOM HANDGUNS
Autoloaders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Revolvers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Single-Shot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
HANDGUNS
Autoloaders, Service & Sport . . . . . . . . . 151 PAGE 88
Competition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Double-Action Revolvers, Service
& Sport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Single-Action Revolvers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Miscellaneous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
BLACKPOWDER
Pistols: Single Shot, Flint &
Percussion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Revolvers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
AIRGUNS
Handguns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
ACCESSORIES
Grips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Metallic Reloading Presses . . . . . . . . . . . 221
PAGE 109
Metallic Sights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Muzzle Brakes & Porting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Scopes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Laser Sights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Scope Rings & Bases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Spotting Scopes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
REFERENCE
Compendium of State Laws
Governing Firearms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
NRA Right-To-Carry
Reciprocity Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Arms Associations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Periodical Publications . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Handgunners Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
DIRECTORY
Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Product & Service Directory . . . . . . . . 284
PAGE 129
Manufacturer’s Directory . . . . . . . . . . . 298
19TH EDITION (cid:2) 5
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HANDGUN HUNTING:
GUNS, GEAR & GAME
by George E. Dvorchak, Jr.
T

he evolution of equipment
for hunting encompasses a
gradual progression from
sticks and stones, bows
and arrows and spears to rifl es,
slugs and—gaining in popularity—
handguns. These short fi rearms are
available today in all kinds of actions
and calibers for plinking, target and
serious hunting. Back in the 1960s,
when I started shooting handguns, and
then hunted varmints and whitetail
with revolvers, a few hunters could
be seen packing both single- and
double-action revolvers, usually a 357
Magnum, along with their favorite
rifl e. Back then—and I started off
doing this—some hunters carried both
a rifl e and a handgun when hunting
whitetail. Then, when a nice buck was
spotted, the rifl e was used...and all
the handgun did was add unnecessary On the 15th annual White Oak handgun hunt, Roy Dust, (second from left) dropped a
weight. It was the 1970s, with new coyote. Deer were taken by Jim Vairo (fi rst hunter), Larry Kelly (third from left; Mag-na-
handguns and calibers evolving, when Port founder), and Dick Williams.
the handgun became the primary
hunting arm for those looking for a to the point that today 75 percent game. Also, these individuals spend a
new challenge. This trend gained of my hunting is with a handgun, lot of time and money obtaining the best
momentum, thanks to Thompson/ while the other 25 percent involves a equipment and ammunition available.
Center Arms and hunters’ acceptance rifl e or slug gun. Although it is all a This includes handguns, grips, rests,
of their single-shot Contender handgun. challenge, it is the handgun hunt that optics, range fi nders—and whatever
What also helped add legitimacy to really gets the adrenalin pumping. else will help make them a better shot.
the handgun as a serious hunting Today, hunting handguns are I also noticed a growing number of older
arm was when pioneers (and today popular, and continue to attract new hunters—who did it all with a rifl e—are
good friends) Larry Kelly and J.D shooters—from the novice hunter to now packing handguns to breathe
Jones hunted the world with various the seasoned veteran. Both switched new life into their hunting activities.
handguns and, to interest others, wrote to a fi rearm easier to carry, but more Here is what is available—revolvers,
about their adventures and the guns challenging to shoot accurately. This single shots, and a fi ne bolt action—
they used. It was these stories that breed of individual usually puts in the including those I have used over the
got me hooked on handgun hunting practice necessary to humanely harvest years to hunt North American game.
6 (cid:2) HANDGUNS 2007
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Single Shot—Disadvantage? pressure cartridge was suitable in the JDJ, 338 JDJ #2 and the most popular,
Contender. To add to the Contender’s the 375 JDJ—plus a slue of others. A
Knowing you have but one shot
appeal and utility, my good friend big “plus” for this handgun design is
and then must reload, is really
J.D. Jones took 444 Marlin and 225 that by moving the selector switch to
not a disadvantage since, when
Winchester cases and wildcatted them “R” (for rimfi re), any rimfi re cartridge
hunting, you usually get only one
into the now-popular SSK Contender can be fi red, providing the appropriate
good shot. Therefore, you need to be
chamberings such as the 6.5 JDJ, 309 barrel is installed. Then, when a
accurate with that fi rst shot and,
to do that, here are some handguns
I have used for years, found to be
reliable and capable of consistently
placing a bullet where desired.
T/C Contender
Introduced in 1967 and, for the fi rst
few years it was available, I was not
impressed due to the cartridges this
single shot was fi rst chambered for, such
as the 22 Jet, Hornet and 38 Special. At
that time, I hunted deer and varmints
with a revolver in 357 Magnum; a
cartridge that had a lot more energy
than those mentioned. Then slowly,
T/C began to offer much better
chamberings: rifl e cartridges such as To help steady any heavy fi rearm, try the Steadyhold vertical forend grip that attaches to
the 223 Remington, 7-30 Waters, 30- the front sling stud. This one is on a SSK custom T/C Contender in 45-70 Government.
30 Winchester, 35 Remington—even The electronic muffs are the Pro Ear Dimension, top-of-the-line in hearing protection.
the big 45/70 Government. Now this
got my attention! A big “plus” with
this break-open handgun design was
that it was easy to change barrels,
and thus calibers. Basically, any low-
The same frame is used on the T/C handguns as is used on
the rifl es. Thus many calibers available in the rifl e/carbine
are also chambered in the handgun. The top two are Contender
G2s, which handle low-pressure chamberings; the other two are
Encores that can handle about any cartridge.
19TH EDITION (cid:2) 7
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TRENDS
centerfi re cartridge is preferred for long- make the action open easier, in 1981 by adding an automatic hammer
range varmints or hunting big game, T/C changed the design and moved the block safety with built-in interlock,
simply change the barrel and move pivot point of the trigger guard back which also gave you more clearance
the selector to “C” for centerfi re. These about an inch, making it much easier between the grip and trigger guard.
capabilities are all on one frame, which to open the action. If you have an older With the new design, now called the
is why this handgun is so desirable. frame, contact T/C; for a slight fee G2 Contender, breaking open the
As you can imagine, this handgun they will install the improvement. handgun in order to cock the hammer
was and is popular with hunters and The next big change was in 2002 was not necessary as it had been
silhouette shooters. In an effort to when T/C redesigned the action with the original. Finally, although
the grips are not interchangeable
between the original Contender
and the new G2, the barrels are.
For game such as whitetail,
excellent factory cartridges are the
7-30 Waters and 30-30 Winchester.
For black bear, the 35 Remington, 375
Winchester or 45/70 is hard to beat.
Also, as of 2004, the 375 JDJ, earlier
chambered only by SSK Industries, is
now a factory chambering, with factory
ammo available from T/C. Also, look
into custom chamberings such as the
6.5 JDJ (based on a 225 Winchester
case), and 338 JDJ (from a 444 Marlin
Critical to accurate shooting is knowing the range, especially important when hunting case)—both from SSK Industries, or
with a handgun. In the past, we used binoculars like the Bushnell Elite (left), then went the 6.5 Bullberry (based on a 30-30
to a rangefi nder. Today, these devices are combined into a single unit, such as the Bush- Winchester case) from Bullberry.
nell on the right. Now when you look you also know the distance!
Critical to accurate shooting is knowing the range, especially important when hunting with a handgun. In the past, we used binocu-
lars like the Bushnell Elite (left), then went to a rangefi nder. Today, these devices are combined into a single unit, such as the Bushnell
on the right. Now when you look you also know the distance!
8 (cid:2) HANDGUNS 2007
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T/C Encore 1-inch groups at 100 yards. Since I like Basic Background: Back in
the new Winchester WSM calibers, I 1987-88, Al Straitiff, a man gifted
Back in January of 1997, I received
have ordered one of the new models with the ability to make mechanics
a news release from Thompson/Center
with barrels chambered in 25 WSSM, work to their full potential, created
Arms announcing a new single-shot
270 WSM and 325 WSM. Owner Competitor Corporation. He and son
handgun, the Encore. This single-
Al Straitiff tells me one of the most Rich began producing handguns
shot with its break-open action,
popular and practical chamberings in incorporating over 35 improvements
automatic hammer block safety with
his handgun is the 308 Winchester. to the original design, fi rst produced
bolt interlock is also versatile due
to its interchangeable barrels. This
handgun is a little bigger than the
Contender and does not handle rimfi re
ammo. What it does handle are most
all cartridges both low and high
pressure. These include favorites like
the 22-250 and 260 Remington, 308
and 358 Winchester plus the 375 JDJ.
Competitor
For another quality single-shot, take
a look at the Competitor. This handgun
was designed for serious handgun
hunting or long-range silhouette
shooting. And like those from T/C,
once you own a serial numbered action
or breech, changing barrels/calibers
is easy since purchasing additional
barrels does not require federal paper
work and an FFL to purchase.
How it operates: This rotary-
breech handgun works on the same
breeching mechanics applied to World
War I artillery pieces. The Competitor
uses a rotary cap that is screwed onto On the White Oak’s 14th annual handgun-only hunt, Mike Jordan dropped this trophy
the outside of the receiver; the threaded
with a T/C Contender in 6.5 JDJ.
barrel is screwed into the front.
Cocking and Safety: On opening
the breech, the Competitor is cocked
while the extractor ejects the fi red case
from the chamber. Note that during
the opening process, the internal safety
is always on. Added features include a
dual sliding thumb safety on the back
of the rotary breech that blocks the
transfer bar, and another “Glock-type”
safety in the center of the trigger.
Calibers: This handgun is
chambered for over 450 cartridges,
which is practical since those who order
one do so directly from the factory. As
of 2005, a second version is available,
with additional improvements and a The Competitor Corporation handgun is
stronger design to safely handle all available in over 450 chamberings and the
of those Winchester short magnum barrels are easily interchanged. The 250
cartridges. Both models have their Savage (bottom) has a Weaver 2.5-8x vari-
merits, and both will continue to be able while the longer 270 Winchester bar-
available. I have Competitors in 250 rel wears a Bushnell 2-6x, both mounted
Savage and 270 Winchester that shoot in Burris rings.
HANDGUN HUNTING: GUNS, GEAR & GAME (cid:2) 9
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