Category: Gun Schtuff

So, using your magazines is the only thing that really wears them out

BLUF
Conclusions
Common wear and tear from everyday use is more likely to degrade the overall quality of a firearm magazine than the spring failing on its own from being loaded to full capacity and stored for long periods of time.
Since it’s not economical for a shooter to monitor their spring’s quality with force gauges, the only true way of knowing if your magazines are functioning reliably is from actual use during training.
So, unless you’re part of the group of individuals that actually shoots thousands of rounds down range on a weekly basis for training or completion reasons, the whole issue of worrying about the lifespan of your magazine springs is somewhat trivial.

Other, Larger Concerns
If you’re prepping for a SHTF situation, simply load your mags and set them aside. You can now use all the extra spare time figuring out if you want a Menu 18 beef patty or Menu 14 Spicy Penne Pasta MRE!

As for mags, there are many other factors to consider before worrying about magazine spring failure. First, address the overall quality and cleanliness of your firearm, magazine housing, guide rod, buffer tube spring, ammunition choice, the list goes on. Magazine springs are relatively cheap items that can ultimately fail, just like any other man-made item before it. Luckily, they are easy to replace once identified as the cause of a malfunction.

Turns Out, Using Your Mags is Really the Only Thing That Degrades Them

Magazine Spring Stress Tests

A massive gun magazine stress test to determine how long magazine springs will last and if we can determine outside variables that impact their longevity.

We set out to test magazines. How long do they last and what can you do as a shooter to help ensure they’ll function properly for as long as possible? In this project, we’re going to give the quick answers up front and then we’ll dive into some of the details about our testing protocol and what we learned.

Spring Test Summary

For about a year, we loaded, unloaded, and function tested thirteen different magazines.

Magazines Field Tested

  1. Magpul Gen 2 Pmag (30 round)
  2. Magpul Gen 3 Pmag (30 round)
  3. Magpul Gen 3 Pmag (40 round)
  4. Amend2 AR-15 Magazine (30 round)
  5. Lancer AR-15 Magazine (30 round)
  6. USGI AR-15 Magazine (30 round)
  7. Smith & Wesson Shield 9mm Magazine (8 round)
  8. ETS Glock 17 Magazine (17 round)
  9. Glock 17 Factory Magazine (17 round)
  10. Magpul Glock 17 Magazine (17 round)
  11. Glock 17 Factory Magazine (33 round)
  12. USGI 45 ACP 1911 Magazine (7 round)
  13. Wilson Combat 45 ACP 1911 Magazine (8 round)

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The best 3D printers for beginners.

Even 3D printers for beginners can feel intimidating if you’re not familiar with the process. For instance, a recent 3D Printing Sentiment Index survey by Ultimaker revealed that 71 percent of professionals surveyed are aware of 3D printing. However, 29% of businesses that could potentially use 3D printing have no current familiarity with the technology. Nevertheless, engineers and entrepreneurs continue to use 3D printers in some very inventive ways: Astronauts plan to use a 3D printer on the International Space Station to print out elements of a human knee and engineers at Columbia University in New York have recently figured out how to replicate a seven-layer cheesecake. What’s encouraging is that in the last 12 years, 3D printers have also gotten more affordable.

But what exactly does a 3D printer do? Most consumer-grade 3D printers produce, or print, a three-dimensional object using a technology called “additive printing.” The process creates a three-dimensional object by building it layer upon layer using various materials, such as plastic or metal that adhere together during the process to eventually form the object. (The design of the object is based on a digital file, which is most often made using computer-aided design software, or CAD.) You’ll have to get over the initial learning curve, but watching that first print take shape can feel downright magical. The best 3D printers for beginners offer a simple setup, intuitive interfaces, and enough flexibility to grow with your skills.

How we chose the best 3D printers for beginners

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This was found at an estate sale -unlisted- in a pile of rusty guns

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. is pleased to introduce the Super Wrangler family of single-action revolvers. Building on the success of the affordably-priced Wrangler line introduced in 2019, the Super Wrangler features a robust steel cylinder frame and ships with two cylinders, allowing you to convert between inexpensive .22 LR ammunition and powerful .22 WMR ammunition.

Built on the legacy of the popular Ruger Single-Six, the Super Wrangler complements Ruger‘s rich history of producing quality, rugged, reliable single-action revolvers. The attractive price, combined with the affordability of rimfire ammunition, make this revolver ideal for learning to shoot, introducing friends or family to the sport, or just experiencing the fun of single-action shooting.

With the introduction of the Single-Six in 1953, Bill Ruger pioneered the use of modern investment casting in firearms manufacturing to usher in a new level of affordability in single-action revolvers. Through the use of modern CNC-machining methods and lean manufacturing techniques, the Super Wrangler continues this tradition and sets a new bar for affordability while maintaining the rugged reliability that is the hallmark of Ruger firearms.

Initially offered in three attractive Cerakote models – black, silver and bronze – the Super Wrangler features an adjustable target sight and 5.5-inch barrel. The standard checkered black grip panels can be swapped for Single-Six panels, allowing for a variety of customized options. The Super Wrangler will fit in Single-Six holsters that accommodate 5.5-inch barrels. Cylinders are unique to the Super Wrangler, and are not interchangeable with standard aluminum-frame Wrangler or Single-Six Convertible cylinders.

And they kept that blasted crossbolt safety…….Lawyers.

Ruger Reintroduces the Marlin Model 336 Classic Lever-Action Rifle

  • Model #: 70504
  • Caliber: 30-30 Win
  • Capacity: 6+1
  • Stock: American Black Walnut
  • Material: Alloy Steel
  • Finish: Satin Blued
  • Front Sight: Brass Bead with Hood
  • Rear Sight: Semi-Buckhorn
  • Weight: 7.5 lb.
  • Overall Length: 38.625″
  • Length of Pull: 13.38″
  • Barrel Length: 20.25″
  • Barrel: Cold Hammer-Forged Alloy Steel
  • Twist: 1:12″ RH
  • Grooves: 6
  • UPC: 7-36676-70504-7
  • Suggested Retail: $1,239.00
  • Instruction Manual:  Model 336 Classic

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The  – virulently – antigun Washington Post did the poll?
That means the percentage is likely much, much higher.

Poll: One in Twenty Americans Own an AR-15

Tens of millions of Americans own an AR-15.

That’s according to a new Washington Post-Ipsos poll released on Monday. The poll surveyed Americans more broadly to gauge gun ownership and found that 31 percent of adults report owning guns. Of those, the poll found that 20 percent own an AR-15 rifle. 

“Taken together, the polls find that 6 percent of Americans own an AR-15, about 1 in 20,” Post reporter Emily Guskin wrote. “The data suggests that with a U.S. population of 260.8 million adults, about 16 million Americans own an AR-15.”

The survey is the latest evidence to confirm the popularity of AR-15s and similar rifles, often dubbed “assault weapons” by critics, among the American gun-owning public. The extent of their ownership could factor heavily in the political debate over their continued legality as multiple blue states mull bans and gun rights groups prepare to contest them.

That finding provides new insight into ownership of the popular rifle, which is valued by gun-rights advocates for its versatility and modularity but reviled by gun-control activists for its use by shooters in a number of high-profile attacks.

The poll’s estimates land in the ballpark of previous estimates. The National Shooting Sports Foundation has previously estimated that there are over 24.4 million AR-15s and similar rifles—which it calls “modern sporting rifles”—in civilian hands as of 2022. The National Firearms Survey, conducted in 2021 by Georgetown professor William English, found that 30.2% of gun owners, about 24.6 million people, indicated owning an AR-15 or similarly styled rifle.

In its landmark Heller decision, the Supreme Court found that the Second Amendment protects arms “in common use” by “law-abiding citizens for lawful purposes.” Whether ownership among tens of millions of Americans is enough to fall into that camp may help determine the constitutionality of AR-15 bans. Although, a federal judge in Delaware ruled on Monday that state’s ban can stand despite the popularity of the rifle.

Self-defense was the most popular reason AR-15 owners in the poll gave for buying the gun. Around one-third listed it as the main reason for ownership, but nearly two-thirds said that it was “a major reason” for purchasing the rifle. Other popular answers given in roughly equal numbers included recreation, target shooting, hunting, and exercising their Second Amendment rights.

The poll found that AR-15 owners were around 20 percent more likely to be male than other gun owners and 30 percent more likely to be male than the U.S. adult population. Only 19 percent of AR-15 owners self-identified as female. AR-15 owners were also more likely than the adult population as a whole, and about equally likely as other gun owners, to be white. Three-quarters of AR-15 owners said they were white, while 11 percent said they were Hispanic, and nine percent said they were black.

AR-15 owners were also more likely to live in a suburban area, have a higher income, identify as politically Independent, and fall between the ages of 40-64 than other gun owners and the population as a whole. They were also significantly more likely to have served in the military, though nearly three-quarters of AR-15 owners said they had not served.

The poll identified a regional divide in AR-15 ownership as well. Nearly half of all AR-15 owners reported living in the South, while roughly one-quarter and one-fifth reported living in the West and Midwest, respectively. Only ten percent of AR-15 owners said they lived in the Northeast.

This Washington Post-Ipsos poll was conducted from September 30-October 11, 2022, among a random national sample of 2,104 gun owners, including 399 AR-15-style rifle owners. The margin of error for the sample of AR-15-style rifle owners is 5.5 points.

Let me tell you of The Days of High Adventure™

About 20 years ago, AK bought a Remington 700 ADL in .243 Winchester off a co-worker hard up for money. Had a good scope on it, power/brand I can’t remember

Using Remington factory ammo, neither AK, nor I, couldn’t get it to shoot any better than a 6″ group @ 100 yards using the competition level facilities of the Springfield Benchrest Rifle Club at Billings Missouri , even after  checking everything over from the scope mount, to the bedding of the receiver and for any binding of the barrel in the stock plus giving it a preshoot ‘standard’ barrel cleaning with Hoppe’s 9

Leaving only the condition of the bore as the final cause of the crappy grouping, I used the old original model electronic Outers Foul Out and using the solvents for both powder and metallic fouling back and forth over and over, about 4 hours later the device indicated I had a ‘clean’ barrel.

Using the same factory ammo as before, at the same range and shooting bench, I then shot several 3/4″ 3 shot groups at 100 yards. I’ll have to add that AK rose to the challenge and managed to keep a group well within 1″ as well.

While the man in the video is correct that the DOD never regarded metallic fouling to be problematic. The fact behind that is the DOD didn’t and doesn’t care all that much about smallarms barrel life, or the money involved in scrapping a possibly salvageable barrel, because if a barrel develops any accuracy problems, the way the problem is resolved is not fixing the barrel but simply replacing it. Ask me how I know.

The man is also correct about gilding metal jacketing ‘filling in’ the irregularities in a bore, but then makes a leap of illogic that therefore metallic fouling is never a problem. Of course he then goes crackpot by calling those who don’t go along with his belief liars.

The man has come to his opinions from his long, but apparently narrow experience. Take them for what they are.

Great news for 3D printing of guns.

By cracking a metal 3D-printing conundrum, researchers propel the technology toward widespread application

By cracking a metal 3D-printing conundrum, researchers propel the technology toward widespread application

Researchers have not yet gotten the additive manufacturing (or 3D printing) of metals down to a science completely. Gaps in our understanding of what happens within metal during the process have made results inconsistent. But a new breakthrough could grant an unprecedented level of mastery over metal 3D printing.

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NSSF WELCOMES U.S. HOUSE RANGE ACCESS ACT INTRODUCTION

WASHINGTON, D.C. — NSSF®, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, welcomed the introduction of H.R. 1614, the Range Access Act, in the U.S. House of Representatives. This legislation, re-introduced by U.S. Rep. Blake Moore (R-Utah), would increase and improve outdoor recreation opportunities across the nation while improving infrastructure and driving economic growth in rural communities.

“NSSF commends Congressman Moore for introducing this vitally important legislation to increase access for the public to practice marksmanship at safe recreational shooting ranges,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel. “This legislation, that would require the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to have at least one qualifying recreational shooting range in each National Forest and BLM district, is crucial to ensuring safe public recreational shooting. Congressman Moore’s bill would also benefit conservation by reducing litter at non-dedicated ranges on federal public lands while also generating additional Pittman-Robertson revenue.”

The immediate benefit of this legislation is providing public access to safe recreational shooting ranges, especially in rural areas. Background checks for firearm sales saw a record of 21 million in 2020 and another 18.5 million in 2021 and 16.4 million in 2022. Those gun owners, many of whom are first-timers, are in need of safe and modern ranges to practice marksmanship skills.

This legislation has the added benefit of supporting wildlife conservation and improving recreational shooting access. Recreational shooting is tied to approximately 85 percent of the Pittman-Robertson excise taxes currently being paid by firearm and ammunition manufacturers, making it a major driving contributor to wildlife conservation. Since the Pittman-Robertson excise tax was enacted in 1937, firearm and ammunition makers have paid $25.38 billion in inflation-adjusted dollars for conservation and construction and improvement of public recreational shooting ranges.

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Programs Firearms 101 – Introduction to Handguns

Learn Firearms Safety and Marksmanship!

This Introduction to Handguns class focuses on firearm safety and marksmanship in a low-stress, family-friendly environment. It is perfect for those who want to learn more about firearm safety, handguns, and target shooting in a safe environment with certified firearms instructors.

The following topics are covered:

  • Safe handling and storage of firearms
  • The parts of semi-automatic pistols and revolvers
  • Marksmanship
  • Live fire on paper and steel targets

All firearms and ammunition is provided!

Eye and ear protection, as well as a .22 rimfire handgun and all the ammunition needed, is provided free of charge. If you already have your own handgun and appropriate ammunition, please feel free to bring it for use in the class.

What you need to participate

You will need a Wildlife Heritage License to participate which can be purchased below, at local probate offices, and at many sporting goods stores.

Note: Participants must be 16 years of age or older.

I prefer RRLP (Reduced Ricochet Limited Penetration) frangible that the Navy developed for boarding operations -extra unplanned holes in the hulls of ships being a bad thing – for inside the house. Otherwise, I use Blackhills 70 grain TSX.  Your choice may be different.

The Best 5.56 Ammo for Home Defense

If you’re looking for the best 5.56 NATO ammo on the market, then you’ve come to the right place! With so many different varieties of 5.56 ammo available from multiple retailers, it can be hard to know what’s best for home defense.

In this article, we are going to share with you our top 5 picks for the best 5.56 NATO home defense ammo available right now.

If you simply cannot wait, the best 5.56 ammo for home defense AR-15 rifle is Black Hills 62 gr Dual Purpose. But if you want to see the full list just keep scrolling and we’ll cover all our choices and explain why we picked them.

If you’re new to the 5.56x45mm NATO round, make sure to check out the Buyers Guide by clicking HERE.

Now let’s get to our top 5 picks for the best types of ammo for your 5.56 rifle…

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I can’t comment on any of the rest of the gear here, but I can tell you that the Geissele trigger is a major improvement.

Upgrade Your AK.

Communism only made one thing that works, and capitalism can make it even better. Amp up your AK with these exciting accessories.

AK accessories

A. Beyond having an injection-molded polymer exterior for superior ergonomics over traditional AK forearm shortcomings, the Magpul Zhukov Hand Guard–AK47/AK74 includes a full-length aluminum chassis for strength, rigidity and welcome heat dispersion. M-Lok attachment slots for rails, grips or light mounts are located at the three-, six- and 12-o’clock positions in a manner similar to AR-15 handguards. MSRP: $109.95; magpul.com

B. For those who want an upgraded trigger pull for their AK, the ALG Defense AK Trigger Enhanced with Lightning Bow (AKT-EL) is machined from gun-quality alloy steel and has  a corrosion-resistant, manganese-phosphate finish. Designed for the AK-47/AK-74 platforms, it offers a smoother, shorter single-stage pull. Its lightning bow produces a comfortable feel while enhancing trigger control. Best of all, the AKT-EL lends three parts toward 922(r) compliance. MSRP: $115; geissele.com

C. In addition to being a U.S.-made part for 922(r) purposes, the Hogue OverMolded AK-47/AK-74 Grip sports an orthopedic hand-shape as well as compound palm swells with proportioned finger grooves for natural hand positioning. The grip’s exterior is finished with cobblestone texturing that offers ample purchase, while its hollow core provides a sealed storage compartment for batteries or other accessories. MSRP: $34.95; hogueinc.com

D. Offering a no-nonsense, standard-capacity 7.62×39 mm magazine for AK-pattern rifles, Xtech Tactical Mag47 Gen2–30 round AK47 Magazine features super-tough polymer construction paired with a steel-lined cage that reinforces the locking lugs and feed lips for enhanced strength. Its stainless-steel spring includes an anti-bind mechanism, fostering the reliability Kalashnikov enthusiasts expect. MSRP: $29.95; xtechtactical.com

E. Built from high-strength, carbon fiber and glass-reinforced black polymer, ProMag Industries’ Archangel Yugo PAP AK-Series OPFOR Buttstock Set–Black Polymer fits Yugoslavian-pattern, stamped-receiver AKs. Its design allows for an optimal sight picture with both iron sights and optics, and includes several ergonomic features,like four LOP adjustments and a seven-position adjustable cheek riser to customize your cheekweld. MSRP: $63.99; promagindustries.com

NEW: SIG SAUER MCX SPEAR CONSUMER VARIANT OF THE ARMY’S XM7 RIFLE

SIG Sauer this week officially introduced the version of the military’s new Next Generation rifle that won’t require talking to a recruiter.

Last April, the New Hampshire-based firearms giant made headlines around the globe by pulling down the award for the Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapons, a series of 6.8mm rifles and light machine guns and their companion suppressors that are planned to replace the current 5.56 NATO small arms in front line service. The rifle, originally introduced as the XM5 and recently renamed the XM7, is based on the company’s gas-piston action MCX platform and uses SIG’s in-house developed SLX suppressor system.

While the as-issued XM7 currently being sent to the Army runs a standard 15.3-inch barrel (as measured over its muzzle device) and SIG released to the public a limited run of suppressed 13-inch barreled commemoratives last year that required two tax stamps, the MCX Spear will be fully NFA-compliant in at least most of its variants.

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OK, I’ll bite. When I get this and get some range time, I’ll report on it

Does Birdshot Overpenetrate? Home defenders sometimes opt for birdshot, thinking it won’t overpenetrate. We put this concept to the test.

“I’ll just use birdshot.”

I hear it all the time when people talk about shotguns and overpenetration. It’s as if there is nothing to debate, as if there is only one type of birdshot. Rather than use buckshot—which is proven to be a better defensive option—they cling to the notion that birdshot will magically stop at certain barriers.

While it’s entirely possible folks like us overthink this stuff, that’s what we do here at SI. So, let’s part the weeds and delve in.

First, what exactly is birdshot?
Traditionally the term means any low-brass (or standard-velocity) shell containing small shot sizes of around No. 8. Plenty of hunters shoot small upland birds with Nos. 6, 7.5 and even 9 shot, but No. 8 tends to be the most popular. Why? It’s likely because quail and dove hunters find it to be the best combination of energy vs. pattern density for taking these flighty creatures at common wingshooting distances (10 to 40 yards).

Regarding 12-gauge birdshot loads, typically they come in two versions: 2 3/4-inch “light” 1-ounce loads and 2 3/4-inch “heavy” 1 1/8-ounce loads, although you can often find even heavier 1 1/4-ounce, No. 6 shot loads commonly used for squirrels and pheasants. The weight refers to the amount of shot, or payload, each shell contains. As with all ammunition, the more massive the payload and the faster it goes, the more damage it does to the target.

Why Birdshot for Home Defense?
The main reason given for opting for birdshot over buckshot is because birdshot isn’t as powerful downrange. (After all, buckshot is called buckshot because its load of nine, .33-inch-diameter pellets are each individually capable of killing a deer out to 50 yards or so.) The theory is that birdshot will stop an attacker near the end of the sofa, but won’t blow through both sides of a sheetrock wall and accidentally injure a family member on the other side. But, is that true?

Recently I tested an average, 1-ounce, No. 8 load against an insulated, sheetrock wall using cylinder choke. Here’s what I found:

At 20 yards, No. 8 shot did not penetrate both sides of the wall. At 10 yards it penetrated the wall and went on to strike a cardboard mannequin wearing a T-shirt. The pellets only made slight indentations in the cardboard, indicating it would likely not cause severe harm to a human. At 5 yards it penetrated both sides of the wall and the cardboard mannequin. Now, unless your last name is Bezos, you’re unlikely to have a 20-yard stretch in your house; 5 yards is far more common for a defensive distance in the home. Knowing this, do you still think birdshot won’t pose a danger?

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