A client recently sent me a brand new S&W Model 25 for some work. As part of my normal checkout routine, I measured the trigger pulls. In single action, it was a nice and crisp 3-1/2 lbs. In double action, it....pegged my digital force gauge!

I had to get out the old mechanical unit to read the trigger pull of nearly 15lbs. Holy Sore Forefinger, Batman! Not only that, but the trigger return feels like a mile of bad gravel road. (Since I live on a mile of bad gravel road, I am something of an authority on the topic.)

Oh, did I mention that this was one of S&W's "Special Edition" Lew Horton models? That's right - S&W apparently doesn't feel that handing them close to a grand for one of their revolvers entitles you to a decent trigger. On the other hand, perhaps I should look at it as a perverse form of job security...

-=[ Grant ]=-

A few weeks ago the online gun community started buzzing about an impending product announcement from Freedom Arms. FA, for those not familiar with the company, makes the world's best production single-action revolvers. They are strong, accurate, and well made - and dominate the revolver divisions in metallic silhouette competition.

When the news was leaked, speculation abounded. Like many others, I was hopeful that the product would be a double-action wheelgun. I've even mentioned in this blog that I believe FA to be the only company capable of bringing back the era of finely made double action revolvers.

Sadly, we find at gunblast.com they instead brought out a single-shot pistol for the hunting/silhouette market. To quote Gomer Pyle, "I'm sure it's a sight to behold", but I can't help thinking that the engineers at FA are wasting their talents.

I still hold out hope that FA will see the light and bring us a double action. Soon. Please??

-=[ Grant ]=-

So, ParaOrdnance (Para USA, as they prefer to be known) has a contest wherein they'll send your favorite gunblogger to Blackwater for a class with Todd Jarrett.

Very cool. Of course, if you look at the list of candidates you'll notice one name conspicuously absent.

Not that I'm surprised, of course. I mean, why would Para USA want to reward someone who is completely unlikely to ever use their product?

Still, it would've been nice to have at least been mentioned. The only thing worse than being talked about, is NOT being talked about.

Sigh. Now I know how Ron Paul must feel.

(Yes, I voted. No, I won't tell.)

-=[ Grant ]=-

I don't have to tell you that things are getting more expensive. While the "official" inflation rate hovers in the mid-four-percent range, look at your own expenditures versus last year. I'll bet you're spending at least 14% more than you did in 2007 - perhaps a lot more.

For a shooting hobbyist, ammo prices factor into that increase, and the mainstream media has finally noticed. I'm sure that the average lightweight yuppies reading the article are recoiling in horror that anyone would need to buy "so many bullets", but it's nice to be mentioned at least somewhat favorably. For once.

(Don't fret - I'm sure next week they'll be back to painting all gun owners as ignorant rednecked hicks, racists, and criminals. After all, they have a job to do!)

-=[ Grant ]=-

Back in my February commentary on this year's SHOT show, I made mention of a new Taurus 6-shot revolver. I also made mention that I couldn't find it on their website, which isn't at all surprising - the latest entry on their "news" page is from October 2006!

However, reader Dave McDaniel had enough time (and tenacity) to scrounge through their site and find the information for us. (He did note that it wasn't easy. No kidding!)


Courtesy of taurususa.com

The new model is coined the 856, and comes in three delicious flavors: blue, stainless, and magnesium. (No "Total Titanium"? Hmmm...I thought that was their claim to fame in the lightweight handgun derby.) Here are the direct links to the products:

Model 856B2 (blue)
Model 856SS2 (stainless)
Model 856HL2MG (magnesium)

According to Taurus, what they've done is to take the "J" frame-sized "85" series and shoehorn in a 6-round cylinder. If there is no noticeable increase in overall size (other than cylinder diameter), this will beat even the late Colt Detective Special for size efficiency! I had hoped that it would actually be a .357 gun, and the fact that it isn't may hurt sales, but I'll settle for a true, readily available compact six shooter that is +P rated. I'm also happy to continue seeing blued versions available.

Of course, there are hurdles yet to clear: first, Taurus has a bit of a reputation for vaporware - announcing products that just never seem to make it into production (or at least take so long that you can't tell the difference.) They're promising the 856 for "third quarter", though of what year they are not specific.

Second is their lack of quality control, about which I've made my feelings quite clear. If the quality is typical of Taurus, the thing might not be worth owning. However, even I acknowledge that the 85 series has generally been their best revolver product; it's mature, well engineered, and generally pretty well fitted. So, there is hope - though I will remain uncommitted until one is actually in my hands.

Third, even if it does make it into production and it is worth owning, Taurus is also well known for discontinuing products at the drop of a hat, even before they can build sales momentum. If the first two hurdles are crossed you'll hear it here first; after that, it's up to you to snap one up before Taurus decides they don't want to make them any longer.

I'm pulling for Taurus on this one. I'd like to see them hit a "home run" for a change, and this is the product that could gain them serious "street cred" amongst devoted wheelgunners. Hopefully they won't screw it up, like they did the last time they had this opportunity (I refer, of course, to the late and shoddy "445" series.)

Stay tuned!

-=[ Grant ]=-

From Michael "Fashion Plate" Bane comes a story about cops and the 'Triangle of Death' (no, not THAT 'Triangle of Death' - this one is serious.) If you're a cop, you need to read it.

Reed and Malloy were in constant danger and didn't even know it!
---

After my lament last week, I went to a gunshow this weekend and found - of all things - a stainless Ruger Speed-Six in 9mm! The owner and I are dickering about the price right now, but (unfortunately) there is little recent sales data to go on. If you've seen such a beast sell in the last 6 months, please drop me an email and let me know what it went for. Much appreciated.
---

Crazy Rumor Department

Hey, Bane, you missed this one! Overheard at the gunshow: Colt has been sold to Norinco, so that they can have a domestic plant to get around import restrictions.

Ohhhhhh-kayyyyyyy....
---

'It Must Be Something In The Water' Department

Also overheard at the gunshow: the 9mm "doesn't work, so you need to go to a bigger caliber like .38 Special."

A math genius he ain't...
---

So much for my weekend. Back to the salt mines!

-=[ Grant ]=-

I'm reading Monster Hunter Nation's SHOT Show report, where I find this article about Simunition's new offering. Seems their attitude is that, since they only sell to military and law enforcement, and those users follow their safety protocols, there won't be a problem.

Now, read MHN's first-day SHOT Show report. See the connection?


-=[ Grant ]=-

Remember last Wednesday, when I wished for some new revolver introductions - then reminded Taurus that revolvers which chambered shotshells weren't terribly interesting?

Guess what they introduced at SHOT?

Yep. More revolvers that chamber shotshells.

Obviously the things are selling (Taurus being notorious for discontinuing products at the first whiff of a sales drop), but I haven't quite figured out the attraction.

---

Taurus did introduce something interesting, but it appears to be getting zero press: a 6-shot compact .38 special revolver. If it's any good at all, this could be the long-awaited replacement for the Colt Detective Special.

Knowing Taurus quality control I'm apprehensive, but I'll reserve judgement until I can get one in my hands. (Reports are, oddly, listing it as a Model 85, which is their nomenclature for the 5-shot line. Hmmm...of course, there's no info available on the perennially out-of-date Taurus website.)

---

Since I haven't gotten any nasty emails from Charter Arms partisans since the last SHOT Show, I'll just mention that they introduced a new .327 Federal chambering for their "affordable" guns. (If it performs as well as the brand-new .38 Special Charter I encountered on the firing line at a class last weekend, potential buyers may want to update their life insurance before filling out the 4473 form. Yes, it was that bad.)

---

-=[ Grant ]=-

First off, you're unlikely to see this on any other gun blog: I've been privy to the formation a new organization in the last several months, and sworn to secrecy until it was officially unveiled at SHOT. Well, my tongue is now loosened!

The Armed Citizens' Legal Defense Network is a membership organization designed to give those who are involved in a self-defense situation the legal resources to survive the inevitable legal aftermath. The Network gives exclusive access to qualified attorneys and court-recognized experts in the field of self defense, as well as up-to-date education materials in the legal use of force, free case review from nationally respected use-of-force experts, and special discounts on classes by member trainers. This is an idea whose time has come, and I'm proud to bring the news to you!

Smith & Wesson announced several new revolvers, Scandium-framed "carry guns" in .357, .44 Special, and .45ACP. I'm not all that enthused about these lightweight guns - frankly, they hurt to shoot and I'm wary of the self-engaging locks - but apparently I'm alone in my assessment, as S&W seems to sell all they can make. What's interesting about these entries to the field are the new fast acquisition sights: a tritium "Big Dot" style front paired with a new u-channel rear sight.


Courtesy of Call Me Ahab

Note the rather crude, unfinished appearance - one hopes that the production versions will be cleaner:


Courtesy of Gunblast.com


The 5mm Remington Magnum rimfire was a neat round that didn't deserve to die. Introduced back in the '80s, it was discontinued just a few years later in the wake of underwhelming sales. Aguila has decided to reintroduce the round, and Taurus is chambering their Tracker series in the "new/old" cartridge.

I've spoken about Ruger's new blood, and it is in evidence at SHOT this year. They've introduced a new polymer .380 pocket pistol (bearing more than a passing resemblance to the Kel-Tec .380), which is a radical departure for the staid maker. I'm hoping - really, REALLY hoping - that their revolver line will see some new introductions soon. (Chant with me: ".44 Special GP100....44 Special GP100....44 Special GP100..." Maybe they'll get the collective vibe!)

Finally, though not specifically my thing, USFA has introduced their replica of the large-frame Forehand & Wadsworth single-action revolver. This is an instance where the reproduction will no doubt be of higher quality than the original! USFA has been steadily expanding their range of top-quality guns, and I think they are our best hope to introduce a real, high-quality American double-action revolver. How about it, USFA - give us a Python. Or a Diamondback. Or a Registered Magnum. Cowboy shooters aren't the only people with money, you know!

-=[ Grant ]=-

Let's see now...this is the view from my front yard:



Here in Oregon, we're getting historic snowfall amounts - even in our temperate valleys. Record low temps were recorded across the midwest recently, while south of the Mason-Dixon Line Tam has been freezing her tuchus. Personally, I wish someone would explain to me where my share of this "Global Warming" thing is, because I could use it right now...

---

This morning I got an email from AFGWWWTRA, who is en-route to the SHOT show. I'm hoping my secret correspondent will send me back news about neat new revolvers, though I'm not holding my breath. (Note to Taurus: revolvers that shoot shotgun shells are not my idea of "neat.")

---

Note to S&W: the "TR Special Edition" thing is getting a bit long in the tooth, and the guns themselves are getting uglier. If this keeps up, the next one will cost $5k and cause eyes to bleed upon opening the box. Please, no more.

---

By now, you've no doubt heard that Remington is acquiring Marlin. This announcement was followed by copious hand-wringing on forums all over the 'net - along with no end of opinions showing a disturbing lack of understanding of both basic economics and the global marketplace.

Against the backdrop of rapidly increasing costs for raw materials, labor, and shipping, it becomes clear that smaller makers like Marlin are facing a tough stretch of road. It may in fact be the case that their survival can only be assured by coming under the umbrella of a larger, more resilient player in the industry. (Look at Smith & Wesson's acquisition of Thompson-Center for a good example.)

Of course I hope that Marlin's quality does not diminish. (Though raised on Winchesters, I prefer Marlin lever actions for their strength and better administrative characteristics.) I don't think that Remington is so stupid as to intentionally damage something they paid a lot of money to own!

-=[ Grant ]=-

I usually don't get into politics in this blog (I don't feel it's appropriate to the subject matter I cover.) But, since the future occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue will have a direct impact on 2nd Amendment issues, I'd like to address the upcoming primaries, both "D" and "R". I keep hearing that this election is about "change." Call me a curmudgeon, but I just don't see where shifting from one overspending, big-government candidate to another overspending, big-government candidate is "change."

---

Here in the Pacific Northwest, it seems that those who want to "protect and serve" don't handle firearms very well. Just the other day a former Marine and aspiring police officer shot and killed himself at a New Year's Eve party. Though the news accounts played up the "alcohol is involved" angle, in a television interview his girlfriend said that he simply believed that he had unloaded the pistol, and wanted to assuage his guest's fears by putting the gun to his head and pulling the trigger.

Sound familiar? Once again, the problem is that people treat guns they believe to be unloaded differently than those they don't.

---

I've been installing Bowen "Rough Country" rear sights on Ruger GP100s for a while, and the clients are very happy with them. The stock Ruger front sight, though, is very indistinct - rounded corners, irregular serrations, and sometimes uneven top surfaces. The Bowen front sight is a great alternative, though pricey - it is an expensive part, and has to be fitted and machined to desired shape. However, if you want the best sight picture possible on a Ruger, it is the way to go.

---

It's a new year, and still no Dan Wesson .357 revolvers from CZ-USA. I'm wondering if they're going to show the shop-worn prototype at the SHOT show next month, and once again claim that they're "coming real soon now!"?

-=[ Grant ]=-

In a recent article, I expressed my thought that perhaps we would see some new, innovative revolver offerings from Ruger in the coming months.

Pardon my curmudgeonly demeanor, but I really don't think this is it.

A number of people have emailed asking my opinion of this new .327 Federal cartridge. As a defensive round, I'm not sure it really has a place. They're advertising a 20% reduction in recoil compared to a .357 (exactly which .357 loading isn't specified), but we don't know what the reduction in terminal effectiveness will be. That's the $64,000 question (apologies to the younger generations who may not understand the reference.)

The rub is that we already have a cartridge with half the recoil of the .357 and proven performance: the .38 Special +P. The old 158 grain LSWCHP +P load has a sterling reputation for effectiveness, even from a 2" barrel; the new Speer Gold Dot 135 grain +P is developing an enviable track record with even less recoil. Why go smaller?

Of course, there is always the 6-round selling point, but I don't think it makes up for what will probably be reduced terminal effect.

I do think that the new round has a place as a small- to medium-size hunting cartridge (it would rock from a lever action rifle!), but beyond that I just don't think it has much of a future.

(I remain fully prepared to eat a large helping of crow should it prove to be a runaway success.)

-=[ Grant ]=-

Just a few tidbits today, then back to work:

- I got an email from a fellow who referred to me as having an "influential position" in the industry. Huh?? Since when? Does he know something I don't? Apparently I didn't get that memo...and neither did anyone at Ruger, Dan Wesson, or Colt. (I notice that I have yet to be invited to any industry junkets - I hear about them from AFGWWWTRA. It's probably because I don't have a big enough audience here at the Revolver Liberation Alliance. Guess I'll have to get a regular column in one of the magazines, then I'll get invited to all the "right" parties!)

- Thanks to all who expressed sympathy for my tendonitis. It's healing, slowly, but improvement has been noticed. I managed to get in a fairly normal work schedule last week, though I still can't lift anything that is moderately heavy and requires a strong grip - say, a quart of milk out of a grocery sack on the floor. I hate this whole aging process; I honestly thought that I could somehow avoid it. Silly me.

- Someone emailed a query regarding a rumor he'd heard: that Colt had sold the rights and plans for the Python to Wilson Combat, who were to begin producing them "soon." I don't know where to start with this one, but suffice it to say that it is far more suited for April 1st than November 1st. (Should you ever be involved in a game of "gunsmith trivia", both Bill Wilson and I started out in life as watchmakers. True story.)

- Finally, Tam recently posted another in her "Sunday Smith" series: the Model 15. I just wish she'd show equal love to the Colts in her collection. (Uhh, Tam, you DO have non-reciprocating Colts in your safe, don't you? Tam? Hello??)

-=[ Grant ]=-

Last week Ruger did something unprecedented, at least for them: they introduced a 9mm striker-fired autopistol.

Those who frequent my little corner of the internet know my general feelings regarding autoloading handguns (I wouldn't turn one down if given to me, but I'd sell it to buy another revolver!) Still, I've got to admit that the engineering and design of the new SR9 are quite good, for a bottom-feeder, and it even looks nice. I'm sure it will sell well for them.

But that's not the best part of the story.

What's more interesting to me is the path by which this gun came to market. Ruger has a new management team these days; with the death of Bill Ruger Sr. and the retirement of Bill Jr., the company has finally gotten some fresh blood into their stodgy executive suite. It shows in this, their first collective effort. They were willing to take some risks, do something that "wasn't Ruger", and the result is a very attractive, well designed, innovative, yet affordable firearm.

The other interesting part of the gun's birth has been the means by which it has become known to the public. Everyone is making a big deal about this being the first gun to be introduced primarily through electronic media, and while that is intriguing I think there is something far more important at work.

The fact that the SR9 project was kept quiet right up until launch is an important sign, an indication that this is a seriously new Sturm, Ruger & Co. No "sneak preview" with a ridiculous one- or two-year gestation period, like every other gun company does. Ruger developed the gun in secrecy, and announced it when it was actually ready to ship. Someone, it seems, has been watching Steve Jobs very closely - this is a stunning about-face from the way the firearms industry usually works, and is very much like the way Apple, Inc. operates. Ruger has decided that "vaporware" has no place in their business, and for this alone they should be loudly applauded.

(Attention, CZ-USA: you could learn something here - though I'm not holding my breath, since you didn't take my advice last time!)

From my perspective, I'm excited to see these changes at Ruger because I suspect it means that we'll finally see some new revolvers from them. Perhaps a lightweight version of the SP101? How about a compact 6-shot revolver to take the place of the much-missed Colt Detective Special and Magnum Carry models - a market segment positively crying for attention, yet completely ignored by all of the revolver companies? Maybe, just maybe, a .44 Special version of the GP100? Please???

Ruger is finally recovering from their infamous anal/cranial inversion. The SR9, despite being a gun I will probably never own, is exciting to me not because of what it is, but because of what it says about the future of the company - a company that just happens to make other products that DO interest me.

Go Ruger!

-=[ Grant ]=-

I'm really glad that HK doesn't make revolvers. People complain about the supposed snobbishness of Python owners, but even the most rabid Colt fan can't hold a candle to the receptionist at Heckler & Koch.

How do I know, you may ask? One day I had the temerity to call them with the simple goal of obtaining a replacement trigger spring for an HK P7. To characterize the reception I got as "cold" would have been massive understatement. Siberia is a veritable tropic paradise in comparison.

Even after putting me through their version of the Nuremberg trial (boy, do they carry a grudge) they still wouldn't sell me the part.

Having therefore experienced their Teutonic haughtiness, I laughed the laugh of the knowing when I read this post at Monster Hunter Nation.

(Oh, be sure to read the comments. All of them. There are some gems there, especially toward the bottom.)

-=[ Grant ]=-

Massad Ayoob was in the area the last couple of weeks for his yearly round of teaching up at Firearms Academy of Seattle. We generally try to get together for a meal during his stays, and finally managed to do so last Saturday evening. We had our usual good time, catching up on family news and the latest gossip in the industry.

Interestingly, for the first time in a long while he was actually teaching with one of his own guns as opposed to using a test/evaluation piece. The gun in question was a Langdon-prepped Beretta 92. I'm not a big fan of bottom-feeding handguns, as you know, and the 92 series is - for my little hands - the worst of the lot. I had to admit, though, that this one was pretty darned nice (for an auto, you understand.) I wouldn't have believed that a Beretta double-action trigger could get as light as this one and still ignite primers, but he reports it to be completely reliable.

When it rains, it pours, and Monday morning found me having brunch with AFGWWWTRA (who?!?), who was on a quick pass through the area. What did we talk about?

Cattle. Yes, cows. Well, there was also some talk about hunting, and of course the obligatory chat about how wonderful revolvers are, but cattle were the subject du jour.

Yes, this is a glamorous job alright!

-=[ Grant ]=-

eBay has decided that it will no longer allow listings to sell most gun parts, citing some amorphous connection to the Virginia Tech shooting. Jerks.

On the plus side, gunbroker.com and auctionarms.com are going to make more money!

-=[ Grant ]=-

I recently finished a Ruger SP101 for Michael Bane, host of "Shooting Gallery", "DownrangeTV", and well known for his many years of involvement in the shooting sports.

He's posted a review of his new toy on his weekly podcast. Listen to it here.

Glad you like it, Michael, and thanks for the kind words!

-=[ Grant ]=-

Tam profiled another revolver at The Arms Room this weekend. Her Smith & Wesson .44 Hand Ejector 2nd Model was made in 1920, and has period mother-of-pearl grips. She calls it a "tired" piece - and it is - but I like honest wear on an old gun. Great historical information in the article, as always.

---

I've played around a bit with the Steyr "M" series and their "trapezoidal" sights, and have yet to form a strong opinion one way or the other. (My wife loves them, and Massad Ayoob thinks they're neat, so apparently they have some utility - despite being relegated to the top of a self-shucking firearm. Blech.)

Apparently the Steyr effort wasn't lost on the folks at SureSight, who've developed a sight that is obviously inspired by Steyr's (though by no means a copy.) Interesting - too bad they don't make them to fit revolvers, as I'd like to try them out. (Just because I shoot a revolver, and have something of a reputation as a Luddite where firearm sights are concerned, doesn't mean that I'm totally opposed to something that will help me shoot better. They simply have to show me some marked advantage over what I have now!)

---

Speaking of sights, the Israeli company NorthEast Technologies (NET) has developed what they are not-so-modestly referring to as a "revolutionary" handgun sight. Basically, it's a long fiber optic that mounts to the rear of the slide, replacing the front and rear sights. (It reminds me of the late and hardly lamented ASP Guttersnipe that was mounted on their namesake modified S&W 39 autpistol.) Simply place the glowing red dot on the target, and pull the trigger - at least, that's how NET says it works. Hmmm...where have I heard that one before?

Still, if it works well and has no major disadvantages, it may prove to be useful for some folks. Like the SureSight, I'll believe it when I see it. (Maybe I was actually born in the "Show Me" state?)

-=[ Grant ]=-

An email I received yesterday revealed that Brownells (purveyors of all things pertaining to gunsmithing and gun accessories) has purchased Sinclair International, the manufacturer/retailer of top-end reloading gear.

For years I've wondered why Brownells hadn't gotten into the reloading equipment business. They carry darned near everything else related to shooting, but there was a significant gap in their product line. The folks over at Midway, who have the reloading business covered completely, added gunsmithing tools to their line a number of years ago. I'd always thought that to be a "shot across the bow" of Brownells, and expected some sort of response. This would appear to be it!

The acquisition of Sinclair will fill the holes in their product selection very nicely, and serve to solidify their position in the marketplace. It will be interesting to see what new products show up as a result of the combination of these two great companies.

-=[ Grant ]=-

My earlier post today indicated that Michael Bane's podcast cannot be subscribed. Thanks to a regular reader, I learned that one can, in fact, subscribe to the wonderful Michael Bane podcast by going to the DownrangeTV website, where you'll see a button to subscribe to the podcast.

(He still needs to put that link on his blog, though...how 'bout it, Michael?)

-=[ Grant ]=-

Lately I've been hearing from people who've decided against attending training courses because of the cost of ammunition. If I may, I think that this is a shortsighted attitude!

Yes, ammo prices are the highest they've ever been. Yes, the number of rounds necessary to complete a decent shooting class is a significantly higher expense than it used to be. It's still worth it, and it's a bargain that you should take advantage of.

If you plan to carry a handgun, or if you keep a shotgun for home defense, training - proper training - may make the difference between a successful outcome and a tragedy. Isn't that worth the few extra dollars that the necessary ammunition is going to cost? I sure think it is!

By the time you add up travel, lodging, registration fees, meals, and incidentals, that little extra the ammo costs really isn't a big deal. Spend the money - it's important to you, and to your loved ones, that you not miss that class!

-=[ Grant ]=-

Spent part of last Tuesday at the range, schmoozing with A Famous Gun Writer Who Wishes To Remain Anonymous (hereafter referred to as "AFGWWWTRA".) We tested a few guns, talked about revolvers - the kinds of things you'd expect a gunsmith and a gun writer to do on a range.

AFGWWWTRA happened to have a Ruger Alaskan model in .454 Casull that was being evaluated. Since I hadn't yet gotten the chance to shoot one, I really wanted to see what it was like with full-house loads. I elected to shoot a couple of cylinders worth while AFGWWWTRA took pictures of the whole debacle. (AFGWWWTRA, it turns out, is easily amused by masochistic idiots. I'm sure it was meant as a compliment.)

The first cylinder was fired, sedately, in single action from the 25-yard bench. At that point I was thinking "heck, that wasn't bad. I wonder what it'd be like in rapid fire?" The second cylinder full, standing from about 7 yards, was fired as quickly as I could get the gun back on target between shots.

The second cylinder hurt more. A lot more. As in: my poor wrists may never be the same. What the hell was I thinking?

Just to retain my machismo cred, here I am in the midst of that sequence, the mighty .454 loads in full fireball-producing glory:


Courtesy of AFGWWWTRA

Note the flash from the round just fired, and yet the gun is back on target and the hammer is about to drop again. Yes, I am just that damn good! (I must be - I tell myself so all the time!)

-=[ Grant ]=-

Seems that Michael Bane, host of the television shows Shooting Gallery and Cowboys (and general firearms bon vivant), has seen fit to mention me in his blog. Much appreciated, and I am flattered by the attention, though being named in the same column as radiation-squelching undies leaves open questions of the sort I'd rather not contemplate.

As to this screed being ghostwritten, I'll only say "yestidday I couldn't spell intirdnet, today I is in it! Thank you, Al Gore!"

-=[ Grant ]=-

Found this notice on the Winchester website:

Olin Corporation, through its Winchester Division, is recalling several lots of its WILDCAT® 22 (Symbol Number WW22LR) and XPERT® 22 (Symbol Number XPERT22) 22 Long Rifle rimfire ammunition.

Lot Numbers containing Letters: XN, YA, YB or YC

Through extensive evaluation Winchester has determined the above lots of WILDCAT® 22 and XPERT® 22 ammunition may contain double powder charges. Double powder charge weight ammunition may cause firearm damage, rendering the firearm inoperable, and subject the shooter to a risk of personal injury and/or death when fired.

To determine if your ammunition is subject to this notice, review the Lot Number. If the Lot Number contains the letters XN, YA, YB or YC return the ammunition to Winchester.

Checked my stash...luckily, all of my Xpert ammunition was from the same lot, and is not subject to the recall. Check yours carefully!

-=[ Grant ]=-

Sorry if this post is more "linky" than "thinky", but there's a lot happening very quickly...

It all started last Friday, when Jim Zumbo - a long-time Outdoor Life writer and Outdoor Channel contributor - wrote a piece on his Outdoor Life blog which opined that "assault rifles" weren't used by "legitimate sportsmen" and, essentially, were evil and should be banned. I learned about it from Michael Bane's blog, where he called for Zumbo to apologize.

It didn't take long for the word to start making the rounds, and even the people at the Brady Campaign (the professional gun-grabbers) linked to it as "proof" that assault weapons should be banned. This, just after the resurrected Assault Weapons Ban was re-introduced in Congress last week.

Zumbo, realizing that he was in deep doo-doo, started backpedaling and dropping names of the anointed in an effort to seem as though he's really "one of us." His editor, John Snow, tried to deflect the growing firestorm by posting that Zumbo was really a nice guy, and that people can agree to disagree, and other soft-shoe obfuscation.

Apparently the noise got to the folks at Remington, who have been big sponsors of Zumbo over the years. On the weekend, their CEO, Tom Milner, posted on Bane's blog that Remington would be severing their relationship with Zumbo first thing Monday morning. Though the authorship was in question, David Codrea was able to verify the courageous act yesterday, and come this morning the official Remington website added a statement to this effect.

Tam elated, vows to spend more money.

(Whew. Original content would have been easier!)

-=[ Grant ]=-

Well, it's more precise to say that it's time for someone else to make double-action revolvers!

With Colt out of the revolver business, Taurus showing no signs of moving past the low end of the market, Dan Wesson functionally deceased, and Smith & Wesson producing mere shadows of their former greatness, it's time for someone else to step up to the plate. It's time for someone to take over the badly-served upper end of the revolver market.

It's time for Freedom Arms to branch out from making the best single actions to making the best double actions.

Why Freedom Arms? Because they've already proven their ability to make a high-grade revolver. They're used to producing and selling high-end guns, and they know how to make those guns both superbly accurate and incredibly durable. They have a well-regarded brand name, and an established dealer network.

They have everything it would take to introduce a top-flight double action revolver.

It is, admittedly, a small market. The best of anything is always a small market. That doesn't seem to stop Rolls Royce or Patek Philippe, and I don't think it would stop Freedom Arms. There are a lot of people who would have purchased Pythons were they still being made to their former standards, and those would be Freedom Arms' customers.

How about it, FA?

-=[ Grant ]=-

Well, SHOT has come and gone, and Colt had no revolvers in their display. (You may remember that one of their spokespeople bragged in a magazine interview that Colt was working on a new revolver design. Everyone on the forums got all worked up about what Colt might be doing, endlessly speculating on what they might bring to market. Some breathlessly suggested that they might be working on a new high end revolver to replace the Python. Excitement ran and, for some, continues to run high.)

Except here at the Revolver Liberation Alliance.

As I blogged just recently, Colt has demonstrated through their actions that they aren't interested in the revolver market. I even suggested that mention of a new revolver might be a ploy to make the company more attractive to potential buyers. You'd think that if they really had something going on, they'd show it at the industry's biggest trade show.

They didn't. End of story. (I remain ready to eat my words if they ever introduce this mythical new gun at some future show, but I suspect that I won't be needing to do so.)

In other SHOT news, Charter Arms, makers of "value priced" wheelguns, announced a line of left-handed revolvers. This would be big news if the guns were coming from a maker of high quality firearms, or even Taurus. From Charter it's just a curiosity. The honorable lefties amongst us deserve better.

Dan Wesson, lethargically owned for the last couple of years by CZ-USA, was finally showing a new Model 715. This would be exciting, except that the folks in Norwich proved that they couldn't make this decades-old design correctly last time, and I remain unconvinced that CZ management can do any better. (Let's face it: they've taken two years to produce one display example of a gun that they already had the plans, machinery, tooling, and parts to produce. Methinks they have hired some former Colt people to run the Dan Wesson division...)

Smith & Wesson is fast becoming the schizophrenic gun maker. One the one hand they're making modern "reproductions" of the guns from their heyday (though not to the same level of craftsmanship), while on the other they are coming up with such monstrosities as the new "sniper revolver." (Saw pictures, but the site that hosted them seems to have gone away. If I can find another, I'll post it.) S&W styling has always been a bit "hit and miss", but in the 21st century seems to have devolved to "miss and miss."

Glad I didn't go; I would have been too depressed to leave the hotel room!

-=[ Grant ]=-

First things first: Happy New Year!

Now, down to business: once again, I feel it necessary to inject some sanity into a topic that is all over the internet forums.

The latest concerns Colt and their supposed "re-entry" into the revolver market. Several months ago, a Colt executive was quoted in (if memory serves) Shotgun News to the effect that Colt was working on new revolver models.

As you can imagine, this set off a firestorm on the 'net. People were opining like there was no tomorrow about the possible wonderfulness that Colt could be coming up with. I still, months later, am reading the occasional thread wherein some eager enthusiast gleefully anticipates something new from Hartford "any day now!"

Let's look at this logically, OK?

Developing a new gun takes money and talent - and Colt has all but two of those. It's been fairly well established that they have little ready capital, and their massive layoffs over the last several years means that their pool of talent is a fraction of what it used to be - and I doubt that they had anyone as talented as the late, great Karl Lewis to begin with, let alone now.

What they do have, though, is a mothballed line of proven sellers - in this case, the Anaconda, King Cobra, and Magnum Carry revolvers. All are well regarded (even the King Cobra, which always lived in the shadow of the more famous Python), and are made of modern materials and designed from the ground up for automated production. They're sitting in the vaults, waiting to see the light of day, because Colt just voluntarily stopped producing them a few years ago.

So, imagine that you're the CEO of Colt. On the one hand, you've got some ready products that you know will sell, just waiting for you to flip the "on" switch. On the other hand, you could choose to design a new gun from scratch, even though you don't have the resources to do so. Which are you going to choose?

Well, if you're smart (and Colt hasn't been accused of that recently), you bring back the designs you have in the safe and simply start up the production lines again. Easy. Built in market. No development costs. Just start shipping.

But Colt isn't doing that.

Look at it this way: just the Magnum Carry alone would put them back squarely in the hottest segment of the market, which is concealed carry. The MC is a superb gun, and used examples are selling at multiples of their original prices. There is nothing on the market that is competitive with it; it could have a niche all to itself. Scarcely bigger than a S&W "J" frame, it carries a full 6 rounds of .357 goodness! What other gun can boast that? None.

Be absolutely clear on this concept: these are guns that have a built-in market, that they have facilities to produce, that they know how to produce, and that they've chosen not to produce. (That is, if they really wanted to be in the revolver market...)

So why would Colt imply that they're working on a new revolver design, when they won't even produce the proven sellers they have now, and likely don't even have the resources to come up with a new product?

Well, we know that they're up for sale, and the company has reportedly garnered little-to-no interest from potential buyers. But maybe, they're thinking, if they start a rumor that they've got this new, exciting design, it will stimulate enough industry buzz to interest someone in what's left of the grand old name.

Could I be wrong? You bet. In fact, if I am, I'm willing to eat a hearty plate of crow. But actions speak louder than press releases, and Colt's actions say that they have no interest in selling their existing revolvers - let alone make a new one.

(Hey - maybe CZ-USA could buy Colt, which would give them even more revolvers to not make!)

-=[ Grant ]=-

From Michael Bane's blog we learn of the new "accessory" CZ is offering. Sheesh.

Let's see if I've got this right: instead of devoting time to producing Dan Wesson revolvers, they're spending their time on junk like that?!?

CZ bought Dan Wesson almost two whole years ago. In that time all they've been able to do is assemble a few SuperMags from apparently leftover parts; the .357 frame guns, which for every other maker are the "bread and butter", are nowhere to be found.

Supposedly they've been spending their time doing "market research" (no kidding, that's what they said) on the revolver line. One would think they would have done that before plunking their money down for an acquisition, but maybe the Czechs work differently in that regard. They obviously don't work terribly quickly!

But hey - they'll gladly make you a bayonet for your autoloader. Yessirree, that's certainly gonna contribute a whole lot to their market share! (That's sarcasm, in case you missed it.)

-=[ Grant ]=-

The Shooting Gallery has this to say:

One thing is for sure: Colt is looking for a sugar daddy.

According to Jim Shepherd of "The Shooting Wire"  (unfortunately, an article available only to subscribers and not available as an independent Internet link), one possible buyer of Colt's Manufacturing Company LLC might have been STI:

"Other stories, including the sale of Colt, have dragged on longer than the Florida elections. Today, there's still no definitive resolution to the saga. An arbitrarily high valuation of the civilian side of the business ended that outright sale option in the Colt soap opera.

STI, the company that was ready to buy the civilian operation, has moved on, announcing upcoming production of a single-action revolver called the Texican. It will be aimed at the upper echelon cowboy action competitors, following the same model that has made STI's "race guns" major players in practical shooting.

With a highly successful, manufacturing-oriented business model, STI may, indeed, make a dent in the cowboy market - especially if STI contributes bonus money to cowboy action the way it has in practical shooting. The Texican may find its way into the holsters of the new generation of single-action shooters, despite the fact SASS has continually shied away from the idea of "win money" and sponsorships. STI's move into cowboy action may lead to the recognition that professional shooters exist in cowboy action."

-=[ Grant ]=-

It's all over except the wailing and gnashing of teeth.

In case you haven't heard - and I don't see how one couldn't have - Winchester has closed its doors permanently. The auction of the remainder of their manufacturing facility is September 27 & 28.

Another sad day in firearms history.

-=[ Grant ]=-

If you don't like finger-pointing rants, stop here. I'm in one of my moods.

Internet forums are a varied lot; sometimes informative, sometimes inflammatory, and sometimes downright exasperating.

This is a story about one of those exasperating ones.

On one of the forums someone made mention of a new gun from USFA (United States Fire-Arms, the single action folks headquartered in the historic Colt factory.) USFA produces superb quality firearms, and though one can occasionally take issue with their styling, one cannot fault the quality of their products.

The discussion on this forum soon centered around the "high cost" ($1400 or thereabouts) of this new gun. Several people chimed in to the effect that they, too, would "never pay that much" for a gun.

Why did this disturb my sensibilities? Because on forums and in magazines, there is an almost-constant complaint that guns "aren't made the way they used to be", along with the obligatory pining for a return to "quality" firearms. "Why can't anyone make a good gun, with beautiful blueing and perfect fit?" is a typical lament.

I saw one discussion where folks were asked to put in their wish lists to a particular manufacturer. Of course, they all specified high-end features, peerless accuracy, superb metalwork and finishing, and - get this - actually expected it to sell for "less than $500!"

Folks, this just isn't rational. In fact, it's downright silly.

The reality is that a high-quality gun - a gun that could compete with, say, something from the 1930's - is going to cost north of the thousand-dollar mark, and there is just no way around that fact. Even the best of the S&W Performance Center guns don't approach the kind of fit and finish that were commonly available in, say, 1935, but are still pushing a grand. If they were capable of finishing those guns to the degree of the famed Registered Magnums (and I don't think they are,) you'd see a minimum 50% increase in the cost - if not more.

We all have to face the reality that quality costs, it'll cost more tomorrow than today, and if you're not willing to pay for it then you really don't have much room to complain - buy a Taurus.

Rant off. (I feel better now!)

-=[ Grant ]=-

Poor Dan Wesson. The marque, famed for their switch-barrel revolvers, has suffered through more inept management regimes than your average banana republic (no, not the clothing chain!) Today you can ask ten random shooters about the company, and almost none will know that Dan Wesson is still in business. Their innovative revolvers - the work of the incomparable Karl Lewis - are no longer found on dealer's shelves.

How did we get to this sad state of affairs? To understand, we need to go back to the beginning of the Third Dynasty....

At the time, Dan Wesson was located in Palmer, MA. Production had reached new lows in both quality and quantity, and their strongest market - handgun silhouette shooters - were  tiring of their on-again, off again production history. Despite some interesting introductions (a line of fixed-barrel guns and a true small frame concealed carry piece, dubbed the "Lil' Dan",) the company was forced into bankruptcy. 

Into our story steps a fellow by the name of Bob Serva, who bought the company and moved it to Norwich, NY.

The problems surfaced almost immediately. The machinery included in the purchase was found to be "worn out", and supposedly incapable of making quality guns. (The irony of that statement will be revealed later.) You'd think that someone would have scrutinized a little thing like that out before writing a check, but no matter - the company invested in some new equipment, and then spent quite a long time resetting the new shop to produce guns.

Let's stop for a moment and review the revolver market at that point in history. Colt, stung by their association with certain anti-gun political elements and fresh out of bankruptcy, had all but abandoned the revolver market - and really didn't seem to care. Ruger was selling lots of guns, but their line was limited and had precious little to offer either competitors or the growing concealed carry market. Taurus was moving up in the market, but suffering from a reputation for having quality control problems (a perception which persists to this day.) The market leader, Smith&Wesson, had problems of their own: an apparently effective grassroots boycott, a persistent rumor that they were a hair's breadth away from bankrupcty, and being put up for sale by their British owners. 

The market was in turmoil; it was ripe for a quality product, particularly one with unique features not available anywhere else. With all the competitors preoccupied with their own problems, market share was there for the taking - and Dan Wesson was in a good position to grab some. They had a line of revolvers that was strong, accurate as all get-out, and far more versatile than anything the competition had to offer. In addition, they had the Lil' Dan, which with some attention could easily address the burgeoning demand for concealed carry guns, and a fanatical (though shrinking daily) customer base. (I oughtta know - I'm one of those crazies who loves his Dan Wessons!)

So, with a brand new acquisition, new machinery, and a market ripe for the picking what did the owner of Dan Wesson do?

Right - he introduced a line of 1911 pistols!

The introduction of the 1911 guns seemed to take the wind out of revolver production. During this time, Dan Wesson made only one run of frames for the world's most popular revolver caliber, the .357 Magnum. Quality was so poor that I personally had to return a gun - ordered in for a special client - because the sideplate gap approached .006" in places! The action was awful, and the hammer and trigger had been slapped into the gun with no finish work whatsoever. The production manager apologized profusely, and hand-selected a replacement - which was only marginally better. This is when I learned that all of the frames had been made in a single run in the first year of the company's revived production, and most (if not all) apparently suffered from this egregious fault. 

Remember the irony I alluded to? Even the much-maligned Palmer guns - the worst of the lot, made on that "worn out" machinery - had sideplates that fit correctly!

To their credit, they did try - sort of. Dan Wesson placed small black-and-white advertisements in relatively inconspicuous places in the gun magazines. The ads were pitiful: poor design, bad graphics, and too much room taken up with religious symbolism. (Before the hate mail comes in, understand that I have no problem with religious symbols in the right place and at the right time. An advertisement for a firearm in a gun magazine is neither the time nor the place.) The average small-town "nickel shopper" advertisement looks more professional than anything Dan Wesson was able to insert into glossy national magazines.

Magazines weren't the only marketing avenue, however. Recognizing the power of the internet, they put up a website - but it would be a couple of years before they bothered to procure their own domain name, instead using the site under the domain name of their ISP. The site was horridly designed, didn't work on anything other than a 17" monitor, and didn't even have much information. (Hey, I know their product line, and if it was difficult for me to figure out what was what, imagine what a new customer would go through!) They didn't understand what a website was really for: I saw a listing of various new grips that were available, but no pictures. An email to the company netted the information that the pictures were only available in their printed catalog, for which they charged $5! That's what we call "behind the times."

Things weren't much better with industry relations. Gunwriters, love 'em or hate 'em, are how the general public learns of, and forms opinions about, new products. I've heard first-hand stories of Dan Wesson management personally making multiple promises of test-and-evaluation samples to individual writers, but never delivering. With behavior like that, it's no wonder that Dan Wesson remained in a publicity rut.

Once the 1911s started rolling off the assembly line, revolvers took a definite back seat - way back. Parts became hard to get; Brownells even dumped the line, rumored to be tired of non-delivery. What little "innovation" centered around odd and useless chamberings. (Yep, I'm sure that the .460 Rowland - aka .451 Detonics Magnum rebadged to assuage someone's ego - was a big seller. I'm being facetious, in case you missed it.)

I suppose the argument for the switch to 1911 production was because revolvers "weren't selling very well." Of course, given the poor management of the whole mess, one would expect sales problems!

In my mind, the only saving grace during this period were some of Dan Wesson's employees. The aforementioned production manager was pleasant, honest, and seemed genuinely saddened that revolvers had been relegated to the back burner; the gal who essentially ran (and still runs) their parts and customer service operation has always been efficient and helpful (and has something of a following on the internet forums!)

That brings us more or less to the present. Roughly a year and a half ago, CZ-USA somehow acquired Dan Wesson and Mr. Serva took a job with the parent company. (He has since left CZ-USA.) So far, CZ doesn't seem to be all that interested in Dan Wesson revolvers - their website didn't even mention revolvers until just recently, and it's taken them over a year just to make their first .357 gun. Supposedly they are busy doing "market research", which to me means they still don't have a clue what to do with the wheelguns.

CZ, if you're reading this, here's some free advice:

1) Concentrate on building up to a standard, not down to a price. Saying you make high quality products, but not actually delivering high quality, doesn't count. If you need proof that this works, look at the company who took you main market from you: Freedom Arms. (If you need still more examples, Google "Tom Peters". Heck, Google him anyway - you need all the help you can get.)

2) What sells best? Historically, it's been mid-size guns in .357 Magnum. Start there; make 'em better than anything else on the market. Hunting guns in common calibers should be next (the .445 SuperMag, as neat as it is, isn't a common caliber.) You need a concealed carry piece; the market is crying for a good, small 6-shot .357 to fill the shoes of the late and much missed Colt Magnum Carry.

3) "Quality" means some attention needs to be given to the double action lockwork. They aren't smooth or consistent enough, they stack horribly, and their trigger return is sluggish. Spend some engineering money and fix those traits, and don't for a minute think that you can slide by with what you've got now.

4) Forget locks and MIM parts; make them the way the market wants them to be made, not the way some politician deems they should. (There's a big backlash against the built-in locks of your competitors; ignore this at your peril.)

5) You need a presence in competition; be visible in IHMSA, ICORE, USPSA, Steel Challenge, and IDPA. Revolver divisions are attracting more and more shooters; fInd people to sponsor, at all levels of ability. (Quantity counts in this game.)

6) You need actual marketing: proper advertising, editorial content, and a strong web presence. (Your current website doesn't cut it; if you plan to keep the Dan Wesson name, you need to establish a separate domain for it. You'll notice that the Mercedes website is separate from the Chrysler website for a reason.)

7) You'd better come up with an innovative dealer program. No matter how much you advertise, if it isn't on the dealer's shelves - and the dealers don't actively support you - you've lost a sale. (Hint: kiss up to the retail salespeople, not the boss. The guy sitting at the desk in the back room isn't who's selling the things.)

8) Don't ignore the growing women's market, but understand that pink grips and shiny finishes aren't what they want. They are sharp, savvy consumers who have different buying patterns and criteria than men. You need to learn what those are and supply products and services to match. (You have one huge advantage that no one else has, and it has never been exploited by any of the previous ownership. If you can't figure it out on your own, give me a call.)

9) Finally: if you're not going to do it right, don't do it at all - sell the revolver division to someone who will. Dan Wesson and Karl Lewis deserve it, and the legions of Dan Wesson enthusiasts deserve it. Don't let us down.

-=[ Grant ]=-

If you don't yet know about Steve's Pages, you need to. Here you can download PDFs of an astonishing array of firearms manuals. Actually, not just firearms - but reloading equipment, optics, and even high-end flashlights like SureFire.

One of those "must-have" additions to your bookmarks!

-=[ Grant ]=-

I'm seeing new Ruger GP-100 and SP-101 revolvers coming into the local dealers with what can only be described as horrid factory workmanship. Wobbly cylinders, gritty triggers, and uneven parts fitting are out of place for this fine maker.

Let's be honest: Ruger has never at the "top end" of fit & finish. Admittedly, the long-gone "Six" series of double-action revolvers were awfully good, but I don't think many would argue that their replacements are in the same league. The most recent offerings, though, are looking more like the bottom of the barrel.

At the same time, their autoloading pistols are better than ever. The new P-345 is, I hate to say, really a well-fitted and finished gun - for a bottom feeder, of course! It's definitely a step above anything they've offered in that line.

Here's an idea: Ruger, transfer some of the talented folk making bottom-feeders to the revolver division - they obviously need the help!

-=[ Grant ]=-

This short article may be one of the funniest things I've read in a while...and it seems dead-on accurate, at least to me!

-=[ Grant ]=--

OK, so it's not a revolver - but it's still terrific news!

Ithaca shotguns are back, and being made by the recently christened Ithaca Guns USA. If you've never had the pleasure of using the classic Model 37 pump, you don't know what you're missing. They are smooth, reliable guns that are a far cry from what passes for a pump shotgun these days.



Generations of shooters grew up with the Model 37. (Sadly, I didn't - in our household the gun of choice was Ithaca's prime competitor, the Winchester Model 12. I discovered the joys of the 37 a number of years back, and I've been a fan ever since.)

The Ithaca is expensive relative to a gun like the Remington 870 (or the even cheaper Mossbergs.) Having had each, though, I maintain that the Ithaca is well worth the premium. The Ithaca is made from forgings and machined parts - no pot metal or plastic castings sourced from worlds unknown. It is a superbly made gun, and anyone - particularly you Python owners - who appreciates quality firearms should have one in their stable.

Now if someone could just resurrect Colt...(did I say that in my 'out-loud' voice?!?)

-=[ Grant ]=-

Yes, it appears to be true.

Various "internet experts" have been littering the online forums telling anyone who would listen that Colt was going to start making revolvers again "real soon." That sounded odd to me, as Colt seems to have been doing everything possible to avoid making revolvers. So, I decided to call the source - Colt.

I talked to several people at the company, and I learned that:

- they hadn't actually produced any Pythons for "a couple of years";
- they'd sold their last Python from remaindered stock over a year ago;
- they didn't have "any plans at all for resuming Python production", and:
- the topic of revolvers wasn't even being discussed at any of their planning meetings.

One can only conclude that revolvers - at least, the Pythons - are dead as far as Colt is concerned.

All this happened about 6 months ago. I was speaking with a well-known industry figure recently (someone whose name you would instantly recognize), who passed along what he called a "credible rumor": Colt had sold all of their revolver tooling and jigs for scrap. Since this person has well-placed sources everywhere, including Colt, the chances of it being mere gossip were remote. Still, he referred to it as "rumor" - so I held out hope. However, I broke the story on the Colt discussion forum.

Well, the "other shoe" has now dropped. On the discussion forums at sixgunner.com, Michael Bane - well known and respected in the industry himself - confirmed the rumors. It seems Colt really is out of the revolver business - permanently.

I still hope that all of this is simply a put-on by someone at Colt, but as yet no one has been able to authoritatively refute the information given.

RIP, Python.

-=[ Grant ]=-

I like reading the gun discussion forums - lots of, well, interesting stuff turns up - but I've lately become enamored of Michael Bane's Shooting Gallery site.

Based on his TV show (which I can't get because Comcast holds The Outdoor Channel hostage, demanding I pay them even more money than I already am), it has a great mix of articles from Michael and such luminaries as Walt Rauch. Wonderful site, and worth a visit.

-=[ Grant ]=-