They may be familiar to some, but not every gunsmith knows the ins and outs of drill bits. Here are the basics.

The graceful, light, and distinctive L.C. Smith Hammerless Double sidelock is a favorite of American shotgunners. Here’s how to fix its most common problems. If you own a Smith and want to make it suitable to shoot again, or if you are presented a Smith to repair, here’s what you need to know about the shotgun.

In June 2010, Kahr Arms purchased Minnesota-based firearms manufacturer, Magnum Research, Inc., maker of the Desert Eagle Pistol and BFR Revolvers in .44 Magnum, .45 LC/.410 or .45/70. Kahr Arms offers a selection of other niche-type firearms, such as the “Tommy Gun” and Auto-Ordnance line of M1 .30 caliber carbines. In this video, Gun Tests Contributing Editor Roger Eckstine shows off two of the company’s big-hole BFR wheelguns.

Beretta USA introduced the BU-9 Nano as its entry into the pocket 9mm pistol category last September. Initial shipments of the American-made pistol left the Accokeek, Maryland factory beginning in November 2011, with a suggested retail price of $475. In this video, Gun Tests’ Contributing Editor Roger Eckstine gets a detailed explanation of how easy the Nano is to break down for maintenance. The Nano's modularity provides for simple disassembly and easy cleaning. Safely disassemble the pistol by first engaging the striker deactivator, a patent pending safety mechanism that eliminates the need to pull the trigger prior to disassembly.

Gun Reports - News

Smith & Wesson Introduces New Bodyguard Pistol, Revolver with Integrated Laser System

LAS VEGAS -- Smith & Wesson Corp. has announced the introduction of company's newest line of firearms designed for personal protection — the Smith & Wesson Bodyguards.

The Bodyguard 380 semi-automatic pistol and Bodyguard 38 revolver have been designed in conjunction with Insight Technology to offer the new firearms with built-in laser sights.

The Bodyguard 380, chambered for .380 ACP, features a high-strength polymer frame with a black, Melonite coated stainless steel slide and barrel. The new Bodyguard 380 comes standard with a 2 3/4-inch barrel, which contributes to an overall length of 5 1/4-inches and an unloaded weight of 11.85 ounces.

The new pistol features a double-action fire control system, a manual thumb safety, an external take down lever and slide stop. On the lower portion of the frame, the pistol has been fitted with an integral Insight laser. It has a 6+1 capacity.

Chambered in .38 S&W Special +P, the Bodyguard 38 is a small-frame hammerless self-defense revolver with a 1.9-inch barrel overall length of 6.6 inches.

Weighing in at 14.3 ounces, the Bodyguard 38 features a one-piece aluminum alloy upper frame along with a steel reinforced polymer lower frame. The barrel and cylinder on the revolver are both stainless steel. The stainless steel cylinder is coated with a durable, non-reflective, matte black PVD finish. The revolver features an easily manipulated ambidextrous cylinder release on the top of the frame and a ergonomic one-piece rubber grip.

On the right side of the frame, the revolver has been fitted with an integral Insight laser.

The integrated laser sighting system enables faster target acquisition for shooters of all experience levels. By working closely together and designing the firearm and laser sight system to be integral, Smith & Wesson and Insight Technology have achieved a value positioning that allows more firearm customers to afford laser sighting system technology.

To activate the laser, users simply operate the push-button design located on top of the laser sight for the revolver and on the sides of the forward frame for the pistol. The laser sight can be adjusted for both windage and elevation and no assembly is required. Two Energizer 357 or equivalent batteries power the laser.

Reader Comments

I'm not familiar with the .38S&W special round. Is this a new cartridge to make a familiar sized round with a rim, rimless and able to run in a semi-auto?

Comment by: dgray64 | January 21, 2010

The .38 Spl is formally known by it's full title as ".38 S&W Special."

Comment by: CeltKnight | January 21, 2010

I have a couple of pieces that approximate what is described in this article. My S&W Airweight enclosed hammer .38 Spl+P is fitted with a Lasermax grip mounted laser that mounts high on the frame, next to the rear sight notch. My Ruger LCP has a Crimson Trace laser mounted to the trigger guard, thus providing a laser beam projected just under the dust cover. The Ruger is my constant carry back-up piece that is always in my front pants pocket, while the S&W Airweight is my "at home" carry piece that rides in a Don Hume belt slide on my strong side. For those times that I venture forth into the great public arena, the Ruger continues as my pocket back-up piece, but my normal carry piece becomes a full sized pistol in an appropriate holster on my strong side. Yes, in case you are wondering, I always carry at home. With the frequency of home invasion type attacks, I'd much rather be sitting with my wife watching TV with my weapons on my body, because it takes too long to go get any of the others that may be discreetly positioned in the house. Oh yeah, I even have a six shot .357 stainless revolver in a holster on my strong side when I am doing yard work such as mowing the lawn. I am a big believer in the the concept....."Better to have and not need than to need and not have".

Comment by: canovack | January 21, 2010

Col. Novack, mowing with a .357 on your side probably cuts down on the solicitors also. I agree with your thinking "BE PREPARED". Just by chance you were not portrayed by Robert Duval in "Acopolypse Now" were you?

Comment by: Robert J | January 21, 2010

OK Robert J.....While I did have some experiences in Vietnam, that might have been similar to those of Bob Duval in "Apocalypse", I have grown quite fond of him. He has portrayed a number of characters who have admirable traits. By the way, I can remember seeing Duval in "Star Trek" on a battery powered Panasonic TV from the 4th Infantry Division base camp near Pleiku, RVN. I also became aquainted with him when he was doing Off Broadway plays back in the mid 60s. I happened to be TDY at the Army Pictorial Center in New York as a technical advisor for an Army Training Film. Duval and I shared a couple of beers at some unnamed bar in Greenwich Village. God!.....I can't believe I was an Army officer drinking in Greewich Village in the mid 60s! Some might say that took more balls than commanding a hunter-killer unit in Vietnam!

Comment by: canovack | January 21, 2010

Great story Col., I'm sure you left a lasting impression on him. That's the first thing that popped into my head when I read your post. Maybe next time I'll check my spelling.

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