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Special Reports

Hand-Sharpening Small Drill Bits

Hold that dull bit up to the light, then head for the grinder. Your eyes can detect problems as well as any gauge.

The Gunsmith’s Reference Library

We have yet to meet a gunsmith who knows all there is to know about repairing, improving and servicing all kinds of firearms. Nor have we ever met one who’s discomfort level fails to rise when a gun he’s never worked on, or hasn’t seen in years, comes in. Unless you specialize—rifles only, pistols only, shotguns only, stocks, engraving—you can ill afford to turn down work unfamiliar to you, yet you can’t afford not to if performing it could create a dangerous situation. That’s why books take up much space in the best shops. They’re our safety net, and they have proven their value many times by showing a way to fill a customer’s needs.

Commentary

Nullification Redux: Resisting Federal Domination

From MonroeRising.com: Recently, a friend and I were lamenting the steady dissolution of our Constitution. It seemed to us that the further our politicians have strayed from the spirit, meaning and intent of the Constitution, the more enervated, disunited and dispirited our nation and its people have become. Discussing how best to remedy the nation’s decline and to restore Constitutional governance, we briefly alluded to the discredited doctrine of nullification about which neither of us knew very much at all. So, I decided to briefly revisit the subject to see what I could learn. In a nutshell, this is it. I hope it will be of some interest to you.

Homeland Security Budget Vote Also Protects Pocketknife Use

WASHINGTON, D.C.--The United States Senate recently approved the FY2010 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Bill Conference Report, which included an amendment to protect the use of pocketknives.


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Featured Home Defense



Kel-Tec P32PK 32 ACP

From the 05-01-2008 Issue of Gun Tests

Classification:Handguns
Category:Pistols
Model Name:P32PK
Manufacturer:Kel-Tec
Model Number:P32PK

FULL GUN REPORT

A good choice for deep concealment; anyone trained on a double-action-only handgun will find the P32PK to be a most suitable backup.

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Featured Surplus / Collectible



AWA Lightning Carbine .45 LC

From the 03-01-2006 Issue of Gun Tests

Classification:Long Guns
Category:Rifles
Model Name:Lightning Carbine
Manufacturer:American Western Arms
Model Number:Lightning Carbine

FULL GUN REPORT

There’s a new breed of action rifle in Cowtown. Instead of the diehard lever gun of old, many Cowboy Action shooters looking to shave the last seconds off their time will soon be using a pump rifle. In the quest for speed in that game, top shooters are posting winning scores with the old Colt Lightning design, or clones thereof. Because top shooters use them, that means everybody wants one, whether or not they work better than the ol’ lever action mainstay. The all-blue AWA Lightning is available in a variety of calibers including .32-20, .38-40, .38 Spl., .44-40, or .45 LC. If you want it with an octagonal barrel in either the test rifle’s 20-inch length or with a 24-inch barrel, the price is $890. Russ Simpson, president of AWA, informed us that there were many options available for original Colt Lightnings, so the crescent butt plate here, and the buckhorn rear sight on the Beretta carbine, might have been found on originals. No originals, however, have been found or documented with color-case hardened receivers.

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Featured Law Enforcement



Glock 34 9mm

From the 03-01-2009 Issue of Gun Tests

Classification:Handguns
Category:Pistols
Model Name:34
Manufacturer:Glock
Model Number:

FULL GUN REPORT

Not much has changed on the Glock 34, and it is still the most popular choice for Practical Shooting competitors, including Dave Sevigny, the most prolific winner in the history of the USPSA Production division. The G34 featured a 5.3-inch barrel on a full-size frame that housed a 17-round magazine. The G34 has a large cutout in the top of its slide. It might just be the easiest way to produce a slide of the proper weight so that reciprocation remains smooth and reliable.

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Featured Concealed Carry



Smith & Wesson 638 Bodyguard .38 Special +P

From the 07-01-2001 Issue of Gun Tests

Classification:Handguns
Category:Revolvers
Model Name:638 Bodyguard
Manufacturer:Smith & Wesson
Model Number:103070

FULL GUN REPORT

The name Bodyguard has to be one of the all-time classic names for a self-defense gun. Certainly this Smith & Wesson design has been with us a long time, and in many ways it should be considered an unsung hero among the latest super-light firearms, mainly because it did so much so well.

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Featured Hunting



Browning BL-22 Grade II Lever Action .22 LR

From the 04-01-2008 Issue of Gun Tests

Classification:Long Guns
Category:Rifles
Model Name:BL-22 Grade II Lever Action .22 LR
Manufacturer:Browning
Model Number:No. 024101103

FULL GUN REPORT

The Grade II is one of five BL-22s offered by Browning for 2008. The Grade II is scroll engraved on the receiver and has a gold-colored trigger. The Grade I tested in December 2006 lacks the II’s scroll engraving and checkering on the walnut, but the Grade I MSRPs for a lot less, $494. Browning’s most expensive lever rimfire is the BL-22 FLD Grade II Octagon, $786, which a silver-nitride finish, octagonal barrel, and a front gold bead. Because the Grade II comes at a $150-ish premium to the Marlin and Henry, we wondered if those extra dollars would turn into enthusiasm in our evaluation.

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Featured Recreational



Mossberg Persuader Model 590A1 12 Gauge Magnum No. 51411

From the 09-01-2005 Issue of Gun Tests

Classification:Long Guns
Category:Shotguns
Model Name:Persuader Model 590A1
Manufacturer:Mossberg
Model Number:590A1

FULL GUN REPORT

The Mossberg Persuader Model 590A1 No. 51411 , $443, uses an 18.5-inch fixed Cylinder choke barrel, single front bead sight, non-glare matte finish, and 5+1 capacity. We tested the 5+1 500A Persuader, No. 50411, in the January 2001 issue. The major differences between the two guns are the heavy barrel and matte-black Parkerized finish on the 51411 and the presence of a pistol grip as part of the 50411 package. Also, the 590A1 has a metal trigger guard and safety button. The 590A1 is also more pricey, $443 compared to $357 MSRP for the 500-series gun.

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Featured Competitive



Glock GL31 .357 Sig

From the 08-01-2001 Issue of Gun Tests

Classification:Handguns
Category:Pistols
Model Name:GL31
Manufacturer:Glock
Model Number:31

FULL GUN REPORT

Glock adapted this same pistol to other cartridges, including the .357 SIG, and we found the fully loaded GL31 handled much like the model 17. If you have ever felt that the Glock pistol chambered for .45 ACP or 180-grain .40s were somehow out of sync, then the .357 SIG is a more natural fit.

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