My attention was recently directed to an article that was ostensibly a review of a one-day revolver class at ITTS (which I had taken myself, back in 2019), but drifted into a conversation about revolver reliability. The author, who appears to be new to handguns and shooting, was rather shocked to see 5 of the 14 revolvers in the class (including their own) “had malfunctioned so irreparably that they were unusable” before they managed to get through even 200 rounds. Continue reading “Comparing Revolver and Autopistol Reliability”
Author: Mike
Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Mike Wood is a bonafide revolver nut, a certified law enforcement instructor in handgun, shotgun, patrol rifle, less-lethal, and diversionary device disciplines, and the author of Newhall Shooting: A Tactical Analysis, the definitive study of the infamous, 1970 California Highway Patrol shootout in Newhall, California. Mike wrote the "Tactical Analysis" column at Police1.com for 8 years, and enjoys teaching both armed citizens and law enforcement officers.
The .38 Special Hydra-Shok Deep Journey
We recently discussed the ins and outs of .38 Special ammunition for snubby revolvers here in these pages, and described the challenges involved with trying to make the most special of revolver cartridges perform from abbreviated barrels, which rob velocity and energy from the bullet. As a moderate energy level cartridge, the .38 Special doesn’t have a surplus of energy that it can afford to lose, and when you shoot it in the small guns, it can lose just enough energy to have a dramatic effect on terminal performance. Continue reading “The .38 Special Hydra-Shok Deep Journey”
Dud Lessons
I encountered this dud round in the middle of a shooting competition at the range recently. Even though it’s from one of those bottom feeders—Eek!—it provides a good opportunity to make a few observations that are universal in nature, and not related to any particular weapon type.
K6s Firing Pin Update
We previously reported about firing pin failures in the excellent Kimber K6s revolver. This situation was troubling, because it represented a safety risk for the defensive user, and also risked hurting the reputation of this strong design.
We’ve continued to remain engaged with Kimber on this issue, and we’re exceptionally happy to report that the problem has been resolved. Continue reading “K6s Firing Pin Update”
New California-Compliant Revolvers
In an unexpected move from a beleaguered firearms industry that’s struggling to keep up with record-breaking demand, two major brands announced new, California-Compliant revolvers today, to the delight of citizens trapped behind the Golden Curtain. Continue reading “New California-Compliant Revolvers”
What is a Snub?
Nick Walker, Stephen Wenger, and the gang at the Snub Gun Study Group (SG2) asked an interesting question recently:
What is a “Snub?”
It’s an interesting question, and one which defies a simple answer.
Help Gunsmith Tim Gerhardt
One of the things I enjoy most about the shooting community is the sense of fraternity that we share. Continue reading “Help Gunsmith Tim Gerhardt”
Guns in Brazil
America is a patchwork quilt of gun laws and public attitudes towards guns. Even though we’re all Americans, the gun culture can look very different from state to state, and region to region.
Revolvers and Ammo Shortages
If you’re a shooter, you’re no doubt painfully aware that we’re in the midst of yet another product availability “crisis,” and it doesn’t look like it’s going to be resolved anytime soon. Continue reading “Revolvers and Ammo Shortages”
Colt and S&W Keychain Screwdrivers
Hi Guys, this is just a quick one, to show off a few novelty items that you might not have seen before–the keychain screwdrivers from S&W and Colt. Continue reading “Colt and S&W Keychain Screwdrivers”