If you are carrying a revolver for self-defense, competition, as a trail gun, or for just about any other purpose, a reload is a good idea. The best reload for a revolver (other than a second revolver, of course) is a speedloader, and speedloaders are best carried in dedicated holders. I am on the hunt for the perfect speedloader holder, so I recently purchased a few Ready Tactical Speedloader Holders to try out.
An Introduction to Revolver Reloads
To misquote Jerry Miculek, “your revolver is always empty during a match.” Because revolvers only typically hold 5-6 rounds they require a lot more reloading than semi-autos do. Exacerbating this situation, revolver reloads are pretty complicated. This post is going to be the first in a series on focusing on the detailed technical aspects of revolver reload. Continue reading “An Introduction to Revolver Reloads”
J-Frame Carry: Galco Tuck N Go IWB
I was recently at a the range with Chris Baker of the Lucky Gunner Lounge. He asked me how I carried my 640 Pro. Somewhat sheepishly I pulled a sweat-stained Galco Tuck N Go out of my bag. “It doesn’t look like much,” I began apologetically, and quickly trailed off. After thinking about for a second I said, “but, it actually works pretty well.” Continue reading “J-Frame Carry: Galco Tuck N Go IWB”
The Mythical S.L. Variant Speed Loader
The world of revolver speedloaders is a tough one. Selecting a speedloader is usually some sort of a compromise. I am here to tell you that the absolute best speedloader *not* on the market is the S.L. Variant speedloader. Continue reading “The Mythical S.L. Variant Speed Loader”
A Gun to Ride the River With: The Smith & Wesson 686
Many of the guns I have purchased have been done so with the idea of being the “last rifle” or “last pistol” I’ll ever need to buy. Of course this never actually works out in practice – something new comes along and I catch the bug. Once in a while, though, I find something that is pretty much perfect as-is, and it endures. An example of this phenomenon: the venerable Smith & Wesson 686. It is my One if I could have only one, my hell or high-water sixgun, my “gun to ride the river with.” Continue reading “A Gun to Ride the River With: The Smith & Wesson 686”
Apex Duty-Carry Spring Kit Review
When I initally pulled my 640 Pro Series out of the box I was in love. That feeling only lasted until the first time I pulled the trigger. Even though this is a Pro Series gun, the trigger was abysmal (read: about average for a J-Frame). Attempting to test its weight on my Lyman trigger pull gauge was futile. I received the dreaded “overload” message; the trigger pull exceeded the gauge’s 12-lb capacity. Needing badly to lighten it, I purchased the Apex Duty-Carry Spring Kit from Apex Tactical Specialties.
ITRH Interview: Revolvers for Survival and EDC
I was recently inteviewed on the In the Rabbit Hole Urban Survival Podcast. The topic: Revolvers for Survival and EDC. Continue reading “ITRH Interview: Revolvers for Survival and EDC”
Smith and Wesson 640 Pro Series Review Part II
In Part I of my review of the S&W 640 Pro Series I covered its features. In Part II I am going to discuss the 640 Pro from a shooting and packing perspective. If you read Part I you already know I’ve carried this gun daily for over a year, so there’s not much suspense about what my conclusion is. Read on to find out why I like it. Continue reading “Smith and Wesson 640 Pro Series Review Part II”
VZ Grips Tactical Diamonds for J-Frames
Replacement stocks are on one of the most common modifications made to revolvers. Because it doesn’t store ammunition in the grip, stocks for the average revolver come in a broad array of sizes, shapes, and functions, including stocks with lasers, or that can be used as a holster substitute. For my daily-carry 640 Pro, I was just going for the sheer practicality of a grip that offered reasonable purchase without making the gun too large. Continue reading “VZ Grips Tactical Diamonds for J-Frames”
Smith & Wesson Model 640 Pro Series: Part I
My daily carry gun for the past year has been the Smith & Wesson 640 Pro Series. This J-Frame .357 Magnum offers many features not seen on other guns in its size-class. In Part I of this review I am going to discuss the gun itself, in detail. In the next part I am going to cover the piece’s range performance and actually carrying it – a task at which I have fairly considerable experience. Disclaimer: My apologies for the dirt, dust, and scratches on this piece. She has earned those marks honestly.
Continue reading “Smith & Wesson Model 640 Pro Series: Part I”