Subscriber Only

Offering custom treatments on revolvers is a tradition among wheelgun manufacturers. In fact, Smith & Wesson, Ruger, and Taurus all produce custom-shop variants of popular models. These gun receive extra fitting handwork, along with premium finishes and tuned actions. Many are also tweaked for a specific task, such as everyday carry (EDC), competition, or a viable choice as a fancy BBQ gun. We acquired three revolvers given such glam and performance makeovers at the factory:

Offering custom treatments on revolvers is a tradition among wheelgun manufacturers. In fact, Smith & Wesson, Ruger, and Taurus all produce custom-shop variants of popular models. These gun receive extra fitting handwork, along with premium finishes and tuned actions. Many are also tweaked for a specific task, such as everyday carry (EDC), competition, or a viable choice as a fancy BBQ gun. We acquired three revolvers given such glam and performance makeovers at the factory:

Pocket pistols and pocket carry are controversial for some shooters who think smaller handguns just aren’t enough in terms of capacity and presentation. One of our raters is trained in public safety and feels that even well into retirement age, he should carry a handgun capable of taking on personal threats, gangs, and even active shooters with enough rounds of a suitable chambering like 9mm Luger or above. Another rater feels that the pocket 380 Auto is a great carry piece that goes anywhere, anytime without a lot of fuss. He states that situational awareness and avoidance have served him well, and he simply isn’t going to get into a situation that demands a larger gun.

Pocket pistols and pocket carry are controversial for some shooters who think smaller handguns just aren’t enough in terms of capacity and presentation. One of our raters is trained in public safety and feels that even well into retirement age, he should carry a handgun capable of taking on personal threats, gangs, and even active shooters with enough rounds of a suitable chambering like 9mm Luger or above. Another rater feels that the pocket 380 Auto is a great carry piece that goes anywhere, anytime without a lot of fuss. He states that situational awareness and avoidance have served him well, and he simply isn’t going to get into a situation that demands a larger gun.

• Double Stack 380S
• Rimfire Bolt-Actions
• Tripod Showdown
• Gun Tests Classic

Re 5.7x28 Tests

There is a proliferation of this caliber handgun: FN, Ruger, S&W, Palmetto State, and now Tisas. How about a shoot-out? I’d also like to see an assessment of different ammo manufacturers. Thanks and regards. — John

The typical 380 Auto pistol has evolved from compact guns like the Walther PPK/S and Beretta 84 to subcompact pistols like the Glock G42 and Ruger LCP. A few manufacturers, such as Kimber, SIG, and Springfield Armory, shrunk their 1911 designs, too, and retrofitted these guns in 380 Auto. With most of these guns there is a compromise. If you wanted a more compact concealed-carry gun, the trade-off is a harder-to-operate and tougher-to-shoot pistol with limited-capacity single-stack magazines. 

The typical 380 Auto pistol has evolved from compact guns like the Walther PPK/S and Beretta 84 to subcompact pistols like the Glock G42 and Ruger LCP. A few manufacturers, such as Kimber, SIG, and Springfield Armory, shrunk their 1911 designs, too, and retrofitted these guns in 380 Auto. With most of these guns there is a compromise. If you wanted a more compact concealed-carry gun, the trade-off is a harder-to-operate and tougher-to-shoot pistol with limited-capacity single-stack magazines. 

The typical 380 Auto pistol has evolved from compact guns like the Walther PPK/S and Beretta 84 to subcompact pistols like the Glock G42 and Ruger LCP. A few manufacturers, such as Kimber, SIG, and Springfield Armory, shrunk their 1911 designs, too, and retrofitted these guns in 380 Auto. With most of these guns there is a compromise. If you wanted a more compact concealed-carry gun, the trade-off is a harder-to-operate and tougher-to-shoot pistol with limited-capacity single-stack magazines. 

In the January 1996 issue, we tested a quartet of 40-caliber semi-autos, three of which had significant drawbacks, our shooters said. In this installment of Gun Tests Classics, we revisit the winner of that test, a Smith & Wesson Model 4013, and see if its current used pricing makes it a still-valid recommendation for today’s shooters.

For the rifleman, there is nothing that soothes the soul and brightens the day like a good-quality 22 bolt-action rifle. For the serious rifleman who hunts with a centerfire rifle, the 22 offers alternative training options and makes for a fine small-game rifle. Some shooters realize a more expensive rifle may be needed for precision work and small-game shooting, and an adult-size stock for an adult makes sense. This bumps the price up over the simple $200 bolt gun.

For the rifleman, there is nothing that soothes the soul and brightens the day like a good-quality 22 bolt-action rifle. For the serious rifleman who hunts with a centerfire rifle, the 22 offers alternative training options and makes for a fine small-game rifle. Some shooters realize a more expensive rifle may be needed for precision work and small-game shooting, and an adult-size stock for an adult makes sense. This bumps the price up over the simple $200 bolt gun.