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Shooting 22 LR bolt-action rifles keeps you grounded. They are affordable to shoot often because ammo costs a fraction of what centerfire ammo does and lacks the noise, muzzle blast, and recoil. Not only is shooting a 22 rimfire inexpensive and fun, it also helps build a solid base in rifle-shooting technique, from trigger control and breathing, to judging distance and reading the wind. Three new target-style 22 LR bolt actions that we thought would be fun to shoot were the Springfield Armory 2020 Rimfire, Savage’s B Series TimberLite Thumbhole, and the Hammerli Arms Force B1. All of these rifles were recently introduced and are said to provide performance and accuracy. The common characteristics of these three rimfire rifles are the 22 LR round, manually operated bolt actions, detachable rotary magazines, and they are optic ready. From there, the features start to differ.

Shooting 22 LR bolt-action rifles keeps you grounded. They are affordable to shoot often because ammo costs a fraction of what centerfire ammo does and lacks the noise, muzzle blast, and recoil. Not only is shooting a 22 rimfire inexpensive and fun, it also helps build a solid base in rifle-shooting technique, from trigger control and breathing, to judging distance and reading the wind. Three new target-style 22 LR bolt actions that we thought would be fun to shoot were the Springfield Armory 2020 Rimfire, Savage’s B Series TimberLite Thumbhole, and the Hammerli Arms Force B1. All of these rifles were recently introduced and are said to provide performance and accuracy. The common characteristics of these three rimfire rifles are the 22 LR round, manually operated bolt actions, detachable rotary magazines, and they are optic ready. From there, the features start to differ.

In the December 1995 issue, we tested a pair of 30-06 hunting rifles, one of which had significant drawbacks, our shooters said. In this installment of Gun Tests Classics, we revisit the winner of that test, a Remington Model 7600 pumpgun, and see if its current used pricing makes it a still-valid recommendation for today’s shooters. 

The concealed-carry holster should be chosen as carefully as the carry gun or defense load. There isn’t a shortage of manufacturers and custom makers, but gun owners continue to choose holsters that are cheaply made and that do not perform well. Cant, angle, and drop have a bearing on how well the handgun rides on the belt. The holster must carry the pistol as comfortably as possible while maintaining a balance of speed and retention. That is a tall order.

• Custom Shop 357S
• 380 ACP Pistols
• Shot Timers
• Gun Tests Classic: Taurus PT-945

Re “Two 9mm Pistols, 

Two Light Kickers from LFA

and Smith,” January 2025

I would like to respectfully dispute the rating of the LFA 9mm as high as B-Minus despite a Failure to Eject (FTE) every magazine. A self-defense gun must be first and foremost reliable. Even a Failure to Feed (FTF), which can be cleared by a simple “tap-rack-bang” immediate-action drill, would be unacceptable at that frequency. We call a FTE a “death jam” because it requires dropping the mag, racking the slide, inserting a new mag, and chambering a round. That is an eternity if someone is actively attacking you. By your letter scale on page 4, that looks like a D on poor function. — Bill

In the February 1995 issue, we tested a quartet of 45-caliber semi-autos, two of which had significant drawbacks, our shooters said. In this installment of Gun Tests Classics, we revisit the winner of that test, a Taurus PT-945, and see if its current used pricing makes it a still-valid recommendation for today’s shooters. Here’s a quick recap of the losers in that test:

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:

Earlier this year, Gun Tests reader Matt W. requested a comparison of popular timers. We thought he had great insight about the value of these pieces of equipment because, outside of gear used in the Olympics, the electronic timer may be the most important piece of match-management equipment in modern shooting sports. More broadly, timers are also important for the shooter who wants to practice and improve his or her gun-handling skills, such as drawing from concealment and reloads. In fact, many of the evaluations we do in Gun Tests require timers to compare the performance of Gun A versus Gun B, so we have a keen interest in them as well.

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.