MON | DECEMBER 2, 2024

Target Sports USA welcomes Katherine Demo as the new Financial Operations Analyst. Katherine has extensive experience in operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and cross-functional collaboration, making her a valuable addition to the TSUSA team.
Practice at home with the Ultimate Practice Shooting System (UPSS), a laser shooting system that allows you to practice with your own gun, at home or club, using a laser device placed in the muzzle of your gun that you shoot at a laser target that moves across your wall and replicates any type of target, i.e., skeet, trap, sporting.  
The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) and its partners in a long-running challenge of California’s restrictive gun control policies regarding gun shows have petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court for review in a case known as B&L Productions, Inc. v. Newsom

Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) announced that it has filed a reply brief with the United States Supreme Court in support of its petition for certiorari (review) in Snope v. Brown (formerly styled Bianchi v. Brown), the FPC Law case challenging Maryland’s ban on so-called “assault weapons.”
Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) announced that it has filed a supplemental brief with the Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in its Paris v. Lara case. Last month, the Supreme Court remanded the case following the Court’s Rahimi decision. The brief can be viewed at firearmspolicy.org/lara.
A Windham man turned himself in, confessing to the shooting of a domestic dog in North Yarmouth yesterday. The charge is the result of an incident Friday when at approximately 11:00 a.m., three people were walking their dogs on a marked trail in the Knights Pond Preserve when one of their dogs was shot, approximately 20 feet ahead of them.

RSR Group’s 2024 E-Vault Virtual Show featuring Magpul® starts Tuesday, December 3rd at 11:00 a.m. ET, and concludes on Friday, December 6th, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. ET. This unique online event allows dealers to take advantage of incredible deals and savings on Magpul® products available only at www.rsrgroup.com
Outtech announces its partnership with Xpedition Archery, a dynamic brand committed to pushing the boundaries of archery technology with innovative and purpose-driven products. With this partnership, Outtech is poised to help Xpedition Archery reach new heights as a leader in the competitive archery market.
Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Inc. announced that the Marine Corps Systems Command has achieved Fully Operational Capability for the MRAD MK 22 Mod 0 Advanced Sniper Rifle a year ahead of schedule. Originally developed through a Special Operations Command contract, the MK 22 transitioned to the Marine Corps via the "Special Operations Forcesto service" process, with contracting led by the U.S. Army.

The Scholastic Shooting Sports Foundation (SSSF) is seeking a highly motivated individual to assume the role of Director of Development for the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP). The successful candidate will be responsible for growing and supporting SCTP member teams.
Beretta USA unveils two exclusive knives crafted in collaboration with Tops Knives™: the Borah Peak and the Crater Moon. These remarkable blades epitomize the perfect blend of cutting-edge innovation, superior quality, and outstanding performance, making them ideal for everyday carry (EDC), self-defense, and a variety of outdoor activities.
Silencer Central extends its exciting Black Friday offer through Cyber Monday, and beyond – but you need to act fast! These savings only last while supplies remain. For a limited time, when you purchase any BANISH suppressor priced at $849 or higher, you’ll receive a FREE BANISH 22K-V2 rimfire suppressor, valued at $465.
SHOT Show® Industry Day at the Range announces the industry-leading manufacturers who have committed as partners for the upcoming 2025 Industry Day at the Range event at the Boulder Rifle and Pistol Club in Boulder City, Nevada, on Monday, January 20, 2025.
Ralph and Vicki invite all to tune into their 19th season of The Choice on The Outdoor Channel. RJ and Aubrey Cianciarulo head Northwest to Trophy West in search of filling their Vancouver Island Black Bear tags.

 

Wenger’s take on “don’t grab, let it drop” – Last week in The Tactical Wire (another of our free email wire services, available here), we reported a rumor that the shooting fraternity lost another member, this time allegedly due to grasping for a fumbled gun as it dropped. Associate Stephen Wenger has addressed this on the Safety component of his information website. 
“A caveat to this rule (Rule 5 – Maintain control of your gun) concerns dropped guns. As suggested above, most modern handguns of good quality are designed not to fire when dropped and people have shot themselves trying to catch guns that have slipped from their hands. If you do momentarily lose control of a firearm, it's generally safer to let it fall to the ground. Unfortunately, as discussed above, there are still some handguns on the lower end of the price scale - typically mini-revolvers and inexpensive pistols - that may not be drop-safe. (Instruction manuals - typically available on the websites of manufacturers - will usually mention such things as firing-pin safeties. You may also want to do an internet search for lawsuits and settlements to help determine which brands have had issues, even with firing-pin safeties - such as those that require engagement of the thumb safety for full protection.) With those handguns, it's really a toss-up as to which is the greater risk - try to catch a falling gun or letting it hit the ground.”

In a note to me, he went on to agree that repeating safety concerns is critical --  

“In WWII, there was a saying in the US Army that there's always 10% who don't get the message. Then there are those who forget the message. I repeat many of the same messages in my comments in the Digest, in small part because I occasionally pick up new members and in large part because years of experience have shown me that many people read selectively, have short memories or both. Safety lessons can't be repeated too many times.”

In short, let it drop. 

Image from Bryan Eastridge.

I got a report by phone from Bryan “with a Y” Eastridge about a new snub. As we’re both retired cops – though he’s still working through retiree FTO with Darryl Bolke – snub revolvers have a strong appeal. He alerted me to the fact that Lipsey’s had another exclusive offering, this one from Ruger – the LCR in 32 H&R Magnum.

So what’s the big deal? For $120 more in cost and 3.1 ounces in weight, you can have the LCR in 327 Federal Magnum. 

Image of Ruger SP101 fired with 327 Fed. Magnum in 2007; it’s not for the faint of heart.

Why more weight? Tell me you haven’t shot the 327 Federal Magnum without telling me you haven’t shot the 327 Federal Magnum. Besides the power differential – the blast and recoil – the Monolithic frame of 400-series stainless steel of the heavier LCR can better take the beating from the larger cartridge than the lighter aluminum frame of the new 32 H&R revolver. 

Firing the 327 Federal Magnum in 2007, in its infancy, from a 28-ounce 3” SP-101 was no real joy. There was a lot of blast and recoil was surprising. Federal said that there was 20% less recoil than the 357 Magnum with a 100-grain bullet achieving more than 1,300 fps. I’ll take their word for it.

The 32 H&R isn’t so stout, but these are lighter guns, meant for regular discreet carry. 

Meanwhile, I just received new aftermarket magazines configured for GLOCK pistols and any firearm that takes that magazine format. These are from XTech Tactical, who announced the standard and extended capacity Glock compatible magazines last week.

I just got mine and haven’t gotten to try them live fire yet. They fit, lock open and drop free from real, original GLOCK pistols and a close approximation of the same. 

These are steel reinforced polymer magazines that look suspiciously “Glock-ish,” but very nicely finished. I’ve not had them to the range yet, but stay tuned for performance evaluations. 

The MAG17-17 is the standard G17 size and the MAG19-15 fits the G19-class firearms. With an individual price (as of now) of around $25, these aren’t cheap range magazines. The firm reports that they use a proprietary Delrin-blend “no-stick” follower, an enhanced baseplate with side cuts for extraction (if needed), steel-reinforced body and a 17-17 stainless spring. 

I’ll be interested to see how they work. 


 — Rich Grassi

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