Sunday, December 28, 2008
Ruger Hawkeye & The .256 Win. Mag.
|
|
Occasionally, the handgun and ammo designers completely miss the mark with a new firearm and/or a new cartridge. They missed on both counts with the Ruger Hawkeye and the .256 Winchester Magnum cartridge. Introduced in the early 1960s and before the gun was available, the .256 was basically a necked-down .357 Magnum. Marlin made a nice little lever gun for the round, but it was primarily a handgun cartridge. Ruger addressed that role with a unique single shot pistol built on the Blackhawk revolver frame. Called the Hawkeye, the gun used a fixed barrel and a pivoting breechblock. For some unknown reason, it went over like a chicken-wire canoe. The shooting public just never saw the advantages of this as a varmint gun, although it delivered impressive performance: a 60-gr. roundnosed bullet at well over 2000 f.p.s. Since the Hawkeye was a manual feed gun, there were no cycling problems. It never caught on and both gun and cartridge lasted only briefly. The Thompson/Center Contender was the raging popular single-shot of the time and the Hawkeye may have been a bit awkward by comparison. However, I can remember a pleasant afternoon busting clay pigeons on the ground beyond the butts at my gun club with a scoped Hawkeye. Ranges were well beyond 120 meters.
|
|
|
|
|
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Background On The .38 Super
|
|
One of the curious anomalies of cartridge design is the .38 Super. It came along in the late 1920s, when law enforcement was concerned about punching through the heavy steel of automobile bodies of that day. That is an understandable concern, but the means of getting it done is decidedly strange. The .38 Super is the same cartridge (dimensionally) as the earlier .38 ACP. It is just loaded much hotter. It works OK, but was never well known for accuracy. That's because it used an unusual semi-rimmed case that headspaced on a small shelf in the chamber. The Super got a major lease on life when Irv Stone of Bar-Sto developed a proper barrel that headspaced on the case mouth. I recall the day I went to the range with a new Commander in .38 Super. With the original factory barrel, the gun shot about a 12” group at 25 yds.; with the Bar-Sto in place, it was about an inch. Colt's own barrels are now made to headspace like the Bar-Sto. By the way, never shoot .38 Super ammo in one of the original .38 ACP pistols.
|
|
|
|
|
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
The Underappreciated S&W 386
|
|
Hi Wiley, I have seen alot about cc handguns all over wednesday night at the range and in the American Rifleman mag. But everyone seems to over look the S&W modle 386. This handcun is realy a great carry gun. Mine weighs 17.8 OZ and it is a seven shot revolver. Even the new Ruger 327 boast about having a 6th round. But the 386 has 7.My P90 holds 8 but the mag only holds 7. So I am thinking why doesn't Smith advertise this handgun more. I can carry it in my front pocket or in a strong side holster and it is so light that it is a pleasure to carry. Most seam to like the autos but when they go out they don't carry them because of weight? What is your thought about the S&W 386?? Thanks Jim
|
|
|
|
|
Monday, December 22, 2008
Recommedations For .32s
|
|
I've always carried a revolver for conceal and carry use (.38 Rossi Model 88, .357 S&W Model 19) but now find myself needing a much smaller and easier to conceal weapon. I have been looking at .32's (auto) but haven't found anyone who actually carries one for self protection. Most of my non-wheel gun friends carry 9mm pistols which are, quite frankly, at least as large, with rough edges, as my Rossi. I must have a very small pistol which has driven me towards the .32. Any thoughts on this chambering for self-defense (primary) recommended. Any specific auto .32 recommendations also greatly appreciated. Thanks, John
|
|
|
|
|
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Likes Big-Bore Double Actions For Defense
|
|
Hello Wyley, I just want your opinion on my opinion. I work with several younger folks that have or are pursuing CCL's here in Texas and we discuss the best choice in pistols often. I advise that a big bore double action revolver is best because they are less expensive and, typically, very reliable. I have stated that the charter arms revolver with the stretched cylinder to chamber the .410 shell would be best with every other chamber loaded with a .410 shell, the remainder of course would contain a .45 LC with a 250 grain RN lead bullet. A hammer shroud should be fabricated if snagging is a concern. I just don't see carrying a .380 or 9 MM. I think if you must carry a semi-auto it should be a .45 ACP but I would rather depend on a reliable double acting revolver than figit with the gadgets of a semi-auto. It seems to me that most situations are going to be within 5 feet or less and the best thing is to just get it pointed in the right direction and fire ASAP with maximum tissue damage resulting. I don't think the typical situation would require more than 5 rounds as long as they are effective rounds. None of us ever want to be forced into the situation but if we ever are I think it will more likely be akin to a fist fight, if you worry about more, then carry a long gun. Just an inexperienced idiot asking you to share your thoughts or discuss further. Thanks.
|
|
|
|
|
Friday, December 19, 2008
Ruling On The Judge
|
|
Hello Mr. Clapp I am considering buying a pistol for general household protection and occasional grouse shooting. I am interested in pure function only - for this pistol. Are these worth having? I understand they come in a 3" - 6.5" barrell. And are chambered in 2.5" and 3". Give an opinion if you would. Thanks much. J.R.
|
|
|
|
|
Friday, December 19, 2008
What's A .45 American?
|
|
Anybody ever hear of a cartridge called the 45 American? I believe I read some Thompson Submachine Guns were chambered for this cartridge. Can anyone confirm this?
|
|
|
|
|
Friday, December 19, 2008
Storage Advice For High-Polish Blue Pistols
|
|
What is the best method to store quality pistols such as the Python and Hi-powers with high gloss blueing, as I believe long term storage in holsters is detrimental to the blueing?
|
|
|
|
|
Friday, December 19, 2008
"Judging" Low Brass Shell Reliability
|
|
As per your usual standards, your most recent article on the Taurus Judge was very good. However, having somehow missed your original article, I was looking for a mention of a situation I ran into with one of the "original issue" revolvers purchased by my neighbor. Not being familiar with this "new" revolver, I greatfulkly accompanied my neighbor out to our favorite shooting area to try out his new "snake pistol". I was impressed, to say the least, escept for one slight short-coming. My neighbor, sometimes being a little too "price conscious" had brought along two types of .410 shells, while I was supplying the .45's. Everything was fine as long as we were shooting good Winchester "high brass" shells. However, when my neighbor loaded in some economy "short brass" .410 shells, a problem developed. It seemed that the shorter brass collar expanded in the chamber to such an extent that the spent shells were extremely difficult to eject. For what it's worth, I thought I would mention it....and, yes, Wiley, I am that "punk kid" that went to work for OCSO in '72.
|
|
|
|
|
Friday, December 19, 2008
Modern Handguns As Investments
|
|
I've just sold my Ruger single six and Glock 27 and I'm looking to replace them with another handgun and leaning toward a 22 LR semi-auto but would consider maybe a .17 or larger caliber. I would use the 22 at the range and the other for home protection. Since I probably will have minimum range time, I would even consider the FNH PS90. From an investment standpoint (your experience here would be broader than mine),which handgun would be a good choice?
|
|
|
|
|
|