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news

Down Range Radio Podcast by Michael Bane

bane_01Long time gun writer and TV personality Michael Bane publishes a weekly podcast called Down Range Radio.  The show is a general firearms program that covers Second Amendment issues, product reviews, shooting, competition, Bane’s TV programs, and other bits of random things that may relate to music, outdoors, extreme sports, or even gang-bangers in Tampa, FL.

Each program is about an hour, and comes out on Wednesdays.

Podcasts, if you aren’t aware, are audio or video recordings published on the Internet in a fashion similar to syndicated radio or TV shows.  Most podcasts are free, and many are produced by the average guy or by a small business.  If you have a computer with an Internet connection, you can download and listen to podcasts.

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Categories
Handguns

Walther PK380 Pistol

The Walther PK380 pistol is a newest .380 ACP handgun for sale and is based on the very popular P22.  It is a compact handgun with a polymer frame.  The gun is hammer fired, not striker fired as many modern polymer guns are.

Walther PK380

These Walther pistols are not the tiny, subcompact pistols like the Ruger LCP.  Instead, the PK380 handguns are a little larger, which makes them easier to shoot.  By having a marginally larger size, the guns tend to be more reliable and can have features typically found on large handguns like a larger capacity and better sights.

The PK380 magazine will hold eight rounds, giving the shooter nine on tap before a reload.  Nine rounds is not a sure thing when it comes to stopping an attacker, but it is a darn sight better than the five rounds I carry in my J-frame revolver.

As I suggested earlier, the sights on the Walther P380 are much more visible than you might expect on a compact handgun.  They are configured in a three-dot sight system.  The sight radius is a very useable 5.4″.  A nice bonus is that the sights are made of steel instead of plastic.

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Categories
Ammunition Rifles

Remington 597 Rifles and .17 HMR Ammunition Recall

remington_logoRemington Arms Co. has announced a major rifle recall, and a serious warning on .17 HMR ammunition.  Remington is immediately recalling all of the Model 597 rifles chambered for the .17 HMR.  Remington is not offering any repairs, rather they are issuing coupons of $200-250 for a replacement Remington rifle and refunding the shipping costs of sending the rifle back.

Additionally, Remington announced that their .17 HMR ammunition is not to be used in semi-auto firearms.  Stating that the use of Remington .17 HMR ammunition in a semi-auto firearm “…could result in property damage or serious personal injury.”  People wanting to return the ammo will be issued $10 coupons for each box of 50 they return.

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Categories
Rifles

Stark Equipment SE-2 AR-15 Grips with Sling Mount

stark_se2_02Stark Equipment is now shipping their latest product, the SE-2 Sling Grip for AR-15 style rifles. The SE-2 is the first AR-15 pistol grip to be integrated with an ambidextrous sling mount.

The SE-2 is available in two versions. The Hook Mount provides a loop compatible with most common sling hooks.  The Swivel Mount allows the attachment of push-button sling swivels.

The SE-2’s sling mount is located above the hand and below the buffer tube, with a low profile design that stays out of the way of even fully collapsed M4-style stocks. When added to AR pistols, the SE-2 provides excellent one-handed control while providing sling attachment that doesn’t clutter up the receiver extension.

Extensive strength testing has been performed on the SE-2 to ensure a reliable attachment point that you can depend on.

Just like the original SE-1 Pistol Grip, the design of the SE-2 enhances weapon ergonomics and functionality, bringing M16, M4 and AR-15 style weapons to a higher level of control and comfort. The grip has been designed for a wide range of hand sizes and shooting demands. Features include a smooth integral trigger guard to increase comfort, textured surface for added grip and storage for batteries or other equipment.

The SE-2 Sling Grip is available in Black, Dark Earth and OD Green.

stark_se2_03

These grips are considered to be very good AR-15 grips by a number of people.  Mossberg is now using the Stark Equipment SE-1 grips on a number of their AR-15 (modern sporting rifles).  The grips feel good in the hand and these offer the benefit of having a quick-attach, quick-detach point for adding a sling.  These SE-2 grips are available in black, but other colors such as foliage green, olive drab, flat dark earth and more will likely be available in the near future.

Categories
news

Smith & Wesson Model 627 in .38 Super

The new S&W model 627 revolver in .38 Super.
The new S&W model 627 revolver in .38 Super.
The new S&W model 627 revolver in .38 Super.

Smith & Wesson introduced the limited edition model 627 in .38 Super.  This competition-caliber revolver features red, white and blue grips and a glass bead finish that give it a very distinctive look for both the range and the Sunday BBQ.

Designed and built by the Smith & Wesson Performance Center, the model 627 has a 5 1/2″ barrel with compensator, a Patridge front sight and adjustable rear sight.  And yes, it has an internal lock.

The S&W 627 comes with full-moon clips and a spent case removal tool.

The standard S&W model 627 is an eight-shot .357 Magnum.  This version is in .38 Super, a cartridge frequently associated with competition shooting in the United States.  Combined with the styling of this handgun, it would appear S&W is gearing this firearm for the competition market.

The model 627 is available to your dealer only through Birmingham-based Bangers distributor.  Pricing is set by the dealer, and no MSRP is given by Smith & Wesson.

Specifications:

  • Model: 627
  • Caliber: .38 Super
  • Capacity: 8 Rounds
  • Action: Single/Double Action
  • Barrel Length: 5 1/2″ Angled
  • Front Sight: Patridge
  • Rear Sight: S&W Adjustable
  • Overall Length: 11″
  • Weight: 45.5 oz.
  • Grip: Red, White, & Blue Wood
  • Material: Stainless Steel Frame and Cylinder
  • Finish: Glassbead

2013 Update

At this time, the S&W model 627 in .38 Super is no longer available through any normal channels.  The limited production gun was made only as a short run for the Bangers distributor, and no more were made.  The revolver is not listed in the Smith & Wesson catalog or on the company’s website.

Occasionally, a model 627 in .38 Super will come up for sale or auction on one of the internet gun sales sites, and a collector can find the guns there.  However, one can expect to pay a premium over the original price because of the relative rarity of the gun.  Do not expect to pick up a pristine, unfired gun on the cheap.