Justin Opinion

The KRISS Vector revolutionized the pistol caliber carbine concept with the release of the first model, chambered in .45 ACP. A carbine in .45 ACP wasn’t very revolutionary – even Bonnie and Clyde had one of those – but what was revolutionary was the operating design of the Vector.

The evaluation copy of the Combat Unit came to me chambered in 9mm. It is also offered in the traditional .45 ACP. What you get from 9mm is an extra round of capacity from a standard sized magazine, and less recoil. Much less recoil in fact, because shooting 9mm in a 40-ounce handgun almost feels like it should have an orange muzzle. Add in the inherent ergonomics of the 1911 and the brilliant extras added by Colt and it’s downright fun.

When it comes to rifles in the U.S., none has ever been more popular than the AR-15. I personally think that one of the reasons for the mind-numbing popularity of the AR-15 is because the platform has a military-proven pedigree, can be had at a reasonable price, and is ear-to-ear-smile fun all day long. It makes perfect sense then, that Ruger would make it a point to market an AR rifle for everyday Americans – because providing quality affordable guns to mainstream America is what Ruger does. And it did it with the AR-556.

And that, my friends, is when you start looking at Dillon Precision, because Dillon is for the serious reloader.

“Elite” has become a popular buzzword these days. Everyone either wants to be elite or hate anyone or anything that is elite. But to abide by the dictionary, one of the principle meanings of the word is simply, “the best of a class”. I can’t think of a better description for the SIG Sauer P220 Match Elite in 10mm.

Hearing damage, on the other hand, is a very real and tangible problem. Worse, hearing damage is cumulative and irreparable.

The Taurus Judge was a controversial handgun when it was presented, and remains so today to a degree. But even the most skeptical nay-sayers raised at least one eyebrow and the notion of a fairly small revolver that could fire .45 Colt and .410 shotshells in whatever order or manner the owner saw fit.

To be taken seriously in any high-stakes 1911 debate, you must know when to raise an eyebrow in approval and when to scoff. And if you want to raise the collective blood pressure and volume level of everyone in the room, just say three words: “polymer framed 1911”. Okay, the last one was really a number, but you know what I mean. But, with a gun like the Witness 1911P from EAA, we may want to reconsider this reaction.

I’ll share my Christmas list with you, just for fun – or in case you’re looking for ideas of your own to begin hinting at – or maybe because there is an enthusiast on your list and you need ideas. Whatever the interest, here are the top five that come to mind for me this season.