Column

Learning to be competent with a gun isn’t rocket science, but it is going to require some hard work on your part. And there are no shortcuts.

This is probably not a surprise to any of my regular readers, but I am a bit of an optics snob. I played sniper professionally for most of my military career, and that left a distinct mark when it comes to glass. According to the data, Vortex was the glass of choice for an astounding 73 percent of those in the top 15 slots in PRS 2015. Enter the Vortex Razor HD Gen II.

I am a hater of Weaver style bases, and I will make no apologies. If I could wave my magic wand and make one firearms accessory disappear, it would be anything with a Weaver slot. Why so hateful? Glad you asked.

Warning: This topic tends to polarize people. I don’t mean to make any enemies with my opinion, but if we become friends because of what you read here, then that’s great!

A controversial topic to some, this week we are going to talk about the truck gun concept.

The debate between rail-mounted options for lights for handguns or handheld is similar to asking: What came first? The chicken or the egg? It’s a topic that can make even the calmest pistoleros wound up. Luckily companies like CrimsonTrace, Viridian, Laserlight and many others offer high-quality options for whatever a shooter’s preference may be.

The first thing that comes to mind when someone says Steiner to most U.S. veterans is the ubiquitous Steiner 10×50 binoculars. These were a staple in every unit I ever served in, and had a great reputation for clarity and toughness. German glass is legendary in sniper circles for clarity and lack of imperfections. I was never issued a Steiner, but I had enough of the other Kraut options to know I should jump at the chance to test a myriad of Steiner glass.

Let’s say, for a moment, that all the rifles in citizens’ hands disappeared today. What would be the easiest way for some hoodrat to get a “scary rifle,” not only with all the features Feinstein hates but with a giggle switch and a hi-cap mag to boot? I have that answer for you.

In the realm of defensive handgun the most commonly neglected area is in weapon manipulations for malfunctions and reloads. Many people are exceptional shots, but if their gun goes unexpectedly quiet, an internal “oh crap” surfaces and the scramble begins.