Feature Articles

Red dots on pistols continues to be one of the strongest trends in the industry, which leads to some incredible developments. Much like electronics in other consumer spaces, it doesn’t take long for what was once only an option for the rich to make its way down to us mortals. It wasn’t that long ago that an HD TV cost a fortune, with very few brand options. Now you would be hard-pressed to find a television that wasn’t HD, including the sub $200 models at Best Buy or Walmart. As goes TV’s, now so goes slide mounted red dots.

The Hellcat Pro is poised to be that in-between Goldilocks pistol that can serve equally well as a concealed carry handgun and a duty gun worn openly OWB.

Heritage Manufacturing proves that if you do one thing well enough, you can make a fortune doing it. Heritage makes the Rough Rider Revolver and has for decades. They’ve taken that same gun and spun it into a wide variety of models and platforms with numerous barrel lengths. On the long side, we have the Heritage Manufacturing Ranch Rifle, and on the short side, we have the Barkeep. With its teeny tiny 2-inch barrel.

Why do soldiers fight? The movies and government propagandists would have us believe it is for grand causes. Young folk go to war to free people from oppression or defend their homeland against soulless invaders. To a degree that is true. Soldiers may indeed go to war for such stuff as this. However, what keeps them in the suck is invariably their friends.

Thermal optics have long been the domain of the, uh, not poor. While some people have a job that can justify the upfront cost, it has not been a realistic option for the masses. Granted, prices have gone down. But not down to the point of accessibility to the masses. Until now.

I have enjoyed a great relationship with Springfield Armory for over 25 years. Over that time, I have watched them introduce many new products, improve quality, take some pretty substantial risks, and grow as a company. It is safe to say that they produce some of the best production 1911 pistols on the market. The Ronin EMP is only the latest in that line.

In my opinion, perhaps the hottest new gun of 2021 is a rimfire. Introduced last month, the new FNH 502 has proven to be everything we needed for this day and age. Why am I, usually the tactical nerd for GunsAmerica Digest, so hot and bothered for a pistol that shoots 22 LR? Well mostly because I have purchased ammunition in the last two years. And even before that, I was very intrigued by the idea of a training pistol in a cheaper caliber. The FNH delivers in a way no one else has to date.

When you are looking to combine a high-quality optic with a decent price point, then Primary Arms is likely your go-to. They make great products that don’t break the bank. The Primary Arms GLx comes in at a mid-tier price but packs Tier 1 performance. This variable optic came to me at the perfect time. Rifle season begins soon, and I have a freezer empty of venison and a new Savage Impulse Predator, with an empty optic’s rail. The GLx presented a modern solution to a modern problem.

A relative newcomer to the body armor market, Predator Armor is based in Delta, Utah, where it makes and sells body armor plates, plate carriers, and other accessories. When I was asked if I might review some of the Predator product line, I thought to myself, “Body Armor? Me?”