Gun Review

I will admit, I was hesitant to see what a Springfield Armory bolt action might produce when it was announced late last year. It’s not that Springfield Armory isn’t capable, it’s that the bolt action market is both finicky and saturated.

This is an expensive gun, but what’s the saying in drag racing when people say how much does it cost? How fast do you want to go? The price point will keep many people away, but for what it is – a dead-nuts-accurate-competition-ready .22LR rifle – many others will view the cost as the price of admission to speed down the .22LR drag way. As the great Ricky Bobby said, “If you ain’t first, you’re last.”

Late last month, we had a chance to attend an industry event full of the new hotness. With the cancelation of SHOT SHOW for 2021, Bergara opted to do something a little different with the marketing budget for the year. Can’t show off the goods at a booth in Vegas? Well, then how about a traveling roadshow where you actually get to shoot! Not only did we get to actually go hands-on with all the toys in the lineup for 2021, but I also lost zero dollars to a slot machine, which I count as a win all around.

Hammer-fired handguns look beautiful, they’re incredibly easy to shoot but something in me seems to believe they’re becoming dated platforms. I know many people are going to stop reading right now but hear me out.

Those who have followed my writing over the years will, no doubt, remember that I am a self-avowed Smith J-frame addict. That being said, more than one friend has encouraged me to take a serious look at Ruger’s little LCR. This assignment was just the nudge I needed.

I find the standard Government 1911 too heavy for concealed carry; I prefer to carry a 1911 that is lighter, while just as accurate and reliable as it’s bigger cousins. I found one in the Springfield Armory’s new Ronin Operator 4.25”.

All in all, I find the RDB Defender to be a fine gun for certain applications. As a backpack gun, it is fabulous. Compact, light, and it stows easily in a bag. As a home defender, it is also A-okay in my book. The short length overall lends itself to being a good nightstand gun. Would it be my first choice to take back to Tal Afar? No, but KelTec also didn’t intend it for that. For the money, and the purpose, this is the little blaster that could.

I recently evaluated the Ruger LCR in .38 Special. As a follow-up, I wanted to evaluate the LCR in .22 LR. eing a fan of the Smith & Wesson J-frame, I am fortunate to own a Model 43C which is also chambered in .22 LR. This review also gave me an opportunity to compare the LCR with the Smith.

The new Springfield XD-M Elite Compact OSP is a mouthful to say but a joy to shoot. I’ve got to be honest, before Springfield sent me this pistol to review, I had little to no experience with their handgun offerings aside from their 1911’s. After unboxing this handgun I was incredibly excited to see how it compares to the pistols I’m more accustomed to.