Gun Review

The complete BRN-180 ain’t cheap ($130-150 for the lower + $900 for the upper + parts), but it’s a great option if you’re in an AR-15 rut. The side charging handle and folding stock are eye-catchers at the range, and the rifle is reliable and accurate. While your buddies are building another AR-15 for their ever-expanding collection, branch out to something a little different and check out the BRN-180 from Brownells.

US military handguns have not been sold to citizens as surplus weapons in quite a long time. Given the current political climate, it’s really hard to tell how long the CMP will keep getting 1911s to sell. I am really happy with the pistol I received, and I believe you will be as well if you get one. If you’re a diehard 1911 fan, these are a must and they’re definitely worth the wait. It’s not every day that you can buy a real piece of history.

The FN 15 Tactical Carbine FDE P-LOK hasn’t garnered a lot of attention since its introduction a couple of years ago, and that’s a shame because this is one very well-conceived and executed rifle that you can buy at an affordable price.

At some point, any waterfowl hunter is attracted to the guns that have some type of wet fowl-weather durability. Browning’s Wicked Wing meets that tough demand with their Cerakote Burnt Bronze finish, synthetic stock and forearm, and a fully chromed bore.

The Micro 9 is essentially a “Honey, I shrunk the 1911” design, with a few subtle changes. It’s available in a rainbow of bright metallic finishes that are – if nothing else – very eye catching!

Under current conditions, buying any gun can be a challenge, and ammunition availability is even worse. One bright spot in the field is the venerable 12 gauge shotgun. Ammunition is in stock and selling for around normal retail, even if it is not present in unlimited quantities.

The Turnbull Winchester 1886 rifle we tested is a spectacular firearm. The color casehardening, in particular, is extraordinary. We had zero malfunctions, the rifle shot well, and carried nicely in the hand and in a saddle scabbard. Accuracy was good.

I got fairly excited when I discovered Magnum Research had developed a new version of the Desert Eagle, the Desert Eagle 429 Mark XIX, chambered in Magnum Research’s new .429 DE cartridge.

Smith & Wesson’s K-frame series is, without question, the most prolific series of revolvers ever produced. If my count is correct, Smith offers, at least 14 models based on the K-frame. Calibers includes .22 LR, .38 Special, .357 Magnum. However, the Queen of the K-frames is, and will always be the Model 19 Combat Magnum.