Gun Review

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.

Even a quick glance tells you this is not your granddaddy’s lever rifle. The new Henry Big Boy X rifle is a modern refresh of the iconic lever-action rifle design, boosting performance and versatility to entirely new levels.

For anyone that didn’t grab a gun before now, ithe SKS should not be overlooked. SKS rifles are still available, albeit 2020 price is closer to $350 or $400. Even at that though, it gets you a semi-auto rifle that does a pretty decent job in combat terms.

The XDE from Langdon Tactical Technologies is a heck of a shooter. Springfield Armory built a terrific little hammer-fired gun, and Ernest Langdon perfected it.

In my opinion, the K6 series of revolvers are some of the best personal defense revolvers on the market. In a world of polymer wonder nines, I appreciate that Kimber has dedicated significant resources to designing and manufacturing a solid wheelgun.

I consistently say that I try to judge a gun by how well I can shoot it, not by specs and rested accuracy results. On that scale, it has excelled. And that, my friends, is what we want from a top-shelf 1911 handgun – and it’s what Dan Wesson delivers with the TCP.