Good ideas often start in the strangest places, like the middle of a ground blind amongst a swarm of hungry mosquitoes at a Texas hog hunt. That’s where Evin Galbraith of DPMS and Travis Noteboom of Crimson Trace decided that the smoke from a good cigar was preferable to donating blood to the ravaging mosquitoes. And with the inspiration of that cigar, they also decided that a pre-accessorized AR-style rifle was a pretty good idea.dpms2The AR-15...

It seems the overwhelming majority of tactical rifles available on today’s market are chambered in 7.62×51mm (.308), and it’s easy to understand why. The fact that it’s a NATO round generally means it’s readily available around the world and theoretically, one of the most accessible calibers here in the States. It is also a cartridge that has been carried in the US military’s logistical system for over 50 years, and since it’s adoption as the military’s...

Little guns seldom make big news, but the Ruger LCP .380 ACP changed the rules. Many wondered what direction Ruger would move after they entered the polymer-frame handgun arena with their 2007 introduction of the striker-fired SR9 9mm. That question was answered during 2008 with the introduction of the ultra-compact LCP (Light Compact Pistol) .380 ACP. A true “watch fob” pistol that can slip comfortably into even the tightest pocket, yet ischambered...

Taking a quick trip over to the Cabela’s website I found that Remington UMC 9mm FMJ ammunition could be had for $78.99 for 250 rounds. By comparison, the .223 UMC ammunition was $154.99 for 300 rounds. This makes the 9mm essentially 30 cents a round while the .223 was about 50 cents per shot. If a person could train with an AR platform rifle chambered in 9mm, they could save 20 cents per trigger pull.cmmg2Well, guess what? You can have an AR/M4...

Tactical Solutions has become the “go to” company for a variety of .22 caliber conversions, Ruger 10/22 barrels, and a host of accessories. In the past year I have had an opportunity to evaluate their 1911 and M4 conversion units, and both products represent the company’s commitment to quality. In a recent conversation with Chet Alvord, owner of Tactical Solutions, I learned of a mission-specific rifle they are making for law enforcement.tacThe...

There was a day when customizing a shotgun meant sawing off the barrel (either double-barrel or pump), sawing off the stock into a pistol grip or both. The idea was to make the 18- or 20-inch police “riot gun” more tactical. The modifications seemed sound, that is until you fired a short-barreled double or pump or a pistol-gripped version. Notions of a sawed off shotgun being an alley sweeper were soon dispelled when you found out that without sights...

M4 type carbines are a very hot ticket for law enforcement and civilian self-defense these days. They are light, handy, compact and offer a greater level of performance than any pistol caliber carbine. Due to this fact, many law enforcement agencies are changing over from pistol caliber submachine guns for SWAT use to M4A1 type carbines. For patrol, a semi-automatic version of the M4A1 is an ideal choice. Ammunition parts and accessories are plentiful...