LEARN ALL ABOUT LASERS: WHAT BRAND, WHAT COLOR, AND WHY
CONCEALED CARRY ISSUE ///SHOWDOWN THE SINGLE STACK 9MM
THE GUNS OF 2 GUNS THE IDPA BACK-UP GUN NATIONALS Find Out What Guns Were Used and Which Ones Were Winners TRAIN UP: WHAT, WHERE, AND WHEN FROM SOME OF THE TOP TRAINERS
JANUARY 2014 GUNUP.COM CARRY ON.
Mark Kresser, Taurus President & CEO
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/TaurusUSA @taurususa CarryOnMovement.com CONTENTS
FEATURES
GUNS OF 10 2 GUNS Mark Wahlberg and Denzel Washington tore up the big screen in this $27-million-dollar blockbuster. GunUp the Magazine staff writer Peter Barrett walks us through the !rearms used in 2 Guns.
SPOTLIGHT: 16 SINGLE STACK 9S A side-by-side comparison of the Beretta Nano, the Kahr PM9, the SIG Sauer P938 and the Smith & Wesson Shield. Each gun has been objectively ranked on size, shootability and the accessories available.
THE LASER 22 CONNECTION Lasers can be a very bene!cial addition to any defensive !rearm. Zack Carlson walks us through some of the different options.
IMPROVE YOUR GAME
CONDITIONAL 10 26 THE GUNS CONCEALED CARRY OF 2 GUNS In this month’s workout article Jordan Miller works our own “guns” with these bicep and tricep workouts that will keep your arms ready for recoil control.
DEFENSIVE 30 HANDGUN 101: GET TRAINED Training is an important part of concealed carry. Here, we take a look at some of the different classes that are available from some of the top training academies around the country.
MASTERING THE 34 REVOLVER RELOAD Reloading a revolver is completely different, and maybe just a little bit more complicated, than reloading 16 a semi-automatic handgun. Rob THE 9MM Reed takes us through the steps SHOWDOWN necessary to perform a good revolver reload.
4 GUNUP.COM | JANUARY 2014
CONTENTS
TRAVEL GUNUP ON FACEBOOK WHAT’S GOING ON AROUND GUNUP? 2013 IDPA INAUGURAL 38 BUG NATIONALS The !rst International Defensive Pistol Association Back-Up Gun Nationals were held this year in Spring!eld, Massachusetts. We give readers a chance to explore Spring!eld and learn about this unique match.
THE GREATEST GEAR
5 QUESTIONS EVERY 44 CONCEALED CARRIER ASKS ONCE Photo Credit: Yamil Sued, hotgunshots.com Yamil Photo Credit: How does one pick out a concealed GUNUP AT THE INAUGURAL IDPA BUG NATIONALS carry holster? What about Our General Manager, Caleb Giddings, places second Master in the Revolver ammunition? Learn all this and more division at the 2013 IDPA BUG Nationals. He was shooting his Smith & as we explore some of the basic Wesson 640 Pro Series. questions of concealed carry. 48 CONCEALED CARRY: STATISTICS OR GUNUP THE MAGAZINE EMOTIONAL? MOBILE Staff writer Anette Wachter asks Look for GunUp the Magazine in the question of whether concealed the iTunes store, in the Google carry is statistical or emotional, and Play store for Andriod devices, and explores her own feelings while on Amazon for the Kindle Fire. providing advice on some of the different options for concealed carry.
Contributors
(WRITER) (WRITER) (WRITER) (WRITER) (WRITER) (WRITER) ROB ZACK PETER ANETTE JORDAN CALEB REED CARLSON BARRETT WACHTER MILLER GIDDINGS www.examiner.com www.thegunbench.com www.papadeltabravo.com www.30calgal.com www.run2gun.com gunupthemagazine.com Rob Reed is a NRA Zack Carlson is Peter Barrett has Anette Wachter, aka Starting at a young Caleb Giddings is Training Counselor a !rearm and been a street sweep, 30CalGal, picked age, Jordan Miller a gun writer and in the Detroit area. accessories critic a dishwasher, an up long range developed a driving competitive shooter He writes as the based in Northern underpaid computer shooting in 2009 passion for both based out of Sioux Michigan Firearms Idaho. He is most geek, and he even and within two years hunting and sports. Falls, SD. When Examiner and known for his many owned a video was invited to try His dedication to his not shooting guns Detroit Gun Rights !rearm podcast game store, but he out with the US physical !tness paid or writing about Examiner at appearances. has always been Ri"e Team. In 2011 off in the form of them, he is probably www.examiner.com. Zack’s fans a shooter. Active Anette won the BC accolades, medals, asleep. appreciate his in USPSA, IDPA, Ri"e Championship and a collegiate insight into the multigun and also and took three scholarship to play !rearms industry a collector of curios National records. In basketball; but due to his day and relics, he has 2012 her US Team most importantly, job at Lone Wolf yet to !nd a shooting Hayes took the it resulted in a life- Distributors. discipline that wasn’t Silver Medal at US long commitment interesting to him. Nationals and then to physical !tness SUBSCRIBE TO GUN UP THE MAGAZINE He lives in central went on to South and healthy living. To get free copies of GunUp the Magazine digital North Carolina Africa and came Jordan not only delivered to your email inbox every month, simply with his wife, two home with several trains champion join the community at www.GunUp.com. children, an elderly US Team Medals. !tness competitors Sign up for print subscriptions online at retriever and an You can follow her and models, he is www.gunupthemagazine.com, by emailing uppity cat. competitions at a men’s physique [email protected], or call 206-445-7051. www.30calgal.com. competitor himself.
6 GUNUP.COM | JANUARY 2014
CONTENTS
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
While some gun owners do own !rearms life, and I for one don’t believe it’s time to be and most importantly, carry your gun. Con- speci!cally for sporting purposes, there are short or cheap. cealed carry is as important of a decision as GUN SAFETY FOUR BASIC RULES very few enthusiasts who are not intense- Investing in good equipment and valuable eating right and exercising often, but make ly interested in self-defense. For some this training is not as expensive or as time taking sure you do it right. may just mean home defense, but most gun as it sounds, but it is important to remem- 1 TREAT ALL GUNS AS IF THEY ARE LOADED. enthusiasts eventually decide to carry con- ber what’s on the line when you are buying cealed. and training for self-defense. Choosing to 2 KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL It’s an important decision, and a big one. protect yourself and your family is a good YOUR SIGHTS ON THE TARGET. Carry concealed is a lifestyle choice, and decision, but choosing to do it poorly can be Shelley Sargent, Editor can be a big change for some. By choosing worse than not doing it at all. [email protected] 3 NEVER POINT A GUN AT ANYTHING YOU’RE to concealed carry you are choosing to in- Get training, learn how to be a responsible NOT WILLING TO SHOOT. vest time and money in preserving your own gun owner, practice, buy good equipment,
4 ALWAYS BE AWARE OF YOUR TARGET AND PRODUCTION TO ADVERTISE GunUp the Magazine is published monthly by GunUp WHAT IS BEYOND IT. DAN HALL, as Papi Greco For information on rates and advertising Publishing, LLC, a subsidiary of GunUp, Inc. Copyright 2013, in GunUp the Magazine, contact GunUp Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction or CALEB GIDDINGS, as Michael ‘Stig’ Stigman Caleb Giddings at [email protected]. transmission in whole or in part by any means without written permission is prohibited. Opinions expressed in GunUp the Magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. GunUp FOR REVIEWS OR the Magazine, GunUp Publishing LLC, GunUp Inc, its af!liates, EDITORIAL PRODUCT PLACEMENT employees, contributors, writers, editors, and publisher accept SHELLEY SARGENT, as Waitress Maggie For information on reviews or product no responsibility for inaccuracies, errors or omissions in the JOANN ARBACH, as Deb placement, contact Shelley Sargent at information and/or advertisements contained herein. The [email protected]. publisher assumes no responsibility for the claims made by Contributing Writers: advertisers or the merits of products or services advertised in Peter Barrett, Zack Carlson, GunUp the Magazine. The publisher makes no representations Caleb Giddings, Jordan Miller, TO SUBSCRIBE or warranties of any kind, expressed or implied, as to the Rob Reed, Anette Wachter To get free copies of GunUp the information, services, contents, trademarks, patents, materials Magazine digital delivered to your or products included in the magazine. All images reproduced email inbox every month simply join the in GunUp the Magazine have been accepted by the publisher community at www.GunUp.com. on the condition that such images are reproduced with the ART knowledge and prior consent of the photographers and/ Sign up for print subscriptions online WE BELIEVE IN SAFETY FIRST. STEVE RUML, as Robert “Bobby” Trench or other creator of the subject. As such, the publisher is not [email protected] at www.gunupthemagazine.com, by responsible for any infringement of the copyright otherwise emailing [email protected], or arising from any publication in GunUp the Magazine. Printed call 206-445-7051. in the USA. ADDRESS SUBSCRIPTION REQUESTS AND CORRESPONDENCE TO GunUp the Magazine, 230 S Phillips Back issues may be ordered by emailing Ave Ste. 307, Sioux Falls, SD 57104. Email: publishing@ [email protected]. gunup.com or telephone 206-445-7051.
8 GUNUP.COM | JANUARY 2014 GUN SAFETY FOUR BASIC RULES
1 TREAT ALL GUNS AS IF THEY ARE LOADED.
2 KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL YOUR SIGHTS ON THE TARGET.
3 NEVER POINT A GUN AT ANYTHING YOU’RE NOT WILLING TO SHOOT.
4 ALWAYS BE AWARE OF YOUR TARGET AND WHAT IS BEYOND IT.
WE BELIEVE IN SAFETY FIRST. FEATURES
10 GUNUP.COM | JANUARY 2014 PHOTO CREDIT PATTI PERRET. © UNIVERSAL PICTURES THE GUNS OF 2 GUNS
2 GUNS An explosive action !lm that tracks two operatives (Washington and Wahlberg) from competing bureaus who are forced on the DENZEL WASHINGTON, AS ROBERT run together. “BOBBY” TRENCH WITH HIS RUGER REDHAWK IN .44 MAGNUM.
/// THE GUNS OF 2GUNS BY PETER BARRETT www.papadeltabravo.com
ilm critics keep telling us that the modern movie industry is in a creative F death spiral of remakes, reboots and sequels. Hollywood’s in a rut and there’s nothing new anymore, apparently. But do we really go to the movies for something new and unique every single time? Is that even possible? Authors, after all, only have three, seven, 20, 36 or one basic plots to choose from, depending on whose English class you fell asleep in. Let me put it another way: if you have a favorite sandwich at the corner deli, do you feel bad about ordering it again? Of course not!
GUNUP.COM | JANUARY 2014 11 FEATURES
2 Guns isn’t exactly Oscar worthy haute Third Generation Smith & Wesson automatic /// THE GUNS OF 2GUNS cuisine, it’s more like Mom’s home cookin’. was popular with a number of law enforce- You might have had it a dozen times before, ment agencies and continues to be issued Icelandic director Baltasar Kormákur’s 2 but you still enjoy every bite. For fans of by the LAPD on request. An old school, Guns only received lukewarm critical re- gun cinema, 2 Guns is a thick slab of juicy double action, all steel automatic is exactly views, but absolutely raked it in at the box meatloaf with a side of whipped potatoes what you’d expect a veteran cop to carry. of!ce, with a $27 million opening weekend. and gravy, and some blackberry cobbler for In contrast to the cool and collected While 2 Guns retraces a lot of action movie dessert. Do you love comfort food? Me too, Trench, undercover Naval Intelligence Of- ground with its themes of undercover cops let’s dig in. !cer Michael Stigman, played by Mark gone too deep, double and triple crosses, Wahlberg, affects a cocky and young ar- corruption, and the drug trade, it does so rogance. Stigman is immediately portrayed with a level of craft and attention to detail as an expert shot with a pistol, pulling off a that’s far beyond what you’d expect. The feat of marksmanship against some chick- verbal sparring between Denzel Washing- ens while fanning a chromed Single Action ton and Mark Wahlberg is excellent and Army clone. Appropriately, he carries a Kim- engaging, the villains are truly menacing, ber Warrior 1911, de!nitely an enthusiast’s the plot moves along snappily, the !lm is SMITH & WESSON 4506 "awlessly shot, the audio work is outstand- ing, and most importantly for the readers of this magazine, the gun!ghts are thrilling, The movie’s !rst big action sequence in- feel authentic, and the selection of !rearms volves a well-planned and executed bank used in the movie is at once sensible and heist, where our heroes make off with a unique. The !lm’s armorer noted that !f- truck full of what they believe is drug mon- ty-!ve different !rearms !ring almost ten ey. Denzel Washington, playing DEA agent thousand rounds were used in production, Robert “Bobby” Trench, is !rst seen with a KIMBER WARRIOR 1911 and it shows. Smith & Wesson 4506 pistol. The stainless
12 GUNUP.COM | JANUARY 2014 PHOTO CREDIT PATTI PERRET. © UNIVERSAL PICTURES THE GUNS OF 2 GUNS
RUGER REDHAWK .44 MAGNUM RUGER SP101 choice. Born from the Marine Corps SO- the use of rogue Naval Intelligence Of!cer when Quince’s men show up to Stigman’s COM contract competition, the Warrior fea- Harold Quince’s henchmen. Observed in the apartment, they are equipped with MP5K- tures an accessory rail on the dust cover, movie both with threaded barrels and sup- PDWs, identi!able by their triangle side-fold- and omits the !ring pin block and full length pressors, the Mk25 variant is an authentic ing stock and a !xed vertical foregrip. Later recoil spring guide rod found on other Kim- choice as it is currently an issued sidearm on Quince’s henchmen are seen with more ber Series II models. to SEALs. The Mk25 also features a picatin- H&Ks, this time the HK416 10” carbine. De- Two Ruger revolvers have starring roles. ny accessory rail and special anti-corrosion veloped by mating the G36’s short stroke After being left for dead in the desert, Trench treatment to the internal components. gas piston with the AR-15 platform, the relieves a freelance border patrolman of his Stigman also selects a SIG early on in the HK416 was instantly popular with special Ruger Redhawk .44 Magnum revolver. A movie, an SG556 DMR precision ri"e, com- forces and SWAT teams across the globe. heavy duty double action design, the Red- plete with bipod, laser, and mil-dot scope. Made famous as the gun that killed Osama hawk has a reputation of both improved Derived from the Swiss Army 550 series, Bin Laden, the HK416 seems destined for strength and lower cost compared to its the 556 was modi!ed for the U.S. market years of Hollywood fame. Smith & Wesson competition. We also see to use AR-15 magazines and furniture, as Speaking of unique AR variants, make sure a Ruger SP101 repeatedly used during in- Stigman’s ri"e is !tted with a Magpul PRS you take a good look at the ARs used by terrogation by Earl, the ruthless CIA agent, adjustable stock. Earl’s bodyguards in the !nal shootout. Not intensely played with a "awless Southern It just wouldn’t be an action movie with- content with vanilla M4s or cobbled togeth- accent by Bill Paxton. A small 5-shot .38 out H&K MP5 9mm submachine guns, and er prop guns, the !lm’s armorer went all out Special revolver, the SP101 has enjoyed much success as a competitor to Smith & Wesson’s various J-frame revolvers. In the climactic shootout, Trench and Stig- man equip a SIG Sauer P226 and a Heckler & Koch HK45C respectively. The product of a stillborn Pentagon project to replace the US military’s various handguns, the HK45 was developed from the USP series with the guidance of legendary shooters and in- structors Larry Vickers and Ken Hackathorn. While not adopted by the military, the HK45 and its variants enjoyed good success in the police and civilian market. Trench’s P226 is unique in that it is !nished in SIG’s short- lived electroless nickel !nish, which was offered as a more corrosion-resistant alter- native to the then traditional blued or car- bonized !nishes. More SIG Sauer P226s are also featured in
GUNUP.COM | JANUARY 2014 13 FEATURES THE GUNS OF 2 GUNS
and sourced Noveske Ri"eworks N4 Diplo- mats for the movie. Developed for the needs /// THE GUNS OF 2GUNS of overseas VIP protection in war zones, the N4 is a natural choice for the shady private military company customer. The N4s are im- mediately identi!able by their 10-inch barrel, Vltor stocks, unique Noveske “Firepig” "ash suppressor, and Sure!re M900 weapon light and foregrip combination. While seen in Noveske’s promotional material with Aim- point red dot scopes, Earl’s men seem to prefer the EOTech holographic sight. SIG SAUER P226 HK45C Other action movie staples are issued M16A2s, Beretta M9s and M4A1 carbines seen in the hands of sailors guarding the Naval Air Station where Stigman and Trench go to confront Quince. Love interest and DEA agent Deb Rees (the jaw-droppingly gorgeous Paula Patton) carries and shoots a correct DEA-issue Glock 23. Edward James Olmos turns in a terri!c performance as drug kingpin Papi Greco, SG556 DMR and naturally he favors a chromed Taurus PT92FS automatic with pearl grips. His MR556 henchmen are equipped with the traditional weapon of disposable movie bad guys: AK variants, including !xed stocks and under- folders. In a deleted scene that really ought to have made the cut, Greco and his under-
BUY IT NOW AT THIS MR556 IS THE lings go to threaten Trench, armed with a GUNUP.COM/SHOP CIVILIAN-LEGAL VERSION two-toned SIG Sauer P229, a Ruger KP95, OF THE HK416. and a phone book. Two heavy weapons are seen in the !nal shootout, an RPG-7 rocket launcher that Quince uses to open the festivities, and an FN M240D 7.62 NATO belt-fed machine gun that Earl’s men !re from a helicopter. 2 Guns wraps up leaving the door wide open for a sequel, but so far there’s been no of!cial word from either the studio or the principals. It would be a shame to not revisit the electric chemistry between Wahlberg and Washington, but even if we don’t get a second helping of Kormákur’s meatloaf, 2 Guns has helped to raise the standards of cinematic gunplay. When even a mid-budget summer popcorn muncher brings this level of detail, atten- tion and authenticity to both its !rearms and how they are used, I believe we are in a golden age of gun!ght movies.
14 GUNUP.COM | JANUARY 2014 PHOTO CREDIT PATTI PERRET. © UNIVERSAL PICTURES COLT SPORTING RIFLE CSR-1516
WWW.COLTCOMPETITIONRIFLE.COM Colt Competition Rifles by Bold Ideas are licensed products of New Colt Holding Corp. 16 FEATURES THE GUN LOCKER GUNUP SHOWDOWN SINGLE STACK 9MM ///SPOTLIGHT PM9 has no external safety, external no has PM9 reaperfectly a through the gun, and proper technique. The culty can be overcome with practice, rounds dif! particular This some. for back lock to to access, although the slide can be dif!cult easy is lock slide The straightforward. tively er triggerpull. extremely smooth – comparable to a revolv also but light, relatively only not is pounds carry.six only at but long, is pull trigger The holster,right the incrediblyto is comfortable with and, conceal to easy incredibly is PM9 the lightweight, and Small category. “size” RANKING THE As far as handling goes, the PM9 is rela is PM9 the goes, handling as far As The Kahr PM9 scored incredibly high in the KAHR PM9 .COM | JANUARY 2014
KAHR PM9,SMITH&WESSONM&PSHIELD9,SIGSAUERP938,ANDTHEBERETTA NANO |
WHAT WELIKE - - - - KAHR PM9 . SPOTLIGHT: SINGLE STACK 9MM SHOWDOWN
BERETTA NANO SMITH & WESSON RANKINGS M&P SHIELD 9 RANKINGS SHOOTABILITY: THIRD* SHOOTABILITY: FIRST SIZE: THIRD SIZE: FOURTH ACCESSORIES: FOURTH ACCESSORIES: FIRST OVERALL: FOURTH OVERALL: SECOND MSRP: $445 MSRP: $449 *TIED WITH KAHR PM9
SIG SAUER P938 KAHR PM9 RANKINGS RANKINGS SHOOTABILITY: THIRD* SHOOTABILITY: FOURTH SIZE: FIRST SIZE: THIRD ACCESSORIES: SECOND** ACCESSORIES: SECOND* OVERALL: FIRST OVERALL: THIRD MSRP: $786 MSRP: $809 TO $838 *TIED WITH BERETTA NANO *TIED WITH KAHR PM9 **TIED WITH SIG SAUER P938
GUNUP.COM | JANUARY 2014 17 18 FEATURES THE GUN LOCKER GUNUP sories available for the PM9 as thereas PM9 the for available sories between drawand!re. step less one is there so pull, ger trig long its given decision sonable editor’s topchoice fordailycarry. our frequently is and side, expensive morethe on is it although gun, carry buyers. of lot a off turn will period break-in for some. However, the expense and to use, will make it an obvious choice needs thatkindofbreak-in period. arm, and many won’t trust a gun that !rewell-running a get to stoppages of rounds 250 through suffer to ing ly well, however not everyone is will break-in period the gun ran extreme that After testing. our in necessary found we which period, break-in a option foreveryone. over the Kahr. However, that’s not an Shield Wesson & Smith the for opt to them convince to enough be ably prob will difference price 300-dollar approximately the !rearm, larger ly For slight a carry to able are who those list. our on !rearm expensive most second the is Kahr the $786 around of MSRP an With expense. aftermarket parts forthePM9. and accessories !nd to easy very actually much it’s as available, be not may there while So parts. replacement and holsters providing website their on store a is There straightforward. quite guns their for accessories !nding makes Kahr competitors, its of some for are While there are not as many acces The Kahr is an excellent concealed excellent an is Kahr The is it easy how and size, Kahr’s The dictates also manual Kahr’s The its is drawback biggest Kahr’s The WHAT WEDON’TLIKE KAHR PM9 THE VERDICT KAHR PM9 .COM | JANUARY 2014
------otos ht ae adig ipe even simple, handling make that controls upon thegun’srelease. available widely were holsters and sights, lasers, as such accessories sure make to manufacturers many with closely worked Wesson & Smith this, of top On gun. carry go-to a as Shield the of popularity immense the to itself lends Wesson, & Smith name household from campaign marketing good lightest of the bunch. This, combined with a the pull, trigger 5.5-pound the to due tially par and size its to due partially shoot, to bunch the of gun easiest the was testing, h Sih Wso MP hed i our in Shield, M&P Wesson & Smith The h Sil as hs ayt-s basic easy-to-use has also Shield The SMITH &WESSONM&PSHIELD9 SHOWDOWN SINGLE STACK 9MM availability, parts availability and Warranty. and availability parts availability, may affect your purchasing decision: price, price, decision: purchasing your affect may Some things we didn’t taken into account that that account into taken didn’t we things Some were rankedthehighest. the with !rearms the and up, added were numbers These Comp-Tac CTAC Holster PHLster SkeletonHolster Blade-Tech NanoHolster Crimson Trace LaserGuard Sights HiViz XS Sights for agiven!rearm: the following accessories not available of each for granted was point a Then Overall Length Barrel Length Capacity Trigger Pull !rst placetofourthbasedon: from ranked was !rearms the of Each HOW THERANKINGSWORK Sight Radius Weight Overall Height Slide Width eet points fewest
- the group. of radius sight longest the Shield the gives and hands), large with those for (especially reduces recoil, makes the gun easier to grip also gun, concealment deep a for looking size, are who some increasedfor problem a be may which The owners. to gun blessing some a be may size the category, minish printing. di to means a as value carriers concealed some that pro!le the sleek helps a up maintain set Shield are they way the this, Despite owners. gun less-experienced for 4.6” Overall Height .95” Slide Width 6.1” Overall Length 3.1” Barrel Length 7+1 or8+1 Capacity 5.5 lbs Trigger Pull-Ranked1st Comp-Tac CTAC Holster PHLster SkeletonHolster Blade-Tech NanoHolster Crimson Trace LaserGuard Sights HiViz XS Sights 5.3” Sight Radius 19.0 oz Weight hl te hed crd o i te “size” the in low scored Shield the While M&P SHIELD9 SMITH &WESSON
|
WHAT WELIKE -Ranked3rd -Ranked1st -Ranked3rd Yes -Ranked1st -Ranked2nd Yes -Ranked4th -Ranked4th GUNUP.COM/SHOP BUY ITNOW AT total points
Yes Yes Yes Yes 19 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 4 3 4 2 1 1 1 - SPOTLIGHT: SINGLE STACK 9MM SHOWDOWN
SIG SAUER KAHR BERETTA P938 PM9 NANO
Trigger Pull - Ranked 4th Trigger Pull - Ranked 2nd Trigger Pull - Ranked 3rd 8.5 lbs 4 6.0 lbs 2 6.25 lbs 3 Capacity - Ranked 3rd Capacity - Ranked 3rd Capacity - Ranked 2nd 6+1 or 7+1 3 6+1 or 7+1 3 6+1 or 8+1 2 Barrel Length - Ranked 1st Barrel Length - Ranked 2nd Barrel Length - Ranked 2nd 3.0” 1 3.1” 2 3.1” 2 Overall Length - Ranked 3rd Overall Length - Ranked 1st Overall Length - Ranked 2nd 5.9” 3 5.4” 1 5.63” 2 Slide Width - Ranked 1st Slide Width - Ranked 2nd Slide Width - Ranked 3rd 1 2 3 .85” .90” .95” Overall Height - Ranked 1st Overall Height - Ranked 2nd Overall Height - Ranked 3rd 1 2 3 3.9” 4.0” 4.2”
Weight - Ranked 2nd 2 Weight - Ranked 1st 1 Weight - Ranked 4th 4 16.0 oz 14.0 oz 20.0 oz
Sight Radius - Ranked 4th 4 Sight Radius - Ranked 3rd 3 Sight Radius - Ranked 2nd 2 4.2” 4.6” 4.9” XS Sights Yes 0 XS Sights No* 1 XS Sights No 1 HiViz Sights No 1 HiViz Sights Yes 0 HiViz Sights No 1 Crimson Trace LaserGuard Yes 0 Crimson Trace LaserGuard Yes** 0 Crimson Trace LaserGuard Yes 0 Blade-Tech Nano Holster Yes 0 Blade-Tech Nano Holster Yes 0 Blade-Tech Nano Holster Yes 0 PHLster Skeleton Holster No 1 PHLster Skeleton Holster No 1 PHLster Skeleton Holster No 1 Comp-Tac CTAC Holster Yes 0 Comp-Tac CTAC Holster Yes 0 Comp-Tac CTAC Holster Yes 0 total points 21 total points 18 total points 24 *Some gunsmithing required. **Listed at third-party retailers, not on Crimson Trace’s website.
small and, for some, dif!cult to reach and SMITH & WESSON "ip. This may require users to practice more SIG SAUER P938 M&P SHIELD 9 with the Shield than some of the other op- WHAT WE LIKE WHAT WE DON’T LIKE tions, despite how easy it is to shoot. The SIG Sauer P938 is the descendant of The size will de!nitely be a factor for some. the .380 ACP P238, a favorite pocket gun For those who are looking for a deep con- SMITH & WESSON for many looking for a deep-concealment cealment gun, the Shield (may or) may M&P SHIELD 9 option. The 1911-style !rearms are great not be the right option. It’s important to be THE VERDICT for those who compete or spend a major- aware of your carry style and the size re- ity of their range time working with a 1911 The Shield is a great choice for someone strictions that go with it. because the controls are the same. Those who can afford to carry a slightly larger !re- The other item on the Shield that not every who are used to "ipping a safety on and arm. It’s easy to shoot, easy to handle, and shooter will like is the external safety. Most off, the 1911 grip angle, and the handling easy to !nd accessories for. striker-!red guns, such as the GLOCK line, of John Moses Browning’s famous platform don’t have an external safety and a lot of will !nd that their skills transfer easily over M&P shooters will not be used to having to to the P938. deactivate it. The demand to keep a slim The trigger, while the heaviest of the lot, pro!le on the gun has also made the safety giving the P938 its fourth-place rating in
GUNUP.COM | JANUARY 2014 19 FEATURES SPOTLIGHT: SINGLE STACK 9MM SHOWDOWN
SIG SAUER P938
BERETTA NANO
shootability, is also a short single-ac- tion trigger that some people !nd preferable to the longer, lighter trig- gers of the other single-stack 9s. This is entirely a matter of person- THE GUN LOCKER al preference, and is usually varies based on the shooter’s experiences. The P938 launched with a splash, and as such there are a lot of ac- cessories available for it. While the collection isn’t quite as extensive as that for the Shield, those choosing the P938 will not have trouble !nding a good holster and good sights for it.
SIG SAUER P938 The Nano is also not as small as some BERETTA NANO WHAT WE DON’T LIKE of its counterparts, despite the low pro!le WHAT WE LIKE controls. While printing and snagging is While the small grip makes the gun The Nano’s low scores in the test could de!nitely reduced by the design, it may not more concealable, and isn’t a prob- be easily attributed to the fact that the Be- be as easy, or as comfortable, to conceal lem for those with smaller hands, retta is the closest you’re going to get to a due to its larger size. Also, the lack of these getting a tight hold on the gun may j-frame without buying a revolver. The long, controls can be frustrating to handle for sea- prove an issue for those with larg- rolling trigger, much like the PM9, will ap- soned gun owners who are used to having a er mitts. With an overall height of peal to the same people who appreciate a slide lock to work with. While it’s possible to 3.9-inches, the shortest of the group, smooth revolver trigger. run through all the manipulations, and may some might !nd their !ngers hanging Also like a j-frame, the Nano is incredibly be easier for those who are used to it, not off the bottom of the gun, even with easy to use at a fundamental level. There having a slide lock means that those work- an extended magazine. is no slide release; so all gun handling re- ing with the gun must insert an empty mag- The main drawback of the P938 is quires slide and magazine manipulation, so azine in order to lock the slide to the rear. the price, ranging between $809 and the same movement is required for loading, $838 the 1911-style gun is the most unloading, and malfunction clearances. The BERETTA NANO expensive of the !rearms we looked lack of slide release also gives the Nano THE VERDICT at, and one of the highest priced a slim and smooth pro!le, to help reduce pocket guns on the market. While printing and to keep the !rearm from snag- The Nano certainly has some interesting some will see the gun as a worth- ging on clothing. design elements, and is a legitimate option while investment, it’s not going to !t for concealed carry, especially for those who in everyone’s budget. BERETTA NANO prefer a smooth double action trigger. Users WHAT WE DON’T LIKE will, however, have to familiarize themselves SIG SAUER P938 with the controls and may !nd it more dif!- The Beretta Nano is not necessarily dif!- THE VERDICT cult to conceal due to its size. cult to !nd accessories for, but it de!nitely The P938 is a great option for any- lacks the same availability as some of the one familiar with the 1911 platform other single stack 9mms. For those who and used to the controls, or for those want to carry it, there de!nitely will be hol- who want a shorter trigger pull, and sters available, but they may not be exactly are willing to make the investment. the ones they want.
BUY IT NOW AT GUNUP.COM/SHOP
20 GUNUP.COM | JANUARY 2014
FEATURES
LASERMAX While Lasermax offers rail-mounted lasers to accommodate most rail-equipped guns, their real claim to fame is their guide rod la- sers. The ability to pack a full laser system into a guide rod is pretty impressive. My test unit was on a Gen4 Glock 19, which uses the slide lock lever as the activation button. Installation is fairly easy: remove the existing slide lock lever and spring, then install the Lasermax versions. Pressing the slide lock in from either side activates the laser. The laser is a "ashing unit that helps your eye catch the dot and it also has the bene!t of extending battery life. There are no real adjustments needed on a guide rod laser, as the laser is so close to the bore there is not much deviation. Lasermax re- cently released a green guide rod laser that should be popular. (MSRP $349.00) THE
LASER CRIMSON TRACE LASERGUARD The Laserguard is very similar to the Light- CONNECTION guard, only instead of a 100-lumen white light it projects a red laser. The way it at- BY ZACK CARLSON taches to the pistol is exactly the same, the www.thegunbench.com activation button is in the same location, and Owning and training with !rearms for recreation often leads to “accessorizing.” Peo- the Laserguard provides two Allen screws ple love to attach the latest gadget or gizmo to their !rearms in hopes that it will make for dot adjustment. them more “tactical.” It is easy to get wrapped up in this practice because every day The Laserguard is offered in 41 different there are more and more options for !rearm owners. Firearms used speci!cally for models so you are likely to !nd one that self-defense sometimes get caught in a stigma that you must leave the gun as it works with your pistol; in fact my everyday came from the factory. There are a couple items that make perfect sense on a self-de- carry CM9 is equipped with a Laserguard. fense !rearm though, such as a light or laser system. If you cannot see what you are Holster selection can be an issue, but PJ aiming at, you aren’t likely to hit it or worse yet, you may shoot an unintended target. Holsters was able to equip me with a suit- If you cannot bring your !rearm up to a normal !ring stance a laser may be your best able kydex holster. Many holster makers option to get hits on target. The technology for lasers and lights has leaped forward sell variants for Laserguard equipped guns. monumentally in the last decade. There is no excuse not to explore your options. (MSRP $219.00)
22 GUNUP.COM | JANUARY 2014 THE LASER CONNECTION
RED OR GREEN LASER?
Red or green, which laser is best for you? Red lasers have a long track record be- cause they have been around longer in the consumer market. Their main bene!ts are CRIMSON TRACE LIGHTGUARD lower cost, effective use in the right lighting conditions, and lower battery consumption. One of the golden rules of using !rearms for self-defense is identifying your target. Many Their biggest drawback is that in daylight situations unfold in low light, which creates a problem for people that have no illumination they are harder to see. available to them. Crimson Trace, known for their red lasers, has ventured into weap- Green lasers are relatively new but of- on-speci!c white lights. They are currently available in four models: Glock full-size and fer some key bene!ts. The visibility of a compact, Spring!eld Armory XD and XDM full-size, Smith & Wesson M&P full-size, and green laser far surpasses that of their red select 1911s. The Lightguard is very speci!c to the !rearm; it contours the grip, trigger counterparts. You can usually clearly see guard, and rail area. This custom !tment makes the Lightguard seem like it is part of the a green laser in daylight and at night the gun. It does not feel like a tacked-on accessory. The polymer gun versions offer a 100-lu- green laser is eerily visible. If using it out- men white light while the 1911 version offers 130 lumens. doors you’ll likely see a full beam instead of My review unit was on a Gen4 Glock 19. Installation consisted of installing the battery just the dot. This can be a bene!t or detri- into the light housing and !tting the two sides of the unit around the trigger guard of the ment depending on how you look at it. It is pistol and securing it with two screws. The activation switch conveniently rides just un- a bene!t in that you do not have to !nd the der the trigger guard where your middle !nger naturally rests. Gripping of the gun, it is a dot on target; you can just follow the full very natural movement to activate the light. The light isn’t overpoweringly bright. Some beam to where it ends. On the other hand, consumers may think that lumen output is all that matters in a weapon light, but really a potential adversary will also be able to see it is more about the beam pattern and throw. Projecting 500 lumens of white light into a the point of origin of the beam. The other hallway will likely cause splash back off the walls and make you less effective. The 100 drawback of green lasers is the battery life; lumens of the Lightguard are enough light to illuminate typical interior house distances it is generally less than red lasers. If used without being too bright and causing splash back onto the user. The Lightguard still al- on a defensive gun you may want to proac- lows laser mounting with a grip-mounted laser or guide rod laser. tively replace batteries to ensure that when There are two potential drawbacks to the Lightguard. The thickness of plastic that has needed, your laser will perform. Green la- to be added around trigger guard causes your grip on the !rearm to change slightly. You sers are generally higher priced also. cannot get your middle !nger as high under the guard. It’s not a huge difference but it So what’s better for you? Only you can is noticeable. I did not !nd it to be a problem but in conversation, some users mentioned answer that question, but until green lasers that they did not care for it. The other drawback is holster availability. Anytime you mount become the standard I believe red lasers something to the rail area of a pistol you limit the amount of holsters that will !t. Most will be suf!cient for most users. custom kydex shops should be able to accommodate your needs. (MSRP $159.00)
GUNUP.COM | JANUARY 2014 23 FEATURES THE LASER CONNECTION
CRIMSON TRACE LASERGRIP Crimson Trace Lasergrips pretty much set the standard in pistol lasers. They offer 74 models currently, covering most popular pistols. On pistols with removable grip panels they replace your current panels, or for polymer-framed guns they slip over the grip. My test unit was for a Kahr K9 that has re- movable grips. The installation process was fairly simple and consisted of installing the two batteries in the grip panels and screwing the assembly in place of the original grips. It was imperative to get the battery cover doors ful- ly seated before installing the grips or else the VIRIDIAN C5L LIGHT/GREEN LASER magazine would rub the inside of the panels. Until recently if you wanted to have both a light and laser attached to your pistol’s It took a few seconds to !gure out why my rail you were stuck with a fairly bulky universal unit. Viridian, a pioneer in advancing mags suddenly did not drop free after install- green laser technology, has released the C5L. This unit packs a green laser and a ing the Lasergrips. Once installed properly, the 100 lumen light into one very small package. So small in fact, that it !ts between the grips provided a great feel in the hand and the trigger guard and muzzle on most guns. front-mounted activation button was unobtru- My test unit was mounted to a Gen4 Glock 19. It tucked neatly behind the muzzle sive. Point of aim adjustments can be made via and didn’t add girth to the pistol. The C5L includes a few different mounts depending the two Allen screws on the right grip panel. on which pistol you intend to mount to. The mounts move the C5L fore or aft for The laser is projected from the top of the right best position. The body has a push button on each side of the trigger guard that can grip panel. Your !nger may block the lasers activate or deactivate the unit. While the unit is on pressing both buttons together beam if you rest your trigger !nger high on the will cycle through the different modes. You can have the light or laser on alone or frame when not !ring. I have found it a best together. You also have the option for a strobing light or laser. practice to rest your !nger straight out on the One very inventive thing about the C5L is what they are calling “Enhanced Combat trigger guard when using a laser equipped gun. Readiness.” No matter how much you practice, the motion of drawing a pistol and I have reviewed a Kimber Solo with the Laser- engaging the button to turn the light or laser on adds precious time. The ECR system grips and the same situation applied to it. Hol- solves this issue. When used with Viridian’s TacLoc holster, the C5L will turn on as ster selection is generally not as critical when you pull the pistol from the holster. The process is simple, turn the unit on and holster. using a Lasergrip due to the laser protruding When holstering the unit will turn off. When unholstered, the unit will automatically further back, behind where the gun usually sits activate. TacLoc holsters are available for quite a few different !rearms and I’m sure in the holster. (MSRP: $299.00) more will be available in the future. The TacLoc holster is a retention holster requiring a button press to release the pistol. The whole package is quite impressive but does The advancements in laser and light technol- come at a hefty price tag. For those that accept the price tag of the package, the ogy have bene!ted us all. It is now possible to bene!ts are great. equip a concealed carry pistol comfortably and (C5L MSRP: $349.00, TacLoc Holster MSRP: $49.00) con!dently. The next time someone says not to alter your carry gun in any way, remind them of the bene!ts of lights and lasers.
24 GUNUP.COM | JANUARY 2014
IMPROVE YOUR GAME
THE CONDITIONAL CONCEALED CARRY WORKOUT The workout involves performing /// FROM THE EXPERTS “super sets.” This is a method that trains one muscle group then sequentially trains the opposing CONDITIONAL muscle group. SUPER SET 1 WIDE GRIP CABLE CURLS HOW TO: CONCEALED 1. Lower the cable pulley to the ground and grip the bar on the out- side handles. JORDAN MILLER WWW.RUN2GUN.COM 2. Stand tall and lock your elbows at your torso. CARRY 3. Begin to slowly contract ("ex) your biceps by pulling your hands CONCEALED CARRY, a popular subject that talking about how most men in the gym towards your shoulders. bridges a gap between the most hardcore skip leg day and only focus on their upper 4. Once you have reached the top gun enthusiast and the stay at home mom body. The best way to achieve a balanced of your curl, slowly start lowing who protects her family in the conceal- and healthy physique is to not leave out any your hands back towards the "oor, ment of her 10-by-10-inch purse. The muscle group. keeping your elbows locked at your seriousness and responsibility of proper- With the need for balance in mind, there side. ly carrying 24/7 isn’t learned or taught are some easy workouts you can use to in a day. Both practice and training the keep your arms in the game. Also known 5. Repeat for 8 to 12 repetitions. correct techniques build the con!dence as “the guns” and, rightfully so, no one real- needed to be a conscientious carrier. ly wants to conceal them! It takes hard work My line of work breeds another type of and, maybe more importantly, proper form concealed carry. I am lucky enough to to develop dynamic and toned arms. The have a wide range of clients: hunters, muscle groups to focus on when training athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, post-preg- the arms are your biceps and triceps. nancy moms, the elderly, and even body MUSCLE GROUPS TO FOCUS ON building competitors. My focus on train- ing this wide array of people will differ THE BICEPS: depending on each individual need, but This muscle is located on the front there is always one thing in common part of the arm and has two heads, the amongst them all: they all need to have a short head and long head that make balanced body and mind. up the bicep. Training includes all the muscle groups of the body, especially the legs and core. THE TRICEPS: The reason being that this is your “pillar,” This muscle is located on the back your strong staple of being balanced and of the arm and is comprised of three stabilized. The foundation of everything heads: The long head, lateral head, else lies here. Commonly you hear guys and medial head.
26 GUNUP.COM | JANUARY 2014 CONDITIONAL CONCEALED CARRY
SUPER SET 1 WIDE GRIP TRICEP EXTENSIONS HOW TO: 1. Raise the cable pulley to its highest position and grip the bar on the out- side handles. 2. Stand tall and lock your elbows at your torso. 3. Begin to slowly contract ("ex) your triceps by pushing your hands to- wards the "oor. 4. Once you have fully extended your arms, slowly start controlling your hands to come back up to 90-degree angle, keeping your elbows locked at your side. 5. Repeat for 8 to 12 repetitions.
GUNUP.COM | JANUARY 2014 27 IMPROVE YOUR GAME CONDITIONAL CONCEALED CARRY
SUPER SET 2 DUMBBELL HAMMER CURLS HOW TO: 1. Standing tall, grip your dumbbells and lock your elbows at your side. 2. Keep your thumbs turned up and begin to "ex your biceps by pulling your hands towards your shoulders. 3. Once you have reached the top of your curl, slowly start lowing your hands back towards the "oor, keeping your elbows locked at your side. 4. Repeat for 8 to 12 repetitions.
SUPER SET 2 BARBELL SKULL CRUSHERS HOW TO: 1. Laying "at on a bench, grip the bar- bell shoulder width apart and extend your hands toward the ceiling. 2. Keeping your elbows in a locked position slowly bend your hands down toward the top of your head. 3. Once you are an inch away from the top of your head slowly start pushing your hands back towards the ceiling and "ex your triceps once you have fully extended your arms. 4. Remember to keep your elbows in CONCLUSION a locked position. Mixing up your arm rou- 5. Repeat for 8 to 12 repetitions. tines with different grips, angles, and exercises will develop a dynamic shape and density to your arms. You will soon de- velop two guns you won’t want to conceal!
28 GUNUP.COM | JANUARY 2014
IMPROVE YOUR GAME
/// defensive handgun 101
Training is an important part of being both a gun owner and a concealed weapon permit holder. For responsible gun owners, having professional training is a must, and for concealed carry permit holders getting that training on a regular basis is essential. get At GunUp the Magazine, we recommend taking at least one defensive handgun class a year in order to stay up-to-date on basic handgun laws, skills and techniques. Being proficient and knowledgeable is important in any defensive situation. trained Of course, not all defensive handgun classes are equal. And while prices vary greatly, there STAY UP-TO-DATE ON are schools in every area where shooters BASIC HANDGUN LAWS, can go to hone their skills that will be both affordable and valuable. We’ve compiled some SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES. of our favorites from around the country to give our readers a starting point when looking for defensive training:
30 GUNUP.COM | JANUARY 2014 GET TRAINED
A student engages a target at a Cornered Cat Defensive Handgun Class.
Class, a one-day class that is designed for KATHY JACKSON women who intend to carry !rearms in their THE CORNERED CAT purses. Kathy uses role-play and non-!r- Kathy Jackson, or “the Cornered Cat” has ing dummy guns so that women may ex- spent over 500 hours taking !rearms class- periment with different kinds of purse carry es from other excellent instructors, includ- and !nd good ways to access the guns in ing Jim Cirillo, Ken Hackathorn, Tom Givens their purses. There is also a small amount of and Massad Ayood. She teaches at the Fire- range time that allows each woman to draw arms Academy of Seattle but travels around and !re using her own carry purse. the country to teach defensive handgun There is a Women’s Holster Seminar that courses. is unique to Kathy’s collection. It is a three- Kathy offers both women-only classes and hour classroom-based course that explores coed classes that are great for a variety of different holster options for women; includ- shooting levels, but her Defensive Handgun ing both on-body and off-body carry tech- classes are focused toward shooters who niques. In the class, students will discuss are new to concealed carry. These classes how to carry in various situations with a Kathy instructs the line at cover stance, grip, trigger press, shooting strong emphasis on !nding a practical and a Cornered Cat Defensive on the move, different carry types and the comfortable carry method that !ts each Handgun Class. self-defense mindset. They provide 18 hours woman’s wardrobe and lifestyle. of class time. LEARN MORE ABOUT KATHY’S CLASSES Kathy also offers the Cornered Cat Purse AT WWW.CORNEREDCAT.COM.
GUNUP.COM | JANUARY 2014 31 IMPROVE YOUR GAME GET TRAINED
Pistol class that is designed to prepare stu- Taping targets at Gunsite Academy. GUNSITE ACADEMY dents for violent confrontations and sudden PAULDEN, AZ attacks. The class combines empty hand The famous Gunsite Academy located in self-defense, mindset, force-on-force sce- the high desert in Paulden, Arizona was narios and improved gun handling to pre- founded by the legendary Jeff Cooper and pare students for real world encounters. remains a must-visit for many !rearms en- Among Gunsite’s course offerings is also thusiasts. On their vast property, Gunsite is their two-day pocket pistol class. This al- able to offer some of the best defensive !re- lows students to put their favorite pocket arm courses from !rearms instructors with pistol or revolver through extensive range impressive law enforcement and military drills and simulators to help them thoroughly resumes. understand the strengths and limitations of Their most introductory course, Pistol their !rearm. Using range drills and in-depth 250, is a !ve-day experience that combines coverage of different carry and concealment classroom and range work to give students methods the course helps students become a grounded platform in marksmanship, gun more adept with their pocket guns. handling, and a defensive mindset. Exercis- LEARN MORE ABOUT GUNSITE’S es include low light and live !re simulators. COURSE OFFERINGS AT GUNSITE.COM. Gunsite also offers a !ve-day Close Quarter
Managing Editor Shelley Rae at Gunsite Academy.
course, General Defensive Handgun can confrontations once they have started, and INSIGHTS TRAINING help those who are familiar with their !rearm post-crises management including interac- CENTER become comfortable with day-to-day han- tion with emergency and law enforcement BELLEVUE, WA dling and concealed carry. personnel. InSights Training Center provides fast- Among InSights’ course offerings is also a Available, also from InSights, is a simple paced and informative courses from pro- Defensive Revolver course, similar to Gen- Pepper Spray Seminar. For those who do fessional instructors with a variety of back- eral Defensive Handgun but designed spe- not want to carry a !rearm, or travel to areas grounds, including law enforcement, military ci!cally for revolver shooters. The course where it is illegal to do so, having knowl- and the private sector. Their classes are covers both full size and pocket revolvers, edge of how to use pepper spray can be mostly based out of Bellevue or Issaquah, and includes the same information in their invaluable. The three-hour seminar covers Washington, but some of their seminars are General Defensive Handgun class but pro- how pepper spray works, when it can be available as online courses. vides detailed information about the use of a legally used, what to do if you get sprayed, InSights’ General Defensive Handgun revolver as a defensive !rearm. how to carry it and different kinds and sizes class provides valuable overall instruction InSights also offers a two-day Street and available. on gun handling, including drawing from the Vehicle Tactics class that helps students holster, performing reloads and malfunction better understand how crimes are commit- LEARN MORE ABOUT clearances, and important in-depth informa- ted, and deals with self-defense while trav- INSIGHTS TRAINING CENTER AT INSIGHTSTRAINING.COM. tion on the defensive mindset. Combining eling or in your automobile. They go over classroom and range time over a two day how to prevent confrontations, dealing with
32 GUNUP.COM | JANUARY 2014 IF TROUBLE KICKS DOWN MY DOOR, I WANT TO BE READY.
I want a home companion that shows I mean business. One that I can stick in the face of an unwelcomed guest and say, “Go ahead, make my day.” The 2011 Tactical. Think of it as a hardcore addendum to your homeowner’s insurance. I do. Protection is in my DNA.
2011 TACTICAL 10mm | 45 ACP Designed for comfort and safety with precision accuracy. Put it in your nightstand and sleep well.
www.ShootingDNA.com IMPROVE YOUR GAME
/// MASTERING THE
REVOLVER BY ROB REED RELOAD WHILE OFTEN overshadowed by semi auto pistols, the revolver is still an effective de- fensive handgun. Due to the generally lower ammo capacity anyone who uses a revolver for self-defense should learn the best reload- ing techniques and practice until they can perform the procedure correctly. The follow- ing techniques are based on those taught by Massad Ayoob and are optimized for ease of use under stress. For a combat reload a speedloader is essen- tial and either the Safariland or HKS models will work. The following sequence assumes the shooter is right handed. PHOTO BY YAMIL SUED, HOTGUNSHOTS.COM. PHOTO BY YAMIL
34 GUNUP.COM | JANUARY 2014 MASTERING THE REVOLVER RELOAD
STEP ONE
Engage the cylinder release with the strong side thumb. The exact method (push, pull, or button) depends on the brand. At the same time the left hand comes up to the left side of the frame from underneath. As soon as the cylinder is unlocked push open the cylinder with the two middle !ngers.
STEP TWO
Keep the revolver in your right hand and point the muzzle up. With your left hand place your palm on the ejection rod and forcibly push the rod down to eject the empty cases. (The palm is used as it is more positive than using the !nger or thumb with less chance of slipping off the end of the rod.)
PHOTOS BY MARIE VERHEYEN. GUNUP.COM | JANUARY 2014 35 IMPROVE YOUR GAME MASTERING THE REVOLVER RELOAD
STEP THREE
Cradle the revolver in your left hand with your thumb wrapped around the cylinder to keep it from rotating. Point the revolver muzzle down. Hold the speedloader by the body and use your !ngertips to help guide the cartridges into the chambers. Activate the speedloader to dump the cartridges into the chamber with gravity assist.
STEP FOUR
Drop the empty speedloader and STEP FIVE close the cylinder with your left Reestablish your !ring grip and eval- hand. You may need to rotate it uate to determine if further shooting slightly to index as it closes. is required.
36 GUNUP.COM | JANUARY 2014 PHOTOS BY MARIE VERHEYEN.
TRAVEL
38 GUNUP.COM | JANUARY 2014 TRAVEL: BUG NATIONALS
SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS /// TRAVEL BUG 2013 INAUGURAL NATIONALS BY CALEB GIDDINGS
ucked away in an industrial corner of the North East sits Spring- !eld, Massachusetts. 30 minutes north of Hartford, Connecti- cut and 3 hours from Boston, Spring!eld may not seem like T much, but for IDPA shooters it’s a required pilgrimage. That’s because Spring!eld is also home to Smith & Wesson, makers of some of the most popular !rearms in the United States. It’s also home to a couple of great annual International Defensive Pistol Association matches, the IDPA Indoor Nationals and now the IDPA Back-Up Gun Nationals as well.
PHOTOS BY YAMIL SUED, HOTGUNSHOTS.COM. GUNUP.COM | JANUARY 2014 39 TRAVEL
The Indoor Nationals have been a BUG division, the stage designers had to and engaging one swinging target through long-standing tradition at Smith & Wesson, get creative. Prior to the match, there was a port. and mark one of the two national titles avail- a considerable amount of speculation from The match proceeded for 12 more stages, able for IDPA shooters each year. In 2013, shooters on how it would be possible to cre- some of which where shot in pitch darkness IDPA announced the !rst ever Back-Up Gun ate innovative stages from just !ve-round and required the shooters to employ tacti- Nationals, to be held at the Smith & Wesson strings. As it turns out, the stages were cal "ashlight techniques in order to service Shooting Center. A Back-Up Gun Nationals pretty impressive. The stage creators used all the targets with the required number of gives shooters a chance to run the popular, a good mix of multiple targets and requiring rounds. One of the toughest low-light stag- small framed semi-autos and revolvers that !ve-shots on one target to create dynamic es was stage 6, which, for string 1, began make up quite a large number of the carry and challenging shooting problems. laying on your back in bed then required the guns on the market today. shooter to grab a gun from the nightstand When most people think of a BUG, they THE STAGES and engage !ve targets with one round think of small guns like the classic J-frame At the BUG Nationals, each of the 13 stag- each while staying on the bed. Shooters or Ruger LCR. Semi-auto pistols referenced es was broken down into multiple strings. could roll over on to their stomachs or stay are small .380s and single stack 9mm guns Stage 1 was one of the most fun stages, on their side, so long as they remained on like the M&P Shield. At the BUG Nationals, as shooters retrieved their gun from a bread the bed. String 2 began sitting up on the plenty of shooters took the rules to the limit box and engaged a threat through a win- bed with a "ashlight and gun in hand, the and shot legal guns like a K-frame with a dow. String 2 of Stage 1 had two disap- same !ve targets were shot. The !nal string three-inch barrel, or Spring!eld XDm 3.8s. pearing targets and required four rounds, was servicing those !ve targets one more However, the majority of shooters chose to but started seated in an easy chair with the time, this time from across the room in low shoot actual BUGs, guns that are true to world’s biggest remote control. Toss the cover. Three tough strings that forced some the spirit of the match. The most common remote, then engage the two disappearing dif!cult shots. gun was the Glock 26, followed by the M&P targets through the door. The !nal string of Ultimately, it was a tough match. People Shield. Stage 1 started tying your shoes on the bed, that were expecting !ve round “point and Because of the rules associated with the then retrieving your gun from the nightstand squirt” stages were de!nitely in for a sur-
40 GUNUP.COM | JANUARY 2014 TRAVEL: BUG NATIONALS
prise on some of the tough shots on par- tial targets. This wasn’t a match you could point shoot your way through, and that’s a good thing. It was an excellent opportunity for shooters to get out and see what those little j-frames and small .380s can do when pushed.
THE WINNERS The BUG Nationals divided the shooters into two divisions, Semi-Auto and Revolver. Within that, shooters were divided into their classi!cations as well. In news that is no surprise to anyone, Jerry Miculek won the Revolver division hands down, and was also the fastest overall shooter at the match. Taking home the Semi-Auto crown is Team Armscor shooter Michael Seeklander, who used a Rock Island three-inch 1911 to com- plete the match. Team GunUp shooter Caleb Giddings took home 2nd Master in the revolver division as well.
THINGS TO DO IN SPRINGFIELD The great thing about matches in Spring- !eld is that there are actually plenty of activ- ities available in your downtime, as long as you’re interested in guns and history. IDPA hosts an awards banquet for the shooters on the Saturday night following the match, so if you’re sticking around for the match there are some area points of interest to check out in and around Spring!eld. First and foremost for gun nuts is the Spring!eld Armory, located in the city itself. From the civil war until 1968, the Spring!eld Armory was the primary supplier of small arms to the United States Army. The Spring- !eld Armory Historical Site is a national his- toric site that preserves many of the guns made by the armory over the years and pro- vides an interesting look into the history of America’s small arms. You can see unique pieces like the last M1 Garand ever made, or interact with equipment that was used to ri"e barrels in the 19th century. The next stop for !rearms enthusiasts re- quires about 30 minutes of driving, but it’s also a must see. In Hartford, Connecticut shooters will !nd the famous blue dome of the Colt Armory. Unfortunately for enthu-
PHOTOS BY YAMIL SUED, HOTGUNSHOTS.COM. GUNUP.COM | JANUARY 2014 41 TRAVEL TRAVEL: BUG NATIONALS
Special Category Winners High Lady: Randi Rogers High Junior: Clark Coneby High Senior: Jerry Miculek
carved wood !gurehead off USCG Barque Eagle, and many other historic exhibits. As a bonus attraction for sports fans, Spring!eld also is home to the Basketball Hall of Fame.
THE VERDICT The 2013 IDPA BUG Nationals was the !rst national match of its kind. Yes, there were siasts, you can’t actually visit the Armory, bumps, but the excellent match staff han- despite it being a National Historic Site. dled all those very well. The lasting impres- Tourists can walk around the outside of the sion of this match is one of a solid founda- building, but there are no exhibits, tours, or tion on which to build future matches that displays to see. Still, the iconic blue dome is will be even better, with more challenging, worth stopping at, just to say you’ve been creative, and fun stages for shooters to run there. the guns that just don’t !t in any other gun Lastly for history buffs, there is the U.S. games. Coast Guard Museum, located about 45 As for Spring!eld, while on the surface minutes away in New London, Connecticut it may appear to be just another industrial on the site of the U.S. Coast Guard Acad- North East city, when you dig below a lit- emy. Open to the public, the museum cat- tle bit you’ll !nd the buried treasure of his- alogs the history and important artifacts of tory. We highly recommend that shooters the nation’s oldest continuously sea-going take some time and attend one of the great service. Visitors can view some of the weap- matches put on by IDPA at the Smith & ons used by the U.S. Coast Guard during its Wesson Shooting Center, and then to follow two hundred and twenty-plus year history, that match up with a visit to some of the his- as well as models of famous cutters, the toric sites in and around Spring!eld.
42 GUNUP.COM | JANUARY 2014 PHOTOS BY YAMIL SUED, HOTGUNSHOTS.COM.
THE GREATEST GEAR 5 Questions Every Concealed Carrier Asks Once
CONCEALED CARRY IS a huge lifestyle for women and solution “D” is great entire answer as to whether or not change for those who seriously adopt for deep concealment. It’s not that that carry set up is for you, but it will it. There is a lot to learn and devel- cut and dry though, everyone has at least eliminate some products that oping your concealed carry style and their own preference that works with may be really uncomfortable for you. learning about the laws surrounding their body and their style. While most people are quick to !g- them is an ongoing process. Here are The best way to !gure out how to ure body type into the equation !rst, !ve questions, and our answers, that carry is to try different types of carry, it’s not always the most important come up for concealed carriers. different carry positions, and different element. Often times body type is holsters until you !nd the one that going to be more important to the HOW SHOULD I CARRY? works for you. It’s a long, expensive type of holster that is used, rather 1 You would think the answer and uncomfortable process weeding than where it is placed. Another key to this would be pretty straightfor- through different holsters, so some- element is fashion, or sense of style. ward: Solution “A” works for skinnier times it’s better to ask friends and see Different dress-types will be better for people, solution “B” works for more if you can try there’s for even a cou- different types of carry. For example, heavy-set people, solution “C” works ple minutes. It may not give you the the slouchy shirts and scarves that
44 GUNUP.COM | JANUARY 2014 5 CONCEAL CARRY QUESTIONS
adorn women’s fashion magazines today even in bars. It’s never a good idea to drink ACP the most important thing is that you lend themselves toward appendix carry. when carrying, but some states will allow are comfortable shooting whatever !rearm you to act as designated driver and hang you are carrying. Should a defensive situa- HOW DO I LEARN ABOUT THE out in the bar even when carrying, where as tion arise being able to make a shot quickly 2 CONCEALED CARRY LAWS? some states will not. and under pressure is absolutely key, since There are a lot of good, generic references Knowing where your permit applies also missing could mean hitting something you available online, such as usconcealedcarry.com, plays into what is known as “reciprocity,” didn’t want to. Carrying a larger caliber that and a good defensive handgun class will most states will accept some out-of-state you’re not comfortable shooting is not only also teach you a lot about the carry laws in concealed carry permits, but not others, more dangerous to yourself, but is irrespon- your area, but short of talking to a lawyer some states don’t require a concealed carry sible to the safety of everyone else. the next best place to look is your state’s permit, and some states will not accept any This also rolls into the importance of se- website. one else’s concealed carry permit. lecting a gun for carry that you actually There are several important things to look Before going anywhere, it’s essential to like. Most carry guns aren’t going to be as for when researching your state’s carry look up whether or not your permit will apply comfortable to shoot as a full-size !rearm, laws. The !rst thing is to be aware of their in that state, and to familiarize yourself with but that doesn’t mean that a concealed general gun laws, some states have mag- the !rearm and knife laws before traveling carry gun has to be “scary” to shoot. Since azine capacity restrictions, there are some there. Again, the best place to get all this this is a gun you are dedicating yourself to weird federal laws as well that it’s a good information, short of a lawyer, is to look di- train with and shoot with on a regular basis, idea to familiarize yourself with, such as rectly as the state’s website. shooting it shouldn’t be an ordeal, it should what can turn a handgun into an Any Other still be fun. Weapon or an AR into a short barreled ri"e. WHAT IS THE MINIMUM Just as when selecting a holster it’s im- Understanding when and where your con- 3 CALIBER I SHOULD CARRY? portant for carriers to be comfortable when cealed carry permit does (or doesn’t) apply This question is also primarily a matter of wearing their gun, it’s important for a shoot- is also important. Some states have more personal preference. While we don’t recom- er to be comfortable and competent shoot- restrictions about carrying into city hall, or mend carrying anything smaller than a .380 ing their !rearm. Shot placement is incred-
GUNUP.COM | JANUARY 2014 45 THE GREATEST GEAR 5 CONCEAL CARRY QUESTIONS
ibly important in defensive situations, and while using a larger round is a good thing, the trade-offs between power, controllability, affordability, and magazine capacity should all be taken into account when selecting a caliber for concealed carry.
WHAT KIND OF AMMUNITION 4 SHOULD I CARRY? Selecting a type of ammunition presents its own problems. There are a lot of brands out there, each with multiple defensive ammu- nition lines within in their brands. And then you get into minutia such as bullet weight and velocity. When you’re !rst shopping for concealed carry ammunition, your top prior- ity should be to !nd ammunition that works in your gun. Different guns perform differently with dif- ferent ammunition, depending on the shape of the bullet, how the primer is set, how hard the primer is and many other contributing factors. When you buy a box of defensive ammunition you haven’t used before, it’s a good idea to put at least 100 rounds through your gun. This will help you determine if it’s going to work reliably in your !rearm and will help you better understand how the ammu- nition shoots and how well you shoot with it. Because some defensive rounds are load- ed “hotter” to give the bullet more velocity when leaving the barrel, they can cause greater recoil when the gun is !red. While this isn’t a big deal for many, for those who are newer to shooting or struggle more with recoil control it may come into effect. Re- member, it’s primarily important to be com- fortable shooting your concealed carry gun, and while defensive ammunition is never ammunition a month. keys to this standard is the importance of going to be as pleasant to shoot as prac- The !rst thing anyone new to concealed dry !re. By safely dry !ring your unloaded tice ammo, it’s worthwhile to make sure you carry or !rearms in general should do is sign !rearm, and using this technique to prac- can keep your hits on target with the hotter up for a class. A good defensive handgun tice basic skills such as holster draws and rounds. will teach students not only the basics of trigger control, shooters not only have the shooting and drawing from the holster, but opportunity to practice their gun handling HOW OFTEN SHOULD I TRAIN? will cover important information on laws and skills but can build shooting skill away from 5 The simple answer to this question leave students with some basic drills in or- the range. is, “As often as you can.” Sadly, we don’t der to keep their skills up to par. Since concealed carry is a lifestyle com- live in a world where this advice is practical By setting up a training program, or at least mitment, devoting time and resources and for everyone. Fortunately, through dry !re going to the range with an idea of what you building and maintaining the skills necessary and good time and ammunition manage- want to practice, skills can be maintained to carry safely is essential to anyone looking ment, reasonable skill level can be main- and even built going to the range just a cou- to keep their handgun by their side. tained with just a couple hundred rounds of ple times a month. Of course, one of the
46 GUNUP.COM | JANUARY 2014 *XQ8S'HFHPEHU3DJH6SUHDGSGI 30 THE GREATEST GEAR
ON FEBRUARY 22, 2013 the /// CONCEAL CARRY Second Amendment Foun- dation and the citizens of Illi- nois won a signi!cant victory for concealed carry when the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals let stand a Decem- ber ruling by a three-judge panel of the court that forces STATISTICS Illinois to adopt a concealed OR carry law, thus af!rming that the right to bear arms exists outside the home. The Illinois State police were given six months to set up a conceal carry program. Their agen- EMOTIONAL cy estimates about 300,000 BY ANETTE WACHTER applications will apply for WWW.30CALGAL.COM permits within the !rst year.
48 GUNUP.COM | JANUARY 2014 CONCEAL CARRY: STATISTICS OR EMOTIONAL
In November of 2011 Wisconsin passed a seems to be a consistent trend across the mit. This makes traveling across our coun- conceal carry law; agency of!cials claimed board.” try dif!cult when you want to stay protected. over 30,000 permits were applied for in 14 As of April 2012, in the state of Washington You hear horror stories of people just pass- days. According to the Wall Street Journal, where I am from, there have been 359,342 ing through states such as New York with a Ohio is on pace to nearly double last year’s active carry permits issued. According to locked up gun and still getting thrown in jail. total of 65,000 new permits. A dozen states legallyarmed.com, since December 2012 Those states could use a swift kick in the also surveyed by the Wall Street Journal, over 10,000 permits were issued alone, gun-control-butt. Even so, the momentum including Texas, Utah and Wisconsin, is- over 2,000 per month! The kicker is a report of permit applications seems to be happen- sued 537,000 permits last year, an 18-per- just came out in the Wall Street Journal in ing nationally. cent increase compared with the year prior, November 2013 showing that even in the Could the momentum be the idea that gun and more than double the number issued city of New Town, within !ve months of the owners are afraid of their right to carry or in 2007. Early !gures for 2013 show many shootings, the number of permits issued ownership being revoked? Is it because of states are on pace for their biggest year jumped 110-percent from the previous year the recently over-publicized mass shoot- ever. and the number of permits issued in the en- ings, home invasion stories and increased “I suppose it’s the same reason people are tire state of Connecticut jumped 78-percent. crime rate that people feel the need to de- reporting gun sales are up and ammunition I think almost all of us permit holders would fend themselves? Of all of these new and sales are up,” said Ohio Attorney General like to see the push for a national or fed- existing permit holders, how many actually Mike DeWine, referring to concern among eral permit to take hold, but let’s not hold do conceal carry? How and what are peo- gun owners about the recent push for gun our breath. For now, it is a challenge just ple carrying? Do people realize the respon- control. “It’s nothing unique in Ohio…It knowing which states reciprocate your per- sibilities they are taking on by carrying? I
GUNUP.COM | JANUARY 2014 49 THE GREATEST GEAR
HUMOROUS SIDE EFFECTS CARRYING A GUN
When you !rst start carrying you feel like everyone knows you are carrying.
Hugging is awkward.
You plan your daily errands and even vacations around whether or not you can bring your gun.
Having to sit on the toilet in a public bathroom is, shall we say, also awkward.
After some time a conceal carrier has a bucket o’ holsters at home, most of which you don’t use.
You squat while shopping, rather than bending over, and avoid reaching up high for products.
You have to buy your pants one size larger.
When you see pro-gun stickers on someone’s car you want to stop and high !ve them.
don’t think any of these questions can be ing. There was also a huge focus on self-de- We really do not know if each new and ex- answered with true statistics. We can get fense products, accessories and training. isting permit holder actually carries. Before thousands of opinions and testimonials, but Knowing how much the popularity of con- I had taken any gun safety classes I applied I think the subject is more emotional. cealed carry permits has increased, the for my permit in Seattle, Wash. because I Even before the Aurora Theater or Sandy question then becomes the who, what, thought that right might be taken away. I too Hook tragedies, guns and the sport around where and why of the people applying for joined the hysteria of the 2008 elections. I them were becoming very popular. After them. knew I wanted to carry but had not had the those tragedies millions were driven by a proper training or con!dence yet. Only after media- and gun control-fed panic to pur- WHO CONCEAL CARRIES? a couple of years of training, an NRA Range chase guns and ammunition. Self-defense Even though we have had a stampede of Of!cer certi!cation and working at an indoor classes sold out and permit applications new concealed carry permit holders, it does gun range did I feel prepared to carry con- went through the roof. These were differ- not mean that all of them are actually walk- cealed. I now carry most of the time. But are ent and unfortunate reasons for an industry ing the streets with a pistol tucked away on there others like me? boom, before those tragedies the trend I am their body. Or does it? I took a poll on my Facebook Page asking referring to was a positive one. Many permit holders are just those: permit if those with permits actually carried. Out of Men and women both were seeking ways holders. But then again, ask almost any le- the 50 responses only one said they applied to defend themselves and purchase guns gal gun owner with a permit and they will for their permit just in case and did not actu- in general. This was evident at the 2011 say that they carry. Here is where the dif- ally carry, a couple of people mentioned the and 2012 Shooting Hunting and Outdoor !culty of relying on statistics comes in; we main purpose of their permit was to be able Trade Shows. SHOT Show is the largest can get numbers of applications for each to buy !rearms on the spot, and one per- !rearm-related trade show and convention city, county and state, but we have not been son did not carry often because he did not in the world, and is held each year in Las able to get the statistics on whether they are want the legal hassles if he had to use his Vegas, Nevada. There were so many new men or women or what their intentions are. gun. What is that stupid phrase I hate? “I’d manufacturers of !rearms and !rearm relat- It would be interesting if there could be an rather be judged by 12 than carried by six?” ed products these years it was overwhelm- anonymous survey with each application. All responses otherwise said that if they can
50 GUNUP.COM | JANUARY 2014 CONCEAL CARRY: STATISTICS OR EMOTIONAL
legally carry in a place then they do, all of pense to set up a trust? A trust can protect a movie theatre I am aware of the entrance the time. Period. you and pay legal fees if you do ever have and other doors. I am aware of people Women I have asked that have a con- to shoot someone in self-defense. I would walking toward me or up from behind me cealed carry permit often say they do not say most people who are new to concealed on the street. All of this stuff sounds para- always carry. The main reason being that carry have not thought of these things. noid but it just happens. Actually, I should they are with a guy who might be and don’t We hear a story in the news about a victim be even more aware if I am not carrying a feel the need. My personal reaction to that who shoots a suspect in self-defense. We gun. I should have no reason to walk down is what if “your guy” gets taken out in a gun may see an edited version of how the victim a dark alley alone, gun or no gun. But with !ght. Where does that leave you? I’m all for is right in his or her actions and it all goes the thoughts of what could happen if I ever chivalry but I am about protecting me. Don’t away, right? Not so fast. They say that for had to pull my gun and shoot it forces me take it personally, men. For the police of!- every bullet that leaves your gun you can to be aware. cers I know, all of them carry while off-duty. assume a minimum cost of $50,000 in legal One in particular said he carried all of the fees and months if not years of visits to the WHAT AND WHERE? time at !rst because it was new and he courts. You won the Stand Your Ground but Kydex, leather, kydex-leather combo, ny- could. Once the novelty wore off he got lazy the suspect’s family may come after you in a lon, pocket, under-tech wear and even lace, and hardly carried at all. He wanted be “off civil suit. If your name is George Zimmerman oh my! Front, side, back, under arm, inside duty.” He said, “As time went by it seemed then the ACLU and every special interest the waistband or outside the waistband? like there were more and more public shoot- group will come after you as well. Your life is These choices can go on for days. I have ings. Fast food restaurants, the store, the- now over. You have no idea if your case, out not even brought up what brand of gun to aters, all the places I might !nd myself on of the hundreds that happen in this country use, and I am not going to. I will only bring any given day. I started thinking about how every day, will be the one the press drags up the option of size because we all know I would feel if I found myself in a position out front and center. Regardless how you that size does matter, but so does how you in which I could have prevented an incident feel George handled that night, it happened. use it. I am talking about standard, compact but wasn’t armed.” It can happen to you. Even if you were the or sub-compact sized pistols! hero that single handedly stopped the movie Once your pistol of choice is made the long I FEEL DIFFERENT theatre shooter, you will still be visiting the phase of trial and error of holsters and loca- So you have your concealed carry permit! court room and spending much of your hard tion of carry comes next. I have that bucket Can we assume you have taken classes on earned dollars for years to come. o’ holsters that I have not touched in ages; handgun safety and !rearms handling? If I am not sure about you, but my whole per- in the excitement of getting my !rst gun to you have taken a class, most likely it was spective changes when I am carrying. Per- carry I went out and bought a holster, then very basic training and did not cover draw- haps the appropriate term is “awareness.” another, and another. I !nally stopped listen- ing from a concealed holster in a stressful Besides the fact that I can feel the gun on ing to everyone’s input and started testing situation. Do you understand the great re- my body, I am also hyper aware it is there. things on my own. It was several tries be- sponsibility and liability you “carry” with you? This makes me do things differently; I notice fore I found exactly what I liked in a holster Have you gone through the effort and ex- my surroundings more. If in a restaurant or and its placement on me. As a woman, my
WHERE CAN YOU CONCEAL CARRY RECIPROCITY MAP CONCEAL CARRY? A map at usconcealcarry.com shows where the Florida carry permit is valid. States marked in red have no reciprocity with Florida at this time, but laws are always changing.
FLORIDA
GUNUP.COM | JANUARY 2014 51 THE GREATEST GEAR CONCEAL CARRY: STATISTICS OR EMOTIONAL
choices of conceal carry vary drastically what and where they conceal. Not surpris- made my one Tanfoglio Witness holster for from men’s, but not all men carry the same ingly, the answers were across the board competition that way. That is how Blade- either. with types of holsters used, and body place- Tech started out, with toaster ovens. Now, Being practical is important when one car- ment was equal at front, side or back. In- thanks to their wide variety of holster mod- ries concealed, but many want to be some- side the waistband holsters are probably the els, they can provide products for concealed what fashionable at the same time. Yes, most popular, and usually they are placed at carry permit holders, competition shooters, even some men care what they look like. the front for appendix carry or at the back for law enforcement and military alike. I put together another poll asking people hip carry. Most of these holsters are made The selection of holsters for women has of Kydex or a Kydex-leather combination. Of grown so much in the last several years. the hundreds of holsters and manufacturers Some smart women have !nally designed I have a few of my favorites for both men holsters to !t our body shapes. We have and women. curves that men don’t and the normal hol- One holster company out there that pret- ster would dig in or pinch or stick out too far. ty much covers all bases is a favorite local The belt holsters now have the appropriate northwest company, Blade-Tech. I took a shape and angles that don’t call attention. tour of their manufacturing facility last year Women can now even conceal with tech and the thing that stayed in my mind the under clothing, bra holsters and lace thigh, most was the wall of gun molds they have. torso and ankle holsters. I think I own them The wall is 50-feet long and six-feet tall and all. The thigh holster comes in handy when contains hundreds of molds or what looks out on the town in a !tted dress. I won’t car- like every pistol or revolver ever made. And if ry in a purse so now I can carry on my per- they don’t have a mold of your gun they will son con!dently. It may seems strange but !nd the gun or borrow yours, make the mold I can’t say enough how much these new and make you a holster to !t. products have changed my conceal carry As large a company as they are, they life. Once women feel con!dent enough to still have a one on one service reputation. carry there are no shortages of holsters for Alongside the massive machines that melt women made by women. and mold plastic and spit out hundreds of Kydex holsters, there is also a single toaster oven to make just one custom holster. They FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE SECOND AMENDMENT FOUNDATION GO TO WWW.SAF.ORG 52 GUNUP.COM | JANUARY 2014 ® WE ARE GUNUP
FROM THE PUBLISHER
A wise man once said “Carry your guns, people.” It’s an excellent admonition for those of us that do exercise the “bear” part of “keep and bear arms.” Society at large bene!ts from the presence of armed, responsible CCW holders across the nation.
In the past 15 years, access to concealed carry has changed dramatically across the nation. It’s the fastest growing segment of gun ownership. Hundreds of thousands of people sign up for their new permits each year, and many states have enacted laws allowing for concealed carry without a permit. If you’d told me 10 years ago that in 2013, Illinois would become a CCW state, I’d have laughed in your face. And yet here we are.
In this issue we’ve talked about the guns, the gear, and some of the training that can be a part of your CCW lifestyle. If you don’t yet have your permit, we hope you’ll use the resources in this issue to begin your trek down that path. If you’ve been carrying for years, perhaps this issue sparked an interest in new guns or gear.
No matter what happens, we hope that you’ve enjoyed it. Concealed carry and its growth are one of the most important issues facing the next generation of gun owners. Please share this issue with your friends and family to help educate and entertain, and continue to preserve our right to keep and bear arms.
Caleb N. Giddings General Manager, GunUp.Publishing
Follow Us /gogunup) @gunup
54 GUNUP.COM | JANUARY 2014 WHAT’S BETTER THAN SEMI-AUTOMATIC? 6-SHOT BURST
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CARRY CONFIDENT