Small, light-weight carry pistols and revolvers are the hottest selling handguns on the market right now. Ruger’s .380 ACP and 9mm carry guns have been hugely successful, generating revenues that have helped push Ruger’s stock price up 500% since 2009. Now Sig-Sauer is getting on the bandwagon. We had a chance to look at Sig’s new-for-2011, P290 compact 9mm carry pistol. Overall, our reaction was generally favorable. The P290’s fit and finish are excellent — as you’d expect from Sig. Keltec’s PF-9 compact 9mm seems downright junky by comparison to the Sig P290. And the machining and fit of the slide and barrel on the Sig seem superior to the hot-selling Ruger LC9. In a nutshell, here’s how the new Sig P290 stacks up to the competition — it is better crafted and more reliable than the Keltec PF-9, it is more reliable than the Ruger LC9 (which has had recall issues), and, with its optional integrated laser, it is a more complete package than the Kahr CM9 and PM9.
However, the P290 is not without its flaws. We wish the grip was a little longer — and other reviewers agree. Also the trigger pull, listed at “9.0 lbs. average”, is just too heavy in our opinion. We know that Double-Action-Only (DAO) carry pistols like this need high pull weights to satisfy the lawyers, but the P290 pull weight is extreme. Most people will have trouble getting best accuracy out of the gun because of the heavy trigger, which one tester measured at 12.5 pounds.
Rich Grassi, Tactical Wire: “According to factory specifications, the trigger is supposed to average 9 pounds. The guns [we tested were] 1st Edition models and could have been underachievers. While some participants thought the triggers were a bit extreme, I found them manageable. The sample that arrived at headquarters on my return is an overachiever; my Timney scale ran out of weights at 10 pounds. Getting my old Brownells trigger pull gauge, I was able to get an average of around 12 ½ pounds(!) before bending the trigger hook! This is 12 ½ pounds to fire a gun that weighs just over a pound. You hold it still through a trigger stroke. I’ll watch.”
Paul Scarlata, PoliceMag: “The trigger pull was rather heavy with a definite staging about halfway through the stroke, although I assumed this would smooth out with use. My other concern was that the attenuated grip left the little finger of my shooting hand dangling in the air. Because of its short grip, frame recoil control was not what one would have hoped for and I actually found the pistol more comfortable to fire with an unsupported grip. [Sig informed me] that future plans call for the P290 to come with a spare eight-round magazine with a sleeve that approximates the external contour of the grip. Such magazines will provide a full, three-finger grip without compromising concealability[.]”
CONCLUSION: The Sig P290 is a well-designed, nicely-made pistol in the super-small 9mm carry pistol category. However, for this writer, I wouldn’t want to carry the gun unless the trigger pull could be reduced to a reasonable weight for a DAO application (the trigger pull on the Kahr PM9 is much better). I would also wait until the optional magazine with grip extension is available. In the meantime, when the situation calls for a very small, light carry gun, I’ll stick with my older S&W model 638 revolver. We do suspect that, despite its shortcomings, the P290 will attract many buyers based on Sig Sauer’s reputation for quality. But the P290 costs more than most other small, polymer-framed 9mms, and price may be the deciding factor for many buyers.
Weaver Optics has just released two new illuminated, first focal plane (FFP) tactical optics, plus a line of accessories. The new scopes, a 3-15x50mm Long-Range Scope (part #800363) and a 1-5x24mm Intermediate-Range Scope (part #800364) were designed and built to survive rough handling. Made from aircraft-grade aluminum, they feature 10 illumination settings, fully multi-coated lenses and a one-piece, 30mm Argon purged tube. Weaver claims both scopes are waterproof, shockproof, and fogproof (at least on the inside). “We take our tactical optics very seriously,” said Marketing Manager Tom Knudtson. “Our optics experts have done a lot of work on these reticles, glass and overall scope design to meet the needs of law enforcement professionals, military officers and other precision shooters.”
AR-friendly Optics Accessories
To accompany the two new tactical scopes, Weaver has released four new accessories, designed to fit AR-type flat-top rifles. We like the new 30mm SPR optics mount that can be fixed in place without tools.
Full-length AR-15 Flat Top Riser Rail with +20 MOA of built-in elevation (part #99675).
Picatinny Riser Set Small (elevates optics to optimal height, part #99658).
Weaver SPR (Special Purpose Rifle) 30mm Optics Mount with hand knobs for no-tool installation.
AR15 Fixed Back-Up Iron Sight with both “Precision” and CQB apertures.
Modular Driven Technology (MDT) has created a new 6061-T6 aluminum chassis for Rem 700 actions (and Rem 700 clones). MDT’s new TAC21 chassis has four (4) main components: action housing, lower unit (with trigger guard and mag well), forearm, and a quick-detach buttstock adapter that mates with the action housing. The main section has a +20 MOA milspec Picatinny rail on top. The action is seated on a V-Block style base inside the action housing. The short action TAC 21 chassis employs AICS-style magazines for .223 Rem or .308 Win-sized cartridges. The fore-end/handguard allows for free-floating barrels up to 1.350″ diameter. The chassis is built to accept any AR15/M16 stock and pistol grip.
Purchase from Sinclair Starting at $849.99
Currently Sinclair Int’l is the exclusive USA distributor of MDT’s TAC21 chassis. Sinclair’s price for the short-action version (right-hand or left-hand) is $849.99, while the long-action version will be $942.99. At present, only short action-versions are in stock, but MDT will be making long-action versions soon, and Sinclair is taking pre-orders. NOTE: these prices do NOT include buttstock, barrel, action, trigger, or optics. For more information, visit www.mdttac.com.
TAC21 Performs Well for Varmint Hunting
Al Voth from the Coyote School Blog did a field test of a .204 Ruger rifle built with the TAC21 chassis and conventional wood buttstock. Voth was able to assemble the rifle in 40 minutes with the MDT chassis kit and “everything fit perfectly.” CLICK HERE to Read Coyote School TAC21 Review.
Charter Arms has apparently revived its 40 S&W Rimless Revolver, first announced in 2009. Charter Arms claims its 40 S&W Revolver is the “world’s first .40 caliber Rimless Revolver”.
Built on the same stainless steel frame as the .44 Special Pit Bull wheelgun, the new 5-shot .40 S&W Pit Bull Revolver weighs 20 ounces, and measures 6.75″ overall with a 2.3 inch barrel. The gun has a fixed frame rear sight and a ramped front sight with a standard hammer. A DAO hammer is available upon request. Rubber grips are standard.
Dual Coil Spring Extractor Design Eliminates Need for Moonclips
The Charter Arms .40 S&W Revolver features a rimless cartridge extractor assembly. A dual coil spring assembly is located in the extractor to allow the insertion and retention of a .40 caliber cartridge in each chamber of the revolvers’ cylinder. What sets the new Charter Arms apart from previous revolvers chambered for rimless cartridges is the built-in coil spring that grabs the cartridges’ extractor groove. This enables the gun to work without moon clips used in other revolver designs.
.40 S&W Revolver Makes Sense as Back-Up for .40 S&W Duty Pistol
Why do we need a revolver that shoots .40 S&W when there are perfectly good options for .38 Special, .357 Magnum and other popular rimmed cartridges? According to Charter Arms President Nick Ecker, the firearms industry has had a “long felt need” for a revolver that fires .40 S&W rimless ammo. Ecker explains: “The Pit Bull is the ideal revolver for law enforcement officers to use as their back up, because they can now carry a revolver that utilizes the same ammo as their sidearm. It gives them the first revolver that shoots their [.40 S&W] ammo without utilizing moon clips.” It is not clear whether the new .40-Cal Pit Bull can shoot the hotter 10mm rimless ammo as well. We note that the barrel of the gun is marked “Pit Bull 40 S&W”.
COMMENT: We hope Charter Arms applies its rimless extractor design to a 9mm Parabellum version. A 9mm revolver that works reliably without moon clips should be very popular. In a lightweight wheelgun, the 9mm (with its lesser recoil) would be more controllable than the .40 S&W round. The .40 S&W has a stout kick even in a full-size, all-metal duty pistol. 9mm ammo is also much more affordable than 40 S&W ammunition. We note that when Charter Arms first announced its “Rimless Revolvers” two years ago, it claimed it would also release a .45 ACP version and “90-120 days after the .45 ACP will come the 9mm”. Charter Arms has not revealed whether it still plans to bring out either a .45 ACP or 9mm Rimless Revolver. In 2009, Charter Arms listed these prices: 9mm $399.00, .40 $449.00, .45 ACP $449.00.
Hindsight: Smith & Wesson 9mm Model 547
Historically, the new .40 Cal Pit Bull is not the first revolver from a major manufacturer to chamber rimless cartridges without moon clips. In the 1980s Smith & Wesson marketed a model 547 9mm revolver that used a spring-loaded detent in the cylinder for case retention. Basically a modified model 13 with 3″ barrel, the model 547 is no longer in production.
Alliant Powder has introduced a new Black Powder substitute, Black MZ™. This product is designed to work with all types of black powder firearms. We’re told this stuff is “on the trucks” — supplies are being shipped to vendors nationwide this month.
Why do we need another Black Powder substitute? Alliant claims this new propellant withstands moisture and significantly reduces the frequency (and difficulty) of bore cleaning: “Black MZ helps maximize shooting performance by resisting moisture and adverse weather conditions. Hunters can stay loaded in the field for days, only needing to insert a primer to get into the action. Black MZ won’t clump or corrode the barrel”.
Alliant designed Black MZ to deliver dependable ignition, lower barrel pressure and higher velocities. Alliant claims that “The clean-burning ignition of Black MZ is virtually non-corrosive, [and] greatly diminishes fouling”. Alliant adds that “wedged slugs, grimy barrels, stuck seater dies, and dwindling accuracy are greatly reduced by Black MZ.” Hopefully that’s not marketing hype. If, as claimed, Black MZ really does foul less than other BP substitutes, it should allow more shots between cleaning sessions. That would be a boon for BP shooters.
Black MZ’s enhanced performance derives from its high moisture tolerance and non-corrosive ignition. “We’re excited about what Black MZ can do for muzzleloader hunters and black powder cartridges. It helps take the hassle out of muzzleloading”, said Alliant’s Brand Director Rick Stoeckel. To learn more about Black MZ, or view load data, please visit www.AlliantPowder.com. Product designation: BLACKmz, 1 lb. bottle, Alliant Part No. 150524.
Story Tip by EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
Are you ready for laser-equipped arrows? This is NOT a practical joke, or some Hollywood fantasy. Laser arrow technology is here today. Clean-Shot Archery has engineered hunting and competition arrowheads that contain miniaturized lasers. Clean-Shot’s new Spot-On™ arrow tips are the world’s first field-sighted laser broadheads and target points. Chip McBroom, Clean-Shot’s Marketing VP, claims “this product represents a quantum leap in technology for the bowhunter.” The laser’s high visibility enhances a bowhunter’s ability to aim in low light — this can effectively extend the hunt by an hour or more in fading light.
With laser-tipped arrows, the archer uses the laser to sight in the target. This is NOT a remote laser guidance system. There is simply a small battery-powered laser fitted in each Spot-On Target Point or Broadhead. The laser in the Spot-ON arrow tip automatically activates at full draw via a bow-mounted magnet. These Laser Target Points and Broadheads can be used with all archery bows, including crossbows. Arrows tipped with Laser Target Points or Laer Broadheads boast 24″ of elevation adjustment at 30 yards as well as left/right adjustment. You adjust elevation and left/right displacement with simple set screws. Once the heads are “calibrated” with the set screws, the arrows should fly to the red laser dot — if the archer does his part.
Laser Broadheads are Effective and Reusable
Spot-On’s Laser Broadheads feature three replaceable blades, so the units can be re-used even after killing game. Spot-On Laser Broadheads come in 125 grin weight but can be adapted to 150 grains. Broadhead Kits include a 12v car charging unit to recharge the laser batteries. If you use a peep sight the Spot-On Laser Broadhead helps eliminates the parallax error inherent with peep sights.
Spot-on claims that its Laser Broadheads are “changing the way modern day archers prepare, practice, and hunt”. If this technology catches on we’d have to agree. No doubt, by now you’re asking, how much do these gadgets cost? MSRP on a full kit with the bow-mounted magnet and either two (2) Target Points OR two (2) Laser Broadheads is $139.99. MSRP on a two-pack of either Target Points or Broadheads is $99.99 (no magnet or charger). CLICK here for product specs and pricing information.
Story tip by EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
Mossberg offers a set of non-functioning training firearms that includes the five gun types used in hunter education seminars: pump-action shotgun, semi-automatic shotgun, break-action shotgun, bolt-action rifle and lever-action rifle. Each training firearm in this set features blaze orange stock and fore-end to ensure safe, hands-on training. On each gun’s receiver, “Non-Functioning Gun” is clearly engraved.
Each gun comes packed in an individual soft case and the set can be purchased with or without a rolling travel case. Iver Mossberg, CEO of O.F. Mossberg & Sons, stated: “We are pleased to offer this 5-gun training set, allowing students to learn safe gun-handling with actual firearms that have been disabled.” The Mossberg 5-Gun Training Set is available for $1,300 and the set with a handy, rolling travel case is available for $1,500. For more info please contact Mossberg Law Enforcement Sales at Conservation@mossberg.com or call (203) 230-5300.
What do you get for the man who has everything? How about a replica Claymore mine trailer hitch cover. Produced by GG&G, a leading maker of scope rails and other gun accessories, the hitch cover tells tailgaters to “back off”. The Replica Claymore Hitch Cover is sized like the real deal and fits standard 2″ hitch receivers. It is manufactured from UV-stabilized polypropylene plastic. Each GG&G Claymore Hitch Cover has a red panel attached to both side edges with the word “REPLICA”. However, this item is still prohibited in some jurisdictions. Please read the Important Legal Disclosures below.
The Claymore Hitch Cover is currently on sale for $39.95. If you like the idea, but don’t have a trailer hitch on your vehicle, check out the $37.00 Claymore Desk Accessory. It’s a perfect “conversation piece” for your den or office. The Desk Accessory It looks identical to the Claymore Hitch Cover but has an easel-type support.
ATTENTION — PLEASE READ CAREFULLY PRIOR TO ORDERING
NOTICE: This product is prohibited in some states including, but not limited to, the following:
Colorado — This item is prohibited under Colorado 18-12-109, Para. 7. Florida — This item is prohibited under Florida Statute 790.165 Connecticut — Statutes indicate that this item may be prohibited. New Hampshire — Statutes indicate that this item may be prohibited.
State, county and municipal laws pertaining to items such as the Claymore Hitch Cover are varied. This product is prohibited in certain states. The purchaser and end user are responsible for knowing exactly what the local laws are concerning purchasing or displaying this product and for abiding by those laws. It is your responsibility before purchasing this product to know the local laws. The purchaser and the end user understand that the use of any look-alike or replica explosive in commission of a crime may carry the same legal ramifications as if real explosives had been so used.
With top-quality cartridge brass approaching $1.00 per case, it’s more important than ever to get maximum life from your match brass. Annealing can extend the useful life of your brass, and ultrasonic cleaning allows you to eliminate carbon build-up inside cases that have been fired numerous times. You can certainly do annealing and ultrasonic cleaning yourself, but to get the best (and most consistent) results, you’ll need to invest in quality equipment and spend a good deal of time and effort learning how to use it properly. Likewise, turning case necks requires expensive tools, and it takes time and practice before you’ll get perfectly-turned necks.
DJs Brass Offers Annealing, Cleaning, and Neck-Turning
If you don’t have the resources to purchase annealing and ultrasonic cleaning machines, or if you don’t have the time to neck-turn hundreds of cases — don’t fret, there is an affordable option. DJsBrass.com, run by benchrest shooter Darrell Jones, offers annealing, ultrasonic cleaning, neck-turning, and complete brass prep services (including OAL trimming) at very reasonable rates. Darrell will anneal 100 cases for $15, and he’ll neck-turn your cases (any caliber), starting at $30.00 per hundred. Even if you’re a skilled neck-turner, if you just acquired a new caliber, it might make sense to send the work to Darrell, instead of purchasing new expander mandrels and turning arbors.
False-Shoulder Forming for Wildcats
Do you shoot an “improved” short-necked wildcat like the 6mm Dasher? Want your fire-forming to go without a hitch? Darrell can take your parent brass and create a false shoulder so you get a good crush fit in the chamber. If you’re running a tight-necked chamber he can create a false shoulder AND turn the top half of the neck to fit your chamber.
Video Shows Annealing Process
In the video below, Darrell explains the wide variety of brass restoration services he offers. Darrell says he can “bring your brass back to life” and we have found that to be true. We had some 6mmBR brass with no-turn necks that started to lose their “competitive edge” after just 7-8 loadings. The neck tension had become inconsistent from case to case, and bullet seating force (measured with a gauge-equipped K&M arbor press) varied widely. We were seeing unexplained flyers, and ES had nearly doubled compared to when the brass was fresh. Annealing the cases really made a difference. The neck tension was much more consistent and bullets seated more uniformly with less “spiking” of seating force. Paying $15 for annealing is a lot cheaper than buying a new box of brass for $80.00 or more!
Darrell offers a variety of services at affordable rates. To order work by Darrell, visit DJsBrass.com, or call (205) 461-4680:
Case Annealing Only
Cost: $15.00/100 for standard cases; $20.00/100 for magnum cases.*
Combination Service (Cleaning and Annealing)
Ultrasonic Cleaning, Check for split necks, Anneal case necks.
Cost: Starting at $20.00/100 standard and $25.00/100 for magnum cases.*
Full Service (Case Prep, Cleaning, Annealing)
Uniform primer pockets, Chamfer, Ultrasonic cleaning/polishing, Anneal case necks.
Cost: Starting at $30.00/100 and up.*
Neck Turning or Trim-to-Length Custom Order Service
Cost: Starting at $30.00/100 for standard cases.*
(Darrell can also resize necks or false shoulder your cases. Call for quotes.)
*Add USPS flat-rate return shipping. Call (205) 461-4680 for quotes on miscellaneous, military bulk brass or high volume discount. Note: Prices subject to change.
If you’re looking for a low-cost “entry-level” rimfire target rifle, consider a Kimber 82G from the CMP. These have been available for quite some time, but last year the CMP sorted its Kimber 82G inventory into two categories: “Rusties” and “Cleans”. Both categories are new rifles. The rusty rifles have a minor amount of surface rust which can usually be cleaned off with just some light oil and a rag. On some of the guns there is some rust in the bolt and on the sights, which may require some work with a metal brush or steel wool. The other cosmetic flaw is that many of the rifles have a thin, scored line along the buttstock, cause by the tip of the boxcutter. That can be sanded out.
Why, you might asked, would one choose one of the “Rusties”? Well, there are more in stock, and you can save 33%. The “Rusty” model Kimbers currently sell for just $400.00, $200 less than the “clean versions”. For a family on a tight budget, looking for a junior training rifle, the more affordable “Rusty” may be the better choice. Forum member Roarke says these “Rusty” Kimbers are well worth the money. Roarke writes: “I know because I bought one of these for $400, as opposed to $600 for the non-rusty, and it looks absolutely brand new.”
Forum member Michael L. (aka Chief 1018) concurs that his “Rusty” Kimber has been a great purchase: “I purchased a ‘Rusty’ from the CMP last year. No rust, but a lot of preservative. As you’ve probably read in the CMP forums, the bolt internals may be a little rusty/fouled. I immersed mine in WD-40 in a Zip-loc for a couple of days while I cleaned up the rifle. The oil turned brownish, but when I tore it down it was bright and clean. I think some of the ‘rust’ may be dried up preservative. It had the ‘signature’ box-cutter slice but that sanded out when I stripped, sanded, and tung-oiled the entire stock. The stock has very nice walnut with some dark figuring. The gun shoots great! The adjustable trigger is excellent.”
Roy Bertallato Reviews Kimber 82G
If you want to learn more about the Kimber 82Gs, Forum member Roy Bertallato has written an excellent article about his Kimber 82G from the CMP. Like many others, Roy couldn’t resist the $400.00 price, so he ordered one of the “Rusties”. Yes there was some light rust on small parts, but otherwise Roy was more than happy with his purchase:
“Sure enough, for $200 less, you can get a Kimber 82G RUSTY. I check out the qualifications and I had everything I needed in the way of qualifications so I decided to buy one. For $400, how bad could it be? Like anyone, I was VERY concerned that I’d get something that looked like it came out of the hold of a battle ship.” Roy’s fears proved unfounded: “There was just a very little bit of surface rust on the bottom [of the bolt]. Everything else you see that might appear to be rust is some type of red-yellow preservative. The action has zero rust, just some more nasty preservative. The bore is pristine! The rifle was stored with a paper straw in the bore saturated with some kind of oil.”
“The Kimber 82G is quite a rifle. It is a very heavy barrel, single shot, bolt action. It is supplied from the CMP with a fantastic set of target sights (worth a couple hundred dollars themselves), a heavy target stock with an adjustable butt plate for younger shooters, full instructions etc. Brand new, never fired rifles. I bought a beautiful Kimber sporter stock off Ebay and the action fits right into it.”
SIG P290 Online Reviews
CONCLUSION: The Sig P290 is a well-designed, nicely-made pistol in the super-small 9mm carry pistol category. However, for this writer, I wouldn’t want to carry the gun unless the trigger pull could be reduced to a reasonable weight for a DAO application (the trigger pull on the Kahr PM9 is much better). I would also wait until the optional magazine with grip extension is available. In the meantime, when the situation calls for a very small, light carry gun, I’ll stick with my older S&W model 638 revolver. We do suspect that, despite its shortcomings, the P290 will attract many buyers based on Sig Sauer’s reputation for quality. But the P290 costs more than most other small, polymer-framed 9mms, and price may be the deciding factor for many buyers.
The Claymore Hitch Cover is currently on sale for $39.95. If you like the idea, but don’t have a trailer hitch on your vehicle, check out the $37.00 
DJs Brass Offers Annealing, Cleaning, and Neck-Turning
