Reloading components can be hard to find, and bullets and powder are considerably more expensive than a few years back. And while centerfire pistol ammunition has started to come down in price, it is still way more expensive than .22 LR rimfire ammo. For these reasons, more pistol shooters now train with .22 LR rimfire pistols. Along with rimfire ammo’s greater affordability, these shooters often find that they enjoy rimfire’s much lower recoil and reduced noise levels. Fortunately, more gun makers now offer .22 pistols with ergonomics similar to centerfire pistols, making realistic training with a .22 LR very feasible.
SIG Sauer P322 is tested extensively with multiple rimfire ammo brands:
September-October 2022 Tactical Life Issue Features .22 LR Handguns
The September-October 2022 issue of Tactical Life features .22 LR rimfire pistols that have been designed to emulate full-size defensive pistols. With these new-generation, full-size rimfire 22s sharing the same ergonomics as 9mm SIGs and Walthers, this is a good way to train. The cost benefits can’t be denied. With good .22 LR ammo available for under $5.00 per 50-ct box, you can shoot 200 rounds of .22 LR for less than the cost of 50 rounds of 9x19mm centerfire ammo. This lets pistoleros hone their shooting skills, with more target time, at a fraction of the cost.
The latest issue of Tactical Life reviews an interesting selection of .22 LR rimfire pistols. Fred Mastison’s cover story reviews new full-size, semi-auto .22 pistols from FN, Sig Sauer, and Walther. Mastison tests the FN 502, SIG P322, and Walther WMP. Plus, Mastison chronicles 10 other new .22 pistols offered this year.
Tactical Life’s editors observe: “With many kinds of ammunition still very hard to find, available ammo quite expensive and runaway inflation making expendable income for range visits increasingly harder to come by, it’s a good thing that manufacturers have — whether intentionally or not — made 2022 the year of the .22. With a good .22 pistol or rifle and a couple of bricks of ammo, you can shoot all day for what just a few hours of shooting centerfire rounds would cost you.”
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For today’s Saturday at the Movies feature, we spotlight seven product comparison videos from a variety of skilled sources. Gun buyers should check out the comparisons of Affordable Hunting Rifles, AR Platform Rifles, and .22 LR Handguns. Hunters will appreciate the detailed, comparison review of Hunting Scopes. We also feature informative comparison tests of Suppressors and Muzzle Brakes. And any handloader should check out Gavin Gear’s remarkable review of 14 different single-stage presses.
Hunting season is right around the corner. If you need a quality riflescope but have a limited budget, this video from the popular Backfire Channel can direct you to some of the best current hunting scope values. The reviewer looks at models starting at $200, examining the magnification levels, reticle types, and glass quality. He finds that it IS possible to get a very good scope at an affordable price. The video also explains First Focal Plane vs. Second Focal Plane considerations. NOTE: Backfire also recently released a video featuring scopes all under $500.00.
14 Single-Stage Reloading Presses Compared
Gavin Gear’s 14-Press comparison test for UltimateReloader.com is legendary. This detailed 41-minute video is the most comprehensive guide to single-stage reloading presses ever created. This remarkable 14-press review is the best place to start if you are in the market for a new press. Gavin notes the pros and cons of each press type, and explains which may be best suited for pistol loading vs. large rifle cartridges
Nine .30-Cal Muzzle Brakes Reviewed with Recoil Force Data
Here’s another great comparison test from Gavin Gear of UltimateReloader.com. Gavin measures the effectiveness of nine (9) different muzzle brakes. Using sophisticated electronic equipment, Gavin measures the recoil reduction of each brake. His equipment calculates the “peak force” as well as the recoil pulse (10:10 time-mark), with a chart of the total recoil impulse (10:40). Finally Gavin charts the total percentage reduction in recoil force (11:42). That last chart may be the best “quick reference” to decide which brake does the best job of reducing the load on your shoulder.
Affordable Hunting Rifles — Best Choices under $750.00
Here’s another good Backfire Channel video for hunters looking for a new rig. With hunting season starting soon, this video can save you time and help you get the most bang for your buck. The Backfire team review eight affordable under-$750 rifles: Bergara B-14, Howa 1500 Hogue, Kimber Hunter, Remington 700, Ruger American, Savage 110 Switchback, Tikka T3X Superlite, and Weatherby Vanguard. The Backfire reviewers tested all 8 rifles for function and accuracy (4-shot groups). These 8 rifles were chose for review based on input from Backfire channel viewers.
Best .22 LR Rimfire Handguns
We think every gun owner should have a .22 LR rimfire handgun. In this informative 25-minute video, a team from the Backfire Channel tests eight .22 LR handguns — seven semi-autos and one wheelgun (revolver). The guns tested are: Browning Buck Mark, Glock 44, Heritage Rough Rider 16″ revolver, Keltec CP33, Ruger MKIV Lite, Smith & Wesson SW22 Victory, Taurus TX22, and Walther PPQ. The test does a good job of showing feed reliablity and rapid-fire performance. Editor’s Comment: We have shot rimfire pistols for five decades for fun and in competition. We recommend the Smith & Wesson Model 617 revolver, and the Browning Buck Mark semi-auto.
Top Five AR-15 Platform Rifles
The donkey party politicians in Washington are up to no good again. The Democrats are seeking to ban and/or restrict mag-fed, semi-automatic rifles including popular AR-platform rifles. Because more gun bans may be coming out of Washington soon, you may want to get your own “Modern Sporting Rifle” while you can. This helpful Survival Channel video showcases five quality AR-15 type rifles: Daniel Defense DDM4V7, Daniel Defense DDM4V11, Ruger AR-556 MPR, Sig Sauer SIGM400 Tread, and Smith & Wesson M&P15T. In addition, the video reviews the Springfield Armory Saint Edge AR-15 Pistol.
Suppressors (Silencers) — How to Choose the Best Option
Suppressors are becoming increasingly popular with PRS/NRL shooters, pistol shooters, and hunters. Thankfully companies such as SilencerCo.com and Silencer Central are making it easier to comply with Federal rules on silencer acquisition. These vendors have made it much easier to prepare the paperwork needed to get the requisite ATF Tax Stamp and, if desired, set up a suppressor ownership trust.
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September-October 2022 Tactical Life Issue Features .22 LR Handguns
