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Top 5 Self-Defense Myths

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Top 5 Self-Defense Myths
Karen Hunter Photo

Voltaire said it best when he claimed, “Common sense is not so common.” That quote is quite evident when it comes to certain self-defense myths.

Just because something may sound like a good idea doesn’t mean it is.

Here are five common self-defense myths, why they are not recommended, and what you should do instead. 

1. Self-Defense is Only About Fighting

Self-defense is any countermeasure that prevents you from harm. Acquiring physical skills to defend yourself is important, but self-defense should also include mental skills. Situational Awareness and Avoidance skills should be first in your self-defense toolbox. Knowing what to watch for, what to avoid, and how to handle yourself in varying environments should be your first line of defense.

The goal should be never having to go to a self-defense weapon or any type of hand-to-hand combat. Educating yourself with situational awareness and avoidance skill sets keeps you in an offensive position rather than a defensive one. Mental countermeasures are just as important as physical countermeasures. 

Top 5 Self-Defense Myths
Just shoot them in the leg? You’re just asking for trouble tactically and legally. Karen Hunter Photo

2. Just Shoot Them in the Leg

This is called “shoot to wound”. In theory, this sounds like a great idea. Disable the attacker then get away. First and foremost, you should ONLY pull the trigger if you are certain it is a life-or-death situation. If it is, shooting to wound is a bad idea. Hitting a small moving target such as a leg or an arm while under stress is much more difficult than aiming for center mass. The odds of hitting that small target are unlikely and now you have a stray bullet heading somewhere else.

Additionally, there is no guarantee you will disable the threat. Attackers who are shot in a non-physical stop area can and will keep going. If the shot does not neutralize the threat, they will only stop if they choose to.  If you are in a life-or-death situation, shooting to wound is a poor decision that will only put your life at greater risk. 

3. Fire a Warning Shot into the Air

This is an incredibly irresponsible option to deter a threat. You are responsible for every shot you fire. Firing without an identified target means you have no idea where that bullet is going, where it will land, or what it could potentially hit. If the goal is to show a threat that you are serious and ready to defend, keeping your firearm at a low ready would be far more responsible. 

4. Just Rack Your Gun, They’ll Run

The idea is that the sound will scare off an attacker or intruder. This is an extremely popular concept for shotgun lovers. Yes, there is no doubt it is an intimidating sound, but unless you have a timid group of unarmed juveniles, this is a terrible idea. You cannot predict the behavior of a person with ill intent. They do not think the way we do.

These are people with a total disregard for the law, and other human beings. The assumption that the sound of your gun racking will scare them off is naive. The sound of your gun racking forces them to make one of two decisions. They will retreat, or they will charge and engage the sound – potentially with a gun if they’re armed. 

Top 5 Self-Defense Myths
Women don’t need smaller guns, they need the right gun and proper training, just like men. Karen Hunter Photo

5. Women Need Small Guns and Light Calibers

This could not be further from the truth. The “try this little lady” mentality does exist with some people. I don’t think this is a chauvinistic attitude. I honestly believe some people are genuinely trying to help women but they’re just lacking education. Defaulting to a tiny revolver or lighter caliber pistol seems to make sense to them.  Shooting a firearm is hand-specific and based on the individual. It has nothing to do with being male or female. I have seen petite women handle firearms with better form, accuracy, and recoil management than much larger men.  What everyone really needs is professional education and training with the ability to try different guns to see what works best for them. 

We must be able to think beyond the situation. Actions always have consequences that will either be positive or negative. It’s important to think through our plans of action and find the areas where something could go wrong. Thinking through different “what-if” scenarios is also beneficial. Mentally go through the scenarios and ask yourself the following questions:

  1. Does this make sense and is it legal where I live?
  2. Was this information obtained from a credible source?
  3. What are the different ways this could backfire or go wrong?
  4. If I defend myself in this manner, what could I potentially be liable for after?
  5. Am I proficiently trained to handle these actions?

These are just a few of the self-defense “myths” that are out there. Some are obviously ridiculous and quite common, while others appear to be credible when they aren’t.

It can be difficult to filter through the information and opinions to find accurate and sound knowledge. My advice is to always find a trained professional for guidance, especially when it comes to firearms. 

Garmin Xero C1 Pro and the Caldwell Velociradar: A Comparison

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Garmin Xero C1 Pro and the Caldwell Velociradar

The addition of a fairly new technology, radar, has shaken up the world of chronographs. But what of the older, optical models? They still work. I have owned at least 4 different optical models, starting with the old fold-in-half-when-done Shooting Chrony back in the big-shoulder-pad era of the 1980s. I had to have two of them since I shot the first one. I then bought Caldwell’s Ballistic Precision and Pro models. I even managed to shoot one of those. I guess I’m a better shot than I thought – those wires and supports are tiny…

When Labradar brought out its radar-powered model, the world of consumer-owned chronographs changed. No longer did you need to place sky screens with their attendant wire(s) downrange and have to shoot through an opening. There was nothing to hit accidentally. What a concept! They were but one company to use radar… there have been others, but those units have been fairly pricey. Things really changed when a company known for its GPS and wrist-worn gadgets got into the chronograph game. For the first time, you could have accurate velocity readings from a tiny, Go-Pro-sized three-ounce box that sat on your shooting bench with no wires and no peep-type-sight to aim it at the target. That would be the new Garmin unit.

Garmin got into the radar chronograph business a couple of years ago with their version of the radar chronograph, the Xero C1 Pro. I had to have one, and I’m glad I bought it. It is so small that it can sit in my range bag and go with me to my shooting bench every time I do. It’s tiny and light. Caldwell then got into the radar business not long ago. Remember, they have made optical chronographs for years, more than a few of which I owned. So they were not new to the game… just the radar part of it. After I learned of its existence, I started bugging Jarrod at Caldwell to get one. It came through last week. I’m glad my Dillon range bag is large enough to carry both chronos!

Caldwell’s version of the radar chronograph is called the Velociradar. A clever name, for sure! They did things a bit differently than Garmin did – they used a different type of radar technology. Whereas the Garmin unit uses Doppler radar, the Velociradar utilizes Chirp radar. What’s the difference, you ask? Well, after talking to company reps I believe it comes down to the fact that Doppler will give you one basic measurement – muzzle velocity. Chirp, on the other hand, measures velocities several times during the course of the bullet’s flight out to a certain range (typically 100 yards). That way, the Velociradar can display a specialized table in its D.O.P.E. menu choice. This table lists bullet speed and energy for various yardages to 100 yards. It also can figure drag on the bullet which results in its displaying a ballistic coefficient for that particular bullet. It can do all this with just one shot.

Before I sum up, below, my comparison between the two let me state that this article’s purpose is not to choose one over the other. I am simply comparing the two and showing their features. They each do different things very well… I’m glad I have them both. The pistol shooter in me loves the Garmin, while the rifle guy living in my house is really stoked about the Caldwell. Why?

My reasoning for that is this: if you need a quick muzzle velocity check from a firearm, bow, BB gun, etc. with minimal set-up and you don’t need 100-yard ballistics, the tiny Garmin is the one to set on your bench. But if you need to know exactly what that .308 bullet is doing downrange at 100 yards – velocities, energies, bullet drop, ballistic coefficient info – turn on the Velociradar. Sometimes I’ll set both of them up on my bench – talk about information overload! That’s a good thing, for shooters. Also, they each have a full-featured Bluetooth phone app that makes using them easier… you will find yourself reaching for your phone more than you thought. There’s more on that below.

Comparison

So, in a nutshell, how do they compare? Here are some quick observations. 

Garmin Xero C1 Pro | Caldwell Velociradar

  • Size, in inches: 2¾ x 2⅜ x 1⅜ | 10¾ x 8 x 2
  • Weight: 3.7 oz. | 3 lbs., 0.7 oz.
  • Radar Type: Doppler Chirp
  • Bluetooth Phone App? Yes | Yes
  • Display: Monochrome Color
  • Display Size: 2.2” diag. | 3” diag.
  • Rechargeable? Yes – USB cable included | Yes – USB cable included
  • Display Muzzle Velocity: Yes | Yes
  • Display Bullet Energy: Yes | Yes
  • Display Downrange Velocity:  No | Yes
  • Display Downrange Energies: No | Yes
  • Display Ballistic Coefficient: No | Yes
  • Velocity Range: 100 – 5000 fps | 250 – 4500 fps
  • Radar Triggers *: 1 | 2 
  • Water-Resistant: IPV7 | No**
  • Included: USB cable, small tripod | USB cable, ball-head larger tripod
  • MSRP: $599.99 | $549.99

* Triggers: radar measurement is triggered in the Garmin by a projectile entering its radar path. It discounts objects like people walking, etc, that are not in a given velocity range. The Caldwell uses either an acoustic or a wired, recoil-operated trigger to start the measurement… you choose one or the other in Settings. There’s more on that below.

** The owner’s manual for the Velociradar states: As with any electronic device, water can damage certain components. To prevent damage, do not use chronograph outside without being protected.

Controls & Menus

Both units have soft-press buttons that control them.

The Garmin Xero C1 Pro has four buttons, across the top: “OK”, Back/Power, arrow up and arrow down. Turning it on, you will find on the display: battery strength, and three choices: New Session, History, and Settings. The arrow buttons navigate these choices. Here is where you start a new session, review a saved one, or go to settings. 

Here are your settings choices… they scroll off the screen so I didn’t take a photo.

  • Units (fps)
  • Display color (black or white)
  • Backlight (percentage)
  • Backlight timeout
  • Data fields: choose what three data fields you want on your screen. I chose average, standard deviation, and  kinetic energy, Also, shot list data is an option 
  • Pro Settings (projectile weight entry, show chronograph placement diagrams – off is the default)
  • Language
  • Connectivity
  • Reset
  • About

Without going all geeky on this, suffice it to say that you have the ability to choose rifle, pistol, bow, or air rifle… it works with all those. Once rifle or pistol is selected, you can then choose a velocity range (for example, rifle, 1700-5000 or 600-1700). At this point, you can enter the bullet weight so it will calculate energy. The next button press takes you to the shooting screen… shoot your session and then, with a button press, either cancel it or end it. If you end it, it will save it. The Garmin will save 50 sessions internally, but I find it easier to keep them on my phone or laptop. That’s the gist of the Garmin.

Where To Buy

Garmin Xero C1 Pro

Caldwell Velociradar

The Caldwell goes about things a bit differently, as you might imagine. Buttons are on the front of the unit, surrounding the display. They include (left side) cursor arrows for up, down, left, and right, and (right side) power, select check-mark, back, and an “arm” button that you press to enable or disable radar during a string.

When you turn it on, you’re met with a three-choice menu: New String, Load String, and Settings. Just press the check-mark button to select new string. You can go to Settings to input bullet weight

Where To Buy

Caldwell Velociradar

Set-Up and Use

Both chronographs are designed to be placed on your shooting bench or next to it, on their tripods. (Some shooters like to use a full-size photo tripod with the Caldwell… that’s your call).

The Garmin needs to be 5 – 15” behind and to the side of your muzzle, although it did work a little further out. You simply point the display toward you and the back of the unit toward the target. Exact placement is not required. After going through a few button presses, you start shooting and your velocities will appear. After you end the session, a summary comes up on the unit and on your phone app. You can then save the string and end the session. After that, you can export the data to Excel if you like. 

The Caldwell is a much larger, heavier unit. I own both of these and I use them for different purposes. The Garmin is great for a quick velocity reading on a string of shots. I’ve even used it to measure a granddaughter’s Red Ryder BB gun muzzle velocity (273 fps). One thing it won’t do, however, is chart downrange ballistics or the ballistic coefficient on a string of shots. 

The Velociradar will do these things. This is a chrono for those who want to find out what their load is doing from the starting gate all the way out to wherever you placed your target – they recommend 100 yards. The info that it returns to you has velocities at various ranges, energies at those ranges, and a calculated ballistic coefficient for that bullet’s string of shots. To set it up, you put it on its tripod and then you must then align it with the target. There’s a peepsight of sorts on the top of the unit – aim it at your target. OK, now it’s aligned, so turn it on. 

You’re met with a three-item menu: New String, Load String, Settings. Use the arrow keys to navigate all menus. As far as settings go on the Caldwell, here are your choices:

There are few settings, but the phone app adds some functionality. Your first decision should be which trigger you will use. If you are OK with the acoustic trigger – you are shooting on your own without other shooters around you – you do nothing. That trigger is the default. But, if you’re at a noisy range you can attach, via velcro straps, a “switch” to your rifle that plugs into the unit. You would then set the trigger to recoil in the settings. As for auto-ready, I leave that selected as it arms the radar automatically for each shot. You can change that if needed. 

Speaking Of The Phone Apps…

Both apps are functional. Once you connect the devices via Bluetooth, a world of information is in your hand. Here are a couple of screen shots from both chronographs.

Garmin

These examples are of a three-shot string from my 450 Bushmaster. Left, a summary screen and right, individual shots.

Here are two screen shots from the Caldwell phone app…

 

The left shot is a string of 9mm shots. The right shot is the “Dope Chart” that was generated. Obviously, we wouldn’t care about 100-yard-plus ballistics with a 9mm, but with rifle cartridges, it can get interesting.

You have options with both apps in terms of entering additional information such as gun used, weather, bullet info, or other notes. With either, you can export your completed information for a string to Excel. The computer geek in me likes that… you can keep a record of your handloads, or factory loads, for a certain gun. 

Which One Is Better?

HA! A trick question! They’re BOTH better! Howso? They do different things. Always before, my chronograph experience had me measuring muzzle velocity, period. When radar and digital electronics hit the chronograph market, things changed. But… I still mostly measure muzzle velocity. I extrapolate information from that reading and can determine, approximately, downrange velocities and energies and trajectory. That’s been my mindset. By way of explanation, I’ve pretty much spent most of my shooting years with a handgun of sorts. It’s only been recently that rifles have gained numbers in my gun safe. So, I never had the need for downrange ballistics like you rifle shooters out there need. But, like I said, that’s changing. Muzzle velocity is just one thing that can be measured now.

The Velociradar (and Labradar before it) allows all that “new measurement.” Now, not only can you measure muzzle velocity, but you can also get downrange velocities, energies, and even a ballistic coefficient as the radar can measure drag on the bullet. The reloader in me is happy. Now, we’re talking! 

So, Which One Do I Buy?

So, which should you buy? They each have their pluses. The Garmin fits in a pocket, is extremely accurate and is IPV7 waterproof so you can shoot in the rain, if that’s your thing. The Caldwell is larger and heavier, and it will measure things the Garmin can’t – they call it their D.O.P.E. chart. I mentioned them above. Plus, the Caldwell allows you to use an acoustic or wired recoil trigger. The ball head on the included tripod allows you to always have the chrono perpendicular to your bench. But, you have to physically aim it at your target, something the Garmin doesn’t require.

Cutting to the chase, the Caldwell will do everything the Garmin will do, but it’s larger, heavier, and needs to be aimed at the target. It is indispensable, though, if you are a rifle shooter who needs downrange ballistic information. A pistol shooter who never shoots beyond, say, 50 yards would be well served with the Garmin. Its pluses are its tiny size/weight, and its freedom of position on your shooting bench. 

Where pricing is concerned, I’ve seen the Garmin for as low as $411, while I’ve seen the Caldwell’s pricing hovering around $499. (That $411 price is abnormally low, although it seems legit…). You can, for the most part, expect to pay around $50 less than MSRP for either one at some mainstream sites.

As I said above, I’m glad I own both – they each do different things well. As for you, you need to decide which of the two will fill your particular need the best. That’s a call I can’t make.

Links

Garmin Xero C1 Pro

Caldwell Velociradar

Georgia Senate Approves Gun Tax Holiday

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georgia guns firearms license plate
Shutterstock

About a week ago, we reported that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is proposing a tax holiday for purchasing firearms, ammunition and accessories. Dubbed “Second Amendment Summer,” DeSantis’s initiative would eliminate taxes on these products from Memorial Day to the Fourth of July.

Now, pro-gun lawmakers in neighboring Georgia are working toward a similar tax holiday of their own. Earlier this week, Republicans in the Georgia Senate passed a measure that would waive the sales tax on firearms purchases for 11 days beginning on the second Friday of October.

According to a report at savannahnow.com, Senate Bill 47 passed by a 31-to-21 margin along party lines. While Republicans said the bill was about bolstering gun rights and the Second Amendment, Democrats tried to make the measure about the Sept. 4, 2024, Apalachee High School murders of two teachers and two students.

One such was Democrat Sen. Nan Orrock of Atlanta.

“Are you all tone deaf?” Orrock asked. “It’s like taking a knife and sticking it into the heart of a parent who has lost a child. What is this blood lust for guns?”

Actually, it’s nothing like what Orrock said. Implementing a gun tax holiday has nothing to do with a troubled young person killing fellow students and teachers. Anyone buying a gun during the holiday would still need to pass a background check, just like at any other time. As a result, anyone benefiting from the tax holiday would be a verified law-abiding citizen.

It’s incomprehensible how Orrock and other anti-gun Democrats can equate a mass murderer shooting kids and teachers at a school with a bird hunter buying a new shotgun or a single mom purchasing a handgun for self-defense. The situations are so vastly different from one another that the comparison is absurd.

Regarding the so-called “blood lust for guns,” Orrock clearly either misunderstands or chooses to overlook the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The Supreme Court has consistently ruled that the Second Amendment protects an individual right to keep and bear arms. The Court has also established that the act of purchasing firearms is protected under the Second Amendment.

This bill and the Florida proposal contradict the actions of anti-gun states that have begun proposing and enacting additional excise taxes on guns and ammunition—a type of “sin tax,” even though exercising your Second Amendment rights is not a sin. In recent years, both California (11%) and Colorado (6.5%) have imposed new taxes on guns and ammo.

It’s too early to determine if states proposing a gun sales tax holiday are becoming a trend, but Florida and Georgia’s initiatives certainly represent a positive development. It will be interesting to see if other states follow suit during this session.

Interestingly, the Georgia Senate passed a similar bill last year that proposed a five-day tax holiday, but the GOP-led state House of Representatives did not act on the measure.

Point of Impact Shift: Why Suppressors Change Your Zero and How to Compensate

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When mounting a suppressor on a rifle, many shooters are surprised to discover their previously perfect zero is suddenly off. This shift in point of impact (POI) is a common and well-documented phenomenon that occurs with virtually all suppressed weapons systems. Understanding why this happens and how to address it is crucial for maintaining accuracy, whether you’re competing, hunting, or training

The Physics Behind POI Shift

At its core, a POI shift occurs because adding a suppressor fundamentally changes how your firearm behaves during the firing sequence. When you attach a suppressor, you’re adding mass to the muzzle end of your barrel, which alters its harmonics and vibration patterns. As a barrel fires, it doesn’t remain perfectly straight – it actually flexes and whips in a consistent pattern. This oscillation, known as barrel harmonics, affects where the bullet exits the bore in relation to the barrel’s neutral axis. A suppressor’s additional weight changes these harmonics, resulting in a different exit point for the bullet.

The Baffle Effect

Beyond the basic physics of added weight, suppressors introduce another factor that influences POI shift: the interaction between the bullet and the baffle system. As the bullet travels through the suppressor, it encounters a series of baffles designed to slow and cool the expanding gases. These baffles can create subtle changes in air pressure and turbulence that affect the bullet’s trajectory. A similar POI shift often occurs with muzzle breaks for similar reasons. While modern suppressor designs can minimize these effects, they cannot eliminate them entirely.

Common POI Shift Patterns

Most rifles exhibit a predictable POI shift when suppressed, typically ranging from 0.5 to 4 MOA (Minute of Angle). The direction of this shift varies between firearm configurations but often manifests as an upward or upward-right movement of the impact point. This occurs because suppressors typically cause bullets to strike higher than their unsuppressed point of impact, though the exact direction and magnitude depend on multiple factors including barrel length, suppressor design, and ammunition characteristics.

Factors Affecting Shift

Several variables influence how much your POI will shift when adding a suppressor. Barrel length plays a significant role – generally, shorter barrels experience more pronounced shifts due to the suppressor’s mass having a greater proportional effect on the overall system. The suppressor’s weight and length also matter, with heavier and longer suppressors typically causing larger shifts. Additionally, ammunition selection can impact the degree of shift, as different bullet weights and velocities interact differently with the suppressor’s baffle system.

Temperature Considerations

An often-overlooked aspect of suppressor-induced POI shift is the effect of temperature. As suppressors heat up during use, they can cause additional shifts in point of impact. This thermal shift occurs because the heated suppressor creates rising air currents that can affect bullet trajectory, and because the heat can temporarily change the barrel’s harmonics. Professional shooters often note their zero at different temperature ranges and adjust accordingly during extended shooting sessions.

Mounting Consistency

One crucial factor in managing POI shift is maintaining consistent mounting practices. Modern quick-attach suppressor systems are designed to provide repeatable mounting, but even slight variations in mounting tension or position can lead to different POI shifts. It’s essential to use the same mounting procedure every time and to verify that the suppressor is properly seated before firing. Some shooters mark their suppressor’s position relative to the mount to ensure consistent alignment.

Compensation Strategies

The most straightforward approach to dealing with POI shift is to re-zero your weapon with the suppressor attached if you plan to shoot suppressed consistently. However, if you frequently switch between suppressed and unsuppressed configurations, there are several strategies to manage the transition. Some shooters maintain separate zero data for both configurations and adjust their optics accordingly. Others use adjustable turret caps marked for both zeros, allowing quick transitions between configurations.

Advanced Solutions

Modern technology offers some sophisticated solutions for managing POI shifts. Some manufacturers now produce adjustable mounts that allow fine-tuning of the suppressor’s position to minimize POI shift. Additionally, certain optics feature multiple zero settings that can be quickly toggled between suppressed and unsuppressed configurations. Ballistic calculators and apps have also begun incorporating suppressor offset data to help shooters predict and compensate for shifts across different distances.

Testing and Documentation

Developing a reliable system for managing POI shift requires thorough testing and documentation. Shooters should conduct controlled testing to measure their specific weapon’s shift under various conditions. This testing should include multiple mounting and dismounting cycles to verify repeatability, and should be conducted at different distances to understand how the shift scales with range. Keeping detailed records of these tests helps develop a comprehensive understanding of your system’s behavior.

Real-World Applications

Understanding and compensating for POI shift becomes particularly important in practical applications. Hunters should check their zero with the suppressor attached and avoid removing the suppressor during the hunting season or trip if possible. Competition shooters often face stages requiring both configurations and need fast & efficient methods to adjust their zero. Military and law enforcement personnel often must be able to transition between suppressed and unsuppressed while maintaining precision quickly.

The Future of Suppressor Technology

Manufacturers continue innovating suppressor designs, working to minimize POI shift through advanced materials and baffle designs. Some recent developments include flow-through suppressors that reduce back pressure and specialized mounting systems designed to maintain more consistent barrel harmonics. As technology advances, we may see further reductions in POI shift, though it’s unlikely to be eliminated due to the fundamental physics involved.

Wrap Up

Point of impact shift with suppressors is a common but manageable phenomenon. Success in managing POI shift comes from understanding the underlying causes, thoroughly testing your specific setup, and developing consistent procedures for both mounting and compensation.

Whether you’re a casual shooter or a professional, taking the time to understand and account for these shifts will significantly improve your accuracy and effectiveness with suppressed firearms. As suppressor technology continues to evolve, shooters can expect to see improved solutions for managing POI shift.

Still, the fundamental principles of testing, documentation, and consistent technique will remain essential for achieving optimal results.

Exothermic Pulsefire LRT Flamethrower

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Exothermic Pulsefire LRT

Flamethrowers. Few will ever need them, but everyone wants one, right? I’ve owned one of the stalwart old XM42 models for years and have enjoyed it despite its quirks. The Exothermic Pulsefire LRT (long-range torch) crossed my computer screen, and I had to have one. On paper, at least, it has improved upon the few issues I’ve had with my older XM42. Does a better design (in theory) translate to a better-finished product? Read on…

Exothermic Pulsefire LRT

Tech Specs:

Length25.7 in
Width8.5 in
Height10.0 in
Weight6.0 lb
IgnitionHigh frequency electric spark
Default Nozzle0.72″ solid stream
Typical Reach≥ 25 ft*
Fuel Capacity0.35 gal
Compatible FuelGasoline, gasoline-diesel mixture
Primary MaterialsAluminum, Viton, brass
FinishPowder coat
Battery2200 mAh 3-cell rechargeable lithium

Where To Buy

Exothermic Pulsefire LRT Flamethrower

The Pulsefire LRT, as shown, is in a limited-run Mirror Silver finish, with OD Green being the norm.

Breakdown:

The Pulsefire LRT is a sturdy little firespitter at ~6lbs. Everything about this unit is solid, which is what you’d like when you’re holding an electric arc machine and a third of a gallon of gas.

Exothermic Pulsefire LRT
A shocking picture!

The battery is no joke and will pump more than five gallons of fuel between charges.

So what shortcomings in the XM42 has the Exothermic Pulsefire LRT fixed? First, tough battery access. The Pulsefire has a simple thumbscrew to remove the plate that retains the battery for recharging, whereas the XM42 needed an Allen key. Recharging should be easy! Second, the XM42 relied on a bulky butane canister for its pilot light, while the Pulsefire LRT uses a cool electric arc that makes me think a tiny little terminator is about to show up.

Finally, the Pulsefire LRT has a nice little digital display showing you the current voltage output from the battery. When it gets down to 10.5 volts, the system kills power to let you know to charge up.

Exothermic Pulsefire LRT
Digital display flickers imperceptibly to the naked eye, numbers are only dim in photos.

Aside from all the functional pieces, the Pulsefire LRT has some nice style. Besides some mixed retro/future military aesthetics, the cherry on top is the “missile lock” style switch protecting the fire button. Too cool.

Exothermic Pulsefire LRT
All systems are go

Redundant safety is definitely at play here. Clearly, the consequences of drenching someone in burning fuel are too great to leave up to chance. Besides the system on/off button and the “missile lock” switch cover protecting the fire button, there’s also a manual fuel shut-off valve just behind the nozzle, meaning this thing can be totally shut down for safe storage.

Exothermic Pulsefire LRT
Shut off valve and thermal protection for wiring shown.

Fire Away!

So… how well does the Pulsefire LRT work? Well, if you’ve ever thought “wow, I really need to light something on fire, but I don’t wanna walk 25 feet”, then this is the product for you! Jokes aside, the Pulsefire is excellent for firing up a bonfire, agricultural burn pile, wasp nest, or a controlled burn on the farm without getting too close.

Exothermic Pulsefire LRT
Yes, she makes it look more fun than I do. Photo used with permission of Exothermic.

Remember earlier I mentioned the low voltage cutoff? Herein lies my first hangup with the Pulsefire: while you’re spraying, the voltage (understandably) drops. It comes back up between bursts. Sometimes, the system shutdown seemed triggered by the low voltage cutoff, despite the battery being charged and just between “shots.” I’d go to spray a bit more, and had to wait for a second before I was able to spray again.

Exothermic Pulsefire LRT

One of the few variables you can control here is the fuel mix, where you can run either straight gasoline or a mix of gas/diesel (up to 50% diesel) for a slower-burning, hotter flame. For fun, the straight gas mix is definitely more visually appealing, and more potent in how it billows out like it’s coming from a little baby dragon. The diesel mix lacks the same level of oomph, but is a lot more effective at getting stubborn piles of brush to ignite. When I’m having fun, it’s gas. When the homestead needs a burn, it’s mixed. While using the Pulsefire, I tried chainsaw gas (50:1 gas to 2-stroke oil mix), resulting in a shorter spray distance and weaker flame. Use regular gas (especially ethanol free) for best results.

27 seconds doesn’t sound like a long time. Put your hand on a hot stove, or try riding in a rodeo, and 27 seconds can seem much longer. So it is with a flamethrower like the Pulsefire LRT. 27 seconds is your full “cyclic” time, so if you’re sending out bursts of flaming dino juice, your tank will last double or triple that span. Unlike with the XM42, you aren’t limited by the longevity of a butane pilot light, so you don’t feel the pressure to get it over with. Fireballs on demand! Where you want them, when you want them.

Exothermic Pulsefire LRT

Similarly, 25 feet doesn’t sound like a lot. If I’m tossing a football to my oldest, that’s a low effort throw. When the breath of Smaug is billowing outwards in a deadly stream of roasting flame, it feels pretty damn sufficient.

The Pulsefire LRT is built from “billet aluminum, with robitic welds 100% fluoroelastomer seals.” I’ll be honest, I haven’t tossed this around and beat it up the way I normally do with firearms. Something about exploding gives me a moment’s pause. The Pulsefire LRT though, appears and feels extremely well built. I’m sure Exothermic’s designers and lawyers agreed this unit had to be overbuilt before selling tens of thousands of units.

Exothermic Pulsefire LRT

An interesting note, flamethrowers like this work better above freezing. I noticed when the temperature dropped into the teens the gasoline was thicker, produced far less vapor (the really flammable part) and left more unburned fuel hitting the ground. My photoshoot at 19 degrees (F) was less impressive than days above freezing, but the Pulsefire wasn’t to blame, just physics.

Bottom Line:

The Exothermic Pulsefire LRT makes a strong case for what a small, personal flamethrower should look like, and how it should perform. For many, such a device may not fill a utilitarian need, but for nearly everyone the Pulsefire would be as fun as fireworks.

The arc ignition system is a generational improvement over the butane canister ignition device.

The Exothermic Pulsefire LRT currently runs $609.99. Do you need one? I don’t know, but whether it’s a need or a want, this is a well-built and highly functional option for you to consider. I only plan on keeping one flamethrower around, and this is the one.

Colorado Senate To Approve Firearm Restriction Bill With Exemption

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assault weapons ban semi-automatic firearms
Bigstock

For all intents and purposes, Colorado has rendered the Second Amendment a privilege, not a right, and that still upsets leftist politicians who wanted even more draconian restrictions placed on gun ownership in the state. In January, Democrat lawbreakers, sorry, I meant lawmakers,  introduced one of the most sweeping “assault weapon” bans ever considered, intending to prohibit the manufacture, distribution, transfer, sale, or purchase of most semi-automatic firearms in existence, including any handgun, rifle, or shotgun that accepts detachable magazines.

After approving a series of amendments meant to appease Democratic Governor Jared Polis, who is wary of sweeping firearm restrictions, likely remembering the 2013 recall petitions and ousted politicians after the state passed a series of gun control bills, Senate Bill 25-3 is set for a final recorded vote sometime this week. It needs eighteen votes to pass, and with twenty-three Democrats in the chamber, it is likely to move to the House next for consideration, where Democrats also have a strong majority.

Now amended, SB 25-3 would carve out a provision for Coloradans who complete a safety and training course to purchase firearms otherwise banned by the bill. It took nearly 10 hours of debate, finally passing after midnight on Valentine’s Day, for the chamber to come to what sounds like a reluctant agreement.

Senator Tom Sullivan, the bill’s sponsor and Centennial Democrat, used the debate as a platform to stand atop the graves of the twelve people, including his son, killed in a 2012 Aurora mass shooting, by holding a photo of a 100-round magazine used by the gunman throughout the debate. My heart goes out to him and all those who have lost loved ones in senseless tragedies, but this type of appeal to demonize an inanimate object is blatant emotional blackmail for which you’ll find no forgiveness from me. 

“We spent quite a bit of time these last several weeks trying to get it to a space where we could be inclusive to everyone who was having concerns… What we’re trying to do is save lives… We are all hoping that those 550 million firearms that are out there are in the hands of law-abiding, responsible gun owners and we don’t have to worry about them taking any action in our communities. What we are worried about is the new (owners) who all of sudden just walk down the street, and … after we pass this, and starting in September, the only assault style weapons they can get are going to have attached magazines to it,” says Sullivan.

The sentiment is utterly disingenuous, however, as it has been explained ad nauseam that criminals who are willing to commit murder don’t concern themselves with magazine capacity limits, guns that are banned, or other ridiculous gun control measures. This isn’t a debate anymore. It’s just common sense that demonstrates the shameless lengths that the anti-Second Amendment left will go to and the logic that they will evade to usher in a more authoritarian government with citizens reduced to subjects. 

“I want to acknowledge the extent to which we’ve heard concerns … from our governor and from Coloradans. We’ve worked to address them,” echoed another bill sponsor, Democrat Senator Julie Gonzales from Denver.

In Colorado, participating in the privilege that was once a right of all Americans now involves being vetted by a county sheriff in a process similar to acquiring a concealed carry permit. If approved, they would then need to attend a four-hour basic firearm safety course if they have already completed a hunter safety course from Colorado Parks and Wildlife, which is required to obtain a state hunting license.

Those who do not have a hunter safety certification, however, will be subject to an extended twelve-hour in-person training conducted over two days, which is said to cover firearm handling, safe storage, child safety, data on mental illness-related gun deaths, and Colorado’s red flag law. Upon completion of the course, an exam score of 90% or higher would be necessary to qualify for the exemption, which is valid for five years before needing to take another class to requalify for the privilege of buying firearms with detachable magazines. 

Opponents of the bill argue reasonably that it will cause irreparable damage to the firearm industry in Colorado, as if that wasn’t the point of the measure in the first place. Republicans are averse to the bill and the amendments to it, as Senate Minority Leader Paul Lundeen says he opposes any policy that transforms the Constitutional right to bear arms into a privilege.

“Sure, it’s a small thing to get a little bit of education to get a firearm, but it’s a big thing to turn your back on your rights as a citizen,” said Lundeen.

Democrats Sue Nassau County Executive For Establishing An Illegal Militia

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Nassau County Sheriff's Office

In perhaps one of the most egregiously ironic demonstrations of recent leftist sabre rattling, Democratic legislators Debra Mule (yes, there is a joke in there I’m holding back on), Scott Davis, and the Free and Fair Litigation Group (biting my lip hard now) have filed a lawsuit in the Nassau County Supreme Court accusing County Executive Bruce Blakeman of illegally creating a tax-payer-funded militia, allegations that have the Long Island Republican’s office rolling their eyes in derision. 

The lawsuit names Blakeman, Nassau County, and Sheriff Anthony LaRocco as defendants, alleging the creation of an illegal “militia” through the implementation last year of an emergency program designating civilian volunteers who have been trained and vetted through background checks as “special deputies.” If this sounds like a reserve program commonly used by Police and Sheriff’s Departments, well, that’s because it is. 

Members of the Provisional Emergency Special Deputy Sheriffs program, established by Blakeman on March 17, 2024, are deputized volunteer citizens licensed to carry firearms and assist local law enforcement agencies to protect critical Nassau County infrastructure in the event of a natural disaster, terrorist attack, or any other emergency. An initial group of twenty-six citizens were sworn in on December 31, many of whom are retired from military, law enforcement, or other emergency services.

The lawsuit claims the program incurs expenses that amount to misappropriation of tax dollars, a hilarious notion coming from Democrats who have burned through our taxes to support and encourage illegal immigration, including $59 million from FEMA earlier this month to house migrants in luxury New York City hotels.

“New York State law does not authorize defendants to create a taxpayer-funded militia… Defendants’ militia is illegal and represents a substantial and ongoing waste of public funds,” according to the lawsuit.

The expenses Democrats are concerned with include background checks, random drug screenings, training, and a $150 daily stipend only when they are called to active duty. This is an interesting take, considering I have never heard a liberal complain about background checks, drug screenings, or special training when it comes to those who own or carry guns. And what of wages? With Democrats constantly pushing for a higher minimum wage, why the fuss over a stipend that amounts to $18.75 per hour for an eight-hour day in what is arguably among the most dangerous jobs in the community, especially during an emergency? The complaint also alleges that the program was meant to be established secretly and that Blakeman has refused to comply with Freedom of Information requests.

County Legislature Democratic minority leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton told reporters in April of 2024 that Jewish residents of Nassau County informed her Blakeman’s initiative was like Hitler’s paramilitary forces prior to World War II. Blakeman, who is Jewish, called the unfounded comparison offensive, demanding DeRiggi-Whitton’s resignation. He raised the issue again earlier this month.

“The antisemitic statements, denigrating these good citizens by labeling them as Nazi brownshirts, disqualify them for public service,” Blakeman said.

Blakeman’s office stated the lawsuit further slanders the generosity of the volunteers and referred to the complaint as needless and shameful.

“Debra Mule and Scott Davis are a disgrace for bringing this frivolous action and defaming the volunteers, many of whom are retired military and law enforcement, who have agreed to pitch in in the event of an emergency,” a rep for Blakeman told The Post.

Indeed, these leftists are referring to what is commonly known as “reserves” by the National Police Association as Nazis, a catch-all term repurposed by liberals which now describes anyone they disagree with or don’t like rather than referring to the genocidal National Socialist German Workers’ Party that ruled over Germany during World War II and was responsible for the murder of six million Jews. This is disgusting behavior. Further, to allege that somehow a reserve force is a waste of tax dollars in light of illegal migrant expenditures, providing gender reassignment surgery to incarcerated criminals, and handing out hypodermic needles to drug users would be laughable if I didn’t just throw up a little in my own mouth. 

Taurus 22TUC – Flip-Up Goodness?

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All images by the author unless otherwise noted

As a gun writer in my seventh decade, I am asked fairly frequently by my older acquaintances who have problems with arthritis about pistols that are easy to operate. They have trouble racking slides, so many have gone to carrying revolvers. I tell them they have options. One option is one of the several “lite-rack” pistols made by Ruger, S&W, and others. Another option is the Taurus 22TUC .22 pistol.

I guess I could save you, dear reader, a lot of time and conclude this review by adding one sentence: “The 22TUC’s barrel flips up so you can load the chamber without racking the slide”. There it is, in a nutshell. But there’s more to the gun than just the barrel. Let’s look at it.

Flip-Up Barrel?

The idea of a pistol with a flip-up barrel is nothing new. Beretta makes them. There are 11 models in the .32ACP Tomcat series and eight models in the .22LR Bobcat series. I won’t argue about the effectiveness of carrying either of these calibers – that’s another article. I’ll just quote the old chestnut saying, better to have a (.22, .32) with you than the 9mm or .45 on your bedside table.

The newest, latest/greatest flip-up barrel pistol to come along is the Girsan MC-14T .380. This larger, 13+1-capacity gun looks a bit like one of the above Berettas after injections of growth hormones. It just looks like a Beretta. I’ll bet they sell a ton of them since I can’t seem to get one to review. Girsan guns are made in Turkey and have an acceptable fit and  finish, and the ones that I’ve had experience with all worked as they were supposed to… very reliable 

So, if you are arthritically challenged or tend to be lazy like me, you have options. Choose a .22, .32, or .380, and don’t look back. The smaller guns each have an 8+1 capacity, with the Girsan holding 13+1 as I said above. 

Taurus And The Flip-Up Barrel

The 22TUC is not the first flip-up barrel that Taurus has made. Once upon a time, I owned its predecessor, the PT-22. That little gun was like a cousin I have… really interesting, but with issues. The gun performed pretty well for me, but now and again it decided it wanted time off so it quit feeding cartridges until I cleared it and switched the ammo brand. It was extremely ammo-sensitive. I’ve seen online video reviews about this pistol that substantiated my experience. 

Taurus PT-22. Image: Wikipedia

Two things that my eye was drawn to in terms of differences between the older and newer models are the obvious frame-mounted safety on the original and the angular lines of the newer one. The PT-22 tends to be rounder, while the 22TUC has sharper angles and no thumb safety. The sights are improved on the newer model, as well.

The large orange “square dot” is easy to see

Specifications (from the Taurus website)

  • Caliber 22 LR
  • Capacity 9 Rounds (one 8-round magazine included)
  • Front Sight Fixed (Orange Dot)
  • Rear Sight Fixed 
  • Frame Size Microcompact
  • Barrel Length 2.50 In.
  • Overall Length 5.00 In.
  • Overall Height 4.35 In.
  • Overall Width 1.00 In.
  • Overall Weight 10.00 Oz. (Unloaded)
  • Action Type DAO, exposed hammer
  • Twist Rate 1:10-Inch RH Twist
  • Grooves 6
  • Frame Material Polymer
  • Frame Finish Black
  • Slide Material Stainless Steel
  • Slide Finish Matte Stainless
  • Barrel Material Stainless Steel
  • Barrel Finish Matte Stainless

Where To Buy

Taurus 22TUC

Why Would I Want One Of These?

 When I owned that PT-22 several years ago, I discovered that it was perfect for sticking in a pocket holster when something like light summer shorts was worn. Let’s face it… in summery, lightweight shorts even a normal pocket-blaster .380 is going to weigh around a pound or more and will be noticeable in a holster in your pocket, or worse yet drag your shorts down. This tiny 10-ounce tip-up will not pull on your pocket and will be more easily carried in lightweight shorts. Even fully loaded, it doesn’t quite hit 12 ounces.

I won’t go into the suitability of .22LR as a defense round… as I said above, the first rule of a gunfight is to have a gun. If you tend to leave your bigger-boomers home because you don’t want to have to
“strap up”, then maybe something like this little guy is indicated. 

Here’s another reason to own a gun like this. If you are a fairly steady reader of my reviews and have ever read about my travails with our chicken coop, then you know how we struggle with predators. We tend to attract them. To date, we’ve had: 4 possums, 2 raccoons, one weasel, one hawk, one HUGE great horned owl, and two,,, not one, but two… juvenile bald eagles get into the coop and do bodily harm to our egg-layers. It happens so often that I keep a .22 pistol and light handy to dispatch whatever fauna has decided that raw chicken was on the menu for that night. (Except for the federally protected species, of course. We just scare them away with threats of bodily harm).

This small, unobtrusive rimfire with its bright orange front sight marking is perfect for this use. I can keep it ready, with a full magazine but nothing in the chamber. With its barrel open and up, I can stick a .22 cartridge in it, press the barrel down, and be ready quicker than a chubby kid can jump on a Twinky. Sometimes, time is of the essence – predators tend not to stick around – and this gun would help there, as it is really quick to get into action from a safe condition. At across-the-coop range, it would be deadly on possums and coons.

Yet another reason to stick this gun in your pocket is what I call stump-kickin’ time. Living in the woods as we do, with one of our sons and his family just across the ridge from us, we tend to wander those woods from time to time. The 22TUC is at home on those little jaunts. You never know what you’re going to run into in our woods.

It’s not exactly the African bush, but we do have coyotes, bobcats, and even a mountain lion with a lousy sense of direction in our immediate area. (How can a mountain lion have a lousy sense of direction? He obviously hasn’t read his territory boundaries and did not know that Indiana was not part of it. But, he ran through our yard and has also been spotted by local law enforcement so we know he’s here). Even though these critters really don’t want to be chummy with humans, I’d hate to surprise one while it was eating. It may not end well. Being armed is a good thing, in our woods. At least we have no bears…

How Did It Shoot?

shooting the Taurus 22TUC

When you take a short, stubby, featherweight .22 pistol to your shooting bench, you abandon great expectations –  you can’t take accuracy results too seriously. So, with that thought in mind, I proceeded to unload the magazine several times downrange. I put targets up at 10 yards – that’s generous, given the nature of this little beast – and gathered a small assortment of .22 ammo. What helped, when I shot this gun, is its sights. The front is visibly orange and the rear is wide enough but not too wide. The front sight centers itself very quickly and easily in the rear. 

After I shot it fairly extensively, I am relieved to be able to report that, with ammo that it likes, it ran like a champ. I had just two failures to feed – not bad considering how much I shot it. With more experimentation, I would find a brand of ammo that would give me 100% reliability – I’m not worried about that. Ammo pickiness is nothing new to .22LR shooters – most guns have a preference for one or two brands of ammo that they do well with. 

Anyway, here is a target. I put three different loads onto this one target – frugal is the word that comes to mind. 

The lower left quadrant was shot by Norma TAC-22 (most shots were just off the target to the left); upper middle is Aguila 40-grain, and right is Fiocchi Range Dynamics 40-grain. As I said above, this gun will be good at chicken-coop-range.

If I had more time and wasn’t recovering from a nasty fall I had a couple months ago, I would try to wring greater accuracy out of the gun by trying a whole lot of different loads. I know it will do better than this – its predecessor did. I stated above about not having great expectations where accuracy was concerned, but this would do in a “get-off-me” situation.

Being a DAO pistol, the trigger pull is long and fairly stiff but it’s nothing you couldn’t get used to.

Summing Up

Let’s face it – the 22TUC is not going to give bullseye (or any other type of competition) shooters sleepless nights, dreading having to shoot against it. It was not designed for that purpose. Its reason for being, its raison d’être, is as a close-in, last-ditch belly gun. The other uses I mentioned above are icing on the cake.

The tip-up barrel means that more shooters will be able to use it since no slide-racking is required.  So, if you are like me and have hands that hurt because of a visit by your Uncle Arthur(itis), then you might want to give this pistol a look. For under $350, you get a decently built and accurate-for-its-purpose semiauto pistol that requires no slide racking. (Press checks are a different story. At least with this gun, you don’t need to do that… just flip the barrel open and see if the hole still goes all the way through, or if there’s a cartridge in the way…).

I do sincerely hope that the second version of the Taurus flip-open-barrel rimfire pistol turns out to be a major league winner. I like the feel of it in my hand and the great sights. Unlike its predecessor, it has no thumb safety. I know, many of you like safeties – you’ll get no arguments from me, I see your point. But it works, is reasonably accurate, and would fit very nicely in a pocket holster. Another point is that it does get noticed at the range – that flip-up barrel is popular. You might want to check one out at your local Taurus dealer.

At a real-world price of under $300, it’s a bargain-in-the-making!

A New Chapter for The Truth About Guns

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A New Chapter for The Truth About Guns

If you’re reading this, that means you’re already part of one of the best firearms communities on the internet. I’m Scott Witner, and I’m stepping in as the new Managing Editor for The Truth About Guns. If you know me, you know I don’t do half-ass. If you don’t know me yet—stick around, you will.

I’m a Marine Corps veteran and have spent the better part of the last decade knee-deep in the firearms industry—writing, testing gear, dialing in SEO, and making sure the best content rises to the top.

I currently run content marketing for HOP Munitions, provide SEO services for Achilles Heel Tactical, and tinker with my own little corner of the internet over at The Gear Bunker. Now, I’m bringing all of that experience (and my ever-growing Rolodex) to TTAG with one goal in mind: keeping this place at the top.

We’re still going to deliver the best damn firearms reviews, product deep-dives, industry news, and anything else tied to our Second Amendment freedoms.

But, big things are coming. Within the next few weeks, we’ll be rolling out a newly designed website. Yes, there may be a brief downtime (a day or two at most), but trust me—it’ll be worth it. When we flip the switch, TTAG is going to look bad-ass.

So, what does this mean for you? More of what you love, bigger and better than before. And if there’s anything you’d like to see us cover that we aren’t already, drop a comment below and let us know. We’re here to keep the conversation going, and your input matters.

Welcome to the pirate ship. The course is set, the cannons are loaded, and the adventure is just getting started.

Berger Ammunition Drops Two New Long-Range Powerhouse Rounds

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Berger’s New .300 & .338 Norma Mag: Extreme Precision

If you’re all about long-range precision, Berger Ammunition just changed the game. They’ve rolled out two powerhouse rifle rounds—.300 Norma Mag. and .338 Norma Mag.—built for serious shooters pushing distance and accuracy limits. These aren’t just another set of factory loads; they’re purpose-built for extreme performance, giving you the consistency and firepower needed to stay on target when it matters most.

Precision Built for the Long Game

Berger is known for manufacturing match-grade ammunition; these new loads continue that legacy. According to President Dan Thelen, these rounds were developed with long-range enthusiasts in mind.

Every cartridge is meticulously assembled using Lapua brass, Vihtavouri propellants, and Berger’s legendary hybrid ogive bullets—delivering consistent velocity, minimal drag, and maximum accuracy.

Meet the New Heavy Hitters

  • .300 Norma Mag. – Featuring a 245-grain Long Range Hybrid Target (LRHT) bullet, this round is built for precision and power over extreme distances. If you’re looking for a flat-shooting, wind-resistant round, the .300 Norma Mag. outperforms the .338 Lapua and .30 Nosler in trajectory and wind drift, making it an excellent choice for long-range hunting and target shooting. This cartridge retains enough energy to take down large game at extended distances while maintaining incredible shot-to-shot consistency.
  • .338 Norma Mag. – Loaded with a 300-grain Hybrid OTM Tactical bullet, this round delivers exceptional ballistic performance with superior stability and energy retention. With its higher muzzle velocity and powerful impact, the .338 Norma Mag. is built for shooters who need reliable long-range performance in a versatile, heavy-hitting package. Compared to the .300 Norma, the heavier .338 bullet drops off faster, but it packs serious energy on target, making it a strong contender for extreme-range applications.

Trusted by the U.S. Military

Both the .300 Norma Magnum and .338 Norma Magnum aren’t just for precision shooters and hunters—the U.S. military has also adopted them for select sniper teams.

  • The .300 Norma Magnum is a go-to cartridge for long-range engagements, used in the MK22 Advanced Sniper Rifle, a highly versatile precision rifle system.
  • The .338 Norma Magnum is designed for anti-material and long-range sniper applications and is intended as a potential replacement for the .50 BMG in some roles. It’s also used in the MK22 Precision Sniper Rifle for its extreme reach and stopping power.

Both calibers are featured in the Barrett MK22 MRAD, a modular sniper system capable of switching between .300 Norma Mag., .338 Norma Mag., and .308 Win. The U.S. Army and SOCOM have placed large orders for these sniper rifles, solidifying the .300 and .338 Norma Magnum as battlefield-proven rounds.

U.S. Marines fire the MK-22 Advanced Sniper Rifle
U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Jonathan Morris, a career planner with 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division, ejects a 7.62x51mm shell casing from a MK-22 Advanced Sniper Rifle during a new equipment training range on Camp Schwab, Okinawa, Japan, Jan. 11, 2024. During the NET range, Marines increased their proficiency and familiarization with the MK-22 Advanced Sniper Rifle, which was implemented into the Marine Corps in 2023. Morris is a native of Arkansas. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Alex Fairchild)

Extreme Consistency for Extreme Accuracy

Precision shooters know that minor inconsistencies can mean big misses at distance. That’s why Berger guarantees these new rounds meet incredibly tight tolerances, with ultra-concentric bullet jackets measuring just .0003 inches (TIR). This means flatter trajectories, tighter groups, and repeatable results shot after shot.Berger Ammunition continues to push the limits of long-range performance—and these new loads prove it. Check them out now at bergerbullets.com.

Maryland Lawsuit Targets Glock For Violence Perpetrated By Criminals

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glock switch atf
Courtesy ATF

The state of Maryland and City of Baltimore have filed a lawsuit against gunmaker Glock for criminals illegally converting the company’s guns to fire full-auto, even though it’s not the company’s fault.

Earlier this week, Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott filed the lawsuit. According to a report at Cbsnews.com, the lawsuit alleges that Glock violated the state’s Gun Industry Accountability Act and contributed to the “gun violence crisis” (anti-gun code for blaming guns for criminal violence). 

“Since 1990, Glock has manufactured a pistol that can easily be converted into a machine gun,” Brown told the news outlet.

Of course, converting a Glock to full-auto wasn’t a big thing back in 1990, or 2000 or 2010. But criminals nowadays seem more prone to convert the pistols despite the fact that they commit a serious felony when they do so.

At issue is the so-called “Glock switch,” a piece of metal or plastic that can be used to illegally convert Glock pistols to fire full-auto, as opposed to the normal, as-manufactured-and-sold semi-auto function of the popular handguns. In a nutshell, a “Glock switch,” or “Glock auto-sear,” is a small piece of metal or plastic that someone could make and illegally attach to the rear of the slide of a Glock to convert it to full-auto fire. The switch works by applying force to the trigger bar to prevent it from limiting fire to one round of ammunition per trigger pull. 

The name is deliberately misleading because Glock does not manufacture the switches. Additionally, converting any firearm to fire fully automatic is a federal felony, and even possessing a “Glock switch” could result in a federal prison sentence of up to 10 years.

Not surprisingly, gun-control advocates want to sue the company, which has committed no crime, instead of arresting, prosecuting and incarcerating those who break the law. Go figure.

According to the lawsuit, Glock has claimed it cannot fix the problem. And to be honest, it would have to completely redesign one of the most well-known and reliable striker-fired pistols ever designed to do so. And despite liberal prosecutors saying otherwise it’s not their fault that criminals misuse their product.

It would be like someone souping up a Ford F150 pickup and speeding around town well in excess of the speed limit and running over people, then prosecutors suing Ford for making pickups that could be modified. Who knew Ford was so evil?

Incidentally, Baltimore and Maryland aren’t the only ones targeting Glock. Last December, AGs from New Jersey and Minnesota also sued the company over criminals using “Glock switches” to make the guns full-auto. Earlier in the year, Chicago also filed such a suit, accusing Glock of contributing to the city’s runaway violence.

Interestingly, between early October 2024 and last November’s presidential election, talk of how evil Glocks are became all but nonexistent. That’s because Vice President Kamala Harris, while trying to woo gun owners to vote for her, claimed she owned a Glock pistol. She never said whether she had affixed a “Glock switch” to the gun, but did tell Oprah Winfrey, “If somebody breaks into my house, they’re getting shot.”

Kyle Rittenhouse Is A Celebrity Gun Store Employee

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kyle rittenhouse rifle kenosha
(Adam Rogan/The Journal Times via AP)

Almost five years after using an AR-15 to defend himself against an angry mob of Black Lives Matter protesters in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Kyle Rittenhouse is making headlines again, albeit fewer, as the newest celebrity employee of a North Florida gun shop. Rittenhouse was just 17 at the time of the shooting, in which he wounded one attacker and introduced two more to the room temperature challenge. The incident and the ensuing high-profile trial made national headlines, ultimately leading to his acquittal on all counts, a decision that made waves across the country. 

Now 22 years old, Rittenhouse has become the center of an advertising campaign as the latest full-time employee at Gulf Coast Gun and Outdoors in Milton, Florida. In a February 5 post on their Facebook page, Gulf Coast Gun and Outdoors showed off their new hire and invited customers to come into the store and buy their next gun from the “Kenosha Kid.”

“Come buy your next pew pew from Kyle Rittenhouse!!! So come on down, meet the Kenosha Kid and get a great deal on all your 2A needs. Kyle will even ring you up … Come welcome Kyle to the GCG team,” the gun shop posted on Facebook.

In January, GCG owner Chris Smith announced on Facebook Live that Rittenhouse would be a special guest for the store’s 10th-anniversary celebration that offered up a grand prize firearm “designed by” Rittenhouse called the KR-15, which features Rittenhouse’s signature on the side and is sold in the store as a GCG exclusive. The prize included 1,000 rounds of ammunition, and every gun purchased throughout the anniversary weekend included a complimentary autographed copy of Rittenhouse’s book, “Acquitted.”

“Kyle loved you guys so much, he decided he wants to work at GCG full time,” the Facebook post read.

Rittenhouse is originally from Antioch, Illinois, but according to his X account, he currently lives in Pensacola, Florida, a short trip to his new grind in Milton. GCG social media posts about Rittenhouse have received thousands of mixed reactions, from unwavering support to posts that should land people on watch lists. 

Interestingly enough, the latter of those posters don’t seem to take issue with the abject criminal history of Rittenhouse’s attackers. One of them had been sentenced to a decade in prison on child molestation charges and spent just over 14 years in prison for dozens of disciplinary infractions. Additionally, he had pending charges for domestic abuse and jumping bail at the time of his death. Another attacker was convicted of domestic abuse and disorderly conduct in 2018 and did prison time in 2012 for choking his brother. The surviving attacker testified at the trial that he pointed his handgun at Rittenhouse before being shot and that he was not permitted to carry the concealed weapon at the time of the incident.