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Articles by Andy Massimilian
Review: Heckler & Koch VP9CC
The new VP9CC is Heckler & Koch’s second micro-size pistol, following the CC9’s debut in late 2024. Made at HK’s Oberndorf, Germany, factory, the VP9CC was intended for the European market, but was released in rather limited numbers. Its construction, dimensions and magazine capacity precisely fit the “micro-9” market niche pioneered by KelTec’s P11 in 1995, which was nearly dormant until SIG Sauer’s P365 sparked a popularity explosion in this genre of concealed-carry handgun.
Review: Freedom Ordnance FM-9D
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. ** New small arms with groundbreaking designs are rare in an industry where most companies chase consumer trends, new products tend to be evolutionary rather than revolutionary, and me-too designs quickly emerge once a market trend starts. Today, it’s stylish to make micro-size, polymer-frame pistols with 10- or 12-round magazines.
Creating the Ideal First-Time Shooting Experience
The last presidential election has started to reverse the damage inflicted upon our Second Amendment rights by the Biden administration, but it would be foolish to think the cultural war against gun ownership has been won and the midterms are coming up which could halt the progress made so far.
Beretta's 1301 Tactical vs. A300 Ultima Patrol Shotguns: Which Should You Choose?
Ever since Beretta launched the A300 Ultima Patrol shotgun in 2024 as a less-pricey alternative to the 1301 Tactical, online gun forums and YouTubers have debated whether the 1301 is worth $650 more than the A300. Like any comparison, the answer lies in what features you value most and how capably each shotgun satisfies your intended use. This article lays out the most consequential mechanical and features differences between these two Berettas.
An Official Journal Of The NRA | Gun Review | Robinson Armament XCR-L Standard Tactical Rifle
The AR-15 is the most-sold rifle in America for compelling reasons, like excellent ergonomics, modularity, accuracy and reliability, yet the platform has a few notable shortcomings. If you want to change out your barrel, for example, the process is cumbersome. Additionally, the gas system is non-adjustable, which precludes tuning for optimal reliability, and finally, the buttstock typically can’t be folded because it contains the buffer assembly.
An Official Journal Of The NRA | Robinson Armament XCR-L Rifle Review
Robinson Armament may not be well known outside of the tactical-rifle cognoscenti, but the North Salt Lake City, UT, firm is hardly a newcomer to arms making. Founded in 1994 and still helmed by Alex Robinson—who studied, collected and built firearms starting in his teens—the company first imported Russian VEPR rifles, then made its first firearm, the M96 Expeditionary Rifle, in 1999.
An Official Journal Of The NRA | Review: Caracal CMP9K
Caracal’s CMP9 pistol is a close descendant of the selective-fire submachine gun launched in 2022 as a replacement for the United Arab Emirates’ aging stock of Heckler & Koch MP5s. Two versions of the CMP9 are now available that differ with respect to handguard and barrel length. The shorter “K” variant is the subject of this review. The CMP9K is a blowback-operated, semi-automatic chambered in 9mm.
An Official Journal Of The NRA | Gun Skills | Suppressor Basics
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment.
An Official Journal Of The NRA | Review: Beretta 1301 Tactical C Shotgun
Beretta’s 1301 shotgun is popular with home defenders, and even survived an attempt by Joe Biden’s ATF to neuter it. Since its launch in 2014, Beretta’s 1301 Tactical has become a top-tier shotgun for home defenders, while its competition variant is ubiquitous at 3-gun competitions. The original 1301 Tactical was made in Italy by Beretta and had a five-round magazine.
An Official Journal Of The NRA | Review: Rock River Arms BT-2 Operator ATR
Rock River Arms (RRA) first caught my attention at SHOT Show in 1997, where its M1911 pistols really stood out for high quality—and included an ultra-rare 9 mm long slide. Two years later, the company started making AR-15s, and now that line is among the broadest of any manufacturer, with a bewildering array of models. One of its latest releases is the BT-2 Operator ATR.
Review: Ruger Silent-SR ISB
Ruger doesn’t come to mind when one thinks of silencers, but since 2017, the company has offered two rimfire suppressors of its own design and build: the Silent-SR detachable can, and the Silent-SR ISB, an integrally suppressed barrel that fits the receivers of Ruger’s 10/22 takedown rifles and takedown 22 Charger pistols. “SR ISB” is shorthand for Sturm, Ruger Integrally Suppressed Barrel.
An Official Journal Of The NRA | Gun Skills | Rimfire Conversion Kits
Newer shooters who choose 9 mm or larger calibers for their first pistol may encounter a steep learning curve on their path to proficiency. Though these calibers, when paired with the proper bullet design, are preferred for personal defense, they generate more recoil, noise and muzzle flash than many inexperienced shooters can tolerate.
An Official Journal Of The NRA | Review: Foxtrot Mike Products I Mike-15
The AR-15 is prolific, and it’s hard to find one that stands apart from a milieu of me-too designs often differentiated only by handguard, furniture and/or muzzle device. If you’re seeking a distinctive AR priced less than $800, the search is even more challenging, but as I discovered with the Mike-15 from Foxtrot Mike (FM) Products, not impossible.
An Official Journal Of The NRA | Review: Beretta 80x Cheetah
Beretta’s Cheetah always occupied a unique niche in compact-size pistols, and after a six-year production hiatus, it’s been revitalized with changes to meet the needs of contemporary shooters. The 80X Cheetah is one of several upgraded versions of legacy pistols that Beretta released this year. Originally introduced in 1976, Cheetah variants were made in .380 ACP, .22 LR and .32 ACP chamberings.
Review: Springfield Armory Saint Victor Carbine In 9 mm Luger
Home»Commentary»Review: Springfield Armory Saint Victor Carbine In 9 mm Luger / June 15, 2023 / 3 Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp Once known as the dominant maker of M1A rifles used in high power rifle competition at Camp Perry, Springfield Armory is now known for a much broader line, including M1911s, striker-fired polymer-frame pistols, a bullpup 5.56 NATO rifle and even a High Power pistol made at its Geneseo, Ill. factory.
An Official Journal Of The NRA | Review: Springfield Armory Saint Victor Carbine In 9 mm Luger
Once known as the dominant maker of M1A rifles used in high power rifle competition at Camp Perry, Springfield Armory is now known for a much broader line, including M1911s, striker-fired polymer-frame pistols, a bullpup 5.56 NATO rifle and even a High Power pistol made at its Geneseo, Ill. factory.
Multi-Task Rimfire: Shooting the .22 LR Tikka T1x MTR
The bolt-action .22 rifle has probably introduced more young people to firearms than any other type. The appeal of a well-made turn-bolt’s simple elegance is hardly limited to children. Adults like them too. This is probably why companies like Tikka keep pumping out great rifles like the T1x MTR. The Tikka T1x MTR .22 LR Rifle My experience shows a telescopically equipped bolt rifle is often a favorite in new shooter classes. This is even when stacked against tactical-looking semi-autos and pistols.
Review: Angstadt Arms MDP-5 Carbine
Home»Commentary»Review: Angstadt Arms MDP-5 Carbine / March 2, 2023 / 2 Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp In the 1990s, the now-prolific pistol-caliber AR-15 was rarely seen on shooting ranges and made by only two companies: Olympic Arms, that pioneered the concept with rifles and upper-receiver kits chambered in 9 mm, .40 S&W, 10 mm, and .45 ACP and Colt, which offered a semi-auto version of its submachine gun.
An Official Journal Of The NRA | Review: Angstadt Arms MDP-5 Carbine
In the 1990s, the now-prolific pistol-caliber AR-15 was rarely seen on shooting ranges and made by only two companies: Olympic Arms, that pioneered the concept with rifles and upper-receiver kits chambered in 9 mm, .40 S&W, 10 mm, and .45 ACP and Colt, which offered a semi-auto version of its submachine gun. Colt’s carbine predated the Olympic rifles, but was offered only in 9 mm and commercial sales weren’t the company’s focus.
An Official Journal Of The NRA | SIG P322
Rimfire firearms don’t immediately come to mind when one thinks of SIG Sauer, a company that prides itself on its tactical guns. But while .22 LR firearms aren’t a major part of SIG’s DNA, it hasn’t ignored them, either. The SIG 522 rifle, for instance, followed the lines of the legendary Swiss-made SIG556. The 522 was reliable, well-featured and competitive with any of the .22 LR-chambered AR-15s on the market. Two models were offered and would likely sell well if brought back.
An Official Journal Of The NRA | Review: CMMG Banshee Mk10 Pistol
Glock-magazine-compatible ARs continue to be hot sellers with many models to choose from, yet despite this crowded market, nearly all of them use the simple blowback operating system to cycle the action. Missouri-based CMMG, however, is a rare exception because its Banshee product line instead uses radial delayed blowback (RDB) designs. The RDB action is unique to CMMG, and it is technically superior to the simple blowback system for two claimed reasons: less weight and less perceived recoil.
An Official Journal Of The NRA | H&K’s SL8: A G36 For American Sport Shooters
Answering the calls from American fans of the iconic and highly regarded G36 platform, Heckler & Koch (H&K) re-introduced its SL8 semi-automatic rifle to the U.S. market in 2021 after a 13-year hiatus. Designated the SL8-6, this new variant is the latest version of the SL8-1 that was first imported in 1998, discontinued in 2004, re-imported in 2006 and discontinued again in 2008.
An Official Journal Of The NRA | Review: Dead Air Silencers Wolfman Suppressor
The phrase “new and improved” has all but lost its meaning as anything but a marketing cliché, but that is exactly, and honestly, how I’d describe the Wolfman suppressor from Dead Air. The Wolfman is a follow-up and enhanced version of the company’s Wolf-9SD, and though the two cans look nearly identical, the improvements were material, albeit subtle, and include a slightly different baffle design that works well with both supersonic and subsonic .300 BLK ammo.
An Official Journal Of The NRA | Review: SIG Sauer MODX-9 Suppressor
SIG Sauer recently released two new pistol-caliber suppressors that are distinctly different in several ways from the company’s more established SRD series. The MODX-9, and its companion MODX-45, are made with 3-D printed titanium baffles instead of the SRD’s traditional design that uses stainless steel baffles stacked inside a titanium tube. The MODX cans are also fully modular, meaning the user can change the length of the suppressor one baffle section at a time.
An Official Journal Of The NRA | Review: Wilkinson Arms Linda Carbine
The gun business has a way of resurrecting old models long after they seem dead and gone. Some, like the AMT AutoMag, reappear after decades of dormancy, while others like the Bren Ten and Wildey Survivor still await reclamation.
An Official Journal Of The NRA | Rangemaster Shotgun Training With The Benelli M4
Introduction Shotguns are very effective arms for home defense, because their power far eclipses most handgun and many rifle rounds. A typical self-defense load, the 12-ga. 00 buckshot shell, has a muzzle energy 2.8 times that of a .44 Mag. from a 6” handgun barrel and 1.8 times that of the 5.56 NATO cartridge used by AR-15s, loaded with a 69-gr. bullet.
CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S2: The Discreet, Civilian-Ready 9mm Micro Pistol
The CZ Scorpion EVO 3 S2 Micro becomes CZ’s third and most featured rendition of the Scorpion EVO. It serves as a civilian version of a specially equipped EVO submachine gun made for a narcotics interdiction agency, delivering a short, potent, suppressed variant. To make that weapon, CZ shortened the barrel on the EVO S1 from 7.75 inches to 4.12 inches, switched to a shorter forend made by HB Industries and supplied a CZ S2 Ti reflex suppressor.
An Official Journal Of The NRA | The Beretta ARX 100: A Great Idea That Never Caught On
When it made its debut at the 2013 SHOT Show, the Beretta ARX 100 seemed like a radical new rifle destined to capture sales from the FNH SCAR, Bushmaster ACR and the various AR-15 models from different manufacturers. It had eye-catching aesthetics, a quick-change barrel with several promised caliber conversions and seemingly every feature one could want in a tactical rifle. This included ambidextrous controls, side-swapping ejection at the touch of a button and gas-piston operation.
Review: SilencerCo Switchback 22
by Andy Massimilian - Wednesday, January 13, 2021 SilencerCo’s Switchback 22 is one of the more interesting suppressors, made with modularity that offers not only a choice of three different lengths, but also the ability to augment sound reduction on arms with barrels longer than 10.5 inches by changing the baffle direction. The Switchback is rated for all .22- and .17-caliber rimfires, .22 Hornet and 5.7x28 mm.
Review: Heckler & Koch SP5K-PDW
by Andy Massimilian - Monday, December 14, 2020 Genuine Heckler & Koch roller-delayed blowback arms such as the HK 91, 93, and 94 have always been popular with American shooters and collectors, but, aside from the HK SP5K imported in 2017, these legacy arms have been unavailable since the early 1990s.
Review: CZ Bren 2 Ms Carbine
by Andy Massimilian - Monday, November 30, 2020 CZ’s Bren 2 Ms carbine released earlier this year is a much evolved version of the 805 Bren. That rifle was closely based on the selective-fire 805 Bren that debuted in 2015, designed to meet the requirements of the Czech military.
Review: CZ 457 Varmint Precision Chassis Rifle
by Andy Massimilian - Saturday, October 31, 2020 Bolt-action rimfire rifles have made a strong comeback in the past few years with CZ USA’s lineup of 14 models, the most prolific of any maker. Many of the newer models from CZ and others, however, are not field rifles for plinking or small-game hunting, but are heavy-barrel varmint types intended for Practical Rimfire Competition (PRC). PRC is a new class of competitive shooting that involves engaging targets up to 400 yds.
Review: CZ 457 Varmint Precision Chassis Rifle
by Andy Massimilian - Saturday, October 31, 2020 Bolt-action rimfire rifles have made a strong comeback in the past few years with CZ USA’s lineup of 14 models, the most prolific of any maker. Many of the newer models from CZ and others, however, are not field rifles for plinking or small-game hunting, but are heavy-barrel varmint types intended for Practical Rimfire Competition (PRC). PRC is a new class of competitive shooting that involves engaging targets up to 400 yds.
Century Arms C39v2 Zhukov: A Suppressed, Magpul-ized 7.62x39mm Rifle
The AK-47 in its original format is a dated rifle by anyone’s standards, but that doesn’t mean you need to settle for a gun with crude, antiquated features or drop some real cash to customize it with aftermarket parts. A few AKs have sensible upgrades right from the factory, and the Century Arms C39V2 Zhukov model is among the best examples.
Review: Heckler & Koch SP5 Pistol
by Andy Massimilian - Friday, August 21, 2020 This year, Heckler & Koch introduced a product long sought by American gun buyers: a pistol that replicates the look of the legendary MP5 submachine gun made by the company that invented it. The SP5 is made at HK’s Oberndorf factory in Germany and, with the exception of being semi-automatic-only and lacking a buttstock, faithfully reincarnates a venerated firearm that has come to define Germany’s Heckler & Koch perhaps like no other.
Review: SIG Sauer P320 XCompact Pistol
by Andy Massimilian - Tuesday, June 30, 2020 Some pistols blur the lines between those made for competition and those made for concealed carry. Sharing features with the competition-oriented P320 X5 Legion, SIG Sauer’s carry-size P320 XCompact is perhaps most exemplar of this approach where defensive pistols are designed to perform as well on the street as they do on the range.
Range Review: Dead Air Wolverine PBS-1
by Andy Massimilian - Thursday, February 20, 2020 Suppressing the AK-47 has never been easy. The long stroke piston is mechanically noisy and a sometimes over gassed operating system slams the bolt carrier rearward with excessive force, spewing gas back through the ejection port. Worse yet, these effects increase with the back pressure created by attaching a suppressor.
Review: Beretta APX Carry
by Andy Massimilian - Tuesday, December 31, 2019 Beretta’s APX Carry is the latest edition to the APX line of polymer-frame, striker-fired pistols. Similar to the APX Carry in dimensions and sharing the same modular chassis frame is the Beretta Nano, but the two pistols diverge in obvious and subtle respects. Unlike the Nano, the APX Carry has a slide-stop lever and also a different grip frame, slide, striker guide and spring, sights and extractor.
Review: CZ Rimfire Suppressor
by Andy Massimilian - Sunday, December 1, 2019 Silencers bearing the CZ-USA brand don’t come to mind for most suppressor-conscious shooters, but two years ago, CZ-USA introduced a new line of four suppressors, including two intended for rimfire cartridges.One model is detachable, while the other is integral to CZ’s bolt-action 457 varmint rifles and is made by boring out the front of the barrel for a seamless barrel-suppressor transition; aside from looking at the muzzle, you can’t tell the...
10 .22 LR Conversion Kits for Your Favorite EDC Pistol
by Andy Massimilian - Monday, October 7, 2019 Converting a centerfire pistol to rimfire dates back to the 1930s, when Colt released the Ace .22 LR M1911 and then sold a conversion kit based on it. Later on, conversion kits in the U.S. were made for the M1911, Beretta 92, SIG Sauer P series, CZ-USA CZ-75 and Glock G17 and G19.
Firearm Industry Woes Keep Black Gun Prices Way Down
Whether many outside of the firearms industry realize it or not, all is not well for many gun companies. Sales are down across many product categories. But nowhere did sales plummet quite like black guns, most specifically the AR-15. On Tuesday, The Tactical Wire ran a story that illustrated just how bad the downturn has become for some companies, as SportCo Holdings filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Gun Review: The Semi-Auto Standard Manufacturing SKO Shorty
Pistol-grip shotguns are experiencing a renaissance, with more selections available now than ever before. While only a few years ago this class of shotgun was derided by some as a near-useless novelty, there are now many pump actions and autoloaders made with either tubular or detachable box magazines. Novelty guns?
FN America Launches Exclusive Two-Tone FN 509 FDE/ODG
FN America recently announced two new limited-edition versions of its popular FN 509 pistol. The new variants come in a striking flat dark earth (FDE) slide and olive drab green (ODG) frame color combination. The unique color combination unites two classic military colors on the same pistol in a unique way. The FDE and ODG FN 509 pistols come configured in both Standard and Tactical models.
15 of the Best Shotgun Options for 2019 and Beyond
Shotguns are always hot items in this market, and there are more imported and domestically produced models available now than at any other time in the 20 years I have attended the SHOT Show. Many of the new models technically aren’t “shotguns” at all, however, because they aren’t shoulder fired. Instead, they use pistol grips like the Shockwave Raptor, which allows them to utilize shorter barrels.
15 of the Best Shotgun Options for 2019 and Beyond
It’s tough to measure the “best” in any category. But we’re going to try and give you the best shotgun options that have more recently become available. Shotguns are always hot items in this market. There are more imported and domestically produced models available now than at any other time in the 20 years I have attended the SHOT Show. Many of the new models technically aren’t “shotguns” at all, however, because they aren’t shoulder fired.
SIG Sauer Aiming for Zero Charity Match Takes on Veteran Suicide
SIG Sauer hosts the third annual Aiming for Charity Match Friday, May 17 to Sunday, May 19, at the SIG Sauer Academy in Epping, New Hampshire. Aiming for Zero is a division of the Active Heroes Foundation, whose mission is to reduce veteran suicide and assist military families.
The Civilian-Legal FN M249S Para Is as Close as It Gets to the Real Thing
The M249S Para is its latest addition to FN’s Military Collector series, which includes two AR-15s as close as you can get to the M4 and M16, and three semi-auto versions of the M249 squad automatic weapon (SAW). Chambered in 5.56mm NATO, the M249S is made as closely as possible to FN’s military version, but without the automatic-fire capability. The “S” in its model name designates that it is semi-auto only.
The Civilian-Legal FN M249S Para Is as Close as It Gets to the Real Thing
The M249S Para is its latest addition to FN’s Military Collector series, which includes two AR-15s as close as you can get to the M4 and M16, and three semi-auto versions of the M249 squad automatic weapon (SAW). Chambered in 5.56mm NATO, the M249S is made as closely as possible to FN’s military version, but without the automatic-fire capability. The “S” in its model name designates that it is semi-auto only.
Mighty Italian Mini: Looking Back at the Beretta Model 1934
Beretta is not only the oldest firearms manufacturing company in the world, but it is also the oldest continuously family-run business in the world. It was established by Bartolomeo Beretta as early as 1526. During World War II, it was the leading producer of submachine guns and pistols for the Italian armed forces. Of the Beretta pistols, the best known and most familiar to American gun enthusiasts is the Model 1934 in .380 ACP.
Gun Review: The Wilson Combat AR9G 9mm Carbine
Pistol-caliber carbines have become extremely popular in the past few years, with many new models based on the AR-15. However, the number of choices dwindles rapidly once you get to the apex of quality, with only two companies holding the top slots: Wilson Combat and JP Enterprises. The Wilson AR9G is a 9mm carbine designed for competitions and home defense.
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