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Articles by Rob Garrett
HK VP9CC Review: Heckler & Koch’s Long-Awaited Micro-Compact Arrives
The cries of the Heckler & Koch faithful have been heard and answered. The long-awaited HK VP9CC is finally here. Several years ago, HK-Obendorf teased the micro-compact VP9 at several European trade shows. This stirred a great deal of interest and excited the American commercial market. For those comparing HK’s concealed-carry options, the VP9CC joins the CC9, another micro-compact 9mm we’ve previously reviewed.
Colt Python 3 Inch: Two Upgrades That Perfect It
in Authors, Gun Reviews, Handguns, Revolvers, Rob Garrett Estimated reading time: 11 minutes The Colt Python 3 inch is already a gorgeous .357 Magnum, but two weaknesses kept it from perfection. Harrison Snake Sights and Hogue Monogrips changed that in a hurry. The new Colt 3” Python may be the best revolver on the market today! In 2022, Colt fans were ecstatic when Colt brought back the King of the Colt revolvers.
HK VP9CC Review: Micro-Compact German Heat
Estimated reading time: 11 minutes The HK VP9CC brings the VP9 bloodline into a true micro-compact 9mm carry pistol, complete with German engineering, an ultra-low optic cut, and the kind of price tag that makes expectations very serious. After 800 trouble-free rounds, this little HK has plenty to brag about, even if a few sharp edges bite back. The VP9CC is Germany’s entry into the micro-compact market.
How the Humble HK VP70 Changed Handguns Forever
The HK VP70 might never have become a mainstream favorite, but its radical design changed handgun history. This neat little handgun might be unassuming to some, but it utilized a revolutionary polymer frame years before the rest of the market caught up. During a visit to Heckler & Koch, I got the chance to spend time with the MP5SD and the HK VP70, which is the first handgun to use a polymer frame, plus its rare military counterpart, the VP70M.
Springfield SA-35 4″ Review: Fast, Flat, Deadly
Estimated reading time: 13 minutes Springfield’s 4-inch SA-35 keeps the soul of the Hi Power alive while making it faster, handier, and easier to carry. If you already like the full-size gun, this trimmed-down steel 9mm may be the one that really gets under your skin. John Browning’s influence on the firearms world cannot be understated. From the 1911 to the M2 .50 caliber machine gun, his designs have defended freedom for over 100 years.
Smith & Wesson Releases the Performance Center Model 19 Carry Comp in Moss
In the last few years, Smith & Wesson has really upped its revolver game, and the market has responded. From the Ultimate Carry J frames to the reintroduction of the Mountain Guns, the folks in Springfield are “knocking it out of the park!” For the Big Blue purist, Smith has redeemed itself on many of the new guns, deleting the dreaded lock. There is a new wind blowing, and the company is riding high. Let’s take a look at the Model 19 Carry Comp from Smith & Wesson’s Performance Center.
Ruger Blackhawk Taffin Tribute: Packin’ Perfection
Estimated reading time: 8 minutes Lipsey’s honors John Taffin with a Ruger Blackhawk Flattop Bisley in .45 Colt with a .45 ACP cylinder. We shot real .45 Colt and .45 ACP loads, checked chrono and groups, ran leather, and asked if this tribute truly earns the title Perfect Packin’ Pistol. Legend is a word that we do not hear or use very much anymore. It seems we tend to accept mediocrity as the new standard. They leave a lasting impact on their world and those around them.
S&W 629 Mountain Gun Returns Better Than Ever
in Gun Reviews, Handguns, Revolvers Estimated reading time: 8 minutes Lipsey’s-exclusive S&W 629 Mountain Gun brings the classic 4 inch .44 Magnum back with smart upgrades like a gold bead Patridge front sight, Bear Hug stocks, and no internal lock. On the range it shines with .44 Special loads and remains trail ready in a lighter, tapered barrel package.
S&W 44 Magnum Mountain Gun Returns & It's Better Than Ever!
Estimated reading time: 8 minutes While Smith & Wesson introduced the Model 29, .44 Magnum revolver, around 1956, it took Dirty Harry Callahan to make it legendary. In the 1971 film, Clint Eastwood played a renegade San Francisco PD Inspector out to make a bad guy’s day! Now, almost 55 years later, the Smith & Wesson .44 Magnum is alive and well. Many shooters prefer the classic blued steel, while outdoorsmen and others recognize the advantages of a stainless steel working pistol.
THE 432 UC Ti - The Lightweight Ultimate" Carry
Estimated reading time: 9 minutes At the 2024 SHOT Show, Lipsey’s announced the new Ultimate Carry J-frame series. The new guns were based on the highly popular Airweight Centennials. Like the legacy 442/642, the frame is an aluminum alloy with a steel cylinder. The Ultimate Carry project started with the 442/642 pistols in .38 Special, but was expanded to include the new 432/632 pistols chambered in .32 H&R Magnum. To the surprise of many, the 432/632 UC models outsold the .38 Special models.
Cylinder & Slide Customizes Springfield's SA-35 High-Power
The Browning Hi Power, also known as the P-35, is an elegant pistol with sophisticated lines, graceful contours, and a history of service. This handgun has a long and distinguished service life. It arguably gained some fame as the sidearm of choice for the British Special Air Service (SAS). After the Second World War it also became a global go-to for Western armies, intelligence agencies, mercenaries. Browning Hi Powers were even first service pistols for the FBI’s elite Hostage Rescue Team.
Two Lipsey’s Exclusives Go Head-to-Head in Our .32 H&R Showdown
Last year, Lipsey’s announced the new Ultimate Carry J-frame series. The new guns were based on the highly popular Airweight Centennials. The Ultimate Carry project started with the 442/642 pistols in .38 Special. However, Lipsey’s expanded it to include the new 432/632 pistols chambered in .32 H&R Magnum. The .32 H&R models both surprised and delighted fans of the caliber. In fact, sales reflected as many, if not slightly more, orders for the .32 H&R than for .38 Special models.
Smith & Wesson’s New Classic Chief: A True Roscoe
According to the History of Smith & Wesson, by Roy Jinks, the idea for the Chiefs Special originated in 1949. C. R. Hellstrom asked the engineers to design a small frame revolver that would accommodate the .38 Special cartridge. The new frame was designated as a J-frame. This design consisted of a traditional double action revolver with a five shot capacity.
Remington 870 Rehab: The Resurrection Of The Gauge
When I started my law enforcement career in 1978, we carried revolvers, 12 rounds of spare ammunition and a nightstick–more politely called a baton. We had no Tasers, pepper spray or patrol rifles. Instead, we had trusty Remington 870s we looked to any time we needed a little more. While checking out shotguns at the start of a shift and returning them after the shift was a hassle, I rarely took to the beat without one. Our Remington 870s were parkerized guns with 18” barrels.
Ultimate Nighthawk Custom 1911: The Cooper Classic Gets it Right
Last year, Berryville, Arkansas, was a place of celebration. The great people at Nighthawk Custom celebrated the 20th anniversary of the company. To commemorate the occasion, Nighthawk Custom released the ultimate 1911 with the Cooper Classic. It has been a fast 20 years, and what started as a small custom shop with four employees has grown. Today, the company has 110 employees and offers over 45 different models of the 1911.
Kings River Custom Phoenix Fighting Gun – Good To Ride The River With!
Estimated reading time: 0 minutes In early 2024, without much fanfare, a new 1911 shop opened in Berryville Arkansas, the Mecca of custom 1911s. Kings River Custom may be a new name in the business, but the founders have decades of experience building these pistols. They each share a common passion, to produce the best 1911 possible. KRC is unique in that it is an employee-owned business. Each person is personally invested in each pistol that goes out the door.
TESTED: Lipsey’s Smith & Wesson Ultimate Carry J-Frame
A few weeks after the 2024 SHOT Show, I attended a media event a Lipsey’s Distributors in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. There, a small group of like-minded shooters gathered to get a first look at the new Lipsey’s exclusive Smith & Wesson Ultimate Carry revolvers. We received an inside look at the product conception and release to market. In addition, we spent a day at the range with a stack of guns and a pallet load of ammunition.
The Counterintuitive Truth About Inventory Optimization
/ˈɒptɪmʌɪz/ verb 1. make the best or most effective use of (a situation or resource). (Oxford Languages) One of the biggest challenges in supply chain management is understanding counterintuitive principles—like the “bullwhip effect.” This concept is so difficult to grasp that a “Beer Game” simulation was created to show how minor demand fluctuations can wreak havoc upstream. Equally perplexing is inventory optimization. Many assume that increasing inventory is necessary to improve service levels.
Ruger LCR .32 H&R Magnum
Estimated reading time: 0 minutes In 2021, I reviewed the Ruger LCR in .38 Special for this publication. I found it a very capable revolver and was impressed with many of its qualities. However, it did not win me over, when compared to the Smith 642, that I had been carrying for years. However, a new model of the LCR may just do that very thing, the LCR in .32 H&R Magnum. So, how is there a connection between Ruger and these two companies?
Colt Python 2.5 Inch - Cadillac Of Snubs
Estimated reading time: 0 minutes In 2022, Colt shocked the market by reintroducing the Python. The return of the Python not only pleased old Colt enthusiasts but also introduced a new generation to the king of revolvers. In appearance, the new Python 2.5 Inch is almost an identical copy of the original. It retains the same graceful lines and famous vent rib that have endeared the Python to its fans. The Python 2.5 has some very significant improvements.
HK VP9A1 K Compact 9mm Striker Review
Introduced in 2014, the VP9 marked HK’s first modern polymer-frame, striker-fired pistol. Like all HK firearms prior to the recently launched CC9, the VP9 was developed at the request of a government or military organization. Specifically, the HK VP9 was designed for the Bavarian State Police. In Europe, it is designated as the P30X and was later imported into the United States for the commercial and government law enforcement markets.
HK VP9 A1 – The New Duo For The American Market
in Gun Reviews, Handguns, Pistols Estimated reading time: 0 minutes As most readers are aware, until the new CC9, all of the HK firearms were the result of a request from a military or government organization. The VP9 series of pistols is no exception. In 2014, it was adopted as the standard service pistol, by the Bavarian State Police. The official designation was the P30X, but they changed it to the VP9 for the American market. The design of the VP9 was very advanced for 2014.
Is the .380 ACP Still Relevant?
Estimated reading time: 10 minutes The .380 ACP was introduced in 1908, with the Colt 1908 Pocket Hammerless pistol. The 1908 was the follow-on to the 1903 Pocket Hammerless that was chambered in .32 ACP. European countries designate the .380 ACP as 9mm Kurtz and, for many years, the caliber saw wide use as both a military and a law enforcement cartridge. Popular European pistols that used the cartridge, included the Walther PP/PPK pistols, HK4, and the Mauser HSc, among others.
Hard-Use Fighting Gun: Kings River Custom Offers Its PFG 1911
“Synergy” is defined as “mutually advantageous conjunction or compatibility of participants…” However, a much simpler definition is the old saying, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts!” That is the perfect description of Kings River Custom and its PFG 1911. KRC was formed in early 2024 by a core group of exceptional people who share a passion for the 1911 pistol. Each brings years of experience in all aspects of the 1911 world.
HK-USA CC9 Redefines The Micro Compact Market
Estimated reading time: 11 minutes This week, HK-USA announced their long-awaited entrance into the micro compact space. The CC9 represents a new direction and commitment from HK-USA. It is the first HK product to be conceived, designed, and built in America. The CC9, “CC” for “Concealed Carry” is designed in the U.S. for the U.S. market. This is a significant change for the company. It represents over five years of development, testing, and validation.
HK CC9 - The New King of the Compacts
“I may be late to the prom, but I show up with the prettiest girl!” That is the way one HK-USA employee described the new CC9. The story of the new CC9 pistol is one of challenges, frustration, victories, and validation. HK-USA is located in Columbus, Georgia and is a mere 10-minute drive from my home. This proximity has given a unique insight into the company and what it took to bring the CC9 to market. For over five years, I was fortunate to observe the process.
Springfield Armory 1911 TRP Review — 4.25″ Carry Contour in .45 ACP - The Armory Life
October 14th, 2024 7 minute read In today’s article, Rob Garret reviews the Springfield Armory 1911 TRP 4.25″ Carry Contour handgun. Springfield Armory is well known for its excellent 1911 pistols, and the new TRP line is no different. Springfield loaned the semi-automatic pistol to the author for review. Naming a product is a tricky and difficult endeavor. It becomes even more complicated when the name is abbreviated. When this process is done poorly, it can become the subject of memes and jokes.
TESTED: Shooting the Colt Viper Brings .357 Bite!
I don’t think it is an exaggeration to say that Colt has been seriously investing in the revolver market. In the past four or so years, they have reintroduced the Python, Anaconda, Cobra and the King Cobra. The line would not be expanding if there was no market demand. Revolvers are being rediscovered by the shooting public. And, that is a great thing for old guys like myself! Shooting the Colt Viper recently only reaffirmed those notions.
The Colt Viper - The Newest Snake
Estimated reading time: 14 minutes Don’t look now but it seems that Colt Firearms is determined to take over the revolver market! In the past four years, they have launched a new generation of wheelguns starting with the Python in 2020. Current offerings include the Cobra, King Cobra, Python, and Anaconda. The newest snake to be resurrected. is the Viper. Based on the D-size frame, the original Viper was only made in 1977, with a reported production of only 4,000 guns.
10-8 Performance Custom 1911 Garrison Review
September 12th, 2024 9 minute read Editor’s Note: This ultra-rare custom Garrison by 10-8 Performance is featured on the cover of the current Summer 2024 print issue of The Armory Life magazine, and is also the featured monthly “Giveaway” gun for August on TheArmoryLife.com. Sign up for your chance to win this extremely rare pistol here. It’s safe to say readers of The Armory Life don’t need to be reminded the 1911 is a design that’s alive and well.
The Armory Life Interviews: Hilton Yam
September 9th, 2024 8 minute read With a career spanning both decades and disciplines, Hilton Yam has earned an enviable reputation for excellence. After more than two decades with the FBI, and significant time behind the Springfield Professional Model 1911 pistol, he channeled that experience and expertise with the 1911 into the company known as 10-8 Performance.
FN 545 Duty Ready Warrior
Estimated reading time: 10 minutes In a world of polymer frames and striker-fired pistols, FN is not the first name that tends to come to mind. However, to the surprise of many, the Los Angeles Police Department selected the FN 509 MRD-LE as their new duty pistol. The FN 509 MRD-LE also ushered in a factory optic-ready pistol for LAPD. While most law enforcement agencies have defaulted to the 9mm for a duty round, many, including the LAPD, still offer the option to carry a .45 ACP duty gun.
Lipsey's Ultimate Snub And Return of .32 H&R Magnum
.32 H&R Magnum Feature Articles Lipsey revolver revolver review Smith & Wesson Estimated reading time: 15 minutes Lipsey’s and Smith and Wesson set the revolver world on fire with the introduction of the Ultimate Carry Series. Announced at the 2024 SHOT Show, the Ultimate Carry series consists of a much-improved version of the venerable 642/432 Airweight Centennials. However, to the surprise of many, they also launched an Ultimate Carry in .32 H&R Magnum.
The Gray Room: The Ark of the Covenant for HK Fans
Like SEC football, fans of HK firearms are dedicated, loyal, and, in some cases, rabid. And, like Dawg, Tide, and War Eagle fans, they are willing to stick with their team through the hard times to get to the good times! And good things are happening at HK, now known as HK-USA. In the early 2000s, HK moved much of its administrative operations to Columbus, Georgia. In 2017, they announced the building of a new 50,000-square-foot production facility.
Ruger's American II Review
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes In 2011, Ruger introduced the American bolt action rifle that was designed to be a budget-minded hunting gun. It features a great synthetic stock, Ruger’s excellent Marksman adjustable trigger, and a cold hammer-forged barrel. It is a durable hard-use rifle that became an immediate success. It was fitting that Ruger used a rotary-style magazine for the American. When it was introduced, the MSRP was under $550 making it a great trial, truck, and hunting rifle.
Baseball in Good Form as the Season Rolls On
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Baseball in Good Form as the Season Rolls On
Breckinridge County baseball has won four out of five games after Spring Break, and the signs are there that this could be a big year for the hometown ball club. Most recently, the Fighting Tigers got a great start in district play, defeating Hancock County on consecutive days 5-2 and 13-3. The 5-2 victory Thursday, April 18, was a masterclass in pitching by freshman Tristan Wicker, who threw a complete game, allowing 2 hits and striking out 7 batters on an impressive 78 pitches.
Ed Brown Fueled MP-F4 Review: The Refueled M&P 9mm Fighter
For more than 50 years, Ed Brown has set the standard for quality and performance in the 1911 market. Brown parts are found on the bench of most custom 1911 gunsmiths and are used by many of the industry’s leading manufacturers. One of the hallmarks of the company is that it is never static. The Brown crew is always looking to improve its existing line of products. And the Ed Brown Fueled MP-F4 is a shining example of this philosophy.
Wilson Combat Beretta 92G
Estimated reading time: 12 minutes People say politics make strange bedfellows! Well, I’m here to tell you that the same is true of the gun industry. And that is not a bad thing! Bill Wilson has built an empire on the 1911 platform. Wilson Combat 1911s have been winning matches and saving lives for over 40 years. Over the years, industry giants like Ken Hackathorn and Larry Vickers, have served as ambassadors for the company, lending their reputation to the brand.
Ruger's Classy New SP101 TALO Deluxe Special
Estimated reading time: 10 minutes The SP101 was first introduced in 1989 as Ruger’s entry into the small-frame revolver market. Along with the GP100, the SP101 replaced the legacy Security Six and Speed Six series of revolvers. Since that time, the little wheel gun has developed a loyal following. According to their website, Ruger currently offers the SP101 in 15 different configurations. Calibers include .357 Magnum, .38 Special +P, .327 Magnum, and .22 Long Rifle.
The Nighthawk Custom TRS DS – King of the Double Stacks!
Estimated reading time: 13 minutes I have found the recent rediscovery of the 1911 platform extremely interesting! Just a few years ago, many declared the 1911 dead and praised the latest polymer wonder nine as the king of the hill. Remember when the 1911 was considered an obsolete design that was unreliable and too hard to maintain? Well, it seems that all that is forgiven, and the current family of double-stack 1911s is the sweetheart of the dance.
Springfield SA-35 Hi Power Gets the Chestnut Mountain Treatment
In October of 2021, Springfield Armory surprised the industry by introducing the SA-35, an improved copy of the venerable Browning P-35 Hi-Power. I immediately contacted Springfield and purchased one for editorial review and testing. I was fortunate to receive my sample the same week as the release. Springfield was quick to point out that the SA-35 is not an exact copy of the Browning design. Rather, it is an updated and improved version of the classic design.
Taylor & Company Alaskan Takedown – The Ultimate Lever Gun
TRUE GRIT, BONANZA, AND GROWING UP IN THE SIXTIES “Fill your hands you son of a bitch!” And with those words, a “one-eyed fat man” took on four outlaws with a Winchester lever gun and a Colt Single Action. Of course, the quote is from the 1969 movie True Grit and it is one of the most iconic scenes in John Wayne’s long career. The 2010 remake, with Jeff Bridges, was very well done and to many, is actually better than the original.
.22 Magnum for Personal Defense - Is the Juice Worth the Squeeze?
Related Tags: .22 LR, .22 Magnum, Buzz, Concealed Carry, Feature Articles, Gun Review, Self-Defense Trends and Calibers If you have been following the trends in personal defense, you have probably noticed a lot of talk about the resurgence of the “snub nose revolver”?
Perfecting the Colt Python
Related Tags: Buzz, Colt Manufacturing, Feature Articles, Guns, Revolvers RETURN OF THE SNAKE In 2022, Colt fans were ecstatic when Colt brought back the King of the Colt revolvers. The return of the Python marked a new day for Colt and fans hoped it would be everything the old Python was. The original Pythons were true works of art. Craftsmen took oversized parts and, using stones and files, carefully fitted them to the frame.
Taran Tactical Terminal List Glock 19
Related Tags: Buzz, Feature Articles, Glock, Glock 19, Movie Guns The Terminal List Connection Jack Carr broke onto the writing scene, in 2018, with his first novel. The Terminal List became a New York Times bestseller and made James Reece a household name. Through a series of events, the novel was optioned by Amazon Prime and became an eight-part series. As with the novel, the series paid close attention to the details of gear and guns.
TESTED: The Hybrid Taurus G3x Shines for Everyday Carry
In recent years, there has been a number of brand-name firearms companies that have chosen to relocate to the friendly political climate found in the South. One of those is Taurus USA. In 2019, Taurus has made the corporate decision to leave the Miami area and consolidate all production and assembly under one roof. The result is a 200,000-square-foot facility in Bainbridge, Georgia, that has been beneficial to the company and the community.
TESTED: The Hybrid Taurus G3x Shines for Everyday Carry
In recent years, there has been a number of brand-name firearms companies that have chosen to relocate to the friendly political climate found in the South. One of those is Taurus USA. In 2019, Taurus has made the corporate decision to leave the Miami area and consolidate all production and assembly under one roof. The result is a 200,000-square-foot facility in Bainbridge, Georgia, that has been beneficial to the company and the community.
Bulman Gunleather Kydex Rigs
I first met Josh Bulman of Bulman Gun Leather through the “Louder Than Words” project. I was impressed with his attention to quality and to details. While many of his holsters are similar to other legacy makers, his execution is exceptional. Keeping that in mind, I was astounded when he sent me photos of several kydex holsters he had built.
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