Here comes the Judge

The Taurus Judge is probably one of the most controversial handguns out there. Some people swear it is the best things since sliced bread, and others say it makes a really bad personal defense weapon. Regardless, it is popular. And Taurus definitely knows how to jump on a bandwagon. They have recently introduced the Public Defender Poly, which brings the Judge line in to the polymer revolver craze.

Read this article by Dick Metcalf on the Shooting Times web site

Woolrich Elite CCW Tactical Clothing

It's easy to get that "high speed, low drag" tactical look, if that is what you want. But most of us want to hide the fact that we are carrying a concealed weapon, not advertise it. So, when a major manufacturer comes out with a line of clothing that includes some very "non-tactical" looking tactical items, it needs to be checked out. I know, just get a Hawaiian shirt. I have a lot of those, but these shirts not only look good untucked with their square bottoms, but they have side seams and bottom false button fasteners that make getting to your weapon even faster.

Check out this review at CarryConcealed.net

Walther PK380

Mention Walther handguns, and the mind immediately wanders to Agent 007 and his PPK. It may not have the same mystique, but the new PK380 is a light weight, medium sized, locked breech pistol that fits a variety of shooters for both primary and backup carry.

Read Patrick Sweeney's article on the Handguns Magazine web site

Cold Steel Ti-lite Zytel tactical folding knife

I had to throw this in here, because it is one that I own and am very happy with. Not too heavy, but very sturdy. Easy opening, locks very tight but still folds easily. Not the most expensive every day carry knife, but it really does the job for me. It is a great self-defense EDC, as opposed to an utility knife.

For something different, here is a video review

Para USA GI Expert

Para USA makes a number of fine firearms, including an extensive line of 1911 and similar weapons. They have a line of traditional single stack, and some very innovative double stack handguns. The GI Expert is very traditional, 5 inch Government model with a few updated features that most shooters will really like. And best of all, it is probably one of the least expensive of the decent 1911 models available.

Check out the review at the Shooting Times web site

Fenix TK11 Tactical Flashlight review

Another important part of your carry gear is a good flashlight. Everyone seems to have a different idea of what is best, but here is areview of the Fenix TK11 Tactical flashlight. It uses a Cree Q5 LED source, has a toughened anti-reflective front glass and the end mounted switch has push click on/off and monetarty capabilities.

See the very thorough review done by the CPFReviews.com website

Sig Sauer P226 USPSA

Although the Glocks and Berettas get teh lion's share of recognition for being duty weapons for LEO and military, Sig has been gaining popularity with a wide variety of agencies and militaries, both here and around teh world. All teh general characteristics that make the standard P226 so popular are still there in spades, now that Sig is offering a special edition version optimized for use in the USPSA Production Division.

Check out the article by Patrick Sweeney at the Handguns Magazine website

Holster comparison - Milt Sparks Versa Max II, COMP-TAC Minotour MTAC, Southern Holsters Memphis

I thought this was an especially good review, taking 3 different holsters and reporting on their relative merits while testing them on 1 gun (a Glock 19).

View the comparisons by VOLGRAD on the Country Boy Artillery site

Glock Gen 4 series

Not really a gun review, but a discussion about what changes were made for the Gen 4 pistols. I figured it was about time to throw in something for the Glock crowd.

Read the article from Nick Jacobellis on the Police Magazine web site

CZ 75B Stainless

The CZ 75 series has a lot of mystique about it. It is a Cold War staple that found its way in to use by Blackwater and CIA types in Iran.

Read the excellent article by Robert Kolesar on the Guns and Ammo site

Taurus 709 Slim

A personal favorite of mine, and one I carry on a regular basis. I know, gun snobs out there will say it is a Brazilian piece of junk. I know I have put in excess of 800 rounds through mine, not a single failure of any kind regardless of the ammo.

The plastic frame seems to really soak up the recoil, and the blue finished slide shows no signs of corrosion in spite of my "pushing maximum density" and sweating in the Texas summer heat. It sits nicely in my hand, where I can grab it with my middle 2 fingers and control it well. It disappears when in my custom made IWB holster at 3:30, and it is easy to forget I have it on. Slightly larger than some of the Kahrs ro Kel-tecs, but I think very concealable. I like that it si a 9mm, not a 380. Taurus says you can shoot +P loads, but not a regular diet of them. It even carries well in a pocket holster in some of my deeper pocketed pants.

Read David Tong's review from the incredibly informative chuckhawks.com web site

Remington R-1

After more than 80 years, Remington is back in the 1911 mix with their new R-1. This is their first semi-automatic handgun since the Model 51 in the 1918-1927 time period. And boy, did they come back with a vengence

Read the review by Bart Skelton on the Shooting Times web site

Smith and Wesson M638 Short Barrel Revolver

A review of the new Smith and Wesson .38 special revolver. This is a 5-shot concealed hammer J-frame rated for +P ammo.

Reviewed by Steve Gash from the Guns and Ammo web site