A New Magazine for the Ruger 10/22 – The High Tower Armory RM-25
Ah, the Ruger 10/22. The first firearm for many shooters and a perennial favorite used for everything from plinking to small game hunting and, in some cases, military applications. With over 5 million built in the past 50+ years, over a dozen factory variants, many more dealer exclusive variants, and hundreds – if not thousands – of aftermarket accessories available, to say that the 10/22 is popular would be quite the understatement.
It could be that one of the reasons for the Ruger’s popularity over some other .22 semi-auto rifles is its reliability, due in part to its famous rotary magazine. Despite his feelings on so-called “high capacity” magazines, the late Bill Ruger did a pretty good job with this rifle and its feed system. The only problem with it is that, perhaps to Bill’s satisfaction, it only held 10 rounds.
To solve that reduced-capacity magazine issue, a number of aftermarket magazines have popped up over the past few decades with varying degrees of success. Some degrees lower than others, in my experience (yes, I’m talking about you, BC Hot Lips and Eagle). Thankfully, the folks out at High Tower Armory (HTA) in Minnesota seem to have done a good thing with their new RM-25 magazine.
The RM-25 appears to be the solution to the reduced-capacity problem of the standard factory magazine and the reliability issues with some aftermarket offerings. And while, yes, Ruger may have abandoned their namesake’s ideology and produced higher capacity BX-series magazines, HTA didn’t stop there – they also brought some welcome additions to the table. Continue reading
Bigfoot Gun Belt Goes Beyond Just Holding Up Your Trousers
Why You Need a Good Gun Belt, and Why Your Current Belt Probably Isn’t It
One of the most important pieces of your CCW loadout might not be what some would expect. Finding a firearm that is reliable, accurate, easy to carry, and easy to use under stress is paramount. The number two spot on this list is often contested between a good holster and a good belt, the importance of which is difficult to understate. Speaking with someone who carries a firearm regularly, whether for work or for general self defense, will confirm that one of the most important pieces of your CCW loadout is a good belt.
A CCW holster has a lot of responsibilities, including being comfortable, effectively concealing the firearm, keeping the firearm in the right position and angle where you put it, and keeping the firearm securely holstered unless and until you intentionally draw it. But what keeps that holster where you put it and allows it to do its job? As important as the holster may be, the belt from which you hang it is just as vital. The important thing to realize is that the belt and the holster work together to comprise the overall carry system that you use.
Like many people who carry, Team GunLink has amassed a box-o-holsters through the trial and error process of finding the couple of holsters that work well and see regular use. No matter how good those holsters are, without a good belt, they will have issues. As such, CCW-ers may find themselves either going through a similar trial and error process with their belt or just dealing with those issues – which can lead to giving up on carrying a gun. I personally went from using a standard web belt to a Dickies work belt, which I used for ages, using “fashion belts” for dressier work and toying with the idea of springing for a spendy double-thick gun belt before finally finding Bigfoot Gun Belts. Continue reading
Winchester Ammunition Offers Custom Engraved, Commemorative Model 1866 Rifles In Celebration of 150th Anniversary
Oliver F. Winchester introduced a legendary brand to the world in 1866. And for 150 years since, generations upon generations across the globe have experienced life, with Winchester.
In celebration of its 150th anniversary in 2016, Winchester is offering a once-in-a-lifetime series of 10, pre-production riles, chambered in 44-40, from the “One of Five Hundred” Model 1866 “Yellow Boy” commemorative rifle collection.
Considered one of the most collectible rifles ever from Winchester, each firearm includes custom embellishments and identification through Baron Engraving. Each rifle will also come with a special box of commemorative ammunition and the magnificent 150th anniversary collectible medallion.
The rifles have been allocated to various industry and conservation organizations to help raise funds in support of the shooting sports and hunting heritage. More details on this commemorative lineup of rifles will be available throughout 2016 on Winchester.com and communicated through Winchester Ammunition social channels, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
“This is a very unique series of collectible firearms and ammunition that represents the Winchester brand and our 150 years of legendary excellence,” said Brett Flaugher, vice president of marketing, sales and strategy. “We are very proud to help raise awareness and dollars through our 150th celebration in 2016 that will benefit the hunting and shooting sports industry.”
About Winchester Ammunition
The iconic Winchester brand celebrates 150 years of legendary excellence in 2016—a historic milestone representing a steadfast commitment to the hunting and shooting sports traditions and future generations of sportsmen. A world leader in delivering innovative products, Winchester is The American Legend, a brand built on integrity, hard work and a deep focus on its loyal customers. Learn more about the history of Winchester by visiting Winchester.com or connect with us on Facebook at Facebook.com/WinchesterOfficial.
Brownells New Product Week in Review :: March 11, 2016
Brownells Product Manager Paul Levy introduces new items available this week.
- Howa Barreled Actions – Available in a wide range of calibers and barrel profiles, complete actions include 2-stage trigger, internal magazine and bolt, and are ready to drop into a compatible stock, sold separately. Actions are drilled and tapped for scope mounts, and come in Blue or Cerakote Gray finish in Short, Long and Mini sizes. FFL required.
- Battle Arms AR-15 Titanium Gas Block – Gas block fits barrels that are .750″ in diameter and gives very low profile combined with ultra-lightweight titanium construction. Helps keep an AR-15 rifle or carbine fast and maneuverable, and fits underneath almost any handguard.
- Streamlight TLR-1 HL – Popular weaponlight is now available in new colors to match firearms with Flat Dark Earth or Brown finishes. Fits onto Picatinny or Universal rails and gives up to 630 lumens of brilliant white light. Runs on two CR 123 lithium batteries and has intuitive, ambidextrous controls for momentary- and constant-on.
Brownells New Product Week in Review :: February 19, 2016
Paul Levy, Brownells product manager, introduces some new holsters available this week.
Eidolon Glock 19/26 RH 1.5 OverHook Struts Holster – At the core of the Eidolon is the holster shell. The shell is precisely fitted to the weapon on the inside and is smooth on the outside to work in conjunction with the body, belt, and clothing -in nearly any carry position- to maximize comfort and concealment. At the same time, the shell provides attachment points for a host of accessories to allow the user to tailor the holster for their specific carry needs.
Phantom Glock 17/22/31 Full Shield, RH Holster – The Phantom was designed from the outset to provide the highest possible level of concealment by being adaptable to wear with virtually any style of clothing. What makes the Phantom so unique is its ultra-thin, body-hugging pancake profile. This profile, in conjunction with the Eclipse Modular Mounting System, allows the Phantom to be worn either on the belt or inside the waistband. Pancake-style design minimizes bulk and distribute the weight of the firearm over a wider area on the belt.
Phantom Light Glock w/X300U Full Shield Black RH Holster – Light Compatible models now allow you to comfortably carry and conceal your weapon with a light mounted to the accessory rail. No more fumbling with a tertiary light, or carrying a rail mounted light with the vain hope of mounting it during a stressful moment. Your light is on the gun and instantly usable when seconds count.
VanGuard M&P Shield, Black Holster – Originally envisioned by Shay VanVlymen of Mindset Laboratory, the Vanguard is a simple, effective concealment tool. It covers only the trigger guard of the weapon, providing a safe way to store or carry a loaded pistol in situations where a traditional holster is not practical. It comes with a length of paracord that acts as a static line to deploy the weapon. Just tie it off to a solid anchor point, and a sharp tug will cause the Vanguard to pop free and leave your weapon ready to fire.
SHhhhhhhOT Show 2016 – The Silencers of SHOT Show
The popularity of gun mufflers has exploded over the past few years thanks, in part, to efforts by manufacturer conglomerates, silencer demos and events, social media hash-tags that bring awareness (#SilencersAreLegal, #FightTheNoise), and the relative ease of procuring them – despite the blatantly unconstitutional restrictions placed on them by laws and BATFE rulings. There is even legislative action to make them even easier to procure – requiring only a 4473 instead of the tedious NFA paperwork and wait time (contact your reps!).
As such, it is no surprise that recent years at SHOT Show have seen an increase in suppressors in display, and the 2016 show was no exception. Continue reading
