Archive for the 'Articles' Category

ConcealThis Poll: Polymer or Steel?

This has been the subject of debate for years now and while there are pros and cons to each, both options do offer many benefits and it all primarily comes down to overall use and carry method/frequency.  I have found that many are not quite fond of polymer pistols.  Some mainly state that quality is just not the same in comparison.  I can understand this because I’m honestly one who felt this way for some time.  That is, until I actually held and shot a few modern options on the market that made me think otherwise.   In addition, the option to own a polymer handgun became more of a wise choice when it came down to daily carry.  Most compact, sub-compact or pocket pistols are designed this way and with very good reason.  They can be significally lighter and are now just as well designed and on par in quality when compared to the alternative.  They are designed to last and withstand abuse just as well or better than their alloy or steel framed counterparts.

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Colt Mustang PocketLite .380 – It’s Back…but is it too late?

The Colt Mustang .380 was such a popular handgun and a top seller when it was in the market.  Why they chose to discontinue this excellent, pocket-sized pistol after roughly 11 years on the market is beyond me.  I never understood why and many hardcore gun enthusiasts will tell you that this pistol was one of the very best.  In fact, after it was taken off the market, many would still look for it and in some cases, pay a premium for it.  It simply became a collectors piece rather than a purchase primarily for personal protection.

The Colt Mustang was small and extremely well-designed for its time.  It sported that 1911-style design that is clearly proven to be highly reliable.  At the time, it was a pistol that many would only dream of having.  There simply was no worthy competition and that’s exactly what made it so successful.  So why choose to discontinue such a revolutionary pistol?  Despite much research and comments from many, the answer, remains officially unclear.

Apparently, they have realized it was a mistake and have just re-introduced the Mustang to the market.  But is it too late?  Based on a highly successful clone released by another respected manufacturer, I personally think it is.

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ConcealThis Review: Recluse Solo Pocket Holster

The pocket holster typically serves two main purposes.  It is designed not only allow the gun to “print” less in your pocket, but also designed to keep that pistol always at the proper angle to ensure a quick draw when needed. However, while there are many other benefits, there is one other and very important feature that a majority honestly fail to offer.  That pistol must be drawn from your pocket with ease, regardless of attire.  It must be drawn with holster remaining in your pocket. With the exception of the latest holster previously reviewed here that somewhat does remedy this, I have found all others are just simply not capable of providing all three very critical features that I personally think all should seriously focus on before choosing to purchase one.  That’s where the Recluse holster comes in and why I chose to take the time to review it.  I typically do not like custom holsters but this was certainly an exception. For those who pocket carry, it is one that does deserve a very serious look and is what I will do in this latest article.

Packaging & Contents

The holster comes well packaged and upon opening, you’ll be greeted with a short but informational booklet every responsible gun owner should read again and again.  Unlike most custom holsters I have received in the past, it is shipped in professional packaging detailing its main features, as well as its supported handgun.

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ConcealThis Review: Sticky Holsters

There are plenty of holster options out there and some may simply appear as just another holster, with no unique features that will entice many.  Some are custom and some are universal but honestly, most are pretty much the same and serve the same purpose.  With only a very few exceptions, in my experience, the only real difference between most is their price tag.  That’s where Sticky Holsters comes in.  I want to emphasize on the word “sticky” because it is what sets them apart from the rest in this class.  Sticky Holsters makes universal holsters for a large variety of popular handguns.  They look like pocket holsters but they are much more versatile than that.  Thanks to their unique outer material, these holsters live up to their name.  In this article, I will provide a detailed look at them and test them with three different pistols over a period of time under different conditions and carry methods.

They sent over two holsters for review.  One supports all popular pocket pistols while the other is slightly larger to support sub compact models or pocket pistols with mounted lasers.  Models provided are SM-2 and MD-2.  Nothing much to brag about packaging.  Holsters are shipped in a standard ziplock bag with a brief info sheet on its supported models.

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MasterPiece Arms Protector 380 Impressions

Went to my local gun show today solely in search of a hard to find new 380 pistol to hit the market in order to give you all my impressions.  I looked all over for one but did not have luck.  However, just as I was ready to leave, I finally spotted one on the way out!  I’m talking about the new Protector from MasterPiece Arms.

For those unfamiliar with this new handgun, the Protector is a remarkably small blowback pistol available in both 32 and 380 ACP.  First thing I noticed was just how heavy this tiny pistol really is. This is due to its solid Billet 4140 Heat Treated Steel.  This sets it apart from all the polymer framed pistols available on the market today.  It is listed at 11.3 ounces but feels a bit heavier when you hold it.  It is a very solid little pistol and of very high quality considering its very modest price tag.  I was quite impressed with its overall design and build quality.

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ConcealThis Review: SureStrike Laser Bullet

Many of us use standard snap caps for dry fire exercises.  They help protect the firing pin while allowing you to fire your pistol safely to test and practice trigger pull and other training exercises.  While these will do the job, what if you added a laser to the mix?  That’s exactly what the SureStrike Laser Bullet from Laser-Ammo offers.  They take it a step further by providing an easy to use laser training system that will enhance your overall training experience with your firearm.  Let’s have a thorough look at this unique product for handgun enthusiasts.

Packaging & Contents

Our sample came with an informational kit and plenty of extras that will be discussed here.  Let’s start by focusing on the kit alone.

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Walther PPK – A Classic Marvel

A friend of mine lent me a gun for a few days that is a true classic when it comes to innovation and design.  I’m talking about none other than a genuine Walther PPK.  Bought 20 years ago and manufactured in Germany, this DA/SA pistol is  a classic .380 caliber pistol still in production today.  This model  is a combination of a PP frame and a PPK slide and barrel, developed to get around the “points” system put in place to prevent the importation of small guns.  It’s a marvel in design and one that remains as a highly respected option by many gun enthusiasts.

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Woolfe Leather Wolf Bite Sig P238 Holster Review

So you just bought that pocket .380 and are now looking for a good way to carry it.  Upon researching, you’ll find there are plenty of options.  Most like generic holsters while others prefer a custom option.  While I personally prefer generic options, the difference between both is actually justifiable and makes the decision that much harder.  There are a few options out there that are worth a second look and one of these is from Woolfe Gun Leather.

While a pocket holster is the way to go with most 380 pistols, there are exceptions and one of them is the popular Sig P238 (reviewed here).  This is a heavier single action pistol that would be best carried in an IWB or a OWB holster such as the one featured in the review article.  Thanks to Woolfe Gun Leather, they provided a custom IWB holster for review.  Let’s have a thorough look at their Wolf Bite for the Sig Sauer P238.

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