SUBSCRIBE   
APRIL 1, 2021

Good Friday
In observation of the Good Friday, we will not be publishing any wires on Friday, April 2. No joke. We will be back on our normal distribution schedule on Monday, April 5.
Hornady congratulates Kelly Neal on his performance at the Superstition Mountain Mystery 3-Gun match in Mesa, Arizona. He used 5.56 NATO 55 gr. FMJ Frontier ammunition for close range rifle shots, 5.56 NATO 75 gr BTHP Frontier for the long-range rifle targets and Hornady 9mm 115 gr. Hornady Action Pistol bullets.
DeSantis Gunhide introduces two new holster fits for the Ruger MAX-9 – with or without a red dot sight attached. These include the Mini Scabbard and the Slim-Tuk. DeSantis Gunhide® introduces two new holster fits for the

The Yaqui Slide holster, popularized by Jeff Cooper, was ushered into the modern era of holster design when Galco added a set of independent tension screw adjustments, allowing for a custom fit to the firearm and micro-adjustment of the draw stroke.
Fiocchi, a global producer of sporting, hunting, and defensive ammunition, announces the launch of its all-new website at FiocchiUSA.com.
Blackhawk announced its newest brand ambassador: Tony Sentmanat of Real World Tactical. Sentmanat is a Marine Corps veteran and law enforcement SWAT operator with over 22 years of ‘Real World’ experience.

Orion Wholesale announced their new headquarters facility in the Greater Louisville area. The 130,000 square foot distribution facility and corporate offices are set to open in the fall.
Buck Knives has added personnel in newly formed Regional Sales Management roles and has grown the sales and marketing team.
Federal Ammunition and sister brand Remington Ammunition announce the “President’s Award” to recognize an industry partner that has moved to elevate the hunting and shooting sports through acts of generosity, kindness, and advocacy. Jason Vanderbrink, President of Vista Outdoor Ammunition brands, has announced Reeds Family Outdoor Outfitters as the 2020 recipient of this award.

Ohio Representative Al Cutrona has introduced HB 243 to enact Knife Rights' signature Knife Law Preemption in Ohio. Without knife law preemption, numerous cities and towns in Ohio are still able to ban many knives that are perfectly legal under Ohio's statutes.
New for 2021, fans of select Trijicon riflescopes can now customize their scope and maximize its precision elevation adjusters with laser-engraved adjustable turrets.
German Precision Optics announces three new riflescopes, the new SPECTRA 8x riflescope lineup. Models in the 8X line include the SPECTRA 1-8x24i, 2-16x44i and 2.5-20x50i.

Steiner Optics announces its “Dads-N-Grads” promotion for savings on select HX Series, M Series, BluHorizons binoculars and the Commander binoculars --and the T5Xi riflescope line.
 

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard from shooters that their choice of pistol was determined by magazine capacity. “But,” they explain, “this one holds almost twice as many rounds as the other one.” Yet, while mag capacity is a consideration, it shouldn’t be the deciding factor in what pistol you choose for defensive use.

Firearm selection should be dictated by application. The weapon I choose for kickin’ down doors in ‘Trashganistan’ is going to be different than the one carried for personal defense. Regardless of intended use, reliability is factor number one to consider. Your weapon – plus all related gear – must function properly every time. (Remember, just because your weapon works flawlessly you still need to practice clearing a stoppage. Most malfunctions are caused by the operator.)

Caliber is another factor. With today’s ammo we’ve got a lot more options than just a few decades ago. Back then, you carried a .45 because it was a large bullet; bigger bullet, bigger hole. With modern defensive ammo anything from a .380 and larger is acceptable for defensive use.

Size is a major feature to mull over. Is the pistol sized to where you can actually carry it, concealed and somewhat comfortable? A derringer in the pocket is better than a cannon in the gun safe. Can you acquire a proper grip, and still get your finger properly positioned on the trigger? When the pad of the finger is centered on the face of the trigger it should be at almost a ninety-degree angle to the hand; this ensures you press the trigger straight to the rear as opposed to pulling or pushing to one side or the other. Finally, make sure you can manipulate the weapon – mag release, cycling the slide or any external safety devices.

Shooting accurately relies on fit – as mentioned above – and having an acceptable trigger with a clean, crisp break and a set of sights that will work under any and all conditions. Fortunately, today nearly all factory pistols come with “more better” triggers and sights than in the past.

Finally, and way down on the list, we come to magazine capacity. Again, we go to the intended use of the weapon. For personal defense – we’re not talking law enforcement or military – you’re not going to need a lot of rounds. Think about your mission statement. For personal protection your goal is to defend against the attack, then break contact as soon as possible.

The fight is only going to last a matter of seconds. The number of shots fired by you – if it’s even necessary to shoot – is likely going to be three or four rounds. “But,” you say, “there’s probably going to be more than one threat.” True, but in defensive situations it’s rare that you’re forced to shoot more than one of the bad guys. I’ve never felt unarmed with five- or six shot revolvers. I feel at ease with a seven-round mag in a 1911. The Hi Power, which holds twelve in the thirteen-round mag, is much more than I’ll ever need. I even made a cut down magazine for my AK. It holds fifteen rounds, and doesn’t hang down below the grip: plenty of rounds, in a lighter and more compact package.

There are many factors when selecting a firearm. Reliability, size, caliber and somewhere down the line – magazine capacity.

Tiger McKee is director of Shootrite Firearms Academy. He is the author of The Book of Two Guns, AR-15 Skills and Drills, has a regular column in American Handgunner and makes some cool knives and custom revolvers. Visit Shootrite’s Facebook page for other details.

Tactical Wire - 155 Litchfield Rd., Edgartown, MA 02539
Copyright © 2021, All Rights Reserved.