The Firearm Blog

I saw over at Guns Holsters and Gear that Hornady will be selling a new line of ammunition next year (2009) that is specifically designed for civilian self defense and for use in common carry handguns.

The line is called “Critical Defense” and will be available in .380 ACP, .38 Special, .38 Special + P and 9mm Parabellum.

A Critical Defense round

A common argument against hollow points is that when they are fired through heavy clothing the hollow point can clog up with fabrics and then act as a FMJ round. The Critical Defense bullets feature a hollow point with a rubber insert (same material as the Flex Tip used on the Hornady LEVERevolution ammunition) which prevents the bullet clogging up with fabric and allow controlled reliable expansion.

The idea of putting something in a hollow point to prevent it being clogged up with fabric or, in the case of hunting ammunition, fur, is not a new idea. It will be interesting to see if the Flex Tip material improves on this idea.

Another useful feature of this line is decrease muzzle flash.

For each type of cartridge and load the bullet has been individually designed for maximum performance.

Product video:

More info at Guns Holsters and Gear and Hornady.

James at Hell in a Handbasket has compared his winter and summer carry pistols and gear.

Read it here.

*Very interesting* comparison of three flashlights including photos of how effective they are.

I have about 200 lights between flashlights and tactical lights, and also this idea of taking beam shots, so members can compare between them.

First, lets take a look at some lights that are used by police for traffic stops, search and even clearing houses.
These are not for CCW, but good to have in the car or truck to take care of big illumination needs.

This post will try to show how different lights used in law enforcement compare with each other, and will clarify the difference between the lumen ratings used in Luxeon (LED) lights and incandescent lights. In short, I will show (through pictures) how Luxeons lack definition when used at increased distances.

HERE IS A PICTURE OF SOME OF THE CONTENDERS, FROM LEFT TO RIGHT; THE MAGCHARGER 200 LUMENS AND 6 VOLTS BATTERY STICK, THE STREAMLIGHT ULTRA STINGER 295 LUMENS AND 6 VOLTS BATTERY STICK AND THE BOREALIS 1050 LUMENS (TWO MILLION CANDLEPOWER) AND ROLLS ROYCE BATTERY CARRIER WITH 12 VOLTS SYSTEM

More here.