The Firearm Blog » ccw

New SIG P220R Compact

Steve — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 08:42:46 +0000

Sig Sauer is now producing an "R" model of their .45 ACP chambered SIG P220 Compact pistol. The P220R Compact does away with the beaver tail, reducing the frame length by 0.5", and adds an accessory rail.

SIG P220R Compact (Two Tone model).

SIG lists two models, a blued model and two-tone model, although no price is given for the two-tone which I suspect means it is not yet able to be purchased.

Specifications
Caliber	.45 ACP
Action Type	DA/SA
Trigger Pull DA	10.0 lbs
Trigger Pull SA	4.4 lbs
Overall Length	7.10"
Overall Height	5.0"
Overall Width	1.5"
Barrel Length	3.9"
Sight Radius	5.7"
Weight w/Mag	29.6 oz
Mag Capacity	6 Rounds
Sights	SIGLITE Night Sights
Grips	Black Polymer Factory Grips
Frame Finish	Black hard anodized
Slide Finish	Nitron
Accessory Rail	Yes
CA Compliant	No
MA Compliant	No
MSRP	$1,050.00 (Same as the regular P220 Compact)

Feminine CCW in the 1800s

Steve — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 08:45:46 +0000

I recently blogged about boot pistols, a type of early CCW gun carried during the Civil War and postbellum era. The feminine equivalent of the boot pistol was the muff gun. (the name refers to the original definition¹ , not the modern day slang). They were the same sort of concept just smaller and would have probably fired a smaller load (please correct me if I am wrong).

This matched set was recently up for auction at GunBroker. The reserve price of $1525 was not met.

Photos by "zocalo"

Many thanks to Fred for the info.

Muff (noun): "A small cylindrical fur or cloth cover, open at both ends, in which the hands are placed for warmth." - The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language ↩

Hornady Critical Defense ammunition

Steve — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 06:38:42 +0000

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.

Comparing summer and winter carry gear

Steve — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 07:00:41 +0000

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

Read it here.

Review of flashlights for CCW and Law enforcement

Steve — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 10:04:56 +0000

*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.