Six of my favorite firearms

The topmost firearm is a FNAR .  Below that we have from left to right a Kimber Custom TLE II, a Ruger Super Blackhawk, and an XDm-45.  Below them we have a Howa Axiom 1500 and on the bottom is my custom built 6.8 SPC.

The FNAR features a Heavy Barrel, a Nikon Scope, and and has two twenty round magazines.  I still have all the factory accessories and really enjoy shooting this rifle as it is so accurate.

The TLE II might be the most accurate non-custom factory handgun I have ever shot.  This thing is actually more accurate than many custom handguns I have shot.  I do not know if this one is just an exceptional piece, or if it is typical of the line.  I will say it is impossible to tell a difference between its accuracy and that of my Kimber Custom Shop Pro Covert II.

Chambered in .44 magnum the Ruger Super Blackhawk is possibly in this group due to my love of single action wheel guns.  However it maybe in this group because it is just too much fun to shoot, what ever the reason it is accurate, powerful, and effective.

The XDm-45 was purchased because I already owned one of the first 5000 XDm-40 pistols made and it is an amazing firearm.  The XDm-45 had a terrible trigger out of the box, in fact it was the worst example I have felt from any Springfield Armory product.  A visit to Powder River Precision’s website, my Credit Card number, and a little time resolved that issue and the gun can now take its place as one of my favorites.

The Howa 1500 came from the factory with an Axiom stock and is chambered in .270 Winchester.  It came from the factory with the scope, rings, and bases in the picture which will remain on the gun until they give me a reason to change them.  I originally wanted this gun simply because it looked like something that would drive the gun banners nuts, that and the fact it was a .270.  The first time I took it to the range I got asked questions along the lines of “What is that?” and “Where can I get one?”  I also got comments like “That is the coolest gun I have ever seen.” and “It looks like a combination of an assault weapon and a sniper rifle, the Brady’s will really want this one banned.”  It took nearly 15 minutes to explain that there really is no such thing as an assault weapon.

Finally we come to my optic-less 6.8.  This rifle was a custom build by myself and features a custom ordered barrel.  Chambered in 6.8SPC and built for hog hunting this rifle is nothing but fun.  I have mounted a number of different optics and sighting solutions on it but I can’t find a solution that does the thing justice.  I’ve tried iron sights, day scopes, night vision scopes, and haven’t been able to make a decision yet.  Maybe I will get an EOTech and magnifier combo, or maybe something from Trijicon.  Who knows it could even end up with something even more expensive than itself.  Regardless of its current configuration, this rifle has been amazingly accurate with every optic mounted on it, and to be honest I think it maybe the most accurate firearm I own (maybe).

Now with all that said the common theme among all of these firearms isn’t the pistol grip, its the accuracy and effectiveness of them.

The Taurus Judge is the five shot revolver that shoots both .45 Long Colt and .410 Shot shells, and there is a new smaller version called the Public Defender. The new Public Defender model appears to be aimed at the concealed carry market where the previous model seems to target vehicle carry and snake killing.  Being smaller and lighter I expect the new Public Defender to behave differently when fired. Overall I expect my new Judge to be a completely different experience than my full sized model.

Taurus Judge Public Defender

While this new model seems to be intended for the concealed carry market there are a few things about this new gun that make it less than ideal. The first issue is overall length which is inherent in the concept and can not be changed due to the shot shell capability in the cylinder. The second issue is speed loader support, as the original equipment grips probably will not accommodate speed loaders. The only other issue hindering this gun in the concealed carry market is the lack of good holsters. Interestingly enough I can drop this gun in my front pants pocket and completely conceal it, there just isn’t much room left for a holster if one were available.  The grip and holster issues will quickly be resolved by the market as I suspect that this new model will quickly gain the rock star status of the previous models.

My Full sized Judge and my Public Defender model.

The new Judge Public Defender is a smaller and lighter version based on the Taurus Model 85 frame, where the previous model based on the Taurus Tracker frame. There is a noticeable difference in the weight of the two pistols with my Public Defender weighing 27.36 ounces and my full sized version weighing 34.9 ounces. The public defender is advertised as weighing 28.2 ounces and the full sized versions advertised as weighing between 29 and 32 ounces with ultra-light models available that weigh even less. The Public defender is noticeably smaller to make it more acceptable for concealed carry. The rear of the Public Defender’s grip is closer to the trigger making the gun more comfortable, and easier to build a proper grip when drawing. This new model addresses the issues I had with the previous models that were not inherent in a shot shell capable revolver.

Out at the range the Public Defender shows its true nature. One complaint I have heard from people who have handled it is that it is nose heavy, This actually controls muzzle flip and helps the shooter get back on target quicker. I was able to shoot the gun with 45 colt, as well as .410 #4 and #6 bird shot but have not found any buck shot. Shot dispersal with #4 bird shot is sparse even at close range, and while #6 bird shot gets a better pattern, it is too light for stopping anything larger than some snakes. With my limited supply of .45 Colt the accuracy was better than expected.  After getting used to where the gun shot I was able to hit where I wanted at 50 yards with the 45 colt.  The extra freebore in the cylinder and the short barrel both mean that you will get reduced performance when shooting .45 colt.  The new model does suffer from increased recoil when compared to the older models as a result of its smaller size and lighter weight. Lets face it, if your buying this gun for self defense then in a self defense situation your not going to care about recoil.

The Public Defender met my expectations for a different experience from its predecessor.  The gun does look a little goofy with a cylinder that is longer than the barrel.  It is different enough from its predecessors that it can enter an entirely new market. While it suffers from increased recoil it has the same capabilities as the older models in a smaller package. In conclusion I must admit that this Judge may be an acceptable concealed carry weapon in some situations when loaded with the correct ammunition.

Looking at the case its a relatively nice case, almost as nice as Springfield Armory’s XDm case. Upon opening it I found it had cut outs for the pistol, two magazines, mag loader, cleaning brush, and keys for the handgun’s internal lock. Inside the case there was a PT 24/7 OSS pistol in .45 ACP. Two twelve round magazines and mag loader. The pistol and magazines are both high quality. The included mag loader is of lesser quality, or maybe I am just spoiled by Springfield Armory units. Additionally there was a cleaning brush and two keys for the internal lock on the pistol. The cleaning brush is the typical polymer brush that manufacturers like to toss in, and the keys are are the standard Taurus affair. Behind the top foam cushion is the paperwork for the gun. Overall I would say the entire package is above average.

The Taurus PT 24/7 OSS pistol I purchased has a number of features I like. First I find I like the Double Action and Single Action trigger system that gives the pistol second strike capability and a nice crisp Single Action trigger the rest of the time. Next I find the decocker function which I have also begun to like. Standard magazine capacity is twelve rounds with ten round magazines available. Built into the slide is the Taurus internal lock which I do not particularly care for, but its built in so it gets to stay. The mag release is reversible for left handed shooters, although the owners manual does not tell you how. Field stripping requires pulling a pin and squeezing the trigger making the gun slightly more difficult to take down than I prefer. The most noticeable feature of my pistol is the Novak night sights. The pistol has plenty of features, if Taurus were to ask me I would suggest adding interchangeable back straps and making the take down easier for new shooters.

I won’t take long here.  This gun is a shooter first and foremost.  From a rest at twenty five yards I was able to cover my group with a quarter.  Shooting freehand my grouping was a bit worse than my average and it got worse when I tried rapid fire.  I suspect my ammo played a little part in getting worse groups during rapid fire and free hand as I changed  to a cheaper round that doesn’t perform as well in my other guns for those tests.  Additionally I was able to hit a 3 inch target at forty five yards in three shots while shooting free hand, I would have hit it in two but I pulled the second shot.  For accuracy and consistency I have to say this gun is beyond my ability to test but the ammo does make a difference.

For the money this gun is a good buy.  It comes well equipped, it would be nice to get three magazines with the gun but the industry standard is currently two so there is little reason for Taurus to offer more.  Regarding features this gun basically has it all except for interchangeable back straps and the kitchen sink.  When shooting the gun I find it comfortable, accurate, and consistent.  Overall I would recommend this exact gun to anyone considering a polymer framed .45 ACP pistol.

Now that I own a Beretta PX4 Model C and a Springfield Armory XDm I feel I should compare them. Both guns are designed with ergonomics in mind. Both guns are comparable in price range with the XDm costing a little more, but it comes with a few more accessories and a nicer case. Both have similar features and similar capacity. In the end I expect these firearms to have similar capabilities and performance.

Both handguns come with interesting packaging. The XDm comes in one of the nicest cases I have ever seen while the PX4 comes in a smallish case that includes an anti-crush cup. Inside the cases there was a handgun, documentation, two magazines, a magazine loader, a cable lock, and two additional back straps. Inside the XDm case there was a brush, a holster, and a dual mag carrier. Inside the PX4 case there was a cleaning kit with a rod,a nylon brush, and a copper brush. Most people I know do not use the included holster and mag carrier. Considering that aside from the cleaning kits, holster, and mag carrier both handguns are equipped about the same there is no clear advantage to either gun when considering included accessories.

With both handguns empty and an empty magazine inserted the PX4 is notably lighter, and somewhat smaller than the XDm. The PX4 looks more “organic” and seems more comfortable than the Xdm when gripped. The “Super Luminova Sights” of the PX4 need to be “charged” via exposure to light in order to work in the dark so when carried in the dark or concealed the sights do not function as night sights. The XDm features 16+1 capacity while the PX4 features 14+1 meaning that you loose only two rounds of ammo should you choose the PX4 over the XDm. Changing back straps on the XDm can be difficult and does require a punch and hammer while the PX4 requires a large flat head screwdriver to remove the retaining clip. The XDm uses a traditional tilting barrel design while the PX4 uses a rotating barrel. My PX4 uses Beretta’s “Constant Action” trigger which moves the hammer like a double action, but like a single action has no second strike capability while the XDm is a pure single action trigger. The shorter trigger pull on the XDm is better out of the box, has a shorter reset, and is lighter than the PX4′s trigger. The XDm is a striker fired and the PX4 is hammer fired. The PX4 just barely edges out the XDm in the aesthetics, features and feel category.

Finally both guns make a trip to the range and get to toss a few rounds towards some targets. The XDm’s slight capacity advantage was not really noticeable at the range, after all its only two shots. The PX4 does have less noticed recoil than the XDm. The sights on the PX4 do cause me some trouble as they use a center hold sight picture where the XDm uses the six o’clock sight picture that I learned and trained with. The whole sight picture issue makes the PX4 difficult for me to shoot in factory trim. The XDm has no problem with wet or sweaty hands but the PX4 gets to be a little slippery. Both handguns have aftermarket solid metal guide rods available to help reduce muzzle flip if you wish to go that route. In regards to safety devices both handguns have the drop safety however the XDm has the Grip Safety, and the “Ultra Safety Assurance” Trigger safety. I should note that the PX4 is available in other models that feature different triggers and safety options. Due to my ability to shoot the XDm better than the PX4 I have to give the XDm the edge in the shooting category.

After reviewing Internet chatter, marketing materials, and so forth I have to conclude that Springfield Armory Designed the XDm with competition shooters in mind. The biggest clue to that being the matched grade barrel from the factory. Beretta on the other hand seems to have targeted the Law Enforcement with the PX4 storm family and the C model more specifically. The biggest clue to that being some of their materials stating all but the “F model” being for Law Enforcement Only. The mag loader that comes with the XDm is far better than the unit that ships with the PX4 in my own personal opinion With the installation of a Hogue slip on grip the PX4 would become easier to handle with wet or sweaty hands. When shooting the two handguns I can shoot the XDm better than the PX4, but that is caused by the OE sight picture. Finally I have concluded that in order for myself to choose the PX4 over the XDm for concealed carry I would have to install aftermarket sights and a Hogue, or similar, slip on grip.

1: This is my own observation based on features, and literature, and Internet noise.
2: The PX4 Model C trigger is a hybrid between a single and a double action trigger, while the XDm has a single action trigger.
3: The PX4 sights work in the dark for a limited amount of time only after exposure to sufficient light. The XDm typically does not have night sights.
4: Both guns have interchangeable grip panels, however the PX4 is easier to change and uses tools found in most homes.
5: The PX4 Model C has a firing pin block safety. The XDm has a firing ping block, grip safety, and safe action trigger safeties.

The Judge and ammo.

So I bought a Judge, doesn’t sound legal does it? I really like saying that, I might add. But I did buy one, just not the kind that wears robes and bangs a gavel. I got a “Duo-Tone” model with the two and a half inch chamber. What really sold me on the gun is the grip, its comfortable and feels right in my hands. I will admit that it does look like a real fun gun to shoot and I did buy it as a recreational gun.

Before firing the gun I took it home, cleaned, and inspected it. The first negative thing I noticed about it was that the back strap of the grip and the trigger are too far apart.  I did dry fired it to get a feel for the trigger. When fired in double action mode the trigger pull is about average and relatively smooth. When fired as a single action the trigger pull is a little better than expected and is relatively crisp. Finally I weighed my Judge to get its real weight and discovered that it ways 34.9 ounces so its twenty percent heavier than advertised. This is one of the reasons for that “Specifications are subject to change without notice” disclaimer that you see on advertisements and websites.

So I started out firing the gun with .410 #6 shot shells and observed that the point of aim is almost directly in the center of the pattern at three to ten yards. At three yards the pattern will cover the chest of a human sized target with minimal shot missing. At five yards it will cover the torso of a human sized target with some shot missing. At eight yards it will cover the torso and neck with a moderate amount of shot missing. Finally at ten yards a significant amount of shot will miss the target. This rapid spreading of the shot comes about from the rifling in the barrel causing the shot cup to spin. The recoil with the .410 loads is surprisingly mild, but it is there.

3 yard target

5 yard target that was wind blown

10 yard target

Next up I tested it with .45 Long Colt, and observed the point of aim was about ten inches lower than the point of impact at eight yards. The POA being different from the POI at this range is to be expected as I assume Taurus setup the sights for the .410 ammo. What surprised me was the amount of difference. Once I confirmed the POA/POI difference I proceeded to test grouping and observed that it grouped better than I thought it would. At eight yards a five shot group was about a three quarter inch spread. Penetration will suffer as the Judge has that huge chamber and short barrel, however using a cartridge with full metal jacket bullet will improve penetration. Recoil with the .45 Long Colt ammo was also mild, perhaps even more mild than the .410 loads.

For defense I feel the judge is best suited for close quarters use. I will personally load my Judge so that the first round is a .410 shot shell and four .45 Long Colts after it for use as a night stand or car gun. This will allow me to give a potential attacker/car-jacker a face full of bird shot disabling, driving them away, or buying me time to flee if possible. Failing at that up to four Long Colts will further ruin their day should they continue to attack. For concealed carry the Judge will not enter the equation. As a snake gun the Judge is probably unmatched when loaded with five shot shells, but as an outdoors gun I think I would prefer to have a long gun or a more powerful handgun like a .44 magnum. No holds barred, the Judge is extremely fun to shoot.

After having checked out, purchased, shot and tested the Judge I have come to a few conclusions. First the judge is not an ideal self defense gun, but it is versatile and is easily adapted for the task at hand. I feel the Judge is a good gun for defensive use inside a house or in a car when loaded properly. The difference between the advertised weight and the actual weight is somewhat displeasing but tolerable. Taurus could improve upon the judge by moving the back strap of the grip closer to the trigger. It would also be nice to see a version setup to fire .454 Casull in the future. Overall the Judge is a fun, but limited application handgun.

There are currently 5 camps in the gun owners world, members of which are dead set on “These other gun owners want to toss me under the bus” mentality.  The first camp is called the “Fudds” by the others.  They are hunters and outdoorsmen who who’s firearms are threatened every time there stories and potential legisilation about “sniper rifles”.  The second camp is called the “Rambo’s wannabe’s” by their peers.  They own and shoot “Evil Black Rifles” that were banned under the Clinton so-called “Assault Weapons Ban.”  The third camp that is responsible for the in fighting are called the “Wyatt Earps” or “Doc Holidays” by their peers.  They carry guns on their person and have a more defensive nature for their firearms.  The next camp we come to is the “Professionals” whose lives may depend on their firearms.  The Professionals carry and use firearms as part of their job which could be Law Enforcement, Security, or Military.  Finally we have the “Competitors” camp who use firearms to compete in sanctioned competitions.

The Clinton so called “Assault Weapons Ban” affected Some of the “Fudds”, had a serious impact on the “Rambo Wannabes”, affected the “Wyatt Earps”/”Doc Holidays”, Affected the non-government portion of the “Professionals”, and impacted the “Competitors” showing that we all can be hurt by bad legislation.  The current political climate is ripe for an effort to repeat a greatly expanded and much more permanent so called “Assult Weapons Ban” that will affect firearms that were not included in the original.  If this happens we may never again see the level of freedom we enjoy today.

Once more we come back to the quote “A house divided against itself cannot stand.”  Our opponents are united against us and yet we have all been calling each other names and fighting over minor things, this must change or we will loose our rights.  First off lets refer to each other as gun owners, Second lets get membership up in groups that defend our rights, Third lets go and join at least one of the other camps.  Finally lets contact the politicians and let them know that if they attempt to take away our rights then they will loose their jobs.  Should we do this as a united mass of gun owners they will have to listen.  If we try it as five different camps then they will say “We have to ban the very dangerous assault weapons, but it will only be those.”  Next it maybe “We have to stop people from carrying a gun anywhere they feel like so we are banning carrying of arms in public, but thats all we intend to do.”  Then it maybe “We have to ban those extremely dangerous sniper rifles that ignore bullet proof vests, but those are all we will ban.”  Finally they will come to the competitors who will have to have their firearms stored in a government approved facility and can only use them when when allowed for practice and competition.  Eventually they will even turn on the professionals who will not be able to carry unless they are working and have a so called “legitimate” need for them.

I hunt with an AR15 while my daily carry stays concealed on me, so I like to think of myself as a balanced gun owner.  I try not to see “Fudds”, “Rambo wannabes”, “Wyatt Earps”/”Doc Holidays”, Professionals, or competitors as I prefer to see “gun owners”.  I try to introduce new people to the shooting sports, I have signed up people for the NRA and I have encouraged people to join the other gun owners groups.  I strongly believe that we must unite our divided house before it falls in on our heads.  Will you join with me and unite with other gun owners before its too late?