TAG

The Soviets and the 5.45×39: Imitation is the Sincerest Form of Flattery

June 10, 2019 by Rick Dembroski Leave a Comment

The lineage of the 5.45 x 39mm rifle round that is commonly found in the AK-74 rifles all around the world can in a weird way trace its lineage back to the 5.56 x 45mm that NATO and the United States Military uses. Way back in the 1950's what was then known as the Soviet Union … [Read more...]

Gear

Purse Carry: Best Option for Ladies’ Concealed Carry?

May 19, 2019 by Loadout Room Guest Authors Leave a Comment

One concealed carry option available to women is carrying in one's purse (I suppose it's also an option for those trendy "man purses," if you're fashion forward enough to sport one...). For ladies like my mother, who can't imagine going anywhere without one of their helpful … [Read more...]

Shooting

Shooting Problems? Use Technology to Train Yourself with MantisX

May 2, 2019 by Heath Layman Leave a Comment

MantisX uses gyroscope motion detectors, computer software, and apps to provide you with expert coaching. Through the magic of technology, that I have no way of explaining on my own, the device records and analyzes every shot you make on your firearm. When I received a MantisX … [Read more...]

Firearms Accessories

StripLULA AR Magazine Loader: Spend More Time Shooting, Less Time Loading

May 1, 2019 by Heath Layman Leave a Comment

The StripLULA is a 10 round 5.56/.223 magazine loader. It weigh’s in at a mere 1.5 oz, has a universal fit, and is military grade. The StripLULA is small (pocket-sized) and lightweight. It is tough and durable; made of glass-filled, UV protected, high-strength … [Read more...]

Gear

Stay Connected with The Mic Loop

May 1, 2019 by Heath Layman Leave a Comment

Sometimes it's the simple things that work the best. Take for instance the original Mic Loop. Until you've needed The Mic Loop you probably won't understand The Mic Loop. Don't make that mistake, just get one now and save yourself the problems. Many years ago I initiated a … [Read more...]

Smith & Wesson has been updating and upgrading their lineup over the last year. The M&P 2.0 series quieted previous complaints about texture and trigger. We showed you the new Shield 2.0 in November. The Bodyguard hadn't been updated and fans of Browning's .380 ACP began to feel left out. Smith & Wesson heard those cries and has released a handgun that seems perfectly modeled for the non-operator types. Winged slide of the 380 Shield EZ The .380 Shield EZ is aptly named. The pistol has been made easy to operate. Starting with the largest concern for new shooters and those with reduced strength is the slide. While styling looks just like the other M&P 2.0 models the rear of the slide has subtle wings to aid in sling-shot style racking. The action follows the standard Browning locking system which is a rare find for the caliber. Thanks to the locking system the recoil spring is soft enough that I was able to rack the gun with a finger! I don't advocate doing that with a loaded gun, but tried it as a test to just how easy the gun is to rack. The external safety is easy to engage or disengage from either side. The grip safety threw the internet into a frenzy, but deactivation is easy and it serves as simple insurance for those who might carry the gun in a purse or bag. Another interesting feature is in the two included magazines. Clearly numbered magazines with thumb assist. The magazines feature a thumb knob like one might find on a .22. While not the most comfortable thing to push on, it does serve to assist in loading. The slide release/lock also feels to be more pronounced than normal. As stated earlier everything about the 380 Shield EZ is easy! The video above provides some more details on the gun. One more fun note: The 380 Shield EZ is hammer-fired! An internal hammer eliminates any of the negatives about hammer-fired guns and still provides that nice and clean break that we all love about the action. No mush from a striker, no risk of lint or filth preventing the hammer from striking. See the video for how Smith & Wesson managed to fit that system into this new design. For those of you who love to look at numbers, the specifications below are directly from the 380 Shield EZ product page. SKU: 11663 Model: M&P® 380 SHIELD™ EZ™ Manual Thumb Safety Caliber: .380 Auto Capacity: 8+1 Barrel Length: 3.675" / 9.3 cm Overall Length: 6.7" Front Sight: White Dot Rear Sight: Adjustable White Dot Action: Internal Hammer Fired Grip: Polymer Weight: 18.5 oz / 524.5g Barrel Material: Stainless Steel - Armornite® Finish Slide Material: Stainless Steel - Armornite® Finish Frame Material: Polymer Purpose: Concealed Carry, Home Protection, Personal Protection

Pistol

Smith & Wesson M&P .380 Shield EZ

April 29, 2019 by Graham Baates Leave a Comment

The .380 Shield EZ is aptly named. The pistol has been made easy to operate. Starting with the largest concern for new shooters and those with reduced strength is the slide. While styling looks just like the other M&P 2.0 models the rear of the slide has subtle wings to … [Read more...]

Pistol Caliber Carbine

Shots Fired: FX-9 Pistol

April 28, 2019 by Graham Baates Leave a Comment

The FX-9 from Freedom Ordnance has proven very popular. We were introduced to this affordable pistol-caliber carbine by Classic Firearms. Instead of adapting existing AR receivers to a blow-back action and pistol-sized magazine Freedom Ordnance did it right and built it from … [Read more...]