Innholdsfortegnelse for February/March 2023 i Personal Defense World

AS AMERICAN GUN OWNERS, we are constantly force fed an avalanche of misinformation about how dangerous firearms are, why we shouldn’t have them in our households, how they are seldom used for self-defense and what different “gun safety” laws need to be passed in order to solve our problem. Interestingly, nearly every time we hear or read such tripe we are treated to at least a scientific study or two backing it up. Sometimes it can get frustrating. Afterall, with so many studies being tossed around, isn’t it possible that at least some of it might be true? The answer is a resounding, “No”! But if those doubts ever do creep into your mind, it’s good to recall a 2020 study by the Rand Corporation that shows most of the…

When it comes to firearms that are built to rigorous standards for demanding realworld applications in the harshest of environments, Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) has to be at the top of the list. In fact, IWI works closely with the Israel Defense Force during the development of many of its weapon systems to ensure that its products meet the needs of fighting men and women who need every advantage and edge possible. Another beneficiary of IWI’s small-arms expertise is the American shooter because IWI US (a subsidiary) makes the company’s firearms available to the U.S. market. One of the company’s most recent products integrates that expertise and tough-as-nails build quality IWI is known for into the micro-compact form factor that’s perfect for everyday and concealed carry. One of my favorite…

Can you recall the last time you used your carry knife? I’m willing to bet it was for opening a package, not a person. Too many of us gravitate to a pocketknife designed-or at least marketed-as “tactical,” i.e., for martial applications. What you really need is a tough, durable knife that is both stylish and universally useful. The Benchmade 496 Vector might fit the bill, as this handy flipper offers loads of utility in a very attractive package. COVERTLY COOL Not every environment welcomes a weaponized-looking knife. Karambits, daggers and tanto knives go well with a ninja suit, but they don’t seem totally reasonable peeking out of your Sunday suit. The Vector is o low-profile, low-viz option that doesn’t make you look like you’re looking for a fight. Its refined…

PDW GUN TEST Several months ago, Smith & Wesson introduced the CSX, a micro-compact 9mm. The pistol was not only a hammer-fired, single-action semi-auto, but also had an aluminum alloy frame in place of the polymer frame on S&W’s other centerfire pistols. Now S&W has added a metalframed model to the M&P line called the M&P9 M2.0 Metal. When this announcement was made, I immediately thought about the first 9mm pistol manufactured by S&W called the Model 39. The idea for this pistol came on the heels of WWII as the U.S. military began discussing the replacement of the Model 1911A1 in .45 ACP. The president of S&W wanted the company to produce a 9mm pistol that was double action [DA] for the first shot, like the German Walther P-38,…

PDW WHAT IS IT? Time spent with Dark Storm Industries’ [DSI] Ed Newman at the recent Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous in Idaho further confirmed what many of us instinctually already know about the growing propensity towards non-typical weapons patterned off AR-like rifles. This stems from removing the traditional buttstock and adding certain components, all the while knowing firearm regulations to create non-traditional form pistols or more pertinent to this article…non-NFA firearms. The Dark Storm Industries website does a good job of explaining nuances between the Non-NFA Typhoon, AR pistols and SBRs. In short, the DS-15 Non-NFA Typhoon is not a rifle, as it does not have a stock and is not designed to be fired from the shoulder. It is not a pistol, as it has a barrel length of 12.5…

PDW HEAVY HITTER I don’t like to say it but I’m old. Well, older. Old enough to think way back at things that I just assumed were obsessions at the moment and anticipated the draw to such things would end. For instance, the SUV. I remember when there technically weren’t any SUVs. Then I remember the endless debates over how big they could or would get. Now, even with gas prices soaring, the SUV is still the most sought-after vehicle. Another thing is the 10mm. Let the record show that I was never a true 10mm fan. But I do remember the Colt Delta in 10mm that my uncle had and loved. I also remember not understanding why he loved it so much. Once I got deeper into firearms, I…

JOHN BROWNING’S 1911 PISTOL HAS, BEYOND A DOUBT, EARNED THE RIGHT TO BE CALLED AN ICON. The plethora of current 1911 manufacturers now in the marketplace featuring 1911s in all shapes and sizes would boggle the mind of Browning himself. One company that has constantly separated itself from the competition in this area is Wilson Combat. The quest for a more compact and reliable 1911-style 9mm handgun is not a new phenomenon. After World War ll, it was resized for a smaller-frame 1911 that would aid in ease of carry for officers versus the issued Government Model. A U.S. trial issued requirements for a handgun chambered for 9mm that didn’t exceed 7-inch length or weigh more than 25 ounces. Candidates for this trial included Browning Hi-Power variants by Canada’s inglis,…

PDW OUTSIDER’S INSIGHT Guns are intimidating… Or so that is what I thought until I had a certified NRA Instructor teach me the proper way to handle guns. My only experience [so far] has been shooting a rifle in .22 LR, and I wanted to dip my toes into the water and try out handguns. There are two kinds of people. People that jump right into the pool or people that take it body part by body part. Personally, I dip my toe in it, get a feel of the temperature and let my body get acclimated. I applied the same logic to shooting guns. Start small with the caliber that is the easiest and work my way up. I figured the best way was to start slow as I…

PDW ICON REBORN When word spread that Springfield Armory was offering its own rendition of the Hi-Power in the form of the SA-35, many wondered whot market sector they were going after. It did not seem natural to offer a high-end version of the Hi-Power. his niche was already filled by companies specializing in customizing this particular pistol design. Often, the simple idea is the most brilliant. Springfield Armory decided to take advantage of its manufacturing experience and offer an improved Hi-Power with its SA-35 model with a price well below $1 000. Like I said-brilliant. There is a reason why iconic firearms hold a special place in our psyche. The Hi-Power is just such a firearm. This is because the Hi-Power heralded a transition in form and/ or function…

HAWKE’S MOTTO of “Easy to Use. Hard to Beat” rings very true with their Vantage Red Dot series. The one I used on the Double Defense was their 1×25, and it handled the 12-gauge recoil with aplomb. The Vantage features a 3-MOA red dot with 11 stages of brightness control. The body is constructed of high-quality aluminum and features on integrated mount. The 25-layered, multi-coat optics provides maximum clarity. It has also been nitrogen-purged and is shockproof, waterproof and fog-proof. It has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $119, but I have found it out in the wild for under $100. It is a solid, budget-friendly red-dot, whether for your home-defense shotgun or AR. Find out for yourself at us.hawkeoptics.com.…

PDW MOSSBERG 12 GA Camping IS ONE OF THE BEST MEMORIES I HAD AS A CHILD. BEING OUTDOORS, AWAY FROM EVERYTHING AND EVERYBODY WAS, AND STILL IS, AN INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE. As I got older and this world we live in evolved, camping has changed a lot, but the concept of making incredible memories with your family is still the same. My son learned how to swim and ride a bike in a campground—memories that will always stay with us forever. My son is now 8 years old. We have been camping with him since he was only 6 months old. We started in a tent, roughing it a bit. Then moved up to a pop-up camper and eventually into a travel trailer. Unfortunately, camping as we know it changed a…

I am no longer working in the world of counterterrorism where packing and strapping weapons were as common as me now carrying a laptop bag and phone charger to the office. These days, I am just a regular guy with a regular job who is raising a family in one of the safest towns in America, along with a bunch of other backyard dads who will hopefully never have to draw a weapon in self-defense. Still, the question comes up while hanging with these guys, “J.T., you’re probably a ‘gun guy,’ what do you carry for personal defense?” My not having a basement racked and stacked with weapons may surprise some of them. I don’t have a knife or gun or load for every hostile or threatening situation and I…

PDW WHEELHOUSE REPORT IN recent years there’s been a revival of interest in revolvers. This can be seen by the number of new models and variations of models that have been introduced by manufacturers, both foreign and domestic. Most of the attention seems to be on small-frame, concealable five- and six-shooters. Many of these revolvers serve as backup guns for law enforcement officers and those who carry for self-defense. A few, like me, often pack them as a primary defense handgun or EDC. Whatever the purpose, one thing that is paramount in a carry gun is reliability. Since its founding in 1941, Taurus has become one of the top-five handgun producers in the United States and one of the three largest firearms manufacturers in the world. They have received numerous…

A few ancillary items spotted from 5.11 Tactical at the 2022 Athlon Rendezvous would prove important components in upcoming article evaluations. With the 5.11 Tactical A/T Mid Boot, think of a running shoe crossed with a hiking boot. The A/T Mid’s light weight is a pleasant surprise, especially considering the rugged nature of the footwear. 5.11 Tactical combines 3D molded TPR toe and heel protection, a welded/mesh upper and high-performance, high-traction outsole. The 5.11 Tactical AllTerrain Load Assistance System (A.T.L.A.S.) is built to handle your body weight with or without a pack. My experience with the A/T Mid consisted of various range excursions as well as scouting expeditions for the upcoming deer hunting season. The Ortholite foam footbed keeps your feet comfortable no matter how long you are on them.…

PDW SOAP BOX I recently met up with a guy I’ve known for several years. It was nothing more than grabbing a cup of coffee and having a good chat about all the things: weather, sport, politics and, of course, firearms. It was the kind of conversation that spanned the full list of “regular” topics. But something clicked for me as I got in the truck and headed homesomething I hadn’t thought of until then-and it sparked the idea for this article. You see, my friend just happens to own a local gun shop, which is coincidentally how we met many, many years ago prior to us being relocated for work. I reflected on our conversation and how “local” it was. Sure, we talked about national topics, but much more…

PDW CONCEAL & CARRY IF YOU WANT TO START AN ARGUMENT, ask two different people what’s the best gun for everyday carry. The opinions at our fingertips seem to be endless and vary from micro blasters to hand cannons. Even with the choices we have, there seems to be a trend toward smaller polymer guns for everyday carry. The claim to fame of these guns is their micro size and ease of carry. I have very strong opinions on the choice of an EDC based purely on size and comfort. While I am not trying to be a grumpy old man, I am a follower of Col. Cooper's belief that a gun is ultimately not supposed to be comfortable but comforting. Many of these small guns have less-than-stellar triggers and…

THE AXEON MPL1 (Micro Pistol Light) was designed for handguns (duh), but I found it to fit perfectly with the Double Defense on the left side of the barrels. The MPL1 features a master on/off switch just below the rail that is used to prevent accidentally turning the light on. With that switch engaged, you can activate the instant on/off button located on the rear of the light. The MPL1 is powered by a single AAA battery and produces 120 lumens for a run-time of 30 minutes. It is water resistant and one tough little light. The Axeon MPL1 has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of about $33, but you can find one for under $30, and it’s more than worth that price. See for yourself at axeonoptics.com.…

Have you ever been the unfortunate victim of some delinquent turd breaking into your vehicle? Over the many years back before I hung up my badge, I responded to countless complaints of someone having their vehicle broken into. It’s never an easy thing to deal with, as the victim feels violated. And rightfully so, because some oxygen thief in desperate need of an ass beating just made off with your belongings. The homeless around my area will bust out your window simply for your spare change. With some guidance and a couple of quick stories, hopefully, this will help keep you from becoming a victim of a car burglary. TIPS & TRICKS So, my agency was slammed with dispatched runs, and I get sent on a call for a vehicle…

THERE’S A LOT TO LIKE about the new Savage Stance 9mm micro-compact concealed carry pistol, especially if you are left-handed. With an MSRP of $479, it is loaded with premium features that you would expect on top-end guns priced at $100 to $200 more. DIVING RIGHT IN The Savage Stance has a unique ambidextrous magazine release button that protrudes simultaneously from the right and left sides of the grip, allowing instant operation with either hand. The Stance also has ambidextrous slide release buttons, and, in some models, manual safety switches. In addition, the Stance’s polymer grip frame is recessed on both sides behind the triggerguard for rightor left-hand trigger fingers, undercut at the bottom rear of the triggerguard for a higher grip on the frame, has a sculpted-in finger swell…