Over the past few weeks, some manufacturers made new product announcements of interest to shooters.
If you’re not sure why someone would want a snub nose revolver in 9mm, check the price of 38 Special and 32 S&W/H&R Mag ammo. When you see 9mm ball on sale for 21-25¢ per round, it starts to make sense for practice.
Shooting a lot with a snub DA revolver pays dividends in controlling “easier” triggers found on auto pistols and any firearms in general. Companies have been trying 9mm revolvers – including Charter Arms, Ruger and Taurus. Now S&W reintroduces its J-frame 9mm snub, the Model 940-3. The just-over 2” barrel, enhanced sights (dovetailed U-notch rear with XS front night sight), and Hogue OverMolded Bantam stocks has no unsightly lock-hole in the frame over the thumb latch.
A stainless-steel 5-shot revolver, weighing in at 23 ounces, the gun has a properly fluted cylinder cut for moon clips; three are provided with the gun.
Before complaining about the weight, the 9x19mm round is a comparatively high-pressure cartridge. You’ll be happy to have that weight even when you’re lighting off light-bullet range ammo.
If you’re into round guns, you may be happy with lever-action rifles. GForce Arms announced its entry into the side-ejecting 30WCF addition to the company’s Saddlehorn line of lever guns. The LVR30S features a receiver that appears similar to the Marlin M336. Available in a range of finishes, including hard chrome and color case hardened, the guns have the 20” barrel, 6-round capacity form, handy for brush country hunting, as well as handy in the farm truck/ATV/tractor.
Shipping should commence next month.
Aside from snubs and lever guns, we have an upgrade of the single action Colt-style revolver from Pietta Firearms. In a collaboration with Davidson’s, they’re producing the First Edition Migliore Series single-action revolver.
The term “migliore” means “better” or “best.” The name wasn’t a mistake. This 357 Magnum has a color case-hardening process on the frame and hammer, courtesy of Parkwest Arms. The remainder of the piece is rendered in a deep blue finish. The one-piece stock is made from high grade walnut.
Like other Colt-clone SAAs, this has the “four-click” action, a 90° muzzle crown, a tuned action, fluted cylinder, 4 ¾” barrel and a certificate of authenticity. The first edition is limited to 250 units, MSRP of $1,214.99.
Stepping into the modern world, the Ruger RXM now has additional grip module sizes from Magpul. They have released the Sub-Compact Enhanced Handgun Grip. Simply remove the Fire Control Insert from your RXM, install it in the new EHG and you have a short-butt, compact slide carry 9mm pistol.
The FCI can be moved from one grip module to another, making a full-sized gun, to a compact form, and now to a sub-compact carry pistol.
In reader mail, from the TACTICAL WIRE side of the house, a message from an elderly man – just like me – says that he no longer sees “skinny j-frame front sights well” and notes that the “solid metal backstrap (of the snub revolver) has become punishing.” He asked my opinion of the Ruger LCR, the 38 Special short barrel concealed hammer version.
He went on to ask about the trigger.
My response was that I elected to go with the LCR in 357 Magnum; the one that was available at the time was the LCRx with the exposed hammer. The Magnum is heavier than the 38, at 17.1 oz. (nominal empty weight) versus around 13.6 oz. for the 38 version.
I went with the slightly greater weight to further minimize that recoil from 38 +P ammo. I only shot Magnums through the gun for the feature I did on the gun. It's 38 +P when I wear it now.
I added the Novak front sight, purchased from shopruger.com, to help me better see the front sight.
We're close to the same vintage and I'm experiencing the same problems.
I didn’t tell him this – he didn’t ask – but I’m telling you: there are other options. Lipsey’s and Ruger developed a light LCR for the 32 H&R Magnum. I shot it and, with six rounds and potentially lighter recoil, it’s a good choice too.
We’re blessed with good choices. Another option is the Kimber K6XS, an alloy-frame six-shot 38. The front sight is better than the old-style J-frame – though, like the M940-3 above, S&W is covering the bases on improved sights on their snub revolvers.
While we’re at it, S&W is also providing a rubber version of the “UC” revolver stocks on “Shop Smith & Wesson.” These are the 14692 high-horn stocks for the Centennial-format J-frame revolvers (like the 642, 442, 632, 432, 940 and 640). The backstrap is covered and the UC Enhanced Rubber Grip for Hammerless J-Frame Revolvers, at $35 online, looks like it may be the answer.
I have my sample and I’ll be keeping you informed.
– Rich Grassi