Handguns

Owned and operated by the Tuason family, Rock Island Armory/Armscor has done business out of the Philippines for many decades. During this time, they have become the most prodigious producer of 1911-style firearms in the world.

Springfield Armory has been in the 1911 world for decades, but to this point, the company has primarily concentrated on single-stack designs.

The big question is how did Mossberg modify the 590 to feed mini shells successfully in the 590S? It isn’t that difficult because Mason offers a magazine port insert to cure feeding issues.

This was our first test of the TAC-14 12 gauge. A 20-gauge 81145 version was reviewed in the March 2019 issue and got an A- grade. It was not fired with 20-gauge shorty shells because they weren’t available.

We first tested this model in the October 2017 issue, the first year the Shockwave was offered. It earned an A grade, with the review saying, “The Shockwave was like all Model 590 shotguns — built to last and well made.

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Taylor’s & Company is a well-known importer that specializes in period weapons, especially recreations of those used in the War Between the States and in the American West.

More than 100 years after his great-grandfather helped found Smith & Wesson, Daniel Wesson picked up the mantle and opened Wesson Firearms Co., Inc. One of the guiding lights behind the modern silhouette competition, Wesson became famous for his super-accurate switch-barrel revolvers.

The Henry Brass Axe is similar to a Mare’s Leg, but the Brass Axe is longer, heavier, and is chambered to only fire .410 shotshells. The Axe uses the same frame as Henry’s centerfire rifles.

The original Howdah was a large-caliber pistol used to track wounded tigers in India during the days of the Raj. Taylor’s calls this pistol a Howdah, but it is more like an Ithaca Auto & Burglar model made from 1922 to 1933

The Bond Arms Texas Defender derringer is a solid hunk of stainless steel, and in hand it sits low so you have easy access to the hammer and can cock it back. Shooting it takes a bit of re-training.

The timeless characteristics folks love about the 1911 are here. There’s a slab-sided barrel and thin grip frame to go along with a straight-pull trigger. Then there are added features that have become so popular, with the first readily apparent upgrade being the sights.