Viewpoints

The Brady Campaign gave its best grade on the group's 2011 State Gun Control Scorecard to California. The Brady Campaign said California "continues to blaze legislative trails saving lives," earning 81 points out of 100 on the Brady scorecard. That's the state in which the total violent crime, murder, robbery, and aggravated assault rates were higher than national rates in 2010, the most recent full year reported by the FBI.

I'm a private security officer. When I was deciding on a duty gun, I considered the Springfield XD45 Tactical, but the lack of a thumb safety concerned me. Does an aftermarket safety exist? For now, I'm carrying a Series 70 Springfield 1911. Is there a duty holster you'd recommend? Also, any recommendation for cold-weather gloves when manipulating the 1911, and do you have a preference for a particular tactical light? Thanks for your great research! - Mr. France's specific questions were outside our areas of expertise, so we turned to Duane Liptak, director of Government Programs and Training for Brownells, to get answers.

Recent articles in magazines and newspapers are documenting substantial spikes in gun sales due to the prospects of future gun bans or sales restrictions.

Chris W. Cox, executive director of the National Rifle Association’s Institute for Legislative Action, recently wrote, 'In all of my years fighting on behalf of the National Rifle Association to defend the Second Amendment, I never thought I would see a White House so vehemently opposed to gun ownership that it would be willing to arm violent criminals and endanger American lives in pursuit of a gun control agenda....'

Gun Tests Contributing Editor Roger Eckstine gets a rundown on new pistol models available from CZ this year.

Gun Tests Contributing Editor Roger Eckstine takes a quick look at Magnum Research’s Micro Desert Eagle.

A poster on the Gun Tests Facebook page asked: 'Does Gun Tests have prior articles regarding holsters for CCW carry of a full size 1911 style pistol? I think a number of your readers are willing to accept the bulk in exchange for the benefits of a carrying a full-size .45 (such as the ability to shoot it more accurately under stress.)' The Gun Tests page architecture doesn't support a forum-like discussion, so we created this open thread for GunReporters to jump in and comment. Carry On!

The NRA recently launched its voter registration drive with 'Trigger the Vote,” a web video featuring R. Lee 'Gunny' Ermey... in his new career as a librarian.

Gun Tests Contributing Editor Roger Eckstine takes a quick look at the Thompson 1927A-1 Deluxe Pistol TA5100D.

Gun Tests Contributing Editor Roger Eckstine shoots the Chiappa Rhino revolver and remarks on the unusual recoil sensation.

Texas Senator John Cornyn posted a commentary from Washington Times columnist Emily Miller on his Facebook page that suggests that President Barack Obama is using his budget to advance an anti-gun agenda as the election approaches.

You asked in last month's "Downrange" editorial, "Have you added guns and ammo to your safe during the current regime? I'd love to hear how much, and why." I can't speak for anyone but myself, but I will add some observations about family and friends who don't read gun magazines. Yes, I've added to my collection and beefed up my stock of ammunition since Obama looked to be winning the election in 2008. I've bought a dozen rifles and shotguns in the past three years, and the same number of pistols. I also keep about twice the number of ready-to-use rounds on hand that I used to. I've lately taken to stockpiling "universal caliber" ammo for my guns that shoot those calibers, plus buying 7.62x54R by the spam can for my Mosin Nagants.