Silencing the Big Bores: the Elite Iron Asset Suppressor

July 28, 2026Product review, suppressors.375, .408, .416, asset, barrett, big bore, cheytac, Desert tech, elite iron, hti, silencer, suppressorcoldboremiracle

Preface

As suppressors continue to become a part of normal use, competition is driving costs down and features up. That competition is leaving no area of the suppressor market threads unturned. One of the different suppressor markets is the big-bore group. ELR and similar rifles using large cartridges like the Cheytac’s, Barrett’s and Hellfire’s are particularly expensive to suppress. Entry level suppressors for these sized rifles start around 1500-dollars and go up to over 5000-dollars for the more fancy ones. Today we are reviewing a new offering from a company that has been in the business for some time. Elite Iron has been making suppressors and big bore cans long before the suppressor craze began. Our subject today is one of their newer offerings; the Elite Iron Asset suppressor, a configurable big bore suppressor available in .375, .408 or .416 bore sizes.

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The Elite Iron Asset Suppressor

No stranger to suppression, the folks at Elite Iron have been cranking suppressors out of Montana for over twenty years. In more recent years they started manufacturing big bore cans like their Alpha 50 suppressor.

As the suppressor market has grown massively over the last two or three years, options and customization have increased with it. New unheard of companies and old names alike have offered so many new models and options that its tough to keep up. That is where the Asset comes in.

elite iron, suppressor, asset, .375, .408, 416, barrett, cheytac, silencer, big bore, desert tech, hti, .375 cheytac, .408 cheytac, bipod, rifle sitting on grassy ground, — the Asset with its simple end-cap installed

Suppressors in general have become incredibly adaptable to different purposes. Whether it be the industry standard hub mounting system, or the multi-caliber craze. Big bore suppressors being a little more expensive and specialist, are a little slower to change I suppose. But the Elite Iron Asset brings all of that into a big bore can. The Asset has two stages that can be used or removed, as well as a muzzle that can be configured with a plain end-cap or a two-port muzzle brake. This in addition to the interchangeable threaded mounting hub.

Specifications


Caliber Rating	.375/.408/.416 caliber
Compatible Cartridges	.300 Norma Magnum through .416 Barrett
Construction	Titanium, 7075 aluminum, and heat-treated 4140 steel
Overall Configuration	Two-stage modular suppressor
Weight (Fully Assembled w/ Muzzle Brake)	40 oz (2.5 lb / 1.13 kg)
Weight (1st Stage w/ Muzzle Brake)	32 oz (2.0 lb / 0.91 kg)
Weight (1st Stage w/ Castle Nut Plain End Cap)	27 oz (1.69 lb / 0.77 kg)
Mounting System	Direct-thread, interchangeable thread adapters
Configurations	Four factory-supported configurations
Included Components	1st-stage module, 2nd-stage module, muzzle brake, castle nut cap, two disassembly tools
Primary Application	Extreme Long-range (ELR) and Similar rifles
MSRP (Launch)	$1,795

The Asset can be configured in various ways to best fit the application. I find it is a pretty large suppressor for something like a 300NM, and therefor it could likely be used in its shortest configuration if you are looking for minimal addition to the profile. Or if you are going for maximum suppression, both stages of the suppressor can be used. And the user indexable muzzle brake can be added for additional recoil mitigation. All this for an American made price comparable to many 338 sized suppressors. If the Asset sounded good, I thought this would be an unstoppable combination.

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Mounting the Asset can be done by selecting one of the many thread options available from Elite Iron. As well as several Cerakote color options including: Black, Burnt Bronze, FDE, Glacier Forge, and OD Green.

Threaded Hub options:

1″-14 TPI, 3/4″-24 TPI, 7/8″-14 TPI, 7/8″-20 TPI, M22x1.5, M24x1.0

Unboxing an Asset

Inside the box, I found the semi-disassembled Asset with a manual, tools, and the Elite Iron velvet sock to safely protect it. With such a surprising amount of options to configure, I evaluated each piece. I completed the assembly using both stages of the main can, and added the muzzle brake to the end to get the whole ensemble. They even included a threaded aluminum cap to protect the threads of whichever component you aren’t using.

elite iron, suppressor, asset, .375, .408, 416, barrett, cheytac, silencer, big bore, disassembly, sub assemblies, unboxing — the main components of the Asset, seen with a **.408 Cheytac cartridge**

The hook spanner wrench included can be used to tighten either of the splined rings used to attach hubs or stages to each end of the suppressor body. It is also used to tighten the locking ring when timing the muzzle brake to the firearm. Not shown is the secondary tool clamping wrench tool.

The Host Rifle

To test the Elite Iron Asset, I had only one choice; the Desert Tech HTI chambered in .408 Cheytac. The HTI is a compact platform in a bullpup configuration, it incorporates a multi-caliber option allowing the user to quickly change between calibers like .375CT, .408CT, .416B, and .50BMG. The Asset would be a perfect companion for all of those less the 50.

The model tested today has the .408 bore, which wouldn’t work for the .416 Barrett, but would for the 375 and 408 Cheytac models. And to be honest thats all that personally interests me, as I don’t care for 50’s.

With the M22x1.5 thread hub in the Asset, it was a perfect fit for the HTI’s barrel threads. After snapping the suppressor against the barrel, I visually aligned the muzzle brake before tightening the locking ring to secure it. Then it was time to just step back and take in how sexy this whole thing was.

Initial Shots

Just to get an idea of how the different configurations sounded, we ran the suppressor a few rounds in each of its stages. Short with no brake, short with brake, long with no brake, and long with brake. As you might imagine, the long configuration gave the best sound suppression.

Even in an indoor range, I found it to be tolerable without hearing protection. Though it may or may not be a bit quieter without the brake. But that of course increased the felt recoil slightly.

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The shorter configuration was a touch too loud for me indoors, but was perfectly fine in the open country where it is likely to be used. And in the open, it sounded amazing. When hearing the report of the 408 Cheytac from as close as 20 yards downrange from the muzzle it didn’t sound much different than a suppressed 5.56 or .308. For a real test in the field, we would take the whole kit into the dry deserts of the west and stretch it out.

Modularity

I mentioned the different stages you can use to configure the suppressor. These are to adapt to suppression and recoil mitigation requirements. On the breach end of the suppressor you will find a different design than most of the hub system suppressors. The first stage of the Asset is a mono-core design, and the mounting threads are actually part of of a blast chamber that threads onto the back of the mono-core.

So to change the thread pitch, you would remove the rear cap (called encapsulator ring in manual) with the tool. Then pull the entire mono-core out the back, and unthread the rearmost portion of it. You could then change it to a different thread pitch part, threading it back onto the core. Then reinstall the core and tighten the ring again. This is an interesting design, and one I expect to be a bit more stout than a simple hub that threads into the back of the suppressor.

Sound Suppression

A precision rifle like the HTI or any other chambered thusly would likely be used for either extreme distances or for crushing targets at closer ranges. Either of those scenarios could be enhanced by the anonymity of sound suppression. From modest distances like 800-yards, the impact of the bullet striking targets was just as loud as the shot from the rifle when heard from 100-200 yards away.

It really didn’t give the impression you were shooting such a large cartridge when you heard it go off. The Asset made the report of the rifle sound much more like any typical suppressed rifle shot. This to me is a huge advantage over previous versions of suppressors for this rifle. In the open and arid desert we had no use for hearing protection while shooting this rifle.

Since I am but a humble rifle junkie, I do not have the expensive testing equipment to show dB readings. But Elite Iron does have them listed on their website, so I will share them here:

167 dB* without a suppressor
1st stage with end cap 24 dB*
1st and 2nd stage with end cap 31 dB*
1st stage with muzzle break 22 dB*
1st and 2nd stage with muzzle break 30 dB*

Recoil Reduction

In the very first shots while testing the difference between the muzzle brake and a plain end cap it became very obvious. The muzzle brake was very effective at reducing felt recoil. While the HTI in 375 or 408 isn’t particularly heavy recoil, it was even more modest with the Asset and its brake. I would compare the recoil to something like an average hunting rifle, something I could shoot all day (provided I had thousands of dollars to spend on ammo).

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I expect the recoil reduction is perhaps a little more noticeable on larger cartridges like the .416 Barrett. Also, if you are trying to maximize the compact nature of your rifle, you can run the shorter configuration while incurring a little more felt recoil. The impact shift of the Asset seemed to have minimal horizontal shift, favoring to the right. It also seemed to be repeatable as advertised by Elite Iron, which is a big deal for those who know.

Durability

One question I have often asked myself is how durable all these modular suppressor designs are. After all, the more sub-assemblies and threaded together parts there are, the more there is to go wrong. I have made peace with the fact that it is simply worth the trouble of keeping an extra eye on all this, to get the modularity I crave. I think it would be a good idea to put indexing marks on every stage of the suppressor to be able to visually see if something begins to come loose. Something as simple as a paint pen witness mark. As I can’t fathom the gut-wrenching scene of part or all of this can going downrange.

The threads of each piece seem more than adequate for engagement. And the locking rings give good purchase to tighten them properly.

The Titanium and aluminum construction give the Asset its incredibly lightweight feel. I expect testing from the manufacturer would show the suppressor to endure years of shooting. Our initial shots did show a few sparky fireworks coming from the muzzle, which I have seen many times with titanium cans. This went away with additional use, as later when I watched there was no sparks shown at all. This is likely just titanium particles being ignited under the high temperature and heat of the. shots.

one of the very first shots from the Asset

Weight

So many of the big bore cans feel like an artillery shell. I totally understand overbuilding suppressors for these massive cartridges, but it seems like technology and suppressor design has shown it not be so necessary.

I was very impressed with how light the Asset was, considering the firearms it is destined to yoke. And even with its light weight, it still did an excellent job at taming all the pressure and volume of gas expelled.

Value

I must admit, I was partially stunned when I saw the price of the Elite Iron Asset. Many of us are used to seeing price points in the 1500-1900 dollar range for even magnum cartridge ratings like 338LM or 300NM. Albeit with some bells and whistles.

With all the modularity of the Asset, I would have expected it to handily clear the two-thousand dollar mark. It wouldn’t have surprised me if the price had been $2500. So when I saw the MSRP of only $1795 I was impressed. There is an incredible amount of big bore dexterity in the Asset’s application, for the price of can that is only a tax stamp or two away from suppressors folks are using on their 8.6Blk hog rifles.

Pros and Cons

Very Reasonable Price	Many Potential Parts to Loosen
Modular Design	Maybe Some Titanium Sparks at first
Various Caliber Compatible
Lightweight for Size
Great Recoil Reduction
Various Color options
Made in America
Broad Threading Options
Excellent Sounds Reduction

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My Verdict

If I was in the market for a .375, .408 or .416 suppressor, I would be furious with myself had I not tested this one before buying another. Those who shoot big cartridges like these are fewer than most shooting enthusiasts. But those that know a little bit about it can understand the value of a great suppressor. And those that don’t understand the value are the kind of people who don’t care about prices at all.

I think the Elite Iron Asset is exactly that, a fantastic asset for a big bore rifleman or ELR enthusiast. And a big step ahead of previous Elite Iron big bore suppressors.

-CBM

CCW Prospect: Sig Sauer P365 XMacro Comp

July 27, 2026pistols, Product review9mm, carry, compact, concealed carry, P365, p365x, p365x-macro, sig sauer, x-carrycoldboremiracle

Introduction

Big manufacturers like Sig Sauer offer a great variety of products, sometimes they knock it out of the park, and sometimes they don’t. But today we are taking a look at one of their popular and successful designs. The Sig P365 came out some years ago, with a new perspective on compact pistols. Since its release the P365 family has grown into more like an ant colony of models filled with different sizes, feature sets and so many variants it can be hard to keep up. Todays topic is the Sig Sauer P365 XMacro Comp, an integrally compensated version of the polymer framed pistol. With any luck, I hope to extol the benefits of this pistol to help those curious about it.

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The P365

As I mentioned, there are far too many models for me to discuss here. But its also a topic worth going a little deeper into the colony to show a little daylight. There are different sized models, different calibers, state compliant models and more. I’ve put together some of the basic variations here, just to give you an idea. In case the model I am showing you today isn’t exactly what you are looking for.

Model	Barrel	Grip	Capacity	Notes
P365	3.1″	Short	10+1	Original micro-compact
P365-380	3.1″	Short	10+1	.380 ACP version
P365 SAS	3.1″	Short	10+1	Flush sights, anti-snag design
P365X	3.1″	XL grip	12+1	Short slide, longer grip
P365XL	3.7″	XL grip	12+1	Longer slide and barrel
P365 XL Spectre Comp	3.1″ compensated	XL grip	12+1	Integrated compensator
P365 Spectre Comp	3.1″ compensated	Macro grip	17+1	Premium Spectre series
P365 XMacro	3.1″ comp / 3.7″	Macro grip	17+1	Full-size grip, slim frame
P365 AXG Legion	3.1″ compensated	Aluminum AXG	17+1	Metal-frame premium model
P365 Fuse	4.3″	Macro grip	21+1	Largest P365 variant
P365 ROSE	Various	Various	Varies	Lena Miculek collaboration
P365 Luxe 380	3.1″ comp	AXG	10+1	Premium .380 model
P365 DH3	3.7″	Macro	17+1	Daniel Horner competition-inspired model

The P365 XMacro

Among the P365’s, the XMacro models bring more a full-size feature set to a very small handgun. Despite its narrow frame, the magazines carry 17-rounds. Which is pretty impressive for such a small gun. As a Sig-o-phile, I have long carried pistols from the manufacturer. And the P239 that I carried for nearly two decades is a little bigger and only holds 8-rounds.

LEFT: different backstrap options RIGHT: the integral compensator built into the slide

And if that wasn’t enough, the XMacro also incorporates an interchangeable backstrap system to help customize the grip to the shooter. The overall grip is surprisingly spacious and at the same time feels pretty petite.

sig sauer, sig p365, p365, xmacro, comp, compensator, compact, ccw, 9mm, holosun, 407k, streamlight TLr7, — the compensator keeps the pistol from climbing under recoil

Up top, the slide of the XMacro Comp model is optics cut to install a red dot. Fitting the RMSc footprint gives you a variety of optical sight options to install on the pistol. And at the front of the slide you will find the integral compensator. By directing muzzle blast pressure upwards, the muzzle rise is neutralized keeping the gun closer to on target for the next shot.

An accessory pic rail is located under the front of the slide, for adding a weapon light. This is a great thing to have for a CCW pistol which the P365 is meant for. And of course, like another popular Sig pistol we hear a lot about these days, the P365 has an interchangeable grip frame. The serialized part of the pistol is a removable trigger/sear pack that you can swap among a great variety of factory and aftermarket options. These are available in an impressive variety of patterns, colors, and even materials.

Specifications

Specification	P365 XMacro Comp
Caliber	9×19mm
Action	Striker-fired, short recoil
Barrel Length	3.1 in (79 mm)
Overall Length	6.6 in (168 mm)
Overall Height	5.2 in (132 mm)
Overall Width	1.1 in (28 mm)
Weight (with magazine)	21.5 oz (610 g)
Sight Radius	5.1 in
Magazine Capacity	17+1
Frame Material	Polymer XMacro grip module
Slide Material	Stainless steel, Nitron finish
Barrel Material	Carbon steel
Trigger	Flat-faced XSeries trigger
Sights	XRAY3 day/night sights
Optics Ready	Yes (RMSc / ROMEOZero footprint)
Accessory Rail	Standard 1913 Picatinny
Backstraps	Small, Medium, Large (interchangeable)
Manual Safety	Available on select models
Included Magazines	Two 17-round steel magazines

17-round magazines are impressive for this size pisol

With the basics covered, I figured it was time to outfit this pistol and get it on the range. I’m a big fan of red dots on pistols, so the P365 would get a Holosun 407. And because why not, I installed a Streamlight TLR7 weapon light. The two factory 17-round magazines would do just fine for my purposes, so I grabbed some ammunition to fill them up.

Shooting the P365 XMacro

Shooting the P365 was done during various trips to the range, both indoor and outdoor. We would shoot a variety of ammunition from Federal Champion, PMC, Remington, Winchester and Magtech. Mostly 115 grain ammunition was used but we did fire some 147 grain ammo as well. All shooting was done in the configuration seen, with the Holosun red dot and the Streamlight in place. This was done because that is how I would carry it and wanted to shoot it the same way.

here you can see the effect of the compensator, pushing down on the muzzle

Shootability

The thin grip of the P365 is easy to grab as well as tuck into clothing. It almost feels too small to me, perhaps I’m just used to gripping thicker frames. But this would be great for someone who has smaller hands, allowing a better purchase on the gun.

Trigger pull on this pistol is just what you’d want for a CCW pistol. Its neither light nor particularly short. But it feels pretty clean, with a defined reset and predictable break. We had not trouble keeping shots on target at 7 and 12 yards.

With the comped barrel, the XMacro was pretty good at staying on target. Small pistols like this in 9mm tend to be a little spicier when recoiling, the integral compensator does a good job at combatting that tendency.

Ergonomics

I mentioned the grip being almost too small for my taste, but you can adjust the grip changing out the different backstraps on the grip module. This allows you to customize the feel of the grip to your taste.

Sig’s P365 feels good in the hand, and even though I feel like this gun is a little small for my personal taste it is perfectly functional for me. There is adequate room for both hands to engage and operate the controls of the gun. And the different grip frames you can interchange increase your ability to fit.

Reaching all the controls was easy, and they are very serviceable. I was concerned the slide release might be a bit tough, but it was fine. The mag release is clean, dropping the magazine free with little effort.

Accuracy

I mentioned we had not trouble keeping on target at typical CCW defense distances. At 10 yards I found I could keep groups under a couple inches. This is of course under controlled conditions, and I would expect under a stressful situation that would open up.

a typical group from 10-yards

But for general CCW purposes I think the XMacro is perfectly adequate in the accuracy department. Hopefully I never have to find out.

Reliability

We experienced no malfunctions while shooting the P365. Feeding and ejecting rounds went perfectly. I did notice one thing that was slightly irritating though, with the magazine loaded to the full 17-rounds, it sometimes was a challenge to seat in the pistol. It only slightly concerns me as the resistance isn’t something I’d want to deal with in a stressful shooting scenario. But certainly worth noting, perhaps I’d just load 16 for carry. Which is still ahead of many other CCW pistols.

control surfaces were great for operating the pistol

Value

I see P365 pistols all over for as little as $499, which is pretty reasonable. The XMacro models on the other hand are going to cost a bit more. Prices between seven and eight-hundred dollars for the model we tested today are more likely what you’d pay. That isn’t unreasonable in my opinion. The added ammo capacity of the P365 is great, but incorporating the compensator is another increase in both value and performance. So if you can get into a P365 XMacro for $800 or less I think you are doing well.

the Sig P365 chewed through everything we fed it

Pros and Cons

As my gun collection increases with age, I find a tendency to have a firearm for every life situation I might encounter. And the P365 seems like one I would want to carry for a situation where needing it is likely.

It shoots well, and allows me to get hits on targets without much effort. It has the accessory options that I look for in a handgun and the capacity to give you a good chance in a defensive scenario. Its customizable will being still pretty uniform as handguns go. And unlike its P320 sibling, the P365 has a pretty good record of service. There isn’t much to say against the pistol, other than the small gripes I mentioned above.

Conclusion

The Sig Sauer P365 XMacro has spread like wildfire, and not just because of Sig’s massive marketing campaigns. People really seem to like the gun, and the way they can customize it to their tastes. Despite being mistreated like all Sig Sauer customers, I still find myself pulled to many of their firearms. The P365 is one of those, it is fun to shoot and very useful in your hands. Like any good gun, with the right training it can become your most trusted tool in life.

-CBM

Check out additional CCW pistol options here

My Favorite 9mm Compact Pistols for Carry

July 26, 2026blog, pistolsCz, dagger, glock, glock 19, glock 43, M*P, P10, P365, psa, ruger, rxm, s&w, shieldcoldboremiracle

Purpose

Nine millimeter handguns have completely dominated much of the concealed carry market. That’s not to say there aren’t other great options, but 9mm seems to be what people are navigating towards. My blue-collar experience with firearms has taught me the value of a good CCW pistol that doesn’t leave you strapped for cash. Today I wanted to go over a handful of my favorite 9mm compact pistols for carry that I think are worth your consideration. Not everyone can afford to carry a CZ Shadow Compact or some wiz-bang H&K, so I tend to look at guns that I would buy or recommend to family and friends.

1791 Gunleather Ultra custom holster, PSA dagger, 9mm, ccw, concealed carry, drawing a pistol from a concealed holster, — picking a good holster is almost as important as picking the right gun, check out some of our holster reviews here

Seeking CCW Balance

When purchasing anything including guns, there is always a fine line to walk between what you want and what you can afford. When looking at CCW pistols there is yet another fine line to walk; size and weight vs. capacity. You can always find a smaller gun that is easier and more comfortable to conceal, but usually with lower ammunition capacity or diminished ballistic performance.

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As we go over CCW pistol options, we will inevitably be going back and forth between these two extremes. Trying to find balance between what we can afford, what we can comfortably tuck into a belt, without loosing enough capacity. Capacity of course being paramount in a defensive shooting situation, and always on your mind when selecting a pistol.

The Gold Standard

If you ask the question about whats the best 9mm compact, your going to hear the word Glock quite a bit. And there are good reasons for it, Glock makes several good compact pistols with years of solid performance. Does that make it the best option? Maybe not, but they are certainly worth looking at.

Glock 47 9mm, glock, glock 47, 9mm, g47,

Probably the best compact option from the Austrian manufacturer would be either the Glock 19 of one flavor or another, or the slimmer Glock 43. Both are compact models, but the G19 is more like a service sized compact. Whereas the G43 is more about overall concealment. Tucking the G43 is easier because of its slim design, though this comes at the cost of capacity being limited to 6-8 rounds.

glock, glock 43, 9mm, ccw, compact, vortex, vortex defender, red dot, holding pistol down to the side, — the Glock 43 MOS with the **Vortex Defender red dot** makes a very small CCW

The G19 on the other hand can easily handle 15-rounds before adding +1 or 2 floor plates. And with its slightly larger frame the G19 is a great shooting platform. The popularity of these two pistols has created a massive aftermarket support, giving countless options for accessories like holsters, weapon lights, sights and more. I prefer the G19 myself of these two, mainly because of the capacity thing.

Alchemist Clones

Manufacturing the gold standard from something less is a bit like ancient alchemy. The Glock clone market has exploded in recent years, giving countless additional variations of the famous Glock design. Not only do many of them compete well with the original, but they do it for the same or lower price.

PSA Dagger

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Starting at the bottom of the heap, PSA’s Dagger pistol has exploded in popularity. Available as a compact or subcompact, the Dagger is similar enough to the G19 to use nearly its entire aftermarket support. I’ve used a Dagger extensively and find them to be very affordable without giving up capacity or shootability. Some would argue their reliability, but in my experience they are a great buy for often under $300. To see our in-depth review of the Dagger click here.

Ruger RXM

Ruger’s RXM is actually a joint project with Magpul, and with two names like that you should be able to expect a good product. The RXM is a very close clone of the G19 again, but it hides an ability to change its stripes. With its modular frame you can swap between different sized frames creating your own version of a G19, 17, or 47. Or anything in between. The RXM gives great reliability while enjoying the same aftermarket support as the Glock pistols it mimics. I have carried the RXM extensively, and quite like its performance and fit. To see our in-depth review of the RXM click here.

MR920

Shadow System’s MR920 is another copy of the G19. But instead of just copying the Glock pattern, Shadow Systems intended to improve upon it. Trying to improve both the performance and aesthetics, the MR920 looks as good as it shoots.

And adding to the value, the company also offers a variety of different barrel options and other features allowing you to customize your carry pistol. Allowing optical sights and threaded barrels gives you more dexterity.

The Not Glocks

Other manufacturers have also presented their own popular pistol designs for the CCW market. For the most part they are all very similar to Glocks striker fired polymer frame design. After all, if the design works, why not run with it.

CZ P10S

The CZ P10S is a compact pistol that offers 12+1 capacity in a small optics ready pistol. I was very impressed with the performance of this pistol, and especially for the price. It can occasionally be had on PSA for under $400, which is a great deal considering its performance and heritage. The P10’s widespread use by civilians, law enforcement and some militaries give confidence that its design is both robust and here to stay. My only gripe with it is the need to buy an optics adaptor plate to run a red dot. To see our in-depth review of the CZ P10S click here.

Canik Mete MC9

Canik’s MC9 on the other hand, comes with its own selection of optics mounting plates for a variety of options. As well as different grip options, and a 15+1 capacity, all this for under $400 at times depending on configuration.

The MC9 brings its own style and design, while keeping with the design that has made all these pistols successful. It fits well in the hand, keeping just enough grip available to not feel undersized and still being compact enough to tuck. It shoots great and looks good at the same time, giving an affordable great performance. To see our in-depth review of the Canik METE MC9 click here.

Smith & Wesson Shield

The family of Smith & Wesson Shield pistols has a great variety of compact and comfortable carry pistols. I’ve carried the M&P Shield Plus a bit, and was very impressed with how slim it is, and how well it shoots with its ported barrel. Of course with such a small pistol you are going to give up some capacity. But this might be one of those I would choose for maximum concealment even at the cost of capacity.

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There also seems to be a great variety in configurations and cost. Which gives you quite a few options to customize your carry. These pistols have great sights, and some direct mount red dot options. As well as manual safeties or not depending on what you want, all of these options can be used to enhance your daily carry. To see our in-depth review of the M&P Shield Plus click here.

Sig Sauer P365

We cant forget to include the P365 from Sig Sauer, a compact pistol built specifically for carrying. The P365 brings full-size capacity to a very small pistol, perhaps not quite as small as the G43 but almost.

sig sauer, sig p365, p365, xmacro, comp, compensator, compact, ccw, 9mm, holosun, 407k, streamlight TLr7, looking head on the shooter, — the Sig Sauer P365 XMacro Comp is a great pistol with both capacity and small footprint

The 17-round magazines fill almost the entirety of the grip, and yet they still managed to make an interchangeable backstrap to customize the fit. One of the great features of the P365 is that its not a P320… (pause for laughter). But seriously, it has an incredible spread of options including compensated barrels, and various other configurations. Too many to list here, but worth looking into. And even with so many options the P365 is not horribly expensive.

Much like the Hellcat coming next, the P365 really blurs the lines between compact pistols and big capacity. With reliable function, good trigger, and every option a CCW student could ask for.

Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro

Springfield Armory’s Hellcat Pro came to as an incredible value. It is impressively small considering its capacity. Like the P365 it seems to best combat the size/capacity balance for compact pistols. With 15 and 17-round magazine options, the Hellcat Pro brings near full-size capacity to a very small pistol. The only way I approve of increasing weight of a CCW pistol is by adding more ammo to it.

The Hellcat Pro brings a lot of firepower to a small pistol with good sights and an optics ready pistol. Smaller pistols often are a touch spicier and snappy, so be sure to try them first. And if you are one who likes manual safeties, the Hellcat has that option as well. Rounded out with a decent trigger and accessory rail, you could really do well with a Hellcat. To see our in-depth review of the SA Hellcat Pro click here.

How to Select Your Own CCW Pistol

Having evaluated all the options out there, you need to decide on your budget. As that will dictate which of the options are available to you. Once you’ve created a list of pistol options within your budget, you can start looking. A good fit for a pistol, is one that lines up as close as possible with your natural point. I love a gun that is already pointed at my target when I present it without even focusing hard. Some are better than others depending on your grip, so I would try various options before buying.

Safariland, safariland incog x, holster, iwb, owb, ccw, glock 19, ruger RXM, vortex defender, magpul, — Make sure you get a good holster for your pistol like this **Safariland IncogX**

After doing that, you can also see which of the options best aligns with your choice of accessories. What holster and sight options are available for it, and how you would prefer that selection went. And by the time you have evaluated all of these things, there should be at least a couple good stand-out options for you to choose from.

Concluding Thoughts

Hopefully you have found a few pieces of valuable information here. And armed with a little more information you are better suited to pick the best option for your protection. Remember that if you intend on defending life with a CCW weapon, its probably worth spending as much as you can afford for reliability.

Nearly any of the pistols mentioned here today would fit into one of my carry needs. And I would be happy carrying any one of them on any given day. Feel free to make your own recommendations in the comments below.

-CBM

Check out more pistol reviews here

Nightstick TWM-30-GL Weaponlight

July 24, 2026Ancillary gear, Product reviewLaser, light laser, nightstick, twm-30-gl, weaponlightcoldboremiracle

Illumination

Weapon lights are a recent development in firearms accessories. Once flashlight technology reached the ability to put high lumen power in something small enough to attach to a firearm, the stage was set. A natural combination of bringing light to your aim point was a guaranteed win for gun owners. Allowing defensive shooting in dark places to broaden your defense. Today we are looking at another weapon light option from the Nightstick company. This model is the Nightstick TWM-30-GL, which combines a 1200 lumen LED emitter with a visible green laser.

These two features together give you a bright beam of light on your target, coupled with a laser point to aid in aiming. We’ll put this weapon light under scrutiny to see just how it can enhance your shooting experience.

Continue Reading Here

interchangeable recoil lugs make customizing the fit on your pistol

My Girsan 2311 CMXX 9mm made an excellent host for the light

the TWM-30-GL has a similar profile to the Surefire X300, and will fit most of the same places

zeroing the laser is done using an Allen wrench

the laser will only line up with your point of aim at one distance, I chose a close distance where it would most likely be necessary

the TWM-30-GL fit nicely in my **Safariland holsters** made for the X300

The **Taurus TX9** also made a good host for the Nightstick

Specifications

Flashlight Lumens: 1200
Multi-Function: Yes
High Lumens: 1200
Low Lumens: 1200
High Beam Distance (m): 218
High Candela: 11920
Drop Rating: 2 m
Water Rating: IP-67 Dustproof/Waterproof
High Runtime (h): 2.0
Strobe: Yes
Laser Color: Green
Light Source: LED
Serialized: Y
Case Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum
Body Color: Black
Quantity of Batteries: 2
Power Source: CR123
Package Contents: Light, 3 cross-rail inserts, 2 cross-rail mounting cap head screws, Allen wrench, 2 CR123 Lithium batteries
US Patent(s) : 9713217
Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty

Dimensions

Length: 3.9 in (98 mm)
Width: 1.5 in (38 mm)
Depth: 1.5 in (38 mm)
Weight: 5.6 oz (159 g)
Head Diameter: 1.2 in (30 mm)

Ruger American Gen 2 versus Howa Mini: A Tale of Two ARC’s

July 22, 2026blog6 ARC, 6mm ARC, american, american rifle, gen 2, gen II, howa, howa 1500, howa mini, legacy sports internations, m1500, mini action, ruger, ruger americancoldboremiracle

Purpose

As the popularity of the 6mm Advanced Rifle Cartridge (6 ARC) continues to grow, there are more and more firearms chambered in the cartridge. Two popular rifles that carry the 6 ARC chambering (among many others) are the Ruger American and the Howa Mini action rifles. Both are very popular and well built rifles, and today we will be putting the rifles side by side to see how they compare. These are the hard things I do for you, so that you can decide which one better suits your needs. Ruger American Gen 2 versus Howa Mini is a direct comparison of the two rifles, not just as 6 ARC rifles, but as platforms themselves. Both rifles are available in a huge variety of configurations and calibers, but since these two are almost direct comparisons it is a good place to take a look.

ruger, sturm ruger, ruger american, american rifle, gen 2, gen II, 6mm ARC, 6 ARC, YHM, Turbo 5.56, suppressor, turbo t2, Lucid Optics, MLX, Amend 2, shooting supported from tripod in the mountains, — most of my shooting with the Ruger American has bee using the **Banish Meateater suppressor**

Specifications

Lets start out with a direct comparison of some of the features. The Ruger is a newer design that incorporates many of the newest stylings and manufacturing techniques. While the Howa is a more traditional design, incorporating many of the best features learned from building rifles over the last fifty-years. Despite some of the differences they are still quite similar.

	Ruger American 6ARC	Howa Mini 6ARC
Barrel length	20-inch	20-Inch
Barrel Twist	1:7.7-inches	1:7.5-Inches
Capacity	10-Rounds (factory)	5-Rounds (factory)
Weight	6.5 Lbs	6.6 Lbs
Magazine System	AR-15 Style	Proprietary
Action Type	Three-lug Rotary bolt-action	Two-lug Rotary bolt-action
Extractor Type	Sliding Plate Extractor	M-16 Style Claw
Bolt Construction	One-piece Machined	One-piece Forged
Bolt Knob	5/16-24 interchangeable	Solid
Safety	3-position plus blade safety	3-position
Trigger	Adjustable single stage	Adjustable two-stage
Stock	Configurable Polymer	One-piece Polymer
Bedding System	Power Bedding V-block	Pillar-bedded
Muzzle Device	Radial Muzzle Brake ⅝-24	Thread Protector ⅝-24
Scope Mounting system	Proprietary Rail Included	2-Piece R700 Compatible
Overall Length	41.25-Inches	39.5-Inches
Length of Pull	12-13.75-inches	13.5-Inches
Finish	Cerakote	Matte Bluing

Howa Mini

The Howa Mini is a scaled down version of their popular M1500 short-action, the Mini version made to handle the smallest centerfire cartridge families. Basically cartridges that are made for an AR15 sized action like the .223 Remington, 300Blk, 350 Legend, the 6.5 Grendel and of course the 6 ARC seen here.

The Mini is fed from a proprietary magazine made by Howa, it is a polymer 5-round that hangs out the bottom of the stock. Releasing the magazine is done with a button at the front of the magwell, while capturing the magazine in your palm.

With its two-stage trigger, the Mini gives excellent control for the shooter when breaking the shot. Its three-position safety has a safe, safe load/unload, and a firing position. All this mounted via pillars in the hard molded stock.

Ruger American

The Ruger American also has some scaled down features, but its action remains the same as other short-action Americans. Ruger designed the American to be mass produced, using similar parts for as many models as possible. The magazine well of the stock is interchangeable, meaning you can simply swap it out for a different sized cartridge.

Additionally, the American stock incorporates the Power Bedding V-block system that directly mates with the action. And the stock can be configured depending on the shooter, with a separate removable spacer system to shorten length of pull. You can also order different comb-height spacers to get the best eye position behind the scope.

The American’s Marksman trigger is easily adjustable, and it also has a three-position safety just like the Howa. The difference is the American is tang mounted compared to the Howa’s right side of the tang location.

If you want to go to an aftermarket trigger, Rifle Basics makes one for the MIni and there are several options for the Ruger including a Timney and Jard Triggers.

ruger, sturm ruger, ruger american, american rifle, gen 2, gen II, 6mm ARC, 6 ARC, magazine, magwell, magazine adaptor, disassembly, — the Ruger uses an **AR15 style 6 ARC magazine**

Using a three-lug bolt on the American shortened the bolt lift for the rifle, making it fast to operate. The Ruger bolt is timed by its bolt-stop that also acts like a key, keeping the bolt stroking inline. As compared to the Mini that uses the bolt lugs against the bolt raceway for timing.

ruger, sturm ruger, ruger american, american rifle, gen 2, gen II, 6mm ARC, 6 ARC, action and trigger, boltface detail, — here you can see some of the inner workings of the American

The sliding Plate extractor of the Ruger snaps around rims of cartridges, and a plunger style ejector throws them out of the action when the bolt is opened. The M16 claw style extractor of the Mini has more leverage as it bites into the rim, but uses the same plunger style ejector.

ruger, sturm ruger, ruger american, american rifle, gen 2, gen II, 6mm ARC, 6 ARC, YHM, Turbo 5.56, suppressor, turbo t2, Lucid Optics, MLX, shooting from a tripod in the mountains, — Shooting the Ruger from my **Two Vets carbon fiber tripod**

On The Firing Line

I have shot both of these rifles extensively over the past few years, and both of them serve a great purpose in this caliber. Whether it be for hunting varmints or even lighter big game animals, both of these rifles would be an excellent choice. I have had the Howa Mini longer, so don’t be surprised that I have a little more insight on the rifle.

A fine selection of ammo from **Hornady**

Accuracy

On my first trip to the range with the rifles, I got a fairly similar result from both. I would shoot a couple of the production ammunition options from Hornady. The 105gr Black ammo, the 108gr Match ammo, as well as a few other handloaded options. Neither of them was super impressive with the factory ammunition choices, with the Howa averaging around MOA, and the Ruger as well. But once I switched over to my handloaded 105gr loads, things changed. Both of the rifles quickly tightened up with the new source, shooting well under MOA.

Feeding

Cycling the actions while on a bench at the range, I found out a lot about the magazine systems. The Ruger American uses AR15 magazines, which are metal. And though they feed fine, they are a little more sticky than the polymer lips of the Howa magazine. So both rifles fed without issue, but the Howa had a slightly smoother feel to it.

ruger, sturm ruger, ruger american, american rifle, gen 2, gen II, 6mm ARC, 6 ARC, YHM, Turbo 5.56, suppressor, turbo t2, Lucid Optics, MLX, bolt manipulation, — the Ruger American wears a **Lucid Optics 4.5-18×44 rifle scope**

Magazines

Conversely, the Howa magazine had its own detriments. For example, they aren’t particularly expensive and it shows. They work great but I’d be afraid that if I stepped on it they would break for sure. I’d love it if they were a bit more robust, and being as they are only five-round magazines, it seems like they should be shorter. Maybe not flush with the stock but at least less obtrusive than they are. Duramag makes a near flush fitting magazine specifically for the American you can see here.

the original setup for the Howa included the **Nikko Sterling scope** and **YHM R9 suppressor**

Triggers

Triggers on both rifles were great considering these rifles prices. I will readily admit that I did adjust both of them a little to improve the feel. But even in their stock configuration they feel fine. I love a good good 2-stage trigger, and the Mini’s 2-stage feels great to me.

If I had to pick, I like it a touch more than the American trigger. I also hate trigger blade safeties, I used to take them off my old Savage rifles back when I had them. Even so, the American trigger is perfectly fine. And after I adjusted it slightly I liked it even more, to the point I completely forgot about the the blade safety.

ruger, sturm ruger, ruger american, american rifle, gen 2, gen II, 6mm ARC, 6 ARC, YHM, Turbo 5.56, suppressor, turbo t2, Lucid Optics, MLX, Amend 2, — the mag release on the Ruger is a little bit of a reach for the trigger finger

Bolt Lift & Stroke

The shorter bolt-lift of the American seems preferable, and yet when doing most of my shooting I hardly noticed the difference. Its almost like you only notice it when you focus on it. This also depends on the rifle scope used with the rifle. If you put a large riflescope on either of these rifles, the shorter lift of the Ruger is less likely to cause occlusions with bolt or fingers when operating it. Whereas on the Howa, the bolt is much closer to the scope because of its longer lift.

howa, howa mini, 6 arc, 6mm arc, shooting prone — the Howa Mini has had the same **US Optics** scope on it for a few years now

Aftermarket

Support from the aftermarket is a big deal these days, and for that topic the Ruger wins. The American rifle has a host of aftermarket supporters making everything from triggers to bolt-knobs and chassis. While the Mini also has some support, it seems less prolific which makes sense. The Ruger American has been around longer, and Ruger is a massive stalwart in the industry. Howa is a lesser known brand, with perhaps a more traditional following that might be less likely to customize their rifle. That is of course changing nowadays.

Report Card

Instead of a typical pros and cons, I am choosing to give these two rifle a grade as compared to the other. To clarify, this report card is a direct comparison between only these two rifles. As they compare to each other, not against anything else which could be a big difference.

	Ruger American 6ARC	Howa Mini 6ARC
Accuracy	A-	A-
Shootability	A-	B+
Reliability	A	A
Ergonomics	A	B+
Value	B+	A-
Production Quality	A-	A-
Finish	A	B
Aftermarket Support	A	B+
Trigger Quality	A-	A
Action feel	B+	B+
Magazine System	B+	B+
Barrel Features	A	B+
Stock Configuration	A	B
Stock Feel	B+	A-
Average Grade	A-	B+

I was actually surprised myself when I looked at the report card between the two. Because I wouldn’t have thought there would be as much disparity even in my own findings. A great deal of the difference comes from the Ruger’s modularity and aftermarket support, which can be very subjective. As I mentioned I have more time with the Mini, and perhaps thats why I like it so much and defend its virtues.

howa, howa mini, 6 arc, 6mm ARC, deer hunting, mule deer, suppressed hunting, woman posing with a mule deer — the Howa Mini has been my wife’s hunting rifle for years now, you can read about it here

My Verdict

As you can tell by now, I like both of these rifles. I suggest that you go with whichever of the two you find more in line with your needs. For some it might just come down to brand preference. Both of them are capable of good accuracy, and both of them can be had in calibers other than 6 ARC as well. I myself suffer from terminal poly-gunism, and therefore cannot bring myself to eliminate a gun from my collection without at least a moderate disliking. Something neither of these rifles inspire in me.

Hopefully I have shed some additional light on these two rifles, enough to allow you to better choose one for yourself. Feel free to drop a comment or question, I’ll be happy to answer them.

-CBM

If you’d like to see both of these rifle reviewed individually, you can see them here:

Howa Mini 6 ARC

Ruger American 6 ARC

A New Classic: The Mueller Optics 8-32×44

July 20, 2026Optics, Product review8-32x44, mueller, mueller optics, rifle scope, scope, tacticalcoldboremiracle

Introduction

If you’ve been in the precision shooting game for a long time, you probably remember the old days when we dreamed about having something as simple as a scope with matching turrets and reticle. I remember wanting to build a custom long-range rifle, and put a true long-range scope on it. Today we are taking a look at a scope that embraces that traditional design. The Mueller Optics 8-32×44 tactical rifle scope with side focus matches what I wished for. Today we are going to see how this scope stacks up against its contemporary challengers.

Mueller Optics 8-32×44

This scope is built on a 30mm tube, using a 44mm objective lens. The slightly smaller objective allows closer mounting which some folks see as an advantage. It uses a four power zoom going from 8x all the way up to 32x. One of the key features of this scope is the side focus which believe it or not was not always as popular. We call them side focus, but that also incorporates parallax adjustment in the same feature. This allows the shooter to clarify the target detail while at the same time removing parallax from the view of the target. This is an important feature needing correction when shooting long-range.

Inside the Mueller 8-32 you will find a traditional MIL-dot reticle. The original “tactical” reticle, a MIL-dot reticle uses mil-radian graduations that the marksman can use for measuring distance, target sizes, as well as corrective movements when shooting at long-range.

mueller optics, mueller, tactical, 8-32x44, side focus, mil dot, mil-dot, reticle, mil-dot reticle against clear sky, — classic MIL-Dot reticle

The reticle is housed in an erector that uses 1/8 MOA turrets. That is a much finer graduation than what most scopes use today. Moving the reticle 1/8 MOA per click gives a total of 7.5 MOA of travel per rotation of the turret.

Fine knurling of the control surfaces make adjusting the scopes controls easy. And a diopter on the occular housing allows for fine reticle focus to give optimal clarity. The scope comes with a bikini cover, and a three-inch sun shade.

mueller optics, mueller, tactical, 8-32x44, side focus, mil dot, mil-dot, CVA, Cascade, cascade sb, turrets, — solid turrets and parallax adjustments made the scope easy to use

Specifications

Eye Relief	4.0″
Length	16.25″
Weight	26.0 oz.
Tube Size	30 mm
Color	Matte Black
Lenses	Fully Multi-Coated
Magnification	8 – 32 × power
Objective	44 mm
F.O.V.	9.3 – 2.5 feet @ 100 yards
Parallax	10 Yrd Min
Click Value	1/8 M.O.A.

I had chosen to mount the scope on a CVA Cascade SB 6.5 Creedmoor. Having used the rifle extensively for testing various scopes, and it would be a good host for this one as well. I attached the scope using a set of Vortex 30mm low rings. Even so the scope was a touch higher than I’d of liked for my cheek weld. So I also installed one of my Triad Tactical stock packs. It allows spacers to be added to increase comb height, and the comfortable fabric feels soft against your face.

mueller optics, mueller, tactical, 8-32x44, side focus, mil dot, mil-dot, CVA, Cascade, cascade sb,

With eye relief set, and scope leveled I torqued down the screws. With the rifle set firmly on my kitchen table, I removed the bolt and did a quick bore-sight job in preparation of the first range trip. Then I grabbed some ammo and the rest of my gear before heading to the firing line.

Continue Reading Here

mueller optics, mueller, tactical, 8-32x44, side focus, mil dot, mil-dot, CVA, Cascade, cascade sb, ammunition, — big thanks to Wideners Shooting Supply for supplying ammunition for this review

mueller optics, mueller, tactical, 8-32x44, side focus, mil dot, mil-dot, CVA, Cascade, cascade sb, adjusting turrets on shooting bench, — Zeroing the turrets after getting the point of impact right

picking out varmints with this scope is easy

I like the all metal construction, no rubber components here

mueller optics, mueller, tactical, 8-32x44, side focus, mil dot, mil-dot, CVA, Cascade, cascade sb, shooting rifle from shooting bench,

A BIG Statement from Performance Center: The Smith & Wesson 500 Revolver

July 18, 2026pistols, Product review460 S&W, 50 caliber, 500 S&W, performance center, revolver, smith & wesson, smith and wesson, X-Framecoldboremiracle

Introduction

Big wheel guns inspire many things in firearm enthusiasts. It might be historical yearning or just a desire for power in your hand. The smooth metallic clicking as a cylinder rolls cartridges into place is a soothing sound. Big revolvers have always been an American custom, and Smith & Wesson has been part of it for more than 170 years. Today we are taking a look at one of the S&W’s masterpieces, the mighty X-frame, built to carry the massive .500 S&W cartridge. The Smith & Wesson Performance Center Model S&W500 7.5-inch pistol is built for shooting its massive cartridges comfortably and accurately.

smith and wesson, x frame, 500S&W, 500, 50 caliber, performance center, loading,

I remember when these pistols and the cartridge came out, there was a bit of a frenzy over such a large cartridge. I don’t know why people seem to get so excited over 50 caliber firearms. It almost seems like there is some kind of dopamine released by saying “fifty-cal”. But the 500 S&W enjoys the very same level of excitement from gun people. I myself have managed to live for many decades without feeling the need to endure such palm punishment. But today on our readers behalf, I intend to shoot the big 500 so you can decide if it’s worth your time.

Finish Reading About the 500 S&W Here

smith and wesson, x frame, 500S&W, 500, 50 caliber, performance center, ammunition, double tap ammunition, — Some of the ammunition tested from **Double Tap Ammo**

smith and wesson, x frame, 500S&W, 500, 50 caliber, performance center, recoil, shooting the 500 S&W in the mountains, — recoil was impressive

smith and wesson, x frame, 500S&W, 500, 50 caliber, performance center, accuracy, target, — here you can see a three-shot group with the Double Tap Ammo (note dual projectiles)

Looking for something smaller? Check out the S&W 44 Magnum

Tokarev TT-12 Pro 12 Gauge Shotgun A First Look at AR-style Shotguns

July 16, 2026Product review, Shooting hardware12 gauge, ar style, shotgun, tokarev, tokarev usa, tt-12, tt-12 procoldboremiracle

Introduction

Years of experience have proven the AR style rifle to be heavily favored by American shooters. So it should come as no surprise that the design has made its way into even the shotgun market. Ergonomics and manual of arms that match your favorite rifle, can be particularly helpful when shooting competitively. Which is exactly what our subject today is about. We are taking a look at the Tokarev TT-12 Pro 12 gauge semi-automatic shotgun.

Tokarev USA imports a variety of shotguns from you guessed it… Türkiye (pedantic emphasis added). Imported Turkish shotguns have flooded the us market in recent years. Seemingly endless copies and options are available in Turkey, as their shotgun market is quite robust. That coupled with favorable trade agreements with the United States thriving firearms market are a recipe for a surge in sales.

Finish Reading the Review Here

changing chokes on the TT-12 PRO

TT-12 Pro Specifications

Caliber	12 gauge (2-¾ – 3-inch)
Action	Gas piston operated semi-auto
Sights	Adjustable polymer M4 style over picatinny rail
Magazine Capacity	Comes with 5-round
Barrel Length	18.5- Inch
Choke Style	Benelli®/Mobil
Length	38-inches
Height	9-inches
Width	3-inches
Weight	8.6- pounds

Shooting the TT-12 PRO

After installing the polymer iron sights that came with the gun, I decided to add a red dot as well. I don’t use red dots much with shotguns, but with this one it seemed more fitting. For this purpose I used my Sig Sauer Romeo, it mounts easily to the pic rail and gave a good sight picture. I grabbed a few boxes of target ammo from Federal Champion as well as some from Rio Ammunition. While this shotgun might not seem like a bird hunting gun, I still wanted to grab a case of White Flyer clay targets and hand thrower just to see how we could connect with aerial targets.