Category Archives: pistols

Bear Creek Arsenal Grizzly 101 9mm pistol

August 4, 2024pistols, Product review9mm, bca, bear creek arsenal, grizzly, grizzly 101coldboremiracle

Introduction

Polymer framed pistols are becoming more and more common every day. With so many options how can you tell which one to choose? Today we are going to dive into yet another new striker fired polymer framed gun so you can decide if it fits your needs. Today we are reviewing the Bear Creek Arsenal Grizzly 101 pistol, a 9mm handgun very similar to the popular Glock 17.

Specifications

Color	Black
SKU	CGP101-91917SSWC2POLY
Weight (lbs)	1.430000
Magazine Capacity	17 Round Magazine
Barrel Length	5
Twist	1:16
Barrel Finish	Stainless Steel
Material	416R Stainless Steel
Thread Pitch	Non-Threaded
Caliber	9MM
Flutes	Non-fluted
Gas System	Blow-Back

History

It would seem that BCA has made at least one attempt at a 9mm pistol before. An all metal version that looks very similar to the Grizzly 101. Perhaps that didn’t go the way they wanted it to, because I see no sign of it on their website. If I had to guess, I’d say that a polymer frame turned out to be much more profitable and perhaps easier to make.

BCA seems to catch a lot of negative attention from the public, at least if you believe what you read on social media and internet forums. I might be lucky, as the only experience I have had with BCA has been a positive one. You can read about the BCA BC-8 Huntmaster here. The Grizzly is only my second exposure to a BCA firearm, and I’m glad you can come along to see how it goes.

Features

Bear Creek Arsenal is known for manufacturing a variety of AR type rifles in assorted different calibers and configurations. The Grizzly is a departure from what BCA commonly manufactures, this could be a good or bad thing depending on your perspective.

The Grizzly is built on a polymer frame similar in size as I mentioned to the Glock 17. This is a great idea as it allows the Grizzly to use many of the Glock 17’s support products, like magazines, and other accessories.

In addition to the commonality, there are some things that set the Grizzly apart from the gun that it appears to emulate. Some cuts to the slide expose the stainless steel barrel, and the slide comes pre-cut for RMR type red dots. Something I would be sure to look into.

Some pretty standard green sights round out the top of the slide which are perfectly useful. If we turn our attention to the frame, you’ll find there is a nice texture molded into the grip. As well as some finger shelves alongside the top of the trigger guard.

No safety other than the trigger blade safety, which is fine by me. A nice undercut where the guard meets the grip makes the pistol comfortable in the hand. And the 17-round magazines are made by KCI.

Other models

The Grizzly 101 is available in a couple different options, mainly different barrel configurations. There are both threaded and unthreaded versions of the pistol. And you can select a couple different titanium nitrided colors of gold, copper and black. I’m no fortune teller, but I’d bet there are other options in the works that will also soon be available.

Bear Creek Arsenal Grizzly 101 Pistol review

Before shooting the Grizzly, I wanted to install a Trijicon RMR. It was easy enough and fit perfectly. Some red dots have a cutout to allow the use of the iron sights, the RMR sits high enough that you can almost see the iron sights but not quite. But with the RMR installed I was ready to hit the range.

I’d brought a couple boxes of ammo from Federal and AAC, and MWLP Trailforger. All were 115 grain FMJ. I started stuffing them into magazines in preparation, loading 17-rounds into the KCI magazines.

Shootability

My very first impressions of shooting the Grizzly were that it seemed a touch spicier than I expected. It’s a full size 9mm pistol, so I expected it to be fairly mild. I also noticed rather quickly that the grip seems a little more square than others. Some folks may find that preferable, but for me it felt just a touch less comfortable.

The Grizzly texture is definitely helpful in getting a good grip on the pistol. And I really like the two finger shelves above the trigger, it allows your thumbs a place to engage. The trigger feels like a striker pistol, I don’t mean that as a bad thing either, it feels just like every other similar gun I’ve used. Reloads were easy using the slide release, I often feel a great variation between different Glock type pistols. I was happy to see this one was easy to feel and press.

The Grizzly green sights were perfectly suitable, but the Trijicon RMR was more my style.

Reliability

During the course of my shooting, the closest thing to a malfunction I experienced was a failure to lock back. It seemed to follow the magazines, so I think it’s fair to put the blame there. I also used a Fab Defense 18-round magazine, which worked flawlessly. I was also able to shoot the Grizzly with a Glock magazine that also worked great.

Other than that the pistol chugged along through everything I threw at it.

Extraction and ejection were just as I’d expect, throwing spent cases clear. The controls were all smooth and never skipped a beat.

Ergonomics

I mentioned the square-ish feeling grip, which might just be my preference showing through. Other than that the gun felt very comfortable in my hand. The undercut trigger guard kept your fingers comfortable while gripping, and the angle of the grip was familiar and pointed well.

The Grizzly has a very similar profile to the Glock 17, but it wouldn’t fit proper in any of my Safariland Glock 17 holsters. So there must be enough difference to matter, though I expect it is likely due to the slide cuts.

Accuracy

Accuracy from the Grizzly was also as I expected, I guess it should come as no surprise that a Glock clone shoots like a Glock. Particularly when shooting with the RMR installed it was pretty easy to keep shots on target. At 10 yards groups would average between 2-4 inches depending on cadence and ammo. To put it bluntly, I felt just as accurate with this gun as with any other G17 styled pistol.

Value

Despite being a pretty close copy of the Glock, I was quite surprised by the low price of this pistol. But as I mentioned at the top, copies of these popular pistols are becoming more and more popular. So I shouldn’t be surprised that the cost keeps coming down.

The Grizzly is listed for $295.00 on the Bear Creek website, which is a pretty agreeable price. Obviously this pistol is priced there for a reason, and you can tell by looking at the gun that it is going to cost less than its cousins. What I mean by that is there are some features on the gun that suggest a less refined process. For example, the stainless steel barrel functions flawlessly but also appears slightly unfinished. Non-chamfered edges on the muzzle look just a tad raw for my taste. The conspicuous BEAR CREEK ARSENAL down the side is a little over the top for me as well, the logo alone should be enough. The machining and molding look good, and to be honest I’m surprised you can make any money on a gun at this price point.

I guess that means I think this gun is a good buy, and if it stands up to round count and use it probably will certainly be a good buy. Time will tell.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Very affordable
Compatible with a variety of aftermarket accessories
Optics ready for RMR footprint
Good grip texture

Cons

Inexpensive suggests cheap
Doesn’t fit my safariland holsters
Slightly unfinished look

Report Card

Shootability (B) shoots well but seems to lack some refinement

Reliability (A-) Only malfunctions seemed related to magazine

Accuracy (B) Nothing fancy, does what you need

Ergonomics (B) Feels good, but also feels sort of like a first try

Value (A) If the Grizzly stands up to use, it seems like a great value

Ammunition Preference

The Grizzly didn’t seem to show a preference for any of the ammo I shot through it. Both 115 and 124 grain loads worked great. I used Federal Premium 115 with great results as well as AAC 115 grain ammunition.

Accessory Upgrades

Because it’s already cut for it, I would highly recommend adding a red dot. I used the Trijicon RMR which cost more than the gun itself. So perhaps something a little more comparable in price would be something like the Gideon Alpha red dot. A good weapon light like the Surefire X300 pictured would also make a good companion.

Final Thoughts

After shooting with the BCA Grizzly 101 for a while now, I can say I definitely like it. I wouldn’t be trading it for any of my other pistols, but it certainly has a home in my collection. I intend on shooting it a lot more, perhaps it can be my loaner pistol. That way I can see how it stacks up over time and higher round count. Follow me to see how that goes.

-CBM

Taurus Judge Revolver

August 2, 2024pistols, Product reviewjudge, revolver, Tauruscoldboremiracle

Introduction

Taurus has made too many different handgun models to mention in their time. But their typical popular handgun is usually a close copy of something existing already in the market. In a strange turn of events, today we are discussing an original model from Taurus that has actually been copied by others in the market. The Taurus Judge is a unique revolver that shoots both .410 shotgun shells, as well as 45 colt pistol cartridges. We’ll put the Judge to work and see if it rules the shooting bench and the field.

taurus Judge revolver — the Taurus Judge with its diverse ammo selection

The Taurus Judge

Since its release over a decade ago, the Judge line of pistols has broadened significantly. With models ranging from the Raging Judge 6.5 inch magnum revolver, to the Judge Public Defender with a 2.5 inch polymer frame. Both stainless and blued models are also available, as well as the newer TORO models that are optics ready to mount your favorite red dot.

Leaving the various models aside, what makes the Taurus Judge different from other revolvers? The curious appearance of the Judge is due to the elongated cylinder used to accommodate the .410 shotgun shells. Why would you want shotgun shells in a pistol you might ask? I’ve stopped asking similar questions as I’ve aged. Some people don’t like the things I like, and that’s fine because that leaves more room for me to do what I like. Besides, this is America, and if somebody wants a palm-shotgun, that’s fine by me.

The Taurus Judge not only has the ability to shoot .410, but it also can shoot traditional pistol cartridges as long as they are 45 Colt. This hybrid ability to shoot these different ammunition types makes the pistol useful for a variety of things. Shooting moving targets is easier with shot-shells, but deep penetration is better accomplished by heavy bullets. The Judge gives you the option for both.

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Taurus TX22 TORO Pistol

July 22, 2024pistols, Product review22lr, Taurus, toro, tx22coldboremiracle

Preface

Twenty-two rimfire semi-automatic pistols have been a touchy subject for as long as I can remember. Sure, you can get something like a Ruger MK IV or a Browning Buckmark, but those are the same pistols my grandpa used. I want something more modern, something that has the handsome looks and function of modern semi-automatic pistols. Today I bring you the latest chapter in the saga of the Taurus TX 22 TORO.

Taurus TX22 TORO — the TX22 TORO kitted out with the Holosun 407k and the **YHM Phantom 22 suppressor**

I got one of the very first TX22’s years ago, and it was love at first brick for me. I have since bought four more, with the latest being this new model the TX22 TORO. The TORO model incorporates all the best features from every model prior. It has the slide cuts of the TX22 Compact, the optics cut of the TX22 Competition model. And not to be outdone, the TORO model uses a thicker heavy barrel which of course is threaded. And an impressive magazine capacity of 22 rounds.

The Taurus TX22

I mentioned I am no stranger to this pistol, but there is more to it than that. I had a bit of a sour opinion of Taurus until I met the TX22, and while there are plenty of you out there doubting me, I can tell you the TX22 is probably the best overall 22 pistol out there. At first I thought maybe I was just lucky, but the resounding echo of popularity everywhere tells me I am not the only one who enjoys my TX22’s.

Hours of fun and gun handling training have been done at our house with the TX22. All of my children are huge fans, and it never fails when we head into the mountains “did you bring the Taurus Dad?”.

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loading the TX22 magazines with **Federal Auto Match**

TX22 TORO Specifications

Caliber	22LR
Capacity	16 round and 22 round magazine included
Length	7.06 inches
Height	5.44 inches
Width	1.25 inches
Barrel Length	4.6 inches
Twist	1-10 inches
Slide Material	Aluminum
Barrel Material	Alloy Steel
Action Type	Single Action Only Striker Fired
Safety Function	Manual Ambi and Trigger Safety
Sights	Fixed Front, Driftable Rear

taurus TX22 TORO, Vortex defender red dot

suppressed Taurus TX22 TORO — the Vortex Defender red dot also was a perfect fit for the TX22

suppressed 22 pistol — adding a suppressor is the best thing I can recommend

ZRO Delta FKS 9mm Pistol

July 18, 2024pistols, Product review9mm, FKS, FKS 9, ZRO Deltacoldboremiracle

Introduction

It seems like Glock clones are coming out of the woodwork lately. Almost every time I boot up the computer I find another new pistol that is building on the famous polymer framed pistols. But like a true gun nut, I embrace this storm of striker guns. And today I am bringing you yet another fresh handgun review, hot out of it’s mold. Today we are reviewing the ZRO Delta FKS 9 pistol, a pistol very similar to the Glock model 19.

ZRO Delta FKS 9

ZRO Delta has been well known for making products like AR15 rifles and sub assemblies, as well as optics mounting solutions. Additionally they manufacture the FKS 9 pistol and “The One” modular pistol which is a similar 9mm gun with various modular interchangeable configurations. The ZRO FKS 9 is available with a variety of Cerakoted slide colors as well, with grey, green, bronze and FDE options. And of course the black Nitride standard finish.

SPECIFICATIONS:

9x19mm

Advanced Polymer Frame and Handle

Reversible Ambidextrous Magazine Release

Improved 18-degree Grip Angle

Standard, Deluxe (RMR® Cut), or Premium (Optic Cut with plates) Slide, 6.75”

4140 Precision Match Barrel, 4”

15 Round Capacity Magazine x1

Optional Premium Slide w/ Optic Cut (Plates available for purchase)

Sights: White Dot Rear/Front

Trigger Pull: 5.5lb

Width: 1.25”

Weight: 21.5 oz

The FKS 9 pistol that we are looking at today is very comparable to the Glock 19 sized pistols. There are of course some differences between them, for example; the FKS features an 18 degree grip angle. Many shooters find the 1911 comparable grip angle better for shooting. The FKS 9 has additional features like a match grade 4-inch barrel, available optics ready slide, and reversible magazine release.

The advanced polymer frame features molded textures very comparable to stippling. As well as thumb-shelves on both sides of the trigger guard area which also enhance your purchase on the grip. There is also an extended beavertail at the back of the slide to prevent getting bit by the slide. Under the muzzle of the gun you will of course find an accessory pic rail for weapon lights.

The pistol uses Glock style magazines, which is a huge plus due to the variety and availability of options. Sights for the FKS are white dots which I found to be quite effective. The compact size of the pistol and these features make it a great option for a CCW.

Shooting the ZRO Delta FKS 9

Shooting the FKS 9 was very predictable. I’ve found with many of these clone type pistols that they carry all the best of their ancestors while bringing new benefits as well. So one shouldn’t be surprised when these feel familiar. Like my other 18 degree pistols, the FKS 9 always seems to line up with my line of sight. The sights are easy to pick up when they are already lined up with your target.

As with other features of the FKS 9, the controls are also very familiar. And muscle memory takes over easily. The trigger feels great, breaking cleanly and consistently. Reloads came smoothly with the slide release easily activated with little resistance. Feeding from the Magpul P-Mag worked without any issue.

Chewing through boxes of ammunition went swimmingly for the FKS 9. I used ammunition from PMC Bronze, several boxes of AAC 115 gr, as well as a large volume of 115 gr Trailforger ammo. All of them worked great, save for a single malfunction out of hundreds. The malfunction appeared to be ammo related, as the round failed to go into battery. A quick rack of the slide solved the issue.

Pros and Cons

I really like shooting the ZRO FKS 9, it fits comfortably in the hand. The texture feels grippy against my palms, and the thumb-shelf allows additional purchase. I often find smaller pistol frames harder to hold onto, but this one definitely didn’t give me that vibe. The extended beavertail also helped give better contact with the grip and help control the recoil. I found the overall gripping of this pistol to be noticeably better than many of its competitors.

The sights are pretty low key, and yet I found them very bright and easy to see. That said I love shooting pistols with red dot’s, so I think I’d rather have the FKS with the optics cut slide. Additionally I like that the FKS fits with most Glock accessories, such as holsters magazines and others. It makes the pistol very easy to step into.

Another great thing about the FKS is it’s affordability. Its not as affordable I guess as some of the cheaper clones like the PSA Dagger, but it also feels better and looks better as well. Time will surely tell if the performance will match the looks. But even at $400 for the base model, the ZRO Delta FKS 9 isn’t a hard buy to make unless you are dwelling around the bottom of the pistol pool.

The ZRO FKS 9 pistol is an easy buy in my opinion, it has a comfortable reliable shooting performance. Surely due to the quality machining and quality coatings. And accuracy was just what you’d expect from a pistol like this, hitting clay targets at 20 yards was easy, even at a quick cadence.

Last Words

In a market full of clones, it might be hard to stand out from the competition. I have had the good fortune to shoot quite a few different clones, and while I haven’t really disliked any of them this one stands out. The smooth feel and operation of the FKS feel more refined than others. The great trigger snap and reset are as good as any other Glock type pistol. I suppose I could say this gun just looks and feels of better quality than many of the others.

I’ll continue to shoot the FKS 9, along with my other pistols. Not only to push up the round count, but also to continue comparing it with others. We are living in a truly exciting time where so many options are available. If you are looking into a striker type pistol for whatever purposes be it CCW or just shooting fun, have a look at one of these ZRO Delta FKS 9 pistols. They are definitely worth your time.

-CBM

Check out the rest of our pistol reviews here

Taran Tactical Combat Master 2011

April 25, 2024pistols, Product reviewcombat master, staccato, taran tacticalcoldboremiracle

Introduction

Since the introduction of John Browning’s Model 1911 pistol, countless others have copied and borrowed from it. Today’s subject is yet another one of those designs, today we are looking at the Taran Tactical Combat Master 2011 9mm pistol. The Combat Master is a 2011 style pistol, which dumped the single-stack 45ACP cartridge and magazines. In their place you can find double-stack 9mm cartridges. Adding both capacity and performance seems to be the norm with 2011 pistols.

This Combat Master was manufactured by a well known 2011 custom shop STI, who you probably know better as Staccato. I’ve played with a few of them, as well as other pistols. So today I am happy to get a full grip on this pistol and share it with you.

2011 Pistols

The success of the 1911 design is legendary, and regardless of whether you like it or not the design appears to continue. 2011 pistols take many of the greatest features of its predecessor, and bring more modern features. The main feature is double-stack magazines, which are typically for 9mm or 38 Super cartridges. With magazines like that, carrying twenty-plus cartridges in the magazine isn’t such a challenge.

Most 2011 pistols still use many of the same features from the 1911, such as the single-action trigger, safety mechanisms, etc. Excellent triggers, and ideal grip angles and all sorts of other advantages have also been mirrored in these pistols.

Thoughts on the Combat Master

Federal 115 grain 9mm ammo

Taran Tactical Combat Master

-CBM

If you like 2011 pistols, check out our Staccato review

CZ P10F Competition-Ready

March 13, 2024pistols, Product reviewcoldboremiracle

Introduction

As a card-carrying member of the CZenofile club, I have a hard time saying no when someone shows me another P10 pistol. So it should come as no surprise that the CZ P10F Competition-Ready stuck with me as soon as I saw it. Today we are going to take look at this long-slide member of the P10 family. We’ll see if it’s worth the gold trim it’s adorned with.

Un-boxing the P10F

I love the feeling you get when you open up the box of a new gun. The polymer hard-case that the pistol came in contained the pistol, three magazines, some grip panels, and some assorted cleaning tools. The very first thing I noticed when opening the case was the bright gold-colored trim of some of the pistols components.

As I lifted it from the box I immediately noticed that this P10 is a bit longer than most. It’s actually a half-inch longer than the full size P10, giving it a slightly longer sight radius. Like every other P10 I’ve shot, this one felt great in the hand as I lifted it to chamber check. Smooth slide operation was also a familiar P10 trait.

I practiced my best competitive presentation, and was rapidly wishing for a range to shoot it at. The bright fiber optic front sight really popped against the gray sky. I grabbed my stuff and headed to the open country where I do my shooting.

Specifications

Chambering 9mm Luger

Magazine Capacity 19+1

Frame Fiber-reinforced polymer

Trigger Mech Striker

Sights Fiber Optic Front

Barrel Cold Hammer Forged

Barrel Length 5″

Width 1.26 in

Weight 30 oz

Overall Length 8.5 in

Safety Firing Pin Block Safety, Trigger Safety

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notice chamber loaded indicator and fiber optic

Like CZ’s? Check out this one

Sig Sauer P320 X-Five DH3

February 20, 2024pistols, Product reviewdh3, sig sauercoldboremiracle

Introduction

Few names command recognition in the firearms world like Sig Sauer. When I first picked up a P226 over thirty years ago, even as a youth I was greatly impressed with it. Sig Sauer has been manufacturing excellent firearms since its inception in Europe. The company was more recently moved to America, no doubt a good move for all involved. I have been a Sig fan for as long as I can remember, so I am happy to bring you today’s subject: the Sig Sauer P320 X-Five DH3.

The P320 family of pistols is incredibly popular in our firearms market, likely due to the incredible variety and customization of its models. The X-Five series brings full size function for serious pistol-work. The DH3 Model was developed with input from Sig’s professional shooting team member Daniel Horner. It hosts features ideal for competitive and action shooting, like a flared magwell, X-Ray3 sights, accessory rail, optics ready slide, and more.

The Sig Sauer P320 X-Five DH3

I’m no stranger to the P320 X-Five, as I’ve been shooting one for several years now. Upgrading to the DH3 model seemed easy, and some of the differences are notable. The tungsten infused X-Five grip modules give the durability and function of polymer, and yet still feel like a metal pistol-frame. The DH3 adds to this quality feel by embedding silicon carbide into the grip area to enhance your feel of the grip. It feels like skateboard tape, but it can’t come off.

The X-Ray3 suppressor height sights are good day or night. And allow the use of a suppressor, as well as co-witnessing with your favorite red dot. There are also some of the same features you’ll find on other X-Five pistols, like two included recoil springs to customize operation. Of course you’ll find the accessory rail under the slide to mount your favorite weapon light. And the flared magwell makes quick mag changes smooth and secure.

Caliber	9mm
Length	8.5 inches
Width	1.6 inches
Height	6.5 inches
Weight	43.5 ounces
Optics footprint	Deltapoint Pro
Magazines	21 round 3 included
Barrel & Slide material	Stainless steel
Finish	Coyote Tan Cerakote
Sight radius	6.6 inches

Shop this and more Sig Sauer pistols at Palmetto State

Range Ready

Since I already have an X-Five Legion, it was easy to simply swap some accessories over to the DH3 to get it ready to shoot. It was also very convenient that it fit the same Safariland holster, which would make shooting the gun on the go even more fun.

In addition, I also installed a Romeo 1 Pro red dot sight on the DH3. It fit perfectly and allowed use of both the red dot and the X-Ray3 sights. All that was left was installing a Surefire X300 weapon-light to complete the ensemble.

In addition to those accessories, I also grabbed my Armory Craft threaded match barrel. As well as my Yankee Hill Machine Nitro N2.0 suppressor. There was nothing standing between me and a great time now.

I grabbed a few boxes of Federal Champion 115 grain ammo, and it was time to hit the range.

On the Range with the Sig Sauer P320 X-Five DH3

Getting some trigger time with the DH3 couldn’t come soon enough. As soon as time would permit I was on my range getting the pistol broken in. Stuffing the 21-round magazines full of ammo would ensure some good hot testing. And following them up with some single round loaded magazines to test my reloading skills would come next.

As I expected, the DH3 shoots as smooth as a guy could ask for. Maybe not like some tuned out competition 2011, but good enough to bring smiles all around. The weight of the X-Five pistols feels fantastic while shooting. The gun moves very little and barely strays from the target.

The Trigger is crisp and resets clean, while the mag release easily drops free the magazine making way for you to stab another. The flared magwell makes even a clown like me reload pretty quick. The grip texture made the pistol feel anchored to your bones.

Picking up the glow of the X-Ray sights in low light was easy, but it was easier still to look through the Romeo 1 Pro. Hits kept coming every time I lined em up right. The accuracy was excellent, just like my other X-Five. Keeping shots touching at ten yards was easy.

Suppressor Time

I love suppressed shooting, and the DH3 would make a great host if it shot anything like my other X-Five. For that I swapped out the barrels, and installed my titanium suppressor. Adding the weight to the front only further tamed the DH3, and the hushed pops of each shot will please any true gun nut.

the P320 X-Five DH3 looks even better with a suppressor

I usually have better accuracy results when shooting suppressed. But this time I’m not sure if its because of the suppressor or the Match Grade Armory Craft barrel. Regardless of the reason, it felt like nothing within pistol range could escape me and the DH3.

Pros and Cons

There is no shame for me claiming the moniker of a Sig-ophile. Saying I am a fan of these pistols would be an understatement. I suppose that makes it a little bit hard for me to be completely candid about the downsides of this pistol. But I will give it my best.

Cons

As sexy as the slide cuts are on the DH3, I found that they engaged occasionally with the retention clip in my Safariland SLS holster. This is probably something that can be mitigated, but it was a little irritating when it occurred.

The Silicon carbide texturing is fantastic. I love it because the only occasion my hands receive any kind of ointment is when they are bleeding. However if you’re the kind of guy who wears socks to bed, you might need to wear your Isotoner gloves while shooting.

Pros

This feature rich pistol has a little something for everybody. You’ve got all the standard things like accessory rail and undercut trigger-guard. But you’ve also got the dead sexy Cerakote color and contrasting silicon carbide grip texturing. As well as the slide cuts and X-Ray sights.

The optics cut is a must have nowadays, and the Romeo 1 Pro is a great fit. The extra included 21-round magazines function flawlessly, keeping you pumping lead steadily. The extra recoil spring included also gives you the option to customize the function of your X-Five.

The rich aftermarket support for these pistols give you all kinds of options. I would strongly recommend one due to that added benefit.

Continue reading the story here

If you like the DH3, check out our other P320 X-Five Legion review

Dan Wesson Model 15 .357 Magnum

January 9, 2024pistols, Product reviewcoldboremiracle

Introduction

With a name like Wesson, you may as well shoot for the recognition that comes with it. Dan Wesson did exactly that when he started building guns back in the 1960’s and 70’s. The brand has since migrated under the control of Czech firearms giant CZ along with another American brand Colt. But today we are taking a look at a pistol from back when Dan the man himself ran the brand. Today we are reviewing the Dan Wesson Model 15 .357 Magnum revolver.

The Dan Wesson Model 15 .357 magnum

Dan Wesson’s model 15 came to me as an eight-inch .357 Magnum, but one of the interesting features of the pistol is its ability to switch barrels. Nowadays this is a common feature more and more manufacturers are incorporating to their designs. But this revolver comes from an entire generation ago, giving gun owners the ability to switch barrels themselves at home.

the 8-inch barrel features a vented rib, while the 6-inch is solid

The model 15 also came with a six-inch barrel to change the performance and handling characteristics of the gun. The barrel threads into the frame just in front of the cylinder, the supporting shroud is then installed over the barrel. The entire assembly is tightened using a spanner nut that recesses into the muzzle.

Unlike most revolvers, the model 15 has a slide release on the front of the cylinder crane. This release is pulled down while rolling the cylinder out the left side of the pistol. This simplifies and leaves the side of the frame open and clean. A walnut grip gives a handsome contrast against the high-gloss blued finish.

Shooting the Dan wesson Model 15

Shooting the Dan Wesson Model 15 was as pleasant as you might imagine. I find older revolver designs to be an exercise in perfection. The design has been around for so long, you’d almost have to try to make it feel crummy.

The smooth action of the model 15 feel like quality workmanship from a time long past. The snap of the hammer clicking to the rear feels like its on lubed bearings. And the cylinder rolling the cartridge into place as well.

Both the double action and single action functions of the model 15 were predictably clean. Pulling the hammer back with the trigger seems lighter than many other revolvers I’ve shot. And the single action break of the trigger is fantastic, like a glass rod being snapped.

Only accurate firearms are interesting in my opinion, and the Dan Wesson Model 15 surely seemed interesting to me. I was impressed at being able to stack shots in nearly the same hole at distances of ten to fifteen yards. The longer barrel kept the pistol shooting comfortably and with very little muzzle rise.

Even with just a few minutes my shooting greatly improved

Changing Barrels on the Model 15 revolver

Unfortunately I was unable to locate the appropriate tool for tightening the nut that secures the barrel. It uses a spanner wrench with two prongs to loosen or tighten down the barrel nut at the muzzle. Once the nut has been loosened, you can remove the barrel shroud by pulling it off the muzzle end of the barrel.

The barrel itself can be threaded out from the frame of the pistol. The process is reversed to install the new length barrel. The barrel is threaded into the frame and spaced six-thousandths from the front of the cylinder. This can be done with a feeler gauge, and ensures there is not too much clearance between the chamber and breach.

After that is done, you can install the barrel shroud and tighten the barrel nut completing the process. I am a big fan of quality switch-barrel firearms. And while this particular design doesn’t fit my particular needs, it could surely fit yours.

for testing we shot **American Eagle 158 grain ammunition**

Pros & Cons

I didn’t come up with many cons, so I’ll give you my pros first. Timeless craftsmanship is one way I would describe this pistol. The fit and finish are outstanding, the polished high-gloss bluing alone makes this gun feel more valuable than it is. It actually looks thick when compared to other bluing.

The handsome walnut grip while not my personal taste is quite comfortable and easy to control the 357 recoil. The size of the pistol keeps it from being particularly snappy when it comes to recoil. And the simple sights are quite effective, the 8-inch barrel has a red insert. While the 6-inch barrel has a simple serrated ramp.

Function of the pistol is flawless. Solid cylinder lock-up and crisp trigger pulls speak volumes on the design and build quality of the Model 15. The very few things I would change about the pistol are easily summed up as personal preference. I wouldn’t mind a little more aggressive texturing to the hammer-spur, on a couple occasions my thumb slipped off while drawing the hammer. And it could perhaps benefit from a different grip. Neither of these would be a deal breaker for me though.