A M ERIC AN
SHOOTING JOURNAL Volume 14 // Issue 8 // May 2025
PUBLISHER James R. Baker GENERAL MANAGER John Rusnak EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Andy Walgamott OFFICE MANAGER / COPY EDITOR Katie Aumann LEAD CONTRIBUTOR Frank Jardim CONTRIBUTORS Graciela Casillas, Scott Haugen, James M. Lindsay, Phil Massaro, Mike Nesbitt, Paul Pawela, Nick Perna SALES MANAGER Paul Yarnold ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Janene Mukai, Gabriel Patel DESIGNERS Kha Miner, Gabrielle Pangilinan PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Emily Baker WEBMASTER / INBOUND MARKETING Jon Hines INFORMATION SERVICES MANAGER Lois Sanborn ADVERTISING INQUIRIES ads@americanshootingjournal.com
ON THE COVER With Memorial Day later this month, we’re honoring American service members who made the ultimate sacrifice, including Staff Sergeant Travis W. Atkins, who died in Iraq while protecting his fellow soldiers from an insurgent with an explosive vest and who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his selfless act. (US ARMY)
Website: AmericanShootingJournal.com Facebook: Facebook.com/AmericanShootingJournal X: @AmShootingJourn Reddit: r/AMSJ/
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4 American Shooting Journal // May 2025
VOLUME 14 • ISSUE 7
CONTENTS
COVER STORY
14
REMEMBERING THOSE WHOM MEMORIAL DAY HONORS As we prepare to reflect on Memorial Day and its meaning later this month, James M. Lindsay shares the stories of five Americans who were awarded the Medal of Honor after making the ultimate sacrifice in conflicts from World War I to Iraq.
(US ARMY)
FEATURES 22
MEMORABLE MEMORIAL DAY THOUGHTS A collection of poignant remarks from presidents, generals and other national leaders on the bravery and courage of American soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines lost to conflict.
25
‘FOR THE CAUSE OF FREEDOM’ He was not the lone survivor of that well-known book and movie, but the life and death of Navy SEAL Danny P. Dietz Jr. are worth remembering. Paul Pawela recounts the story of the Colorado man who gave his life in Afghanistan and was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross.
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ON LESS LETHAL WEAPONS Pepper spray, batons, Tasers – there’s a range of sublethal tools that cops can use to bring subjects under control, but how effective are they? Retired officer Nick Perna shares some thoughts on the pluses and minuses of less lethal weapons.
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LAW ENFORCEMENT SPOTLIGHT: BATTLE AGAINST CARTELS CLAIMS COP In this solemn month, Nick Perna memorializes Officer Osmar Rodarte, a Northern California cop who was shot and killed during a multi-jurisdiction operation targeting transnational drug cartels in March.
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BULLET BULLETIN: SNAKE SHOT – THE HIKER’S HELPER Sometimes you need a little less gun, such as when dealing with rattlers, varmints and other unwanted critters that unexpectedly turn up at close range. Situations like that call for snake shot, and our Phil Massaro tested out modern offerings from CCI and Doubletap Ammunition, including a nontoxic choice. He shares his takesss.
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ROAD HUNTER: LATE-SEASON TURKEY MOVES Gone are spring’s relatively easy gobblers, but tagging a May tom in the West is still doable if you hunt strategically. Scott Haugen – who just so happens to have written the book on the subject – shares effective late-season tactics.
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MAKING THE CUT: A TRIO OF CLEVER BLADES If you’re in the market for a concealed carry knife or backup blade, you might take a gander at Columbia River Knife & Tool’s M16-14XD Crossbar Lock, Clever Girl Fixed Blade and Siwi Fixed Blade.
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BLACK POWDER: GEARING UP FOR LEVER-GUN SHOOTING It’s easier than you think to get in on repeating rifle competitions. How easy? Mike Nesbitt’s glad you asked! He walks us through it, starting with what kind of black powder lever-gun might work best for ya!
AMERICAN SHOOTING JOURNAL is published monthly by Media Index Publishing Group, 941 Powell Ave SW, Suite 120, Renton, WA 98057. Display Advertising. Call Media Index Publishing Group for a current rate card. Discounts for frequency advertising. All submitted materials become the property of Media Index Publishing Group and will not be returned. Copyright © 2025 Media Index Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be copied by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying or recording by any information storage or retrieval system, without the express written permission of the publisher. Printed in U.S.A.
americanshootingjournal.com 7
(PAUL PAWELA)
73 company SpotlightS 37
MAKING ALL-DAY CARRY COMFORTABLE “Quality and innovation” – that’s the mantra that guides Clinger Holsters’ product development. Owner and CEO Bo McCormick details the company’s history and current offerings, including the Gear Clip, Clinger Claw and new S.H.O.T. Box.
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TOWARD A QUIETER, CLEANER, BETTER DAY ON THE RANGE Jaguar Silencers sets its suppressors apart with IntermittentFlow Technology. Ben Staub, president of parent company BasTech, explains how the system works and what makes their silencers well worth the investment.
MORE FEATURES 73
SELF-DEFENSE TRAINING: ANOTHER CLOSE-QUARTERS DEFENSIVE TACTIC “Wild Bill” Hickok died nearly 150 years ago, but his legacy as a Wild West gunfighter still has currency today when it comes to self-defense. Paul Pawela explains how.
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TACTICAL TRAINING: SURVIVAL MINDSET – A TALE OF TWO REALITIES: GUATEMALA AND THE UNITED STATES Graciela Casillas mixed business with pleasure during a recent trip to Guatemala, where she had the privilege of teaching firearms and defensive tactics to civilians and police officers. It also gave her a chance to compare and contrast how residents prepare for crime there and at home in the US.
Gun REVIEW 60
COLT CBX TACTICAL HUNTER Sportsmen, take note! The words Colt and hunting rifle might not seem like a natural match, but our Frank Jardim took a look at the M16 maker’s new CBX Tac Hunter bolt-action and found a rifle that was well designed, well built, exceptionally smooth cycling and quite accurate.
DEPARTMENTS 11 13 39 8 American Shooting Journal // May 2025
Gun Show Calendar Competition Calendar Holster Gallery
PRIMER
GUNSHOW C A L E N D A R
C&E Gun Shows
May 3-4
Hamilton, Ohio
Butler County Fairgrounds
May 24-25
Winston-Salem, N.C.
Winston-Salem Fairgrounds
Crossroads Of The West Gun Shows
May 3-4
Vallejo, Calif.
Solano County Fairgrounds
Florida Gun Shows
May 17-18
Orlando, Fla.
Central Florida Fair Grounds
May 31-June 1
Miami, Fla.
Miami-Dade Fairgrounds & Expo
May 3-4
Phoenix, Ariz.
Chateau Luxe Event Venue
May 17-18
Gilbert, Ariz.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Phoenix - Gilbert
May 3-4
Paducah, Ky.
Trader’s Mall
May 10-11
Gray, Tenn.
Appalachian Fairgrounds
May 17-18
Springfield, Mo.
Ozark Empire Fairgrounds
May 17-18
Atlanta, Ga.
Atlanta Expo Center
May 24-25
Tulsa, Okla.
Expo Square - Exchange Center
May 24-25
Chattanooga, Tenn.
Camp Jordan Arena
May 31-June 1
Thomasville, Ga.
Deep South Fairgrounds
May 31-June 1
Franklin, Tenn.
Williamson County Expo Center
May 17-18
East Bernard, Texas
Riverside Hall
May 30-June 1
Round Rock, Texas
Round Rock Embassy Suites
May 10-11
Golden, Colo.
Jeffco Fairgrounds
May 3-4
Albany, Ore.
Linn County Expo Center
cegunshows.com
crossroadsgunshows.com
floridagunshows.com
GunTVShows.com guntvshows.com
RK Shows rkshows.com
Texas Gun Shows gunshowstx.com
Tanner Gun Shows tannergunshow.com
Wes Knodel Gun Shows wesknodelgunshows.com
To have your event highlighted here, send an email to kaumann@media-inc.com. americanshootingjournal.com 11
PRIMER
COMPETITION C A L E N D A R
USA Shooting usashooting.org
United States Practical Shooting Association uspsa.org
Glock Sport Shooting Foundation gssfonline.com
Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association cmsaevents.com
International Defensive Pistol Association idpa.com
June 23-26 Shotgun Para World Cup Hillsdale, Mich.
May 21-25 300M National and Selection Matches Elk River, Minn.
May 28-June 1 Shotgun National Championships - Trap Hillsdale, Mich.
May 21-25 Shotgun National Championships - Skeet Hillsdale, Mich.
June 9-17 Rifle and Pistol National Championships Anniston, Ala.
May 15-18 Mississippi Classic Florence, Miss.
May 22-25 Mid Atlantic Sectional New Tripoli, Pa.
May 30-June 1 Lone Star State Championship Ladonia, Texas
May 15-18 Washington State Championship Benton City, Wash.
May 28-June 1 Ruger World Speed Shooting Championship Talladega, Ala.
June 5-8 Area 1 Championship Nampa, Idaho
May 10-11 IN-OH-KY Borderlands Shootout Versailles, Ind.
May 17-18 Northern Lakes Regional Classic Lake Elmo, Minn.
June 7-8 Glock Fire on the Mountain Johnstown, Pa.
May 17-18 Belton Blast Belton, S.C.
May 31-June 1 Big Sioux Ballistic Challenge Valley Springs, S.D.
June 7-8 Beaver State Ballistic Challenge Dundee, Ore.
May 9-10 Utah State Shoot Kaysville, Utah
May 17-18 McKinley County Mounted Shooters Showdown Gallup, N.M.
May 24-25 Montana State Championships Deer Lodge, Mont.
May 10-11 Spring Fling Washington State Shoot Tenino, Wash. May 3-4 Western IDPA Regional Championship Sloughhouse, Calif. May 4 Indiana State Championship Atlanta, Ind.
May 24-25 Virginia State Championship Shoot Doswell, Va.
June 6-7 South Carolina State Championship Pendleton, S.C.
May 17 Great Lakes Regional Saginaw, Mich.
May 30-June 1 Georgia State IDPA Championship Dawsonville, Ga.
May 22-25 Rocky Mountain Regional IDPA Championship Palisade, Colo.
June 7 Iowa State IDPA Championship Elkhart, Iowa
To have your event highlighted here, send an email to kaumann@media-inc.com. americanshootingjournal.com 13
Marine Corps War Memorial, also known as the Iwo Jima Memorial, at Arlington Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. (JOE GOUGH/SHUTTERSTOCK)
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Remembering Those Whom Memorial Day Honors The stories of five Americans who were awarded the Medal of Honor after making the ultimate sacrifice.
T
STORY BY JAMES M. LINDSAY AND CFR.ORG
he United States has fought twelve major wars and numerous smaller skirmishes in its history. Memorial Day is how we honor the soldiers, sailors, airmen, airwomen, and Marines who did not return home. The holiday dates back to the months immediately following the Civil War when a few towns and cities began honoring their dead. In 1868, General John A. Logan – at the time the head of an organization for Union veterans, later a U.S. senator from Illinois, and the man for whom Logan Circle in Washington, DC, is named – called for May 30 to be designated “Decoration Day.” He said the purpose would be for “strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion.” The holiday was renamed Memorial Day after World War I, and its purpose became to honor all Americans who have died fighting the nation’s wars. Since 1971, Memorial Day has been celebrated on the last Monday in May. In honor of Memorial Day, here are the stories of five Americans who were awarded the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest award for bravery, for making the ultimate sacrifice:
americanshootingjournal.com 15
being wounded, Heriot continued to fight. Later that day, he charged another machine-gun nest. This time he was cut down by enemy fire. He was three weeks shy of turning twentyeight, and thirty days shy of witnessing Armistice Day. His Medal of Honor is on display at the Camden Archives and Museum in Camden, South Carolina.
Cpl. James D. Heriot, World War I Medal of Honor recipient. (UNITED STATES ARMY)
Corporal James Davidson Heriot was born on November 2, 1890, in Providence, South Carolina, a small town located sixty miles southeast of the state capital of Columbia. After completing high school, he attended Clemson Agricultural College, which today is Clemson University. Heriot majored in agriculture and graduated in 1912 from what was then an all-white, male military school. He returned home to work on the family farm and joined the South Carolina Army National Guard. The United States declared war on Germany in April 1917. Two months later, Heriot was summoned to active duty. He was assigned the American Expeditionary Force’s 118th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division and ordered to France. On August 8, 1918, Allied forces launched the Hundred Days Offensive, an effort to break through German lines and end the war. On October 12, Heriot’s division was fighting alongside British and Australian troops at the Battle of St. Quentin Canal in Vaux-Andigny, a town in northern France near the border with Belgium. The canal was the most heavily defended section of the German defense known as the Hindenburg Line. After their company took heavy fire from a German machine-gun nest, Heriot and four other soldiers decided to attack the position. Two of the soldiers were quickly killed, while two others took cover. Heriot, however, refused to stop, covering the thirty yards to the nest and using his bayonet to force the German gunners to surrender. Despite 16 American Shooting Journal // May 2025
PFC Harold C. Agerholm, World War II Medal of Honor recipient. (UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS)
Private First Class Harold Christ Agerholm was born on January 29, 1925, in Racine, Wisconsin, where he grew up. After graduating from high school, he worked briefly at a local manufacturing company. On June 16, 1942, he enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve. He completed basic training in San Diego and was sent in November 1942 to Wellington, New Zealand, where his battalion trained for eleven months. He saw action at the Battle of Tarawa in November 1943. He was then ordered back to Hawaii with the 2nd Marine Division to train for the invasion of Saipan in the Mariana Islands, a strategic target 130 miles northeast of Guam that, if taken, would make it possible for B-29 bombers to target the Japanese home islands. The Battle of Saipan began on June 15, 1944. Agerholm landed on the island three days later as a member of the 4th Battalion, 10th Marines, 2d Marine Division. On July 7, Agerholm’s battalion was engaged in fierce fighting when the Japanese forces mounted a major counterattack. A nearby artillery battalion was soon overrun. Agerholm volunteered to help evacuate the wounded. For more than three hours,
One way to celebrate Memorial Day is to place flowers or flags on the graves of fallen soldiers. (CDRIN/SHUTTERSTOCK)
americanshootingjournal.com 17
he repeatedly braved enemy rifle and mortar fire to bring his wounded comrades back to safety. He eventually evacuated an estimated forty-five Marines. As he ran to aid what he believed to be two more wounded men, he was killed by a Japanese sniper. Agerholm was nineteen years old. On June 26, 1946, the USS Agerholm was named in his honor. It would fight in both the Korean and Vietnam wars. The Jerstad-Agerholm elementary and middle school in Agerholm’s hometown of Racine also bears his name.
PFC Herbert K. Pililaau, Korean War Medal of Honor recipient.
north of the 38th parallel. The division then turned its sights toward another target roughly a mile away. It would come to be known as Heartbreak Ridge. On September 17, 1951, Pililaau’s unit was under heavy attack from North Korean forces on Heartbreak Ridge. Ordered to withdraw as their ammunition was running low, Pililaau volunteered to stay behind to provide covering fire. He fired on the attackers until he had exhausted all his ammunition and grenades. He then engaged in hand-to-hand combat. He was finally shot and then bayoneted. When U.S. forces subsequently retook the position, they found Pililaau’s body surrounded by more than forty enemy dead. He was three weeks shy of turning twenty-three. He was the first native Hawaiian to be awarded the Medal of Honor and is buried in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu. In January 2000, the U.S. Navy christened the USNS Pililaau, a military sealift command cargo ship, in his honor. The Herbert K. Pililaau Army Recreation Center in Pililaau’s hometown of Waianae is named after him.
(MILITARY SEALIFT COMMAND)
Private First Class Herbert K. Pililaau was born on the Hawaiian island of Oahu on October 10, 1928. He was the ninth of fourteen children and grew up in Waianae, a small beachfront town on the west coast of Oahu thirty miles north of Honolulu. He loved to sing and play the ukulele. He had just turned thirteen when Japanese forces attacked Pearl Harbor. He graduated from high school in 1948 and studied accounting at a local business school. Deeply religious – he didn’t drink and preferred reading the Bible to socializing – Pililaau initially considered seeking conscientious objector status when he received his draft notice shortly after the Korean War began. He ultimately decided to report for duty, however. In March 1951, he was deployed to Korea, serving with Company C, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. In August, he fought at the Battle of Bloody Ridge, in which his division seized a ridge in east central Korea just 18 American Shooting Journal // May 2025
him as “peaceful, caring, and gentle.” Expecting to be drafted into the Army, Anderson left school and opted to enlist in the Marines on February 17, 1966. By year’s end, he was a rifleman with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division in Quang Tri Province on the central coast of South Vietnam. On February 28, 1967, Anderson’s platoon was tasked with extracting a reconnaissance patrol that was pinned down in dense jungle northwest of Cam Lo. As the platoon moved forward, it too came under heavy attack. As the Marines closed ranks and returned fire, an enemy grenade landed near Anderson’s head. As his Medal of Honor citation describes it, “unhesitatingly and with complete disregard for his personal safety, he reached out, grasped the grenade, pulled it to his chest and curled around it as it went off.” Several of Anderson’s fellow Marines suffered minor shrapnel wounds but survived. He did not. He was just twenty years old. Nineteen months later he would become the first African-American Marine to be awarded the Medal of Honor. In 1983, the U.S. Navy named a maritime prepositioning ship after him. In December 2022, Congress passed a law naming a post office in Compton after Anderson.
PFC James Anderson Jr., Vietnam War Medal of Honor recipient. (UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS)
Private First Class James Anderson Jr. was born on January 22, 1947, in Los Angeles. He grew up in Compton, one of seven children. He loved to sing, dance, and play the clarinet. He graduated tenth in his high school class in 1964. He took pre-law classes for a year and a half at Los Angeles Harbor College and aspired to become a pastor. His family and friends described
SSgt Travis W. Atkins, Iraq War Medal of Honor recipient. (UNITED STATES ARMY)
Staff Sergeant Travis W. Atkins was born on December 9, 1975, in Great Falls, Montana. He lived in Helena until he was five, when his family moved two hours south to Bozeman. He loved the outdoors and was an accomplished hunter, fisherman,
and snowmobiler. After leaving school, he had a succession of jobs painting, laying concrete, and repairing small engines. He enlisted in the Army on November 16, 2000, three weeks before his twenty-fifth birthday. In March 2003, he was ordered to Kuwait, where he fought in the invasion of Iraq as a fireteam leader with the 101st
Airborne Division. He left the Army as a sergeant in December 2003, and returned to Montana to work and attend the University of Montana in Missoula. Two years later he reenlisted in the Army. By May 1, 2007, he had been promoted to staff sergeant and was a platoon leader in the 2d Brigade Combat Team in the 10th Mountain
Many towns and communities hold parades on Memorial Day. (TIANYU HAN/SHUTTERSTOCK)
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Division. One month later, while manning an observation post with his four-man squad in Abu Samak, Iraq, Atkins noticed four men acting oddly. Suspecting the men were insurgents, he led his team in approaching the group to conduct a search. A scuffle quickly erupted. When one of the insurgents reached under his clothes, Atkins wrestled the man to the ground, pulling him away from his three fellow soldiers. With Atkins lying on top of him, the insurgent detonated an explosive vest. “He saved my life and the life of several others,” Army Sgt. Sand Aijo later said. “I would not be here today without him.” Atkins was thirty-two when he died. He left behind a wife and an eleven-year-old son. He was originally awarded a Distinguished Service Cross. In 2019, his valor was recognized with a Medal of Honor. ★ Editor's note: Originally published on CFR.org and reprinted here with permission. For more analysis and blog posts on military history and foreign policy, visit CFR.org.
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O
n Memorial Day, May 26, 2025, Americans across the country will remember the brave men and women who gave their lives for our country. First established in 1868 in remembrance of Union and Confederate soldiers who perished in the Civil War, in the decades since, the holiday, which is also referred to as Decoration Day, has come to represent all Americans lost in war. In honor of those who have sacrificed themselves for our freedom, we’ve gathered a list of Memorial Day quotes to recognize those courageous men and women.
"AS WE EXPRESS OUR GRATITUDE, WE MUST NEVER FORGET THAT THE HIGHEST APPRECIATION IS NOT TO UTTER THE WORDS, BUT TO LIVE BY THEM." – PRESIDENT JOHN F. KENNEDY
“No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation.” – General Douglas MacArthur
"HERE MEN ENDURED THAT A N
“I BELIEVE OUR FLAG IS MORE THAN JUST CLOTH AND INK. IT IS A UNIVERSALLY RECOGNIZED SYMBOL THAT STANDS FOR LIBERTY, AND FREEDOM. IT IS THE HISTORY OF OUR NATION, AND IT’S MARKED BY THE BLOOD OF THOSE WHO DIED DEFENDING IT.” – US Senator John Thune
“Some people live an entire lifetime and wonder if they have ever made a difference in the world. A veteran does not have that problem.” – President Ronald Reagan
“America was built on courage, on imagination and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand.” – President Harry S. Truman
“It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God such men lived.”
“This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.” – Elmer Davis, journalist, Director, Office of War Information, World War II
– General George S. Patton
"OUR FLAG DOES NOT FLY BECAUSE THE WIND MOVES IT. IT FLIES WITH THE LAST BREATH OF EACH SOLDIER WHO DIED PROTECTING IT.” – UNKNOWN
A NATION MIGHT LIVE."
– PRESIDENT HERBERT HOOVER
“It doesn’t take a hero to order men into battle. It takes a hero to be one of those men who goes into battle.”
– General Norman Schwarzkopf
“Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them.”
– President Franklin D. Roosevelt
“WE MUST DARE TO BE GREAT; AND WE MUST REALIZE THAT GREATNESS IS THE FRUIT OF TOIL AND SACRIFICE AND HIGH COURAGE." – PRESIDENT THEODORE ROOSEVELT
(SHUTTTERSTOCK)
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MILITARY SPOTLIGHT
'FOR THE CAUSE OF FREEDOM' Remembering Navy SEAL Danny Dietz, who gave his life in Afghanistan.
STORY BY PAUL PAWELA PHOTOS COURTESY OF DANNY DIETZ FAMILY
n the pages of American Shooting Journal – and particularly in our Military Spotlight column – we highlight outstanding acts of courage. No one exuded courage better than Navy SEAL Danny Phillip Dietz Jr. Many of you readers are likely aware of Dietz’s heroism, which was portrayed in the popular bestselling book and blockbuster movie Lone Survivor. In June 2005, Dietz and SEAL teammates Michael P. Murphy, Marcus Luttrell and Matthew Axelson were on a recon mission tasked with finding a key Taliban leader in the mountainous terrain near Asadabad, Afghanistan. While in a hiding position observing the Taliban enemy, the team was compromised by goat herders who stumbled upon them. The SEALs debated amongst themselves whether
I
Navy SEAL Gunner’s Mate Second Class Danny P. Dietz Jr., 25, of Aurora, Colorado, was killed June 28, 2005, during a reconnaissance mission in Afghanistan. Dietz was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross during a ceremony in Washington, D.C., on September 13, 2006.
Dietz enlisted in the Navy on August 31, 1999.
to kill their prisoners or release them, knowing the herders would report them to the Taliban. The SEALs decided to let their captives go, and the Taliban was able to track them, leading to an intense gunfight. It has been reported that the SEALs were outnumbered 25 to 1. As we know, there was only one “lone survivor” out of that four-man
team, and it was Luttrell, not Dietz. Amazingly, it took nine bullets to end Dietz’s life. Reports state that he took up to five bullets and continued to defend his fellow SEAL teammates, providing cover fire for escape. IN 2006, DIETZ was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism. His citation americanshootingjournal.com 25
MILITARY SPOTLIGHT Statue of Dietz in Littleton, Colorado.
reads, in part: “Demonstrating exceptional resolve and fully understanding the gravity of the situation and his responsibility to his teammates, Petty Officer Dietz fought valiantly against the numerically superior and
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positionally advantaged enemy force. Remaining behind in a hailstorm of enemy fire, Petty Officer Dietz was wounded by enemy fire. Despite his injuries, he bravely fought on, valiantly defending his teammates and himself in a harrowing gunfight, until he was mortally wounded. By his undaunted courage in the face of heavy enemy fire, and absolute devotion to his teammates, Petty Officer Dietz will long be remembered for the role he played in the Global War on Terrorism. Petty Officer Dietz’s courageous and selfless heroism, exceptional professional skill, and utmost devotion to duty reflected great credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his
life for the cause of freedom.” Too often, we focus on how our heroes died instead of how they lived, which is just as important. Dietz is an example of an American hero. He gave his all – including his life – to protect his fellow teammates. As this article goes to print, we have just celebrated Easter and I’m reminded of something a great man once said: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend” (John 15:13). For more on Danny Dietz, I highly recommend the book Danny: The Virtues Within. Author’s note: This article is dedicated to Dan Dietz Sr. and Cindy Dietz-Marsh. I pray I honored your son well. ★
ON LET While the oft-used analogy “tools in the toolbox” can apply to an officer’s arsenal of tactical equipment, author Nick Perna says an even better way to think of it is as a golfer’s clubs in a golf bag. “A driver serves a much different purpose than a putter but they are designed to do the same thing – put a little white ball in a hole,” he writes.
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LESS ETHAL A look at weapons cops use to try and stop a subject without killing them.
L
STORY AND PHOTOS BY NICK PERNA
ess lethal weapons are a mainstay of a police officer’s equipment for self-defense and other purposes. Although the vast majority of cops will never fire their duty firearm in defense of self or others, they do use less lethal weapons fairly routinely. The term “less lethal” is a bit of a misnomer. Although they aren’t designed to kill, many of them have the potential to do so. That’s why it’s important for officers to be familiar with and to train on all of the weapons at their disposal. The “tools in your toolbox” analogy is one often heard in tactical circles when describing what is available to you at any given time. Although it works, I think a better one is to look at the different pieces of equipment in much the same way a golfer looks at the clubs in their golf bag. A driver serves a much different purpose than a putter but they are designed to do the same thing – put a little white ball in a hole. While each of the systems I describe here serve the same purpose – to protect the user and the public they in turn protect – they all do it in different ways. Here’s what cops carry in their proverbial golf bag, americanshootingjournal.com 29
Pepper spray comes in a little dispenser but packs a big, spicy punch. Just make sure not to stand downwind when deploying it.
what they use it for, and each item’s strengths and limitations. PEPPER SPRAY Pepper spray generally contains oleoresin capsicum (say that 10 times fast), the “spicy” chemical in chili peppers. If you’re thinking, “How nice! I like spicy food!” – think again. One milligram of concentrated OC will cause your skin to blister. It’s mixed with an emulsifier that suspends the OC in water and is generally discharged from handheld canisters. It’s the same stuff that’s used in bear repellent, just with a lower percentage of OC and in a smaller burst. The pros of pepper spray are that it’s a decent, close-quarters deterrent and is particularly effective on people with a high sensitivity to it. Although not used as much on the street, it is a good crowd dispersal tool and is often used in jails and prisons. But OC is an equal opportunity agitator. It will cause discomfort to anyone and anything it comes in contact with. The first (and last) time
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An impact weapon like this PR24 baton is a good tool in close-quarters situations.
I used it on a human being was when confronting a violent subject who was throwing cinder blocks at cars. As I went to spray him with OC, a strong wind blew from behind him towards me. I got a face full of it. When I was able to see again, the first thing I saw was the suspect’s right fist as it connected with my face … I stopped using it after that. IMPACT WEAPONS Impact weapon is a broad term used to describe a variety of tools. Straight sticks, or night sticks, are the traditional impact weapon. These are some of the earliest forms of selfdefense provided to law enforcement. There is a variant with an additional handle protruding at 90 degrees, close to the actual handle. This is the PR24, which is similar to a martial arts kubotan. Collapsible batons are the types most often carried by cops. When used properly, an impact weapon is a good tool. It allows the user to deliver painful strikes to targeted areas. But to use it, you need to be
pretty close – basically, arm’s length. For it to work effectively, the user needs to be proficient in delivering strikes, which most cops aren’t. The possibility of a crook taking your stick from you and hitting you with it is always a concern. Most collapsible batons are, in my opinion, junk. To use it, you have to remember to carry it. You can’t have a noncollapsible baton on your duty belt when you are in a patrol car, so you have to keep it somewhere in the driver’s compartment. And in the moment when you are quickly exiting your cruiser to confront a suspect, you need to remember to grab it. Sounds easy, right? If it were the only thing you had to worry about when jumping out of your work ride, it would be, but it’s not. You need to lock up your car (or take the keys out of your ignition) so the crook in question, or his accomplice, doesn’t steal it. You also need to radio in your location and what you’re currently dealing with, so when the crook steals your car you can notify everyone of your embarrassing
An Armament Systems and Procedures, or ASP, baton in the collapsed position. These weapons are standard-issue for many cops, including the author’s SWAT team.
predicament. With all that going on, it’s easy to forget your stick. And one last con for the impact weapon: If you hit a suspect in the wrong body part, you can seriously hurt or kill them. A well-delivered strike to the head can send a suspect to the promised land, or the other place down south. TASERS The Taser is the wonder weapon of the new millennium that has rendered all other forms of weapons obsolete (well, not quite). Like the zappers used in Demolition Man, cops have found the Taser to be a tool, not the tool. Axon Enterprise, Inc. – formerly Taser International – the designer and sole producer of the system, prefers the term Conducted Energy Device, or CED. Most models fire two or more darts (Axon calls them probes) connected to the weapon by a thin, copper wire. When fired, the darts enter the intended target and an electric charge goes from the Taser, down the wire, through the darts and into the target.
For impact weapons like nunchucks, collapsible batons and PR24s to work effectively, the user needs to be proficient in delivering strikes, “which most cops aren’t,” says Perna.
The desired effect is neuromuscular incapacitation, or NMI (pay attention; there’s a quiz at the end). When it works like it’s intended, the Taser can basically cause the target’s muscles to completely lock up, meaning the target can’t move. It also hurts – a lot. Also, newer models give the user more than one shot before having to reload. The Taser 10 has 10 probes and has an alleged max effective range of 45 feet. However, in my experience, the Taser works like it’s intended less than half the time. Axon might take issue with that, but since they collect all of the statistics from officers around the world and to my knowledge there is no competitor, you’ll have to take my word for it. Axon is also the main supplier of body cameras used by most cops today. First of all, the prongs, which resemble a short, straightened-out fish hook with a barb at the end, don’t always connect to the flesh of the user. Moving targets, like combative people who don’t want to get tased, increase the chances of the prongs
not connecting. Any clothes thicker than a T-shirt stand a good chance of rendering the darts ineffective. If you do get a good connection, you then have another series of issues to contend with. A human being, when in full NMI, basically turns into a fence post. That means when they fall, they can’t put their hands out to protect themselves. This has resulted in a lot of unintended tooth removal in many folks when they were “riding the lightning” (not an official term). When used in conjunction with OC spray that has alcohol in it, it can light a person on fire. That’s not a good look on the 5 o’clock news. Another bad look is a prong in the eye or other “sensitive” parts of the human anatomy. Another unintended side effect of “Edison’s medicine.” 40MM/37MM LAUNCHERS When you care enough to send the very best, very fast and cause a lot of pain, less lethal launchers are the way to go. Basically “artillery for cops,” an LL launcher sends a projectile, usually
americanshootingjournal.com 31
made of rubber, foam or plastic, at the intended target. The impact is similar to getting hit by a fastball from a professional baseball player. They generally come in 37mm or 40mm, with the projectile being a little bigger than a golf ball. Most are single-shot systems, but there are others that hold up to six rounds in a rotary magazine. There are other types of LL launchers like “bean bag” guns. These fire a small bag of bird shot at the target. They look a little bit like a ravioli, but that’s where the similarities end. The biggest pro with LL launchers is that they allow the user to maintain
Perna uses a single-shot 40mm less lethal gun during a law enforcement tactical operation.
32 American Shooting Journal // May 2025
distance from the threat. This is really important when dealing with a suspect armed with something other than a firearm, and there are no cops or other potential victims within stabbing or striking range. However, when a projectile strikes an area like the face, it potentially can be lethal. It will also cause significant damage to internal organs, the spine, genitals, etc. They are fairly accurate, especially when paired with a red dot optic, but they’re not yourgranddaddy’s-deer-rifle accurate. Generally, the threshold for deploying one of these is higher than with OC spray, impact weapons and Tasers.
Another concern is confusing an LL gun with a firearm loaded with lethal ammo. Bean bag guns are generally pump shotguns that can chamber and fire regular, live ammo like 00 buck or slugs. They generally have blaze orange furniture to tell them apart from the real deal. On tactical teams, one member will generally be designated as an LL gunner, carrying only a launcher and a handgun for protection. I guess this can also be a concern for a 40mm launcher, confusing military rounds with law enforcement. It would definitely be a long day if, somehow, a cop launched a high explosive military round at a threat. In the highly unlikely event that this were to happen, make sure to let the coroner know so they can respond with enough Ziploc sandwich baggies to pick up all of the body parts. One more pro I’ll add – and this applies to the Taser, too, when it works – is that you only have to be hit by either system once and you’ll never want to experience it again. There is a steep learning curve for anyone who is on the receiving end. PEPPERBALL GUNS Finally, pepperball guns are relative newcomers to the less lethal arena. It’s basically a paintball gun but the paintballs contain powdered OC. They also make impact rounds – essentially, a smaller (.68-caliber) version of a 37mm or 40mm round, moving at between 280 and 425 feet per second. These are good riot control weapons. Users are taught, under certain circumstances, to fire the OC rounds at the ground near the intended target. This allows the OC powder to fill the air, affecting multiple intended targets. But like OC spray, powdered OC is the gift that keeps on giving. A gas mask might be a good option, especially if your pepperball gunner is “spraying and praying.” So when it comes to your arsenal of tactical weapons – aka, putting your ball in the proverbial hole – practice your chip shots, try to stay on the green, and know what less lethal weapon to use for every situation. ★
L.E. SPOTLIGHT
BATTLE AGAINST CARTELS CLAIMS COP
Officer died in late March shootout. STORY BY NICK PERNA PHOTO COURTESY OF MARYSVILLE, CALIFORNIA, POLICE DEPARTMENT
O
ne of the biggest threats to the American way of life is transnational organized crime. We have a long history with it, going back over 100 years, dealing with the Italian Mafia and its stranglehold over unions and domination of racketeering, human trafficking, drug dealing and other criminal endeavors. Thanks to the tireless work of law enforcement and prosecutors, the mob is a shadow of what it once was. But others have moved in to fill the void. Russian, Eastern European and Asian crime groups have picked up where the Mafia left off. But the preeminent organized crime groups that have the most obvious and significant effect on America today are Mexican cartels. This multi-headed hydra is responsible for the majority of illegal drugs coming into America. Law enforcement at local, state and federal levels deal with the cartels’ illegal activities here and abroad. Federal agencies like the Drug Enforcement
Northern California cop Osmar Rodarte was shot and killed during a multi-jurisdiction SWAT operation targeting transnational drug cartels in late March.
Administration, Border Patrol and US Customs fight the cartels in Mexico, at its borders and in the interior of the US. Local and state cops deal with them in their own jurisdictions. DUE TO ITS proximity to Mexico, California gets a significant amount of cartel criminal activity. Cartels have had a major presence in the state for decades and cops have been fighting them for just as long. And while Yuba County, a small county in the northeast portion of the state, is a long way from the US-Mexico border, illegal cartel drug activity is present there too. But the cops up there take an active approach to dealing with them. On March 25, officers from Yuba, Tehama, Sutter and Butte Counties
conducted a massive operation targeting cartel drug dealers in the North State. Twenty separate residences were hit with search warrants. All went off without incident, except one. SWAT officers with the Marysville Police Department, along with officers from other allied agencies, served one of those search warrants in the small town of Olivehurst. Upon making entry into the residence, officers were engaged by gunfire. One officer was killed in the process. His name was Osmar Rodarte, a two-year veteran of the Marysville Police Department. Officer Rodarte was taken to a local hospital where, sadly, he succumbed to his wounds. The suspect, a convicted felon, was struck by fire from SWAT officers and was pronounced americanshootingjournal.com 35
dead at the scene. It’s the seemingly never-ending narrative of a criminal with felony convictions being allowed back on the street, using a weapon he isn’t supposed to possess, to kill yet another officer. Officer Rodarte was a veteran of the US Army. He left behind a wife and child. By all accounts he was a highly motivated officer. The fact that he had already been selected to be on a SWAT team so early in his career speaks volumes about his professionalism. He was known for his sense of humor and was well liked and respected by his colleagues. As you read this, cops are working on putting together more cases on cartel members. At the same time, cartel members are doing all they can to avoid arrest to maintain their illegal activities. We lost a good one in the process of combatting these animals, but make no mistake about it, law enforcement will continue to fight them at all costs.★ Editor’s note: Author Nick Perna served for more than 24 years with the Redwood City Police Department in Northern California before his recent retirement. He previously served as a paratrooper in the US Army and is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He also has a master’s degree from the University of San Francisco. He is a frequent contributor to multiple print and online forums on topics related to law enforcement, firearms, tactics and veterans issues.
36 American Shooting Journal // May 2025
COMPANY SPOTLIGHT
MAKING ALL-DAY CARRY COMFORTABLE ‘Quality and innovation’ guide Clinger Holsters’ product development. PHOTOS BY CLINGER HOLSTERS
C
linger Holsters started out of a garage in Van Buren, Arkansas, back in 2014 to meet the demand for comfortable, discreet carry. “There was a real need for holsters that not only conceal well, but also offer true comfort and accessibility,” says Bo McCormick, who took over the business as owner and CEO in 2023. “Its priority was to focus on comfort for all-day carry. Over time, we’ve continued to introduce new holster styles and expand our product line, making sure every customer can find a reliable fit that suits their needs.” Indeed, Clinger has grown to support over 260 unique gun models from 27 different gun manufacturers, and continues to add more all the time. “Quality and innovation have always been guiding principles,” adds McCormick. “Each holster is designed and tested with care to meet high standards, and we select premium materials to ensure every product is functional, durable and made to last. You can see that commitment in every detail – from the precise way our holsters are molded, to the hardware that holds everything securely in place.” Another key feature of Clinger’s Kydex holsters is comfort. Their designs prioritize rounded edges, soft lines and adjustability over fancy aesthetics, says McCormick. For an added layer of comfort, customers can opt for the Clinger Cushion – a moisture-wicking, breathable and machine-washable
mesh cushion. Finally, with their Clinger Core System, almost every holster model is capable of converting to four different holster styles, with the most adjustability for cant, carry height and carry position. Every holster is ambidextrous, and can be ordered with an optic cut. “We are constantly researching new and innovative options,” says McCormick. “We are excited to announce our newly redesigned Gear Clip and Clinger Claw. The Gear Clip will now have 10-degree cant angle increments. And our new Clinger Claw will add a large degree of comfort and additional concealment to our lineup.” ANOTHER NEW ADDITION is the S.H.O.T. Box, which stands for Skill Honing and
The newly redesigned Clinger Claw adds additional comfort and concealment.
Ongoing Training. The S.H.O.T. Box, a monthly subscription delivered right to your door, “contains everything someone will need, outside a gun and some ammo, to head out and train,” explains McCormick. “It’s designed with several ideas in mind. The box can be used as a target holder, so even if you don’t have an official range, or your range has a blown-out backer board, you just need to secure the box, and your targets can be switched out as wanted.” “These were meant to be a monthly americanshootingjournal.com 37
COMPANY SPOTLIGHT reminder that it’s time to train,” he adds. “As with anything, training is important. Practicing to protect what matters needs to be a priority.” Clinger’s “Protect What Matters” campaign isn’t just a motto, says McCormick. “It’s a genuine call to stay vigilant, train effectively and build confidence. After all, simply owning a firearm doesn’t guarantee safety – knowing how to carry, draw and respond responsibly is what truly makes the difference. That’s why we design our holsters to be comfortable, discreet, secure and dependable – so you’re prepared when it matters most.” “As a family-operated company,” he continues, “we take a personal, handson approach to every holster we create, treating each one as a critical tool for law-abiding citizens to protect their
38 American Shooting Journal // May 2025
Clinger Holsters’ new Gear Clip now has 10-degree cant angle increments.
families. For us, it’s not just about business – it’s a responsibility we take seriously.” ★ Editor’s note: Visit clingerholsters.com for more information.
HOLSTER GALLERY
TRIPLE K MFG. triplek.com The Triple K Miramar holster is a wet-molded thumb-break opticsfriendly holster. Features strong-side- and cross-draw capability. The holster has a forward cant for comfort and fits waist belts up to 1.50 inches wide. This holster is available in black or walnut oil. Made in the USA by Triple K. MSRP: $106.
EXODUS GUNLEATHER exodusgunleather.com Crafted from horse hide and premium exotic leather, the Illusion combines rugged durability with refined elegance. Handcrafted for precision fit and long-lasting wear, it offers secure firearm retention and unmatched style. Ideal for the barbeque or everyday carry, it’s a standout piece that blends function with luxury.
CLINGER HOLSTERS clingerholsters.com Clinger’s IWB Hinge Holster melts into your waist. Their Hinge Tab flexes, crushing hot spots and killing print, allowing for all-day comfort. The rugged shell utilizes Clinger Holsters’ Core System, adapting to your needs quickly. Carry in virtually any spot, any style – comfort stays locked in all day.
HENRY HOLSTERS henryholsters.com The Cipher is a slim, ambidextrous holster designed around compatibility with both Discreet Carry Concepts clips and the PHLster Enigma system. It features an open muzzle, a symmetrical, ambi mid-height sweatguard, and generous clearance for optics and suppressor-height sights mounted to your Glock. americanshootingjournal.com 39
HOLSTER GALLERY THUNDERWEAR thunderwearholsters.com Thunderwear is the ultimate concealed carry holster designed for maximum comfort and minimal clothing. Worn discreetly inside the waistband, it lets you carry securely without belts or bulky layers. Ideal for active lifestyles, offering perfect concealment with total freedom to dress how you want – no compromise, just comfort and security.
MERNICKLE HOLSTERS GEAR FOR PATRIOTS gearforpatriots.com This premium holster features leather and exotic trim and is fully customizable to fit various handguns, including models with optics. Combining durability, style and precision fit, it offers secure retention and a refined appearance – perfect for those who demand both function and distinctive craftsmanship in their carry gear.
40 American Shooting Journal // May 2025
mernickleholsters.com Discover the AlphaMag Holster – the perfect balance of security and accessibility. With its Magnetic Retention Assist, the AlphaMag provides an extra layer of hold to help keep your firearm in place while ensuring a smooth, effortless draw when you need it.
42 American Shooting Journal // May 2025
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
BULLET BULLETIN
A wide selection of snake shot for handguns is now available on the market, including a nontoxic choice.
SNAKE SHOT – THE HIKER’S HELPER Testing CCI and Doubletap Ammunition's shells for slitherers. STORY BY PHIL MASSARO • PHOTOS BY MASSARO MEDIA GROUP
T
he weather is getting warmer, the leaves have popped out and I hope your turkey season was successful. As we approach summer, weekend hikes are definitely on the menu, and those memories made with the kids and family are, at least to me, priceless. But sometimes those peaceful hikes and serene camping sites can be clouded by those members of nature that don’t get along well with humans. Whether it’s the skunks, snakes or porcupines in the wilds, or the rats,
red squirrels, woodchucks and other rodents that can invade sheds, gardens, garages and more, the need for a shortrange shotshell is evident – especially one that can be dispatched in an area where a single projectile might not be safe to fire. Enter the handgun snake shot load. Call it snake shot, dust shot or rat shot, but the basic premise is simple – a cartridge suitable for handguns loaded with a payload of shot in a plastic capsule or in a crimped brass case in some instances. For the longest time, the lone CCI Ammunition load was the most popular by far, but they now offer several variants, and there is also a new
player in the mix, with a hybrid load of shot and a projectile. Let’s take a look at the different choices to see what best suits your needs. THE PEST CONTROL Shotshell from CCI is the one I was most familiar with, as in my youth I remember my dad carrying four or five on his pistol belt that accompanied him on the countless coon hunts each fall. Those bluecapped shells were confusing to me, as Ol’ Grumpy Pants had sat me down at the kitchen table with a pencil and paper and explained, ad nauseum, the differences between shotgun shells and rifle and pistol cartridges. These didn’t americanshootingjournal.com 43
BULLET BULLETIN For those who appreciate the additional power of the .22 Magnum, CCI offers 1/8 ounce of No. 12 shot, which can dispatch varmints and reptiles alike. (CCI AMMUNITION)
CCI’s Pest Control Shotshells use an extended case in the shape of a projectile for the autoloaders to ensure proper feeding, where the revolver cartridges use a polymer cap. (CCI AMMUNITION) Author Phil Massaro’s first experience with snake shot was the .22 LR CCI ammo his father carried in his pistol belt. (CCI AMMUNITION)
fit the mold. Under that translucent blue cap was 1/15 ounce of No. 12 shot, cruising along at 1,000 feet per second. The line remains in production, with the .22 LR and .22 WMR representing the rimfires, with the latter using ⅛ ounce of No. 12 shot. The centerfire cartridges are well covered, with the 9mm Luger using 53 grains of No. 12 shot and the rest of the lineup using
No. 9 shot. The .38 Special and .357 Remington Magnum share the same case, loaded with 100 grains of shot, while the .40 S&W sees a payload of 88 grains of No. 9 and the 10mm Auto gets 105 grains of shot. The .44 Remington Magnum gets the shorter case of the .44 Special, so both cartridges can use the 140 grains of No. 9 shot. The .45 ACP sees a load of
The CCI Hevi Bismuth – shown on the left with the green caps – offers a load of No. 8 bismuth shot for the nontoxic experience. The lead shot variant wears a blue cap.
44 American Shooting Journal // May 2025
120 grains of shot and the .45 Colt uses 150 grains of shot. Velocities range between 900 and 1,100 fps. But, as I have stated, CCI has expanded the line with two new offerings of late. First up is the CCI Big 4, which switches up the shot size to the much larger No. 4 shot. It is currently offered in just four cartridges: the 9mm Luger with 45 grains of No. 4, the .38 Special/.357 Magnum with 84 grains, the .44 Special/.44 Magnum with 110 grains, and the .45 Colt with 140 grains. The first three see a muzzle velocity of 1,000 fps, and the heavier .45 Colt runs at 800 fps. The larger shot will aid in dispatching larger critters and pests. To designate the difference between Big 4 and the standard load, CCI uses a translucent red plastic cap. And now, CCI has announced the Hevi Bismuth line of shotshells, giving an effective, nontoxic option in these handgun shotshells. Bismuth is more dense than lead, not to mention the fact that nontoxic shot is all the rage these days, and in these little handgun shotshells it makes a difference in the terminal performance. This line encompasses the 9mm Luger – again using a smaller shot size – loaded with 43 grains of No. 11 shot at 950 fps,
BULLET BULLETIN
The author’s beloved Ruger Blackhawk .45 Colt and the CCI Hevi Bismuth that offers a healthy dose of No. 8 nontoxic bismuth shot.
With a red polymer cap, the CCI Big 4 shotshell uses a load of No. 4 shot to hit harder than the No. 8 and No. 12 shot of the original load. (CCI
AMMUNITION)
the .38 Special/.357 Magnum with 80 grains of No. 8 shot at 1,100 fps, the .40 S&W with 78 grains of No. 4 at 1,300 fps, the .44 Special/.44 Remington Magnum with 112 grains at 1,050 fps, the .45 ACP with 115 grains, and the .44 Colt with 130 grains at 1,050 fps. All three of these are effective loads, and have slightly different applications. Obviously, the smaller shot will deliver a tighter pattern, yet the larger shot will hit harder. And if you are legally required to use lead-free ammunition, or just feel obliged to do so, the Hevi Bismuth is for you. BUT THE CCI stuff is not the only option. Doubletap Ammunition’s DT SnakeShot and new SnakeShot Defense are hybrid projectile/shot payloads, suitable for a number of defensive situations. The DT SnakeShot is the older of the two, using a load of No. 9 shot over a hard cast lead wadcutter bullet, giving the dual-payload option to the
The Doubletap SnakeShot Defense load sees a jacketed hollowpoint bullet seated over a load of No. 9 shot. (DOUBLETAP AMMUNITION)
46 American Shooting Journal // May 2025
BULLET BULLETIN Doubletap’s SnakeShot Defense ammo is offered in the common autoloader cartridges: 9mm Luger, 10mm Auto and .45 ACP.
(DOUBLETAP AMMUNITION)
Doubletap DT SnakeShot sees a load of No. 9 shot seated over a lightfor-caliber hard-cast wadcutter; it is available in cartridges predominantly designed for revolvers. (DOUBLETAP AMMUNITION)
handgunner. It’s available in the most common cartridges like .38 Special, .44 Magnum and .45 Colt, but also in some less-popular gems like the .32 H&R, .327 Federal, .41 Magnum, .44 Special
and .500 S&W Magnum. You’ll see a light-for-caliber wadcutter – 50 grains for the .38 Special, 70 grains for the .44 Magnum and .45 Colt – and a healthy charge of No. 9 shot. All these loads
are designed to give 1,000 fps from a 4-inch barrel. And while this load is great for varmints, snakes and other pests, not to mention being engineered for rimmed cartridges most prevalent in revolvers, the new SnakeShot Defense is geared toward the autoloaders in a different configuration. In this load, the shot is loaded under the projectile, which in this instance is a jacketed hollowpoint. The SnakeShot Defense is offered in three different cartridges: the 9mm Luger, the 10mm Auto and the .45 ACP +P. The 9mm gets a 95-grain jacketed hollowpoint and 60 grains of No. 9 shot, the 10mm Auto gets a 135-grain JHP loaded over 70 grains of No. 9 shot, and the .45 ACP sees a 185-grain JHP over 60 grains of No. 9 shot. These cartridges are engineered to be equally effective for use as a personal defensive load – with that jacketed hollowpoint handling a would-be assailant – and on thosethat-slither.
Massaro carries his Sig Sauer STX .45 ACP often, and the Doubletap SnakeShot Defense extends the usefulness of the cartridge.
48 American Shooting Journal // May 2025
americanshootingjournal.com 49
BULLET BULLETIN
The Doubletap SnakeShot Defense on the target; the author’s gun printed the 185-grain JHP about 2½ inches above the bull’s-eye, with the shot pattern surrounding it.
TAKING FOUR OF the snake shot loads to the field, I could find no snakes to volunteer for testing. So with simple paper targets for my test, I backed up 10 feet from the target – with the thought that if I’m 10 feet away from a Gaboon viper I could probably make it to safety, though a black mamba is faster than I am – I let the shots fly. Starting with the CCI Pest Control Shotshell in my Smith & Wesson Model 36 snubnose, I found an impressive pattern for a short-barreled gun. The overall shot pattern measured 14 inches by 16 inches with the cap and wad hitting the point of aim. The same happened with the Hevi Bismuth load in the little S&W carry gun, with a nearly identical pattern on the target board. Switching guns to my Ruger Blackhawk .45 Colt – with the 7½-inch barrel and a heavier payload – the Hevi Bismuth shot pattern stayed within a 14-inch by 14-inch square, with increased density from the larger shot column. In all these instances, the rimmed aluminum cases had no issue with extraction at all. I tested the .45 ACP Doubletap SnakeShot Defense load in my Sig 50 American Shooting Journal // May 2025
Sauer STX 1911 and found that to be a very interesting load. That 185-grain hollowpoint struck the 10-foot target about 2½ inches above point of aim, with the shot pattern staying in a 9-inch by 11-inch box, or about the size of a letter. There was no problem with the cycling of the action, and while that gun of mine feeds pretty much anything without issue,
the Doubletap ammo fed and ejected without a problem. I can see where this load might quickly gain popularity, as it certainly does double duty. So as you head out hiking, camping, boating or what have you, odds are there is a snake shot load for you and your favorite handgun. Give some of these an audition, and you can carry on more confidently. ★
That is a dead snake! Though a cartoon drawn by the author, the target is indicative of the effects of the CCI Hevi Bismuth in the .45 Colt at 10 feet.
americanshootingjournal.com 51
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ROAD HUNTER
Late-season toms can be tough to fool. Observing their behaviors and understanding what moves to make, when, will help fill a tag.
LATE-SEASON TURKEY MOVES
Gone are spring's relatively easy birds, but tagging a May tom is still doable if you're strategic in how you hunt. STORY AND PHOTOS BY SCOTT HAUGEN
ate last May, I had one turkey tag left to fill. On the day I planned to go, it had rained hard all night. Temperatures were cold. I didn’t head into the woods until 1 p.m. the next day, hoping things would dry out and
L
birds would be active. But foul weather wasn’t the only reason for the late start. Predators were also prevalent and, combined with the wet, cold spring, had claimed nearly all the turkey poults in the area. Hens and toms were spread out and on alert. The situation forced me to cover more ground than usual, reaching secluded timber patches where hens were nesting
and renesting, and where a few toms followed them. I went light and covered ground, making my way through the wet forest with only two diaphragm calls and a cushion to sit on; no decoy. On my fourth setup, I finally got a tom to reply to my soft yelps. After 15 minutes of calling, the tom hadn’t budged, so I snuck closer, let things settle down americanshootingjournal.com 53
ROAD HUNTER laying, one egg will be deposited in the nest every 24 to 32 hours. The average size of a clutch is 11 eggs. The hen waits until the final egg is laid prior to incubating. About 28 days after incubation began, the eggs hatch. Turkey chicks leave the nest within 12 to 24 hours. After spending about 10 days on the ground, the developing chicks, called poults, are able to fly short distances and roost in trees. If the weather is favorable, their chances of surviving greatly improve. But ravens, crows, hawks, skunks, raccoons, fox, coyotes, bobcats and stray cats claim many nests and broods. Bobcats routinely hunt poults at night in roost trees. The sperm that is deposited in a hen is viable for more than 30 days. This, along with the already fertilized eggs that didn’t initially get laid, means that if a hen loses a clutch she can renest without having to breed. While this is nature’s way of helping the hen efficiently recover, it makes it hard for hunters. A hen that renests still lays one egg every day prior to incubation, meaning she’s on the move, feeding much of the day. This gives toms the false hope that they’ll get to breed the hen. These toms can be stubborn, not leaving hens this late in the season for
Strategic decoy placement is important in the late season, as you may only get one crack at a smart tom.
and called again. The tom came in slow and silent, and I punched that last tag. Late May is never an easy time to fool a tom. But if you pay attention to details and understand important biological facts about turkeys, you can turn the tables in your favor. KNOW YOUR TURKEYS Throughout many Western states, the peak of the turkey breeding season runs from mid-March to midApril. The breeding season can be delayed depending on snowfall, cold temperatures and lack of food. During a single mating session with one tom, up to 50 eggs are capable of developing inside the hen. When the hen’s body says it’s time to start 54 American Shooting Journal // May 2025
Traveling light, covering ground and offering a range of calls can be the ticket to punching a tag.
THE SEASON IS LESS THAN
6 MONTHS AWAY!
JOIN OUR DUCK HUNTING CLUB! Whether you are new to waterfowling, a seasoned hunter, or somewhere in-between, we’ve got you covered! Season, Week-Long, or Day Shoot memberships available. Contact Ron Spada at 503-539-5396 with any questions or to set up a time to tour the club. siducks.com
ROAD HUNTER
Author Scott Haugen is entering his 39th season of turkey hunting. He took this tom late last season by calling sparingly in the timber and without a decoy, as he wanted an approaching tom to keep searching for the hen.
the simple fact that there are so few of them that are active. HEAD FOR THE HILLS With hens focused on renesting, toms eventually give in to feeding. Toms have not eaten much the past three months and need to replenish lost body weight. Grass seeds, fruits and insects make up their diet this time of year, and that’s where hunters will want to focus efforts. Toms that are sticking in the timber near where hens are renesting can cover 56 American Shooting Journal // May 2025
a lot of ground in search of food. When targeting these turkeys, move often and don’t be afraid to call frequently. Places where deer and elk trails intersect, as well as near creek bottoms, are ideal locations in which to call. When hunting thick areas in the hills with few birds and scattered food sources, I call lightly, often without a decoy. I want toms to come in, curiously searching for a hen. If they see a decoy, these leery toms will sometimes hang up outside of shooting range, but if they can’t locate it, they’ll
keep searching. If you find a forested habitat with nearby wild grasses flourishing in small openings, these can be prime places to focus turkey hunting efforts. By late May the grass can be tall enough to hold toms all day, as it offers food, cover and shade. Setting up a hen decoy on the edges of these meadows can be effective, but sometimes you have to hunt these toms as you would a fall bird, by patterning them. You’ll need to scout and see when, where and how toms are accessing and
ROAD HUNTER leaving such feeding areas. If toms fly into the middle of a meadow from the roost, it can be tough filling a tag in the morning. But if they fly down and walk into the meadow along a trail, you can set up accordingly. Many late-season toms will feed in a meadow all day, not leaving until the evening. When they start moving toward the roost, this is where you can intercept them, either by patiently sitting in a ground blind, waiting for them to pass by, or calling them to a decoy. Here, I like using a hen decoy with a strutting tom decoy behind it, or a jake near the hen decoy. This setup gives the impression that a hen is on the move and a tom or jake is closing
in for a chance to breed. Know the legal shooting hours in the state you’re hunting, as some end in the afternoon. LOW-ELEVATION APPROACHES If hunting river bottoms or valley floors late in the season, keep on the move. These habitats can be even thicker than higher elevation forests, and because of this toms behave differently. Should hens be renesting here, toms don’t stick with them like they do in the upper elevations. This is because there’s a higher density of hens in the lowlands, thus more toms. By late in the season, toms are often gathering in bachelor flocks and feeding along river bottoms and farm fields is their priority.
An array of diaphragm, bite-down and pot calls from Slayer.
SLAYER TURKEY CALLS
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alls are one of the most important tools for a turkey hunter, and Slayer Calls continues to expand their line of quality calls. This will be my fourth season of using Slayer’s diaphragm turkey calls. Some of them are originals, speaking to the sturdiness of the frame, glue, tape and reeds. I’ve already put their new Quad Hen and Choppy Hen diaphragm calls to work, calling in toms to photograph before the season even began. Their new Crystal Pot and Slate Pot calls are excellent too. They’re easy to condition and get a range of sounds from, with multiple strikers. Slayer Calls also has a new gobbler call. I’m excited to test drive it late in the season. I’ve seen a lot of gobbler calls come and go over the decades, usually because they’re not easy to operate. This bite-down, open-reed call might just be here to stay. If you can make OK feeder chuckles on a duck call, you’ll get the Gobbler Slayer down fast. Find out more at slayercalls.com.
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If looking to put meat in the freezer, calling in an entire flock of jakes is fairly simple. Fooling a late-season tom in the lowlands isn’t as easy. These toms know where most of the hens are, and they’ve been pressured, so can be tough to fool. I’ve had good success targeting lowland toms at midday, especially when temperatures are hot. I don’t like hunting river bottom toms in the rain because they’re hard to motivate late in the season. Rather than trying to intercept them off the roost this time of year, I let these toms fly down, feed in the fields, and then as they look to escape the heat in late morning by heading for cover, I’m waiting just inside the treeline with a decoy. I set up on deer trails or along old farm roads, places I know toms travel. The goal is to make it simple for toms to access the decoy and your calling location. When hunting late-season toms in river bottoms or on agricultural land, I like spotting them from a distance, watching which direction they’re moving, then heading them off. Get into the brush and move toward the toms to cut the distance ahead of them and call. Start with light yelps but switch to loud, aggressive yelps and clucks from diaphragms, slates and box calls in an effort to catch their attention. You often only get one crack at fooling these birds, so give it your all. Late-season toms aren’t lazy, they’re just not eager to move to every hen sound they hear. Set up so a tom can quickly and easily reach you. By paying attention to hens, poults and predators in your area, you’ll better understand how and why toms are acting the way they are late in the season. This will allow you to determine when and how to best hunt the area, and put one more tom in the pot before season’s end. ★ Editor’s note: For signed copies of Scott Haugen’s popular book, Western Turkey Hunting: Strategies For All Levels, visit scotthaugen.com. Follow Scott on Instagram and Facebook.
Author Frank Jardim test fires the Colt CBX Tac Hunter in .308 Winchester. It proved well designed, well built, exceptionally smooth cycling and quite accurate.
COLT CBX TACTICAL H
Solid and accurate, this American-made bolt-action from the makers of the M16 deserves a closer look from sportsmen. STORY AND PHOTOS BY FRANK JARDIM
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utside of the M16 rifle, most contemporary shooters don’t associate Colt with long guns. That’s probably because they only dallied in the civilian rifle market in the late 1800s with the Burgess and Lightning repeaters. They had plenty of military contracts before and after, from Civil War rifled muskets to .50-caliber machine guns, but unless you were a military gun buff or in the armed forces, chances are you only thought of Colt for handguns. That changed in the 1960s with Colt’s military M16 series of rifles, but by the time the semiautomatic models took
off with civilian shooters, Colt had many competitors crowding the marketplace. Now Colt is making rifles for the civilian market again with a fine boltaction that doesn’t seem to me to be getting the attention it deserves. I suspect this is because the shooting public still doesn’t connect the Colt name with civilian long guns. Let me present for your consideration the Colt CBX bolt-action family. It consists of two models, the CBX Precision Rifle and the CBX Tac Hunter, offered in two calibers: the versatile .308 Winchester and 6.5 Creedmoor. MSRP is $1,999 and $999, respectively. In a survey
gun review
L HUNTER The all-American-made CBX series rifles are Colt’s first in-house-produced civilian bolt-action rifles. The Tac Hunter has a 20-inch barrel, is 39.75 inches in overall length and weighs just over 7 pounds empty in .308 caliber.
The Colt CBX Precision Rifle is the heavy-barrel, long-range-competitionoriented, slightly older twin brother of the Tac Hunter.
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gun review The Tac Hunter’s weatherproof polymer stock is customizable for length of pull and comb height. That’s really helpful for getting the most out of your scope.
of actual online retail prices, I’ve found them as low as $1,600 for the Precision and $870 for the Tac Hunter. They share a common CZ 600-based action. The Tac Hunter is the lighter-barreled hunting version of the long-range precision rifle. I tested a CBX Tac Hunter in .308 Winchester for this story. INFLUENCED BY THE CZ 600 series rifles, the CBX series uses a separate six-lug bolt head attached to a bolt body of larger overall diameter than the lugs themselves. It operates with The soft rubber recoil pad did a great job of making the rifle pleasant to shoot.
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exceptional smoothness with no trace of binding in the receiver. The locking lugs are arranged in three, front and back, pairs spaced evenly around the bolt face, allowing engagement and disengagement with only 60 degrees of bolt rotation. The cock-on-opening action requires only 6.5 pounds to open. That, along with the smoothness and 60-degree bolt throw, make for quick cycling. If bolts with separate heads make you anxious, know that the base of the bolt handle itself engages a slot in the receiver to serve as an additional safety lug locking the bolt body in the action when closed. The spring-tensioned extractor built into the right side locking lug engages the cartridge rim as it pushes it off the magazine but shouldn’t be counted on to prevent double feeds. Operate the action with authority and without pause through its full cycle to avoid those. Pausing the bolt stroke before the action was closed seemed to result in the cartridge’s rim slipping from under the extractor claw. Engaging the safety both locks the trigger and locks the bolt closed, the latter feature preventing the accidental brushing open of the bolt while moving through dense foliage. A nice safety feature is a visual cocking indicator in the form of a high-visibility red rectangle at the exposed rear end of the bolt. An ambidextrous thumb-operated
safety switch is mounted on the tang. A rectangular button on the right rear of the receiver is depressed to remove the bolt for cleaning. The excellent, adjustable, singlestage trigger was set for 4.25 pounds from the factory, but can be set from 2.5 to 5 pounds. Adjustments require removing the two trigger guard screws and dismounting the barreled action from the stock. This is not a great challenge, but it might be something best done before you go to the range or head off to the hunt. The trigger pull on the test rifle was short and broke crisply with no take-up at all. Rather than a fixed box magazine, the CBX feeds from a removable polymer five-round-capacity, double-column, single-feed Magpul PMAG-5 7.62 AC magazine. The balance point of the rifle is actually right in front of the magazine so the protruding portion doesn’t interfere with comfortably carrying the CBX. A tactical upside is the rifle can be quickly reloaded. An oversized ambidextrous magazine release designed to be used with the fingertip of your shooting hand without breaking your grip is built into the polymer trigger guard assembly. Magpul also makes a 10-round mag if you’re expecting a fight. The Tac Hunter has a 20-inch, threaded-muzzle, free-floated, mediumprofile, four-groove, button-rifled barrel with a 1-in-10-inch twist mounted to
gun review The stainless steel receiver and carbon steel bolt and barrel have a protective black nitride finish. The trigger guard, five-round detachable magazine and stock are polymer.
This five-round Magpul PMAG-5 7.62 AC magazine comes standard with the rifle, but they also make a 10-shot model. Its location in front of the rifle’s balance point doesn’t interfere with comfortably carrying the gun in the field.
a substantial, flat-bottomed, stainless steel receiver intended to increase rigidity and thus accuracy. The receiver’s recoil lug mates solidly with an aluminum chassis molded into the front portion of the stock. The gray polymer CBX Tac Hunter stock is designed for light weight and weather resistance in the field. It has a beavertail forend that gives your supporting hand a substantial swell to hang onto and full pistol grip with plenty of space behind to wrap your thumb around it nice and low, away from your nose during recoil. The gripping surfaces have an excellent nonslip texture molded in. It has two forward sling swivel bases (one for a bipod) and one in the buttstock. It has a thick, soft rubber pad on the butt that I found absorbs .308 recoil to the point of
making it comfortable. My favorite features on this welldesigned stock are the length-of-pull spacers (from 12.75 inches to 14.25 inches) and cheek risers for the comb that allow the shooter to customize the buttstock for a cheek weld that works with their optics. For someone who always struggles with telescopic sights on traditional straight-combed, fixedlength-of-pull rifle stocks, the idea of customizing a stock to the shape of my face and my scope’s eye relief was wonderful. When properly set up, the shouldered rifle automatically lines up the eye with the scope ocular at the correct eye relief. FOR RANGE TESTING, I wanted to mount a Sightmark (sightmark.com) Citadel 3-18x50 scope and use it at the
The bolt has a separate bolt head with three pairs of locking lugs oriented 120 degrees apart. This allows for a 60-degree bolt throw. The action is exceptionally smooth. The receiver is drilled and tapped for Remington 700 scope mounts, covered here with protective rubber plugs.
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maximum 18x magnification. I had an excellent Riton (ritonoptics.com) two-clamp Picatinny rail mount, but I needed to get a rail section to install on the CBX receiver, which comes pre-drilled and tapped for No. 8-40 screws on the centerline. Colt sells the Picatinny rail section separately. Remington 700-pattern scope mounts and bases will fit the CBX too. I intended to shoot prone at 100 yards from my B&T Industries (accushot.com) Atlas Precision Bipod. This top-of-the-line, battlefield-proven, machined aluminum unit has legs that are quickly and easily adjustable for length and angle and a tensioned pivoting boss for solid support. However, mine is the BT46 model that mounts to a Picatinny rail with a single, quick-release latch. Fortunately, B&T makes an adapter plate (BT17) that perfectly fit the forend of the CBX using the existing sling mounting studs. Once attached, the rear mounting stud needed a small, hardware-store washer
gun review Note the ambidextrous magazine release paddle in front of the trigger guard, the deep stippling on the gripping surfaces, the receiver Picatinny rail that Colt sells separately from the rifle, Riton double clamp scope mount and value-priced Sightmark scope.
to position it high enough to attach my sling. With an eye toward field emergencies, I’ve been using a Firefield (firefield.com) two-point paracord sling, which is comfortable, adjustable from 37.5 inches to 45 inches, and made from 80 feet of 550-pound-test paracord. (If you can’t get yourself out of trouble with that much paracord and a roll of duct tape, there’s probably no saving you.) The final shooting accessory I wanted for my range test was my Silencer Central (silencercentral.com) Banish 30 multicaliber suppressor. It’s awkward shooting rifles prone with over-the-ear
hearing protection, and shooting any high-powered rifle like that can be rough on the shoulder in short order. I knew the suppressor would reduce the felt recoil as well as lower the report to ear-safe levels. The CBX rifle is guaranteed capable of 1-MOA accuracy and I didn’t want to hold it back by not shooting my best because I was uncomfortable. Curiously, the CBX muzzle was threaded for 9/16x24, but, having discovered this early on in my study of the rifle, I got the necessary thread adapter from Silencer Central. With a small squeezable sandbag under the rifle butt, I shot a series of
five-shot strings with three different, essentially random, ammo types. To my delight, all loads shot well, averaging groups of 1.5 inches overall. That’s not 1 MOA, but it suggests that with the right ammunition, the CBX could easily shoot 1 MOA. Plain old Winchester white box 7.62x51mm NATO 147-grain FMJ shot average groups of 1.43 inches, which is impressive for what is basically a military standard load. Winchester Match .308 168-grain MatchKing
The rifle has a sliding tang safety that locks the trigger and bolt when engaged. When the rifle is cocked and ready to fire, a red rectangle is visible at the base of the bolt as shown in the photo. A 9/16 x24 threaded muzzle with protective cap is standard on the Tac Hunter.
The Silencer Central Banish 30 is a very versatile, direct-thread, alltitanium suppressor that can be set up with a 7- or 9-inch tube. Jardim found the muzzle threads on the CBX mated snuggly with those on the suppressor and adapters. That’s important to prevent baffle strikes.
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gun review For testing, the author set the CBX Tac Hunter up with a B&T Industries BT46 Atlas Precision Bipod with BT17 Picatinny rail adapter, Silencer Central multicaliber Banish 30 suppressor and Sightmark 3-18x50 scope.
HPBT averaged 1.5 inches. Black Hills Ammunition Gold .308 Match 155-grain Hornady A-Max bullet loads shot groups averaging 1.57 inches. Recoil was never uncomfortable with the suppressor attached, so I decided to experiment without it and found that the soft rubber pad on the buttplate was doing most of the recoil dampening work. This is not a rifle that
The flat-bottom receiver used on the CBX is intended to reduce flex and increase accuracy. It mates up against the aluminum chassis molded into the polymer stock.
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will beat up your shoulder lacking a muzzle brake or suppressor. The CBX Tac Hunter is a solid and accurate, CZ 600-inspired but allAmerican-made, high-quality rifle that deserves a close look from American sportsmen. I’m surprised it isn’t priced a lot higher than it is. For more on this and other Colt firearms, visit colt.com. ★
The Atlas Precision Bipod BT46 with legs locked in the 90-degree position and fully extended. The BT17 Picatinny rail adapter was needed to mount this particular bipod on a forend with dual sling swivel studs like the Tac Hunter.
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COMPANY SPOTLIGHT
TOWARD A QUIETER, CLEANER, BETTER DAY ON THE RANGE Jaguar Silencers sets its suppressors apart with Intermittent-Flow Technology. PHOTOS BY BASTECH, INC.
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n business for more than three decades, BasTech, Inc. is an engineering and additive 3D manufacturing company that caters to an array of industries, including aerospace, automotive, defense and even firearms. But now BasTech is using their own cutting-edge technology and manufacturing expertise to bring a new line of suppressors to market. “We’d been building silencers for other brands for years – quietly doing the hard work behind the scenes,” explains Ben Staub, president of BasTech. “As lifelong hunters and shooters, we couldn’t help but tinker, test and push for something better. With our background in additive manufacturing and a deep understanding of what shooters actually need, we started developing our own designs. When those ideas outperformed what was already on the market, we knew it was time to step out from the shadows. That’s when Jaguar Silencers was born.” One key area that sets Jaguar Silencers apart is their Intermittent-
Jaguar Silencers offers three different suppressor series – the Shorty, Max and X – in both four different colors and textures.
Flow Technology, a proprietary approach to gas and sound management that drastically reduces blowback and delivers superior sound suppression across a range of calibers. “Intermittent-Flow isn’t just a buzzword – it’s the backbone of our sound suppression design,” says Staub.
“Where traditional silencers rely on a continuous flow of gases, our system strategically interrupts and disperses the pressure waves. This controlled disruption minimizes peak decibel output while reducing gas blowback – something any shooter behind the trigger can appreciate, especially on americanshootingjournal.com 71
semiautos. The result? Quieter shots, cleaner operations and a more comfortable shooting experience.” BasTech’s additive manufacturing expertise is another core feature of Jaguar Silencers’ designs. “We build using aerospace-grade Inconel 718 and titanium through 3D printing, creating stronger, lighter silencers with geometries that just can’t be machined,” explains Staub. Jaguar Silencers customers also have several style options to make their suppressors their own, including four textures, four colors and multiple lines. All suppressors are designed, engineered and manufactured at BasTech’s headquarters in Vandalia, Ohio, a suburb of Dayton. With the tagline “Where precision meets silence,” Jaguar Silencers and BasTech are looking to revolutionize the industry with suppressors that blend performance and style, backed by serious engineering. “Jaguar Silencers isn’t just another gear brand. We’re a team of American engineers, shooters and builders committed to pushing the suppressor industry forward,” says Staub. “Every product we make is backed by a lifetime warranty. Simple as that.” ★ Editor’s note: For more information, visit jaguarsilencers.com.
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Self-Defense TRAINING
“Wild Bill” Hickok emphasized the importance of headshots to put his enemies “out of action.”
ANOTHER CLOSE-QUARTERS DEFENSIVE TACTIC Lessons from Wild West gunfighter still have currency today. STORY AND PHOTOS BY PAUL PAWELA
ne of the greatest Western gunfighters of all time, James Butler “Wild Bill” Hickok, had a lot of experience with deadly-force encounters and thus had a lot of opinions on the subject. For example, he always emphasized
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the importance of headshots to put his enemies “out of action.” In one of Hickok’s most famous gunfights, which took place in Jefferson
County, Nebraska, against four men, a fistfight escalated into a gunfight. Hickok first shot the man to his left, mortally wounding him. Instantly, one of his companions shot Hickok in the shoulder, rendering his right hand/ arm incapable of holding his primary americanshootingjournal.com 73
SELF-DEFENSE TRAINING “However, a similar bullet passing downward from the left frontal lobe tip toward the temporal lobe and brainstem is likely to be devastating, because it passes through eloquent brain tissue and is likely to injure important vascular structures inside the head. A bullet trajectory through key blood vessels in the brain can result in rapidly expanding blood clot in the brain that can critically compress the important brain tissue resulting in immediate death at the scene.”
As author Paul Pawela notes, Hickok was involved in several gunfights, ending many with headshots. Here is an illustration to the article “Wild Bill” by George Ward Nichols (Harper’s New Monthly Magazine, February, 1867). (WIKIPEDIA)
weapon. Undeterred, Hickok switched to his nondominant hand, using his backup gun (where have you all read about the importance of backup weapons before?) to shoot the other three threats, killing all three with headshots that hit their brains. The surviving assailant had his jaw shot off, which later would be medically reattached, but he would be disfigured for life. In St. Joseph, Missouri, another documented case of Hickok’s dispatching of his enemies with a headshot occurred with a man named Bill Mulvey. Mulvey was shooting two firearms at once, hoping to lure Officer Hickok to the scene with the intention of becoming famous for killing the gunfighter. As Hickok came around the corner, he realized Mulvey had the drop on him. Mulvey, pleased with his situation, taunted Hickok. According to legend, Hickok looked past Mulvey and said, “Don’t shoot him in the back, boys; he’s drunk.” Falling for the ruse, Mulvey turned to see who was behind him, which proved to be a fatal mistake as Hickok shot and killed him with a bullet to the head. I could document more instances of Hickok shooting people in the head in 74 American Shooting Journal // May 2025
self-defense; however, time and space are limited, and tact compels me to move on. It is essential to note that Hickok carried two Colt .36-caliber revolvers, later switching to Colt .44-caliber revolvers and .41-caliber derringers. The importance of this point is that Hickok used single-action revolvers, firearms that require them to be cocked by pulling the hammer back to fire. If those feats could be achieved in the past with revolvers, think what can be accomplished with modern semiautomatic pistols. There is no reason the same feats cannot be performed today. MANY FACTORS DETERMINE the extent of damage caused by a gunshot wound to the head, including caliber of the gun, size and speed of the bullet, trajectory, and the site of the injury, according to the website of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, which states: “A bullet wound going through the right frontal lobe tip toward the forehead and well above the base of the skull is likely to cause relatively mild clinical damage, because it passes through no vital brain tissue or vascular structures."
In the late 1970s, Colonel Jeff Cooper founded the first commercial gun school in America, Gunsite Academy located in Paulden, Arizona. Here he introduced the Mozambique drill into his modern shooting techniques. Taking into account that body armor was being utilized by criminals, Cooper thought the drill would be excellent for modern times. It’s a close-quarters exercise where the shooter fires twice into the torso of the target, and then follows up with a headshot for the final blow. The drill was named after a Rhodesian mercenary named Mike Rousseau, who fought in the Mozambican War. During combat, he encountered an adversary armed with an AK-47. Rousseau fired two rounds from his Browning Hi-Power pistol, hitting his enemy twice in the chest, but this was insufficient to kill or incapacitate the combatant. As the enemy continued to advance, Rousseau aimed for a headshot to stop him; however, his shot went low, striking the enemy in the neck and severing the spinal cord, killing him instantly. After Rousseau relayed this story at Gunsite, Cooper immediately incorporated this technique into his training, referring to it as the Mozambique drill. Looking at the timeline, about 100 years after Hickok died of a gunshot wound to the head, Cooper began applying the lessons learned from the Western gunfighter’s self-defense style at Gunsite Academy through techniques like the Mozambique drill.
SELF-DEFENSE TRAINING ACCORDING TO THE data we have on gunfights, in the last four decades, there has been one instructor with over 65 civilian students involved in gunfights. That instructor is Tom Givens, considered one of the best in the business. Givens hosts TacCon, one of the premier tactical conferences on the subject, featuring world-class instructors presenting over the course of several days. Givens has published numerous articles and several books on the subject of gunfighting. The author’s favorite book is Fighting Smarter: A Practical Guide for Surviving Violent Confrontations (a must-read). In Givens’ documentation of personal data, 93.1 percent of his students’ engagements occurred between 3 and 7 yards (9 to 21 feet). At 3
The Mozambique drill is a close-quarters shooting technique where a shooter fires twice into the torso of the target and follows with a single, precise shot to the head.
An example of targets snipers use for practicing headshots.
Targets on the market for practicing headshots.
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yards, one can easily achieve a headshot using a point index shot. My own data indicates that more than 80 percent of civilian gunfights occur within arm’s reach, typically at a distance of 3 to 5 feet. Consider how criminals place civilians in deadly situations, forcing them to resort to firearms. This includes actions like attempted armed robbery, carjacking, physical confrontation, deadly assault (using hands, knives or guns), and sexual assault. So what has changed from Wild Bill’s days to the modern era? I would argue that the attacks are the same, so what is the solution? Most firearms training is regimented in its approach, and I would say that it’s outdated. How about we improve our training based on statistics? If we know the majority of lethal assaults are up close and personal, then we need to end the violent attack as fast as possible – by shooting the head, face or neck multiple times and ending the threat. And that’s my two cents! ★ Editor’s note: Author Paul Pawela is a nationally recognized firearms and self-defense expert. For his realistic self-defense training, see assaultcountertactics.com.
TACTICAL TRAINING
SURVIVAL MINDSET: A TALE OF TWO REALITIES – GUATEMALA AND THE UNITED STATES A trip to Central America reveals how residents train to fend off violence. STORY AND PHOTOS BY GRACIELA CASILLAS
uring a recent trip to Guatemala, I had the privilege of teaching firearms and defensive tactics to civilians and law enforcement personnel in the city of Antigua. What stood out to me wasn’t just their skill or eagerness to learn, but their mindset. In countries like Guatemala, survival isn’t an abstract concept or something reserved for extreme scenarios. It’s a way of life. The people there don’t carry the illusion that violence is something that only happens to “other people.” They know better. Complacency costs lives. While there, I had the opportunity to spend time with Estuardo Schumann, a seasoned firearms and combatives instructor and protection specialist whose insight into the realities of violence in Guatemala was both sobering and eye-opening. Schumann spoke candidly about the distinct difference in the way people approach violence in third-world countries like Guatemala versus in the United States, and how they perceive threats and prepare for violence. In third-world countries, survival is not optional. It’s ingrained, practiced and passed down. There’s no safety net. Although 9-1-1 exists, it is unreliable – if it arrives at all. By then, the danger has passed,
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Women in Guatemala value the importance of learning how to use a firearm for personal protection. Here, a group learns the fundamentals. americanshootingjournal.com 77
TACTICAL TRAINING or you’ve become a statistic. People don’t depend on law enforcement for protection; they rely on their own instincts. Americans could learn from this level of self-reliance. The mindset is simple: No one is coming, so you either respond or you don’t survive. LOVELY LAND, BUT DANGER LURKS Yet with all this said, I want to be clear: Guatemala is a stunningly beautiful country. Its vibrant landscapes, rich cultural history and deep traditions leave an imprint on the soul. I fell in love with the land and the people. Everywhere I went, I was met with warmth, hospitality and an undeniable sense of community. The people are strong – not just in survival, but in spirit. They are welcoming, resilient and proud of their heritage. This message isn’t meant to instill fear about visiting Guatemala. Quite the opposite. I encourage travel. I encourage cultural exchange. But I also encourage awareness. Understanding the difference in mindset between our two countries is not about judgment, it’s about preparedness. It’s about recognizing that violence looks different around the world, and so must our approach to surviving it. The contrast lies not just in the presence or absence of 9-1-1, nor the availability of training facilities, but in the very wiring of how individuals interpret their surroundings, respond
Estuardo Schumann teaching a firearms course.
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Author Graciela Casillas (right, foreground) teaches defensive tactics to local law enforcement women who patrol in Antigua, Guatemala. They do not carry a firearm and are only allowed to use deescalation and control tactics.
to threat cues and make decisions under duress. In many ways, what Americans would call a “survival mindset” is simply everyday living in places where violence is common and law enforcement is unreliable. In Guatemala, the average person doesn’t have the luxury of naivety. There, the line between life and death is often decided in seconds, and the lessons come not from a classroom but from hard-lived experience. Violence is close and personal – ambushes, express kidnappings, staged vehicular breakdowns and counterfeit taxi services are tactics used by criminals every day. Unlike in the US, where crime often feels removed – something that happens to someone else, somewhere else – in Guatemala, it’s a daily consideration. PREDATORY TACTICS IN GUATEMALA Schumann shared an incident that is
commonplace. “I recall walking through the streets of Guatemala with a woman by my side when I noticed two men walking towards us split, creating a natural funnel for us to walk through. That type of formation sets off alarms when you’ve been trained to recognize behavioral patterns. I immediately pulled her toward the street – away from the setup – and that’s when I spotted a third man approaching me from behind. I exposed my firearm without drawing it, pointed, and warned, “Don’t.” The man immediately veered off, and the other two stepped back and disappeared. If I hadn’t been paying attention – hadn’t read the movement, hadn’t acted – that situation could have gone very differently.” That’s the difference. In the United States, people expect violence to look a certain way. They expect a fair warning or a loud cue. But violence, especially predatory violence, is often quiet and
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TACTICAL TRAINING necessary? You must reconcile that mentally, long before a threat appears. Something that I observed is that in Guatemala, people are raised to know the answer to that question early. They’ve buried their family. They’ve been held for ransom. They’ve watched neighbors abducted or killed. Some of the people I worked with have been through the worst of what humanity has to offer. One man I trained had been kidnapped and confined in a 4-foot room for over a month. By the time he was released, his hair was falling out and his mind was shattered. He left the country for 20 years. When he returned, he trained – not because he wanted revenge, but because he never wanted to be that vulnerable again.
In Guatemala, firearms training begins at a young age. Pictured in the center is Schumann holding his long gun. (ESTUARDO SCHUMANN)
staged. And in a place like Guatemala, people know that. They don’t expect to be saved. They expect to survive – on their own. In Guatemala, criminals also use layered strategies designed to isolate and trap victims. One tactic involves several accomplices alerting a driver to a “flat tire.” The first person flags you down. You dismiss it. A second one, 50 yards down the road, says the same thing. Now convinced, you pull over. That’s when they move in. In another scheme, a child might throw a ball at your windshield. You stop out of reflex, and they swarm. Or worse – fake taxis. You get in, and as the car stops at a light, two men jump in. One slides next to you, the other shoves a weapon against your ribs. You’re robbed, shaken and dumped. This type of violence is not opportunistic – it’s planned. It is predatory and efficient, and the victims are not those living in the barrios, but the unaware. In Guatemala’s impoverished neighborhoods, people know who the criminals are. They know who deals, who robs, who kills. There’s street wisdom that comes 80 American Shooting Journal // May 2025
from survival. If someone new walks down the block, they’re scrutinized. Questions are asked. In contrast, many US neighborhoods lack that community awareness. A stranger walks down the street, and no one looks twice. THE FALSE COMFORT OF PREPAREDNESS One of the most dangerous misconceptions among some American gun owners, according to Schumann, is that possession equals preparedness. They buy top-tier pistols, high-performance ammunition and top-shelf holsters – but rarely train. They shoot paper and think they’re ready for blood. But target practice is not the same as defensive training. Paper doesn’t shoot back. The purpose of carrying a firearm isn’t to look tough or feel powerful; it’s to survive and protect. That requires mindset, not just gear. The survival mindset begins with situational awareness and ends with the willingness to act decisively. If you’re going to carry, you must ask yourself, am I prepared to press the trigger if
TRAUMA AND TRAINING Trauma changes the way people approach the firing range. For some, the smell of gunpowder or the sound of a slide racking back can trigger panic. Others flinch at live fire or freeze under stress drills. Trauma lives in the body, and unless you meet people where they are, you can break them instead of building them. Schumann has seen it firsthand. “When someone freezes during training, it’s not weakness – it’s residue. Sometimes they’ve been pushed too hard, too soon. Other times, they’ve never been mentally prepared for what violence really feels like. Training must be layered. Technical skills must be coupled with emotional resilience. You don’t just teach a person to shoot, you teach them to survive. You remind them that this weapon is an extension of their will to live, not a toy or a trophy.” In high-threat countries, there’s no time to debate the morality of violence. You respond, or you don’t go home. The criminals train too. They upgrade their weapons. They learn the routes. They rehearse their kidnappings and study the patterns of the wealthy. It’s a psychological war, not a choreographed fight scene. The attackers are always evolving, and so must those who choose to resist.
TACTICAL TRAINING Local officers who attended the author’s defensive tactics training.
GOVERNMENT VERSUS CIVILIAN TRAINING Schumann shared how there’s a vast difference in commitment between civilian and government officers. Government officers are trained well, but there is little follow-up. No ongoing development. You return six months later and the skills are gone. In contrast, civilians, especially those who’ve tasted fear, often train with greater purpose. They invest in quality gear, but more importantly, they train to function under stress. They learn what their weapons feel like under pressure, and they train until fear becomes fuel. One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned is that mindset outperforms muscle. When fear spikes, the body will default to its training. That’s why repetition matters. Drills matter. But above all, mindset matters. Whether you’re training in Guatemala or the US, your mental rehearsal will 82 American Shooting Journal // May 2025
determine your real-world response. Schumann spoke of families who’ve been so affected by trauma that they outsource their protection entirely, hiring Israeli-trained teams, bulletproof vehicles and armed drivers. They don’t carry weapons themselves. But even then, their mindset is different. They know the risk. They plan for it. And they know help is not guaranteed. LESSONS FOR THE AMERICAN DEFENDER In the United States, we are fortunate to have resources – law enforcement, emergency medical services, legal protections and infrastructure. But that blessing can also be a curse if it dulls our awareness. Many Americans are lulled into a false sense of security. They assume 9-1-1 will save them, that the police will respond in time, that danger will give them a warning. But criminals don’t wait. Violence
doesn’t follow rules. And when the moment comes, it’s not training certificates or range selfies that matter. It’s clarity, conviction and composure. If there’s one message I would share from my experiences in Guatemala, it’s this: Mindset is the first weapon, the last line of defense, and the one tool you can’t afford to leave behind. ★ Editor’s note: Author Graciela Casillas is a certified personal protection specialist who works as a staff instructor with Executive Security International bodyguard school (esibodyguardschool .com). She is also an advanced firearms trainer and has worked with many world-class firearms instructors. She has authored many articles on the subject for various publications and holds a bachelor’s degree in law and society, master’s degrees in education and physical education, and lifetime teaching credentials in psychology.
MAKING THE CUT
The three Columbia River Knife & Tool knives reviewed here (clockwise from left): M16-14XD Crossbar Lock, Clever Girl Fixed Blade and Siwi Fixed Blade.
A TRIO OF CLEVER BLADES A look at Columbia River Knife & Tool’s wares for self-defense. STORY AND PHOTOS BY PAUL PAWELA
s a national self-defense instructor, my advice to people carrying firearms and knives as self-defense tools is to purchase weapon systems that are not only proven to be reliable, but also inexpensive. The rationale for this is that if any weapon system is used in a deadlyforce self-defense altercation, it will surely be confiscated by law enforcement investigators and submitted as evidence and you may not get it back, even after your adjudication of not guilty. That is why I am dismissive of expensive guns and knives for personal
A
carry. Many readers of American Shooting Journal know full well that when it comes to handguns, I generally carry Glocks (models 17 and 26). Knives, too, must be reliable yet inexpensive. I WAS RECENTLY sent three CRKT knives to test and evaluate. Before delving into details about these knives, I must inform you that my relationship with CRKT spans a considerable amount of time, and I hold a very emotional and personal connection with them. CRKT, which stands for Columbia River Knife & Tool, is an American
knife company established in 1994 and currently based in Tualatin, Oregon, outside Portland. Founded by Rod Bremer and Paul Gillespie, CRKT did not take off until SHOT Show in 1997, when the KISS (short for “Keep. It. Super. Simple.”) was introduced. The knife was designed by renowned Master Bladesmith Ed Halligan, who is my dear mentor and friend. I faithfully carried the fixed-blade version, known as the Stiff KISS, produced by CRKT and designed by Halligan, while on active duty for most of my military career. In the 15 years that I carried the Stiff KISS, americanshootingjournal.com 83
MAKING THE CUT
The KISS (which stands for Keep. It. Super. Simple.) is one of the first CRKT knives author Paul Pawela faithfully carried.
I probably owned between 20 and 30 of those knives, which I either gave away or had stolen. But it did not matter to me because they were inexpensive. Side note: Upon arriving at the 10th Special Forces Group, I was introduced to another soldier who was also a knife expert and connoisseur. His name was Master Sergeant Dan Pecaro, and he served with Master Bladesmith Kit Carson during his military career. Carson gave Pecaro one of CRKT’s original designs for the M12 knife, which I have always envied, so I bought one to add to my knife collection. CRKT has a pretty interesting and cool quote: “There are those who fight with knives. There are others who design them. And then” there are those who know “that a knife has to work as both a weapon and a tool.” I tend to select knifemakers with a background
A stab to the neck is relatively easy with the designed curvature of the Clever Girl. If you think this is brutal, in a life-and-death situation, one has split seconds to end a fight so as to prevent grave bodily harm or death.
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in using knives in realistic conditions, as they truly understand the necessity for this essential tool. So it should be no surprise when I tell you that all three of the knife designs CRKT sent me had proven combat experience. I WILL START with one of the knives I’m most familiar with, CRKT’s Clever Girl Fixed Blade. For the record, I have been carrying this knife on and off for the past four years. But the difference between the one I owned previously and the newer model is that the former lacks serrations in its blade, whereas the latter has them. In the company’s promotion of the Clever Girl, CRKT states that with it you can move “with the instincts of a velociraptor” and that the knife “can help you claw your way out of hairy situations.” It features an upswept blade with the aforementioned serrations, as well as a marbled G10 handle. I love the brutality of this knife. When carried on the hip, it’s easy to grab
The Clever Girl. (CRKT)
The M16-14XD Crossbar Lock. (CRKT)
instinctively in a close-quarters life-anddeath situation. When faced with an opponent, the knife easily comes out to cut east and west across the opponent’s stomach with devastating results. The curved blade, with its impressive tip, can also puncture different arteries on the body easily and at will. The Clever Girl’s overall length is 10.13 inches, and the blade length alone is 4.60 inches. It weighs a comfortable 6.30 ounces. This knife is perfect for carrying while camping and hiking in the woods or traversing badlands – but always check the knife laws of the states you are carrying in, as they change from state to state. The designer of the Clever Girl is Austin McGlaun, a seasoned combat veteran who deployed with the 101st Airborne Division and is now a police officer in Georgia. THE NEXT KNIFE sent to me by CRKT was the M16-14XD Crossbar Lock in tan (one of my favorite colors). This knife is the latest in a line of Kit Carson-designed desert tactical folders developed for coalition forces in the Middle East. It features the iconic ambidextrous crossbar lock paired with the IKBS ball bearing pivot for seamless deployment and easy one-handed closing and, more importantly, opening. It’s important to note that opening a knife under duress – like in a deadlyforce situation – can be difficult if you don’t practice. It’s just like obtaining a concealed carry permit and carrying a gun – without the proper tactical training, the tool is worthless to the user. Most people are taught to use both their index finger and thumb to
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MAKING THE CUT engage the knife. I recommend using all four fingers on the outside of the pant pocket to scoop the knife toward the thumb for easier access. The M16-14XD is constructed from D2 steel. Its blade finish features titanium nitride. The blade measures 3.97 inches in length and has a thickness of 0.14 inch. Its overall length of 9.34 inches provides a remarkably sturdy option for pocket carry. As previously stated, the crossbar lock allows for quick and easy opening. This tough, durable knife serves well as an excellent thrower or stabbing instrument.
A pocket folder should always be carried on the nondominant side of the user. Here is Pawela’s CRKT Kit Carson M16-14XD model as he would normally carry it. A common mistake most knife carriers make when getting their knife out of a pocket while under duress is going over the top of the knife and using their thumb and index finger to open it. Instead, from outside the pocket, push the knife up to grab it, and utilizing the access button or thumb stud, open the blade with your thumb. The knife’s now ready for defensive use.
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THE LAST KNIFE sent to me by CRKT is the Siwi Fixed Blade. This knife was a pleasant surprise, as I found it to be one of the best fixed-blade knives I have ever seen. With a blade length of 3.34 inches and a blade thickness of 0.20 inch, the overall length of this knife is 7.44 inches. It weighs a comfortable 5.6 ounces, and the handle material is G10. Ideally, it makes for a comfortable fixed-blade carry knife in its sheath mode. The Siwi knife caught me totally off guard, as I was unaware of its existence. Upon removing the blade from the box, I knew immediately whoever designed this knife knew exactly what they were doing. Of course my instincts were CRKT’s Siwi was made to be a comfortable fixed-blade carry knife in its sheath mode.
MAKING THE CUT
The author tried to beat the heck out of CRKT’s Siwi Fixed Blade, but it stood the test, as one would expect from a blade designed by a Delta Force operator/knifemaker.
The Siwi Fixed Blade. (CRKT)
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right because it was designed by retired Sergeant Major Darrin Sirois, a 25-year special operations member serving many years with the US Army’s premier counterterrorist unit, Delta Force. I tried with all my efforts to beat the hell out of this knife; I must have thrown this knife nearly 50 times at my practice throwing board. But the knife never lost an edge. I said to myself, who am I kidding? I will never test this knife better than Sergeant Major Sirois did. Both the Clever Girl and Siwi come with Kydex knife sheaths that are custom-fitted to the individual blades and equipped with the Blade-Tech clip attachment. I am so impressed with the CRKT knives that I now carry Carson’s M1614XD folder everywhere I go, along with my alternate, the Clever Girl. The Siwi, meanwhile, serves as my backup weapon wherever I go in Florida. It goes without saying, but I’ll state it for the record: CRKT knives make the cut! ★
BLACK POWDER
1866 Winchester replicas are popular for lever-gun enthusiasts like author Mike Nesbitt.
GEARING UP FOR LEVER-GUN SHOOTING It's easier than you might think to get in on repeating rifle competitions. STORY AND PHOTOS BY MIKE NESBITT
H
ere’s hopin’ you’ve read about some of the lever-gun matches that I’ve previously written about, where the shooting is done at the Capitol City Rifle & Pistol Club near Olympia, Washington. I’ll be specific about that club, at least for now, because I don’t know very many other
clubs where this type of black powder shooting is being done. In a nutshell, we use lever-action repeating rifles in black powder calibers, primarily the .44-40 and the .45 Colt, for short-range competition, out to 100 yards, firing at either paper targets or gongs. Our matches are conducted generally once per month and while I have mentioned how much fun it is, I have not mentioned how to get started.
GETTING STARTED IS really no big deal, other than finding a club where this type of shooting is being done, in addition to finding the equipment. So, we’ll talk about finding the equipment, and the first item on the list must be a rifle. In selecting a rifle, personal favorites will play a major role. For me, that was no problem because I like “cowboy guns.” My best choice is the Model 1873 replica offered by americanshootingjournal.com 89
BLACK POWDER A favorite is the ’73 with 30-inch barrel from Cimarron Firearms.
Cimarron Firearms, called the Long Range model, with a 30-inch-long barrel in .44-40 caliber. Others might choose a similar rifle in .45 Colt, which is very popular among the cowboy action shooters. But for the longer distances that we shoot in the levergun matches, the .44-40 has shown that it can outperform the .45s, though that is probably more reflective of the shooters than of the rifle’s caliber. Finding such a rifle should be no problem. However, I will recommend that a visit be paid to Buffalo Arms Company’s website (buffaloarms .com). They list an array of “cowboy guns” and their list also shows which guns are in stock, including the new Model 1873s by Winchester. You can also go to Cimarron Firearms’ website (cimarron-firearms.com), where they Five shots from a .44-40 with black powder loads illustrate the accuracy lever-guns are capable of attaining.
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can steer you to a dealer via their store locator. And while I am inclined to recommend a rifle from Cimarron, other importers do offer almost identical guns. One reason I favor the rifles from Cimarron is because they mark their guns in more authentic ways than some other importers, such as the caliber designation. With the .44-40s, Cimarron marks them for the .44 W.C.F. cartridge, just like Winchester used to do. To me, that adds quite a bit to the spirit of the rifle. While I do seem to focus on the .44-40, just because that is my favorite, other calibers are certainly available and appropriate for our lever-gun matches. One tempting caliber is the .44
Special and I know versions of the 1873 and 1866 replicas are available in that caliber. Our club has one shooter, “Loco Jeff” Ritter, who likes to use a .38-40, either in his original 1873 Winchester rifle or in a replica rebarreled 1892. The .38-55 also has shown up at our matches, being favored by just a couple of shooters. And the .45 Colt has a good following as a rifle cartridge, first introduced for cowboy action shooting and popular with shooters who favor the big .45 in revolvers. Another of our shooters uses an original Winchester short rifle in .32-20 caliber and he’s a
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BLACK POWDER Many shooters favor carbines like this new ’73 from Winchester.
tough one to beat because he always shoots good scores. So for selecting a lever-action rifle with the idea of using it with black powder loads, each shooter must follow their nose, per se, and get what they prefer. Of course, any arguments about which caliber is actually the very best will be never-ending, but most of our shooters do use the .44-40. FINDING A RIFLE is often easier these days than finding a supply of ammunition. In our lever-gun matches, the ammo must be loaded with black powder and non-jacketed bullets. Each shooter generally casts their own bullets and reloads their own cartridges. That isn’t completely necessary, however, because some outfits do offer ammunition with black powder loads. The first of those sources that comes to mind is Buffalo Arms Company, known as BACO, but they don’t always have that ammo in stock, which means if you don’t load your own, you must plan ahead. Another source for ammo that I will mention is Black Dog Ammunition, located in northeast Montana. They offer some cartridges in the area of our interest that are loaded with a black powder substitute, which can certainly be a good way to get started. Check out their website (blackdogammunition .com) to see what they have available. For the most part, the ammunition our shooters use in the black powder lever-gun matches are cartridges that they’ve reloaded themselves. This, of course, allows each shooter to use the loads that work the best for them. The development of that favorite load most likely begins with the bullets, and in 92 American Shooting Journal // May 2025
my opinion the best way to get those bullets is to make them. My father taught me how to cast bullets before I was 10 and I’ve been making bullets ever since. To say the least, my bullet molds have paid for themselves in good bullets a long time ago. If someone is just starting out to make their own cast bullets, let me recommend the Lyman Big Dipper electric lead furnace as a good way to begin. This is a fairly inexpensive lead pot that is used with a dipper/ladle right out of the top. (I personally don’t favor the bottom-pour lead furnaces but, being honest about it, I have never used one.) The Lyman Big Dipper has a temperature control and it certainly A turkey target, shot offhand, shows a good score.
works well. That’s what I’m currently using for my own bullet casting. To take a look at the Lyman Big Dipper, go to lymanproducts.com. While making recommendations about bullet casting equipment, I should also include where to get some lead. Quite often metal salvage businesses will have good lead, either soft or hard alloy, or both, for sale, so lead might be available in your locale. But for well alloyed lead, with a mixture of tin that you want, I’ll recommend again contacting Buffalo Arms Company. That’s where I get most of my lead and they seem to deliver it, through the mail, in just a couple of days after the order is placed. For my .44-40s, an alloy of 30
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BLACK POWDER parts lead to 1 part tin is very good. Another source for alloyed lead is John Walters in Oklahoma. John is also highly recognized for the tin and the wads he sells. He does most of his business by telephone and his number is 405-799-0376. John’s a trusting soul; you call and tell him what you want – what alloy and how many pounds – then he sends that to you along with a bill. A great guy to work with. Track of the Wolf also has pure lead for sale in 10-pound boxes. Check them out by peeking at their website (trackofthewolf.com). ANOTHER THING TO get is a set of crosssticks. Those can be made at home or, if you’re like me, you’ll favor the sticks from Cat’s Shooting Sticks. They make adjustable shooting sticks for either prone or sitting positions, handcrafted by shooters for shooters. To look at these plus some of the other goods they offer, visit catshootingsticks.com. The other necessary ingredients to good lever-gun shooting are powder and primers, plus some good black powder bullet lube. But those are things you’ll need to get on your own. From what I’ve seen, primers are getting easier to find and I shouldn’t
On a cold morning, Nesbitt fires a shot over cross-sticks.
comment about their price. Let me just say that I do miss the good old days, as well as the prices we paid back then. The same goes for powder. While I do recommend GOEX’s Olde Eynsford powder for lever-gun cartridges, I can’t give you any hints about where to find any. They’ve had some trouble and let’s hope they get back on track. I do know
The author’s lever-gun gang, with a mix of ’73s and ’66s, plus a ’92 and a ’94.
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they are trying. Most of the folks who get into levergun shooting are already shooters, and already handloaders, so getting the needed gear isn’t actually that much. It is actually kind of easy to get started. Just find a rifle you like, get some ammo to feed it, and give black powder levergun shooting a good try. ★