Sinister Manipulations – SemiAuto Shotguns
This is the second part of a series on left-handed manipulations of various firearms. Previously, I covered semi-automatic pistols; this article will look at semi-automatic shotguns. While there are some left-handed shotgun designs (I have a couple of them), there are some benefits to the far more commonly encountered right-hand designs for us lefties. If this Beretta 1301 had a stock safety, I'd manipulate it with an open hand and my shooting thumb [...]
Mossberg’s 940 PRO SPX Semi-Auto Shotgun
Prior to this year's SHOT Show, Mossberg went public with three new models: the 590R/RM with an AR-15-like rotating safety, the 590 PRO, and the 940 PRO SPX. I previously discussed the design philosophy and ethos behind the PRO guns. The 940 is Mossberg's newest semi-auto shotgun. The PRO SPX [...]
Mossberg’s PRO Series
Part one of this series covered Mossberg’s development and release of the 590R and 590RM (box magazine-fed) pump shotguns. Both utilize a rotating thumb safety, reminiscent of those on the AR-15 family of carbines and rifles. During the second day of the event, we were introduced to their new PRO [...]
Mossberg’s Evolution – Rotation Part 1
This past October, the Mossberg crew hosted several gunwriters at Gunsite. More than a few of the group were or had been working street cops. We were all there to examine the newest additions to Mossberg's defensive shotgun line. Rich Kirk, engineer Peter DuPerry, and law enforcement / military program [...]
A Haven For Shotgunners
Several subject matter-specific events are held across the defensive-minded training sphere: the Polite Society Conference, Rangemaster’s Tactical Conference (TacCon), the Combatives Summit, the Revolver Round-Up, and more. One is specifically for those interested in the practical application and art of the defensive shotgun. Darryl Bolke is covering reloading while [...]
The Case For Shotguns
Over the past decade or so, shotguns have taken a back seat to patrol rifles. While patrol rifles undoubtedly have their place, the shotgun, when properly configured, is still a viable and effective tool. Does it replace a patrol rifle? Not necessarily. Does having a patrol rifle mean you shouldn't [...]
Federal’s #1 Buck Is Back
Along with chasing the best firearm, the collective “we” chase the best in calibers and bullets. Like pretty much anything else in life, the better can be subjective. It all depends on who is being asked or offering their opinion. One of those areas is shotgun ammunition. Shooters want a [...]
Chisel Machining’s Adjustable Shotgun Stock
There are a handful of friends who, when they call me about a product, I absolutely pay attention. Steve Fisher is one of those. He’s a long-time trainer, having run his own company — Sentinel Concepts, and having had a long stint at Magpul Dynamics. He pointed me to Chisel [...]
Staging Your Long Gun
A fair amount of defensive firearms training comes from the experience of domestic law enforcement. That is not necessarily a bad thing, as it can be experience-driven. Likely, it is vetted within local and federal statutes and case law. Unfortunately, it means development and evolution can be hampered by decades [...]
Rangemaster’s Shotgun Instructor Class
We had just finished a call involving pointing guns at dangerous suspects that ended well, all in custody with nobody hurt. One of my partners walked up to me, holding a wood and steel shotgun at arm’s length, and asked me to unload it. Even before the age of [...]
Beretta’s A300 Ultima Patrol Shotgun – Part 2
During my last trip to Gunsite, I finished up my work with Beretta's A300 Ultima Patrol. Patterning No two shotgun barrels are the same. It's easy to stand by that statement because they darn sure do not pattern alike. As a result, the starting point for any serious work with [...]