Click to learn more

Maryville, TN Job Opportunities

Important Safety Recall Notice

GUN FINDER

collection-pistol.jpg

revolvers-icon.jpg

long-guns-icon.jpg

specialtyservice.png

merchandise.jpg

MERCHANDISE

FAQs

CATALOGS

INVENTORS

OWNER'S MANUALS

PRODUCT REGISTRATION

REBATES

GUNSMARTS

SAFETY

AMERICAN GUARDIANS

THE S&W BENCH™

NEWS

OUR STORY

location-dot-solid.svg

Dealer Locator

Since 1852 we’ve been an industry leading manufacturer of pistols, revolvers, rifles, and shooting accessories. We continue to bring innovative firearms to market that meet the needs of every shooter and deliver on exceptional quality with a brand you’ve learned to trust.

All consumer products display on /products/. It is necessary to put items in this category for proper data compliance. A product may be a part of both Consumer and LE/Military, or only one. If a product is not a part of one of these categories, it will not show on the frontend website.

Consumer

sw-logo-bm.png

sw-logo-txt.png

Smith & Wesson

Smith & Wesson (Consumer)

sw-bench-banner.jpg

Did you know you could purchase firearms online? In fact, yes you can! While you can make the purchase online, it's not like buying a coffee maker on Amazon and having it shipped right to your front door. Federal law requires firearms be shipped to a federally licensed firearms dealer (FFL) in your state of residence. The process goes like this: You’ve been scrolling <a href="http://www.smith-wesson.com/">www.smith-wesson.com</a> and you’ve found the gun for you. <img height="auto" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt544e82881fae9bdc/63728247da728110eb03a10a/buyonline-blog-001.jpg" width="715" max-width="715" style="width: 715px; height: auto;"/> When you visit your local FFL to pick up your new gun, you’ll need your driver's license or valid I.D., and permit if required by your state. The <a href="https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/resources/ccw_reciprocity_map/">USCCA</a> is an excellent resource for information on your states’ permit requirements. Once you have shown these to your FFL, they will give you a Firearm Transaction Record (Form 4473) to complete; they will then submit your 4473 Form to the FBI for a background check. After you pass, and pay a separate nominal FFL transfer fee, the firearm is yours. <img height="auto" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt6f624fc53bb0b852/6372826732130110b27973e3/buyonline-blog-002.jpg" width="715" max-width="715" style="width: 715px; height: auto;"/> Since firearms are regulated purchases, even online purchases become in-store experiences. While shopping online may afford you the ability to order something your local dealer doesn’t have, we still encourage you and especially first-time buyers, to trust the expertise of an in-person dealer experience. Nothing online can compare to being able to touch and feel the firearms you are wanting to purchase to be sure they will work for you. The beauty of an in-store experience is really the salespeople. They have spent numerous hours behind the counter, have seen a variety of firearms come through the cases and can guide you toward the ideal firearm and caliber for your needs, size, and budget. If your FFL has an on-site range, you can often try before you buy, something you just can't do online… To find your nearest Smith & Wesson retail partner, visit our <a href="https://www.smith-wesson.com/dealer-locator">Dealer Locator.</a>.

It's not quite like making other online purchases, but it can be done!

AS9I8848_copy.jpg

Industry

DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN BUY GUNS ONLINE?

Initially designed to replace the 9x19mm cartridge we all know and love, the 5.7x28mm cartridge looks and performs very differently from its adversary. As opposed to the 9mm, the 5.7 is a bottlenecked-style centerfire cartridge, visually akin more to rifle style ammunition. With this style of cartridge, the projectile is significantly smaller and lighter in grain weights than that of the 9mm, with more space within the casing to increase the amount of powder used to propel the round. As such, you can see how the 5.7x28mm cartridge easily outperforms the ballistics of the 9x19mm. With the lightweight projectile and more than adequate firepower, the 5.7 is known for its high muzzle velocity and flat trajectory with mild recoil. The combination of these three factors make the 5.7 an enjoyable round to shoot and allows for generous magazine capacity. With all of the firepower behind the 5.7 round, it hasn’t always gotten the best track record for reliability. Containing the gasses that come with a higher velocity of the 5.7 is a challenge for even the best of engineers… This is where the <a href="/search?query=M&P%205.7" target="_blank">M&P® 5.7</a> comes in. Designed with the new S&W® TEMPO™ two-part barrel system, this gun is built to be the most reliable 5.7 pistol on the market. To achieve this, the fire control system of the M&P 5.7 is like no other. So, what makes it tick? Not only is it internally hammer-fired but it is also gas operated with a locked breech. And what does all of this do you might ask… proper timing; the combination of hammer, gas operation, and locked breach allows the bullet to pass the gas port before the barrel cams open. This functionality means the shooter can enjoy repeatable and consistent extraction and overall firearm reliability. Adding to the reliability and firepower, the M&P 5.7 brings additional features to this new M&P pistol. Every M&P 5.7 comes equipped with a 5” threaded barrel with a 1/2x28 thread pitch. The slide reciprocates quickly and smoothly with dual mill cuts along the top, lightening the weight of the slide for faster and more consistent follow up shots. With the unique size of the 5.7 cartridge, these pistols boast a generous 22+1 magazine capacity. The grip of the M&P 5.7 is also derived from the shape of the 5.7 cartridge. These firearms have a slim and well textured grip, allowing for a nice even purchase with enough room for your hand to comfortably reach the single-action flat-face trigger. Carrying over some features from many others in the M&P M2.0® line, these pistols come optics ready, with metal white dot sights, have forward and rear slide serrations, Picatinny style rail, ambidextrous slide stop, and reversible magazine release. The first new Smith & Wesson® you can expect this year is kicking off SHOT Show with a bang. Make the new M&P 5.7 the first new addition to your collection this year. Shipping to stores now, find your local dealer on our <a href="/dealer-locator" target="_self">Dealer Locator</a>. You can also shop online at <a href="https://www.guns.com/smith-wesson" target="_blank">Guns.com</a>, <a href="https://www.gearfire.com/smith-wesson/" target="_blank">Gearfire</a>, or <a href="https://www.galleryofguns.com" target="_blank">GalleryOfGuns.com</a>. For more information about the M&P 5.7 <a href="/product/mp-57-with-thumb-safety" target="_self">visit the product page</a>.

Breathing new life and reliability into the unique high-power 5.7x28mm cartridge.

13347-mp-Location-Beauty_043.jpg

M&P 5.7

If you’ve ever had the chance to shoot a big-bore revolver, you know how powerful it can feel. While heavy recoil tends to be associated with larger calibers, powerful hunting or defense rounds out of small, lightweight firearms can kick too. If you’re planning to shoot any of these, hopefully, you’ve had the chance to prepare for significant recoil to make it a positive experience. If not, or if you’re interested in shooting more powerful firearms, here are my tips for success with revolvers and ammo that pack a punch. Foundation Building When we think about making a successful shot, it starts with the fundamentals of grip, stance sight alignment, and trigger control. Getting into a good stance and having a secure grip on the handgun is critical to your success. When I know I will be contending with more recoil, I’m much more aggressive with my stance. I spread my feet so they are wider than my shoulders and as a right-handed shooter, I move my right foot back much more than I would when shooting softer loads. I also lean forward, bending at the waist to help my body absorb recoil better.<img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt58fbeec6a7cfb90c/63d064c33968ef285bb1c43c/BigGuns-1.jpg" height="auto"/>Where you can easily adjust your stance, getting a proper grip can be more complicated. A small AirWeight® J-frame has a tiny grip compared to the generous grip size of a Smith & Wesson® 460XVR™ or S&W500™. For someone with smaller hands, the J-frame may be easier to grasp than the larger X-frame; add in grip features like finger grooves, and it might be harder to achieve an ideal grip. Grip material can also come into play when it comes to shooting comfort. As much as wood or G-10 grips may look nice or provide additional checkering, rubber grips are often preferred by those who shoot hotter ammo. When it comes down to it, the softer rubber adds more cushion in the hand and disperses the recoil more evenly. As with any pistol shooting, your goal should be to eliminate any space between your hands in your two-handed grip while still being able to reach the trigger. The larger the grip, the more challenging this can be. Pay extra attention to your support hand thumb, keeping it away from the revolver’s cylinder to avoid a potential burn and discomfort. This is what makes the thumb-over-thumb grip technique for revolvers so popular. It prevents potential injury. <img asset_uid="blt1173f820d3db2bc1" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt1173f820d3db2bc1/63d064c3f305c35fff9c0eef/BigGuns-2.jpg" height="auto"/>Take the time to practice both grip and aggressive stance in dry fire. It may feel silly, but the more you practice trigger control with the ideal grip and stance, the more successful you’ll be when you’re ready to take the shot. If you’re practicing with a heavy revolver, it might call for a shooting rest, sandbag, or shooting sticks. Your stance will change for these options, but you’ll still want to lean into the gun to put as much mass behind it as possible to control the recoil.If the revolver has an external hammer, it’s a good idea to dry fire both double-action and single-action pulls. Even if you only intend to shoot single action, focusing on a smooth pull in double action will improve your overall trigger control. That improvement will carry over to every firearm you shoot. Shot anticipation can be a tough issue to overcome. When we anticipate something uncomfortable, it’s normal to try to counteract it and even worse, the expectation can cause a natural flinch reflex. This is why dry fire is so helpful, it allows you to focus on the shot process without the distraction of recoil. It builds confidence through familiarity. You’ll feel more prepared because you have spent time learning the best way to hold the handgun, the position your body should be in to control recoil, and knowledge of how the trigger feels when you press it. Ready for the Range Ideally, plan a range session with a smaller caliber revolver first, starting with the softest loads and building up. For example, shooting a revolver in .38 Special with target loads will help you prepare to shoot hotter +P ammo or magnum loads. When you feel ready to fire a big bore, opt for softer loads instead of the most powerful options. Set up an easy, close target with a defined aiming point. Dry fire the handgun a few times to feel the trigger in your ideal grip and stance, focusing on proper technique. When you feel ready, load it with a single round. This ensures the revolver cannot fire another round and makes it safe so that you can put it down if you need to. Repeat the same focus on the fundamentals, set your sights on the aiming point, and press.Congratulations! Once you’ve taken that first shot, take the time to reflect, not just on the power or recoil, but on the steps, you took to prepare for it as well. Now that you know what to expect, you can improve and make new goals.

Building up to shooting big bore doesn't have to be intimidating, Julie Golob explains it all...

350_Legend_2.jpeg

Revolvers / Wheel Guns

Bringing Out the Big Guns - Preparing for Heavy Recoil

An affectionate term in America for firearms has often been: “The Great Equalizer.” Referencing of course, the mathematical symbol used to calculate the sum of two or more numbers the same numeric value, known as the equal. Now let’s take that concept and look at the Smith & Wesson® line of semi-auto pistols. Taking cues from several other firearms in the Smith & Wesson® line, the Equalizer™ is a firearm that combines several features to open itself up as a do-it-all gun for the masses. Though, I might say that as accurate as its name is, the versatility of this gun is actually the name of the game here. However, Versatil-izer doesn’t quite have the same ring to it!I have to admit, upon first seeing the Equalizer, I wasn’t particularly sold on it. Had it not been for my friends at Smith & Wesson, I likely wouldn’t have tried it out. As the specs were released, and subsequent online reviews and YouTube videos came out, I became increasingly interested.What caught my eye the most was the dimensions. It maintains a level of slimness commonly found in micro-compacts and slimline concealed carry pistols. One of the things with firearms of this size that people often gripe about is that they are too small for those with larger hands. In this case, the Equalizer has a bit more to hold onto, including a grip safety, which I’ll get to later. As far as capacity goes, it ships with three magazines of varying sizes and capacity: 10, 13, and 15 rounds. For someone like me who owns an M&P®9 M2.0® Shield™ Plus, the magazines are also interchangeable, which is exciting news. I am a huge proponent of compatibility between platforms and a consistent manual of arms, so this is also more than welcome. The addition of a Picatinny rail to fit most lights and an included optic mount system for the most common red dots, such as the Holosun 507K, attribute to the immediate usability of this gun.<img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blte2d5c16b4427bdc0/63c23e81be10fd14ecb45a0f/versatil-izer3.png" height="auto"/> In the past, the EZ lineup was something I really hadn’t considered for myself as the general bias was toward users lacking grip strength for slide manipulation and ease of use. Being a “gun guy” with a long history of strength training, it wasn’t a consideration. While the Equalizer certainly lends itself to ease of operation, light recoil, and a simple takedown for cleaning, its features put it right in the conversation not only with all the other concealed carry gun staples, but full-size pistols as well. With a 10-round magazine in, I can just about get a full four-fingered grip on the gun, offering a tad bit more purchase than my Shield Plus. The interesting part is that when you stand the guns next to each other, the Equalizer is basically the same height and even a bit shorter lengthwise than my current carry pistol!The 13-round magazine gives me a comfortable grip and offers a reassuring capacity. For me, the shorter grip and a thinner silhouette of the Equalizer make this gun much easier and more comfortable to carry than that of a compact or standard-sized pistol. The additional 15-round magazine is not just an exciting component for the Equalizer but is a more than welcome addition to the lineup of magazine compatibility for Shield Plus owners. And whether you have poor dexterity or not, the included Uplula® by Maglula magazine loader is always nice to have.<img asset_uid="blta74a0d66879f6279" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blta74a0d66879f6279/63c23e815156964aea43482b/versatil-izer4.png" height="auto"/>On the range, the gun cycles quickly with very little recoil credited to the lighter recoil spring and magic dust S&W came up with. Being hammer-fired, there isn’t much take up or stacking like you may find on striker-fired guns and the break is crisp. I’ve found the Equalizer pleasant to shoot and groups very well even out to 15 yards, which is as far as I typically train. Now, what about my concerns on the grip safety? My initial hypothesis was that the grip safety would either hinder my high grip or cause some friction hot spots on my hands, but to my pleasant surprise, it did neither. I had no discomfort while shooting and maintained a great grip on the gun. Grip safeties seem to get a bad rap, but in testing I was able to discharge the firearm without issue, even when I shifted my grip to different positions.<img asset_uid="blt8cf3329247872012" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt8cf3329247872012/63c23e81b8716675944928d7/versatil-izer2.png" height="auto"/>In a time where we’ve seen millions of new gun owners, having a firearm package this versatile is a real treat. The Equalizer platform should appeal to all, regardless of age, strength or gender. And it’s one that can both be carried and used for home defense, which is unique in today’s market. I am not a fan of blanket recommendations for new shooters, as I prefer to have people pick out guns that interest them, fit their hands and shoot well, but the value has to also be there. Too many guns these days come ready to be upgraded and not ready to use in my opinion, skimping on included magazines and other features. Not everyone will become gun enthusiasts and for someone looking to dip their toes in the water and get one gun to do everything, the Equalizer is a very worthy option.

Taking cues from several other firearms in the Smith & Wesson® line, the Equalizer™ is a firearm that combines several features to open itself up as a do-it-all gun for the masses.

versatil-izer1.png

THE GREAT VERSATIL-IZER?

If you are going to carry concealed lawfully under your<a href="https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/resources/ccw_reciprocity_map/">state’s guidelines</a>, it is important to practice drawing from concealment. It’s a bit different than your typical range day, but understanding the fundamentals of draw stroke, trigger discipline, muzzle awareness and safely reholstering are key to safely and responsibly carrying concealed. <iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rXjlz-X4IFA" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0"></iframe>

The Importance of Practicing with Your CCW

edc-jerry-blog-main.jpg

DRAWING YOUR EDC!

When the M&P®9 Shield™ Plus launched earlier of this year, we were excited to expand the M&P line with a maximum capacity micro-compact pistol. Now we are more excited than ever to share the newest addition to the Shield Plus line up. <img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt60e510c037d7637e/6372b16771c75510a0c9d8f6/shieldplus-or-001.jpg" height="auto" width="723" max-width="723" style="width: 723px; height: auto;"/> The initial line up of Shield Plus included a 4” Performance Center OR pistol with Crimson Trace® red dot included. Now there’s a new kid on the block, the 3.1” Shield Plus comes standard with an optics cut and night sights. <img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blted8ddd41d0f9e36e/6372b1a529381510675623e7/shieldplus-or-002.jpg" height="auto"/> Your new favorite Shield Plus is ready to go straight out of the box. Whether you plan to run an optic or use the traditional iron sights, you decide. The optic choice is yours, choose from any Shield SMS optic footprint which covers up to 80% of the micro compact red dot optics on the market. <img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt9ba21defc599c12c/6372b1d9b71d091081d0aa45/shieldplus-or-003_(1).jpg" height="auto"/> Check out the newest addition to the Shield Plus <a href="https://www.smith-wesson.com/shieldplus">lineup</a>.

When the M&P®9 Shield™ Plus launched earlier of this year, we were excited to expand the M&P line with a maximum capacity micro-compact pistol. Now we are more excited than ever to share the newest addition to the Shield Plus line up.

13536-Mp-Lifestyle-0001.jpg

SHIELD™ PLUS IS NOW OPTICS READY

S&W: Ken, we know you have been around firearms a long time, bring us back to young Ken, tell us about the first time you were introduced to firearms? Is this something you grew up around? KS: No, actually, I did not. I didn't experience, I had never seen a gun before I was 18 years old. And it was crazy because the very first gun we shot was a 7 Mag. It's like this, you know, huge bolt action gun; 7 Mag is a really big bullet and it's super loud. And it was like baptism by fire. It was really awesome, scary but awesome. S&W: You started your law enforcement career in private security, how did you get into that? KS:I felt like I had a calling for law enforcement, but I knew that the process to become a law enforcement officer was long. I didn't want to go through this crazy long hiring process, do it for a few months, then realize oh man I don't really like this; because the only other callings I felt was for firefighting or to race cars, so you know I wanted to make sure. So instead of just jumping straight into law enforcement I said let me jump into private security first, get my feet wet, and see if I like it before I make this huge commitment. So that's what I did, and it was it was eye-opening. It was a lot of responsibility all at one time, you know. My introduction to firearms was completely different where it wasn't so much of a recreational thing or a fun thing; it was a job. You know, how I look at it is completely different. <img height="auto" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blta9952c23d4dafbdd/6373aa44fa033a109b5d60e7/ken-web-image-003.jpg" width="715" max-width="715" style="width: 715px; height: auto;"/> S&W: So you started your career in private security and spent the vast majority of your career in law enforcement. Can you tell us what it was like transitioning out of that and into the education space? KS: Well, it kind of goes back to what I was saying, when you spend a lot of time as an armed professional, your outlook, the way you see things becomes a little bit skewed. It was a part of my job to go and train all the time, that was a normal thing. It's very important to me that the curriculum that we offer actually will benefit a normal person and everyday life. Making sure that the curriculum aligns with what we're more likely to deal with on a day-to-day basis. Other than that, everything else was pretty easy of an adjustment. <img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt0c90357e2f68cc69/6373aa7211407d1056d5c271/ken-web-image-002.jpg" height="auto"/> S&W: You’ve trained and been certified and teach many different disciplines of self-defense. What course or discipline is your favorite to teach? KS:My favorite course to teach is probably a Dynamic Pistol I. It's the class you would take after your basic classes. We have a couple of basic classes that you'll take and then we have Dynamic Pistol I. It’s a transition course, where it's transitioning you from the basics and now, we're starting to learn more of how the body works under stress. What we do is we dive into that a little bit more and help the student, understand what exactly is happening during fight or flight or when the autonomic nervous system has kicked in and all these different reactions are happening inside of the body. I think it's extremely important that we understand what the body's going to do in those situations so that we can make sure that we're implementing the right curriculum and training so that we can work with what the body is going to do and not go against it. So it's that class that I think is really what helps set the foundation for you truly build some serious skill set. S&W: As an instructor you must have some essential tips you share with every student. Is there one thing you say when teaching that’s applicable to all shooters? KS: Don’t be afraid to fail. And the reason why I say that is because I'm a firm believer that we learn way more from failures than we do our success. Now we are talking about shooting, so let me be very clear about it, as long as we're safe. So now that we've got that out the way, I don't mind the failure, in fact I would invite it. A lot of people that may hear this, they remember, especially the seasoned shooters, when they were a brand-new shooter, they were learning the basics, and they can recall how quickly that learning curve was. You go from not being able to do anything, to being able to shoot with relative consistency fairly quickly. But after that, most shooters experience a plateau and they don't understand, how to get off of that plateau. What I tell them is, hey, listen, you're at a level where you're going to have to start failing a lot. I mean, you're going to have to push yourself a little bit. There's this saying that Magpul came out with many, many moons ago and said that amateurs train till they get it right. Professionals train till they get it wrong. That is something that has been true in my life for a very, very long time. What I would say to everyone is, don't be afraid to fail. Make sure you're safe, but just think about it. If you weren't having that failure, you're not going to get any better.<img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/bltf884a9870cd2337e/6373aa914005df1070afb80e/ken-web-image-001.jpg" height="auto"/>S&W: What are some drills you practice to keep yourself sharp? KS: Understand that the only the only difference between somebody who's an amateur shooter and someone who's a professional shooter, is a professional has honed the fundamentals. The shooters fundamentals that you might have seen or heard about; we're talking about those. The more time we spend on those fundamentals, the better. Scotty Banks, a good friend and mentor of mine said, be brilliant at the basics. So that's what I do. I spend time on the basics, and I'll be honest with you, it has helped me time and time again. And it not just helped me. It is the reason why I am the shooter I am today, just dry fire in general. Just working the basics, the general basic draw stroke from the holster. Inside the waistband and outside, I put myself on the shot timer, you know, in front of the target on the wall, you know, that's what I do to keep myself good to go. S&W: With as many firearms as you have shot and own, if you could only own one, what would it be? KS: It would be the new Shield Plus. S&W: Really? KS:Yeah, you know, it does everything that I need it to do and it does it well. The gun that I use the most is my Performance Center® M&P® 9 M2.0™ 5” because I teach with it, I train with it, you know, it’s the one I use the most. But it's obviously pretty big. So, if I could only pick one, I definitely want something that's concealable and disappears, the Shield Plus definitely does that. Now, because of the availability of 14 rounds, I don't feel inadequate when I'm leaving the house. Yeah, the new Shield Plus is where it's at, with a [red] dot! S&W: What are you working on these days? KS: Right now, we're perfecting our Red Dot Pistol class. It's a newer class that we've introduced; the world of red dots on pistols is still an area that we're actively exploring. So we're working on that, and one of the biggest focuses right now is dry fire. We're actually developing a dry fire academy. So once a month, we're going to meet up with other like-minded individuals who want to dry fire and learn the proper way to dry fire so they can make sure that what they're doing at home is right. We're thinking about making it like a six-month thing where once a month for six months you meet up with the same group of folks; and we can all learn together, share drills together. I'm really looking forward to the fellowship, you know, and having fun with one another and meeting new people.

Get to know Smith & Wesson Ambassador Ken Scott as he sits down with us to talk about his introduction to shooting, law enforcement background and passion for teaching.

IMG_0363.jpg

GET TO KNOW KEN SCOTT

Did you know that the revolver you know today as the Model 10 was the first M&P®? Introduced in 1899, this revolver has not only withstood the test of time, but also paved the way for all M&P’s to follow in its path." <img height="auto" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/bltd77b3d5f8684536c/6373acfce72c60105ee26c8c/M&PAd1900SPDBook_0.jpg" width="715" max-width="715" style="width: 715px; height: auto;"/> Building off of the M&P’s immediate success, D.B. Wesson was determined to create an even more powerful .38 cartridge than ever seen before. Thus, the .38 S&W Special cartridge was born. The combined innovation of the M&P’s hand extractor system with the more powerful .38 S&W Special led to a full lineup of Smith and Wesson M&P revolvers by 1936. In 1942 the M&P joined the fight. The .38 M&P revolver was updated and shipped to the British military to join the allied forces during WWII, supplying over 800,000 revolvers. This line of revolvers sported the serial numbers prefix V, better known today as the Victory models. <img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/bltb89a403ffeaf2f87/6373ad1d6237d7106934b06c/image-001-a_0.jpg" height="auto"/>In the 1950’s Smith & Wesson worked to develop their first auto-loading 9mm pistol. Called the Model 39, this pistol was the first American designed double action semi-automatic pistol marketed in the U.S. While it did not sport the M&P moniker, the Illinois State Police adopted it in 1968 making it the first ever Double Action auto-loading pistol ever used by any state law enforcement agency in the United States. <img height="auto" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/bltb460cdcdfbbb3d72/6373ad3f8db6e810ab777444/image-002_0.jpg" width="715" max-width="715" style="width: 715px; height: auto;"/>However, the strength of the original Smith & Wesson M&P design held strong. By 1960 it was estimated that 85% of the world’s law enforcement officers carried a .38 M&P revolver. It wasn’t until 2005 when the polymer frame pistol line that we know as today’s modern M&P came to be. Within its first year over 100 police departments were carrying the new line of M&P pistols. Since then, the M&P line has expanded to encompass everything from the smallest M&P bodyguard, to the tried-and-true Shield, all the way through the M&P 15 modern sporting rifle. <img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt9dfa1bd477048d87/6373ad5bda728110eb03aa98/image-003.jpg" height="auto"/>

Did you know that the revolver you know today as the Model 10 was the first M&P®?

WAVES-ADD-REALESTATE-2.jpg

HISTORY OF M&P

S&W: When did you start shooting? Did you know you immediately caught the shooting bug? JG: So, I have a bit of a unique story because I grew up around shooting. It’s just always been a part of my life and something my dad always did… Whether he was hunting or shooting matches or just plinking, all that good stuff, I was around it all the time. I was his little buddy and I went everywhere with him. It wasn’t a matter of catching the shooting bug because I enjoyed being on the range with him at such a young age. S&W: What was your first competition like? JG: After all those years of being on the range, when I turned 14, my dad and I felt that I was big enough, strong enough, old enough, and mature enough, to actually start competing myself. That was kind of how it all came into play. We planned for me to start competing in the summer. Leading up to that, we spent the winter getting my gun handling skills up to par so I would be able to be safe and competent for my first match. As we prepared, I remember going to this little indoor range and it was so cold in there and there was no heat. My first competition was a USPSA (United States Practical Shooting Association) match. At that time, in order to compete in your first match, you had to complete a practical shooting checklist. You had to show that you were able to understand the safety rules, that you were proficient with shooting and able to draw from a holster. Being a girl, a young girl, there was nobody else my age. With no young ladies at the range shooting at the time, I definitely had some big shoes to fill and there were a lot of expectations. <img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt140169621969fafb/6373aed611407d1056d5c287/Julie_Golob_as_a_new_competitive_shooter_3.jpeg" height="auto"/> S&W: Was there anyone that you looked up to in shooting? JG: Growing up going to local clubs and all of the ranges in New York, a woman named Sheila Bray was a regular and she was also the first Lady Master Shooter in USPSA. She was just phenomenal shooter. I also loved that when she would walk in to the clubhouse she was one of the guys. She had goals and she had this confident air about her too, so I really looked up to her. S&W: You were in the military, what was that like? Did it shape your shooting style? JG: I was recruited to shoot for the Army’s Action Shooting Team. I had been competing a few years and went to my first nationals as a Junior in high school. I caught the Coach’s attention and was recruited to shoot for the Army Marksmanship Unit right there. Looking back on my time in the Army, you know, it was definitely challenging; being the only woman on a male team and being the first woman on an all-male team. I would say that I rely on the skills and all of those rounds down range even today. It was really a foundation building; I mean, I think about years I shot more than 100,000 rounds. My time in the Army is really what took me to the next level. <img height="auto" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt47faf826d3aabd48/6373aef5acdace107758e2c6/image-001_1.jpg" width="716" max-width="716" style="width: 716px; height: auto;"/> S&W: And how long have you been shooting for Team Smith & Wesson? Can you tell us a little about what it’s like shooting on a team with shooting being such an individual sport? JG:I started shooting for Smith & Wesson back in 2006. So that's yeah, that's a long time. I've been with Smith & Wesson longer than I was with the military. It’s the longest team I've been on in my career. Being on a team is more about comradery and pride as much as shooting is very much an individual sport. As shooters we do have the opportunity to compete together in teams when we're representing Team USA at the world level for example. But even in as a team, everybody is still working on their individual score first, because if you don't shoot well yourself, you're not going to be able to shoot well for your team. S&W: Shooting has taken you to all around the world, where are some of your favorite places you have gone to shoot? JG: It’s such an honor to say that I've been able to shoot on six continents. That’s not something a lot of people, have done in their lifetime, much less with a gun on their hip. So it's been such a neat, neat journey. Some of my favorite places? Hmmm…. I've been to Moscow, I've been to New Zealand, I've been to Greece. All of it has just been amazing. Trips to the Philippines... It’s so hard to pick a favorite event because there are so many neat memories from all of them. Even in the U.S., I really enjoy traveling within the United States just to meet new people, find little restaurants in obscure little towns. It's been really, really neat to travel around and see different styles of shooting and meet different people. And it's funny, we may come from different walks of life and we may speak different languages, but when you're a shooter, there's just this connection. S&W: With as many firearms as you have shot and own, if you could only own one, what would it be? JG: Oh, my goodness I hate this question! I get this one all the time and I tell people it's like asking a girl what her favorite pair of shoes are. It all depends on the outfit, right? If I could only have one, it would probably be, and this is just me being completely practical, I would probably choose my Performance Center® C.O.R.E™ M&P® 9MM. I can take my red dot off of it and shoot iron sights. I can attach a laser to it. I can put a light on it. I can use it for target shooting, it works for home defense if I need it too; it's of one of those great all-around pistols, standard capacity at seventeen rounds, all that jazz. That said, I would severely miss my rifles, my M&P 10 in particular. I'm also such a 1911 girl I love my 1911's too and even my revolvers; I have revolvers from competition and some from my dad when he was young. Then there’s my new Shield Plus for concealed carry… I think they would be very hard to part with. Yeah, it would be brutal. <img height="auto" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt696b5793ff17dead/6373af1ea3fffc10b9dc1ef5/image-002.jpg" width="715" max-width="715" style="width: 715px; height: auto;"/> S&W: What are you working on these days? JG: You know, I’m in a different phase of my life in a lot of ways. With everything going on in the world it's been really fun to just shoot for fun lately. Many competitions were canceled last year as we all try to adapt. So, my range days look a bit difference compared to training for matches. I also have two daughters, one just turned thirteen and the other is eight. My husband and I are having a lot of fun spending time on the range with them too. It's neat to be able to share shooting, obviously with my own family and then working with GunSmarts and then working on projects and videos, that sort of stuff. I do look forward to getting back to matches, but it’s been nice to take a different approach to shooting too.

Get to know Julie Golob, Team Smith & Wesson Captain as she sits down with us to talk about how she got into shooting.

Julie_Golob_IPSC_World_Champion_with_S&W_Pro_Series_9mm_1911_on_a_stage_with_strong_hand_only.JPG

GET TO KNOW JULIE GOLOB

You may be asking yourself: "Why would I need a quieter .22?" The answer is found in the experience. Building on the M&P 15, the 15-22 offers shooters an enjoyable plinking experience, but like any standard .22 you’ll still want to have your hearing protection handy. The Gemtech® Integra® 15-22 designed to complement the Smith & Wesson® M&P®15-22 is an integrally suppressed upper receiver offering ultimate sound reduction through greater internal volume. Already have a Smith & Wesson® M&P®15-22? You’ll be glad to hear, no modifications needed! Just simply remove the upper-receiver and replace it with the Gemtech Integra 15-22 integrally suppressed upper receiver; pull the pins, replace the upper and you are good to go! Even better? It will only increase the overall length by 1.5”. One of the ultimate bonuses of this system is that you’ll never need to worry about any loosening up with the suppressor permanently integrated into the upper. The best yet? With an overall barrel length of 17.5” there’s no need for an SBR (Short-Barrel Rifle) tax stamp. <img height="auto" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/bltb6d8223f631c4eeb/6373affa62965b10fea09a92/inline-image-001.jpg" width="799" max-width="799"/> Here’s what some of our friends have said about it:<ul><li>Jerry Miculek “I don’t know what more you could ask for!” </li><li>Mrgunsngear“It is a fun gun! It performed well, I like it, we’re gonna keep using it you guys are going to see it in the future on the channel for sure!”</li><li>Gun Talk Media&nbsp;“This is a perfect teaching rifle. This is a fun gun, making it super suppressed makes it even more fun” </li></ul><img height="auto" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/bltf079c775346ee7a5/6373b02cac59ed1089b2f3b2/gemtech-quiet-002.jpg" width="715" max-width="715" style="width: 715px; height: auto;"/>

You may be asking yourself, "Why would I need a quieter .22?"

CMG-Gemtech-P1-D1-PR-9206772.jpg

AN EVEN QUIETER .22

Average is boring. Good is never good enough. Basic is fine, but not for you... or for us. We demand&nbsp;more. Allow us to Introduce you to the newest member of the Smith & Wesson M&P family, the&nbsp;M&P®9 Shield™ Plus, the new large capacity Micro compact you have been waiting for. Let's dive right in to the features. Starting with magazine capacity. We've heard you, you want more rounds, in a small, concealable firearm - Enter the Shield Plus - with a capacity of up to 14 rounds - 13 in the magazine and one In the chamber. It comes with a standard, flush-fit 10-round 9mm magazine, and an extended magazine holding 13. A small handgun with increased capacity is great, but equally important is "shootablity". We've taken the ergonomics of our M&P Series pistols and migrated them Into the small, lightweight Shield Plus. The 18° grip angle gives you a natural point of aim when you bring the gun up, helps manage recoil and get back on target quickly. We've also tuned the grip texture to be a balance of both firm grip when firing and comfort for everyday carry. And finally, a new trigger. The Shield Plus features a new flat faced trigger design that gives the user a more consistent trigger finger placement for more accurate and repeatable shooting.&nbsp; <img height="auto" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt62f19559dcf5f028/6373b08c7140e510ae4a54db/inline-image.jpg" width="715" max-width="715" style="width: 715px; height: auto;"/>Rounding out the excitement around the Shield Plus is, it is available in several different configurations including Smith & Wesson Performance Center models with ported barrels, aftermarket sights and optics ready slides. For additional specs be sure to check out the Shield<a href="https://www.smith-wesson.com/shieldplus">Plus pages</a> and visit a Smith & Wesson <a href="https://www.smith-wesson.com/dealer-locator">dealer near you</a>. <img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/bltf931f19522ce275a/6373b0b162965b10fea09a98/sw-bl-1.jpg" height="auto"/>

Allow us to introduce you to the newest member of the Smith & Wesson M&P family, the M&P Shield Plus.

sw-blog-header.jpg

WHAT YOU CARRY, CARRIES YOU

So, you’ve met the M&P®9 M2.0® METAL, allow us to introduce you to the newest pistol in the lineup of M&P metal pistols, the Performance Center® M&P9 M2.0 Competitor®. This Performance Center edition of the M&P Metal pistol is completely overhauled to give competitive shooters the edge. Let’s take a closer look… If we start from the muzzle, it’s hard to miss the slide’s aggressive lightening cuts; these are not only along the sides, but they also run the length of the top of the slide. These cuts don’t just make the Competitor look fast, but they are designed to help improve the recoil balance point by reducing the weight of the slide ahead of the chamber. <img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt7cfef082e833a0fb/63ae7789dd15173154017031/competitor_003.jpg" height="auto"/>Designed to shoot fast, the Competitor comes standard with an integrated flared mag well for fast and effortless reloads with extended floorplate magazines. To drop mags quickly and efficiently, the magazine release is oversized and reversible for both left and right-handed competitive shooters. <img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt0259f61a09943b78/63ae77894efa494a5213ded9/competitor_001.jpg" height="auto"/>The fiber optic front sight and blacked out serrated rear sights are the finishing touch to make this pistol’s sight picture competition ready. Add in the Performance Center tuned action with the new M&P M2.0 flat-faced trigger and this optics-ready pistol is set to hit the range straight out of the box. <img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt71e16ea93b272ca1/63ae778901225710c8c97f3e/competitor_002.jpg" height="auto"/> Whether you are shopping for a new race gun that you hope will make you shoot as fast as Jerry Miculek or looking for your new favorite range pistol, this pistol is the tack driver you’ve been searching for. For detailed specs check out the&nbsp;<a href="https://sw-preview.vercel.app/search?query=performance%20center%20m2.0%20competitor" target="_self">Performance Center M&P9 M2.0 Competitor</a> To check these out-person, visit your local <a href="https://www.smith-wesson.com/dealer-locator?location=" target="_self">S&W DEALER</a>

Completely overhauled to give competitive shooters the edge...

competitor-main.jpg

FAST AS LIGHTNING: PC™ M&P®9 M2.0® COMPETITOR®

Known as “America’s Rifle”, the Modern Sporting Rifle (MSR, also commonly referred to as the AR-15) has continued to gain popularity since its development in the 1950s. As of late, the talk of the town seems to be the MSR’s shorter versatile sibling, the MSR pistol. It wasn’t all that long ago, that I acquired my first M&P15 Pistol, and I’ve since come to understand why they are so popular. It’s one of the few guns that’s started to accompany me on almost every range trip. While I enjoy taking my M&P15 Sport II out, the compact size of the pistol makes it easier to pack alongside other guns when running out the door to the range. <img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt2ed4238f3ca8c6e6/636d6879d3e1d2108a99b25e/brace-003.jpg" height="auto"/>The M&P15 Pistol features a full length Picatinny-style rail, allowing you to mount your favorite optic and backup sights. Range Fun: Among my favorite rounds to shoot are 5.56 and .223, and for good reason… They serve such a wide array of purposes, from hunting to home defense and even basic target practice; but let’s be honest, they are just plain old fun to shoot. There’s nothing like spending the day at the range, ringing steel plates downrange with your MSR. Not to mention, having the ability to push your shots out to several hundred yards with the right setup, can make you feel like you can conquer any target.<img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt0b450acc0203c1e5/636d68a8173c53758cc79633/brace-001.jpg" height="auto"/>I was able to place shots quickly and consistently on this 10” steel plate at 75 to 100 yards with the help of the Swampfox Liberator II. While the shots are not in an extremely tight grouping, for shooting one-handed, two-handed, and at varying speeds, I’m happy with it. While I would advise against it, you probably could shoot a standard MSR one-handed. But more than likely, you’ll lack the proper control to remain accurate, and as with all firearms, safety comes first and foremost. However, in a pistol configuration, the fixed arm brace with closure strap makes it fun and easy to shoot one-handed. Especially with the proper optic, you can maintain a high level of accuracy and a fast target acquisition speed while only using one hand. In addition, other accessories such as hand stops (not foregrips) and weapon-mounted lights that you would use on your standard MSR are flexible enough in their design to work with MSR Pistols. But the fun doesn’t end there, with the pistol configuration, you still get a full 30-round capacity (where allowed by law), so the fun doesn’t have to be cut short, just because the firearm itself is short!<img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/bltcbe22076ef2368b3/636d68dee8cec27adaf68da9/brace-002.jpg" height="auto"/>&nbsp; The extra control provided by the arm brace makes it simple to shoot one-handed. Home Defense: The M&P15 Pistol is much more than just a range toy though. In my opinion, AR-15 pistols make for one of the best home protection options. The shorter barrel length allows you to tightly turn corners and clear rooms with ease, while the magazine capacity will have you covered in the event there are multiple threats. All in all, it makes for a well-balanced option to have in your home defense repertoire. Pistol vs. Rifle: Luckily, I don’t have to choose between one or the other, but I often hear people discussing which is “better.” That’s an answer that’s going to vary by individual. Here are several of the key specs of the M&P15 Pistol and M&P15 Sport II to compare, to help you decide if there is one that would better suit your needs. <table><tbody><tr><td>&nbsp;Specification</td><td>&nbsp;M&P15 Pistol</td><td>&nbsp;M&P15 Sport II</td></tr><tr><td>&nbsp;Barrel Length</td><td>&nbsp;7.5”</td><td>&nbsp;16”</td></tr><tr><td>&nbsp;Barrel Twist</td><td>&nbsp;1:7</td><td>&nbsp;1:9</td></tr><tr><td>&nbsp;Overall Length</td><td>&nbsp;24.9”</td><td>&nbsp;35”</td></tr><tr><td>&nbsp;Weight</td><td>&nbsp;53.6 oz.</td><td>&nbsp;103.2 oz.</td></tr><tr><td>&nbsp;Capacity</td><td>&nbsp;30+1</td><td>&nbsp;30+1</td></tr><tr><td>&nbsp;Stock</td><td>&nbsp;Fixed Brace</td><td>&nbsp;Adjustable</td></tr></tbody></table> Coming in roughly 10” shorter and at half of the weight, the M&P15 Pistol may seem like a no-brainer. However, with that comes the potential for reduced accuracy if you are really hoping to reach out and touch distant targets at the range. Additionally, there are restrictions on which accessories and modifications you can make to the pistol configuration. Before making any modifications to your MSR Pistol, be sure you are aware of your local regulations and be sure to research all potential accessories prior to purchasing any to ensure that any modifications you make are legal under the statutes. At risk of sounding biased, the Pistol’s pros far outweigh the cons, but you can’t go wrong with having both either... &nbsp;Follow The Guy Gear Review: IG:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/theguygearreview" target="_self">@theguygearreview</a> TW:<a href="https://twitter.com/GuyGearReview" target="_self">@guygearreview</a> Website:<a href="https://theguygearreview.com/" target="_self">theguygearreview.com</a><table><tbody><tr></tr></tbody></table>

 Some guns just bring the range day fun... this gun, is the one.

main-bracepistol.jpg

M&P®15 Braced Pistol: More Than Just an Epic Range Gun

Standing motionless about twenty feet up while waiting for the shadows to get longer I am excited for tonight’s hunt. I look off to my side where my cameraman is asleep. This is a normal occurrence in so many of our hunting trips while we wait for the golden hour of hunting as I like to call It during the early deer season. No worries though, we’ve videoed a lot of content going in and everything around us was quiet. It’s still about an hour until prime time when I hear a faint sound coming from the direction of the old two track we came in on earlier in the day.The sound doesn’t really make sense and at first I can’t place it, so I stare into the brush in that direction and slowly raise my binoculars. The sound wakes Kevin, and he swings his camera toward the brush. You never know, it could be the buck we’d captured on the scouting cameras recently in the area. Then I hear it again, a rustling and sniffing sound. Trophy squirrel? Armadillo? Racoon? I glass up and down the trail until I pick up movement and what I see is none other than a healthy golden retriever turning down the trail we felt the deer were using, about 25 yards from our stand. About 20 yards behind the dog are two ladies; one dressed in tan and the other in a green sweatshirt. All three walked right on by never knowing we were there. This came as quite a surprise as we were on private land with permission, where we’d walked in on two track and were about a mile from the nearest road. T his encounter and others I’ve had like it always leave me concerned, spooked and nervous. The reality is, we share the woods with many others, regardless of if we’re on private or public land. This interaction between a hunter and non-hunter could happen anywhere or at any time and as such there are a couple of tips and rules, we can all follow during hunting season. TIPS FOR NON-HUNTERS Identify hunting seasons and lands open to hunting: If you hear shooting, raise your voice and let hunters know you are in the vicinity and if possible, go back the way you came while making noise. Be courteous: Once a hunter is aware of your presence, do not make unnecessary noise that disturbs wildlife. Avoid conflict and share the outdoors. Know where and when hunting is taking place. Talk to others in parking areas and plan your recreation activities based on what you know to be certain. Avoid hiking in low light conditions around sunrise and sunset; this is when most game species are moving, and the low light will make it more difficult for hunters to identify and see you. If you have access to private land during hunting season, be sure to always talk the landowners as they may have given hunting permission to family or friends. You should always assume that you’ll not be the only person out there. Stay on designated trails: Trails are designed for safety of public users, to protect sensitive habitats and keep you from crossing into areas where people may be hunting. Enjoying recreational hiking activities on designated trails will reduce the chances of you entering an area someone is hunting. Wear bright, highly visible clothing: Keep these words in mind: Be safe by being seen. I still think back to a hand full of encounters I have had with others in the outdoors where I couldn’t identify who they were or what they were based on the clothing they had on. That is scary stuff. Make yourself easily visible. Choose colors that stand out, like bright blaze orange, fluorescent red or green. Avoid earth-toned, animal-colored clothing, and maybe leave the fuzzy pom-pom hat at home for your hike. Do not forget to protect your dog, too: On public and private land where pets are permitted, tie a brightly colored bandana or swath of fabric around your dog’s neck. Or purchase a blaze orange dog vest, available from many sporting goods outfitters. Follow appropriate leash requirements if there are any. Make noise:Alert hunters to your presence by whistling, singing, or carrying on a conversation as you walk.

There's often discussion surrounding the importance of Hunter's Safety, but what about safety for the non-hunter during hunting season? Wade Middleton shares some words of wisdom to keep everyone safe this season.

non-hunter-safety-001.jpg

NON-HUNTER SAFETY

.22 Long Rifle is one of America’s favorite, most versatile calibers and is widely accepted as the preferred round for training youth and first-time shooters. It’s used to plink and practice with, as well as shoot competitively yet still has a place in the hunting world for small game and remains the least expensive ammunition on the market. This tiny cartridge has withstood the test of time, but that’s not to say it hasn’t advanced over the years to remain relevant. Rimfire cartridges are not the first metallic cartridges invented, but they are the oldest of the designs still in production today. In 1832, prior to the development of rimfire, Swiss gun maker Samuel Joannes Pauly, patented the first breech loading cartridge for shotguns using an external percussion cap. Twenty years later in 1832 Casimir Lefaucheux improved this technology with the pinfire cartridge. While these were a significant improvement from muzzleloaders, they left a lot of reliability and manufacturing simplicity to be desired. Fast forward another 13 years to 1845 in France, Nicolas Flobert develops a far simpler design, the .22 BB (Bulleted Breech) Cap also known as the 6mm Flobert; by combining a percussion cap with a bullet seated in the top of the cap. The low velocity, primer only cartridge, was used in “parlor guns” also known as “gallery guns” and are similar in power to .22 caliber air rifles. Since shooting galleries have disappeared into history, these cartridges have largely disappeared as well, but not without creating the legacy of the modern rimfire cartridge. <img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt666c2b518bb46049/63727f3c62965b10fea0904d/22lrhistory-blog-001.jpg" height="auto"/>Left - Now more commonly known as "BB caps" the Flobert cartridges were squat, small cartridges with little more punch than a pellet gun.Right - An early Model 1, alongside it’s .22 Rimfire counterpart. Images via Mike Helms, Firearms Historian Flobert’s cartridges inspired the development of America’s first rimfire metallic cartridge, the .22 Rimfire. Released in 1857 for the Smith & Wesson Model 1, Smith & Wesson’s first firearm. The .22 Rimfire cartridge had a 4-grain charge of black powder and 29 grain bullet. Designed as a personal protection pocket gun, and paired with the .22 Rimfire the match landed itself as the first commercially successful revolver to use rimfire cartridges. In 1871, the .22 Long was released with an extra grain of black powder (5 grains total) and then in 1880 the .22 Extra Long with 6 grains. With the release of the .22 Long, the .22 Rimfire became known as the .22 Short. Modern .22 Short is still produced and is the oldest cartridge still commercially produced today. <img height="auto" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/bltaee64b03b2a6f931/63727f60cca9f010a904a994/22lrhistory-blog-002.jpg" width="715" max-width="715" style="width: 715px; height: auto;"/>The Model 1, serial number 5 - the earliest known S&W revolver in existence. Image & caption via Mike Helms, Firearms Historian It wasn’t until 1887 that the J. Stevens Arms & Tool Company introduced what would become the quintessential 22 rimfire cartridge, the .22 Long Rifle (LR). The .22 LR duplicated the performance of the .22 Extra Long in a shorter cartridge and went on to become the most popular cartridge in the world. The change to smokeless powder further improved the performance and today there are numerous variations of the 22 LR caliber manufactured all over the world. The .22 LR has been a long-standing staple of competitive shooting, from as early as the days of shooting galleries at fairs, using Flobert cartridges, the .22 LR has become widely used in many types of competitions around the world. Low recoil and affordable cost have made rimfire competitions popular for all ages and types of events throughout the ages. <img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blte3c9297f59f6e696/63727f834005df1070afb052/22lrhistory-blog-003.jpg" height="auto"/>Images via Gould, Arthur Corbin. "The Modern American Pistol and Revolver." Boston: A. C. Gould & Co., 1888. .22 LR has had a significant impact in Olympic sports as well. The Biathlon, a race made up of cross-country skiing and off-hand rifle shooting, evolved from Scandinavian military drills. It was formally added as an Olympic event in 1960 with later standardizing to the .22 LR. For those looking for a challenge, the Precision Rifle Series™ (PRS®) was created. In these challenges, shooters engage very small targets out to a couple hundred yards. The slow velocity and relatively low ballistic coefficient of the .22 LR adds additional challenges when shot at a distance since it’s easily affected by the wind. The ballistics of the tiny .22 LR effectively simulate the challenges of shooting larger calibers at much greater distances because of the limitations of the round. With competitions like these, it’s safe to say the popularity of rimfire won’t be going away any time soon.

Ever wonder how one of the world's most loved cartridges came to be?

22lrhistory-blog-002.jpg

Shooting Sports

S&W History

HISTORY OF .22

In the world of firearms, there are few things as uniquely American as the 1911 handgun. A masterpiece developed by John Moses Browning, beloved throughout the 20th century and into modernity. Interestingly, the design has remained virtually the same throughout the 1911’s century-plus history, with only minor updates and changes making their appearance as early as the mid-1920’s. One of the changes made to the 1911 was the appearance of an external extractor on the gun, a design that Smith & Wesson has since incorporated into their version of the 1911 pistol. <img height="auto" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/bltb1292ac3b9e8e7f0/637257838db6e810ab776307/1911-001.jpg" width="715" max-width="715" style="width: 715px; height: auto;"/> While the external extractor may be regarded as a controversial tweak, Smith & Wesson has found this extractor model to perform fantastically for reliability when compared to the original internal extractor design. To start, the external extractor found on the SW1911 is more stable than its internal predecessor. The original internal extractor design is steel bent to tension, tension that will relax over time and cause issues extracting spent cartridges. In contrast, the external extractor design comprises a pin that the extractor pivots on being held under tension by a spring; this provides a more constant and stable extractor. <img height="auto" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/bltf7c27203c4a9d0a9/637257acfa033a109b5d5856/1911-002.jpg" width="715" max-width="715" style="width: 715px; height: auto;"/> Smith & Wesson has taken the external extractor one step further in reliability through its size. The extractor on the SW1911 is substantially larger than its internal counterparts, optimizing the ability to “grip” onto a casing’s rim, thus enhancing the pistol's reliability. <img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/bltc95a1af4fdb80133/637258edea930410907d6b38/1911-003_(1).jpg" height="auto"/> Images in this article are of the Performance Center® SW1911 Pro Series® chambered in 9mm. In addition to the oversized extractor, the SW1911 sports a full-length guide rod, bull barrel, and a firing pin block safety, none of which were original to the 1911. With these improvements to this century-old design, Smith & Wesson is showing us 1911 enthusiasts that old dogs can absolutely learn new tricks. When the temperatures outside start climbing, many gun owners find themselves reaching for a sub-compact or micro-compact handgun to carry. Simply put, it can be more challenging to conceal a full-size or even a compact pistol under a simple t-shirt, than it is a micro-compact. And if you’re carrying with a weapon-mounted light and/or an optic, these can become an even larger factor in deciding which gun to carry. Follow Eli on Instagram:@1776_duck

Sometimes it is what’s on the outside that counts...

1911-main.jpg

A MODERN CLASSIC

What I’m about to say may shock you… To be honest, I shocked myself once I realized it… Up until just a few months ago, I had never shot a revolver. After all of my years of shooting and training, it feels crazy to even write that! It’s not that I’ve intentionally avoided revolvers, I just grew up shooting semi-automatics and never strayed. I also realized that none of my shooting partners or family members own revolvers, so the organic opportunity to shoot one hadn’t presented itself. <img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt809ec59bec6988b4/6375526cfa033a109b5d6dfb/journey_into_revolvers-001.jpg" height="auto"/>My current semi-automatic theme is obvious, that is until I added the Model 66. I talk to my friends over at Smith & Wesson® pretty frequently and once they realized I had never shot or handled a revolver, we agreed it was time to change that; and that is where my journey into revolvers starts. Hopefully, my learning experience will ease any reservations you may have about taking the plunge into a new platform; it’s never too late to expand your training! After much consideration about what would be the right revolver for me, I ultimately landed on the Model 66 Combat Magnum®.Why the Model 66?Aside from the aesthetics catching my eye right away, for me, it came down to one word… versatility. I wanted to immerse myself into the new platform, meaning I wanted to be able to experience different shooting styles, techniques, calibers and so on. The Model 66 allows me to do just that. I can shoot .357 Magnum or .38 S&W Special, Single or Double Action, and it’s compact enough to carry if I decide to. And of course, it’s made in America. <img height="auto" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt41c6021b6a875920/636eb466dfef0e7869a3077f/journey_into_revolvers-002.jpg" width="655" max-width="655" style="width: 655px; height: auto;"/> While I Waited… The waiting period for any firearm to get delivered to your FFL always seems like an eternity, even if it’s only a week or two. While I impatiently waited for my new shiny wheelgun to arrive, I spent a ton of time online reading about revolver basics and watching videos. I wound up getting quite side-tracked on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/MiculekDotCom">Jerry Miculek’s YouTube</a>page after originally heading there for revolver videos, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing! I also went to one of the larger gun shops in my area to handle a few revolvers for fun and acquaint myself. Even though I wasn’t able to find a Model 66 locally, it was still nice to get a hands-on feel of some others. Expectation vs. Reality… I’ll admit, I somewhat expected to go through a box of ammo and by the end of it, feel pretty confident given my firearms experience. I’m not too proud to admit, that was not the case. I decided to start in double action to mimic a semi-auto more closely, and my first six shots were all over the place. While I’m no competition shooter to begin with, this grouping was not what I’m used to... I switched over to single action for my next six rounds and it was a world of difference; nearly immediately I had a new respect for double action revolver shooters. With single action, I was able to get a decent grouping and was starting to see why people love shooting revolvers. <img height="auto" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt1853ca3e1f415260/636eb4925b18470909f1b135/journey_into_revolvers-003_0.jpg" width="594" max-width="594" style="width: 594px; height: auto;"/> What’s Next? Range time... Lots of range time… So far, I’ve only put 120 rounds through the Combat Magnum, of either <a href="https://www.federalpremium.com/handgun/american-eagle/american-eagle-handgun/11-AE38B.html">158-grain Federal® American Eagle® .38 Special</a> or <a href="https://www.federalpremium.com/handgun/american-eagle/american-eagle-handgun/11-AE357A.html">158-grain Federal American Eagle .357 Magnum</a>. Not only do I plan to spend more time shooting it in general, but I’m also planning to test several different loads in hopes of finding the “sweet spot” of what I’m most comfortable with. From what I have experienced thus far, the simplicity of the revolver platform is already providing me a certain level of comfort. <img height="auto" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt802ab56ca49b18bd/636eb4c70210be4306c970df/journey_into_revolvers-004.jpg" width="645" max-width="645" style="width: 645px; height: auto;"/>I always prefer to shoot outdoors when possible, but will settle for indoors in a pinch. I plan to get additional range time in both settings. As I get more dialed in with my single and double action, I’ll be back to share more updates on my revolver journey. My hope is that I can share my personal insights as they come up so you can have a leg up from what I’ve learned. Until next time, continue training and stay safe!

What's it like to pick up a revolver for the first time having never held or shot one? Will you like it enough to become your new EDC?

journey_into_revolvers-main.jpg

MY REVOLVER JOURNEY: EXPECTATIONS & FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Needless to say, the past few years have been a bit crazy… Whether it has been addressing our country’s political state, keeping yourself safe during a global pandemic, or fighting for your Second Amendment rights, it’s been tough trying to catch a break. Adding to the list, the latest and likely most enduring challenges we are facing has been the increasing inflation rates. Whether it was the spike in the housing market, the skyrocketing of gas prices, and now universal price increases to help companies protect their bottom line, we are all experiencing these increases across the board. But we stand firm in our belief that you shouldn’t have to compromise when it comes to your personal security, that is why we are absorbing costs and making the Shield™ Plus more affordable than ever. During these difficult economic times, we’ve decided to make that change, because at Smith & Wesson® we’re committed to serving and empowering Americans, no matter what. <img height="auto" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt3f6413d2ba694315/636eb134beec2f3e30eadeb5/savings-blog-001a.jpg" width="715" max-width="715" style="width: 715px; height: auto;"/> Dedicated to your freedom, equality, and security. These are still our guiding principles after nearly two centuries of making firearms. We proudly stand with the rights of the American people to bear arms, and in this difficult economic time we’re offering up our best, at its most affordable price. View the full <a href="https://www.smith-wesson.com/subcategory/30-super-carry">https://www.smith-wesson.com/subcategory/30-super-carry</a>series.<div></div><div></div>

Because at Smith & Wesson we’re committed to serving and empowering Americans, no matter what.

savings-blog-main2.jpg

PROTECTING YOU AND SAVING YOUR WALLET

Story of a dedicated first responder, his dog, and how an angel saved them both on that fateful day. For many, the memory of the events that happened in lower Manhattan on the morning of September 11th, 2001 starts with the recollection of where they were at the time that they first heard about the attack. Everyone will tell their story a bit differently, but the facts always remain the same. At 8:45AM that Tuesday morning, American Airlines flight 11 struck the north tower of the World Trade Center and just a short 18 minutes later United Airlines flight 175 struck the south tower. That morning, you may have been on your way to work, in school with your classmates, or sitting at home drinking a cup of coffee, all of us learning for the first time of the events in disbelief. As residents of lower Manhattan fled the rubble, local NYPD and FDNY jumped into action to rescue and save as many lives as possible. Many knowing they may give their life in the process of serving others. Officer Chris Christensen’s instincts were no different. He knew he had to do something to help. Though he was not NYPD, rather an officer from East Carondelet, Illinois, he packed up his squad car, his search and rescue K9 named Servus, and called up his mayor. <iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YYQ9UM1qE00" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0"></iframe> While Officer Christensen and Servus were searching for survivors in the rubble of the south tower, Officer Christensen’s backpack caught a piece of twisted metal framing. At that same moment, Servus leapt to him, but the snagged backpack prevented him from catching his trusted K9. Subsequently, Servus fell through the opening 10-15 feet into the dust below. Resting on a ledge with Servus now not breathing, Officer Christensen tried everything he could to help him breath, all the while, the remains of the building groaned at them with an impending threat. With a heavy beam headed straight towards them, Officer Christensen spoke to God directly, praying the beam would spare their lives. He looks back now at the moment the beam stopped and says it best, “that angel saved my life and my dogs life that day”. With the beam no longer headed towards them, Officer Christensen was able to get both himself and Servus out of the rubble and get him breathing again. Seeing Servus hurt, his NYPD brothers in blue called for backup and helped rush Officer Christensen and Servus to the Animal Medical Center where they were able to save Servus. After being asked to machine engrave a Model 629 revolver in memory of Servus’, it is with honor and gratitude that the employees of Smith & Wesson present a beautiful one-of-a-kind, hand engraved Model 629 to Officer Christensen. It is first responders like him and Servus that make us profoundly proud to be Americans and exemplify the American people. In the words of Smith & Wesson CEO Mark Smith, “It is people like you, lions, who secure out freedoms and way of life for future generations. While there are no words I can write in this letter that would appropriately thank you and Servus for your sacrifices and service, we hope you will accept this small token of our appreciation from all of us at Smith & Wesson.” To all first responders and the law enforcement community, please know that while we can never repay you for your sacrifices, that we are forever deeply grateful for your commitment to safeguarding our communities.

A story of a dedicated first responder, his dog, and how an angel saved them both on that fateful day.

v.2-Teaser-Image-K9-911.jpg

“IF YOU SAW WHAT I SAW, YOU KNOW YOU’D GO”

In 2020, we introduced a new series of basic firearms education and training videos called GunSMARTS. These short videos provide essential knowledge for firearm owners and enthusiasts to begin feeling comfortable hitting the range. Our trio of hosts share their extensive knowledge in quick and easy spurts, allowing you to choose your own firearm education path. Whether it’s learning how to load a magazine, safely store guns, or the basic rules of firearm safety, the first season of GunSMARTS sets out to educate new gun owners and provide a level of comfort around firearms. <img height="auto" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blte6973e48e69c1b8a/636ebf12e38eaf0b0814bff8/gunsmarts-season3-003.jpg" width="651" max-width="651" style="width: 651px; height: auto;"/> A year later, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLl50hdzUoLg6YzpE0GK3UxDTz3fC3GeJw">GunSMARTS Series 2</a> aimed to build on the knowledge viewers learned from Series 1. As beginner shooters and first-time gun owners become novice and intermediate shooters expanding their gun collection, they often realize how much more there is to learn. As with many things in life, as our skills improve, we often ask ourselves how we can take our knowledge one step further. That is where the second series of GunSMARTS steps in. Diving deeper into the details of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_TxoHb7qgI&list=PLl50hdzUoLg6YzpE0GK3UxDTz3fC3GeJw&index=4">firearms ownership</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YDtH5T2pq8&list=PLl50hdzUoLg6YzpE0GK3UxDTz3fC3GeJw&index=28">concealed carry</a>, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrSJRw4omus&list=PLl50hdzUoLg6YzpE0GK3UxDTz3fC3GeJw&index=11">firearm selection</a>, Series 2 aims to round out the gun ownership journey. <img height="auto" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/bltb0c59a7be738ad25/636ebf6c3761d60622a67215/gunsmarts-season3-002.jpg" width="595" max-width="595" style="width: 595px; height: auto;"/> Now that we have laid the foundation for an introduction to firearms, ownership, and skill building,<a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLl50hdzUoLg7Z93WJP_9EJs1Z2eyYvmPH">GunSMARTS Series 3</a>is here to help you build on your existing knowledge and learn more advanced firearm handling techniques. This season<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/MiculekDotCom">Jerry Miculek</a>and<a href="https://www.juliegolob.com/">Julie Golob</a>are diving into their experience as Pro Shooters sharing their training tips and tricks to bring your shooting proficiency to the next level. <img height="auto" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt5349cccb01665391/636ebfaa0c098a3c3a89a39f/gunsmarts-season3-001.jpg" width="614" max-width="614" style="width: 614px; height: auto;"/> New longer format videos will post weekly on<a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/SmithWessonInc">YouTube</a>. Do not forget tosubscribe and turn on notifications so you do not miss the next set of skills you will want to add to your toolbox before heading to the range.

Shooting for the trifecta, GunSMARTS™ is back for series 3!

gunsmarts-season3-main2.jpg

GUNSMARTS™ IS BACK!

Interested in a sport that tests your defensive shooting skills? The International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) has you covered, literally! Founded in 1996, this sport features skills found in other action shooting sports but adds in courses of fire that require the use of cover, concealment, and a designated order to shoot targets. With over 25,000 members, it’s a popular sport for those looking to improve their shooting with home defense and carry guns. Each course of fire is designed around a shooting scenario. You may be carrying bags of groceries to your car or sitting down to eat a meal. After the start signal, it’s a matter of addressing the targets in order of their threat and using cover behind walls and barricades when possible. Fault lines help guide competitors to stay behind cover as they shoot targets. “Tactical priority” is the term used for target engagements and means that targets must be shot in the order you see them first when shooting around cover. When not shooting from cover, targets are engaged from near to far, with the closest target addressed first. <img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/bltb2187802cc788f00/63724a6b411e3c10e45fd934/jerryandjerry001.jpg" height="auto"/> Scoring in this sport is based on the concept of time plus scoring. After a competitor completes a stage, their time is recorded. Range officers score the targets and record any penalty hits on non-threat targets. The center portions of the target are called the “down zero” zone. Hits outside the down zero add time to your score. The goal is to shoot the down zero as quickly as possible. Stage times are added together for a final score in the match. The competitor with the lowest time, wins! IDPA competitions require less equipment than other sports but there are some specific rules when it comes to your gear. You’ll need a concealment garment in the form of a vest or jacket that covers your firearm when secured in a holster. It’s best to use a minimal garment that doesn’t have inner pockets or excessive seems that could interfere with drawing your handgun. <img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt7bc0c79c920b8302/63724aeb5834861044c1cde9/jerryandjulie003.jpg" height="auto"/> Your holster must be attached to a sturdy belt that passes through the belt loops. Holsters also need to be suitable for all-day concealed carry, must cover the trigger guard, and are worn on the strong side hip, behind the centerline of the body. Ammunition can be stored on the belt or in pockets if necessary. There are specific rules on how you can carry your loading devices but with courses of fire requiring fewer rounds, two pouches is all you’ll need. In fact, the founders of IDPA wanted to the sport to be accessible and affordable for its members. From the IDPA rulebook, "The IDPA competition format was designed to be enjoyable for all shooters of all skill levels, with a premium put on the social interaction and camaraderie of the members. Participation in IDPA matches requires the use of handguns, holsters and other equipment suitable for concealed carry self-defense. With that in mind, and keeping the shooters' best interests in mind, IDPA's founders established equipment requirements that are based on commonly available firearms and gear, allowing individuals the opportunity to compete with minimal investment.” <img height="auto" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt48c815aede983796/63724ac432130110b2797161/julie004.jpg" width="715" max-width="715" style="width: 715px; height: auto;"/> Like many other shooting sports, there are divisions for different firearms. One of the most popular divisions is the Stock Service Pistol Division. It features 9mm pistols that are striker-fired, double-action or double-action/single-action. Limited upgrades are allowed making it an easy option for common handguns found at your local gun shop. Enhanced Service Pistol Division allows additional modifications to firearms used in Stock Service Pistol as well as allowing 9mm 1911’s to compete. A dedicated .45 ACP division, Custom Defensive Pistol places competitors using custom 1911’s and other popular .45’s together on a level playing field. Got a dot on your pistol? There’s a Carry Optics division that allows for competitors who use slide-mounted optics. There are also divisions for smaller handguns, with Compact Carry and a Back-Up Gun Division. Add Revolver and Pistol Caliber Carbine (PCC), there are many ways to enjoy the sport. In addition to the various divisions, the sport also uses a classification system. Whether you’re classified as a novice, marksman, sharpshooter, expert, master, or distinguished master, you’ll compete against competitors of similar ability levels. It’s a great way to track your progress in the sport. Course of fire designers look for ways to incorporate realistic and defense-based challenges into matches. With moving targets, prop manipulation, and even low light or no light courses with a flashlight, it’s a dynamic sport that keeps shooters coming back for more. To learn more and to find a club near you, visit <a href="http://idpa.com/">IDPA.com</a>

Looking for an accessible and affordable sport to test your defensive pistol skills? Check out IDPA!

JulieGolob_MG_98472.jpg

SHOOTING SPORTS - IDPA

As if the M&P M2.0 platform couldn’t get any better, we have gone and done it! An all-new metal frame optics-ready pistol has arrived, the M&P®9 M2.0™Metal. <img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt4f9ca34ff298fc82/63725031cca9f010a904a29e/metal-blog-001.jpg" height="auto"/> Based on the tried-and-true M&P M2.0 platform, this pistol opts for a light yet sturdy aluminum frame, for a solid in-hand feel. For a look all its own, both the frame and slide are finished in a Tungsten Gray Cerakote®. Aside from the color and material, the frame features high relief contours only seen on this pistol. Match these contours with the textured polymer front strap and four interchangeable palmswells, the M&P9 M2.0 Metal is fully equipped for optimal comfort, fit, and ease of shooting. <img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/bltb06b2440a7b3cd16/6372505607d496104f389de1/metal-blog-003.jpg" height="auto"/> If you are looking to add a new pistol to your EDC rotation, the M&P9 M2.0 Metal pistol could be just the one for you. The Metal pistol comes with forward slide serrations, adjustable white dot sights, and features a 4.25” barrel. Building on the newest series of M&P9 M2.0 pistols, the Metal also features an optics cut and the new M2.0 flat face trigger. Better yet, this pistol is compatible with all of your 17-round M&P magazines and M&P 9 holsters. <iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ikPwRJRy7Rs" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0"></iframe> For more on the M&P9 M2.0 Metal, check out the:<a href="https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/mp-m20?sku=13194&preselect=true">M&P9 M2.0 Metal</a>. To see these in person, visit your local<a href="http://swmysql-stage.eastus.cloudapp.azure.com/dealer-locator">S&W retailer</a>.

As if the M&P M2.0 platform couldn’t get any better, we have gone and done it! 

metal-blog-main2.jpg

ALL METAL ALL THE TIME

Allow us to introduce you to the all-new Model 350. The first production revolver chambered in the exciting 350 Legend caliber. Specifically designed to fit the needs of the North American Whitetail hunter, the straight wall 350 Legend cartridge is both powerful and versatile enough to warrant the Model 350 earning a space in your dear stand. <img height="auto" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/bltccc2860f8473586a/63725360ea930410907d6b1a/350legend-002.jpg" width="715" max-width="715" style="width: 715px; height: auto;"/> Unfamiliar with the 350 Legend caliber? That’s probably because it’s relatively new! Introduced by Winchester®Ammunition in 2019, this cartridge was purpose built for hunters in bottleneck cartridge restricted states, making them unable to hunt with some popular calibers like the .223, 6.5 Creedmoor or the .30-06. This is where the 350 Legend steps in… <img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt6befa56630d9b6f3/63725384e07e1711051cd708/350legend-001.jpg" height="auto"/> With its stainless-steel design, 7.5” ported barrel, fluted 7-shot cylinder and Hogue grips, this X-frame revolver is bound to be your new favorite to shoot on range day. <img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt36b1722a1234c1ac/637253a25bd399105c6f7287/350legend-003.jpg" height="auto"/> To learn more and check out all the Model 350 stats, check out the <a href="https://www.smith-wesson.com/firearms/model-350?preselect=true">Model 350 product page</a>.

13331-sw-beauty-046-sm.jpg

BLAZE YOUR OWN TRAIL WITH THE NEW MODEL 350

Did you know that August is National Shooting Sports Month? That’s right, it’s an entire month celebrating competitive shooting and shooting sports. America has a long history with shooting sports. It started with settlers who created competitions to hit the mark with their long rifles to improve their shooting skills. By 1885 Annie Oakley, Little Miss Sureshot herself was<a href="https://centerofthewest.org/explore/buffalo-bill/research/annie-oakley/">performing feats of marksmanship in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West</a>. From Olympic sports to good old plinking fun, shooting sports are a part of our heritage. <img height="auto" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt4893cf5556d19bc7/6373924068cde210550859b8/shooting-sports-001.jpg" width="715" max-width="715" style="width: 715px; height: auto;"/> Today, there are plenty of organized shooting sports to choose from. Ranges all around the country offer ways to enter and compete in matches that test accuracy, speed, or both. I firmly believe there is a shooting sport out there to suit everyone.If you thrive on focus and concentration, precision shooting sports could be for you. These sports test your ability to shoot as small a group as possible from as close as 10 meters with an airgun or rimfire firearm like those used in the Olympic games to long range rifle events with targets set out beyond 1000 meters. <a href="https://internationalbenchrest.com/">Benchrest rifle competitions</a> put technology to the test by shooting some of the most accurate rifles in the world at great distances. The <a href="https://www.nmlra.org/">National Muzzle Loading Rifle Association</a> takes a traditional route with events featuring black powder rifles. The <a href="https://competitions.nra.org/competitions/nra-national-matches/">NRA’s Rifle and Pistol Nationals</a>and numerous <a href="https://thecmp.org/competitions/">Civilian Marksmanship Program events</a>use traditional bullseyes with a 10 and X ring to determine accuracy. <img height="auto" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt5686e830b31aee12/63739283e72c60105ee26c24/shooting-sports-002.jpg" width="715" max-width="715" style="width: 715px; height: auto;"/>Left: Courtesy of NSSF Are you into something a bit more interactive? Some sports feature steel targets shot at various distances.<a href="https://www.ssusa.org/articles/2018/5/24/silhouette-target-shooting">Silhouette competitions</a>use steel shaped like chickens, turkeys, pigs, and rams. With banks of 10 of each type of target, the steel must fall to score. There are plenty of divisions to enter based on whether you compete with a rifle or handgun and centerfire, rimfire, or black powder. <a href="https://scsa.org/">Steel Challenge</a> and <a href="https://www.rimfirechallenge.org/">Rimfire Challenge</a> sports both use short courses of fire using all steel targets with a stop plate. When the buzzer sounds, competitors make the steel ring as fast as possible. If you’ve never busted a clay on a trap or skeet field or sporting clays course, you’re missing out.<a href="https://www.nssf.org/shooting/shotgun/">These sports use</a> shotguns to break flying clay targets launched from traps. There are different levels and classifications to suit experience and ability levels. From local clubs to the Olympics, shotgun shooting sports are a great way to not only enjoy breaking clay targets but enjoy the comradery with fellow shooters as well as emulate hunting scenarios. <img height="auto" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/bltcd6642562f5faad0/637392b9acdace107758df42/shooting-sports-003.jpg" width="715" max-width="715" style="width: 715px; height: auto;"/> Love the idea of pushing your speed on targets while incorporating gun handling skills like drawing from a holster or reloading on the clock? There are plenty of sports to choose from here too. The <a href="https://uspsa.org/">United States Practical Pistol Association (USPSA)</a> offers competitors dynamic courses of fire on both paper and steel targets. Not only do you get to move through multiple positions, but sometimes the targets move as well. In <a href="https://www.idpa.com/">International Defensive Pistol Association</a> events, you can compete in courses of fire that test your ability to shoot both quickly and accurately with your personal defense firearm. Blend both speed with precision with <a href="https://competitions.nra.org/documents/pdf/compete/action-pistol-getting-started.pdf">NRA Action Pistol competitions</a> that blend the bullseye target with a draw and faster times than other accuracy intense events. With so many shooting sports to choose from it can be hard to narrow them down. The National Shooting Sports Foundation has a website and app that can help you find a range. Head to <a href="https://wheretoshoot.org/">wheretoshoot.org</a> to learn more. <img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt9b5cf9888eacb675/637392e10d85671097f1621f/shooting-sports-004.jpg" height="auto"/> All this shooting sports talk may leave you feeling a bit overwhelmed. Keep in mind you don’t have to shoot tiny groups or be able to draw from a holster and shoot 5 steel targets in under 2 seconds to take part. Organized shooting sports welcome newcomers and some clubs even offer orientations or beginner programs. If you’re not ready to take the plunge into competitive shooting, there are plenty of ways to get out and celebrate shooting sports month. Head on over to <a href="https://www.letsgoshooting.org/">letsgoshooting.org</a> to learn more about opportunities and the <a href="https://www.letsgoshooting.org/plusonemovement/">Plus One Movement</a>. While you’re there, <a href="https://www.letsgoshooting.org/resources/?type=articles&topics=giveaways">enter for a chance to win prize packages and gear boxes</a>. Stay tuned for future posts on how to get started in the shooting sports here at the S&W Bench.

August is National Shooting Sports Month! Julie Golob shares where and how you can get started in the variety of shooting sports available today.

shooting-sports-carousel.jpg

INTRO TO SHOOTING SPORTS

When the temperatures outside start climbing, many gun owners find themselves reaching for a sub-compact or micro-compact handgun to carry. Simply put, it can be more challenging to conceal a full-size or even a compact pistol under a simple t-shirt, than it is a micro-compact. And if you’re carrying with a weapon-mounted light and/or an optic, these can become an even larger factor in deciding which gun to carry. <img height="auto" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt0a550fcb91677f38/63726b59deb37610ecbb2bae/lighten-the-load-001.jpg" width="732" max-width="732" style="width: 732px; height: auto;"/> For me, the M&P®9 Shield™ Plus has been my “go-to” for summer carry, while the M&P®9 M2.0® Compact has been serving primarily as my cold weather handgun. The typical trade-offs we expect when switching to a smaller firearm are reduced capacity and additional recoil. While I am not particularly affected by the recoil difference, I struggle to accept a lower capacity. Thankfully, now I don’t have to worry about that. <img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt8d63f8256e62e19b/63726b7ea32209106e8b0ab3/lighten-the-load-002.jpg" height="auto"/> Enter the M&P® Shield™ Plus 30 Super Carry (30SC). While the 9mm Shield Plus has an impressive capacity of 13+1, the 30SC Shield Plus takes it up a notch with a 16+1 capacity. If you can believe it, that’s actually one more round in the magazine than you get with the M2.0 Compact 9mm. With concealed carry advantages always on my priority list, increased magazine capacity is welcomed with open arms. The reassurance of being able to leave the house without carrying a spare magazine and have 16 + 1 capacity is simply amazing. Taking a look at the quick and dirty specifications of the M2.0 Compact and 30SC Shield Plus, you can see how switching over to the 30SC Shield Plus has lightened the loadout. <table><tbody><tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td>M2.0 Compact 9mm</td><td>30SC Shield Plus</td></tr><tr><td>Capacity</td><td>15+1</td><td>16+1</td></tr><tr><td>Barrel Length</td><td>4"</td><td>3.1"</td></tr><tr><td>Length</td><td>7.25"</td><td>6.1"</td></tr><tr><td>Width</td><td>1.16"</td><td>1.1"</td></tr><tr><td>Height</td><td>5"</td><td>4.6"</td></tr><tr><td>Weight</td><td>25.8 oz.</td><td>19.3 oz.</td></tr></tbody></table> Now, you might not be familiar with 30 Super Carry, but believe it or not, the ballistic performance between the 30SC and 9mm are extremely similar. Julie Golob, a Smith & Wesson Pro Shooter and Federal Premium® Ambassador breaks it all down in her recent article,<a href="https://www.smith-wesson.com/article/30-super-carry-advantages">30 Super Carry Advantages</a>. <img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt5afa5ef915c41ae3/63726bcca3fffc10b9dc14b8/lighten-the-load-003.jpg" height="auto"/> Aside from delivering increased capacity, another significant factor in helping me decide to introduce the 30SC into my EDC rotation, was the interchangeability with my 9mm gear. I can use the same holsters, lights, and optics that I already have and am used to. My<a href="https://www.streamlight.com/">Streamlight®TLR-6®</a>goes back and forth between the two Shield Plus’s with no issue and I can grab the same<a href="https://allegiantholsters.com/">IWB Allegiant™holster</a>as I walk out the door. <img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt729fbb98c8827811/63726c00f33b43105dcd420b/lighten-the-load-004.jpg" height="auto"/> Before carrying the 30SC Shield Plus, I made sure to put a few hundred rounds through it first; 350 rounds to be exact. Federal Premium was kind enough to send out a variety of self-defense and target ammo, all functioned flawlessly. I shot the 30SC side by side with the comparable 9mm rounds and found the recoil difference to be minimal. So minimal in fact, the results would almost have you believe I was shooting the same gun. As for the caliber, I’m excited to see 30 Super Carry’s potential build. I’m looking forward to putting many more rounds through the Shield Plus on the range and to perform some ballistics tests of my own. With its recent acceptance by SAAMI®(The Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers Institute,®Inc.) as the <a href="https://saami.org/saami-announces-acceptance-of-a-new-cartridge/">newest standardized pistol cartridge</a>, it’s safe to say we should anticipate to see more of this caliber from your favorite ammo manufacturers. I highly suggest keeping your eye on the 30 Super Carry as even more manufacturers begin to offer the caliber and industry test results are revealed, as I have a strong feeling we’ll continue to be impressed.

Let's talk about the go-to gun for summer carry...

lighten-the-load-main.jpg

LIGHTEN THE LOADOUT: 30 SUPER CARRY™

When shopping for ammunition, you’ll find a wide variety of calibers outside of the norm, like the calibers we talked about in Handgun Caliber Names Explained. Alongside normal 9mm Luger, 9x19mm, or 9mm Nato ammo, you will see boxes that say they are +P. Simply put, 9mm +P are higher pressure rounds that develop more muzzle energy than standard rounds. You will of course find +P ammunition in other calibers as well. The higher muzzle velocity on the projectile creates a more powerful impact but also means there will be an increase in recoil. You should always consult your owner’s manual before using +P ammunition in your firearm. If your handgun is older and you don't have a manual to consult or can't find confirmation from the manufacturer, then it's best to assume you should not use it. +P ammunition in a handgun that is not rated for it can have dangerous and catastrophic results. Some handguns are simply not designed for the higher-pressure loads making this combination of firearm and ammunition unsafe. If you can’t find this information, it is best to stick to standard pressure loads, which means avoiding +P entirely. <img height="auto" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt4410362772da9b19/63726cbfea930410907d6b9d/plus_p-blog-001_0.jpg" width="715" max-width="715" style="width: 715px; height: auto;"/> Now, back to why you would choose to use +P ammo. Aside from producing greater muzzle velocity, there are other factors to consider but for now let's just look at the velocity. A 9mm 124gr Federal® HST® has a muzzle velocity of 1150 feet-per-second (FPS). The same bullet in Federal HST +P has a muzzle velocity of 1200 FPS. A 50 FPS increase is only about 4% faster, but I’ve illustrated with the targets below how that small increase in velocity has a big impact on energy. <img height="auto" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/bltf85e395e8472034a/63726ce4e07e1711051cd812/plus_p-blog-002.jpg" width="715" max-width="715" style="width: 715px; height: auto;"/> Now let's look at weight, the second key factor in the energy equation. You will see the weight of the bullet in grains featured somewhat prominently on each box of ammunition. Standard 9mm target ammo will most often be 115gr or 124gr. You might hear some people say that the heavier bullets have more energy or “stopping power”. In some cases that is correct, but it is not the whole story and often wrong if you don't consider all the factors. Energy or “stopping power” is a function of the mass of the bullet multiplied by the square of velocity. Velocity is determined by the powder charge used to propel the bullet. The +P charge on the 9mm HST I mentioned gains 50 FPS over the standard charge but remember that energy is a square of the velocity. That means for the same weight bullet we’re now multiplying by a much bigger number. Without detailing out the math, that standard 124gr HST with its 1150 FPS has 364 ft-lbs of energy. The 124gr +P HST has 396 ft-lbs, a 9% increase in energy for only a 4% increase in velocity. Now let's look at what a heavier bullet does for energy. With a heavier bullet, the diameter and the overall length of the loaded cartridge has to remain the same to fit the magazine and chamber. That means extra weight must be on the bottom of the bullet which is seated in the cartridge. That means there is less room for powder in the case. For this reason, you generally won't see a 147gr +P, though some do exist. What you will usually find on the shelf is 147gr HST with a muzzle velocity of 1000 FPS. The bullet itself is 18% heavier than the 124gr, but it's now traveling 150 FPS or 13% slower. When you look at the result of the energy equation, the 147gr HST ends up with 326 ft-lbs, an 11% decrease in energy from the standard HST. The bullet has more mass, but it has a lot less energy because it can't reach the same velocity. Another factor related to both the velocity and bullet weight you should consider is the expansion. Hollow-point bullets are designed to have controlled expansion which is caused by simple physics. The hollow point has seams designed to split like petals on a flower and curl back; these increase drag make the diameter larger. This does two things; it creates a larger impact point and dissipates energy to the target faster meaning the bullet will dissipate most of its energy inside the target. Generally speaking, the faster a hollow-point is traveling, the more it will expand. Think of throwing a water balloon, if you throw it slow, it may not break, or you just get a small splash. The same balloon thrown much faster splatters and sprays much wider. A bullet is obviously much tougher, but the same idea of expansion relative to velocity applies. <img height="auto" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/bltddde581c139a8632/63726d0cdeb37610ecbb2bb4/plus_p-blog-003.jpg" width="715" max-width="715" style="width: 715px; height: auto;"/>Often, you'll hear "a bigger bullet makes a bigger hole." As we showed with energy, that's not necessarily true. Let's talk expansion by looking at the Federal HST lineup for 9mm again. These numbers are averages from testing in ballistics gel out of a 4” barrel. A shorter barrel will reduce velocity so these numbers can change if you’re using a different gun. On average, the 124gr 9mm HST expands to around 0.63”. A 124gr 9mm +P expands to 0.67” and the 147gr 9mm expands to 0.62”. All of these have very good expansion, but the higher velocity +P has a bit of an edge over the slower rounds. When it comes to ballistics, there is a lot to cover and a multitude of options to choose from. And as with all things, there are trade-offs… Choosing a +P round comes with higher recoil but better ballistic performance and more energy. What works for one person will not be the same for others; as with every aspect of firearms, you should test your options and decide on what works best for you.

The same caliber, the same grain weight, with greater velocity? What is +P anyway?

plus_p-blog-main.jpg

PLUS WHAT? +P!

We believe in your right as an American to defend, protect and thrive. Values such as these are deeply rooted in our 170-year history. Since 1852 we have been dedicated to the craft of gun making, knowing that behind every firearm that we build is your faith in us. Dedicated to your freedom, equality, and security. It is these guiding principles that have defined nearly two centuries of gun making and will continue for generations to come. Smith & Wesson: Empowering Americans<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iS_vJue18Mw" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0"></iframe>

As gun builders and Americans, we are dedicated to your freedom, quality, and security. It is these guiding principles that have defined nearly two centuries of gun making and will continue for generations to come.

whoweare-blog-main.jpg

WHO WE ARE

It’s not uncommon to learn about new rifle calibers on the market, but for handguns? Not so much. It’s not that development has halted for handgun calibers. We see new offerings in ammunition designed to meet specific needs for existing and popular calibers like .380 Auto, 9mm, .45 ACP, 10mm, and even rimfire. 9mm is now the most popular caliber for self-defense for a number of reasons. Advances in this caliber allow for increased capacity with ammunition suitable for protection. It begs the question, is there still room for improvement? Federal Premium® says so with the introduction of<a href="https://www.federalpremium.com/30supercarry.html">30 Super Carry™.</a> Engineers at Federal® work to make ammunition accurate, efficient, and reliable. From training ammo, rounds optimized for shooting sports and hunting, and ammunition designed for home and self-defense, the 100-year-old company is an industry leader. With innovation always in mind, Federal set out to develop a new caliber suitable for the everyday gun owner that would also provide the firearms industry with more options to build upon. This new round comes with plenty of advantages. <img height="auto" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt9475525a89b63c44/63726eabed757210a088ff37/30sc-advantages-blog-001.jpg" width="715" max-width="715" style="width: 715px; height: auto;"/> Ballistic Performance The first advantage of 30 Super Carry is its ballistic performance in self-defense rounds. Federal set out to test 30 Super Carry HST® specifically for shorter barrels common in concealed carry handguns. They used a 3.5-inch barrel for the FBI’s bare gel and heavy clothing protocols for testing. When fired in FBI bare gel protocol,<a href="https://www.federalpremium.com/handgun/premium-personal-defense/personal-defense-hst/11-P30HST1S.html">100-grain 30 Super Carry HST</a> expands to .590 inches and penetrates 12 inches compared to<a href="https://www.federalpremium.com/handgun/premium-personal-defense/personal-defense-hst/11-P9HST1S.html">124 grain 9mm Luger HST</a>, which expands .650 inches and penetrates 13.1 inches. In the FBI’s heavy clothing protocol, the same 100-grain 30 Super Carry HST expands to .530 inches and penetrates 15.5 inches whereas the 9mm Luger HST expands to .571 inches and penetrates 14.5 inches. These stats showcase that despite being slimmer than 9mm, 30 Super Carry HST delivers a ballistic performance very similar to 9mm. Where 9mm averages 347 foot-pounds at the muzzle, the .312-inch diameter 30 Super Carry projectile generates between 336 and 347 foot-pounds. Fast Recoil Impulse 30 Super Carry is comfortable to shoot with full power defense rounds. The recoil is comparable to 9mm, but many may notice a difference in how the recoil feels. 30 Super Carry HST pushes its 100-grain bullet at speeds of 1250 feet per second (fps), 100 fps faster than 124-grain 9mm HST. This translates to a faster and louder report. It also increases how quickly the pistol cycles. It’s a sharp, yet manageable recoil impulse, that snaps upward and recovers quickly allowing for fast follow-up shots. Synchronized Defense & Training Ammo Federal offers ammunition for both defense and training. 30 Super Carry HST and American Eagle®, the training round, utilize a 100-grain projectile. With bullet weight and velocity matched, American Eagle training rounds sync up in both the recoil impulse and point of impact with HST loads. This allows you to train with ammo that shoots and feels just like your defensive rounds. Since its launch earlier this year, 30 Super Carry offerings have expanded to include ammunition from Remington®, CCI® Blazer®, and Hornady® as well. <img height="auto" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blte1992109f48c98d3/63726ed432130110b2797291/30sc-advantages-blog-002.jpg" width="715" max-width="715" style="width: 715px; height: auto;"/>&nbsp;Left: 9MM Federal Syntech Range as compared to 30 Super Carry American Eagle Increased Capacity With ballistics and recoil so similar to 9mm, perhaps the greatest advantage for 30 Super Carry is in its size. Slimmer than both .380 Auto and 9mm, the new round is sleek. Stacked in a magazine, it increases capacity compared to 9mm and .380 Auto handgun offerings. In the Shield™ EZ®, capacity is 10+1; that translates to 2 more rounds compared to the same pistol chambered in 9mm or .380. In the Shield Plus, the capacity jumps to 16 + 1. More ammo in the mag allows for more shots before reloading. For many CCW owners who don’t carry a spare magazine, these extra rounds provide a significant advantage. Potential Perhaps the most exciting aspect of 30 Super Carry is the potential it offers. More than just bumping up the capacity for existing handguns, the new caliber opens the door for firearms manufacturers to develop smaller and slimmer pistols without sacrificing ballistic performance. 30 Super Carry could become the catalyst for new subcompact pistol as pistol caliber carbines, as well as increasing accuracy and performance for firearms used in the shooting sports. The potential for smaller frame sizes and the opportunity for increased capacity all with similar felt recoil, muzzle blast, and terminal performance make 30 Super Carry a cartridge worthy of consideration. For more information on the Shield Plus and Shield EZ, <a href="https://www.smith-wesson.com/subcategory/30supercarry">visit the 30 Super Carry page</a>.

While 9MM is widely accepted as the standard for everyday carry, there's a new kid on the block... Meet the 30 Super Carry.

30sc-advantages-blog-main.jpg

30 SUPER CARRY ADVANTAGES

If you have ever browsed through revolvers online, they can be a bit confusing. With so many model numbers and frame sizes, it can be difficult to tell what’s what. One of the nuances of revolvers is the style of hammer. The smallest S&W® revolver frame size,<a href="https://www.smith-wesson.com/subcategory/small-frame-j-frame">the J-Frame</a>, has three hammer styles, one more than any of the other frame sizes. <img height="auto" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt131f704a1de9104b/6372706ef33b43105dcd4213/hammertime-blog-001.jpg" width="715" max-width="715" style="width: 715px; height: auto;"/> Traditional: Looking at revolvers all the way back to the Model 1, you’ll see there’s a visible exposed hammer; and when you think of a revolver you are probably envisioning one with a traditional exposed hammer. A traditional hammer has an exposed spur visible from nearly any angle. Aside from aesthetics, this hammer is highly functional. On revolvers like the Model 637, when shooting double action, a pull of the trigger cocks the hammer back and releases it, striking the firing pin. When shooting this pocket-sized powerhouse single action, the checkering on the hammer spur makes it easy to grip onto and cock back. <img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt7843494382b56e2c/6372709307d496104f389ece/hammertime-blog-002.jpg" height="auto"/> Shrouded: Known commonly amongst firearms enthusiasts as “the humpback”, the shrouded hammer is just that, shrouded. Unlike the traditional hammer, the hammer spur is nearly invisible unless you are looking directly at it. These revolvers are called humpbacks due to the back portion of the frame being rounded. The benefit to this hammer type, as seen on the Model 638 is the ability to still have a single/double action revolver with the benefit of the snag free hammer spur design. <img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt4684043f28a18c85/637270b5d4802c10f7f4a584/hammertime-blog-001.jpg" height="auto"/> “Hammerless” The original version of this revolver style was introduced in the 1880’s as the “.38 Safety Hammerless”, this fully enclosed hammer style featured two major innovations, the iconic and recognizable fully enclosed hammer, and a grip safety. Over a century later, the “hammerless” design continues to be a reliable .38 Special go to in the form of the Model 642. With its fully enclosed hammer, this J-frame makes for an excellent double action snag-free deep-carry .38. Regardless of which hammer style you aesthetically prefer, these three models of 5-shot .38 Special J-Frame revolvers cover all of the variety you could need. With each having its own features and benefits, you have the ability to choose the hammer style that will best suit your lifestyle. Whether you’re a traditionalist or snag-free fan, there’s at least one option for you. Check out the full line of<a href="https://www.smith-wesson.com/subcategory/small-frame-j-frame">J-Frame revolvers</a>.

While there are a variety of different metals and finishes amongst J-Frame revolvers, did you notice that there are also 3 hammer types?

hammertime-blog-main.jpg

J-FRAME HAMMER TIME

There is no one size fits all solution for concealed carry. With different body types, preferences, comfort levels, and competency, finding the right holster and pistol combination can be a challenge. Whether it’s lifestyle, health, or capability, concealed carry is a journey that involves not only progress but compromises as well. When you do find a winning combination, it can be a genuine eureka moment. <img height="auto" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt4d88a1159515d747/63727163ed757210a088ff49/golob-enigma-blog-001.jpg" width="732" max-width="732" style="width: 732px; height: auto;"/>Left: The Enigma Express comes fully assembled for the S&W Shield Plus, no need to look any further.Right: The Standard Enigma (left) allows you to choose your preferred compatible holster to pair with it’s chassis.My CCW Journey I started expanding my skills with smaller pistols and exploring on-body carry. Initially, I turned to a <a href="https://www.smith-wesson.com/subcategory/small-frame-j-frame">J-frame</a> like many women, my concealed carry journey started with off-body carry in a purse. As a young female in my 20’s, I didn’t want to compromise on clothing or fashion. As a very proficient shooter with numerous national titles, I felt I could protect myself if I had to and I could carry a much larger firearm in a handbag. When I became a mother, my outlook changed. It wasn't just me I needed to care about.for its weight and round curves. Even though I didn’t shoot it as well as a larger framed, semi-auto and it had less capacity than I was used to, its small size made it both easier and more comfortable to conceal for longer durations. I started by carrying outside the waistband (OWB) behind the hip, but it wasn’t long before I transitioned to inside the waistband (IWB) and in the appendix position (AIWB). This location not only gave me secure and quick access but also allowed me to carry a child on my hip. Then the evolution of micro-compact, striker-fired pistols along with engineering developments to increase capacity changed the game. When the <a href="https://www.smith-wesson.com/product/mp-shield-plus?sku=13534">M&P® Shield™</a>came out, my J-frame took some time off in the gun safe as I transitioned to the new Shield platform. Appendix carry holster options were also increasing, but like with many women, it was difficult for me to have a truly consistent CCW setup. With the different rise options in pants and the locations of belt loops, I felt I was constantly adjusting my clothing and gear to accommodate my handgun.When I first heard about the <a href="https://www.phlsterholsters.com/enigma-landing/">Enigma™ holster by PHLster™</a>, I was intrigued by the idea of not having to have to worry about concealing a belt and buckle. This meant I wouldn’t have to search for pants with belt loops large and strong enough to accommodate an appropriate belt. The idea of being able to properly secure a pistol and wear leggings or even a skirt was exciting. I knew I had to try it and purchased one. <img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blte7d818785d5bc81b/637271c471c75510a0c9d74d/golob-enigma-blog-003.jpg" height="auto"/> What is the Enigma™?The Enigma™ is an appendix holster chassis system that uses a faceplate to attach a holster. A thin, yet strong belt and a leg leash secure the handgun close to the body and allow for superior concealment. The pistol can be positioned on the front of the body anywhere from 10 to 2 o'clock. Too many people make compromises in the “concealed” part of concealed carry. For those who are serious about CCW, the goal is not only to be able to defend with a firearm, but we strive to do so as discreetly as possible throughout everyday life. This is where the Enigma really shines. You can adjust where your pistol rides by moving the holster up or down regardless of where your pants sit. You can make changes in how the grip rotates into your body and use wedges to press the pistol grip close. Instead of dressing to your clothing, the Enigma allows you to position your pistol where it’s most comfortable and the best location on your body to avoid printing. Most of all, the Enigma provides a level of consistency that can be tough to achieve for some. With the pistol in the ideal location for concealability, regardless of what you’re wearing, this combined with good training gives you the best chance for success when it matters most.Setting up a holster takes time. Making adjustments to my competition holsters is a process that can take not only hours at home, but significant time on the range too. Small adjustments can make all the difference in speed and consistency. The Standard Enigma is no different and where other holsters may be simple and easy, they may not allow you to truly maximize your concealment potential in the appendix position. The Standard Enigma from PHLster is the build-your-own option. You assemble and customize it to you. Pairing with a Kydex® shell, innovations in accessories like a wider sport belt and a wedge kit adjust how the holster sits against the body add further options. The <a href="https://www.phlsterholsters.com/shop/phlster-enigma-express/#select-holster">Enigma Express™</a>eliminates a lot of the legwork. It comes fully assembled and ready-to-wear for select models, including the Shield and Shield Plus. Just put it on, tighten the belt and fit your leg leash to your thigh. The Kydex® shell is already attached and ready for you to make any adjustments in grip rotation and how the pistol tucks to your body. <img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt27f769ca908c4208/637271f20f2f8f10dd0e142d/golob-enigma-blog-002.jpg" height="auto"/> Eureka! As someone who carried AIWB for years, with the Enigma, I had my first eureka moment in concealed carry. Not only could I carry a larger pistol, with more capacity and a longer sight radius, but carrying a gun has never been more comfortable and easier for me. Hiking, working outside, driving, you name it, I’m not having to constantly adjust my belt or trying to hide additional bulk from a thick belt and buckle. My pistol is appropriately concealed and now, every time I am carrying, my Shield Plus™ sits on my body where it makes the most sense for me. Safety is also a major concern for me. My pistol is secure with the Enigma inside a Kydex shell with necessary, true trigger guard protection. With my Enigma and holster in the appendix position, moving my hand on and off of my pistol is discreet. When reholstering, a slight shift forward with my hips allows me to safely reholster without ever pointing the muzzle towards my body. All these things and more increase the feelings of being safe, confident, and ready. Even if appendix carry or the Enigma holster is not for you, remember that concealed carry is a journey. Making certain compromises in safety and how secure your handgun is on your body are to be avoided. Keep researching and looking for options for better concealment, comfort, and reliable consistency and I hope you find your CCW eureka moment too. To learn more about the Enigma and the Enigma Express visit <a href="http://phlster.com/">phlster.com</a>. Be sure to check out the Enigma Fit Guide and also PHLster's informational tools on concealed carry mechanics. <a href="https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.phlsterholsters.com%2Fthe-basics-of-concealment-mechanics%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cagibson%40smith-wesson.com%7Ce936e1ded44240e1c97908da2c762a82%7C06d390e36460428ab7100f3e3039503a%7C0%7C0%7C637871183291396220%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=LNniTZ5LoUeApxAd0n1%2FXfoGdqucwUg4a1PCbciU0bk%3D&reserved=0">Check out their ucation resources here</a>.

It's not a holster, it's not a belly band, it's an Enigma...

golob-enigma-blog-main.jpg

PHLSTER ENIGMA PLATFORM

When many of us think the term “rimfire” we think of it as synonymous with .22 LR, but there are many other rimfire cartridges still used today. The easiest way to remember the difference between rimfire and centerfire is how the cartridge is ignited. For a centerfire cartridge, the firing pin must hit the primer in the center to ignite the powder charge while rimfire requires the outer rim of the casing to be struck for ignition. You can quickly tell the difference by looking at the bottom of the casing on a cartridge. If there’s a circle centered in the bottom of the casing, it’s a centerfire cartridge. If the surface is smooth and one solid piece, you can assume the cartridge is rimfire. <img height="auto" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt466891772af81409/63727d24b71d091081d0a69e/rimfire-origins-blog-001.jpg" width="715" max-width="715" style="width: 715px; height: auto;"/>Common Rimfire Cartridges Popular rimfire cartridges used today in addition to .22 LR are <a href="https://www.federalpremium.com/search?q=22wmr&search-button=&lang=default">.22 Magnum also known as WMR (Winchester Magnum Rimfire)</a> and <a href="https://www.federalpremium.com/search?q=17+hmr&search-button=&lang=default">17 HMR (Hornady Magnum Rimfire)</a>. .22 WMR or 22 Mag as it’s commonly known, has more than twice the muzzle energy of .22 LR with 314ft-lbs. The .22 WMR cartridge is extremely popular for varmint hunting since it has more energy at longer range than .22 LR. The .17 HMR was born from this arena by necking down the .22 WMR to .17 caliber and using a 17-grain bullet instead of a 40-grain. In standard loads, this develops 2550 feet per second (fps). That’s 600 fps more than a .22 WMR and 1300 fps more than a .22 LR. <img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blta8fa2a5fbd820fa2/63727d4a11407d1056d5ba23/rimfire-origins-blog-003.jpg" height="auto" width="775" max-width="775"/>How it’s Produced Rimfire cases and bullets are made similarly to centerfire ammunition. Daniel Compton, Product Manager of Rimfire and Shotgun ammunition at Federal Premium® was kind enough to offer his time to tell me a bit about the production process. He said,“Bullets are typically pressed from lead wire into either round nose or hollow point variants. The bullets can be lead, copper, nickel, or even polymer coated. Cases start as rolls of metal sheeting and are then punched out, drawn longer and then finally given a distinct rim on the head. Rimfire differs from centerfire as the priming compound is placed directly in the bottom of the case rather than in a separate primer cup. Priming is done with the priming compound wet to prevent any chance of detonation during the priming process as it is a very sensitive compound. The rimfire case is then “spun” in a centrifuge to move the priming compound evenly around the rim of the case. This is important as the priming compound needs to be in contact with the case rim so it can detonate at any point on the rim where the firing pin could strike. After drying, the primed cases are then charged with powder and the bullet is inserted. The final step is to dip the bullets in a coating material to prevent an excess of lead build up in barrels.” <img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt832fd026f04e4582/63727d6fe07e1711051cd84d/rimfire-origins-blog-002.jpg" height="auto"/> Bullet Design Traditional cast lead centerfire cartridges have a constant bullet diameter after the taper from the nose that extends to the base of the bullet case. They also have grooves for lubrication closer to the base that are covered by the case wall when fully seated. Most modern rounds utilize copper or other jacket materials without the need for lubrication, but they still have the same constant bullet diameter. In contrast, the bullets of most rimfire cartridges do not have a constant diameter. The external portion of the bullet has a larger diameter and the portion inside is tapered to fit in the cartridge. This bullet design was created to provide the lubrication on the outside. The exterior portion of a .22 LR bullet is coated in wax, copper, or other materials to provide the necessary lubrication. Cartridge Variations Rimfire, especially .22 LR, has a wide variety of loads and bullet types. There are standard round-nose or hollow-points, but there are also many other options since .22 LR is arguably the most popular caliber in the world. Standard velocity cartridges are just barely under the sound barrier, they’re extremely popular because they are highly accurate and suppress well. After that, there’s subsonic rounds which are most ideal for shooting suppressed. Beyond that, there’s even .22 LR shotshells for short range varmint control. For personal defense, there are higher pressure cartridges producing more velocity, including hollow-point bullets for controlled expansion. Federal Premium® recently launched the <a href="https://www.federalpremium.com/rimfire/personal-defense-punch-rimfire/11-PD22L1.html">Personal Defense®Punch™</a>, for self-defense. Unlike most self-defense bullets, which are hollow points, these are flat nosed to achieve penetration requirements out of short barrel handguns. While hollow points make a larger hole from the expansion, they dissipate energy too quickly to achieve penetration depth. As the affection for the caliber grows, manufacturers continue to increase variations. It’s safe to say the .22 LR isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

Without a centered primer, how do they prime the rim?

rimfire-origins-blog-main.jpg

WHERE DOES RIMFIRE COME FROM?

You may have been to the range hundreds of times by now, and if you have these general rules of thumb are likely second nature to you now. For those who are newer to firearms ownership and shooting sports, we have some pro tips on dressing for all day range comfort and safety. The first two non-apparel pieces that you have likely already thrown into your range bag are your eye and ear protection. These will not only complete the outfit but will keep your eyes and hearing protected. For indoor ranges, you may want to double down on in-ear and over ear protection to block out any sound amplified by the acoustics of an indoor range. These are the key first piece to prepare and the last piece to put on before you shoot. Now for some keep apparel specifics… Let’s break it down from top to bottom: Shirt: Again, this might be second nature to you if you’re regularly frequenting the range, but one of the most important pieces of clothing you will choose for the day is your shirt. You want to be sure to choose a full-length shirt with a high neckline. While you might prefer a v-neck in your day to day, there’s nothing quite as bad as getting hit by flying hot brass and knowing that a crew neck shirt could have avoided an uncomfortable burn. By wearing a full-length shirt, you are also ensuring your midriff will be safe from the same fate. <img height="auto" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt7b39426877b50680/63727e50da728110eb03a0f6/rangeattire-blog-001.jpg" width="715" max-width="715" style="width: 715px; height: auto;"/> Pants: Shooting outside in warmer climates or during the warmer months might persuade you to wear shorts, and while these will keep you cooler, again they will not protect you from flying brass. The safest option is to go with pants that are full coverage, comfortable and have sturdy belt loops. If you are going to be switching up your stance or shooting position, you’ll want to be sure to have a pair of pants that moves with you. Extra pockets are generally always welcome, but if you plan on working from a holster, this and fit is something you will want to factor in. For example, if you are planning to utilize a drop-leg holster on this trip to the range, it’s best to leave the cargo pants at home. Belt: This is where those sturdy belt loops come in. There are a wide variety of things you could plan to do at the range, if you plan to spend the day firing from the shooting bench or a mat, your belt and belt loops may not be quite as important. But for those who plan to utilize one of a wide variety of holsters, you will want to ensure you have a sturdy belt up to the task. If you plan to work on your self-defense EDC skills you will want to have a sturdy belt designed for EDC that you will use with your daily carry IWB or OWB holster. <img height="auto" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt620c55b87d7df6fb/63727e85a32209106e8b0b2e/rangeattire-blog-002.jpg" width="715" max-width="715" style="width: 715px; height: auto;"/> Shoes: Check your Crocs® and sandals at the door, for the range, you will want a pair of fully enclosed shoes. The last thing you want is for anything to get into your shoe while you are handling firearms. A close toed shoe like an athletic sneaker with adequate grip, or even a lightweight hiking boot make for ideal range shoes. Helpful Accessories: While not quite as essential as the main components of your range day ensemble, there are a few extra pieces you may want to keep in your range bag that can enhance the experience. A pair of thin, grippy gloves can help you stay out on the range a hair longer on those colder days. They will help you to brave the elements while still having effective grip on your firearm and still allow you to feel the crispness of the trigger pull. Alternately, on the most scorching of days, these gloves can be helpful in keeping the moisture of your palms off the grip of your gun. <img height="auto" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt01b531dc7c624c0e/63727ea7a32209106e8b0b32/rangeattire-blog-003.jpg" width="715" max-width="715" style="width: 715px; height: auto;"/> And last but very not least, regardless of time of year, indoor or outdoor, you may want to bring a hat along for the trip. Like many other components of your outfit, your hat can help to shield you from any flying hot brass with the added benefit of alleviating any glare from the sun or overhead range lights.

For those who are newer to firearms ownership and shooting sports, we have some pro tips on dressing for all day range comfort and safety.

rangeattire-blog-main.jpg

RANGE DAY ATTIRE

As a licensed Concealed Carry permit holder, I’ve carried dozens of firearms over the years. Most recently I find myself gravitating towards one of two, almost every day…The new optics-ready M&P®9 M2.0™ Compact and the M&P®9 Shield™ Plus. While there are many personal preferences that can factor into your decision of what firearm to carry, I highly suggest ensuring that you have what I call, the “Four C’s” covered. For me, the M2.0™ Compact and Shield™ Plus do that and more. 1. Consistency (Reliability) When carrying a firearm, reliability is essential; not based solely off of reviews you’ve seen or what your friends have said but assessed through personal shooting experience and training. If you’re new to daily carry, it may sound excessive but I like to run a minimum of 500 rounds through a new gun before I consider carrying it. Roughly 20% of those rounds will be defensive rounds. My Shield Plus has just over 1,200 rounds through it, while the new M2.0 Compact has about 650. Both have proven to be extremely reliable and allow me to carry them confidently. Tip:Even if you plan to add a red dot optic, be sure to become proficient with your iron sights as well. In the event your optic ever fails, you will still be proficient with your tools. <img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blte0cdbb37adc5ff14/637280f362965b10fea09051/perfectpair-blog-001.jpg" height="auto"/> 2. Concealability Ideally, you will be the only person who knows you’re carrying a firearm. The goal we all hope to achieve is minimal printing and holster readjusting. With the Shield Plus coming in at only 1.1” wide and 4.6” tall, it’s my “go-to” option for the warmer months where t-shirts are common attire. It doesn’t get much easier to carry concealed than it does with the Shield Plus. The M2.0 Compact on the other hand, while still very concealable at 1.2” wide and 5” tall, tends to be my cold weather carry choice, since I have it set up with a larger weapon-mounted light and red dot optic. Additional clothing layers, help to conceal the slightly larger footprint. While the additional layers do make it easier, they are not always necessary. Both pistols are easily concealed with the right holster, allowing a basic t-shirt to provide total concealment. <img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt54860dbcd4d9a7d0/6372811cda728110eb03a102/perfectpair-blog-002.jpg" height="auto"/> 3. Capacity There are a lot of varying opinions about carry capacity, but a consensus among people who daily carry is the more the merrier. Personally, I always like to have a minimum of a dozen rounds. This is another reason I find myself reaching for one of these two for my EDC. The Shield Plus has a capacity 13+1 with the extended magazine and the M2.0 Compact holds 15+1, with only one magazine for both. 4. Customizability I’m a huge fan of weapon-mounted lights and red dots, so the ability to customize my pistols by adding accessories is important to me. Conveniently, the new M2.0 Compact and Shield Plus both have optics-ready models that accommodate lights such as the Streamlight® TLR-7®A and TLR-6®, which I carry on the M2.0 Compact and Shield Plus respectively. There is nothing wrong with choosing to skip the accessorizing step, but I find having the option to add them is always better than not. <img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/bltf8cf66a1a3a4e0ad/6372813907d496104f389efc/perfectpair-blog-003.jpg" height="auto"/> Regardless of which pistol I’m carrying; it is almost always accompanied by a handheld flashlight and a knife. With a similar combination of gear, you can be ready to confidently carry your pistol for lawful self-defense. Whether you’re looking for your first EDC gun or looking to replace a current, the M2.0 Compact and Shield Plus are more than worthy of making the cut.

Why have just one when you can have two? The Guy Gear Review breaks it all down.

perfectpair-blog-main.jpg

THE PERFECT PAIR

You may remember someone once saying “buy a shotgun”… You may not have grown up around firearms, or maybe you did… Regardless, you most likely heard about your grandpa or your neighbor having a pump action shotgun for home defense. This may be the only gun you ever knew of for home defense, a tried and true, reliable platform that still carries its weight nearly 130 years after its introduction. <img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt2f096f1c8e1bdc13/6372844bea930410907d6c0a/mp12-blog-001.jpg" height="auto"/> The M&P12 may not be the initially recognizable shotgun you think of, but its features far surpass those of the basic pump action market. With typical shotgun barrels of 26”+, these aren’t always the most maneuverable firearms in tight quarters. With home defense in mind, the M&P12 maximizes maneuverability with a bullpup design and 19” barrels. <img height="auto" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt456d2ce9514db2bb/6372847262965b10fea09058/mp12-blog-002.jpg" width="715" max-width="715" style="width: 715px; height: auto;"/> Adding enjoyability for shooting at the range, the M&P12 is fed by two magazine tubes, each with a capacity of 7 2 3⁄4“ shells. Load it up with bird shot, buck shot, slugs, 3” or mini shells, the reliable pump action will cycle time and time again. With the M&P12 there’s no reason to not be prepared. Attach the optics, sights and accessories that best suit your needs to the picatinny rail or the M-LOK® slots. With endless options and configurations to choose from, it’s easy to see how the M&P12 is the easy choice for your home protection shotgun. To learn more about the M&P12 visit:<a href="http://www.smith-wesson.com/mp12">www.smith-wesson.com/mp12</a> <img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blta0eaf84f7335a7cb/6372849976567a10a7cb5668/mp12-blog-003.jpg" height="auto"/>

You may recall someone once saying “buy a shotgun”…

mp12-blog-main.jpg

THE HIGH-TECH HOME DEFENSE SHOTGUN

8 Tips for Improving Your Mental Game Practice and repetition can only get you so far… While sport shooting is obviously physical, it is so much more than that, it’s a mental challenge. Developing target-hitting techniques takes repetition and focus. It doesn’t matter if you’re training to become a national champion or if you simply enjoy going to a shooting range and drilling the center of your target with your favorite firearm. To truly reach your potential, you must align your mental game along with your shooting skills. Here are some of the things I’ve learned that help me achieve my best on the range. <img height="auto" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/bltab87841b67c0048d/63728662f33b43105dcd4367/competition-julie-001_0.jpg" width="715" max-width="715" style="width: 715px; height: auto;"/><ol><li> Set yourself up for success. The first step in having a strong mental game is being prepared. For me, that’s creating a master list of items I need to bring to the range -- from guns, ammo, targets, gear, eye and ear protection, the right clothing, sunscreen, water, and snacks. By prepping everything I will need, I eliminate the frustration that comes when I’ve forgotten something important. I am also sure that I’m hydrated and get enough sleep the night before I shoot. Knowing that I have all my supplies and that I’ve prepared my body to perform at its best sets my mind at ease.</li><li>Have or know the plan. If I’m heading to a match, I make sure I know what I’ll be shooting, the schedule of events, and where I need to be. If I’m hitting the range to train, I have a clear idea of what I want to accomplish so that my training is both specific and efficient. Having a clear plan makes it that much easier to focus and perform. </li><li>Accept your nerves. Feeling nervous means that you care about what you’re doing, and that’s a good thing! That said, I don’t know many people who enjoy being nervous. An elevated heart rate or a case of the shakes before you perform makes shooting all the more challenging. I’ve found the best way to deal with this type of tension is by continually placing myself in tough situations. It helps me learn how my body reacts to this type of stress. In shooting sports, some competitors will do everything they can to avoid nerves. They avoid going first on a course of fire or steer clear of shooting with their direct competitors because it makes them feel more comfortable and in control. The problem with this tactic is that when nervous situations are unavoidable, these competitors have not mentally prepared for the challenge and the results can be disastrous. Know and understand that dealing with nervous tension is a part of the game you should train for. </li><li>Visualize.In shooting sports,visualization is critical. After I have received the briefing for a course of fire and developed my plan, I use visualization to practice that plan as many times as possible before I’m called to the firing line. It’s a type of training that sets me up for a successful stage. You don’t have to compete to reap the benefits of visualization either. Think of visualization as mental dry fire, where you go through all the steps to be successful before you shoot and it’s a great way to make every shot count. </li><li>Breathe.One of the most useful tools in my mental management arsenal is controlled breathing. Deep, slow, and steady breaths not only help to calm an anxious mind, but this type of breathing also slows your heart rate too! Whenever I feel nervous, I know the best thing I can do is calm my heart and my mind with long and slow breaths. </li><li>Develop a routine.In shooting sports, top competitors develop a shot plan or standard routine that helps prepare them both physically and mentally for the shooting challenge. Establishing a routine and executing it the same way each time lets your mind and body know it’s “go” time. This plan is a series of steps that incorporates visualization, breathing, loading, and making ready. It’s repeatable, familiar, and completely customized to you and your quirks. Among shooters, no two routines are exactly alike, and you can adjust your routine as needed to address the shots, your nerves, or even your mood as necessary. </li><li>Understand that not every day will be easy or produce the results you want. Sometimes we don’t meet our goals or find that we’re just not performing the way we want to. Athletes know and understand that there will be peaks and valleys as they train, compete, and build their skills. It’s unrealistic to expect a personal best every time you’re on the range. That doesn’t mean you don’t put in the work but having an “off” day can still be valuable, especially when you find a way to work through it positively. </li><li>Avoid negative self-talk. There is a big difference between addressing your shortcomings and mental abuse. Thinking about yourself negatively reinforces all the wrong things. A bad target, misses, or poor run on a course of fire are all tough enough to come back from without adding the sort of self-sabotage that comes from mentally berating yourself. Similar to learning how to accept that you may be nervous, it’s important to learn how to deal with poor performances. Address the problems and then channel your efforts and energy into doing everything right at the next opportunity. Whenever I find negative thoughts creeping in, I use visualization and breathing as an effective and productive distraction.</li></ol><img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt2069ba2616b52457/6372869d2f1aba10d25a5ab1/competition-julie-002.jpg" height="auto" width="775" max-width="775"/> There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to mental management but if you find that you’re in a slump or rut, try to discover why. Sports psychology books, blogs, and podcasts can help you discover techniques, mantras, and other ways to reinforce positive mental training. Talk to fellow shooters to learn what they do to control nerves or negative distractions. Developing a strong mental game is an ongoing process but one well worth the effort.

competition-julie-main.jpg

COMPETITION MENTAL GAME

A Testament to the Smith & Wesson Model 19 John Arens stopped at a hardware store in 1968 and stepped up to the handgun cabinet. Yes, at the time you could buy handguns over the counter at hardware stores. John had just been sworn into the Police Department, and he was there to buy his service revolver, with his own money, and without reimbursement. He asked to see the Smith & Wesson Model 19. It was the only revolver he considered that day because he knew it was the first choice of nearly every uniformed American cop on a beat. After inspecting the firearm, cycling the action, and testing both the single- and double-action trigger pulls, he reached for his wallet. <img height="auto" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt57a3a10e9ec9bf48/6372881307d496104f389f39/revolver-mar22.jpg" width="716" max-width="716" style="width: 716px; height: auto;"/>(left) Officer Arens during his early years on the force. (right) Officer Arens’ two young sons visit him on the job in the 1970’s. Fast-forward fifteen years. Officer Arens, still protecting and serving, comes home after a shift and places his Model 19 and gun belt on the fireplace mantle as he always does. John’s three teenage sons - all hunters and shooters like their dad - sit on a nearby couch watching a North Stars hockey game. The youngest son suddenly asks, “Dad, when are you going to man-up and put a 9mm in that holster?” His response, “Never.” <img height="auto" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/bltb62059d92406ddb9/63728844d4802c10f7f4a678/revolver-mar22-003.jpg" width="714" max-width="714" style="width: 714px; height: auto;"/>(left) To this day, officer Arens still reaches for his Smith & Wesson revolvers for his EDC. (right) The Model 19 Classic chambered in 357 Magnum is still available today featuring handsome walnut grips and a 4.25" barrel. Now retired from a glowing career in law enforcement, we asked Officer Arens about that answer and his fondness for his Smith & Wesson revolver. He explained that simple reliability, durability, and accuracy were the reasons he trusted the same handgun since the day he walked out of that hardware store. But performance reputations aren’t just born overnight… <img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt48b80ef140c08d8a/6372887d0f2f8f10dd0e1624/revolver-mar22-002.jpg" height="auto"/>The newest addition to the Model 19 assortment, the Performance Center® Model 19 Carry Comp® features a 2.5” PowerPort™ vented barrel and tritium night sights. The Model 19 Classic remains in production today as one of the iconic models that paved the way for the S&W revolver models we offer today. Among all the S&W revolvers to choose from, the Model 19 Classic still shines. In fact, it shines brighter than ever thanks to our approach to gun building. Since Officer Arens bought his Model 19 in 1968, monumental advances in engineering, machining tolerances and gunsmithing now allow us to create revolvers that are more exacting than ever. However, one thing has never changed – and that’s the attention to detail. All components, from the forged frames to springs and pins, are rigorously inspected and approved. And before final assembly, seasoned smiths and finishers perform the age-old handwork to ensure that the fit-and-finish is top tier. While reflecting on his long career in law enforcement with his Model 19, Officer Arens shared “in all those years, it never let me down.”

One officer's lifelong relationship with a Model 19.

revolver-mar22-main.jpg

A COP WALKS INTO A HARDWARE STORE…

It’s no small feat being a woman breaking into the world of professional shooting. In recognition of International Women’s Day, we asked two of our favorite women in the firearms industry to share a bit about how they got here, how the industry has changed, and what they hope for the future generation of female shooters. Julie Golob, Pro Shooter & Captain of Team Smith & Wesson®I would not be the person I am today if it weren’t for shooting sports and this industry. Growing up around competitive shooting, there weren’t many women on the range and certainly very few teenage girls like me. The women I encountered, inspired me. Whether it was a kind word of encouragement and fun atmosphere from female shooters at the local level or watching the incredible skills from the top women in the sport, there was so much to learn and appreciate. Champions like Kay Miculek, Kippi Leatham, and Sheila Brey proved how to take shooting even further. <img height="auto" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt19fd32368e034948/63728a4562965b10fea09079/womenshooting-julie-001.jpg" width="718" max-width="718" style="width: 718px; height: auto;"/>(left) A young Julie Golob shooting one of her first competitions as a teenager.&nbsp; (right) Julie begins building her esteemed career of professional shooting on the US Army Shooting Team. Thanks to shooting, I’ve learned so much about goal setting and leadership, as well as useful life skills. As a young competitor, I put countless hours and over a million rounds down range. As a wife and mother, I have learned to make the most of less time and resources. Being a part of the industry and connecting with fellow gun owners as well as those who are looking to purchase their first firearm, has helped me better address their concerns and needs as shooters. The different roles I’ve played throughout my career have helped me develop empathy and an understanding I am grateful for.When I think of all the newcomers to shooting, women and girls of all ages, I can’t help but smile. It’s no longer rare to see a teenage girl pushing the envelope in competition. Women feel confident that they can learn about firearms and concealed carry methods, so much so that they aren’t intimidated to hit the range or visit a gun shop. It has taken some time to get here, but I feel honored that I play a part in it. Helping motivate, guide, and teach others useful skills on and off the range is one of the best parts of what I do. <img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt27b1b8c8e0fcdd45/63728a6acca9f010a904a9bf/womenshooting-julie-002.jpg" height="auto"/>(left) Ladies of the US National Team represented at the 2011 IPSC World Shoot.&nbsp; (right) The captain of Team Smith& Wesson, Julie competes regularly in a variety of disciplines. Ava Flanell, Firearms Instructor & Host of Gun Funny Podcast : Even though I only shot my first gun in 2012, I was raised around guns. My mom was a firearms instructor and assisted me when I shot my first gun. Thinking back, my mom was somewhat of a pioneer because even when I became an instructor in 2013, I was the only female in all the instructor credential courses that I took. As I started teaching my own classes, females made up for about twenty percent of the class. With each year, female attendance continues to grow. Now I have women coming up to me saying that my path has encouraged them to become an instructor. <img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/bltfa39dfc901779651/63728a930f2f8f10dd0e164b/womenshooting-ava-001.jpg" height="auto"/>(left) Owning and operating a gun shop with her husband, Ava’s mother Terry Flanell was an advocate for women in the shooting sports. (right) While living in NYC, Ava worked for the New York Yankees, she later shifted gears and began her career in the firearms industry. Before I chose my current career path, I spent the first eight years of adulthood living in New York City. Owning a firearm was never a consideration. I lived in Manhattan with over twelve million people living on top of each other. I thought surely if anything ever happened there were plenty of people to help. What a small-minded thought. As I’ve grown older, wiser and have seen the reality of the world, I realize that not even law enforcement is required to protect you. Self-protection is our responsibility and right. <img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/bltf37801510b059513/63728ac9d4802c10f7f4a696/womenshooting-ava-002.jpg" height="auto" width="723" max-width="723" style="width: 723px; height: auto;"/>(left) In addition to firearms training, Ava is a YouTuber and hosts the Gun Funny podcast. (right) Teaching the next generation of female shooters the importance of firearms safety and handling. Learning how to protect myself has been one of the most empowering things I’ve done. I can live alone, go hiking, and go about my day freely knowing that if I’m ever in danger I’m equipped to have a fighting chance. When obtained lawfully, guns are a tool that level the playing field of surviving someone or something that you wouldn’t otherwise. Training the next generation of female shooters, it’s important to emphasize that gun ownership doesn’t have an image. You don’t have to be a man or look like the next Laura Croft. Race, gender, politics, and religion shouldn’t deny or dissuade someone the right to protect themselves and loved ones. &nbsp;

Celebrating International Women's day with two women who break barriers.

fieldstripping-main-header_copy.jpg

FEMALE SHOOTERS MAKE AN IMPACT

For years, the perfect “do-all” gun has been the holy grail of the gun world. When it comes to pistols, those are difficult shoes to fill. First, it needs to be comfortable to shoot for extended periods of time; next, it needs to be easily concealable; and lastly, it should have a higher ammo capacity. Features like a great trigger of course are a huge plus, but for a do-all pistol it needs to land in the middle ground of those first three requirements. Many people can carry mid-size or even full-size guns with bulky clothing in the winter, but for most of us, male and female alike, our usual clothing does not allow that without obvious printing. In order to have an easily concealed gun, we had been forced to make trade-offs in size for something we can hide comfortably. Those trade-offs historically have come at the expense of reduced mag capacity, smaller caliber, and more significant recoil. <img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/bltb41f1fb85ca1acda/63728da9e72c60105ee26524/ava-onepistol-final-001_(1).jpg" height="auto"/> At least that’s how things were until now... A new class has been recently perfected that fits our needs in a way very few pistols have. The high-capacity micro-carry 9mm market has been evolving the last few years and Smith & Wesson coming to the table to meet everyone’s request. The new M&P Shield® Plus pistol series checks all the boxes. This pistol is enjoyable to shoot for long periods of time, easy to conceal, and holds more rounds of ammunition than most handguns in its class. A special thanks to Smith & Wesson for sending me this M&P Shield Plus pistol to review. With efficiency in mind, Smith & Wesson re-engineered the popular M&P Shield to create the M&P Shield Plus. The new M&P Shield Plus has a slightly thicker grip than the previous Shield™ but is barely noticeable. It feels even better in the hand as a result and even fits the same holsters. So, if you’ve been carrying a Shield all these years, there’s no need to update the holster you’ve grown to love so much. The magazine now fits a staggering 10+1 rounds in the flush mag and 13+1 rounds in the magazine that adds only an extra 1” extension (where available), which is the perfect addition for those who have larger hands. And for even greater capacity, Smith & Wesson teamed up with Federal Premium to help launch their newest caliber, 30 Super Carry™. With 30SC the capacity is upped to 13+1 with the flush mag and to 16+1 with the extended mag (where available), taking the Shield Plus’s capacity to a whole new level. <img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt7a34006e10a71424/63728dc832130110b2797412/ava-onepistol-final-002_0.jpg" height="auto"/> While the M&P Shield Plus maintains a very small overall size, the felt recoil seems less than other similar sized pistols. Smith & Wesson designs their handguns with a low bore axis, which means the barrel sits lower and lines up closer to your grip to reduce torque. Less torque means reduced felt recoil because the muzzle does not flip as much. There is also a 4” ported model from the Performance Center® to further reduce muzzle flip while still being very concealable. Muzzle porting directs gas upwards providing thrust to further reduce muzzle flip by pushing the muzzle downward with the expelled gas. Though many people often suggest that ported muzzles can “blind” you if you ever use them in a low-light scenario; in actuality, when firing in near darkness however, you can tell very little difference between a ported and non-ported pistol in terms of muzzle flash. That bit of lore is easily disproved with a few quick rounds on the range with the lights off. Even the 3.2” model without porting feels very much like shooting a larger pistol. Put it all together, unlike most other compact carry guns, the Shield Plus is one you can shoot all day on the range without it wearing you out. In contrast, other snappy compacts can feel uncomfortable from the sharp recoil after shooting so they may be easy to carry but are not comfortable to train regularly with. For a good EDC, you want a gun you can comfortably shoot so you are well practiced in all aspects of the gun including clearing malfunctions. Practice, practice, practice is an adage we use often, and your everyday carry is the most crucial firearm you should practice with. <img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/bltc1f320c44609b055/63728de37a64f810a2983623/ava-onepistol-final-003_0.jpg" height="auto"/> Another area that compact guns often fail to include is an upgraded trigger. Micro compact guns have been notorious for having heavy double action triggers and/or very long take-ups, but the new trigger on the Shield Plus is awesome. It is smooth and light and has a clean, short reset. I’m a bit of a trigger snob and this trigger out of the box is better than aftermarket triggers you commonly spend more than $150 on. Smith & Wesson also added options for optic-ready versions of the Shield Plus. With the increase in popularity of red dots, this has pleased many. The optic adds a little more footprint to the gun for carry, but a lot of people have been carrying them daily now because the optic provides faster target acquisition. This is also a good option for newer shooters as red dots are easier to learn and become proficient with. Anything that can give you an edge is worth exploring. Additionally, Smith & Wesson has wisely designed their slides to allow co-witnessing the iron sights through the red dot as well in case the battery was to fail. In my opinion, this is a must. Whether you’re brand new to firearms or a veteran, the Shield Plus is definitely a gun you should take a look at for its versatility. It’s a great handgun for first-time buyers looking to start out with just one firearm, and is a great value, serving as both a concealed carry and enjoyable range gun. The same goes for the experienced shooter. Many people don’t shoot their carry guns enough to be proficient with them because they aren’t as comfortable to practice significantly with. For these reasons, the M&P Shield Plus fits the bill; I highly recommend you check it out.

Comfortable, concealable, higher capacity... Can there be just one?

ava-onepistol2-main-header.jpg

ONE PISTOL TO RULE THEM ALL?

Earlier this month, our friends over at Federal Premium® announced the launch of their newest advancement in carry ammunition, the 30 Super Carry™. We are proud to team up with them as their exclusive launch partner, offering the S&W® Shield™ Plus and S&W Shield EZ® chambered in Federal’s 30 Super Carry. So, you might be wondering what the benefits are to this new caliber; allow us to explain… The .312-inch-diameter projectile used in 30 Super Carry allows for greater magazine capacity than 9mm Luger, yet delivers equal muzzle energy and performance. Federal’s new high-performance 30 Super Carry handgun cartridge delivers 9mm Luger terminal performance using a smaller case to provide big benefits for concealed carry. <iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mWmmAhW5adc" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0"></iframe> The easy to rack, easy to load, and easy to conceal line of Shield EZ pistols previously had a standard magazine capacity of 8+1 in both 9mm and 380 Auto, with the new 30SC cartridge we were able to up that capacity to 10+1. Built on the same frame size as the 9mm Shield EZ means that not only should you anticipate the recoil to feel lighter than shooting a 9mm, but you also have complete holster compatibility. <img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt2d3b605c57432816/6372936a0f2f8f10dd0e1667/30super-carry.jpg" height="auto"/> The Shield Plus hit the ground running in March of 2021 and the line has continued to grow ever since. The newest member of the Shield Plus family is chambered in 30 Super Carry, and boasts an outrageous capacity for a micro compact handgun. With an impressive capacity of 12+1 in the flush magazine, the extended magazine’s capacity takes it to the next level; more closely matching the capacity of a full frame M&P than it does a single stack Shield, with a capacity of 15+1. Up your EDC game this year with more from Smith & Wesson® and Federal Premium’s 30 Super Carry. To learn more about Federal 30 Super Carry visit:<a href="https://www.smith-wesson.com/subcategory/30-super-carry">S&W Shield EZ & S&W Shield Plus</a>

Federal’s new 30 Super Carry handgun cartridge delivers 9mm Luger terminal performance in a smaller case to provide big benefits for concealed carry.

30-supercarry-shieldplus-blogheader.jpg

THE 30 SUPER CARRY IS MORE

SHOT Show® is back! Launching today on the show floor is a new lineup of Smith & Wesson® Modern Sporting Rifles (MSR’s). A new line of rifles designed entirely from the ground up deriving directly from our consumer’s feedback; the Volunteer™ line of rifles pays homage to the company’s soon to be new home state of Tennessee, the Volunteer state. Taking a completely new approach to the line, there are four groups of rifles; Volunteer XV, Volunteer XV OR, Volunteer XV PRO, and Volunteer XV DMR. At launch, there are 11 models across the families. While there are a great deal of differences between them, currently each is chambered in 5.56mm NATO/223 REM with 1:8” twist, 5R rifling. <iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fYZiIyOoTLE" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0"></iframe> The Volunteer VX is equipped with a B5 Bravo adjustable stock as well as a B5 pistol Grip which has a steeper grade angle than the traditional MSR grips, providing the user with proper trigger finger alignment. The flat-faced trigger geometry has a clean crisp break and the Bravo Company forend features ample M-LOK® slots for added accessories. The Volunteer XV OR has all the features of the standard Volunteer XV but also comes with a low profile, Picatinny mount gas block, which allows the end-user to have a clearer sight picture. <img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt25ae0f3962b07726/637294672f1aba10d25a5ad5/volunteer-001.jpg" height="auto"/> The Volunteer XV Pro rifles are equipped with a mid-length gas system that provides a smooth recoil cycle. The Volunteer XV Pro forend features a 15” free-floated handguard equipped with M-LOK slots for accessory mounting as close to the muzzle end of the firearm as possible. The barrel itself has a PWS muzzle brake to help mitigate recoil and muzzle flip. The XV Pro is also equipped with a B5 pistol grip and includes a B5 Sopmod stock, providing optimal cheek weld and pulls double duty offering storage for optic batteries. <img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt83c5200721e1e8f7/6372948c2f1aba10d25a5ad9/volunteer-002.jpg" height="auto" width="723" max-width="723" style="width: 723px; height: auto;"/> With its rifle-length gas system, the Volunteer VX DMR is designed to help you reach out to those further targets. The 20” barrel is housed by a 15” free-floated handguard. Similar to the Volunteer VX Pro, the barrel is topped off with a PWS muzzle brake, B5 pistol grip and includes a B5 Sopmod stock. <a href="https://www.smith-wesson.com/volunteer">See the entire</a><a href="https://www.smith-wesson.com/volunteer">Volunteer Series lineup.</a>

Commemorating Smith & Wesson's monumental move to TN, the NEW Volunteer series of rifles has just what you are looking for in a modern sporting rifle.

volunteer-hero-003.jpg

THE NEW VOLUNTEER SERIES

The only way to be match ready, is to stay match ready. With decades as a Pro Shooter and countless championship titles and records under his belt, no one knows this better than Jerry Miculek. The key to staying consistent is to be consistent. In the cold winter months, we are all a bit less motivated to spend time out on the range, and when we do, we aren’t sticking around to freeze our trigger finger off. While we’re spending less time outside practicing live fire, there is no reason we shouldn’t continue to practice our dry fire. Taking this time off the range leaning into your dry fire practice can make all the difference. Jerry walks us through his dry fire practice, showing us how he stays sharp all winter to come back ready for next season’s matches. <iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QXrWUJ3JufU" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0"></iframe>

Pro Shooter Jerry Miculek shares how he keeps himself match ready during the off season.

jerry-dryfire-001.jpg

JERRY'S INDOOR DRY FIRE TIPS & DRILLS

Are you new to slide-mounted red dots? After shooting iron sights for longer than you can remember, there is an adjustment period. It can take some time to get used to the fact that your new sighting system is a lot bigger and more complicated than traditional iron sights. Your first shots with a red dot mounted to your optics-ready pistol might feel downright weird. With iron sights, ultimately you should become aware of how your front sight tracks during recoil. Shooting with the optic, you may lose the red dot in the window during recoil. The window is so much larger and taller than your irons. This and the fact that your aiming focus, the dot, is now closer to your face compared to the front sight, may make you notice recoil more. For many shooters, a dozen or so rounds on target are all it takes to get used to it, others may need to give it a little time to fully adjust. <img height="auto" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt1bc1c7943bd5b87d/637291faa3fffc10b9dc1664/optics-julie-001.jpg" width="715" max-width="715" style="width: 715px; height: auto;"/> Many think they need to co-witness their red dot with their irons, meaning they use the red dot to act as a front sight and line it up with the rear sight notch. It's important to understand that this is not the most efficient way to use your optic. Instead of co-witnessing, zeroing your optic to the same point of aim and impact as your irons, means you’ll no longer need to line anything up. This is why red dots can be so much faster than iron sights. Assuming you're sighted in properly, learn to trust that, when applying proper shooting techniques, where the red dot is on the target is where you'll hit it. <img src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt9c43a489060b8da2/63729217da728110eb03a145/optics-julie-002.jpg" height="auto"/> The two greatest challenges in learning how to shoot red dots quickly and accurately are acquiring the dot and finding it after you lose it. It can be frustrating when you struggle to find the dot after drawing your pistol. You might find it a challenge recovering the dot during recoil, especially with one-handed shooting. To address these issues, start with dry fire training. Dry fire means going through the motions of shooting without ammunition. Practicing acquiring the dot in dry fire will help you be more proficient in live fire. If you lose the dot, it can be tempting to move the pistol around in your hands as you try to find it. Such drastic movements often make finding the red dot even harder. Instead, simply look for the front sight through the window. If the red dot is functional, it should appear in the window quickly. No front sight? Look at the tip of your muzzle instead. <img height="auto" src="https://images.contentstack.io/v3/assets/bltb61dcb3c40854cd9/blt39194f2148f914ce/6372923671c75510a0c9d7b3/optics-julie-003.jpg" width="715" max-width="715" style="width: 715px; height: auto;"/> Finally, if the brightness on your red dot is adjustable, make sure you adjust it to suit your vision. Too bright a dot can look like a starburst and make it more difficult for precise shots. Too low and you may have a hard time seeing it at all. I like to adjust the red dot so that it appears like a red ball with defined edges. Once you’ve learned how to set up your optic and take the time to train with it, you’ll appreciate it as a tool to not only help you shoot faster, but more accurately too.

Struggling to pick up the dot as you transition from iron sights? Julie Golob shares the tips to see you through.