Gun Digest February 2025

I find it interesting how things change over time, often so slowly that it’s difficult to recall how things used to be … until something new is so locked in that it’s near impossible to go back. Where we end up is proof that, more often than not, there’s no master plan: Life seems to be a unique collection of happy little accidents (with some not-so-happy experiences mixed in for variety). To that end, the gun industry is in new-products season. And again, more often than not, the offerings are proof that many companies stumble into something (read: line extension) and they feel they must offer it because, quite simply, they feel the pressure to deliver something new to keep up with every other company that’s delivering something new. It’s…

HISTORICAL NOTES In 2017, Nosler added its largest round to its family of cartridges—the 33 Nosler. The family was born in 2014 with the introduction of the 26 Nosler, followed by the 28 Nosler in 2015 and 30 Nosler in 2016. The 33 Nosler shares the same parent case (.404 Jeffery) as the rest of the family but fires .338-caliber bullets. Like other Nosler cartridges, it’s designed with an overall length to function in standard .30-06-length actions. To prevent cross-caliber chambering, Nosler moved the 33 Nosler’s shoulder datum back, so it’s shorter than the 30 Nosler. GENERAL COMMENTS The 33 Nosler can propel a 225-grain AccuBond at 3,025 fps … and a 265-grain AccuBond Long Range at 2,775 fps. That’s 275 fps faster than the .338 Win. Mag. in the…

Glock introduced their first pistol in 1982, and it’s done more to influence pistol design than any single firearm since the Browning HiPower in 1935. The Glock features most often copied include the striker firing mechanism, polymer grip frame, passive trigger safety and field-stripping process. The list of pistols that emulate the Glock is long, and now with their brand-new RXM, Ruger has added another to the list. The RXM is very Glockish in looks, feel and operation, but it’s also some things that Glocks are not. The RXM isn’t just another Ruger pistol. It’s the result of a collaboration between two well-respected brands in the firearms industry, and it’s made in America. Ruger partnered with Magpul to offer a Glock G-19 Gen 3-like, striker-fired, polymer-framed, high-capacity and customizable pistol…

The landscape of civil unrest has evolved, and with it, the rules of engagement for law-abiding armed citizens have become increasingly complex. The distinction between protesters and rioters has blurred, creating a precarious situation for those intent on defending themselves and their property. This has necessitated a fresh examination of what constitutes a mob—and how individuals should react in the face of collective aggression. Historically, the legal definition of a mob has been rooted in common law, which views a mob as a group with a malevolent purpose, the intent of which is shared by each member. This interpretation has allowed victims of mob violence to defend themselves against any member of the mob, as all are deemed equally culpable. Classic examples, such as Wyatt Earp’s stand against a lynch…

The Springfield Armory Hellcat is one slick little blaster. As an everyday carry in 9mm, it offers 11+1 rounds with their flush-fit magazine and 13+1 with an extended one (which isn’t very extended and is probably your standard carry mag). Practicing with it is fun and rewarding. Sometimes, however, you want even more fun, so a lot of shooters now own suppressors for maximum fun. But, what to do with your Hellcat? Simply fire up the old interwebs machine and track down the latest extra for Springfield Armory’s Hellcat: a suppressor barrel. This is a drop-in barrel that’s just like the one currently in your Hellcat … but extended and threaded. Same manufacturing process, tight dimensions, reliable feeding and an ultra-tough Melonite finish to make the surface harder than sin…

Retro AR-style rifles are incredibly popular right now. The last time the industry saw this many carry handle uppers, the general wisdom when it came to buying one was still to “mind your ABCs.” That meant that of the already limited AR-15 options on the market, you were best off getting one from either Armalite, Bushmaster or Colt. The AR market is obviously very different today, but some things never change. When it comes to clones and historical reproductions, collectors will still pay a pretty penny for the right rollmark, especially that damn rampant pony. Yes, despite contemporary Colt being connected to the Colt of old by name only, that’s the brand many retro AR enthusiasts still want. Slightly understandable, given that Colt manufactured the vast majority of M16 rifles…