First are some great PDFs that you can download from the Glock FAQ Target Gallery, you can also click on the image below to download those individual targets…

First, the 30′ Olympic airgun target is one that I like to use both in the garage (air pistol) and at the range (for one-up pistol target shooting, at 30′ range):

Second would be a simple 4-up target that can help get the most out of each page (and also minimize setting targets. Ideally, I like to put two of these out at a time so that I can shoot 8 groups before retrieving the target, again at 30′ range typically:

For rifle shooting at close distance (AR-15 with iron sights, etc) I tend to use the same targets as shown above. But when shooting out at 100-200 yards, I use the great target from accurateshooter.com:

It’s great to have a leather portfolio full of printed targets, target spots, pens/pencils, a digital micrometer, and other frequently used range items. Regardless of whether I’m shooting at an indoor range, and outdoor range, or on a forest service road, I always have plenty of targets in my range bag.

Have other free targets that you use frequently? Please share!

Thanks,
Gavin

In the first issue of Northwest Gun Magazine, respected gunsmith Grant Cunningham will be discussing this exact topic.

Here, Grant gives a very “down to earth” guide to deciding if starting a gunsmithing business is for you. I can relate to much of what Grant outlines in this article from a professional photographer’s perspective (time, equipment, training, etc). In general, it’s better to know what your getting yourself into before you go too far (don’t ask me how I know that ).

If you want to know more about Grant Cunningham (or have a revolver that needs to be worked on) please check out his great website and blog at: http://grantcunningham.com.

Thanks,
Gavin

If you’ve been contemplating the purchase of a progressive reloading press (for pistol *or* rifle reloading) you’ll want to catch the series of articles that will be featured in the first four issues of Northwest Gun Magazine. In this series, we’ll cover each of the four popular 5-station progressive reloading presses. This list includes the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP (covered in Issue 1), the Dillon XL-650, the RCBS Pro-2000, and the Lee Loadmaster.

Loading 44 Magnum with the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP - Image from Northwest Gun Magazine Issue 1

These articles will be the most complete and exhaustive reviews of these kinds of reloading presses that you’ll find anywhere. Furthermore, since I have extensive “seat time” on all these presses, you’ll benefit from my comparisons of the various features of all these reloading presses. It’s going to be a lot of fun to dig into the details of each of these presses.

Can’t wait for the first issue? You can check out all of the free resources (HD videos, write-ups, tips/tricks) over at http://ultimatereloader.com today!

Thanks,
Gavin

Drew firing his new Ruger 10/22 Takedown - Image copyright 2012 NWGUN.com

Unfortunately, the inauguration of this new rifle was not without incident. While preparing to fire the first shot, Drew asked “what’s up with this?”. I looked at the bolt, and noticed that the .22LR round in the magazine would not strip off the magazine. After a bunch of coaxing, no luck with the factory Ruger 25 round magazines (we tried two of them). Fortunately, the stock 10 round magazine did work without incident.

Check it out: This 10/22 breaks down! - Image copyright 2012 NWGUN.com

We did have fun shooting the 10/22 Takedown,  but Drew was not real happy about the functioning issue with the 25 round magazines. He took it to one of the staff members at West Coast Armory (where we were shooting), and they were helpful in diagnosing the issue. After trying their own 10/22 Takedown with the magazines, Drew’s rifle was found to be at fault. It appears that the Magazine interface in the receiver is out of spec (the magazine is allowed to ride too “high” in the receiver). I’m confident that Ruger will take care of Drew on this issue, but it sure is disappointing!

Want to know more about the Ruger 10/22 Takedown? I know  I do. Keep an eye out here on the blog and in the magazine for more information!

Thanks,
Gavin

Have you wondered about the PT-1911 from Taurus? If you’re in the market for a 1911 pistol, you’ve probably run across one of the variants in your research. With an impressive “standard equipment” list, you may be tempted to buy one.

I purchased the PT-1911 seen here a few years ago (OK, 6 years ago). My friend Dan Sivertsen also picked up a stainless PT-1911 near the same time. In the first issue of Northwest Gun Magazine, I’ve included an article that goes into detail regarding the reliability, customizations, and shooting impressions for both my PT-1911, and Dan’s PT-1911s.

If you’re curious about the PT-1911, you’ll want to check it out!

Here’s a picture of Dan’s PT-1911s:

My PT-1911 has not been perfect, but I’ve enjoyed it. In the article, I outline the various issues that I’ve had with this pistol, and also the ways that I remedied those issues. I’ve also enjoyed customizing this 1911 (custom front and rear sight job, grip).

Look for this article soon HERE!

Thanks,
Gavin

The completed "629 Dark" revolver - Image copyright 2012 Northwest Gun Magazine

Have you ever wanted to turn a “silver” gun black? A while back I bought a very nice used Smith and Wesson model 629 from my friend Kevin Smith. This was actually my second 629 (my primary hiking carry gun is a 4″ 629). Why the second 629 you ask? Well, I felt it would be nice to have for the range (with red dot), and hey, it was for sale.

It wasn’t long and I was pondering what it would look like black. This led to a search for the perfect refinishing process for stainless steel guns. After quite a bit of research, I stumbled across a really cool finish called DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) from a company called Ionbond. This finish is only 4 microns thick, and is as hard or harder than natural diamond. Translation: If you don’t gouge the base metal, the finish isn’t going anywhere.

In the first two issues of Northwest Gun Magazine, you can read about the complete process of refinishing this revolver. The name of this series is “629 Dark, taking a stainless revolver to the dark side”. The first installment will cover research and prepping the revolver, including a complete teardown. The second installment will cover refinishing, reassembly, red dot install, and taking the dark 629 to the range.

Want to check it out? You can read the full first article in the Issue 1 preview of Northwest Gun Magazine (free PDF download available here).

This leaves me wondering, what else do I need to turn black?

Thanks,
Gavin

Map view on Where2Shoot - Image copyright 2012 Northwest Gun Magazine

Here you see the “map view” when you are using the “find ranges” feature in Where2Shoot. Very cool. This app can use location data (if you allow it to) in order to find ranges that are nearby either in list form, or in map form as shown here.

If you want to drill into the details, you can find out about the range, and even tap on the phone number to give them a call:

Details view on Where2Shoot - Image copyright 2012 Northwest Gun Magazine

There’s plenty more cool features that are included in this app, and it’s free! Way to go NSSF!

Currently, the app is only supported on iOS (iPhone and iPad). All you Android and Windows Phone users- you may want to ask NSSF if they can support this app on your phone/tablet platform!

Happy range hunting!
-Gavin

Wallowa-Whitman National Forest area - Source: Oregonian

This kind of closure is *extremely* impacting for anyone like myself that enjoys outdoor activities involving motor vehicles. My favorite place to camp is on forest service roads, and I also enjoy dirtbiking and other activities (like outdoor shooting) that require motor vehicle access.

If you want to read more about this issue, please check out the Oregonian article here.

I strongly encourage NWGUN readers in Oregon to get involved in any way you can to put a stop to this plan. Let’s work together to keep our land accessible (we do pay taxes to keep these areas maintained and staffed, so we should be able to enjoy them, right?).

Do you have land-use advocacy ideas? Please share.

Thanks,
Gavin

Check it out here:

Stay tuned for more information!

-Gavin

There are a lot of things that I look for in an indoor range. There’s the shooting facilities (types of ranges, distances supported, etc), the selection and prices for firearms, inventory of shooting gear and accessories, and many other factors. One of the other factors that’s really high on my list is the staff. You may have visited ranges that are run by people that either don’t want to seem to do business, or who have a very grouchy or arrogant demeanor. (doesn’t really make you want to come back or spend your money there ).

I just had the chance to go to West Coast Armory in Bellevue, WA, and I’ll have to say- it was very impressive! We were doing a photo shoot in the law enforcement bay, which is accessible by premiere members. It was a great day of shooting, and the staff was excited about their job, and helpful to customers.

After shooting, I poked around the store area, and was impressed by the array of guns and gear.

I’m looking forward to going back, and just wanted to do a quick shout out here to a bunch of guys that run a great business. If you’re in Western WA, drop by and check it out!

Oh, and they also have a great gunsmithing shop onsite!

http://www.westcoastarmory.com/

West Coast Armory Indoor Range & Pro Shop Bellevue
13216 SE 32nd Street
Bellevue WA
+1 425 641 2877

West Coast Armory Issaquah
675 NW Gilman Boulevard
Issaquah WA
+1 425 391 4867

Thanks,
Gavin