This video from Brownells' Smyth Busters series, featuring Steve and Caleb at the 2022 NRA convention, tackles the crucial question of whether it's safe to store a home defense firearm loaded. They clarify 'loaded' to mean either a round in the chamber with a full magazine or a full magazine without a round in the chamber. The core of their advice centers on gun access, emphasizing that if children or unauthorized adults have access, a gun safe is essential. For those concerned about accessibility in emergencies, they recommend quick-access gun safes. Ultimately, the message is to ensure only authorized adults can access a loaded home defense firearm, highlighting the importance of responsible storage.
This video debunks the myth that all hollow-point bullets are designed to expand. Brownells Gun Techs Steve and Caleb explain that while handgun hollow-points and many hunting rifle hollow-points (like Sierra GameKing) are designed for expansion to increase terminal ballistics, match-grade target hollow-points utilize the cavity for a centered air bubble to improve the ballistic coefficient by reducing air resistance. They also note that hollow-point construction can be easier to manufacture uniformly than solid points, which are more susceptible to damage during handling. The video clearly illustrates that the function of a hollow-point varies based on its intended application.
This video from Brownells Gun Techs showcases a mint condition Colt Anaconda revolver found at Rock Island Auction Company. The Anaconda, a large-frame double-action revolver designed for the .44 Magnum cartridge, is discussed in detail, including its design influences (similar to the Python externally, but with internal differences akin to the King Cobra or Trooper), its all-stainless steel construction with a rare bright polish finish, and its market introduction in 1990 amidst the rise of semi-automatic pistols. The video notes the Anaconda's high production cost and eventual discontinuation around 2002, making this particular example a valuable addition to a firearm collection.
This video from the Brownells Vault features a deep dive into the Chinese Type 64 pistol, a unique firearm developed in the early 1960s. Unlike pistols with external suppressors, the Type 64 boasts an integral suppressor with rubber baffles and brass mesh, alongside an expansion chamber below the barrel. It fires a dedicated rimless .32 caliber (7.62x17mm) cartridge, similar to .32 ACP. The pistol can also be configured for single-shot operation by locking the slide. The featured example has a notable provenance, having been acquired by Mitch WerBell, a renowned figure in OSS, espionage, and silencer development, who obtained it after an assassination attempt in Vietnam.
This video from Brownells Gun Techs explains the concept of Ballistic Coefficient (BC), a crucial factor in understanding bullet performance, especially for long-range shooting. Caleb and Steve detail what BC represents – a bullet's ability to overcome drag and wind resistance – and how it's typically expressed as a decimal less than one. They highlight that a higher BC number indicates a more efficient bullet that flies flatter and is less affected by external forces. The explanation includes practical examples, contrasting the BC of a long, narrow target bullet with a short, squat .45 ACP round. The video emphasizes BC's importance for distance shooting while noting it's less critical for close-range engagements, with Caleb offering insights into why a high BC bullet isn't always the optimal choice.
This video showcases an original .44 Auto Mag pistol, a rare semi-automatic firearm chambered in .44 AMP. Featured by Brownells Gun Techs at Rock Island Auction Company, the Auto Mag is described as a heavy pistol suitable for hunting or silhouette shooting. The video highlights its historical significance, noting its introduction in 1971 and its iconic appearance in the movie 'Sudden Impact'. The rarity of original production models is emphasized.
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