AMMO TEST - what makes a good range load - and one brand to avoid!

The 9mm caliber, once dominant, is seeing a quiet shift in popularity towards higher-powered options like the 10mm and the faster 5.7x28mm. This trend is driven by a renewed interest in firearm power and availability, with manufacturers now offering compact 10mm options and a growing list of brands producing 5.7x28mm firearms. While 9mm remains prevalent, these two calibers are experiencing significant growth.

The Humble Marksman reviews Kimber's new 2011-style pistol, highlighting its sub-$1000 price point and American manufacturing. Available in 10mm and .45 ACP, the 9mm version features an aluminum frame, bushing barrel, and GI-style guide rod. The instructor notes its excellent build quality, comparable to more expensive 2011s, making it a significant value proposition.

This review of the Smith & Wesson M&P Carry Comp 9mm highlights its versatility for concealed carry and combat. The pistol features a 4.2-inch barrel, aluminum frame, and a robust optics mounting system. Notably, it demonstrated exceptional reliability by firing 2000 consecutive rounds without a single malfunction, making it a strong contender in its price range.

Yoki Sturrup outlines three dream firearms for a hypothetical rich scenario, focusing on suppressed shooting for enjoyment. The list includes the Q Honey Badger SBR in 300 Blackout, the H&K SP5 in 9mm with a Rugged Obsidian 9 suppressor, and the FN Scar 17S in .308. The speaker highlights the quiet operation of the Honey Badger, the iconic status of the SP5, and the powerful, albeit recoil-heavy, nature of the Scar 17S.

This review of the Smith & Wesson M&P Metal HD highlights its evolution into a steel-framed striker-fired pistol, offering improved balance and performance. The reviewer, an expert marksman, details its features, accuracy testing with various ammunition, and recoil characteristics compared to competitors. Key takeaways include its suitability for competition and the importance of selecting appropriate ammunition for optimal accuracy.

This review introduces the highly anticipated steel-framed Smith & Wesson M&P 2.0 Metal HD, specifically designed to meet the demands of competitive shooters. The firearm weighs approximately 37 ounces and features a high-traction grip, shipping with four 17-round magazines. While the manufacturer has addressed key customer needs, the expert reviewer hints at unique characteristics to be explored further.

This video debunks the myth that an AR-15 round would 'blow off' an ear by conducting a practical experiment with pig ears. The results show that even high-velocity rounds like 5.56mm and .223 Remington, as well as heavier calibers like 45-70 and 8.6 Blackout, create small, clean holes through thin tissue, similar to a hole punch. The host explains this is because the tissue is too thin for the bullet to transfer enough energy for catastrophic cavitation, unlike in ballistics gel.

This short showcases high-performance 'Space Guns' from the Open Division at the Double Tap Championship. It highlights custom 2011-style pistols, specialized race holsters from brands like Safariland and Double Alpha Academy, and features a first-person view of a shooter using a frame-mounted red dot optic during a stage. The video emphasizes the advanced technology and customization involved in top-tier competition handguns.

Tim Herron, a USPSA Grand Master, explains efficient iron sight usage by contrasting traditional front sight focus with a target-oriented approach. He advocates using the rear sight for gross aiming and the front sight for fine-tuning, likening it to a backhoe vs. spade. Training with red dots can improve iron sight performance by fostering target focus.

This review compares the Staccato P, Springfield Armory Prodigy, and Bul Armory Tac 4.25, focusing on manufacturing, ergonomics, trigger, and shooting dynamics. The Bul Armory Tac 4.25 demonstrated superior reliability with tested ammunition and offered the crispest trigger. The Prodigy was the softest shooting but had a noticeable grip safety gap and feeding issues. The Staccato P offered a good balance but was also susceptible to feeding issues with certain ammo.