Best-Kept Secret: .32 H&R Magnum — GMP #286

This video provides an overview of the .357 Magnum caliber, detailing its pros and cons from a field instructor's perspective. It highlights the ability to shoot cheaper .38 Special ammunition in .357 Magnum firearms for reduced recoil and cost, and discusses the caliber's effectiveness for hunting at shorter ranges (75-125 yards) on game like pigs, goats, and wild dogs. The instructor also addresses limitations, particularly for larger game or when deep penetration is required, suggesting larger calibers like .44 Magnum or .30-30 in such scenarios. The overall sentiment is that the .357 Magnum is a versatile and enjoyable caliber to shoot, especially in rifles, with significantly reduced recoil when using .38 Special.

Chris Baker, a recognized subject matter expert from Lucky Gunner Ammo, presents a compelling case for .32 caliber revolvers over the more common .38 Special for snub-nosed firearms. He highlights superior capacity and shootability due to reduced recoil, supported by empirical range testing and ballistic gel data. While acknowledging market challenges like ammo availability and cost, Baker emphasizes the practical advantages of .32 caliber for concealed carry and personal defense.

This video, presented by Concrete Cowboy, argues that 9mm and 5.56x45 NATO are the most practical calibers for the majority of firearm owners. The instructor highlights the widespread adoption of 9mm by law enforcement and military, its affordability, manageable recoil, and high capacity in handguns. For 5.56, the focus is on its effectiveness in rifles for various applications, including home defense and sport shooting, due to its accuracy, manageable recoil, and ammunition availability.

This video debunks the myth that larger calibers are inherently deadlier, focusing instead on the statistical reality driven by availability and common use. Instructor Ted from Line 45 explains that 9mm and .22 LR are involved in the most deaths due to their widespread popularity, affordability, and ease of concealment, not necessarily superior terminal ballistics. The key takeaway is that shot placement and frequency of use in real-world scenarios, rather than raw power, determine a caliber's statistical impact.

This episode of LLP delves into the 'Great Defensive Caliber Debate,' offering insights into various handgun, rifle, and shotgun calibers. The discussion emphasizes that while ballistics and energy figures are important, factors like recoil management, shot placement, ammunition availability, cost, and projectile design are crucial for effective self-defense. The hosts encourage viewers to choose firearms and calibers they are comfortable with, can afford to train with, and that are readily available.

This video argues for the resurgence of revolvers in concealed carry, highlighting their reliability, simplicity, and unique features. The instructor emphasizes that while semi-automatics dominate the market, revolvers offer distinct advantages like consistent reliability, ease of operation, dual-action trigger options, inherent safety without manual safeties, superior durability, a wider range of powerful calibers, and often greater accuracy in single-action mode. The joy of shooting a revolver is also presented as a significant benefit.

This guide, informed by Roy Huntington, Editor of American Handgunner Magazine, details the critical differences between buckshot and birdshot for home defense. It covers their physical characteristics, penetration capabilities through walls, and effectiveness at close range. The advice emphasizes choosing a load based on concerns about over-penetration while stressing the universal importance of training, target identification, and using a light for any home defense scenario.

This guide details the field stripping process for a 1911 pistol, presented by Roy Huntington, Publisher of American Handgunner. It covers essential safety checks, step-by-step disassembly, and reassembly, emphasizing techniques to prevent damage. An alternative 'cheat' method for faster disassembly is also demonstrated, along with advice on using specialized tools for tight components.

This video showcases an exceptionally rare find: a first-generation 1873 Colt Single Action Peacemaker, discovered via metal detecting in Arizona. The expert speaker details its museum-quality condition, dating it to 1875, and analyzes the authentic patina and wear, including specific gutta-percha grip details and muzzle wear from holster friction. The firearm's discovery context among homestead ruins adds to its historical narrative.

This guide, presented by Roy Huntington, Editor of American Handgunner Magazine, outlines an efficient '5-minute clean' for modern semi-automatic pistols like the Glock 26/27. It emphasizes that over-cleaning is unnecessary and can cause premature wear. The process focuses on targeted cleaning of critical areas like the barrel and slide rails, with minimal lubrication applied only to high-friction points. Proper function checks after reassembly are also highlighted.