Back in April 2006 Gun Tests magazine tested three .380 ACP pistols, one of which was the Walther PPK, as made here in the U.S. under license by Smith & Wesson. They loved the well-built little PPK, even though it had to go back for rework before they gave it a clean bill of health. It had failed in DA shooting, but a stiffer spring gave it the equivalent of their Grade A appraisal. They recently found a gun that looked a lot like the PPK, the FireStorm by Bersa ($307 MSRP), from Argentina. Here's what they found.

Semi-automatic carbines have become enormously popular. Applications range from law enforcement and home defense to competitive target shooting and hunting. The most popular platform is the AR15-based weapon chambered for 223 Remington. But if you visit your local shooting range, you will find AR-style carbines, circa the 1960s, shooting alongside historical battle-rifle actions made popular in the 1940s. Gun Tests magazine recently tested an M1A variant in the form of Springfield Armory's $2090 Socom II AA9627 with black fiberglass stock.

Gun Tests magazine recently examined a .32 H&R Magnum revolver in response to a fresh interest in the snub-nosed revolver. The Ruger SP101 SP-3231X was chambered for .32 H&R Magnum. However, the six chambers of the SP101 KSP-32731X provides about one-eighth inch of additional space to accommodate .327 Federal Magnum ammunition. This is a new cartridge developed by Federal and Ruger that seats a 0.312-inch diameter bullet atop a taller, stronger case that they measured to be just less than 1.2 inches long.

Gun Tests magazine recently examined a .32 H&R Magnum revolver in response to a fresh interest in the snub-nosed revolver. The Ruger SP101 SP-3231X was chambered for .32 H&R Magnum. However, the six chambers of the SP101 KSP-32731X provides about one-eighth inch of additional space to accommodate .327 Federal Magnum ammunition. This is a new cartridge developed by Federal and Ruger that seats a 0.312-inch diameter bullet atop a taller, stronger case that they measured to be just less than 1.2 inches long.

A short while back Gun Tests magazine tested some pretty small 9mm pistols, by Kahr and by Rohrbaugh. They particularly liked the Kahr PM9's handling qualities, and the fact that it worked well as a back-up pistol. They noted Kahr produces a similar pistol in .40 S&W caliber, called the PM40. They decided it was appropriate to try one, because anyone who liked the PM9 would probably welcome more power in a package nearly as small.

It has been said in the industry that 'when all else fails, invent a caliber.' Part and parcel of any highly new-product driven industry is the constant attempt to invent new lines of price and performance where none exist in a tangible, real-world sense. One fairly recent cartridge development that has gained traction and popularity is the Hornady 17 Magnum Rimfire introduced in 2002. It is remarkable in many respects, gaining distinction as the first successful rimfire cartridge to hit the market in over 40 years. The last rimfire considered to be a 'successful' introduction was the 22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire in 1959.

Gun Tests magazine tested the Kel-Tec Sub Rifle 2000 9mm Carbine, ($383). Like the similar Hi-Point 995 and Ruger's PC9 , the Kel-Tec was fed from pistol magazines. However, the Sub Rifle 2000 is a convertible. The Sub Rifle 2000 breaks down along a hinge and lock that divides the gun in half for storage. They wondered if the gun would keep its integrity after repeated openings and closings. Would it prove to be handy, or just a handful of hard luck?

Gun Tests magazine tested the Kel-Tec Sub Rifle 2000 9mm Carbine, ($383). Like the similar Hi-Point 995 and Ruger's PC9 , the Kel-Tec was fed from pistol magazines. However, the Sub Rifle 2000 is a convertible. The Sub Rifle 2000 breaks down along a hinge and lock that divides the gun in half for storage. They wondered if the gun would keep its integrity after repeated openings and closings. Would it prove to be handy, or just a handful of hard luck?

The Magnum Research BFR .30-30 Winchester, $999, was a custom product offered by gunsmith Jim Tertin, and isn't available through Magnum Research itself. When the Gun Tests staff tested the Magnum Research BFR in .30-30 Winchester, they had a big gun in a well-known rifle cartridge. In terms of mechanical fit, they found both the BFR to be flawless. Lockup was sound and sure and stayed that way even under the pressure of powerful shots. They did experience a build up of debris inside the chambers that made inserting fresh rounds stubborn after a few shots. But they thought this is one of the drawbacks inherent in this class of revolver.

Gun Tests magazine recently examined a .32 H&R Magnum revolver in response to a fresh interest in the snub-nosed revolver. The Ruger SP101 SP-3231X was chambered for .32 H&R Magnum. However, the six chambers of the SP101 KSP-32731X provides about one-eighth inch of additional space to accommodate .327 Federal Magnum ammunition. This is a new cartridge developed by Federal and Ruger that seats a 0.312-inch diameter bullet atop a taller, stronger case that they measured to be just less than 1.2 inches long.

Gun Tests magazine recently examined a .32 H&R Magnum revolver in response to a fresh interest in the snub-nosed revolver. The Ruger SP101 SP-3231X was chambered for .32 H&R Magnum. However, the six chambers of the SP101 KSP-32731X provides about one-eighth inch of additional space to accommodate .327 Federal Magnum ammunition. This is a new cartridge developed by Federal and Ruger that seats a 0.312-inch diameter bullet atop a taller, stronger case that they measured to be just less than 1.2 inches long.

The Magnum Research BFR .30-30 Winchester, $999, was a custom product offered by gunsmith Jim Tertin, and isn't available through Magnum Research itself. When the Gun Tests staff tested the Magnum Research BFR in .30-30 Winchester, they had a big gun in a well-known rifle cartridge. In terms of mechanical fit, they found both the BFR to be flawless. Lockup was sound and sure and stayed that way even under the pressure of powerful shots. They did experience a build up of debris inside the chambers that made inserting fresh rounds stubborn after a few shots. But they thought this is one of the drawbacks inherent in this class of revolver.

Getting into Cowboy Action shooting can be an exercise in frustration, considering only the selection of the handguns needed for that lively game. There are hundreds of them to choose from. So Gun Tests magazine chose three likely six-shooters that promise to do everything needed, and do it well. The three are chambered in .45 Long Colt, which they felt offered a lot more than just an historic viewpoint. The big .45 is a versatile caliber in a good revolver, and was their first choice.

Getting into Cowboy Action shooting can be an exercise in frustration, considering only the selection of the handguns needed for that lively game. There are hundreds of them to choose from. So Gun Tests magazine chose three likely six-shooters that promise to do everything needed, and do it well. The three are chambered in .45 Long Colt, which they felt offered a lot more than just an historic viewpoint. The big .45 is a versatile caliber in a good revolver, and was their first choice.

When a shooter asks, 'Which is the best gun for deep concealment?', or 'Is there a good self-defense gun out there with limited recoil?', minds often turn to guns chambered for 32 Auto (32 ACP). Many, or most, would wonder about the 32's power, or lack of same. Gun Tests magazine addressed that concern in one part of a recent test. Beside bench-shooting for accuracy, they also created an action test that focused on what these guns would most likely be used for—that is, rapid fire at little more than contact distance.

When a shooter asks, 'Which is the best gun for deep concealment?', or 'Is there a good self-defense gun out there with limited recoil?', minds often turn to guns chambered for 32 Auto (32 ACP). Many, or most, would wonder about the 32's power, or lack of same. Gun Tests magazine addressed that concern in one part of a recent test. Beside bench-shooting for accuracy, they also created an action test that focused on what these guns would most likely be used for—that is, rapid fire at little more than contact distance.

The M1 carbine was the most prolific U.S. weapon of the WWII era, with six-odd million made, and it's still very popular today. It employs an anemic round by rifle standards, but—per its design—its cartridge is at least as powerful as most handgun rounds. Today's buyer of a genuine WWII-era or Korean War era carbine will probably need to spend around a thousand dollars, give or take a few hundred, for a reasonable example. Gun Tests magazine saw prices on GunBroker.com from $750 to $1,400, depending on condition and rarity. However, if you're qualified, and if you hurry, you may be able to get a decent carbine for about $420-675, through the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) sales. This outlet used to be called the DCM, Director of Civilian Marksmanship, run by the U.S. government, but that program is now in private hands. However, due to the nature of the program, the CMP carbines may be in very short supply.

The M1 carbine was the most prolific U.S. weapon of the WWII era, with six-odd million made, and it's still very popular today. It employs an anemic round by rifle standards, but—per its design—its cartridge is at least as powerful as most handgun rounds. Today's buyer of a genuine WWII-era or Korean War era carbine will probably need to spend around a thousand dollars, give or take a few hundred, for a reasonable example. Gun Tests magazine saw prices on GunBroker.com from $750 to $1,400, depending on condition and rarity. However, if you're qualified, and if you hurry, you may be able to get a decent carbine for about $420-675, through the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) sales. This outlet used to be called the DCM, Director of Civilian Marksmanship, run by the U.S. government, but that program is now in private hands. However, due to the nature of the program, the CMP carbines may be in very short supply.

For home defense, the focus is usually on 12-gauge shotguns, but Gun Tests magazine recently tested a 20 gauge that for many—if not all—folks would be a better choice because of its lighter weight and reduced recoil: The Mossberg 500 Persuader/Cruiser 3-Inch 20 Gauge 6-shot No. 50452, $388.

For home defense, the focus is usually on 12-gauge shotguns, but Gun Tests magazine recently tested a 20 gauge that for many—if not all—folks would be a better choice because of its lighter weight and reduced recoil: The Mossberg 500 Persuader/Cruiser 3-Inch 20 Gauge 6-shot No. 50452, $388.