by David Crane david@defensereview.com Hilton Yam has been doing what looks like some superlative 1911 pistol work. And, from the pictures, it looks like the pistol Mr. Yam built for noted firearm instructor/tactical shooting instructor Ken Hackathorn is no exception. "Ricky T" at TacticalForums.com has posted a thread on this particular Hilton Yam 1911 "blaster". Click on the link below …

by David Crane david@defensereview.com If you like the idea of a .45ACP caliber carry gun, but prefer revolvers over 1911 semi-auto pistols, Smith & Wesson has THE carry gun for you. It’s a member of S&W’s AirLite series, and it’s called the Model 325PD. I’m actually a big fan of Smith & Wesson’s AirLite Scandium alloy carry revolvers. They’re the …

by David Crane david@defensereview.com Let me start off by saying that DefenseReview would never in a million years recommend any less-lethal weapon as a stand-alone carry alternative to a combat-reliable defensive/tactical-grade firearm. However, after carrying around a TASER X26 for the last several months as an adjunct/back-up to my trusty carry Glock 19 (G19) high-capacity compact 9mm pistol, I can …

by David Crane david@defensereview.com Awhile back, DefRev published an article on the Beretta Cx4 Storm semi-auto carbine titled "Beretta Cx4 Storm Carbine. Sleek, Futuristic, and Modular.", right around the time that the Cx4 was first introduced. We’ve been hearing some pretty good things about this futuristic, ergonomic carbine from Cx4 owners, so far. It would seem that Beretta has a …

by David Crane david@defensereview.com DefenseReview just got a chance to evaluate the very first issue of "Special Operations Report: Inside the World of Police and Military Tactical Units". The copy we received is the SOFEX 2004 Special Edition, with a hi-res pic of two Jordanian Counterterrorist Battalion 71 (CTB-71) operators on the cover. Upon reviewing the magazine, I will say …

by David Crane david@defensereview.com This article contains high-resolution scanned photos (JPEG format) of the Shiva Ki Fightin’ Bowie Knife, which is a custom combat/fighting bowie knife.  In trained hands, this knife can be utilized effectively for anti-personnel applications.  Click on photos (below) to view them full-size. Back in January (2004), DefRev published an article on Shiva Ki Custom Knives. The …

by David Crane david@defensereview.com This new holster is definitely worth a look for anyone looking for a high-tech belt-slide (outside-the-waistband) holster for either open carry or concealed carry (CCW). It’s called the CQC SERPA Holster, and it’s brought to you by Blackhawk Products Group, formerly Blackhawk Industries. The CQC SERPA Holster utilizes the SERPA Active Retention System. Unlike the Tactical …

by David Crane david@defensereview.com One of DefRev’s close contacts in the Mil/LE tactical training community just called our attention to this document. It’s an after-action report on/assessment of U.S. infantry small arms performance during Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). The Soldier Weapons Assessment Team’s report focused on "current state of weapons, ammunition and accessories directly managed by PMSW: M9 Pistol to …

by David Crane david@defensereview.com DefRev’s previous article on G-Code Kydex tactical holsters by Edge-Works Manufacturing was published in late September, 2002. It was titled "Looking for a Kydex Holster for Tactical Use or CCW? It’s G-Code Time." The article mentioned Edge-Works’/G-Code’s excellent REAC Ready Rig and SOC Rig, both of which are tactical thigh rigs, made from Kydex. The SOC …

This video is a nice adjunct to the FN P90 PDW promotional/sales video contained in our previous story, which contains a link to a P90 PDW range report. Like the .408 CheyTac demonstration, this demonstration video of the FN P90 PDW was shot at the AFJI annual Shoot-Out at Blackwater. To view the video, just… click on this link. We …