We all know that $4,000 to $5,000 for a custom 1911 is probably on the outrageous side, and that one’s money would probably be better spent on a Glock (or slightly modified Kimber) and a whole lot of ammo and training. However, that being said, "American Handgunner" just did a fluff piece on a "Special Operations" 1911 by Larry Vickers, …

by David Crane david@defensereview.com The COPstock Folder by Knoxx Industries was designed for law enforcement and, according to the manufacturer, reduces recoil by up to 60%. It reportedly also tames muzzle flip, allowing for faster follow-up shots. The unit incorporates an over-folding wire stock and vertical grip that’s covered by a Hogue Hand-All grip sleeve. The pistol grip contains the …

Kevin McClung and Steve Morrison are now building high-end custom 1911’s and Hi-Powers for carry that they call "Hard Use" guns.

In addition to their new pistol, Valtro also makes a very interesting magazine fed tactical shotgun. The PM 5 operates via pump action, and loads from a detachable 7 round box magazine. With spare magazines, the operator can accomplish very fast reloads with a variety of mixed loads(i.e.slug to buckshot, buckshot to birdshot). To read more on the PM 5 …

There’s a new 1911 just coming onto the market that has received some very positive reviews by some very experienced people. The Valtro 1998 A1 is the brainchild of John Jardine, nephew of the late great Armand Swenson. John is a gunsmith in his own right(after all, he learned from one of the best), and can modify the pistols even …

Krebs Custom Guns, known for making custom 1911 pistols, is currently making a very high quality–and very interesting–semi-auto version of the new 4th Generation Kalashnikov rifles and carbines. Krebs’ AK-103 rifle and carbine are actually exact replicas of the full auto versions made in Russia. The guns are built on 4th generation AK-74 "Century Series" semi-automatic receivers. Both the rifle …

By David Crane defrev (at) gmail (dot) com November 17th, 2002 Every once in awhile, as the editor of Defense Review, I have the rare and somewhat distinct pleasure of handling and firing a firearm that is not only brand spanking new, but actually manages to knock my socks off. Please keep in mind that I did not expect Heckler …

The Value of Experience The Value of Experience by: Gabe Suarez Experience. Without bothering Mr. Webster, we can loosely define it as the sum total of what we’ve done. Experience can lead to knowledge, but not the reverse. When what we’ve done is combined with what we’ve learned, we have that valuable commodity sought by every interested party from sea …

Fighting Posture The Fighting Posture (a.k.a. Weaver or Isosceles — Which is Better?) By: Gabe Suarez OK, this is probably going to aggitate the purists on either side of the fence, but I never worried about that. Here goes! The shooting stance you use is irrelevant as long as it provides you with certain, combat-essential attributes. I am well aware …

Integrated Force Integrated Force By: Gabe Suarez Images of third world jungles flash through your mind as you and your partner search the overgrown wooded freeway embankment. The sweat pours down your face as you move ghostlike through the bush, as you search for the would-be killer. Your sweaty hand tightens around the light-equipped Glock, as you remember the victim’s …