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Springfield Armory’s new 1911 Emissary dares to bridge the gap between production defensive and custom pistols. The .45 semi-auto has a foundation of forged steel in its frame, slide, and barrel in addition to an alluring two-tone finish, blued carbon steel slide, and stainless-steel frame. Speaking of the slide, you’ll spot rear cocking serrations carved from wide inset channels. The front “serrations” are unique and a feature of the “Tri-Top” slide design. Rather than being cut into the sides of the slide, the front grooves (about .4″ wide) are cut into the angled surface so they won’t interfere with holsters or carry. And it looks cool.
Featuring a deep-penetrating bullet that
Federal says makes the popular rimfire cartridge a viable self-defense option, the company s new .22 LR Punch Personal Defense has hit the market. Part of a 2021 expansion to Federal s ammo line, the rimfire Punch uses a 29-grain nickel-plated lead-core bullet, pushed at maximum velocities (1,070 fps through 2-inch barrel handguns) for the deepest penetration when coupled with short-barrel handguns. A nickel-plated case helps ease extraction while providing corrosion resistance. Further, Federal says the rounds have been rigorously function tested to ensure reliability. (Photo: Federal) “Self-defense isn’t one size fits all. So, whether shooters want to carry a 22 LR handgun as a backup gun, do not feel comfortable with centerfire pistols, or simply want to get more versatility from a rimfire handgun,” said Federal’s Rimfire Product Manager, Dan Compton, “Punch makes the 22 LR cartridge a viable defensive choice
2020 Ammo Shortage
Hornady Match Ammunition December 23, 2020 By Keith Wood
Firearm and ammunition retailers and wholesalers were sitting on piles of inventory during January 2020. By December 2020, the same racks and shelves are empty. And there is no sign of relief in sight. Gun owners are stockpiling and shooting less.
So, what happened? The year 2020 happened. Take an election year with significant consequences for gun rights and add a global pandemic event. Then, factor in the rioting in cities and urban centers throughout the U.S., and you just created an unprecedented demand for self-defense tools.
Still, many consumers can’t fathom the lack of availability of ammunition. To search for an understanding, Guns & Ammo’s staff reached out to executives from several ammunition makers for a clearer picture of what is going on.