Crossfire August 2019
So Who Needs a Rifle?
John Taffin’s June “Campfire Tales” on turn-of-the-century era autos brought back some memories. My grandfather, Charlie Damon, also hunted whitetail here in Michigan with an Artillery Luger. I love the historical topics John writes about.
Richard Fortino
Via email
No .22s?
Like Duke Venturino, I don’t “need” a .22. As a matter of fact, I need three — a Ruger 10/22, a Ruger SR22, and an S&W K-22 (Model 17 to you newcomers). Since I am so much older than Duke (born 1933), I prefer to use whatever time I have remaining actually shooting instead of playing with “milsurps.” Having lived through a previous shortage of .22s in the ’40s and ’50s, I was prepared for the latest scarcity. I applaud Duke’s ingenuity (I read everything he writes), but don’t see myself following his example. Keep on keepin’ on!
Jack Collins
Rocky Mount, VA
Fair Shake for Steyr
As a collector of all things Steyr and Mannlicher for many decades, I always enjoy any articles in my area of interest. In Mr. Bodinson’s article he covers the Steyr 1912 fairly well, but I would like to comment on a couple of points. First, the use of the stripper clip versus a magazine. One must go back to the era when the Steyr was made, at that time materials were expensive and labor was cheap. It would require much more material to make a magazine than a stripper clip and it would also require a very expensive spring to operate. A stripper clip used and dropped on the battlefield is not a huge loss but a magazine would be. Also, the act of loading the stripper clip on the back of a horse could be easier than loading a magazine. Second, the M1912 was perfectly designed for what it was meant to do. I’ve read articles that denigrate the sights and trigger, but it was not designed to be a target pistol and to review it as such is ludicrous. I was pleased Holt did not go down that road. He actually went out and fired the pistol and discovered it performed fairly well — even with the sights provided. These pistols were designed to be fired by a cavalryman on a bouncing horse at close range targets. As stated in the article, a heavy trigger would be an asset not a liability as a light touchy trigger could empty the magazine with unintended consequences. The Steyr M1912 is a very well designed pistol for its intended use — a good article by Holt Bodinson.
Tom Seefeldt
Billings, MT
Pair Of Tens
I just read Will Dabbs’ June article on the 10mm Springfield XD(M) and really liked it. But I’d love to get his opinion on this gun vs. the Model 20 GLOCK.
Troy Etheredge
Via email
I admittedly don’t have a great deal of trigger time on the G20. However, the biggest factors in favor of the Springfield — for me — are the 1911-style grip-to-frame angle of the XD and the Springfield Armory grip safety. I cut my teeth on a 1911, so that’s what fits me best. I frequently pack a GLOCK (today in fact). However, for me at least the blockier angle of the XD just feels a wee bit more natural — kind of like walking into your living room after a hard day at work. Feel free to call me a heretic (trust me, many have), but that extra layer of safety while holstering just brings me peace of mind. Springfield Armory’s grip safety is so well executed I don’t see a downside there. Both guns are bet-your-life reliable and occupy a similar envelope. Any differences in how they carry would be nuances at best. They just have slightly different personalities. It really comes down to what feels more natural in your hand. —Will Dabbs
Good Going Brent!
I’d almost stopped reading GUNS til Brent Wheat took over (I liked Connor and Clint Smith, but honestly wasn’t interested in much of the content/style aside from that). I like the change! The increase in the “Crossfire” letters section — and the responses from Brent and the other editors and writers is also interesting. Seeing what other gun owners are thinking makes it one of my favorite sections. I’m always interested in crystal-clear educational stuff for newbies, particularly regarding rifles. Seems that much is assumed about the unique terms used in firearms, and I rarely find them clearly described, or it’s a few levels above my head — like on rifle scopes (I’m kinda lost in that area as a handgun guy). Maybe I’m being too lazy and should use Google more, but I’ve come to trust you guys, and don’t have to sift through all the stuff I don’t know. I love the practical stuff, like Tank’s piece in the June issue on the Alaskan guide and the rifles she likes. You guys are great, keep it up!
Cobie Fair
Via email
Thanks Coby! As the “newish” Ruling Despot, I hope to bring along some fresh ideas while keeping all the stuff our readers love! —BW
.327 Federal
I just finished John Taffin’s June “Handloading” column on loading for .32-caliber leverguns. John mentioned no one chambers a rifle for the .327 Federal. I just wanted to mention Henry Firearms does indeed chamber their Big Boy in .327! I heard a rumor Ruger was going to chamber it in their 77 Series bolt-action carbine, but I don’t see a current listing for one. Keep up the good work.
Floyd Burress
Via email