Smith & Wesson launched the .38 Special centerfire cartridge in 1898 as an alternative to the .38 Long Colt. The military issued the Long Colt as a standard service cartridge but complained about its lack of stopping power. The .38 Special ammo remedied the problem. Since its introduction, police and federal agents up until 1990s […]
Pistol Ammo
Federal Premium Ammunition
comapn Charles L. Horn opened the doors of Federal Cartridge Corporation on April 27, 1922. The company, located in Anoka, Minnesota, had been shut down during World War I. Horn reopened its doors and turned the company into a multi-million dollar company. History Horn used a smart approach to making sure Federal would succeed. He […]
The Iconic .45 ACP
The .45 ACP is the most iconic ammunition in the United States. Americans made the ammunition for the U.S. Armed Forces more than 100 years ago and it remains a top choice among firearms enthusiasts, both in the military and in civilian life. Development of .45 ACP John Moses Browning designed the .45 Automatic Colt Pistol […]
The Legendary .357 Magnum
In 1934, the team of Philip B. Sharpe, Elmer Keith, and D. B. Wesson of Smith & Wesson developed .357 Magnum ammo to compete with Colt’s .38 Super Automatic. The round was based on S&W’s .38 Special. At the time, the .38 Super Automatic was the only cartridge on the American market touting a muzzle velocity above 1,000 […]
How to Buy a 9mm Pistol
In 1902, Austrian weapons designer Georg Luger changed the world of munitions when he introduced the Pistole Parabellum (AKA the Luger) and the 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge. The 9x19mm Parabellum, commonly referred to as 9mm, was designed as a service round. The weapon was revolutionary due to its compact size, accuracy, and its ability to hold […]
What is a Militarized Police Force?
The militarization of police relates to the use of military equipment and tactics by law enforcement officers. The equipment may include assault rifles, armored vehicles, submachine guns, flashbang grenades, sniper rifles, tear gas, and items from the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) weapons list. Police militarization uses information gathering techniques used by intelligence agencies. Law […]
The Rise and Fall of the 10mm Cartridge
In 1983, 10mm ammo was introduced by Lieutenant Colonel John Dean “Jeff” Cooper. Cooper is a firearms experts that has worked with high-level organizations including the FBI, Norma, and Smith & Wesson. His intention was to replace the .45 ACP with a more powerful round. Cooper joined Whit Collins, John Adams, and Irving Stone, cut […]
Should I Buy Surplus Ammo?
If you are in the market to stock up on bulk ammo, then consider buying surplus ammo. Surplus ammo is ammo that was purchased and not used. The military is known for selling off its unused ammo to recoup some of the expenses. They store cartridges in weather resistant metal cans, which allows the rounds to […]
Choosing Between Hollow Points & Soft Points
There is a great deal of conflicting information out there about which bullet is the best when it comes to hollow points versus soft points. It’s easy to get lost in the opinions of hunters versus law enforcement or military. Those that study military history and tactics will often have another opinion. The military and […]
3 Things You Need in 9mm Ammo for Concealed Carry
If you’re carrying a 9mm revolver or pistol for self defense, there are a few things you should consider when choosing a bullet. Because the gun is a relatively small caliber for self defense, you need to ensure you’re carrying the right type of 9mm ammo, one that guarantees you stopping power. When your concealed […]