Friday, June 8, 2012

Survival Guns and Ammo

A few weeks ago I did a post on Survival Handguns listing reasons I lean toward revolvers most of the time then a few days ago I got an email from Lucky Gunner asking if I would like to review some of their ammunition and what caliber would I like to shoot. I don't need much excuse to throw some lead down range so I agreed.
  There was a trend  back in the 1800's when the cartridge came into use for guns to be chambered in the same caliber, rifle and handgun to save carrying two different types of ammo in the field, I kind of like the idea myself because it would be handy in a survival situation. So when Lucky Gunner contacted me I decided to do a review on the .357 magnum ammo and test it on rifle and pistol, they said that would be a first so it was settled.
The ammo was shipped to my house and received promptly, it was the Magtech  125 gr JHP, from experience I knew this was a first rate ammo and was not disappointed.
For testing I used my stainless S&W model 65 and Marlin lever action chambered in .357 magnum.  

As you see the table is wet, it was raining but that is never an excuse to not shoot so a metal spinning target was chosen in lieu of a paper target.
The ammo performed well at 25 yards, the spinning target was then moved to 100 yards for the rifle test. The ammo fed flawless in the lever action, I use peep sights on the Marlin as it is easier on my eyes and all shots hit solidly on target,  357 ammo is an excellent and proven round for self defense and from experience I can tell you it is effective on deer sized animals out to at least 100 yards and a little beyond. This ammo in the Marlin is deadly on hogs as well at 100-125 yards.
With the trend today being semi autos it is good to get back to some basic weapons and see they are still quite capable of getting the job done, just a reminder you don't need the latest and greatest to be well armed as long as you can shoot well with what you have.


Thanks again to Lucky Gunner for the chance test some ammo.
Looking at their web site they have every type of ammo I could ever need, their service was excellent and emails were answered quickly. These days it is good to do business with a company who places a value on customer service.


15 comments:

  1. I LOOOOOOOVE THESE KINDS OF POSTS and i thank Lucky Gunner for choosing someone to test out their ammo who is knowledgeable, trust-worthy, honest and an expert! you had me at revolvers!

    your friend,
    kymber

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks kymber, there is something about shooting revolvers that is special to me.

      Delete
  2. NICE choice of weapons, i really like the old-fashioned stuff as well - reliable and, as you point out, just as effective in the hands of a skilled user.

    cheers!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. jambalony, I have shot a TON of modern weapons but still like the old stuff, I am kind of nostalgic.

      Delete
  3. Give me a Ruger security six, and the Marlin. And I'm set. My Uncle once dropped a bull elk, at about 25 yards, with a 357 Marlin like that one. He grabbed the first rifle he could get his hands on at the time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree, don't ever underestimate the dropping power of the 357 in a rifle (or a revolver for that matter)

      Delete
  4. old but good, just like me! Those are real guns. Oh Yeah! the rat

    ReplyDelete
  5. Duke, Great post, thanks for testing the ammo and providing us with your review. I've saved Lucky Gunner's site on my favorites tool bar on the computer for future reference.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Duke, one question, how 'clean' was the Magtech? The last time I shot it, it was pretty dirty (residue wise)...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have had that in the past as well but this was a lot better of course this was a high end "Guardian Gold" which is a self defense round and comes 20 to the box, not your typical plinking ammo.

      Delete
  7. I like your way of thinking. I've got that same rifle along with a Ruger as well. ( GP 100 )

    ReplyDelete
  8. 357 and 38 ammo used to be some of the cheapest but not anymore but I still like the idea as well. I also have rifle and revolver in 44 mag but that is a little more expensive.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have that 44 mag rifle as well in stainless. Just don't have a revolver to go with it.

      Delete