Triggered! With Michael Bane

Lipsey’s/Smith & Wesson’s introduction of the Ultimate Carry J-Frame at SHOT 2024 was the surprise handgun hit of the Show. Michael was among the first to get his hands on the guns in an exclusive event at Lipsey’s and the Range Ready facility in Louisiana. Short story — a truly ground-breaking pocket revolver!

The Ruger Small Frame Autoloading Rifle (SFAR) has done a magnificent job of filling a niche for an AR-15 sized .308, with both reduced recoil and a price people can afford. It’s fun to shoot, too! Also, the Shield-sighted Tisas Stingray lightweight Commander 1911.

Over the summer we’ve been experimenting with fixed-power optics, sometimes combined with a magnifier, sometimes with a 1X red dot. Our test bed has been the Ruger SFAR .308, this week fitted with a brand new Lucid P8 4X and a Lucid Litl Mo 1X red dot. Also, more from the Ballistics Summit at Whittington and a new advertiser with an eye on safety.

This week we dip into the past for our comprehensive Polymer80 build, a gun that has gone on to become one of Michael’s favorites.

This week, a first look at the Henry Long Ranger in 6.5 Creedmoor, the next evolution of the lever action rifle. You’ll be seeing lots more about this gun. Michael also begins running the newest Burris Fastfire 4, with it’s interchangeable reticles, on his testbed Glock 34 MOS.

This week Michael takes a look at Ruger’s Proof Research-barreled AR-556 MPR, and he likes what he sees! Also, why the new Rossi revolvers, especially the RM 66, are perfect choices for anyone wanting to see what all this noise about revolvers is all about.

Our second show on what’s new and fascinating at SHOT 2024! From larger capacity polymer-framed 2011 style guns to beautiful blue Colt Pythons, this year’s SHOT Show has it all…just ask Michael’s VISA card!

The Avidity Arms PD10, the brainchild of veteran trainer and, for many people, professional gadfly Rob Pincus has arrived in the market…yes, guns are now shipping! Does it live up to the hype?

Getting ready for the deluge of new products that is the SHOT Show, Michael takes a look at the new Ruger Security .380, a gun perfectly aimed at new concealed carry holders, and a new 10/22 chassis from Luth-AR.

This week Michael spends some time with the new Ruger Super Wrangler, the newest member of the low-cost Wrangler family with adjustable sights, a second cylinder for .22 Magnum and an amazing retail price. Also, more on the Military Armament Corporation’s GUNSITE event, and a super new magazine pouch from Crossbreed.

Not that they ever really went away, but fixed power prismatic optics have been less visible with the rise of low-powered variable scopes. But thanks to ultra light weight and new options, fixed power optics are back, and Michael gives you an inside look! Plus, the Rock Island 10mm Commander at work.

Merissa and Dianne Bishop are two of the most eclectic custom gunsmiths working today, and their .458 SOCOM bolt action hunting rifle is a fine example of their high-quality work combined with out-of-the-box thinking. We dip into our Secret Hidden Archives to answer your every question on this big bore blaster!

After years of waiting to get a Winchester 1895 lever gun in .405 Winchester, Teddy Roosevelt’s “Medicine Gun” for lions, he finds the new lever in need of a few tweaks. Lever expert Andy Larsson from Skinner Sights is just the person to make those tweaks, and today we unveil the “Nearly Perfect Safari Rifle, Lever Edition.” Also, Dave Lauck’s amazing revolver fixed sights!

This week we begin our two episode exploration of the new Marlin 1895 SBL 45-70, as “reimagined” by Ruger and manufactured in their Myodan, NC, facility — the same facility where they produce their ARs!

This week we have three revolvers, two from Taurus and one of the newest from Rossi. First a quick relook at the 856 Exec Grade .38 +P, then the custom Taurus 692 .357/.38 and 9mm. Then the new Rossi RM64, a sleek .357/.38 at an amazing price point!

As the ATF’s ill-begotten “brace rule” goes into effect and lawsuits stack up like delayed planes over the Atlanta airpot, Michael takes a close look at what makes the short-barreled rifle “more concealable” or “more deadly” than a pistol or a rifle…and comes up with nothing!

In a complete surprise, the 2024 SHOT Show proved to be the Year of the Lever Gun. New lever action rifles were everywhere, adding to the already established makes like Henry, Marlin, Cimarron and Taylor. Here’s a quick look at what caught Michael’s eye.

This week Michael brings you up to date on his longterm project, building his perfect AR-10. A shortage of parts and winter lethargy have slowed the custom Wilson Combat .308, but we’re getting there. Also, a look at the new Bushnell RXS-250 red dot.

A self-defense shotgun renaissance is going on and this week Michael takes a look at his favorite semiauto shotguns. Plus, a perfect “adventurer” holster for a perfect “adventurer” gun!

Rolled out just before SHOT, Rossi’s 3 new .357/.38 revolvers offer a huge value for the money. The pick of the litter, as it were, is the 3-inch RP63, the gun you definitely need. From the SHOT Show, another surprise — Diamondback’s Self-Defense Revolver, SDR, a revolver that seems destined for success.

This week we get the first look at two great 9mms from Shadow Systems and the Sig “Cross,” a rifle that does double duty as a long-range precision rifle and hunting. Also a look at two 1887 Winchester lever-action shotguns!

With the brand new Executive Grade 856 Defender .38 Special +P revolver, Taurus has fulfilled its commitment to step up. Michael loved the original 856 Defender 3-inch, but the Executive Grade takes the 6-shot revolver to a whole new, and better, level.

In this TRIGGERED Special we finish our tour of SHOT 2023 and point out some additional favorites of ours.

This week Michael gets back to work with the Stoeger STR-9MC, the micro-9mm version of the STR line of pistols. Things were interrupted by a “hinky” red dot. Also, a closer look at the Rock Island “Baby Rock” .380 and Hunters HD Gold “Ruby” shooting glasses.

Why are so many shooters now looking at 1911s as their new everyday carry guns? Well, Michael has some of the answers and a couple of good choices if you’re thinking of making the move.