MickMacReviews

Beretta 418 Panther 25 Caliber Semi-Automatic Pistol review. Produced in Italy between 1946 and 1959, the Beretta 418 or Panther, was made popular by its connection to Ian Fleming’s fictional spy character, James Bond. Yes, the iconic PPK would end up becoming synonymous with the 007 character, but throughout the first five novels, Fleming’s character would carry the Beretta 418. The Beretta 418 Panther is an extremely small, thin, light weight eight-round, single action, 25 caliber blow-back pistol. The build quality, fit and finish are excellent. Includes range activity and a demonstration of disassembly and reassembly.

Savage Arms – Savage Model 6A 22 Rifle Review. In this video, an American-made 1939 Savage Model 6A 22 rifle is reviewed. Basically, the Savage Model 6A is the forerunner of the Stevens Model 87A, which was also made as the Springfield 87A and the Montgomery Wards Western Field model 87A. These 22 “Gill Gun” rifles could fire 22 short, 22 long and 22 long rifle rounds. These rifles could operate in semi-automatic mode when shooting 22 LR rounds. Includes range activity and a demonstration of disassembly and reassembly.

Stoeger Condor I Over/Under 12/20GA Combo Shotgun review. As far as Over/Under shotguns go, the Stoeger Condor is without a doubt, in the lower price range of offerings. While very economical, the Stoeger Condor is still known for its acceptable performance. That combination has made the Stoeger Condor 12/20GA Combo Shotgun very popular indeed, as an affordable entry Over/Under, or as a reasonable choice for rounding out the shotgun rack with a reliable, good performing 12/20GA Combo Over/Under. Includes explanation for second barrel not firing and solutions. Includes a demonstration of disassembly and reassembly.

Taurus PT-22 is a Brazilian/U.S.-made, 8+1 round, pop-up barrel, micro pistol. Fashioned after the Beretta Bobcat 22, the Taurus PT-22 is a well-made, sturdy little 22 with a steel slide and aluminum frame. The first PT-22 was produced in Florida in 1991. Taurus eventually replaced the PT-22 with the PT-22 Poly which, with its polymer frame, was somewhat more compact and lighter. But by 2017, even production of the Taurus PT-22 Poly, had been discontinued. The PT-22 and PT-22 Poly offered an affordable option for those seeking a good 22 pocket pistol. This Taurus PT-22 is nickel plated with wood grips. Includes range activity and a demonstration of disassembly and reassembly.

ERA (Boito) 20 GA Over/Under 20 Gauge Shotgun reviewed, repaired and refinished with hand-rubbed stock and forend. E.R. Amantino (known as Boito) shotguns are Brazilian-made with a reputation for being affordably built. This particular 20 gauge shotgun was built in 1971 and reflects that era with its white spacer trim. It’s an excellent example of the low-end Boito offerings of that time. While this shotgun shoots fine, the breaking action has always been a bit too stiff. That issue is addressed through cleaning and polishing during this review. Also, the old varnished wood finish is replaced with a glossy hand-rubbed oil finish. The point of this video is a review of the Boito 20 gauge shotgun as well as how the performance and appearance of a low-end shotgun can be improved with a little effort.

Re-Bluing with Birchwood Casey Super Blue vs Brownells Oxpho-Blue. Performance and results comparison. In this video we’ll test the darkening and durability potential of two of the more popular cold bluing product. The test will be conducted on a badly corroded FEG P9RZ pistol as well as on a separate piece if scrap metal. We’ll also explore the benefits of additional applications. This is a restoration follow-up video to my previous video, FEG P9RZ 9MM Tabletop Review - Episode #202410.

FEG P9RZ 9mm semi-automatic Hungarian-made, compact Browning High-Power clone, pistol review. Produced by FEG (Fegarmy Army factory) probably in 1980, this P9RZ pistol is a compact version of the more popular FEG PR9K. The intent was to produce a compact 9mm designed to meet the needs of law enforcement during the Cold War era. Includes range activity and a demonstration of disassembly and reassembly. This particular pistol has a terribly rusted and pitted finish and was purchased specifically for the purpose of demonstrating repair and restoration possibilities. See MickMac’s Tabletop Review Episode #202411, Re-Bluing - Birchwood Super-Blue vs Brownell Oxpho-Blue Cold Bluing for that project and the renovation results on this FEG P9RZ pistol.

Winchester Model 74 Semi-Automatic 22 Rifle chambered in 22LR comprehensive review. Produced by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company, there were about 400,000 Model 74’s produced chambered in 22 short and 22LR between 1939 and 1955. The Winchester 74 also has a connection to WW-2 in that the U.S. loaned 600 of these rifles chambered in 22 short and equipped with scopes and suppressors to be used by resistance forces primarily in England, had German forces invaded. Highly accurate, the Model 74 has a rear tube-fed loading system. Includes range activity and a demonstration of disassembly and reassembly.

Mossberg 500AR Pump Shotgun review. After over 50 years and over 10 million sold, the Mossberg 500 is the only pump action shotgun to be declared MilSpec. In a word, that translates to “reliability”. The Mossberg 500 is one of the most versatile and reliable shotgun platforms available and the list of options offered for the 500 should fulfill just about any use you can imagine. As such, the Mossberg 500 has been presented in a wide range of models to fit every application, and every user from household, to law agencies, to military applications worldwide. Includes detailed demonstration of disassembly and reassembly.

ERMA-WERKE LA22 German-made semi-automatic 22LR pistol review. The ERMA LA22 design was based upon the famous LUGER P08 9MM pistol. The ERMA LA22 was manufactured in Germany between the years of 1964 and 1967. ERMA produced several versions of LUGER-like pistols and the ERMA LA22 was basically the cheaper model. There was also the ERMA EP-22 and ERMA KGP69-22. The ERMA LA22 is made primarily of anodized zinc alloy, but all ERMA Luger-pattern pistols were very close copies of the Luger P08. And like the P08, the LA22 is a blowback operated pistol, including the toggle action and so it has the look and feel of the original 9MM Luger. ERMA LA22s have a reputation for being fun to shoot, but ammo finicky. Includes how-to-replace the safety ball and spring, range activity and a detailed demonstration of disassembly and reassembly.

Winchester 370 12 GA single-shot shotgun review and restoration. The Model 370 was built by the COOEY Company of Canada for Winchester between 1968 and 1973 in Cobourg Ontario Canada. This is a review and restoration video. The Winchester 370 was an economy model, but mechanically it was as good as the Winchester Model 37A. It’s also the same as the Cooey Model 84/840. This gun was in pretty good shape, but the bluing was worn off the top of the barrel and rust had started to appear. Most of the bluing was worn off of the receiver. The stock and fore-end had been poorly varnished and banged up a bit. In the end, this restoration turned out to be a good example of how easy it is to bring an old gun back to looking respectable.

Sears and Roebuck (Ted Williams) .410 Gauge Single-Shot Shotgun review and restoration. The Sears & Roebuck 26 inch barrel, Model 282.510840, .410 GA Single-shot hammer-fired shotgun was most likely made by the Brazilian Company BOITO during the 1960’s or 1970’s. Known to be sturdy, if not finely produced shotguns, the “Ted Williams” models were usually given a little better finished than standard models. This same shotgun was also made as the Remington 812, C.I.L. model 402, FIE Model SB, and K-Mart model 151 by either BOITO or CBC of Brazil. This .410 shotgun had been badly neglected, showing considerable surface rust and severe pitting on its barrel and receiver as well as water damage to the wood components. A “sticky” firing pin was loosened to make the firearm functional again. While the pitting damage remains visible, the shotgun cleaned up well enough for what it is.

American Arms CX-22 Semi-Auto 22LR pistol comprehensive review. The CX-22 is a 1990’s German designed, American-built by American Arms of North Kansas City, Missouri, 22LR semi-auto licensed pistol clone of the Walther PPK. It is also a close copy of the ERMA EP522 which is a clone of the Walther TPH. A close-up view of this CX-22 reveals that it has a good fit and finish, it’s been constructed very well, it feels good in the hand, has good balance, points naturally, has good sites, and it’s reliable and accurate. Includes background, comparison to the Walther PPK/S-22, PROs and CONs, range activity and a demonstration of disassembly and reassembly.

Winchester SX4 Upland Field 12GA semi-auto shotgun first impressions. The Winchester SX4 Upland Field model is a good-looking shotgun, with the right features and offered at an affordable price which can be improved a little by take some time to shop around. And importantly, the SX4 gives the strong impression of good versatility with its ability to easily handle a variety of loads and to shoot respectable patterns. The SX4 has oversize controls, is light weight, is a fast shooter, is a soft shooter due to the Winchester Action Valve Gas System, has good balance, is easy to maneuver, comes with 3 choke tubes, shoot respectable patterns, and is easy to disassemble and reassemble. This “first impressions” review includes specifications and pros and cons. A detailed demonstration of disassembly and reassembly with important suggestions for easy success are provided.

Riverside Arms Co 12GA Single-Shot Shotgun review and restoration. The Riverside 30 inch barrel, 12 GA Single-shot hammer-fired shotgun was made by the Stevens Arms & Tool Company between 1915 and 1930. Riverside was the name used for their economy models, but mechanically it was as good as their better models. These were often forgotten rural closet dweller firearms used occasionally and usually with decades old ammo. This one was pretty badly neglected, but cleaned up well enough to please its owner. It was a tough one to restore because too many parts couldn’t be disassembled without risk of damage. In the end, it turned out to be a good example of what you can do even in these types of situations where complete disassembly isn’t possible. Includes Sporting Clay range activity.

Marlin Model 60SB semi-automatic 22LR rifle comprehensive review. Manufactured between 1960 and 2020, the Marlin Model 60 was produced is numerous variations with the Model 60SB being made of stainless steel. The three major features of the Marlin Model 60 include its Micro-Groove Rifling that carves 16 grooves in the bore for improved accuracy, a grooved receiver for scope mount and its “last shot” bolt hold-open system. The Marlin Model 60 is an affordable, no frills, rugged, reliable, tube-fed, 22LR-only rifle equipped with iron sites. Scope options and attachment are discussed. Includes range activity and a demonstration of disassembly and reassembly. Also includes quick steps for replacing the recoil buffer.

Re-bluing - Steps, Tips & Tricks – (the Stevens Model 87A 22 Rifle Project). This video provides a comprehensive review of the “Cold” bluing process using a corroded piece of scrap of steel, a rusted 22 rifle, a 100 year-old single-shot shotgun and assorted pistols as examples. Materials and tools needed as well as the processes are fully described and demonstrated. Suggestions and tips are provided that will hopefully make your next re-bluing project easier with better results. Whether you are considering a small or large project, these suggestions will apply.

Savage Arms - Stevens Model 87A 22 Rifle Project Gun. In this review, an American-made 1955 Stevens Model 87A 22 rifle is repaired and restored. The Stevens Model 87A was also made for Montgomery Wards as the Wards Western Field model 87A which had a simulated wood plastic stock. Savage Arms also produced a Springfield 87A. Basically, the 87A appears to be a sturdy, rugged, versatile 22 rifle. The 87A was chambered to handle 22LR, 22 Standard and 22 Short rounds. It could be fired in semi-automatic mode when shooting 22 LR rounds. Restoration steps are outlined. Includes range activity and a demonstration of disassembly and reassembly.

The ASTRA 2000 Cub is a Spanish-made small vest pocket pistol identical to the more popular Colt Junior Pocket Pistol. The ASTRA 2000 Cub was imported to the U.S. as the Colt Junior or the FIE Model A27. The ASTRA 2000 Cub was produced from 1954 to 1998 and imported into the U.S. between 1956 and 1964. It’s an extremely small, six-round, single action, blow-back pistol. ASTRA firearms are known for their quality of design, construction and performance. Chambered in the 22 Short or 25 AUTO, the ASTRA 2000 was originally designed as a self-defense pistol. By today’s standards, the 22 Short round is viewed more as a small varmint and short-range gallery round. Includes range activity and a demonstration of disassembly and reassembly.

S&W Model 915 Recoil Spring Calibration using a calibration spring pack from Wolff Gunsprings. This old S&W Model 915 has begun to display some problems with the slide failing to completely return to battery when fired. A weak recoil spring was determined to be the cause. Fortunately, recoil spring upgrades are economically available from Wollf Gunsprings. While a factory 14 lbs. replacement spring would only cost about $8, I decided to spend about $30 for a recoil spring calibration pack in order to try out the potential benefits other strengths of recoil springs might provide. This review explores the benefits and drawbacks of alternative recoil spring strengths for the S&W Model 915. Since these springs will also fit the other full-size S&W pistols in the 39 and 59 series, implications should apply to them as well.

The S&W Model 915 9MM semiautomatic, double-stacked 15 round, double/single action pistol was one of S&W’s third generation 9MM pistols. The Model 915 was also from the S&W’s budget-friendly Value Series. Produced between 1992 and 1995 and less refined than the earlier S&W semiautomatic 9MM pistols, the 915 was economically produced to keep costs down and is considered to be the last of S&W’s all-metal pistols from the era. Includes range activity and a demonstration of disassembly and reassembly.

The S&W Model 39-2 9MM pistol was the first of a long line of Smith & Wesson all-metal, double-single action, semi-automatic handguns produced long before polymer pistols entered the scene. Created during the 1950’s in response to the UU.S. Military’s request for a replacement for the 1911, the S&W Model 39 was acknowledged as a revolutionary design. Although the Military discontinued its search, the Model 39 and its variants would go on to become a success with law the enforcement and civilian markets. The Model 39 would eventually evolve into three generations of pistols over a period about fifty years. This review includes the clean-up of used Model 39-2, range activity and a demonstration of disassembly and reassembly.

Taurus PT 58 S is a Brazilian-made, double-stacked 380 pistol that was produced between 1988 and 1996. The Taurus PT 58 was fashioned after the Beretta Model 84 Cheetah but actually has much in common with the Beretta 92 in terms of its design and function. One example would be its disassembly process. Any similarity shouldn’t be a surprise since Taurus bought out the Beretta factory in Brazil after a military contract with Beretta expired. With an experienced workforce and the necessary tooling, Taurus was able to produce some pretty good, yet affordable Beretta-style firearms. And while you might find the PT 58 to be big and heavy for a 380, and while it can also be a little ammo finicky, it’s soft manageable recoil, easy handling characteristics and lifetime warranty may just win you over. Includes range activity and a demonstration of disassembly and reassembly.

The CZ-70 is a Czechoslovakian-made Walther PPK clone 32 AUTO pistol from the Cold-War era produced between 1970 and 1981. The CZ-70 is an updated version of the better known CZ-50 produced between 1950 and 1970. The earlier CZ-50 was intended for the Czech police and security/intel services military and law enforcement use. The CZ-70 reflects improvements in design over the CZ-50 and enjoys a reputation for being well made, reliable, and accurate. It also has a rather unique two-stage safety/decocker system. However the action on the CZ-70 is heavy for a compact 32 pistol. CZ, or Ceska Zbrojovka AS, remains in business today. Includes range activity and a demonstration of disassembly and reassembly.

The ASTRA A-60 is a Spanish pistol based on the Walther PPK. The ASTRA A-60 was produced from 1986 to 1997. Basically, the Astra A-60 is a double-stacked 13-round military version of the more well-known 7-round Astra Constable pistol. The ASTRA A-60 was used by the Spanish Armed Forces. ASTRA’s are known for their quality of design, construction and performance. The real attraction of the compact ASTRA Constable was as a more affordable alternative to the German Walther PPK. Of course, the ASTRA A-60’s larger capacity and having been built to military standards added to its own special attraction. Includes range activity and a demonstration of disassembly and reassembly.