MickMacReviews

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.

The Walther Model PP is a German pistol that began its production in 1929. A shorter version of the PP, the Walther PPK was released two years later. In response to the Gun Control Act of 1968 which prohibited the importation of the PPK because of dimensional issues, Walther developed the PPK/S. With more than 5 million units sold, the PP, PPK and PPK/S handguns are some of the most popular firearms ever produced. The Model PP has been adopted by law enforcement world-wide and the PP / PPK design is probably one of the most copied. The Walther Model PP is well known for its quality of design, quality production, accuracy and smooth performance. Includes range activity and a demonstration of disassembly and reassembly.

The IVER JOHNSON TP22 is a U.S. made pistol designed after the German Walther PPK. With a fairly short production run of between 1982 and 1988, the IVER Johnson TP22 is a fairly inexpensive scaled down clone of the PPK. Started in 1871 by a Norwegian gunsmith, Iver Johnson, the Iver Johnson Arms & Cycle Works Company of Worcester, Massachusetts was formed, eventually growing into a massive sporting’s goods mail-order operation. Driven by innovation, high quality, fair pricing and effective advertising, at one time, Iver Johnson was also the largest firearms manufacturer in the world. In their day, Iver Johnson bicycles and firearms (especially shotguns and revolvers) were highly regarded, sought after and respected. So, the TP22, although only produced for six years, deserves some attention as an historical example of some of the best of American gun manufacturing. Includes a comparison to the 22 version of the Walther PPK, range activity and a demonstration of disassembly and reassembly.

Radom P-64 9x18 9 mm Makarov semi-automatic Polish-made, PPK clone, pistol review. Developed in the late 1950’s during the Cold War, the P-64 was adopted in 1965 by the Polish army, police and security forces. Decommissioning began in 1997 and as the P-64’s were replaced with more modern side arms, these pistols began to make their way into civilian markets. It has been a favorite of Cold War-era collectors and a good low-cost pocket-carry option for those that appreciate that the P-64 was built to military standards. Compact, sturdy and accurate, the P-64 has a notorious stiff double-action trigger pull and is known for its harsh recoil. In this video we’ll use very affordable Wolff Gun Springs recoil spring and trigger spring assortment packs to tame this P-64. Includes range activity and a demonstration of disassembly and reassembly.

The S&W Model 59 9MM Semi-Automatic double-stacked 14 round double-action pistol is said to have launched S&W into the “Wonder Nines” era of the 70’s and 80’s. Proceeded by its predecessor, the popular 8 round single stacked Model 39, the Model 59 was the choice of law enforcement and government agencies during its day. The S&W Model 59 was considered a true “Game Changer” for its time. This particular S&W Model 59 was produced early on and in addition to being in very rough condition externally, appears to have had a problem with remaining in single-action mode. During this review, we’ll clean it up giving it a completely new look with bight frame and dark re-blued slide finish. Complete disassembly will detail the search for solving the single-action failure with a successful conclusion. Includes range activity and a demonstration of disassembly and reassembly.

Raven MP25 Semi-Automatic Pistol comprehensive review including pros and cons. Known as one of the “Saturday Night Special” guns, the Raven models P25 and improved MP-25 were the first produced by the Jennings related “Ring of Fire companies” of California. Only 4.75 inches in length and 0.8 inch in thickness, Ravens are very small. While inexpensively made with their frames and slides cast of a zinc alloy, the Raven P25 and MP25 guns are considered by many to be relatively well-made and reliable with a good trigger and surprising accuracy. About two million of the P-25 were manufactured and about three million of the improved MP-25. Includes range activity and a demonstration of disassembly and reassembly.

The L.W. Seecamp 32 automatic was my first tabletop review. I filmed that review back in 2020 at the beginning of the COVID pandemic lockdowns. I made that video just to have something to do. Since that initial review I’ve posted 100 MickMac Tabletop Reviews. Looking back at that LWS 32 review, it was fairly crude and basic yet it remains one of the more popular of my videos primarily due to the Seecamp’s popularity. Sadly, the Seecamp 32 has suffered from being very ammo finicky and from the lack of its recommended ammo. What good is a firearm for which you can’t find ammo and if you do its too expensive? Now, three years after my initial Seecamp review, I’m having some success in finding the proper ammo so I think it’s time to take another look at the L.W. Seecamp 32.

This is a follow-up video in my series on Dry-Fire Training At Home. The Virtual Competitive Shooter IPSC Challenge is an add-on to the Laser Ammo’s Smokeless Range Simulator System. IPSC stands for International Practical Shooting Confederation. IPSC Rules form the basis for rules which set the standard for the sport of shooting match competition. The IPSC Challenge Add-on System simulates an IPSC shooting match with 10 different stages and as such can provide a helpful training experience.

The TANFOGLIO GT 380 is an inexpensive Italian-made pistol designed after the Beretta Cheetah Model 85 pistol. Internet reviews of Tanfoglio pistols have shown mixed reports regarding quality of design, production and performance. The GT 380 is an all-steel pistol with formed plastic grips and seven round magazine. Ergonomically comfortable to hold, yet heavy in weight, the GT 380 has a reputation as a “snappy” feeling somewhat uncomfortable pistol. The main complaint of the GT 380 is its single-action, 16 lb. hard-pull trigger. The second main complaint is its three safeties. Otherwise, this 60 year old design Tanfoglio GT380 offers an inexpensive alternative in the conceal carry category of pistols. About the same size as a Walther PP, the GT380 may weigh more but will cost much, much less. Includes range activity and a demonstration of disassembly and reassembly.

KORE Essentials sent me one of their leather gun belts to review last year. Actually it’s been about a year and a half ago (see Episode #202117) and recently they sent me another one of their belts to review --- their 1.5 inch Buffalo Black Leather gun belt with a flag buckle. So I thought it was a good opportunity to check out this wider belt, but to also provide an update on the 1.25 wide Kore Essentials gun belt I’ve been wearing for the past 18 months. How has it held up and how well has it performed? KORE gun belts are different because they “use a hidden track system that’s sewn into the back of the belt” that provides the wearer “over 40+ size positions to choose from, in small ¼” increments”. In this review we’ll show why it’s true that KORE Gun Belts are indeed the “best-fitting, most comfortable gun belts you’ll ever wear”.

GLOCK 20 Gen 4 is a 10mm 15 round pistol. When it comes to handguns, none have been more successful or popular than Glock. And although the Glock 17 and 19 may be the most popular and well-known of the Glock models, the Glock 20 isn’t only one of Glock’s biggest caliber pistols, it has been gaining attention in its own right. This review includes a description of the Glock 20 Gen 4 and its more compact version, the Glock 29, with a review of overall pros and cons. Known world-wide for its outstanding reliability with a reputation for being able to withstand extreme brutal conditions, the GLOCK 20 is also an accurate, comfortable, easy to maintain firearm available at a reasonable price. Includes a demonstration of disassembly and reassembly. Also includes some excellent range time with a longer version of the G20, the 9.5 inch GLOCK 40 10mm.

GLOCK 43 Gen 4 striker-fired slimline 9mm pistol review including pros and cons. This review provides an overview of the popular Glock 43 single stack 9mm pistol, introduced in 2015. The G43 became Glock’s first slim single-stack 9mm pistol. Selling over 1 million within the first 3 years of production, many claim the G43 to be the “perfect” concealed carry pistol. Includes brief comparison to the Kimber Micro 9 as well as demonstration of disassembly and reassembly.

TANDEMKROSS "Game Changer" PRO Compensator (or muzzle brake) for 22LR review. How effective is the TANDEMKROSS “Game Changer” Compensator for 22LR in reducing muzzle rise? In this review we test the visible muzzle rise reduction comparing with and without the TANDEMKROSS “Game Changer” Compensator attached to a Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Tactical pistol and to a S&W M&P 15-22 rifle.

Using Birchwood Casey’s Super Blue, an extra strength liquid gun blue and other Birchwood Casey products to restore the finish on a neglected S&W Model 422 pistol.

Smith & Wesson Model 422 22LR 6 inch Field Model semi-automatic pistol review including pros and cons. Overview of the underrated Smith & Wesson Model 422 22LR pistol. Although discontinued in 1996, the Smith & Wesson Model 422, with its aluminum frame and steel slide, nice trigger, low bore axis and good accuracy is still considered an excellent training pistol and viewed as a good choice for plinking or target. With demonstration of disassembly and reassembly.

Kimber’s Pepper Blaster II is an affordable less-lethal defense weapon with the ability to disable an attacker at a distance of 2 to 13 feet. The Kimber Pepper Blaster II provides two shots, is inexpensive at $40 and a good alternative for those who need protection when a conventional firearm may not be possible. Includes a demonstration of use.

Jennings J-22 Pistol comprehensive review including pros and cons. The Jennings J-22 is one of the popular, inexpensive yet of questionable reliability “Saturday Night Specials” or “junk guns” from the infamous “Ring of Fire” companies of Southern California. This particular J-22 was produced by the Calwestco Company during the early 1990’s. In this review, this pistol will be compared with another J-22 produced by the Bryco Company during the late 1980’s. Includes a demonstration of disassembly and reassembly.

Ruger Mark III detailed solutions for when things keep on going wrong. Ruger MK III Standard .22LR pistol is notoriously known for its disassembly and reassembly challenges. This video is an update on an earlier review of the Mark III, taking a more detailed look at the issues that often plague owners and gunsmiths alike especially when it comes to the Mark III’s reassembly. A detailed description of the mechanics involved is included with the understanding that if the owner understands what is going on during the process, he’ll have better chance at solving any problems that might arise during disassembly and reassembly.

FEG PA-63 is a great pistol chambered for the 9x18 9 mm Makarov round. The main complaints surrounding this Hungarian-made PPK clone pistol concern its heavy double-action trigger pull and its felt recoil when firing defensive ammo. Fortunately, hammer spring and recoil spring upgrades are economically available from Wollf Gunsprings. A 10% stronger magazine spring is also available. This review explores the benefits and drawbacks of alternative springs for the PA-63.

FEG PA-63 9x18 mm Makarov semi-automatic Hungarian-made, PP/PPK clone, pistol review. The highly functional PA-63 is produced by FEG (Fegarmy Army factory) and is considered an affordable conceal carry pistol with a reputation for being reliable, accurate and easy to shoot. Very similar in design to the German Walther PPK, the Hungarian-Made PA-63 was developed by FEG (Fegyver- ésGázkészülékgyár) (or Gun and Gas Appliance Factory) of Budapest as an economical service pistol option for the Hungarian military and police during the Cold War. The PA-63 was one of many mass produced Communist Bloc guns. Often confused with the Russian Makarov pistols, the PA-63 is not a Makarov, but is similarly chambered in the 9x18 mm Makarov round. In production since the 1960’s, large numbers of the PA-63 have been imported to the United States as surplus and even as new manufactured since the 1990’s, after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Includes range activity and a demonstration of disassembly and reassembly.

How to adapt the Streamlight TL Racker Forend to fit the 20 gauge Mossberg Shockwave. The Streamlight TL Racker is designed to fit the 12 Gauge version of the Mossberg Shockwave. Streamlight does not make a version of their tactical light forend for the 20 gauge Shockwave. However, two user-made parts will be shown in this video to provide a firmer attachment to the forend. First, a sleeve tube is added to give the Streamlight Racker a better attachment to the Action Slide Tube. Second, a retention ring is added to the action slide’s nut to keep the Streamlight Racker from overriding the internal stops of the Racker. Together, adding a sleeve tube and retention ring can solve the problem of attaching the 12GA Streamlight Racker to your 20GA Shockwave.

Enhanced Dry-Firing at Home with a laser training system can be enriched with the inclusion of a recoil enabled training firearm. This video on recoil enabled laser training firearms is the fourth of four videos on dry-fire training options. Although such training firearms can cost almost as much as the real firearm, the benefit is a more realistic training experience. This video explores a couple of popular recoil enabled pistols, their costs, advantages and disadvantages.

Enhanced Dry-Firing at Home featuring Laser Ammo’s Smokeless Range Simulator System is the third of four videos in this series on the topic of home dry-firing training. Although more expensive than simple laser cartridge or reactive or interactive multi-target systems, the Smokeless Range system is also more sophisticated, dynamic and challenging. This video explores the costs and advantages and disadvantages. Estimated posting dates for the remaining dry-firing video (Recoil Enable Laser Pistols - episode #202219) November 2022.

Enhanced Dry-Firing at Home with Laser-based Smartphone Training Apps and Interactive Multi Target Training Systems (i-MTTS) is the second of four videos in this series on the topic of home dry-firing training. Overall, smartphone training apps and reactive or interactive targets at about $100 are still relatively inexpensive dry-fire training solutions. This video explores their advantages and disadvantages and why I chose a multi-target system for my personal use. Estimated posting dates for the remaining dry-firing videos are as follows: The third video (Range Simulation with Smokeless Range - episode #202218) October 2022 and the forth video (Recoil Enable Laser Pistols - episode #202219) November 2022.