Straight Talk

Vortex Optics takes care of its customers, almost annoyingly so. They as a company reset the optic industry with their VIP warranty, customer care, and social media marketing. From branding to partnerships, and sponsorships with the biggest names in competitive shooting, Vortex is a known commodity that offers optics for every situation. However, Vortex doesn’t rest on its success. They strive to be better and continuously look to improve. In the recent past Vortex has refreshed its MRDS o

I recently wrote an article discussing the modern military arms collector. In it, I referenced the popularity of “Clone” or “Retro” style weapons and their relevance to the collector. Well, it appears that fans of this style of rifle are about to have another new rifle to either rave or eviscerate—the Springfield Armory SA-16 A2.Why Clones?No, this isn’t a fan page talking about Star Wars Clone Wars, I’m talking about why clone rifles have become so popular. Originally this was a novelty m

Recently, Smith & Wesson has joined some 20 companies in moving out of left-wing controlled states in favor of freedom-loving red states. It is both a smart business choice and a stand against their historic homes. It’s not just a company that is leaving, it’s the jobs, the workers, and the economic infusion it delivers to an area, especially companies the size of Smith & Wesson. However, sometimes enough is enough. Politics, increasing utility costs, and tax benefits are all reaso

For years, polymer frame, striker-fired guns have been the rage. Since their inception and the introduction of Gaston Glock’s famous model 17 pistol, every manufacturer has been vying for a share of the market. Of course, some consumer holdouts refuse to trust “plastic” guns. They stick with the classic 1911, or trendier ones might go with the CZ 75. But recently, there’s been a shift to replace a polymer frame with a metal one. But why? Well, recoil management. The name of the game for sh

Welcome to the Gun Bench. This is a series where we at Straight Talk bring our readers into the thought process behind how we set up our gear for various roles and scenarios. There is a saying that purpose drives gear. In the gun world, that saying rings clear. With each selection of equipment, there is a purpose—whether it be for hunting, competitive shooting, home defense, or survival—that equipment matters and must stand up to the task at hand. This series looks to help with the thought

1911s are cool. They just are. It’s a design that has persisted for over a century. It’s hard to talk bad about them unless you want to bring up magazine capacity, or weight, or lack of modern features, then it’s fair game. But the weapon’s longevity is striking. Does it have a place in modern defensive handguns? I think that is a fair question. The pistol does have limitations. It’s something that modern 2011s (or double-stack 1911s) are trying to overcome. But what about the classic 191