Gear Reviews

Review: Hogue Tamer Bantam Boot Grip for the Ruger LCR

What Can Possibly Make the Ruger LCR a Better Revolver?

Ruger LCR Boot

Ruger LCR – HiViz Fiber Optic Sights and Hogue’s Bantam Boot Grip

So, when exactly did this current pocket gun craze start? Pocket guns have been around for a while; Remington’s double derringer was introduced in 1866 and small pocket guns have been around since then. The Walther PP’s have been made since 1922 and the popular J-frame Smiths started with the Chief’s Special in the 1950’s. But the aforementioned pocket guns have had one thing in common: weight, they were all boat anchors. (more…)

Review: High Noon Holster’s Mr. Softy for the Ruger SP101

Mr. Softy for the Ruger SP101

Ruger SP101 in a High Noon Holster Mr. Softy

Ruger SP101 in a High Noon Holster Mr. Softy

When I hear the name Mr. Softy (actually spelled Softee), it brings me back to the days of my childhood. Hearing the ice cream truck’s crackling speaker playing that old familiar tune and waiting in anticipation for a toasted almond or strawberry shortcake ice cream bar. (more…)

Review: XS Big Dot Night Sight for the Ruger SP101

Product Review: XS Big Dot Night Sight RV-0001N-3

I’m on a roll today so I guess I’ll throw something in my “Gear Reviews” category with a brief review of the XS Big Dot Tritium Front Night Sight for my Ruger SP-101 2.25 inch (what a mouthful).  This sight is actually designed for J-framed Smiths as well, but in my case, I use it on my SP101, so your mileage may vary.

XS Big Dot

XS Big Dot installed on a Ruger SP101

Let me start off by saying that the tritium insert is from Trijicon.  My preference in night sights has always leaned towards Meprolight, rather than Trijicon.   The tritium inserts Meprolight uses just seem bigger and brighter.  So I first bought the Meprolight front night sight for the SP101… mistake.  It was a royal pain in the backside to install: filing, fitting, filing, fitting… repeat 100x.  Once it was installed it completely jacked up my sight picture.  Can’t have any of that non-sense going on, so I got rid of it and purchased the XS Big Dot.  Installation of the XS sight also required filing, fitting and drilling (don’t try this at home if you’re squeamish, just find a gunsmith) but the process was much easier, because the sight was more properly fitted for the slot to begin with.

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