Streamlight® Inc.’s TLR-2® G is a lightweight, gun-mounted tactical light featuring a green aiming laser for high-visibility, long-range targeting. The TLR-2 G delivers extreme brightness to a broad range of weapons through the latest in C4® LED technology. It features an integrated green laser, which appears brighter to the human eye than other colored lasers, particularly in daylight, to improve users’ ability to focus on targets. The new model also is equipped with a strobe function. The TLR-2 G delivers 200 lumens and 6,300 candela-peak beam intensity. It features a shock-proof C4 LED, and a textured parabolic reflector that produces a concentrated beam with optimum peripheral illumination to assist with navigation. It includes a 522-542 nm green laser integrated in the light’s reflector. For more information, please visit www.streamlight.com.

Key features of the SXR include: GEN III, OMNI‐7 Autogated system; Most optically efficient design with no barrel overhang; Increased resolution with high-power magnifications; Shot placement within 1/2MOA accuracy; Allows operator to maintain proper eye relief while making adjustments. For more information, visit www.spa‐defense.com.

Features include: Set targets almost anywhere in any scenario

(assuming safety is the first consideration); Use with any type of target (paper, steel swingers, pop cans, prairie dogs, etc.) and see hits live on the computer screen; Place targets a mile distant if so desired and view them as if they are 10 yards away; Eliminates the need for spotters (shooters can see hits on the actual target); Eliminates the need for specialized ranges (set up anywhere safe and legal); Now accurately and instantly learn how to read the effects of wind and mirage on the last shot fired; this is especially important at ranges over 200 yards; Track and record all shots fired for immediate or later review; Track both firearm and

ammunition performance.

For more information, visit www.ocats.com.

By Steve Tracy | Editorial Director

The two most common backup/off-duty handguns a few decades ago were the S&W 2-inch .38 snubnose revolver (in its many incarnations) and the .380 caliber Walther PPK (my choice for 20 years). Variations of these two guns, like the Colt Detective Special, Charter Arms Undercover, and the Sig Sauer P230/232, were almost as widespread.

Police officers who were into guns (The Police Marksman readers) were known to pack more exotic weapons. The Detonics compact 1911, the custom S&W ASP, a squeeze-cocking HK P7, or a Beretta .25 in a wallet holster were chosen by cops “in the know.” These guns often served double duty as both backup guns and for off-duty protection.

Unfortunately, both then and today, not all officers utilize a backup or an off-duty piece. Common excuses are the guns are too expensive, too heavy, or too difficult to keep concealed.

However, the proliferation of civilian concealed carry has resulted in a flood of new small handguns that are perfect solutions for backup and off-duty carry for today’s police officers.

Tiny .380 semi-automatics are all the rage, led by the huge market splash made by the Ruger LCP. It holds six rounds and, due to its polymer frame, is thinner, lighter, and smaller in every dimension than the PPK that carries the same number of rounds. Competitors worked diligently to offer their own .380 mini-pistols, including the S&W Bodyguard reviewed in this issue.

Ammunition has improved as well, with faster burning propellants making better use of .380 pistols with stubby 2-inch barrels. Polymer-tip bullet designs force expansion in almost any type of media for improved stopping power.

Revolvers have not been forgotten for the cops who still appreciate them. New snub-nose wheel guns have emerged with polymer frames to match their semi-automatic cousins. Ruger and S&W both offer polymer frame revolvers (like the Bodyguard .38) and others are following suit.

Charter Arms’ new Pitbull is chambered in both 9mm and .40 S&W with a spring-loaded retaining device that chambers semi-auto cartridges in the cylinder without the need for moon clips. Since the .40 S&W round is the most popular round for police use in the United States today, we figured we’d test the five-shot revolver chambered for it.

The outside vest carrier has also afforded uniformed patrol officers a new hiding place for their backup guns. Holsters sewn underneath secure a handgun while still affording fast access if needed.

The single-stack 9mm pistol seems to be the next wave police officers are clamoring for. Most major gun makers are answering the call for slim and compact pistols in 9mm that are more powerful than a .380, while only slightly larger in size. Springfield-Armory’s XD-S and Kahr’s PM45 offer slim .45s for big bore fans who can handle their recoil.

More cops are packing backup guns and carrying a firearm off-duty because the weapons are smaller, the ammo is better, and holster systems are more accessible and convenient to conceal. Another advantage of polymer frames is they keep prices down.<?p>

These new guns are attractive to officers who have never carried a backup or off-duty weapon before and that’s definitely a good thing. They might even convince you to retire your trusty PPK, snubby or Detonics, although they’re still solid choices as well. PM

By Steve Tracy | Editorial Director

The two most common backup/off-duty handguns a few decades ago were the S&W 2-inch .38 snubnose revolver (in its many incarnations) and the .380 caliber Walther PPK (my choice for 20 years). Variations of these two guns, like the Colt Detective Special, Charter Arms Undercover, and the Sig Sauer P230/232, were almost as widespread.

Police officers who were into guns (The Police Marksman readers) were known to pack more exotic weapons. The Detonics compact 1911, the custom S&W ASP, a squeeze-cocking HK P7, or a Beretta .25 in a wallet holster were chosen by cops “in the know.” These guns often served double duty as both backup guns and for off-duty protection.

Unfortunately, both then and today, not all officers utilize a backup or an off-duty piece. Common excuses are the guns are too expensive, too heavy, or too difficult to keep concealed.

However, the proliferation of civilian concealed carry has resulted in a flood of new small handguns that are perfect solutions for backup and off-duty carry for today’s police officers.

Tiny .380 semi-automatics are all the rage, led by the huge market splash made by the Ruger LCP. It holds six rounds and, due to its polymer frame, is thinner, lighter, and smaller in every dimension than the PPK that carries the same number of rounds. Competitors worked diligently to offer their own .380 mini-pistols, including the S&W Bodyguard reviewed in this issue.

Ammunition has improved as well, with faster burning propellants making better use of .380 pistols with stubby 2-inch barrels. Polymer-tip bullet designs force expansion in almost any type of media for improved stopping power.

Revolvers have not been forgotten for the cops who still appreciate them. New snub-nose wheel guns have emerged with polymer frames to match their semi-automatic cousins. Ruger and S&W both offer polymer frame revolvers (like the Bodyguard .38) and others are following suit.

Charter Arms’ new Pitbull is chambered in both 9mm and .40 S&W with a spring-loaded retaining device that chambers semi-auto cartridges in the cylinder without the need for moon clips. Since the .40 S&W round is the most popular round for police use in the United States today, we figured we’d test the five-shot revolver chambered for it.

The outside vest carrier has also afforded uniformed patrol officers a new hiding place for their backup guns. Holsters sewn underneath secure a handgun while still affording fast access if needed.

The single-stack 9mm pistol seems to be the next wave police officers are clamoring for. Most major gun makers are answering the call for slim and compact pistols in 9mm that are more powerful than a .380, while only slightly larger in size. Springfield-Armory’s XD-S and Kahr’s PM45 offer slim .45s for big bore fans who can handle their recoil.

More cops are packing backup guns and carrying a firearm off-duty because the weapons are smaller, the ammo is better, and holster systems are more accessible and convenient to conceal. Another advantage of polymer frames is they keep prices down.<?p>

These new guns are attractive to officers who have never carried a backup or off-duty weapon before and that’s definitely a good thing. They might even convince you to retire your trusty PPK, snubby or Detonics, although they’re still solid choices as well. PM

Pick .380 acp or .38 special…or both!
By Steve Tracy

Smith & Wesson has resurrected their Bodyguard name and appropriately applied it to their two newest compact firearms. The Bodyguard name was previously used to describe a shrouded-hammer, snub-nosed 38 Special revolver. These new American made Bodyguards are meant to compete head to head with their strongest competitors in the backup / off-duty concealed carry arena.

Bodyguard .380 ACP Pistol

S&W identified the features that police officers desired but were missing from the competition’s guns and then included them in their two new handguns. The first thing you notice about the Bodyguard pistol is its appearance. It’s sort of ungainly looking. While it’s certainly not sleek or handsome, the matte black handgun possesses excellent ergonomics and feels fantastic when gripped. The Bodyguard 380 is thin (with a grip width of 0.77-inch) and light (11.85 ounces unloaded) and it points naturally.

When you grab hold of it, the pistol fills your hand as if it were a larger combat arm.  Most small caliber arms give up a proper grip in exchange for concealment, but every officer who held the new S&W said it felt better in their hands than pistols of similar size. The finger grooves work well and your grip is secure even though your pinky finger rests under the butt of the gun.

The Bodyguard 380 stainless-steel magazine holds six rounds of its namesake 380 ACP (380 Auto) ammunition. The magazine comes with two plastic base plates. One has a finger extension that worked very well with my big hands. The second is a flat version for even deeper concealment. The Bodyguard pistol will fire with its magazine removed and the slide locks back on an empty magazine. The slide lock feature is definitely an advantage over the competition because it allows the Bodyguard to function much like the full-size duty weapon on your hip. Most 380 ACP pistols do not boast the last-shot slide lock attribute.

The magazine release button on the left side of the polymer frame is located just behind the trigger, again right where we are used to it being on our duty guns. Empty magazines ejected and fell free when the slide was locked back. The lightweight polymer frame is well textured for a positive grip and the stainless-steel slide is coated with S&W’s Melonite® matte black finish for corrosion resistance. The large external extractor grabs a significant portion of the 380 ACP case rim for positive extraction.

The smooth-faced, double-action-only trigger is easy to reach and operate, even for officers with large hands. Its pull is constant without staging and measured an average pull of 8.7 pounds. This is outstanding for this type of pocket gun. The repeatable trigger can be pulled again and again if needed to fire a cartridge with a hard primer or due to a misfire.

Again, this is another feature that not all of the competition possesses. The trigger controls the concealed hammer, which in turn strikes the firing pin. Because it is fully concealed, the hammer cannot snag during a draw. As a matter of fact, the entire pistol is without any sharp edges that can hamper retrieving it from your pocket.

The slide release on the left side of the frame was simple to operate, even with big hands. There is also a Colt Model 1911-style thumb safety located at the rear of the left side of the frame. Once again, S&W offers an attribute with this safety that is not offered on comparable 380 ACP pistols. For those who wish to use the safety, it takes a positive upward push to place it in the safe position. It’s effortless to thumb the safety downward and its positive snick will prevent the safety from unintentionally being thumbed off.

The rear slide serrations gave a solid grasp with my offhand for chambering a round. The captive dual-recoil spring system requires little strength to work the action manually. There is a straightforward loaded-chamber inspection hole at the top of the barrel’s chamber that gleams with the brass or nickel finish of a chambered round.

Field stripping the Bodyguard auto pistol is trouble-free since no tool is needed to pry the takedown pin out. Instead, the empty pistol’s slide is locked back, its magazine removed, its chamber inspected to be sure it’s empty, and then the takedown lever is swung downward, which allows it to be pulled out to the left. The slide then eases off the front of the frame and the captive recoil spring and guide lift out of the slide along with the barrel for cleaning.

Real Iron Sights and Laser

The Bodyguard 380 sports the welcome addition of real sights. Both the front and rear are dovetailed into the slide and have serrations to reduce glare. The steel sight system is almost as big as those on a full sized pistol. They are easy to see and therefore effortless to use. The front sight is ramped and the rear sight is a low-profile wedge style and both are designed to be snag-free.

To further supplement the outstanding sight system, the Bodyguard 380 is factory equipped with a red Insight laser. Operation is ambidextrous by pushing gray rubberized buttons located just a trigger finger reach away on either side of the forward part of the frame. One press turns the laser on, a second press causes the projected dot to pulsate (making it easier for your eye to both see and track the dot), and a third press switches the laser off. The laser will turn off after a few minutes to conserve battery life if inadvertently left on.

There are two schools of thought when it comes to laser sight activation. With the Bodyguard, you can choose to turn the laser on and off whenever you desire. However, during a quick draw, the laser will not automatically become live and it takes extra time to switch the targeting system on.

The other school of thought, used on Crimson Trace type add-on lasers, is where pressure on a front grip-mounted activation button causes projection of the laser automatically when gripping the pistol. A fast draw instantly turns on the laser. The disadvantage of automatic activation is the laser usually stays on while gripping the pistol, possibly giving away its operator’s position.

The Insight laser’s watch-type battery is simple to replace with a single screw inside the front of the polymer frame. Moving the laser left and right for windage and up and down for elevation is a straightforward job with the included tiny Allen wrench. I sighted the laser in for my eyes until it danced just above the gun’s front sight at 15 yards.

The First Shot Downrange

I cleaned and lubricated the Bodyguard 380 pistol for its first trip to the range. I loaded the magazine and fired three rounds that struck right on target. However, the trigger failed to return forward after the third shot, rendering the gun unable to fire.

There are those who swear they will never buy a new car during its first model year. The same people refuse to purchase a first model year firearm as well. I’m not one of them, especially when it comes to major firearms manufacturers. Someone has to buy the first products and I’m happy to be first in line with long standing companies like Smith & Wesson. I know that if there is a problem, S&W will make things right with their superb warranty.

I returned home and called Smith & Wesson’s service department. While I talked on the phone with the friendly service representative, he sent me an e-mail that included a FedEx shipping label. I boxed up the gun and could choose to call FedEx to come to either my home or work to pick it up. Instead, I chose to drop the boxed gun off myself at a nearby FedEx store and S&W paid the cost.

I sent the gun to S&W on a Wednesday and, according to the online tracking number, the factory received the pistol two days later on Friday. It was shipped back to me Tuesday and the fixed pistol was delivered to me on Thursday. That’s an eight-day turnaround, including four days shipping and a two-day weekend. That meant S&W fixed the gun with a two-business-day turnaround time. That’s outstanding customer service by Smith & Wesson, a company that has been around since 1852. They even included an extra magazine for the trouble.

My test gun was a low serial number, initial production Bodyguard. I’m sure S&W has figured out where the problem was with the trigger and its return spring. Their exceptional warranty work is the reason I would not hesitate to purchase one of their new products again. The incident also highlights why police officers need to put plenty of rounds downrange, including the ammunition they intend to carry, to make sure the gun they rely on will function when it needs to.

Back to the Range

The trigger and trigger return spring were replaced at the factory so I headed back to the range. The little S&W devoured 350 rounds of ammunition without a hiccup of any kind. Winchester FMJ ball and Silvertip, Remington FMJ ball, CorBon hollowpoint, and Hornady Critical Defense ammo ran smoothly and accurately in the Bodyguard.

The Hornady Critical Defense line of ammunition is specifically designed for short-barreled pistols like this gun. Older 380 ACP cartridges were made for guns with barrels longer than 3 inches like the Colt 1908 and Walther PPK. When fired in 2 ¾-inch barrels like the Bodyguard, the older-style ammo can create quite a fireball of slower, unburned powder. Critical Defense cartridges are tailored specifically to today’s modern hideout guns. Muzzle flash is greatly reduced with modern, fast-burning powders and the red polymer tipped rounds are designed to expand under any condition.

The Bodyguard 380’s delayed blowback, tilting barrel action does not cause much recoil due to the relatively low-powered 380 ACP cartridge. However, the little gun does provide a bit of a snap when fired, mostly due to its light weight, but the recoil is entirely manageable. The Bodyguard 380 was controllable and accurate with both its iron sights and its projected laser. The design of the grip tang helps spread rearward recoil push and does not allow the slide to “bite” the shooter’s hand.

Bodyguard .38 Special Revolver

There is still a large market for small double-action revolvers. I’m surprised how many newer officers in my own department enjoy their wheel guns. While semi-automatics rule the duty holster for today’s law enforcement officers, little revolvers still have their place as backup and off-duty weapons. The classic, five shot S&W J-Frame revolver has been around since 1950 in various forms, including the shrouded hammer Bodyguard.

Smith & Wesson has advanced revolver technology with innovative engineering achievements by means of the new gun’s materials, action and features. This is definitely not your grandfather’s snubby.

The Bodyguard 38 combines a radical steel, reinforced-polymer lower frame with an aluminum upper frame. The upper frame is integral with a barrel sleeve covering the 1.9-inch steel barrel. The one-piece rubber grip provides plenty of hold while also cushioning recoil. The stainless-steel cylinder is flat-black PVD coated to match the rest of the revolver’s non-reflective surfaces. The combination of materials brings the little gun in at an unloaded weight of just 14.3 ounces compared to 15 ounces for their .38 aluminum frame and 21 ounces for their 38 Special steel frame.

The double-action-only trigger pull on the new Bodyguard is outstanding. It is smooth all the way through its pull without any stacking of pull weight. It’s also easy to stage, meaning the ability to pull the trigger until the cylinder locks up and then momentarily pause to align the sights before letting off the last small bit of trigger squeeze to fire the gun accurately. The trigger pull weight averaged 8.9 pounds, which is a marked improvement over the much harder triggers on the S&W J-Frame revolvers.

S&W really got the grip size right on this gun. It’s bigger than the old J-Frame grip that I don’t think ever fit anyone properly. The rubber handle is small enough for pocket carry without fear of the grip hanging up during the draw. To my hands, this new grip feels like a J-Frame equipped with the old standby Tyler T-Grip used to fill in the area under the trigger guard. The angle and sweep of the new grip, along with the way it positions the hand, felt optimum to me and the other officers who held it.

Despite the frame and grip improvements over the decades-old previous design, this new Bodyguard fits most holsters made for the J-Frame. The overall dimensions closely replicate the size that has been a favorite all these years.

Interestingly, the cylinder turns clockwise like a Colt instead of S&W’s usual counter-clockwise rotation. The standard cylinder release latch is missing from the left side of the frame. Replacing it is a spring-loaded release that pushes forward at the top of the rear of the frame, just behind the fixed rear sight’s square notch.

The release does not require the shooter to change his/her grip on the gun like the side latch did. The latch’s forward movement, when pushed with the thumb, is completely natural. A left-handed officer was very happy with the way the system worked for him, even though the cylinder still opens only to the left.

With the cylinder open, it can be noticed there is no longer a hand at the rear breech face, but rather a simple star-shaped device. Instead of a hand pushing on the rear of the cylinder’s extractor star, this five-edged device engages and turns the recessed five-pointed extractor star, which then revolves the gun’s cylinder.

The ejector rod is also longer than previous 2-inch S&W snub-nosed revolvers and provides even more positive empty-case ejection. The rod is protected against being bent by a shroud that is part of the barrel sleeve.

The ramped and serrated front sight is pinned and can be replaced with an aftermarket sight of a different configuration or with a tritium night sight. This Bodyguard is also factory equipped with an Insight laser mounted on the right upper side of the frame. It shouldn’t interfere with holsters and it functions just like the semi-automatic Bodyguard version. The single gray rubber activation button is simple to reach with the shooter’s thumb and a single tap turns it on, a second tap causes the laser to flash, and a third tap turns it off.

Bodyguard Revolver at the Range

The combination of proper grip, smooth and light trigger, and excellent sights made the Bodyguard 38 enjoyable to shoot at the range. There is still no avoiding the laws of physics…the hot 38 Special +P cartridges provide plenty of recoil in this lightweight gun, but the new handle’s position and soft material help absorb felt recoil. Target-quality, standard-pressure, 38 Special ammo had hardly any recoil and was a breeze to shoot in this superb revolver.

The Bodyguard 38 shot to point of aim at 15 yards and a little low at 7 yards. This is to be expected for a weapon with fixed sights that sit atop the bore line. The laser was effortless to use and very natural to activate. The laser is mounted just to the right of the bore line in a perfect location. Staging the double-action trigger pull made optimal use of the laser. I could pull the trigger until the cylinder locked up and watch the laser move around on the target. Once the trigger was staged, it was simple to hold the gun steady, observe the laser lock on its target, and then squeeze off a round that would hit directly where it was aimed.

Two Exceptional Choices

Since the Insight laser is included with both Bodyguard handguns, their suggested retail prices ($575 for the 380 and $625 for the 38) are higher than comparable guns not factory equipped with a laser. Instead of buying a backup / off-duty gun and then saving for a few more weeks to add an aftermarket laser, you will have to outlay the cash all at one time for one of the S&W Bodyguards.

The prices are just about equal when the competition’s gun, plus an aftermarket laser, is compared to the price of a Bodyguard. An additional advantage of the S&W is the laser is covered by their excellent warranty. Also, as Smith & Wesson points out on their website, actual prices are set by the dealer. A major retailer recently had the 380 on sale for $449 and the 38 priced at $499.

Whether you prefer a semi-automatic pistol or a handgun with a revolving cylinder, either one of Smith & Wesson’s new pair of Bodyguard pistols is an exceptional choice for backup / off-duty carry. Their name says exactly what these guns are made to do. They are compact handguns made for concealed portability so you can have it available all the time in order to protect yourself. These two new Bodyguards from Smith & Wesson can certainly be called upon to guard your body and others. PM

Photogallery:

Both Bodyguards come standard with a built-in red lase

The .380 field strips for cleaning without tools.

Excellent combat accuracy from a backup/off-duty pistol.

The thin and flat Bodyguard .380 is a top choice as a backup or for off-duty carry.

The Bodyguard .38 is just about the same size as the classic J-Frame and can share many of its holsters.

Ambidextrous cylinder release latch pushes forward from the top of the rear frame area.

Bodyguard .38’s ejector rod is longer than standard J-Frame’s.

The Bodyguard .38 revolver is a first-rate choice for backup/off-duty use.

Accuracy, reliability, ergonomics, quality sights, and a light trigger pull combine for a trusty sidearm.

A .40 S&W bite to back up its bark
By Steve Tracy

Charter Arms is best known for their five-shot .44 Special Bulldog revolver. Gun-savvy police officers have carried this big-bore .44-caliber revolver as a backup gun or off-duty for the last few decades. The Shelton, Conn. manufacturer has been producing American-made firearms since 1964. Their focus has been on snub-nosed guns in .32 Special, .38 Special, .357 Magnum, and .44 Special revolver calibers, priced favorably compared to their competition.

The new Pitbull “charters” fresh waters—it chambers the .40 S&W auto-pistol cartridge. Since its introduction in 1990, the .40 S&W has gained wide popularity with American law enforcement and has become the clear caliber of choice for duty carry. Now you can interchange the same ammo between the pistol on your belt and the revolver on your ankle (or elsewhere).

The .40 S&W cartridge was a joint venture between Smith & Wesson (the handgun) and Winchester (the ammunition). The goal for the cartridge was to match the “medium velocity” version of the 10mm cartridge, which kicked like a .41 Magnum. Using faster burning powder, the reduced recoil version of the 10mm cartridge didn’t need as much space for gunpowder as the full power version, which used slower burning powder. Winchester simply shortened the 10mm case to make the .40 S&W. As a bonus, the new, shortened 10mm cartridge (now .40 S&W) would fit handguns already chambered for the 9mm cartridge.

Innovative Extractors

Revolvers have been able to fire semi-automatic cartridges since the Colt and S&W .45 ACP models of 1917. These two double-action revolvers were created to supplement the shortage of military 1911 auto pistols. Flat metal stampings, called moon clips, were invented to hold two, three or six rounds of .45 ACP ammo. The moon clips prevented rimless semi-auto cartridges from falling through the cylinder chambers.

This interchangeability of pistol and revolver ammo via the use of moon clips also allowed easy extraction of the empty cases. The moon clips also acted like a speed loader. Since the Model 1917s, various revolvers have since been able to fire 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, and even 10mm rounds, but they all still required the use of moon clips.

The new Pitbull eliminates the need for moon clips. The new auto-pistol caliber revolver loads just like any other revolver. The Pitbull’s innovative design incorporates a dual-coil, spring-loaded assembly in the extractor, which retains each round. A slight push is required to load each round and overcome the minimal spring pressure from the extractors. Once all five chambers are loaded, the little clips keep the cartridges from falling back out again, even if the gun happens to become inverted with its cylinder open.

Small, Light, Stainless

The Pitbull is made from stainless steel and weighs 20 ounces unloaded. Its 2.3-inch barrel includes a shroud to shield the ejector rod. Unlike some previous Charter Arms revolvers, the barrel is not covered with a sleeve. It screws into the frame and the button rifled bore has eight grooves to seal gasses better, which in turn provides more bullet velocity.

The front sight is machined as part of the barrel and is smooth without serrations. Against a dark background, it was easy to see and lined up well with the wide and deep rear notch sight cut into the revolver’s frame. But, against lighter colored backgrounds, the front sight all but disappeared from view. Serrations would help make the front sight more visible, as would orange or black paint applied by the shooter.

The gun’s outer finish is a subtle matte silver color that is very pleasing to the eye. The left side of the barrel carries the Pitbull name, caliber designation, and a vicious-looking version of the handgun’s namesake dog head. Some of the concealed inner surfaces showed rough casting areas that did not affect the mechanical workings of the firearm.

The black rubber handles encompass the entire grip and the rear area is generously thick to absorb recoil. The grip’s checkering pattern provides a non-slip surface and felt outstanding. It was almost as if I formed it myself by squeezing modeling clay until it conformed to my fingers. The three front finger grooves fit several officers well, despite their various hand sizes.

Loading, Unloading

The cylinder latch pushes forward on the left side of the frame and opens the five-shot cylinder to the left on its crane. The crane is retained by a screw at the front of the frame for stability. The small ejector rod spins freely and does not have a knob at its end. Ejecting spent cases works easy enough with the novel extractor system, but occasionally an empty shell will still catch on the thick rubber of the grips.

A supplement to the instruction manual emphasizes special unloading instructions for the Pitbull. The recommendation is the revolver be pointed straight up to ensure proper ejection, stressing that gravity should be used to your advantage. This maneuver prevents empty cases from jamming the mechanism.

Transfer Bars

The Pitbull employs Charter Arms’ transfer-bar safety system in its action. The face of the hammer is comprised of stepped flat surfaces. The firing pin is fully retained within the rear face of the frame. When cocked manually or when pulling the double-action trigger, the transfer bar rises up between the hammer and the firing pin. This bar allows the kinetic energy of the falling hammer to transfer to the firing pin, which then strikes the cartridge’s primer.

Transfer bars have been around for over 100 years. The Charter Arms transfer bar allows the gun’s hammer to rest on a loaded chamber with no fear of the revolver firing if it’s dropped or the hammer is inadvertently struck. It also allows the hammer to be safely lowered from a cocked position when the shooter’s finger is off the trigger.

Double-Action Trigger

The double-action trigger is designed with a radical curvature to prevent the tip of the smooth-faced trigger from pinching your finger against the inside of the trigger guard.  The hammer spur is easy to reach with your right thumb for single-action manual cocking.

The double-action trigger pull on the Pitbull averaged just less than 12 pounds of pressure. There was some grittiness that smoothed out as the gun was dry-fired and then shot. When manually thumb cocked, the single-action trigger pull broke at just less than 4 pounds with no creep or take-up and just a bit of over-travel.

Lots of Recoil

The felt recoil from the powerful .40 S&W from the light Pitbull is significant. This is not a gun made for recreational plinking at the range. This five-shot snubnose is made to save your life in a backup or off-duty situation. Under this type of circumstance, it probably would not matter if your palm was throbbing from punishing recoil.

Firing the Pitbull is similar to firing a .357 Magnum from a 2-inch barreled snubnose. The .40 S&W delivers a mighty kick. Shooting this gun accurately is not for amateurs. There are officers who believe there’s not much point in carrying any caliber unless it starts with the number four. The .44 Special Bulldog’s popularity with knowledgeable police officers followed this credo.

The .40 S&W also starts with the number four and is obviously permitted to join the number four club. Ammo in 44 Special caliber can be hard to locate for qualification and carry, but .40-caliber cartridges are usually right in your department’s armory.

The Pitbull fired to point of aim at 7 yards. Hits on a silhouette target at 15 yards were easy when utilizing the revolver’s excellent single-action trigger pull. They were more difficult with the longer and heavier double-action pull. The short sight radius does not easily lend itself to 25-yard shooting. Of course, lots of practice with the Pitbull could lead to more hits at that distance. The Pitbull is not uncontrollable and exhibited very good accuracy for its intended purpose.

Some Velocity Loss

Several types of ammunition were fired from the Pitbull, including factory solid and hollowpoint loads in 165-grain, 185-grain and 200-grain bullet weights. The heavier the bullet, the more the little snubby will painfully thump your palm. Stick to the light bullet weights. These also retain more of the intended velocity from the short barrel than heavier loads…that means more reliable bullet expansion.

There is some loss of velocity and energy when firing the .40 S&W round out of a short-barreled revolver. The bullet must jump the gap between the cylinder and the barrel and some gas will always escape through that sliver of distance. The gunpowder used in the .40 S&W is designed around a 3.5- to 5-inch barrel, like those used in duty pistols. Using a chronograph, I found an 18–28 percent drop in velocity when firing .40 S&W rounds first in an S&W M&P Pro with a 5-inch barrel and then in the short-barreled Pitbull.

Charter Arms also offers the Pitbull chambered for the 9mm semi-auto cartridge. It can share ammo with its 9mm pistol counterparts. With more controllable recoil for the average officer, conceivably the 9mm version would probably be more of a Puppy Dog. The .40 S&W certainly measures up to its Pitbull namesake. PM

SIDEBAR: Charter Arms Bulldog

A retired police officer misplaced the .44 Special cylinder from his 1966 Charter Arms Bulldog. His son, a co-worker of this author, called Charter Arms in March 2013 to see if they could help in any way. He explained that the revolver was his dad’s first gun when he began his long law enforcement career. Charter Arms said to send it in. They fitted a brand-new cylinder to the 47-year-old revolver for a nominal charge and a turnaround time under two weeks.  Now THAT’S customer service!

Photogallery:

Spring-loaded extractors retain .40 caliber semi-auto cartridges in the Pitbull’s cylinder without the need for moon clips.

Five rounds of .40 S&W for backup or off-duty carry.

Charter Arms firearms are made in the USA.

Each chamber’s extractor secures the rimless semi-auto rounds.

The Pitbull points and aims naturally.

A vintage Charter Arms Bulldog .44 Special (top) with the new Pitbull .40 S&W. Both offer plenty of power.

Recoil is stout and not for amateurs.

The Pitbull is plenty accurate at 21 feet.

Charter Arms Bulldog

Stay Ready: 10 minutes of weapon retention training with a partner adds up to keeping yourself safe.
By Brian Willis

As I travel around North America speaking to law enforcement professionals on topics such as the Pursuit of Personal Excellence, Excellence in Training, and Harnessing the Winning Mind and Warrior Spirit, I have noticed a disturbing mindset in relation to training. The mindset is “If training does not take place on department time and the department dime, I am not going.” Many officers refuse to invest their own time and money to attend training. They abdicate the responsibility for training to the agency with statements like, “If the training was that important, then the department should pay for it,” and “They don’t pay me enough anyway, so why should I spend my own money on training?”

When you abdicate the responsibility for training to your agency, then you also abdicate the responsibility for your own safety and well-being, as well as the safety and well-being of your fellow officers and the citizens you are sworn to protect. That is inappropriate and irresponsible.

Understand this reality: There never has been and there never will be a law enforcement agency killed or injured in the line of duty. Why? Because law enforcement agencies do not respond to calls. Law enforcement agencies do not make arrests. Law enforcement agencies do not conduct traffic stops. Law enforcement agencies don’t get punched, kicked, stabbed or shot. Law enforcement agencies don’t drive millions of miles in all types of weather conditions and sometimes at high rates of speed. Law enforcement agencies do not perform any of these duties but law enforcement officers do. Cops perform their duties every single day and as a result, tens of thousands of officers are assaulted, thousands of officers are injured, and hundreds of officers are killed every year in North America.

A couple of years ago, I was watching an interview with a football player on one of the sports channels who was coming out of retirement to play again right before the first regular season game. The reporter asked the athlete how long it would take for him to get into game shape. The player replied, “I believe in what Suga Free has to say that if you stay ready, you ain’t got to get ready.” I loved the quote but had never heard of Suga Free. After a little Internet research, I found a Suga Free music video. After watching it for about 30 seconds, I thought, “Enough of this crap” and shut it off. While I may not be a fan of Suga Free’s music, I believed his philosophy on staying ready.

The reality of the law enforcement profession is that, unlike a professional MMA fighter or boxer, you do not have the luxury of watching film and studying your opponent’s offensive and defensive tendencies or looking at their past fights and resume to come up with a fight plan for this specific subject. As a police officer, you do not know where you are going to fight, when you are going to fight, the weather conditions, visibility, number of officers, number of opponents, or the experience, training or tendencies of your opponent.

You do not know if the fight will involve weapons. You do not know if this will be a struggle for control or a fight to the death. When the fight is on, you do not have time to get ready. Professional fighters complain if they have to take a fight on only a week’s notice, and they can still choose whether or not to take the fight. Cops often have no choice and take on fights with only seconds or no notice. No matter if you are using your hands, a baton, an ECD, pepper spray, or a firearm, your life may depend on whether or not you have chosen to stay ready.

Training with your firearms is an investment in your skills and knowledge and therefore an investment in your safety and well-being. You owe it to yourself, to your brother and sister warriors, to the citizens of your community, and to your family to make the investment.

You owe it to all these people to make every day a training day. Training 10 minutes a day, four days a week for 48 weeks equates to 32 hours of training a year. Think about how easily you can put aside 10 minutes a day to invest in your own training. Ten minutes a day practicing drawing your firearm from a variety of positions (moving, sitting in your vehicle, etc.). Ten minutes a day dry firing your firearm. Ten minutes per day practicing weapon retention with your handgun as well as your long guns. Doubling this time results in 20 minutes a day, which equates to 64 hours of training a year.

In addition to training 10 minutes a day, you need to invest in outside training. If you were to set aside $2.50 a day for a training account, you would have over $900 in that account at the end of the year. That money could pay your way to attend some of the great training programs offered around North America in tactical handgun, tactical rifle and close quarters combat. A little research will provide you with a list of the best instructors and what programs best address your needs.

The key is to stay ready so you don’t have to get ready. PM

Brian Willis is an internationally recognized thought leader, speaker, trainer and writer, President of the innovative training company Winning Mind Training and Deputy Executive Director for the International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association (ILEETA). He is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his contribution and commitment to Officer Safety in Canada and was named Law Officer Trainer of the Year for 2011. He can be contacted at winningmind@mac.com or through his website at www.winningmindtraining.com.

If they can’t pass the test, they’re not ready for reality.
By Sara Ahrens

It should go without saying a police officer’s continued employment is contingent upon successfully passing his/her state’s annual firearms qualification. However, every year the same, small percentage of officers struggle to pass their annual qualification. It’s frustrating for them and even more so for the firearms instructors who are tasked with coaching officers in the midst of a department-wide qualification.

The truth is neither remediation nor coaching has any business occurring during a structured qualification; however, that decision usually is not up to those working the firing line. That decision usually comes from the administration and many times it is made in order to expedite officers back to duty. This accommodation communicates a dangerous message: “We accept failure.”

Even in today’s economy, there are still some agencies that provide their officers with range access, ammunition, targets, firearms instructors, and time (on duty) to maintain their marksmanship skills. It is almost offensive when these repeat offenders fail to take advantage of the additional opportunities their agencies offer. Even more offensive is the logical conclusion that these officers apparently are not concerned about their ability to defend themselves or others.

Qualifications are scheduled at roughly the same time of the year, hence the term annual. It’s not a secret event and neither is the fact that qualifications are never going away.  Maybe that’s why it’s perplexing to firearms instructors that those who continually fail also seem to be the officers who are least likely to invest their own time, money or energy into improving their skills. Marksmanship skills are the one skill that if absent, could cost an officer his/her job, or worse…his/her life. After several years of observation, participation, and decision-making in firearms training, the main obstacle to solving this ongoing problem seems obvious—it’s us!

Enabling Failure

Think about this: On the first day at the police academy, officers are told they will not, under any circumstances, graduate if they do not pass their firearm qualification. They will be terminated. The academy provides support and individualized training to those in need, but every cadet understands that marksmanship is a required skill. So what happens between an officer’s graduation from the police academy and his/her first qualification with his/her own agency? New officers may translate that change into the realization that once at their agency, it somehow becomes acceptable to fail, or at least it’s tolerated.

What typically happens when new officers arrive at their agencies is that their focus is changed. They learn how to perform the myriad of other functions necessary to become a successful police officer. This change in focus is a good diversion because it allows the officers who struggled to qualify at the academy to place those painful experiences out of their mind, which they will gladly do. If the agency doesn’t immediately and clearly communicate to their new officers they are responsible for remaining proficient with their firearms, then they are in essence enabling failure.

Verbally communicating expectations is necessary, but actions do speak louder than words. When an officer fails a qualification, the agency’s response sets the stage for the rest of that officer’s career. That response ultimately determines the level of responsibility the officer will assume. What’s the worst response? To coach and remediate that officer during the qualification and then send him/her back to work with one minimal, passing score. In order to understand why this response is problematic, we must first understand the difference between training, qualification and reality.

Training is to Qualification as Studying is to Test

Training is to qualification as studying is to test, but both are intended to prepare people for reality. Training, like studying, is supposed to be where learning, practice and coaching/mentoring occur. Open-book tests are a rare occurrence, especially with such high stakes as when a life is on the line.

Firearms qualification is a test that gauges to see if our officers are studying. This test is not supposed to be open-book and there shouldn’t be anyone verbally providing officers with the answers (such as ‘watch the front sight’, ‘press the trigger’, ‘sight picture’, ‘trigger reset’). The goal is for the officers to be able to say those cues themselves. If firearms instructors are allowed to provide the answers to officers during the test, what happens when the real test comes on the street? That test is called REALITY.  It’s the test where failure equals death or great bodily harm.

It’s a very bad idea to provide officers with the answers during the test and then put them on the street. What makes it more dangerous is the officers know they don’t possess the necessary knowledge and skills. The end result is that neither the agency nor the officer knows if they can handle themselves in a gunfight. Should the street decide to conduct its own test, both the officers and the agency may find themselves in a world of hurt.

If there is a problem identified during the test, it can be assumed that problem will be magnified in the real world. The cause of the problem should be identified during training and resolved on the spot. If an officer experiences a failure during a qualification, then it should be resolved in a separate remediation session where training and observation can occur without the need to divide attention. During remediation, the firearms instructor will have to determine if the cause for failure was a failure to study or a learning disability. Once the problem is identified, it must be addressed because, in the reality of police work, we aren’t allowed to fail our “tests” and there generally are no “retakes.”

How to Handle a Failure

There are several recommendations an agency should consider when faced with an officer who fails his/her qualification. If a failure is not handled properly, the officer, the agency, and the community may suffer the consequences. When a failure to qualify occurs, the agency should:

1. Send the officer home. The officer needs to understand it is unacceptable to fail.  If they can’t pass, they can’t work. The agency should never send an officer back to duty immediately after a failure. Without a doubt, failing a qualification mentally defeats an officer. This is an inappropriate mindset for a police officer and bad things can happen to officers who lack focus and confidence.

2. Immediately assign the officer to a structured remediation session after the qualification concludes. This remediation must initially identify any and all issues impeding the officer’s success. Issues can be as simple as equipment problems or as complicated as lacking multiple shooting fundamentals simultaneously or intermittently. Many times failure is the result of a mental obstacle.

3. During remediation, give the officer an individualized training plan with clear instructions. Make sure the training plan is demonstrated for them. Write it down and, if possible, videotape the proper performance. Once the issues are identified, provide drills that can be practiced at home (dry fire drills, magazine changes, or drawing from the holster) and drills that can be practiced at the range to correct specific issues. Be sure to emphasize safe methods for dry fire practice.

4. Explain to the officer the ramifications for continued failure (termination) and remind the officer that success is his/her responsibility. Assure the officer the agency will provide needed support. It is really important this conversation be frank and unambiguous. The burden of success must be placed with the officer.  The agency should only assume the responsibility of providing support and only if the officer seeks it.

5. Before the officers return to the streets, they should successfully pass two consecutive qualifications, not just one. They need to rebuild their confidence. One passing score may be a fluke in their mind, but not two.

6. There must be a fair policy in place that clearly draws the line in the sand regarding an agency’s level of tolerance for qualification failures and the policy must be applied consistently.

A Final Word of Caution

When an officer fails a qualification, the agency must be very careful about assuming responsibility for that failure. The officer must possess the motivation to cultivate skills that will save his/her own life. The agency should monitor their officers’ reactions, their level of personal commitment, and their motivation for resolving the issue. Their reactions may be indicative of bigger problems and may cause an agency to reconsider the retention of a certain officer.

Police work is a dangerous career and the responsibility to provide quality marksmanship training begins the moment an agency hires an officer. That responsibility necessarily falls on administration because they create and enforce the policies. The agency needs to create an environment that unequivocally communicates firearms proficiency is a bona-fide occupational necessity. Their officers must possess these basic marksmanship skills because in the real world, if other tactics fail, the officers need to be confident they can hit the target in order to defend life, especially their own.  PM

Sara Ahrens is a Patrol Sergeant with 17 years of service and a US Army veteran. Sara has held a variety of positions within her agency to include: Range Master, Master Firearms Instructor, Training Sergeant, Armorer, and SWAT Team Supervisor. Additionally, Sara participated in Season 3 of the History Channel’s Top Shot. She can be reached at sara.ahrens@yahoo.com.

Photogallery:

There is often insufficient range staffing to accommodate individualized training during a qualification.

Training sessions should identify potential issues and provide individualized training.

If an officer struggles to hit the paper target, how will he/she perform when the target shoots back?