The .32 ACP (With Video)

I was first introduced to the M1903 Colt Pocket Hammer-less in 1974 by the late Harry Archer of the CIA. In the 1970s Harry Archer and I tested almost every .32 ACP pistol made, to isolate which pocket guns were the most reliable, accurate, and natural instinctive pointers in the Applegate style. We fired lab specimens borrowed from the NRA museum, FBI and BATF labs as well as some unusual guns borrowed from various military collections. There were no hollow-point factory loads available back then, so we shot “hot” European hardball and hand loads assembled with various cast bullets and Winchester factory “gumball soft” lead, 100-grain flat-nosed .32-20 slugs similar to Ideal #3118 which became Harry’s choice for carry ammo in his overseas go-bag. Read more

Pistol Caliber Shot Loads

Any outdoors-man who carries a handgun afield routinely should carry a few shot loads for contingencies. Whether you handload your own, or buy them, just get a few. I don’t use very many, maybe a half-dozen a year, but when I get surprised by a rattler in the woodpile or outhouse, they are comforting. Then, there’s always the hope a fat grouse will appear under my tree stand during deer season… Read more

Evolution of Knives Used By Covert Operatives

Prior to the 1950’s most knives used by covert operatives were designed to kill. No thought was really put into their use in escape and evasion or utility applications.  A great example of that is the Fairbairn-Sykes fighting knife. It was designed exclusively for surprise attack and fighting, with a slender blade that can easily penetrate a ribcage. The vase handle grants precise grip, and the double-edged blade is integral to its design to take out human targets. Read more

Is the .32 ACP Pistol still “Mission Feasible”?

I was first introduced to the M1903 Colt Pocket Hammer-less in 1974 by the late Harry Archer of the CIA. In the  1970s Harry Archer and I tested almost  every .32 ACP pistol made, to isolate which pocket guns were the most reliable, accurate, and natural instinctive pointers in the Applegate style. We fired lab specimens borrowed from the NRA museum, FBI and BATF labs as well as some unusual guns borrowed from various military collections. There were no hollow-point factory loads available back then, so we shot “hot” European hardball and hand loads assembled with various cast bullets and Winchester factory “gumball soft” lead, 100-grain flat-nosed .32-20 slugs similar to Ideal #3118 which became Harry’s choice for carry ammo in his overseas go-bag. Read more