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6 Pounds of Brushstroke Lightning

Posted on September 14, 2026 by laststandonzombieisland One comment

Mossberg broke the mold on short-barreled shotguns in late 2016 with the 590 Shockwave pump-action “firearms,” which use 14-inch barrels and bird’s head grips that aren’t SBSs and therefore don’t require federal NFA paperwork for transfers.

(Mossberg)

With its funky hard plastic (or walnut) Shockwave Raptor grip with a sort of clumsy recoil control, and the fact that you could opt for a more standard pistol-grip-only shotgun with a gently longer (16- or 18-inch) barrel that offered more control, some folks never warmed to the concept, and that’s fine. However, those who have reviewed Mossberg Shockwaves, with its proven stainless-steel 590 series action, have warmed to the concept with the proper techniques and loads.

Plus, the new 590 Bliksem brings a few new things to the table that the more basic 590 Shockwave did not, making it easier to shoot.

Observe the 590 Bliksem:

*With a 14.375-inch steel barrel and AfterShock grip, the Mossberg 590 Bliksem has an overall length of 26.37 inches. (Photos: Chris Eger/Guns.com)*

With its AfterShock grip (which actually feels nice), oversized controls, and improved forward recoil strap, the Bliksem performs in the hand better than the Shockwave. Not only does it feel better and shoot better, but it is also flat-out more functional, ready to fill the bill around camp or cottage, veldt or villa.

So, who would the Bliksem appeal to?

First off, it is a great-looking gun that will turn heads, be it on the wall of the man cave or on the range.

For someone who may encounter tight corners and hallways or must move and shoot in a compressed space for high stakes, the Bliksem offers a serious option, especially with the right ammunition. For instance, think about Federal’s X2 9P 00, which helps avoid overpenetration while delivering softer recoil.

Add the included Esstac card and drop a sight atop the Pic rail (Holosun 507C shown), and you have something special, especially when you practise it. We were able to make easy hits on a 3/4 silhouette with reduced recoil buck to 15 yards, and slugs to 25. Loaded weight as shown, with optic, 5+1 in the pipe and 5 on the card, is right at 7 pounds.

The Bliksem could easily excel in off-road situations such as in a camp environment, especially when venturing overnight in hog or bear country. It is something that can be kept in the truck or tent, stoked with heavy, deep-penetrating solid slugs (think Brenneke’s Black Magic, or Federal’s Tru-Ball Deep Penetrator, et. al.) as a “just in case.” Yes, you might set your tent on fire in the process. Just saying.

Full review in my column at Guns.com.

Running tomorrow’s rifle with yesterday’s optics

Posted on September 10, 2026 by laststandonzombieisland Leave a comment

Military small arms acquisition programs are always funny. More so if there is a “package” of accessories and goodies that go with it.

The most persistent problem lately seems to have been jumping the gun on over-ambitious optics systems on combat rifles and carbines.

We’ve already talked about the “M7 Surrogate Fire Control Program” on the Army’s 250,000 Next Generation Squad Weapons in rifle (M7), carbine (XM8), and LMG (M250) variants, which have eschewed the apparently not-ready-for-primetime Vortex M1157 Fire Control System for commercial off-the-shelf optics and lasers from EoTech and B.E. Meyers.

Similarly, in Germany, the new HK G95 program— the Bundeswehr’s dirty mustard-toned (“ekelhaftgelb“) HK416A8 rifle– is supposed to use the Leonardo-supplied Elcan Specter DR 1-4x as the companion day optic of record.

This bad boy, seen in two different colorways and with and without caps:

However, very specific changes and tweaks to the version of the Specter wanted by the Bundeswehr mean that just about every one I have seen has been wearing a very chunky Hensoldt RSA-S reflex sight atop a ZO 4x30i fixed-power optic with an IR pointer module.

Thus:

And as seen with these troops of Panzerpionierbataillon 701 in a video posted last week:

If it seems kind of a throwback, that optics combo was adopted a decade ago for the circa 2016 IdZ-ES (Infanterist der Zukunft – Erweitertes System) future soldier program for use with the G36, the rifle the G95 is replacing.

Cue the rimshot. Everyone laughs.

Meanwhile, the EOTech OGL-C is now civilian-legal and non-restricted.

Sometimes, you get to shoot something really special…

Posted on September 1, 2026 by laststandonzombieisland One comment

While hanging out at an industry event in Idaho, we came across a fairly rare and very quiet German-made rimfire rifle and just had to shoot it.

Attending SilencerCo’s Summer Camp at the Day Mountain Ranch outside of Preston (oddly enough, the small town where Napoleon Dynamite was filmed), we had a chance to get some trigger time on some amazing platforms, most of them shooting out to extended ranges. Like starting at 200 yards and punching well out to 1,300.

One exception to that was a station that had some great little rimfire guns that attendees used offhand on spinner and groundhog plates at like 25 yards, squinting into the morning sun.

Volquartsen-enhanced Ruger 22/45, complete with an everlasting SilencerCo Sparrow can. — *There was this great Volquartsen-enhanced Ruger 22/45, complete with an everlasting SilencerCo Sparrow can.*

*Then there was this Sparrowed FN 502 MRD with a matching Steiner MPS and TLR-7A.*

But the real gem was a Heckler Koch HK270…

What is the HK270?

Travel with us back to the late 1970s. Back to when HK was the global powerhouse when it came to 7.62 NATO battle rifles, with its Gewehr 3 (G3) being standard not only in the West German Bundeswehr but in more than 50 other militaries around the globe. The G3’s little brother, the 9mm but still roller-locked MP5, was almost as popular with the black balaclava gang worldwide.

So why not market a rimfire blow-back action sporting rifle with a G3-style turret “castle” style rear sight that could be used for training, small game hunting, and sporting purposes?

Boom. That gives you the HK270.

Bellissimo! Benelli’s Italian Plant has the Best Foyer in the Gun Industry

Posted on August 24, 2026 by laststandonzombieisland Leave a comment

On a recent trip to the Benelli factory in Urbino, Italy, we got a peek at their one-of-a-kind facility that blends Old World craftsmanship with modern manufacturing standards.

We were there to get the scoop on the new gas-operated M2-G1 tactical shotgun but would be remiss if we failed to bring you at least some coverage of the factory itself. For instance, the 430,000 square feet of shotgun and rifle-making brilliance is nestled in the hills and Roman walls of the Via della Stazione, at the terminus of the region’s historic former railway station.

Benelli factory, Urbino Italy — *While Benelli began as a mechanical and motorcycle company 115 years ago in nearby Pesaro, its Benelli Armi firearm factory came to Urbino in 1967. (Photos: Chris Eger/Guns.com)*

Come with us as we take a closer look at the shotguns and rifles on the wall of the foyer, many of them rare and one-of-a-kind demo guns.

Benelli factory, Urbino Italy Ethos shotgun — *How about this amazing Ethos?*

Benelli factory, Urbino Italy Raffello — *Note the clear polymer furniture on this Raffello*

Benelli factory, Urbino Italy concept gun on display — *This one could be right from the 2045 catalog cover.*

Czech You Later: CZ 75 B, CZ 75 BD, and CZ 75 Compact Discontinued

Posted on August 21, 2026 by laststandonzombieisland Leave a comment

Cue the funeral dirge for a few classic CZ models that are being escorted out of the company’s pistol catalog this year.

CZ announced on Thursday that 2026 will “mark the conclusion of production for three CZ 75 models: the CZ 75 B, CZ 75 BD, and CZ 75 Compact.”

CZ 75 compact — Meanwhile, the CZ 75 Compact debuted in 1992 and chopped about an inch off the slide and frame and a half-inch off the grip to trim the pistol down for concealment while still keeping a 16+1 magazine capacity. (Photos: CZ)

The move will close out several of the classic era CZ 75 models, save for the new CZ 75 Legend, introduced as a 50th anniversary product for the series. Also still in production will be the assorted SP/P-01 series CZ 75s, the alloy-framed CZ 75 D PCR and the CZC A-01 line, the latter being a CZ Customs-tuned model.

The company noted in a release that the discontinued pistols “have each played an important role in carrying the CZ 75 design forward,” and “have been valued by shooters for their balance, craftsmanship and proven design, becoming lasting parts of the CZ lineup and of the shooting experiences of generations of customers.”

Of course, new old-stock models are still circulating around, at least for now, but will probably start commanding a premium as CZ collectors move to round out the holes in their gun safes.

gun culture

I’ve known about the new Benelli M2-G1 for a bit…

Posted on August 20, 2026 by laststandonzombieisland Leave a comment

While the original circa 2004 Benelli M2 was a linear development of the M1/Super 90 line of semi-automatic shotguns, which were first introduced in 1986, the line has always used the Inertia style recoil-operation system as its heart.

There have been few complaints about the classic Benelli M2 Tactical that we have heard. I had one from about 2005 through 2016 and ran case after case through it without notable issues. I put it through several courses and loaned it out to others going to schools, all with good feedback.

While a classic that delivers a clean, reliable, and adjustment-free system, Inertia takes a back seat to gas-operated piston systems such as the Benelli M4’s ARGO (Auto-Regulating Gas-Operated) system.

Gas guns provide a softer “push” for the user by significantly reducing felt recoil, while also reliably cycling a much wider variety of loads. Plus, gas guns hold up better to high-volume shooting such as in extended military and duty use.

So why not take an M2, give it a gas system upgrade very similar to what is seen on the vaunted “bombproof” M4, and add other upgrades? All purposely engineered to run cleaner, require less maintenance, and stay ready when it matters most.

Well, then you get the new M2-G1.

I recently traveled to the land of spaghetti and preserved meats to get the scoop on it.

*The Benelli M2-G1 is the company’s first gas-operated M2 autoloading tactical shotgun. Designed and built for hard use. (Photos: Chris Eger/Guns.com)*

Read the full review in my column at Guns.com.

KelTec Bullpup Shotguns: Holding the Maritime Line off Korea

Posted on August 11, 2026 by laststandonzombieisland One comment

Florida-based KelTec announced last week that a major Pacific Rim maritime agency has once again selected the company’s tactical bullpup shotgun for use on patrol.

The South Korean Coast Guard has long used the well-reviewed (once you get used to it) KelTec KSG, with some 200 of the shotguns already in service, dating back to 2015. A new contract, signed in June, will continue that trend with the pump-action shotguns used across its patrol vessels.

The South Korean Coast Guard traces its lineage to 1953 during the Korean War and has some 10,000 personnel. Like the USCG, its Korean counterpart conducts law enforcement missions, polices the country’s maritime borders, and enforces fisheries regulations, among other tasks.

It has several large frigate-sized white-hulled cutters, including the 6,500-ton KCG Sam Bong and KCG Lee Cheong Ho, as well as numerous smaller patrol boats.

The Korean Coast Guard patrol vessel KCG Sam Bong (ARS 5001). She carries a forward 40mm Doosan DST “No Bong” twin DP Gun, a 20mm Sea Vulcan, six GPMGs, and a small arms locker– including KelTec KSGs. (Photo: KCG)

The KSGs are officially for non-lethal use, akin to how the Remington 870P is used for firing LA51 flash-bang warning devices in the USCG, but, you know, some slugs and buck are on the shelf just in case.

Per KelTec:

The KSG Tactical serves in a less-lethal role, firing rubber and impact rounds during maritime interdiction operations, including efforts to deter illegal fishing activity in Korean waters.

The South Korean Coast Guard also has several special response units such as the SSAT (Sea Special Attack Team), and the KSG-12 has been seen with them as well as in the hands of the Black Berets of the South Korean Army’s 707th Special Missions Group, used as a breaching gun with the latter.

The KelTec KSG was officially unveiled at the SHOT Show in 2011 and has undergone several generational changes while the line has simultaneously expanded.

KelTec Enters the PDW Pistol Game with a Modded SUB2000: Meet the Nub Sub

Posted on August 6, 2026 by laststandonzombieisland Leave a comment

Florida-based KelTec continues its established trope of delivering strange yet intriguing new guns to the market, introducing the SUB-SDP last week.

The pistol, dubbed the “Nub Sub” in the company’s own marketing materials, is based on the KelTec SUB2000 folding carbine, made into a pistol format and sporting a stabilizing brace instead of a stock on a shorter extension tube and a 6-inch barrel.

Set up to take Glock-pattern 9mm double stacks (i.e., G17, G19, G45), the base model ships with a Magpul 15-round magazine. Weight is 3.57 pounds, while the overall length goes from 10 inches with the pistol folded to 17.7 inches when extended.

While at first the Nub Sub seems funny, compare it to similar products such as the Flux Raider, which costs two to three times more, and the laughing slows.

It may not stop, but it at least slows.

Plus, you have to love the release video, done by the folks over at Offensive Marketing.

A Semi-Auto 12 Gauge for all Seasons: Meet the Smooth new Beretta A400 Solo

Posted on August 4, 2026 by laststandonzombieisland Leave a comment

I got a sneak peek to try out the newest A400 series autoloading shotgun before Beretta debuted it last week at the Ducks Unlimited Expo.

Beretta has been an autoloading shotgun maker for over 70 years, having introduced the pioneering gas-operated system Model 60 in 1955. Fast forward to the 1990s, and the company’s superb AL390/391 series had picked up the mantle, but the company’s shotgun dev team thought it could do better.

After three years of development, 8,000 hours of engineering, 2,000 hours of testing, and more than 100,000 shells fired through prototypes and production models, the A400 Xplor Unico debuted in November 2009. Incorporating Steelium barrels, the B-Link gas operating system, and a Kick-Off recoil reduction system that utilized hydraulic dampers inside the stock, the new shotgun was set up for success, and, by the start of 2026, Beretta had 19 different models in the A400 family, priced between $1,949 and $3,699.

We’ve covered the A400 story for over a decade and have extensively reviewed the most popular model, the A400 Xtreme Plus. They are good guns.

But now we have the new A400 Solo, which has a much lower starting price ($1,549 MSRP in black synthetic) while keeping the same Steelium, B-Link, and Kick-Off trinity that has made the series a success.

The gun is designed as a sort of do-all “only sporting shotgun you need,” covering target and hunting uses, hence the “Solo” moniker. Even though it is a magnum (3-inch) chamber and not a bigger 3.5-inch super magnum, the Solo should have no issue with most waterfowl hunts, especially considering improvements in modern shotshell technology.

Meet the new Beretta A400 Solo in its most basic form: black synthetic, 28-inch barrel, 12 gauge. (All photos except noted: Chris Eger/Guns.com)

The Solo is engineered to thrive in the toughest hunting environments.

Quick summary:

Beretta has nothing further to prove on the A400 series when it comes to high-value and soft-recoiling hunting shotguns. Yet, the Italian-made A400 Solo was just introduced and includes some nice updates to the platform like the cleaner-running B-Link Pro gas system and improved trigger pack. What can you say, the company makes good shotguns.

Head on over to my column at Guns.com for the full 1,800-word review.

new guns

CMP to Sell (Modded) Military Surplus M14s

Posted on July 27, 2026 by laststandonzombieisland Leave a comment

A Soldier with “Sykes Regulars,” 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, fires an M14 Rifle on March 7, 2019, at Nueva Ecija Province, Philippines. (Photo: U.S. Army)

The country’s clearinghouse for milsurp rifles and pistols announced over the weekend that a collectible American battle rifle will soon be available.

The notice from CMP:

By special authorization, the CMP is pleased to announce the future availability and sale of surplus M14 rifles. Prior to sale, the rifles will be modified to be permanently and irreversibly semi-automatic rifles. The modified semi-automatic M14s will be fully compliant with CMP enabling legislation authorizing the transfer and sale of military surplus .30 caliber rifles.

The CMP anticipates first order fulfilment in the late 2026 to early 2027 timeframe. More details will be published on the M14 order submission process, pricing, limits and sales channels (mail order and physical stores) at a later date. Proceeds from the sale of these and other historic firearms allow the CMP to teach firearms safety and marksmanship, conduct competitions, and provide scholarships and youth programs, nationwide.

Adopted in the late 1950s to replace not only the Garand, but also the M1 Carbine, M3 Grease Gun, and M1918 BAR, the Springfield Armory-designed M14 in 7.62 NATO was America’s battle rifle for a generation.

However, as the McNamara-era Pentagon looked to Vietnam, and followed the Air Force’s lead in 1963 by fielding Eugene Stoner’s much handier AR-15 as the M16, the M14’s time in the spotlight was limited, and production ended in 1965.

The 7.62 NATO M14, center, was the bridge between the .30-06 M1 Garand, top, and the 5.56 NATO M16, bottom. (Photo: Sgt. James Stanfield/USMC Museum)

U.S. Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo) said that 100,000 M14s would be made available to CMP, with agreement from the Army and ATF already secured.

“Proceeds will fund marksmanship training and youth programs nationwide, including at the new Wyoming State Shooting Complex in Cody, which will partner with CMP,” said Lummis.

While over 5 million Garands were produced, only 1.38 million M14s were made by H&R, Springfield Armory, TRW, and Winchester between 1959 and 1965. Of those, something like 479,000 were fed to “Captain Crunch” at Anniston Army Depot in the late 1990s.

Another 321,000 were given away as military aid over the years to countries such as South Vietnam, Estonia, Lithuania, Turkey, Greece, the Philippines, and Ukraine. Other rifles, partially demilled, were issued to JROTC units for drill purposes.

Further, the M14 was never fully removed from U.S. military use and remains in limited service with a variety of units, including the Army’s “Old Guard” on ceremonial duties in the Washington, D.C area, with the Service Academies for drill use, with assorted EOD units to deliver disabling fire at distance, and as line throwers and service rifles aboard Navy ships.

The M14 remains in service with honor guard units such as the Army’s Old Guard, left, assorted Service Academies as drill rifles, and with EOD units and in the small arms lockers of hundreds of Navy surface ships. (Photos: Department of War via DVIDS)

The Bigger Deal Behind the Announcement

The importance of this news goes far past some M14s hitting the collectors’ market.

The ATF has long enforced a “once a machine gun, always a machine gun” policy when it comes to receivers, meaning they could only ever become scrap or remain an NFA item forever. Presumably, CMP has cleared the planned conversion of these surplus select-fire M14s with the ATF to be “civilian-legal” and non-NFA items, which could be part of the “Special Authorization” mentioned in the press release.

This could open the door to apply the same logic to the millions of surplus 5.56 firearms (M16A1, A2, A4s, etc.) in military storage, provided Congress tweaks the organization’s charter to include that caliber (currently the CMP is only allowed to sell surplus U.S. military .30-caliber and .22-caliber rifles).

Going past CMP, it could signal the end of the once/always standard, which could mean big things in terms of importing and commercial sales.

Price?

The question on everyone’s mind is, what about the cost? Well, CMP runs Garands currently for $1,150, and those are reconditioned guns using reclaimed drill rifle receivers with new barrels and furniture. Every other grade is sold out. The popular commentary on the M14 pricing, which hasn’t been announced, ranges from $4,000 to $6,000 on assorted CMP and collector forums, likely with a lottery system such as used in early batches of surplus M1911 sales.

This could make brand-new cast receiver Springfield M1As, which start at about $1,500 for base models, a good alternative. Even Fulton and LRB-made M14 clones, using forged receivers, are out there for under $4K.

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Tag Archives: Chris Eger

6 Pounds of Brushstroke Lightning

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Running tomorrow’s rifle with yesterday’s optics

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