July 2017
What’s got more pop than a fireworks display? The July issue of S.W.A.T. does, because it delivers the boom with reviews of Mossberg’s 14″ Shockwave 12 gauge, the new .338 Lapua Savage 110 FCP, and SIG’s TACOPS 1911 in .357SIG.
Also inside are reviews of Raven’s Balor red dot slide mount for Glock pistols, the Slim-Tuk holster from DeSantis, and Gerber’s MP1-AR Weapons Multi-Tool. Round it off with Eugene Nielsen’s tips on putting together a viable EDC med kit and a reprint of Pat Rogers‘ classic article on effective self-training, and you’ve got a bangin’ good magazine for your summer reading.
June 2017
Summer’s here and the June issue of S.W.A.T. is packed with hot gun and gear reviews: Editor Denny Hansen puts S&W’s new M&P M2.0 to the test with dozens of different types of ammo. Also tested: The IWI US Galil Ace and Defense Technology’s 40mm Tactical 4-shot grenade launcher.
Other topics for summertime education include long-term food storage, an article on hostage survival skills, a retrospective on the Swedish K submachine gun, and a look at the effects of six thousand rounds worth of grime on rifle accuracy. Don’t miss out!
May 2017
The May issue of S.W.A.T. features gear evaluations for every budget, from the high-end Wilson Combat AR9G pistol-caliber carbine to an honest real-world faceoff of bargain blaster handguns in the $300 bracket.
Also reviewed are Walker’s Razor XV retractable digital earbuds, as well as holsters from Off The Grid Concepts, and SureFire’s M300 Mini Scout Light. See what’s inside for you!
April 2017
Right here in the April issue of S.W.A.T. we feature an up close look at the FBI’s new issue pistol, the Glock 19M. You’ll also find a review of the Arsenal SAM7R-65 AK/Dead Air Armament PBS-1 suppressor combo and CMMG’s MkW Anvil .458 SOCOM big-bore AR-pattern rifle.
Also inside: Dick Williams attends a 21st Century carbine/pistol class at Gunsite with a .41 Magnum wheelgun paired with a levergun in the same chambering, EOTech’s new .300BLK-specific XPS2-300 gets an evaluation, and Pat Rogers’ invaluable article on avoiding carbine malfunctions gets a much-needed reprint.
March 2017
The March issue of S.W.A.T. roars in with a review of Ruger’s American Ranch Rifle in the thumpin’ .450 Bushmaster chambering. You also get our honest, hands-on looks at Cry Havoc’s QRB switch-barrel AR, the vintage Beretta 71 pistol, and Browning’s new line of house-brand ammunition.
Additionally, you’ll find an article on reloading the .223 for affordable training, reviews of Ken Hackathorn’s Firearms Instructor’s Course and Dark Angel Medical’s Direct Action Response Training class, and much, much more. Add this issue to your reference library for sure!
February 2017
February’s issue of S.W.A.T. features a review of the ultra-premium Cabot Arms Vintage Classic Commander as well as a multi-rifle roundup of various off-the-shelf interpretations of the Scout Rifle concept. Other firearms reviewed include a quartet of new handgun offerings from Ruger and Bravo Company’s Recce-9 KMR-A pistol.
There are also articles on applying tracking skills in the urban environment, the downsides of the “workspace” pistol reload, and the second part of Pat Rogers’ classic article on malfunction reduction in the AR family of weapons. Don’t miss out on this sweetheart of an issue!
January 2017
Start the new year off right with detailed reviews of the PAP M80-a 5.56 AK that eats from AR mags-and the SRM Arms 1216 17-shot semiauto 12 gauge. Other tests include the ESEE Knives CM6 and the Ready Ship Target from Renaissance Steel Research.
Also featured: Tips to run a double action revolver like a pro, a guide to the myths and realities of suppressors, and a classic article from Pat Rogers on malfunction reduction. You can’t miss with the January issue of SWAT!
December 2016
Stuff your Christmas stocking with the fact-based reviews in the December issue of SWAT. Do you really need a .308 AR-pattern rifle? We tell you the pros and cons. Also reviewed: Modern Outfitters MR-1 Lightweight Hunter.
In this issue you’ll also find tips on emergency water storage, how to rig a war belt for comfort and utility, and a review of Esoteric, LLC’s High Intensity CQB course.
November 2016
Harvest some information from the don’t-miss November ’16 issue of S.W.A.T. Magazine. With reviews of Faxon’s ARAK-21, CZ’s Scorpion EVO3, and the Daniel Defense M4 Integrally Suppressed Rifle, it won’t leave you hungry for real-world info.
Inside you’ll also find tips for reloading quality practice and duty ammo, a review of the GoTenna device for off-grid radio comms using your existing smartphone, and a reprint of Pat Rogers’ classic article dispelling cleaning and lubrication myths surrounding the AR family of weapons.
October 2016
Think there’s no such thing as an accurate AK? We put Rifle Dynamics’ RD700 DMR to the test and see what an AK-based precision rifle can do. Also in this issue are tests of the high-end Christensen Arms’ TFM precision rifle and the budget-conscious Mossberg MVP-LC.
Looking for drills to improve how you run your wheelgun? How about tips to use with the NLT SIRT training pistol? Need tips to weed out nonfunctional gear and find efficient replacements? Look in the October issue of S.W.A.T. for all this and more!
September 2016
The September issue is packed with schooling, like in-depth tests of the SIG Sauer P320 pistol, the potent yet compact Springfield Armory M1A SOCOM 16 CQB 7.62×51 NATO battle rifle, and the next-generation CZ-USA 805 Bren S1 Carbine.
You’ll also learn about the effects of temperature on ammo performance, get a detailed look at the terminal performance of the .380ACP round, and receive some pointers on backcountry and bug-out cooking.
August 2016
August may bring the dog days, but the August issue’s anything but a dog! Look inside for reviews of the Sig Sauer 716 Designated Marksman Rifle and a Bowie Tactical Concepts customized Glock 43, and a retro classic review of Winchester’s revolutionary Model 97, the world’s first pump shotgun.
We also look into the pros and cons of building your own firearm from an 80% receiver, check out some IDF-style training with Agoge Corporate Services, and give you a rundown of wire loop AK slings. Check this cool issue out!
July 2016
S.W.A.T.’s July issue is a scorcher, featuring an in-depth test of a Nighthawk Custom Browning Hi Power pistol; a close-up look at Springfield Armory Custom Shop’s famed Professional Model 1911, designed for the FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team; and a review Uzi Pro Pistol from IWI US.
Other hot features include an article on using airguns as viable practice tools, the Seven Pillars of Wisdom for Handgun Accuracy, and a look at some products useful for mitigating lead exposure from training sessions and reloading. Don’t miss this issue!
June 2016
Need some beach reading this summer? Grab the June issue of S.W.A.T., featuring reviews of Bravo Company’s Recce-14 KMR-LW rifle and Sig Sauer’s P220 Elite Stainless pistol in 10mm Auto. Also featured are reviews of Arsenal’s radical Strike One pistol and Colt’s Modular Carbine.
To keep you sharp during the vacation season, there’s an article offering some tips for using rimfires for quality training, a review of Follow Through Consulting’s Scoped Carbine class, and editor Denny Hansen has some tips on a two gun battery for desert survival.
May 2016
The May ’16 issue of S.W.A.T. features in-depth reviews of Beretta’s next-generation ARX rifle, Kaiser Shooting Products X-7 Standard rifle, and the Rifle Dynamics RD501 5.45 AK, as well as Browning’s Black Label .380 pistol.
There are also in-depth looks at proper weapons lubrication procedures, avoiding negligent discharges on the practice range and on the street, and Archangel’s line of modifications for the venerable Mosin Nagant battle rifle.
April 2016
Spring into April with another info-packed issue of S.W.A.T. Magazine! We review the all-new striker-fired Ruger American service pistol, the Christensen Arms TFM precision rifle, and brief you in on how to tell the good AR mags from the junky ones.
Also inside are reviews of Smith & Wesson’s Performance Center 686 Plus, Bladetech’s Total Eclipse holster package, and tips on how to overcome that persistent flinch when firing your pistol.
March 2016
For March 2016, S.W.A.T. Magazine breezes in with another info-packed issue, featuring reviews of the Daniel Defense DDM4V11 carbine in Kryptek Typhon camouflage, Leupold’s “Blue Line” Tactical scopes, and a full-house Robar Custom CZ75 B SA.
We also take a look at the pros and cons of the oft-maligned crossdraw holster position, Wes Doss’s “Lights, Sights, & Lasers” law enforcement training program, and custom blades from Winkler Knives.
February 2016
February’s issue of S.W.A.T. features a test of the new MI-T556 carbine from AXTS, a company known for manufacturing quality parts that has branched out into building complete guns. Also inside are reviews of Yamaha’s new line of tactical ATVs and tips on building a precision Remington 700 on a budget.
You’ll also find reviews of the DRD takedown AR system, Sig Sauer’s P229 Legion pistol, the Loaded version of Springfield Armory’s classic M1A rifle, and the new X-Sight HD day/night optic from ATN. Don’t miss out on this sweetheart of an issue!
January 2016
S.W.A.T. storms into the new year with an info-packed issue featuring in-depth reviews of the Wilson Combat Tactical Carry, Ruger’s American Predator .308 bolt-action rifle, and the hot new Glock 43. We also examine the .40 caliber question: On the way out, or the ideal caliber?
Brent Wheat looks at the misinformation bandied about regarding the venerable Weaver Stance, and there are also articles on how to get the most practical rifle practice out of a single box of ammo, assembling a secret cache of necessities for hard times, and how to put together a practical 9mm AR-patform carbine for ammo commonality.
December 2015
Take a holiday from dull gun magazines with the December ’15 issue of S.W.A.T.! This month we feature reviews of the BCM Gunfighter 1911 and Ruger’s SR-556TD switch-barrel takedown carbine. Additional weapons tests in this issue include a Glock built from the frame up with Lone Wolf custom parts and S&W revolvers set up with the latest carry mods.
Training tips in this issue include how to set up a plate carrier right, pointers on how to identify a bad training class, and operating firearms while wearing a gas mask. Check this issue out!
November 2015
The November issue of S.W.A.T. Magazine brings a bountiful harvest of good info: Inside you’ll find reviews of Barrett’s mighty M-107A1 .50 BMG sniper rifle, rimfire MP-5 clones, tips on shopping for bargains in police trade-in firearms, and pointers on flashlight selection.
Further, Leroy Thompson runs down the pros and cons in the pump-versus-autoloading shotgun debate, we test LWRCI’s compact IC-PSD short-barreled AR-pattern carbine, and round it off with a trip to driving school to learn how to drive out of the kill zone. Don’t miss out!
October 2015
Get scary smart with the October issue of S.W.A.T. Magazine! Inside you’ll find detailed reviews of Ruger’s Precision Rifle, the Beretta 92FS Compact, Century International Arms buget C15 M4 clone, and the classic German MP40.
In addition to all our regular columns and departments, Pat Rogers tells us to stop blaming the trigger for negligent discharges, Nick Duarte runs down the “Big Seven” basic survival supplies, and SureFire’s Ryder 9mm suppressor is put through its paces.
September 2015
Jammed cover-to-cover with gear and training reviews, the September issue of S.W.A.T. doesn’t disappoint! We put an LRK Mechanical Corvid 30 long-range precision rifle through a tough T&E evaluation, check out MGA’s SAW-K full-auto, and go hands-on with Kalashnikov USA’s Modern Rifle.
To hone your survival software, we attend a Tactical Combat Casualty Care class with TSI, offer a beginner’s look at handloading ammunition, and run down some handy self-rescue tools that no off-road “bugout” vehicle should be without.
August 2015
Beat the August heat with cool info from S.W.A.T. Magazine! Sit in on a bullpup IWI Tavor Armorer’s class, get some reloading tips for the classic .38 Special cartridge, and pick up some hints on seated shooting positions to maximize your long range handgun accuracy.
Also to be found inside this hot new issue are reviews of the Savage Arms Model 10 FCP rifle and Beretta’s 1301 Tactical shotgun.
July 2015
S.W.A.T.’s July issue is almost too hot to handle, with a review of STI’s Nitro 10, an honest 100-yard-capable remake of the venerable 1911. Also inside are looks at S&W’s Shield and the CZ 75 Tactical Sport, and Leroy Thompson gives you a rundown of the various non-German clones of the classic HK MP5.
You’ll also get an assortment of training drills using the classic B8 Standard American Pistol Target, a look at the pros and cons of handloading subsonic ammunition, and a review of Academi’s Precision Rifle I class, run at the former Blackwater facility.