Rock Island Armory 1911 CS FDE, by Pat Cascio

Imported from the Philippines, this Rocky Island Armory 1911 CS FDE is one hot-selling, Officers-style 1911 handgun. And, it is a a bargain to be had. More Than a Little Familiar With 1911s Long-time readers will know that I’m a real sucker for a good 1911-style handgun. They also know that if a gun isn’t a bargain, a real bargain, I’ll pass it up. I’ve owned more than a few custom 1911s over the years, and they were fine pieces of work. They were super-accurate, with more accuracy than I could begin to squeeze out of them, and just a …




Tips On Buying Used Handguns, by Pat Cascio

I am no longer teaching NRA firearms classes, though I did that for more than 25 years, mostly giving classes for folks wanting to get their concealed handgun permit. During all those years teaching handgun classes, I had quite a few students ask me about buying used handguns. What To Look For When Buying Used Handguns They wanted to know what to look for. More often than not, I’d accompany them to the local gun shop and help them in selecting a used handgun and talk with them about what to look for in a good used handgun. I’m a …




Cold Steel SR1 Folding Tanto, by Pat Cascio

20 August 1935 The birthday of former Congressman Ron Paul. He recently retired from congress. Dr. Paul is to be commended for fighting the good fight for many years. Cold Steel SR1 Folding Tanto, by Pat Cascio Under review in this article is one of the most awesome folding knives I’ve ever tested. It isn’t one of those dealer display knives that are huge but worthless. Nope. It is the Cold Steel SR1 Folding Tanto. Many of our readers have requested that we test some more expensive knives. We are happy to do so, when they become available for testing. …




SIG Sauer P220 Desert Model, by Pat Cascio

I’m a real sucker for super-accurate handguns, and the SIG Sauer line-up has always proven themselves in this respect. We tested the P220 Desert model .45 ACP handgun from SIG and found it to be a winner. Impressed with SIG Sauer P220 Imported Under Browning Name I’ll admit, I haven’t always been on top of the firearms game, when it came to the newest models out there. Even today, I don’t have the time to browse every gun maker’s website once a week or so to see what is new and exciting. I obtained my first FFL in 1980 and …




CRKT “Kuk”, by Pat Cascio

There is nothing really new, when it comes to the time-tested Ghurka blade, is there? Well, as a matter of fact, the all-new Columbia River Knife & Tool “Kuk”, designed by Ryan Johnson, puts a new twist on this blade, which is under review today. My Collection of Military-Style Knives and Bayonets I want to say that I was probably about 15 years old, maybe a little older or younger, when I started collecting military-style knives and bayonets. One of my favorite stops was a small Army/Navy Surplus store on the south end of downtown Chicago. Sadly, it is long …




Ruger/Black Hills Ammunition, Mark IV 22/45 Lite Edition, by Pat Cascio

If you don’t have a .22 LR firearm in your survival battery, you should! We look today at an extremely limited, rare edition, of the Ruger Mark IV 22/45 pistol. Survival Firearm For more than 40 years now, folks have been asking me what type or kind of firearm should they purchase first for survival. Others ask if they only have funds to purchase one firearm, period, what would it be. My answer has changed, with knowledge, and I’m sure a lot of folks will disagree with me. For the longest time now, I’ve been recommending that folks purchase a …




SOG Knives, Baton Q1 and Q2, by Pat Cascio

Multi-tools are some of the handiest types of tools to have on hand at all times. Today, we’re checking out two very unique designs by SOG Knives. The Swiss Army Knife No doubt, when it comes to multi-tools, it seems like everyone points to the Swiss Army Knife. There are actually two companies that produce these knives, well those officially licensed to do so, that is. And, while they are a good idea and a good design, I’ve yet to have a genuine Swiss Army Knife or one of the poorly made clones that didn’t break on me when put …




Kershaw “Method” Folder, by Pat Cascio

Kershaw knives has been coming out with a lot of new folders lately. Many of these can be considered a Gentleman’s folder, and the new Method is one under review today. A Gentleman’s Folding Knife I’ve been called a lot of things in my life. On several occasions, I’ve even been called a Gentleman, believe it or not. However, that’s another story, or another chapter in my life. Under review this time around, is what I consider a Gentleman’s folding knife, one that you wouldn’t be embarrassed to pull out and clean your finger nails with at the office or …




CRKT/Ruger – RTD, by Pat Cascio

Two iconic companies– Ruger Firearms www.ruger.com and Columbia River Knife & Tool www.crkt.com– come together to produce some outstanding knives at very affordable prices. We’re checking out the collaboration between these two companies in the form of the RTD (Ruger Take Down) folder. A Huge Fan of Ruger Firearms and CRKT Knives Anyone who has followed my writings for the past 25 or 26 years in the knife and firearms industry will no doubt know that I’m a huge fan of Ruger firearms and CRKT knives. Truth be told, I have probably written more words/articles than any other writer on …




Charter Arms, Undercover .38 Spl, by Pat Cascio

Sometimes, the nostalgia bug bites me, big time, and I can’t resist a gun at my local gun shop. Under review in this article is the Charter Arms www.charterfirearms.com Undercover .38 Spl revolver, the older model. An “Old Time” Revolver They guys at my local gun shop are all quite a bit younger than me. So, whenever they get in an “old time” revolver they are sure to draw it to my attention and put it in my hands. I’ve been a habitual gun trader all my life, for the simple fact that I can’t afford all the firearms I …




Springfield Armory Range Officer 1911 – Gov’t Model, by Pat Cascio

We’re taking a close look at an updated classic 1911 with some enhancements, making it ready for the range, competition, or self-defense. It’s the Springfield Armory Range Officer 1911 in .45 ACP. Thanks for Reminding Me I think we have some of the smartest readers out there, and you all have a great memory.  I promised to review the Springfield Armory Range Officer, full-sized Government Model after reviewing a different model Range Officer. Somewhere along the line, this gun review was pushed back. My bad! I have more than 30 products on hand awaiting their turn on our editorial page, …




Kershaw Atmos Folder, by Pat Cascio

It’s a strange name for a folding knife, but we decided to check this one out and we’re glad we did! The Kershaw Atmos is worth a close look. As long-time SurvivalBlog.com readers know, I prefer longer blades on my knife, and I really like a folder with a 3.75-inch blade. They just seem to fit my hand better and can do more chores, well, better! However, I’m not a knife snob, and just because a folding knife has a blade less than my desired 3.75 inches doesn’t mean I won’t check it out. Enter the Kershaw Knives Atmos. A …




Blackhawk Products Rigger’s Belt with Cobra Buckle, by Pat Cascio

If you’re looking for one of the best of the best belts for concealed/duty carry, look no further than the Blackhawk Products Rigger’s belt that is under review today. Tip-offs For Someone Carrying a Weapon Having worked as a police officer in the past, as well as doing private security contractor work, I trained myself to be observant, always looking for someone carrying a weapon, and in particular, a concealed handgun. One of the first tip-offs that would catch my eye would be a poorly designed holster that didn’t really conceal a handgun very well. Secondly, the tip-off would be …




Accuracy Testing, by Pat Cascio

Readers contact me all the time about how I conduct my accuracy testing. Even though I spell it out in my articles, I still get the same questions. I make no claims to having any special power, when it comes to shooting. I just shoot a lot, and I’ve been professionally trained in long gun and handgun shooting. What I Do With My Handgun Tests Here’s what I do with my handgun tests. After I’m about halfway through breaking-in a gun for an article, I’ll conduct my accuracy testing. For this I use a rolled-up sleeping bag (usually) over the …




Stevens Model 320 Security Shotgun, by Pat Cascio

Not all shotguns are created equal. Some are meant for sport hunting, and some are designed for self defense. Today we’re checking out the Stevens Model 320 Security shotgun. Shotguns A lot of people find most shotguns pretty boring, and I might just be in that crowd these days. There are so many different models and makes of shotguns out there, and many look the same as the next one or the one before it. Most folks who purchase a shotgun do so with the thought of upland bird hunting or water fowl hunting. I have no problem with that …