Welcome to

Stephen A. Camp’s

Hi Powers and Handguns

  • A Critical Look at the Walther PP Pistol

    The Walther Polezei Pistole was introduced in 1929 and originally chambered in .32 ACP. It’s also available in .380 ACP and has been made in other calibers such as .22 long rifle and .25 ACP. Without question the design was successful and it remains a popular pistol today. It spawned the shorter PPK a couple of years…

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  • Have No Faith in Your Defensive Handgun Caliber or Load!

    (Or Why I don’t Get Involved in “Caliber Wars.”) Very common in gun shop discussions, shooting magazines and books, as well as on the Internet are incessant discussions on “which caliber is the best”. Also included will be questions and opinions on which load leads the pack for a given caliber. Some walk with extreme confidence as…

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  • Range Evaluation: Ruger GP100 w/3″ Barrel

    After several months of trying to find a clean S&W Model 65 at the right price, I found a GP100 (Catalog Number KGPF-330) at a sale price and had my dealer order one.  This is the 3″ barrel w/short shroud. It has fixed sights. The Gun: The GP100 in this configuration weights in at 35 oz.…

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  • Comparing the SIG-Sauer P230 & Bersa Thunder

    The SIG-Sauer P230 has been around for several years in both blue and stainless versions.  The former uses an aluminum alloy frame while the latter has a steel one.  In today’s test, the lighter version was used. These pistols have never been at the lower end of the price envelope for .380 pistols. Bersa handguns…

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  • The “Humble” .38 Special

    Though still popular with many that carry for self-defense, this round is usually relegated to back up guns and seldom seen at firing ranges in revolvers having longer barrels. It has not always been so.  When I started police work in the early ’70’s, revolvers were in the vast majority at police firing ranges in barrel lengths ranging from…

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  • My Choice in “Plastic Pistols”

    I’ll say up front that I prefer steel pistols, almost always in a single-action design, and that I think nothing looks better than well done bluing and quality stocks of walnut or rosewood.  I guess that makes me a traditionalist.  I have nothing against hard chrome, electroless nickel or some other finishes, but if use…

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  • A Look at the Springfield XD 9

    Hello.  Like many traditionalists, I was wrong in thinking that “plastic guns” would break quickly and not last the test of time.  Though I strongly prefer blue steel and old, “out of date” Hi Powers and 1911s, there are many who rather like these “modern” pistols using polymer in place of the traditional steel or…

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