Unlike “big factory” produced guns, the small crew at Freedom Arms lives, works and breathes what they do. In the Nov. issue of GUNS Magazine, FMG Special Projects Editor Roy Huntington details the company’s custom Model 97 chambered in .45 Colt, its superior features and remarkable handling in any application.

“The 97 makes a fine trail gun, truck gun, hunting gun, target gun, ATV, tractor or gator gun, bear defense gun in a pinch and even a personal protection gun if it was called upon to do so,” he remarks. “It’s as close to a do-everything handgun I own, and I value the fact I can chamber dinosaur defense loads, plinking loads or even CCI shot cartridges, all in the same compact revolver.”

John Taffin explores the world of “Fantasy Remingtons” and contends that while current replicas aren’t faithful copies, they’re still great. He notes, “Remington replicas represent a good value and are often priced around a third to half of what a modern cartridge-firing revolver or semi-auto demands. However, when it comes to accuracy, they do not have to take a backseat to any so-called modern handguns and in fact, will often out-shoot them.”

Shadow Systems’ full-sized DR920 tops the November Firearms Package Giveaway. The duty-ready pistol with camouflage-covered slide is chambered in 9mm and features interchangeable backstraps, a 5" match-grade barrel, 4.5–5-lb. trigger pull and patented optics cut. The winner will also receive a Steel Eagle fixed-blade knife from TOPS Knives and a ProTac 1L-1AA from Streamlight. Valued at nearly $1,541, readers are encouraged to enter the free drawing by visiting GunsMagazine.com/giveaways.

Other points of interest in the Nov. issue include “Field Shooting Tips” from Gary Smith in the Make Ready column. Smith highlights five common mistakes hunters make and how to easily correct them for a successful day in the field. Mike “Duke” Venturino strolls down memory lane in Montana Musings and reflects on his history of bullet casting over the past 50 years. Classics never go out of style, and the same could be said for the 1911 platform. In the Handguns installment, Massad Ayoob explains why even in a sea of change and options aplenty, the 1911 is here to stay.

Discover more content at GunsMagazine.com, including Roy Huntington’s online feature, “How To Make Your Own Rifle Rest.” Follow us on YouTube: youtube.com/guncranks and youtube.com/fmgpubs. Purchase the November issue of GUNS or order a subscription at fmgpubs.com. Digital versions are also available.