“The final result was like seeing your wife when she’s really gussied up for a special event — you can’t believe something so tried-and-true, so ‘routine,’ can still inspire such awe,” declares GUNS Editor Brent T. Wheat following the makeover TMT Tactical performed on his 30-year-old duty-issued GLOCK 22.

Among many upgrades, TMT Tactical treated the .40 S&W to a full grip reduction and epoxy fill of the backstrap; an undercut of the trigger guard; unique stippling on the grip, frame and under the trigger guard; opening of the mag well and serrations on the front and rear of the slide.

Brent notes, “It is apparent to everyone what this gun stands for” with personal touches, including a camouflage Cerakote finish, laser-engraved American flag and Cerakote “thin blue line.”

The adage “imitation is the best form of flattery” comes to life with Cimarron’s homage to the Winchester Model 1894 .38-55. A dead ringer for Mike “Duke” Venturino’s Model 1894 made in 1897, the Cimarron replica is a “darn fine rifle” boasting a 26" octagonal barrel, color-case hardened receiver and lever and the same safeties as the original Winchester — and it shoots well, too.

February’s Firearms Package Giveaway is topped by a Daniel Defense DD5V4 rifle chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor. It features an adjustable gas block, Mil-Spec trigger and 20-round capacity. A collection of Birchwood Casey products will have the DD5V4 range-ready in no time: The winner will also receive a 1-2-3 Aerosol Pack, Long Gun Service Mat, Dirty Bird Target and Convert Three-Lens Kit. Altogether, the package is valued at $2,650. Readers are encouraged to enter the free drawing at www.gunsmagazine.com/giveaways.

GUNS February asks, “Is the .40 S&W a dead duck or best buy?” Massad Ayoob elaborates on the once hot, but now not, caliber in the Handguns column. Playing cowboy just got more affordable: David Freeman touts the many benefits of Ruger’s new line of Wrangler revolvers, chief among them (re)discovering the fun of single-action shooting. And in the Optics installment, Wayne Van Zwoll outlines what’s good — and what’s great! — in rangefinding reticles.

Joe Kriz highlights Federal’s new custom shop in February’s Online Exclusive, available at www.gunsmagazine.com. Digital subscriptions and the February issue are available for purchase at www.fmgpubs.com.

GUNS Magazine celebrates its 65th anniversary in 2020 — look for rediscovered articles from the past and new episodes from the recently launched the GUNS Magazine Podcast (available on Apple iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify and gunsmagazine.com/podcast/).