Products & Projects

Bushnell Ballistics App

Ajoint effort between Bushnell and Applied Ballistics has resulted in a handy, free application for mobile devices. Available through Google Play or Apple’s App store, the Bushnell Ballistics App helps users to shoot better by providing custom, realworld ballistic data. The program provides 150 Bushnell scope and 30 reticle options to select from, and caters to non-endemic users, too, with selections for general mil- or m.o.a.-based optics. Once pertinent ammunition and ballistic information has been entered, users can create custom range cards out to 800 yds. The Solution tab within the application contains email-ready DOPE changes based on user selections, along with hold-over and subtension data for rst- and second-focal-plane optics. Additionally, Bushnell allows for use of the application while off-grid. bushnell.com

10-Round Magazines For M1911s

When sizing the M1911 up against the popular, polymer-frame, striker- red semi-automatics of the day, the M1911 earns top marks in many categories—including for its trigger, handling characteristics and the power of its most-popular chambering, the .45 ACP. When it comes to capacity, though, the old warrior de nitely trails behind double-stack designs. Still, the M1911 remains a top choice of competitive shooters, some elite military and law enforcement units, and many personal-defense practitioners. And those who stick with “Old Slabsides” have found extended, 10-round magazines to be a reliable means for closing the capacity gap. Several well-regarded manufacturers offer extended-capacity options, including Mec-Gar, Chip McCormick Custom and Wilson Combat.

Despite being an Italian manufacturer, Mec-Gar (mec-gar.com) is one of the primary magazine producers for the American rearm industry and builds magazines for many U.S.-based gunmakers. Among nearly a dozen offerings for .45 ACP-chambered M1911s, Mec-Gar offers both blued- ($31) and nickel- nished ($34) 10-round magazines featuring carbon steel bodies, steel followers, music wire springs and welded buttplates. Interestingly, the company also produces 11-round-capacity options.

A highly regarded competitor and M1911 magazine master, Chip McCormick (cmcmags.com) has long been interested in improving the reliability and durability of the traditional design. When it came to 10-round boxes for the M1911, McCormick was particularly interested in remedying the feed-lip deformation that resulted from the upward momentum and increased mass of 10 .45 ACP cartridges being repeatedly slammed home into an empty gun—as in competition and training. His solution was the Railed Power Mag (RPM), a laser-welded stainless steel magazine that replaces the traditional, single-layer feed lips with rolled, two-ply rails. The Chip McCormick Custom (CMC) 10-round RPM ($36) uses a steel follower, a wraparound base pad and 19 coils of McCormick’s Rocket Wire spring.

Another notable in the realm of M1911 pistols, upgrades and accoutrement, Bill Wilson and his company Wilson Combat (wilsoncombat.com) also offer several options in the 10-round .45 magazine category, including the 1911 Elite Tactical Magazine. The Elite Tactical has a stainless steel tube with extended viewports, a stainless steel spring, a lubricious polymer follower and a full-wrap extended base pad. Offered in stainless ($41) or with a black uoropolymer nish ($44), the magazine also uses dual-wall rails, just like the Chip McCormick magazine, and that shouldn’t be a surprise. Wilson and McCormick have been friendly competitors, at the range and in business, for many years, and CMC actually builds the Elite Tactical Magazine for Wilson Combat under license. Of course, M1911 enthusiasts can expect the crossover to increase, as Wilson Combat recently acquired Chip McCormick Custom, of cially uniting the enterprises.

MEC-GAR

CMC MAGS

WILSON COMBAT

Ri e Caddy

Ri e Caddy offers quick access and secure transport, where legally allowed, for two ri es and accessories. The 12"x10½ " unit attaches to a vehicle console with 3/4"-wide, nylon webbing. Colors available are black (base), hunter green, desert tan and camou age. Rubber inserts are available for an additional $5 to protect wood stocks. Price: $35. Contact: Ri e Caddy; (250) 765-6543; ri ecaddy.com.

Zodi Extreme S/C Hot Shower System

Whether exhausted from success or de ated by failure, outdoorsmen lead a tough life in the eld, and nothing rejuvenates the spirit quite like a hot shower. Zodi Outback Gear offers several solutions, but one of the simplest is its Extreme S/C, a selfcontained unit consisting of a stainless steel tank that holds 3 gallons of water warmed atop an included heater stand designed to accommodate 1.5-lb. propane cylinders. A hand-operated pump pressurizes the uid, which ows through a 6-ft. hose with a button-activated shower head. As a bonus, the heater can be pressed into service as a cooker. Price: $180. Contact: Zodi Outback Gear; (800) 589-2849; zodi.com.

Vedder Cobra Quick Release Gun Belt

Built from extra stiff, dual-layered nylon webbing, the Cobra Quick Release Gun Belt from Vedder Holsters is rigid enough to accommodate even the heaviest of handguns without sagging, and the design of the belt’s buckle allows it to be doffed and donned repeatedly without re-adjusting the t. Just set the 1.5"-wide belt to the wearer’s correct waist size via a section of hook-and-loop fasteners, and then remove it using the Cobra buckle without losing the desired length. Available in seven different sizes, the Cobra Quick Release Gun Belt works with waists ranging from 26" to 53", and is offered in black or coyote brown. Price: $60. Contact: Vedder Holsters; (352) 729-6749; vedderholsters.com.

Mosin-Nagant Timney Trigger

Timney Triggers’ Featherweight Deluxe is made in the U.S.A. and provides an adjustable upgrade to Russian-designed, military-surplus Mosin-Nagant ri es. Each aluminum housing is hand- t with internal parts and set to customer preferences at a pull-weight ranging from 1 lb., 8 ozs., to 3 lbs. The supplied 5/64" Allen wrench is used to adjust pull weight—each counterclockwise turn removes roughly one 1 lb.—and sear adjustments are also provided. A trigger-blocking safety is included and requires modi cation to the gun’s stock for placement. Price: $113. Contact: Timney Triggers; (866) 484-6639; timneytriggers.com.

Tactical Walls MODWall Operator Package

Tactical Walls’ MODWall is an endlessly recon gurable storage/display system, and the Operator Package starter kit allows users to quickly populate their walls with guns and gear by offering together two wall panels and several of the system’s many modular mounting options. In addition to two 22"x48" high-density polyethylene panels designed to install easily to 16"-on-center wall studs, the Operator Package includes two Hide-A-Magnet mounts, two ashlight mounts, one helmet hanger, one vest hanger, one large shelf, two semi-automatic pistol mounts (choice of either right- or left-facing) and two semi-automatic ri e mounts (choice of AR-15, AR-10 and AK patterns). The panels can be trimmed to t using a wood blade if necessary, and all required mounting hardware is included. Price: $330. Contact: Tactical Walls; (540) 298-8906; tacticalwalls.com.

Maglite ML300LX

Maglite’s ML300LX LED-powered ashlight runs off two D-cell alkaline batteries and provides up to 69 hours of runtime while set to its 58-lumen ECO mode. The advanced focus system of the ML300LX lets users adjust its maximum output of 524 lumens from a spot beam to a broad ood with a quarter-turn of the bezel. Four power settings are selectable with an electronic switch, including a strobe function. The aluminum body is matte- nished in ve available colors: black (shown), Crimson Red, Coyote Tan, Urban Gray and Foliage Green. The ashlight weights 20 ozs. with batteries. Price: $74. Contact: Mag Instrument Inc.; (909) 947-1006; maglite.com.

Federal Premium Heavyweight TSS

Loaded with tungsten, an eco-safe material heavier than lead and effective for hunting wild turkey at extended ranges, Heavyweight TSS (Tungsten Super Shot) from Federal Premium Ammunition provides shooters with something lead simply cannot. The shot does not deform upon setback, and it ies impressively true and patterns tightly downrange. Heavyweight TSS has a lethal effective range surpassing the company’s previous line of Heavyweight No. 7 shot. Since the tungsten material is harder than steel, Federal provides a unique shot wad that fully encapsulates the payload for barrel protection and pattern consistency. Current Heavyweight TSS offerings are: 12-ga., 3" (1¾ oz.; No. 7); 12-ga., 3½" (2¼ oz.; No. 7, 9); 20-ga., 3" (1½ oz.; No. 7, 9); and .410 bore (7/8 oz., No. 9). Price: $30 to $50 for ve rounds. Contact: Federal Premium Ammunition; (800) 379-1732; federalpremium.com.

Gerber Center-Drive w/ Bit Set

Gerber’s Center-Drive w/Bit Set is a versatile multi-tool that allows for instant, one-handed access to its driver, 3.25"-long knife blade and spring-loaded pliers. Utilizing standard bits, the magnetic driver is positioned along the center axis of the tool, allowing for maximum torque and superior balance. Other tools incorporated into the Center-Drive include carbide wire cutters, a pry bar and nail puller, a serrated blade, an awl, a file and onboard storage for an extra bit. Packaged with the Center-Drive is a 12-piece (three hex, three flat, two Phillips, two Torx and two square) bit set, and the two both store within an included MOLLE-compatible fabric sheath. Price: $115. Contact: Gerber Gear; (800) 950-6161; gerbergear.com.

McLean DRS Sling

The McLean Dynamic Retention Sling (DRS) comes in black, DRS Tan, Multicam and Ranger Green. Comprised of nylon web and stamped “Proudly Made In The U.S.A.,” the DRS provides rifle retention and the freedom to move about—a pull of the patented trigger snap hook releases the firearm from two points of retention to one. A steel cam buckle on the body loop allows for swift adjustments. Price: $75. Contact: McLean Corp. USA; mcleancorpusa.com.

CCI 17 HMR VNT

The CCI 17 HMR VNT load features a polymer-tipped 17-gr. bullet from Speer. Velocity is pushed to a factory-rated 2650 f.p.s., and combined with the thin-jacketed, lead-core Speer projectile, shooters can expect to see increased terminal performance on game and flatter ballistic tables. CCI’s 17 HMR VNT load is well-suited for shooting at extended ranges. Price: $18 (box of 50). Contact: CCI Ammunition; (800) 379-1732; cci-ammunition.com.

Where Can I Get . . . ?

For those wishing to convert a direct-gas-impingement AR to piston operation, Superlative Arms offers its Retrofit Piston Kit that is designed to keep the action clean of carbon residue and heat. The kit includes a 416 stainless steel, Melonite-treated, 30- position-adjustable gas block and operating rod to fit one of four, standard gas system lengths—pistol, carbine, mid and rifle. Excess gas is bled out of the system through the product’s patented Bleed Off Port at the front of the piston block assembly, which is designed to eliminate gas erosion and carbon build-up—the system can be set to use only the amount of gas necessary to reliably function the rifle. An ionbonded bolt carrier group and installation tools are included. Price: $289. Contact: Superlative Arms LLC; (727) 849-6880; suparms.com.

Barrel-Mounted 10-slot Picatinny oPtic rails For M14-style riFles With standard-ProFile Barrels

AMS MAchine; (910) 215-5980; amsmachine.net

exPloding airgun golF Ball targets

PyrAMyd Air; (888) 262-4867; pyramydair.com

Folding, PackaBle single-shot shotguns

MidlAnd ArMS; (304) 274-0004; shootmidland.com

arMorer-grade MgW sight Pro sight Mover

BrownellS; (800) 741-0015; brownells.com

lightWeight tactical/uniForM riPstoP Pants

ProPPer; (800) 296-9690; propper.com

red dot clean-Burning clay target ProPellant

AlliAnt Powder; (800) 379-1732; alliantpowder.com