Dope Bag

KEL-TEC KSG-25

Cocoa, Fla.-based Kel-Tec CNC Industries, Inc., forever changed the accepted idea of defensive shotguns with the debut of its highly distinctive, dual-magazine, pumpaction, 12-ga. KSG. Its successful launch lent credence to expanding the line, which the company promptly did with the KSG-NR, KSG Tactical and KSG-25, the latter of which is reviewed here.

Like most line extensions, the core characteristics of the KSG-25 stem from the original design. Somewhat unusual in the shotgun world, the KSG-25’s bullpup con guration results in a shorter overall length, even with an almost unheard of 30.5" barrel. Despite that, the KSG-25’s overall length is 38.25", which is slightly shorter than most defensive shotguns.

Safe for use with lead and steel shot, the xed cylinder-choke barrel must be 30.5" in length to enable the dual magazines tubes—located side by side beneath the barrel—to accommodate 12, 2¾ " shells each. Combined with a round in the chamber, that’s 25 (hence the model designation) 12-ga. shells with which to resolve a problem. Alternatively, each tube can hold 10, 3" or 20, 1½" shells for all-up totals of 21 or 41, respectively. The Henry axiom, “... load on Sunday and shoot all week,” seems especially applicable.

Loading the tubular magazines requires that the slide be forward. Additionally, the three-position magazine selector switch, located forward of the ejection port, must be moved to the same side as the magazine that you want to load (i.e., left for the left magazine). In doing so, the other magazine is blocked. This action permits the magazines to be lled with differing loads, such as buckshot and slugs, with the shooter switching between them as necessary.

Pressing downward on the bilateral action-bar lock, which is situated in front of the trigger guard, frees the slide (fore-end assembly) to travel rearward, thereby lowering the carrier (ejecting downward a hull if one had just been red) to accept an awaiting shell. Pushing forward on the slide chambers the round. Mounted to dual action bars, the slide is, unsurprisingly, made from polymer, and beneath it there’s an integral, 6" MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail to which a Magpul Rail Vertical Grip (RVG) is af xed. It can be removed, but the RVG aids in cycling the action forcefully for proper functioning.

Beyond the re controls already described, the KSG-25 has a crossboltstyle safety and single-stage trigger housed in the polymer lower unit. Unlike most shotguns, the squareshaped safety travels from left to right to move from safe to re. For right-hand shooters accustomed to using the trigger nger to disengage a crossbolt safety, it’ll take time to adjust to using the thumb. Left-hand shooters will need to use the trigger nger. Moving the button results in an audible “click” that resonates through the gun.

Consistent with the heavy triggers and long linkages typical of bullpups, the KSG-25’s trigger pull measured 6 lbs., 6 ozs.; however, it’s still lighter than the pull weight of many shotguns. Additionally, there’s considerable travel, though the reset is short. Reaching the polymer trigger shoe from the pistol grip—ergonomically similar to that on the PMR-30, RFB and RDB—is easy for shooters of various hand sizes. Recesses in the side of the pistol grip provide space to hold the

Viewed from the underside through its ejection port, which is behind the pistol grip, the KSG-25’s twin magazine tubes are visible along with the three-position magazine selector that allows loading of the tube at which its serrated end is positioned.

KEL-TEC KSG-25

MANUFACTURER: KEL-TEC CNC INDUSTRIES, INC. (DEPT. AR), 1505 COX ROAD, COCOA, FL 32926; (321) 631-0068; KELTECWEAPONS.COM 38.25"

1.75" 1.63"

12.87"

PATENTS PENDING 12 GAUGE 3"

30.5"

ACTION TYPE: PUMP-ACTION SHOTGUN GAUGE: 12; 3"

MAGAZINE: DUAL TUBULAR MAGAZINES;

CAPACITY OF 10 (3"), 12 (2¾") OR 20 (1½") SHELLS, EACH

SIGHTS: PICATINNY RAIL WITH MAGPUL MBUS TRIGGER: SINGLE STAGE; 6-LB., 6-OZ. PULL STOCK: BLACK POLYMER METAL FINISH: BLUED STEEL AND BLACK

ANODIZED ALUMINUM WEIGHT: 9 LBS., 4 OZS. ACCESSORIES: OWNER’S MANUAL, SLING,

CHAMBER FLAG MSRP: $1,400

two assembly pins during disassembly.

Spanning from the muzzle plate assembly rearward to the sleeve plate is an aluminum heat shield with Magpul M-LOK slots. Meanwhile, extending from the sleeve plate to the sight base itself, forward of the polymer heat shield, is a 30-slot aluminum Picatinny rail. Atop the rail is a windage-adjustable Magpul MBUS rear sight, which works in conjunction with an elevation-adjustable post front af xed to the muzzle plate assembly. Bilateral sling attachment points are found on the muzzle plate assembly, and a sling ships with the gun.

Although chambered in 12-ga., 3", the KSG-25’s stock is tted with a 3/8"-thick, semi-hard rubber recoil pad. Minimally tacky, the pad doesn’t easily snag when shouldering the gun, nor does it reduce recoil very effectively.

Evaluation of the KSG-25 began with patterning at 25 yds. using Hornady Critical Defense 2¾" 00 buckshot and the MBUS. Despite its cylinder-choke barrel, the KSG-25 kept all 80 pellets within the 30" outer ring of the patterning papers, and 75 within the 21" inner circle—ideal for self- or home defense.

With patterning completed, we transitioned to function testing and rapid- re drills. As it’s chambered to handle 12-ga., 1½" to 3" shells, we proceeded to feed it a variety of target, heavy eld, buckshot, slug and steel loads in lengths ranging from 2" to 3". In exhausting multiple partial and full boxes of each, we discovered that the shotgun must be cycled vigorously for reliable functioning, and on several occasions cycling damaged—or removed—a portion of the brasswashed steel head of the shell. Twice we had a shell lock up the action, requiring nesse to remove them.

Upon closer inspection, it was noted that two tabs integral to the molded polymer buttstock halves (one per side) had been broken. They appear to keep the shell centered on the carrier. The gun was sent to Kel-Tec, which promptly serviced and returned it. Accompanying the gun was a letter stating, “chamber service, adjusted swedge, replaced buttstock and carrier, [and] recommend high-brass ammo.” A subsequent range session revealed that Kel-Tec had successfully remedied the problem, as the gun cycled much smoother than before, and there was no damage to hulls, either.

The MBUS were a nice addition to the KSG-25. Moreover, we liked the gun’s downward ejection, as well as the

SHOOTING RESULTS (25 YDS.)

HORNADY CRITICAL DEFENSE 12-GA., 2¾", 00 BUCKSHOT

AVERAGE PELLET COUNT: 8 MEASURED VELOCITY @ 3 FT.: 1590 F.P.S. AVERAGE OF 10 PATTERNS

= POINT OF HOLD

0

0 2

2 2

2 0

0

CYLINDER (0.729")

21" INNER CIRCLE: 8 (100%) 30" OUTER RING: 0 (0%) TOTAL HITS: 8 (100%)

ability to switch between magazines (should they be loaded with complementary loads, such as slugs and buckshot). The positioning of the magazine selector and left-to-right movement of the safety will take time to get used to, but, overall, the KSG-25 is a marvel in its own right.

The American Ri eman has used the phrase “Dope Bag” since at least 1921, when Col. Townsend Whelen rst titled his column with it. Even then, it had been in use for years, referring to a sack used by target shooters to hold ammunition and accessories on the ring line. “Sight dope” also was a traditional marksman’s term for sight-adjustment information, while judging wind speed and direction was called “doping the wind.”

WARNING: Technical data and information contained herein are intended to provide information based on the limited experience of individuals under speci c conditions and circumstances. They do not detail the comprehensive training procedures, techniques and safety precautions absolutely necessary to properly carry on similar activity. Read the notice and disclaimer on the contents page. Always consult comprehensive reference manuals and bulletins for details of proper training requirements, procedures, techniques and safety precautions before attempting any similar activity.

RAVIN R20 SNIPER PACKAGE

Ravin Crossbows of Superior, Wis., forever changed popular perceptions about crossbow design and performance with last year’s introductions of the R15 and R9. For 2018, the company replaced those two models with three new, improved offerings: the R10, the R20 and the R20 Sniper Package. The latter is reviewed here.

Ravin advertises ri e-like accuracy out to 100 yds. with its ultra-compact crossbows—one reason we chose to review such a non- rearm in the “Dope Bag.” While that claim is bold, it proved true in our tests and is credited to the company’s Helicoil technology. When drawn, the cables are coiled away from the cams in helical grooves, thereby maintaining cam levelness and balance for increased accuracy and reduced vibration (and thus noise) when shot. The design also enables the cams to rotate 340 degrees. This is important because high speed— 430 f.p.s. with a 400-gr. bolt—is possible without a long power stroke (it’s 13") or unwieldy axle-to-axle (ATA) width; in fact, the at-rest ATA width is 10.5" and, when cocked, that number decreases to 6". That makes the R20 ideal for use in tree stands and blinds.

Cams and cables alone aren’t enough to achieve such an impressive level of accuracy—consistent string alignment is needed, too. Ravin addresses that with its unique Trac-Trigger Firing System which, when slid forward, attaches to the center of the string. Contained within an aluminum track with minimal side-to-side play, the design retracts the string in a repeatable, uniform manner, providing straight-line nock travel.

The Trac-Trigger also features a bilateral, two-position, paddle-style safety and anti-dry- re system. Both are automatically engaged upon the Trac-Trigger clasping the string at the archway bracket. The system engages the trigger when fully withdrawn, and, according to a digital trigger pull gauge, the skeletonized, single-stage, anodized aluminum unit broke at 2 lbs., 9 ozs., with no discernible creep or overtravel.

The innovative Versa-Draw Cocking System makes cocking the R20 simple and easy. Once the rear grip is adjusted (for left-hand shooters), the head of the cocking handle is inserted into the recessed hole on either side of the stock. A magnet holds it in place. Next, tension is released on the cocking system and the handle is removed. Then the spool thumb release button is pressed, freeing the TracTrigger to slide forward and clutch the string, at which point an audible click is heard. Afterward, the cocking handle is reinserted and rotated clockwise until the Trac-Trigger is fully rearward. The draw force needed to cock the R20 is a paltry 12 lbs. It can be easily de-cocked, too.

Unlike established designs, in which the bolt traverses the top of the barrel (or rail) during ring, the Ravin R20 employs the Frictionless Flight System. Essentially, the bolt is touching the crossbow in only two places—on the string and on the dual rollers of the rest. Bene ts of the design are improved accuracy and increased string and cable life.

Although all Ravin crossbows feature a rail onto which an optic can be mounted, only the R20 Sniper Package includes the Jack Plate Adjustable Elevation Mount. Secured to the standard rail by two bolts, the included Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8X 24 mm scope—also exclusive to the R20 Sniper Package—attaches directly to the plate. On the rear of the Jack Plate is an aluminum/steel dial onto which rangemarking tape is added for making shots at distance. The left side has a rotating lever to silence movements, make them audible and lock the dial.

Crafted from two halves bolted together, the skeletonized polymer stock has an ergonomically shaped pistol grip with nger grooves and texturing to enhance purchase. Similar texturing is on the extrawide fore-end, and a series of nger grooves are found on each side, too. The top of the fore-end ares outward 19⁄16 " from each side to prevent ngers from reaching the ight path of the string. Forward of the fore-end and integral to the lower unit is a 4¼" section of rail with a screw hole

RAVIN R20 SNIPER PACKAGE

MANUFACTURER: RAVIN CROSSBOWS, LLC (DEPT. AR), 69 N. 28TH ST., SUITE 500, SUPERIOR, WI 54880; (715) 718-3574; RAVINCROSSBOWS.COM 34.5"

onto which the mounting bracket is secured for holding the included three-bolt quiver and cocking handle. Measuring approximately 1¾" wide and topped with soft, textured rubber, the comb ensures perfect eye-to-scope alignment, while a bubble level on the archway bracket helps the shooter avoid canting. Lastly, the R20 lacks a traditional foot stirrup; instead, it has limb bumpers that are placed against the ground when cocking.

The R20 Sniper Package we received for evaluation was an early unit displayed at the 2018 Archery Trade Association (ATA) Show. There were only subtle differences between it and those now available to consumers, and all the alterations involved the Jack Plate Adjustable Elevation Mount. Our crossbow had substituted mounting screws and a mocked-up tape. We opted to forgo the plate and mounted the scope directly to the rail.

Breaking with American Ri eman protocol, for accuracy testing we opted to follow archery standards and shoot three consecutive, three-shot groups from a sandbag rest at distances ranging from 30 yds. to 50 yds. The accuracy achieved by the R20 impressed even the most ardent crossbow testers and hunters among our staff. The averages at 30, 40 and 50 yds. were 0.47", 1.13" and 0.95", respectively. The tightest group measured a scant 0.28" (at 30 yds.), while one at 50 yds. was 0.78". We’ve yet to test (or see) a crossbow with such potential. Without the Jack Plate we were unable to shoot out to 100 yds.; however, it’s obvious that the R20 is plenty accurate for such shots.

Chronographing the R20 with a Competition Electronics ProChrono Digital at 5 ft. revealed that, using the supplied Ravin 400-gr. bolts by Black Eagle Arrows with 100-gr. eld points, the crossbow achieved 428 f.p.s. with a standard deviation of 0. That’s right, all ve consecutive shots were exactly the same velocity, which translates to 163 ft.-lbs. of energy. With the right broadhead, the R20 should be capable of taking most game animals. A substantial target is required to stop a bolt from the R20— even at 30 yds. it would occasionally completely penetrate a newer crossbowspeci c target.

When shouldered, the R20 feels like a well-balanced ri e; in no way does it give the impression of being a crossbow. Its trigger stands out among those in the crossbow world, even besting the triggers of many ne rearms. We found the R20 to be exceptionally user-friendly as well. After reading the manual, novices and experts alike will be able to safely use the crossbow.

Quality is the R20’s hallmark, but it comes at a price. However, those with the funds will nd the Ravin R20 Sniper Package to be a crossbow that rivals the accuracy of many modern rearms at close distances . It’s a lot of fun to shoot, as well.

1.5" 0.69"

12.75"

TRIGGER: SKELETONIZED, ALUMINUM,

SINGLE-STAGE; 2-LB., 9-OZ. PULL STOCK: PREDATOR CAMOUFLAGE OR GUN-

METAL GREY POLYMER WEIGHT: 7 LBS., 2 OZS. ACCESSORIES: OWNER’S MANUAL, JACK PLATE

ADJUSTABLE ELEVATION MOUNT, VORTEX

STRIKE EAGLE 1-8X 24 MM SCOPE, RAVIN

RISER LEVEL, THREE-ARROW QUIVER, DRAW

HANDLE, SIX PACK OF 400-GR. MATCH-

GRADE BOLTS WITH FIELD TIPS MSRP: $2,650

SHOOTING RESULTS

400-GR. RAVIN BOLT (W/FIELD TIP) 30 YDS. 40 YDS. VEL. @ 5' (F.P.S.)

ENERGY (FT.-LBS.)

GROUP SIZE (INCHES) SMALLEST LARGEST AVERAGE

428 AVG. 163 0.28 0.59 0.47 428 AVG. 163 0.84 1.47 1.13

50 YDS.

428 AVG. 163 0.78 1.16 0.95

NOTES: MEASURED AVERAGE VELOCITY FOR FIVE SHOTS OVER A COMPETITION ELECTRONICS PROCHRONO DIGITAL CHRONOGRAPH AT 5 FT. ACCURACY RESULTS FOR THREE CONSECUTIVE, THREE-SHOT GROUPS AT RANGES FROM 30 YDS. TO 50 YDS. FROM A SANDBAG REST. TEMPERATURE: 49° F. HUMIDITY: 48%.

The R20 measures just 10.5" wide uncocked. Its safety and anti-dry- re system engage automatically as the mechanism clasps the string (inset).

MANUFACTURER: BUSHNELL OUTDOOR

PRODUCTS (DEPT. AR), 9200 CODY,

OVERLAND PARK, KS, 66214; (800) 423-3537; BUSHNELL.COM 4.5"

2.75"

WIDTH: 2.375" WEIGHT: 9.8 OZS. BATTERY: ONE CR2032

BUSHNELL ENRAGE

RETICLE: 2-M.O.A. RED DOT MAGNIFICATION: 1X EYE RELIEF: UNLIMITED ELEVATION ADJUSTMENT RANGE: 100 M.O.A.

WINDAGE ADJUSTMENT RANGE:

100 M.O.A. CLICK VALUE: 0.5 M.O.A.

Engaging non-static targets swiftly at close range demands an easyto-use optic offering immediate acquisition. Forget traditional ri escopes; regardless of magni cation level or eye relief, they play “second ddle” to red-dot optics for target acquisition and for tracking moving targets— particularly in low-light conditions. For 2017, Bushnell added several reddot sights to its lineup, including the Enrage, which is reviewed here.

Although it ts in the Bushnell “AR Optics” line, the unmagni ed Enrage is intended for use beyond the realm of the modern sporting ri e. Accompanying the optic are two sets of Allen head screws that, when paired with the reversible base and included spacer, enable it to be mounted at different heights to minimize clearance issues and for preservation of cheekweld on a range of long guns. It can be used on certain handguns, too. The mount is touted as tting both Picatinny- and Weaver-style rails; however, we found it attached properly only to the former. The locking nut/ knob includes cutouts so that a slotted screwdriver or coin can be used to supplement hand tightening.

When compared to other red-dot sights, dimensionally the Enrage occupies the middle ground; the 9.8-oz. unit measures 4½ " long, 23⁄8" wide and 2¾ " tall (with spacer). Removing the top and right turret caps enable elevation and windage adjustments, respectively, to be made. Clicks are audible and tactile, and valued at 1/2 m.o.a.

The 16-position rheostat, which features eight brightness settings and an “off” position between each, is on the Enrage’s left side. Movements of the rheostat are consistent and solid; there’s no undesirable mushiness. Powering the unit is a single CR2032 battery that, according to Bushnell, provides double the life compared to its older models, and when used at mid-level settings, is comparable to other companies renowned for the ef cient energy use of their red-dot sights. Housed within multi-coated glass, the prefocused, 2-m.o.a. illuminated dot is sized ideally for instant target acquisition at close range, and yet is small enough for acceptably precise bullet placement at moderate distances as well. Eye relief is “in nite,” as such, diligence in maintaining a suitable eye-to-optic distance is not required.

The Enrage is advertised as waterproof, fog-proof and shock-proof, and we sought to substantiate those assertions during our testing. First up was “shooting the square”—using a T/C Contender with an 18" SSK Industries .338 Whisper barrel—to con rm the value and repeatability of the clicks. Due to the close proximity of clicks and imprecision of a 2-m.o.a. dot for aiming, this was a trying test. Nonetheless, movements appeared to be accurate and repeatable.

A Benelli Super Black Eagle II 12-ga. shotgun and four boxes of assorted 2¾" and 3" magnum waterfowl, buckshot and turkey loads were utilized to determine that the Enrage is shock-proof. Once zeroed, there was no discernible deviation in the pattern core—except when the Enrage’s dual base screws loosened halfway through. Re-tightening the screws solved the issue. Thread-locking compound is recommended.

Lastly, we challenged the Enrage to survive submersion in water after a short stint in the freezer. Though it fogged temporarily, which was expected, no signs of water defeating the seals was evident—it i s waterproof.

Our battery of testing, as well as mounting it atop a range of rearms, illustrated to us that the Enrage is wellsuited for a variety of tasks as diverse as home protection, competition and pursuing spring gobblers.

ACCESSORIES: OWNER’S MANUAL, SPACER,

REPLACEMENT SCREWS, HEX KEY MSRP: $240

Turrets on the top and right side of the Enrage are used to make elevation and windage adjustments, respectively, to the optic’s 2-m.o.a. reticle. Meanwhile, a 16-position rheostat, providing eight brightness settings and an “off” position between each, is found on the unit’s left side.

NIKON MONARCH 7i VR

MANUFACTURER: NIKON INC. (DEPT. AR), 1300 WALT WHITMAN ROAD, 2ND FLOOR, MELVILLE, NY 11747; (631) 547-4200;

NIKONSPORTOPTICS.COM

3.9"

NIKON MONARCH 7i VR

3"

6x21 7.5° WATERPROOF

Laser range nders are incredibly useful tools for ri emen, but they can be dif cult to aim precisely at long distances—especially when under pressure while in the eld. If the crosshairs are off-target by just a fraction, it might indicate the distance to another object. What’s more, most modern range nders are so light, and the magni cation level so high, that any slight hand shake is rendered as a seismic shift by the reticle.

Nikon has remedied this problem by incorporating the same technology present in its premium VR (Vibration Reduction) camera lenses into its new Monarch 7i VR range nder. Yet company engineers have managed to include this technology in an optical package that is compact and lightweight with a price tag comparable to other range nders.

When the “On/Range” button is depressed, two angular velocity sensors detect pitch (up and down movement) and yaw (left and right movement) every 1/1000th of a second, and this data is instantly sent to an onboard microprocessor that, in turn, sends directions to two voice coil motors that move the oating lens system to gyroscopically counter the external movements placed on the unit in real time. The laser remains calibrated with the crosshairs, despite hand shake, so that the user can be assured of an accurate reading.

During testing, a truck parked at an unknown distance down the street was ranged. Just looking through the range nder without turning it on, testers could easily see the truck thanks to the 6X glass, but details were dif cult to observe due to hand shake. However, as soon as the range button was depressed, testers could easily read the license plate of the truck, 114 yds. distant. The plate was too blurry to read before due to hand shake, but the VR technology smoothed the hand shake so that it wasn’t jumpy and the words could be read. As such, it would be much easier to judge a buck’s rack or a wind ag from afar. And it even allows ranging an object from a moving vehicle.

Make no mistake, this technology doesn’t make moving objects still or slow them down; rather, it makes it seem as if your hand is suddenly stabilized by a sandbag so that the crosshairs are steady, helping you to center the reticle on small targets, and therefore glean an accurate reading.

Vibration Reduction technology aside, the 7i VR has still proven to be a capable range nder. We found it to be accurate to within half a yard at distances closer than 700 yds., and to within one yard at distances between 700 and 1,000 yds. The 6X monocular also features ID technology that automatically compensates for uphill or downhill shots. The 7i VR also has what Nikon calls Tru-Target technology; by holding down the “Mode” button then pressing it twice more to toggle through modes, the user can opt to range a dominant object that is partially obscured, perhaps by short grass.

The unit is shock-proof and easy to grip with its rubber armor. Notably, it’s also waterproof to one meter. We dropped it into a bucket of water, then on grass from eye-level ve times, and it still remained operational and accurate. These veri cation tests made us feel much better about this unit that has a “ oating” erector lens and micro-electronics housed within.

Yet, for as advanced as the unit is, it isn’t perfect. An illuminated reticle for use in low-light conditions would be very bene cial, and the lenses are polarized to help observe targets in humid conditions, and are therefore incompatible for use while wearing polarized sunglasses. Hopefully these issues will be remedied in future models. Regardless, the Nikon Monarch 7i VR’s quality and imagestabilizing technology make it worthy of serious consideration.

MODE

WIDTH: 1.9"

WEIGHT: 7.1 OZS. MAGNIFICATION: 6X 21 MM BATTERY: ONE CR2 RANGE: 1,000 YDS.

EYE RELIEF: 18 MM ACCESSORIES: OWNER’S MANUAL,

WRIST STRAP, CASE MSRP: $399

Depress the top-mounted “PWR ON” button to activate the 7i VR’s Vibration Reduction technology.