American Rifleman 2018-09 by Manuel Adrian Galindo Yañez

EXTRAORDINARY M1911 S FROM LES BAER September 2018

The World’s Oldest And Largest Firearm Authority

RUGER PRECISION

RIMFIRE

Official Journal of the National Rifle Association

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO ENTER OUR

BANNED GUNS GIVEAWAY ENTER TODAY FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!

www.NRAGunGiveaway.org

All the bullets in the world mean nothing if your concealed carry handgun fails when you need it most. The XD-S Mod.2 in 9mm is a less than one-inch wide pinnacle of reliability. 25K rounds without a stoppage and an integral grip safety for total peace of mind when carrying.

NRA LABOR DAY SPECIAL H

U.S. MINT GOLD COINS BELOW COST

BELOW OUR ACTUAL DEALER COST!

America’s Gold Expert,® Dr. Mike Fuljenz is offering 1/10 ounce $5 American Gold Eagle coins at the incredible below cost price of $132 each. For a limited time you have the opportunity to pay less than we paid for one of the most popular bullion coins in the world struck at the United States Mint in West Point, New York.

IRA APPROVED

These United States Mint issue gold coins are official U.S. legal tender and fully backed by the U.S. Government for their gold content, weight and purity. ADDED BONUS: if you purchase five $5 American Gold Eagles you will also receive our patriotic WE STAND FOR THE FLAG challenge coin at no additional charge. Call now to order. Quantities are limited.

$5 Gold American Eagle

JP Morgan expects gold to approach $1,400 in the third quarter and continue higher in 2019. DO NOT WAIT - CALL NOW! Dr. Mike Fuljenz’s

$132

1/10 Ounce Fine Gold

As low as

Only

Limit 5 per household Our choice of dates

WE STAND FOR THE FLAG CHALLENGE COIN

The Exclusive Precious Metals & Rare Coin Expert of NRA Publications H Proud Sponsor: H H Eddie Eagle GunSafe® H Program H H

Follow America’s Gold Expert® Dr. Mike Fuljenz

Get Yours

FREE

with purchase of 5 or more advertised products 3Front

Beaumont, TX

Back 4

each check/wire price

Honoring Those Who Protect Our Freedom H

STAND FOR AMERICA STAND FOR THE FLAG

NRA LABOR DAY SPECIAL

The Origin of the American Flag

2018 NEW RELEASES

IRA APPROVED

[

“Resolved, that the flag of the 13 United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be 13 stars, white on a blue field, representing a new constellation… White signifies Purity and Innocence; Red, Hardiness and Valor; Blue signifies Vigilance, Perseverance and Justice.” -- By Act of Congress, June 14, 1777

1oz American Flag Silver Bar As low as

Only

.999 Fine Silver over spot price*

85¢

check/wire price • limit 6 per household

1oz Colorized American Flag Silver Bar

2018 1oz American Silver Eagle

.999 Fine Silver

As low as

Only H

.999 Fine Silver

2500

As low as

Only

each check/wire price limit 6 per household

10oz American Flag Silver Bar

Available Exclusively by Dr. Mike Fuljenz H America’s Gold Expert®

As low as

4Innovative Enhanced Coloring Brings Front to Life

Only

4Finished with Protective Coating to

Preserve Bold Colors 4Back Proudly States “We Stand for the Flag”

FREE WITH YOUR ORDER:

Award-Winning article by Dr. Mike Fuljenz discussing the ties between our national anthem and our national motto.

check/wire price • limit 20 per household

each check/wire price limit 6 per household

World’s Most Popular Silver Coin H

4Design Features Lady Liberty Draped in the Flag 4Front Bears our National Motto “In God We Trust" 4Perfect Gift, Keepsake & Reminder of

(Spot price) + ($0.60) x (10 ounces) = price per bar

A star-spangled tribute to “In God we trust”

.999 Fine Silver per ounce over spot price*

17 50

America’s Greatness!

WE STAND FOR THE FLAG CHALLENGE COIN H

“Honor our military heroes and the United States Flag with these new commemorative ‘We Stand for the Flag’ challenge coins.”

Special Low Price RETAIL:

$19.95

$ 00 each

Only

limit 6 per household

FREE

Or Get Yours with purchase of 5 or

3Back / Front

more advertised products

Call for large quantity & bulk shipping terms on gold & silver.

FREE SHIPPING On advertised offers over $99 (add $6 on orders under $99)

< Allow 3-4 weeks for delivery >

Money Order or Check

1 .800.822.4653

Vault Verification: UAMRFGS0918W Offer Expires: 09/20/18

*SPOT PRICE- the daily quoted market price of precious metals in bullion form. Spot price determined solely by Universal Coin & Bullion® at time of transaction. Prices are subject to change in response to market conditions, and availability is not guaranteed. Please read important customer disclosures on our website or that accompany products purchased, including arbitration agreement. Gold Basis: $1,225; Silver Basis: $15.50 Images for representation only and are not to scale. NO DEALERS PLEASE

OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

Photo by Douglas Sandberg Photography

CONTENTS

132nd Year of Publication

SEPTEMBER 2018

V OLUME 166, NO. 9

NRA

The NRA, the foremost guardian of the traditional American right to “keep and bear arms,” believes every law-abiding citizen is entitled to the ownership and legal use of firearms, and that every reputable gun owner should be an NRA Member.

EXPERTS IN THE FIELD

features

Pro-Gun Senate Majority Is Crucial To Protecting The Second Amendment 18 Chris W. Cox

The fate of our freedom hangs in the balance in this November’s elections for the U.S. Senate. Gun owners can once again make the difference in the fight for our rights.

A Fighter And A Hunter: Standouts From Les Baer .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..44 Jim Wilson

The author has always found Les Baer M1911s to be accurate and reliable, and the Thunder Ranch Special 2nd Gen and 10 mm Premier II did not disappoint.

Big-Gun Feel, Little-Cartridge Fun: Ruger’s Precision Rimfire Rifle .. .. ..50 B. Gil Horman

The Ruger Precision Rimfire is an affordable, remarkably accurate, target .22 that stands on its own merits—and takes 10/22 magazines.

General Grant’s Magnificent Set Of Lost Remingtons .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..58 S.P. Fjestad

A pair of L.D. Nimshke-engraved Remington New Model Army revolvers presented to Gen. Ulysses S. Grant were a “thank you” for a wartime cotton-smuggling scheme.

Thermal And Night Vision Revealed .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..64 Kevin Reese

So what “Gen” are we on now anyway? Here’s a primer on thermal and night vision scopes—along with an inside look at how they differ and how they work.

“Superior”: The U.S. Model Of 1918 Browning Automatic Rifle . .. .. .. ..70

MEMBER PROGRAMS: (800) 672-3888

U.S. Army photo

64 Photo courtesy of Pulsar

Photo by Forrest MacCormack

Bruce N. Canfield During World War I, America’s greatest inventor put his considerable mind toward designing an automatic rifle. The result was the gun we now know as the “B-A-R.”

America Remembers Presents

The John Wayne Tribute Rifle John Wayne stood larger than life on the silver screen, and just as tall in real Left side of the barrel life. During his long career, he appeared in more than 150 films, and audiences features John around the world recognized him as the one man who best represented the Wayne’s signature, patriotic spirit of America. and inset into the More than 3* years after his death, John Wayne stock is a 24-karat still ranks among the top 10 most popular movie stars in the gold-plated medallion annual Harris Poll, and his movies continue to be viewed by with John Wayne’s millions of Americans, ensuring his status as a legendary portrait. The handsome American icon. walnut stocks are checkered Many people remember him best from his and finished to a high gloss, Westerns. He was the lawman who tamed the and the hammer and trigger # lild towns, the bVc who stood up for the poor are polished and decorated in and powerless, the iron-willed westerner who 24-karat gold. wouldn’t back down. Caliber: .45 LC " Barrel Length: 19” Now, America Remembers, with authorization from John Wayne UNDER ATTACK Enterprises, LLC proudly announces ©Frank McCarthy, ©The Greenwich Workshop, Inc. the John Wayne Tribute Rifle, a handsomely decorated firearm issued in remembrance and tribute to this distinguished American and legendary Western film star. To honor America’s favorite Western movie star, we selected the classic Model ‘73 rifle, arguably America’s most famous Western rifle. Often called “the rifle that won the West,” the Model ‘73 has been admired for decades as an engineering landmark, representing light-weight utility and long-ranged power. The rugged lever action proved simple to operate and offered quick and plentiful firepower. Since its days of action on the Western frontier, the Model ‘73 has become a classic – widely desired and highly collectible. Each John Wayne Tribute Rifle is a handsome The right side of the receiver features a scene familiar to every fan of working recreation of the immortal Winchester Model 1873 Western classics. In it, John Wayne leads the U.S. Cavalry through the buttes rifle produced for us by the master craftsmen of A. Uberti, and dry gullies of desolate Monument Valley. Above the scene flies a banner the world’s premier maker of historical firearms recreations. that reads “John Wayne.” Every metal surface of the John Wayne Tribute Rifle is finished in a mirror-polished, lustrous deep blue by craftsmen commissioned for this project by America Remembers. The receiver features artwork in 24-karat gold and scrollwork in the tradition of the finest presentation firearms. Only 3500 John Wayne Tribute Rifles have been authorized for this edition and demand is expected to be very strong. Reservations will be accepted in the order they are received. We will arrange delivery of your working Tribute through a licensed dealer of your choice. If for any reason you are less than satisfied, you may return the Tribute in original unfired Left side of the receiver features John Wayne as a wagon train scout, leading settlers and a cavalry condition within 30 escort through Apache territory. This scene was taken from the painting, “Under Attack,” by famed days for a complete Western artist Frank McCarthy. And if you look closely, you will see a rifle in John Wayne’s right hand! and courteous Handsome scrollwork in the tradition of the finest firearms frames the artwork, with all artwork being refund. Act today featured in stunning 24-karat gold. to secure your ,DUKE and THE DUKE are the exclusive trademarks of, and the John Wayne name, image, likeness and JOHN WAYNE, own Tribute voice, and all other related indicia are the intellectual property of, John Wayne Enterprises, LLC. © 201- John Wayne Enterprises, LLC. before the All Rights Reserved. www.johnwayne.com edition I wish to reserve ____ of the “John Wayne Tribute Rifle” closes. at the current issue price of $2495.* My deposit of $195 per Tribute Rifle is enclosed. I wish to pay the Name balance at the rate of $100 per month, with no interest Address or carrying charges. Certificate of Authenticity included. City/State/Zip Thirty-day return privilege.

*All orders are subject to acceptance and credit verification prior to shipment. Shipping and handling will be added to each order. Virginia residents please add sales tax.

Check enclosed for $ Charge payment of $ VISA No.

MasterCard

to: AMEX

Telephone (

)

America Remembers®

. Discover Exp.

10226 Timber Ridge Drive ★ Ashland, Virginia 23005 www.americaremembers.com To place your reservation toll-free call 1-800-682-2291

©AHL, Inc.

NRA PUBLICATIONS OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

Wayne R. LaPierre, Executive Vice President

official journal

correspondence

reports

technical

The Armed Citizen . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Special Reports Standing Guard .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. President’s Column .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Political Report .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Carry Guard Expo . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ILA Report .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Regional Report/Member Info & Benefits .. .. Programs & Services .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..

EDITORIAL

12 14 16 42 84 86 88

The Keefe Report .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 8 Readers Write .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 22 Favorite Firearms. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 41 News & Notes .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 24 Products & Projects .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 31 Handloads: .17 Hornet . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 39 Questions & Answers . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 40 Two Wars, Different Trenches?

From The Bench .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 74 Winchester Long Beard XR 20 Gauge

Dope Bag .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 78 Ruger GP100 Seven Shot .357 Mag. Revolver Weatherby Vanguard Modular Chassis .308 Win. Rifle Franchi Affinity 3 12-Ga. Shotgun

I Have This Old Gun .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 100 FN Browning Model 1922

THE COVER: Ruger has a Precision Rimfire. Yes, you read that right. Chambered in .22 Long Rifle, it not only has a free-floated barrel and accepts 10/22 magazines, but it has a fully adjustable stock. Topping the affordable, accurate rifle is a 30-m.o.a. rail and Bushnell’s new Nitro 2.5-10X 44 mm riflescope in Weaver rings. For more, turn to Field Editor B. Gil Horman’s report beginning on p. 50. Design by David J. Labrozzi. Photo by Forrest MacCormack.

EXTRAORDINARY M1911 S FROM LES BAER September 2018

The World’s Oldest And Largest Firearm Authority

Printed in the United States of America

John R. Zent Editorial Director Mark A. Keefe, IV Editor In Chief Brian C. Sheetz Senior Executive Editor Ann Y. Smith Senior Executive Editor, Digital Joe Kurtenbach Executive Editor Kelly Young Managing Editor Christopher Olsen Assistant Editor Kristen Voss Assistant Editor, Digital Maureen A. Denfeld Editorial Assistant Bruce N. Canfield, Aaron Carter, Wiley Clapp, Rick Hacker, B. Gil Horman, Jeff Johnston, Jeremiah Knupp, Jim Wilson Field Editors Larry Quandahl Firearms Inventory Manager

ART

Susan K. Kilday Creative Director David J. Labrozzi Art Director Karen Haefs Assistant Art Director Peter Fountain Photography Director Forrest MacCormack Photographer Jesse Snyder Associate Photographer American Rifleman (ISSN 0003-083X) is published monthly by the National Rifle Association of America, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030-9400, (703) 267-1000, for the benefit of its members. Membership dues (U.S. and possessions) $45 a year, $100 for 3 years, $150 for 5 years. $3.75 per year is designated for a magazine subscription. For foreign postage add $5 a year in Canada and $10 elsewhere. For membership inquiries only, call (877) 672-2000. Copyright 2018, the National Rifle Association of America. All rights reserved except where expressly waived. Periodicals Postage paid at Fairfax, VA, and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to American Rifleman, c/o National Rifle Association, P.O. Box 420648, Palm Coast, FL 32142-0648. TO CHANGE YOUR ADDRESS or to report a damaged or undelivered magazine, write: American Rifleman, c/o National Rifle Association, P.O. Box 420648, Palm Coast, FL 32142-0648. Or to make changes to your account online go to: NRAmemberservices.org. Do not return damaged copies. Change of address should include both new address and a mailing label bearing the old one. In case of duplication send both labels.

RUGER’S PRECISION

RIMFIRE

Official Journal of the National Rifle Association AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

R1809_Z_COVER.indd 1

Doug Hamlin Executive Director Evelyn Q. Kessler Deputy Executive Director Marshall J. Flemion Managing Director, Integrated Marketing Terri A. Wolfe Executive Assistant Rachel Carr Sales & Fiscal Assistant

7/10/18 9:19 AM

DPMS-GII.COM A

GII

INNOVATION

A HARRIS BI-POD

B DUAL EJECTORS REDUCE EJECTOR SPRING FATIGUE, MINIMIZE THE LIKELIHOOD OF A FAILED EJECTION.

EVERY ADVANTAGE.

ZERO QUIT.

A REVOLUTION IN .308 MSR RELIABILITY The DPMS GII’s superior system of extraction and ejection cycles flawlessly, and easily outperforms every competitor in its class.

SEE THE ADVANTAGES FOR YOURSELF AT DPMS-GII.COM

C FAIL-PROOF

EXTRACTION & ELASTOMER EXTRACTOR SPRING

GII SASS 18" 10.5 lbs.

FLAWLESSLY CYCLES THOUSANDS OF ROUNDS WITHOUT FATIGUE, BREAKAGE OR FAILURE.

D MAGPUL® PRS STOCK

GII RECON 16" 8.5 lbs. D

EVERY ADVANTAGE

NRA PUBLICATIONS PUBLISHING OPERATIONS

Designer Colt: The Trython The Trython—part Python, part Trooper—is an interesting twist on two renowned Colt wheelguns. Learn how Field Editor Wiley Clapp built these modern hybrid revolvers from classic Colt parts at americanrifleman.org/trython. New ARTV Episodes We are busily loading 120 individual “Rifleman Review,” “I Have This Old Gun” and feature segments from the 2016 and 2017 seasons of American Rifleman TV to our website. There are too many titles to list here, but you can find them at americanrifleman.org/artv. The M1 Carbine In Vietnam Go to americanrifleman.org/m1vietnam for more on how this unique little American rifle captured the attention of U.S. troops deployed to Southeast Asia during the 1960s.

Tune in Wednesday nights to the Outdoor Channel for the best firearm show on television. Now in its 16th year, American Rifleman TV brings you a Feature, a “Rifleman Review” and an “I Have This Old Gun” segment in each show. To preview upcoming episodes, visit americanrifleman.org.

Deer Rifles During “Deer Week” August 29 The Rock River Arms Story; Remington Model 870 DM Pump-Action In 12 Gauge; Russian SKS Carbine

September 5 Over There! Alvin York, American Rifleman; Taurus Spectrum Pistol In .380 ACP; Argentine FM FAP (High Power) Pistol

September 12 Over There! Soldiers, But Not Equal—African-Americans In World War I; Smith & Wesson M&P380 Shield EZ Pistol In .380 ACP; Norwegian Model 1914 Pistol

September 19 The Evolution Of The Deer Rifle; EAA Neo Shotgun In 12 Gauge: Winchester Model 94

Michael J. Sanford Managing Director, Publishing Operations Michelle E. Kuntz Director, Production James C. Handlon Director, Marketing/Advertising Debra Oliveri Senior Production Coordinator Adam Wilson Production Coordinator Samantha Brown Senior Advertising Coordinator Cheryl Doden Senior Accounts Receivable Coordinator Director, Eastern Sales Tony Morrison (860) 767-9801 NE Sales Office Manager Alycia Clemons 860-767-9801 Southeast Sales Executive Stan Yates (850) 619-8148 Eastern Sales Executive Rachelle Trout (910) 262-0913 Northeast Sales Executive J. P. Carter (980) 229-3493 Detroit Advertising Sales Ken Glowacki (703) 267-1300 Director, Western Sales Courtney Olson (703) 267-1300 Western Sales Executive James O’Neill (703) 267-1300 Midwest Sales Executive Tim Hamill (703) 267-1300 Western Direct Sales Executive Debbie O’Connell (805) 501-9138 www.nramediakit.com DIGITAL OPERATIONS Michael Pedersen Director, Digital Operations Tom Rickwalder Senior Digital Producer Steve Dulco Digital Producer Carolyn Raithel Digital Advertising Trafficker MEMBERSHIP INQUIRES: (877) 672-2000 WARNING: All technical data in this publication, especially for handloading, reflect the limited experience of individuals using specific tools, products, equipment and components under specific conditions and circumstances not necessarily reported in the article and over which the National Rifle Association (NRA) has no control. The data have not otherwise been tested or verified by the NRA. The NRA, its agents, officers and employees accept no responsibility for the results obtained by persons using such data and disclaim all liability for any consequential injuries or damages. See asterisked (*). * NO ADVERTISED ITEM IS INTENDED FOR SALE IN THOSE STATES, OR IN THOSE AREAS WHERE LOCAL RESTRICTIONS MAY LIMIT OR PROHIBIT THE PURCHASE, CARRYING OR USE OF CERTAIN ITEMS. CHECK LOCAL LAWS BEFORE PURCHASING. MENTION OF A PRODUCT OR SERVICE IN ADVERTISEMENTS OR TEXT DOES NOT NECESSARILY MEAN THAT IT HAS BEEN TESTED OR APPROVED BY THE NRA. OFFICIAL NRA POSITIONS ARE EXPRESSED ONLY IN STATEMENTS BYLINED BY NRA OFFICERS OR IN ARTICLES IDENTIFIED AS SUCH. THE EDITORS ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR UNSOLICITED MANUSCRIPTS OR PHOTOGRAPHS.

The New Audit Bureau of Circulations

MATT

.25" COMB .7 5 " L o P

SCOTT

.125" COMB 1" L o P

MEGAN

.25" Comb Height

.625" COMB .5" LoP

.75" Length of Pull

MODEL 110 WITH ACCUFIT™ Get perfect cheek-to-stock contact with interchangeable comb risers and length of pull inserts for consistent accuracy. Unlock your shooting potential with AccuFit™— only from Savage. FIND YOUR PERFECT FIT TODAY AT » SAVAGEARMS.COM

9 mm to .45 ACP universal pistol mag loader ine !

s onl

iew r rev

Loads all mags: Glock, SIG, HK, FN Beretta, Colt, CZ, Ruger,S&W, Walther, Kimber, STI, etc...

p/n UP60B

All products are patented and trademarked by maglula Ltd., Israel

5-sta ,000 6 1 r Ove

Available in six colors

World’s best selling magazine loaders !

Ask your local dealer

maglula

maglula.com

Over thirty professional pistol & rifle mag loaders - Made in Israel

Ltd.

Since 2001

THE KEEFE REPORT Photo courtesy of Armor Plate Press

UpLULA

ecently, I was fortunate enough to spend some time with one of the finest shooters of all time, Rob Leatham, nicknamed “The Great One” due to the vast number of national, international and, now, senior championships he has won. Rob, a friend for years, if not decades, was accompanied by a contingent from Springfield Armory for a presentation on the company’s new 9 mm Luger XD-S Mod.2 pistol. While a full review on the gun will be forthcoming, there is a video from our first look at the gun at americanrifleman.org/xdsmod2. While the cameras were still rolling, Rob and I entered into a discussion on carry guns. You see, Rob does more than train elite police and military forces around the world and heft big silver urns over his head. No, he is a man who carries a gun every day for his own personal selfdefense—he is one of more than 14.5 million Americans with a concealed carry permit. Without a doubt, the XD-S Mod.2 in 9 mm Luger will be one of the prime contenders, in a still very active market, for armed citizens seeking a concealment handgun. Despite what industry insiders describe as an overall “soft” market, sales of semi-automatic pistols suitable for concealed carry remain strong. Guns such as the SIG Sauer P365 and the Glock 43 are constantly at the top of the sales tally in this category of small, yet perhaps not too small, compact 9 mm Luger polymerframe pistols that are about 1" wide, under 6" long and under 4½" tall. Interest in carrying a concealed firearm for personal protection is not limited to the hardware. Last year I was fortunate to attend the first NRA Carry Guard Expo, and I look forward to attending this year, Sept. 14-16 in Richmond, Va. The name is somewhat misleading, as it’s not just about concealed carry. The show’s exhibitors include gun and holster makers as you’d expect, but there are also accessory makers and those that offer products of interest to citizens determined to protect their homes, themselves and their loved ones. SEPTEMBER 2018

To learn more about the Expo, go to nracarryguardexpo.com and turn to p. 42 for the article written by Shooting Illustrated’s Evan Brune. The exhibit hall is worth attending, but it is the seminars, the quality and quantity of which I have never seen elsewhere, that strike me as the events not to be missed. Topics include how concealed carriers should interact with law enforcement, armorer’s courses, tips for the aging defender and even seminars put on by NRA-ILA about what you can do to protect freedom in the next election. American Rifleman will also be presenting the results of the Ladies Pistol Project, now in its third phase, in which 66 women fired 26 guns. The results will be reported in a future article, but there will also be a seminar at the NRA Carry Guard Expo by the ladies who actually conducted the project, Rifleman’s Ann Y. Smith, and Worth-A-Shot gun store owners Donna Worthy and Casey Jackson. As I was talking with Rob about the compromises involved in a carry gun (americanrifleman.org/leatham), including magazine capacity, cartridge size and shootability, I half-jokingly suggested that if I had to go to a gun fight I would take a Model of 1918 Browning Automatic Rifle. (Truthfully, I believe I would just decline the invitation.) But if you’d like to know more about why M1918 BAR was a gamechanger in the trenches of France during World War I and is still respected to this very day, I suggest you turn to the article by Field Editor Bruce N. Canfield beginning on p. 70. Sincerely,

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

SUPPRESSOR-HEIGHT NIGHT SIGHTS FOR CO-WITNESSING FN LOW-PROFILE OPTICS-MOUNTING SYSTEM™

100% COMPATIBLE WITH MOST RED-DOT OPTICS

O-RING RETENTION PREVENTS LOST THREAD-PROTECTOR CAP

24- AND 17-ROUND MAGAZINES

SET YOUR SIGHTS ON THE FN 509® TACTICAL. Introducing compatibility of the highest caliber:the new FN 509® Tactical. It features the firearm industry’s most compatible, patent-pending, Red-Dot Optics-Mounting system to date, giving you a seamless fit and the ability to co-witness with most optics systems. No milling required. Whether you’re protecting the battlefront or your home front, it truly carries on the heritage of the world’s most battle-proven firearms.®

THE WORLD’S MOST BATTLE-PROVEN FIREARMS.®

THE ARMED CITIZEN

O IF YOU HAVE A FIRSTHAND “ARMED CITIZEN” EXPERIENCE, CALL NRA-ILA PR/ COMMUNICATIONS AT (703) 267-3820. Studies indicate that firearms are used more than 2 million times a year for personal protection, and that the presence of a firearm, without a shot being fired, prevents crime in many instances. Shooting usually can be justified only where crime constitutes an immediate, imminent threat to life, limb, or, in some cases, property. Anyone is free to quote or reproduce these accounts. Send clippings via e-mail to armedcitizen@nrahq.org, or by mail to “The Armed Citizen,” 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 220309400. For bonus features, visit “The Armed Citizen Blog” at americanrifleman.org. Share this column online at nrapublications.org.

n Father's Day, a day when men spend quality time with their families, a pastor was required to defend his loved ones—and others—with a gun. The father acted after a man was wreaking havoc in the area. The armed citizen was in line at a Walmart near Olympia, Wash., when he heard gunshots coming from outside. He said he recognized the sound as gunshots because he had gone through active-shooter training and carries concealed. The troublemaker was attempting to carjack a vehicle and had shot the driver twice. That was when the pastor started to close in on the suspect. Once he was within range, he fired. After the gunman fell out of the car, the pastor made sure he was no longer a threat and started administering first aid. “I carry a firearm for the same reason that I carry a first aid bag, hoping never to have to use them, but always being prepared, nonetheless,” the armed citizen said. That Sunday, he used both. (mwnewsnetwork.org, Olympia, Wash., 6/20/18)

n the sleepy town of Bywy, Miss., a teen was faced with a life-or-death situation. The boy was home alone when an uncle, armed with a hatchet, threatened the teen's life. The 16-year-old used a hunting rifle to protect himself, shooting his uncle in the chest and killing the man. “My son defended himself,” the teen’s mother said. “It could have been the other way around. It could have been my son [that] ... I’m picking up and having to bury, but it wasn’t.” The youth is not being charged as the investigation revealed he fired in self-defense. The boy’s mother said this was not the first time the uncle had acted in a menacing manner toward her family—but it was the last. (wcbi.com, Jackson, Miss., 5/30/18)

wo armed men who targeted the home of an 84-year-old in Ohio probably thought the victim would let them do what they wanted and leave. Instead, after one of the interlopers shot the homeowner in his side, the wounded resident grabbed a gun and exchanged gunfire with the culprits. It was unclear if either of the robbers was hit, but having a gun at hand saved the 84-yearold and his grandson, who had crawled out a window onto the roof to protect himself. (WXIX, Silverton, Ohio, 6/11/18)

riminals who are hellbent on causing trouble typically don't care if someone innocent gets dragged into the fray, but when a law-abiding citizen has a gun, it can help end a thug's evil intent. A would-be thief at a Massachusetts grocery store used a large knife to hold a customer hostage while he robbed the store. A clerk had a personal firearm and shot the perpetrator three times, prompting him to drop the knife and try to flee. The wounded man was later taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. (WHDH, Worcester, Mass., 5/29/18)

SEPTEMBER 2018

Tennessee teen who was invited to a friend’s house for a sleepover apparently decided he wanted to sleep with his friend’s mother—and not in a consensual way. When he allegedly entered the mother’s bedroom and tried to force himself on her, she responded by kneeing him in the groin, pulling a gun, aiming at his face and telling him to get out. He listened. The 18-year-old faces sexual assault charges. (Lexington Herald-Leader, Lexington, Ky., 6/5/18)

hy would a stranger break into a home and start beating a pre-teen? Perhaps the better question is, what did he expect to happen afterward? A man in South Carolina discovered the answer to the second question the hard way. The boy’s father, hearing a commotion in the middle of the night, entered his son’s bedroom with a gun at the ready. The armed citizen held the intruder at gunpoint until the authorities, alerted to the break-in by a security system, arrived. The intruder appeared to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs—which could well be an answer to the first question. (wach.com, Columbia, S.C., 5/29/18)

n employee at a pizza restaurant in Florida used a personal firearm to save his life late one night, successfully stopping someone who ambushed him after the store closed. The bad actor, in a clown mask, allegedly started to beat the employee with a piece of wood, sending the worker sprawling to the ground. “Even though he was being attacked, he’s able to pull out a concealed firearm he has and fires multiple rounds at the suspect,” the police told a news reporter in Orlando. The employee then stowed his gun safely and called 911. (foxnews.com, Orlando, Fla., 5/28/18)

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

EDC

NOW STANDS FOR

EVERYDAY CHOICES

The Ruger® EC9s™ comes with no gimmicks, rebates or mail-in offers for gift cards... just the rugged, reliability of the striker-fired LC9s®, now with integral sights and a no-hassle price point that won’t break the bank. The Ruger® Security-9® is an affordable, rugged, mid-sized pistol that provides everyday security in the perfect caliber, size and price point.

WHY CHOOSE BETWEEN THEM WHEN YOU CAN HAVE BOTH?

RUGER.COM

STANDING GUARD

News Flash: Punishing Gun Crimes is Bad, per The New York Times

T By Wayne LaPierre

Executive Vice President

“THESE ELITISTS HAVE SHOWN THEIR TRUE INTENT. THEY DON'T CARE ABOUT ENFORCING EXISTING FEDERAL GUN LAWS. THEY JUST WANT MORE LAWS.”

Like us on Facebook at the National Rifle Association. For related articles, go to nrapublications.org.

he New York Times apparently does not understand what farmers and ranchers know: If you want to protect your land, you have to remove the coyotes. And most Americans understand that if you want to protect your neighborhoods, you have to remove those people who prey upon the innocent. That’s just plain common sense—the kind NRA members have been clamoring for, the kind every law enforcement officer on the beat understands. We get it. The New York Times does not. The Times recently published an article that was critical of Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Justice Department efforts to enforce existing federal gun laws to punish firearm offenders as harshly and quickly as possible. The article noted a 15 percent increase in all federal gun prosecutions in the first nine months of 2017, but then used anonymous sources to argue that this aggressive approach to enforce existing law might “be used to sap energy from further legislative or regulatory efforts to combat gun violence, like regulating assault weapons or increasing background check requirements.” While J. Thomas Manger, president of the Major Cities Chiefs Association agreed that, “The bad guys have a real fear of federal prosecutions versus state prosecutions,” he also said, “We certainly are hoping for some additional legislative fixes by Congress.” The Times pushed its agenda further, to the point of an almost unimaginable position by including comments from Inimai Chettier, director of the justice program at New York University’s Brennan Center for Justice. “Enforcement isn’t always the solution to those different types of [gun] crimes,” Chettier said. “The result might be to increase the federal prison population without a correlating reduction in crime.” If you follow that logic, what’s the point of even having federal gun laws? Sessions put it best when he said, “It’s not good if we’ve got gun laws that say criminals can’t carry guns and they never get enforced.” Sessions gets it. If you use the federal gun laws to get felons with guns off the streets, if you enforce the law to remove the coyotes, our communities are safer. For absolute evidence of that, all you have to do is go back to 1997. That year, a federal prosecutor in Richmond, Va., launched a program to prosecute under federal law every felon, drug dealer and violent criminal caught carrying an illegal firearm. The program was named “Project Exile,” because federal SEPTEMBER 2018

sentencing sent the bad guys out of state to a federal prison for an extended period of mandatory time. The NRA was an early and ardent supporter of the program, and its results were remarkable. Within its first year: ■ 327 people were indicted in Richmond for federal gun violations; ■ 440 illegally possessed firearms were taken off the streets; ■ 300 persons were arrested or held in state custody; ■ 222 arrestees (more than 74 percent) were held without bond; ■ 247 criminals were convicted; and ■ 96 criminals were sentenced to an average of 55 months of imprisonment. During the first full year of “Project Exile” (1998), homicides in Richmond declined 33 percent, the lowest since 1987, and armed robberies dropped 30 percent. In 1999, homicides dropped another 21 percent. By 2007, homicides in Richmond were reduced by more than half of what they were in the year before the program was implemented. Even as rank-and-file law enforcement officials joined the NRA in efforts to expand the program, the Clinton administration denigrated it. Eric Holder, who served at the time as President Bill Clinton’s Deputy Attorney General, called it a “cookie-cutter” approach to fighting crime and “Project Exile” was essentially watered down and phased out. Now, under the Trump administration, Sessions is helping law enforcement and federal prosecutors go after repeat, violent felons who carry illegal guns, and they’re getting them out of American neighborhoods. But that doesn’t fit the anti-Second Amendment agenda of The New York Times and the rest of the media and political elites, so they’re all singing the same old “cookiecutter” song criticizing the Trump administration for “low-level” prosecutions. These elitists have shown their true intent. They don’t care about enforcing existing federal gun laws. They just want more laws. That makes no sense, and NRA members and the majority of Americans agree. We are the good guys. Enforce the laws against the violent bad guys, remove the violent criminals with guns and gang members with guns and drug dealers with guns from our streets—and leave our freedom alone!

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

WHETHER YOU’RE DEFENDING FREEDOM OR ENJOYING IT,

OUR OPTICS ARE READY FOR ANYTHING.

Trijicon MRO® What we’ve learned from decades of deployment with America’s greatest fighting forces, we’ve put back into our technology for America’s greatest shooters. For example, the MRO® is engineered with many of the same innovations as the battle-tested ACOG®—in a compact housing. 2 MOA RED DOT

• • • • • •

Large viewing area for faster target acquisition and no tube effect Multi-coated, superior quality glass lenses for outstanding clarity Fully sealed, tough-as-nails, aluminum housing Eight adjustable brightness settings, including two night vision settings Sub-flush adjusters to maintain zero and prevent accidental adjustment Now available: NEW Trijicon MRO® Green Dot

Upgrade your optics at Trijicon.com/MRO. MADE IN THE U.S.A.

NEW2!MOA GREEN DOT

PRESIDENT’S COLUMN

As Children Head Back to Class, NRA School Shield Stands Ready Editor’s Note: This month, we’re pleased to feature a guest column by Second Vice President—and soon to be NRA’s new president—LtCol Oliver L. North, USMC (Ret.)

LtCol Oliver L. North USMC (Ret.) Second Vice President

NRA OFFICERS Carolyn D. Meadows Interim President Richard Childress First Vice President Oliver L. North Second Vice President Wayne LaPierre Executive Vice President John Frazer Secretary Wilson H. Phillips Jr. Treasurer Josh Powell Executive Director, General Operations Christopher W. Cox Executive Director,

Institute For Legislative Action

For news about your NRA, visit: nra.org and nranews.com Share this column online at nrapublications.org.

s the calendar turns to September, American families are focused on getting children “back to school.” Notebooks, backpacks and new wardrobes are all needed. Kids and parents are adjusting their schedules. It’s all about school. My wife, Betsy, and I raised four children and are blessed with 17 grandchildren. Though I spent much of my life on the “Front Lines of Freedom” as a U.S. Marine, I know what the “front line” of “back to school” looks like. But as our children head back to the classroom, millions of American parents are worried about the safety of their children. For them, the “front line” is school security. There are more than 130,000 public and private schools in the United States. Recent surveys indicate that 65 percent of those schools have recorded one or more incidents of violent criminal behavior. Yet our banks, airports, office buildings and sports stadiums are more secure from attack than our schools. It’s unconscionable that our most precious resource—our children—aren’t better protected. Even the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., is reportedly considering extra security to protect its resident animals and guests. Are our schools and our children less important than zoos? Surely, every NRA member agrees that protecting our children in their classrooms ought to be a national imperative. Our NRA Executive Vice President and CEO, Wayne LaPierre, has been talking about protecting our children for years and wrote about this in his column last month. As incoming NRA President, I’m fully committed to the mission of safeguarding our schools and saving our children from the mayhem of madmen bent on senseless murder. That is why the NRA launched the NRA School Shield program six years ago, the singular purpose of which is to protect schoolchildren in their learning environment. I urge you to take a few moments and visit nationalschoolshield.org to learn more about this effort. I also encourage you to join the thousands of NRA members whose contributions assist schools nationwide. Any American school that needs help designing its own specific security solutions should contact NRA School Shield. Our expert assistance is absolutely free, thanks to generous donations to the NRA Foundation, SEPTEMBER 2018

which funnels money to the NRA School Shield program. That’s right. Thanks to NRA members who care about protecting our schoolchildren, NRA School Shield assistance is offered free of charge. No other political group, media conglomerate or the Hollywood crowd has ever offered anything like this. Evil walks among us. That stark reality is one reason NRA members so fervently treasure the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms to defend ourselves and our families. We will never waver from our fight to protect our constitutional freedom and safeguard our children. The NRA School Shield program engages communities and empowers local leaders to make our schools safer. Schools and districts nationwide have received NRA School Shield grants for pragmatic, effective security solutions. These grants are critical because so many schools report inadequate funding as the reason for not enhancing security. As an NRA member, be proud that your NRA Foundation is raising funds essential to enhancing school security and helping keep our kids safe. Of course, you won’t hear much about this program in the national news media as it doesn’t fit their agenda of demonizing the NRA and the freedom for which we all fight. If the masters of the so-called mainstream media had their way, the Second Amendment would be obliterated and we would all be disarmed. But if disarming American citizens leads to greater safety and security, then let’s remove armed security from Congress, Hollywood, our banks, office buildings and sports venues. My point is this—if those institutions and people deserve protection, don’t our own children deserve at least that much safety? Of course they do. The Second Amendment safeguards our individual freedom to protect our lives, homes and families. When we stand and fight for that freedom, we do so for all Americans. If you have a child or grandchild in an unprotected school, ask the principal, superintendent or school board to contact NRA School Shield today. Nothing is more important. Semper Fidelis,

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

THE NEW CRIMSON TRACE CMR-208 RAIL MASTER PUTS OVER 400 LUMENS OF WHITE LIGHT UNDER THE BARREL OF ANY RAIL-EQUIPPED PISTOL. EXPERIENCE THE POWER THAT INCREASED ILLUMINATION CAN PROVIDE TO YOUR DEFENSIVE FIREARM. FROM THE BRAND THAT YOU TRUST FOR PERSONAL PROTECTION OPTICS.

CRIMSONTRACE.COM

800-442-2406

POLITICAL REPORT

To Uphold Heller, We Need Kavanaugh on the Supreme Court

O By Chris W. Cox NRA-ILA Executive Director

YOUR MEMBERSHIP DUES ARE NOT ENOUGH. If you want to DEFEND your right to own and carry a firearm … If your FREEDOM to hunt and shoot is important to you … Then you need to SUPPORT the NRA Institute for Legislative Action. We are the only arm of NRA specifically charged with defending your Second Amendment freedoms on Capitol Hill, and in state legislatures and courtrooms across America. Visit nraila.org/donate to support NRA-ILA today!

NRA-ILA: (800) 392-8683 NRA-ILA website: nraila.org For related articles, go to nrapublications.org.

n May 20, 2016, candidate Donald Trump told the NRA members gathered at the NRA-ILA Leadership Forum in Louisville, Ky., “I will never let you down, I will protect the Second Amendment.” At that moment, the president’s power to nominate U.S. Supreme Court justices was forefront in the minds of NRA members. With the nomination of U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh to replace the retiring Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, now-President Trump continues to live up to his promise. All gun owners owe Kennedy a measure of gratitude. In 2008, Kennedy provided a crucial fifth vote for Justice Antonin Scalia’s majority opinion in the case District of Columbia v. Heller, and in 2010 he sided with the majority in McDonald v. Chicago. The Heller case recognized that the Second Amendment protects an individual right to keep and bear arms, and McDonald incorporated that right to the states. However, since those decisions, the Supreme Court’s willingness to address restrictions that violate the Second Amendment has stagnated. This has allowed many of the lower courts and state and local legislators to flout the clear intent of these landmark decisions. Several members of the Supreme Court have expressed their frustration on this topic. In 2015, Scalia joined Justice Clarence Thomas’ dissent from the denial of certiorari in Friedman v. Highland Park, a case challenging a local ban on commonly owned semi-automatic firearms. In a 2016 concurrence to a per curiam decision in Caetano v. Massachusetts addressing the Massachusetts Supreme Court’s willful misapplication of Heller, Justice Samuel Alito implored the court to take action to defend its Second Amendment precedents. In 2017, Justice Neil Gorsuch joined Thomas’ dissent from the denial of certiorari in Peruta v. California, a case challenging California’s discretionary carry licensing scheme. As a judge on the D.C. Circuit, Kavanaugh demonstrated his deep understanding of the Heller decision in a dissent in the 2011 case Heller v. District of Columbia (Heller II), a challenge to D.C.’s ban on commonly owned semiautomatic rifles and gun-registration regime. In many Second Amendment cases, the lower courts have opted to analyze firearm restrictions using tiered balancing tests, weighing the government’s interests against the right to keep and bear arms. While some might claim to faithfully apply such tests, SEPTEMBER 2018

those tests have frequently been used to thwart the intent of Heller. In truth, Heller demands that courts determine whether a firearm restriction is “longstanding,” and in the case of gun bans, whether the firearm is “in common use.” In Heller II, Kavanaugh pointed out that Heller requires courts to “assess gun bans and regulations based on text, history and tradition.” Kavanaugh explained that the Second Amendment protects “weapons that have not traditionally been banned and are in common use by law-abiding citizens,” and that semi-automatic rifles are therefore protected. On registration, Kavanaugh noted, “[b]ecause most of the Nation has never required—and even now does not require—registration of all lawfully possessed firearms, D.C.’s strict registration law is not ‘longstanding’” and therefore, “violates the Second Amendment as construed by the Supreme Court.” The NRA’s opponents are upset with Kavanaugh’s firm and clear application of the Heller decision, and are intent on obstructing his confirmation. For following Supreme Court precedent, Michael Bloomberg’s Everytown claimed Kavanaugh holds a “dangerous view of the Second Amendment,” Giffords labeled Kavanaugh a “radical,” and the Brady Campaign vowed to “fight this nomination tooth and nail.” Ignoring the plain language of Heller, and Scalia’s subsequent actions in Friedman, Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., erroneously declared that Kavanaugh’s opposition to “assault weapon bans” was “far to the right of even the late Justice Scalia.” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has told the press that he will “oppose [Kavanaugh] with everything I’ve got.” Further, with a one-vote Republican majority in the Senate, Kavanaugh’s supporters have no margin for error. That is why it is imperative that you contact your senators to let them know that you support Trump’s nomination of Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. Moreover, as leaders in the fight for freedom, it is incumbent upon us to encourage our like-minded friends and family members to do the same. NRA members played an integral role in putting Trump in position to make this crucial nomination. The active support of NRA members is just as vital to ensuring we seize this historic opportunity. For information on how to you can help, visit nraila.org.

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

No leather holster stands up to the strength of a BLACKHAWK! ®

HAND CRAFTED ITALIAN LEATHER

OVER 60 CUSTOM FITS

BUILT BE T TER

Find out more at blackhawk.com

ILA STORY

Pro-Gun Sen is Crucial to the Second T

he fate of our freedom hangs in the balance in this November’s elections for the U.S. Senate. The good news is that gun owners can once again make the difference in the fight for our rights. The bad news is that if we don’t—if we just sit on the sidelines and leave the battle to others—we will lose our rights for generations to come. If any gun owners question the importance of having a pro-gun majority in the U.S. Senate, one need only consider that Justice Neil Gorsuch now sits on the Supreme Court and anti-gun Judge Merrick Garland does not. Without a

WEST VIRGINIA

MISSOURI Sen. Claire McCaskill (D) is running for re-election, and this is a race where gun owners can absolutely make the difference. McCaskill is “F”-rated by the NRA’s Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF) and has proven to be an enemy of the Second Amendment. Her opponent will most likely be Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley (R). Hawley has earned an “A” from the NRA-PVF, is a strong advocate for the Constitution and has fought in the courts to protect our liberties. With such a stark contrast in candidates, the choice for Missouri gun owners this November is clear.

In 2012, Joe Manchin promised West Virginia NRA members and gun owners that he would strongly support their Second Amendment rights. Unfortunately, he has not kept his word. Challenging Manchin is Attorney General Patrick Morrisey (R), a solid supporter of our right to keep and bear arms. Morrisey has signed legal briefs strongly supporting the Second Amendment, greatly expanded reciprocity agreements for holders of carry permits and stated his support for the constitutional carry legislation that became law in his state. West Virginia gun owners deserve an honest, consistent Second Amendment supporter in the U.S. Senate. SEPTEMBER 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

OHIO Incumbent Sen. Sherrod Brown (D) is one of the most anti-gun politicians in Washington, D.C. He has voted against our rights time and again. His opponent, Rep. Jim Renacci (R), has earned an “A” rating from the NRA-PVF. Renacci has served in the U.S. House of Representatives for four terms, during which he has demonstrated his support for our Second Amendment rights. Replacing Brown with Renacci would be a major victory for gun owners.

By Chris W. Cox

doubt, the impact of a pro-freedom Supreme Court cannot be over-emphasized. And the only way to maintain and expand the number of justices who respect the Second Amendment is with a pro-freedom Senate. But in addition to the Supreme Court, much more is at stake in the make-up of the Senate. First and foremost, a loss for pro-gun incumbents and challengers means that Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., would be the majority leader. And as we all know, Schumer has made a career of fighting to eliminate our fundamental right to keep and bear arms. Additionally, we would lose key chairmanships

MONTANA

INDIANA In Indiana, NRA members and gun owners have a choice between current U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly (D) and businessman Mike Braun (R). Unfortunately, Indiana NRA members and gun owners have not been able to count on Donnelly to fully support our Second Amendment rights. Braun, on the other hand, will be a strong vote for our constitutional freedoms, as demonstrated by his pro-gun voting record in the Indiana Legislature.

that are vital for gun owners. On the Judiciary Committee, we would exchange Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, a Second Amendment champion, for Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., a senator who is a sworn enemy of gun owners. With this much to lose, protecting our pro-gun majority must be a top priority in this election. Toward that goal, I am including information on a number of key races that gun owners can focus on this November. We will be providing additional information on other key Senate races in the coming weeks. These races will determine the future of the U.S. Senate and, with it, the future of our freedoms.

Another senator who has failed to keep his word to NRA members and lawabiding gun owners is Jon Tester (D) in Montana. Tester has opposed our rights, including voting for the confirmation of anti-gun Supreme Court Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan. In addition, he voted against Gorsuch. His opponent, former State Senate Majority Leader and State Auditor Matt Rosendale (R), is a true friend to Montana gun owners, so the choice in this race is clear.

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

SEPTEMBER 2018

Illustration by istockphoto.com/lukbar

nate Majority o Protecting Amendment

NRA-ILA Executive Director

TENNESSEE Tennessee gun owners can help to maintain a pro-gun majority in the U.S. Senate by supporting U.S Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R) in her bid to replace Sen. Bob Corker (R), who is retiring. Blackburn has a long history of supporting the Second Amendment, co-sponsoring national reciprocity legislation as well as legislation to remove antiquated and unnecessary restrictions on interstate firearm businesses. In contrast, her opponent, former Gov. Phil Bredesen (D), twice vetoed NRA-supported restaurant carry legislation and cannot be trusted to support our right to keep and bear arms.

s mentioned earlier, a number of races are still awaiting the results of primary elections, and we will update you on those in the coming weeks. In the majority of these races, there will be a clear choice between a strong pro-gun candidate and a demonstrated opponent of our rights. Just as in past elections, gun owners can be the grassroots force that protects our freedoms by helping

pro-gun candidates achieve victory in November. Please go to the NRAPVF website at nrapvf.org for crucial information and endorsements, so that you can take action to assist the pro-gun candidates in your area. Your efforts in this election will make the difference in keeping a pro-gun Senate majority and securing our rights.

PENNSYLVANIA This November, Pennsylvania gun owners will have a clear choice between anti-gun incumbent Sen. Bob Casey (D) and Rep. Lou Barletta (R). During his career in the Senate, Casey voted to ban commonly owned semi-automatic firearms and standard-capacity magazines. He supports further restrictions on lawful firearm transfers as well as raising the age to purchase certain firearms to 21 from 18. He also voted for anti-gun Supreme Court Justices Sotomayor and Kagan—and against Gorsuch. In contrast, Barletta voted for national reciprocity legislation, voted to end Obama’s anti-gun Operation Choke Point and co-sponsored legislation to remove antiquated and unnecessary restrictions on interstate firearm businesses. He is a strong supporter of our right to keep and bear arms. Pennsylvania gun owners have a clear choice in this Senate race.

NEBRASKA In Nebraska, Sen. Deb Fischer (R) faces challenger Jane Raybould (D). Raybould, a Lincoln city councilwoman, has stated her support for renewing the 1994 federal ban on commonly owned semi-automatic firearms. Fischer, on the other hand, has long demonstrated her support for the Second Amendment. While serving in the Nebraska state Senate, Fischer earned an “A+” from the NRA-PVF. Her support for our right to keep and bear arms has not wavered since being elected to the U.S. Senate in 2012. She has voted against banning commonly owned semi-automatic firearms and standard-capacity magazines and signed a letter opposing the anti-gun U.N. Arms Trade Treaty. Her re-election to the U.S. Senate is critical to defending and expanding our firearms freedom.

TEXAS

NEVADA

Texas is another state that could decide the fate of the pro-gun majority in the Senate. Sen. Ted Cruz (R) has earned his “A+” rating by being a champion for gun owners, while his opponent, Beto O’Rourke (D), has earned an “F” rating for opposing our rights. O’Rourke supports banning guns and magazines, imposing new restrictions on lawful firearm transfers and voted against national reciprocity. He has been a vocal critic of the NRA and our members. He would be a consistent vote against our constitutional freedoms. In contrast, Cruz has a proven record of supporting the rights of law-abiding gun owners. He has sponsored NRA-supported national reciprocity legislation, worked to fix problems with the National Criminal Instant Background Check System (NICS) and sponsored legislation that sought to end the Obama administration’s anti-gun Operation Choke Point. Cruz’s seat is one that anti-gun extremists would love to win. We can expect millions of dollars from those opposed to the Second Amendment to flow into the state. It is critical that progun Texans work to ensure that Cruz is re-elected to continue his strong defense of our rights.

SEPTEMBER 2018

In Nevada, Sen. Dean Heller (R) is a staunch defender of our right to keep and bear arms, which has earned him an “A” rating from the NRA-PVF. His opponent, Rep. Jacky Rosen (D), has earned an “F” rating. Rosen has made her opposition to the rights of law-abiding gun owners a key plank of her campaign, supporting a ban on commonly owned semiautomatic firearms and standard-capacity magazines and expanding restrictions on lawful firearm transfers. She has voted against legislation that would create national reciprocity for Right-to-Carry permits, showing her contempt for the right to self-defense. Heller, on the other hand, opposes gun bans and supports the right to self-defense. He stood with the NRA in support of Gorsuch’s confirmation to the U.S. Supreme Court. Nevada is a key swing state. If gun owners hope to keep a pro-gun majority in the U.S. Senate, it is critical to re-elect Heller. AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

WA LK S OF T LY.

YOU KNOW T H E REST. NE W REMI NGTON MOD EL 1911 R1 LIMITED DOU BLE STAC K . LPA fully adjustable match sights, for fast, accurate acquisition

Wide front and rear cocking serrations, for positive grip, Ài}>À`!iÃÃ #v w i!` V#$`%Ì%#$Ã

5” ramped, match-grade barrel, for superb accuracy

REMINGTON 1911 R1 WITH DOUBLE STACK MAGAZIN STACK MAGAZINEE

Adjustable matchgrade trigger, for added precision

SINGLE ST STACK ACK 1911 R1

DOUBLE STACK With a 16+1 capacity versus the standard 7+1, Ì&i w Ài«#ÜiÀ advantage is undeniable.

DOUBLE YOUR DOWNRANGE EFFECTIVENESS.

DOUBLE STACK CAPACITY 19+1 in 9MM 18+1 in 40 S&W 16+1 in 45 Auto

%LJ RQ Ɠ UHSRZHU DQG UHƓ QHG LQ LWV FUDIWVPDQVKLS WKH 0RGHO 5 'RXEOH 6WDFN KDV GRXEOH WKH FDSDFLW\ RI D VWDQGDUG ZLWK QH[W OHYHO DFFXUDF\ DQG SHUIRUPDQFH )HDWXUHV LQFOXGH D Ő UDPSHG PDWFK JUDGH EDUUHO DGMXVWDEOH PDWFK JUDGH WULJJHU ZLGH UHDU DQG IURQW FRFNLQJ VHUUDWLRQV DQG PRUH $OO EXLOW ZLWK DHURVSDFH SUHFLVLRQ ULJKW KHUH LQ WKH 8 6 $

A N E W E R A O F P R E C I S I O N.

REMINGTON.COM

READERS WRITE

COLLECTORS

Python Security

Once a neglected collecting category, Colt’s Python remains one of the hottest tickets today. Here is the half-century history of the “King of the Seven Serpents.” BY GURNEY BROWN

Originally paired with an Officer's ACP as part of a cased set, this .357 Mag. Double Diamond Edition Python has a bright stainless finish, a 6" barrel and is fitted with smooth rosewood target-style stocks with nickel-finished 150th Anniversary Rampant Colt medallions.

DOUBLE DIAMOND EDITION PYTHON SERIAL NO. DD001

n June 1955, Colt’s Mfg. Co.’s new masterpiece, the Python double-action revolver, was first shipped from the Hartford, Conn., factory, beginning a half-century of continuous production. Colt’s factory superinten superintendent, Adalbert (Al) Gunther, was heavily involved in the

made from existing parts and from raw steel, which was machined and welded as needed. The original prototype had a barrel length of 45⁄8", and the barrel rib was solid. That first gun took almost a month to complete, with some of Colt’s top foremen— Andy Perkins, Walter Sowinski and George Cramer—

Gurney Brown’s “A Colt’s Python Primer” (July 2018, p. 56), reminded me of a time I carried a Colt Python. In early 1965 I was in the Marine detachment at the U.S. Embassy in Saigon, Vietnam. I was appointed—along with three other Marines—as a member of the personal security unit (PSU) responsible for the safety and security of Ambassador Henry Cabot Lodge and Mrs. Lodge. Our first sidearms were whatever was available, usually S&W Victory models, and there were some 2"-barreled Colt and S&W revolvers. We were also issued Beretta M12 9 mm Luger submachine guns with 40-round magazines, usually carried in a briefcase. Eventually, in discussion with our leader, Leo Cramsey from the Dept. of State Diplomatic Security Service, we decided we should have more formidable arms, and the Dept. of State purchased six Colt Pythons for us. I can’t remember the exact barrel length, but it was the shortest available. These were fine guns, with good single- and double-action trigger pulls, and adjustable sights. Being qualified Marine riflemen, we could really appreciate those sights! The only modification some of us made was to break the edge of the right upper corner of the rear sight, as these would wear a hole in our shirts or coats since we always wore civilian attire. As you might imagine, we did a lot of shooting, and a lot of “snapping in.” One day at the police range in Binh Toi, one of the Pythons went “click” instead of “bang.” The firing pin had split in two, at an angle. No problem, as we had two extra revolvers, and we were sure we could get a replacement firing pin. Except about a month or six weeks later the same thing happened to another one of our Pythons. I lost all faith in these guns, and switched to my own S&W Model 10 with a 2" barrel or my M1911A1 in .45 ACP. I always assumed it was a case of improper heat treating that caused this problem. I did not hear of any more firing pins breaking, and I know the PSU unit still carried Pythons until the end of the war. SGT. HOWARD W. EVERS, USMC (RET.), VIA EMAIL design of what was to become the company’s flagship double-action revolver. It started in 1953 when Bill Henry, Colt’s head salesman, came to Gunther with the idea for a new precision target revolver. Colt had no budget for experimental guns at the time, so the prototype was

JULY 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

Transposed: Smith & Wesson I think a lot of Garry James, both in his articles and on television, so I hate to bring this up, but I think he transposed the first names of Mr. Smith and Mr. Wesson in his “I Have This Old Gun” on the Smith & Wesson Model 1 (July 2018, p. 88). Or do I need to rename my Dan Wesson revolver? RODNEY TOOLEY, VIA EMAIL

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

Photos by Paul Goodwin Professional Photography

involved with the project. The name “Python” came about as the result of a company contest, and it is believed that Philip Schwartz, one of Colt’s vice presidents, came up with the winning name.

JULY 2018

I HAVE THIS OLD GUN …

Smith & Wesson Model 1

GUN: SMITH & WESSON MODEL 1 CHAMBERING: .22 SHORT RIMFIRE MANUFACTURED: C. 1863 CONDITION: NRA EXCELLENT (ANTIQUE GUN STANDARDS) VALUE: $1,500

aniel Smith and Horace Wesson were not men who gave up easily. In 1854 the partners came out with a unique, lever-action, repeating, tubular-magazine-fed pistol. Well-made and mechanically innovative, it suffered a major problem in that the variant of the earlier “Rocket Ball” selfcontained cartridge that it chambered was unreliable, delicate and underpowered. As interesting as the gun was, it was a flawed product. The men’s interest in the arm ceased around 1856 when the company was reorganized as the Volcanic Repeating Arms Co. and taken over by Oliver Winchester. Undaunted, the pair began work on a new project. As Samuel Colt’s revolver patent was due to expire, Smith & Wesson felt a new type of metallic cartridge revolver was the way to go. Under an agreement with former Colt employee Rollin White, who held a patent on a bored-through cylinder, in 1857 the pair introduced a diminutive seven-shooter chambered in a thenproprietary .22 Short Rimfire blackpowder cartridge. Measuring just 7" overall with a barrel length of 33⁄16", it was cleverly put together—the cylinder being rotated by a pawl at the rear of the cylinder and locked by a springloaded lever (which also served as a rear sight) inset on the top of the frame. To load the piece, one pushed up on a latch at the base of the rear, lower portion of the barrel assembly that locked into a notch on the bottom, front of the frame. This allowed the barrel to be rotated upward—hence the gun’s nickname, “Tip-Up”—which permitted the cylinder to be removed and seven cartridges to be loaded into its chambers. The cylinder could then be replaced, making the revolver ready to fire in single-action operation by way of the spur trigger.

Though small in the hand and decidedly underpowered, the Model 1, as it was called, took the public by storm—its ease of loading and firing trumping the gun’s lack of firepower. Demand was such that initially Smith & Wesson had difficulty keeping up with orders. The first version of the Model 1, featuring a rounded frame, of which some 11,671 were built between 1857 and 1860, was re-designed in 1860 into a flat-framed “Second Issue” that was made until 1868, at which date the gun was again altered. This final “Third Issue” was produced until 1881. The Second Issue Model 1 shown here is typical of its breed, having a blued barrel and silver-plated brass frame (full nickel or silver plating was also available). Stocks are plain rosewood panels. It is in excellent condition, retaining most of its finish, and, under normal circumstances, would be valued in the $750 to $900 range. But this example has the added appeal of being exquisitely engraved on the left side of the frame, “Lieut Thos. L. Swann/USN/1st Jan. 1864.” Research disclosed that Marylander Lt. Thomas L. Swann was a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, class of 1856, who retired in 1874 with the rank of commander. During the Civil War, as well as being involved in numerous other clashes, Swann was the ordnance officer on the steam sloop U.S.S. Brooklyn at the pivotal battle of Mobile Bay on Aug. 5, 1864. After the engagement, he was officially commended by his captain as having, “everything ready and the working of his department was admirable; he was principally occupied during the action with the bowchasers.” This added bit of naval provenance easily bumps the value of the piece up to $1,500. —GARRY JAMES, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Mr. Tooley is indeed correct—a typist/stenographer I must admit I’m not, but I certainly know Smith & Wesson’s proper first names. There is no need to rename his Dan Wesson, and I commend him for his sharp eyes. —GARRY JAMES, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

American Rifleman does NOT accept submissions for the I Have This Old Gun column. Topics are assigned to Field Editors in advance. Due to the volume of mail received, our writers are not able to answer individual questions. Please consider instead sending your correspondence and questions through our Dope Bag/Q&A service, which is available to all NRA members in good standing. Details appear in the Q&A section.

JULY 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

R1807_OLDGUN_new.indd 88

CORRECTION: In “A Show Of Strength” (July 2018, p. 38) on the NRA Annual Meetings, we erred in stating that “Directors were elected” during the Annual Meeting of Members. Rather, the results of the 2018 election for the NRA Board of Directors were reported to the gathering. “Readers Write” affords members an opportunity to comment on material published in American Rifleman. Single-topic letters are preferred and may be edited for brevity. Send letters to: Readers Write, NRA Publications, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030-9400 or e-mail us at publications@nrahq.org.

SEPTEMBER 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

Photos by Jill Marlow

5/11/18 3:49 PM

800-338-3220

HORNADY.COM

SHHH...TELL EVERYONE N E W

S U B S O N I C

A M M U N I T I O N

Hornady® Subsonic 300 Blackout ammunition is a high performance, true controlled expansion subsonic round. The Flex Tip® insert and optimized design of the new, patented SUB-X™ bullet help it to expand at subsonic velocities as low as 900 fps. The results are deep penetration and large wound channels with no loss of accuracy, proving that you don’t have to be fast and loud to make a big impact.

REPORTS | OPENING SHOT

Colt “Trython”

nterest in Colt’s family of “snake” guns—particularly the double-action Python revolver—has been high for years, and current market conditions are putting the squeeze on hopeful collectors. For industrious enthusiasts desiring the performance and appearance of the Python, rather than a factory letter, Wiley Clapp suggests an interesting alternative requiring only a spare barrel, a Colt Trooper and a willing gunsmith. Read the full story at americanrifleman.org/trython.

SEPTEMBER 2018

Photo by Forrest MacCormack

rest in peace feathered friends

ENGINEERED FOR OPTIMAL CONSISTENCY. Aguilaº field loads are created using state-of-the-art technology and superior components. Our strict quality assurance program and ballistic evaluations ensure high performance and dependability, giving bird hunters that competitive edge.

FEED YOUR FIREARM» " AGUILAAMMO.COM

Our 72-meter shot tower provides a perfectly spherical shot for optimal pattern density and consistency.

REPORTS | NEWS & NOTES

Contracts Stack Up For SIG Sauer

FBI Awards .40 S&W Contract

IG’s P320 modular handgun is accumulating a strong selection resume since being awarded the U.S. Army’s MHS contract in 2017. The Chicago Police Dept. has added several configurations of the striker-fired pistol to its list of officially authorized duty sidearms. With more than 13,000 sworn officers covering 22 districts, the city employs the nation’s second-largest police force. Recently, several other prominent agencies have also selected the P320, including the Tampa, Fla., Police Dept., the Texas Dept. of Public Safety and the Virginia State Police. sigsauer.com

inchester Ammunition was recently awarded a $16 million FBI contract to supply the Bureau with ammunition for all the .40 S&W-chambered firearms that remain in service. Although the agency recently made the switch to the Glock 19M in 9 mm Luger, the transition is gradual, and there remains a need for .40-cal. training, frangible and duty ammunition that meets the stringent FBI performance standards. winchester.com

U.S. Army Selects PepperBall VKS

combination allows the VKS to use PepperBall’s accurate, extended-range VXR projectiles and standard round projectiles, alike. PepperBall projectiles

Peiser Sets Rimfire Records

raden Peiser, a 13-year-old from San Angelo, Texas, set a new USA Shooting national record, twice, at the 2018 Junior Olympics held at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colo. Peiser’s first relay of the 50 Meter, Three-Position event earned the young man a score of 1150, beating the national record by three points. The following day, Peiser beat his own new record by an additional three points. He took the top position among competitors in the J3 division—14 years old and younger—with an overall score of 2310, earning him divisional gold in the event. Now, Peiser is setting his sights on another goal—making the USA Junior National Team in 2019. usashooting.org

SEPTEMBER 2018

are filled with proprietary irritants that burst upon impact, producing a kinetic impact as well as affecting the eyes, nose and respiratory system. pepperball.com

50 YEARS AGO

he United States Army has awarded a $650,000 contract to PepperBall for its Variable Kinetic System (VKS) non-lethal launcher to give soldiers non-lethal force protection measures when out in the field. This decision is in support of the U.S. ForcesAfghanistan (USFOR-A) Joint Force Protection Directorate. The appearance, feel and fire-control system of the U.S.-made VKS was modeled after the AR-15/M4 carbine. It utilizes a dual-feed system, whereby users can quickly switch between a 180-round, paintball-style hopper, and 10- or 15-round box magazines. The

[September 1968] AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

ACCURATE. SUBSONIC. SUBSONIC FOR REDUCED NOISE Velocities fall below the speed of sound to produce lower decibel levels

OPTIMIZED FOR SUPPRESSOR USE Engineered to be clean and deliver reliable performance in both suppressed and QRQ VXSSUHVVHG ő UHDUPV

CONSISTENT ACCURACY Designed to deliver reliable accuracy for both target and range shooting

Available in .300 Blackout, .308 Win., 9mm Luger, 45 Auto, .22 LR and .22 Magnum.

Winchester.com

ˏ ˏ ' ˏ Ȑȇ-ˏȏ

ˏ'ˏ ˏ ˏ ˏ

1%(0ˏ+*ˏ ˏ0%)!$0!/0! ˏ,( 0"+.)ȑˏ0$!ˏ $ ˏ + Ȑȇ,ˏ%*ˏȏ))ˏ"! 01.!/ˏ ˏ/(%)ˏ/%*#(!ˏ/0 'ˏ !/%#*ˏ0+ˏ $%!2!ˏ0$!ˏ !/0ˏ ( * !ˏ+"ˏ) 4%)1)ˏ +* ! ( %(%05ˏ3$%(!ˏ) %*0 %*%*#ˏ.!(% %(%05ˏ3$!*ˏ5+1.ˏ(%"!ˏ !,!* /ˏ+*ˏ%0Ȑˏ

ȏ))

ȍ1Ȇˏ+.ˏȏ1Ȇˏ , %05

ȇȆȐȋˏ+6ˏ35ˏ (1/$ˏ # 6%*!

ȌȐȈ9 ˏˏˏˏȊȐȈ9 ˏˏˏˏȐȏȍȋ9

REPORTS | NEWS & NOTES

The Scout Rifle Study: The History Of The Scout Rifle And Its Place In The 21st Century

nigmatic to most, and downright irresistible to a dedicated band of enthusiasts, the “scout” rifle continues to make inroads among the shooting populace as more models emerge from major firearm manufacturers. At the same time, technical qualifications of its definition remain as amorphous as they were when set forth by its primary proponent, the late Col. Jeff Cooper of Gunsite fame, who suggested various design parameters throughout the decades during which he promoted the “general purpose” rifle concept. Author Richard Mann, a gunwriter and scout rifle aficionado, has done his best to research Cooper’s writings in order to divine the gun guru’s thinking on the subject. Along the

way, Mann’s 224-pp. book examines and compares the specifications of both prototypical scout rifles along with the commercial iterations available on today’s market. The former were semi-customs based on existing platforms from the likes of Remington and Sako, and the latter include: the Steyr Scout, a result of Cooper’s personal collaborative efforts; the Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle, arguably the most broadly influential example to date; the Savage, now in its third iteration; and the Mossberg, which cleverly manages to feed from either of two different magazine platforms. The author also examines such unlikely candidates as a rare New Ultra Light Arms experiment, and an AR-platform candidate in the

form of DPMS’s cartridge-scaled GII. Suggested practical shooting drills, tabulated results from the modern factory scouts and notes from the most recent Gunsite scout rifle conference round out what is easily the most definitive work to date on the ever-evolving scout rifle concept, making it an idea whose history, if not its place in it, is now more clear than ever. The 8½"x11" paperback can be found at amazon.com with free shipping. Price: $45. Contact: Ramworks Inc.; empty-cases.com. —BRIAN C. SHEETZ, SENIOR EXECUTIVE EDITOR

REPORTS | PRODUCTS & PROJECTS

Boyd’s At-One Series Gunstocks

he Boyd’s At-One series provides shooters with feature-rich and user-customizable precision gunstocks that offer adjustability at budget-friendly prices. For those unfamiliar with Boyd’s Hardwood Gunstocks (boydsgunstocks.com), the company is known for laminated-wood stocks that fit many popular long guns— from modern and surplus center-fire rifles, to rimfire rifles and shotguns. Boyd’s customization options are seemingly endless, and the design process can be a lot of fun, too. I recently placed an order with Boyd’s for several different examples of At-One stocks to fit the firearms shown here (top to bottom): a Remington 870 with a custom target barrel; a modified Mosin-Nagant 91/30; a Ruger American Predator; and a CZ 455 rimfire with bull barrel and Blackhawk Pulse suppressor.

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

First Impressions:

The company’s maple lamination process makes for a sturdy wear-, weather- and chemical-resistant base material, and the At-One stock, like all of Boyd’s offerings, can be styled according to the user’s preference— from bright and bold, to tasteful and traditional. The advantage of the At-One, though, is the easily adjustable

SEPTEMBER 2018

REPORTS | PRODUCTS & PROJECTS comb and buttplate—users can simply depress the flush-mounted, push-button retainers to finetune a firearm’s fit. The stock also includes a 1/2" soft recoil pad, flush-mounted sling cups on left and right sides of the buttstock, a sling swivel stud at the butt and two more on the fore-end for mounting accessories such as a bipod or a sling. Of the combinations I selected, including a nonlaminated Walnut option (premium price) affixed to the CZ 455, I found the wood finish to be neither too glossy nor too dull. I also liked the feel of the replaceable grip and fore-end panels. Over-molded rubber units, along with color- and pattern-dipped options, are available at extra cost.

Fitment And Use

Inletting of the stocks is clean and precise, and installation of all four barreled actions was simple, although two required some additional fitting. The Mosin-Nagant 91/30, with a Timney Trigger installed, required the action screw holes to be lengthened, and the Ruger American Predator required the V-Block recess to be modified to fit the Ripple Blaze variation I chose—a Dremel tool with a small milling cutter was used, and, after a few minutes of wood removal, the components were ready for final assembly. Of course, those who find such an endeavor unappealing can choose to leave the task to a professional gunsmith. Across the board, the At-One stock performed as anticipated. I passed an outfitted At-One example

SEPTEMBER 2018

around to four shooters, ranging from 7 to 65 years old. Each one was able to manipulate the stock to fit their physique, quickly. The youngster of the group had minor difficulty depressing the adjustment buttons, which was to be expected due to age. The butt pad adjustment range of 1.5" was adequate for tuning the length of pull, and the 9/16" comb-adjustment range enabled all shooters to customize the fit for precise and consistent sighting—regardless of whether or not the host gun employed an optic. Shooters in the market for fully adjustable, custom gunstocks will find Boyd’s At-One series, starting at $189, offers real value with performance features typically found on more expensive products. —CHRISTOPHER OLSEN, ASSISTANT EDITOR

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

In Honor of Our Nation’s Heroes “All Gave Some” Men’s Hoodie Easy-care, Cotton Blend with Thermal Knit Lined Hood Available in 5 Men’s Sizes M-XXXL

An Exclusive Apparel Design from The Bradford Exchange

All Gave Some... Some Gave All Show your respect for the American heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice to honor, defend and protect our country, every time you wear the “All Gave Some” Men’s Hoodie from The Bradford Exchange. Crafted in a charcoal gray easy-care cotton blend knit, the hoodie showcases a dramatic design on the back with the battlefield cross displayed before the American flag and the embroidered sentiment, “All Gave Some... Some Gave All.” Adding to the patriotic look is an embroidered American flag patch on the front that features a silhouette of a kneeling soldier. Custom details include a comfortable brushed fleece interior, a gray thermal knit lined hood, kangaroo front pockets, knit cuffs and hem, a full front zipper, and silver-toned metal tippets on the hood drawstrings. Imported. PRIORITY RESERVATION

An Outstanding Value with Your Satisfaction Guaranteed With its custom design and hand-crafted quality, the “All Gave Some” Men’s Hoodie is a remarkable value at $89.95*, payable in 3 easy installments of $29.98 and backed by our 30-day money-back guarantee. To order, send no money now; just fill out and send in your Priority Reservation. This hoodie is not available in stores. So don’t miss out... order today! *For information on sales tax you may owe to your state, go to bradfordexchange.com/use-tax

www.bradfordexchange.com/allgavesome

SEND NO MONEY NOW Signature

Mrs. Mr. Ms.

9345 Milwauk ee A venue · Niles, IL 60714-1 3 9 3

YES.

Please reserve the “All Gave Some” Men’s Hoodie for me as described in this announcement in the size indicated below. Please Respond Promptly !T!Medium (38-40) 01-28712-011 T!XXL (50-52) 01-28712-014

!T!Large (42-44) 01-28712-012 T!XL (46-48) 01-28712-013

T!XXXL (54-56) 01-28712-015

Name (Please Print Clearly)

Address City

State

Zip

E-mail (optional)

E24801 *Plus a total of $11.99 shipping and service (see bradfordexchange.com). Please allow 2-4 weeks after initial payment for shipment. All sales are subject to product availability and order acceptance.

REPORTS | PRODUCTS & PROJECTS

Bog-Pod RSR

he Rapid Shooting Rest (RSR) from Bog-Pod features the company’s Switcharoo head—a versatile cradle that spins freely, providing shooters with a support that is adaptive and helpful during multi-target engagements. A twist lock adjustment knob allows the RSR to be raised from its lowest height of 7" to a maximum height of 11". The aluminum rest weights 21.6 ozs. Price: $37. Contact: BOG; (877) 509-9160; btibrands.com.

Leupold Marine Corps Marksman Scope

limited run of Leupold’s Mark 4 2.5-8X 36 mm MR/T TS-30A2 riflescopes are available for civilian purchase through Leupold’s Custom Shop. Adopted by the U.S. Marine Corps as part of its M38 Squad Designated Marksman Rifle, the scope is well-suited for use atop auto-loading, AR-style rifles given its magnification range, trim profile, 11.3" overall length and 14.5-oz. weight. In this configuration, the Mark 4 features Leupold’s mil-based TMR reticle and, of course, the rugged and durable construction for which the Oregon-based optic maker is known. Price: $1,250. Contact: Leupold Custom Shop; (888) 629-4811; leupold.com.

EZ2C Target Package

he EZ2C Target Package bundles five of the company’s target styles in a 200-count bulk pack. Designed to make paper punching easy, fun and effective, each target is printed on white, 11"x17" paper and features a 1" grid pattern to facilitate accurate sighting adjustments. The included styles feature high-contrast, red-and-black-on-white targets, and versions include fivespots, double diamonds, a large circle, a large diamond and the company’s “best sight-in target.” Price: $38. Contact: EZ2C Targets; (855) 357-3922; ez2ctargets.com.

.224 Valkyrie Brass From Starline

tarline Brass, Inc., a 40-year-old family-owned business, is now offering .224 Valkyrie prepped brass cases ready for reloading. The brass is manufactured in the United States and constructed of 70 percent copper and 30 percent zinc for lot-to-lot consistency, improving the accuracy potential of the AR-compatible, long-range-capable cartridge. Cases for the .224 Valkyrie feature small rifle primer pockets and a cartridge overall length of 1.588" to 1.592". Price: $103 (250 count), $190 (500 count), $360 (1000 count). Contact: Starline Brass, Inc.; (800) 280-6660; starlinebrass.com.

Kitanica Lady Bug

he Lady Bug, from Kitanica, is the company’s first fleece jacket specifically designed to fit the contours of the female body. Built from 100-denier laminated polyester, with a DWR finish, the stylish but rugged Lady Bug is wind-, water- and abrasion-resistant. Articulated elbows enhance maneuverability, a cinchable waist and adjustable cuffs ensure proper fit, and four zippered, exterior pockets provide ample storage options. Available in women’s sizes 6 through 12, the Lady Bug is offered in Black, Purple or Atomic Blue (shown). Price: $169. Contact: Kitanica LLC; (510) 893-3014; kitanica.net.

Rio Ammunition Vintage 1896 Shotshells

aper was the standard hull material for scatterguns at the time Rio Ammunition got its start in 1896, so it only makes sense that the Rio Vintage 1896 line of shotshell ammunition would feature paper-hull construction, offering shooters a throw-back experience to sporting fields past. All Vintage 1896 12-ga. ammunition is loaded to modern specifications for 2¾" shells with 1-oz. or 11⁄8-oz. loads of Nos. 7.5, 8 or 9 shot. A light 2" load is also available. Contact: Rio Ammunition, Group; (214) 389-1896; rioammo.com.

A NEW STANDOUT IN CONCEALED CARRY PERFORMANCE.

9MM LUGER (12 + 1) OR 40 S&W (10 + 1) • 21.2 OZ • 3.25” BARREL MIL-STD 1913 PICATINNY RAIL • 2 MAGAZINES INCLUDED FIXED WHITE DOT FRONT SIGHT • ADJUSTABLE WHITE DOT REAR SIGHT MATTE BLACK OR MATTE STAINLESS

The all-new Taurus G2c VHULHV ZDV HQJ LQHHUHG VSHFL" FDOO\ IRU HYHU\GD\ FDUU\̱DQG LW GHOLYHUV :LWK LWV VWUHDPOLQHG HUJ RQRPLF GHVLJ Q DQG UXJ J HG FRPSDFW SRO\PHU IUDPH \RX̵OO " QG WK H * F VHULHV VWULNHV WK H SHUIHFW EDODQFH EHWZHHQ FRPIRUW DQG FRQ" GHQFH LQ DQ\ VLWXDWLRQ

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

SEPTEMBER 2018

REPORTS | PRODUCTS & PROJECTS

Nomad NWTF Fitted Gaiter

omad Outdoor’s National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) Fitted Gaiter is a one-size-fits-all facemask that offers turkey hunters comfortable concealment from the wary eyes of their prey. Constructed completely from breathable, moisture-wicking polyester, the Fitted Gaiter is lightweight enough for cool, all-day use, and features an anti-microbial treatment and a drawstring around the top that allows for a snug fit. Offered in Mossy Oak’s Obsession and Bottomland camouflage patterns. Price: $25. Contact: Nomad/Marolina Outdoor; (800) 226-7956; nomadoutdoor.com.

Winchester WWII Victory Series Ammunition

pecially packaged in collector cartons and wood boxes, Winchester Ammunition’s Victory Series honors U.S. warfighters and veterans of World War II. “Winchester played a vital role providing the ammunition and firearms used by our military in the defense of our country in World War II, and we are proud to honor those brave U.S. warfighters who so gallantly fought for our freedom,” said Matt Campbell, vice president of marketing and sales for Winchester Ammunition. All cartridges in the series bear specialized headstamps and are loaded to period-correct specifications. Chamberings will include .45 ACP, .30-’06 Sprg., .30 Carbine and 12 gauge, with release dates throughout 2019. winchester.com

BlackPoint Tactical DualPoint

olded from a single sheet of Kydex, the DualPoint AIWB holster from Blackpoint Tactical exhibits great fit and finish, as well as some optional enhancements and an unexpected capability. The DualPoint uses a single, strong metal clip for belt attachment, and thanks to channel cuts beneath the clip, the holster can be adjusted for ride height and cant. Two screws near the dustcover area provide for retention adjustment, and the holster can be furnished with a Plus Pouch magazine carrier (additional cost)—attached by a leather strap—and a concealment strut (included) to better tuck the gun into the carrier’s body. Putting the dual in DualPoint, the holster can be reconfigured as an OWB belt holster—simply attach the included belt loop bracket and reverse the direction of the concealment strut (also a belt loop). Available in dozens of color and camouflage schemes. Price: $95. Contact: BlackPoint Tactical; blackpointtactical.com.

Kolpin Rhino Grip Flex 3.0

he Rhino Grip Flex 3.0 is an ATV/UTV accessory mounting bracket that can be used to secure a variety of objects in the closet, workroom, truck or camper. The unit is made from durable and supple rubber to provide objects up to 3.25" in diameter with a secure and protective grip. A rubber strap, with five hole locations for custom adjustments, simply slips over a hard plastic hook molded within the unit. The Rhino Grip Flex 3.0 easily mounts to flat and round surfaces using bolts, screws or hose clamps. Grips are available in black and sold in pairs. A 1.5"-diameter unit is available at lesser cost. Price: $15. Contact: Kolpin Outdoors Inc.; (877) 956-5746; kolpin.com.

Cabela’s Tactical Tat’r 2

rimming with storage options and packed with padding, Cabela’s Tactical Tat’r 2 vest allows turkey hunters to conveniently stow all the equipment they’ll need to successfully harvest a tom this fall. In addition to numerous general-purpose pockets, the Tactical Tat’r 2 features a flip-down electronics compartment, special provisions for box, diaphragm, slate and locator calls, and an expanding large game/decoy bag in the rear. Pads located in the back of the vest and a quick-deploy, 3"-thick Memory Tech foam seat cushion make protracted periods of time backed against a tree more enjoyable. The Tactical Tat’r 2 is available in three sizes, and makes use of Mossy Oak’s Obsession camouflage pattern. Price: $100. Contact: Cabela’s Inc.; (800) 237-4444; cabelas.com.

SEPTEMBER 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

h ! ew it er N W ow ow P N re o M

Rechargeable Digital Hearing Aid Technology Only $ 229!* (*Each when you buy a pair)

The new more powerful HearClearTM HCR2 rechargeable hearing aid combines advanced technology with a low price to provide you with outstanding value.

A) Microphone < WƌŽŐƌĂŵ ƵƩ ŽŶ C) Volume Control D) USB Charging Port & ZĞĐŚĂƌŐĞĂďůĞ ĂƩ ĞƌǇ E) Digital Processor &< ZĞĐĞŝǀĞƌ ;^ƉĞĂŬĞƌ< G) Sound Tube

5 Star Reviews! Outstanding Product! “This product is outstanding. Dad loves it, my mom loves it, and I am grateful! Don’t believe that you have to spend a lot of money to get a quality hearing aid” 5 'ŝůŵŽƌĞ 8

HCR2 Features! Digital sound processing chip provides crystal clear sound and makes speech easier to understand with less feedback than old analog technology Don’t worry about replacing ďĂƩ ĞƌŝĞƐ) Full Charge Gives 16 Hours of Use! (Charger Included) Easy KŶ # Kī ƵƩ ŽŶ ƵƚŽŵĂƟ Đ EŽŝƐĞ ZĞĚƵĐƟ ŽŶ ĂŶĚ &ĞĞĚďĂĐŬ ĂŶĐĞůůĂƟ ŽŶ 100% Money Back Guarantee 4 Programs ĨŽƌ Ěŝī ĞƌĞŶƚ ůŝƐƚĞŶŝŶŐ ƐŝƚƵĂƟ ŽŶƐ

Even Better In Pairs! Your brain is designed to use both ears working together. In fact, studies show that you may be able to hear up to 3 Ɵ ŵĞƐ ďĞƩ Ğƌ in noisy ƐŝƚƵĂƟ ŽŶƐ ǁŚĞŶ ƵƐŝŶŐ two hearing aids. Buy a pair for the best results and maximum savings!

Simple. Affordable. Rechargeable Digital Hearing Aid - For Only $229!* The new HearClearTM HCR2 Rechargeable Digital Hearing Aids are now available to you for an unbelievably affordable price! The HCR2 is packed with same key technologies that all high end digital hearing aids share while leaving out the extra bells and whistles that increase cost and require expensive adjustments. This helps you hear better, while saving you a lot of money. NOW ON SALE! Your new HearClear HCR2 hearing aids work at a fraction of the cost of name-brand hearing aids, and you don’t have to keep changing the batteries! You will love the discreet, comfortable, lightweight Open-fit design. The HCR2 is shipped directly to you and pre-programmed for most hearing losses. It will help you hear better right out of the box and does not require professional appointments to make costly adjustments. You can spend thousands for an expensive hearing aid, or you can spend just $249 for a hearing aid that is great for most hearing losses (only $229 each when you buy a pair – hear up to 3 times better than wearing just one). We are so sure you will love your hearing aids that we offer a 100% Money Back Guarantee - Risk Free if you are not satisfied for any reason.

MONEY SAVING OFFER! Use Coupon Code: AR89

1-888-870-4140 *Only $229 Each When You Buy A Pair! (Coupon Code & Price Valid For A Limited Time Only) TM

ī ŽƌĚĂďůĞ YƵĂůŝƚǇ ^ŝŶĐĞ ϭဓဓϲ4

US Company Owned And Operated

The HCR2

FDA REGISTERED

Visit and Save: www.AdvancedHearing.com/AR89

REPORTS | PRODUCTS & PROJECTS

Remora Inside The Waistband RFT Gen II

n American-made, ambidextrous, no-clip holster design, the Remora Inside The Waistband RFT is held in place along the belt line by the adhesion provided by its tacky, non-slip, silicon outer skin—and the current Gen II version is even softer and lighter than the original model. Thanks to a thin Kydex core, the holster’s RFT reinforced mouth remains open after the firearm is drawn, allowing for easy, one-handed re-holstering. Available in multiple sizes to accommodate a broad range of semi-automatics and revolvers, the shape of the holster also allows it to ride comfortably within a front pants pocket. Price: $36. Contact: Remora Holsters; remoraholsterstore.com.

Crimson Trace CWL-101 Tactical Light

he pint-size powerhouse CWL-101 Tactical Light from Crimson Trace pushes a Cree XPL LED to deliver 500 lumens of intense white light. The aluminum-bodied unit can also be set for 50-lumen output, if desired, and is capable of momentary and constant “on,” as well as a strobe function. A single CR123 powers the 3.9-oz., 4"-long light, and will provide about an hour of runtime at the highest setting. The light comes ready with a mount to fit firearms with either KeyMod or M-Lok handguards, and includes a remote-style activation pad, hook-and-loop straps and doublesided tape. It can also be used as a handheld light with rear activation. Price: $70. Contact: Crimson Trace Corp.; (800) 442-2406; crimsontrace.com.

HANDLOADS RECIPE

.17 Hornet

NA OR D

hen habitually pitting your .17 Hornet against coyotes, or pressing it into service for prairie dogs in the windy West, you should consider Hornady’s heavier, 0.172"-diameter, 25-gr. V-Max bullet. Thanks to its 0.230 (G1) ballistic coefficient, in a 10-m.p.h. full-value breeze the tiny projectile deflects a tad less than its lighter 20-gr. sibling at 200 and 300 yds., thereby making hits easier. It also delivers slightly more energy at distance, too. More important to the coyote hunter, though, is the 25 percent increase of metal brought to the quarry; that greatly boosts the potential for lethality. Lastly, I’ve found 25-gr., .17-cal. bullets to consistently exhibit better accuracy than their lighter counterparts, as demonstrated at the range with this load. So, for those in search of an accurate, do-it-all recipe for a trusty .17 Hornet, look no further. —AARON CARTER, FIELD EDITOR

H O RN

WARNING: Technical data and information contained herein are intended to provide information based upon the limited experience of individuals under specific conditions and circumstances. They do not detail the comprehensive training, procedures, techniques and safety precautions that are absolutely necessary to properly carry on similar activity. READ THE NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER ON THE CONTENTS PAGE OF THIS MAGAZINE. ALWAYS CONSULT COMPREHENSIVE REFERENCE MANUALS AND BULLETINS OF PROPER TRAINING REQUIREMENTS, PROCEDURES, TECHNIQUES AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY SIMILAR ACTIVITIES.

NA OR D

HORN

BULLET: HORNADY 25-GR. V-MAX PROPELLANT/CHARGE: HODGDON CFE BLK/11.5 GRS. PRIMER: FEDERAL 205 CASE: HORNADY CASE TRIM-TO LENGTH: 1.340" CARTRIDGE OVERALL LENGTH: 1.715" VELOCITY @ 10 ' (F.P.S.): 3174 ENERGY (FT.-LBS.): 559 ACCURACY: 0.42"* USES: HUNTING (VARMINTS, PREDATORS), RECREATION, PRACTICE NOTES: 22"-BARRELED SAVAGE MODEL 25 WALKING VARMINTER TOPPED WITH A WEAVER GRAND SLAM 4-16X 44 MM RIFLESCOPE. *AVERAGE OF FIVE CONSECUTIVE, FIVE-SHOT GROUPS AT 100 YDS.

G HER AT OPTIMIZIN RE IS SUPERB TU ENTS. NA R NM HE RO MOT EIR ENVI SURVIVE IN TH ESTER® CH IN W E CREATIONS TO TH WE ARE TOO. ECT GOOD THING D WITH PERF ILT FOR SPEE BU IS 4 ATION, ER OP SUPER X® S GA G IN D FAST CYCL G ONTO AND BALANCE AN ITED TO SWIN SU Y LL EA ID Y DESIGN. ER MAKING IT EV BIRDS OF BRING DOWN

WINCHESTERG NTER > HYBRID HU

WINCHESTER

UNS.COM

IS A REGIS

EMARK OF TERED TRAD

OLIN CORPOR

ATION.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Two Wars, Different Trenches?

I know the Winchester Model 97 Trench Gun was used in both World War I and II, but I’ve heard there were differences between the two guns. What were they? I am interested in collecting both variations.

The Winchester Model 97 pump shotgun was one of the most popular sporting arms in America, but it also was an extremely effective arm in both World Wars. In fact, it continued to serve our troops up through Vietnam. Quite a service record for a shotgun invented by John Browning in 1897. The Model 97 was pressed into service in Riot Gun configuration—a five-shot 12 gauge with a 20" cylinderbored barrel—which was already in Winchester’s line when World War I broke out. The close-range encounters of trench warfare resulted in a few hundred of the guns being issued to Doughboys on the front lines. In short order, the reality of rapid-fire engagements necessitated the development of a ventilated heat shield that was affixed to the barrel to protect the shooter’s hands from being burned. Initially, these cylindrical steel coverings had six lengthwise rows of perforated holes; these are found on the earliest-issued trench guns. However, around 1917, this was changed to four rows of ventilation holes. In addition, a lug designed for the 1917 Enfield bayonet was affixed to the barrel, and sling swivels were added, giving the Model 97 Trench

Differences between the World War I Model 97 Trench Gun (above) and its World War II counterpart (top) include: buttstock contours, the number and configuration of heat shield perforations (below), and the later model’s takedown feature, which is readily apparent from the extension at the receiver’s front. Closeups of the guns’ receivers (bottom) contrast the earlier Model 97’s hand-stamped government markings (l.) with the later gun’s arsenal stampings.

Gun, as it unofficially became known, a formidable appearance to match its firepower. Lacking a disconnector, the Trench Gun, with its trigger held back, could be slam-fired as fast as the slide could be worked. Few early World War I trench guns were government-marked. Later, some were hand-stamped with a “U.S.” and flaming ordnance bomb on the upper right-hand side of the receiver. All World War I versions were blued, had solid frames, and—befitting the basic Model 97 configuration of the time— had high-comb, non-fluted stocks, which bore no government stampings. By comparison, World War II trench guns, while also blued, are two-piece, takedown models. In addition to having government markings machine-stamped on their receivers, they have inspector’s initials and crossed cannons stamped on their low-comb, fluted stocks. Both versions are highly desirable, with a slight collector’s nod towards the solid-frame World War I guns. As a matter of interest, most Model 97

Trench Guns deployed to Vietnam were Parkerized. It should be noted that besides legitimate armory reconditioning, more than a few trench guns encountered today are the result of some nefarious modern parts replacements, so buyer beware. —RICK HACKER, FIELD EDITOR

From the thousands of questions and letters on guns, ammunition and their use that American Rifleman receives every year, it publishes the most interesting here. Receiving answers to technical and historical questions is a privilege reserved to NRA members. Questions must be in the form of letters addressed to: Dope Bag, NRA Publications, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030-9400; must contain the member’s code line from an American Rifleman or American Hunter mailing label or membership card; must be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed, legal-size envelope; and must be limited to one specific question per letter. Non-members may submit a question with a membership application. We cannot answer technical or historical questions by telephone, e-mail or fax, and we cannot place even an approximate value on guns or other equipment. Please allow eight to 10 weeks for replies. “Questions & Answers” is compiled by staff and Contributing Editors: Bruce N. Canfield, Michael Carrick, Garry James, Charles Pate, Charles E. Petty, John M. Taylor and John Treakle.

SEPTEMBER 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

Photos by author

Family Of Crack Shots

grew up hunting, fishing and loving the outdoors; in the early 1950s, I didn’t know there was any other way of life. My dad and uncle were avid hunters of varmints and both small and large game. Uncle Tony was also a gunsmith, which seemed to me to be a perfect occupation. Hunting and shooting was considered genetic in my family, at least it was for me. I was 5 or 6 when I got my first rifle, a Stevens No. 26 Crack Shot chambered in .22 Long Rifle. Uncle Tony cut the stock down a bit to fit my short stature, tacked on a piece of old leather belt for a buttpad, and my rifle was complete. It was always safety first, with marksmanship a very close second. We’d traverse the hedgerows and hardwoods of the farm where I’d learn to

track through the eyes of a hunter. At that age, we were always on the lookout for some dirt clod or similar target with a good backstop—only then was I allowed to shoot my rifle. Dad would reach into his pocket and hand me a single .22 Short. I’d chamber the round, line up the sights and fire. Gradually my aim improved. My goal was to be as good a shot as my father and uncle were. It didn’t take long to outgrow that .22, and it was passed down to my younger brother. After he outgrew the Crack Shot, it spent about 15 years locked in the gun cabinet until the time came to teach

both his sons how to shoot. It finally came back to me after that, and I likewise used it to teach my son and then my daughter. Now my grandsons have both outgrown the Stevens, and it’s been retired to a place of honor in my gun room. A dad’s guiding hand, and that little Crack Shot, have taught generations of our family safety and marksmanship, one .22 Short at a time. J.C. CARDONE, TEXAS

Nearly every shooter has a favorite firearm. If you would like to share the experience of owning yours with other American Rifleman readers, or on americanrifleman.org, send a sharp color photograph of the gun, accompanied by its story in fewer than 400 words, with your name, address and daytime telephone number to: Favorite Firearms, American Rifleman, National Rifle Association, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030-9400. Photos and submissions cannot be returned and may be edited for clarity and brevity.

SECURE YOUR LEGACY of FREEDOM safeguard america’s Future with a constitutionally centered will

NRA’s Planned Giving Guide will show you how. No one likes to face the need to write a will, but not having one means some portion of your estate could go to the government… and possibly fund government programs in the future that are hostile to the Second Amendment.

Request Your Complimentary Guide Today.

Every day, NRA’s Office of Advancement helps NRA members like you discover estate planning tools that can help you meet your financial goals, minimize taxes, and support NRA and other causes you cherish.

To receive your guide:

N A T I O N A L

R I F L E

Call: 1-877-672-4483 Email: PlannedGiving@NRAHQ.org Web: www.NRAPlannedGiving.org

A S S O C I A T I O N

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

SEPTEMBER 2018

A M E R I C A

NRA member photo

FAVORITE FIREARMS

A CENTER FOR EDUCATION & EXHIBTION

Carry Guard This defense-oriented gathering is one you won’t want to miss.

BY EVAN BRUNE, Assistant Editor, Digital, Shooting Illustrated

undreds of companies and personal-protection experts from every corner of America are heading to Richmond, Va., for the second annual NRA Carry Guard Expo, all bringing the latest in techniques, training and technology to defense-minded citizens. From Sept. 14 to 16, 2018, the Greater Richmond Convention Center will host many of the world’s foremost minds in the areas of concealed carry, personal protection and home defense, offering Americans an opportunity to take advantage of the premier firearmeducation event of the year. From the start, students of self-defense can choose from more than 120 different seminars and workshops, all tailored to provide education and training on a range of topics. Options abound, from the basics of concealed carry to detailed, armorer-level training. Some of the fastest-growing segments of gun owners are those who own guns for concealed-carry use, and a number of seminars are aimed at explaining and training for the details of daily carry, focusing on topics such as “Dynamics of Personal Defense” taught by former CIA personal-protection expert and Shooting Illustrated contributor Steve Tarani, or “The Most Important Skills You Will Need in a Gunfight” from Active Self-Protection founder John Correia. Have the basics of concealed-carry down and want to delve into topics designed to sharpen your skills and keep those around you safe? Other courses focus on mindset, threat assessment and scenario-specific classes, with topics ranging from “Bullet Proof Mind for the Armed Citizen,” a presentation led by Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, or “How to Interact with Law Enforcement,” a special seminar led by Glen Hoyer, director of the NRA Law Enforcement Division. In between educational opportunities, show-goers can take advantage of an exhibit hall focused on guns and gear designed for personal protection, home defense and concealed carry. There, more than 200 different companies will showcase the latest equipment designed for daily use, ranging from compact handguns to holsters, belts, clothing and more. At one end of the show floor, an interactive display will provide attendees with scenarios designed to test their awareness, mindset

SEPTEMBER 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

Photos by Jesse Snyder

and reaction time. This unique opportunity allows them to walk away with a glimpse into the stark realities of personal defense. One of the highlights of the three-day experience is Friday night’s Concealed Carry Fashion Show. This event, highlighting the latest innovations in concealed-carry gear for both men and women, garnered worldwide media attention during its first run at the inaugural Carry Guard Expo. While a number of traditional holster designs are displayed on the runway, models also show other unique carry options, such as purpose-built purses with built-in gun compartments, or discreet, low-profile belly-band holsters. This year’s show will be hosted by Stefany Reese, communications manager for Springfield Armory, and David Power, vice president of Oneida Modified Plastics and founder of the Firearms Industry Choice Awards. The entire three-day experience at the 2018 NRA Carry Guard Expo is available to the general public for an entry fee of only $30. NRA members can attend the show all three days for only $20, and NRA Life Members will pay only $10. Want to get into the show for free? Those who join or renew their NRA membership won’t have to pay a cent to enter, as well as those who join NRA Carry Guard. Additional fees apply for select workshops, but the general-entry fee covers access to most of the expo’s more than 120 educational seminars. For more information on the value-packed NRA Carry Guard Expo experience, accommodations, volunteer information and more, as well as sign-ups for training opportunities, check out the event website at nracarryguardexpo.com.

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

SEPTEMBER 2018

HANDGUNS

A Fighter And A Hunter

Standouts From Les Baer

A veteran lawman, the author has always found Les Baer M1911s to be accurate and reliable—“the kind of pistols a man could bet his life on.” Now, after shooting two additional examples built for different tasks, he is still far from disappointed. BY JIM WILSON, Field Editor

THUNDER RANCH SPECIAL 2ND GEN

SEPTEMBER 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

Photos by Forrest MacCormack

t gives a gun writer pleasure to have new guns to test. And it provides him extra joy when they are nice, well-made guns. Such was the case, recently, when two M1911 pistols arrived in my part of the Southwest from Les Baer Custom. I knew that this was going to be an enjoyable assignment. Les Baer Custom started doing business in 1991, at Hillsdale, Ill. And it is the mark of the man that Baer’s guns quickly developed a reputation for quality. Les has set that standard for himself, and he expects the same quality out of those who work for him. He’s sort of bull-headed that way. Speaking of bull-headed, a few years ago, Les got fed up with the silly gun

regulations in Illinois and moved his business to a more gun-friendly environment. Nowadays, Les Baer Custom builds M1911 pistols and AR-style rifles out of his shop in Le Claire, Iowa. Some years back, Baer and defensive firearm instructor Clint Smith got together and designed an M1911 pistol along the lines of what Smith thought a fighting pistol ought to be. Baer has also kept his eyes on the market enough to know that the 10 mm Auto cartridge is well on its way to a comeback. So who better to make a super-accurate M1911-style hunting pistol than Les Baer? Together, they represent the best from one of America’s greatest pistolsmiths.

PREMIER II 6" 10 MM HUNTER AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

SEPTEMBER 2018

LES BAER The Fighter I’ll tackle the first of the Baer M1911s that arrived for my evaluation head-on since it’s designed for exactly the kind of trade in which I used to engage. It is a .45 ACP called the Thunder Ranch Special (TRS) 2nd Gen and differs only slightly from the original version, adding some features that defensive pistol shooters will like and have undoubtedly asked for in the past. The most obvious difference is that the new pistol’s frame is

chromed, while the slide is blued. The slide is topped off with an fixed combat rear sight and a post front sight, both of which have tritium inserts for low-light shooting. Bilateral thumb safeties are standard-issue, and the very attractive stocks are standard-thickness cocobolo with the Thunder Ranch logo on them. As with the earlier TRS pistol, this new gun features a 5" match barrel and flat mainspring housing. The front of the slide has forward cocking

serrations that are popular with today’s pistol shooters. The mainspring housing and frontstrap are nicely checkered. The M1911 is shipped with two eight-round magazines. While on the subject of features, I should mention that after I turned in this story, Les Baer advised that he had decided to cease production of the Thunder Ranch models, but he still offers the nearly identical Ultimate Tactical Carry and Custom Carry. When working with a new pistol, I like to first test the gun for accuracy.

THUNDER RANCH SPECIAL 2ND GEN*

MANUFACTURER: LES BAER CUSTOM (DEPT. AR), 1804 IOWA DRIVE, LECLAIRE, IA 52753; (563) 289-2126; LESBAER.COM 8.7"

LES BAER CUSTOM LE CLAIRE IA USA

TRS 0 0 0 0 0

5" 5.5" *NOTE: DISCONTINUED; SUBSTITUTE ULTIMATE TACTICAL CARRY OR CUSTOM CARRY CHAMBERING: .45 ACP ACTION TYPE: RECOIL-OPERATED, SEMI-AUTOMATIC CENTER-FIRE PISTOL FRAME: FORGED STEEL, CHROME PLATED

SLIDE: FORGED STEEL, BLUE FINISH

RIFLING: 1:16" RH TWIST

MAGAZINE: EIGHT-ROUND DETACHABLE BOX

SIGHTS: TRITIUM FIXED COMBAT REAR, POST FRONT

WIDTH: 1.25" WEIGHT: 37 OZS. STOCKS: VZ SLIM LINE DELUXE COCOBOLO WITH

THUNDER RANCH LOGO TRIGGER: SINGLE-ACTION, 4-LB. PULL ACCESSORIES: OWNER’S MANUAL, SPARE MAGAZINE MSRP: $2,530

SHOOTING RESULTS (25 YDS.)

VEL. @ 15' (F.P.S.)

ENERGY (FT.-LBS.)

BLACK HILLS 230-GR. JHP

849 AVG. 6 SD

368

1.43

2.47

2.03

FEDERAL 230-GR. FMJ

862 AVG. 8 SD

379

1.75

2.44

2.17

REMINGTON 230-GR. JHP

941 AVG. 12 SD

452

1.66

2.50

2.10

.45 ACP CARTRIDGE

GROUP SIZE (INCHES) LARGEST AVERAGE SMALLEST

2.10

AVERAGE EXTREME SPREAD

NOTES: MEASURED AVERAGE VELOCITY FOR 10 ROUNDS FIRED OVER PACT CHRONOGRAPH AT 15 FT. ACCURACY RESULTS FOR FIVE CONSECUTIVE, FIVE-SHOT GROUPS FIRED AT 25 YDS. OVER SANDBAGS. TEMPERATURE: 60° F. HUMIDITY: 24%. ABBREVIATIONS: FMJ (FULL METAL JACKET), JHP (JACKETED HOLLOW POINT), SD (STANDARD DEVIATION).

SEPTEMBER 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

The personal-defense-oriented Thunder Ranch Special 2nd Gen is chambered for .45 ACP and has an extended bilateral safety (top), a solid aluminum trigger with overtravel adjustment (middle) and tritium sights (above).

With that in mind, I loaded up my PACT chronograph and an assortment of .45 ACP ammunition that I happened to have on hand. It is no accident that the ammunition was all of the 230-gr. variety, because that is my personal choice and recommendation for defensive use. Setting up a target at 25 yds., I rested the TRS on some sandbags and settled down to see what it would do. The best average of five, five-shot groups was obtained with the Black Hills 230-gr. JHP load, managing 2.03".

However, the Remington and Federal loads weren’t far behind the Black Hills load at all. The clean-breaking 4-lb. trigger of this Les Baer gun was a real asset to accurate shooting. For what it’s worth, that Black Hills load gave an average velocity of 849 f.p.s., the Remington 230-gr. JHP was fastest, coming in at 941 f.p.s., and the Federal 230-gr. FMJ rounds split the difference at 862 f.p.s. Following the accuracy work, I set up some silhouette targets and got ready to have some fun. From 10 yds.,

I worked on delivering controlled pairs to the vital zone of the Gunsite Option target. The front sight was quick to acquire, and the clean-breaking trigger made this fairly easy work. Moving up to 7 yds., I worked on Col. Cooper’s Failure Drill. This drill assumes that you have delivered two hits to the vital zone and, for whatever reason, your attacker is still coming. The proper response is to then deliver one shot to the head to stop the action. The shooter generally has to slow down a bit and deliver this

PREMIER II 6" 10 MM HUNTER

MANUFACTURER: LES BAER CUSTOM (DEPT. AR), 1804 IOWA DRIVE, LECLAIRE, IA 52753; (563) 289-2126; LESBAER.COM 9.5"

LES BAER CUSTOM LE CLAIRE IA USA

LB 0 0 0 0 0

5.5"

MAGAZINE: NINE-ROUND DETACHABLE BOX

CHAMBERING: 10 MM AUTO ACTION TYPE: RECOIL-OPERATED, SEMI-AUTOMATIC CENTER-FIRE PISTOL FRAME: FORGED STEEL SLIDE: FORGED STEEL FINISH: BLUED RIFLING: 1:16" RH TWIST

SIGHTS: ADJUSTABLE REAR, GREEN FIBER-OPTIC FRONT WIDTH: 1.47" WEIGHT: 44.2 OZS. STOCKS: BLACK VZ RECON SYNTHETIC

TRIGGER: SINGLE-ACTION, 4-LB. PULL ACCESSORIES: OWNER’S MANUAL, SPARE MAGAZINE MSRP: $2,940

SHOOTING RESULTS (25 YDS.)

The hunting-oriented Premier II 6" is chambered for 10 mm Auto and features a fully adjustable rear sight (top) a skeletonized-aluminum trigger with overtravel adjustment (middle) and a fiber-optic front sight (above).

10 MM AUTO CARTRIDGE

VEL. @ 15' (F.P.S.)

ENERGY (FT.-LBS.)

BARNES 155-GR. TAC-XP

1165 AVG. 9 SD

465

1.68

2.64

2.19

FEDERAL 180-GR. JSP

1312 AVG. 9 SD

688

1.53

2.41

2.07

WINCHESTER 175-GR. SILVERTIP

1300 AVG. 16 SD

657

1.49

2.51

2.05

AVERAGE EXTREME SPREAD

GROUP SIZE (INCHES) LARGEST AVERAGE SMALLEST

2.10

NOTES: MEASURED AVERAGE VELOCITY FOR 10 ROUNDS FIRED OVER PACT CHRONOGRAPH AT 15 FT. ACCURACY RESULTS FOR FIVE CONSECUTIVE, FIVE-SHOT GROUPS FIRED AT 25 YDS. OVER SANDBAGS. TEMPERATURE: 85° F. HUMIDITY: 8%. ABBREVIATIONS: JSP (JACKETED SOFT-POINT), SD (STANDARD DEVIATION), TAC-XP (TACTICAL XPISTOL). AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

SEPTEMBER 2018

LES BAER shot with a bit more precision. That’s where the excellent sights and trigger on this TRS really helped me out. The final testing was done shooting off-hand at 25 yds. The pistol again delivered its payload to the vital zone of the target. Having had a great deal of experience with the first generation of Baer’s Thunder Ranch guns, I can’t say that this 2nd Gen gun really surprised me all that much. I expected it to be an attractive pistol that shot and functioned accurately and reliably. And it was just that—good looking, accurate and reliable. It and its current equivalents, the Ultimate Tactical Carry and Custom Carry, are all pistols you could bet your life on.

The Thunder Ranch Special 2nd Gen is a 5"-barreled, no-nonsense fighting gun with the fit and finish for which Les Baer M1911s have become well-known. Note the wellcontoured, combat-style rear sight and the wide area of front cocking serrations.

The Hunter The second Baer pistol I received for evaluation was the Premier II 6" 10 mm Hunter. I must admit that I don’t have a lot of experience with 10 mm Autos, a flaw that my shooting buddy Bart Skelton has continually pointed out to me. Bart is a dyed-inthe-wool 10 mm Auto fan. He likes the cartridge for hunting, and he has packed several 10 mm guns during his law enforcement career. So, I sincerely hope that he is reading this and will cut me a little slack because I was impressed with this big M1911, and I had a lot of fun shooting it. The Hunter, in the resurgent and highly regarded 10 mm Auto cartridge, is indeed a big gun, sporting a 6" match barrel with a supported chamber, weighing in at slightly over 44 ozs. The Hunter has a fully adjustable rear sight and a green fiber-optic front sight standard, though a red version is optional. The trigger is a 4-lb. Speed Trigger. The gun has a single, extended, Combat Thumb Safety and black VZ Recon synthetic stocks. The frontstrap of the grip frame is checkered, while the mainspring housing is serrated. Two nine-round magazines come with each pistol. At the range, working again from sandbags at 25 yds., I tested this 10 mm Auto pistol with three different bullet weights. The most accurate

The Premier II 6" 10 mm Hunter is a longslide model chambered in a cartridge suited for the hunting of hogs and other game. Note the aggressive stock texturing and the nine-round magazine’s distinctive guide rib and oval witness holes.

load that I ran through the gun was the Winchester 175-gr. Silvertip hollow-point round, giving an average of 2.05". The fastest round was the Federal 180-gr. jacketed-soft-point load at 1312 f.p.s. As you can see from the accompanying table, accuracy was good with all three loads. Running through some speed work and field shooting, I found that the extra inch of barrel and slide simply didn’t matter as far as the balance and feel of the gun were concerned, and the longer sight radius was definitely a plus. The trigger was also clean, breaking at 4 lbs. And the recoil of this 10 mm pistol wasn’t anything to be worried about; it was far more comfortable for me to shoot than the average .41 Mag. double-action revolver. SEPTEMBER 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

After working out on some of the same defensive drills that I ran with the TRS, I settled down to bust some dirt clods off the 50-yd. berm. While certainly an unscientific test, it was, however, quite pleasing and indicative of the value of this 6" pistol as a hunting gun. I really prefer that the rear sight of a pistol be black. However, I do like to have something on the front sight that draws my attention to it. Ordinarily, I use a gold bead on the front sight, but I have to say that this green, fiberoptic front sight was certainly fast to get on target and helped me keep my focus on it, which, in pistol shooting, is really important for accurate work. It was also a bit quicker for me to acquire during fast shooting. continued on p. 97

d a e h

e v r u C e h t f o Limited Collector’s Edition

Not shown actual size.

Damascus steel forged to throw them for a curve at only $79

or centuries, a Damascus steel blade was instantly recognizable and commanded immediate respect. Recognizable because the unique and mysterious smelting process left a one-of-a-kind, rippled texture on the steel, and respected because Damascus steel’s sharp edge and resistance to shattering were the stuff of legend. If you carried Damascus steel, you were ahead of the curve. Today, you can own the legend.

What customers are saying about Stauer knives...

ÌÌÌÌÌ

“Very hefty, well-built knife and sheath. Extremely goodlooking and utilitarian.” — R., Lacey, Washington Damascus Curva Knife, you’ll be ready to throw a curve of your own. Limited Reserves. Damascus steel blades are a lost art form that only a handful of artisan bladesmiths have mastered. These legendary blades take time to forge and only a few are crafted each month. Don’t let this beauty slip through your fingers. Call today!

BONUS! Call today and you’ll also receive this genuine leather sheath!

The Damascus Curva Knife celebrates those legendary blades. It uses modern Damascus steel, with the same rippled texture pattern on the blade, to create a curved folding knife that’s 7 ½” in total length. With a liner lock mechanism, which allows the knife to be opened and closed using just one hand, and a ergonomic handle made of buffalo horn and colored bone, this $79 knife is a trophy for any hunter or collector.

Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Feel the knife in your hands, wear it on your hip, inspect the impeccable craftsmanship of Damascus steel. If you don’t feel like we cut you a fair deal, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price. But we believe that once you hold the

“The most common aspects of Damascus steel knives that enthusiasts consider ideal are the aesthetics and high performance.” –– Knife Informer

Damascus Curva Folding Knife $179*

Offer Code Price Only $79 + S&P Save $100

1-800-333-2045 Your Insider Offer Code: CFK169-01 You must use the insider offer code to get our special price.

Stauer

14101 Southcross Drive W., Ste 155, Dept. CFK169-01 Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 www.stauer.com

*Discount is only for customers who use the offer code versus the listed original Stauer.com price.

Rating of A+

• Damascus steel blade & bolster • Buffalo horn & colored bone handle • Liner lock • Overall length, open : 7 ½” • Includes genuine leather sheath

Stauer… Afford the Extraordinary.®

RUGER’S PREC SEPTEMBER 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

Photos by Forrest MacCormack

COVER STORY

BIG-GUN FEEL

LITTLE-CARTRIDGE FUN

More than just a scaled-down version of its center-fire big brother, the Ruger Precision Rimfire is an affordable, remarkably accurate bolt-action that stands on its own merits—and takes 10/22 magazines. BY B. GIL HORMAN, Field Editor

uger set the long-range tactical rifle market on its ear in 2015 when it released the center-fire Precision Rifle platform. Chambered in popular cartridges, including .308 Win. and 6.5 mm Creedmoor, this purpose-built bolt-action offered the benefits of a high-grade adjustable steel/aluminum chassis system at a significantly lower price while providing the down-range accuracy potential sought by longrange shooting enthusiasts. At the end of 2017, the Precision line was extended with the addition of a rimfire version chambered in .22 Long Rifle.

CISION RIMFIRE RIFLE AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

SEPTEMBER 2018

RUGER PRECISION RIMFIRE

Although the receiver is CNCmachined from steel, the fore-end is aluminum and the stock is made from glass-filled nylon. The bolt release (inset) is on the receiver’s rear left.

On the Precision Rimfire, a throwlever controls the height and fore-aft position of the comb. Although the pistol grip is of Ruger’s own design, the gun accepts most AR-style units.

It was interesting to learn in the course of an interview with Matt Willson—the project manager for the Precision Rimfire rifle—that the work leading to this line extension started with a completely different goal in mind. With the popularity of rifle chassis systems on the rise, some manufacturers began offering chassis upgrades for existing rimfire rifles, and enterprising individuals at Ruger’s Mayodan, N.C., manufacturing plant suggested the same for the Ruger American Rimfire. Looking over the available aftermarket chassis systems, the Mayodan staff decided it could develop a system of its own that would be of a higher quality with a more useful feature set. A prototype was in the works when the development team over at the Newport, N.H., facility caught wind of the project. That team recognized that the work of the Mayodan engineers was an ideal starting point for the rimfire-size Precision rifle it had in mind. The two projects were merged, and a properly scaled chassis rifle was produced to suit the needs of rimfire competitors as well as longrange center-fire rifle fans looking for a less expensive means of practicing for center-fire rifle competitions such as the Precision Rifle Series. Like the center-fire version, the Precision Rimfire rifle is built around a SEPTEMBER 2018

CNC-machined, pre-hardened 4140 chrome-moly steel receiver topped with a removable 30-m.o.a. Picatinny optics rail. Some customers have questioned the installation of a rail with such a steep cant rather than one of 25, 20 or even 0 m.o.a.— all of which are better-suited to smaller or older scopes intended for shooting at distances of 50 yds. or less. The rail is one of the key features, however, that was specified as a direct result of Ruger’s customer testing. About six months before the rifle was released, a team of company engineers gathered with a local league of precision rimfire competitors in North Carolina. They spent the day at a range shooting the Precision Rimfire prototype sideby-side with the rifles the league brought to

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

RUGER PRECISION RIMFIRE

MANUFACTURER: STURM, RUGER & CO. (DEPT. AR), 411 SUNAPEE ST., NEWPORT, NH 03773; (336) 949-5200; RUGER.COM 0.5"

35" TO 38.5"

0.5" TO -0.25"

18" 12" TO 15.5"

CHAMBERING: .22 LONG RIFLE ACTION TYPE: BOLT-ACTION, REPEATING RIMFIRE RIFLE

RECEIVER: CNC-MACHINED, 4140 CHROME-MOLY STEEL, MATTE BLACK BARREL: COLD-HAMMER-FORGED 1137 STEEL, MATTE BLACK FINISH, 1/2X28 TPI MUZZLE

RIFLING: SIX-GROOVE, 1:16" RH TWIST HANDGUARD: FREE-FLOAT MAGPUL, HARDCOAT ANODIZED ALUMINUM, M-LOK ACCESSORY SLOTS STOCK: ADJUSTABLE QUICK-FIT PRECISION RIMFIRE WITH REMOVABLE RECOIL PAD TRIGGER: SINGLE-STAGE, ADJUSTAGLE RUGER MARKSMAN; 2-LB. 6-OZ. PULL

SIGHTS: NONE; INTEGRAL 30-M.O.A. SCOPE RAIL

WEIGHT: 7 LBS. 7 OZS. MAGAZINE: RUGER BX-15, 15-ROUND DETACHABLE BOX

ACCESSORIES: OWNER’S MANUAL, TRIGGER ADJUSTMENT TOOL, LOCK MSRP: $529

SHOOTING RESULTS (50 YDS.)

ENERGY GROUP SIZE (INCHES) (FT.-LBS.) SMALLEST LARGEST AVERAGE

.22 LONG RIFLE CARTRIDGE

VEL. @ MUZZLE (F.P.S.)

CCI GREEN TAG 40-GR. LRN

987 AVG. 80 SD

0.68

0.76

0.72

ELEY CONTACT TARGET 42-GR. LRN

1017 AVG. 88 SD

0.47

0.65

0.56

NORMA MATCH-22 40-GR. LRN

1056 AVG. 17 SD

0.78

0.88

0.83 0.71

AVERAGE EXTREME SPREAD

Threaded and topped by a knurled cap, the 18"-long, cold-hammer-forged barrel has six-groove rifling with a 1:16" twist.

NOTES: MEASURED

AVERAGE VELOCITY FOR

CHRONOGRAPH WITH A

12"

SHOTS FIRED NEXT TO A

OFFSET FROM THE MUZZLE.

ACCURACY

LAB RADAR

RESULTS FOR FIVE

CONSECUTIVE, FIVE-SHOT GROUPS FIRED FROM A BENCH REST. TEMPERATURE:

HUMIDITY: 27%. ABBREVIATIONS: LRN (LEAD

the table. This tip-to-tail comparison provided invaluable information regarding the features the Precision Rimfire already had, and those it would need, in order to be successful within the competition community. In most cases, competitors want rimfire platforms that mimic their preferred center-fire rifles as much as possible. As a result, it’s not uncommon for their rimfire guns to be topped with the same high-end, long-range optics as their bigger rifles. Since long-range optics benefit from a steeper rail cant, the Precision Rimfire ships with a 30-m.o.a. rail. When it came time to determine the length of the rifle’s bolt throw, the engineers were faced with satisfying two preferences. Those who wished to use this gun as an understudy to the center-fire Precision wanted the longer 3" bolt throw of shortaction center-fire models so as to preserve their muscle memory. Customers participating in rimfire competitions, however, preferred the shorter, faster 1½" bolt throw the smaller cartridge affords. Ruger engineers devised a simple mechanical solution that is utterly reliable and was AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

ROUND NOSE),

80° F. SD (STANDARD DEVIATION).

Ruger employs its Marksman single-stage, adjustable trigger, which allows for changes in pull weight without removing the action from the stock. A 30-m.o.a. rail is screwed to the receiver’s top.

SEPTEMBER 2018

RUGER PRECISION RIMFIRE

Surrounding the free-floated barrel is an aluminum fore-end with M-Lok slots along its length. The barrel, while not as easy to change as a 10/22, can be swapped out using a standard AR armorer’s wrench.

inexpensive to implement. The installation of a removable bolt stop spring clip (similar to the cartridge positioner spring) stops the bolt when it moves back far enough to eject a spent .22 Long Rifle cartridge case. Removing the clip from the bolt assembly allows the bolt to move all the way back to a distance that mimics that of the center-fire bolt’s travel. Removing or replacing the clip is a simple process that takes only a few seconds to accomplish. One of the challenges in scaling down the Precision platform for rimfire ammunition was working out how to fit it with a removable barrel. The development team knew some competitors were going to shoot out the rifling faster than others, while some customers would want to immediately trade out the factory option for an aftermarket barrel. The American model rimfires are manufactured with fixed barrels, and the 10/22-type V-block system was not compatible with the Precision chassis. The company opted to use a barrel nut arrangement similar to that of the AR-15 that can be removed using an AR-style armorer’s wrench. The 18" target-grade bull barrel is cold-hammerforged from 4140 alloy steel. The muzzle is threaded at 1/2x28 TPI to accept muzzle devices and sound suppressors. A knurled thread protector is provided. The barrel’s diameter has been reduced from 0.920"—the bull barrel size common to the 10/22, to 0.860" because it is a better fit for the receiver and it reduces the weight of the barrel for improved balance. The vented, 15"-long, AR-type free-float handguard, which is supported by the barrel nut, is constructed of hard anodized aluminum with Magpul M-Lok slots along its length on the sides. The Ruger American Rimfire bolt-action design paved the way for the Precision models to use the exceptionally popular 10/22 rotary magazine. This makes the rifle infinitely more appealing than if it required a new, proprietary magazine. It will accept all factory and most aftermarket magazines ranging from 10- to 25-round capacities. The rifle ships with the company’s 15-round BX-15 magazine because it’s often preferred for competition. It offers a balance of ammunition capacity for 10-target stages, it’s easy to grasp and insert for quick reloads, and it’s short enough not to bump into the bench top like the 25-round magazines sometimes do. An extended 10/22style release lever is located at the back of the magazine well. The bolt handle, which is fitted with an oversized smooth knob, is on the right side of the receiver. The left-side, 45-degree safety selector and pistol grip are both AR-15 compatible. SEPTEMBER 2018

The bolt can be cycled, to clear the chamber, or removed from the receiver, with the selector set in the “safe” position. The safety selector is reversible, or it can be replaced with a bilateral lever. Ruger’s in-house polymer AR grip is supported by a single screw, allowing it to be traded out for a variety of AR-compatible grips. One of the most important aspects of scaling down this platform for rimfire ammunition was the preservation of the feel and function of the adjustable Marksman trigger group, without sacrificing any of the safety features. Despite the changes to the internal geometry of the assembly—and a bit of extra milling to fit the modified receiver—the production rimfire trigger group uses the same housing as the center-fire version. It also has the exact same reach. The trigger’s pull weight can be adjusted from 2 lbs., 4 ozs., up to 5 lbs. depending on the user’s preferences. An adjustment tool is stored in the stock under a removable panel behind the bolt assembly, which is easily accessed in the field. Some adjustable triggers can only be tuned after the action is removed from the stock. The Precision Rimfire’s screw is accessible via a small port in the trigger guard, so no disassembly is required. The rifle tested for this review arrived with the trigger pull set to a crisp, clean 2 lbs., 6 ozs., and I saw no reason to modify it. The single most expensive component of the center-fire Precision is the machined aluminum chassis. It happens to be the heaviest component as well. Because the strength and inline recoil mitigation of an aluminum chassis are not required for use with a .22 rimfire, a onepiece, glass-filled nylon chassis is used instead. The reduced scale of the rimfire bolt assembly eliminates the need for a hinged shoulder stock, which trims down the weight and production costs even more. This polymer stock contributes to an unloaded weight that is 3 lbs. less than that of the center-fire models. While the center-fire Precision has a more complex stock adjustment system with metallic components incorporated into it and multiple knobs and levers, the rimfire’s adjustable stock is all

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

continued on p. 96

ADVANCED HEARING AID TECHNOLOGY For Less Than $ 200 “I have been amazed… by the quality of the sound and the improvement in my life.” — Wayne S., Sharon, CT

How can a hearing aid that costs less than $200 be every bit as good as one that sells for $2,250 or more?

The answer: Although tremendous strides have been made in Advanced Hearing Aid Technology, those cost reductions have not been passed on to you. Until now...

Can a Hearing Aid Delay or Prevent Alzheimer’s and Dementia? A study by the National Institute on Aging suggests older individuals with hearing loss are significantly more likely to develop Alzheimer’s and dementia over time than those who retain their hearing. They suggest that an intervention — such as a hearing aid — could delay or prevent this by improving hearing!

MDHearingAid® uses the same kind of Advanced Hearing Aid Technology incorporated into hearing aids that cost thousands more at a small fraction of the price.

Over 300,000 satisfied MDHearingAid TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR customers agree: High-quality, 45-DAY RISK-FREE TRIAL! FDA-registered hearing aids don’t Hearing is believing and we invite you to try have to cost a fortune. The fact is, this nearly invisible hearing aid with no you don’t need to spend thousands annoying whistling or background noise for for a hearing aid. MDHearingAid yourself. If you are not completely satisfied is a medical-grade hearing aid Nearly Invisible with your MDHearingAid, return it within 45 offering sophistication and high days for a FULL REFUND. BUY A PAIR performance, and works right out AND SAVE! For the Lowest Price Call of the box with no time-consuming BATTERIES “adjustment” appointments. You INCLUDED! can contact a licensed hearing READY TO USE RIGHT OUT OF THE BOX! specialist conveniently online or www.GetMDHearingAid200.com by phone — even after your purchase at no cost. No other Use Code company provides such extensive support. Now that you know...why pay more? and get FREE Batteries for 1 Year

1-800-781-4052 HW35

Plus FREE Shipping DOCTOR DESIGNED | AUDIOLOGIST TESTED | FDA REGISTERED

Proudly assembled in America!

The firearms education event of the year OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

SEPTEMBER 14-16, 2018

R I C H M O N D , VA

CONCEALED CARRY PERSONAL PROTECTION HOME DEFENSE • Over 120 seminars and workshops delivered by leading experts • Firearms, accessories and concealment clothing from over 200 vendors • Interactive displays and tactical simulators • Concealed carry fashion show for men and women • Open to the public, with discounted rates for NRA members

NRACarryGuardExpo.com

Sponsored by:

SERVING ORDER BY 3:30 FOR SAME DAY SHIPPING SHOOTERS FOR 33 1-800-588-9500•FAX (325) 695-4898 NO EXTRA CREDIT CARD FEES YEARS! P.O. Box 6514 • Abilene, TX 79608 • MON-FRI 8-7 CST • SAT 9-2 CST • www.cdnnsports.com

INC.

WE SHIP FROM

GUNS & ACCESSORIES 24/7 ONLINE OUR I ! AMERICA’S LARGEST FIREARM MAGAZINE OATRDER www.cdnnsports.com OR CALL OUR NO 3RD AND ACCESSORY CLOSEOUT LIQUIDATOR! FRIENDLY SALES STAFF AT 800-588-9500 PARTIES! NVENTORY

OUR GIANT

FREE

LIQUIDATION SALE

AMMO BELOW COST!

XTP CUSTOM HOLLOWPOINT

•147 GRAIN CASE

1/2 •1225FPS PRICE •BRASS CASE

200 8990 $ OF

989

500 24725 $

CASE

#FEDP40HS3

999

#BUL3BUL

999

NET

45ACP GOLDEN SABER

GOLDEN SABER

25RD •185 GRAIN •1015FPS •HOLLOWPOINT

25RD •124 GRAIN •1180FPS •HOLLOWPOINT

999

LIMIT 20

NET

#REMGS45APA

BULGARIAN AK47 BULGARIAN AK47 762X39 30RD •BLACK SYNTHETIC •STEEL REINFORCED FEED LIPS •BULLET STAMPED SIDES

LIMIT-20

#REMGS380B 9MM+P

#HOR9131

20RD •165 GRAIN •980FPS •HOLLOWPOINT $

25RD •102 GRAIN •940FPS •HOLLOWPOINT

20RD

40S&W

HYDRA-SHOK DEFENSE

380 GOLDEN SABER

762X39 40RD •BLACK SYNTHETIC •STEEL REINFORCED FEED LIPS •BULLET STAMPED SIDES

LIMIT-20

999 NET

#REMGS9MMD

No purchase necessary to win. Only one registration per household. Must be shipped to a registered FFL Dealer. Must be 21 or older to win. THIS CONTEST IS VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LOCAL, STATE OR FEDERAL LAW.

SD/SVE/SIGMA

40S&W 10RD

•STAINLESS STEEL BODY •BLACK BOTTOM & SLEEVE •FACTORY S&W

•STAINLESS STEEL BODY •BLACK FLAT BOTTOM •FACTORY S&W

9MM 10RD •STAINLESS STEEL BODY •BLACK FLAT BOTTOM •FACTORY S&W

1999

#SMI19936

S&W M&P15-22

22LR 35RD

•FLAT DARK EARTH •DURABLE POLYMER

799

1499

STANDARD

17 9MM 10RD•19 9MM 10RD 21 45ACP 10RD•22 40S&W 10RD 23 40S&W 10RD•26 9MM 10RD 27 40S&W 9RD•30 45ACP 10RD 31 357SIG 10RD•36 45ACP 6RD 39 45GAP 6RD •4TH GEN 42 380 6RD •DROP FREE 43 9MM 6RD •FACTORY

1999

NET

YOUR CHOICE

ACCESSORIES

UP TO

#DAOH22

60” DEAD ON SHOOTING STICK •MONOPOD ADJUSTABLE STANDING HEIGHT FROM 22” TO 60” •STURDY LIGHTWEIGHT ALUMINUM •GRIPPING SWIVEL RUBBER FOOT •GUN “V” SWIVELS 360° •COMFORT FOAM GRIP •EASY LATCHES

1499

#DAODOC1

79PC GUNSMITHING SET •51PC GUNSMITH BIT & SCREWDRIVER SET •25PC CLEANING KIT •LATCHED WOOD CHEST & TRAY •EXTRA ROOM FOR TOOLS •22LR TO 12GA

#OUT70102

•EXTREME DUTY STEEL •RUST RESISTANT FINISH •ANTI-TILT FOLLOWER •RUGGED DENT RESISTANT •ASIAN MILITARY CONTRACT

•STAINLESS STEEL BODY •USED EXCELLENT CONDITION •BLUE FOLLOWER•FACTORY S&W

1899

#SMI4006BLUE

899

#A16M

40 SERIES

1699

9MM 16RD

•STAINLESS STEEL BODY •BLACK FLAT BOTTOM •FACTORY S&W

9MM 15RD •BLACK FLAT BOTTOM •FACTORY S&W •ALSO FITS WALTHER P99

HI-CAPACITY

17 9MM 17RD•19 9MM 15RD 20 10MM 15RD•21 45ACP 13RD 22 40S&W 15RD•23 40S&W 13RD 32 357SIG 13RD

•4TH GEN DROP FREE •FACTORY GLOCK

1999

NET

YOUR CHOICE

#SMI25073

1911 GOV’T EXTENDED+3 45ACP 10RD •BLUE STEEL BODY •ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT

999

#MAGC1

1499

#SMI25095

RUGER P85/P89/P95

9MM 17RD

•BLUE STEEL BODY •ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT

$ SAME MFG AS MOST RUGER MAGS

1499

#MAGR8517

899

AR-15 22LR 25 RD F ATI, A ,C , ITS

TCHISSON

HIAPPA

CMMG, KEL-T EC, SIG SAUER 522, SPIKES & TACTICAL SOLUTIONS

•IMPACT RESISTANT •BOLT HOLD OPEN

1699

#CMMGM

•BLACK STAINLESS •FACTORY S&W

SD/SVE/SIGMA

1499

KRYPTEK TYPHON •SOFT LEATHERETTE EAR SEALS •DESIGNED FOR USE WITH PISTOLS, RIFLES & SHOTGUNS •COMFORT & PROTECTION •CLASSIC CUPS •ERGONOMIC HEADBAND

•BLACK STAINLESS •FACTORY S&W

40S&W 14RD

1999

27dB PASSIVE GREY EARMUFFS

M&P10

SD/SVE/SIGMA

#DAOESDMKHL

308 10RD

#SMI25150

•BLUE STEEL BODY •SLEEVE EXTENSION •FACTORY S&W

1999

308 5RD

M&P FULLSIZE

45ACP 14RD

KRYPTEK HIGHLANDER •SOUND ACTIVATED OVER 85dB •2 OMNI-DIRECTIONAL IRON GAUZE MICROPHONES •SEPARATE VOLUME CONTROLS •FREE BATTERIES •ERGONOMIC HEADBAND

M&P10

•POLYMER FOLLOWER

27dB ENHANCED DUAL EARMUFFS

#DAOESPRMKTY

AR-15 MILITARY 556 /300BLACKOUT 223 30RD

40S&W 11RD

1999

#SMI25146

#SMI19476

#PLI00301

1499

SHOOTING

1499 80% OFF

#BUL4BUL

SD/SVE/SIGMA

•14" TALL X 18” WIDE •STURDY STEEL CONSTRUCTION •LONG LIFE DUAL TARGETS •AUTO RESET •6.8LBS •EASY SPOT ORANGE •ALL .17 AND .22 CALIBERS •SELF STANDING

AGS IN STOCK 999 MMOST BELOW COST!

9MM 8RD

HELI SPINNING STEEL .17-.22

1,000,000

SHIELD EXTENDED+1

•5.7X28•3-20RD•4.8” BARREL •3-DOT ADJUSTABLE SIGHTS •AMBI SAFETY•BLACK POLYMER

SIGN UP FOR OUR E-MAIL SPECIALS TO ENTER PLUS BUY THE BEST GUN INDUSTRY DEALS TODAY! DRAWING TO BE HELD 9/30/18 @ 12:00 NOON CST

SOME QUANTITIES VERY LIMITED! 357SIG

FIVE-SEVEN

#SMI43206

#SMI43217

SW99/P99

1999

#SMI26934

1699

•POLYMER FOLLOWER

L.E. MARKED

M&P15-22 22LR 25RD •BLACK SYNTHETIC •FACTORY S&W

1499

#SMI19922

GLOCK EXTENDED GLOCK MAGAZINES PLUS CAPACITY 17 9MM 17RD 21 45ACP 13RD 40S&W 31RD 22 40S&W 15RD 9MM 33RD 23 40S&W 13RD •ASIAN MILITARY MFG •DROP FREE DESIGN •ALSO FITS SF MODEL •ASIAN MILITARY MFG

1499

YOUR CHOICE

999

YOUR CHOICE

ORDER ONLINE 24/7 @ www.cdnnsports.com OR CALL 800-588-9500 ALL FIREARMS PURCHASED MUST TRANSFER TO YOUR CHOSEN LOCAL FFL DEALER!

HISTORICAL

General Grant’s Magnificent Set Of Lost Remingtons A recent discovery brings to light a pair of Remington New Model Army revolvers that had been presented to Gen. Ulysses S. Grant. With engraving and carved ivory stocks by L.D. Nimschke, the remarkable guns were a “thank you” for a wartime cotton-smuggling scheme. BY S.P. FJESTAD

SEPTEMBER 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

Photos by Douglas Sandberg Photography

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

SEPTEMBER 2018

GRANT’S REVOLVERS

When Cotton Was King

he year was 1863—a pivotal time in the Civil War—and America was a deeply divided country of 20 Union and 13 Confederate states, anything but united, with secession and slavery politically and socially paralyzing both sides. The protracted conflict and unrelentingly bloody battles had already resulted in hundreds of thousands of casualties, and many citizens were convinced the country might never get back to its pre-war constitutional elements—a land of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The location was war-ravaged Louisiana, which was in a complete state of chaos and anarchy outside the capital of New Orleans. Throughout the 19th century, the cotton trade was one of the world’s largest industries, and the majority of raw cotton was harvested by slave labor in

the deep South. Prior to the war, most of this cotton was exported to Britain, where its dominant textile industry consumed millions of pounds annually. A month after the Civil War erupted at Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861, Britain declared its neutrality and the Union Navy quickly blockaded the Atlantic seaports and, shortly thereafter, the Gulf of Mexico. Confederate commerce with England was drastically reduced, creating a major loss in revenue for the desperately needed war chest. Despite large prewar reserves, England ran out of cotton in late 1862, as did the North. As a result, the price of cotton, which had been approximately 10 cents a pound in 1860, skyrocketed to $1.89 a pound in the North during 1863—if it could be successfully shipped to the East Coast for the multitude of Union Civil War uses. This high-priced “white gold” quickly resulted in a

The Grant revolvers’ scrollwork metal engraving and carved ivory stocks (r.), featuring high-relief portrait busts of the Union general and American eagle motifs, have been attributed to the firm of L.D. Nimschke.

SEPTEMBER 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

large variety of drastically war-altered entrepreneurial activities in the cotton-producing southern states, but especially in Louisiana. While New Orleans fell under Union occupation in May 1862, the rest of the state was a mixed bag of isolated Union outposts and scattered rebel strongholds where lawlessness was the rule. At the time, it was still possible to buy cotton for as little as 20 cents a pound in the war-torn state, even though the Confederacy had ordered the destruction of all cotton (and whiskey) that might fall into Union hands. Confederates destroyed 15 times more cotton than the Union confiscated during the entire Civil War. Multiple obstacles occurred for cotton speculators, however. With the Confederacy controlling the states surrounding Louisiana, shipping by rail wasn’t possible, nor were sea shipments up the Atlantic corridor. The only remaining solution was to try and ship this bulky cargo by boat up the Confederate-controlled Mississippi River. President Lincoln had declared Vicksburg, Miss., the “key” to liberating the “Father of Waters,” and it wasn’t until Vicksburg (defeated by Grant’s troops) and Port Hudson, La., fell to the Union in July 1863 that shipping cotton became easier and more predictable. Even with those victories though, on any given night on the Mississippi, nothing was guaranteed on either side for safe passage until late 1863.

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

“Up-The-River” Gambling

To begin with, purchasing raw cotton was not easy, as it had to be paid for in federal cash (typically “greenbacks,” not backed by gold or silver), and the unreliable sources included rogue elements of the Confederate government, rebels needing federal cash and loyalist citizens wanting their income back. Once purchased, the cotton needed to be packed, loaded and transported to the Mississippi River to be shipped upstream to Union-controlled Memphis, a distance of approximately 400 miles. While the potential monetary rewards were unequalled at the time, the risks were also exceedingly high, with graft and corruption becoming central elements in most negotiations. Yet, if everything went according to plan, it was possible to make up to $175,000 in one shipment. One observer noted that the “mania for sudden fortunes in cotton” meant that “Every [Union] colonel, captain or quartermaster is in secret partnership with some operator in cotton.” The lure of sudden cotton wealth would entice white Northern civilians and Union soldiers to travel south both during and after the war. The best way to ensure a successful cotton shipment to Memphis was to get cooperation and assistance from Union forces. This meant forming an alliance and writing contracts with high-ranking Union officers stationed in

SEPTEMBER 2018

GRANT’S REVOLVERS Louisiana. General James B. McPherson was such a person—a first-in-his-class West Point graduate who was commander of the Union-occupied New Orleans district. One of his most important cotton sources was William C. Wagley, who served as a second lieutenant in the 3rd Dragoons during the Mexican-American War. Major William H. Polk was in Wagley’s regiment, and received a pair of silver-mounted Colt revolvers from his brother, President James K. Polk, delivered circa 1847. Wagley was a plantation owner in the area, but also plundered the nearby abandoned plantations for their unpicked cotton crops. He was responsible for establishing contracts approved by McPherson to deliver unpicked and abandoned cotton, and was also mentioned in Abraham Lincoln’s letters. This cotton was processed, when delivered on government transports, at the contractor’s expense. The sizeable profits were divided equally between the Union and contractual parties. Otis Nelson Cutler was a veteran of the MexicanAmerican War and had been a captain, but like Wagley, did not serve during the Civil War. He was originally from Maine and had already established himself as a swashbuckling adventurer who led a company of 40 men from Massachusetts to California in 1858 to capitalize on the new Gold Rush. A few years later, he helped build the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad in Missouri, establishing himself as assistant superintendent. When the war broke out, Cutler was appointed as special treasury agent by Treasury Secretary William P. Fessenden and stationed in New Orleans. After the war, he became a banker in New York and, later, a member of the New York Stock Exchange.

The Perils Of The “Cotton Baggers”

In his position, and with considerable financial backing available, Cutler typically took over Wagley’s interest in these cotton contracts. One of the early documented shipments was especially doomed for failure. This 1863 contract specified Wagley to deliver 268 bales of cotton, weighing 113,900 lbs., to Lake Providence for future shipment up the Mississippi to Memphis. The court-documented price paid was 25 cents per pound. Wagley then assigned his interest to O.N. Cutler due to his financial connections. While

SEPTEMBER 2018

the load of cotton was being stored at Lake Providence awaiting shipment to Memphis, Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, who had the final say on what the Union shipped on the river, required transportation for his army across the Mississippi River below Vicksburg. To accomplish this, steamboats were needed to run through the enemy-held river blockade. Grant and his quartermaster seized Cutler’s cotton and positioned it on the steamer Tigress to protect the boat’s machinery from lethal enemy cannon fire from Vicksburg. The Tigress tried to run the blockade, but her precious load of cotton was lost on the voyage. In 1868, the government finally reimbursed Cutler $50,000 for this lost shipment. After Confederate control of the Mississippi ended during mid-1863, cotton shipments to the East Coast became both more frequent and reliable thanks to the Union’s “delivery protection service,” but only if the right people were involved. A 50/50 profit-sharing arrangement between the Union and cotton suppliers was the norm for these contracts. This lucrative arrangement generated massive amounts of revenue for both the Union and Cutler/ Wagley, and no doubt, Generals McPherson and Grant.

The Remington Set Is Ordered

Indebted to both generals, what better way of expressing gratitude to both McPherson and Grant than to present each of them with a set of highly embellished cased revolvers? A well-documented, exquisite pair of ornately engraved Colt Model 1861 Navy revolvers (Serial Nos. 11756 and 11757) was presented to Gen. McPherson first, with the inscription on both backstraps “From his Friends, O.N. Cutler and W.C. Wagley.” These famous Colts were formerly part of both the William M. Locke and Dr. Joseph Murphy collections. Interestingly, until the sale of the Murphy collection in 2009, no one had ever established the historical Civil War connection between O.N. Cutler and W.C. Wagley. When both men decided to reward Gen. Grant for similar Civil War services, it was only fitting they chose the latest and most up-to-date revolver—Remington’s New Model Army that went into production in June 1863, chambered for .44 cal. More than 100,000 revolvers were contracted to the Union, and manufacture was completed by war’s end.

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

During this turbulent period of American arms manufacture, perhaps the best and most expeditious way of getting a cased presentation set of Remington revolvers custom made was to place a special order with the New York City-based firm of Schuyler, Hartley and Graham, America’s largest gun retailer and wholesaler in 1860. The firm was responsible for maintaining a robust inventory of currently manufactured firearms, which was very unusual at the time. After Cutler and Wagley placed their order, the well-known merchant would have started by purchasing the commercial revolvers from Remington, which offered special-order arms removed from the normal production line. Serial numbers were within their own separate series, and research indicates that fewer than 100 of these revolvers were made during the Civil War. A well-documented, almost identical, embellished set of New Model Armys was thought to have been presented to the Czar of Russia after Stephen Lisovski of the Russian Imperial Atlantic Fleet sailed into New York City’s harbor in September 1863. Most locals thought the fleet’s arrival indicated Russia’s show of support for the Union. The next step would have been to have the arms properly embellished “in the white,” and the pattern and execution of the engraving style indicate this most important creative process was done by the firm of L.D. Nimschke, also from New York City. Once finished, the guns would have been polished, blued and, finally, fitted to a deluxe presentation case with proper accessories by an established case maker. Easily, this set’s most stunning features are the elaborately carved ivory stocks featuring high relief portrait busts of Grant and American eagle motifs, also attributed to Nimschke. The overall cost of the extravagant gift was no more than $400, with the revolvers’ original value at about $12 each. The set could have either been picked up or delivered to a specific location as per Cutler and Wagley’s request.

From New York City To San Diego

Unfortunately, it is not known exactly when or where this set of Remington revolvers was presented to Gen. U.S. Grant, but considering the economic windfall both parties were enjoying, it was most likely a low-key event wherever Grant was stationed. Neither Grant nor his wife Julia lead lavish lifestyles, so the set was probably stored out of sight with little fanfare at their post-war house located at 3 East 66th St. in New York City. Grant’s children were Frederick (oldest), Ulysses, Jr., Jesse and Nellie. Jesse Grant (the general’s youngest son) and his family moved to San Diego in the late 1880s, and Ulysses, AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

Most of Remington’s New Model Army production was contracted by the Union, but these guns were retailed through New York’s Schuyler, Hartley and Graham.

Jr., followed with his family in 1893. Along with the family’s other possessions, the Remington set apparently headed west with one of them. Thriving financially, Ulysses, Jr., built the U.S. Grant Hotel in San Diego during 1910 as a tribute to his father, and Jesse helped him with the management. Both brothers were very active politically and well-known within San Diego society for their philanthropy and real estate ventures. Additionally, Jesse was a candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1908. As the set’s condition indicates, these lavish revolvers were not exposed to sunlight, which would have degraded the finish and adversely affected the lining within the case. The Remingtons must have remained in a secure place with the family in virtual obscurity until Jesse passed away in 1934. Jesse Grant’s second wife, Lillian Wilkins, has been credited with helping to save many of the Ulysses S. Grant artifacts. Grant V, the grandson of Jesse, became custodian of the many items and artifacts, including the late president’s letters and will, and most likely, the Remington set. The legacy of the magnificent Remington presentation revolvers belonging to various Grant descendants remained intact.

The Set Is Finally Sold

When the Jesse Grant home needed repair work, a handyman for the family received this set of Remingtons as payment for his services. The current owner’s father, who was a gun fancier and friend of the handyman, found out about the presentation set during the 1950s. While the handyman stubbornly refused to sell the guns for 10 years, a sale was finally transacted in the amount of $1,500, as documented in a copy of the sales receipt. Incredibly, just like the Grant family, the purchaser never showed anyone the set, and it remained unknown to historians and collectors. The Remingtons were passed down to his son in 2013. Decades earlier, his father had previously purchased items from noted antique arms specialist Greg Martin through Shotgun News and kept all his receipts. Going through his father’s paperwork, the current owner came across Martin’s phone number and decided to call him to see if he was still in business. Picking up the phone, the veteran dealer heard “I have in my possession a cased pair of Remington revolvers that were presented to a general and was wondering if you continued on p. 98

SEPTEMBER 2018

OPTICS

Thermal And Night Vision R E V E A L E D

SEPTEMBER 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

Photos courtesy of the author

The most obvious differences between Gen 2 and Gen 3 night vision units are the addition of a chemical, gallium arsenide, to the photocathode and an ion barrier film to the input side of the micro-channel plate—resulting in brighter imaging, reduced noise and extended tube life.

More and more shooters and hunters are using thermal or night vision optics these days. So what “Gen” are we on now anyway? Here’s a primer on “see in the dark” scopes— along with an inside look at how they differ and how they work. BY KEVIN REESE onning night vision goggles for the first time can be a life-changing experience. That’s how I remember it from my days as a young Marine in the early 1990s. I first strapped on AN/PVS-7B Gen III goggles because, well, moonbeams were scarcely adequate for finding my way to the head. Also, the use of flashlights and cigarettes in blackout conditions were cause for a beating—you’d be surprised at just how far away they can be seen. The night-vision devices (NVD) of that period were staple gear only for a select few, such as HMMMV (Humvee) drivers, because jumping behind the wheel during a blackout, with little or no light, was a recipe for disaster. Still, driving with PVS-7B Gen IIIs was tricky at best. More than once, shaded ground turned out to be eroded holes and ditches. Few things come easy in the Marine Corps, including driving with NVDs, but the goggles were a necessity and quite a welcome tool considering the thought of running an archaic PVS-5 Gen I … or nothing at all. Of course, thermal was also in use, but it was essentially folklore for most of us. Honestly, even the military’s current PVS-14 Gen III night vision monocular is far from ideal, especially for driving or high-speed movements; however, the PVS-14 continues to hold its own on a firearm. AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

And, while I consider how mind-blowing night vision was for us decades ago, the PVS-7B’s technology, even by today’s consumer standards, seems a bit archaic, especially considering the digital-night-vision and thermalimaging optics currently available and in use by law enforcement, security personnel, shooters and hunters. That said, understanding the origins of night vision and thermal helps paints a clearer picture of today’s exciting and affordable technology.

A SNAPSHOT HISTORY OF NIGHT VISION

Believe it or not, night vision is rooted in World War II-era innovation. During the war, Germany, followed quickly by allied forces, employed near-infrared (NIR) riflescopes. In a nutshell, these devices featured a large NIR light mounted above a riflescope. The top-mounted light cast significant NIR illumination. Essentially, the light reflected off the target, bouncing back into the riflescope where an image tube multiplied it. Roughly 10 years later, in the mid-50s, just after the Korean War, technology finally made its way into generational night vision with an improved tube and a more efficient NIR illuminator. Today, three generations of night vision are available for military, law enforcement and consumers alike. SEPTEMBER 2018

THERMAL AND NIGHT VISION KNOW YOUR NIGHT VISION

Woody Harrelson’s character in the movie “Doc Hollywood” said it best, “I could have been a doctor. It was the science I had a problem with.” Understanding night vision can be difficult as it’s all high-tech. But in the simplest terms I can muster, night vision is considered to be either active or passive. Active night vision requires the use of infrared (IR) illumination or, in the case of the World War II iteration, NIR and other Gen 0 devices. Passive night vision is exceptionally efficient at gathering all available light for processing, including from stars, the moon and industrial light sources. While passive night vision effectively harnesses light particles, it still does not do as well as one might hope on moonless nights—you know the kind; you can’t see the ground beneath your feet. Fortunately, passive devices also include IR illuminators designed to create the light you need to expose the field of view, at least as far as the light’s throw. The light gathered by Gen 1 to Gen 3 devices comes from every imaginable source in the form of particles known as photons. They pass through the objective lens and into the image-intensifier tube where three elements are housed—the photocathode, microchannel plate and phosphor screen. Once the photons enter the image intensifier tube, they pass through the photocathode and are converted into electrons. The electrons then move through a multi-channel plate covered in microchannel tubes. As the electrons pass through the microchannel tubes they are converted into exponentially more electrons before continuing to the phosphor screen where they are converted back into photons, this time, to create the image you are viewing in a green hue. As night vision technology has progressed, image quality has improved, even as the price and size of the devices that make it possible have, relatively speaking, decreased.

SEPTEMBER 2018

WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH GENERATIONS?

Today’s traditional night vision devices, excluding digital night vision (DNV), consist of three generations commonly referred to as Gen 1 (I), Gen 2 (II) and Gen 3 (III). A few companies offer “Gen 4 (IV)” products; however, no military branch currently recognizes Gen 4, including, most importantly, the U.S. Army Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate. Tasked with ascribing and defining generation-level requirements, this office has yet to accept Gen 4 night vision technology. If you’re in the market for night vision, read through the following descriptions of the various generations so that you can determine which level best fits your needs. GEN 1: While the earliest version of night vision, Gen 0, was active, Gen 1 units are typically passive. Even so, due to limitations, these devices still benefit from IR illumination in most environments. Originally available in the 1960s and used in Vietnam (AN/PVS-5), Gen 1 optics deliver the greenscreen goods up to roughly 75 yds. away, perhaps even 100 on a clear, moonlit night. As the most affordable night vision currently available, display resolution takes a hit; it’s often grainy. In Gen 1 optics, “blooming” is also an issue—the field of view becoming completely obscured by a bright light. GEN 2: Continued development gave rise to Gen 2 devices in the 1970s. Original Gen 2 devices were smaller and much better-suited for both handheld and helmet-mounted use. Gen 2 devices incorporate improved, more compact tubes and better gain. Resolution was dramatically increased, and blooming was largely resolved. The Gen 2 detection range was also substantially increased; most Gen 2 optics are capable of reaching out to 200, even 250 yds. Of course, more compact Gen 1 and Gen 2 models are available to consumers today and are well-suited for handheld, helmetmounted and firearm-mounted tasks. GEN 3: Considered the crème de la crème of night vision, at least for regular Joes like me, Gen 3 arrived in the late 1970s/early ’80s and boasts a rich, high-resolution image.

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

The most dramatic improvements over Gen 2 include an extended range, upwards of 400-plus yds., and auto-gating for reduced blooming and effective use in a wide range of lighting conditions. Gen 3 also improves on passive use—the ability to run a Gen 3 night-vision device without IR—however, most optics do include an onboard IR, and numerous manufacturers offer incredibly powerful, opticmountable IR illuminators to take your detection range even farther, some as far as 500 yds. As a side note, while auto-gating certainly increases the ability to operate units in changing light conditions, I would be careful about running traditional night vision during daytime. Daytime use of a night-vision optic is a job best-suited for today’s digital night vision. Depending on the generation, night vision can be expensive. Gen 1 devices usually cost between $200 and $600, while Gen 2 averages $1,000 to $3,000 and Gen 3 is a bank-breaker for many folks at $3,000 to $6,000. As a side note, Gen 1+ and Gen 2+ optics also are available and generally rest at price points on the high end of those just mentioned. That’s a lot of dough for an optic you can’t run 24/7; so, what’s the solution? Enter digital night vision.

following manner: Light particles enter the objective lens and are converted to an electric signal in a high-tech CCD sensor. The electric signal is sent to a display, often a liquidcrystal display (LCD) or active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AMOLED). Digital night vision displays are often black and white; although several color filters also are available. Digital night vision performance has averaged between Gen 1+ to Gen 2+ generations without paying an arm and a leg for top-end imaging at either level. Current prices average $500 to $2,500—not bad for an optic you can use day or night.

PUTTING THE DIGITAL IN NIGHT VISION

Today, digital night vision optics with improved sensors— most often a charged coupling device (CCD)—are designed to deliver flawless performance day or night without the need for a special lens cover. Sure, digital night vision scopes are, in fact, night vision scopes through and through; however, they process differently … digitally speaking. Digital night vision incorporates an electric signal. Remember, traditional night vision follows this process: Photons become electrons, which become exponentially more electrons before converting back into photons again to create an image on a green display. Digital night vision, on the other hand, works in the A cutaway of a Pulsar Digisight N960 digital night vision riflescope (above) reveals a high-tech mix of lenses and circuitry delivering Gen 2+ performance day or night. The German Zielgerat 1229 Vampir night vision riflescope mounted on an StG 44 (r.) had an oversize infrared illuminator and backpack battery. AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

SEPTEMBER 2018

THERMAL AND NIGHT VISION THE GAME CHANGER: THERMAL

A C IT +1 CAP UN, 10 M 3 K 3 -G

P3000

M3000

A, Y – 1 2 -G

PA C 7+1 CA FENSE,

2 -G A , IT Y – 1

C A PA C IP, 7 + 1 TOL GR IS P , E DEFENS

2 -G A , IT Y – 1

EXTENDED MAGAZINE 12-GAUGE POWERHOUSES FREEDOM: the power to make choices as you see fit, without restraint. So why restrain the capacity of your 12-gauge magazine if you don’t have to? Go all the way with the new Stoeger Freedom Series, a line of 12-gauge semiautos and pumps with extended magazine tubes. The only thing small on these bad boys is the price tag.

RATON, NEW MEXICO

America’s Greatest Shooting Destination NRA Whittington Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization operating solely on donations and range and program fees. See our website to become a Whittington visitor and supporter.

SEPTEMBER 2018

www.nrawc.org 800-494-4853

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

Few hunts have stuck with me as well as the first time I used thermal. After nearly 15 years of night hunting with white lights, laser illuminators and high-intensity, colored LED lighting—including bow-mounted systems complete with pressure switches—and killing more hogs than I could count, I finally had the chance to hunt with thermal. While on a hunt with Brett Jepsen and Charles Spiegel of Three Curl Outfitters in Waxahachie, Texas, a couple of years ago, Brett spotted a sounder roughly 1,000 yds. away from our position, just off the side of a rural farm road paralleling a freshly planted crop field. I couldn’t see a thing as we slipped out of the truck and onto the muddy field; the moonless night kept its secrets well. I couldn’t see the ground at all, and following some semblance of their silhouettes proved challenging; the last thing I wanted to do was fall behind. After a lengthy trek across the field we stopped and fanned out side-by-side to establish a firing line, assumed comfortable shooting positions, then settled in behind our rifle-mounted thermal scopes. In the darkness, their figures rose like ghosts on my display. The hogs literally glowed brightly in my optic’s field of view—amazing since seconds earlier I could barely make out my hand in front of my face. Not only could I see the hogs’ profiles, I could see details—their hair—and the rest of the field, trees and a distant rise behind them. My field of view, while manufactured and illustrated in black, white and hues of gray, was nearly as clear as daytime. Even before the first trigger pull I was hooked. Game-changing may be the most overused term when it comes to innovative outdoor products (innovative coming in a close second), but it’s the only word truly fitting the experience countless users have had, including me, when they first hunt with a thermal optic. continued on p. 94

NRACarryGuard2018.com | 1-866-NRA-4671

HISTORICAL

SEPTEMBER 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

When it seemed certain that the United States would enter World War I, America’s greatest inventor turned his considerable mind toward designing an automatic rifle. The result was the gun we now know as the “B-A-R”. BY BRUCE N. CANFIELD, Field Editor

“SUPERIOR” The U.S. Model Of 1918 Browning Automatic Rifle hen World War I erupted in Europe in 1914, all of the belligerent nations were equipped with traditional heavy machine guns. When 18th century infantry tactics went up against 20th century military technology, the results were predictable and gruesome. The war soon devolved into trench warfare, with the heavy machine guns in fixed positions defending each side’s trenches against attacks emanating from the enemy’s trenches. It was soon obvious that attacking infantrymen needed automatic weapons that were easily transportable while hurrying across “No Man’s Land.” While various designs were tried, the French developed what is arguably the first “true” automatic rifle, the Le Fusil Mitrailleur 1915, CSRG usually referred to as the “Chauchat” after its inventor, French army Capt. Louis Chauchat. Working in conjunction with several other armorers, Chauchat fabricated the first working model of the gun in 1913, just prior to the outbreak of the Great War. The gun fired the standard French 8x51 mm R Lebel cartridge from a semi-circular, detachable magazine U.S. Army photos courtesy of Armor Plate Press

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

(with windows on each side) at a rate of approximately 300 rounds per minute. Weighing about 19 lbs., it was certainly heavier than a standard bolt-action service rifle but was entirely capable of being carried and operated by a single soldier. The French army utilized large numbers of Chauchats during World War I on the Western Front, but, as the guns began to see combat use, they exhibited a number of malfunctions. Nevertheless, the Chauchat remained the standard French automatic rifle throughout the war. The U.S. Army had tested several automatic rifle-type arms from just after the turn of the 20th century through early 1918, including the Madsen “Machine Rifle,” the Hotchkiss Automatic Rifle and the Berthier Automatic Rifle, but none proved successful. Thus, when the United States entered the war, the American Army did not possess any satisfactory automatic rifles in its arsenal. To rectify this, a total of 15,998 standard 8 mm Chauchats were procured from the French government and issued to the combat troops of the American Expeditionary Force SEPTEMBER 2018

(AEF). Due to the troublesome tendency of the Chauchat to malfunction, and the lack of adequate training by the newly arrived American Doughboys, the gun quickly gained a negative reputation within the U.S. Army. In order to have commonality of ammunition, the Americans requested that the gun be re-designed to chamber the U.S. .30-’06 Sprg. cartridge and have a detachable box magazine to replace the problematic semi-circular magazine. The modified gun, often referred to as the “Model 1918 .30 Caliber Chauchat,” turned out to be a disaster. Due to improper engineering, including the failure to take into consideration the dimensional differences between the French and American cartridges, functioning of the U.S. gun was atrocious, and, by comparison, the French Chauchat was a paragon of reliability. This resulted in an arm that saw almost no use by the U.S. Army despite some 18,004 Model 1918 American Chauchats being delivered by the end of the war. Undoubtedly, the woeful performance of the version modified to .30 caliber helped contribute to the almost universal disdain and condemnation of the Chauchat. By 1918, the U.S.

Photo courtesy of Rock Island Auctions

1918 BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE

Army divisions in France were equipped with French Model 1915 Chauchat Automatic rifles in 8 mm, and they were widely used in combat by American forces. Due to the Chauchat’s litany of flaws, it was clear that a better automatic rifle was needed. Fortunately, a legendary American gun designer devised a marvelous rifle that proved to be exactly what our armed forces were looking for. On Feb. 27, 1917, John Moses Browning took a continued on p. 90

The selective-fire M1918 BAR fired from an open bolt and could fire on full- or semi-automatic. A gunner’s belt was issued with a butt cup on the right side to facilitate firing from the hip while advancing.

SEPTEMBER 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

CAR BUYING SERVICE Use our car buying service for a hassle-free, haggle-free experience with special offers and our best rates: BUY A NEW CAR

BUY A USED CAR

Rates as low as:

.99 % APR1 36 MOS

.74 % APR1 36 MOS

I T ’ S E A S Y TO A P P LY — N O M I L I TA RY S E R V I C E R E Q U I R E D F O R M E M B E R S H I P

Pe n Fed .o rg /n ra To receive any advertised product, you must become a member of PenFed Credit Union. 1.Rate and offer effective June 22, 2018 and subject to change without notice. APR=annual percentage rate. Your actual APR will be determined at the time of disbursement and will be based on your application and credit information. Not all applicants will qualify for the lowest rate. Rate also depends on amount borrowed and term. Restrictions, including vehicle age, mileage and weight restrictions, may apply. Up to 110% financing available to qualified members for vehicle purchases. New auto loan repayment example: $20,000 loan with 1.99% APR, 36 monthly payments of approximately $572.76. © 2018 Pentagon Federal Credit Union

FROM THE BENCH

Winchester Long Beard XR 20 Gauge Winchester’s Long Beard XR ammunition line, released in 2014, has been expanded, albeit with a smaller gauge, resulting in a supremely effective lead-shot turkey load at a palatable price point. BY KELLY YOUNG, Managing Editor

he term “turkey load” has become nearly synonymous with thumping recoil, owing to many hunters’ predilection for erring on the side of overkill when selecting their ammunition of choice for tackling a tom. So it’s understandable that the very notion of a relatively soft-kicking 20-ga. shell, carrying an ostensibly paltry shot load, being sufficient for ethically dropping a turkey at extended ranges is met with suspicion—if not outright derision—by the diehards. I’ll admit to being a bit dubious myself upon first hearing in 2017 that Winchester Ammunition had expanded its Long Beard XR line of turkey loads to include two 20-ga. variants (using either No. 5 or No. 6 shot in a 3" shell), so I sought empirical evidence on the test range in order to confirm the new offerings’ efficacy. Winchester’s purpose in developing Long Beard XR back in 2014 was to create a supremely effective lead-shot turkey ammunition at a price point far more palatable to consumers than those of the market’s more exotically loaded, high-density options. The company succeeded. Previous testing of one of the line’s original 12-ga. loads (July 2014, p. 40) revealed Long Beard XR to be an impressively lethal performer, even out at distances where conventional lead turkey loads often fall short. And successful reports from the field since its launch abound; I personally know multiple turkey hunters who swear by the product and insist upon using nothing else.

SEPTEMBER 2018

But our original test ammunition (12-ga., 3", 1¾-oz., No. 4) boasted a 1/2-oz. heavier shot charge—translating into 35 additional, largerdiameter pellets traveling 200 f.p.s. faster—than Winchester’s new 20-ga., 3", 1¼-oz., No. 5 load, so I felt like my initial skepticism was justified. That particular SKU was chosen for our testing because the manufacturer is not currently offering a 20-ga. Long Beard XR option loaded with No. 4 shot that would provide an apples-toapples comparison, and because No. 5 is the line’s best-selling shot size. But before we get into the specifics of the 20-ga. load’s performance on the range, here’s a brief refresher on what makes Long Beard XR special and why it works so well. The goal of Long Beard XR is to minimize pellet deformation, creating consistent, tight and more lethal patterns at all distances, and Winchester did not alter the design at all in expanding into 20-ga. production. The load’s main mechanism for achieving this result is its Shot-Lok technology, a liquid resin that fills in all the air pockets between the payload’s pellets (preventing movement) before hardening into a single, solid unit. Upon setback, when the powder charge is ignited, the brittle-butfirm resin fragments into a fine powder and creates a “micro buffer” that prevents the pellets from battering each other and changing shape as they travel down and exit the barrel. A projectile’s shape affects how quickly it will decelerate—deformed pellets are subject to higher drag forces than round pellets, causing

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

them to separate prematurely from the core of the pattern. By ensuring that more of Long Beard XR’s shot is still round when it leaves the shotgun, Shot-Lok provides both more evenly distributed patterns and pellets that retain more velocity (and thus energy) for deeper penetration on the target. Finding just the right recipe for Shot-Lok required a lot of experimentation on Winchester’s part. Most resins are impact-resistant and have a tendency to bond to metals—neither of which is a desirable characteristic in a shot buffer that must fully fracture upon ignition without clinging to the shot (thereby altering its shape and effectively rendering it deformed). Although first developed for use in Long Beard XR, Winchester has since migrated the Shot-Lok resin to other of the company’s shotshell applications, including its Rooster XR pheasant and Varmint X predator loads. Long Beard XR’s shot is formed by dropping molten lead in a shot tower that allows the old-world technology of gravity to render it in a spherical shape by the time it reaches the bottom. It is subsequently copper-plated to provide a slick surface that facilitates easier release of the resin fragments. Copper-plated shot also offers increased hardness relative to standard lead, while still being safe for your barrel, yet is less expensive than nickel-plated lead and much less expensive than using either bismuth or tungsten shot. Winchester uses the same wad in Long Beard XR as it does with the manufacturer’s standard lead-shot turkey loads. A traditional design with a separate gas seal, the wad features a four-petal shotcup that peels away mid-flight to release from the payload. The line’s shell heads are made of brass-plated steel. Although it appears to utilize a fold crimp, the load actually makes use of an overshot card and a roll crimp to provide effective closure of the shell. Shot-Lok requires an hour to firm up and 16 hours to fully cure, and Winchester chose this method because it

allows for the cartridges to be packaged while still curing without risk of resin leakage. A turkey load’s lethality at a given range is dependent upon two variables: a tight and uniform pattern that places multiple pellets within the target bird’s skull and spine, and sufficient penetration to destroy those structures upon contact. Regarding the former, Winchester recommends a minimum of four pellet strikes to the turkey’s skull/vertebrae for an ethical harvest. Concerning the latter, during load-development testing the company looks for at least 2" penetration in 10-percent ordnance gelatin for rapid incapacitation and expiration of a tom. In my experience, both of these values are adequate for the task at hand, so they were the benchmarks I sought while conducting my own testing of Long Beard XR’s 20-ga., 3", 1¼-oz., No. 5 load, which, on average, contains 200 pellets traveling at 1,000 feet per second (the No. 6 load averages 265 pellets at the same speed). The test gun was a Winchester Super X3 Long Beard – Mossy Oak Break-Up Country, with a 24" barrel and an extended Invector-Plus extrafull turkey (0.560") choke tube, topped with a Bushnell First Strike red-dot optic. Recoil, while still stout—probably on par with a 20-ga. slug—was nothing like the head-rattling kick of a 12-ga. magnum turkey load. American Rifleman’s standard shotgun testing procedure involves firing 10 patterns into butcher paper and reporting the composition of their averages by counting the pellets that land within 21" and 30" rings of the patterns’ center. Given the turkeyspecific application of Long Beard XR, I elected to affix a Birchwood Casey (birchwoodcasey.com) Pregame Turkey target to the butcher paper prior to firing the test patterns. Not only does the Pregame Turkey offer a visual representation of a turkey’s target areas for more effective practice, but it also provides additional 5" and 10" rings surrounding the middle of the target, and pellet strikes to the bird’s vital regions splatter a bright orange color. At 50 yds., the 12-ga. Long Beard XR load had previously managed to place 82 pellets within the 10" circle, a truly devastating pattern for that distance. Fired from the same range, Winchester’s No. 5 20-ga.

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

SEPTEMBER 2018

Winchester’s ShotLok technology (l.) relies on a hardened liquid resin to hold the pellets together until the shell is fired and setback causes the material to fragment into a fine “micro buffer” that aids their travel down the barrel.

WINCHESTER LONGBEARD variant deposited an impressive average of 43 pellets (21.5 percent of the total payload) within the same 10" ring. While the 20-ga. load naturally produced a more diffused pattern than did its bigger, older brother, the gobbler on the receiving end won’t be able to tell the difference. To put this performance into perspective, a competitor’s 12-ga. turkey load managed only 23 hits to the 10" ring—that’s right, at 50 yds., Long Beard XR 20-ga. outperformed a popular 12-ga. turkey ammunition sold on the market today by a decent margin. Of the 10 test targets shot using the 20-ga. shells at 50 yds., eight achieved the minimum of four critical wounds necessary for a humane kill, half contained five or more vital strikes and all 10 exhibited at least three. Patterns at 50 yds. averaged 26" across, with nearly twothirds of the payload (64 percent) remaining within the target’s 21" inner ring. As the nearby tables indicate, the lower-left quadrant of the patterns produced by our test shotgun were consistently slightly less densely populated than the other three segments. Results at 40 yds.—a much more typical turkey-hunting range—were even more dramatic. An average of 169 pellets (85 percent of the total) remained within the 21" ring, while 73 (37 percent) were concentrated within the 10" center. All 10 targets met Winchester’s four-wound terminal

Test results on Pregame Turkey targets by Birchwood Casey, shot at 40 yds. (l.) and 50 yds. (r.), illustrate the potential effectiveness of the 20-ga. Long Beard load, which carries 1¼ ozs. of No. 5 shot.

SHOOTING RESULTS (40 YDS.)

WINCHESTER LONG BEARD XR 20-GA., 3", 1¼-OZ., NO. 5 AVERAGE PELLET COUNT: 200 MEASURED VELOCITY @ 15 FT.: 982 F.P.S. AVERAGE OF 10 PATTERNS = POINT OF HOLD

4 44 47 38 40

EXTRA-FULL TURKEY (0.560") 21" INNER CIRCLE: 30" OUTER RING : TOTAL HITS:

169 15 184

(85%) (7%) (92%)

threshold, with an average of 6.6 vital hits. Next I sought to determine whether the load could likewise meet the 2" penetration parameter, so two shells (one at 40 yds. and one at 50 yds.) were fired into a block of 10-percent ordnance gelatin. At the shorter distance, the ejecta burrowed between 3" and 4" into the block. At 50 yds., the pellets deposited themselves between 2¾" and 3½" into the gel before coming to a rest—more than far enough to ruin a gobbler’s morning. Of course, 50 yds. is a long poke for a turkey hunt, and the purpose of testing at this range should not be misconstrued as encouragement for hunters to push the limits distance-wise while out in the field. Taking a longer than necessary shot at an animal is inhumane, idiotic and unsporting. Rather, the point of our evaluation was to determine—in as close to a direct comparison as was possible—just how much of the Long Beard XR line’s potency the new 20-ga. SKUs had inherited. Our results conclude that the answer to that question is: more SHOOTING RESULTS (50 YDS.) than enough. WINCHESTER LONG BEARD XR Some will still swear that taking 20-GA., 3", 1¼-OZ., NO. 5 anything less than a 3½", 12-ga. load AVERAGE PELLET COUNT: 200 into the field when pursuing a turkey MEASURED VELOCITY @ 15 FT.: 982 F.P.S. is a recipe for disaster, and that is AVERAGE OF 10 PATTERNS their prerogative; for those who feel this way, Long Beard XR continues = POINT OF HOLD to be available in numerous thumping magnum versions that will get the job done and then some. But 11 10 for those who value efficiency over 32 35 brute strength, the line’s new 20-ga. offerings, through an appropriately 28 33 constricted choke tube, have proven 7 9 their mettle as turkey killers at any responsible range. And with 10-count boxes available for sale for roughly $20—as opposed to the $5-per-shell EXTRA-FULL TURKEY (0.560") price tag associated with the highdensity competition—it’s an option 21" INNER CIRCLE: 128 (64%) that is as easy on the pocketbook as 37 (19%) 30" OUTER RING : it is on the shoulder. For more inforTOTAL HITS: 165 (83%) mation, go to winchester.com. SEPTEMBER 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

NOw AVaIlAbLe — THe eThOS SPoRt.

OfFeReD In 12-, 20- aNd 28-GaUgEs.

BEnElLiUsa.CoM

DOPE BAG

RUGER GP100 SEVEN SHOT I

n selecting a handgun for protection, oftentimes double-action revolvers are dismissed as choices due only to their limited capacity. But that has changed somewhat, as viable, familiar wheelgun platforms have, of late, been updated with increasedcapacity cylinders. The double-action GP100 is a fine example—previously only available in .357 Mag. with sixshot cylinders—Ruger is now offering a seven-shot version of the reliable revolver. The .357 Mag. GP100 sevenshot, the subject of this review, has a round count rivaling some small semi-automatic pistols, yet offers far superior stopping power. Increasing the revolver’s capacity by one round wasn’t a complicated task. Essentially, the spacing between the chambers of the fluted, 1.55"-diameter cylinder was decreased to accommodate a seventh one, and the placement and timing of attendant cylinder latch lockup points needed to be adjusted. Since the revolver was designed (if not overbuilt) from the outset for a steady diet of heavy, .357 Mag. ammunition, no further changes to the gun were needed. The GP100’s triple-locking

cylinder/crane assembly is secured to the heavy, investment-cast frame at the front, bottom and rear. Beyond enhancing durability, this aids forcing cone/chamber alignment (timing) to minimize bullet shaving and improve accuracy. The ejector rod doesn’t rotate with the cylinder, rather, it merely serves as an ejector. Expedited cleaning is possible due to the revolver being able to be quickly and easily disassembled into subassemblies, such as the cylinder/crane, hammer and trigger guard assemblies. With the exception of a screwdriver, no other tools are needed to accomplish this. Pressing inward on the oversize crane latch—on the left, rear side— grants access to the left-swinging cylinder for loading and unloading. The frame is machined from a 410 stainless steel casting. To increase strength, there’s no sideplate; instead, the internal parts are installed either through the top or bottom of the grip frame. Contributing to the test revolver’s 40-oz. weight and front-heavy feel is a 3/4"-thick, 4.2" barrel. Also available are 2.5"- and 6"-barreled versions weighing 36 ozs. and 43.5 ozs., respectively. While somewhat taxing

Ruger was able to increase the GP100’s capacity to seven rounds by simply decreasing the spacing between the chambers of the revolver’s fluted cylinder and by altering the timing and placement of the cylinder latch lockup points.

SEPTEMBER 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

for everyday, all-day carry, the heft greatly reduces the perceived recoil of stout .357 Mag. loads. Of course, in addition to .357 Mag. ammunition, the gun can safely fire .38 Spl. +P and .38 Spl. loads as well. Topping the barrel is a fiber-optic post front sight with a green pipette, while the blade rear sight is secured to a cutout in the topstrap. Adjustable for windage and elevation, the rear’s 0.140"-wide notch is outlined in white to increase visibility in compromised lighting. Each click is valued at 3/4" at 25 yds. The barrel has 1:18.75" righthand-twist rifling, and ends with a recessed crown to protect the rifling—a welcome feature for a gun that is likely be holstered and carried a lot. The GP100’s frame extension permits the use of full wrap-aroundtype stocks that are easily exchanged with aftermarket models if so desired. From the factory, the handgun wears a cushioned, slightly tacky rubber stock with hardwood inserts that is both

RUGER GP100 SEVEN SHOT

MANUFACTURER: STURM, RUGER & CO. (DEPT. AR), 411 SUNAPEE ST., NEWPORT, NH 03773; (336) 949-5200; RUGER.COM 9.5"

functional and aesthetically pleasing. A recessed portion of the top, left side permits the right-handed shooter’s thumb to rest closer to the frame and point the gun more naturally. Moreover, it improves access to the crane latch. As a double-action revolver, the GP100 can be fired in single- or double-action modes. Thanks to a lengthy hammer spur with aggressive checkering, cocking the hammer isn’t an arduous task, and the trigger pull on the sample was 3 lbs., 14 ozs. There was minimal creep and overtravel, too—overall an excellent trigger. In double-action mode, though, the trigger pull measured 10 lbs., 4 ozs. Taking a well-aimed shot through the double-action pull would take a concerted effort. The revolver has no user-set safety; instead, it has a transfer-bar mechanism that prevents the handgun from discharging unless the trigger is purposefully pulled fully to the rear. Testing of the sample GP100 began with shooting five consecutive, fiveshot groups from a sandbag rest at 25 yds. using three, diverse .357 Mag. loads. They included: Federal Premium Vital-Shok 180-gr. CastCore; Federal Premium Personal Defense 158-gr. Hydra-Shok jacketed hollow point; and PMC Gold 150-gr. Starfire Hollow Point. Of the loads, the most accurate proved to be the latter, averaging 1.73" for all 25 shots. Although notably larger than the defensive offerings, the 2.56" average of the 180-gr. CastCore load would suffice for closerange feral hog and deer hunting, or defense in the backcountry. With accuracy testing completed, we then chronographed the loads; most loads were close in velocity to their factory numbers. The exception was the PMC ammunition; according to the Competition Electronics ProChrono Digital chronograph, it averaged 1094 f.p.s., while factorypublished speeds are touted as being 1350 f.p.s. In the hands, these loads seemed exceedingly mild, too, confirming the chronograph’s reading. Rapid firing on a variety of reactive and stationary targets with

357 MAGNUM 7 SHOT

4.2" 178 - 00000

5.68"

SIGHTS: FIBER-OPTIC POST FRONT; ADJUSTABLE NOTCH REAR

ACTION TYPE: DOUBLE-ACTION, CENTER-FIRE REVOLVER CHAMBERING: .357 MAG. CYLINDER CAPACITY: SEVEN ROUNDS

FRAME: 410 STAINLESS STEEL RIFLING: FIVE-GROOVE; 1:18.75" RH TWIST

TRIGGER: SINGLE-ACTION, 3-LB., 14-OZ. PULL; DOUBLE-ACTION, 10-LB., 4-OZ. PULL CYLINDER WIDTH: 1.55" WEIGHT: 40 OZS. ACCESSORIES: OWNER’S MANUAL, SAFETY LOCK, HARD CASE

MSRP: $899

SHOOTING RESULTS (25 YDS.)

.357 MAG. CARTRIDGE

VEL. @ 10' (F.P.S.)

ENERGY (FT.-LBS.)

FEDERAL PERSONAL DEFENSE 158-GR. HS JHP

1278 AVG. 17 SD

573

1.64

2.39

1.91

FEDERAL VITAL-SHOK 180-GR. CC

1097 AVG. 18 SD

481

1.52

3.39

2.56

PMC GOLD 150-GR. SFHP

1094 AVG. 25 SD

399

1.14

2.52

1.73

AVERAGE EXTREME SPREAD

GROUP SIZE (INCHES) LARGEST AVERAGE SMALLEST

2.07

NOTES: MEASURED AVERAGE VELOCITY FOR 10 SHOTS OVER A COMPETITION ELECTRONIC PROCHRONO DIGITAL CHRONOGRAPH AT 10 FT. ACCURACY RESULTS FOR FIVE CONSECUTIVE, FIVE-SHOT GROUPS AT 25 YDS. FROM A CALDWELL TACK DRIVER BAG REST. TEMPERATURE: 88° F. HUMIDITY: 42%. ABBREVIATIONS: CC (CASTCORE), HS (HYDRA-SHOK), JHP (JACKETED HOLLOW POINT), SD (STANDARD DEVIATION), SFHP (STARFIRE HOLLOW POINT).

low-recoil Federal Gold Medal Match 148-gr., .38 Spl. lead wadcutter match ammunition was pure pleasure. Such is the benefit of a revolver chambered in .357 Mag.—building confidence and muscle memory with reduced-power loads without the recoil, but having power if needed. Multiple shooters who held or shot the revolver commented positively about its feel. The muzzle-heavy characteristic helped reduce muzzle flip and aided pointing. While the heavy, double-action trigger was tough to use for pinpoint bullet placement, when shooting rapidly it wasn’t a problem. Delivery of rounds on multiple targets was quick, and there were no malfunctions whatsoever. There are a few changes that we’d suggest. First, it would be nice for AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

SEPTEMBER 2018

the topstrap to be drilled and tapped for scope bases for hunting or feature Ruger’s optic-mounting system. There are, however, excellent aftermarket designs, such as those by Weigand, that can be added without altering the gun. Secondly, whereas the sides of the frame and the trigger guard assembly melded together seamlessly, there was a minute gap between the two on the bottom of the revolver. It didn’t affect performance or reliability, though. In any of its various standard configurations, the GP100 would be a fine choice for home defense, protection on the trail, hunting feral hogs and deer-size game, or plinking (especially with low-cost and light-recoiling .38 Spl. ammunition). The fact that it now carries a seventh round just makes it all that much better.

DOPE BAG

WEATHERBY VANGUARD MODULAR CHASSIS E

xternally, Weatherby’s Vanguard Modular Chassis (VMC) rifle differs greatly from the Mark V rifles that gained the company fame back in the 1950s with blazingly fast magnum cartridges, but the new precision rifle carries on the manufacturer’s tradition of producing innovative and practical firearms. Chambered in .223 Rem., .308 Win. and 6.5 mm Creedmoor, the VMC’s 6061 aluminum Modular Driven Technologies stock is designed to do a number of things. Primarily, the part provides a supremely rigid frame to serve as the foundation for its Vanguard action and heavy, No. 3-contour barrel. There is no fluff, no furniture and hardly any material to impede the barrel’s cooling

or influence its harmonics; to say the barrel is free-floated is understating the obvious. The stock’s integral fore-end enshrouds just enough of the bottom of the barrel to provide a rest point. The entire fore-end is skeletonized to allow airflow and to reduce weight from what would otherwise be a heavy hunk of metal. The use of this chassis design for a tactical/target rifle makes a lot of sense because, besides hastening cooling, the fore-end absolutely will not contact the barrel regardless of how much pressure is applied, and it provides a forward stud for a bipod or a sling and holes for adding M-Lok rail attachments. The chassis is also lighter than most wood and vastly

The Weatherby VMC marries the company’s Vanguard action with a heavy, No. 3-contour barrel to a Modular Driven Technologies aluminum chassis and a Luth-AR MBA-1 buttstock.

SEPTEMBER 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

more rigid. While the fore-end doesn’t make the best platform for taking off-hand shots, target and long-range shooters will rarely have the need. The minimalist fore-end maintains its 1.5" width all the way to the forward edge of the integral magazine well, where it angles down and rearward to become the action’s receiver. The VMC accepts AICS-pattern magazines, and the rifle comes with one 10-rounder. It’s released by a lever just ahead of the trigger guard. Two screws secure the action firmly in place via the integral recoil lug that nestles into a corresponding slot in the chassis. Strangely, the front action screw is a Torx type, while the rear requires a standard Allen wrench. A scalloped machining cut forms the integral trigger guard, and within this rests the rifle’s excellent two-stage trigger. Once the slack is taken up, the trigger breaks at 3 lbs. Obviously, Weatherby knows the benefit of a great trigger, and focused its effort on installing a good one. The pistol grip is AR-15spec, but the one that comes on the rifle is the rubbery, finger-groove version from Hogue. The receiver terminates much like the receiver of an AR-15; it is

WEATHERBY VANGUARD MODULAR CHASSIS

IMPORTER: WEATHERBY, INC. (DEPT. AR), P.O. BOX 6630, SHERIDAN, WY 82801; (307) 675-7800; WEATHERBY.COM 41.25" TO 42.25" 1.5"

1.25" TO 0.25" 20" 13" TO 14"

ACTION TYPE: BOLT-ACTION, REPEATING CENTER-FIRE RIFLE CHAMBERING: .308 WIN. RECEIVER: CARBON STEEL FINISH: MATTE BLACK

STOCK: MODULAR DRIVEN TECHNOLOGIES CHASSIS, HARD-ANODIZED 6061 ALUMINUM; LUTH-AR MBA-1 BUTTSTOCK BARREL: COLD-HAMMER-FORGED, 1:10" RH TWIST RIFLING MAGAZINE: 10-ROUND DETACHABLE BOX

SIGHTS: NONE; DRILLED AND TAPPED FOR OPTICS MOUNTS

TRIGGER: ADJUSTABLE; 3-LB. PULL WEIGHT: 8 LBS., 12 OZS. ACCESSORIES: OWNER’S MANUAL, LOCK MSRP: $1,519

SHOOTING RESULTS (100 YDS.)

.308 WIN. CARTRIDGE

VEL. @ 9' (F.P.S.)

ENERGY (FT.-LBS.)

BLACK HILLS 168-GR. SIERRA TMK

2674 AVG. 15 SD

2,667

1.90

2.10

2.00

FEDERAL FUSION 180-GR. SP

2526 AVG. 20 SD

2,550

1.14

1.52

1.35

REMINGTON PREMIER MATCH 168-GR. BTHP

2504 AVG. 23 SD

2,339

0.97

1.10

1.02

AVERAGE EXTREME SPREAD

GROUP SIZE (INCHES) LARGEST AVERAGE SMALLEST

1.46

NOTES: MEASURED AVERAGE VELOCITY FOR 10 SHOTS FIRED OVER AN OEHLER MODEL 35P CHRONOGRAPH AT 9 FT. ACCURACY FOR FIVE CONSECUTIVE, FIVE-SHOT GROUPS AT 100 YDS. FROM A BENCHREST. TEMPERATURE: 76° F. HUMIDITY: 46%. ABBREVIATIONS: BTHP (BOATTAIL HOLLOW POINT), SD (STANDARD DEVIATION), SP (SOFT POINT), TMK (TIPPED MATCHKING).

wrist-less and ends in a 90-degree metal face. This face provides the anchor for the Luth-AR MBA-1 polymer buttstock. The height of the stock’s cheekpiece can be adjusted via one oversize thumbscrew, and the length of pull of its rubber buttpad can be altered in the same way. The belly of the buttstock is injection-molded to form an underhook for the support hand while shooting. Regardless, a chassis rifle is only as accurate as its action, and the Vanguard’s action was introduced in 1970 and has since been proven tough, accurate and relatively

inexpensive. The bolt features two locking lugs and a fluted body. The push-feed bolt features a plungerstyle ejector and a Remington Model 700-style extractor. All rounds we fired fed smoothly and ejected with authority. Testers were particularly impressed with how easy it was to work the bolt, and that’s important for a target rifle. The action features a two-position safety on the rear right side of the receiver and a boltrelease button on the left. It has a silver cocking indicator on the back of the bolt. The barrel measures 20" for all three chamberings offered, and our .308 Win. test gun features 1:10" twist rifling. The button-rifled barrel measures 1.19" at its thickest and 0.75" at its recessed crown. We only wish it had been threaded at the factory for a brake or a suppressor. The rifle recorded several subm.o.a. five-shot groups with

Remington’s Premier Match ammunition, although it did not seem to like the Black Hills 168-gr. load. Groups did tend to shrink the more we fired it, however, indicating that the barrel would likely benefit from a proper break-in period. All told, Weatherby’s Vanguard Modular Chassis is an interesting option for those considering the purchase of a precision rifle, and it carried in the field better than we would have expected. While the VMC may look radically different than the rest of the company’s product lineup, it’s still a Weatherby.

By loosening two thumbscrews on the side of its Luth-AR MBA-1 buttstock, the rifle’s length of pull and comb height measurements can be quickly adjusted. AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

SEPTEMBER 2018

DOPE BAG

FRANCHI AFFINITY 3 I

t might seem strange at first for Franchi to name a shotgun “Affinity,” but in the broad sense of the word, a natural liking for something, it fits. Simply put, it’s an easy shotgun to shoot and shoot well. The Affinity uses the now-familiar inertia operating system brought to prominence by its stablemate the Benelli Black Eagle and its iterations, and also shared with its more affordably priced bedfellow, the Stoeger 3000. Interestingly enough, the inertia system was the 1903 brainchild of Danish gunsmith Christian Sjörgren when he first marketed his “Normal” semi-automatic design. Our sample gun was a 28"-barreled 12 gauge chambered for 3" shells—the company also makes a 3½" chambering, but given the added punishment those shells produce, the 3" version will get the job done equally well. The inertia-driven operating system works by means of a rotating bolt head that is held in battery by a strong spring. When fired, the gun recoils, but the spring, supported by the mass of the

bolt, is further compressed, which tightens the engagement of the bolt head with the cuts in the barrel extension. Once the ejecta leaves the muzzle, the spring tension relaxes and the bolt is then freed to move rearward, extracting the fired shell and ejecting it as it reaches the ejector at the rear of the barrel extension. If there is no round in the tubular magazine, the bolt is locked to the rear. If there is a fresh round available, it is released, tripping the action release and, as the bolt travels forward—powered by the return spring that is wrapped around the magazine tube rather than concealed within the buttstock—pivoting the carrier up to place the new cartridge in front of the bolt. The forwardtraveling bolt then pushes it into the chamber with the extractor snapping over the rim of the shell. The Affinity comes with a set of stock adjustment shims so that users can customize fit and length of pull. At the 16-yd. fitting plate we found that it shot about 1" high, just right for keeping game or clay visible over the rib. In

the event it was off, the easy-to-follow directions show how the shims are employed, facilitating fitting the gun to the individual. The Affinity 3 features a red fiber-optic front bead, and the top of the aluminum receiver is drilled and tapped for the mounting of an optic. We had the opportunity to shoot the Affinity for several days while hunting Maryland’s Eastern Shore geese, and it didn’t disappoint. In the field, we used a combination of HeviShot Hevi-X, B&P Magnum, Winchester Blind Side, Federal Premium Black Cloud and Kent Bismuth. We shot each ammunition type individually, and also mixed them together randomly, again without a malfunction. The shots taken at the fitting plate were 7/8-oz. Rio light target loads, which the Affinity cycled without a hitch. The average trigger pull was 5 lbs., 8 ozs.—fairly light for a semi-automatic. Our test gun came with a Realtree Max-5 dipped camouflage finish. This type of finish provides excellent protection against the elements, plus concealment from the birds’ eyes. Standard with the Affinity is an extra-large bolt handle that extends a full 11⁄8" from the side of the action. So, too, the bolt release is a nearly 1/2"-wide button for Franchi’s Affinity 3 uses an inertia-driven operating system that weighs less, has fewer moving parts and runs cleaner than gas-powered shotguns.

SEPTEMBER 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

FRANCHI AFFINITY 3

IMPORTER: FRANCHI USA (DEPT. AR), 901 EIGHTH ST., POCOMOKE, MD 21851; (800) 264-4962; FRANCHIUSA.COM 49" 2.5"

1.5" 28"

14.25" MANUFACTURER: FRANCHI (ITALY) ACTION TYPE: INERTIA-OPERATED, SEMI-AUTOMATIC SHOTGUN GAUGE: 12; 3" MAGAZINE: FOUR-ROUND TUBULAR SIGHTS: VENT RIB WITH RED FIBER-OPTIC BEAD TRIGGER: 5-LB., 8-OZ. PULL STOCK: SYNTHETIC

RECEIVER: ALUMINUM ALLOY FINISH: REALTREE MAX-5 CAMOUFLAGE PATTERN WEIGHT: 6 LBS., 14 OZS. ACCESSORIES: OWNER’S MANUAL, LOCK, STOCK SHIMS, CHOKE TUBES (IMPROVED CYLINDER, MODIFIED, FULL), WRENCH MSRP: $899

SHOOTING RESULTS (40 YDS.)

HEVI-SHOT HEVI-X 12-GA., 3", NO. 4 AVERAGE PELLET COUNT: 207 MEASURED VELOCITY @ 4 FT.: 1,463 F.P.S. AVERAGE OF 10 PATTERNS = POINT OF HOLD

9 21 19 17 15

The Affinity 3’s bolt handle and bolt-release button (l.) are oversize to help promote fumble-free operation in the field. A red fiber-optic front bead (r.) is located near the end of the shotgun’s vent rib barrel, and the aluminum receiver is drilled and tapped for optics.

fumble-free operation, as is the trigger guard, which is large enough to accommodate winter gloves. The crossbolt safety, located at the back of the trigger guard, is smallish compared with the other operating controls, but we found it to be no impediment in the field. At the right-front-top of the trigger guard is a small serrated tab that must be depressed in order to lock the bolt open. The magazine loading port is also enlarged to facilitate loading. The Affinity’s magazine has a capacity of four shells, but comes with the mandatory-for-hunting plug to reduce the capacity to two. Loading the magazine was a little harder than most, as the shell latch’s spring is fairly strong, and must be overcome with a harder-than-usual push. The synthetic stock terminates in Franchi’s TSA recoil pad that does an excellent job of attenuating recoil. It has a slick heel to help with a smooth gun mount and horizontal striations across the center of the pad to stabilize it against the shoulder once mounted. However, in shooting it extensively, we found it had the tendency to slip on a

variety of hunting coats, necessitating a remount for second and third shots. The bore of our test gun measured 0.719" with a digital bore micrometer— rather on the tight side—but close to the SAAMI standard of 0.725". The three included choke tubes, marked IC (0.0045"), M (0.017") and F (0.0315") hued fairly close to standard measurements against the cylinder bore. We used the modified tube for geese and ducks with excellent results. The 40-yd. patterning results are right on at 55 percent, as the 0.017" choke constriction lies right between Light Modified (0.015") and Modified (0.020"). We shot 10 patterns using Environ-metal’s (Hevi-Shot) new Hevi-X No. 4 ammunition. Our test loads contained 207 pellets that

MODIFIED (0.017") 21" INNER CIRCLE: 30" OUTER RING : TOTAL HITS:

72 43 115

(34.8%) (20.7%) (55.5%)

provided quite even patterns. The results are tabulated nearby. In total, we found the Affinity to be a really endearing shotgun that performed to perfection in the field, as it was easy to shoot well in terms of birds bagged relative to shots fired. Perhaps the best news is the suggested retail price of $899 for the camouflaged and walnut models, and $789 for the black version—with at-the-counter prices potentially lower.

The American Rifleman has used the phrase “Dope Bag” since at least 1921, when Col. Townsend Whelen first 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 firing 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 specific 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. AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

SEPTEMBER 2018

INSIDE NRA | ILA REPORT

Too Young or Too Old to Own a Gun? LATEST LEGISLATIVE NEWS FROM INSIDE THE NRA INSTITUTE FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION

common theme among anti-gun extremists is what we refer to as the Goldilocks approach to limiting access to firearms by law-abiding citizens. Rather than admitting that the end goal is to disarm all Americans, those opposed to the Second Amendment create fictional arguments about why certain types of firearms, ammunition or accessories should be eliminated. Rifles have been called “too powerful,” “too modifiable,” “too accurate,” “too similar to actual military arms,” etc. The latest approach to Goldilocks-style gun control, though, seems to focus less on what you can own, and it instead focuses more on who can own firearms. And we don’t mean people with criminal records. After the horrific tragedy in Parkland, Fla., this year, age became the new battle cry for those seeking to limit gun ownership, with

the goal of denying Second Amendment rights to 18-, 19- and 20-year-olds. Eighteen-year-olds have not been prohibited from purchasing and possessing rifles and shotguns at the federal level, nor in the vast majority of states, since the founding of our country. Nonetheless, because of the violent acts of one individual, we have seen an onslaught of legislation across the country that seeks to raise the minimum age to buy and/or possess rifles and shotguns to 21. But being deemed “too young” to own firearms isn’t the only threat. A new approach might be beginning to form. You might soon be deemed “too old.” An article by JoNel Aleccia and Melissa Bailey, published by Kaiser Health News (KHN) and PBS NewsHour, has begun making the rounds at a number of media outlets, such as CNN, and it discusses the issue of

IN MEMORY NRA-ILA CONTRIBUTIONS

June 1, 2018 – June 30, 2018 Reuben Ledra, Schenectady, NY (from: Judith Ledra); Oscar Olson, Mankato, MN (from: Patricia Olson); Stevan R. Ellis, Rigby, ID (from: Rita Ellis); George Alves, Titusville, FL (from: Warren Alves); Pearl Geraci, Lutz, FL (from: The family of Geraci); Richard Kocour, Boyd Kellner, Robert Christensen, Edward Eldridge, Don Littrel, Fremont, NE (from: Elkhorn Valley Rifle Club); Gerald Sanders, Carrollton, GA (from: Ann Sanders); Lee Cowley, Springwater, NY (from: Springwater Rod & Gun Club); Jack D. Staite Jr., Venetia, PA (from: Gladys and Larry Lint); David Langley, Bellingham, WA (from: Joyce Langley); John Haas Sr., Fairbury, IL (from: Jon Goembel); David Fortier, Burton, MI (from: Katherine Fortier); Barry E. Bacon, Beaverton, MI (from: Delton and Violet Miller & Jerry and Evelyn Todd).

ILA CONTRIBUTIONS

ILA Grassroots: (800) 392-8683 NRA-ILA: (703) 267-1170 NRA-ILA website: nraila.org

(The following have contributed $1,000.00 or more to the NRA Institute for Legislative Action: June 1, 2018 – June 30, 2018) Donald Hyatt, Adkins, TX; K. J. Pawlovich, Waldorf, MD; Jeff Adams, Boise, ID; Dennis A. Calvanese, Naples, FL; Brad Butler, Wortham, TX; Kent O. Moss, Westlake, LA; Frederick H. Dirienzo, Reno, NV; Herman Harris, Melbourne, FL; Samuel Filoromo, Ponte Verda Beach, FL; Thomas N. Tessier, Nashua, NH; Frank E. Miller, Pittsburgh, PA; Buford L. Brown, Nocatee, FL; Pat R. Ferguson, Yuma, AZ; Dennis P. Crowell, West Gardiner, ME; Steven G. Bayley, Oakland, CA; Jack D. Ramsey, Abilene, TX; William B. Martin, Santa Fe, NM; Thomas A. Wickenhaver, Venice, FL; W. Webber, Clinton Township, MI; John H. Thompson, Tucson, AZ; Charles H. Sloop, Mountain City, TN; Arlan A. Hesse, Proctorville, OH; John D. Wright, Columbus, OH; Paul Dyke, Hartford, SD; H. Dale Guest, Curtis, NE; Henry J. Kissick, Springfield, IL; Darin Winn, Southlake, TX; J. P. London, Arlington, VA; Michael Murphy, Fort Myers, FL; Stephan Puscian, Bland, MO; John Luckasen, Omaha, NE; Bob Jervis, Blacklick, OH; Terrence R. Dolan, Minneapolis, MN; William Harvie, Santee, CA; Charles Warden, Glenshaw, PA; Philip T. Cagle, Houston, TX; Ruth Brewer, Platteville, CO; Alan Mossberg, Tierra Verde, FL; L. Stephen Schmidt, McPherson, KS; Brian A. Carlson, Dallas, TX; Irvin Small, Nashville, TN; Gregory Gaich, Indianapolis, IN; Daniel Roth, Orangeville, IL; Paul Pappalardo, Las Vegas, NV; Kelly McAlpine, Irvine, CA; Hornady Manufacturing Employees, Grand Island, NE; Anne T. Draper, Littleton, CO; George Daniels, Orlando, FL; Lee A. Beaman, Nashville, TN; Kel-Tec CNC Industries, Cocoa, FL; Karl Evans, Waxahachie, TX; Mike Clark, Houston, TX; Cliff Zoller, La Crosse, WI; Carl T. Haley, Nashville, TN; Chappell Smith & Associates, Franklin, TN; Seab A. Tuck, Franklin, TN; Quentia Weir, Louisville, MS; Guy C. Shattuck, Port Ludlow, WA; Harry W. Stowers, Knoxville, TN; Gregory Feher, Morrisville, PA; David Dell’Aquila, Nashville, TN; Deborah Comley, Louisville, KY; Jerrod Menz, Nashville, TN; Ruger Owners & Collectors Society, Inc., Killen, AL; Jeff Adams, Boise, ID; Thomas H. Chappell, Nashville, TN; James Shoureas, Boca Raton, FL; William O. Barrett, San Antonio, TX; Terry Cacek, Greeley, CO; Robert A. Salamon, Downey, CA; Dave Broemel, Nashville, TN; David W. Fuller, Castro Valley, CA; William E. Shelley, Liberty, MO; Robert Blessin, Center Harbor, NH; Richard Hansen, Luther, MI; William E. Stonaker, Southlake, TX; James H. Tanner, Houston, TX; Charles C. Anderson, Harpersville, AL; Edmund H. Mallett, Windham, OH; Robert Whitten, Sequim, WA; Edward C. Micheli, Healdsburg, CA; Douglas J. Ryan, Ashland City, TN; Grace R. Kiltie, Gainesville, FL; Earl Weniger, Little Rock, AR; Willard Andrews, Camp Verde, AZ; Ralph DeYoung, Aiken, SC; Benny E. White, Tucson, AZ; George R. Archer, Lebanon, TN; Michael Murphy, Fort Myers, FL; Jo A. Graves, Houston, TX; James J. King, Farmington, CT; Susan L. Cothran, Poplar Bluff, MO; Ronald E. Greisen, Anchorage, AK; Kenneth P. Barndt, Perkasie, PA; Richard Hacker, Mukwonago, WI; John Liptak, Parkland, FL; Richard Hildebrand, Connersville, IN; Surry P. Roberts, Raleigh, NC; Sam Lewis, Nashville, TN; James Parker, Franklin, TN; Alma Rod & Gun Club, Alma, WI; Cape Radiology Group, Cape Girardeau, MO; Cold Steel Inc., Ventura, CA; Oconomowoc Sportsman’s Club Inc., Oconomowoc, WI; IWLA Mount Airy Chapter, Mount Airy, MD.

SEPTEMBER 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

with no known mental disorder) having “access to weapons,” as if that is a concern. However, they might not really have access. The survey apparently asked if there was a firearm in the home. The person surveyed could well be living in a home that has firearms, but they might not have access to them. The authors also seem to lament, “Only five states have laws allowing families to petition a court to temporarily seize weapons from people who exhibit dangerous behavior.” These are the so-called “red flag” or “extreme risk protection order” laws that are being promoted nationwide. They generally lack sufficient due-process protections necessary for deprivation of a constitutional right and are often rife for abuse. All states have a process to seek to have someone’s competency adjudicated or be involuntarily committed, which could result in a more permanent firearm prohibition. And these laws generally protect due process. If the debate is going to move toward one more Goldilocks argument suggesting that just getting “too old” is reason enough to confiscate firearms, as this article might suggest, then that is a debate we will not bear.

NRA-ILA Truth About Gun Owners (TAG) Poll

EMERGENCY ELECTION-YEAR EDITION

Tell the candidates where you stand today!

Your Second Amendment rights are at stake this November.

Complete Your Emergency Election-Year TAG Poll Right Now.

NRAILA.org/Election-TAG-Poll AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

Photo Courtesy of Tim Dugger

gun owners who may be suffering from dementia. Sort of. Dementia can be a devastating disorder. It is a category of diseases, including Alzheimer’s, that affects the brain, and its effect on individuals varies widely. Of course, discussing the problem of dementia is a conversation worth having. Unfortunately, the KHN/ PBS article is riddled with language that sounds like it came straight from one of the gun-ban groups being funded by anti-gun billionaire Michael Bloomberg. We can only presume it is likely to be used to promote anti-gun policies that focus on prohibition, ignoring reason and constitutional considerations. Aleccia and Bailey refer to an analysis of Washington state survey data that claim that approximately 54,000 residents who are 65 and older have “some cognitive decline” as well as a firearm in the home. Is this really important to note? No, because two key facts are ignored. First, cognitive decline is common among the elderly, and can manifest itself simply as slight memory loss. It does not mean dementia is present. Second, the story refers to these people (again, likely just elderly folks

TIM DUGGER

RA Country became a fan of Tim Dugger after seeing him play the CMA Music Fest in Nashville, Tenn. He has since performed on the NRA Country Sound Stage at the NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits several times. NRA Country’s Vanessa Shahidi recently caught up with Dugger while he finished new music at a recording studio. VS: The NRA, along with Bass Pro Shops, has presented the night race at Bristol Motor Speedway for the last three years. You’ve been very involved in NASCAR and know many of the drivers. How has your involvement with that sport affected your music? TD: The fan base is nearly the same. Country music and NASCAR were born from country people just doing what they love and being who they are. I’ve been really lucky over the years to be able to play a lot of the tracks and build my fan base through that. VS: What is your favorite firearm? TD: Probably my grandad’s old doublebarrel shotgun, just because it was his and is now mine. VS: What is your favorite hunting or outdoor memory? TD: Going to Montana with my friends. I had never been in snow like that. At times I thought they were going to have to carry me back—along with the elk! Learn more about Tim Dugger and his music at facebook.com/timduggermusic. NRA Country is a lifestyle and a bond between the country music community and hard-working Americans everywhere. It’s powered by pride, freedom, love of country, respect for the military and the responsibilities of protecting the great American life. For more information visit nracountry.com, follow on Twitter @NRACountry, and NRA_Country on Instagram.

SEPTEMBER 2018 7/2/18 12:55 PM

INSIDE NRA | REGIONAL REPORT CENTRAL 2019 NRA ANNUAL MEETINGS • APRIL 26-28 • INDIANAPOLIS, IN For hotel accommodations at the NRA Annual Meetings, visit nraam.org

riends of NRA events celebrate American values with fun, fellowship and fundraising for The NRA Foundation. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in games, raffles, live and silent auctions and more. Your attendance contributes to grants that promote firearm education, safety and marksmanship. To learn more about events in your area, visit friendsofnra.org, contact your local field representative or send an email to friends@nrahq.org. Central Regional Director—Chad Franklin

cfranklin@nrahq.org

IA, NE—Tim Bacon

tbacon@nrahq.org

Northern IL—Mike Huber

mhuber@nrahq.org

Southern IL—Donald Higgs

dhiggs@nrahq.org

IN—Craig Haggard

chaggard@nrahq.org

KY—John LaRowe

jlarowe@nrahq.org

MI—Allan Herman

aherman@nrahq.org

Northern MO—Travis Scott

tscott@nrahq.org

Southern MO—Tim Besancenez

tbesancenez@nrahq.org

WI—Scott Taetsch

staetsch@nrahq.org

TRAINING

Crime Prevention

he NRA’s Refuse To Be A Victim® program provides information on crime prevention and personal safety. To learn more about the program, visit refuse.nra.org. The most up-to-date schedule is available on the internet by visiting nrainstructors.org, by sending an email to refuse@nrahq.org or by calling (800) 861-1166.

SEPT. 18—ST. LOUIS, MO

(Seminar) Kevin Cummins (636) 207-1900

SEPT. 22—LAKE VILLA, IL

(Seminar) Steve New (847) 603-1548

SEPT. 22—LIVONIA, MI

Nebraska Marksmanship Ass’n.

SEPT. 23—APPLETON, WI

Wisconsin Firearm Owners, Ranges, Clubs & Educators

(Seminar) DaShika Hill (248) 906-9090 (Seminar) Gil Feher (920) 202-3080

LAW ENFORCEMENT

ublic and private officers interested in becoming firearm instructors should attend one of NRA’s Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor Development Schools, designed to enhance the instructors’ firearm knowledge and handling skills, as well as prepare them to develop effective training programs, instruct in a professional manner, and conduct practical training exercises. Restricted to law enforcement officers only. SEPT. 24-28—MACOMB, IL

(Handgun) Contact Mary Shine at mshine@nrahq.org or (703) 267-1628.

Police Competition

RA Police Pistol Combat competition is intended to be used as an extension of an officer’s training. See PPC Rulebook (Rule 2.4) for eligibility requirements.

SEPT. 8-9—MARSHALLTOWN, IA

(Approved) Contact lecompetitions@nrahq.org or (703) 267-1632.

STATE ASSOCIATIONS

oining NRA-affiliated state associations supports NRA’s mission in your state. For more information see stateassociations.nra.org. Illinois State Rifle Ass’n. Inc.

isra.org

Indiana State Rifle & Pistol Ass’n. Inc.

isrpa.org

Iowa State Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.

iasrpa.org

League of Kentucky Sportsmen Inc.

kentuckysportsmen.com

Michigan Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.

michrpa.org

Missouri Sport Shooting Ass’n.

missourisportshooting.org SEPTEMBER 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

nemarksmanship.com wisconsinforce.org

GUN SHOWS

ates and locations of gun shows are subject to change, so please contact the show before traveling. Discounted NRA membership are sold through NRA recruiters.

*Some shows may offer free admission to people who sign up for new memberships or renewals. To become an NRA Recruiter call (800) 672-0004. SEPT. 1-2

HARRISON, MI

SEPT. 1-2

ALEXANDRIA, IN

SEPT. 1-2

ST. CHARLES, MO

SEPT. 7-8

IRON MOUNTAIN, MI

SEPT. 7-8

WARSAW, MO

SEPT. 7-8

MILWAUKEE, WI

SEPT. 7-8

RICE LAKE, WI

SEPT. 7-8

SLINGER, WI

SEPT. 7-9

WASHINGTON, MO

SEPT. 7-9

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA

SEPT. 7-9

STURTEVANT, WI

SEPT. 8-9

ALPENA, MI

Clare County Fairgrounds, Sport Shows Promotions (517) 676-4160

Madison County Fairgrounds, Central Indiana Gun Shows (765) 855-3836 St. Charles Convention Center, R.K. Shows Inc. (563) 927-8176

United Sportsmen’s Club, United Sportsmen Inc. (906) 774-3867

American Legion Post 217, Warsaw American Legion Shooting Sports (701) 426-6614 American Serb Hall, Freedom Firearms (414) 430-7617

Barron County Fairgrounds, Bearing Arms Gun Shows (715) 308-8772

Kettle Moraine Bowl, Wisconsin Gun Collectors Ass’n. (920) 447-2224

N-Sports Rec Center, Militia Armaments Gun Club (636) 295-0624 Hawkeye Downs, Trade Show Productions (888) 552-1486

Fountain Banquet Hall, Marv Kraus Promotions (563) 608-4401

Northern Lights Arena, Sport Shows Promotions (517) 676-4160

SEPT. 8-9

CROWN POINT, IN

Lake County Fairgrounds, Central Indiana Gun Shows (765) 993-8942

SEPT. 14-15

MERRILL, WI

Merrill Expo Center, North Central Wisconsin Gun Collectors Ass’n. (715) 443-2825

SEPT. 15-16

BIRCH RUN, MI

Frankenmuth Credit Union Event Center, Sport Shows Promotions (517) 676-4160

SEPT. 15-16

NOVI, MI

Suburban Collection Showplace, Michigan Antique Arms Collectors (248) 348-6590

SEPT. 15-16

GREENFIELD, IN

Hancock County Fairgrounds, Central Indiana Gun Shows (765) 855-3836

SEPT. 15-16

BOWLING GREEN, KY

National Guard Armory, A.G. Gun Shows (423) 664-2715

SEPT. 21-22

MEDFORD, WI

SEPT. 21-23

CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO

Simek Recreation Center, Ray Kangas Productions (715) 372-4654 The Show Me Center, Missouri Gun & Knife Show (573) 243-0499

SEPT. 21-23

DES MOINES, IA

SEPT. 21-23

BARABOO, WI

Iowa State Fairgrounds, Trade Show Productions (888) 552-1486 Sauk County Fairgrounds, Marv Kraus Promotions (563) 608-4401

SEPT. 21-23

CHIPPEWA FALLS, WI

Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds, Indianhead Firearms (715) 828-2867

SEPT. 22

EDMORE, MI

VFW Post 2292, Clyde Pritchard (989) 561-5298*

SEPT. 22

SEYMOUR, WI

Doxbees, Wisconsin Firearm Owners (920) 634-9909

SEPT. 22-23

MUNCIE, IN

Delaware County Fairgrounds, Central Indiana Gun Shows (765) 993-8942

SEPT. 23

FORT WAYNE, IN

Allen County Fairgrounds, Midwest Gun Traders Inc. (260) 749-6509

SEPT. 23

WOODSTOCK, IL

McHenry County Fairgrounds, D&J Guns (815) 385-1982

SEPT. 28-29

MUKWONAGO, WI

Mukwonago Field Park, Freedom Firearms (414) 430-7617

SEPT. 28-29

WESTFIELD, WI

SEPT. 28-30

PECATONICA, IL

Marquette County Fairgrounds, Westfield Lions Club (608) 296-3828

Winnebago County Fairgrounds, Marv Kraus Promotions (563) 608-4401

SEPT. 28-30

STE. GENEVIEVE, MO

Ste. Genevieve County Community Center, R.K. Shows Inc. (563) 927-8176

SEPT. 29

WHEATON, IL

DuPage County Fairgrounds, Chicago Civil War Show & Sale (715) 526-9769

SEPT. 29-30

KANSAS CITY, MO

SEPT. 29-30

OZARK, MO

SEPT. 29-30

KANKAKEE, IL

KCI Expo Center, R.K. Shows Inc. (563) 927-8176 Christian County Elks Lodge, Elks Lodge #2777 (417) 693-2090

Kankakee County Fairgrounds, The Cloe Group LLC (815) 263-2810

SEPT. 29-30

KALAMAZOO, MI

SEPT. 29-30

INDIANAPOLIS, IN

SEPT. 29-30

CRAWFORDSVILLE, IN

SEPT. 29-30

LEXINGTON, KY

Kalamazoo County Expo Center, Sport Shows Promotions (517) 676-4160

Stout Field National Guard Armory, Tri-State Gun & Knife Collectors (812) 521-9367 Montgomery County Fairgrounds, Central Indiana Gun Shows (765) 993-8942

Kentucky Horse Park, R.K. Shows Inc. (563) 927-8176

SEPT. 30

ONEKAMA, MI

Manistee County Fairgrounds, Big Bear Sportsman’s Club (231) 499-3471

AREA SHOOTS

or more information, send an email to Shelly Kramer at mkramer@nrahq.org or call (703) 267-1459. For a complete listing, see shootingsportsusa.com. PISTOL

Highland, IL Sheboygan, WI Bristol, IN Central City, IA Barnhart, MO Houghton Lake, MI

SEPT. 8 SEPT. 16 SEPT. 22 SEPT. 22-23 SEPT. 28-29 SEPT. 30

SMALLBORE RIFLE

Van Meter, IA Bonfield, IL Bristol, IN Marshall, MO Williamston, MI

SEPT. 1 SEPT. 8 SEPT. 8 SEPT. 8-9 SEPT. 15

HIGH POWER RIFLE

Beloit, WI Ypsilanti, MI Edinburgh, IN Barry, IL Paducah, KY Dubuque, IA Wright City, MO Alliance, NE Eau Claire, WI

SILHOUETTE

Ypsilanti, MI Bennet, NE Beloit, WI Friendship, IN Effingham, IL Columbia, MO

SEPT. 2 SEPT. 5 SEPT. 9 SEPT. 15 SEPT. 15 SEPT. 23 SEPT. 23 SEPT. 29 SEPT. 30 SEPT. 9 SEPT. 15 SEPT. 15 SEPT. 22-23 SEPT. 22-23 SEPT. 23

NOVI, MI

The Suburban Collection Showplace, Sport Shows Promotions (517) 676-4160

SEPT. 22-23

SEPT. 28-29

SUPERIOR, WI

Head of the Lakes Fairgrounds, Bearing Arms Gun Shows (715) 308-8772

MEMBER INFORMATION & BENEFITS

MEMBERSHIP ACCOUNT INFORMATION: (877) 672-2000 NRA Headquarters: (703) 267-1000 • INTERNET ADDRESS: nra.org MEMBER SERVICE

(800) 672-3888

NRASTORE.COM

(888) 607-6007

5-STAR MEMBER BENEFITS NRA Wine Club

(800) 331-9754

ManageYOURiD

(888) 759-7866

Medical Concierge Network

800) 351-6094

Global Rescue

(800) 381-9754

NRA Travel Center

NRA.HotelPlanner.com

INSTITUTE FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION Grassroots/Legislative Hotline (800) 392-8683

OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT/ GIFT PLANNING (877) NRA-GIVE THE NRA FOUNDATION (800) 423-6894 NRA INSTRUCTOR/ COACH FIREARM TRAINING (703) 267-1500 EDDIE EAGLE GUNSAFE PROGRAM (800) 231-0752 REFUSE TO BE A VICTIM (800) 861-1166 RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS (703) 267-1511 NRA AFFILIATED CLUBS (800) NRA-CLUB RANGE SERVICES (877) 672-7264 COMPETITIVE SHOOTING (877) 672-6282 LAW ENFORCEMENT (703) 267-1640 FRIENDS OF NRA (703) 267-1342 NRA MUSEUMS/ GUN COLLECTOR PROGRAMS (703) 267-1600 SHOWS & EXHIBITS (866) 343-1805 MEDIA RELATIONS (703) 267-1595

The “NRA Regional Report,” a service for NRA members, appears in every issue of American Rifleman, American Hunter, Shooting Illustrated and America’s 1st Freedom. The Regional Report is an up-to-date listing of NRA conducted and/or sponsored events scheduled in your region for the current month. Call to verify event dates and locations before traveling.

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

SEPTEMBER 2018

INSIDE NRA | REGIONAL REPORT EAST 2019 NRA ANNUAL MEETINGS • APRIL 26-28 • INDIANAPOLIS, IN For hotel accommodations at the NRA Annual Meetings, visit nraam.org

SEPT. 9—LEHIGH VALLEY, PA

East Regional Director—Bryan Hoover

bhoover@nrahq.org

ME, VT, NH—Brian Smith

bsmith@nrahq.org

(Instructor Development Workshop) Matthew Sedlacek (404) 240-1188

SEPT. 9—FURLONG, PA (Seminar)

Lori Wicen (215) 589-3534

SEPT. 11—BRISTOL, CT (Seminar)

Michael Ptaszynski (860) 582-4388

SEPT. 15—CENTREVILLE, VA

(Instructor Development Workshop) Pamela Meara (703) 362-7293

SEPT. 17—WESTMINSTER, MD

(Instructor Development Workshop) Ed O’Carroll (703) 475-4598

LAW ENFORCEMENT

ublic and private officers interested in becoming firearm instructors should attend one of NRA’s Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor Development Schools.

NJ, MA, RI, CT & Southern NY— Craig Decker

SEPT. 10-14—VALHALLA, NY

New York—Bruce McGowan

SEPT. 10-14—BETHLEHEM, PA

Northern OH—Marc Peugeot

SEPT. 24-28—BETHLEHEM, PA

cdecker@nrahq.org

bmcgowan@nrahq.org mpeugeot@nrahq.org

Southern OH—David Graham

dgraham@nrahq.org

Eastern PA, DE—Kory Enck

kenck@nrahq.org

Western PA—Tom Baldrige

tbaldrige@nrahq.org

Eastern VA, Eastern MD, Washington, DC—David Wells

dwells@nrahq.org

Western VA, Western MD, WV— Jim Kilgore

jkilgore@nrahq.org

TRAINING

Crime Prevention

(Handgun/Shotgun) (Tactical Shooting)

(Select Fire) Contact Tiffany Cole at tcole@nrahq.org or (703) 267-1626.

Police Competition

RA Police Pistol Combat competition is intended to be used as an extension of an officer’s training. See PPC Rulebook (Rule 2.4) for eligibility requirements.

SEPT. 8—LEBANON, PA (Approved) SEPT. 16—FREDERICK, MD

(Approved) Contact lecompetitions@nrahq.org or call (703) 267-1632.

gonh.org

Ass’n. Of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs Inc.

anjrpc.org

New York State Rifle & Pistol Ass’n. Inc.

nysrpa.org

Ohio Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.

orpa.net

Pennsylvania Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.

pennarifleandpistol.org

Rhode Island 2nd Amendment Coalition

ri2nd.org

Vermont Federation Of Sportsmen’s Clubs Inc.

vtfsc.org

Virginia Shooting Sports Ass’n.

myvssa.org

West Virginia State Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.

wvasrpa.org

AREA SHOOTS

or more information, send an email to Shelly Kramer at mkramer@nrahq.org or call (703) 267-1459. For a complete listing, see shootingsportsusa.com.

PISTOL

Montpelier, VA Eleanor, WV Muhlenburg, PA Lancaster, OH New York, NY Harwood, MD Jerricho, VT Vernon/Rockville, CT Scarborough, ME North Attleboro, MA

Connecticut State Rifle & Revolver Ass’n.

HIGH POWER RIFLE

SEPT. 1—ASHAWAY, RI (Seminar)

Maine Rifle & Pistol Ass’n. Inc.

SEPT. 8—STROUDSBURG, PA (Seminar)

Maryland State Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.

Gun Owners Of New Hampshire Inc.

SMALLBORE RIFLE

Matthew Sedlacek (404) 240-1188

goal.org

STATE ASSOCIATIONS

Goal (Massachusetts)

oining NRA-affiliated state associations supports NRA’s mission in your state. See stateassociations.nra.org for more information. csrra.com

Delaware State Sportsmen’s Ass’n.

dssa.us

mainerpa.org msrpa.org

SEPTEMBER 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

Rotterdam, NY Manassas, VA Muhlenburg, PA Millville, NJ

Damascus, MD Harrisburg, PA Scarborough, ME Lyndeborough, NH Grafton, VA Massena, NY Delta, PA Jackson, NJ

SEPT. 1 SEPT. 2 SEPT. 8 SEPT. 8 SEPT. 9 SEPT. 9 SEPT. 15-16 SEPT. 15-16 SEPT. 30 SEPT. 30 SEPT. 1-2 SEPT. 1-2 SEPT. 22-23 SEPT. 23 SEPT. 1 SEPT. 1 SEPT. 8 SEPT. 9 SEPT. 15 SEPT. 16 SEPT. 22 SEPT. 23

Batavia, OH Bridgeville, DE SILHOUETTE

Mont Vernon, NH Albany, NY Mansfield, PA Shippensburg, PA Roanoke, VA Montoursville, PA Rupert, WV

SEPT. 29 SEPT. 29-30

SEPT. 8-9

MEDINA, OH

SEPT. 2 SEPT. 8 SEPT. 8 SEPT. 15 SEPT. 16 SEPT. 22 SEPT. 23

SEPT. 8-9

STROUDSBURG, PA

GUN SHOWS

ates and locations of gun shows are subject to change, so please contact the show before traveling. Discounted NRA membership are sold through NRA recruiters. *Some shows may offer free admission to people who sign up for new memberships or renewals. To become an NRA Recruiter call (800) 672-0004. SEPT. 1

ALBANY, NY

Polish Community Center, NEACA Inc. (518) 664-9743

SEPT. 1-2

NORFOLK, VA

Norfolk Scope Arena, Showmasters Gun Shows (540) 951-1344

SEPT. 8

PITTSBURGH, PA

Castle Shannon Volunteer Fire Department, Castle Shannon Volunteer Fire Department (412) 884-7913

SEPT. 8-9

WEST FRIENDSHIP, MD

Howard County Fairgrounds, Silverado Gun Shows (301) 874-5012

SEPT. 8-9

DOSWELL, VA

SEPT. 8-9

FISHERSVILLE, VA

Meadow Event Park, Southeastern Guns & Knives (757) 483-5385 Augusta Expo, Showmasters Gun Shows (540) 951-1344

SEPT. 8-9

FLATWOODS, WV

SEPT. 8-9

CONCORD, NH

Medina County Fairgrounds, Conrad & Dowell Productions (330) 948-4400 Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Co., Jaeger Arms Promotions (570) 470-6404

SEPT. 15-16

BATAVIA, NY

Quality Inn & Suites, Alabama Hunt Club (716) 430-3133

SEPT. 15-16

GETTYSBURG, PA

Allstar Events Complex, Eagle Arms Productions (610) 393-3047

SEPT. 15-16

SYRACUSE, NY

N.Y. State Fairgrounds, New York State Arms Collectors Ass’n. (607) 748-1010

SEPT. 15-16

WARREN, OH

SEPT. 22-23

HAMPTON, VA

Trumbull Plaza, Ohio Shows (330) 539-4247

Hampton Roads Convention Center, Southeastern Guns & Knives (757) 483-5385

SEPT. 22-23

PHILADELPHIA, PA

Philadelphia National Guard Armory, Appalachian Promotions (717) 697-3088

SEPT. 22-23

WASHINGTON, PA

SEPT. 22-23

HAMBURG, NY

SEPT. 22-23

MALBOROUGH, MA

SEPT. 22-23

TALLMADGE, OH

Washington County Fairgrounds, ARH Sport Shop (724) 948-3571

Hamburg Fairgrounds, Niagara Frontier Gun Shows (716) 542-9929

Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel & Trade Center, New Mart Promotions (914) 248-1000 Summit County Fairgrounds, Ohio Shows (330) 539-4247

SEPT. 22-23

CENTRE HALL, PA

SEPT. 28-30

CHANTILLY, VA

SEPT. 28-30

RUTLAND, VT

Centre County Grange Fairgrounds, Outdoor Sportsman Club (814) 238-0153 Dulles Expo Center, Showmasters Gun Shows (540) 951-1344* Royce Arena Vermont State Fairgrounds, NEACA Inc. (518) 664-9743

SEPT. 29

SIDNEY, OH

SEPT. 29

WAPPINGERS FALLS, NY

Portland Sports Complex, New England Events LLC (603) 230-9014

Duchess County Pistol Ass’n., Duchess County Pistol Ass’n. (845) 853-2200

SEPT. 29-30

ALLENTOWN, PA

SEPT. 29-30

MATAMORAS, PA

SEPT. 29-30

EASTON, PA

SEPT. 29-30

WELLINGTON, OH

SEPT. 29-30

CAMBRIDGE, OH

SEPT. 29-30

FREEPORT, NY

Allentown EconoLodge, Eagle Arms Productions (610) 393-3047 Hunts Landing Best Western, Westchester Collectors Club (914) 248-1000

Charles Chrin Community Center, Lehigh Valley Knife Shows (610) 252-2098

Lorain County Fairgrounds, Bill-Mar Productions (440) 986-5004 Pritchard-Laughlin Civic Center, Heritage Gun Shows (330) 806-1110*

Freeport Recreation Center, Long Island Antique Historical Arms Society, Inc. (631) 722-3248

Days Inn Conference Center, R&R Gun & Knife Shows (304) 575-6895 Douglas N. Everett Arena, New England Events (603) 230-9014

SEPT. 8-9

SHARONVILLE, OH

Sharonville Convention Center, Bill Goodman’s Gun & Knife Shows (502) 538-3900

SEPT. 8-9

SCHNECKSVILLE, PA

Schnecksville Fire Co., Appalachian Promotions (717) 697-3088

SEPT. 8-9

MIDDLETOWN, NY

Orange County Fairgrounds, New Mart Promotions (914) 248-1000

SEPT. 8-9

MORGANTOWN, PA

Morgantown Center, Eagle Arms Productions (610) 393-3047

SEPT. 8-9

BANGOR, ME

Anah Shrine, Penobscot County Conservation Ass’n. (207) 941-8575

MEMBER INFORMATION & BENEFITS

MEMBERSHIP ACCOUNT INFORMATION: (877) 672-2000 NRA Headquarters: (703) 267-1000 • INTERNET ADDRESS: nra.org MEMBER SERVICE

(800) 672-3888

NRASTORE.COM

(888) 607-6007

5-STAR MEMBER BENEFITS NRA Wine Club

(800) 331-9754

ManageYOURiD

(888) 759-7866

Medical Concierge Network

800) 351-6094

Global Rescue

(800) 381-9754

NRA Travel Center

NRA.HotelPlanner.com

INSTITUTE FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION Grassroots/Legislative Hotline (800) 392-8683

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

SEPTEMBER 2018

INSIDE NRA | REGIONAL REPORT MIDWEST 2019 NRA ANNUAL MEETINGS • APRIL 26-28 • INDIANAPOLIS, IN For hotel accommodations at the NRA Annual Meetings, visit nraam.org

STATE ASSOCIATIONS

Midwest Regional Director—Tom Ulik

tulik@nrahq.org

AR—Erica Willard

ewillard@nrahq.org

CO—Brad Dreier

bdreier@nrahq.org

KS—Tom Ulik

tulik@nrahq.org

NM—Michael Guilliams

mguilliams@nrahq.org

OK—Darren DeLong

ddelong@nrahq.org

Eastern TX—Liz Foley

efoley@nrahq.org

Northern TX—Kevin Post

kpost@nrahq.org

Southern TX—Tyler Ward

tward@nrahq.org

Western TX—Jack Cannon

jcannon@nrahq.org

oining NRA-affiliated state associations supports NRA’s mission in your state. See stateassociations.nra.org/ for more information. Arkansas Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.

arpa-online.org

Colorado State Shooting Ass’n.

cssa.org

Kansas State Rifle Ass’n.

ksraweb.org

New Mexico Shooting Sports Ass’n. Inc.

nmssa.org

Oklahoma Rifle Ass’n. Inc.

oklarifle.com

Texas State Rifle Ass’n.

tsra.com

LAW ENFORCEMENT

SEPT. 10-14—SAN ANTONIO, TX

(Tactical Shotgun)

SEPT. 17-21—LITTLETON, CO

(Tactical Shooting) Contact Mary Shine at mshine@nrahq.org or call (703) 267-1628.

Police Competition

RA Police Pistol Combat competition is intended to be used as an extension of an officer’s training. See PPC Rulebook (Rule 2.4) for eligibility requirements.

SEPT. 22-23—ALBUQUERQUE, NM

(Tactical Police Competition)

SEPT. 23-26—ALBUQUERQUE, NM

(National Police Shooting Championship) Contact lecompetitions@nrahq.org or call (703) 267-1632.

GUN SHOWS

LEWISVILLE, TX

SEPT. 1-2

SAN ANTONIO, TX

SEPT. 1-2

GLEN ROSE, TX

SEPT. 1-2

HENDERSON, TX

SEPT. 8-9

MESQUITE, TX

SEPT. 8-9

JACKSONVILLE, AR

SEPT. 8-9

TULSA, OK

SEPT. 8-9

ARANSAS PASS, TX

SEPT. 8-9

KERRVILLE, TX

Premier Event Center, Premier Gun Shows (817) 732-1194 San Antonio Event Center, Saxet Trade Shows (361) 289-2256* Somervell County Expo Center, Whipp Farm Productions (817) 929-1816 Rusk County Expo Center, G&S Promotions (918) 659-2201

Mesquite Rodeo Convention Center, Premier Gun Shows (817) 732-1194 Old Wal-Mart Shopping Center, Hanging Judge Promotions (479) 858-9079

Tulsa Fairgrounds, Oklahoma Gun Shows (918) 955-1092

The 1911 Sidekick Fighter knife from Silver Stag, a skillfully hand-crafted fixed-blade knife, is the perfect tool for deer camp or self-protection. The 6-inch hollow-ground and jeweled high carbon D2 steel blade and leather sheath, with vertical and horizontal carry options, feature Friends of NRA logos. VZ Grips are customized to match the Gun of the Year, a Kimber NRA Custom II "Defending Freedom"1911, creating a duo that you won’t want to put down. When you do, the display case’s black foam interior with cutouts for the gun and knife will ensure it is stored securely beneath a lid engraved with the Friends of NRA logo. Available only at Friends of NRA events.

SEPTEMBER 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

Aransas Pass Civic Center, J&M Gun Shows (432) 438-1090 Hill Country Youth Event Center— The Ag Barn, Texas Gun & Knife Ass’n. (830) 285-0575

SEPT. 8-9

QUITMAN, TX

arroll reene ivic enter, American egion ost -

SEPT. 15-16

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO

olorado prings vent enter, R. . romotions -

SEPT. 15-16

LOVELAND, CO

utlets at oveland, . . -

un hows

SEPT. 15-16

TOPEKA, KS

ansas xpocentre, R. . hows nc. -

SEPT. 15-16

MESQUITE, TX

ig own vent enter, remier hows -

SEPT. 15-16

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX

Al Amin hrine avilion, Al Amin hriners

SEPT. 15-16

DRIPPING SPRINGS, TX

ripping prings Ranch ar , ild easel roductions -

SEPT. 15-16

HEMPSTEAD, TX

nights of olumbus all, empstead nights of olumbus -

SEPT. 15-16

SAN ANTONIO, TX

Austin ighway vent enter, Real exas un hows -

SEPT. 15-16

enver

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK

art, anner -

SEPT. 22-23

DENVER, CO

un hows

GEORGETOWN, TX

Nation ports, remier hows -

SEPT. 22-23

allas ar et all, ollectors Ass’n.

SEPT. 22-23

DALLAS, TX

TOMBALL, TX

, Real exas

un hows

LONGMONT, CO

oulder ounty airgrounds, . . un hows -

SEPT. 29-30

WICHITA, KS

entury , R. . hows nc. -

SEPT. 29-30

WAXAHACHIE, TX

axahachie ivic enter, remier un hows -

SEPT. 29-30

NACOGDOCHES, TX

Nacogdoches ounty xposition enter, romotions -

SEPT. 29-30

PORT ARTHUR, TX

Robert A. ower ivic enter, Real exas un hows -

SEPT. 29-30

DURANT, OK

hoctaw asino Resort vents enter, our New un -

SEPT. 29-30

MOUNTAIN HOME, AR

axter ounty airgrounds, win a es un lub -

TRAINING

Crime Prevention

he NRA’s Refuse o e A ictim program provides information on crime prevention and personal safety. o learn more about the program, visit refuse.nra.org. he most up-to-date schedule is available on the internet by visiting nrainstructors.org, by sending an email to refuse nrah .org or by calling . eminar u anne

asterson

SEPT. 5—MONTROSE, CO

eminar arry c hirter

SEPT. 6—SCHERTZ, TX

eminar Alison Adams

SEPT. 13—AUGUSTA, KS

eminar reg Rupp

SEPT. 19—MONTROSE, CO

eminar arry c hirter

SEPT. 24—NEW BRAUNFELS, TX

eminar ammy tein

SEPT. 27—COLORADO SPRINGS, CO

eminar aul ucci

AREA SHOOTS

or more information, send an email to helly ramer at m ramer nrah .org or call . or a complete listing, see shootingsportsusa.com.

PISTOL

Raton, N errell, Arcadia, yers, hitewater,

SMALLBORE RIFLE

hina pring, ine luff, AR yers,

HIGH POWER RIFLE

arthage, utchinson, oulder, ra oria, apitan, N an uren, AR oweta,

SILHOUETTE

and prings, Aurora, riendswood, ryant, AR elphos, raham, Raton, N

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SAN ANGELO, TX

SEPT. 22-23

SEPT. 29-30

ild

allas Arms -

an Angelo oliseum airground, ilver pur rade hows -

omball

KINGSLAND, TX

ingsland ommunity enter, easel roductions -

SEPT. 1—GRAND JUNCTION, CO

rossroads vent enter, uchanan vent o. -

SEPT. 22-23

SEPT. 29-30

FORT WORTH, TX

ill Rogers enter, one tar hows -

MEMBER INFORMATION & BENEFITS

MEMBERSHIP ACCOUNT INFORMATION: (877) 672-2000 NRA Headquarters: (703) 267-1000 • INTERNET ADDRESS: nra.org MEMBER SERVICE

(800) 672-3888

NRASTORE.COM

(888) 607-6007

5-STAR MEMBER BENEFITS NRA Wine Club

(800) 331-9754

ManageYOURiD

(888) 759-7866

Medical Concierge Network

800) 351-6094

Global Rescue

(800) 381-9754

NRA Travel Center

NRA.HotelPlanner.com

INSTITUTE FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION Grassroots/Legislative Hotline (800) 392-8683

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

SEPTEMBER 2018

INSIDE NRA | REGIONAL REPORT SOUTH 2019 NRA ANNUAL MEETINGS • APRIL 26-28 • INDIANAPOLIS, IN For hotel accommodations at the NRA Annual Meetings, visit nraam.org

SEPT. 22—LILBURN, GA (Seminar)

Louisiana Shooting Ass’n.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

Mississippi Gun Owners Ass’n.

Greg Schreffler (770) 367-3525

riends of NRA events celebrate American values with fun, fellowship and fundraising for The NRA Foundation. To learn more about events in your area, visit friendsofnra.org, contact your local field representative or send an email to friends@nrahq.org.

South Regional Director—Al Hammond

ahammond@nrahq.org

AL, MS—Gene Newman

gnewman@nrahq.org

Northern FL—Bret Eldridge

peldridge@nrahq.org

Southern FL—Tom Knight

tknight@nrahq.org

GA—Neely Raper

nraper@nrahq.org

LA—Chad Bowen

cbowen@nrahq.org

Eastern NC—Garland “Tra” Storey

gstorey@nrahq.org

Western NC—Doug Merrill

rmerrill@nrahq.org

TN—Mike Webb

mwebb@nrahq.org

SC—Freeman Coleman

fcoleman@nrahq.org

TRAINING

Crime Prevention

(Seminar) Ken Geis (321) 230-6171

SEPT. 2—STONE MOUNTAIN, GA

(Instructor Development Workshop) Matthew Schwab (678) 260-8318

SEPT. 10—BUFORD, GA (Seminar)

John Bain (678) 238-2504

SEPT. 15—CORRYTON, TN (Seminar)

Fred Styciura (732) 551-8263

SEPT. 21—NEW PORT RICHEY, FL

(Seminar) Nicholas Di Guiseppi (727) 804-9516

louisianashooting.com msgo.com

ublic and private officers interested in becoming firearm instructors should attend one of NRA’s Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor Development Schools.

North Carolina Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.

SEPT. 10-14—AVONDALE, LA

Tennessee Shooting Sports Ass’n. Inc.

SEPT. 10-14—FLORENCE (UNA), AL

GUN SHOWS

(Patrol Rifle) (Handgun)

SEPT. 10-14—PARCHMAN, MS

(Tactical Shooting)

SEPT. 10-14—NEW SMYRNA BEACH, FL

(Tactical Shooting)

SEPT. 10-14—TUSCALOOSA, AL

(Precision Rifle)

SEPT. 17-21—LUCEDALE, MS

(Handgun/Shotgun)

SEPT. 17-21—HOLLY SPRINGS, MS

(Tactical Shooting) Contact Rudis Amaya at ramaya@nrahq.org or call (703) 267-1636.

Police Competition

RA Police Pistol Combat competition is intended to be used as an extension of an officer’s training. See PPC Rulebook (Rule 2.4) for eligibility requirements.

SEPT. 1—COLUMBIA, SC (Approved) SEPT. 8—MONCKS CORNER, SC

(Approved)

SEPT. 8—MEMPHIS, TN (Approved) SEPT. 8—LEBANON, PA (Approved) SEPT. 22—LEXINGTON, SC

(Approved) Contact lecompetitions@nrahq.org or (703) 267-1632.

STATE ASSOCIATIONS

oining NRA-affiliated state associations supports NRA’s mission in your state. See stateassociations.nra.org/ for more information. Alabama Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.

jmoses1936@gmail.com

Florida Sport Shooting Ass’n.

fssaf.wildapricot.org

Georgia Sport Shooting Ass’n.

gssainc.org

SEPTEMBER 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

ncrpa.org

Gun Owners of South Carolina

gosc.org

tennesseeshootingsportsassociation.org

MIAMI, FL

SEPT. 1-2

LARGO, FL

SEPT. 1-2

MELBOURNE, FL

SEPT. 1-2

SALT SPRINGS, FL

SEPT. 1-2

DULUTH, GA

SEPT. 1-2

GONZALES, LA

SEPT. 1-2

WILMINGTON, NC

SEPT. 1-2

EAST RIDGE, TN

SEPT. 7-8

CULLMAN, AL

SEPT. 8-9

ANNISTON, AL

SEPT. 8-9

PALMETTO, FL

Miami-Dade Fairgrounds, Florida Gun Shows (407) 410-6870 Minnreg Hall, 2 Guys Shows (727) 776-3442

Melbourne Auditorium, Sport Show Specialists (321) 777-7455*

VFW Post 10208, Gun Trader Shows (352) 359-0134

Infinite Energy Forum, Eastman Gun Shows (229) 423-4867

Lamar-Dixon Expo Hall, Classic Arms Productions (985) 624-8577

Wilmington National Guard Armory, S&D Show Promotions (252) 745-5647 Camp Jordan Arena, R.K. Shows Inc. (563) 927-8176

Cullman Civic Center, VPI Gun Shows (256) 381-0506* Anniston Meeting Center, A.G. Gun Shows (423) 664-2715 Bradenton Convention Center, Florida Gun Shows (407) 410-6870

SEPT. 8-9

FORT WALTON BEACH, FL

SEPT. 8-9

WEST PALM BEACH, FL

SEPT. 8-9

INVERNESS, FL

SEPT. 8-9

MARIETTA, GA

SEPT. 8-9

LADSON, SC

SEPT. 8-9

KNOXVILLE, TN

SEPT. 8-9

LEBANON, TN

Northwest Florida Fairgrounds, North Florida Gun & Knife Shows (407) 275-7233 South Florida Fairgrounds, Sport Show Specialist (321) 777-7455* Citrus County Fairgrounds, Gun Trader Shows (352) 359-0134

Cobb County Civic Center, Eastman Gun Shows (229) 423-4867 Exchange Park Fairgrounds, Mike Kent & Associates (770) 630-7296

Knoxville Expo Center, R.K. Shows Inc. (563) 927-8176

Wilson County Expo Center, Bill Goodman’s Gun & Knife Shows (502) 538-3900

SEPT. 15-16

MONTGOMERY, AL

SEPT. 15-16

LAKELAND, FL

Alcazar Shrine Center, Collectors & Shooters Co. (334) 322-8818 Lakeland Center, Lakeland Rifle & Pistol Club (863) 665-0092

SEPT. 22-23

TALLAHASSEE, FL

SEPT. 29-30

ATLANTA, GA

SEPT. 22-23

GAINESVILLE, GA

SEPT. 29-30

ANDERSON, SC

SEPT. 22-23

NEW BERN, NC

North Florida Fairgrounds, North Florida Gun & Knife Shows (407) 275-7233 Gainesville Market, Eastman Gun Shows (229) 423-4867

Craven County Jaycee Fairgrounds, S&D Show Promotions (252) 745-5647 CONCORD, NC

SEPT. 22-23

FLORENCE, SC

PISTOL

SEPT. 22-23

MURFREESBORO, TN

SEPT. 28-29

HUNTSVILLE, AL

Cabarrus Arena & Events Center, C&E Gun Shows (540) 953-0016

Florence Civic Center, Mike Kent & Associates (770) 630-7296

Mid-TN Expo Center, R.K. Shows Inc. (563) 927-8176 Huntsville Jaycee’s Community Building, Alabama Military Collectors Ass’n. (256) 651-7302

SEPT. 29-30

BIRMINGHAM, AL

SEPT. 29-30

VERO BEACH, FL

Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex, Great Southern Gun & Knife Shows (865) 671-4757

Indian River County Fairgrounds, Patriot Productions (866) 611-0442

SEPT. 29-30

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL

SEPT. 15-16

ATLANTA, GA

SEPT. 29-30

FORT MYERS, FL

SEPT. 15-16

KENNER, LA

SEPT. 29-30

NAPLES, FL

SEPT. 15-16

JACKSONVILLE, NC

SEPT. 29-30

OCALA, FL

SEPT. 15-16

RALEIGH, NC

SEPT. 29-30

VALDOSTA, GA

SEPT. 15-16

HICKORY, NC

Pontchartrain Center, Great Southern Gun & Knife Shows (865) 671-4757 American Legion, S&D Show Promotions (252) 745-5647

N.C. State Fairgrounds, The Carolina Trader (704) 282-1339 Hickory Metro Convention Center, C&E Gun Shows (540) 953-0016

SEPT. 22-23

DOTHAN, AL

SEPT. 22-23

DADE CITY, FL

National Peanut Festival Facility, Collectors & Shooters Co. (334) 322-8818 Pasco County Fairgrounds, Gun Trader Shows (352) 359-0134

SEPT. 22-23

MIAMI, FL

Miccosukee Gaming Resort, Florida Gun Expo (305) 922-3677

SEPT. 22-23

PORT CHARLOTTE, FL

Charlotte County Fairgrounds, 2 Guys Shows (727) 776-3442

SEPT. 22-23

ST. PETERSBURG, FL

Florida National Guard Armory, Gun Show Team (561) 288-8425

AREA SHOOTS

SEPT. 22-23

DELAND, FL

Atlanta Expo Centers, R.K. Shows Inc. (563) 927-8176

Civic Center of Anderson, Great American Promotions (865) 453-0074

SEPT. 15-16

Volusia County Fairgrounds, Sport Show Specialists (321) 777-7455*

Atlanta Farmers Market, Gem Capitol Shows (828) 524-2064

War Memorial Auditorium, Florida Gun Shows (407) 410-6870

Florida National Armory, Gun Show Team (561) 288-8425 Italian American Club, Florida Gun Expo (305) 922-3677

Ocala Livestock Pavilion, Gun Trader Shows (352) 359-0134

James H. Rainwater Conference Center, Eastman Gun Shows (229) 423-4867

or more information, send an email to Shelly Kramer at mkramer@nrahq.org or call (703) 267-1459. For a complete listing, see shootingsportsusa.com. Holmwood, LA Covington, GA Pinson, AL Haw River, NC Cookeville, TN Jacksonville, FL Orangeburg, SC

SMALLBORE RIFLE

Gaston, SC Orlando, FL Cusseta, GA Hazelhurst, MS Cookeville, TN Columbus, NC Pinson, AL

HIGH POWER RIFLE

Charlotte, NC Glen, MS Brooksville, FL Grand Cane, LA Dawsonvlle, GA Knoxville, TN Orangeburg, SC Hoover, AL

SILHOUETTE

Brandon, MS Quitman, LA Hoover, AL Batesburg, SC Chuluota, FL Brunswick, GA Jackson, TN Roxboro, NC Hiawassee, GA

SEPT. 8 SEPT. 9 SEPT. 15 SEPT. 16 SEPT. 16 SEPT. 16 SEPT. 22 SEPT. 1 SEPT. 1 SEPT. 2 SEPT. 8 SEPT. 9 SEPT. 22 SEPT. 22 SEPT. 8 SEPT. 8 SEPT. 15 SEPT. 15 SEPT. 16 SEPT. 22 SEPT. 30 SEPT. 30 SEPT. 1 SEPT. 1 SEPT. 1 SEPT. 8 SEPT. 9 SEPT. 15 SEPT. 16 SEPT. 22 SEPT. 22

MEMBER INFORMATION & BENEFITS

MEMBERSHIP ACCOUNT INFORMATION: (877) 672-2000 NRA Headquarters: (703) 267-1000 • INTERNET ADDRESS: nra.org MEMBER SERVICE

(800) 672-3888

NRASTORE.COM

(888) 607-6007

5-STAR MEMBER BENEFITS NRA Wine Club

(800) 331-9754

ManageYOURiD

(888) 759-7866

Medical Concierge Network

800) 351-6094

Global Rescue

(800) 381-9754

NRA Travel Center

NRA.HotelPlanner.com

INSTITUTE FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION Grassroots/Legislative Hotline (800) 392-8683

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

SEPTEMBER 2018

INSIDE NRA | REGIONAL REPORT SOUTHWEST 2019 NRA ANNUAL MEETINGS • APRIL 26-28 • INDIANAPOLIS, IN For hotel accommodations at the NRA Annual Meetings, visit nraam.org

Southwest Regional Director— Jason Quick

jquick@nrahq.org

AZ—Winston Pendleton

wpendleton@nrahq.org

Central CA—Paul Rodarmel

prodarmel@nrahq.org

Eastern CA—Cole Beverly

cbeverly@nrahq.org

Mid CA—Sheila Boer

sboer@nrahq.org

Northern CA—Dan Wilhelm

dwilhelm@nrahq.org

Southern CA—Mike Davis

mdavis@nrahq.org

NV—Steve Wilson

swilson@nrahq.org

UT—Jim Reardon

jreardon@nrahq.org

TRAINING

STATE ASSOCIATIONS

Crime Prevention

(Instructor Development Workshop) Gerard Violette (480) 244-6315

oining NRA-affiliated state associations supports NRA’s mission in your state. See stateassociations.nra.org/ for more information. Arizona State Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.

asrpa.com

California Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.

crpa.org

Nevada Firearms Coalition

nvfac.org

Utah State Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.

usrpa.org

GUN SHOWS

SEPTEMBER 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

SEPT. 8-9

VICTORVILLE, CA

San Bernardino Fairgrounds, SoCal Gun Show (619) 997-4154 SEPT. 8-9

PHOENIX, AZ

Arizona State Fairgrounds, Crossroads of the West Gun Shows (801) 544-9125

SEPT. 29-30

l s odge, hico

HOLLISTER, CA

un how

SEPT. 29-30

DEL MAR, CA

SEPT. 29-30

ST. GEORGE, UT

SEPT. 29-30

GARDNERVILLE, NV

el the

ar airgrounds, rossroads of est un hows -

ixie enter, rossroads of the un hows -

est

ouglas ounty airgrounds, American ream un how -

AREA SHOOTS

or more information, send an email to helly ramer at m ramer nrah .org or call . or a complete listing, see shootingsportsusa.com.

PISTOL

loughhouse, A upertino, A hoenix, A

SMALLBORE RIFLE

outh l

onte, A

HIGH POWER RIFLE

SEPT. 8-9

FRESNO, CA

SEPT. 22-23

DALY CITY, CA

SEPT. 8-9

ONTARIO, CA

SEPT. 22-23

SANDY, UT

resno ounty airgrounds, entral oast un hows ntario onvention enter, rossroads of the est un hows -

SEPT. 8-9

LAS VEGAS, NV

astside annery asino, estern rails un nife hows -

SEPT. 8-9

CARSON CITY, NV

he ow alace, rossroads of the est un hows -

ountain America xpo enter, rossroads of the est un hows -

SEPT. 22-23

WINNEMUCCA, NV

innemucca onvention enter, American ream un how -

uma, A lovis, A oulder ity, N Nevada ity, A a ersfield, A endover,

SILHOUETTE

ona ales, A Avenal, A esa, A ucson, A hoenix, A a eport, A

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ills ar ommunity enter, American ream un how -

SEPT. 15-16

TUCSON, AZ

ima ounty airgrounds, rossroads of the est un hows -

SEPT. 15-16

BAKERSFIELD, CA

ern ounty airgrounds, entral oast un hows -

SEPT. 15-16

SAN BERNARDINO, CA

National range how vents enter, rossroads of the est hows -

SEPT. 15-16

LAS VEGAS, NV

as egas onvention enter, idwest Arms ollectors -

SEPT. 22-23

MESA, AZ

esa onvention enter, rossroads of the est un hows -

MEMBER INFORMATION & BENEFITS

MEMBERSHIP ACCOUNT INFORMATION: (877) 672-2000 NRA Headquarters: (703) 267-1000 • INTERNET ADDRESS: nra.org MEMBER SERVICE

(800) 672-3888

NRASTORE.COM

(888) 607-6007

5-STAR MEMBER BENEFITS NRA Wine Club

(800) 331-9754

ManageYOURiD

(888) 759-7866

Medical Concierge Network

800) 351-6094

Global Rescue

(800) 381-9754

NRA Travel Center

NRA.HotelPlanner.com

INSTITUTE FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION Grassroots/Legislative Hotline (800) 392-8683

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

SEPTEMBER 2018

INSIDE NRA | REGIONAL REPORT WEST 2019 NRA ANNUAL MEETINGS • APRIL 26-28 • INDIANAPOLIS, IN For hotel accommodations at the NRA Annual Meetings, visit nraam.org

LAW ENFORCEMENT

West Regional Director—Brad Kruger

bkruger@nrahq.org

Northern AK—Josh Toennessen

jtoennessen@nrahq.org

Southern AK—Greg Stephens

gstephens@nrahq.org

ID—Steve Vreeland

svreeland@nrahq.org

MN—Eric Linder

elinder@nrahq.org

MT—Joe Crismore

jcrismore@nrahq.org

ND, SD—Doug DeLaRoi

ddelaroi@nrahq.org

OR, HI—Mike Carey

mcarey@nrahq.org

WA—Michael Herrera

mherrera@nrahq.org

WY—Logan Duff

lduff@nrahq.org

SEPT. 24-28—HOQUIAM, WA

(Handgun) Contact Mary Shine at mshine@nrahq.org or call (703) 267-1628.

Police Competition

RA Police Pistol Combat competition is intended to be used as an extension of an officer’s training. See PPC Rulebook (Rule 2.4) for eligibility requirements.

SEPT. 8—RICHLAND, WA

(Approved)

SEPT. 15—MARYSVILLE, WA

(Approved) Contact lecompetitions@nrahq.org or call (703) 267-1632.

STATE ASSOCIATIONS

oining NRA-affiliated state associations supports NRA’s mission in your state. See stateassociations.nra.org/ for more information. Alaska Outdoor Council Inc.

alaskaoutdoorcouncil.org

Hawaii Rifle Ass’n.

hawaiirifleassociation.org

Idaho State Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.

idahosrpa.org

Minnesota Rifle & Revolver Ass’n. Inc.

mrra.org

Montana Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.

mtrpa.org

North Dakota Shooting Sports Ass’n.

ndssa.org

Oregon State Shooting Ass’n.

ossa.org

South Dakota Shooting Sports Ass’n.

sdshootingsports.org

Washington State Rifle & Pistol Ass’n. Inc.

wsrpa.org

Wyoming State Shooting Ass’n. Inc.

wyossa.com

GUN SHOWS

REDMOND, OR

SEPT. 7-9

BILLINGS, MT

SEPT. 7-9

KALISPELL, MT

SEPT. 7-9

ROCK SPRINGS, WY

Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center, Wes Knodel Gun Shows (503) 363-9564 Billings MetraPark, Sports Connection (406) 633-9333

Flathead County Fairgrounds, Northwest Montana Arms Collectors Ass’n. (406) 471-0972

Sweetwater County Events Complex, Up In Arms Gun Shows (208) 420-2295

SEPT. 8

VANCOUVER, WA

SEPT. 8-9

MOSES LAKE, WA

SEPT. 8-9

COEUR D’ALENE, ID

Vancouver Elks Lodge #823, Arms Collectors of Southwest Washington (360) 263-7511

SEPTEMBER 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

Grant County Fairgrounds, Northwest Gun Shows (509) 470-0725

Kootenai County Fairgrounds, Sports Connection (406) 633-9333

SEPT. 29-30

HONOLULU, HI

SEPT. 29-30

POST FALLS, ID

SEPT. 29-30

BISMARCK, ND

SEPT. 29-30

MCMINNVILLE, OR

SEPT. 29-30

ST. PAUL, MN

Neal S. Blaisdell Center, Hawaii Historic Arms Ass’n. (808) 942-8664 Greyhound Park & Event Center, Lewis Clark Trader (208) 746-5555

Bismarck Civic Center, Dakota Territory Gun Collectors Ass’n. (701) 361-9215 Yamhill County Fairgrounds, Collectors West (800) 659-3440 Minnesota State Fairgrounds, Minnesota Weapons Collectors Ass’n. (612) 721-8976

SEPT. 8-9

NAMPA, ID

SEPT. 8-9

EUGENE, OR

Ford Idaho Center, Lewis Clark Trader (208) 746-5555

Lane Event Center, Collectors West (800) 659-3440

SEPT. 8-9

PORTLAND, OR

Portland Metropolitan Exposition Center, Wes Knodel Gun Shows (503) 363-9564

SEPT. 8-9

BEMIDJI, MN

Bemidji National Guard Armory, Russ Bowers Gun Shows (218) 845-2530

SEPT. 14-15

CLOQUET, MN

Cloquet Armory—Minnesota National Guard, A.C. Expos (218) 290-0274

SEPT. 14-16

HAMILTON, MT

Ravalli County Fairgrounds, Sports Connection (406) 633-9333

SEPT. 14-16

GLENDIVE, MT

Eastern Plain Event Center, Weapons Collectors Society of Montana (406) 377-3969

SEPT. 14-16

LARAMIE, WY

SEPT. 14-16

WHITEHALL, MT

SEPT. 21-23

JACKSON HOLE, WY

SEPT. 22-23

ALBANY, OR

The Virginian Lodge, Wyoming Sportsmans Gun Shows (307) 760-1841

Linn County Expo Center, Albany Rifle & Pistol Club (541) 491-3755

SEPT. 22-23

MONROE, WA

SEPT. 22-23

SPOKANE, WA

SEPT. 22-23

HUTCHINSON, MN

Evergreen State Fairgrounds, Washington Arms Collectors (425) 255-8410

Spokane County Fair & Expo, Wes Knodel Gun Shows (503) 363-9564 McLeod County Fairgrounds, Elks Lodge 2427 (952) 920-3820

SEPT. 23

SEPT. 28-30

SEPT. 15-16

HERMISTON, OR

Hermiston Conference Center, Collectors West (800) 659-3440

SEPT. 15-16

ROSEBURG, OR

Douglas County Fairgrounds, Roseburg Rod & Gun Club (541) 530-4570

SEPT. 15-16

CENTRALIA, WA

Southwest Washington Fairgrounds, Wes Knodel Gun Shows (503) 363-9564

SEPT. 15-16

PORT ANGELES, WA

Port Angeles Masonic Temple, Falcon Productions (360) 770-1575

SEPT. 21-23

MISSOULA, MT

Missoula County Fairgrounds, Sports Connection Inc. (406) 633-2206

GREAT FALLS, MT

Montana Expo Park, Great Falls Gun & Antique Show (406) 452-5436

Albany County Fairgrounds, Wyoming Sportsmans Gun Shows (307) 760-1841

Community Center, Weapons Collectors Society of Montana (406) 287-3487

PORTLAND, OR

Jackson Armory, Oregon Arms Collectors (503) 254-5986

AREA SHOOTS

or more information, send an email to Shelly Kramer at mkramer@nrahq.org or call (703) 267-1459. For a complete listing, see shootingsportsusa.com.

PISTOL

Coeur d’Alene, ID Hibbing, MN Honolulu, HI Palmer, AK Springfield, OR

HIGH POWER RIFLE

Butte, MT Spokane, WA Bismarck, ND Vale, OR Nampa, ID Cheyenne, WY

SILHOUETTE

Sherwood, OR Boise, ID Custer, WA Idaho Falls, ID Butte, MT Forsyth, MT

SEPT. 8 SEPT. 8 SEPT. 16 SEPT. 22 SEPT. 23-24 SEPT. 1 SEPT. 2 SEPT. 8-9 SEPT. 9 SEPT. 15 SEPT. 29 SEPT. 1 SEPT. 1 SEPT. 8 SEPT. 8-9 SEPT. 8-9 SEPT. 16

MEMBER INFORMATION & BENEFITS

MEMBERSHIP ACCOUNT INFORMATION: (877) 672-2000 NRA Headquarters: (703) 267-1000 • INTERNET ADDRESS: nra.org MEMBER SERVICE

(800) 672-3888

NRASTORE.COM

(888) 607-6007

5-STAR MEMBER BENEFITS NRA Wine Club

(800) 331-9754

ManageYOURiD

(888) 759-7866

Medical Concierge Network

800) 351-6094

Global Rescue

(800) 381-9754

NRA Travel Center

NRA.HotelPlanner.com

INSTITUTE FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION Grassroots/Legislative Hotline (800) 392-8683

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

SEPTEMBER 2018

INSIDE NRA | PROGRAMS & SERVICES

t’s been a long time since Ronnie W. of Alabama has sat behind the wheel of a new pickup truck. Indeed, until May 14, he was driving a 27-year-old workhorse. But on that day, Ronnie found himself announced as the grand-prize winner of the Richard Childress Truck Sweepstakes. Now he’s driving a special-edition Chevrolet Silverado customized by Richard Childress Racing (RCR). Supplemental prizes included a Textron Off Road Stampede 900, a Textron Off Road Onslaught 550 ATV, a custom trailer and $50,000 cash. All that for the small investment of the cost of two raffle tickets. “I really bought the tickets just as a contribution to the NRA. I didn’t

NRA Richard Childress Racing (RCR) Sweepstakes awarded prizes to Ronnie W.

expect to win, though I prayed about it. So when I found out I won, I felt super blessed. I know that God was in the middle of that. I can’t even comprehend it. It’s a miracle,” Ronnie said. “I’ve had several people tell me

that they really didn’t believe they give things like this away. I can’t thank the NRA, Richard Childress and everyone involved enough.” As the winner, he even got to meet Childress, the NRA’s first vice president, at RCR Headquarters in Welcome, N.C. Ronnie and his family had lunch at Childress’ vineyard, during which Childress himself handed Ronnie the keys to his new ride. Ronnie said he’s giving his son his old truck—yes, it is 27 years old, but Ronnie said he took good care of it. Of course, a lot of things have changed in standard-vehicle offerings in 27 years, so getting used to all the technology might take some time, but Ronnie probably won’t mind.

NRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Joe M. Allbaugh, Oklahoma; Thomas P. Arvas, New Mexico; Paul Babaz, Georgia; Scott L. Bach, New Jersey; William A. Bachenberg, Pennsylvania; Bob Barr, Georgia; Ronnie G. Barrett, Tennessee; Clel Baudler, Iowa; J. Kenneth Blackwell, Ohio; Matt Blunt, Virginia; Dan Boren, Oklahoma; Robert K. Brown, Colorado; Pete R. Brownell, Iowa; Dave Butz, Illinois; Dean Cain, California; Ted W. Carter, Florida; Richard R. Childress, North Carolina; Patricia A. Clark, Connecticut; Allan D. Cors, Florida; Charles L. Cotton, Texas; David G. Coy, Michigan; Larry E. Craig, Idaho; Edie P. Fleeman, North Carolina; Carol Frampton, South Carolina; Joel Friedman, Nevada; Sandra S. Froman, Arizona; Julie Golob, Missouri; Marion P. Hammer, Florida; Maria Heil, Pennsylvania; Graham Hill, Virginia; Susan Howard, Texas; Curtis S. Jenkins, Georgia; David A. Keene, Maryland; Tom King, New York; Timothy Knight, Tennessee; Herbert A. Lanford Jr., South Carolina; Willes K. Lee, Virginia; Carrie Lightfoot, Arizona; Duane Liptak Jr., Texas; Karl A. Malone, Louisiana; Sean Maloney, Ohio; Robert E. Mansell, Arizona; Carolyn D. Meadows, Georgia; Bill Miller, West Virginia; Owen Buz Mills, Arizona; Craig Morgan, Tennessee; Il Ling New, Idaho; Oliver L. North, Virginia; Robert A. Nosler, Oregon; Johnny Nugent, Indiana; Ted Nugent, Texas; Lance Olson, Iowa; Melanie Pepper, Texas; James W. Porter II, Alabama; Peter J. Printz, Montana; Todd J. Rathner, Arizona; Kim Rhode, California; Wayne Anthony Ross, Alaska; Carl T. Rowan Jr., Washington, D.C.; Don Saba, Arizona; William H. Satterfield, Alabama; Ronald L. Schmeits, New Mexico; Esther Q. Schneider, Texas; Steven C. Schreiner, Colorado; Tom Selleck, California; John C. Sigler, Delaware; Leroy Sisco, Texas; Bart Skelton, New Mexico; Kristy Titus, Oregon; Dwight D. Van Horn, Idaho; Blaine Wade, Tennessee; Linda L. Walker, Ohio; Howard J. Walter, North Carolina; Heidi E. Washington, Michigan; Allen B. West, Texas; Donald E. Young, Alaska. Communications intended for any member of the NRA Board of Directors should be addressed to: (Name of Board member), NRA Office of the Secretary, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030; or nrabod@nrahq.org; or (703)267-1021. Please include your name, contact information and NRA membership I.D. number, as only communications from NRA members will be forwarded.

SEPTEMBER 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

Photos by NRA Staff

Alabama Man is Chosen as Winner of Richard Childress Truck Sweepstakes

SUPER COUPON 900 Stores Nationwide • HarborFreight.com

SUPER COUPON AMMO DRY BOX

Customer Rating

NOW

SUPER COUPON

RAPID PUMP 1.5 TON LIGHTWEIGHT ALUMINUM FLOOR JACK ®

• 3-1/2 pumps lifts most vehicles • Lifts from 3-1/2" to 14-1/8" • Weighs 34 lbs.

NOW

$3 $ 99 SAVE 6

$ 99

COMPARE TO

RANGEMAXX

MODEL: 1312-92

ITEM 63135 61451 shown

60%

RAYOVAC

12568

K TOOL

MODEL: KTI63094

SAVE ITEM 68053/62160 $ 65 62496/62516/60569 shown

72" x 80" 30", 4 DRAWER TECH CART MOVING • 12,600 cu. in. of storage BLANKET • 580 lb. capacity

B. PANCAKE

ITEM 60637/61615 95275 shown

COMPARE TO

PORTER-CABLE

9862

MODEL: PCFP02003

Customer Rating

YOUR CHOICE

SAVE 59%

5499

NOW COMPARE TO

BLUE HAWK

1999

MODEL: 77280

LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 12/17/18*

SAVE $899 70% ITEM 69505/62418/66537 shown

SHELTER LOGIC

205

MODEL: 23522

11999

$ $

COMPARE TO

SCHUMACHER ELECTRIC

SAVE 50%

ITEM 60581 60653 shown

VENOM

MODEL: VEN4145

NOW

SAE AND METRIC

ITEM 61363, 68497, 61360, 61359, 64417, 64418, 68498, 68496 shown

COMPARE TO $

HDX

$3869 $29

6639

SAVE 54%

MODEL: H137HOS

ITEM 63248/64080 68998/64263 63091 shown

RECIPROCATING SAW 4 PIECE, 1" x 15 FT. WITH ROTATING HANDLE RATCHETING TIE DOWNS

2799 59

PORTER-CABLE

MODEL: PCE360

1799

11499

12475 SAVE $ 34

COMPARE TO

ALL POWER

MODEL: APG3004A

ITEM 63024/63025 shown

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 12/17/18*

SUPER COUPON MAGNESIUM FIRE STARTER Customer Rating

$39 COMPARE TO

CELESTRON

NOW

4999

9799

MODEL: 14593491

SAVE 59%

$1 49

SAVE 84%

ITEM 62774

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 12/17/18*

COMPARE TO

$ 59

COGHLAN'S

MODEL: 7870

LIMIT 8 - Coupon valid through 12/17/18*

SUPER COUPON

Customer Rating

$ 99 ITEM 69457/63733/66560 shown

SUPER COUPON

ATV/LAWN MOWER LIFT

INDUSTRIAL EAR MUFFS

• 300 lb. capacity • Weighs 72.5 lbs. Customer Rating

Customer Rating

• 400 lb. working load

NOW

COMPARE TO

Blade sold separately.

ITEM 61884/65570 62370 shown

LIMIT 7 - Coupon valid through 12/17/18*

ATE TOOLS $ 88

MODEL: 33079

SAVE 87%

1199 $6

ITEM 63057/63056/63094 90984/60405/63150/61524 shown

LIMIT 9 - Coupon valid through 12/17/18*

*Original coupon only. No use on prior purchases after 30 days from original purchase or without original receipt. Valid through 12/17/18.

NOW

$299

NOW

$1999 SAVE 66%

NOW

SUPER COUPON

NOW

$999

SUPER COUPON

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 12/17/18*

SUPER COUPON

COMPARE TO

ITEM 62281 61637 shown

Customer Rating

LIMIT 9 - Coupon valid through 12/17/18*

Customer Rating

NOW

130 PIECE TOOL KIT 20-60 x 60mm WITH CASE SPOTTING SCOPE Customer Rating WITH TRIPOD

Customer Rating

SAVE 40%

$8999

LIMIT 9 - Coupon valid through 12/17/18*

PER PAIR

COMPARE TO

SUPER COUPON

MODEL: DW1369

SUPER COUPON

12¢

Voted Best Winches

LIMIT 4 - Coupon valid through 12/17/18*

MODEL: 1125220

ITEM 61840/61297/63476/61258 shown

29 PIECE TITANIUM 900 MAX. STARTING/ Customer Rating DRILL BIT SET 700 RUNNING WATTS Customer Rating 2 HP (63 CC) 2 CYCLE GAS GENERATOR COMPARE TO SAVE DEWALT NOW $ 99

4499 $29

MODEL: SE-1250

LIFETIME WARRANTY

$ 99 $ 99

ITEM 64096

$ 99 99 SAVE 189 $ 140

SUPER COUPON

LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 12/17/18*

POWDER-FREE NITRILE GLOVES PACK OF 100 NOW

79995 SAVE $ 689

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 12/17/18*

SUPER COUPON

$5 99

MODEL: KRBC10TBPC

COMPARE TO SUPERWINCH

84% 64

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 12/17/18*

• 5 mil thickness

SNAP-ON

15999

NOW

$9999 SAVE $ 106

COMPARE TO

Customer Rating

NOW

$109

$4999

Customer Rating Cu

2/10/50 AMP, 12 VOLT BATTERY CHARGER/ ENGINE STARTER

• All steel 1.27" diameter tubular frame

COMPARE TO

Customer Rating

NOW

SUPER COUPON

Customer Rating

ITEM 63054/62858 shown

• Weighs 14.3 lbs. • 11-1/8" L x 4-1/2" H

Side tray sold separately.

NOW

SUPER COUPON

Battle Tested

2500 LB. ELECTRIC WINCH WITH WIRELESS REMOTE CONTROL

• Heavy duty gas struts hold lid open at 90 degrees

LIMIT 7 - Coupon valid through 12/17/18*

SUPER COUPON

10 FT. x 20 FT. PORTABLE CAR CANOPY

Limit 1 coupon per customer per day. Save 20% on any 1 item purchased. *Cannot be used with other discount, coupon or any of the following items or brands: Inside Track Club membership, Extended Service Plan, gift card, open box item, 3 day Parking Lot Sale item, compressors, floor jacks, safes, saw mills, storage cabinets, chests or carts, trailers, trencher/backhoe, welders, Admiral, Ames, Bauer, Cobra, CoverPro, Daytona, Earthquake, Fischer, Hercules, Icon, Jupiter, Lynxx, Poulan, Predator, Tailgator, Viking, Vulcan, Zurich. Not valid on prior purchases. Non-transferable. Original coupon must be presented. Valid through 12/17/18.

SUPER COUPON

ITEM 69269/97080 shown

$3999

ITEM 69111/63599/62522/62573 63875/63884/63886/63888/69052 shown

Cannot be used with other discounts or prior purchases. Original coupon must be presented Valid through 12/17/18 while supplies last. Limit 1 FREE GIFT per customer per day.

LIMIT 5 - Coupon valid through 12/17/18*

A. HOT DOG

• Air delivery: 0.6 CFM @ 90 PSI Customer Rating 1 CFM @ 40 PSI

ANY SINGLE ITEM*

• 9 LED • Compact, Lightweight

3 GALLON, 100 PSI OIL-FREE AIR COMPRESSORS B

ANY PURCHASE

COMPARE TO

SUPER COUPON

WITH

MODEL: BRS9LED-B

COMPARE TO

LIMIT 8 - Coupon valid through 12/17/18*

20% OFF

FREE

3-1/2" SUPER BRIGHT ALUMINUM FLASHLIGHT $ 50

Customer Rating Cu

$5999

SUPER COUPON

$ 99 COMPARE TO

TR INDUSTRIAL

$ 74 MODEL: TR88014

SAVE 55%

ITEM 60792/61372 43768 shown

LIMIT 8 - Coupon valid through 12/17/18*

499 7 $ 89 99

COMPARE TO

ITEM 60395/62325 62493/61523 shown

MAX LOAD $ 08

142

MODEL: 38028

SAVE $ 67

LIMIT 3 - Coupon valid through 12/17/18*

At Harbor Freight Tools, the “Compare to” price means that the specified comparison, which is an item with the same or similar function, was advertised for sale at or above the “Compare to” price by another national retailer in the U.S. within the past 90 days. Prices advertised by others may vary by location. No other meaning of “Compare to” should be implied. For more information, go to HarborFreight.com or see store associate.

1918 BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE continued from p. 72

Low-profile Adjustable clips Increased flexibility CoolVent Neoprene TM

prototype automatic rifle that he had been developing for a number of months to the Colt Patent Firearms Mfg. Co. plant in Hartford, Conn., to be demonstrated before, in his words, a number of “officers and experts.” The gun was soon seen as the embodiment of the following concept envisioned by the U.S. War Dept. in early 1917: “[T]o equip all infantrymen with a portable, shoulder-fired rifle firing the standard full-power .30-06 military rifle cartridge and capable of delivering semi- and full-automatic modes of high firepower. A skirmish line of troops, each man armed with a machine rifle, would advance on enemy territory employing … ‘walking fire,’ as developed by the French Army. “Initially each weapon was to be fired semi-automatically, forcing the enemy to keep their heads down. If return fire was received, or during the actual closing with the enemy in the final phase of the assault, the selectors on the rifles were to be switched to full-automatic, allowing the skirmish line to deliver massive bursts of assault for a relatively short duration.” Naturally, the U.S. Army Ordnance Dept. was eager to evaluate and test John Browning’s newest creation. A trial board was convened in May 1917, and the automatic rifle thoroughly impressed the members of the board who witnessed the testing. Excerpts from the final report include the following: “This gun gave a remarkable performance for one of its type, it resembles an ordinary shoulder rifle and was designed by its inventor with a view to be used as a semi-automatic rifle, to be used automatically up to about 200 shots in an emergency without injury to the gun. “In many of the essential features such as reliability of function, durability, lightness and handiness, the Browning appears to be superior to the rather crude Chauchat, and to the Hotchkiss light rifle, which was exhibited but not entered in the tests … . “The Board, therefore, recommends SEPTEMBER 2018

that prompt consideration be given to this subject and that arrangements be made without delay for the procurement of at least 10,000 Browning light rifles.” Due to the impressive tests results, and the dire need for reliable automatic rifles with which to equip our troops fighting in Europe, the Ordnance Dept. awarded the first production contract for 12,000 “Browning Machine Guns” to Colt on July 16, 1917. In order to avoid confusion between the newly adopted Browning automatic rifle and the Browning Model of 1917 water-cooled machine gun, the new gun was designated as the “Model of 1918,” even though it was adopted in 1917. Although the order was given to Colt—since the company owned the patent rights to the gun—the firm was heavily engaged in making other designs for our armed forces, including the Model 1917 Browning heavy machine gun and the Model 1911 .45 ACP pistol. In order to get the badly needed “light rifles” into production as expeditiously as possible, it was decided that Winchester Repeating Arms Co. would begin engineering work posthaste. A September 1917 memo by Winchester’s Edwin Pugsley revealed his company’s key role in getting the new design ready for mass production. By now, it was designated as the “Model of 1918 Browning Automatic Rifle” and frequently was called by its initials “BAR.” Almost universally, each letter in the abbreviation was pronounced, i.e., “B-A-R” rather than using the word “bar” to refer to the gun. “The BAR was a totally new concept and we at Winchester were properly awed … . I got Colt on the phone and borrowed the only sample from noon on Saturday (September 15) to 8 a.m. Monday (September 17). I was at the Colt plant that Saturday noon and got the rifle. I had everybody in the Engineering Department, who could possibly be needed, awaiting my arrival with the continued on p. 92 AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

:RUOG¶V 0RVW 3RZHUIXO /HDI 9DFXXP DW D 1HZ /2: 35,&(

All New DR® &+,33(56 /DUJHU &DSDFLW\ /RZHU 3ULFHV

Now Starting at Just

99999

with

FREE SHIPPING

/2:(67

Unload with just one hand!

699

1RZ DW WKH /RZHVW 3ULFH (YHU Doubles as a utility trailer!

6WRUHV )ODW LQ 0LQXWHV

'5OHDIYDF FRP

7KH EASY DR® Way to TRIM and MOW!

BurnCage.com '5FKLSSHU FRP

1(: DQG ,03529(' *ULQG $ZD\ $1< $PHULFD¶V 25,*,1$/ :DON %HKLQG %UXVK 0RZHU DR )LHOG DQG %UXVK 0RZHUV 6L]H 6WXPS )$67 ®

Starting

LOWEST

at just

PRICE EVER!

$34999 TOW-BEHIND MODELS TOO!

BurnCage.com '5WULPPHUV FRP

The DR® STUMP GRINDER uses carbidetipped cutting teeth (taking 360 “bites” per second) to reduce any stump to a pile of woodchips. Grinds stumps below ground level so they are gone forever! • Faster, safer and easier than digging, burning, or using chemicals. • New, more powerful and lower-priced models. • Now towable with your riding NEW Self-Propelled Model Available! mower or ATV. '5VWXPSJULQGHU FRP

1 YEAR EASY FREE SHIPPING TRIAL FINANCING SOME LIMITATIONS APPLY. CALL OR GO ONLINE FOR DETAILS.

FASTER. Up to 20 HP and 34"-wide cut for faster mowing! EASIER. New power steering for turn-on-adime ease! LOWER PRICES. Reduced by up to $500! NEW CHOICES: including PTO and towbehind models for tractors and ATVs.

Now Starting at $149999 *Assembled in the USA using domestic and foreign parts.

BurnCage.com '5¿ HOGEUXVK FRP

Call for a FREE DVD and Catalog! Includes product specifications and factory-direct offers. TOLL FREE

800-275-1029

• Trims and mows thick grass and weeds without bogging down—the ONLY trimmer guaranteed not to wrap! • Rolls light as a feather on big, easy-rolling wheels! • Thickest, longest-lasting cutting cord (up to 225 mil) takes seconds to change.

7KH DR® 75,00(5 02:(5 JLYHV \RX ; WKH SRZHU DQG 121( RI WKH EDFNVWUDLQ RI KDQGKHOG WULPPHUV

The DR® Field and Brush Mower just got even better—

The ORIGINAL Trimmer on Wheels!

5DWHG LQ 9DFXXP 3RZHU &RQYHUWV WR DQ $OO 3XUSRVH 7UDLOHU

• Chip big branches up to 5.75" 35,&(6 (9(5 thick! • Self-feeding models available. Starting at just No more force-feeding! $ 99 • Powerful engines spin big fly-wheels (up to 62 lbs.), PTO generating massive chipping MODELS TOO! force! • Models that shred yard and garden waste as well as CHIP branches.

DR® LEAF VACUUMS have proven in laboratory testing to achieve the most vacuum power versus competitors. And now, our All-New PILOT Model combines this same amazing yard clean-up power with an equally amazing new price!

1918 BROWNING AUTOMATIC RIFLE continued from p. 90

gun. I took the gun apart and explained how it worked. After this the components were spread around to the group and plans began to develop … .” As evident in the above memo, Winchester was only permitted to have possession of the prototype BAR for a single weekend, and was expected to do all the engineering work necessary to develop production drawings for the gun in that short period of time. Why Winchester was only allowed to have the prototype for such a brief period was not explained, but, by working around the clock for two days, the company accomplished the task. Winchester’s key role in the production of the new Browning Automatic Rifle was discussed in the book America’s Munitions, 1917-1918, authored by the Assistant Secretary of War Benedict Crowell: “[T]he Colt Co., which owned the Browning rights, in September, 1917, turned over to the Winchester Repeating Arms Co. the task of developing the drawing and gauges for the manufacture of Browning automatic rifles on a large scale. Early in March, 1918, the Winchester Co. had tooled up its plant and turned out the first Browning rifles. These were shipped to Washington and demonstrated in the hands of gunners before a distinguished audience of officers and other government officials, and their great success assured the country that America had an automatic rifle worthy of her inventive and manufacturing prestige. By the first of May the Winchester Co. had turned out 1,200 Browning rifles.” In order to supplement manufacture of the Browning Automatic Rifles, the Marlin-Rockwell Corp. was given a production contract and began delivery in June 1918. Orders were later placed with Colt, and the company manufactured a few hundred guns by the end of June 1918 as well. The gas-operated Model 1918 BAR weighed approximately 16 lbs., fed from a 20-round detachable box magazine and could fire either semi-automatically or full-automatic at a rate of approximately 550 rounds per minute. Although almost twice as heavy as the Model 1903 bolt-action service rifle, the BAR was about 3 lbs. lighter than the French Chauchat automatic rifle. As military arms go, the Model 1918 Browning Automatic Rifle was a most attractive firearm. The receiver was milled from a solid block of steel, and machined to the most exacting tolerances. It was finished with a commercial-quality blued finish, and it had a walnut stock and checkered fore-end. The BAR was fitted with sling swivels and a special leather sling, similar to the standard M1907 sling but longer, and with three metal adjustment “frogs.” A canvas “gunner’s belt” with magazine pockets and a metal cup to hold the butt of the BAR during the envisioned “marching fire” mode of combat was also put into production. The first recorded combat use of the M1918 BAR in World War I was on Sept. 12, 1918, during the opening phases of the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, in the hands of Doughboys of the U.S. Army’s 79th Division. Since this was just two months before the Armistice, it is obvious that the BAR did not see extensive use during the war. Curiously, this was not due to a shortage of BARs because there were some 17,000

SEPTEMBER 2018

in France by June 1918, which would have been sufficient to equip the American infantry divisions deployed in combat zones. However, Gen. John Pershing ordered that the guns be withheld from service until September, and most of our Doughboys had to continue using the French Chauchats. There have been two explanations given for the seemingly inexplicable delay in giving American troops a superb automatic to replace the often troublesome Chauchat. The most logical reason was given by Assistant Secretary of War Crowell in America’s Munitions, 1917-1918: “[A]t the time these supplies were arriving the fighting against the retreating German Army was at its height, and there was no time for the troops on the line … to replace their Chauchat automatic rifles with light Brownings, of where there was … an ample supply in France.” The other reason proffered was related in a report by the U.S. Army staff that if the war went on for another year as expected, the tide could turn in favor of the Germans and the enemy might capture a BAR, in effect “reverse-engineering” it and using the rifle against us. Frankly, using this logic, no new armament should ever be fielded because it could be copied by the enemy. Regardless of the reasons for delay, once our allies witnessed the performance of the BAR in combat, all were clamoring for the guns. However, the American government would not permit any foreign orders to be accepted until the U.S. armed forces were fully equipped with BARs. By the time of the Armistice on Nov. 11, 1918, a total of 52,238 Browning Automatic Rifles had been delivered to the government; approximately 27,000 by Winchester, 16,000 by Marlin-Rockwell and 9,000 by Colt. Manufacture of the BAR did not cease with the end of the Great War, and continued into early 1919, by which time just over 102,000 had been manufactured. The Model 1918 Browning Automatic Rifle was clearly the best automatic rifle developed and fielded during World War I. There was, literally, no other arm of this type equal to John Browning’s automatic rifle. After the Armistice, the BAR was firmly entrenched as the standard U.S. military squad automatic weapon. Slightly modified versions saw extensive service during World War II and Korea. The BAR was officially superseded by the M60 machine gun in 1957, but Browning’s masterpiece continued to serve well into the 1960s. It is truly an iconic American military firearm and yet another testament to the genius of John Moses Browning. AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

“We used to cut everything by hand and had a lot of trouble. Now our PlasmaCAM does it all, attaining levels of production not thought possible before. It’s run 40-50 hours a week for the past three years. It attains incredible GHWDLO LV YHU\ HDV\ DQG FRVW HI¿ FLHQW WR operate, and requires little maintenance. The bottom line is: this machine makes me money!”

-Jon Restaurant Lighting & Fixtures

t .BLF "SUJTUJD 1SPKFDUT BOE .FDIBOJDBM 1BSUT t $VU %FUBJMFE $VTUPN 8PSL PS .BTT 1SPEVDUJPO t *ODMVEFT *OEVTUSZ -FBEJOH 4PGUXBSF t 4JNQMF UP 0QFSBUF 3VOT 0GG :PVS $PNQVUFS

$BMM XJUI UIJT DPEF TXJU9 GPS ZPVS '3&& EFNP WJEFP UPEBZ + ZZZ SODVPDFDP FRP 32 %R[ + &RORUDGR &LW\ &2

THERMAL AND NIGHT VISION continued from p. 68

THERMAL’S ORIGINS

While night vision has been around for quite a while, thermal technology’s roots run even deeper—all the way back to 1800—when Sir William Herschel, the astronomer who discovered Uranus in 1781, was conducting brightness tests with tinted glass in relation to the sun. Testing the tinted-glass filters demonstrated varying heat transfers that ultimately, with the use of a thermometer and prism, revealed light beyond our visible spectrum that we term infrared radiation (IR). Sir William’s son, Sir John Herschel, also an astronomer, created the first thermal image in 1840 by exposing oil to a varying pattern of heat. He captured the image on paper and called it a thermograph. For decades, after the Herschel family’s discoveries, the progress of thermal technology was slow, to be sure, but it picked up steam in 1880 when another astronomer, Samuel Langley, invented the bolometer, a heat (IR) measuring component foundational to today’s thermal technology. Langley’s work paved the way for Hungarian physicist Kálmán Tihanyi’s IR motion camera in the late 1920s, the first thermographic camera by Texas Instruments in the 1940s, single-line scanning in the 1950s, and even, some 40-plus years later, the smart sensors and uncooled microbolometer array systems so vital to current thermal imaging. But, how do today’s thermal imagers work?

HOW IT WORKS

As a differentiating premise, night vision gathers particles of light and manufactures what it can using infrared illumination. Thermal does not throw infrared illumination, rather, it gathers infrared radiation emitted from objects at differing temperatures and displays the image as variations from black (cold) to white (hot). Here’s the process in a nutshell: Emitted infrared radiation is focused through a Germanium objective lens and scanned by a phased array of detectors designed to construct a map of varying temperatures called a thermogram. The thermogram data is converted into an electric signal and sent to a processor. Finally, the signal is processed into data

SEPTEMBER 2018

used to compose an image on the device’s display. It took nearly 140 years to arrive at the current state in thermal technology. Fortunately, we’re all here to take advantage of thermal imaging’s latest advances in seemingly countless applications. Even better, thermalimaging optics now include additional advanced technologies designed to enhance thermal experiences in a digital age and improve ethical decision making. As an example, Pulsar’s Trail XP50 LRF Thermal Riflescope, unveiled at the 2018 SHOT Show, detects heat signatures up to 2,000 yds. away and includes other high-tech-yet-useful features such as 2X picture-in-picture, manual display- and distance-focusing, and robust zoom for long-range identification. The optic also includes WiFi for data downloads and video streaming, numerous reticles, white-hot and black-hot imaging modes and onboard video to capture all manner of footage, from a great hunt to evidence. As you might imagine, devices with these types of features help users make more informed decisions and utilize thermal technology in more meaningful ways, i.e. law enforcement operations.

THE MANY FACES OF THERMAL

While I manage to eke out as many hog and predator hunts as I can with thermal riflescopes and monoculars, more important uses continue to mount as technology improves. In today’s world, while thermal imaging is perfect for hunting—including blood tracking, game recovery and walking in and out of your favorite hunting spots without spooking game animals—thermal is also often used by law enforcement for fugitive recovery, as well as surveillance. In late January 2018, Patrol Lieutenant Joseph Ballew, with the McLennan County (Texas) Sheriff’s Office, used a thermal monocular from a helicopter hovering 800 yds. overhead to guide officers on the ground through a heavily wooded area to apprehend two thugs who fled a fatal vehicle accident. Even better, he recorded the event for evidence. Thermals are also used by: fire departments to detect hot spots and AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

Introducing the Agile™ Model 52 from SecureIt® other dangers; game wardens to observe and record illegal hunting activity, especially at night; border patrol agents and ranchers to detect illegal immigrants; boaters to locate overboard personnel and detect marine vessels running without lights; residents for personal defense; auditors for inspections; contractors, mechanics and homeowners for troubleshooting; and for many other applications—honestly, too many to list, but you get the idea. As a side note, the cost of thermal has dropped dramatically. Less than 10 years ago, device costs averaged upwards of $10,000 to $25,000, depending on any number of features; however, here and now, consumer thermal optics can be found from about $1,700 to $6,500 or more, with averages between $2,000 and $4,000. Yes, you can own a dedicated thermal riflescope for about $1,700. That’s half the cost of some long-range day scopes.

LAST LOOKS

While thermal imaging can and is used in a myriad of circumstances, we cannot discount the usefulness of night vision, especially today’s digital NV devices. Digital night vision can be used in many of the same ways as thermal, and is an even more suitable tool when a heat signature is less likely to be observed through obstructions. Insider secret: Observing a heat signature through the windshield of a car only works for the police officers you watch on TV. At least now we’ve shed enough light on thermal and night vision optics to make you a dangerously conscientious consumer who can strike out on missions and hunts with realistic expectations. If you’re in the market to pull the trigger on thermal or night vision optics, your decision, like many purchases, comes down to determining what works best for your needs, wants, conditions and hard-earned cash. Either way, your field of view will never be the same.

“We just moved. I sold my gun safe. My wife said ‘you’re never buying another.’ She is right! The Agile Model 52 is amazingly rigid and strong.” — Jeff Allison “The design is ingenious, assembly easy and I just love the CradleGrid system.” — T. C.

Think of it as

The Ultralight Gun Safe! It does what a gun safe does without being horribly heavy or hard to move

ƌĂĚŝƟ ŽŶĂů ŐƵŶ ƐĂĨĞƐ ĚŽ ŶŽƚ ƐƚŽƉ ƚŚŝĞǀĞƐ Žƌ Į ƌĞƐ4 dŚĞǇ ĂƌĞ ũƵƐƚ ŵĞƚĂů ĂŶĚ ƐŚĞĞƚ ƌŽĐŬ4 KŶĞ ĐĂŶ ĐƵƚ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ Ă ƐĂĨĞ ŝŶ ŵŝŶƵƚĞƐ ǁŝƚŚ Ă ΨϭϬ ƐĂǁ4 ŶĚ? ŝĨ ǇŽƵ ŚĂǀĞ Ă ƐŝŐŶŝĮ ĐĂŶƚ Į ƌĞ? ǇŽƵƌ ŐƵŶƐ ĂƌĞ ƚŽĂƐƚ4 dŚĂƚ@Ɛ ǁŚǇ ǁĞ ďƵŝůƚ ƚŚĞ ŐŝůĞ DŽĚĞů ϱϮ4 /ƚ@Ɛ ƚŚĞ ƵůƚƌĂůŝŐŚƚ ŐƵŶ ƐĂĨĞ4 /ƚ ĚŽĞƐ ǁŚĂƚ Ă ŐƵŶ ƐĂĨĞ ĚŽĞƐ ǁŝƚŚŽƵƚ ďĞŝŶŐ ŚŽƌƌŝďůǇ ŚĞĂǀǇ Žƌ ŚĂƌĚ ƚŽ ŵŽǀĞ4 WůƵƐ? ǇŽƵ ŐĞƚ ƌĂĚůĞ'ƌŝĚΡ ƚĞĐŚŶŽůŽŐǇ4 &ŝƌĞĂƌŵ ƐƚŽƌĂŐĞ ŚĂƐ ŶŽƚ ĐŚĂŶŐĞĚ ŝŶ ŚĂůĨ Ă ĐĞŶƚƵƌǇ4 hŶƟ ů ŶŽǁF

Learn more at

secureitgunstorage.com (Can be bolted down)

6691 Commerce Blvd., Syracuse, NY 13211 | 800.651.8835

WIN AN

AGILE QUAD! Model 52 & 40 Combo Kit TO ENTER CONTEST GO TO:

SECUREITGUNSTORAGE.COM Contest ends December 31, 2018

A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!

Donate Online Now to Socks for Heroes We asked our troops what they needed most, and they answered, “SOCKS!” Your donation will be used to purchase socks and ship them to our brave American Heroes in harm’s way.

In addition to his military and sporting experience and freelance writing career, the author is employed by Sightmark/Pulsar as a senior media relations specialist. —THE EDS

scmcsg.org AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

SEPTEMBER 2018

RUGER PRECISION RIMFIRE continued from p. 54

polymer with just one adjustment lever that governs the position and height of the cheek riser. The length of pull is adjustable from 12" to 15.5", with the thick, textured rubber recoil pad providing nearly an inch of that distance. The stock is stiff and sturdy without any of the flimsiness that some polymer stocks exhibit. A metallic quick-detachable sling swivel is set into the stock at the base of the recoil pad to provide a connection point for a sling. A slotted, wedge-shaped extension features a 1.5" Picatinny rail to support the attachment of an adjustable monopod. The moldedin slot provides a tether point for a squeeze bag shooting rest. I’ve never been all that shy about expressing the enjoyment I derive from spending an afternoon with a bench rest and a quality rimfire rifle printing satisfyingly tight groups downrange. Despite the now-ubiquitous matteblack finish and polymer furniture, the Precision Rimfire’s clean lines and tactical features make it stand out from the crowd. The rifle demonstrated a high degree of fit and finish throughout. The bolt assembly cycled smoothly shot after shot with a firm lockup each time the bolt was closed. The single-stage Marksman trigger was a treat to use with its almost imperceptibly short stroke and a clean break. Although this rifle is over 2 lbs. heavier than the typical 10/22 carbine, it did have a good balance for off-thebench shooting. Adjusting the cheek riser to a just right height was a quick, simple process. I discovered the useful features and clear view provided by the Bushnell AR Optics 2-7X 32 mm (AR92732) rimfire scope a couple of years ago. As the name implies, this particular optic is intended for use with modern sporting rifles. Attached to this rifle using a Weaver SPR Optics Tactical rail mount, it was as if the Precision Rimfire and the Bushnell scope were designed specifically for each other. The one mechanical issue to crop up in the course of testing was an occasional failure to properly eject a spent shell case when using the BX-15

SEPTEMBER 2018

magazine provided with the rifle. Instead of flying free of the receiver, the cases would simply spin around in the ejection port where they stayed until they were manually brushed or dumped out. This only occurred with the provided magazine. When using the other two additional BX-15 magazines I already had on hand, the problem disappeared completely with all loads fired. This minor inconvenience is not much of an issue for casual plinking. For those planning to use the Precision Rimfire for competition, it would be wise to test your magazines thoroughly before taking them out for a match. With the formal five-shot-group accuracy testing completed, I went back through my records and compared the results with four of the most precise .22-cal. rimfires I have worked with up to this point. The best five-shot groups those rifles produced while I was pulling the trigger were between 0.79" and 0.80" in size when firing from a bench rest at 50 yds. The Precision Rimfire’s groups started at around the 0.80" mark and got smaller from there. The best five-shot group of 0.47" was produced using Eley’s Contact Target 42-gr. leadround-nose load. Based on the numerous positive reviews of the center-fire version of this platform, my expectations for the Precision Rimfire were high when I received it for testing. I’m glad to report that this gun met or exceeded my expectations on all fronts. While this rifle is obviously intended to serve as an understudy to the center-fire Precision, its target-grade accuracy, reliability and feature set make it an ideal option for rimfire competition. Like the larger version, this model’s price tag is significantly lower than other rifles in its class. The target-grade .22s I’ve tested in the past, including factory-assembled and at-home builds, have cost from $800 to $1,200. This rifle outshot them with a suggested retail price of $529. Real-world prices will likely be even lower, making the Ruger Precision Rimfire an even better value. AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

LES BAER

continued from p. 48

Sadly, our hunting seasons were closed during the time that I had the Premier II for testing. I am convinced that it would be no challenge to ethically harvest deer, turkey and javelina with the pistol. But, quite frankly, I also think it would do a number on feral hogs and black bear, both of which can run off while packing a lot of lead. Of course, the 10 mm Auto, with the proper bullets, has already done all of that, and collected a lot of African game, besides. Okay, so I have to admit that Bart Skelton is right. A 6"-barreled 10 mm handgun is an impressive piece of ordnance. And I’ll just have to see if I can get my hands on another one between now and when our next hunting season rolls around. The Les Baer Premier II has convinced me. With so many different companies offering M1911 pistols, the shooter, especially the beginner, often wonders why he should pay more for a gun like those that Les Baer builds. The secret is in the guns themselves. There is no magic involved in building an M1911 that is both accurate and reliable. But there is a formula that must be followed if one is to truly create a good gun. Begin by only using quality material, in this case forged steel for all of the major parts. Then fit those parts to very close tolerances—in other words, as precisely as possible. The barrel, slide and frame all have to fit tightly, with lots of smooth contact surfaces. You simply can’t slap stuff together and hope that it works, because it usually won’t. Les Baer is one of a handful of M1911 craftsmen who take the time to build guns right and expect them to last. For many years, he personally test fired every firearm that his company produced. I’ve lost track of how many Les Baer guns that I’ve fired over the years, but, without exception, I have found them to be accurate and reliable handguns—the kind of pistol a man could bet his life on.

STOP ANY THREAT... DEAD IN ITS TRACKS! BULLPUP9 THE MOST COMPACT 9MM

SHOOTS BOTH .45LC & .410

DOUBLE-ACTION ONLY PISTOL

14 Calibers 36 Barrels ALL interchangeable

3.35-in. Barrel A Reverse-Feed Design 9mm Pocket-Pistol ®

MADE IN TEXAS BY TEXANS.

FOR MORE INFO OR A FREE BROCHURE, call 817-573-4445 or go to BondArms.com

Put Hundreds of Dollars in Your Wallet with NRA 5-Star Benefits Your NRA membership gives you deals and discounts on gear, goods and services. Access your benefits today and save more than you pay in dues. Plus your purchases help NRA fight for freedom.

4START SAVING TODAY"—"Benefits.NRA.org

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

SEPTEMBER 2018

USMC

PRICE DROP!

USMC Combat Fighter With Leather Sheath

MARKETPLACE

SIMPLER, STRONGER any Hydraulic FASTER! …than Log Splitter!

DR® KINETIC SPLITTERS

ON ALL MODELS

Now Starting at

$49999

ELECTRIC MODELS TOO! Split wood indoors!

FREE SHIPPING

continued from p. 63

SEMPER FI! • Combat proven design • Stacked leather handle • USMC leather sheath • Stainless steel blade

1 YEAR TRIAL

SOME LIMITATIONS APPLY

Item #17 UC3092 BUY NOW AT

Call for FREE DVD and Catalog! TOLL FREE

GRANT’S REVOLVERS

800-275-1029 DRlogsplitters.com

Ruger MK Pistols - reassemble

Exc lus ive Of fer !

1 9 99

correctly EVERY time

Each

Plus Free Shipping!

HSS

One-Time Fix 256-527-3527

$15

TO ADVERTISE IN THIS SECTION CALL 703-267-1300

HammerStrutSupport.com

Officially Licensed

ORDER TODAY! BUDK.COM/AR 800-877-7140

YOUTUBE/NRAPUBS

Jim Sursely

I AM A VETERAN AND THIS IS MY VICTORY.

“My victory is proving that a disability is not a limitation.” After losing an arm and both legs to a land mine, DAV helped Jim put life back together. Every year, DAV helps more than one million veterans of all generations in life-changing ways—connecting them to the health, disability, and financial benefits they’ve earned. Help support more victories for veterans. Go to DAV.org.

SEPTEMBER 2018 11254_DAV_NRA_4.4375x2.3125_Horizontal_Jim_4C.indd 1

might be interested in them.” Taken by surprise, Martin didn’t ask who the general was at first, but let the current owner discuss the set more in detail. After the conversation finished, the two arranged to meet, view the set together and discuss a possible sales arrangement. Upon opening the promising-looking, deluxe-rosewood presentation case, the experienced dealer instantly realized who the general was, as he described a carved bust of Grant was “staring him in the face.” After more than six months of further negotiations, the owner agreed to place the Grant revolvers on consignment because his son was going to college, and he felt the time had come to part with his heirloom. One more very important obstacle quickly became a major consideration for the set to make its first debut in more than 125 years. All parties had to assure the California Fish & Wildlife Dept. that the ivory stocks (also numbered to the revolvers) were antiques and at least 100 years old. To overcome this potential legal hurdle, an experienced and qualified ivory expert was hired to examine the stocks, and obtain a certificate from the state certifying the type of ivory, its origin and age. After all necessary licenses were in place, Gen. Grant’s Remingtons were displayed at the Las Vegas Antique Arms Show in January 2018. Without a doubt, these cased Remingtons constitute the most elaborate and historically significant set of currently known revolvers manufactured during the Civil War. S.P. Fjestad is the author and publisher of the Blue Book of Gun Values, with over 1.8 million copies in print worldwide. Acknowledgements: The author would like to express his thanks to the following: Greg Martin, specialist for fine Antique Arms and Armor; Conor Fitzgerald, extensive and thorough background historical research; Charles F. Priore, Jr., additional research; Roy Marcot, noted Remington author and historian; and Cassandra J. Faulkner, manuscript supervisor and research coordinator.

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

5/10/16 11:38 AM

*LYH *ULOOLQJ <RXU %HVW 6KRW 5HPRYDEOH JULGGOH FRRNWRS

&RPELQLQJ D ś ĲDW JULGGOH ZLWK D FHQWHU JULOO 'RXEOHV DV D ś ıUHSLW 6DYH ZLWK SURPR FRGH 15$*5,// $1' HYHU\ ś JULOO RUGHU LQFOXGHV D FXVWRP 15$ JULOO JUDWH )5(( 6+,33,1*

VT LQ RI FRRNLQJ VSDFH

MARKETPLACE

ś FXVWRP 15$ FHQWHU JULOO JUDWH

ś GLDPHWHU ś WDOO OEV RI VWHHO

TIME TO

0RGXODU GHVLJQ JRHV DQ\ZKHUH

COWBOY UP! John Wayne Lil Duke BB RiflE

ZZZ $57()/$0( FRP

PY-4227-8113

PY-4349-8396

pyramydair.com

•

877 - 336 - 4867

* AR15 / M16 * * AK-47 * Intratec * * & Much More! *

* Books * DVDs * * Knives * Tools *

www.FTFINDUSTRIES.com

Rugged Aperture Sights 10/22, Marlin® 60 & 795, Mini-14®, SKS, AK 47, Kel-Tec SU16 and more.

(843)332-8222

www.Tech-SIGHTS.com

Professional Gunsmith Training since 1949 812A Ohio River Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15202 (412) 766-1812 • www.pagunsmith.edu www.pagunsmith.edu/documents/FactsAboutPGS.pdf

Dysarts Wolf Kennel

½ wolf-½ shep. cubs bred for protection, or ¾ and up cubs. Have a true friend... own a wolf-shepherd.

CHARLES DYSART, JR BOX 597 Henrietta, NC 28076 (828) 429-0053 Established 1974 www.dysartswolfkennel.com

3 Ring Silencer Corp. Great Silencer, Great Price Most Silencers MSRP $395.00

www.3RingSilencer.com AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

SEPTEMBER 2018

TO ADVERTISE IN THIS SECTION CALL 703-267-1300

Annie Oakley Lil Sure Shot BB Rifle

MAC • COBRAY • SWD • MPA • RPB We Have a Complete IN STOCK Selection of Parts • Barrels • Magazines • Accessories

I HAVE THIS OLD GUN …

GUN: FN BROWNING MODEL 1922 MANUFACTURER: FABRIQUE NATIONALE, HERSTAL, BELGIUM CHAMBERING: 7.65 MM BROWNING (.32 ACP) MANUFACTURED: 1941 CONDITION: NRA EXCELLENT (MODERN GUN STANDARDS) VALUE: $875

FN BROWNING MODEL 1922 arajevo, Bosnia, June 28, 1914: Following a botched assassination attempt earlier in the day, the heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, Franz Ferdinand, insisted on continuing with his official visit. After leaving the town hall, he decided to visit the hospital where the men wounded in the earlier grenade attack were being treated. Leaving the hospital, the archduke’s driver lost his way and drove down a wrong street, unfortunately where one of the attempted assassins, Bosnian nationalist Gavrilo Princip, was standing outside a café. Realizing his good fortune, Princip quickly drew his Model 1910 FN Browning pocket pistol chambered in 9 mm Kurz (.380 ACP) and fired twice at Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie, mortally wounding them. These were conceivably the two deadliest shots in history, as the couple’s death was the dramatic spark that touched off World War I. As its name implies, the supremely efficient FN Browning Model 1910 and its offshoot, the Model 1922 (aka “10/22”), were designed by firearm marvel John Moses Browning and built in Belgium at Fabrique Nationale. It was a sleek, modern-looking blowback, marrying Browning’s earlier strikerfired mechanism to an arrangement in which the recoil spring surrounded the barrel. A slotted extension at the front of the slide secured the assembly, and a small serrated catch allowed for fieldstripping. Chamberings were .32 ACP and .380 ACP. The gun had grip, magazine and manual safeties. Measuring but 6" overall in length and weighing just under 1 lb., 8 ozs., this semi-automatic became an instant hit, enjoying brisk civilian and police sales—though military interest in the piece was lukewarm at best.

Things changed in 1922 when the gun was revamped by increasing the 1910’s 3½" barrel length by an inch, which also required changes to the slide and slide extension. Later, the grip was extended to accommodate a magazine of greater capacity, increasing the original 1910’s capacity of seven shots of .32 ACP and six shots of .380 ACP by two rounds each. Initially adopted by the Yugoslavian military (which was the prime mover in the gun’s alterations), the 1922 gained momentum on the world market and was eventually used by police and/or armies in Belgium, Denmark, Finland France, Greece, Holland, Romania and Turkey. When the Germans overran Belgium in 1940, they commandeered the FN facilities and turned production to their own ends, incorporating the P35 High Power and Model 1922 into the Wehrmacht. Occupation-era Model 1922s will exhibit different acceptance marks (waffenamts) depending upon when a particular gun was manufactured. Both .32 ACP and .380 ACP versions were issued. Early specimens, some of which were constructed of parts already on-hand when FN was taken over, sport a commercial-style finish and have black plastic stocks emblazoned with the “FN” logo, while later pistols show a diminution of quality and are fitted with checkered walnut grips. German-issue 1922s have an eagle test proof, and some early guns may also be seen with Belgian proofs. Eventually some 363,200 1922s were built between 1940 and 1945. The .32 ACP Model 1922 we are looking at here, having a serial number in the 20,000-23,000 range and a “WaA613” acceptance stamp, indicates it was made in approximately 1941, and thus commands a premium. Condition is NRA Excellent, resulting in a value of $875. A similar gun in .380 ACP would be worth approximately 50 percent more. —GARRY JAMES, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

tions. Please consider instead sending your correspondence and questions through our Dope Bag/Q&A service, which is available to all NRA members in good standing. Details appear in the Q&A section.

100

SEPTEMBER 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

Photos by Jill Marlow

Honoring Those Who Protect Our Freedom H

STAND FOR AMERICA STAND FOR THE FLAG !

NRA LABOR DAY SPECIAL

2018 NEW RELEASES

IRA APPROVED

;/, 4 *647(*; 70:;63 %

1<:; .6; :/69;,9 [

The Origin of the American Flag

1oz American Flag Silver Bar .999 Fine Silver

10% Shorter Barrel

As low as

Only

¢over spot price*

check/wire price • limit 6 per household

1oz Colorized American Flag Silver Bar

2018 1oz American Silver Eagle

.999 Fine Silver

As low as

2500

NEW y 3.6”Onl Barrel

.999 Fine Silver

As low as

each check/wire price limit 6 per household

Only

4.0” Barrel

Available Exclusively by Dr. Mike Fuljenz H America’s Gold Expert®

10oz American Flag Silver Bar As low as

4Innovative Enhanced Coloring Brings Front to Life

Only

4Finished with Protective Coating to

Preserve Bold Colors 4Back Proudly States “We Stand for the Flag”

.999 Fine Silver per ounce over spot price*

60¢

check/wire price • limit 20 per household

(Spot price) + ($0.60) x (10 ounces) = price per bar

17 50

World’s Most Popular Silver Coin H

4Design Features Lady Liberty Draped in the Flag 4Front Bears our National Motto “In God We Trust" 4Perfect Gift, Keepsake & Reminder of

America’s Greatness!

*(99@ */60*,! ¹ 69 ¹ )(99,3 FREE $ 00 96<5+ 4(.(A05, 9 4 Call for -,(;<9, :,; large quantity & bulk shipping terms on gold & silver. FREE WITH YOUR ORDER:

A star-spangled tribute to “In God we trust”

Award-Winning article by Dr. Mike Fuljenz discussing the ties between our national anthem and our national %motto.

FREE SHIPPING On advertised offers over $99 (add $6 on orders under $99)

< Allow 3-4 weeks for delivery >

each check/wire price limit 6 per household

H WE STAND FOR THE FLAG CHALLENGE COIN H “Honor our military heroes and the United States Flag with these new commemorative ‘We Stand for the Flag’ challenge coins.”

Special Low Price

RETAIL:

$19.95

Or Get Yours with purchase of 5 or

Only

each limit 6 per household

more advertised products

1 .800.822.4653 TM

Money Order or Check

3Back / Front

Vault Verification: UAMRFGS0918 Offer Expires: 09/20/18

4(+, 05 <:(

c *SPOT 9+: PRICE- the daily : quoted of precious metals in bullion form. Spot price determined solely by Universal Coin & 44 > market price 9+: Bullion® at time of transaction. Prices are subject to change in response to market conditions, and availability is not guaran-

teed. Please read important customer disclosures on our website or that accompany products purchased, including arbitration :40;/ >,::65 *64 agreement. Gold Basis: $1,225; Silver Basis: $15.50 Images for representation only and are not to scale.

NO DEALERS PLEASE

E C L I P S E

C U S T O M

MEAS URED PRECISION STRIKING BRUSH-POLISHED SLIDE FINISH, G10 CYCLONE GRIPS FOR POSITIVE CONTACT, A CRISP PREMIUM 4–5LB TRIGGER, AND TRITIUM NIGHT SIGHTS FOR LOW LIGHT CONDITIONS. AN ECLIPSE YOU CAN STARE AT ALL DAY LONG.

MADE IN A MERIC A

WHAT ALL GUNS SHOULD BE

(888) 243-4522 kimberamerica.com

American Rifleman 2018-09

Articles inside

Pro-Gun Senate Majority Is Crucial To Protecting The Second Amendment

Thermal And Night Vision Revealed

General Grant’s Magnif cent Set Of Lost Remingtons

Big-Gun Feel, Little-Cartridge Fun: Ruger’s Precision Rimf re Rif e

A Fighter And A Hunter: Standouts From Les Baer