/ MAGZUS.COM / Gun world february 2015

GW-15-02-COVER 12/10/14 10:34 PM Page US_C1

S&W’S MODEL 19 TURNS 60 ////////

UPLAND & WATERFOWL WINNER Stevens Model 555 in 12 and 20 Gauge

SUB-MOA MODEL 70 Winchester’s Ultimate Shadow Hunter Rifle

EXPERT TIPS: Dove Hunt Dress Rehearsal

THE NEW

BLACK

Browning’s 1911-380 Single-Action Semi-Auto 200+ YARD ACCURACY Masterpiece Arms’ MPAR 556 Tactical Rifle

SHOOT LIKE A PRO Jerry Miculek Signature Model 929 Revolver

FEB 2015 • VOLUME 56, NO.2 • $4.99 U.S. DISPLAY UNTIL: 02/10/15 • www.gunworld.com

02

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GW_1502_C2 12/9/14 1:22 AM Page C2

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Search. Find. Buy. 500 “3 In 1� Home Defense, Hunting & Cruiser

500 Cruiser / Persuader

Item #: 50780 Caliber: 12 Gauge Sights: Bead

Capacity: 7+1 BBL: 20�

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t #MVF 'JOJTI

t 1VNQ "DUJPO Capacity: 5+1 BBL: 28� & 18.5� t #MBDL 4ZOUIFUJD $IFDLFSFE 1JTUPM (SJQ ,JU t .VMUJ $IPLF ' .PE *$

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Item #: 1212 Capacity: 10+1 Caliber: 22LR BBL: 16.125�

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Item #: 1208 Capacity: 10+1 Caliber: 22LR BBL: 18.5�

Sights: Ft: Gold Bead Rear: Folding Leaf

t #MVF 'JOJTI t 4FNJ "VUPNBUJD t &YDMVTJWF #MBDL -BNJOBUF 4UPDL t 4DPQF #BTF "EBQUFS t %FUBDIBCMF 3PUBSZ .BHB[JOF

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t #MVF 'JOJTI t 4FNJ "VUPNBUJD t &YDMVTJWF #MBDL 1VSQMF -BNJOBUF 4UPDL t 4DPQF #BTF "EBQUFS t %FUBDIBCMF 3PUBSZ .BHB[JOF

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t )JHI (MPTT 4UBJOMFTT 4UFFM 'JOJTI t 4JOHMF "DUJPO t #FWFMFE $ZMJOEFST t 4DBMFE %PXO 'SBNF $ZMJOEFS t 3FDPOUPVSFE )BNNFS

Model 637 - 38 Chiefs Spc Airweight Super Tuned Item #: 178024 Capacity: 5 Caliber: 38SP BBL: 1.875�

Sights: Ft: Serrated Ramp Rr: Notched

Capacity: 10+1 BBL: 18.5�

t .BUUF #MVF 'JOJTI t 4FNJ "VUPNBUJD t /3" -PHP 0O #PMU t %POBUJPO 5P /3" 'PS &BDI 4PME t #SPXO $PSEVSB 5BLFEPXO $BTF 8 /3"

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Capacity: 6 BBL: 3.75�

t )JHI (MPTT 4UBJOMFTT 4UFFM 'JOJTI t 4JOHMF "DUJPO t #FWFMFE $ZMJOEFS t 4DBMFE %PXO 'SBNF $ZMJOEFS t $IFDLFSFE 8JEF 4QVS )BNNFS

Model 642 - Centennial Airweight, Super Tuned t 4UBJOMFTT 4UFFM 'JOJTI t %PVCMF "DUJPO t )BOE 4UPOFE 5SJHHFS )BNNFS 'PPU 3FCPVOE 4FBU

Item #: 178025 Capacity: 5 Caliber: 38SP BBL: 1.875�

Sights: Ft: Serrated Ramp Rr: Notched

t 4UBJOMFTT 4UFFM 'JOJTI t %PVCMF "DUJPO t )BOE 4UPOFE 5SJHHFS )BNNFS 'PPU 3FCPVOE 4FBU

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GW-TOC-4-5 12/10/14 12:37 AM Page 4

CONTENTS

FEBRUARY 2015

FEATURES 16 Cover Story:

Browning’s New Black

54 Double Trouble

Browning’s scaled down Black Label 1911-380 semi-auto pistol almost certain to become popular with armed private citizens.

The new Savage/Stevens Model 555 over/under shotguns offer waterfowlers and upland hunters good bang for their buck.

By Dave Workman

By Dave Workman

92 Barnes for

Boar and More VOR-TX factory ammo and Tipped Triple Shock bullets get the job done on tough California boars.

By Chuck Taylor

24 Hybrid

Masterpiece Masterpiece Arms' hybrid MPAR 556 piston-driven tactical rifle delivers 200 yard accuracy at a reasonable price.

By Dr. Martin D. Topper

34 The Ultimate

Model 70

By Mike Dickerson

16

Photo by Browning

Winchester’s newest Shadow Hunter is a stylish and accurate “Go Anywhere, Do Anything” Rifle.

44 The Champ’s

9mm Smith & Wesson’s Jerry Miculek Signature Model 929 revolver is a 9mm wheelgun that can help you shoot like a pro.

GUN WORLD (ISSN 0017-5641) Volume 56, Number 2, is published monthly, 12 times a year

by Beckett Media, LLC, 22840 Savi Ranch Parkway, #200, Yorba Linda, CA 92887. Periodical postage paid at Anaheim, CA, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Gun World c/o Beckett Media, 4635 McEwen Road, Dallas, TX 75244. Return undelivered Canadian addresses to: Gun World c/o Pitney Bowes, Inc. PO Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B GST#855050365RT001

By Thomas C. Tabor

4

GUN WORLD | FEB 2015

www.gunworld.com

GW-TOC-4-5 12/10/14 12:38 AM Page 5

COLUMNS 8

Up Front – Craig Hodgkins

10 New Products – Tim Stetzer 12

Ask the Experts – Gun World Contributors

64 Today’s Hunter – Thomas C. Tabor 70 Reload – James E. House

ON THE COVER: Photography by Browning and Dave Workman Cover design by Johann Frederick Mendoza

76 Handguns: S&W’s Model 19 – Dave Workman 82 Gunsmithing – Steve Sieberts

Photo by Dr. Martin D. Topper

96 Back Pages: – Craig Hodgkins

24 www.gunworld.com

FEB 2015 | GUN WORLD

5

GW_1502_6 12/9/14 1:29 AM Page 6

GW_1502_7 12/9/14 1:30 AM Page 7

THE RUGER 9E

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The Ruger ® 9E ® is the newest addition to the popular SR-Series line of pistols and features the Essentials – Everything You Need and Nothing You Don’t. A short reach from the backstrap to the trigger creates a comfort level that will challenge any standard-sized, striker-fired pistol available today. The structurally rigid, recoil-reducing, glass-filled nylon frame and alloy steel slide combine to create a low-maintenance, rugged and reliable handgun.

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Integral Accessory Mounting Rail

GW-UPFRONT-8-9 12/17/14 12:31 AM Page 8

UP FRONT

What Happens

in Vegas…

By Craig Hodgkins

FEB 2015 • VOLUME 56 • NUMBER 2

EDITORIAL Editor in Chief: Craig Hodgkins Associate Editor: Lee Boyt Managing Editor: Mark Heisser Senior Creative Director: Eric Knagg Art Director: Johann Frederick Mendoza

CONTRIBUTORS Todd Burgreen, Jerry Catania, Mike Dickerson, Brad Fitzpatrick, Paul Hantke, James House, Jameson Parker, D.K. Pridgen, John Raguso, Steve Sieberts, Dave Spaulding, Tom Tabor, Chuck Taylor, Leroy Thompson, Martin Topper, Dave Workman

ADVERTISING Gabe Frimmel: Ad Sales Director (714) 200-1930 GFrimmel@engagedmediainc.com Casey Clifford: Senior Account Executive (714) 312-6275 Mark Pack: Senior Account Executive (714) 200-1939 Gennifer Merriday: Ad Traffic Coordinator

“hottest” new products didn’t make

DIRECT MARKETING GROUP

Shooting Sports Foundation

it from the showroom to store

John Bartulin Paul Caca Ryan Lauro

(NSSF) hosts the SHOT Show,

shelves.

“Each winter, the National

Because the very nature of

which annually brings together

(866) 866-5146 ext. 2746 (866) 866-5146 ext. 4961 (866) 866-5146 ext. 2756

OPERATIONS

manufacturers, distributors, whole-

these products limit our ability to

salers, retailers and industry press

test them in the confines of the

Gus Alonzo: Newsstand Sales & Marketing Manager Celia Merriday: Newsstand Analyst Armit Sharma: Newsstand & Production Analyst Mohit Patel: Newsstand & Production Analyst Alberto Chavez: Senior Logistics & Facilities Manager John Cabral: Creative Graphic Designer

for a four-day exhibition extrava-

convention center, the NSSF added

EDITORIAL, PRODUCTION & SALES OFFICE

ganza.”

the invitation-only “Media Day at

That’s word for word what I

the Range” to SHOT ten years ago,

wrote in the intro to last April’s Gun

and it too has been a rousing suc-

World SHOT Show expanded edi-

cess. Last year, more than 140 ex-

tion, and to be quite honest, the

hibiting manufacturers made their

show really is as big and impressive

latest and greatest firearms avail-

as everyone told me it would be

able for testing at the Boulder City

when I started this gig. I’ll be there

Pistol & Rifle Range, and I took full

again this year, probably right

advantage. I shot everything from a

around the time you’ll be reading

22 LR to a 300 Win Mag, swung and

this, and I wouldn’t miss it for the

pulled on some clays, and walked

world.

about three miles back and forth

It’s hard to believe that it’s

from line to line.

To paraphrase the advertising

been nearly a year since last year’s show. The good news is that the

slogan, what happens in Vegas usu-

vast majority of the products pre-

ally stays in Vegas, but that cer-

viewed by me—and 60,000 of my

tainly won’t be the case after this

closest friends—have already

event. In fact, with hundreds of

shown up in the marketplace

members of the print and broad-

throughout this past year. This is a

cast media on hand to test and

marked difference from recent

evaluate thousands of products, I

years, where a few (or more) of the

imagine that when all is said and done, this show may just become

GUN WORLD IN SOCIAL MEDIA:

Website: www.GunWorld.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ GunWorldMagazine Twitter: @gunworldmag 8

GUN WORLD | FEB 2015

the SHOT heard round the world.

GW

22840 Savi Ranch Parkway, #200 Yorba Linda, CA 92887 (714) 939-9991 www.gunworld.com www.facebook.com/gunworldmagazine www.facebook.com/eembybeckett GUN WORLD (ISSN 0017-5641) Volume 56, Number 2, is published monthly, 12 times a year by Engaged Media by Beckett, LLC, 22840 Savi Ranch Parkway, #200, Yorba Linda, CA 92887. Periodical postage paid at Anaheim, CA, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Gun World c/o Engaged Media by Beckett, 4635 McEwen Road, Dallas, TX 75244. Return undelivered Canadian addresses to: Gun World c/o Pitney Bowes, Inc. PO Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B GST#855050365RT001 © 2014 by Beckett Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from this issue in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

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Engaged Media By Beckett Nick Singh: Executive Director Vikas Malhotra: Vice President Erin Masercola: Business Unit Editorial and Art Director This magazine is purchased by the buyer with the understanding that information presented is from various sources from which there can be no warranty or responsibility by Engaged Media by Beckett, as to the legality, completeness or technical accuracy.

GST #855050365RT001 Canada Post: Publications Mail Agreement #40612608 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: PITNEY BOWES, INC. P.O. Box 25542 London, ON N6C 6B2

www.gunworld.com

GW_1502_9 12/9/14 1:34 AM Page 9

GW-PRODUCTS-10-11.qxp 12/10/14 12:53 AM Page 10

NEW PRODUCTS Lumen lights, all the while getting an extremely impressive seven hour run time. Construction is of heavy walled bar stock aluminum with a black mil spec anodized finish. Additionally, the SX21R is waterproof to 30 meters and weapon mountable up to .50 BMG. Operating modes are simply on and off via a tail cap mounted switch, and a crenelated bezel is mounted on the front end to protect the lens and allows for use as an impact weapon. The SZ21R retails for $79.95 and comes with a lanyard, nylon carry holster, and an instrucThe SX21R from ExtremeBeam is a solid addition to your kit whether it’s for everyday carry or duty use. The combination of high lumen output, excellent run time and sturdy construction make it a strong choice in today’s robust tactical market.

Heavy DUTY LIGHT Text & Photo by Tim Stetzer

ExtremeBeam’s SX21R Ballistic Tactical Flashlight is a Compact & Solid Performer

I

’m a flashlight junky.

After over a decade of police work, much of it at night or inside poorly lit buildings, I can honestly say the tool I’ve probably used most in my career isn’t my sidearm, my TASER or even my folding knife; it’s been my light. Needless to say, I value a good light and don’t like to skimp on quality. But I’ve found over the years that doesn’t always mean spending a lot of money, and the ExtremeBeam SX21R Ballistic light is a great example.

10

GUN WORLD | FEB 2015

ExtremeBeam may not be a fa-

tion manual. It is also covered by a limited lifetime warranty.

I used the ExtremeBeam SX21R over a period of a couple months, mainly at work. I’m a fan of simple lights and appreciated the on and off only settings. When I want light, I want it now; I don’t want to remember what mode I was in or have to cycle through modes to get where I need to be. Battery life has been excellent and I found ExtremeBeam may be on to something with their SuperLumen reflector.

Although 220 Lumens is plenty

miliar name to you yet, but it proba-

bright for most tasks I typically carry

bly should be. They carry a full line

a brighter light at work, yet I never re-

of lights from pocket sized models

ally noticed a lack of brightness

and headlamps to full power tacti-

while using the SX21R. It does indeed

cal lights. The SX21R I tested is part

seem to outperform its basic light

of their tactical line and is relatively

rating. I found the build to be ex-

standard two CR123 Lithium cell

tremely solid and had no qualms

configuration. Overall length is a

about using it for police work. And a

compact five-and-a-half inches

good value to boot. GW

and weight is only 5 ounces. It uses a 220 LED bulb with what Extreme-

CONTACT

Beam calls SuperLumen reflector technology.

What that does is give an impressive 308 meter throw and a

ExtremeBeam, LLC. (877) 579-7878 ExtremeBeam.com

perceived light output that they claim outperforms most 420 www.gunworld.com

GW_1502_11 12/9/14 1:36 AM Page 11

CCP

EMPOWER YOURSELF The Walther CCP™ houses our breakthrough Soft Coil™ technology. This translates into less felt recoil and consistent shot placement. We give you the assurance, that you can rely on Walther, no matter the situation. Something you should expect from the oldest name in personal protection.

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GW-EXPERTS-12-15.qxp 12/10/14 1:13 AM Page 12

ASK the EXPERTS

We do the research so you don’t have to.

Combat Ready?

Yom Kipper War, the Israelis used the Israeli-produced FAL. In Rhodesia’s Bush War, Rhodesian security forces employed it.

The Falklands War saw the FAL serve with both the Argentine and the British armed forces: the semi-auto L1A1 with the British and the select-fire Argentine made-FAL with the Argentines. At least some Belgian-made rifles were used by the Argentines as well. British troops also used the FAL in various counterinsurgency campaigns, including Aden, Malaya, Borneo, and Northern Ireland.

However, considering the millions of FALs produced, its combat history was relatively limited.

History could have been changed, though, had the trials that resulted in the USA adopt-

A US soldier firing the T-48 version of the FN FAL, which competed in the US service rifle trials that resulted in the Adoption of the M14.

ing the M14 rifle gone slightly differently. The FN FAL, known

Question: A friend and I were shooting his Imbel FN FAL and we began discussing its combat history. Even though, other than the AK47, it was probably the most widely used rifle during the Cold War, we decided that it was almost never used in combat. Is that correct?

Brad M., Phoenix, AZ

Leroy Thompson answers:

as the T-48 during the trials, was a

For the most part you are correct,

very close competitor to become

especially given the millions of

the new US service rifle. Political

FALs that have seen use with

considerations legislated for adop-

around 90 countries. Though the

tion of an American design, so the

FAL certainly did not see the

FAL was not adopted. Had it been,

amount of combat seen by the

it would likely still have been re-

M16/M4 or the AK47, it did see

placed by the M16, but would it

some combat. In Vietnam, Aus-

have continued in service through

tralians and New Zealanders used

today as a Designated Marksman

it. During the 1967 War and the 1973

Rifle?

Our January Experts: Leroy Thompson is an internationally recognized authority on weapons and tactics, and is the author of more than 50 books. His most recent feature—on the history of USAF pistols—appeared in our January issue.

Thomas C. Tabor is Gun World’s resident hunting columnist, and routinely goes afield in pursuit of small birds, large game and good stories. His feature on Smith & Wesson’s Jerry Miculek Signature Model 929 revolver may be found on Page 44.

12

GUN WORLD | FEB 2015

www.gunworld.com

GW-EXPERTS-12-15.qxp 12/10/14 1:13 AM Page 13

Uzi or MP5?

Thompson training with the Uzi for vehicle counter ambush scenarios.

Question: It seems like you don’t hear as much about the Uzi since the HK MP5 became so popular. Is the MP5 that much better?

Schoolteachers in Israel used to

could just shake it out when they

keep an Uzi handy as well—it was

came ashore and start shooting.

compact, easily carried, and lethal.

I have shot with some former

Many claim the MP5 is more accurate—and I’ll admit I can nor-

members of Israeli special ops

mally shoot it more accurately in

units who are very good with the

short bursts—but I have seen the

Uzi, but many prefer the wooden

Uzi fired with precise shot place-

fixed stock, which is rarely seen

ment by Israeli CT personnel. The

Leroy Thompson answers:

here in the States. I also had

fact the MP5 fired from a closed

That’s one of those apples and or-

friends in the Secret Service who

bolt, which aided accuracy, while

anges questions; they both have

really liked the Uzi when they used

the Uzi fired form an open bolt,

their advantages. Israel developed

it. Among its advantages are the

was negated when the Uzi be-

the Uzi to offer a domestically pro-

magazine well in the hand guard,

came available with a closed

duced weapon that could be used

which allows the hand to quickly

bolt.

by soldiers, police, or civilians easily.

find it in the dark for a reload, and

A college girlfriend who spent some

its durability. The Uzi was de-

when working out of the country

time in Israel working on a kibbutz

signed to keep working in a dusty,

been armed with an Uzi and al-

was taught to shoot the Uzi by firing

sandy environment and has

ways felt entirely confident in my

in front of the target and walking

proven very reliable. Some combat

ability to use it for close combat;

the bursts onto it. She used to carry

swimmer units retained the Uzi for

at 100 yards or more, not so

one when taking produce to market.

underwater infiltration as they

much.

Evan Z., Kansas City, MO

www.gunworld.com

I have on a few occasions

FEB 2015 | GUN WORLD

13

GW-EXPERTS-12-15.qxp 12/10/14 1:13 AM Page 14

Airgun SCOPES

Before mounting any traditional style scope meant for use on powder-burning firearms on an airgun it is strongly advised that you do your homework to make sure the scope is capable of handling the jarring effects inherent in airguns.

Question: I read your recent column about airguns and it reminded me of a question. I read somewhere that a scope must be specifically designed for use on airguns. Is that right or can I just mount any rifle scope on my .22 caliber pellet rifle?

Lyle B., Missoula, MT 14

GUN WORLD | FEB 2015

Tom Tabor Answers:

scopes specifically intended for use

I’m glad you saw the column.

on airguns and there are conven-

You must be careful when it

tional style scopes which are in-

comes to what scopes are used on

tended for use on rimfire and

any airgun, or severe damage could

centerfire rifles that are capable of

occur to the scope. Many scopes

withstanding the jarring effects

simply are unable to handle the

from airguns.

characteristic jarring movements

Because of the growing trend in

produced when an airgun dis-

airgun use some of the more tradi-

charges. There are scope manufac-

tional scope manufacturers are

turers that produce and market

now certifying their normal line of www.gunworld.com

GW-EXPERTS-12-15.qxp 12/10/14 1:13 AM Page 15

scopes as being “airgun safe,” but certainly not all rifle scopes qualify. So if you are contemplating the use of a scope on an airgun that was designed for rimfire or centerfire use, I would suggest you do your homework and ask the manufacturer if that use would be appropriate. Otherwise you could wind up with a severely damaged scope with a bunch of rattling loose parts inside. GW

www.gunworld.com

Some manufacturers produce scopes specifically for the purpose of use on airguns. In this case a Gamo brand was installed on this .177 break-barrel model (top) and a CenterPoint scope was installed on this Crosman .25 caliber rifle (bottom).

FEB 2015 | GUN WORLD

15

GW-BROWNING-16-23.qxp 12/10/14 1:32 AM Page 16

COVER STORY

Browning’s new Black Label 1911-380 single action semi-auto pistol is compact and accurate. The author tried several brands of ammunition in the pistol and they all worked really well at gunfighting distances.

16

GUN WORLD | FEB 2015

www.gunworld.com

GW-BROWNING-16-23.qxp 12/10/14 1:32 AM Page 17

Browning’s NEW BLACK

Text & Photos by Dave Workman

Scaled-down version of the original Model 1911 makes a good choice for personal protection

W

eighing just under 17 ounces empty on my scale, Browning’s new Black Label 1911-380 single action semi-auto pistol is almost certain to become popular with armed private citizens, especially smallerframed shooters looking for a gun with all the features of the famous Government Model. www.gunworld.com

FEB 2015 | GUN WORLD

17

GW-BROWNING-16-23.qxp 12/10/14 1:32 AM Page 18

COVER STORY

Rear sight is synthetic and dovetailed at the rear of the slide, while the front sight is a typical fixed blade.

Scaled at 85 percent of the original Model 1911 size, this .380 ACP-chambered pistol has a tough composite frame with an aluminum insert upon which the slide rails glide. It has an extended ambidextrous thumb safety that allows the pistol to be carried cocked and locked. There’s also a beavertail grip safety with a bump, extended slide lock/release and lightweight hammer. It’s even got a barrel bushing, and strips down just like the original John M. Browning-designed Government Model.

Now the best part. This new Browning .380 is accurate!

I ran a variety of ammunition through it from Black Hills, Winchester, Federal, American Eagle and Cor Bon/DPS. The little pistol digested them all with only a single failure to feed, and I’m not sure what that was all about because it

Controls on the Black Label are the same as on a full-sized M1911.

The slide lock and thumb safety are extended, and made of steel.

happened on the third shot of my 18

GUN WORLD | FEB 2015

www.gunworld.com

GW-BROWNING-16-23.qxp 12/10/14 1:32 AM Page 19

first range visit. After that, the Black Label didn’t so much as hiccup, and I hit nearly everything I shot at, or missed so closely that it would be inconsequential in a real emergency. More about that in a minute.

Browning offers this small pistol with an eight-round single-stack blue steel magazine with a synthetic floorplate and follower. Unlike the original Government Model, the Black Label 1911-380 incorporates a magazine disconnect, preventing accidental discharge when the magazine is removed.

The barrel is 4.25 inches long with a slightly recessed crown, the same length as on the Colt Commander.

The whole works comes with an instruction manual, and a handy cable lock, all packaged in an FAA-

Because this pistol has a fully functional thumb safety, it may be carried cocked and locked, just like any M1911 designed by John Moses Browning. Notice that the grip safety has a bump to guarantee that it is fully depressed.

Front strap of the lightweight synthetic grip frame features molded checkering.

www.gunworld.com

FEB 2015 | GUN WORLD

19

GW-BROWNING-16-23.qxp 12/10/14 1:32 AM Page 20

COVER STORY

“

…The Black Label didn’t so much as hiccup, and I hit nearly everything I shot at…

Compared to Workman’s Colt Commander, the Browning Black Label 1911-380 is a smaller, but no less serious handgun for fans of the Model 1911 design.

SPECIFICATIONS BLACK LABEL 1911-380 Manufacturer: Browning Action: Single Action Semi-Auto Caliber: .380 ACP

friendly lockable hard plastic case.

The pistol has a non-reflective

OAL: 7.5 inches Weight Approx: 17 ounces Capacity: 8+1 Sights: Fixed MSRP: $669.95 20

GUN WORLD | FEB 2015

.45-caliber Lightweight Com-

black finish top to bottom, including

mander? I’ve always been fond of

the sights. There’s molded checker-

the flat, compact Colt Hammerless

ing along the front strap of the syn-

Model 1908 pistol, and like its clas-

thetic frame and along the flat

sic predecessor the new Browning

mainspring housing, and the check-

is flat, tucks rather well inside the

ered grip panels are removable.

waistband, and virtually disappears

I’m a longtime fan of the Government Model design, so when

Barrel: 4.25 inches

”

like me whose daily carry piece is a

Browning announced the introduc-

under a sport jacket or some other cover garment.

Of the many features gracing

tion of this pistol, it didn’t take long

Browning’s new Black Label, a few

for me to get my greasy little hands

are readily visible. One is the size of

on a sample. I immediately noted

the ejection port, and the other is

the functional dimension of the grip

the sights which are much higher

would be well-suited to smaller-

and easier to pick up on the new

framed people who want the feel of

handgun. In addition, the beavertail

a Model 1911.

grip safety on the new Browning is

Now, what’s the attraction of this reduced-size pistol for a guy

much more pronounced and has that bump for guaranteed disenwww.gunworld.com

GW_1502_21 12/9/14 1:40 AM Page 21

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GW-BROWNING-16-23.qxp 12/10/14 1:32 AM Page 22

COVER STORY gagement when the gun needs to

tols, with FMJ, JHP and even Pow’r

at approximately ten yards I put my

go “Bang!”

Ball bullets that pack a punch. I’ve

first rounds right into the X-ring of a

had good luck with everything from

Birchwood Casey Shoot-N-See.

Browning supplies the Black

After spending some time with

Label with a single magazine, but

the major manufacturers, and even

spares are available. I’m not sure

some older stuff I acquired some-

the paper targets, I started shooting

who might have concealment hol-

where along the way. I would not

at broken chunks of clay shotgun

sters for this pistol, but most mak-

hesitate to recommend any of

targets, hitting and crushing several

ers are certain to offer some leather,

today’s ammunition for use in the

or barely missing them, typically

nylon or Kydex model as the 1911-

Black Label 1911-380.

just to the left or just a hair above.

380 gains popularity.

Thanks to ammunition devel-

I did find one problem with the pistol: it does not always eject a

In a fight, those rounds are going to get somebody’s attention.

For a handgun that to some

opment over the past couple of

loaded round. Empties, of course,

decades, the .380 ACP is no slouch

depart with gusto after a shot is

people might resemble a toy be-

for self-defense. Cor-Bon’s DPX

fired. They fly nicely to the right rear.

cause of its size, weight and finish,

round has an 80-grain JHP that

Here’s one thing that should

the Browning 1911-380 Black Label

clocks an advertised 1,050 fps from

impress anybody: The sights,

is the real McCoy. Frankly, I was im-

the muzzle with 196 foot-pounds of

though synthetic, are very good.

pressed and a bit surprised at just

muzzle energy.

The rear notch is square and wide,

how accurate this pistol was. Any-

and the front sight centers nicely.

thing within 25-50 yards is going to

For starters I used a rough rest, and

have a hole in it, provided the

There are many superb loads nowadays for the .380-caliber pis-

The Black Label 1911380 strips down like any M1911-type pistol.

22

GUN WORLD | FEB 2015

www.gunworld.com

GW-BROWNING-16-23.qxp 12/10/14 1:32 AM Page 23

20 inches ahead of the muzzle, the ballistics I recorded were eye-opening. The 80-grain DPX hollowpoints averaged 1,088 fps, and right behind them the 90-grain Federal Hydra Shoks crossed the screens at 1,036 fps average.

The American Eagle 95-grain FMJ rounds clocked an average of 967.6 fps, while rounds from a box of 85-grain Winchester Silvertips I discovered in my stores clocked at 977.4 fps average. They also proved to be the second-most accurate load I fired.

The Black Hills 90-grainers gave me a high speed of 925 fps, and averaged 899 fps. That’s still enough to ruin somebody’s day, and frankly, this was the most accurate round that went through the Browning pistol, delivering a couple of three-shot groups at 12 yards that could have been covered by a 50-cent piece if I’d had one handy.

Browning offers not only spare magazines but also different grip panels in aged ivory polymer, pearl and checkered rosewood.

Good looks don’t trump good performance, but when you can get both in the same pistol you’re ahead of the curve. Browning’s little single action semi-auto scores high marks, and for fans of the .380 ACP From 12 yards, the little Browning delivered the goods. This particular target was hit with two different magazine loads of Black Hills JHPs and Winchester Silvertips.

shooter does his or her part, and uses reliable ammunition.

And that brings us Here’s a comparison: On the left, a .45 ACP and on the right, a typical FMJ .380 ACP. Both have been known to stop a lot of arguments.

www.gunworld.com

around to how well the ammo performed. Over my

— of which there are legions, as I have been frequently reminded — the Black Label 1911-380 is a keeper. GW

CONTACT Browning (800) 333-3288 Browning.com

Shooting Chrony Alpha set about FEB 2015 | GUN WORLD

23

GW-MPAR-24-33 12/10/14 2:04 AM Page 24

The MPAR is an improved hybrid design gas piston-operated semi-auto that is based on the Leader Dynamics T2 Mk 5.

24

GUN WORLD | FEB 2015

www.gunworld.com

GW-MPAR-24-33 12/10/14 2:04 AM Page 25

Hybrid

MASTERPIECE Text & Photos by Dr. Martin D. Topper

Masterpiece Arms' Hybrid MPAR 556 Tactical Rifle Offers Accuracy at a Reasonable Price

M

asterpiece Arms' MPAR 556 rifle is a hybrid design with an operating system that has a three-section gas piston and a dual recoil rod bolt carrier assembly. This system eliminates the AR's recoil buffer tube and allows the rifle to be equipped with a folding buttstock, but Masterpiece's rifle is not an AK variant because the MPAR uses dual recoil springs and has an upper and lower receiver like the AR.

www.gunworld.com

FEB 2015 | GUN WORLD

25

GW-MPAR-24-33 12/10/14 2:04 AM Page 26

The MPAR's angled handgrip provided a firm grip for the author's support hand.

Most of the MPAR's components are manufactured at Masterpiece Arms' 20,000 sq. ft. factory in Gomer, GA. More than forty separate CNC machines are used to fabricate the majority of the rifle's component parts. Production and assembly at the Masterpiece Arms factory is conducted under strict quality assurance standards that are compliant with TS 16949/ISO9002 standards.

FEATURES When I opened the MPAR's lockable polymer shipping case at the Florida Gun Exchange, I immediately noticed this rifle is rather unique. The only rifle similar to it is the Australian-made Leader Dynamics T2 MK5, but it has been long out of production. Like the Leader, the MPAR has a non-reciprocating charging handle on the left side of the gun. However, the MPAR 26

GUN WORLD | FEB 2015

EO-Tech's ESPSX-2 holographic sight provided fast target acquisition and good hits when running CQB drills.

www.gunworld.com

GW-MPAR-24-33 12/10/14 2:04 AM Page 27

The Archangel buttstock on the MPAR can easily be adjusted for length of pull. This is especially important when wearing body armor.

GW-MPAR-24-33 12/10/14 2:04 AM Page 28

The Leupold 1-4X Mark AR scope worked very well on the Masterpiece Arms MPAR. It would make an excellent choice for those who prefer to mount a scope on a tactical rifle.

is not just a copy of the T2. For one

prior to going to the range it be-

thing, the charging handle is also

came clear that the internal com-

the forward assist. If a cartridge

ponents were well executed in their

MASTERPIECE ARMS MPAR 556

does not completely chamber the

manufacture with one exception.

shooter can push the handle in to

There was a small area of oxidation

activate a pin that pushes the bolt

on the inside of the upper receiver

Caliber: 5.56mm NATO/.223 Rem.

forward. Other features that distin-

where it mated with the folding

guish the MPAR from the Leader in-

adapter for the stock.

SPECIFICATIONS

Barrel: 16 inches Receiver: Steel OAL: 27 inches Stock Folded, 35-37 inches Stock Extended Weight 7.8 lbs. Unloaded Sights: None Supplied Action: Short-stroke Gas Piston Finish: Black Phosphate/ Hardcoat Black Anodizing Capacity: 30 Rounds MSRP: $950.99

clude an angled foregrip handle, a handguard that has upper and

from both AK and AR-pattern guns,

lower rails and a polymer six-posi-

it's important to read the instruc-

tion telescoping buttstock.

tions very carefully before field stripping it for cleaning and lubrica-

INSPECTION

GUN WORLD | FEB 2015

tion. Disassembly begins with put-

Inspection of the exterior sur-

ting the gun on safety, removing the

faces of the MPAR 556 showed no

magazine and working the charging

tool marks, poorly conformed parts

handle several times to make sure

or blemishes in the hardcoat finish

the gun is unloaded.

on the aluminum components or in

Next, remove the safety pin at

the phosphate finish on steel parts.

the rear of the top rail. Unlike an AR

The polymer components are also

rear receiver pin, the MPAR's safety

well made and finished. The matte

pin is very small and comes com-

black finishes on all parts of the

pletely out of the rifle. It can be easy

rifle match well.

to lose, so the first thing I did was

When the rifle was disassembled for cleaning and inspection

28

Because this rifle is so different

put it deep in my right hip pocket.

Once the pin is removed, a tab at www.gunworld.com

GW-MPAR-24-33 12/10/14 2:04 AM Page 29

the top rear of the recoil shield may be pushed forward to unlock the upper and lower portions of the stamped steel receiver. The bolt carrier assembly can then be removed by sliding it rearward.

The bolt carrier assembly is unlike that of any other semi-automatic rifle I've ever used. The carrier is a large rectangular block of steel with two large recoil rods running through it. The front ends of the rods serve as locating pins, attaching the carrier assembly to the trunion that mates the barrel, receiver and forend. Each of the recoil rods has a captured recoil spring that drives the carrier and holds it in battery. The bolt carrier rides backward and forward on the rods during the firing cycle.

The connecting rod for the three-piece gas piston also has a captured recoil spring. This spring The MPAR's folding stock has a well-built hinge that locks securely in the folded and unfolded positions.

regulates the rearward speed of the piston and also ensures that the piston remains in the forward position prior to firing. When the rifle is fired the connecting rod is pushed rearward, contacts

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the carrier between the recoil rods and then pushes the carrier straight backward to cycle the action. The placement of

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Every PCNC 1100 features:

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1100 lbs cast iron construction

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Ground P4 ballscrews and single shot lubrication

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Computer controlled spindle speed and direction

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PTFE bonded slideways (similar to Turcite®)

bolt carrier assembly is the

■

Precision R8 spindle - 100 to 5000 RPM with vector drive technology

bolt. Unlike the AR and AK sys-

■

Easy to use in manual or automatic modes

carrier greatly reduces the possibility that the carrier might bind during cycling.

The final element in the

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tems, the MPAR 556 bolt has a firing pin spring. The bolt is "triangular" and looks very much like the piston on a rotary auto-

Product information and online ordering at

Shown here with optional stand, LCD monitor, machine arms, and accessories.

www.tormach.com

mobile engine. The three corwww.gunworld.com

FEB 2015 | GUN WORLD

29

GW-MPAR-24-33 12/10/14 2:04 AM Page 30

The author fired the MPAR at a 200-yard silhouette target using a 1 MOA EO-Tech sight. All five shots were on the target.

ners of the triangle are rounded

The pull was smooth with about a

and act as locking lugs that fit

quarter-inch of take-up. The trigger

in recesses in the rear of the

broke cleanly with about three-

barrel. When the carrier moves

eighths inch of overtravel. The pull

rearward during firing, the bolt

weight was 5.25-5.75 lbs. Finally, the

cam pin unlocks the bolt. The spring-loaded extractor hook ex-

charging handle and bolt carrier were cycled several times to check

tracts empty cartridge cases and

their action, and a test of the safety

the plunger ejector throws the case

indicated that it functioned normally.

out of the gun through the ejection The MPAR 566 was tested with four different loads. It shot best with the Black Hills .223 load that was topped with a 69-grain Sierra Matchking bullet.

port on the gun's right side.

Before firing, the rifle was cleaned and trigger pull was tested.

SHOTS FIRED The MPAR was test-fired at the Volusia County Gun and Hunt Club

AMMUNITION PERFORMANCE Load

30

Muzzle Velocity

Accuracy @ 100 yds.

Black Hills 69 gr. Matchking .223 Rem.

2695 fps

1.38 inches

Am. Eagle 55 gr. .223 Rem. FMJ

2926 fps

3.03 inches

Winchester 55 gr. .223 Rem. FMJ

3043 fps

2.25 inches

Winchester 55 gr. 5.56mm NATO FMJ

3370 fps

4.29 inches

GUN WORLD | FEB 2015

www.gunworld.com

GW-MPAR-24-33 12/10/14 2:04 AM Page 31

and the Flagler Gun and Archery

left of the door and one in a room

compatibility before the gun and

Club. A Leupold 1-4X MARK AR

on the right. The two targets on the

chosen load are used for personal

Scope was mounted for accuracy

left were engaged at five yards and

protection.

testing at 100 yards. Given that this

seven yards. The one on the right

is a tactical rifle, an EO-Tech

was engaged at 15 yards. All shots

556 is relatively inexpensive for a

EXPSX-2 sight with a circle/center

were fired as fast as a sight picture

gas piston-operated tactical rifle.

dot reticle that was used for tacti-

could be acquired with the EO-

It should be attractive to those

cal drills.

Tech. Two- and three-shot strings

who desire a piston-driven

were fired at each target. The two-

5.56mm tactical rifle at a reason-

grain Winchester .223 Rem. and

shot strings were directed at the

able price. GW

5.56mm NATO FMJ ammunition,

center of the target's chest. The

Federal's American Eagle 55-grain

three-shot strings involved body

FMJ load and Black Hills 69-grain

armor drills with two shots to the

OTM ammo. Several manufacturers

chest and one to the head. Tactical

graciously supplied ammunition.

accuracy was very good.

Accuracy was tested with 55-

Winds were light. The Black Hills

During live-fire testing MPAR

ammo fired the best groups.

proved to be reliable with all loads

Groups with this load averaged 1.38

except the American Eagle 55-grain

inches. The bore of the MPAR's E.R.

FMJ. There were five failures to fire

Shaw precision barrel has a 1 in 9-

with that load. Four of the five

inch twist, and it clearly preferred

rounds that failed to fire in the

the 69-grain Sierra Matchking bul-

MPAR did fire in another rifle. One

lets in the Black Hills ammo over all

did not. In addition, on two occa-

of the 55-grain FMJ bullets in the

sions the rifle fired two shots with a

other three loads. Given its accu-

single pull of the trigger. I emailed

racy, the 69-grain Black Hills load

the factory, and they said they

was also fired at a life-size silhou-

would examine the gun when I re-

ette target at 200 yards. This time

turned it. Interestingly, the recoil of

the EO-Tech was used to simulate a

the MPAR was so light that each

long-range urban engagement with

time the gun doubled, the shots

a 1X optic. All five shots landed on

struck the target within one inch of

the upper half of the torso. The

each other at 100 yards. As for the

group was just under 6 inches and a

optics, the Leupold scope was

bit to the right.

sharp and clear and the EO-Tech

Velocity was tested using a

sight allowed fast target acquisition

Shooting Chrony chronograph. The

and quick follow-up shots during

fastest load was Winchester's

tactical drills.

5.56mm NATO load which produced an average velocity of 3370 fps and delivered 1386 ft-lbs of

FINAL NOTES terpiece Arms MPAR 556 has suffi-

curacy results are contained in the

cient accuracy to engage targets

accompanying chart.

out to 200 yards with appropriate ammunition and a 1X optic. That

using a simulated shoot house sce-

distance could easily be stretched

nario. The drill involved opening a

to 300 yards with the Leupold Mark

door, traversing a hallway and en-

AR scope. As always, a rifle and its

gaging two targets in a room to the

ammunition should be tested for

www.gunworld.com

CONTACT Black Hills Ammunition 605-348-5150 Black-Hills.com EO-Tech 888-368-4656 www.EoTechInc.com Federal Ammunition FederalPremium.com Flagler Gun Club FlaglerGunClub.com.

Florida Gun Exchange (386) 304-9499 FloridaGunExchange.com Leupold & Stevens, Inc. (800) 538-7653 Leupold.com Shooting Chrony ShootingChrony.com.

All things considered, the Mas-

muzzle energy. All velocity and ac-

Tactical tests were performed

Priced at $950.99, the MPAR

Volusia County Gun and Hunt Club (386) 717-1394 VolusiaCountyGunAndHuntClub.com Winchester Ammunition Winchester.com

FEB 2015 | GUN WORLD

31

GW_1502_32 12/9/14 1:45 AM Page 32

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GW_1502_33 12/9/14 1:46 AM Page 33

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GW-WINMOD-34-43.qxp 12/10/14 2:27 AM Page 34

The Ultimate Text & Photos by Mike Dickerson

Winchester’s Newest Shadow Hunter is a Stylish and Accurate “Go Anywhere, Do Anything” Rifle

A stainless steel barrel and camo synthetic stock set the Model 70 Ultimate Shadow Hunter SS apart from other current versions of the Model 70.

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GUN WORLD | FEB 2015

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MODEL 70

I

f good things are worth waiting for, that’s doubly true in the case of fine bolt action hunting rifles. For example, Winchester’s Model 70 Ultimate Shadow Hunter SS rifle.

I immediately wanted to test the rifle when it was first announced nearly two years ago, but that introduction was followed by a series of delays, including moving assembly of the rifle to Portugal.

www.gunworld.com

FEB 2015 | GUN WORLD

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Now, don’t go getting your

ceased. In 2007, FN Herstal an-

I’ll answer that question mo-

britches in a wad. The parts are

nounced production would resume,

mentarily, but first, here’s a closer

manufactured in the United States

and the Winchester brand was li-

look at what moves the Model 70

of America, the guns are assembled

censed to two subsidiaries, Fab-

Ultimate Shadow Hunter SS closer

in Portugal, then the complete rifles

rique Nationale (FN) and Browning

to the Rifleman’s Rifle standard.

are shipped back Stateside. Com-

Arms Company.

plex to simple civilians like us, but

I was eager to see if the new

FUNCTIONAL FURNITURE

apparently it makes perfect sense

Model 70 Ultimate Shadow Hunter

in a global economy sort of way. For

SS rifle would perform to the stan-

between the Ultimate Shadow

clarity, this barrel on this new Model

dards established by Fabrique Na-

Hunter SS and other current-pro-

70 is stamped: “Made in U.S.A.,

tionale when they resurrected the

duction Model 70 rifles appear to

BACO, Inc., Morgan Utah – Assem-

Model 70 and began making them

be cosmetic, but appearances can

bled in Portugal by Browning

at their plant in Columbia, South

be deceiving. The changes to this

Viana.”

Carolina. I liked the changes FN

rifle are designed to make it a go-

made to the Model 70, restoring

anywhere, do-anything rifle that

some luster to a rifle that many felt

can handle the elements.

And so I waited.

LONG AND WINDING ROAD

had lost its way in various incarna-

The most obvious differences

That starts with a lightweight

tions following the infamous and

synthetic stock, in classic, straight

Winchester Repeating Arms Com-

widely criticized redesign of the rifle

styling, finished in Mossy Oak

pany and the Model 70 is too tor-

in 1964. I liked FN’s version so much

Break-Up Infinity camo. Traditional-

tured and twisting to relate here,

I purchased one of the new South

ists may cringe at the sight of a

but a quick refresher is in order. The

Carolina-made Model 70 Feather-

stainless/camo rifle, but there’s

original Model 70 was made by

weights in .270 Win. – a classic rifle

room in my safe for rifles with aes-

Winchester Repeating Arms, in vari-

in a classic chambering -- and

ous versions, from 1936 until 1980.

found it to be a tack-driver. Would

Thereafter, Model 70s were made

the new rifle perform as well?

The historical path taken by

by U.S. Repeating Arms under agreement with Olin Corporation.

All the rifles were built in New Haven, Conn. until 2006, when the plant was shuttered and production

In the range of calibers offered, the Ultimate Shadow Hunter SS delivers the power and accuracy to take all but the most dangerous game on the planet.

36

GUN WORLD | FEB 2015

“

… The average size of all best groups, combined, was a mere 0.70 in.

”

www.gunworld.com

GW_1502_37 12/9/14 1:47 AM Page 37

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GW-WINMOD-34-43.qxp 12/10/14 2:27 AM Page 38

The stock has gray overmolded rubberized gripping surfaces on forend and both sides of the grip to provide enhanced control in inclement weather.

thetically tolerable synthetic stocks.

SPECIFICATIONS

I actually like the look of camo

stainless steel barrel with a 1:10 rate of twist, as do rifles cham-

paired with matte stainless steel,

bered in 270 WSM and 325 WSM

WINCHESTER MODEL 70 ULTIMATE SHADOW HUNTER

but I don’t judge rifles purely on

(the .308 Win. chambering has a

aesthetics. Real beauty, for me, is in

1:12 twist). Rifles chambered in

how a rifle performs, and in that de-

.243 and .308 Winchester have 22-

Action: Bolt action

partment, this Model 70 variant de-

inch barrels.

livers the goods.

Caliber: 30-06 Springfield Stock: Synthetic Finish: Matte stainless steel barrel, Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity stock Barrel: 24 in. stainless steel Sights: None, drilled and tapped Magazine Capacity: Five rounds Overall Length: 44 3/4 in.

The camo pattern contrasts

The barrel on our test gun proved to be truly free-floated, and

nicely with dark gray overmolded

was nicely centered in the barrel

rubberized gripping surfaces on the

channel of the stock. It also has a

fore end, and on both sides of the

recessed target crown to preserve

buttstock grip area for impressive

the rifling, enhancing accuracy in

all-weather traction. I like the over-

the process.

all feel and handling of this rifle. I

The forged, stainless steel re-

like the way it feels lighter in the

ceiver with its integral recoil lug is

hands than it really is, mounts

bedded fore and aft to eliminate

quickly to shoulder and never wants

any shifting in the stock. Bottom

to slip out of wet, sweaty or even

metal is a one-piece alloy and the

gloved hands.

floorplate is steel. Bedding on the test gun was nicely done, providing

Weight (empty): 7 lbs.

MSRP: $1079.99 38

GUN WORLD | FEB 2015

METAL METTLE Our test rifle had a 24-inch matte-finish cold hammer-forged

a tight fit for the action, as I discovered when disassembling the rifle for a deep inspection. www.gunworld.com

GW_1502_39 12/9/14 1:48 AM Page 39

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Load Name

Avg. Muzzle Velocity (FPS)

Avg. 100 yd.

Group (inches)

Best 100 yd.

Group (inches)

Barnes VOR-TX 168-gr.

TTSX

2815

1.15

1.03

Federal Vital-Shok 165-gr. Trophy Copper TTSX

2881

0.77

0.19

Federal Fusion 150-gr.

3002

1.68

1.27

Hornady American Whitetail 150-gr. InterLock

2992

1.19

0.65

Winchester 150-gr.

Ballistic Silvertip

3173

1.17

0.40

Note: Groups fired over Competitive Edge Dynamics M2 chronograph in wind varying 10-15 mph

SAFELY FEEDING THE FIRE

cycle smoothly, with little friction

pounds. Recoil will still be notice-

One thing FN definitely got

and absolutely no binding. Maga-

able in this seven-pound rifle, espe-

right when they brought the Model

zine capacity for standard calibers

cially in the WSM chamberings, but

70 back to life was returning to pre-

is five rounds, while rifles cham-

it’s a lot more tolerable than it

’64-style controlled round feeding

bered for 270 WSM and 325 WSM

would be in lighter platforms. With

with a beefy claw extractor and

hold three rounds.

that in mind, I put this rifle squarely

blade ejector. I found the bolt to

Empty, the rifle weighs seven

into the “light enough” category.

Bottom metal is one-piece alloy, but the floorplate is steel.

40

GUN WORLD | FEB 2015

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The M.O.A. trigger system is adjustable to a pull weight of between three to five lbs. It had no creep, overtravel or take-up.

The rifle retains the traditional

I decided to leave it alone even

the gun or the shooter.

I conducted all testing of the

three-position wing-type safety,

though I normally prefer a trigger

which allows you to load and un-

pull of around 3 lbs. for hunting ri-

rifle on a day when the wind blew

load the rifle with the safety in the

fles. That was partly because I

10-15 mph. The effects were notice-

middle “on” position.

wanted to duplicate a buyer’s “out

able on a few groups, but overall, I

of the box” experience, and partly

was very pleased with the accuracy

because removing the mystery

obtained with five different factory

thread locking goo seemed to a

loads with bullet weights ranging

mates, the Ultimate Shadow

royal pain just to satisfy my curios-

from 150 to 168 gr.

Hunter SS comes with the newest

ity.

TRIGGER, HAPPY Like its contemporary stable

Velocities, as measured over my Competitive Edge Dynamics M2

trigger to grace the Model 70. Winchester calls it the M.O.A. trigger system. The new trigger has no

SPEED TRIALS For testing, I mounted a Weaver

chronograph, were, as I expected, a bit higher out of the 24-inch tube.

creep, no take-up and no overtravel.

Super Slam 2-10X42 mm scope on

The heavier 165- to 168-gr. loads

There’s very little to dislike about it.

the Winchester. Featuring Weaver’s

from Barnes and Federal ran mildly

From the factory, the trigger is pre-

EBX ballistic reticle, sharp, multi-

faster than factory-stated veloci-

set to a pull weight of 3 ¾ pounds,

coated optics and pull-up turrets,

ties, by 15 and 81 fps, respectively.

and is adjustable from 3 lbs. to 5

this is one of my favorite scopes for

lbs., but the trigger on my test rifle

testing new rifles, especially when

was with the lighter 150-gr. loads.

broke at an average of 4 lbs., 3 oz. It

mounted in rock-solid Talley one-

The Hornady American Whitetail

honestly felt lighter than that and

piece lightweight mounts. With this

load ran 82 fps faster than adver-

was, in any event, perfectly accept-

setup, I knew that any poor shoot-

tised, while the Federal Fusion load

able for hunting use.

ing would be entirely attributable to

was just over 100 fps faster.

www.gunworld.com

Where things got interesting

FEB 2015 | GUN WORLD

41

GW-WINMOD-34-43.qxp 12/10/14 2:27 AM Page 42

will clearly deliver the power and accuracy to take all but the largest and most dangerous game on the planet – and there’s room for debate on that. GW

CONTACT Barnes Bullets (800) 574-9200 BarnesBullets.com The barrel has a recessed target crown for enhanced accuracy and protection of the rifling.

The speed burner of the bunch

Competitive Edge Dynamics (888) 628-3233 Cedhk.com and a single-best group of 0.19 in.

was Winchester’s 150-gr. Ballistic

(measured outer edge to outer

Silvertip load, which I clocked at an

edge, with the bullet diameter sub-

attention-getting 273 fps above

tracted). Other ammo that turned

factory-claimed velocity, at 3,173

in sub-MOA groups included Hor-

fps.

nady’s American Whitetail 150-gr.

InterLock round and Winchester’s

WELCOME TO SUB-MOA While it’s nice to know that the

150-gr. Ballistic Silvertip Load, which produced best groups meas-

rifle wrings maximum speed out of

uring 0.65 in. and 0.40 in., respec-

30-06 loads, that won’t do you

tively.

much good if the gun won’t place those speeding bullets accurately.

Winchester’s website claims you can expect 1 MOA accuracy for

HUNTER-CONFIDENCE SEAL OF APPROVAL I’m confident that average

three-shot groups from a Model 70

groups would shrink further when

using “premium ammo and quality

shooting on less windy days, and

optics under suitable weather and

with additional barrel break-in and

range conditions.” Even with the

tailored hand loads. Given how well

wind – and without the benefit of

this rifle shot under less-than-ideal

barrel break-in – the rifle easily met

test conditions, I’d be perfectly

this standard. The average size of

happy to zero the rifle with its pre-

all average groups, combined, was

ferred factory loads and go hunting.

just 1.19 in., while the average size of

There wasn’t a round tested in this

all best groups, combined, was a

review that wouldn’t get the job

mere 0.70 in.

done for the vast majority of game

Federal’s 165-gr. Trophy Copper

those rounds are intended for under

load really shined in this rifle, pro-

most hunting situations. In the

ducing average groups of 0.77 in.

range of calibers offered, this rifle

42

GUN WORLD | FEB 2015

Federal Premium Ammunition 800-379-1732 FederalPremium.com Hornady Manufacturing Company (800) 338-3220 Hornady.com Nagel’s Gun Shop (210) 342-5420 NagelsGuns.net Talley Manufacturing (803) 854-5700 TalleyManufacturing.com Weaver Optics (800) 379-1732 WeaverOptics.com Winchester Ammunition (618) 258-3340 Winchester.com Winchester Repeating Arms (800) 333-3288 WinchesterGuns.com

www.gunworld.com

GW-WINMOD-34-43.qxp 12/10/14 2:27 AM Page 43

“

…The changes … make it a go-anywhere, do-anything rifle that can handle the elements.

”

When FN rescued the Model 70 from extinction, the company happily returned to pre-’64 style controlled round feeding.

The bolt cycles smoothly and has a beefy claw extractor.

Mec-Gar USA, INC. www.mec-gar.com

www.gunworld.com

FEB 2015 | GUN WORLD

43

GW-CHAMP-44-53.qxp 12/10/14 2:37 AM Page 44

9mm THE CHAMP’S

Text & Photos by Thomas C. Tabor

Jerry Miculek Signature Model 929 Revolver from Smith & Wesson Can Help You Shoot Like a Pro

A

lthough the 9mm round is one of world’s most common cartridges, it hasn’t been widely embraced as the chambering of choice for revolvers. One of the major obstacles is the 9mm Luger’s rimless case design, which allows the cartridge to drop straight through the cylinder.

Perhaps more importantly, there hasn’t been widespread public outcry for a 9mm wheelgun; consequently, there’s no perceived demand to justify tooling up for this “semi-auto” caliber.

44

GUN WORLD | FEB 2015

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GW-CHAMP-44-53.qxp 12/10/14 2:37 AM Page 45

The Performance Center Jerry Miculek Signature Model 929 9mm revolver is functional and attractive. www.gunworld.com

FEB 2015 | GUN WORLD

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GW-CHAMP-44-53.qxp 12/10/14 2:37 AM Page 46

Jerry Miculek's own facsimile signature is clearly visible on the side of the Smith & Wesson Signature Series Model 929 9mm revolver, named for him.

To rectify this situation, at least hypothetically, a manufacturer could adapt the 9mm cartridge to revolver service by making spring steel moon-clips to locate the rounds in the cylinder properly, but will shooters really buy a 9mm revolver in a market saturated with plastic hi-cap semi-automatics?

Enter Smith & Wesson’s cure for the “I want a 9mm wheelgun” blues: the Smith & Wesson Jerry Miculek Signature Model 929 revolver, chambered in 9x19 Luger.

For those few who may not know, Jerry Miculek is currently considered the fastest revolver shooter on the planet, having cinched the world championship shooting record by firing 12 rounds in only 46

GUN WORLD | FEB 2015

www.gunworld.com

GW-CHAMP-44-53.qxp 12/10/14 2:37 AM Page 47

2.99 seconds. He has also emptied a 5-shot revolver in a mere 0.57 seconds, with each round impacting in an area that could be covered by a single standard playing card.

He currently holds at least five revolver exhibition shooting world records, as well as countless titles, awards, accolades and champi-

MOON-CLIPS The moon-clip is a piece of engineering genius that easily solves the challenge of using rimless semi-auto cartridge cases in a revolver. It is simply a flat piece of skeletonized metal. Once the cartridges have been loaded the moon-clip can be easily dropped into the revolver cylinder as an entire loaded unit. Because the moon-clip resides on the top of the extractor, when the cylinder is folded out and the extractor rod is moved rearward, it elevates the moon-clip and the cartridges — or empty brass — upward for easy extraction.

For many years competitive shooters and law enforcement officers who carried and shot the more traditional revolvers used speed loaders to quicken their reloading process, but I believe the use of moon-clips for rimless cartridges makes this procedure even easier and quicker.

onships. If you have never seen him in person or on video, just Google his name and enjoy watching the

starters, this isn’t an off-the-shelf

curacy no matter what kind of am-

results.

unit. The Model 929 is a product of

munition you feed through it. A very

Undoubtedly, Miculek is one of

the S&W Performance Center: it’s

business-like detachable compen-

a kind in the shooting world, so join-

tuned, tweaked, preened and pol-

sator adds a bit of weight forward

ing forces with Smith & Wesson to

ished for high-output applications,

and mitigates muzzle rise.

produce his signature Model 929

right out of the box.

9mm revolver makes perfect sense,

Take note of the slick, eight-

Sights include a Patridge front sight and an adjustable notch rear

if not perfect timing. When the

round fluted cylinder. That’s right,

sight. Combined with the Hogue

9mm 929 finally become a reality,

an eight-shooter. If that sporty

Cobblestone textured non-slip

Miculek quipped that he’d been

cylinder seems a bit on the light

grips, there should be no reason for

waiting over 15 years for this gun to

side, it could be that it’s machined

missing a target.

be developed.

from a solid chunk of titanium alloy.

Talk about reducing rotating mass.

AN INSIDE LOOK AT THE S&W 9MM 929 What sets this revolver apart

The 6.5-inch barrel’s rifling is

The 929 hammer is teardrop shaped, which is a bit of a deviation from the more common, broader

broach-cut with a 1:10 twist and has

styled target hammer. This slimmer

a .355 inch diameter for optimal ac-

design likely lends itself to faster

from the competition? For The Model 929 hammer is teardrop shaped and nicely checkered.

www.gunworld.com

FEB 2015 | GUN WORLD

47

GW-CHAMP-44-53.qxp 12/10/14 2:37 AM Page 48

The use of moonclips is an easy way to bridge the gap between rimless cartridge cases and revolver use.

SPECIFICATIONS JERRY MICULEK SIGNATURE SERIES MODEL 929 Caliber: 9x19mm Action: Single/Double Action Barrel: 6.5-inches Stainless with a 1:10 twist rate Sights: Front – Patridge & Rear – notched adjustable Grips: Hogue synthetic Weight: 44.2-ounces Overall Length: 12.25-inch Cylinder: 8-shot titanium alloy Finish: Glass bead blasted matte finish MSRP $1,189.00 48

GUN WORLD | FEB 2015

The front Patridge sight provides the ultimate in precise aiming abilities.

www.gunworld.com

GW-CHAMP-44-53.qxp 12/10/14 2:37 AM Page 49

The cobblestone texturing on the Hogue grips is comfortable and attractive, and includes finger notches that fit the average-sized hand very well.

“

Ammunition for the 9mm is available almost everywhere, usuand smoother thumb to hammer

ally costs less than larger, more

actions.

glamorous calibers, and the light

Single-action trigger pull was

recoil encourages longer sessions.

less. When firing single action or

”

Testing from the bench, I was immediately impressed with the

about 4.3 pounds; double-action trigger pull wasn’t nearly as effort-

Testing from the bench, I was immediately impressed with the 929’s accuracy potential.

ON THE RANGE I was anxious to explore how

929’s accuracy potential. In some cases there were minor deviations

double action I found the trigger to

accurate the new Jerry Miculek Sig-

in group locations due to the differ-

be smooth, free of any creep, with

nature Model 929 revolver would be

ences in bullet design, bullet weight

an exceptionally sharp let-off.

on the range and its performance

and other load components, but

certainly didn’t disappoint. I put the

this was expected. By taking my

gun through its paces with a variety

time and being careful in my shot

of different ammunition, using four

placement none of my groups ex-

9mm cartridge can be a bit mis-

varieties of factory-loaded rounds,

ceeded 2.5 inches at 25 feet and at

leading, but in reality the velocities

three from Hornady and one Fed-

least one group was even tighter.

and performance produced by this

eral. The Hornady ammunition con-

Not bad for the first trip out.

little firecracker are frequently bet-

sisted of Critical Duty with 135-grain

ter than many other physically

FlexLock bullets (classed as 9mm

larger cartridges, like the .38 Spe-

Luger + P), Critical Defense with

cial, or even the .38 Special + P. The

115-grain FTX® bullets and Hornady

nothing short of superb, and I liked

small combustion area of the nine

Custom with 124-grain XTP bullets.

the overall feel and handling of the

makes it an efficient cartridge and

The Federal Premium ammo was

929. The grips were well matched

provides good consistency from

loaded with 124-grain Hydra-Shok

to the gun and fit my average-sized

shot to shot.

jacketed hollow points.

hands very well. The action was

SO, WHY THE 9MM? The outward appearance of the

www.gunworld.com

THE WAY I SEE IT I found the accuracy to be

FEB 2015 | GUN WORLD

49

GW-CHAMP-44-53.qxp 12/10/14 2:37 AM Page 50

An engraved reminder on the left side of the 929 indicates the cylinder folds out to the left and rotates counterclockwise.

smooth and trouble free, and while I rarely shoot revolvers requiring the use of moon-clips, I actually liked this concept a great deal. It made speed loading easy and trouble free.

The gun came in a very nice S&W Performance Center padded, lockable rigid plastic carrying case with molded feet that allow the case to stand upright to conserve storage space.

As a side note, Jerry Miculek recommends in one of his videos that you might want to consider shooting heavier bullets of a roundnose design when speed shooting.

He believes this style of ammo has 50

GUN WORLD | FEB 2015

The S&W Model 929 comes with its own rigid plastic padded case.

www.gunworld.com

GW_1502_51 12/9/14 1:50 AM Page 51

Dillon Precision’s

XL650 STANDARD FEATURES:

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GW-CHAMP-44-53.qxp 12/10/14 2:37 AM Page 52

Even though this group may appear to be limited to only four or five shots, it actually consisted of a full moon-clip with eight rounds of Hornady Custom 124-grain XTP ammo shot from a distance of 25 feet.

a tendency to drop into the cylinder a bit quicker and easier. That likely is the

target use in mind, I could see it easily becoming an all-around favorite. GW

case, but I experienced no difficulty whatsoever with loading any of the different types of ammunition I shot. Of course, I wasn’t challenging Jerry’s speed shooting world record.

Overall, I think any shooter could not possibly go wrong with

CONTACT Smith & Wesson Smith-Wesson.com Hornady Manufacturing Co. Hornady.com

the Jerry Miculek Signature Model All of the tested ammunition shot well in S&W Model 949. This was just a sampling of the 25-feet groups.

52

GUN WORLD | FEB 2015

929 9mm revolver. It seemed extremely well built and while it was

Federal Premium Ammunition FederalPremium.com

designed with speed shooting and www.gunworld.com

GW_1502_53 12/9/14 1:51 AM Page 53

DIY Some folks just like to do things for themselves.

For those of you who do, Del-Ton has a complete line of rifle kits to fit any need or budget.

Del-Ton is a manufacturer of quality AR-15-style modern sporting rifles and your online source for parts, upgrades, optics, and accessories. All rifle and kit components are made in the U.S.A.

16’’ M4 Rifle Kit (RKT 100) / MSRP: $510

GW-SAVAGE-54-63.qxp 12/10/14 2:45 AM Page 54

DOUBLE TROUBLE Text & Photos by Dave Workman

The New Savage/Stevens Model 555 Over/Under Shotguns Offer Waterfowlers and Upland Hunters Good Bang For Their Buck

Stevens has introduced the Model 555 O/U shotgun in two offerings, the 20-gauge (top) and 12-gauge (below). They’re rugged and reliable shotguns at a bargain price.

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I

ntroduced in early 2014 as a budget-priced over-andunder shotgun, the new Stevens Model 555 by Savage in 12- and 20-gauge versions is not exactly what one would consider an “entry level” stack-barrel.

This Turkish-made smoothbore has a lot more going for it than just the under-$700 pricetag. Having had the opportunity to put both gauges through their paces, I found features that are likeable, and a couple of quirks that might need some fine-tuning.

The Model 555 is no slouch. The 20-gauge model has 26-inch barrels, hits the scales at 5.5 pounds, has a matte black finish on the chrome-lined barrels and lightweight alloy receiver. The Turkish walnut stock and Schnabel-style forearm are checkered and make for a handsome package. It has an overall length of 42 7/8 inches and is chambered for 3-inch shells.

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On one excursion to the central Cascades of Washington, Workman cut loose on clay targets with the Stuart Range in the distant background. He managed to break the clays and he expects live game will suffer the same fate.

The 12-gauge version features 28-inch chrome-lined tubes.

SHOTGUN SPECIFICS Wood-to-metal fit is very good,

discharges first. Take note, this is a manual safety. It does not automat-

Weighing in at 6 pounds, it meas-

and I must say these Stevens

ically engage when the breech is

ures 44 7/8 inches in length, also

smoothbores are quite attractive

opened and closed. You must con-

has matte black barrels and alloy

for the pricetag. That matte black

sciously engage the safety by mov-

receiver, shares the same Turkish

finish on both guns was uniform,

ing it to the rear.

walnut stock material with checker-

and it contrasted nicely with the

ing fore and aft, and is also cham-

walnut stock material. I have no

choke tubes that include Full, Im-

bered for 3-inch shells.

doubt it will not glare in the field,

proved Modified, Modified, Im-

and my guess is that whatever this

proved Cylinder and Cylinder, all

finish is, it will last a long time.

identifiable by the standard notch

There are steel inserts in the receiver, and the release lever is also steel while the trigger guard is alloy.

Both guns feature gold bead

These shotguns come with five

pattern ranging from a single notch

This accounts for the reduced

front sight, and the tang safety

for the Full and five notches for the

weight, but it does not mean these

doubles as a barrel selector clearly

Cylinder choke.

shotguns won’t handle any chal-

marked “O” and “U” to allow the

lenge.

shooter to determine which barrel

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There are a couple of things to pay attention to. First, the butt pads www.gunworld.com

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on both shotguns are rather thin and, on the 12-gauge model, that pad doesn’t soak up much recoil.

This is going to be most noticeable on either gun when using full-house 3-inch loads. On the plus side, these butt pads appear to be pretty rugged and should deliver good service.

One other thing I discovered was the small locking latch for the forearm needs to be pressed into place with authority, or else one might not fully engage it in the lock-

Wood-to-metal fit is nice and tight, and that single trigger lets off rather crisply.

ing notch. After firing the 12-gauge model several times during one www.gunworld.com

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Checkering on the Model 555 is well done and not overly sharp.

SPECIFICATIONS STEVENS MODEL 555

That matte black finish seemed tough and durable during a field evaluation, and this photo was snapped on a sunny day, using a flash, so you can tell this is a non-glare surface.

Manufacturer: Savage Arms/KOFS, Turkey Chamberings: 12- and 20-gauge, 3-inch chambers Barrel length: 28 inches on the 12, 26 inches on the 20 Action: Standard break-action Finish: Matte black steel barrels and alloy receiver Wood: Turkish walnut, checkered forend and grip Weight: 5.5 pounds/20-gauge; 6 pounds/12-gauge OAL: 42 7/8 inches/20 gauge; 44 7/8 inches/12-gauge MSRP: $692.00 58

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outing, I discovered this little latch

dled, whether they are O/U

would come loose. It was only after

models or side-by-sides.

a bit of close attention to detail I discovered the problem was my fault and I was not pressing the

UPLAND AND WATERFOWL

latch firmly enough into position.

Okay, let’s get down to it.

Once I discovered my error, the

Other O/U shotguns can do

latch stayed in place under recoil

what these new Stevens models

with no problem.

can do, but of course, for quite a

On the 20-gauge model —

bit more money. For those on a

which I quickly developed a strong

tight budget these new double-

preference for — I didn’t experience

barrel models will give you lots

the unlocking-under-recoil problem

of bang for the buck.

at all. I’d learned a valuable lesson

For upland bird and game

with the 12-gauge model and didn’t

hunting, I’d opt for the 20-gauge

need an instant replay.

model. With its 26-inch barrels,

Lastly, the top lever on both

it swings fast in the brush, is

models is stiff but not to worry, that

lighter for carrying over long dis-

happens on just about every dou-

tances, whether one hunts the

ble-barrel shotgun I’ve ever han-

hardwoods for ruffed grouse, the high ridges for blues, or strikes off across scabrock country for Hungarian partridge or chukar.

The 20 is also the far better choice for dove and quail, and I doubt that there’s a rabbit on the landscape that can outrun a load of No. 6s fired from one of these barrels.

Unbelievable as this may seem, during my evaluation it didn’t rain enough in my Pacific Northwest so that I could tell whether the checkering was ample enough to prevent slippage during recoil. However, I did have the opportunity to carry

BEALR A L K L GE AC A GOT. C BL TI T TACJUS TERNG H G I I BR ODUC L A TIC .

INTTR S T AC LIGH

these guns with sweaty palms, and that’s enough of an experience to tell whether the Model 555 is going to slide around in action. Bottom line: I don’t think so.

If I were strictly a waterfowl hunter, I would definitely pick the 12-gauge. With two extra inches

BROWNING.COM

of barrel and the bigger 12-gauge payload, could help bring down www.gunworld.com

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“

What one gets with the 12-gauge version is a robust-feeling gun without a lot of real weight.

”

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The Model 555 features extractors that lift shells gently out of the chambers.

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Stevens provides five choke tubes with each gun. While two are in the gun, the other three are held in plastic boxes with a choke wrench.

ducks and geese.

What one gets with the 12gauge version is a robust-feeling gun without a lot of real weight.

That is, this is a shotgun that can take a full day’s workout and be ready to go again in the morning. It has the feel of a gun that will stack up to all kinds of waterfowling weather, and it fits rather well, too.

THE FINER POINTS In the owner’s manual great pains are taken to remind waterfowl hunters that steel shot should not be used in a choke constriction any smaller than Modified. So, if you’re after ducks or geese, leave the Full and Improved/Modified chokes at home. Using steel shot in these tubes will void the warranty, according to the manual.

It has long been known that a Modified choke serves as a Full for www.gunworld.com

Top tang safety doubles as the barrel selector. Its movements are also click-positive.

Barrel lever is steel, while the receiver is aluminum alloy.

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steel loads, and the Improved Cylin-

out for grasping to fully extract

center. While I’ve been a devoted

der becomes a Modified with steel.

from the chamber. This is a feature I

S/S shotgunner for many years, the

rather like for a reason that may not

O/U configuration appeals to me as

the safety/selector to the right, and

be immediately obvious. You don’t

well. I cannot think of a finer time

a “U” appears, meaning the first

care to leave empty hulls all over a

afield than walking through the

shot will be fired from the lower

goose pit or duck blind, especially

woods or corn or wheat stubble

barrel. Shift the selector to the left

one that doesn’t belong to you, and

with a double barrel shotgun cra-

and the “O” appears, making the

likewise if you’re hunting pheasants

dled in my arms, waiting for the ex-

top barrel your first shot. I’ve come

or some other dry-land bird, you

plosion of wings and feathers from

to favor firing the lower barrel first,

don’t litter up some farmer’s prop-

behind the next brush pile.

and that’s the firing order I selected

erty with your trash empties.

Barrel selection is a snap. Move

in the field tests.

I grew up in an era when dou-

It’s the kind of scenario where this new Stevens model from Sav-

ble-guns were quite popular, and

age should acquit itself rather well.

tractors, not ejectors. Open the gun

many of my favorite bird hunting

In the final analysis, that’s really all

and spent shells are gently lifted

stories had a stack-barrel at the

that counts. GW

The Model 555 is fitted with ex-

“

For upland bird and game hunting, I’d opt for the 20-gauge model.

”

Front gold bead is easily acquired during shooting and the low profile vent rib is perfect for bird hunting.

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TODAY’S HUNTER

Dove Dress REHEARSAL

Text and Photos by Thomas C. Tabor

A Few Fowl Thoughts to Help Jump Start Your Bird Season

A 28-gauge loaded with ¾ounce of either #8 or #7-1/2 shot is great medicine for wing shooting doves.

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I

t’s only March and I’m missing bird hunting already. Sure, I can hang out at the gun club and slaughter clay pigeons, or even join a trap league, but nothing feels as good as genuine airborne action.

Late summer dove hunting slides in nicely as dress rehearsal for the “serious” waterfowl and upland game seasons later in the year. Here are a few things to remember as you look forward to the good times ahead. . . and those above your head.

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TODAY’S HUNTER

Much of the dove’s normal routine consists of loafing and wiling away the hours, especially at midday.

RUN WHAT YOU BRUNG No need to smoke your hunting

entails variations of pass shooting, so making yourself inconspicuous is

budget on mission-specific dove

a real plus. Neutral tones that break

guns, clothes, camo, blinds, and ac-

up your outline are always in style,

cessories – you probably have most

as are portable blinds. No neutral

everything you need to go dove

“

…Dove hunting entails variations of pass shooting, so making yourself inconspicuous is a real plus.

”

hunting.

I’ve used virtually every type and gauge of shotgun for doves with great success. Looking for an “according to the Gospel” gun recommendation? Can’t do it, because mine would be either a pump or double in either 20 or 28 gauge; however, nearly any shotgun that can reliably sling a zillion pellets of small shot skyward during the course of the day will do nicely.

Interchangeable choke tubes are handy to fine-tune the shot pattern to optimize effectiveness of particular ammunition brands and loads.

The mourning dove is likely the most popular hunting species of U.S. game birds with harvests running from about 20 to 70 million each year.

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COLD WEATHER BLUE In many dove hunting areas it is highly advisable to schedule your hunts early in the season. Doves don’t like the cold and will frequently head south at the first inkling of inclement weather. These early cold snaps may not be indicative of the coming winter, but sometimes it only takes an evening or two where the mercury dips into the 30s and it can mean dire consequences for your hunting.

clothes or pop-up blind? No problem. Go casual in a t-shirt and jeans, and cool your heels under an Dead and dying tree limbs are great places to put decoys like these Hard Core doves. The lack of leaves makes the decoys more visible to passing birds. These decoys come with spring-loaded clips that can be attached and removed easily.

oversized umbrella while waiting for the next round of winged recruits to violate your airspace.

DOVELY DECEPTION I’ve shot a lot of doves over the years without decoys by careful observation and sitting very still. You

Sunrise and sunset are great times to catch the doves moving back and forth from their nightly roosting areas to water and food.

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TODAY’S HUNTER WHY WE MISS SHOTS Fast moving small targets set up the perfect scenario for missed shots.

While many times the shooter simply underestimates the speed at which a dove is moving and shoots behind the target, there is another very frequent cause for missed shots. Trap and skeet shooters know this problem well. “Peeking at the target” is what some people call it.

This occurs because the shooter is so anxious to get a good look at the target that they pick their head up ever so slightly off the comb of the stock.

When this happens it changes the entire sighting plane.

Make sure your cheek stays firmly anchored to the gun’s stock.

can too, but why? Dove hunting decoys are inexpensive, easy to use, and doves seem fond of their faux feathered friends.

Just clip a few decoys to a nearby fence, stick a few in the open areas or other places of opportunity – you can’t mess this up.

The mourning dove is one of the most abundant and widespread of all North American game bird.

Hunters take upwards of 70 million mourning doves annually, easily making this the continent’s most popular bird to hunt.

KNOW THINE ENEMY In the battle of you versus doves, one of the most valuable tools in your arsenal is scouting.

There are essentially four activities that make up the doves’ daily routine: roosting, feeding, watering, and scarfing up bits of gravel.

At sunup, doves typically leave their nightly roosting area and drop in on a local watering hole for liquid refreshment. From there they will move fairly quickly to their feeding area, eating sunflowers, wheat, oats, barley, canola, millet, corn or A pair of Tom’s favorite dove guns consists of: (L-R) Model 500 20gauge and Model 585 28-gauge.

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GUN WORLD | FEB 2015

other grain crops and even weed seeds scavenged from recently harwww.gunworld.com

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Using a few well-placed decoys and a small blind can sometimes be beneficial to the dove hunter. A lightweight and easy to pack-in blind, like this Shooters Ridge Sasquatch model, can sometimes provide just enough cover to persuade the birds to drop into your decoys.

“

In the battle of you versus doves, one of the most valuable tools in your arsenal is scouting.

vested, nearly bare areas.

”

After getting their fill of water and feed, doves gulp down tiny

pieces of rock that aid in the digestion process. That is why you so often spot doves along gravel and dirt roads.

a better hunter and can put more birds in your game pouch. The patterns established even a few weeks before the beginning of hunting season will likely remain the same after the opener. So, keep your eyes open and plan early. GW

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After satisfying their need for water, food and gravel the doves will usually fly back to their roosting area where they may loaf and

Hardcore Brand (Decoys) (815) 587-8700 Hardcore-brands.com

wile away the hours of mid-day before repeating the process as the sun begins to drop lower in the sky.

Being on the lookout for

Federal Premium Ammunition (Federal & Estate Shotshells) (800) 379-1732 Federalpremium.com

these patterns enables you to be www.gunworld.com

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RELOAD

IMR 8208 XBR is a versatile powder suitable for loading cartridges such as the 223 Remington, 243 Winchester, and 308 Winchester.

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Temperature-

PROOF PROPELLANT Text & Photos by James E. House

Working With IMR 8208 XBR Gives Shooters a Wide Range of Choices

W

hen I started reloading over half a century ago, the choice of powders was only a fraction of what it is today. This is partly the result of the introduction of new calibers, some of which have huge cases that need to be filled with large charges of slow burning powders. The majority of cartridges for centerfire rifles 50 years ago had moderate capacity for the caliber so powders with moderate burning rates worked fine. Thus, powders such as IMR 3031, 4895, 4064, 4320, and 4350 were extremely popular.

Hercules (predecessor to Alliant Powder) produced a double-based powder known as Hi-Vel No. 2 that was also very popular. It was suitable for use in cartridges such as the 30-30 Winchester and 30-06 Springfield, especially with lighter weight bullets, and I used a lot of it.

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RELOAD Moreover, new propellants are being introduced frequently and one such powder is IMR 8208 XBR, which was introduced about three years ago.

This powder has a burning rate similar to Hodgdon H335, IMR 4895, and Accurate 2520, which means it should find applications in cartridges that do not have large capacity for the bore diameter. This includes other standard calibers such as the 222 and 223 Remington, 243 Winchester, 250 Savage, 257 Roberts, 260 and 7mm-08 Remington, 308 Winchester and even the 458 Winchester.

The hallmark of this propellant is that there is virtually no difference in performance over a very wide temperature range, described as -40 to +165 F. That can be an important consideration when extreme accuracy is sought or when hunting under widely varying conditions with the same ammunition.

The extruded powder consists of very short grains, which enhances metering. Consequently, IMR 8208 XBR is a versatile propellant that merits serious consideration for shooters who reload a wide range of cartridges for use under a wide range of conditions.

TESTED LOADS Although I load ammunition in several calibers, I chose to test loads using IMR 8208 XBRin 223 Remington, 243 Winchester and 308 Winchester. For the 223 loads, For the tests, the rifles used were (left to right) a 223 Savage Axis, a 243 Remington 700, and a 308 Winchester Model 70.

Remington cases trimmed to 1.750” and primed with Winchester small rifle primers were used. Winchester

MORE CHOICES

able products being enormous. As a

cases primed with Winchester large

result, the choice of a propellant for

rifle primers and trimmed to 2.035”

now several distributors of propel-

loading even the old standard cal-

and 2.010” were used in the 243

lants with the total number of avail-

ibers is not always straightforward.

and 308 loads, respectively.

All this has changed. There are

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Rifles used in testing the loads using IMR 8208 XBR were a Savage Axis in 223 Remington, Remington 700 in 243 Winchester, and a 308 Winchester Model 70 Featherweight. Testing was conducted at a range in Wyoming where windless conditions rarely exist. Consequently, most of the groups showed horizontal stringing.

Bullets ranging in weight from 40 to 60 grains were used in the 223 loads. In keeping with the burning rate of IMR 8208 XBR, bullets utilized in 243 and 308 loads were rather light for the calibers, 50-75

Physically, IMR 8208 XBR consists of short cylindrical grains.

grains in 243 and 110-130 grains in 208. Velocities were measured at 10 feet from the muzzle utilizing a

verified the problem was not with

equipment as the manufacturer nor

Competition Electronics ProChrono

my chronograph by borrowing one

the same lot of propellant, so it is to

chronograph. The accompanying

from a friend and placing it directly

be expected your results will differ.

table shows the load parameters

behind mine. Velocities registered

Aside from the powder scale, my

and the results obtained.

by the two instruments were virtu-

chronograph is my most important

ally identical. If you prepare car-

loading device.

The data shown in the table reveal some interesting facts. First,

tridges and fire them in your rifle

the velocities obtained for loads in

over your chronograph, believe your

is all relative and depends on the

all three calibers are very close to

results. You are not using the same

particular rifle, the ambient

Accuracy data for ammunition

those shown in the Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading, 8th Edition. When identical bullet weights and powder charges are employed, the velocity differences are insignificant, especially when differences in other components and barrel lengths are considered.

Velocities published in the Hornady manual were obtained using actual firearms. Elsewhere, some data is obtained utilizing a universal receiver and test barrels that have chamber and bore dimensions that meet Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI) specifications. Some of my tests using my rifles show velocities considerably lower than those reported with ammunition prepared and tested in SAAMI barrels. I once www.gunworld.com

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RELOAD RESULTS OBTAINED FROM LOADS UTILIZING IMR 8208 XBR. Length, Caliber/Bullet in.gr. ft/secin.

Charge

Velocity

Group

0.86/0.64

223 Remington 40 gr Sierra BlitzKing

2.259

25.0

3029

50 gr Sierra Spitzer

2.225

23.8

2906

1.84/1.57

50 gr Hornady V-Max

2.254

24.0

2911

0.76/0.49

52 gr Hornady BT Match

2.227

23.5

2828

0.62/0.48

55 gr Hornady Spitzer

2.220

21.8

2642

1.41/1.26

60 gr Hornady Spitzer

2.225

22.5

2642

1.33/1.29

2.650

40.0

3568

1.70/1.33

65 gr Berger HPBT

2.650

36.0

3230

1.37/0.88

75 gr Speer HP

2.608

35.0

3080

1.47/0.88

243 Winchester 55 gr Nosler BallisticTip

308 Winchester 110 gr Hornady Spire Pt.

2.650

46.0

2970

1.18/0.33

125 gr Nosler BallisticTip

2.718

46.5

2994

2.74/1.72

130 gr Hornady Spire Pt.

3.060

44.0

2819

2.29/1.56

Average velocities are for 5 shots. Group sizes are given as the five shots/closest four.

These loads were safe and reliable in the author’s rifles, but neither the author nor the publisher accepts any responsibility for their preparation and use by others. These loads should be approached with caution.

other powders I have used. My 243 and 308 are not tack drivers, but accuracy of the loads with IMR 8208 XBR is typical of what those rifles give with loads that have not been optimized.

IMR 8208 XBR is a versatile propellant suitable for loading ammunition in several calibers. My plan now is to use the data listed in the table as a starting point and develop loads tailored to my rifles.

GW IMR 8208 XBR applications include (left to right in groups of three) the 223 Remington, 243 Winchester, and 308 Winchester.

conditions, and the shooter. My

Hornady boat tail match bullet.

Savage Axis seems to like any poly-

They performed just as well with

mer tipped bullet and the 52-grain

loads using IMR 8208 XBR as with

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GUN WORLD | FEB 2015

CONTACT Hodgdon Powder Company (913) 632-9455 Hodgdon.com www.gunworld.com

GW_1502_75 12/9/14 2:01 AM Page 75

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HANDGUNS

MAGNUM CUM LAUDE Text & Photos by Dave Workman

Originally Known as the Combat Magnum, Smith & Wesson’s Renowned Model 19 Was Unveiled 60 Years Ago This Year.

Author has a Model 19-2 with a 6-inch barrel and a Model 19-5 with a 2 ½-inch barrel.

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A

ccording to historical accounts, the late Bill Jordan — a man with a slow Louisiana drawl and a lighting fast gun hand — took delivery of the first production model of the .357 Smith & Wesson Combat Magnum on Nov. 15, 1955.

That was only proper because his fingerprints were on the development of this revolver, which is not in production these days and it is a real pity.

Two years later that model would become known as the Model 19, a graceful, accurate and smooth-operating six-round revolver that Jordan put to work. It became so quickly accepted by law enforcement that departments all over the country adopted it.

Municipal police, sheriffs departments, game wardens, various federal agencies and even the Texas Rangers issued this revolver, and it was involved in a number of gunfights.

The Model 19 remains popular today as perhaps the most widely used double-action revolver chambered for the .357 Magnum cartridge. It has been afield with sportsmen and citizens who are licensed to carry concealed handguns for personal protection. This handgun is used by countless shopkeepers, store clerks, gas station operators and other small businessmen and women for personal protection. It is comfortable, accurate and — when loaded with full-house magnums — packs a wallop.

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HANDGUNS a hooded sweatshirt or down vest.

Probably the most popular version was the 4-inch revolver, which I’ve never owned. If you have a 2 ½and 6-incher, there’s really not much necessity for one in the middle.

ROUNDS AND ROUNDS I’m particularly fond of the 125grain JHP, ahead of 19.0 grains of H110 launched by a CCI 550 primer.

I also settled on a 180-grain Nosler — alas, it is no longer available — launched by 15.5 grains of H110. In my 2 ½-inch gun, there’s less recoil and I managed pretty good accuracy at 50 yards.

For those who rely on factory loads for serious business, there are The Model 19 Smith & Wesson arrived 60 years ago, and it’s a classic in every sense. A smooth double action, a caliber that is versatile and it is accurate.

so many good ones I hesitate to make recommendations, but here’s a go at it. The 125-grain loads from

A GUNFIGHTER’S REVOLVER Admittedly, recoil with full magnum loads in a Model 19 is stout, but nothing that can’t be

won a couple of handgun matches

Remington, Hornady XTP, Winches-

with it. I’ve shot game with it. I car-

ter and Federal Hi-Shok and Hydra-

ried it in an old Safariland shoulder holster for personal protection I also own a Model 19-5 with a

handled by most people. When the

2 ½-inch barrel. This snubby version

L-frame S&W came along, folks

first appeared back in 1963 and be-

who couldn’t afford the Colt Python

came a production model three

opted for it because of the similar

years later, and it has become my

full underlug, but for my money, the

favorite trail gun. Mine is vintage

Model 19 is really a gunfighter’s re-

1983 or ’84 and it does not have the

volver. Depending upon barrel

recessed chambers or the pinned

length, they weigh anywhere from

barrel that my 6-inch model from

30 ½ to 39 ounces, according to

ten years earlier has. Smith & Wes-

available literature, and that’s not a

son changed that with the 19-5,

difficult weight to be toting.

which also slightly reduced the

My personal experience with the Model 19 is considerable. My

cylinder length.

I’ve carried this gun off and on

first one was purchased at the old

for some 30 years for personal pro-

Warshal’s sporting goods store in

tection, and it remains as accurate

Seattle back in 1974. It is a Model

and reliable as the day it came out

19-3 with a 6-inch barrel, Patridge-

of the box. I often carried this gun

type front sight, target stocks and a

some years ago in an upside-down

glass-smooth action that remains

Safariland shoulder holster, or in an

today more than 40 years later. I

old Bianchi pancake-style rig, under

78

GUN WORLD | FEB 2015

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Shok all make the grade.

No question about it, the .357

these guns for ever magnum load

Magnum is a serious fight-stopping

that goes into the chamber. He was

both of my handguns, and the only

round, with various bullet weights

probably correct, and I wish that I

thing that has changed on either

that address all kinds of challenges

could have spent more time chat-

are the grips. Both of these re-

and tasks. Because the .357 Com-

ting with him on the couple of occa-

volvers now wear Herrett’s stocks,

bat Magnum/Model 19 will also

sions when we spoke.

which seem to fit my hand better

chamber .38 Special loads, it is in-

than the factory wood.

credibly versatile. Jordan, whom I

his excellent book on gunfighting ti-

knew slightly in his later years, sug-

tled No Second Place Winner is that

volver, making it an easy carry, be-

gested hundreds of .38 Special

the K-frame Model 19/Combat

cause of its size and weight.

rounds are fired through each of

Magnum is that it is a “light .38

I still have the original boxes for

The Model 19 is a K-Frame re-

One thing noted by Jordan in

When used with full power factory ammunition or handloads, the Model 19 is a formidable defensive weapon and a reasonable gun to use on deer-sized game, wild hogs, even black bear, mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes and other predators. I know a retired game cop who killed a crippled cow elk with his 2 ½-inch Model 19 some years ago, and I’d hazard a guess that Alaska cari-

INTRODUCING THE

bou have also fallen to this round, and this gun.

RRA 1911 POLY RRA delivers the 1911 iconic style pistol into a lightweight, single-stack polymer frame.

1911 POLY

PRE-PRODUCTION MODEL SHOWN. SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

Early Model 19 revolvers had recessed chambers.

ROCKRIVERARMS.COM

GW-HANDGUNS-76-81.qxp 12/10/14 3:38 AM Page 80

HANDGUNS Special that will fire the magnum

do. You can find good leather from

load.” The K-frame magnum was

Bianchi, El Paso Saddlery, Hunter,

made possible by modern metal-

Mitch Rosen and a number of other

lurgy and no small amount of ge-

quality makers.

nius; the kind of engineering smarts

Pair a good holster with a de-

that also gave us the .38 Special +P

cent cartridge belt and you’ve got a

load, which by some estimations

setup that will serve afield for years

may be the perfect round for the

to come. For concealed carry, I use

Model 19, though I disagree.

HKS speed loaders and carry at

I didn’t buy a gun dubbed a

least two when I’m packing the

“magnum” just so I could feed it a

Model 19, along with a half dozen

strict diet of less-than-magnum

more cartridges in a belt slide with

ammunition. In the backcountry, es-

loops.

pecially, where even if you could

Don’t take my word for it. Find a

dial 911, help is never going to arrive

Model 19 and try it out. If you’re not

in time. You need a round that will

completely possessed by square

stop something with teeth and a

slides and polymer frames, and a

real grouch on.

smooth double action or crisp single-action letoff really gets your

SMOOTH AS GLASS What makes this gun run so Carried in a strong-side DeSantis holster, the Model 19 snubby makes a superb handgun for concealed carry, and six spare rounds is handy in a belt slide carrier.

juices flowing, it may come to pass that one day you will possess one

smoothly? There are various con-

of these magnificent revolvers. Or

tributing factors. Smith & Wesson

vice versa! GW

uses a flat mainspring rather than a coil spring. Tolerances are tight but the actions are well designed and almost feel as if they had been fac-

SPECIFICATIONS

tory honed. Over the years I have fired several specimens and they all had double-action strokes that

SMITH & WESSON COMBAT MAGNUM/MODEL 19

were comfortable and consistent, and smooth as proverbial glass.

Smith & Wesson brought out a

Action: Double Action Capacity: 6 rounds Frame: K-Frame

stainless steel version in 1970 it dubbed the Model 66. With all due respect to my pals present and past at S&W, I never much cared for the 66 because, well, there are just

Caliber: .357 Magnum Barrel Length: 2.5, 4 and 6 inches Weight: 30.5 to 39 ounces

some guns that need to be blue, and the Model 19 is one of these.

The Model 19 is a gun that deserves a leather holster. There’s nothing quite like drawing one from

Sights: Adjustable

leather and going to work double action on steel plates or a card-

Produced: 1955-1999

board silhouette from the sevenyard line. On the trail, molded plastic or bulky nylon simply won’t

80

GUN WORLD | FEB 2015

Author advises using speed loaders, like the HKS, with the Model 19 for quick reloads. He always carries at least two.

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GUNSMITHING

Here I’m using an India stone to touch up the top of the frame rails on a 1911. When I attended the Army’s National Match gunsmithing course at Rock Island Arsenal, we had to fit a 1911 slide and frame using nothing but machinist’s layout fluid and India stones (no Sharpies). This is probably the most laborious way to fit a 1911 slide and frame. Luckily, I've learned much faster and better techniques since then.

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It Takes STONES Text & Photos by Steve Sieberts

Polishing Stones Serve a Significant Role on the Gunsmith’s Bench

T

here are few tools in the gunsmith’s toolbox more essential than polishing stones. Gunsmiths have been using stones of various types and grits for over a hundred years to achieve a desired finish on metal, or to arrive at a final dimension in a manufacturing or prototyping facility.

The first Arkansas polishing stones were manufactured by the Norton company in 1823, and gunsmiths were probably using them the next day to work on the famous Hawken rifles, which debuted that same year. Each of those rifles was handmade one at a time. So they were probably very interested to hear about a new tool that would help them achieve the final fit and finish of their famous rifles.

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GUNSMITHING There are many types and grits of stones, the grit being the porousness of the stone’s material. The more porous the stone is, the courser the grit and the lower the number assigned to the stone. Conversely, the finer the pores, the smoother the finish that can be achieved and the higher number that is assigned. For example, if I have a Hard Arkansas stone of 220 grit, it will be more aggressive and take off more material than a soft Washita stone of 1000 grit, which will take off less material, but give me a more glass-like finish.

It can be a little confusing, and the choices available can be a little daunting, so for this column I’m going to simplify things for the person who's not a professional gunsmith and doesn’t need a wide

Now I’m using a soft India stone with a feeler gauge to stone down the hammer hooks on a 1911 to the proper length. India stones cut pretty fast, so if you’re just starting out use a Hard Arkansas stone and go slow, checking your work as you go.

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GUN WORLD | FEB 2015

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array of stones, but still wants to

runs about 90 bucks, but like I

have a good assortment to tackle

said earlier, it will never wear out.

most of the common gunsmithing

It’s coarse, about 60 grit, so it’s a

duties.

very aggressive polishing stone, but it provides a large, flat sur-

DIAMOND STONE The first stone we’ll cover here

face to get a part very smooth, very flat and very fast. I use it a

is the hardest material out there,

lot on the sides of parts that

and is really indispensable in my

need to stay flat and have friction

book. They are fairly expensive, but

surfaces, and have machining

once you purchase them, they will

marks, burrs or tool marks that

never wear out, won’t break and do

need to be removed. 1911 ham-

a really good job very quickly. The

mers and sears are a good exam-

finish they produce is not mirror

ple. Diamond stones come in

smooth, but for 75% of the work a

several grits, and configurations. I

gunsmith does, there are very few

have several types on my toolbox

areas where you need to use a

that I’ve accumulated over the

stone to get a mirror finish. They are

years. These large diamond

available in a wide variety of grits,

stones are available from indus-

shapes and sizes.

trial tool supply companies. The

One of my most used stones is a large diamond bench block. It

smaller diamond stones and laps are available from Brownell’s.

Here are some various types and configurations of diamond stones. These remove material extremely fast, and the large, flat bench stone is great for truing up flat surfaces, removing deep machining marks and keeping the part flat as you go.

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85

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GUNSMITHING

Here I’m using a ruby stone to just barely break the sharp edges of the barrel’s top locking lugs.

This is just trying to break the edges, do not remove material from this area. I have seen people take files to the edges of the top lugs, and that technique will cause a very unsafe condition. Simply break the edge with a hard ruby stone to help the gun unlock smoother.

INDIA AND RUBY STONES

the nose of the 1911 sear where the

good material removal is desired.

primary and secondary angles

The Norton company has been

stone in my toolbox is a good India

meet, when the shooter wants a

making Hard Arkansas stones since

stone. The India stone is a porous,

trigger with a little softer roll off to

the 1820s and their stones still set

soft stone made from aluminum

it. Like the other stones ruby stones

the standard for polishing stones.

oxide that does a great job. It’s ag-

come in a variety of shapes, but be-

Made from actual stone, and not a

gressive, but not excessively. Being

cause they are synthetic ruby im-

synthetic silicon carbide or alu-

porous, it needs to be kept clean,

pregnated onto a hard plastic

minum oxide, the Norton Arkansas

otherwise it will load up and not cut

surface, only one grit is available.

stone produces excellent results

The second most used type of

when doing trigger work and most

as well. As with all stones, the India stone comes in various grits and shapes.

Another good stone to have in

ARKANSAS STONE The Hard Arkansas stone was actually one of the first stones ever

the toolbox is the ruby stone. This

made for sharpening tools and gun-

stone is very hard and non-porous,

work. First made in the early 1800s

so it produces a very good finish. I

they still do a great job on firearm

like to use a ruby stone to go over

parts where a smooth finish and

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GUN WORLD | FEB 2015

any other gunsmithing job. They really are the gold standard in polishing stones.

CERAMIC STONES Another type of material popular for polishing stones are the www.gunworld.com

GW-SMITH-82-91 12/16/14 2:52 PM Page 87

A close-up of the Ron Power sear ďŹ xture and feeler gauge on the hammer hooks of a 1911 hammer.

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GUNSMITHING Polishing stones should never be used on certain types of metal and material.

From top to bottom: Brass, Aluminum, and carbon fiber. Polishing stones are only used for ferrous metals such as steel, including carbon, Chrome Moly, hi-speed and stainless stee

ceramic stones, and they have some distinct advantages to regular stones. For one, they are not as prone to breakage. Anyone who has polishing stones in their toolbox also has pieces of polishing stones in their toolbox. These are usually the result of dropping them on the shop floor, dropping heavy parts on them, or just general use. Edges on these stones are sharp, and after time they will chip and break.

Ceramic stones are not unbreakable, but are less fragile than either Arkansas or India stones.

They also cut very fast and leave a great finish. They don’t cut as fast as an India stone, so the gunsmith

This illustrates how the various stones perform.

The #00 file is on the left for comparison.

The file took three strokes to remove a significant amount of material. The ruby stone on the right, took 60-70 strokes to remove a very small amount of material.

From left to right, most aggressive to least: #00 file, flat diamond stone, soft India stone, hard Arkansas stone, ruby stone. Note how the flat stones and files reveal that what looks like a flat piece of material actually has dips and high/low spots.

Stones are great for achieving a high finish, while keeping flat surfaces flat.

will have to experiment with various stones on various parts and judge each stone for speed and finish. Go for the one that give you the results you are looking for. This can get a little expensive, so if you have shooting buddies who are hobby 88

GUN WORLD | FEB 2015

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Many ďŹ rearms parts should never be polished with polishing stones. Parts such as this S&W M686 trigger and hammer have a thin skin of case hardening to provide longevity. However, it is very thin and if stones are used on these parts, it will break through to the softer metal underneath. This will destroy the parts, making them unserviceable and unusable.

Advertiser Index ATK - Blackhawk

21

Lyman Products Corp.

87

ATK - Savage Arms

63

Major Surplus & Survival

6

Black Hills Ammunition

15

Mec-Gar

43

Browning

59, 69

Numrich Gun Parts Corporation

47

Colt's Manufacturing Company

2

Red's Gun Lube

27

CZ-USA

75

Rio Grande Custom Grips

67

Davidson's

3

Rock River Arms

79

Del-Ton

53

SpringďŹ eld Armory

39

DeSantis Gunhide

75

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc.

7, 100

Dillon Precision

51

Tormach LLC

27

DoubleTap Ammunition

89, 99

ULTIMAK

95

GTUL

93

Ultra Holdings

9

Guncrafter Industries, LLC

81, 89

Umarex USA, Inc.

85

Jantz Supply

32-33

Walther Arms

11

Les Baer Custom,Inc.

37

WILSON COMBAT

v73

The advertiser index is provided as a service to Gun World readers. Gun World is not responsible for omissions or typographical errors on names or page numbers.

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FEB 2015 | GUN WORLD

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GUNSMITHING the type of use the stone is used for

want to make a big investment get

will determine the type of lubricant

a large 6x1/2 India or coarse ce-

to use. Lubes are essential to keep

ramic stone, and a large diamond

the material being worked on from

bench stone to start out; you can

clogging the stone and decreasing

build from there as your needs in-

its cutting ability. Lubes also con-

crease. With the large bench stone,

tribute to a better finish.

you can polish large surfaces

The synthetic stones like dia-

quickly while still maintaining a flat

mond, ruby and ceramics use water

surface. The six-inch India stone

as a lube. In fact, when I'm about to

will be invaluable with trigger work

use my large diamond bench stone

using various jigs and fixtures. It's

I just put a few drops of water on it

best to go slowly when working

and rinse it off under the sink when

with polishing stones and check

I'm done. I run mine under the

your work. Get some practice mate-

faucet with an old sponge to clean

rial to work with, like old, broken or

it when necessary. Just a little water

worn out parts, and make sure they

is needed to do a great job. Protip:

are kept in a bin marked as such so

Don’t use a new sponge from the

they don’t get mixed in with new

sink that your wife uses to clean the

parts. Follow my advice and you

kitchen if you want to keep the

will be producing excellent results

peace.

in no time. GW

With the India and Arkansas stone, a good cutting lubricant is A good cutting or honing oil is essential.

Honing oil is a little better, but cutting oil is cheap and it works. The key is to use some type of lubricant to keep the stones from clogging up. I use it very sparingly since it tends to get pretty messy after a while.

called for. Brownells, and Norton both carry excellent cutting oils that do a great job. As with most oils, a little bit goes a long way, and I just use a drop or two for each job. The key is to use enough to keep the

gunsmiths and might have some in

stone from loading up, but not so

their toolbox, make sure to ask for

much that it makes a mess.

CONTACT Brownell’s Inc. Brownells.com Norton Company NortonStones.com

their opinion.

FINAL THOUGHTS STONE LUBRICANTS The last element to consider when talking about stones is lubri-

Polishing stones serve a significant role on the gunsmith’s bench.

If you are just starting out and don’t

cants. All stones need them, and

India stone being used in a 1911 barrel bushing. This is a good way to fit the Match grade barrel bushing.

The bushing is not perfectly round, and the inside of the slide is not perfectly round, so polishing is a great way to lower the high spots of the bushing to get a better fit between the bushing and slide. A bushing mandrel on a drill press would make the job go a little quicker.

90

GUN WORLD | FEB 2015

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GW-Q&A-92-97.qxp 12/10/14 4:39 AM Page 92

BARNES Bullets for Boar and More

Text & Photos by Chuck Taylor

VOR-TX Factory Ammo and Tipped Triple Shock Bullets Get the Job Done On Tough California Boars…And On Whatever You Choose to Hunt

I

suspect that most people in the shooting and hunting world are familiar with Barnes Triple Shock and newer Tipped Triple Shock bullets, and the terminal ballistic effect of Barnes bullets on all sorts of game, large and small.

Known as VOR-TX ammo, it’s avail-

For a hunter, of course, the true

able in all the popular rifle and

test of accuracy and penetration

handgun calibers and has amassed

takes place in the field. Fortunately,

an enviable and well-deserved rep-

not too long ago, my friend Norm

utation among the more savvy

Hanson invited me on a wild boar

shooters and hunters.

hunt in southern California’s

Something else that perhaps

Tehachapi Mountains. He also ad-

isn’t as well known is that Barnes

vised that his home state had laws

also offers an extensive line of de-

prohibiting the use of lead-core bul-

fensive handgun ammo. Utilizing

lets for hunting big game, so I’d bet-

their excellent XPB JHP bullet,

ter get to work finding some other

known is that utilizing their own

Barnes TAC-XPB ammo personifies

kind of bullet design. I found the

bullets, Barnes has for the last two

the quality, shooting knowledge

task especially easy, since I’d been

years been producing their own

and field performance that has

using solid-copper Barnes Triple

brand of factory ammunition.

made Barnes bullets a legend.

Shock (TSX) and Tipped Triple

What may not be as well

92

GUN WORLD | FEB 2015

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Author Taylor took this excellent 250-pound boar with a single shot from his vintage Atkinson M1909 Mauser custom .35 Whelen and 180-grain Barnes Tipped Triple Shock bullet.

Shock (TTSX) bullets for years in

180-grain TTSX and 60 grains of

most of my hunting rifles anyway.

H4895 (3006 fps) had put down

Since it was introduced more than ten years ago, the TSX Bullet

both black and even brown bear

Made in USA

without mishap.

has earned a reputation as “the perfect hunting bullet.” Now, the new Tipped TSX features the same 100-

ON THE HUNT About 8 am on the first day

percent copper body with multiple

out, the fourth hunter in our party

rings cut into the shank. The tip and

nailed a nice pig at point-blank

a re-engineered nose cavity provide

range with an 80-grain bullet

even faster expansion. Barnes in-

from a .257 Roberts, placing the

sists that four razor-sharp cutting

bullet perfectly behind the shoul-

petals mean the new Tipped TSX

der. Unfortunately, the pig took

creates more internal damage than

off as though nothing was wrong

any competing bullet, and I’d have

and traveled a whopping half-

to agree.

mile before giving up the ghost!

I opted to use two specific

I was up next, and in the late

MAKE RELOADING EASY

Fits GSG-1911 and SIG SAUER 1911-22 Mags

Barnes bullet custom loads. For my

afternoon, my opportunity pre-

24-inch Weatherby Vanguard .30-

sented itself. We spied an even

06, the 130-grain TTSX and 60

dozen boars 600 meters away,

grains of Hodgdon’s H414 (3150

feeding and drinking from the

fps) had served me well on deer

creek in the draw below. A careful

MAKE RELOADING EASY

and elk. And for my cherished 24-

stalk brought us to a point down-

inch vintage Atkinson M1909

stream and downwind from

www.mygtul.com

Mauser custom .35 Whelen, the

them. From 75 meters away, I

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If you prefer custom loads, Barnes Tipped and regular Triple Shock component bullets are also hands-down boar-bustin’ favorites in the Tehachapi area. (Barnes Photo)

spotted a sow trotting up from

jeep trail nearby that allowed us to

below on the opposite side of the

get our truck close enough to re-

ravine, making her way straight up

cover them with minimal effort.

the steep mountainside. I found

Subsequent post-mortem of

myself in a textbook kneeling posi-

my pig (which was later weighed at

tion, with the .35 Whelen shoul-

250 lbs.) disclosed that the 180-

dered, and without any conscious

grain .35 caliber TTSX had shat-

thought, the rifle fired. I vaguely

tered the spine, finally lodging in

heard additional gunfire from my

the forward portion of the chest.

companions as well.

Only one petal was broken off, with

What I saw was a hunter’s dream. Not only was the pig down, but she was actually tumbling back

the other three intact and perfectly expanded.

A great day, to say the least,

down the steep slope, finally com-

but it wasn’t over yet. On the way

ing to rest with a healthy crash back

down the mountain in Norm’s truck

in the mud of the creek bottom

we came upon another group of

from whence she’d come. My com-

pigs, which of course saw us and

panions had nailed a couple of pigs

immediately scattered in all direc-

as well.

tions at a full run. My rifle was muz-

Three shots, three good hits,

zle down on the transmission

and three good-sized alpine porkers

tunnel of the truck, but my 7-inch

down. We were even graced with a

Ruger Super Blackhawk .44 sat on

94

GUN WORLD | FEB 2015

Barnes XPD handgun bullets are also highly accurate and demonstrate excellent terminal ballistics. (Barnes Photo)

www.gunworld.com

GW-Q&A-92-97.qxp 12/10/14 4:39 AM Page 95

The 6½-inch S&W M29 .44 magnum is one of the preferred handguns for boar hunting in the Tehachapi area.

“

For a hunter, of course, the true test of accuracy and penetration takes place in the field.

”

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GW-Q&A-92-97.qxp 12/10/14 4:40 AM Page 96

The author with a nice young boar taken at a full 50 meters with Ruger Super Blackhawk .44 mag and 225-grain Barnes VOR-TX JHP ammo.

the seat next to me. Norm stopped

225-grain XPB JHP (factory VOR-

break bones and penetrate well,

quickly and I got out, aiming at a

TX ammo) had struck its intended

and at all reasonable ranges ex-

nearby boar as I went.

point of impact behind the shoulder

pand exactly as claimed. And in

and exited the opposite side. And

both factory ammo and component

point just in front of the boar’s

though it was unrecoverable, a 1-

form, their price is no higher than

chest, I touched it off, and the

inch exit hole told us all we needed

anyone else’s premium bullet. GW

Barnes 225-grain XPB leaped

to know about expansion.

As the front sight reached a

across the distance. I saw that the

During 2014, I’ve gone on six

boar was not only down, but down

more pig hunts in the Tehachapis,

right on the Jeep trail.

and the performance of Barnes bul-

During the field dressing process, we discovered that the 96

GUN WORLD | FEB 2015

lets is no fluke, nor is it coincidental.

CONTACT Barnes Bullets BarnesBullets.com

By design, they’re highly accurate, www.gunworld.com

GW_1502_97 12/10/14 4:47 AM Page 97

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GW-BACK-98-99 12/10/14 4:42 AM Page 98

BACK PAGES species of game. In my own case, after shooting twenty-five sand grouse in the morning, we went to Lake Rudolf in the afternoon, where I caught a hundred-pound perch.

“I took my shotguns along to Africa and it was there that I experienced some of the finest bird shooting that probably remains anywhere in the world today.

“We were hunting in the Kenya highlands, luckily getting there during that time of the year that they had the pigeon flights. You can make shooting as tough or as easy as you want. We shot from the top of a hill with a prevailing wind of about thirty miles an hour. The beauty of this kind of shooting, of course, is that you may be rusty; or there may be one or two particular Robert Stack poses on our February 1965 cover alongside the rogue elephant he shot during his first African Safari. Stack’s hunt was filmed by ABC television for multiple segments of the American Sportsman series. His rifle is a Winchester Model 70 in .458 caliber.

Hunter’s PARADISE

By Craig Hodgkins

shots that will bother a gunner. It is a terrific opportunity to brush up.

“With me, the troublesome shot is the one wherein the bird is overhead, going away. In a situation such as this, with literally thousands of birds, you can simply hold off and practice up on the shots that bother you. This is the way the old time game hunters used to shoot. Nowadays, in this country, you go out and shoot a few ducks two or three times a year and you’re expected to be a good game shot, a pretty tough thing to do.

“There is no way of telling, of course, how long Africa will con-

Kenyan safari in an overview of his

tinue to have such great hunting” he

Stack, all the time” at Gun World

career in this space last year (“A

concluded. “Native poachers are

HQ in the first few months of 1965.

Stack of Columns,” January 2014),

doing more than their share to de-

Not only did the television and film

but his thoughts on bird hunting

stroy the conservation effort in

star’s byline appear for the first

from his second “Shotgunning”

some sections. … But I’m looking

time in our January issue (his col-

entry are also worth noting.

forward to the day I can take my

Apparently, it was “all Robert

umn ran for more than 30 years), he graced our February cover as well.

I’ve already touched on his first 98

GUN WORLD | FEB 2015

“Africa is a hunter’s paradise,”

son back to Africa with me. This is

he wrote, “in that you are not devot-

an experience that he, too, should

ing all of your time to hunting one

share.” GW www.gunworld.com

GW_1502_C3 12/9/14 2:04 AM Page C3

GW_1502_C4 12/9/14 2:06 AM Page C4

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