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SAVAGE BATTERY THREE RIFLE-SCOPE-AMMO COMBOS THAT WORK PERFECT FOR AN AFRICAN PLAINS-GAME SAFARI. by eric r. poole

Guns & Ammo’s subscriber cover features the new Daniel Defense DDM4 PDW, the ultimate personal defense pistol? p. 50 COVER PHOTOS AND ABOVE: MARK FINGAR

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reader Blowback � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 6 Editorial by Eric R. Poole � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 15 Gun room by Garry James � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 17 Handgunning by Jeremy Stafford � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 23 Gun Tech Streak Visual Ammunition � � � � � � � � � � � � � 27 rifles & Glass by Tom Beckstrand � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 29

Bullet Board by Dave Emary� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � lock, Stock & Barrel by Kyle Lamb� � � � � � � � � � � � � � range Bag by Richard Nance � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � proofhouse Mossberg Patriot LR Hunting � � � � � � � � � Spent Cases by Keith Wood � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �

33 37 40 80 88

GUNS & AMMO Magazine, Copyright 2020 by Outdoor Sportsman Group®. All rights reserved. CAUTION: Some advertisements may concern products that are not legally for sale to California residents or residents in other jurisdictions. Guns & Ammo (ISSN# 0017-5684) April 2020, Volume 64, Number 4. Copyright 2020. Published monthly by OUTDOOR SPORTSMAN GROUP®, 1040 6th Ave., 12th Floor, New York, NY 10018-3703. Periodical postage paid at New York, NY, and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address change (Form 3579) to Guns & Ammo, P.O. Box 37539, Boone, IA 50037-0539. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: 500 R. 46 East, Clifton, NJ 07011. Canada Post Publications Mail Agreement No. 41405030.

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EDITORIAL EDiTOr Eric R. Poole ASSOCiATE EDiTOr Heather Schoeneman ArT DirECTOr Michael Ulrich STAFF pHOTOGrApHEr Michael Anschuetz SENiOr EDiTOr Garry James SENiOr FiElD EDiTOr Craig Boddington riFlES AND OpTiCS EDiTOr Tom Beckstrand Optic not included

CONTRIBUTORS

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WRITE US! “Letters,” Guns & Ammo, 2 News Plaza, 3rd Floor, Peoria, IL. 61614, or email us at gaeditor@outdoorsg.com. Please include your city and state of residence. Letters may be edited for brevity and clarity.

MAY Õ66

these caliber bullets were .355 versus +/- .357. Jim Thomas Corvallis, Montana

.308 FOR HUNTERS I just read Eric Poole’s column “Deer Hunter” and his conclusion that the .308 Winchester is still a winner. I have to agree. It is one of the best cartridges for all-around hunting. Attached is a picture of my black wildebeest taken in South Africa last August using a Howa 1500 rifle chambered in .308 Win. He fell to one shot at 255 yards using handloads with a 150-grain Nosler E-Tip bullet. Also taken was a nice blesbok. What a great trip. John Colucci Wolcott, Connecticut

.38 VS. 9mm Sorting various cases, I came across .38 Auto, .38 Super, .38 Super +P and .38 Super Comp. Along with these, I’ve found the usual 9mm Luger, 9mm Luger +P, as well as 9x19mm and 9x21. What’s with the various

.38s and 9mms? What’s the difference between the different 9mm cartridges and .38s? Rather than asking me to read various reloading manuals or books on cartridges, would you mind helping me decipher these? I thought all of

All of the .38s you mentioned are the same case and same chamber. They represent progressively hotter loaded ammunition. The .38 Super Comp is the newest and is loaded to stout pressures intended for competition use in purposebuilt race guns. The 9mm Luger and 9x19mm are the same cartridge. The 9x21mm was introduced in the mid-1980s to allow civilian use of handguns in foreign countries of a 9mm cartridge. The 9x21mm gets around the ban in certain countries that have forbidden its citizens from owning a firearm in a military chambering. The 9x21mm features the same cartridge overall length (COL) as the 9mm Luger, but the case is 2mm longer. As a result, performance of the 9x21mm is a little higher than the 9mm Luger. — D. Emary

OLD CARTRIDGE MYSTERY I was reading the May 1966 issue of Guns & Ammo featuring a column by Robert Hutton. In it, he mentions in a chart a cartridge called the .260 AAR (6.5-.257R) that carried a 140-grain

The cover presented a commemorative 1966 Golden Gun, a Model 94 made to celebrate 100 years of Winchester and honor the first Winchester, the Model 1866, nicknamed “Yellow Boy” for its brass receiver. The commemorative was gold plated and featured an octagon barrel. Out of focus in the background was an original Bohlin bronze of the brand’s horse and rider. Once an old cowhand, Bohlin sculpted the statue with fine and accurate detail.

Hornady bullet loaded with 47.5 grains of IMR 4831 for 2,770 feet per second (fps). What is the .260 AAR? Is it the same as a 6.5/.257 Roberts? Is the reloading data interchangeable? Also, is the 6.5/.257 Roberts a wildcat for the 6.5x57 Mauser by a different name? Ultimately, I would like to know if I can shoot this in my Japanese Type 38 Arisaka that was converted to shoot the .257 Roberts cartridges case. I’m guessing that’s what “6.5/.257R” represents. Anonymous I don’t know what the 6.5 AAR is, but from the sounds

G&A

Ap ril 2020 | reAd er b l ow bA ck

of what you described, it could be the 6.5x55mm cartridge. The 6.5 Japanese cartridge ran at lower pressures than the 6.5x55, so what I would do is use the 6.5x55mm reloading data and stop about 100 fps below maximum. This would keep the pressures more like the 6.5 Arisaka round. It ran at about 45,000 psi and the 6.5x55 ran at about 50,000 psi. In these cartridges, 100 fps would be a difference of about 5,000 to 6,000 psi. I hope this helps! — D. Emary

MILITARY GUNS

With 420 lumens and a 160-meter beam, the KelTec™ CL-43 flashlight will light up everything friend or foe. It’s uniquely designed for firearm use, impact and water resistant and available in 7 colors. Innovation. Performance. KelTec. See more at KelTecWeapons.com

I am 68 years old and a long-time reader. First, I want to thank all the veterans on G&A’s staff (and everywhere else) for their service. I have interest in the guns that our military is using. However, every time I read an article it seems as though it mentions a new rifle, pistol or cartridge recently adopted by a three- or four-letter agency or unit. I could use an article or series that explains what guns each group or branch of the military is being issued. Scott Sheddon Mentor, ohio

winder key for it. He should get one or two while they’re still out there. Of course, Mr. Calgaro should check his local ordinances for magazine capacity restrictions. richard Antee Queen creek, Arizona

COLE HAUSER’S LEVER In Mike Schoby’s July 2019 interview with Cole Hauser in “Behind the Scenes,” Hauser appears on page 79 carrying a flat dark earth (FDE) leveraction slung over his back. What was that and who finished it? It’s a beautiful rifle! Jeff Stearns email The one you are referring to is a Wild West Guns Co-Pilot Takedown Marlin, which is obviously different than the historic Winchester seen in the opening photo. They have shops in Anchorage, Alaska, and Las Vegas, Nevada. You can learn more about their work at wildwestguns.com. — M. Schoby

M1927A1 DRUM Concerning Bob Calgaro of Bridgeville, Pennsylvania, and his desire to find a drum magazine for his new Auto Ordnance 1927A1 Thompson, a 50-round drum is available from Sarco Inc. (sarcoinc. com) under item number TMP146. They cost $189.95 plus shipping and handling. No, it’s not cheap and he may need to purchase a

SAVAGE OMISSIONS Thanks for Craig Boddington’s article on the history of Savage Arms in the January 2020 issue. It was great, but he left out the Model 1920 introduced just after World War I. I don’t blame Craig for the oversight, but was the editor asleep? Consider Roy Chapman Andrews and his 1920sera expeditions to the Gobi Desert. There are numerous photos of him with both the Savage Model 99 and the Model 1920 rifles. How about

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a follow-up feature on the Model 1920? Jim Meitzner clinton Township, Michigan I erred badly in not mentioning the Savage Model 20, and many readers wrote in to set us straight. Thank you all for pointing out the correction. Although it was not a commercial success, the Model 20 was an important rifle. Not only was it Savage’s first bolt-action, but as far as I can tell, it was the first American centerfire bolt-action sporter from a major manufacturer. (Technically, Newton’s bolt actions preceded it, but the several iterations of Newton rifles never sold well and are even rarer.) In any case, this was an inexcusable gaffe. I admit that I have never seen a Model 20, but from photos it looks like it was nifty and far ahead of its time. I’d go looking for one in .250 Savage, but left-handed me has a hard time being attracted to right-hand bolt guns. — C. Boddington

KALIFORNIA Unfortunately, I live in The People’s Republik of Kalifornia where we are subjected to a 10-day wait for anything. I don’t mind a waiting period if it will help prevent a suicide or keep some hot head from killing someone just because he’s upset. What bothers me, and makes no sense at all is, if I already own pistols, why do I have to wait 10 days to buy another? orlando la rosa castella, california

SALUTE Guns & Ammo is simply the best magazine on the mar-

ket. I appreciate all of the input from the ex-military members of its staff. As a former soldier and U.S. Air Force combat controller, may I wish you the best. Jerry broadway defuniak Springs, Florida

a couple of calibers. Each company can make their own business decisions, but let the reading public have the information. Steven Alonso email

IN SEARCH OF I bought a 1868 Springfield Trapdoor .50-caliber rifle a while back. The stock has a crack in it, but mechanically it’s OK to shoot. I’d like to try, but I’ve not been able to locate a source of ammo. It must be blackpowder. Is ammo available for it? Frank Foran email

AN OPEN MIND My first impressions of Kyle Lamb’s new Marlin 1895 that appeared in his January column, “LeverGun Revenge,” were that it was the most odd and distasteful-looking lever-gun on the face of this planet. Rather than poo-poo it as some readers who write in like to do about a gun they dislike, I read the article and thoroughly enjoyed it. I typically do with most everything written by Mr. Lamb. Then, I looked at the photos once more and vomited just a little bit in my mouth. Still, you guys rule! brian boland Virginia beach, Virginia

SOUTHPAWS On any rifle review, how about a one-liner on the availability for left-handed shooters? We are 15 to 20 percent of the market. I’m tired of reading reviews only to find none are offered in left-hand configurations, or that they’re only chambering

You can get blackpowder .50-70 ammo from Buffalo Arms by calling 208-2636953 or visiting them online at buffaloarms.com. — G. James

IMR 3031 QUESTION In Guns & Ammo’s December 2019 issue, Dave Emary’s “Blackpowder Basics” mentioned that smokeless powder IMR 3031 was on the market. I shoot a T/C .50-caliber Hawken rifle and an 1858 Remington .44-caliber revolver made by Pietta. As it is impossible to get Goex blackpowder in Illinois, I use Pyrodex. However, I prefer blackpowder. Would I be

able to use the IMR 3031 smokeless powder in place of Pyrodex? I’d appreciate advice on this matter. donald Schalk elgin, Illinois Absolutely not! Do not use IMR 3031 in any blackpowder firearm. Your best bet will be to look for a blackpowder substitute. — D. Emary

NRA FINANCES The February issue had a letter questioning the NRA’s financial information and directors’ salaries. You can find the NRA’s Form 990, the Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax, online. Their return is available for public inspection. Matt lohr beaver dam, wisconsin

DEAR SANTA As a subscriber for a couple years now, Guns & Ammo’s articles are educational and entertaining. Articles on technology advances in cartridges, triggers, barrels and so on are really interesting to me. I enjoyed Eric Poole’s editorial “Wish List.” My list would include seeing performance evaluations on the latest types of single-shot, hinged breech pistols. Are there any new in .350 Legend? Perhaps an article on large-bore hunting bullets for dangerous game pistols. I would like to wish for a High Standard Sport King .22 or Ruger Mark III standard pistol in .32 Auto with a thinner barrel, such as the one on the Japanese prototype that Bill Ruger pulled his ideas from. Mike Purcell Haverhill, Massachusetts

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Ap ril 2020 G&A

Nearsighted? Try this.

@GUNSANDAMMOMAG

ANYTIME THE TOPIC of deteriorating vision comes up, Guns & Ammo’s offices are flooded with letters and emails. This condition affects more of you than any other subject. Some suffer from astigmatism, cataracts, glaucoma, optic nerve and retinal disorders, macular degeneration, refrac-

and they didn’t realize the uneven gaps surrounding the blurred sight up front. A blurred front sight produces inconsistent accuracy beyond 7 yards. Dot sights require horizontal alignment with the front sight as well as even gaps around the front sight and leveling on top. This is the

research this issue as it applies to shooting, but a universal solution doesn’t exist. Many shooters experience difficulty aiming at around 40 years of age if nearsightedness has set in. Nearsighted shooters may be able to see up-close objects clearly but lose clarity at distances. Examining fellow shooters with nearsightedness revealed that many see clearly between a few inches beyond their nose to an average of 17 inches. To put nearsightedness in SIG SAUER P365 SAS 9mm $650 perspective, Guns & Ammo invited several test subjects of different experience levels to participate in an evaluation of available handgun sight options. The test evaluated white, three-dot sights; a dot up front and a U-notch in the rear; a dot only up front and a blacked-out rear; fiber optic sights at the front and rear, and fiber optic sights at the front only. We also examined performance using pistols with red dots and the Meprolight FT Bullseye. Our test results will be revealed in an upcoming issue. For now, I can say that some of the nearsighted shooters with uncorrected vision shot worse with a slide longer than 4 inches because the front sight appeared blurry when the shooter’s arms were extended. This was further complicated by flanking dots or U-shaped outlines on the rear, which appeared sharper than the front. The nearsighted shooter’s focus tended to be on the rear sight that was better focused,

Better results can be had using a dot or fiber optic up front and a U-shaped or square notch in the rear. This type of sight is easier and faster to align than the three-dot system because the shooter intuitively nests the dot within the outlined notch. Blacked-out rear sights are also better than the three-dot system. Though red dots can improve speed and accuracy, shooters with years of experience using traditional iron sights experienced more difficulty transitioning to a red dot until hundreds of repetitions are performed. For near sighted shooters, its location at the rear of the slide placed the red dot closer to focus regardless of slide length. An interesting solution for nearsighted shooters is the Meprolight FT Bullseye (meprolight.com, $85 to $150). It is a tritium and fiber-optic-powered green or red optic that appears as a front-sight dot centered within a rear ring. It’s a clever illusion because you are looking at a rear window at the back of the sight. Both the dot and ring of the FT Bullseye appeared in focus for nearsighted shooters. Available as an accessory that dovetails into the rear sight cut of many makes and model pistols, SIG Sauer has championed this product by installing it into the slide of the P365 SAS. With the FT Bullseye, there is no need for a front sight, so there’s one less snag point. With the P365 SAS, it is installed within a low cut that levels the slide top smooth. If you’re a nearsighted shooter, allow me to suggest that you examine this pistol or innovative sight. The SIG Sauer P365 is the only pistol offered with a traditional sight setup, a mini red dot and the Meprolight FT Bullseye.

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“I must admit, IÕve never seen one quite like it. It has a lot of personality and I’m sure an interesting backstory.”

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SAVAGE MODEL 1903 STANDARD SLIDE ACTION, .22 RF, 80%: $370

MODEL 1903 SAVAGE RIFLE Q: Recently, I was able to talk my little brother into letting me have a gun that was passed down to us boys years after our father died, when we were old enough to appreciate it. What I know of this gun is a mix of what I learned when I was a kid and the research I did in anticipation of this letter. As the story goes, my dad traded an Army bayonet for it when he was a young man. Apparently, the other guy was eager to part with it because it was missing the magazine. My dad kept it, but absent of the internet in the 1960s, he had limited resources to locate a magazine. As luck would have it, he mentioned this in passing to a man who reloaded his ammo. The gentlemen invited us to bring the gun in and search through the hundreds of magazines he had accumulated over the years. I can still remember sifting through all of them and the joy it brought to us when we found one. I know the gun to be a Savage Model 1903. I believe it was manufactured between 1903 and 1916, but I understand that Savtriggerguard. The gun is age may have also made in excellent working order, an additional 1,000 1903s however, it has not been in 1922. I also believe that fired since my dad passed Savage offered a standard in the early ‘70s. Its overall grade, as well as other condition is good. I have no high-grade versions with intention of ever shooting fancy wood knob-style half or selling this keepsake, pistol grips and engraving. as it is part of one of a few As you can see by the phovivid memories I have with tos, this rifle has a knobmy dad. I can still see the style grip, but no engravgrin on his face that day ing. It has a few markings, we found a magazine. I am including the manufacinterested in knowing anyturer’s stamp and caliber thing more you can tell me and the logo stamp on the about this gun and what its steel buttstock plate with value might be. To me, it what must be the serial is priceless, but I’m hoping number (19XXX) behind the the value is something

more reasonable, as I will need to make good with my little brother! B.B Fairfax, Iowa A: The Savage Model 1903 .22 RF pump-action rifle was a relatively popular little piece which, as you note, was made from 1903 to 1922. There were a number of different grades offered. Yours appears to be an

example of the standard, no-frills model. The photos you sent indicate your 1903 is in pretty good shape, though, I’d say 70 to 80 percent. According to the “40th Anniversary Edition Blue Book of Gun Values” (bluebookofgunvalues. com), a standard grade 1903 in the condition noted above is worth between $305 and $370.

PARKERIZED 1911 COLT Q: I inherited this gun from a friend 30 years ago. It was issued to him by the U.S. Navy in 1950 or 1951, in new condition. He

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installed a trigger shoe. I’ve put 25 rounds through. Would you please give me an estimate of its value? It’s not for sale, but I would like to know. I also enjoy your reports on Guns & Ammo TV. R.H. St. Charles, Illinois A: Your pistol is a bit of an anomaly. The photos show what appears to be a Model 1911 (not a 1911A1) that has been parkerized and has had plastic grips added to it sometime in its history. I cannot make out the serial number, but I’m assuming it is some sort of put-together. I would really have to have it in-hand to tell you much more. I will admit that it looks like a nice job and deserves further investigation. If you could send some sharper photos and the serial number, we can possibly take things a bit further.

IVER JOHNSON “OWL HEAD” Q: Following the loss of a parent, some friends were cleaning out the house when they came across an Iver Johnson five-shot revolver. From the pictures you can see it was not stored well. There is lots of corrosion to the plated finish and some pitting in the barrel. They wrote down everything they could see and read. They could not find a caliber indication. From the pictures, it seems like a .32, possibly. I have not seen it in person. Can you fill in any details, including possible value? I think it is just a personal heirloom piece, something the parents owned. It would still be nice to know some details, dating and value. I advised them not to attempt to fire it. J.D. Georgia

HOLLYWOOD HARDWARE Savage Model 1907 Auto Pistol, “Road to Perdition” (2002) Occasionally filmmakers, by design or just happenstance, come up with a firearm that perfect matches the character wielding it. Such is the case of a Savage Model 1907 pistol in .32 ACP carried by arch bad-guy “Harlan Maguire” played by Jude Law in the period gangster opus “Road to Perdition” (2002). This superb little pistol, quite popular in its day, appears several times in the film. In the final sequence, actor Tom Hanks, who plays “Michael Sullivan,” is wounded by Maguire with his 1907. At the time the film appeared, I discussed the choice of this gun with Mike Gibbons, then owner of Gibbons Ltd. who supplied the pistol to the production company. Gibbons mentioned that they just thought it was not your usual run-of-the-mill handgun and that it looked interesting enough to warrant inclusion in the movie, which was set in the early 1930s. The pistol was subsequently acquired by NRA Museum Senior Curator Philip Schreier who kindly loaned it to G&A for this cameo appearance. — G. James

A: Iver Johnson Arms & Cycle Works was a prolific maker of inexpensive, yet serviceable firearms. Among these were scads of different types of revolvers in varying calibers — mostly .22 RF, .32 RF and CF, and .38 CF. Your revolver looks like a Model 1900. This double-action was manufactured from 1900 to 1941. The hard rubber grips with the owl’s head logo adds a bit of a whimsical touch. These guns were offered in blue or nickelplate. Calibers were as noted above. I can’t tell for sure whether or not yours is a .32 or .38. I would take it to a gunsmith for a check-up, if it was mine. Value is fairly low, and this piece could certainly use a bit of TLC. If it works, it’s worth around $75. Broken, value declines dramatically.

CUBAN COLT .38 I have a Colt-style six-shot .38-caliber revolver. Its markings show “Barbeitl Habana”, and “officers model .38”. It showed up on the southern coast of Guatemala, and since it says “Habana”, it may have been manufactured in the Batista/ pre-Castro era in Cuba. Even with the taped grips, it shoots like a dream! Can you tell me the origin, how common it is and its price? F.L-B. Guatemala City, Guatemala A: What an interesting revolver. The Colt Officer’s Model was available in several versions from 1904 until 1949. Calibers were .22 LR, .32 Colt, .38 Special and .38 Long Colt. The barrel markings on your gun indicate it was most likely a Second

Issue made between 1908 and 1930. Condition on the piece is just so-so, but I love the full-length, virtually solid barrel rib and long-spur hammer that were obviously added by some gunsmith in Havana, Cuba, probably in the 1920s. I’d love to know the revolver’s history. If it was mine, I would get rid of the electrician’s-tape grips in favor of original style panels, give the gun a good cleaning (not to re-blue or over-clean it) and find a replacement knob for the ejector rod. These should be fairly easy to find on the internet. Determining value is tough on this one. A nofinish Second Issue Officer’s Model is worth about $275 to $325, but your gun has a lot of character and if you take the steps I suggest, I think it could easily bring another $100 or so. I must admit, I’ve never seen one quite like it. It has a lot of personality and I’m sure an interesting backstory.

COLT DOUBLE SHOTGUN Q: I inherited a 12-gauge double-rabbit-eared shotgun from my grandfather. Growing up, it was the only gun I had. I rarely missed my target, either a rabbit or pheasant, though now in southeastern Pennsylvania they are rare. The markings on the barrel are, “Colt P.F.A mfg. Co.” on the underside of the barrel is a number: 9XX. Can you help with any information on this gun with history and value? I plan to pass this bit of history to my grandson when I feel that I’m too old to hunt. L.E.S Email

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D O EL ,6 10 19 5m .3 5% ,9 m :$ 0 49

A: The Savage 99 is one of the best and most successful lever-actions ever made. As its name implies, it was introduced in 1899. The rifle was made in a dizzying number of variations over its centurylong lifespan. The ‘99 was a follow-on to the Savage Models 1892 and 1895. Hundreds of thousands have been produced. The Model 99 came in a considerable number of calibers, including .30-30 Winchester, which was introduced in 1900. The photos of your example, though a bit murky, indicate you have a relatively early example, I’m guessing from the 1920s to the 1930s, Model 99 Carbine. It looks used, but not abused. Unfortunately, the early serial numbers do not necessarily run sequentially, so it is hard to pinpoint an actual date of manufacture.

A: You have a Fabrique Nationale (FN) Model 1910/22 semiautomatic pistol. This excellent little repeater, designed by John Browning, was manufactured beginning in 1910 and then updated in 1922. It was offered in 7.65mm (.32 ACP) and 9mm Browning Short (.380 ACP). A .380 FN 1910 was used by Gavrilo Princip to assassinate Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, Sophie — an act that touched off World War I. Markings on your pistol are standard. The barrel stampings involve Belgian/Liege proofmarks and the caliber designation.

Q: I have read articles about the Savage 1899, but they never listed the .30-30 caliber. I have one. my grandfather homesteaded in 1895 and must have bought this gun soon after it was marketed. The serial number is 520XX. I just read Craig Boddingtons story, “1894: A Century and a Quarter of Great Guns from Savage,” in Guns & Ammo’s January issue, so I am interested my gun’s history. B.W. Email

Q: I have had this old gun for many years, and I know it is a .380 and shoots very well — no problem there. I would like to know the meaning of the symbols and what would be the gun’s value. I’d appreciate any information that you may provide. M.M. Email

.30-30 SAVAGE MODEL 99

MODEL 1933 HITLERJUGEND FAHRTENMESSER

SE AU

FN MODEL 1910 .380 AUTO

“FN” on the grips stand for “Fabrique Nationale.” It’s a superb firearm. I purchased a .380 model in similar condition to yours not too long ago and paid $750 for it, which I thought was fair.

A: Though your description is a bit sketchy, it sounds like you have a Colt Model 1878 double-barrel shotgun. Some 22,690 Model ‘78s were manufactured between 1878 and 1889. There were three basic grades ranging from a working gun to an elegant engraved version. Unfortunately, you don’t give me too much to go on concerning grade and condition, so at this point it’s difficult to put any value on the piece. If you would kindly send me some photos, I’m sure we can then figure something out.

SAUER MODEL 38H, 7.65mm, 90%: $325

NAZI ARMY (HEER) OFFICERÕS DAGGER

TWO PISTOLS AND DAGGERS Q: I need some help on two pistols and two daggers. Data on the smaller gun: “mAuSEr – 6,35 246XXX WAFFEnFABrIK A.-G. oBErnDorF A.n.” The larger pistol: “Cal 7.65”, “456XXX”, with a circle containing a capital “S” over another “S” with what looks like a capital “u” on top of them. Both of the knives have “Solingen” on them. I have enclosed some pictures of the pieces that my son-in-law inherited from his grandfather. They were brought home when he returned from World War II. If you could shed some light on these items as to the history and value, it would be greatly appreciated. C.A. James, Ohio A: The smaller of the two pistols is a Mauser Model 1910 in 6.35mm (.25 ACP). The larger version of this handgun, the Model 1914

in 7.65mm (.32 ACP), was later offered. It was an excellent little pistol and was quite highly regarded. The other pistol is a Sauer Model 38H double-action auto. It was most commonly chambered in .32 ACP or .380 ACP, but some few were also made in .25 ACP. The 38H was manufactured from 1938 to 1945 and was used by civilians, the military and police. The dagger with the inset red white and black swastika emblem is a Model 1933 Hitler Youth knife. The other blade is a Nazi Army (Heer) officer dagger. Both pistols seem to be in good shape. The 1910 Mauser is worth in the $490 to $570 range, the Sauer 38H runs $325 to $375 — a bit more if it has waffenamt markings, an alloy frame or high polish finish. The knives are a bit more difficult, as their values vary considerably depending on the makers. Unfortunately, the Hitler Youth knife appears to have been sharpened, and that affects value negatively.

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The Gunsite Option Target does many things well.

I CAN HEAR IT NOW, “Another Gunsite article.” I’m sure The last evolution of the Gunsite target includes the Eric Poole will love the letters to the editor, but before you addition of a hand holding a clear, outlined revolver in bang away on that keyboard, hear me out. the lower corner of the target. While some may scoff at Gunsite Academy has trained tens of thousands of peothis, I think that as armed good guys we should always be ple over the last 43 years, and they training to shoot at a defined threat, Gunsite’s Option know a thing or two about how to especially if we’re adding humanoid Target (right) maximize square-range training. shapes to our training. Everybody improved on the API target (left). But even Lt. Col. Jeff talks tough about how they’d Cooper realized that rather be “tried by 12 rather this was limiting. than carried by six,” but I’ve There are several seen the stress of a federal shoot houses on the trial break good men. No Gunsite property, and matter how right you may force-on-force and simbe, facing the possibility of ulator work comprises losing everything is incredia great deal of the bly stressful. This was a wise higher-level curriculum. addition by Gunsite. That being said, there’s Now that we have the a huge square-range basics of the target undercomponent that can’t stood, let’s talk about the be ignored and must logic and experience that be conducted effiwent into the design. Paintciently. Whether you’re ing targets different shades a Gunsite instructor or of camouflage isn’t somea local trainer putting your first class through, 3-D targets thing that Cooper came up with one night at the Sconce. are great, as is putting t-shirts on targets. But when you’ve It’s a technique that’s been around for years and it works got 25 students on the line, efficiency is vital to training. whether you’re shooting with optics or irons, or using a Enter the Gunsite Option Target. Originally designed rifle, pistol or shotgun. The addition of a pattern on the by Cooper from his earlier American Pistol Institute (API) target makes it difficult to find a precise aiming point and target of the late 1970s, the current Gunsite Option Target forces the shooter to focus on their sighting fundamentals is a square border humanoid measuring 18 inches by 30 throughout the process of taking a shot. It also demands inches, the same size as the official International Practical that the shooter be aware of where the sights are on the Shooting Confederation (IPSC) cardboard target featuring target rather than just cutting a bullseye in half. It makes both body and head zones, hence the name “Option.” consistency on the sights challenging. If you’re the type of The humanoid target overlays three different shades of shooter who prides oneself on shooting tiny little groups, tan and brown in a camouflage pattern to subdue the borthen these targets are sure to humble you. ders and mute the scoring zones. Cooper’s original targets As mentioned earlier, the actual scoring zones are had a busier camo pattern and larger, circular target rings, shaped to approximate the areas on the target that have but the target has since evolved. The current iteration, the best chance of stopping a determined attacker. The which was approved by Cooper before his passing in 2006, lines are faint, which, in conjunction with the irregular has a realistic 8-inch by 8-inch triangle in the upper chest pattern on the target, makes looking at the target an area and a trapezoid in the head area. These scoring zones exercise in futility. With iron sights, this forces the shooters are lightly outlined on the target, making them difficult to focus back on to the front sight. With a red dot, it keeps see beyond a few yards. (I’ll explain why this is important the shooter looking at the entire zone rather than at a fixed later in the article.) point. (Think upper chest.) Both of those adaptations are

PHOTOS: ALFREDO RICO

SIMPLE TARGET TECH

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advantageous to a shooter like a handgun printed on who wants to get good at them is that you can fold defensive shooting. that threat away making a Self-defense training series of shoot and nois more than focusing on shoot targets. This will bullseye-centric marksmanencourage students to ship skills. I do not slight use their decision-making shooters who use bullseyes skills. It’s not a substitute to hone their defensive for scenario-based, forceskills. I’m simply acknowlon-force training, but it’s a edging that there are good great first step in introducreasons to incorporate ing decision making to a targets other than bullseyes square-range environment. into a rounded training A student of the serious regimen. use of firearms should make Like the Gunsite target, sure that they are seeking Circa 1976, Jeff Cooper compares a standard cardboard silhouette option targets also lend target next to his first camouflage option target in Arizona. training outside of a square themselves well to being range. That being said, modified on the range. You can fold them into smaller, the square range is still an important component of any more challenging shoot zones, and layer them to create training program and remains one of the best options for more challenging shoot- and no-shoot targets. For those developing and maintaining fundamental firearms skills. who are looking to be economical, this works on several Making that training as efficient and challenging as poslevels because it also allows for the target to be re-folded sible is something that all shooters should strive for. I’ve so that previously shot portions can be rotated with clean found that the Gunsite Academy’s Option Target is one of portions of the target. the best targets available to that end. They’re available at Another option with targets that have a defined threat gunsitestore.com for about $0.50 each.

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Ap ril 2020 G&A

Streak Visual Ammunition lets you see your bullet in flight

RICHARD N AN CE

WHEN SHOOTING A PAPER TARGET AT DISTANCE, The important detail to remember is that Streak ammuit can be difficult to tell whether or not your rounds hit nition is non-incendiary. It produces no heat, which makes without walking downrange to confirm. This problem is them safe for indoor ranges and places where tracers exacerbated in diminished light. Of course, flashlights can would constitute a fire hazard. Unlike tracer rounds, Streak assist in illuminating the target before firing and examining Visual jacketed-hollowpoint (JHP) projectiles paint a the target afterword, but wouldn’t it be awesome to see one-way path to help keep a threat from pinpointing your the path of a bullet as it travels toward the target? Now, location in darkness. Initially, when shooting Streak Visual thanks to Streak Visual Ammunition, you can do just that Ammunition, I saw little more than my pistol sights and without the dangers of using incendiary tracers. the flash of the muzzle. I was so focused on the sights that With Streak, an luminescent dot applied to the bullet’s I couldn’t see the red streak illuminating the bullet’s path. base is illuminated by powder flash when fired. The result When I focused more on the target and a little less on the is a red streak that’s visible to anyone within 30-degrees of sights, I instantly saw the path of each bullet fired and the shooter’s point of view. Not only is it fun, this ammuniwatched them impact the target. tion can be beneficial from a training standpoint. ReceivStreak Visual Ammunition is available in calibers ing immediate visual feedback as ranging from .380 ACP to .45 Colt. to where your round impacted the Currently, the cost ranges between target (or where it missed) helps us to $13 and $26 for a box of 20 rounds. make necessary adjustments to our A 200-round box of “total metal” grip, aim, and trigger press to rectify 9mm with 124-grain projectiles the problem and save time walking sells for about $115. The econompast the firing line. It could also save ically priced total-metal rounds are the day in a deadly force encounideal for training, while the jackter. For instance, if you saw where eted hollow-point rounds are the the first round missed, you could intended for personal defense. Visit Unlike an incendiary tracer projectile, nothing compensate by putting subsequent Ammo Incorportated at ammoinc. but the powder burns with Streak. Flash actirounds on target to stop the threat. vated paint is on the base of the bullet. com for more information.

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Apri l 2 02 0 G&A

Understanding the unrecognized problem.

FIXING PARALLAX

ELL FO RGE 3-1

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$900

possible. If the reticle becomes fuzzier, turn the diopter in the opposite direction. Never stare at the reticle while turning the diopter. The human eye tries to focus whatever is in front of it, so as the reticle’s focus is changing, so is the eye. Staring at the reticle while adjusting its focus results in a poorly set-up and out-of-focus optic. The number one cause of parallax in a scope is improper or incomplete reticle focus. When the reticle isn’t in focus, this means the eyepiece is looking either in front of, or behind the second focal plane for the incoming image. The reality is that it needs to be looking precisely at the second focal plane. An indicator that there is still some parallax error in any riflescope is the difficulty knowing when the reticle is most in focus. The ability to spin the diopter a half-turn and see no change in reticle focus likely means there will be parallax in the scope with the resulting wandering zero. The good news is getting that last little bit of parallax out of the scope and eliminating a wandering zero is not overly difficult. Start by focusing the reticle as described above. Point the scope at a neutral background, look at the reticle for a few seconds, look away, and adjust the diopter. Repeat until the reticle is in focus. Now it’s time for step two. Put up a target with a clearly defined and small aiming point. A 1-inch orange or bright yellow dot on a piece of cardboard (or Hornady’s peel-andstick target) work nicely. Use the side-focus knob to get the target sharp. Bag the gun in place so it stays on target without any human support. Without putting your face on the stock, look through the scope and move your head up and down and side to side. If there is no reticle movement relative to the target, there is no parallax in the scope. If there is reticle movement, make a 1⁄8- to 1/4-turn adjustment of the diopter and perform the side-to-side and up-and-down head movement again. Continue to make small adjustments to the diopter until there is no reticle movement, even when you move your

PHOTOS: MARK FINGAR

BUSHN

EVER HEAD OUT TO DO SOME SHOOTING and notice that your rifle’s point of impact is slightly different than your last range visit? It’s usually not a big difference, but it’s also not uncommon for the zero to wander anywhere from one-half to one-inch. I blamed the optic mounting system for this issue for years, as do many shooters I know. I figured the scope moved in the rings a tiny bit or the rings or base shifted some. While all those potential issues are somewhat valid (especially when using poorly made equipment), the far more likely scenario is the presence of parallax inside the scope. Any riflescope has two functional optical components: The eyepiece and everything else. The “everything else” is the scope forward of the power adjustment ring. As the image enters the scope through the objective lens, it is manipulated, focused and dumped into the first focal plane located right underneath the turrets. The erector assembly takes the image, magnifies it and focuses it into the second focal plane located at the power-adjustment ring. The eyepiece works like a microscope and allows the shooter’s eye see what’s in the second focal plane. There are two optical components that need to be focused together to totally eliminate parallax. The first is the image coming onto the scope. This is easy to do because all it requires is looking through the scope while turning the side-focus turret until the image is tack-sharp. Once that image is in focus, it is perfectly located in the second focal plane, where the eyepiece is ready for it. Most of us have learned that one of the first steps in setting up a scope involves focusing the reticle. Point the scope at a light-colored background, look at the reticle for 2 to 3 seconds and then look away. Next, turn the diopter a half-turn and then look at the reticle for another 2 to 3 seconds. This part is just like an eye test. If the reticle gets sharper, keep going in that direction until it is as sharp as

T OM B ECKST RAN D

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head around behind the scope. It should require no more than two full revolutions of the diopter to eliminate the parallax using this supplementary method. If you find yourself struggling to eliminate that last tiniest bit of reticle movement, know that some scopes will have a small amount of parallax no matter what you do. I teach a handful of precision rifle courses a year, and out of 10 students, one or two will always have some parallax, even with both myself and the student working with the scope. That statistic covers what I’d call “professionalgrade” scopes. Any optic made in the Philippines or China will have a much higher incidence of permanent parallax. Go ahead and get mad at me, but them’s the facts. Performing small focus changes to the diopter while keeping the target image in-focus is the best way to get both target and reticle focused simultaneously. Once both focal planes align, there is no parallax in the system, so variations in head placement will not cause the point of impact to move. Any shooter that takes the time to do the above will likely see slightly smaller groups because he’s successfully eliminated one more variable from the shooting equation. Of course, this is all just mumbo jumbo without a way to check. The check is simple and requires 20 rounds and a 100-yard range. Before using the above process, put 10 1-inch dots on a piece of paper and put the target up at 100 yards. Get into a good shooting position from the prone or shooting bench and fire one round at the first dot. Stand up and come completely off the rifle, then get back behind the rifle, move to the second dot, and fire one round. Repeat this process until you’ve shot one round at all 10 dots. Go through the steps outlined above to eliminate all parallax and then conduct the drill a second time. You’ll find the rounds land more often in the same relative location than before. Overlaying all the round impacts will also show a smaller composite group size. This exercise might sound like a whole lot of effort for not much return, and that’s fine. However, there are a lot of shooters out there that have spent their whole lives thinking the scope or mounting hardware was faulty because their zeros moves around a little. This exercise shows that’s not true and also helps tighten up groups. If you spend a lot of time at the bench, or just like to hit small targets consistently, I promise this exercise is worth the effort.

The method to remove all parallax from a scope is to first use the sidefocus turret to keep the image sharp.

The final step to remove all parallax from the scope is to make small diopter adjustments while the shooter moves his head around while looking through the scope. Do this until no parallax remains.

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Ap ril 2020 G&A

Effects of shape at the tail end.

D AV E EM ARY

IN THE SHOOTING WORLD, much has been said through harder to get good results with than others. To a great the years about reloading. What load gives us the best extent, these differences center on what happens in the performance, what bullet works the best for an application, barrel and at the muzzle, and how forgiving or sensitive a and on and on. It’s not often we get an opportunity to visu- type of projectile is. alize and verify or debunk what was an opinion or a hunch. The test series done by Guns & Ammo TV at EMRTC Tom Beckstrand recently wrote about a test series that illustrated significant differences in the behavior of a was done by Guns & Ammo TV at the New Mexico Techboattail and a flat-base projectile as they exited the affiliated Energetic Materials Research and Testing Center barrel. Tests were conducted using a Thompson/Center (EMRTC). Beckstrand’s work centered on what happened Icon chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor. A Hornady 6.5mm when a bullet in flight struck a raindrop. As the resulting 140-grain ELD-M was used for the boattail projectile, high-speed video showed, it blew away a lot of conjecture and a Swift 6.5mm 140-grain A-Frame was used for the and opinion that has been flat base. Both projectiles SCHLIEREN PHOTOGRAPHY around for a long time. were shot under the same Another test that was Before discussing the results of the test, let’s understand what conditions at as close to Schlieren photography is. Schlieren photography uses collimated done during this time was the same muzzle velocity as light, magnifying lenses, a knife edge or slit, and a high-speed caman investigation with the standard deviation allowed. era to photograph the fluid flow around an object. What the camera same high-speed Schlieren sees is the different densities in the fluid flow around the object. The two were shot with the In the testing done at EMRTC, the projectile was fired between the photography setup, and muzzle of the barrel at the lenses in the center of the collimated light field. The high-speed the difference between the edge of the Schlieren phocamera looks through the magnifying lenses and records what hapmuzzle-exit behavior of a pens. During this test, the camera was recording at 90,000 frames tography system’s field of per second. For the projectile traveling at 2,700 feet per second boattail versus a flat-base view so that the projectile (fps), an image was taken every .36 inches of travel. projectile. could be seen exiting the There has been a lot muzzle, as well as several SCHLIEREN SETUP said over the years about projectiles lengths of initial the superiority of boattail free flight. The muzzle projectiles, and that flatwas then moved slightly CAMERA base projectiles are “old outside the field of view so school.” There are differthat late-time interaction ences in the two. Anyone between the projectiles PROJECTILE LIGHT who has spent much time and the muzzleblast cloud KNIFE reloading different types of could be observed. EDGE projectiles knows that there The images from the COLLIMATING | MAGNIFYING LENSES are peculiarities of different high-speed camera of the designs, and some can be two projectiles were paired

PHOTOS: MARK FINGAR

BOATTAIL vs. FLAT BASE

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A pr il 2 0 2 0 | b ul l e t b oA r d

BOATTAIL

to show what was happening at the same point in time (PIT). This was done by matching up the images based on the PIT that the projectiles first appeared at the muzzle.

FLAT BASE

— between 8,000 and 10,000 fps. These gases travel past the projectile to differing degrees depending on many factors, creating what is called a “reverse flow” on the projectile. This reverse What Was observed Sevflow occurs for a very short eral things were apparent distance of travel — 6 to in the Schlieren images of 12 inches. FIGURE 2 the two different projecThis reverse flow can tiles. The first observation have detrimental effects in both bullet videos was of on the projectile and is the gases from the barrel the primary reason for “tip ahead of the projectile. This off,” or disturbance of the is primarily attributed to the projectile attitude at the air in the barrel being commuzzle. It is largely this pressed and pushed out by phenomena that leads to the projectile. The gasses what we refer to as the are observed long before time for the projectile to FIGURE 3 the projectile appears. “go to sleep.” The compressed air is In the images taken seen much sooner with during the Guns & Ammo the boattail than with the TV test, we see that the flat base. This indicates boattail projectile is that there were likely some entirely overtaken and propellant gases getting surrounded by the propast the boattail before the pellant gases. This is not projectile seals the bore. In the case with the flat base. each of the images seen, It is never completely the boattail is on the left overtaken by the propelFIGURE 4 and the flat base on the lant gases. The flat base right. The first emergence on the right still has its of the air and propellant nose protruding from the gases is six frames sooner propellant gases and the with the boattail than with shapes of the blast clouds the flat base. (Figure 1) are completely different. Further indication that This suggests that the propellant gases got past boattail bullet allows more the boattail before it sealed high velocity gases to flow the bore were also appararound it in the reverse ent at the point each projectile exited the bore. As you can flow stage than the flat-base projectile. (Figure 3) see in these images, the muzzleblast cloud for the boattail An additional test was done with the barrel approxiis noticeably bigger and further ahead for the boattail than mately 5 inches out of the field of view of the Schlieren the flat base. Since the volume of air in the barrel is the system in order to look at when the two projectiles same for each bullet, the extra gas observed in the boattail cleared the influence of the muzzleblast. These images images can only be propellant gases. (Figure 2) show the flat base clearing the muzzleblast quite a bit Before we discuss the next observations, we have to sooner than the boattail. In fact, the video shows it takes review what happens in the first few inches of projectile five frames longer for the boattail projectile to clear the flight after it exits the barrel. The propellant gases behind muzzleblast. The flat-base projectile will clearly be influthe projectile are still at quite a high pressure, approxienced less by the muzzleblast than the boattail projectile. mately 10,000 pounds per square inch (psi), depending (Figure 4) on the projectile weight, specific propellant and barrel length. These gases, when initially released at the muzzle, What does this all mean? The Schlieren images show that are travelling for a very short period of time and distance some propellant gases blow past the boattail projectile FIGURE 1

b ul let b oard | Ap ril 2020

before it seals the bore. .308 180-GR. NORMA BONDSTRIKE This can have adverse .308 175-GR. effects on the projectile. SIERRA MATCHKING The gases that travel past the projectile are very hot and travelling very fast. Despite how brief this propellant gas blowby is, it can result in non-uniform deformation of the projectile, or flame cutting, of the jacket. This can result in erratic flight of the projectile and is the cause of the troubling fliers we have all seen in our shooting groups Boattail Projectiles from time to time. I’m not saying these things always happen, but it does create the potential for them to happen. Perhaps the most important takeaway from this test is the response of the boattail projectile versus the flat-base at the muzzle’s exit. The larger and longer-lasting reverse flow on the boattail projectile can have a significant effect on its performance. With the sloping boattail, the reverse flow can produce a lift force on the boattail causing yaw and essentially making the projectile wobble. The dura-

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tion of this lift force is very short, but it can have a significant effect on the projectile’s flight performance. This can cause larger groups and contribute significantly to the time it takes a projectile to go to sleep. Again, I’m not saying this will always occur, but the potential is definitely there. This dynamic condition does not exist with the flat-base projectile.

the bottom line As you can see from the images and the analysis, the boattail projectile has much greater potential for undesirable things to happen. The boattail projectile has a greater sensitivity to factors not being perfect, either in the barrel or at the muzzle. The boattail projectile would be more sensitive to a large throat, throat wear, a damaged crown or worn rifling at the muzzle. If you have a rifle that won’t shoot very good groups with a boattail projectile, try a flat-base bullet and see if it results in better groups. Flat-Based Projectiles

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Is it a legitimate tool in a fight or gimmick?

V IKIN GTACT ICS.C OM

I SAT BACK AND STARED as the tactical wizardry on TV what is needed is a bright light with a focused beam. This was at its finest. It was a commercial for a light called the keeps the light on your target and doesn’t cause the user “Gladius.” This behemoth was really the first of its kind to be blinded by the excessive flood that can bounce off featuring a slightly protected tail cap that could be twisted of cover and concealment. from normal operation to strobe mode. The surprising Probably the best example of a focused-beam tactical thing about the commercial light is SureFire’s Scout light was the message: “If you use (surefire.com). New Scout lights this strobing light against an offer 500 lumens from a singleaggressor, they will become battery-powered LED, while disoriented and unable to two-battery models produce continue their attack!” Wow. 1,000 lumens of output. Both As a U.S. Army commando at types of lights can be had with a the time, I had to try one. How remote momentary/constant-on easy would it be? I could fly switch assembly and RM45 offacross the world, kick in a terset mount for $479. Either way, rorist’s door, set my light to the Scout lights are very bright and “makes bad guys quit” setting, have very focused beams. But and quickly get back to kissing what about a strobe? ladies and babies. If you want to disorient your A couple of weeks later I had opponent, the strobe may or my hands on this magic light. may not have the desired effect. With all of the lights off inside our As I said, the commercial I saw Special Forces team room, the suggested that the actor was Originally fight was on. I grabbed another unable to congregate verbs priced at more soldier and attempted to once the Gladius’ strobe was than $200, the Nightcontrol his movements. When in his eyes. In the real world, Ops Gladius debuted in 2004 and offered 100-lumens and a strobe mode. he resisted, I pushed the light’s I have never found a man, activation switch and strobed women or child impressed or conhis eyes from his bad-breath distance. It didn’t take long for fused by a strobing light. If I sound negative, you are absome to realize that he was unaffected. lutely correct. This was a major brand hyping its product After he twisted me into a pretzel, I felt it was my turn to to sell you a new tool that you couldn’t get with any other be neutered by the light. My lab rat hadn’t acted like he constant-on light. The ad was untrue. Bad guys didn’t pee should have, so I had to see how it worked and become their pants. So, if strobes don’t cause immediate debilitathe attacker. As before, the light did nothing but make me tion of an intruder, suspect or terrorist, why do many of us fight harder. With the strobe giving me the feeling that I was still carry lights with a strobe feature? fighting in a 1980’s dance club, it was actually kinda fun. The Many manufacturers still offer products with strobes as Gladius was fine as a light, but its strobe wasn’t magical. a feature. The fact of the matter is that strobes do help in Let us fast forward to modern day, 2020. Why in the a tactical environment when you need to cover moveworld would someone still want to use a strobe in a tactical ment, evacuate your family down a hall, or disorient the situation? What advantages are gained or lost with the use aggressor to your actual distance and movements. of this feature? It appears on a product offered by almost When the strobe is activated, your eyes struggle to adjust every brand of light maker. I am a fan of an exceptionally to the changing light. Some are bright, then not. Your eyes bright light. But some in the fight-at-night business believe can adjust quickly, but not as fast as a strobing flashlight. that you can have a light that is too bright. I disagree with The effect allows the user to move forward or back with that statement. I think a more applicable way of explaining little-to-no awareness of the aggressor. Of course, if you start

PHOTO: MICHAEL ANSCHUETZ

STROBING LIGHTS

SGM KYLE LAMB [RET.]

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A pr il 2 0 2 0 | l oc k, s to ck & b A r re l SUREFIRE UDR DOMINATOR $1,370

at 50 yards and move to 5 run in front of the man with yards, they’ll know, but if you the strobe you will light up are at 50 yards and move to like Sasquatch at Burning 40 yards, the bad guy will Man, so be careful where likely not be able to assess you plan to move, and don’t PLR-A STILETTO $109 PLR-B STILETTO PRO $229 your movement reliably, step in front of other team especially if the strobe is members’ muzzle. extremely bright. If you don’t operate in Another benefit of using a team environment or a For 2020, SureFire offers a strobe funcDBR GUARDIAN $179 strobing lights is that they tion on the 2,400-lumen UDR Dominator; family fire team, you can still the 650-lumen PLR-A Stiletto and PLR-B can cover lateral movebe effective with a strobe Stiletto Pro; 1000-lumen PLR-B Stiletto ment. If the individual with during your movement. Pro; as well as the 1,000-lumen DBR the light moves left or Guardian hand-held lights. However, your choices are right, it will be immediately limited. Activate the strobe identifiable. If the person with the light starts strobing and move slightly to the rear or slightly forward. If you need downrange, your teammates will be able to move across to move across a hallway, set your light on the ground with or retrograde down a hallway without any indication to the the strobe in the right direction so you can get you and person with the light strobing in their face. your family across and out of harm’s way as fast as possible. The brighter the lights, the better. A good plan of action The strobe is a tool and can be an effective tool. Just be to move successfully is to have at least two teammates with aware that it will not degrade someone’s ability to fight, strobes. One activates the strobe while the rest of the team but also remember that it may confuse them long enough moves where they need to. Once they are in place, the sec- to allow you to move to a position of advantage or safety. ond individual who has already changed positions starts to Strobes are nice to have, especially if you are trying to strobe down range. The first strobing officer, soldier or gun- move you or your family to safety. They are also good for toting civilian can now turn off their strobe and scamper to when you are doing The Robot at a company dance party, catch up with the team. It’s important to mention that if you but I digress.

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40 G&A Apr il 2020 R AN G E BAG

Real Avid AR15 Armorer’s Master Kit

MODULARITY makes the AR platform perfect for those who prefer to do things themselves. Real Avid’s AR15 Armorer’s Master Kit ($250, realavid.com) contains everything you need to build or personalize an AR. Inside are the punches and picks you’d expect to find, but even these details are optimized. The two-sided picks are made of plastic, meaning they won’t mar a gun’s finish. And like every tool in this kit, these tools snap into its own slot in the case. The 10-pin punch set features the typical assortment of tips and are organized in two plastic sleeves. The roll-pin starter features a flat side, enabling it to rest flush against the lower receiver when removing or installing the bolt catch. There’s a plastic non-marring punch, as well as plastic tweezers labeled “Pin Alignment Tool.” They will securely hold any AR-15 pin. In addition to a rubber-handled handguard removal tool, a torque wrench displaying a graduated scale up to 200 foot-pounds (ft.-lbs.) is supplied. It even lists the appropriate torque for tightening a muzzlebrake (30 ft.-lbs.); castle nut (40 ft.-lbs.); and barrel nut (30 to 80 ft.-lbs.). It attaches to the kit’s master wrench, a combination tool that serves as a barrel nut wrench, castle nut wrench and a hammer. For the hammer, there are rubber, polymer and brass heads that can be screwed to the master wrench. The handle stores replacement heads of each. When working on any part, the better you can brace it, the cleaner your work will be. The AR15 Armorer’s Master Kit contains a lug-lock vice block, a smart-fit vice block, and a master bench block. Each securely hold your AR-15 components in place for easier maintenance. The lug-lock vise block is designed to secure an AR-15 upper into a bench vise, while the vice’s star chamber locking lugs line up with the barrel’s. This, combined with the supplied retaining pins and the upper receiver lock-knob, enables us to secure the upper receiver in place at various

angles. The smartfit vice block secures the lower receiver into a bench vice. It is inserted into the magazine well and tightened by turning the handle on the bottom of the unit. The knurled texture helps lock it securely into the jaws of a vice. This is an excellent tool for cleaning, maintaining or modifying lower receiver components. It can even be used inverted for pistol grip removal and installation. The master bench block is a brilliant device slotted to accommodate the bolt, front sight, upper and lower receivers, as well as the charging handle. It’s the perfect third hand to brace a specific component. The bottom of the block contains pin storage and the perimeter is magnetized to capture pins once punched out. The Real Avid kit also contains a pivot lock, designed to prop the upper receiver over the lower receiver. There’s the obligatory front sight adjuster, which contains both a four- and five-prong interface. A pivot pin tool automatically retains the spring and detent and acts as a “slave pin” for easy installation. The Real Avid AR15 Armorer’s Master Kit comes with an instruction manual, as well as a full color, step-by-step photographic guide to performing the “top 18 mods” to any AR-15. For more information or to purchase, visit realavid.com. — R. Nance

PHOTO: MICHAEL ANSCHUETZ

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HEN Guns & Ammo’s Editor-in-Chief Eric Poole asked what I wanted on my G&A Christmas wish list a few months ago, I didn’t hesitate. The answer is always the same: a new Colt Python. Little did I know that my wish had already been granted. After years of engineering, Colt was then just weeks away from announcing what has been the most sought-after reintroduction to their product line. On December 4, 2019, Colt Senior VP Paul Spitale, Marketing & Product Management Director Justin Baldini and pro-shooter and LE Sales Manager Mark Redl collectively announced the Python’s return during a small, media event at the Gunsite Academy in Paulden, Arizona.

April 2020

DOES THE NEW SNAKE GUN LIVE UP TO THE LEGEND? BY KEITH WOOD | PHOTOS BY MARK FINGAR

G& A

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the python’s fully adjustable rear notch sight was redesigned allowing engineers to strengthen the revolver’s top strap.

Colt Python LIKE THE NEW PYTHON, the original became highly sought-after. By 2010, used Type: DA/SA revolver wasn’t rushed to market. First conceptualvalues spiked between $3,000 and $8,000. Cartridge: .357 Magnum/.38 Special ized as a precision target revolver in 1953, it That same year, the popular TV series “The Capacity: 6 rds. would be two years later when the original Walking Dead” debuted with its lead charOverall Length: 11.5 in. snake gun was finally built by the hands of acter “Rick Grimes” played by actor Andrew Height: 5.5 in. Colt gunsmith and then-Superintendent of Weight: 2 lbs., 14 oz. (tested) Lincoln prominently carrying 6-inch stainMaterial: Stainless steel, forged Manufacturing Al DeJohn. less Python. It was one of the show’s best Grips: Laminated walnut, On June 2, 1955, the first production supporting characters and surely contribcheckered Colt Python models left the factory and uted to its demand. This snake gun fever Trigger: 8 lbs., 8 oz. (DA); 5 lbs., 7 oz. (SA) (tested) launched what still remains one of the even drove up the values of non-Python Safety: Transfer bar most iconic double-action revolvers of Colts including the Anaconda, Boa, Cobra, Finish: Polished stainless all time. Three-hundred and seventeen Diamondback, King Cobra and Viper. Sights: Red ramp (front); adj. notch (rear) I-frame Pythons were shipped during the The shooting world hungered for a MSRP: $1,500 first six months at a retail price of $125. Python. To meet the demand, Colt worked Manfacturer: Colt, 800-962-2658, (That’s $1,134 in today’s dollars.) colt.com on its rebirth. Today, the Python is back Pythons quickly earned a reputation for and it’s built using stainless steel materials being accurate, easy to cock for singlewith your choice of either a 41/4- or 6-inch action shooting, and possessing wonderful triggers. The overbarrel. For this evaluation, Colt sent Guns & Ammo one of the whelming majority of Pythons were chambered in .357 Magnum, initial 6-inch production examples. although Target models were produced in .38 Special. Other The new Python is in many ways just like the original, though chamberings saw limited production over the years with examples there are some meaningful departures. Comparing appearances, the in .22 LR and .22 WMR, in addition to factory prototypes in .41 Python almost mirrors its antecedent. Holsters and speed loaders Magnum, .22 Hornet and even .40 S&W! By the time the 1990s designed for the old Pythons will fit just fine with the current verarrived, the gun-buying public increasingly favored semiautomatsion. The lines are essentially the same. ics. Like many of the great six-guns, Python production moved to Most of the differences are hidden beneath the side plate. Like the Custom Shop in 1997 and all but ceased in 2004. a high-end watch that needs maintenance and lubrication every “Absence makes the heart five years, the original Python’s BUY IT NOW! grow fonder,” as the saying goes. action was complicated when log on to galleryofguns.com, select this firearm, pay a deposit and it will be at your local gun store in two days. When purchased from galleryofguns.com, The revolver that saw insufficient compared to its contemporarDavidson’s guarantees to repair or replace this firearm for life. demand just a few years prior ies. Colt decided to simplify

colt pyt hon | Ap ril 2020

In addition to the full underlug, the stainless steel barrel on the new python maintains the original’s signature vented rib.

the internals of this new Python and remove nine parts from the original lockwork. This simplification not only made the Python easier to make in Colt’s modern manufacturing environment, it also allowed the company to keep costs down. And in case you are wondering, the Python retains the use a leaf mainspring rather than a coil, which should come as a relief to purists. Not all of the design changes were internal. As great as the early Pythons were, they gained a reputation for being fragile when subjected to hard use with magnum loads. This wasn’t such a big deal in the 1950s and ’60s when most shooters were using light .38 Specials to shoot bullseye matches, but it became a real concern for law enforcement and shooters who ran the guns hard. Jerry Kuhnhausen’s “Colt Double Action: A Shop ManualÓ (1988) contains more than one photo of snake guns with blown top straps. To address this, Colt engineers redesigned the rear sight, which allowed them to beef up the top strap significantly. According to Colt, there is 30 percent more steel above the cylinder on the new Python than there was on the original guns. The steel used in the Python’s construction takes advantage of modern metallurgy. The 410-series stainless steel used on Pythons since 1983 has been replaced by a stronger and more corrosionresistant alloy. The new Python is allegedly stronger than ever. The lines of the Python are a close facsimile of the original, but feature a glossier polished stainless-steel finish rather than a brushed look. One of the most striking visual details of the Python has always been its vent-rib barrel. Producing the rib cuts costs money, but Colt didn’t skimp by substituting a sleeved barrel. The barrel is made from a one-piece forging, which bears mentioning: Timing a barrel’s threads so that the sights run north and south takes time and adds cost, which is why we are seeing so many companies move to using two-piece barrels. There is a full underlug on the barrel which shrouds the ejector rod and adds some weight to attenuate recoil. The crown is protected by a raised ring at the muzzle. the trigger and hammer spur Both the trigger and hammer are both feature serrations for machined from billet stainless steel touchpoints.

G& A

the barrel is a one-piece forging given a raised crown. the front ramp sight can be interchanged with current cobra front sights.

the cylinder has been chamfered and fluted. there are also long cylinder-notch leads, contributing to its smooth double action.

rather than injection molded from powdered metal. The trigger’s face is also serrated longitudinally and the wide hammer spur horizontally. The single-action trigger on our sample required 5 pounds, 7 ounces of pressure with a little evidence of creep. The star of this show is the 81/2-pound double-action trigger. It is smooth as glass. I have a few of the vaunted pre-war Smith & Wesson revolvers, including a First Model Hand Ejector, and none of them can best the double-action trigger on the Python. Editor Eric Poole indicated that the trigger on his original Python feels lighter and a bit slicker than this new model, but I didn’t have one on hand so I borrowed a 1990s-era Anaconda. The singleaction trigger on the Anaconda was a bit better at 41/2 pounds, but the double-action trigger measured more than 12 pounds and wasn’t nearly as silky as this. The beauty of a really good double-action trigger is that it goes a long way in promoting a true

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A pr il 2 0 2 0 | co lt p y th on

A MUST READ

the new python is complete with laminate walnut grips with a colt medallion. Existing aftermarket grips can be substituted.

surprise trigger break since there are few mechanical cues that the gun is about to fire. This can cure a flinch and is the reason that double-action revolvers are among my favorite training tools. The new Python’s cylinder is fluted and chamfered at the forward edge, just as the originals were. The latch is still drawn to the rear to release the cylinder. The distinctively long cylinder notch leads are also present, which may contribute to the excellent double-action trigger pull by minimizing the friction of the bolt head as it drags on the rotating cylinder. With the Python cocked, there is some play in the cylinder, which is not always a bad thing. Unless a revolver’s chambers

Historical information for this article was largely sourced from Gurney Brown’s excellent book “Colt’s Python: King of the Seven Serpents.” Brown has written extensively on collectible Colt revolvers and this, his latest, is dedicated to the Python. This 304-page full-color coffee table-style treatise is a musthave for any Colt collector or Python enthusiast. It is loaded with facts regarding the Python’s history as well as its various models. High-quality photographs feature dozens of Pythons, each with its own Colt factory letter, are included along with historic catalog and marketing images. “Colt’s Python: King of the Seven Serpents” is available from various retailers starting at $64.95.

are precisely aligned with the bore, rock-steady cylinder lockup can actually be a detriment to accuracy. The barrel-to-cylinder gap measured .004 inches, which is at the tight end of the old .003-.008-inch Colt specifications and is better than most production revolvers of this type on the market. As mentioned, the adjustable rear sight has been redesigned to allow for a stronger frame. The plain black rear sight is adjustable for both windage and elevation by way of a pair of standard slotted screws. The front sight is interchangeable and held in place by a hex screw above the muzzle. A red ramp insert helps to make the front sight more visible.

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The Python’s grips are a mix of traditional and modern, constructed from laminated walnut. To my eye, they are more attractive than the rubber Pachmayr grips issued on stainless Pythons between 1983 and 2004. They are checkered and both sides wear the Colt’s familiar “Prancing Pony” medallions. I have large-sized hands and these grips fit me well. G&A tested the Python with loads ranging from Federal’s 148-grain Gold Medal .38 Special Wadcutter Target to various full-power magnums. Somewhat surprisingly, the heavy 158-grain jacketed hollowpoints (JHP) performed best in terms of accuracy. Black Hills’ edged out the Federal’s Hydra-Shok. Recoil was manageable, PERFORMANCE thanks to the Python’s wellbarrel? Would they just brand designed grip. Even after firing BEST AVG. any revolver with a Python roll VEL. GROUP GROUP group after group with magnum LOAD (FPS) ES SD (IN.) (IN.) mark to capitalize on demand? ammunition, I felt no discomBlack Hills 158-gr. JHP 1,433 77 23.7 1.34 1.61 Thankfully, the answer is no. fort. The Python functioned Fed. Prem. Hydra-Shok 158-gr. JHP 1,409 93 36.7 1.45 1.87 Still, this isn’t the same gun with 100 percent reliability, Fed. Gold Medal Match 148-gr. WC 798 46 16.2 1.61 1.94 introduced in 1955. I would as one would expect from a Magtech 158-grain LRN 875 24 7.8 1.98 2.36 call it a reasonable update of premium revolver. It is no secret Hornady Amer. Gun. 125-gr. XTP 1,621 73 21.7 2.65 2.68 the classic. The fit and finish that I love shooting revolvers. are very good, probably better notes: Accuracy is the average of five, five-shot groups from a sandbag rest at 25 yards. Velocity is the average of five shots recorded by an Oehler Model 35P chronograph. Giving the Python a workout than the guns built at the end was a treat. of the snake gun era. When I heard about the Python release, I was excited, but Not to offend collectors, the new Python is, in many ways, also a bit skeptical. Would Colt cheapen the design with a coil better than the original. The only thing missing from this model mainspring, metal-injection-molded (MIM) parts and two-piece is one with Colt’s classic Royal Blue finish.

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BY TOM BECKSTRAND PHOTOS BY MARK FINGAR

DANIEL DEFENSE VENTURES INTO THE PERSONAL DEFENSE WORLD.

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The linear compensator takes all the muzzleblast and directs it downrange, away from the shooter.

Many ask whether or not it’s legal to rest an arm brace against the shoulder when firing. The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms’ (ATF) last ruling dated March 21, 2017, states, “To the extent the January 2015 Open Letter implied or has been construed to hold that incidental, sporadic, or situational ‘use’ of an arm-brace (in its original approved configuration) equipped firearm from a firing position at or near the shoulder was sufficient to constitute a ‘redesign,’ such interpretations are incorrect and not consistent with ATF’s interpretation of the statue or the manner in which it has historically been enforced.” You cannot be thrown in jail for firing the DDM4 PDW from the shoulder unless you alter the arm brace in some way. However, any alteration will likely be construed as a “redesign” and end badly for the owner. With all the legalese out of the way, that leaves us happy consumers with a PDW chambered in a great cartridge that is legally allowed to make “incidental, sporadic, or situational” contact with the shooter’s shoulder.

ANYONE INTERESTED in a firearm for personal defense should consider Daniel Defense’s new DDM4 PDW. While it certainly looks unconventional for a pistol, the PDW has a number of features that make it suited for home defense and concealed carry while still maintaining all the legal protections of a pistol. Anywhere you can legally carry a concealed pistol, you should legally be safe to conceal the DDM4 PDW. Why? There is no substitute for a good rifle when faced with potential violence. Once shouldered, a two-handed long arm provides better stability over a smaller handgun resulting in a higher hit probability. If it is chambered in a rifle-pressure cartridge, terminal effects are often more effective at stopping a threat than anything fired out of a conventional pistol. The DDM4 PDW falls into the category of being a pistol chambered for a rifle cartridge. The DDM4’s most compelling feature is its Maxim Defense CQB pistol brace — a $375 value — which can be used for additional support when firing with one hand.

The Blackout The .300 Blackout (BLK) is a cartridge ideally suited for defensive purposes. It has a Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI) maximum pressure of 55,000 pounds per square inch (psi), a common ceiling for many rifle rounds. However, the .300 BLK case is full of pistol powder. This combination makes for some interesting internal and external ballistics. There isn’t much room left for powder in the .300 BLK case when those big .30-caliber bullets are seated in place, especially when shooting 188- to 220-grain subsonic projectiles. The lack of volume requires use of a powder that doesn’t take up much space, so pistol powders are preferred. The two best, in my opinion, are Hodgdon’s H110 and CFE BLK. (The latter is H110 with some neat powder coatings.) Both powders produce excellent velocity out of the .300 BLK while staying below maximum pressure. The amount of powder in the case will determine how fast the bullet will potentially fly. High-powder volume equates to high-gas volume once the powder ignites, and lots of gas volume is necessary for high velocity. The .300 BLK does the best it can with limited powder volume, and it gets very good velocity with

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The maxim defense CQB pistol brace is adjustable and high quality. It’s built on the same housing as maxim’s CQB stocks.

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The bolt carrier group is made to military specifications. The bolt is made of Carpenter 158 steel, and the carrier is of 8620.

the tiny amount of powder each round uses. The huge advantage the pistol powder brings to the .300 BLK is its ability to burn completely within just a few inches of barrel. Chambering the DDM4 PDW in 5.56 NATO would make little sense. The slower-burning rifle powder is nowhere near completely burned in short barrels by the time the bullet leaves the muzzle. With SBRs in 5.56, there is always lots of muzzle blast and flash to consider. The complete burn of the .300 BLK means that there is little blast or flash when the bullet exits the muzzle, even from a 7-inch barrel. This makes the DDM4 PDW ideal for home defense or use in or near vehicles because it offers rifle performance with a pistol’s muzzle blast and flash. If you’ve daniel defense’s ergonomic pistol grip features a soft-touch ever shot a gun indoors, the advantages of this feature cannot be overmolding texture and integral triggerguard. It sells for $31. overstated. The low exit pressure of the barrel were any shorter, the .300 BLK (thanks to the the velocity would dip below use of powder that burns 2,000 fps and reduces the completely in its short barrel) terminal effect of any bullet. makes shooting the DDM4 Daniel Defense makes the PDW pleasant. It is also an barrel on the PDW by hammer excellent choice for a suppresforging it on a mandrel that sor, and (most of the time) a forms the 1:7-inch twist rate pistol suppressor is perfectly into the bore. Hammer-forging usable on any .300 BLK for the a barrel makes it more durable aforementioned reasons. than any other manufacturing Daniel Defense managed to method, so the PDW’s barrel put all of this performance into The ddm4 lower receiver features a slightly flared magazine well will last well past 10,000 a package that only measures that makes reloads easy to execute. rounds. The 1:7-inch twist rate 203/4 inches in overall length. matters because it’s fast enough Even with a suppressor in place, the DDM4 PDW is compact to stabilize subsonic rounds while remaining slow enough to and easily maneuverable. Should a home invasion occur, I can’t keep the expanding subsonic rounds from opening up inside a think of a better defensive firearm choice than this PDW with a suppressor, should the owner choose to mount one on the PDW. light and suppressor attached. Should it make incidental contact The PDW has a short pistol-length direct-impingement gas with the shooter’s shoulder, it’ll shoot just like a rifle and produce system, so it will function with both supersonic and subsonic similar effects. rounds, even when unsuppressed. The .300 BLK cartridge is suppressor-friendly, thanks to its low exit pressure. However, PDW Deets Getting an overall length of 203/4 inches for an not every PDW owner will have a suppressor and still might AR-pattern pistol is no easy task. Choosing to chamber it in .300 want to shoot subsonic rounds. Shooting subsonic rounds out BLK is a wise choice considering the barrel is only 7 inches long. of an unsuppressed DDM4 PDW makes sense if the owner lives The 7-inch barrel is long enough to get 110-grain bullets above in a state where suppressor use isn’t allowed, or doesn’t have 2,000 feet per second (fps), so it has good muzzle velocity. If the money for a suppressor, but still wants as little muzzle blast

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PERFORMANCE as possible. This BEST AVG. is a typical home VELOCITY GROUP GROUP LOAD (FPS) ES SD (IN.) (IN.) defense scenario Hornady 110-gr. V-MAX 2,088 32 13.9 2.24 2.58 and the DDM4 SIG Sauer Match 125-gr. FMJ 1,885 43 21.1 1.56 1.96 PDW would do Black Hills 125-gr. TMK 1,928 80 32.5 2.09 2.33 well in it, especially Notes: Accuracy is the average of five, five-shot groups at 100 yards. Velocity is the when loaded with average of five shots across a LabRadar chronograph placed adjacent to the muzzle. Hornady’s new 190-grain Sub-X The upper receiver load. Daniel Defense affixes what they call a “linear compensator” is so short that it to the PDW’s muzzle to direct all muzzle blast downrange. It comes equipped functions as advertised and is threaded onto the muzzle with a with a removeable hand stop to prevent 5⁄8-24 pitch, so it is easily removed for use with a suppressor. the shooter’s hand The forend Daniel Defense attaches to the PDW is 6 inches form getting too long and covered in M-Lok slots. Both the barrel and handguard close to the muzzle. length are ideal for defensive use. The barrel is long enough to get light bullets above 2,000 fps, and the handguard is long enough to mount a light while still leaving some space for the support hand. As mentioned, the Maxim Defense CQB Pistol Brace is a defining feature of the DDM4 PDW. The arm brace portion of the device is made from hard rubber surrounded by a Velcro strap. The brace is able to be wrapped around the shooter’s arm and held in place with the Velcro strap, or can make incidental contact with the shooter’s shoulder, giving it similar function to a buttstock. Should it make contact with the shooter’s shoulder when firing from the prone or from a bench, the brace has a small toe and doesn’t ride a rear bag very well. The CQB Pistol Brace is well-made and shows every sign of being rugged. While some arm braces have a cheap feel, this one oozes quality. There is a small steel locking plate with a tab on the left side of the brace that, when depressed, allows for brace extension. That steel plate locks into the two steel rods that connect to the rubber brace. The use of steel makes the entire brace assembly robust and worthy of duty use. Since the DDM4 PDW is a pistol with an arm brace, there is no way to mount a sling to the rubber brace. However, there is a small tab the extends below the buffer tube that serves as a single-point sling mount. This allows the shooter to go handsfree in defensive scenarios to open doors, make phone calls, etc. Burning Powder The upper and lower receivers, and what’s inside them, are what Daniel Defense is known for. Everything in the bolt

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carrier group meets or exceeds military specifications. Both receivers are forged from 7075 T6. Finish work is flawless. Daniel Defense makes a grip with an integral triggerguard that will leave no blisters on the shooter’s hands. It has a seamless and smooth transition from triggerguard to grip that’s very comfortable. I focused my efforts when accuracy testing on supersonic rounds. My experience when accuracy testing subsonic rounds at 100 yards was that group sizes increased by 50-percent or so. The best group of came from using SIG Sauer’s 125-grain Match ammunition with five shots grouping 1.56 inches. Given the standard AR trigger and the rubber stock with a narrow toe, I’d call that good. Average group size for all loads was just more than 2 inches. The DDM4 PDW is an excellent defensive firearm that can be legally concealed like any pistol. It makes an ideal travel companion. The fact that it packs the punch and range of a rifle makes it even more attractive.

The DDM4 PDW’s buffer weight is a shortened design that allows for a shorter lower-receiver extension and a more compact overall package.

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BY KEITH WOOD PHOTOS BY MARK FINGAR

SMITH & WESSONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PERFORMANCE CENTER OFFERS THE SCANDIUM-ALLOY-FRAME SW1911 PRO SERIES IN 9mm FOR DEEP AND COMFORTABLE CONCEALMENT.

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Smith & Wesson SW1911 Pro Series Type: Recoil operated, semiautomatic Cartridge: 9mm Capacity: 8+1 rds. Overall Length: 6.9 in. Height: 4.88 in. Weight: 1 lb., 10 oz. Material: Stainless steel (slide assy.); scandium alloy (frame) Grip: Ergo 1911 XTRO Officer’s Trigger: 5 lbs., 5 oz. (tested) Safety: Manual lever, frame mounted, ambidextrous; grip safety lever Finish: Armornite (slide assy.); anodized (frame) Sights: Three-dot, drift adj.; steel MSRP: $1,350 Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson, 413-747-3317, smith-wesson.com

IF THE MARKET is any size stainless versions with different sights, and two indicator, single-stack 9mms Officer-sized models, one in 9mm and another in .45 have become a top choice for ACP. For this review, we’re looking at the Officer’s concealed carry handguns, Model-sized SW1911 in 9mm. especially with Model 1911s. Though it is similar to a Colt Officer’s Model and its Though polymer-framed clones, this SW1911 is slightly shorter in length.This striker-fired pistols represent a SW1911’s slide and barrel are considerable slice of the market, constructed from stainless steel there is demand for a compact and finished in Armornite for and carry-worthy 1911s. absolute corrosion protection, Generations of shooters but to save weight the frame have fallen in and out and is machine from scandium back in love with the 1911, alloy. Scandium is an element not to mention the die hards added to aluminum alloy to who are not interested in add strength without increasdeparting from it for the sake ing weight. Smith & Wesson of something new. Smith & has been using it since the Wesson’s Performance Center 12-ounce Model 340PD Airlite SW1911 Pro Series is a handrevolver in 2002. The result gun that transcends multiple here is a pistol that tips the consumer categories. scales at only 26 ounces. the eight-round stainless steel magazine fits flush in the When you consider its SW1911’s scandium-alloy frame. Inside the SW1911 grip is features, S&W’s Pro Series fits a single-stack magazine that in the custom-production category between the firm’s standardcarries eight rounds not to include one in the chamber. The production models and the custom-built Performance Center fireframe features many enhancements including a vertically serrated arms. Essentially, SW1911s are stock guns equipped with certain frontstrap, a checkered, flat mainspring housing and a high frame upgrades as standard equipment. cut, which puts the axis of the bore as low as possible relative As its name suggests, the SW1911 is Smith & Wesson’s to the hand. A rounded butt makes this handgun slightly more subcompact 1911-style handgun. There are currently two fullconcealable, forming an abbreviated bobtail of sorts.

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a combination of Ergo’s 1911 XtrO Officer’s Model hard-rubber grip panels, a serrated fronstrap and checkered mainspring housing helps both hands maintain positive grip during recoil.

The controls on this pistol are as you’d expect. There are two manual safeties on this handgun, both ambidextrous. The thumb safety is extended on both sides and the beavertail grip safety is beveled smooth. The grip safety protects the hand from hammer bite and is sculpted with a raised bump to ensure that the shooter’s hand disengages it automatically when grabbing the pistol. the SW1911 features two active, ambidextrous safeties: an The magazine release is checkered, and the aluminum threeextended thumb safety lever and a beavertail grip safety. hole trigger is familiar to 1911 shooters with its adjustable as a visual loaded chamber overtravel stop. The trigger on indicator, also. Guns & Ammo’s test sample Creating this compact 1911 was clean and consistent at from a full-size Government 5 pounds, 5 ounces with an Model is not simply a matter impressively short reset. scaling-down components. Like the frame, the stainlessAccommodations must be steel slide is machined to made to ensure that everything include all of the upgrades functions as it should. that have evolved through At the top end of this handthe years. The ejection port is gun, the biggest departure lowered and flared to ensure from the standard 1911 is the smooth ejection, and all of the recoil spring assembly. The sharp edges on the slide have Pro Series uses a full-length the trigger is a Videki-style, aluminum trigger been dehorned. containing an overtravel-stop screw within. guiderod with two springs The 9mm barrel measures of different sizes to help mitigate 3.1 inches in length from the breech face to the muzzle and recoil and increase reliability for is ramped. The barrel uses a standard barrel link, all grain weights, which is always two locking lugs forward of the chamber, and an engineering challenge on a widens at the muzzle to facilitate lock-up 9mm 1911 this small. with the slide. (There is no barrel A modern feature is the SW1911 bushing.) A notch milled Pro Series’ oversized external into the barrel hood extractor. It articulates on a roll pin that serves runs vertically through the slide. Extractor tension is one of the idiosyncrasies of the 1911 design, and there’s a reason that so many semiautomatic handguns designed in the last 100 years feature an external extractor. Inside, the fixed, frame-mounted ejector is familiar to 1911 users. Though the SW1911 Pro Series has a short sight radius of 5.3 inches, it is equipped with drift-adjustable three-dot sights.

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A steel post is dovetailed at the front and a Novak-style combat sight is at the rear. To my disappointment, there is no illuminated factory option available, but sights are easy to source and change out. Ergonomically, this handgun is comfortable to manipulate. You might expect a stiff recoil spring on a handgun of this size would result in difficulty when racking the slide. That’s not the case the compact Pro Series uses a bushingless barrel profile, as well as dual captive recoil springs on a with this model. The grip stainless-steel guiderod. these are meaningful departures from the traditional Model 1911 design. is comfortable, secure, and allows a five-fingered purchase on the gun, despite its compact addition to running the Pro Series through several shooting drills, dimensions. The safety lever is easy to disengage, and the grip mechanical accuracy was tested at 25 yards from a solid rest with safety functiones without conscious thought. Ergo’s 1911 XTRO four different loads. At closer distances, this handgun is capable hard-rubber grips are thin, but enough to hold the gun securely of putting all of its shots into a single ragged hole. Shooting a without being overly abrasive. This gun might be a handful in compact handgun with a short sight radius to its full potential .45 ACP, but in its 9mm recoil was mild for what’s expected. from the bench requires a great deal of focus, and we found this Guns & Ammo staff has been handgun to be quite sensitive BUY IT NOW! shooting this gun extensively in terms of the amount of log on to galleryofguns.com, select this firearm, pay a deposit and it will be at your local gun store in two days. When purchased from galleryofguns.com, for more than a year, so it gripping force used. Davidson’s guarantees to repair or replace this firearm for life. received a tough evaluation. In From a reliability stand-

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three, white-dot sights are painted on ramped Novaks and dovetailed for windage adjustments only.

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PERFORMANCE LOAD

VEL. (FPS)

BEST GROUP (IN.)

AVERAGE GROUP (IN.)

point, the SW1911 performed well, though the slide Hornady American Gunner 115-gr. XTP 1,066 27 8.6 2.21 2.65 did not return to battery on a few occasions. Like any SIG Sauer Elite V-Crown 124-gr. JHP 1,118 51 16.9 2.37 2.80 handgun, this SW1911 was quite dirty after firing Browning 147-gr. BXP 928 24 8.8 2.94 3.26 more than 3,000 rounds. This only proved that, like Winchester USA Ready 115-gr. FN FMJ 1,084 31 10.6 3.14 3.52 any firearm (especially a 1911 variant), preventative Notes: Accuracy is the average of five, five-shot groups from a sandbag rest at 25 yards. Velocity is the average of five shots recorded by an Oehler Model 35P chronograph. maintenance needs to applied at reasonable intervals. For shooters that love the ergonomics and shootability of the 1911, but seek a compact choice for every-day carry, carries lighter and is more compact. If you are one who prefers to the SW1911 Pro Series is a solid choice. This handgun maintains carry a full-size 1911, this would make an excellent backup gun many of the attributes we love on a full-size handgun, but it for its similar controls.

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SAVAGE BATTERY THREE RIFLE-SCOPE-AMMO COMBOS THAT WORK PERFECT FOR AN AFRICAN PLAINS-GAME SAFARI. BY ERIC R. POOLE | PHOTOS BY MARK FINGAR

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Panorama is one of five hunting destinations in Namibia for guests of Jamy Traut Hunting Safaris. It is also home to Jamy and his family. The size of the hunting area seems endless with diverse terrain including mountains, red sand dunes and Savannah grassland. At Panorama, hunters return each evening to their quarters, your choice of thatched roof chalets or luxury safari tents elevated on permanent foundations, just a short walk from the Trauts’ home. Panorama is less than a 3-hour drive south from the Windhoek airport.

Full-course meals are served family style in the main dining area under a thatched roof, which also keeps a stocked bar.

ELMER KEITH MADE his first trip to Africa in 1958. Born on March 8, 1899, he was 58 years old with a 10-gallon hat full of experience hunting North American big game. In the April 1958 issue of “Guns” magazine, Keith wrote “Getting Set for Safari” and described his preparation for this trip. Airfare to Nairobi at the time cost him $1,549. Adjusted for inflation, that equates to about $13,700 in today’s dollars. And rather than paying the outfitter a day rate, tips and trophy fees, Keith paid $600 for his hunting license, worth $5,308 today. His hunting license covered plains game species, two buffalo, two elephant, a leopard, lion and rhino. International hunters in that era were primarily American, including authors such as Keith, actors and magnates. For years, they had Africa to themselves. On the back cover of that April ’58 issue of “Guns” is an advertisement for the then-new Savage 110. “You’re looking at a completely new bolt action rifle that boasts many important improvements and refinements.” It goes on to read, “Gracefully proportioned, beautifully balanced, the featherweight One-Ten

is precision-engineered for outstanding accuracy, reliability and safety. The One-Ten is the first bolt action rifle in years to be designed and built right here in America ... You’ve really got to shoot the One-Ten to appreciate the accuracy, convenience and safety built into it.” In 1958, a 110 chambered in .30-’06 Springfield or .270 Winchester cost $109.75, which equals to about $970.87 today. I enjoy reading old issues of gun magazines, and they continue to inspire me today. Keith’s article from that issue and ad was the catalyst for this article. Sharing the idea with three friends I’ll name “J.J”., “Jake” and “Mark,” we prepared for an economical safari and, in the spirit of that 1958 issue, elected to use three Savage Model 110 rifles exclusively and Bushnell’s new optics, as well as Federal Premium ammunition. Each of us assembled a combination at different price points. Craig Boddington gave me the recommendation of Jamy Traut Hunting Safaris (jamyhunts.com) as one of his endorsed outfitters and the only one in Namibia. Located in southwest Africa and featuring the Namib Desert

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On arrival, hunters settle in and head to the range to confirm zero with their rifles. Restricted to traveling with 11 pounds (or less) of ammunition in a hard-sided case, this opportunity is managed carefully to avoid wasting ammo.

Jamy Traut Hunting Safaris offer a selection of more than 20 species, and hunters are only permitted to hunt mature animals. Among the most sought after plains game is elusive kudu (left), also known as Africa’s “grey ghost” for its tendency to disappear. Mature kudu have at least two and a half twist to their horns.

Namibia is also home to many unusual bird species such as the Maranou stork (above) and social weavers that can live with hundreds of others in giant nests that can consume a tree (right).

along its Atlantic Ocean coast, Namibia gained its independence in 1990. This sub-saharan country is a great destination for any hunter. Wildlife is diverse, with this being a source of mountain zebra and a significant cheetah population. Here outfitters are passionate for conservation, and it’s likely the safest African country to explore. A flight from Atlanta to Windhoek, Namibia, averages about $1,700 per person. A plains-game hunt adds between $350 and $500 per day plus license and trophy fees, which range from $100 for a jackal to $9,000 for a roan. Extremes aside, most popular game animals cost between $550 and $2,500. Much of the funds earned from hunting is reinvested in protecting these animals from poachers and environmental disasters. While there, opportunities can occur that make certain species more lucrative. For example, when J.J., Jake, Mark and I were there, Namibia was suffering from a 2-year drought that was killing off the grasslands. Jamy Traut, owner of Jamy Traut Hunting Safaris, carefully manages and protects the population of animals

on his properties to include a number of white rhino. The twoyear drought meant that the rhinos were competing with other plains game species for food. Rhinos must eat up to 120 pounds of grass per day to sustain themselves. Considering that a female rhino will only reproduce every 21/2 to 5 years and have a gestation period of up to 16 months, the investment to protect the rhino is significant — and legal hunting pays for it. By comparison, a 2-year-old springbok female will reproduce every 2 years with a gestation period of 4 to 6 months. During a drought, it is smarter to hunt plains game and lessen the stress on local food resources. It is also easier for wildlife conservationists like Traut to rebuild a population of plains game than lose a rhino. On arrival, we were transported back in time and just as I imagined it. We slept in canvas-sided tents over concrete floors and gathered around the Trauts’ table each evening to share experiences and anticipate the next day’s adventures. Once our rifles’ zero was confirmed at the range, worldy pressures evaporated as we set out to take in nature’s raw surroundings.

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Before arriving to Africa, it’s most important that you select a quality rifle, optic and cartridge appropriate for the game you intend to pursue. Then, you have practice with it. Most zeroing ranges in Africa are setup for 100 yards or 100 meters. If you expect that your shots may be farther, it is also imporant for you to know the drop in trajectory of your chosen cartridge. I like to shoot several hunting loads of a heavy grain weight through a rifle and pick the most accurate, which can be different with each barrel. Once I’ve got my zero, I’ll confirm a ballistic calculator’s drop by shooting three-shot groups as far as my home range will allow. Next, I practice shooting from various positions and using different magnifications. I want to cluster shots as tightly and precisely as possible with the lowest power dialed on my scope. If you rely on too much magnification to shoot well, you may find yourself struggling to see an animal in the field and make an ethical shot. What you can’t prepare for are the random encounters that make such a trip memorable. This time, we found ourselves in our Toyota Land Cruiser drag racing a pair of ostrich that sped up to 40 miles per hour, once surrounded by 30 curious giraffe and spied a white rhino mother protecting her young calf.

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The Storm’s barrel is a matte-finish stainless steel.

The left-hand action uses a twolug push-feed bolt.

Too often, left-handed hunters find themselves adapting to a right-handed world. Savage has taken the time-tested Model 110, and improved ergonomics for left-handed shooters. Available in many calibers ranging from .22-250 Remington to 7mm Remington Magnum, J.J. used this rifle equipped with a Bushnell Nitro 3-12x44mm ($550) and fed it Federal’s Fusion 200-grain bonded soft-point. One shot before dusk was all that was needed to finish an hours-long arduous stalk. Gemsbok is an antelope (below), the largest of the oryx genus, that thrives in arid regions such as Namibia’s Kalahari desert. Their thick hide requires a deep penetrating bullet of .270 caliber or larger.

Savage’s AccuFit is customizable for length of pull and comb height. Savage 110 Storm (LH) Type: Cartridge: Capacity: Barrel: Weight: Overall Length: Finish: Stock: Trigger:

The .338 Federal is a stout, powerful and heavy cartridge capable of taking down small and large species of plains game.

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One shot at 190 yards proved the .338 Federal’s effectiveness as it passed through the gemsbok’s thick hide to vitals.

Sights: MSRP: Manufacturer:

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DUAL ANGLE HUNTER® HYBRID The new Dual Angle Hunter® Hybrid is the latest rendition of our very successful original Hunter from the 1970s. Immediately available for most 4” and 6” revolvers.

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Bolt action, left hand .338 Federal 4+1 rds. 22 in., button rifled, 1:10-in. twist 7 lbs, 2 oz. 42 in. Matte stainless steel Savage AccuStock; gray, synthetic; adj. comb height, adj. length of pull Savage AccuTrigger; 2 lbs., 8 oz. to 6 lbs. (adj.) None $865 Savage Arms, 413-642-4260, savagearms.com

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All 110 models benefit from the AccuTrigger, 21/2 to 6 lbs., adjustable. The AccuFit stock secures the action three dimensionally along its length. Savage Type: Cartridge: Capacity: Barrel: Weight: Overall Length: Finish: Stock: Trigger: Sights: MSRP: Manufacturer:

110 Long Range Hunter Bolt action .300 Win. Mag. 4+1 rds. 26 in., button rifled; 1:10-in. twist 8 lbs., 1 oz. 47.25 in. Matte black (carbon steel) Savage AccuFit; gray, synthetic, adj. comb height, adj. length of pull Savage AccuTrigger; 2 lbs., 8 oz. to 6 lbs. (adj.) None $1,119 Savage Arms, 413-642-4260, savagearms.com

This model features an adjustable muzzlebrake that reduces felt recoil.

The 110 Long Range Hunter expands on the 110’s reputation for accuracy by incorporating the new AccuFit system that let’s hunters personalize the AccuStock’s fitment. The 26-inch barrel is complete with an adjustable muzzlebrake that further tames felt recoil. Combined with the useradjustable AccuTrigger, this model 110 can be set up ideally for you. These adjustable features come together to promote precision and consistency. Jake used this rifle equipped with a Bushnell Nitro 4-16x44 and loaded with Federal Premium’s new 200-grain Terminal Ascent for .300 Winchester Magnum to take a magnificent red hartebeest with one shot from 360 yards.

Jake proudly sits behind a red hartebeest taken from a hidden prone position on top of a dune at 360 yards.

Terminal Ascent is bonded and features a slipstream polymer tip. Expansion starts 200 fps lower than comparable bullets.

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The stainless steel bolt and barrel are spiral fluted and PVD coated. The 110 High Country features TrueTimber Strata synthetic stock with overmold surfaces. Savage Type: Cartridge: Capacity: Barrel: Weight: Overall Length: Finish: Stock:

Trigger: Sights: MSRP: Manufacturer:

110 High Country Bolt action 6.5 Creedmoor 4+1 rds. 22 in., button rifled; 1:8-in. twist, spiral fluted 8 lbs., 1 oz. 42.375 in. to 43.375 in. Coyote Brown PVD Savage AccuFit AccuStock; TrueTimber Strata camo., synthetic; adj. comb height, adj. length of pull Savage AccuTrigger; 2 lbs., 8 oz. to 6 lbs. (adj.) None $1,129 Savage Arms, 413-642-4260, savagearms.com

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The muzzle is threaded and capped with a thread protector.

The pinnacle of Savage 110 models is the 110 High Country. Besides the camouflage AccuStock with internal chassis and customizable AccuFit combs and length-of-pull spacers, the stock provides overmolded gripping surfaces for comfort and control. The coyote brown-colored PVD coating compliments the TrueTimber Strata while supplying a low-friction barrier of protection. Underneath the PVD treatment, the barreled action is made of stainless steel for the ultimate combination against corrosion. The author mounted Bushnellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top-of-the-line Forge 2.5-15x50mm in Terrain color with a Deploy MOA reticle for short- or long-range precision.

Stalked to within 100 yards, this kudu bull was downed by one shot. The 6.5 Creed will take all but the largest plains game.

For the ultimate in performance, the author called upon Federalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Custom Shop to load his 140-grain Nosler AccuBond.

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.SPORT 22 THE

PISTOL ! C

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ONE OF MY AFRICAN MENTORS, Geoff Broom, often told me about safaris with Colonel Charles Askins in the 1960s. Wherever he went, Askins had a High Standard .22 pistol on his belt, and frequently used it to bag birds for the pot. Across much of Africa, tasty francolin fowl and guinea are frequently encountered along the road, so this is a common use for an accurate rimfire handgun except that Askins typically shot them in the air.

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COLT “THE WOODSMAN” 6 ⁄ -in. medium bbl. SN# 54000-90000 1927 –1934 58

HIGH STANDARD SUPERMATIC TROPHY 51/2-, 63/4-, 71/4-, 8- or 10-in. bbl. 1960 –1962

High Standard’s Supermatic Trophy featured a high-gloss “Trophy” finish. Barrel weights and stabilizer were also available. Examples with 8- and 10-inch barrels are valued the highest.

Although introduced in 1915, the rollstamped inscription “THE WOODSMAN” didn’t appear until 1927.

THANK YOU The Colt and High Standard pistols were loaned to Guns & Ammo for this story by Dave Barth of Pekin Gun & Sporting Goods, Pekin, Illinois.

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prized by collectors, there are many variations of Colt’s Woodsman and high standard’s sport pistols, including prototypes, experimentals, special orders, factory customs and line changes.

HIGH STANDARD SUPERMATIC TOURNAMENT 41/2-, 51/2- or 63/4-in. bbl. 1960 –1965

COLT MATCH TARGET, SECOND SERIES 6-in. bbl. 1947 –1955

COLT HUNTSMAN 41/2-in. or 6-in. bbl. 1955 – 1977

The Old Days: Colt & High Standard The .22 “sport pistol” evolved between the world wars in a time when bullseye competitions were at their height. Rooted in target shooting, these pistols are accurate, typically feature adjustable sights on a blowback semiautomatic action that’s a bit lighter than a competition handgun. Although the .22 sport pistol can (and has) filled many roles, it was not developed for pocket carry or personal defense, but was intended for plinking and potting small game and varmints, and even a fun utility pistol for holster carry. Colt’s Woodsman was the early leader and archetypical sport pistol, but High Standard offered an alternate choice. High Standard’s .22 semiautos were manufactured from 1949 to 1984 in a wide variety of competition and sport models. A well-made, high-quality pistol, the High Standard was preferred by many target shooters. In fact, Col. Askins (1907–1999) was a two-time national pistol champion. He practiced some form of shooting discipline almost every day, and since I’m told that he carried a High Standard on safari, I assume he used it for at least some of his smallbore competition. When I was shooting smallbore in college, we checked out and used High Standard Supermatic target pistols from the armory. Those were great pistols, but I can assure you that, never, not on my best day, could I have hit flying birds with it.

Although perhaps not as popular as the High Standard in competitive circles, Colt’s Woodsman was the runaway favorite and American classic .22 sport pistol. Based on a John Browning blowback design, some 690,000 Colt Woodsman pistols were made between 1915 and 1977. Ernest Hemingway was a big fan, too. In his classic novelette “Big Two-Hearted River” (1925), the protagonist, “Nick Adams,” carried a Woodsman. In his posthumous “True at First Light” (1999), Hemingway carries one during the Mau Mau uprising in Kenya in 1954. Dad carried one, too. He had his from 1939 onward. Like the High Standard, the Woodsman was offered in both target and sport versions, the latter with a lighter barrel. The Woodsman Sport had either a 41/2-inch or 6-inch barrel with a 10-shot magazine. All Woodsman pistols had windage-adjustable rear sights. Early 41/2-inch pistols had fixed front sights, but all 6-inch (and later 41/2-inch) models had elevation-adjustable front sights. Dad’s was a 6-inch version. When I was a kid, getting to shoot it was a big deal! However, to this day the Colt Woodsman remains one of the most difficult pistols I’ve ever tried to strip down for cleaning. Putting it back together was even worse. Ruger Standard: A Company is Born Introduced in 1949 and marketed at a suggested retail of $37.50, the Ruger Standard, later Mark I and Mk I, was William B. Ruger’s first production firearm. It has been modified into Mk II, III, and the current Mk IV to become the most popular and prolific .22 pistol ever made. The Ruger is a

t h e . 22 s port pist ol | April 2020

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ruger’s first standard Models featured grips with a red eagle medallion. Follow g the death of Ale nder sturm in 19 they were c to black in h memory.

RUGER MARK IV 22/45 LITE 4.4-in. bbl., Davidson’s Exclusive $580

blowback action with internal bolt, originally with fixed sights only and nine-round magazine. When I was a kid and Ruger was a new name in the firearms world, I confused “Ruger” with “Luger.” Indeed, the lines of the Ruger Standard — including its profile with fixed sights — are similar to the famous German pistol, but it is more similar to the Japanese Nambu. The Nambu’s grip angle slants sharply rearward, as does the Luger and both the Woodsman and High Standard .22 pistols. The Standard’s grip angle remained until 2012, when the Mk III version was introduced with 22/45 variants, emulating the grip angle of the Colt 1911. The current Mk IV pistol remains available in Standard versions with fixed sights, visually very much like the original, but incorporate a number of mechanical and design improvements. Grips and grip angles, barrel lengths, sights and rails, finishes, and barrels threaded or not. To me, the grip angle is largely a matter of personal preference. I have owned and used both, but I guess I’m a 1911 guy at heart, so I prefer the 22/45 version. Across the four generations, the Ruger pistols have been offered in dozens of variations, although always in

RUGER STANDARD “BLACK EAGLE” 43/4-in. or 6-in. bbl. 1952 – 1982

A credit to modern nufacturing ods, the generation r Mark iV ffered with different stylized lightening cuts, sights and anodized colors.

.22 LR. At this moment, Ruger offers the Mk IV pistol in 12 different models. Most basic is the RUGER Mk IV Standard with fixed MARK I TARGET 51/4-, 51/2-, or 6 ⁄ -in. bbl. sights and a current retail 1952 – 1982 price of $449. I would argue that a true .22 sport pistol needs adjustable sights, but I suppose that depends on what you intend to do with it and how well you shoot. Me, these days I need all the help I can get. 78

Browning Buck Mark Previous Browning .22 semiautomatic pistols include the Nomad, Medalist and the extremely similar Challenger. Introduced in 1985, their current sport pistol entry is the Buck Mark. Browning does have another .22 semiauto pistol, their excellent 1911-22, an 85 percent scaleddown version of the 1911. I need to go out on a limb here and say that the 1911-22, although a great pistol in all ways, isn’t exactly a sport pistol because of its short barrel and nonadjustable sights, so it appears absent on these pages. The Buck Mark is definitely a sport pistol: blowback operation, 10-shot magazine and a fixed barrel. The bolt isn’t exactly internal like the Ruger, but it operates underneath a top frame strap. Grip angle is fairly similar to the 1911, but what else BUY IT NOW! log on to galleryofguns.com, select this firearm, pay a deposit and it will be at your local gun store in two days. When purchased from galleryofguns.com, Davidson’s guarantees to repair or replace this firearm for life.

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Browning’s Buck Mark is a worldwide favorite. in Finland, Boddington used a Buck Mark to take this supikoira or ccoon dog,” a small common in e

BROWNING BUCK MARK PLUS VISION RED (LIMITED PROD.) 57⁄8-in. bbl. 2020 $700

would we expect from Browning? Browning does an amazing job of offering a wide array of products. The Buck Mark has been through innumerable variations in the last 34 years and is currently offered in 23 different models. Variations include finishes; grips; slab-sided, round barrels; barrel lengths, sight threaded or unthreaded muzzles. M ences are cosmetic, which is not un but the variety of Buck Mark pistol Prices start at just $389, which is a this small-pistol category. The Buck pistol but, uniquely, is also the basi Buck Mark .22 rifle. Smith & Wesson Victory Introdu Wesson’s “Victory” is the newest on replaces (and is similar to) the Mod significant difference is that the bar It is quite different from the much a legend that dates back to 1957 an BUY IT NOW! log on to galleryofguns.com, select this firearm, pay a deposit and it will be at your local gun store in two days. When purchased from galleryofguns.com, Davidson’s guarantees to repair or replace this firearm for life.

BROWNING BUCK MARK CONTOUR STAINLESS URX 51/2- or 71/4-in. bbl. 2020 – Current $580-$590

duced at the 2020 t show, Browning’s Mark plus Vision red ures a suppressorready threaded barrel given a muzzle brake, UFX overmolded grips and an adjustable rear sight behind a fiber-optic front.

The Model 41 is very much a respected target pistol, but I argue that it isn’t a sport pistol. On the other hand, the Victory has a blowback action with a 10-shot magazine, .22 LR with enclosed bolt and grip angle similar to a 1911-type pistol. S&W took a different approach with the Victory. It isn’t a one-size-fits-all design, but the standard model is the Victory Target with 51/2-inch bull barrel, fiber-optic sights with adjustable rear, stainless steel with textured grip panels and a optic rail supplied. It’s a complete sport pistol package at a retail of $416. Both threaded and unthreaded versions are available, but for additional options, including 6-inch, fluted, carbon-fiber barrels and factory-supplied Vortex Viper red dot sight, you’ll need to contact the Performance Center. Performance & Sights The High Standard pistol was thought to be finicky about cycling, but I’ve read this was usually a maintenance issue. My only experience with a High Standard was in competition where we cleaned our pistols regularly. With thorough cleaning, I don’t ever remember ever catching a jam during a rapid-fire string, but that was a long time ago

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SMITH & WESSON SW22 VICTORY 51/2-in. or 6-in. Perf. Ctr. bbl. 2016 – Current $416

on the bench with the smith & Wesson’s sW22 Victory. the trigger is superb, a legacy from s&W Model 41 target pistols that these modern pistols descend from.

and I suppose it must have l rgely unchanged, happened. e legendary Model Dad’s Woodsman generally is still produced d hand built in performed consistently, and mited quantity by numerous Ruger pistols I’ve had smith & Wesson’s (from Mark I to IV) have p rformance Center. always spit ‘em out. I have SMITH & WESSON less experience with the MODEL 41 51/2-in. or 7-in bbl. Buck Mark and the Victory, Lite, and a 1940s vintage Woodsman. All grip angles 1957 – Current $1,369 but they are proven pistols with reputations for reliability. except the Woodsman’s were “1911-esque” and I found These days, we are sometimes subjects to ammo them steadier and more comfortable to shoot than the availability, especially in .22 LR. I’ve learned that Browning, Woodsman’s rear-slanting grip. The heavier barrels on the Ruger, Smith & Wesson and an old reliable Woodsman have all Buck Mark and Victory also aided stability, but of course these jammed with cheap, bulk lots of .22 ammo. Across the board, are heavier pistols. The Buck Mark Camper URX weighs 34 as you might expect with a blowback action, high-velocity .22 ounces, while the S&W Victory with the heaviest barrel weighs LR was pretty much non-slip. However, standard-velocity .22 36 ounces. The 22/45 Lite is significantly lighter at 25 ounces. LR ammunition from good brands also work fine. The problems For comparison, the old all-steel Woodsman with a 6-inch barrel arise with inexpensive, bulk ammo that we’re compelled to buy weighs 32 ounces, but with its longer, slender barrel, it was the because it’s such a good deal. It’s not a good deal if jams are most difficult to steady. Across the board, trigger use was excepfrustratingly frequent. Plink with what you want, but if you want tional, crisp and light, further proof that these sport pistols have to make sure your sport pistol will function properly with every roots in target shooting. shot, feed it good ammo! Another thing I learned is that there are major differences in For this story, I had on hand a sights. This was not a huge surBUY IT NOW! Buck Mark Camper UFX stainless, prise. It’s been a long time since I log on to galleryofguns.com, select this firearm, pay a deposit and it will be at your local gun store in two days. When purchased from galleryofa Victory Target stainless, an early shot smallbore competition, and guns.com, Davidson’s guarantees to repair or replace this firearm for life. Mk III 22/45 Lite, a Mk IV 22/45 my eyes aren’t what they were back

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then. However, shooting a sport pistol, as in head-shooting small game and grouse, is not the same as ringing steel. Fixed iron sights are obviously not designed for precise shooting at small targets. The front blades, or fiber-optic beads on some examples, are too big and subtended too much A 11/2-inch, 25-yard group was fired with of the target. Sure, they’re great for fast ruger’s 22/45 lite and a red dot sight. shooting at larger targets (like silhouettes), this isn’t quite minute of angle (MoA), but but they’re not ideal for little marks. it is definitely “minute of squirrel.” Surprisingly, the most precise sight for me was the narrow, square, flat-topped blade on an 80-year-old Woodsman, hearkening back to a time when we worried about X-ring hits, not just plinking. My Officer’s Model target revolver of the same vintage, have exactly the same narrow, square, flat-topped blades. Mind you, I had to strain like heck to see that narrow blade. the author’s 80-year-old Colt Woodsman OK, actually, I couldn’t see it. I cheated smacks of old school style and craftmanusing reading glasses, allowing the target to ship, but the modern sport pistols are be fuzzy, but keeping the sights sharp. more affordable and easier to come by. In this fashion I could shoot reasonable 15-yard groups by concentrating on center-of-mass holds, but my 25-yard groups opened up badly. I could keep armadillos out of my yard, but if I needed to head-shoot vermin, there would be a few that got away. So, I cheated again. One of the Ruger pistols I had on hand was a Davidson’s Exclusive green-anodized Mk IV 22/45 Lite featuring a barrel shroud and rail on the receiver. I put a red dot sight on the rail, which tightened up my groups. Accuracy For this round-up, I was curious to compare groups from each sport pistol. With adjustable open sights as supplied, I could keep the Buck Mark, Victory, Mark IV, and the old Woodsman to 3-inch groups at 25 yards. With a whole bunch of eyestrain, I could hold the occasional 21/2-inch group, but not much tighter. Sure, these pistols are all capable of better, but that’s as good I could see to hold with or without reading glasses. This level of accuracy will no longer win bullseye matches, but it might still put some small game in the pot. I accept that adding a red dot sight was not in keeping with the sport pistol concept. I also accept that I’m a child of the optical sight era. I’m now old enough that my eyes can no longer resolve iron sights for pinpoint accuracy. Therefore, I decided I should be old enough to admit it. The red dot sight cut the groups in half. After zeroing, 11/2-inch groups were instantly possible. Even at that, I’d miss the occasional head shot, but that’s well within “minute of squirrel” or “rabbit.” My Kansas woods are brim-full of red squirrels and I haven’t bothered them much. I may spend some time when the season rolls around again. It’s been a long time since I’ve taken a .22 sport pistol into the woods. Sounds like fun, but flying birds won’t be on the agenda. As for a favorite, I can’t pick just one. I can say it isn’t the old Colt Woodsman. That’s still a great pistol, but the modern sport pistols were easier to shoot well — especially with a red dot.

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80 G&A Apr il 2020 PR OOF HOUS E

Mossberg Patriot LR Hunter

GO THE DISTANCE MOSSBERG’S PATRIOT LINE of bolt-action rifles is growing for 2020, and the newest addition, the Patriot LR Hunter, is designed with serious long-range hunters in mind. At the heart of this gun is Mossberg’s pushfeed action with dual locking lugs, a plungertype extractor and a spiral-fluted bolt body. The LR Hunter is also equipped with a detachable, polymer-box magazine, a two-position rocker-type safety, a one-piece rail, and Mossberg’s bladed- and a user-adjustable LBA trigger. These are features that have made the Patriot line a popular option with hunters. The LR Hunter adds a new stock that’s purpose-built for long-range hunting. Most

Patriot rifles feature injection molded stocks, but the Hunter LR stock merges a hardwood core with a gray polymer exterior and a black web pattern that looks much like a hand-laid composite stock. At the comb, there is a raised Monte Carlo cheekpiece to align the shooter’s eye with the optic. Inside, aluminum pillar bedding improves accuracy potential. The deep grip profile allows for a comfortable hold on the rifle from any shooting position. The rather steep angle makes reaching the LBA trigger easy. At the front, the LR Hunter also features a tapered forearm with a flat bottom that bags nicely. Dual sling studs also make it easy to mount a bipod.

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The oversized bolt handle makes lifting and cycling the Patriot LR Hunter fast and easy. Like other Patriot rifles, the LR Hunter uses a 90-degree bolt throw and a two-position rocker-type safety.

The Patriot LR Hunterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s polymer magazine sits almost flush against the bottom of the rifleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stock. A release lever is recessed, which protects against unintentional mag drops while hunting.

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The LR Hunter utilizes the same two-lug, push-feed bolt found in other Patriot rifles. The bolt body wears spiral fluting giving the gun a stylish appearance and a tiny bit of weight savings.

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Mossberg Patriot LR Hunting Type: Bolt action Caliber: 6.5 PRC (tested); 6.5 Creedmoor; .308 Win.; .300 Win. Mag. Capacity: 4+1 rds. Barrel: 22, 24 in.; fluted, threaded Overall Length: 42.25 in. to 44.75 in. Weight: 7 lbs. Stock: Wood core with polymer shell Length of Pull: 13.75 in. Finish: Grey (stock); matte blue (steel) Trigger: 2 lbs., 8 oz. Sights: None MSRP: $721 Manufacturer: O.F. Mossberg & Sons, 203-230-5300, mossberg.com

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The threaded muzzle makes it easy to add a muzzle device or suppressor. A cap with knurling is provided to protect the threads when no muzzle device is in place.

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The Patriot LR Hunter’s carbon steel, button-rifled sporter-profile barrel is fluted and finished in matte blue. The 22-inch barrel is used for 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Win. models, and those chambering 6.5 PRC and .300 Win. Mag. receive 24-inch barrels.

Patriot LR Hunter rifles feature a stock with a wood core that’s polymer-coated. Texture comes by a webbed gray finish. The flat-bottom forearm is ideal for shooting on bags.

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Like other Patriot rifles, the LR Hunter is fitted with a carbon steel, button-rifled fluted barrel complete with a threaded muzzle. A thread cap is included for those who choose not to suppress their rifle. For those who do, the Patriot’s barrel has a wide shoulder that effectively supports it. For 2020, the LR Hunter is available in four calibers: 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, .308 Winchester, and .300 The Patriot LR Hunter’s polymer magazine Winchester Magnum. This selection fits securely into the rifle. The double-stack should appeal to hunters and longdesign increases capacity. Spare magazines range shooters alike. can be bought online for around $30. The .308 Win. and 6.5 Creedmoorchambered rifles weigh 61/2 pounds each and sport 22-inch barrels, while the 6.5 PRC and .300 Win. Mag. rifles are equipped with 24-inch barrels and weigh 7 pounds. Both the .308- and .300 Win. Mag. models use 1:10-inch twist rates, while the 6.5 Creedmoor and 6.5 PRC have 1:8-inch twists. The 6.5 PRC we tested measured 441/4 inches from stem to stern, and the LBA trigger recorded 21/2 pounds.

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Mossberg’s Patriot push-feed action has proven effective. The 90-degree bolt lift is tall, but the result is less effort to cycle. Be sure of the needed scope height to prevent interference between the bolt handle and the scope’s ocular lens housing.

Mossb erg Pat r i ot Lr Hunt ing | Ap ril 2020

The new Patriot LR Hunter comes with a one-piece scope rail for securely mounting optics. The rail offers plenty of height for mounting scopes with large objective lenses.

Patriot LR Hunter rifles are equipped with Mossberg’s Lightning Bolt Action (LBA) trigger. The LBA trigger is user-adjustable and safe. G&A’s sample arrived factory set at 21/2 pounds.

The Patriot LR Hunter’s deep, contoured grip is suitable for shooters with large or small hands. The angle allows for a comfortable grip when shooting prone.

Magazine capacity is five rounds for the .308 and 6.5 Creedmoor models, four for 6.5 PRC and three for .300 Win. Mag. rifles. in the Field A couple members of Guns & Ammo’s staff spent the better part of a week hunting whitetails with a

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The raised comb helps properly align the shooter’s eye behind the optic. The result enables a solid cheekweld.

Patriot LR Hunter rifles comes equipped with three sling studs. Dual front studs provide separate anchor points for a bipod and sling.

Mossberg LR Hunter chambered in 6.5 PRC. While the deer didn’t cooperate (none were taken in the area), the rifle proved flawless at the range. Mossberg’s Hunter LR is one of the new breeds of rifles that incorporates features found on dedicated long-range guns. Mossberg has managed to create a rifle that is versatile and shooter

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Ap ril 2020 | Moss b erG PAtriot Lr Hun t inG

friendly. The bolt knob is oversized and easy to manipulate while wearing gloves, and the onepiece scope rail made mounting one simple. The primary upgrade you’ll see on this model when compared to other Patriot rifles is the new stock — and it’s an excellent upgrade. The grey polymer shell offers micro texturing that makes the stock easy to grasp and hold on to, while the flat-bottom forearm with dual sling studs is preferred for sling-and-bipod users. Tapering on the forearm provides a comfortable grip and complete control of the gun, but our favorite feature on this new stock is the pistol grip. Its depth and angle allow for a comfortable hold on the rifle when shooting prone off the bench or in the field. The symmetrical palm swell fills the shooter’s hand and further improves control and comfort. Length of pull is 133/4 inches, which accommodates most of us, and the recoil pad feels dense with rounded edges that don’t hang up on thick jackets. There’s a pronounced gap between the channel and the barrel, but we’d otherwise rate

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Ap ril 2020

it among the best factory wood and composite stocks we’ve tested on a rifle in this price point. Further, the polymer exterior held up to a week of neglect in deer camp as it was hauled in and out of stands and blinds without suffering a noticeable nick. Accuracy testing proved that the LR Hunter lives up to its billing as a longrange hunting rifle. On the bench from 100 yards, the average group sizes for the 6.5 PRC were just over an inch when using Hornady’s 143-grain ELD-X Precision Hunter load. There were no issues with cycling or feeding. The polymer magazine fit neatly into the rifle and locked securely in place, and it fell free into the hand when the release tab at the front of the magazine was pressed. With the safety engaged, the bolt could still be operated. At 7 pounds or less, the LR Hunter is suitable for hunting in any environment, even steep country where long hikes are the norm. We think that both hunters and shooters, particularly those who want to do both with a single rifle, will be more than satisfied by the performance of the new Patriot LR Hunter. With the exception of Mossberg’s flagship Patriot Revere, it’s the best-looking Patriot model. In true Mossberg fashion, it offers rugged dependability and excellent performance at an affordable price.

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4.7 HOURS

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61 dB

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48 LBS.

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45.6 LBS.

1.2 GAL

TANK SIZE

.95 GAL

OUTLETS

YES

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YES

79.7 cc

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98.5 cc

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S PENT C A SES

G & A A pr il 2 0 2 0

In honor of Ensign Joshua K. Watson, U.S. Navy.

K E I T H W OOD

DEFENDERS LEFT DEFENSELESS ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2019, Ensign Joshua Kaleb Watson made his final trip home to Enterprise, Alabama. Thousands of local citizens stood in the cold rain to line the roadside where his procession traveled. They waved American flags and paid their respects to this young hero as he passed. The entire student body of his high school alma mater stood humbly and in silence as the white hearse drove slowly by the campus. Watson was a recent graduate of the United States Naval Academy and a flight school student at Pensacola Naval Air Station in the panhandle of Florida, two hours from his hometown. Tragically, he was one of three men murdered when a Saudi national who was training on the post opened fire inside a classroom. Mortally wounded by at least five bullets, Watson spent his last heroic moments on this earth directing first responders to the shooter’s location. He died a hero. Ensign Watson was not only one of America’s best and brightest sons, he was one of us. He was a shooter. Joshua Watson grew up enjoying the outdoors and shot rifles competitively, both at Enterprise High School and later at the U.S. Naval Academy. As the captain of the rifle team at Annapolis, Watson led Navy to their first victory over Army in a decade, posting high scores in both smallbore and air rifle. Despite his prowess on the range, Watson died standing watch, unarmed by military regulations that rely on civilian law enforcement officers and private security guards to protect our service members and their families. It didn’t have to be that way, not after similar tragedies at Fort Bragg in 1995, and again at Fort Hood in 2009 and 2014, where active shooters preyed on unarmed service members. “He was well-qualified to have a firearm and defend himself,” Watson’s brother Adam told Fox News. “If we are going to ask these young men and women to stand watch for our country, they need the opportunity to

defend themselves. This isn’t the first time this happened, and if we don’t change something, it won’t be the last.” At the risk of politicizing this tragedy, I couldn’t agree more. When U.S. service members deploy to combat zones overseas, they do so armed. So-called “green-on-blue” attacks by Allied troops have become increasingly common in Afghanistan, and the military response has been to ensure that our troops have the means to defend themselves at all times. This method of self-defense comes to a screeching halt stateside, though, leaving brave men and women like Ensign Watson hopelessly disadvantaged in the face of an armed attack. I guess I don’t see the controversy in arming our armed forces. After all, if we can’t trust members of our military with a gun, who can we trust? However, there are notable exceptions to these policies, including the Marine Corps’ use of “Guardian Angels” as part of their force-protection strategy. In a 2006 policy letter, General James Mattis outlined the need for such a program to keep his Marines safe both at home and abroad. “A mature, alert and trusted individual is hidden, watching over his unit’s security in an ambush mentality.” According to media reports, armed Guardian Angels provide security for Marine officer trainees at Quantico, Virginia, to prevent events such as these. It is time for the rest of the military to embrace a force-protection strategy that will keep our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines safe at all times. Just before Watson was laid to rest at the Alabama National Cemetery, members of the Wildcat Rifle Team at Enterprise High School honored Watson by adding his initials to the team’s logo, ensuring that his memory will live on along the shooters who will follow in his footsteps. We should honor him further by ensuring that this never happens again — that we never ask a member of the military to stand a post unarmed. Rest in peace, Ensign Watson.