2017 r Calenda! Inside
Keith Garcia & Team Cobalt Leading 3-Gun Charge!
Surviving SHOT Show M i i Ti Maximize Time, Minimize Fatigue
Nosler Partition Bullets Tactical Brass Catcher Ruger GP100 In .22 Burton Barrels
Extreme Field Test! 200 Hunting Days Reveal 10 Top Products
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Be Prepared with the Best.
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A MERIC A N
SHOOTING JOURNAL Volume 6 // Issue 3 // December 2016 PUBLISHER
James R. Baker ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
Dick Openshaw
GENERAL MANAGER
John Rusnak
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Andy Walgamott
Q U I ET M U ZZ LE B R A K E S! We Offer 5/8x24 Threads
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Craig Hodgkins
LEAD CONTRIBUTOR
Mike Dickerson CONTRIBUTORS
Scott Haugen, Frank Jardim, Phil Massaro, Mike Nesbitt, Rob Reed, Bob Shell
A LS O O F F E R I N G
SALES MANAGER
3-position Safetie s for Mauser, Remington and CZ
Katie Higgins
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Mamie Griffin, Steve Joseph, Garn Kennedy, Mike Smith, Paul Yarnold PRODUCTION MANAGER
Sonjia Kells DESIGNERS
Michelle Hatcher, Sam Rockwell, Liz Weickum
Call us for Custom Gun Work!
G E NTRYC U STO M.C O M • (4 0 6) 3 8 8-G U N S
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
Kelly Baker
OFFICE MANAGER/ ACCOUNTING
Audra Higgins
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Katie Sauro
INFORMATION SERVICES MANAGER
Lois Sanborn
WEBMASTER / INBOUND MARKETING
Jon Hines
DIGITAL ASSISTANT
Samantha Morstan CIRCULATION MANAGER
Heidi Belew
DISTRIBUTION
Gary Bickford, Barry Johnston, Tony Sorrentino ADVERTISING INQUIRIES
ads@americanshootingjournal.com
ON THE COVER Keith Garcia and his Team Cobalt compatriots are currently rocking the competition world using the new Team Gun from Cobalt Kinetics. Three members of the squad earned national championships at the recent 3GN Nationals. (COBALT KINETICS)
the last stand
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American Shooting Journal // December 2016
MEDIA INDEX PUBLISHING GROUP WASHINGTON OFFICE P.O. Box 24365 • Seattle, WA 98124-0365 14240 Interurban Ave. S. Ste. 190 • Tukwila, WA 98168 OREGON OFFICE 8116 SW Durham Rd • Tigard, OR 97224 (206) 382-9220 • (800) 332-1736 • Fax (206) 382-9437 media@media-inc.com • www.media-inc.com
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CONTENTS
47
VOLUME 6 • ISSUE 4 • DECEMBER 2016
FEATURES
KICK ASS KINETICS
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HOW TO SURVIVE YOUR FIRST SHOT SHOW There are two types of people at the SHOT Show: experienced vets who know the ins and outs of surviving the Vegas shooting, hunting and outdoor gear extravaganza, and “SHOT shocked” newbies often overwhelmed by the sheer size of the event. If you’re going as a first-time exhibitor, attendee or media member, seasoned showgoer Rob Reed details how to maximize your time while minimizing your fatigue.
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CONCEALED COMFORT With the growing popularity of concealed carry, many people find it challenging to properly “dress around the gun.” Happily, several manufacturers now make shirts optimized in a variety of ways for concealed carry – Mike Dickerson puts several to the test on your behalf!
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ROAD HUNTER: TEN TOP HUNTING PRODUCTS Veteran author, hunter, TV host and outdoor writer Scott Haugen spent more than 200 days afield this year, quite a feat in itself. Fortunately for us, that provided him with ample time to field test a variety of hunting products, and this month he shares his insights – just in time for our favorite gift-giving time of the year!
133 BUILDING A BETTER BRASS TRAP
(COBALT KINETICS)
From SHOT Show upstart to multiple 3-Gun Nation national championships in less than two years (including titles this fall for Kalani Laker and Keith Garcia, both above), Cobalt Kinetics continues to introduce innovation into a sea of sameness by asking “Why not?” Editor Craig Hodgkins takes a look at the maverick manufacturer and their new next-gen AR-15 Team Gun.
Marine Corps veteran Lew Grasser owns Tactical Brass Recovery, a business focused on exactly what the name implies. His TBR Operator Model is the culmination of years of research and experimentation, and writer Frank Jardim – who is very hard to impress – checked it out for us this issue. Find out why Frank considers it to be the best designed and most practical brass catcher he’s ever seen.
AMERICAN SHOOTING JOURNAL is published monthly by Media Index Publishing Group, 14240 Interurban Ave South Suite 190, Tukwila, WA 98168. Display Advertising. Call Media Index Publishing Group for a current rate card. Discounts for frequency advertising. All submitted materials become the property of Media Index Publishing Group and will not be returned. Copyright © 2016 Media Index Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be copied by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying or recording by any information storage or retrieval system, without the express written permission of the publisher. Printed in U.S.A.
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CONTENTS ALSO INSIDE 25 75 125 147 161 171
Score A Gun, Prizes With Our SHOT Show ‘Golden Ticket’! THE BULLET BULLETIN: Nosler’s Partition Bullets BLACK POWDER: Flintlock Construction Inc.’s Burton Barrels GUN REVIEW: Ruger GP100 in .22 LR COMPANY SPOTLIGHT: New ARs, more from Hardened Arms, DRD Tactical, Lantac COMPANY SPOTLIGHT: AR parts, rifles from Springfield Armory, X Products, ArmaSpec, Kyntec
DEPARTMENTS 17 19 21 27
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Editor’s Note Competition Calendar Gun Show Calendar Industry News: Win a matched pair of Colt’s Roy Rogers SA Army pistols; New ammo from SIG Sauer, Federal Fusion
American Shooting Journal // December 2016
(NATIONAL SHOOTING SPORTS FOUNDATION)
113 EACH ONE, TEACH ONE
If you love firearms, the time will come when a friend or family member will pop that special question: “Can you teach me to shoot?” And since you might not know the best way to introduce them to the sport, firearms instructor Rob Reed offers intel on how to provide newbies with a safe, fun, and educational range trip.
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EDITOR’S NOTE
I
t’s the most wonderful time of the year. I write that this month for many reasons, one of which is blatantly obvious, but for a couple of others which might be a bit counterintuitive. If you don’t live under a rock, you’ve been hearing Christmas music in shopping malls and via television commercials since just before Halloween. And yes, I wrote “Christmas” music, because that’s what it is. Sure, there are some well-known “holiday” tunes, such as “Home for the Holidays,” but odds are our personal sing-a-long favorites – and the vast majority of us have at least one – center on that day in late December when we can choose to recognize that life is much bigger than the person we see every day in the mirror. It’s a singular time when we unite with friends and family to honor the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to the future. Yes, it can be difficult to separate the “faith, family and friends” season from the vast commercial enterprise built up around it, but I would argue that they are not mutually exclusive. First of all, the challenge is nothing
new. Commercialism has threatened to ruin things since Tiny Tim’s day. And our ability to provide tangible tokens of our esteem for those we love not only shows that we care about their personal pleasures and plans, but in many cases, doing so can remind us that there are less fortunate people beyond our circle who also need real assistance. The season is also a time when many are brought face to face with deep loss. Perhaps this will be the year when a longtime friend or beloved family member will not be sitting at your holiday table for the first time in memory. But I believe that there is hope in those painful moments as well. As I reflect upon the loved ones I’ve lost, I can’t help but remember what made them so unforgettable and inspirational. And to me, the next logical step is to make every effort to embody those same qualities to those who are still present in my life. And so, whether this season is all about presents or presence for you, each of us can choose to do our part to make it the most wonderful time of the year for others. –Craig Hodgkins
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American Shooting Journal // December 2016
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December 9-11 Tactical Precision Rifle Challenge/ U.S. Optics Buckeye, Ariz.
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December 10-11 Charleston GLOCK Challenge VI Palmetto Gun Club Charleston, S.C.
December 11 SLIDPA December Match Southern Shooting Center Thibodaux, La.
December 13 NRA Range IDPA NRA HQ Range Fairfax, Va.
December 17 IDPA at BGSL Blue Grass Sportsman’s League Wilmore, Ky.
December 17 IDPA Cedar Ridge Cedar Ridge Range San Antonio, Texas
December 24 PGC December Match Palmetto Gun Club Ridgeville, S.C.
Jessie Duff races to the next stage at the USPSA Nationals. Watch for our cover story on Jessie in next month’s issue! (LIVESHOTS.NET) americanshootingjournal.com 19
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American Shooting Journal // December 2016
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
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RECALL NOTICE Dear Valued Armalite Customer: Notice of Potential Safety Issue and Recall Notice for Armalite Models: AR-10, SPR MOD 1, SPR MOD 2, M15, and Eagle-15 We have determined that the disconnector and hammer on some of our AR-10, SPR MOD 1, SPR MOD 2, M-15, and Eagle-15 PRGHO ULÀHV ZHUH QRW SURSHUO\ PDQXIDFWXUHG E\ WKLUG SDUW\ YHQGRUV DQG WKDW WKH GLVFRQQHFWRUV RU KDPPHUV LQ WKRVH ULÀHV FDQ IDLO WR HQVXUH SURSHU HQJDJHPHQW RI WKH KDPPHU 7KLV LQ WXUQ FDQ UHVXOW LQ DQ XQVDIH FRQGLWLRQ LQ ZKLFK WKH ULÀH GRXEOHV GLVFKDUJLQJ WZLFH ZKHQ WKH WULJJHU LV SUHVVHG RQH WLPH $ YHU\ VPDOO SHUFHQWDJH RI WKH ULÀHV VROG KDYH EHHQ UHSRUWHG WR KDYH WKLV FRQGLWLRQ 7KLV LV DQ LPSRUWDQW VDIHW\ LVVXH DQG ZH DUH WKHUHIRUH LPSOHPHQWLQJ D SODQ VR WKDW WKH DIIHFWHG ULÀHV FDQ EH VHUYLFHG DQG WKDW WKH QRQ SHUIRUPLQJ GLVFRQQHFWRUV DQG KDPPHUV FDQ EH UHSODFHG )RUH PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ RQ WKLV UHFDOO DQG WR GHWHUPLQH LI \RXU ULÀH LV DIIHFWHG SOHDVH YLVLW Armalite.com/recall, call (866) 594-9103, or email recalls@armalite.com :H DSSUHFLDWH \RXU XQGHUVWDQGLQJ RI WKLV VLWXDWLRQ DQG ZLOO ZRUN GLOLJHQWO\ WR JHW \RX VKRRWLQJ DJDLQ 7KDQN \RX The Armalite Team
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OUR SHOT SHOW GOLDEN TICKET IS BACK! WE’RE GIVING AWAY GREAT PRIZES! 6.5 Creedmoor
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INDUSTRY NEWS This matched pair of consecutiveserial-numbered Colt Single Action Army revolvers will be sold to raise money for abused children. (HAPPY TRAILS)
HAPPIER TRAILS FOR ABUSED KIDS Colt’s Manufacturing Co. partners with the Happy Trails Children’s Foundation to raise money for abused youngsters. COMPILED BY THE EDITOR
the foundation, which through the generosity of the Colt’s Manufacturing Co., has used special he Happy Trails Children’s guns and holsters to raise money for Foundation is pleased abused children. to honor legendary These guns are exquisitely factory cowboy hero Roy Rogers engraved, and silver-plated with ivory with the Silver Screen Legend XIX, grips. The working guns direct from a magnificent matched pair of the Colt Custom Shop are engraved consecutive-serial-numbered Colt with Happy Trails on the ejector Single Action Army revolvers in .45 rod housing, Rogers’ Double R Bar Colt caliber. The owner of these fine brand behind the hammer at the top revolvers will be chosen via a charity of the backstrap and Silver Screen drawing this month. TheThis new-for-2017 Dodge Ram Power Wagon is well equipped Legend for XIX down the backstrap, is the 19th year that off-road work, and can get you just about anywhere you need to go.
T
with additional scrolls and vines. The Hollywood-style double Buscadero belt and holster rig is masterfully hand carved with sterling silver spots and buckle sets in the style of Rogers’ favorite rig. The Happy Trails Children’s Foundation is the only known children’s charity in the country today that actively supports shooting sports, Second Amendment rights and responsible gun ownership. In turn, the foundation is supported by generous contributions from shooters, collectors, organized shooting sports, the media and firearms industry. Tickets for this one-of-a-kind collectible are $10 each or 11 for americanshootingjournal.com 27
INDUSTRY NEWS
Both revolvers are factory engraved with Roy Roger’s Double R Bar brand behind the hammer and Silver Screen Legend XIX down the backstrap. (HAPPY TRAILS)
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$100. The drawing will be held Saturday evening, December 17, and the winner will be notified by phone. Check happytrails .org for the winner’s name after the drawing. The total proceeds of this drawing benefit the foundation, a charitable nonprofit under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All donations are fully tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. In accordance with postal regulations, no consideration is necessary to participate in this drawing. To purchase tickets, visit happytrails.org, call toll free (855) 788-4440, or send a check or money order to Happy Trails Children’s Foundation, SSL XIX, 10755 Apple Valley Road, Apple Valley, CA 92308. Discover, MasterCard and Visa cards are accepted.
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AR/AK Pistol Cheekrest Kits Our Pistol Cheek Rest Kits are a Hybrid design combining our Standard or Enhanced Buffer Tube Covers and the Command Arms SST1 or the Mission First Tactical Evolv Stock Saddle. The two are joined together using a specially designed adapter and mounting hardware. The result is a rock solid, ergonomic, cheek weld that provides stability for accurate, repeatable, shooting and a proper sight line for your favorite optics or sights. Our kits come pre-assembled in house with new, easy to follow, instructions on the inside flap of the new header card. Instructional videos are also available on our website.
BD-180 Blast Deflector Kits An inexpensive and easy to install upgrade for short barreled rifle and AR Pistol applications. It redirects high pressure concussion, flame, and hot muzzle gasses forward away from the shooter and bystanders. The BD-180 is unique because it can be installed between your existing A1, A2, and 3 pronged flash hider and the barrel, eliminating the need to buy an entirely new muzzle device. It can be used in place of or in conjunction with a crush washer for a secure connection and proper timing. At 1.35 inches in diameter and weighing in at a mere 2 ounces, it will fit inside most low profile or lightweight foreends without adding significant weight.
Picatinny Buffer Tube Adapter Our new Picatinny Buffer Tube Adapter is a great addition to your Sig MPX, Sig MCX, Sig P556XI, Rock River PDS, or any other pistol that utilizes a rear vertical picatinny rail. It gives a shooter the ability to add a cheek rest for greater stability or a stock for SBR conversions (federal tax stamp required).
The mounting method follows true STANAG (NATO Standardization Agreement) protocol using the two back angles and the top of the rail as the contact points. The result is perfect alignment with the centerline of the firearm. A feature that is not attainable with typical side clamping adapters. Another bonus is that there are no visible fasteners or holes on the top and sides of the adapter giving it a clean sleek look.
americanshootingjournal.com 29
INDUSTRY NEWS
WIN-WIN SITUATION SIG Sauer Introduces .308 Win Match Grade Elite Performance Ammunition
S
IG Sauer has announced that it has expanded its Match Grade Elite Performance Ammunition line for rifles with the addition of a 168-grain .308 Win load. Featuring a 168-grain Sierra MatchKing bullet, the SIG Sauer .308 Win Open Tip Match (OTM) round has a muzzle velocity of 2,700 feet per second with a muzzle energy of 2,719 foot-pounds. SIG engineers designed this round to excel in today’s precision autoloading platforms as well as bolt-action rifles. The temperature-stable propellant in this cartridge delivers consistent muzzle velocity in all weather conditions, and premium-quality primers ensure minimum velocity variations. All SIG
SIG Sauer’s Match Grade rifle ammunition in .308 Win.
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INDUSTRY NEWS rifle ammunition is precision loaded on state-of-the-art equipment that is 100 percent electromechanically monitored for geometric conformity and charge weight consistency. The shell case metallurgy is optimized in the SIG Match Grade OTM cartridge to yield consistent bullet retention round to round. “Retailers have been asking us for additional calibers in our Match Grade rifle ammunition due to the shortage of supply in the market,” said Dan Powers, president of the SIG Sauer Ammunition Division. “Our new .308 Win Match Grade OTM Elite Performance Ammunition delivers the accuracy and reliability precision shooters require and will help SIG retailers meet customer demand.” SIG manufactures its Elite Performance Ammunition in the US to the same exacting standards as the company’s premium pistols and rifles. For more, see sigammo.com.
BOAT-TAIL FOR BUCKS Fusion aims its 6.5 Creedmore round at deer hunters.
F
usion ammo from Federal Premium was the first rifle ammunition specifically built for deer hunting – and it’s still the best, offering the largest expansion and highest weight retention in its class. It’s a perfect match for the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge, which has quickly become a top choice of deer hunters who appreciate its long-range accuracy, flat trajectory, mild recoil and tagpunching power. Fusion technology has been honed, programmed and designed for the die-hard hunter. It’s a radically different technology that radiates energy, empowers the
The 6.5 Creedmore round from Fusion. (FUSION)
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INDUSTRY NEWS predator and unleashes performance. It brings the most dedicated hunters unbelievable toughness and accuracy at an unbeatable price. Before the development of Fusion ammunition, there was a big gap in performance between economical and premium loads available to deer hunters. The need to come up with a bullet that is affordable and can be counted on without fail was met by Fusion. No other bullet in its class is as tough, accurate or lethal. The 140-grain 6.5 Creedmoor bullet features a skived tip for longrange expansion plus potential short-range toughness, and the boat-tail design maximizes the ballistic coefficient and aerodynamic efficiency for extreme accuracy at mid- to long range. Better still, the load offers best-in-class weight retention and expansion. Paired with the Fusion bullet’s molecularly fused jacket and pressure-
The new Fusion round provides excellent expansion and deep penetration. (FUSION)
formed core, which totally eliminates component separation, the new load provides deep penetration and stopping power.
This soon-to-be-popular round is also available in 34 other loads, from .223 Rem. to .45-70 Govt. Â?
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American Shooting Journal // December 2016
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Limits are for game, not rifles.
Whatever you hunt, one rifle is all you need. Introducing the War Lock™ Multiple Caliber System for your AR-15. Retrofit your AR-15 to fire over 60 calibers. Learn more at Frontier Tactical™
800.992.3771 | 844.WARLOCK FrontierTactical.com | facebook.com/frontiertactical.com 38
American Shooting Journal // December 2016
Product displays at the SHOT Show, such as these rifle scopes from Minox, are designed to catch the eyes of the 65,000-plus members of the shooting, hunting and outdoor industries who attend the annual event in Las Vegas.
SURVIVING YOUR FIRST SHOT SHOW An industry vet shares tips to help you maximize your time at the outdoor industry’s biggest event and avoid the ‘1,000 aisle stare’ STORY BY ROB REED • PHOTOS BY NATIONAL SHOOTING SPORTS FOUNDATION
T
he SHOT (Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade) Show is the firearms and outdoor industries’ premier business event. Every January, more than 65,000 people converge at the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas. With more than 1,600 exhibitors and 630,000 net square feet of floor space, it is the fifth largest trade show in the nation. There are two types of people at SHOT: experienced vets who know the ins and outs of surviving the show, and “SHOT shocked” newbies often overwhelmed by the sheer size of the event. Whether you go as an exhibitor, attendee or media, here are some tips to get the most out of the show and avoid the “1,000 aisle stare.”
WHO CAN ATTEND To steal a line from The Lord of the Rings movie, “One cannot simply walk into SHOT Show.” All registrations must be approved in advance and there is no walk-up registration available. Since SHOT is a trade and not a gun show, the National Shooting Sports Foundation, which puts it together, limits attendance to professionals in the shooting and outdoor industries. This includes manufacturers, distributers, FFL dealers and media. Recently, the NSSF has tightened up attendance policies to make it easier for attendees to conduct business at the show by reducing the number of looky-loos. Media attendance is generally restricted to those who cover the shooting and outdoor trades on a regular basis. New media, including bloggers and YouTubers, are welcome, if they
meet the NSSF’s requirements. As media registration is capped, the earlier you apply for media credentials, the better.
PLAN AHEAD To get the most out of your SHOT experience, start planning as soon as you can. Make appointments with the people you want to talk to early before their schedules fill up. Refer to the floor plan while booking appointments to avoid unnecessary walking. The show occupies three floors and it takes time to get from one place to another. There are two vital computer programs available for the show. The first, My SHOT Show Planner, allows you to log in and schedule appointments. You can access this online program through your computer or through kiosks on the show floor. The second is the SHOT Show mobile app for smart phones. This free app includes appointment scheduling, exhibitor lists, a map of the show floor, and a americanshootingjournal.com 39
navigation aid to get you from one spot to another efficiently. WHERE TO STAY As with real estate, the key is “Location, location, location.” The most convenient, and expensive, option is to stay at the Venetian/ Palazzo hotel complex. Since these hotels are connected to the Sands Convention Center, and serve as the official show hotels, they are the closest to the action. Expect to pay $200 and up a night. If you are on a budget, the prices drop as you move further down the Strip. For example, if you stay about a mile and a half away, rooms at Circus Circus can be found for about a third of the price. The drawback is that the free shuttle service the NSSF provides from the hotels to the Convention Center stops an hour after the exhibit hall closes. Since so much business is conducted at evening social events, you’ll have the choice of either not returning to your room until late or night, carrying everything you have with you all day, or paying $12 to $15 a pop for taxis to and from the hotel. While many Vegas hotels are advertised as being within “walking distance” of the center, the last thing you want to do after being on your feet all day is hoofing it back to your room. DRESS AND APPEARANCE Since SHOT is essentially one large business meeting and networking opportunity, how you present yourself is important. Unless you need to showcase your own clothing products, want to impress the tactical crowd, or wear company or sponsor attire, “business casual” should be the rule. You can dress more casually when you are meeting friends or coworkers at the bar. However you dress, the most important thing is to wear comfortable shoes. In past people with pedometers have reported walking anywhere from 6 to 12 miles each day. Multiply that by four days and you understand why people talk of the “SHOT Show Marathon.” 40
American Shooting Journal // December 2016
You can’t avoid crowds at SHOT, from outside the hall (top) to the smaller rooms (middle) and the main show floor (bottom).
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MANAGE YOUR GEAR Each day at SHOT is like a miniexpedition. It helps if you can establish a base camp where you can stash supplies or drop things off during the day. Exhibitors can use their booth, media can check coats and bags at the Press Room, and the Sands Expo Center offers a coat and bag check for a fee. You will want a bag while you are on the floor for all the flyers, media kits, catalogs and swag. Just try to avoid dragging luggage behind you or using an overly large pack so you don’t get in other people’s way. And remember, everything you pick up, you have to carry with you, so think twice before filling your fists with freebies. The show prohibits photography, except for media. If you do attend as media, battery management is important. The Press Room includes a working area where you can set up your computer and power strips to recharge devices. The outlets are in high demand, so if you have multiple devices you may want to bring a small
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American Shooting Journal // December 2016
The show also has its own logo merchandise available.
Give The Gift Of Accuracy Patented, Tannerite® brand binary targets have changed the sport and practice of long-range shooting. Now, even at hundreds of yards, the experience of a hit seems close and personal. Audibly, a well placed bullet produces a thunderous report that underlines your accuracy. Visually, the plume of a direct strike circles like a round of high fives among friends. And all this sound, fury, reward – and fun – while improving your game. This makes Tannerite® brand targets the shooters dream for the holdays. Look for your local dealer on www.tannerite.com. americanshootingjournal.com 43
3-in-1 adapter to maximize outlet efficiency. There are also a few phone charging stations scattered throughout the show. Of course, extra batteries and memory cards are a must. HEALTH AND WELFARE There are a couple health issues to watch out for at the show. The first is dehydration. You’ll be walking a lot, and the air is dry, so it takes work to stay hydrated. Although bottled water is available, it is expensive, so the smart option is to bring your own water bottle and refill it as needed. The second and more insidious danger is the legendary “SHOT Show Crud.” With this many people in a confined space, upper respiratory infections spread easily. Here the best bet is to stay hydrated, take Vitamin C, and wash your hands as often as possible. I actually followed a friend’s recommendation and carried around a small bottle of hand sanitizer, which I used religiously after shaking hands, handling demo products, and before eating or drinking.
This array of Smith & Wesson handguns represents just a fraction of the firearms credentialed attendees see and handle at SHOT.
THE SECRET SHOT SHOW The SHOT Show experience is different once you’ve attended a couple times. In addition to the exhibit hall and scheduled public events, there are a large number of “invitation only” parties and events during the week. The thing to do isn’t
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Product SPOTLIGHT
RUDOLPH OPTICS RF M1200 MICRO RANGEFINDER The Rudolph Optics RF M1200 Micro Rangefinder is the industry’s smallest 1,200-meter (1,320-yard) rangefinder. With simple ergonomic design it literally fits in the palm of your hand. Built with the fastest laser technology on the market, it is fast and easy to use, because everything you need to know is displayed on our built-in “Through the Lens” LCD display. At .31 pounds and 3.54 inches long it can be concealed for any type of hunting situation. The slim design can be stored into a chest pocket for minimal movement when that trophy of a lifetime shows up, yet it’s powerful enough to reach out to nearly a mile for long-range shooting enthusiasts. It’s by far the best value for the money on the market. “When accuracy matters,” you can count on Rudolph to help you be successful.
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Cobalt Kinetics' Team Gun has powered the company’s 3-Gun squad to multiple national championships. Now, you can own one for yourself. STORY BY CRAIG HODGKINS • PHOTOS BY COBALT KINETICS
I
f you look up “cobalt” on the periodic chart of the elements, you’ll find it listed at number 27, right between iron and nickel. But if you did a word search for “cobalt” shortly after the 3GN Nationals concluded earlier this year, your results field would have been full of number ones. When the dust at the nationals had settled – or more accurately, after Hurricane Matthew’s torrential rains had finally subsided – Team Cobalt members wore national championship crowns in three different divisions; unlimited, practical and factory. Those results are a challenge for anyone, but they are highly unusual
for a competitive team running a gun made by a company that didn’t even manufacture them a couple of years ago. But at Cobalt Kinetics, being unusual has been a badge of honor from the very beginning. “We went to SHOT Show before we started the company,” said Skylar Stewart, vice president of the St. George, Utah-based business (cobaltkinetics.com), “and we got so sick of seeing black rifles. There were lots of exciting things in bolt guns and shotguns and pistols, but the AR15 got stuck in this pseudo-military styling, and no one was really pushing it. I personally have plenty of black guns, and it would take something exciting for me to buy another AR-15. At that point, we decided to be that new, exciting AR-15.” The first step was to assemble a
team to design that exciting new gun. Again, Cobalt took a different path. “We brought in people from a lot of different disciplines,” said Stewart. “We’ve got fluid dynamic engineers and engineers from different areas, guys from the racing industry, your classic gunsmith guys, we’ve got police, military – people from a lot of walks of life. We wanted to start fresh. It helped us to not be stuck in the ‘black gun rut.’" It’s not that there haven’t been improvements made for the modular AR-15 platform. There is a big aftermarket where you can find multiple replacements for every part of a standard gun. But Cobalt Kinetics had something else in mind. “We set out to make a rifle,” Stewart continued, “but we didn’t just want to make it look cool and function exactly like all of the other ones did. We wanted to really have something worth creating a whole brand of rifles for. Not just a different look, with different colors. We wanted it to function better.” americanshootingjournal.com 47
And do it they did. At their first SHOT Show as a manufacturer in 2015, the company debuted their B.A.M.F. (Billet Aluminum Modern Firearm) rifle, and it created quite a buzz. “We got in trouble at the SHOT Show and range day for having too big a crowd in the aisle,” said Stewart, “but that’s a good problem to have.” Within a few months, Cobalt debuted a second firearm, the Edge model. Both featured the innovative Dual Drop system, which turned the lowly forward assist into an ambidextrous bolt release. “The Dual Drop on our rifles has sped up the reload times by a half a second,” said Stewart. “Both sides of the forward assist will drop the bolt, so no matter if you’re left-handed or right-handed, you can just reach your thumb up to drop the bolt. That was one of the first things we designed.” SHOOTING COMPETITIONS WERE EXPANDING rapidly across the country, and none were growing faster than 3-gun events featuring pistol, shotgun and rifle. The reload time savings created by the Dual Drop system got the Cobalt brain trust pondering what it would take to create a gun designed specifically for the rifle portion of those competitions. To help them achieve that goal, they called on a man whose name was already quite familiar to fans of multigun events, Keith Garcia. Garcia is a career law enforcement officer who initially sought out shooting competitions to enhance his personal SWAT team training, where officers need to shoot quickly and accurately on the move and under stress. His first 3-gun match came in
Team Cobalt during a rare calm moment at a recent competition. From left, Nick Atkinson, Kalani Laker, Rick Birdsall and Keith Garcia.
2004, and although he admits that he was terrible, he was hooked. By 2008, he finished second in the nationals, and solidified his reputation as a knowledgeable competitor. In the summer of 2015, Cobalt brought in Dave Lake, an experienced gunsmith with a lot of good ideas. One of Lake’s best musings was to have the young company bring Garcia in as a design consultant. “We reached a level where we knew we needed some input from people who competed professionally,” said Stewart. “We met, and they told me what their vision was,” Garcia said. “They wanted to do new and innovative stuff, and that got me excited. They said, ‘You design a gun that will be the best thing for rifle, 2-gun or 3-gun competition, cost is no object, and it’s a blank sheet of paper.’” “That’s a big thing with our team,
adds Stewart. “We try not to focus on why we couldn’t do something. Instead, we want to focus on ‘How could we?’ We try to ask ‘Why not?’ rather than ‘Why can’t it be done?’ Our (only) challenge has been manufacturing the stuff that we come up with.” “We started down this path,” explained Garcia, “and they surprised me with how much stuff they wanted to make in-house. We would go to the range, and I’d take their gun apart and put in other parts. I’d show them the difference between how it felt and how it shot, and what made something a Ferrari as opposed to a Toyota … Both can look good, but one’s going to outperform the other one.” Garcia would invite engineers out to the range to either shoot the gun or watch him shoot it so he could tell them what the gun was doing in real time, and show them the results on the
The Cobalt Kinetics Team Gun is now available in two configurations, including one exactly like the version the team shoots in competitions.
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target. It made it easier to see what he was talking about, and they would ask questions – lots of questions. “That’s where we really got the ball rolling,” said Garcia. “They would ask good questions about stuff I’d assumed they’d already know or that was industry standard. But because they weren’t industry guys, they wouldn’t know, and they would look at it from a different vantage point.” ANOTHER RECENT INNOVATION, C.A.R.S., for Cobalt Advantage Reloading System, came about through a series of these conversations. “They came to me and said ‘Hey, we’ve got this idea for a system that will drop the magazine and drop the bolt,’ and I was like, ‘That’s bullsh*t. It hasn’t been done in 50 years, it can’t be done.’ And then they made it work.” CARS (the folks at Cobalt really love acronyms) is set to debut this coming summer on Cobalt’s new Evolve gun, and you’ll be hearing much more about it very soon. But for Garcia, the development and
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testing of a top-of-the-line competition gun was always the priority. To help further that end, he suggested to Cobalt’s management that instead of just having one sponsored shooter – namely Keith Garcia – they should sponsor a whole team of competitors. Again, Cobalt signed off on the deal, and Garcia quickly recruited three of the other top multigunners in the business: Kalani Laker, Nick Atkinson and Rick Birdsall. Each man already amassed plenty of individual wins, but this past season as Team Cobalt they dominated the competition. To broaden their opportunities and Cobalt Kinetic’s exposure, they adopted a “divide and conquer” strategy, with each team member focusing on a specific division while using their sponsor’s new Team Gun in the rifle stages. At the recent nationals, the concept worked like a charm, producing a trifecta of epic proportions. Laker won the Unlimited division, Birdsall took the Factory division title, and Garcia was crowned as national champion in the Practical division.
It was a huge exclamation point to an amazing season, and Garcia is quick to credit the rifle for playing a big role in the team’s success. “It’s a high-end gun,” said Garcia, “and we really showed it this year, because between the four guys we had 19 wins and three national championships.” Cobalt may currently have the most decorated R&D team in existence. And when the four aren’t shooting in a competition, odds are they are back on the range testing new products. “As soon as we develop a product,” said Stewart, “we ship it to them, and they tell us how to tweak it to make it work better for them. And since we have four different shooters, and each one of them has a little bit different style, we can pull from each of them and come up with something that works well for everybody.” “They can really put things through its paces fast,” he adds, “It really speeds up our development, and we don’t have to make any assumptions. We just put it in their hands; they run it and we see how it goes.”
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That’s especially true with a project as important as the Team Replica rifle. “We see ourselves as the pit crew on that gun,” Stewart said, “and they’re the driver.” THE TEAM REPLICA RIFLE currently available from Cobalt Kinetics is nearly identical to the ones used by Team Cobalt in competition, with one exception. Cobalt has switched out the PROOF Research barrel for a very high-quality match-grade barrel to help keep the cost of the rifle under $4,000 (MSRP is $3,800). And, for current and future multigun competitors who want to gain an edge by shooting the exact same rifle used by Team Cobalt, a version with the PROOF Research barrel and an adjustable stock – known simply as the Team Gun – will also be on the market soon, but at a cost commensurate with those two additions. “When you see a rifle that’s pushing $4,000,” said Stewart, “people say ‘Wow, how can it possibly be that much money?’ but once you shoot it,
you know right away.” “The gun is pricy,” agreed Garcia, “but it’s because they put all the best products in it, and they designed a bunch of stuff in-house. I don’t believe you’re going to find anybody who makes that many of the components inhouse out of aircraft-grade aluminum.” “It’s a great shooting gun. It shoots extremely flat. It’s extremely accurate. The lock-up we have between the barrel nut, the upper receiver and the forend is just rock solid. It hasn’t shifted at all. The groups I was shooting when I got the gun in January were the same groups I shot last week" he said in early November. For competitors of all levels looking to improve their best scores, both versions of the Team Rifle warrant a serious look. “At the USPSA Nationals last April,” said Garcia, “I won the long-range stage with only two makeup shots, and I’ve never won the long-range stage at the nationals ever. When that happened, it made me realize that we’ve got a really accurate gun. That’s something that can make or break a match.”
“Winning matches is not easy in this sport,” he added. “There’s a lot of competition, a lot of new people coming on board that are doing really well. But if I put the dot where it’s supposed to be and pull the trigger straight to the rear, it’s going to hit, because there’s going to be nothing mechanical that messes with it. When I miss, I know I’ve done something.” “Back when I first started with this stuff,” Garcia said, “I got associated with Ron Avery, who’s an instructor with the Practical Shooting Academy, and he gave me some advice when I started getting better and people were approaching me. He said, ‘Never take a product or a sponsorship that isn’t going to help you win.’ And that’s the great thing about this situation. (Cobalt) came to me and said, ‘Let’s make something that will help you win.’” IN PHYSICS AND ENGINEERING, the science of kinetics represents the study of motion and its causes. In two short years, the team at Cobalt Kinetics has proven to be dynamically proactive
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American Shooting Journal // December 2016
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in both design and execution, and there are no plans to slow things down. The company currently has 40 employees, but that number will soon rise. “We’re growing quickly,” said Stewart. “We’re running 24 hours a day, and can’t keep up. Now that this election’s over, we’ll probably expand more.” “We want to be pushing things forward,” he adds, “have things moving, to not be stagnant. We know that we can push the envelope, and the market’s responded so far, so we’re just going to keep pushing.” For Garcia, it all goes back to the rifle. “If you want to win,” he said, “and you don’t want to have excuses for losing because your gear was bad, invest in a Cobalt rifle, and all the excuses will go out the window.” “We really want to see firearms evolve,” Stewart concludes. “The AR-15 is still pretty much how it was in the ’60s. There’s a lot of room for improvement, and we’re going to push for that every year. So we’ve got some stuff that’s been out there, but no one’s really pulled it off, and I think we can.”
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American Shooting Journal // December 2016
Rifle controls are in their usual places, but the forward assist on the gun has been converted to an ambidextrous bolt release via the Dual Drop system.
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American Shooting Journal // December 2016
CONCEALED COMFORT
Several manufacturers now make shirts designed for concealed carry. (MIKE DICKERSON)
Shirts designed for concealed carry can give you a tactical edge – and help you look good while doing so. STORY BY MIKE DICKERSON PHOTOS BY MANUFACTURERS
W
ith the growing popularity of concealed carry, many people find it challenging to properly “dress around the gun.” That’s especially true with shirts, which must conceal effectively while providing ready access to a firearm. Happily, several manufacturers now make shirts optimized in a variety of ways for concealed carry. These newer shirts offer the advantages of snaps beneath faux buttons (for drawing from belly bands or from under the arm), hidden internal pockets, a gun-friendly cut, styling that doesn’t scream “tactical” and straight hems that look good untucked. Of course, they should also be machine washable and emerge looking somewhat better than crumpled newsprint. We put a number of shirts from four manufacturers to the daily wear test,
and here, in no particular order, r, are our top picks, listed by maker. Retail ail prices may vary from the MSRPs listed. ed.
5.11 Freedom Flex
5.11 TACTICAL 5.11 offers an extensive line of concealed carry shirts, and many ny of these rank among my favorites.. The short-sleeve Slipstream Covertt Shirt ($47.99) is a quick-dryingg nylon/polyester design with ample storage and gusseted side panels for freedom of movement. There are front pockets with Velcro closure flaps and two hidden utility pockets. The RAPIDraw placket, with snaps beneath faux buttons, provides quick access to a shouldered firearm. With a straight hem, you can wear it tucked or untucked. I found thee fit to be true to size. Three plaid patterns terns are offered in sizes small through XXL. For cooler weather, I like the americanshootingjournal.com 59
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long-sleeve 5.11 Men’s Flannel Shirt ($69.99) for its comfort, utility and styling. Offered in six plaid patterns and sizes small through XXL, this cotton flannel shirt runs true to size. It has two front pockets with snapclosure flaps and two hidden mesh 5.11 Flannel
document pockets, as well as thee RAPIDraw snap placket. The hem m is straight. I’ve found myself wearing ng this shirt more often than any others hers I tested, and it has held up well. For a more businesslike look, 5.11 offers the Freedom Flex Woven en Long Sleeve Shirt ($64.99), made of lightweight polyester stretch fabricc with w bartacking at major stress points ints and a a snap placket. Tiny perforations ons under u the arms, at the sides and across a the back help keep you cool.l. The Th shirt has two front pockets with th V Velcro closure flaps that give the sh a slight Western look. Offered d shirt in three solid colors and sizes small ll th rt through XXL, this lightweight shirt can print more easily than patterned ca ned shirts, so my personal preference sh is i to wear the black shirt with an n underarm holster such as those u made by Kangaroo Carry. BLACKHAWK The Blackhawk brand is quickly establishing a reputation for making quality concealed carry
Blackhawk Tac Flow
shirts. For warmer weather, I like the short-sleeve Blackhawk 1700 Shirt ($59.99), made of textured seersucker fabric to reduce printing. The shirt, offered in two plaid patterns in sizes small through 4XL, has a single front pocket and a hidden document
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American Shooting Journal // December 2016
Product SPOTLIGHT
PACKIN’ NEAT
Packin’ Neat, manufacturer of high quality concealed carry products for women, has developed and patented a proven solution to allow women to use their everyday purse to properly conceal carry. Now it’s possible to carry in any purse, correctly. The Packin’ Neat system is a combination of purse organizer and holster, all in one. It’s the perfect solution to keeping your firearm properly positioned, separated and easily accessible, while organizing your purse at the same time. The purse insert adjusts to fit the width of your purse or bag, and the revolutionary design features 5 pockets to house extra magazine, cell phone, car keys, wallet and more. The holster system is an economical solution that retails for under $100 and is much less expensive than most dedicated carry purses. The Packin’ Neat holster system includes a removable holster, based on your firearm, and can be inserted for right or left handed carry. It is made from durable nylon materials and is available in four sizes and a variety of colors. This solution was developed by a woman, Kristen, who solved her own carry needs. She didn’t want to give up her closet full of purses for only ONE carry purse. So she started with the idea of a purse organizer and added an isolated holster area with removable holster. Kristen now shares this solution so other women can properly carry in their existing purses with Packin’ Neat. Designed by a woman for a woman! Manufactured in the USA.
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pocket. The back is ventilated, and the fabric has a Teflon Shield coating to repel water and stains. The shirt has a breakaway snap placket. The hem is straight, and sizing was on the money. I also like the short-sleeve Blackhawk 1730 Shirt ($69.99), which Blackhawk 1730
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is made of a poplin fabric blended with spandex to provide a little stretch when you move. This model has a breakaway snap placket, two front pockets with Velcro-closure flaps and two hidden document pockets. The material is coated with stain-repelling Teflon Shield. The hem he is straight for untucked wear, aand it is available in two plaid patterns in sizes small through 4XL. pattern For occasions requiring long sleeves and solid colors, the polyester sleeve Blackhawk Tac Flow Shirt ($89.99) Blac co combines breathability and ccomfort with an interesting design. There are two large front pockets. One has a smaller, snap-closure pocket on top of it. The other pocket has ha a loop to hold your sunglasses. Heat-seal taping reinforces stress Heat points along the back yoke and edges poin of the front pockets. The fabric has a th heathered texture, which refers to the heat use of interwoven threads of mixed colors colo to produce flecks of an alternate color. colo This helps reduce printing, and
a breakaway snap placket provides quick firearm access. The shirt is available in sizes small through 4XL. Size large fit me as it should. The hem has a slight tail to it, so I prefer to wear this one tucked in. VERTX The Vertx Speed Concealed Carry Shirt ($54.95) has a couple of tricks up, er, its sleeve, such as a small pocket at the bottom of the placket that you can weigh down with a quarter. You can also put a 5-inch strip of weed eater cord through a grommet in the bottom of the placket. Doing both allows you to cleanly sweep the stiffened, weighted bottom of the shirt backwards to grab a holstered gun. You won’t lose buttons sweeping aggressively because the shirt has snaps beneath faux buttons. The system works, but takes some getting used to. Of course, you can still just stick your thumb under the hem and lift the cloth upwards when drawing from a 4 o’clock position. The shirt is made of modal rayon
americanshootingjournal.com 65
Vertx Speed Concealed Carry Shirt
and “37.5 technology,” which is actually Cocona polyester with a fabric enhancer made with activated carbon. The manufacturer claims it will dry five times faster than other shirts. The size large shirt fit me, but was a tad tight. It seems to be cut for slimmer body types, so if your body is of the nonslim variety, you may want to order the next larger size. The shirt is available in two plaid patterns in long sleeve and four plaid patterns in short sleeve in sizes small through 2XL. TRU-SPEC The TRU-SPEC 24-7 Cool Camp Shirt ($42.95) is, as its name implies, designed to keep you cool while carrying concealed in hot weather. Made of a lightweight nylon/polyester blend, this comfortable shirt has mesh cooling vents across the back of the shoulders and angled underarm vents. The straight hem has a short split seam on either side for ease of TRU-SPEC 24-7
movement. Two front pockets are barely noticeable with straight-cut Velcro flap closures. The shirt, offered in three plaid patterns, has snaps beneath faux buttons. I found sizing to be accurate. The shirt is available in sizes small through 4XL. SHOPPING For more on the products mentioned above, please visit: 5.11 TACTICAL 511tactical.com BLACKHAWK blackhawk.com VERTYX vertx.com TRU-SPEC truspec.com 66
American Shooting Journal // October 2016
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American Shooting Journal // October 2016
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17707R6
THE BULLET BULLETIN
NOSLER KNOWS
In the late 1940s, John Nosler helped launch the premium bullet industry. Today, the Nosler AccuBond remains at the head of the pack.
The 6.5mm 142-grain ABLR is an absolute long-range gem.
STORY AND PHOTOS BY PHIL MASSARO
I
n the history of premium bullets, few names hold as much weight as that of John Nosler. A chance encounter with a Canadian bull moose while Mr. Nosler was holding a .300 Holland & Holland Magnum in his hands left him wanting a bullet that would deliver the goods, and – voila! – the premium bullet industry was born. Since that moment in the late 1940s, Nosler’s signature company has stayed on the forefront of bullet development, adding the Ballistic Tip, E-Tip and
Custom Competition to the line built around the world-famous Partition. The polymer-tipped Nosler Ballistic Tip was an immediate success; the tapered jacket and sleek profile made for an accurate bullet, one that was perfect for deer and similar-sized game animals. When used on large game, or when impact velocities get high, the Ballistic Tip can be, well, at the limits of its usefulness. Not to say that it is in any way a bad bullet, but with modern cartridge development pushing velocities higher and higher, Nosler saw the need for a similarly shaped bullet,
with a bit more structural integrity. Chemically bonding the copper jacket to the lead core allows for a slowed rate of expansion, and therefore deeper penetration – perfect for larger animals and higher impact velocities. The AccuBond answered the call: to be the bullet that would defy the effects of gravity and crosswinds, yet give the terminal ballistics that John Nosler himself wanted. Hell, it’s a bullet that gives what we all want! BULLETS ARE FUNNY THINGS. We ask them to do an awful lot without giving them the respect they truly deserve americanshootingjournal.com 75
THE BULLET BULLETIN in return. We expect them to be seriously accurate, defy the effects of the atmosphere and gravitational pull, and then, once they’ve struck the target, we fully expect them to quickly dispatch all shapes and sizes of game animals, regardless of angle or velocity. The Nosler AccuBond is a bullet that fits that bill very well. Let’s break down why that is. First, they’re accurate. Make that very accurate. I’ve had great results in cartridges from the .2506 Remington up to the .375 H&H Magnum, with a great number in between. Regarding a hunting bullet, it’s pretty simple to get hunters of all types and stripes to agree that it doesn’t matter how tough a bullet is if you can’t get it where it belongs, but with the AccuBond that’s not an issue. Second, they fly flat, to take full advantage of your cartridge’s
The .25-06 and the 110-grain Nosler AccuBond.
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THE BULLET BULLETIN muzzle velocity, retaining all sorts of energy and giving a good trajectory. Their high ballistic coefficient (BC) values resist wind deflection, making distant hits that much easier. This is a good thing, especially for open country hunting where the shots are often beyond 200 yards. Third, they have excellent terminal ballistics. Nosler has designed the nose section of the bullet to be a little softer, for good expansion even when the bullet slows down at longer ranges, yet the bonding process keeps things together should you strike tough shoulder bones. Expansion usually ranges between 2 and 2.5 times the caliber dimension – depending on impact velocity – and weight retention is more often than not in the 85- to 90-percent range. IF YOU WANT TO HEDGE YOUR BETS on your next hunt, should a less-thandesirable shot angle present itself, try
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One hundred-and-ten-grain Accubonds in the .257 Weatherby Magnum.
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THE BULLET BULLETIN the AccuBond in your rifle. They are available in many popular weights, including lighter stuff like the 125-grain .308-inch, and the heavy stuff like the 300-grain .338-inch, as well as being offered in a couple of popular safari calibers, like 9.3mm and .375. If you want to use either of those calibers for a shot on the longer side of normal, the AccuBond warrants a serious look. My .375 H&H Magnum simply loves the 260-grain AccuBond load from Nosler, giving a trajectory similar to the .30-06 Springfield; this makes a great bullet for distant kudu or eland, or even as a good choice for elk and moose here on this continent. The AccuBond can also extend the usefulness of a smaller cartridge on larger game. I’d have no issues using my 6.5-284 Norma on elk or caribou if loaded with the 140-grain AccuBond. As if the AccuBond wasn’t cool enough, Nosler stepped up their game for those who prefer an even
The 180-grain Nosler AccuBond loaded in the .300 Remington Ultra Magnum.
Perfect for any .30-caliber magnum, the 210-grain ABLR will retain energy very well.
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THE BULLET BULLETIN higher ballistic coefficient for better trajectory, retained energy and wind deflection values. The AccuBond Long Range (ABLR) is a heavy-forthe-caliber bullet in calibers between 6.5mm and .308. To illustrate the difference, the 6.5mm 140-grain AccuBond has a G1 BC value of 0.509, while the 142-grain AccuBond Long Range’s G1 BC is 0.719! For someone wanting to get the most out of a .264 Winchester Magnum, .26 Nosler or 6.5-300 Weatherby, this 142-grain ABLR is an amazing choice. Many of the larger .30-caliber cartridges can be well served by the 190- and 210-grain ABLRs. While the original AccuBond has a signature white polymer tip, the ABLR has a gray tip; both can be easily identified. John Nosler started an avalanche with the development of his Partition bullet almost 70 years ago, and as a result of his research
The 260-grain AccuBond in .375 H&H makes an already versatile cartridge even better.
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THE BULLET BULLETIN The AccuBond is plenty accurate.
and dedication, you can still hear the rumble in the mountains. If any facet of the shooting industry has
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The American Shooting Journal and American Tactical salute all members of the Armed Forces who have served, fought and currently fight to protect our nation’s freedoms.
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Army Staff Sgt. Brad Foster, a combat medic with the Oregon Army National Guard, looks up at the night sky from the top of an M113 medical evacuation vehicle during exercises in Cincu, Romania. (ARMY SPC. TIMOTHY JACKSON)
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ROAD HUNTER
GEAR OF THE YEAR
Scott Haugen enjoyed a banner opening day hunt in which he and his dog, Echo, came away with limits of pheasants, valley quail and ducks. All were taken with Browning’s new shotgun loads – steel for the ducks, nickel plated for upland.
In 2016, the author spent more than 200 days afield, which provided ample time to test a variety of hunting products. STORY AND PHOTOS BY SCOTT HAUGEN
F
or the past 16 years, I’ve been fortunate to make my living doing what I love, hunting and fishing. I wrote my first magazine article 20
years ago, and of all the hats I wear – TV host, speaker, book author, photographer, consultant – writer is my favorite. The written word has staying power, and with it comes accurate information to help educate, inform and motivate fellow outdoorsmen.
Once again, in the year 2016, I spent more than 200 days afield. This is my learning ground, where I make mistakes and become a better outdoorsman. This is where I personally put gear to the test in actual field conditions. This year I was able to use a lot of gear in a variety of hunting situations. Some failed to impress me, others I’ll keep using for years to come. Here are americanshootingjournal.com 93
ROAD HUNTER
The best group the author has shot from bags off a bench came from his .270 Weatherby Magnum and Swarovski Z5 scope. At 100 yards the last three shots (Nos. 3, 4 and 5) hit the same hole.
my top gear picks for 2016. WEATHERBY .270 & SWAROVSKI’S Z5 SCOPE I started big game hunting 40 years
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ago and have mounted all but a few of my own scopes. I’ve been fortunate to shoot some great guns and look through incredibly high-quality
scopes. This fall, however, I put together and shot the best 100-yard group of any big game rifle I’ve used. Atop my Weatherby .270 Magnum,
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ROAD HUNTER I secured a two-piece Picatinny base, lightweight Trijicon rings and mounted Swarovski’s Z5 scope in a 3.5-18x44 with a duplex crosshair. After bore sighting it, I shot Weatherby’s 130-grain Barnes TTSX loads and hit the bulls-eye of a target set at 50 yards. I then placed a target at 100 yards, where the first shot hit 2 inches right and a hair low. My next shot was nearly centered and ¾ inch high. After one more adjustment, my next three shots hit the same exact hole. Shots were taken off a portable bench using Caldwell Shooting Bags (no vice or sled). With this setup, and the confidence I have in its accuracy, I’m set for any deer hunt in North America, and also look forward to using it on antelope, bear and elk hunts.
The ThermaCELL bug repellent unit is one of the best tools for keeping you comfortable in the woods, and the new 12-hour patch and butane cartridges work with great efficiency.
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The applications of a LoopRope are endless. The strength and multiple loops offer plenty of securing options. Here a deer being broken down in the field is kept clean while quickly cooling, thanks to the LoopRope.
game summer scouting missions and on early season elk hunts. Not only does it work in keeping mosquitos away, it deters no-see-ums and white socks (black flies). The new patches and butane cartridges last 12 hours each, and work great. Getting a holster for the unit is suggested so it can be clipped to your pack, the inside of a blind or a tree limb, ensuring it’s strategically placed to keep biting bugs away. The appliance is powered by a butane cartridge, which heats a metal grill upon which the small, saturated, patch sits. The heat vaporizes the repellent (allethrin) in the mat, which mimics a naturally occurring repellent found in chrysanthemums. The released repellent creates a shield that keeps mosquitos away. Sometimes the shield disperses a 15x15-foot bug-free zone; sometimes the bugs may be a foot from me, but one thing is for sure – they don’t land on me and bite. LOOPROPE No matter where I’m hunting, I’ll always have a LoopRope or two. Thanks to the multiple securing loop-points and durable construction, the design of the LoopRope makes it safer and more efficient than any fastening system I’ve used. Last spring, LoopRope auditioned for Shark Tank, where one of the product evaluators stated that the “Bungee cord has been revolutionized,” which says a lot. Whether I’m lashing filled game bags to a pack frame, 98
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ROAD HUNTER hanging meat to cool and stay clean in the field, securing coolers in the truck or holding gear on an ATV, the LoopRope allows it to be done with great efficiency. Use it as a clothesline inside a tent, a place to hang camp cooking gear or dry your clothes. The only limit to the LoopRope is your imagination; my wife even uses one to secure groceries in her SUV. CABELA’S 14MP BLACK INFRARED HD TRAIL CAMERA I tried multiple trail cameras this year and was most impressed with this one. In fact, after getting the first one, I was so pleased that I ordered another. The quality of photos and video and ability to snap pictures without spooking animals was exactly what I was looking for. Most of my trail camera work is in the blacktail deer woods, where flash cameras often deter mature bucks to the point of changing their movement patterns. With this camera, I was
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finally able to pattern some big bucks and learn how and when they use certain trails. Daytime photos have a maximum resolution of 14MP, while video mode shoots in 720p HD. The 2-inch display screen offers quick, clear in-the-field image review, and batteries last for months. I’ll be ordering more of these. CAMP CHEF STRYKER STOVE Camp Chef’s new Stryker 100 stove is fast, easy and burns on isobutane, meaning it’s a lighter option than stoves powered by propane. The technology used creates a larger heating surface, which equates to increased heat efficiency; I’ve boiled half a liter of water in under two minutes. The Stryker 100 is easy to assemble and includes a foldable stand, a pushbutton ignition, and comes with a 1.3-liter insulated pot for boiling water. All parts pack nicely into the
pot, and with a total weight of 18.3 ounces, it’s easy to carry. TEXAS-RIG FOR WATERFOWL DECOYS On a recent hunt with a buddy who had never seen a Texas decoy rig in action, I set out a dozen duck and four floating Canada goose decoys in the time it took him to untangle and set out four of his duck decoys. On his way home from that hunt he stopped by a sporting goods store and bought two Texas-rigs. I’ve used Hard Core Texas rigs and some homemade ones, and settled on Cabela’s Northern Flight Dig Rig Sliding Decoy Weights, made with pyramid sinkers. These weights dig in under high winds and heavy currents, securing even my big goose decoys. Weights are available in 4, 8 and 12 ounces. To set up, simply clip the snap swivel at the end of each line to a decoy keel, slip the loop of the string
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ROAD HUNTER into the provided carabiner and you’re set. The heavy-duty monofilament line resists tangles. The first time I used it, I found my lines were getting caught on the snap swivel, so I wrapped each swivel in duct tape. When done setting the decoys out, simply clip the carabiner to a loop on your waders. Should the carabiner fall into the water, don’t worry, as the attached float will keep it from sinking. You can pick up all your decoys incredibly fast, and actually keep your hands dry. I carry my decoys in a Hard Core Texas-Rig Decoy Bag.
Quick, easy and simple – that describes the Texas-Rig decoy system.
DUMMY LAUNCHER FOR DOG TRAINING One of the most valuable training tools I use with my pudelpointers is a dummy launcher. I’ve used a few launchers, but am impressed with the Lucky Launcher II Dummy Launcher, which can be ordered online at their website (see below). The dummy, be it canvas or PVC,
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ROAD HUNTER is shot from the launcher with a .22-caliber power load. I like these more than hand-throwing dummies as it gets them farther, stays in the air longer so dogs can mark them, and gets your dog used to gunshots. Brace the handle on your hip (I don’t suggest shouldering it due to noise and recoil), tilt to the desired angle and fire. The Lucky Launcher II is easy to use with one hand, leaving the other free to work with your young, developing dog. Works great on land and over water. BROWNING SHOTGUN SHELLS Last fall I got my hands on two boxes of Browning’s new waterfowl loads. They got my attention on ducks and geese, and I looked forward to trying them more this season. My initial suspicions were confirmed: This is one of the best duck loads I’ve ever shot. The size 2 and 4 steel loads in
a 3-inch shell pattern tight and consistently well in my 12 gauge, and they really pack a punch. Due to the plated round steel shot and longrange wad design, these loads don’t just reach ducks out to 50 yards and beyond, they blow through them. Leaving the muzzle at 1,450 feet per second, these loads also performed well on geese. As for their new upland loads, the number 5s and 6s, with their highvelocity, nickel-plated shot also move fast with great power. I used these loads on pheasants, quail, chukar and doves, and will keep using them. HO HO HO! That’s a quick look at some of the best hunting gear I had the pleasure of using in 2016 – just in time if you’re finishing up your Christmas shopping. For more about the companies and products mentioned above, please visit the following websites:
WEATHERBY weatherby.com SWAROVSKI swarovskioptik.com/hunting CABELAS cabelas.com THERMACELL thermacell.com LOOP ROPE looprope.com CAMP CHEF campchef.com GUN DOGS SUPPLY gundogsupply.com BROWNING browningammo.com Editor’s note: For copies of the author’s comprehensive DVD, Field Dressing, Skinning & Caping Big Game, send a check for $20.00 (free S&H) to Haugen Enterprises, P.O. Box 275, Walterville, OR 97489. See scotthaugen.com for more.
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EACH ONE, TEACH ONE There’s never been a better time to train new shooters.
STORY BY ROB REED • PHOTOS BY NATIONAL SHOOTING SPORTS FOUNDATION
A
A shooter’s first trip to the range should be safe, fun and educational.
s a shooter, there will likely be a time when someone asks, “Can you teach me to shoot?” If you aren’t used to working with new shooters, you might not know the best way to introduce them to the sport. With that in mind, here are some tips on how to provide newbies with a safe, fun and educational range trip. Once you’ve scheduled the trip, let the new shooter know what to expect. Discuss how to dress for the range, and why they should avoid low-cut tops and open-toed shoes. The “hot brass dance” is never amusing to the one getting burned, and trying to clear trapped brass with a firearm in hand can be dangerous. Review the standard safety rules ahead of time so they can process them in a calm, quiet environment. You’ll reinforce the rules later at the range. I prefer the NRA’s “Three Rules of Gun Safety” but “Cooper’s Four Rules” also work. Explain the importance of using eye and ear protection at the range, and make sure you have enough americanshootingjournal.com 113
of both on hand for everyone. Have the new shooters “double up” hearing protection by wearing foam earplugs underneath ear muffs. This will reduce anxiety caused by the noise of shooting. It’s not enough to recite the rules. You have to go over how they work in context by explaining what a “safe direction” is at the range, how keeping the finger off the trigger helps prevent accidental discharges, when the gun should be loaded or unloaded on the line, and why these rules still apply even to “unloaded” guns. You should also explain that “Cease fire” means “Stop shooting now!” and review other range commands if you’re using a supervised range. Remember that the students will model their behavior off of the example you set, so make sure to follow the best safety practices yourself. WHILE SHOOTING CAN BE a fun social activity, it’s easy to be overwhelmed if you are overseeing too many new shooters. If you are teaching by yourself,
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New shooters will model your behavior, so always set a good example.
cutline
try to limit the trip to one or two newbies, if possible. Even then, work with them one-on-one and have the person not shooting observe so they can be better prepared for their turn. If you have a friend assisting, you should be able to handle additional
new shooters if you split them between you. Remember you are there for them, not for your own shooting practice, so focus on giving them the best possible range experience. Also, whenever possible, split up relationship-paired couples among
americanshootingjournal.com 115
Enforce the â&#x20AC;&#x153;trigger oďŹ&#x20AC; the ďŹ nger until the sights are on targetâ&#x20AC;? rule with dryďŹ re so theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll get in the habit. Avoid using the term â&#x20AC;&#x153;trigger squeezeâ&#x20AC;? as it can cause new shooters to tighten their entire grip as they ďŹ re. Instead, explain that their grip should be ďŹ rm and consistent the whole time, and that the trigger should be pulled
diďŹ&#x20AC;erent mentors so each half of the couple focuses on what they are doing instead of trying to â&#x20AC;&#x153;helpâ&#x20AC;? the other. A ďŹ rst trip to the range isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the same as a full NRA Basic Pistol class. Keep your instruction focused speciďŹ cally on what they need to know to safely handle and shoot the ďŹ rearm and hit the target. Leave the more technical stuďŹ&#x20AC; for later. Draw them a diagram of a sight picture and make sure they understand how the drawing corresponds to the front and rear sights on the ďŹ rearm.
Any session at the range should begin and end with a focus on safety.
HAVE THEM PRACTICE HOLDING and dry ďŹ ring the unloaded gun, and correct any problems with their grip or stance.
THE NRAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S â&#x20AC;&#x153;THREE RULES OF GUN SAFETYâ&#x20AC;? 1 Always keep the gun pointed in safe direction. 2 Keep your ďŹ nger off the trigger until the gun is on target. 3 Keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.
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straight to the rear in a deliberate, smooth motion. Since youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll likely need to recock the ďŹ rearm to reset the trigger during dry-ďŹ re, make sure they understand that once the gun is loaded it will automatically reload and recock itself when they shoot for real. (This is obviously not the case for manually
American Shooting Journal // December 2016
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Ensure that firearms are suitable to the new shooter’s size and age.
operated firearms such as bolt- or lever-action rifles). The best firearm for new shooters is a .22LR, bar none. Whether it’s a rifle or pistol, the low recoil and relatively quiet report of the rimfire make it ideal as a first-time gun. If you don’t have a .22LR available, go for the lowest recoiling firearm you do have. For handguns, a full-size gun firing standard-pressure 9mm
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American Shooting Journal // December 2016
or .38 Special loads should be easy enough to manage. For rifles, a pistolcaliber carbine or a .223 AR are good choices. This goes double for ARs with adjustable stocks that can be resized for smaller statured shooters. For aerial shotgun shooting use loads appropriate for the sport. If you are shooting stationary targets, use light loads or reduced recoil “tactical” loads. Whatever you do,
avoid the temptation to have a laugh at someone’s expense by giving them “too much gun.” It’s not fair to the new shooter, can turn them off the sport, and is actually unsafe. The best targets are those that react to the hits. Nothing is more fun for new shooters than watching their targets explode, fall down, or spin around. Plate racks or portable swinging or spinning targets are
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Teaching kids to shoot provides challenges and rewards.
good choices. Just make sure to keep to minimum safe distances when shooting steel. You can also improvise with cans, plastic cups filled with water, clay birds set up down range, or anything else that is safe and doesn’t violate range rules. Even if you are limited to paper targets, many ranges will still allow you to tape small balloons to the targets or use the brightly colored Shoot-N-C targets. TEACHING KIDS TO SHOOT has its own challenges and rewards. Some kids learn best from their parents, while others pay better attention to unrelated adults. If nothing else, a parent should always be present whenever a child is shooting. Make sure the firearms are suitable for the physical size of the child. I prefer using bolt-action or lever-action rifles over semiautos when working with kids so the shooter has to manually work the action to load the next round. Pay particular attention to their energy level, as their attention and safety consciousness can start to slip as they get tired. While it’s important to stay positive with any new shooter, that goes double for kids. Start and end critiques with positive statements and focus on the fun. Now that you’ve learned some tips on taking new shooters to the range there is no better time to do so than right now. The NRA Mentor Program offers additional resources to help you promote the shooting sports by taking new shooters to the program. Whether you are a NRA member or not, you can help grow our sport by mentoring a new shooter. For more information about the program, visit nrapublications.org/mentor. 120
American Shooting Journal // December 2016
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American Shooting Journal // December 2016
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COLE-TAC C M Model: Supressor cover Le Length: Custom to fit Temperature rating: Te 1, 1,800 to 3,000 degrees Material: Mil-spec M h hardware and 100D Co Cordura Nylon M 95 to $97.95 $97.9 MSRP: $52.95 More info: cole-tac.com M
SILENCER SHOP Make: Griffin Armament Model: Alpha Caliber: Multi (up to .300WM) Length: 7.6 inches Diameter: 1.5 inches Mount: Griffin Taper Mount (Minimalist Brake 5/8x24 and Direct Thread Insert ½x28 included) Weight: 14.5 ounces Materials: 17-4 stainless steel, titanium Finish: Griffin Enduro-Kote High Temp Coating MSRP: $1,045 More info: silencershop.com
YANKEE KEE HILL MACHINE Model: Nitro 30 Weight: 18.2 ounces/20.2 ounces es Diameter: 1.562 inches Length: 6.93 inches/7.75 inches Construction: 17-4 PH stainless steel Direct thread: 5/8-24 Decibel rating: 135 decibels (.308 Win) MSRP: $890 More info: yhm.net americanshootingjournal.com 123
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American Shooting Journal // December 2016
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BLACK POWDER
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The author sights in his new .52-caliber FCI barrel from the bench.
Flintlock Construction Inc. offers quality muzzleloading barrels in a variety of calibers, lengths, twists and tapers. STORY AND PHOTOS BY MIKE NESBITT
I
recently purchased a .52-caliber barrel from Charles Burton of Flintlock Construction Inc. (FCI) in northeast Kentucky, and I’m happy to report that it now has a new rifle wrapped around it and is performing very well. My shooting was done using a
.512-inch-diameter round ball wrapped in a .015-inch patch. The bore is tapered – just a mere .003 inch within the 35-inch length – but it is easily felt both when loading a patched round ball and when cleaning the gun. That ball-and-patch combination is relatively easy to start at the muzzle, and ramming the patched ball down to rest on the powder actually gets easier as the ball is pushed further down the
bore. At least part of the reason for that is because the tapered bores have their tightest diameters at their muzzles. These barrels can be straight octagon up to 1 3/8 inches in width for any length out to 48 inches. FCI also offers straight tapered barrels to those same dimensions. Swamped, octagon and round barrels are also available out to 48 inches as well. Smoothbore barrels are made out to 48 inches. Burton also makes a 1 1/8-inch light bench barrel with a false muzzle, and pistol barrels too. americanshootingjournal.com 125
BLACK POWDER This Leman-styled rifle was built using the new .52-caliber Burton barrel from FCI.
Burton’s barrels are made from 12L14 steel, and several calibers calib are standard. These include bore sizes of .30, .32, .36, .38, .40, .44, .45, .47, .48, .50, .52, .54, .58, .60 and .62 calibers. What drew my attention to his barrels is his offering of the .52 caliber, and that is what I ordered: a 35-inch barrel that is 1 inch wide with a twist rate of one turn in 66 inches, and having flat bottom grooves. All barrels come with a straight or tapered tang breech plugs and the rifling is cut with seven grooves. Twist rates can be from one turn in 21 inches to straight rifled, so the buyer has the choice of just about any rate of twist desired.
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American Shooting Journal // December 2016
SQUARE-BOTTOM RIFLING GROOVES are cut to a depth of .010 to .012 inch, while round bottom grooves are cut to .015 to .016 inch. All rifled barrels have seven grooves, and typical twists are 1 in 48, 1 in 57, 1 in 66, and 1 in 72 inches. But by using a sine bar rifling machine, Burton can cut twists from straight to as fast as one turn in 21 inches. In addition, he hand laps and shoots all custom barrels before shipping them. My .52-caliber barrel came with a test target that was fired from sandbags at 30 yards with 70 grains of FFFg under a patched .512-inch round ball. In order to shoot the new barrels, Burton temporarily breeches them to an in-line “action” and glues sights to the barrel. All evidence of the sights and the breeching are removed before
the barrel receives the breech plug the customer has requested. When it was time to sight-in my new rifle the day was wet and rainy, but I just wore my hat with the “Montana peak” and went shooting. For the initial shots, I posted a target at 25 yards and filed down the front sight to raise the point of impact on the target. The load used for these close-range tests was 50 grains of GOEX FFFg under the .512inch cast ball wrapped in a Bridgers Best .015-inch lubricated patch. With the sight filed so the rifle was hitting center, I posted a pistol target for a five-shot group, and this turned out very well indeed. Those five shots, by the way, were fired using the Pushing Daisies patches from October Country, cut from .015-inch ticking
americanshootingjournal.com 127
BLACK POWDER and lubed with Bumblin’ Bear Grease. Both are very good patches, especially for hunting. In case you are wondering, I consider both Bridgers Best and October Country patches to be equally good. All things considered, the Burton barrel with the tapered bore loads easily and shoots very well. The small amount of shooting I’ve done with this rifle probably hasn’t done the barrel any real harm, but more shooting will certainly be done – and sooner than later. Prices for Burton Barrels vary, but all are very reasonable, starting at $185 for a breeched straight rifle barrel, such as mine. Prices do not include shipping, and Burton asks for 50 percent of the barrel’s cost when an order is placed, with the remainder due when the barrel is received. Delivery is generally made in three to six months, as no barrels are kept in stock. All barrels are for black powder only. To learn more about Burton gun barrels, or to place an order, visit fcibarrels.com, or call (606) 780-7709.
128 American Shooting Journal // December 2016
All five shots cut the X on this second target.
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The author believes that the TBR Operator Model is the best designed and most practical brass catcher he has ever seen.
The hinged anodized aluminum frame provides a rigid mounting point to attach the unit to the rifle and support the bag.
The Operator Model tactical brass recovery system from TBR really works. STORY AND PHOTOS BY FRANK JARDIM
L
ew Grasser is a Marine Corps veteran who owns and operates Tactical Brass Recovery (TBR) in New Salisbury, Ind. He’s spent a lot of time watching spent cases eject from AR-platform rifles, AK-47s, SCARs and even TAVOR bullpups and tactical shotguns. He has tested scores of rifles and ammunition types and recorded the results, noting what is consistent, what is variable and what is bizarrely rare. He’s even made high-speed video recordings of ejecting cases so he can study their movements in slow motion. He’s done all this research to design and build the brass catcher he wished he had during his active-duty days. The TBR Operator Model is the
Lew Grasser tested scores of rifles and ammunition types before he developed the Tactical Brass Catcher.
AMMO/RELOADING
The unit mounts to the front handguard on the right Picatinny rail section via an American Defense-made quick-release throw-lever.
THE TBR OPERATOR MODEL IS THE CULMINATION OF YEARS OF RESEARCH AND EXPERIMENTATION … culmination of years of research and experimentation, and is far and away the best designed and most practical brass catcher I have ever seen. The Operator Model retails for $220, which may seem like a lot of money. However, in testing I found its features were exceptional. For one thing, it actually catches the brass. I don’t mean some of the brass. I mean it catches all of the brass, and not just a magazine’s worth. The bag capacity
is 150 5.56mm cases or 75 7.62x51mm cases. In addition, it not only catches the spent cases, but also holds them captive in the lower part of the bag, keeping them out of the action where they could cause a jam. The top of the catcher is designed with enough depth to prevent the newly ejected case from bouncing right back into the rifle’s action. It also has an inner fabric curtain that effectively prevents the brass in the bag from slipping out the way it came in, even if the rifle is tilted or manipulated on the run. AS THE NAME SUGGESTS, military and law enforcement applications were foremost in Grasser’s mind during product development. The unit is light but exceptionally rugged. The hinged, ⅛-inch-thick anodized aluminum frame serves as the rigid mounting point to attach the unit to the rifle
americanshootingjournal.com 137
and support the bag. The bag itself is made of heavy canvas that won’t melt like nylon bags. It has a zipper in the bottom to empty it. The bag comes in 16 colors, including most common modern camouflage schemes. Laser-cut ABS plastic parts support and reinforce the bag and mate it closely to the receiver. The fit is close, but it doesn’t come in contact with your rifle’s receiver very much, and the ABS plastic is much less likely to damage the finish where it does. The whole device is rigid, yet flexible. If you were to fall and mash this catcher between your rifle and a hard place, there’s enough give in the aluminum and plastic components that isn’t likely to damage, or even scratch, anything. The unit is assembled with 18-8 stainless-steel button head screws and nyloc locking nuts. It weighs only 12 ounces. It mounts to the front handguard on the right Picatinny rail section via an American Defense-made
The honeycomb pattern atop the unit provides strength and rigidity while allowing a clear view of the action and chamber at all times.
quick-release throw-lever. It locks securely and won’t come loose unless you press the release bar in the lever and rotate it 180 degrees. You can take it on and off in less than a second. Once on, the catcher is held in place with a five-position,
tensioned, ball-detent locking hinge of Grasser’s own design. This might seem like overkill, but it conveniently allows for a choice of positions to facilitate storage of the weapons equipped with the bag in vehicles, racks or cabinets.
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American Shooting Journal // December 2016
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TO USE THE BAG, you pivot it against the receiver and fold up the plastic top of the bag so the scissor arms on each side are fully extended. The tension on the elbow of the scissor arms comes from a nyloc nut. I expect that as the joint wears, it would be a simple thing to tighten it up with a partial twist of that nut. It is elegant in its simplicity. I was able to keep my ejection port cover closed with the Operator Model attached; but whether you can or can’t do the same will depend on your handguard. The ABS plastic top of the brass catcher is cut with a honeycomb pattern to provide strength and rigidity while allowing the shooter (or range officer) a clear view of the action and chamber at all times while the catcher is in place. An important added benefit of this honeycombed lid is that gases from firing are continuously vented up and out of the bag. A solid bag or box would capture the gases and force them to vent back into the action and along the side of the receiver where they could get into
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American Shooting Journal // December 2016
Bag capacity is 150 5.56mm cases or 75 7.62x51mm cases.
the shooter’s face and optics. The virtue of a product that actually delivers on its promises should appeal to you, whether you are a Special Response Team officer who doesn’t want his team members falling on his fired cases during a hot building
entry, a competitive shooter, or a reloader who simply wants to recover all your brass. For more information, you can visit the TBR website at TacticalBrassRecovery.com, e-mail contact_us@tacticalbrassrecovery .com or call (502) 716-8405.
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Oriskany Arms is a high quality manufacturer of 1911 pistols and firearm components. All of Oriskany Arm’s 1911s are proudly 100% made in the USA using only domestically sourced materials. • All components and materials are sourced 100% from the USA. • Oriskany Arms has the ability to offer custom built 1911s with no minimum quantity required. • Manufacturing firearm components since 1947. • All 1911s are assembled and fit by hand. • Every firearm is test fired to ensure accuracy and dependable feeding. • All 1911s come standard with desirable features o Match Grade Barrel made from 416 Stainless Steel o 3-Hole Trigger (Adjustable for trigger creep) o Extended Beavertail Grip Safety o Commander Style Hammer
315.737.2196 | info@oriskanyarms.com | oriskanyarms.com americanshootingjournal.com 143
PISTOL Gallery TURNBULL MFG. CO. turnbullmfg.com
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COMMANDER HERITAGE
The Turnbull Commander Heritage is Turnbull Restoration & Manufacturing Company’s new gun for 2016. This firearm is finished in Turnbull’s signature case color on the frame and has blued slide and parts. It is hand-fitted and 100-percent American made.
ORISKANY ARMS oriskanyarms.com
1911 350FP
The 1911 350FP is the compact carry-size member of the Oriskanyy Arms 1911 family family. It has a 3.5-inch barrel length, and maintains intain a fullsized hand grip for additional support. Just like the other Oriskany Arms 1911 models, each 1911 350FP is 100-percent made in the USA using only domestically sourced materials. 144
American Shooting Journal // December 2016
REMINGTON RM380
Featuring a 2.9-inch barrel – the longest in its class – the RM380 offers greater velocities and better precision than its competitors. Every feature has been fine tuned and engineered for unrivaled accuracy and performance.
POWDER RIVER PRECISION, INC. powderriverprecision.com
SPRINGFIELD PISTOL AFTERMARKET PARTS
Powder River Precision is devoted to providing the highest quality aftermarket parts and service for the Springfield XD, XDM and XDS lines of pistols. Trigger kits, extended grip safeties, extended mag releases and more are available.
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The world’s first 80-percent polymer pistol frame, the PF940 by Polymer80 is compatible with Glock Gen3 parts and is a highly customizable platform that requires no FFL to purchase. The PF940 kit includes the 80-percent pistol frame, jig and all of the drill bits and end-mill bits required for completion.
MATCH MASTER PISTOL
The finest 1911 Auto you will ever own, the Match Master pistol will shoot 1.5-inch-or-smaller groups at 50 yards. A certified hand-held target fired at 25 yards is supplied with each order.
LAYKE TACTICAL layketactical.com
CUSTOM-BUILT PISTOL
Layke Tactical’s .308-caliber custom pistol weighs 5.6 pounds, has a 10-inch barrel and is made with custom titanium parts.
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Guncrafter Industries has added the 9mm to its American pistol in stainless and Melonite finishes. Features include a light rail, ambisafety, tritium sights, 15-lines-per-inch checkering, and mag well.
americanshootingjournal.com 145
SNAGMAG Concealed Magazine Holster
The SnagMag™ is designed to look like a knife riding in your support-side front pocket along the outside seam.
• Discreet Way to Carry an Extra Magazine • Convenient and Comfortable • Carries Like a Pocket Knife • Designed for a Fast Draw • Lightweight yet Durable
Order Now at Snagmag.com LEO and Military Discounts | Limited Lifetime Warranty | email: snagmag@live.com 146 American Shooting Journal // December 2016
gun reviews
The Ruger GP100 comes in a durable case.
PLINKING POWER STORY AND PHOTOS BY BOB SHELL
R
uger always seems to be coming out with new products, and many of them are very interesting and desirable. Some are variations of previous successes, such as the popular GP-100 in .22 LR. This gun is part of a family of sturdy-framed double-action revolvers that evolved from Ruger’s early 1970s introduction, the Security Six. As you can imagine, this revolver is very large for its caliber. You’d expect a double-action GP revolver from Ruger to be large and sturdy, and it is. If you are looking for some power when you go plinking, this could be the gun for you. According to my trigger pull gauge, the single action broke at
Ruger’s GP-100 in .22 LR is a large, solidly built stainless-steel revolver.
6 pounds, while the double action broke between 19 and 20, which is certainly extreme. It has a 10-shot cylinder, and since it is a .22, recoil is virtually nonexistent. I wouldn’t recommend dry firing it much, if at all, because, as with all rimfires, if the firing pin hits the edge of the chamber some damage may occur. It is a massive, well-built revolver made from stainless steel, which means that weight may be an issue for those who may plan to carry it a lot. The rear sight is adjustable, and the front is a fiber optic, which makes it easier to pick up, especially in less than ideal lighting conditions. It comes in the durable case and, of course, the ever-present lock is included. The grips have a wood center panel and rubber on the outside where you hold it, and they
are both comfortable and attractive. It also comes with Ruger’s patented transfer bar mechanism, which
SPECIFICATIONS RUGER GP100 Caliber: Capacity: Material: Finish: Front sight: Rear sight: Barrel length: Overall length: Weight: Grips: MSRP:
.22 LR 10 rounds Stainless steel Satin Stainless Fiber optic Adjustable 5.5 inches 11.3 inches 42 ounces Cushioned rubber with hardwood insert $829
americanshootingjournal.com 147
gun reviews
The author firing the sturdy stainless-steel revolver in the field. (Below) A close-up of the cushioned rubber grips with wooden inserts.
provides an unparalleled measure of security against accidental discharge. SINCE IT IS SO STURDY, I’d like to see it chambered for the .22 rimfire Magnum, either as a replacement cylinder or as another variation of the gun. While the cartridges will chamber, it isn’t a good idea to shoot .22 rimfires in a magnum cylinder. The .22 LR ammo may split, and wouldn’t be accurate even if they don’t. This gun is built so well that I don’t think it could be worn out regardless of how many rounds are put through it, especially since the .22 is a low-pressure round that enhances the life of any gun chambered for it. Because the DA trigger break was so high, I did the majority of my shooting single action. I don’t possess 148
American Shooting Journal // December 2016
strong hands and can’t get any accuracy shooting DA. Hitting cans is easier using single action even out to 25 yards, and better shooters will be able to extend that range, as the gun has excellent accuracy.
The sights are easy to pick up, which is always an asset when shooting or hunting in reduced light. I have chronographed many calibers in both rifles and handguns, and depending on the load and other
Optimization for your trigger. Trigger Kits for: XD • XDM • XDS • XD mod2 PowderRiverPrecision.com
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americanshootingjournal.com 149
gun reviews A size comparison of the .22 LR cartridge (left) and the .22 rimfire Magnum.
CHRONOGRAPH TESTING LOAD Remington .22 short Winchester Federal Premium Lapua Midas Remington HP Bronze Federal Match Remington Thunderbolt Remington Thunderbolt factors, velocity is commonly from 200 to 400 feet per second faster in the long gun as the shorter barrel and flash gap reduces velocity. During my testing of the GP-100, the ammo was about 200 fps slower than from a rifle. Making reloaded rimfire ammo isn’t worth the time, trouble and expense involved, so factory loads are your best bet. As with any gun, this one will show a preference to a specific load or
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BULLET 29 grain solid 37 grain HP 40 grain solid 40 grain match 40 grain HP 40 grain solid 40 grain 40 grain
VELOCITY 976.3 fps 1,082.6 fps 933.7 fps 948.4 fps 997.1 fps 923.7 fps 1,154 fps 1,049 fps
loads, and there are a variety of good factory ones to test what this particular revolver likes. I consider the .22 RF round as one of the most dangerous in existence. Because it is small, people tend to underestimate it. But it is dangerous at longer distances, and you should never shoot it at a flat surface, as it will ricochet like any other cartridge and the shooter has no control as to
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gun reviews where it will go. The .22 LR is a decent small game load. I have shot a lot of squirrels and rabbits with it, especially when using hollow points. The .22 is also good for training someone because the lack of both recoil and muzzle blast will not intimidate a new or younger shooter. In addition, the .22 RF remains less expensive than centerfire rounds, even though they have gone up in price in the last few years. If you shop around, good deals are available, especially for 500-round bricks. Such purchases will cut down the cost on shooting and for most uses the inexpensive ammo works as well as the pricey stuff. I have shot a good amount of rimfire ammo, and the cheap stuff is nearly as accurate as the pricey fodder, especially in noncompetition guns. When it comes to having fun shooting there is nothing like a .22 rimfire. It is easy on the ears and
There are several excellent factory .22 LR rounds available, including the Gold Medal UltraMatch cartridges from Federal Premium. (FEDERAL PREMIUM)
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American Shooting Journal // December 2016
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gun reviews pocketbook, and a family can buy a 500 pack of ammo and shoot all day. Many shooters, including yours truly, started with a singleshot .22 rifle. I always ask other shooters for input during a gun test, as people tend to have different preferences. For example, I have a single six with both cylinders and I prefer it for daily carry, as it is lighter and more compact. But the GP100 could be ideal for someone who shoots often because I don’t believe you can shoot it enough to wear it out. It is one rugged design, and most of the shooters I spoke with liked it. At the conclusion of any gun test, I have the choice to either return the gun or buy it. But sometimes someone I know will purchase it if they want it, and that is exactly what happened to this gun.
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A brick of Remington’s Thunderbolt cartridges will provide plenty of practice with the GP100. (REMINGTON)
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ASJ’S HOLIDAY
RIFLE GALLERY
DEZ Tactical - USAR10-20G2 Caliber: 7.62x51 NATO (.308) Barrel length: 20 inches Overall length: 42 inches Weight: 11 pounds, 8.8 ounces Magazine capacity: 20 Stock: LuthAR MBA-1 MSRP: $2,839
Lantac - Raven Caliber: Barrel length: Overall length: Weight: Magazine capacity: Stock: MSRP:
DEZTacticalArms.com 5.56/.223 Wylde 16 inches with pinned and welded Dragon Brake 32 inches 7 pounds 30 MagPul CTR, with Enhanced .70 Butt Pad $2,995
Civilian Force Arms - CFA15/Hagos-15 Caliber: .223 Rem., 5.56mm NATO Barrel: Wylde 223/16-inch M4 profile, chrome line optional Overall length: 36.125 inches (32.375 inches with stock collapsed) Magazine capacity: 30+1 Stock: Six-position Mil Spec Mission First Tactical BMS-Battlelink Minimalist Stock MSRP: $1,499.00
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DRD Tactical - M762 Caliber: Barrel length: Overall length: Weight: Magazine capacity: Twist rate: Stock: MSRP:
7.62 NATO 16 inches 39 inches 9.2 pounds 20 1:12 Composite $3,250
R & J Firearms - Quad Classic Caliber: Available in 5.56, 7.62x39, .300 Blackout Barrel length: 16 inches Overall length: Variable Weight: Variable Barrel: Ballistic Advantage QPQ Stock: Composite MSRP: $1,099.00 to $1,338.00, depending on caliber
Hardened Arms LLC - Limited Edition 1776 Caliber: Varies Barrel length: Varies Overall length: 32 inches from flash hider to collapsed stock Weight: 6.5 to 9.8 pounds Magazine capacity: 30+
DRDTactical.com
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HardenedArms.com
JEM (Jersey Elite Manufacturing) - DR15 Caliber: .233/5.56 Barrel length: 16 inches Overall length: 34.1875 inches Weight: 6.6 pounds Magazine capacity: 30 rounds (where permissible) missible) Stock: Composite MSRP: $1,699.00
Cobalt Kinetics - Edge Team Replica a Caliber: .233/5.56 Barrel length: 16 inches Overall length: 36.75 inches Weight: 7.5 pounds Magazine capacity: 30 Stock: Cobalt Kinetics MSRP: $3,800.00
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Volquartsen - VM-22 Caliber: .22LR Barrel length: 18.375 inches Overall length: 37 inches Weight: 5.4 pounds Magazine capacity: 10 Stock material: Composite MSRP: $1,295
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Turnbull Mfg. Co. - 1886 .475 Caliber: .475 Barrel length: 26 inches Overall length: 47 inches Weight: 9 pounds Magazine capacity: 8+1 Stock: Extra-fancy checkered American black walnut MSRP: $4,700
Best Of The West - Hunter Elite Calibers: 6.5-284, 7mm Mag, and .300 Win Mag Barrel length: 26.5 inches with muzzle brake Overall length: 51 inches Weight: 9.6 pounds Magazine capacity: 4 Stock: HS Precision Stock MSRP: $3,995.00 (with 3-12x42 scope)
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In addition to the riďŹ&#x201A;e and scope, each Hunter Elite system comes with two custom calibrated turrets, full scope installation, ring lapping and alignment, and one box of premium long-range ammunition, ammunition allll putt together in a custom foam-lined hard case. Every turnkey system is individually proven accurate to 700-plus yards.
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Centurion Arms - CM4 Calibers: Multi or 5.56 Barrel length: 10.5 to 16.1 inches Overall length: Variable Weight: Variable Magazine capacity: 10, 20, 30 and 40 Stock: Composite MSRP: $1,500
CenturionArms.com
Layke Tactical - LT10 Caliber: Barrel length: Overall length: Weight: Magazine capacity: Stock: MSRP:
.308/7.62x51mm 18 inches 36 to 39 inches 8.4 pounds 5 to 25+1 Composite $1,599 to $2,000
LaykeTactical.com
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E N I L ON
(402) 782-2884 www.BighornArms.com
COMPANY SPOTLIGHTs
REW-AR-DS FOR BEING GOOD IN 2016 Excellent gift possibilities from Hardened Arms, DRD Tactical and Lantac. COMPILED BY THE EDITOR
A
lthough bolt-action rifles fles remain popular with a large number of shooters, oters, ng especially for hunting applications, the semiautomatic AR platform continues to grow in popularity. These days, a number of manufacturers develop parts for both platforms, so it is really up to the consumer to decide which works best for them in which situation. Here are a few products we’ve found to be both interesting and practical. DRD TACTICAL DRD Tactical specializes in patented quick-takedown rifles that are designed for compact portability and discreet carry. Each of these rifles provides you with the power you need, without the need for traditional long gun cases. Designed to work anywhere your mission takes you, their weapons utilize battle-proven technology to ensure reliable rifles.
DRD CDR-15 Semi-Automatic Rifle.
All DRD products are made in America using the highest quality U.S. materials, and precision CNC machining and coating processes ensure that each rifle produced is accurate. One of these is the CDR-15 SemiAutomatic Rifle, chambered in .300AAC. The CDR-15 is direct gas operated, and has a lower and upper machined from billet aluminum and a hardcoat anodized Type III black finish, giving it a weight of only 6.9 pounds. It has a standard ARtype trigger. The 16-inch barrel is manufactured from 4140 steel, and has a 1-in-8 twist. The rifle comes with a
13-inch 13 inch optics mounting rail, and uses Magpul L-4 rail panels. The h stock k is Magpul MOE with an Ergo rubberized grip. It comes with a custom hard case and two 30-round magazines. In addition to their rifles, DRD Tactical also makes several uppers, a stripped CDR-15 billet lower that fits any mil-spec upper receiver, a DRD hard case with a pistol kit, and the Securis Tomahawk, which was designed with input from military and law enforcement personnel. The Securis is manufactured from a solid piece of 4140 steel, which is then hardened and coated. It will make a perfect addition to your go-bag. For more, see drdtactical.com.
DRD CDR-15 stripped lower (left) and CDR-15 billet upper.
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company SPOTLIGHTs
Lantac LA-N15 Raven.
LANTAC Lantac manufactures several AR parts, including handguards, muzzle devices, receivers and other items. The Fort Worth, Texas, company also offers a rifle of their own, the LA-N15 Raven, which features many of the company’s quality parts. According to Lantac literature, the Raven rifle delivers exceptional
performance and is ready to go without any modifications or upgrades. Each rifle is shot tested at their facility and comes with a lifetime warranty against defects. Its proprietary buffer system (ABS) and E-BCG Bolt Carrier Group, together with Intermediate or Midlength gas systems and a Dragon DGN556B brake, delivers an
incredibly flat-shooting experience with zero muzzle rise or recoil and massively reduced carrier and buffer felt recoil, all without the use of an adjustable gas block. The 3.5-pound single-stage trigger is manufactured by CMC and has the smoothest sear engagement surfaces in the industry (1-2RMS), together with a superfast reset. This
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Luth
AR
7KH )XOO\ $GMXVWDEOH 0RGXODU %XWWVWRFN $VVHPEO\ IRU 5LÀH DQG &DUELQH
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Order Online: www.Luth-ARamericanshootingjournal.com .com 163
Hardened Arms 10.5-inch .300 Blackout upper with Black Widow monocore suppressor.
combination allows a the user to ultrafast shot strings with deliver ultrafas virtually zero kn knock back, making the target from reacquisition of th shot to shot incredibly incred easy. barrel The 416R stainless-steel stainles is chambered in .223 Wylde W with a 1-in-7 twist rate, and features a precision-machined 1111-degree target crown. A Lantac GB750-S low-profile gas block is utilized together toget with a reduced nitrided gas tube that delivers deliv carbon build-up and gas erosion. ero ultraslim, low-profile The lightweight, ultraslim Spada-S 12.5-inch handguard ccomes with the company’s RES Rail Extensions Ex System on the Midlength rifle, an and both versions have a 1.5-inch Picatinny rail attachment with a longer 2-inch length len available as an option. For more, see lantac-usa.com. HARDENED ARMS Hardened Arms – a popula popular manufacturer of AR-15s and d AR-15 parts – is dedicated to innovative firearm development, design, and manufacturing, and they also manufacture custom firearms. Recently, the company has added a range of products developed for the 6.8 SPC (Special Purpose Cartridge). Hardened Arms firearms are high end, accurate, head spaced, inspected and test-fired prior to shipping. They are built using stringent specs, top-quality parts and procedures to ensure maximum reliability and performance. According to Hardened Arms, the 6.8 SPC delivers more energy than the 5.56mm NATO. Kinetic energy is anywhere from 40 to 50 percent greater at shorter ranges, and up to 35 percent out to 600 yards. The 6.8mm SPC is more controllable in rapid fire, and lighter, allowing operators to carry more ammunition than would otherwise be possible with the larger caliber round. The 6.8 SPC was designed to be a longer range cartridge. If all you're looking at is muzzle energy and performance at range, the 6.8 SPC is a battle-proven cartridge with a huge following and can put animals down. Upper receivers for this caliber will fit AR-15 lowers, but you will need to change the bolt and use specific 6.8 mags. For more, see hardenedarms.com. 164
American Shooting Journal // December 2016
Ever wonder where major manufacturers source their individual components? KAK INDUSTRY provides many manufacturers with private label and contract-built components for their OEM operations.
Contact us for a quote! KAKINDUSTRY@YAHOO.COM | KAKINDUSTRY.COM americanshootingjournal.com 165
KynSHOT Precision Recoil Dampers Made in the USA • AR-15 platform • AR-10 platform • AR-15 9mm carbine
KynSHOT Recoil Dampers Reduce Kick and Muzzle Flip and Improve: • Accuracy • Felt Recoil • Clustering • Service Life • Dependability • Shoulder Flinching
Stainless steal construction // 1 million cycle guarantee
“KynSHOT is the only hydraulic recoil buffer I recommend.” - Kyle Lamb, Special Ops, SGM (R)
Tactical shotgun
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Rifle is shown with optional Magpul Butt Stock
• IDEAL FOR HUNTING VARMINTS & TARGET SHOOTING • .223/5.56 NATO ROUND CALIBER • 34 3/4” LONG WITH BUTT STOCK FULLY EXTENDED • 16” STANDARD BARREL LENGTH WITH ADDITIONAL OPTIONAL LENGTHS • 6.65 LBS. • MAGAZINE CAPACITY OF 30 ROUNDS WHERE PERMISSIBLE • 4140 CARBON STEEL BARREL • 7075 SOLID BILLET RECIEVER
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• SCOPE MOUNT: PICATINNY RAIL • BARREL WITH 1:7 TWIST, OPTIONAL TWIST ARE AVAILABLE • ROGERS BUTT STOCK IS STANDARD, OPTIONAL STOCKS AVAILABLE • MAGPUL STANDARD GRIP, OPTIONAL GRIPS AVAILABLE • TACTICAL MRSP: $1,499.00 • CERAKOTE MRSP: $1,699.00 • 300 BLACKOUT AND 6.8 SPC ALSO AVAILABLE IN THIS FORMAT AND SBRs AVAILABLE IN .223/5.56 AND 300 BLACKOUT CALIBERS
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WWW.PMARMORY.COM If you’re looking for AR replacement parts or other tactical gear, Pickett’s Mill Armory is your one-stop online gun shop. Whether you just need a new bolt carrier to install independently or an entire in-house, custom-built upper receiver, we offer all types of AR parts for sale from the best brands out there today.
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americanshootingjournal.com 167
UNDER CONSTRUCTION POLYMER80 R&J R& &J F FIREARMS FIRE IREARMS REA EA ARMS LAYKE TACTICAL
Keg muzzle brake See us on pa page 162
.308 WarrHogg 80 percent polymer lower receiver See us on page 153
LT-10 lower receiver See us on page 65
HARDENED ARMS Talon rail See us on page 13
SPINTA PRECISION 4.5-inch 9mm barrel See us on page 87
SANDERS ARMORY 80 percent marked anodized lower receiver See us on page 3
ELFMAN ARMS FRONTIER TACTICAL AR-15 retrofit kit See us on page xx
DRD TACTICAL
3 Gun Ultra-Light trigger See us on page 170
.308 build kit See us on page 17
PICKETT’S P PIC IC CK KETT’S K ETT ET TT T’S S MIL MILL ILL LL AR A ARMORY RMO R MO ORY RY CENTURION ARMS
CMR modular locking accessory system (M-LOK) handguard See us on page 34
JL BILLET
7.5-inch keymod od pistol/SBR upper rece receiver See us on page 167
MLA 308 M-lock handguard See us on page 118
GUNTEC USA RUBBER CITY ARMORY
Low-mass competition bolt-carrier group See us on page 140
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Ultralight Series Skeletonized Aluminum Pistol Grip See us on page 4
WHITE OAK ARMAMENT
AR-15 carbon-fiber float tube See us on page 83
KYNTEC CORP.
KynSHOT Hydraulic Recoil Buffer See us on page 166
TAC-CON
3MR trigger See us on page 160
AT3 TACTICAL
RUDOLPH OPTICS
RD-50 micro red dot sight See us on page 174
T1 1-4x24 FFP IR with T2 Reticle See us on page 45
NIGHTFORCE OPTICS
HIPERFIRE
ATACR 4-16x50 riflescope See us on page 96
Hipertouch 24C drop-in trigger See us on page 142
Modified cycle system See us on page 67
SCALARWORKS SILENCER SHOP Griffin Armament Alpha See us on page 122
DEADFOO DEADFOOT D EA ADFO AD OOT ARMS LLC
Scalarworks Low Drag Mount for Trijicon MRO See us on page 24
LANTAC
3PSS curved trigger See us on page 15
DEZ ARMS, INC
16-inch, 7.62x39 match-grade fluted AR-15 barrel See us on page 44
KAK
Shockwave package See us on page 165
APEX HANDGUARDS Extended Rifle Length Apex Handguard See us on page 172
HARDENED ARMS
DEAD ON ARMS Gloved Finger Pinless Trigger Guard 1 See us on page 84
Black Widow monocore suppressors See us on page 13
CIVILIAN FORCE ARMS Black Night muzzle brake See us on page 51
ARMASPEC
XPDW stock See us on page 79
THORDSEN CUSTOMS
AR-pistol cheek rest See us on page 29
SRT ARMS
Titanium cans See us on page 124
AMERICAN BUILT ARMS COMPANY
LUTH-AR
MBA-3 buttstock See us on page 163
Urban Sniper stock See us on page 173
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American Shooting Journal // December 2016
COMPANY SPOTLIGHTs
A SAINT-LY AR, PRODUCTS FOR XMAS
Shopping for AR enthusiasts? Check out stuff from Springfield Armory, X Products, ArmaSpec, Kyntec.
Springfield Armory’s new AR, the SAINT.
COMPILED BY THE EDITOR
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ecember is upon us, and nothing says “Happy Holidays” like a thoughtful gift for the AR lover in your life. Fortunately, the industry is such that there is no shortage of choices, so here are just a few suggestions from some quality companies we’ve come to trust. SPRINGFIELD ARMORY Springfield Armory recently announced that it has released the SAINT, the company’s first AR-15 in its storied history. According to a recent press release, the SAINT is an optics-ready flattop design that includes an A2-style front sight and gas block. Type III hard-anodized, aircraft-grade 7075 T6 aluminum upper and lower receivers are joined using Springfield Armory’s Accu-Tite system. Designed to lock the upper and lower receivers into a rigid and accuracy-enhancing platform, the system virtually
eliminates the movement and shake normally associated with AR-15 rifles. The upper receiver houses an M16 bolt carrier group machined from Carpenter 158 steel that is shot-peened and magnetic particle inspected for long-term durability. The SAINT features a 16-inch Chrome Moly Vanadium barrel. The 5.56mm NATO chamber feeds a 1:8-inch twist rate barrel capable of stabilizing a broad range of ammunition types and projectile lengths. Chamber, bore and barrel exterior are treated with Melonite for longevity and corrosion resistance. All trigger components are micropolished and treated with nickel boron. The result is a mil-spec-weight trigger that operates smoothly and with no detectable grit. The SAINT includes a midlength gas system paired with an “H” style heavy tungsten buffer designed to mitigate jerky recoil impulses and enable fast and accurate follow-up shots. Out of the box, the SAINT includes upgraded stock, grip and handguard
components. The exclusive Bravo Company PKMR two-piece handguard features KeyMod-compatible attachment points at the eleven, one, and six o’clock positions for accessories. The handguard covers an internal aluminum heat shield, yet remains slim for easy handling. The Bravo Company BCM Gunfighter stock offers a generous cheek weld comb, rubber butt pad and QD and slotted sling attachment points. As with the Accu-Tite receiver tensioning system, the precise fit between receiver extension tube and buttstock eliminate distracting movement. The Bravo Company Mod 0 Pistol grip provides grip-enhancing texture and a vertical orientation designed to complement the modern combat stance. Last, but not least, the BCM trigger guard allows ample room for operation with or without gloves. While optics ready, the SAINT includes a flip-up rear sight to pair with the fixed front sight equipped with an elevation-adjustable post. The dual aperture rear sight features ½-minute-of-angle windage adjustments. The SAINT weighs 6 pounds, 11 ounces unloaded, and measures 35.5 inches long with the six-position stock fully extended. For more, see springfield-armory.com. X PRODUCTS If the X Products team has proven anything beyond the fact that they manufacture cool products, it’s that they have a great sense of humor. Their campaign to relaunch a street-legal version of their Can Cannon soda can launching system for the AR-15 rifle is americanshootingjournal.com 171
company ny SPO SPOTLIGHTs OTLIGHTs
X Products’ relaunched, street-legal Can Cannon.
as consistentl consistently amusing as it is onesided, since governmental agencies sid such as the BATF are notorious for not having a sense of humor. According to their latest press release salvo, the “Can Cannon has passed the BATF rubber glove test with flying colors. This means that the Can Cannon is 100 percent street legal and can be attached to an AR-15 lower receiver without being classified as a short barrel rifle or short barrel shotgun. For existing customers, this entails a simple part swap, which we’ll be providing free of charge. New customers won’t have to do anything, as our redesigned Can Cannon will
fe feature our design ch changes right out of the box.” Th That’s great news ffor fans of the Can Ca Cannon and the democratic process! Of course, X Products makes other AR-related equipment, including the WAR-ZM4 rifle, highcapacity drum magazines and uppers and accessories. For details on these and more, see xproducts.com. ARMASPEC ArmaSpec is a U.S.-based manufacturer of firearm accessories, primarily for the AR platform. They focus on producing quality, innovative products that provide a tactical advantage, at a good price, all made in the U.S. Their product line includes magwell grips, charging handles, slings, tactical buttons, backup sights and other AR accessories. One of ArmaSpec’s most popular
products is the Rhino R-23 tactical magwell grip and funnel. It is designed to significantly improve magazine reload speed and firearm handling, and reduces magazine change times on average by 48 percent without you ever having to take your eyes off your target. The magazine well grip gives you full control of the weapon, whether in close-quarter battle or malfunction situations. Made from reinforced ArmaSpec’s Rhino R-23 tactical magwell grip.
Patented, Lightweight, Free-Float Handguards for AR Style Weapons Extended Rifle Length Apex Handguard (Item# 2360) shown on a Smith & Wesson M&P10 .308 Rifle
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American Shooting Journal // December 2016
USA
Use PromoCode: ASJ16 at checkout for FREE SHIPPING
MOD X GEN III AMERICAN
B U I LT
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MODULAR RIFLE SYSTEM
The A B Arms™ MOD X GEN III Modular Rifle System ™ is a lightweight (3lbs. 2 oz.), ergonomic, drop-in chassis for the Remington Model 700 Short Action.
www.abarms.com
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company SPOTLIGHTs polymer, the Rhino magwell attaches to standard AR-15/M4 lower receivers without any permanent modification to the weapon.
Kyntec recoil dampers.
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American Shooting Journal // December 2016
For more on the Rhino R-23 or other ArmaSpec products, see armaspec.com. KYNTEC Kyntec is a new company founded with the specific goal of introducing innovative shock absorber and rate control designs to market. These designs allow engineers to effectively reduce weight, cost and provide extend service life over a variety of applications. The company currently holds eight global industry patents for their unique product designs. And although they serve a variety of markets, fans of the AR platform will be most interested in their recoil dampers to reduce arms wear and tear, shoulder fatigue, and to get and stay on
target quicker. These products are quickly and easily installed and can outperform some of the best standard mass and spring buffer technologies presently available on the market. In addition, the company’s innovative KynSHOC series of hydraulic shock absorbers adjust easily to replace multiple individual shock absorber configurations. A turn of the adjustment knob is all that is required to deliver a variety of force versus stroke profiles. The patented design uses two close-fit cylinder bodies to either allow or limit fluid flow through selectable orifice patterns. Multiple adjustable progressive, adjustable square wave, and dashpot damping profiles are all available. All models are of stainlesssteel construction and ideal for all applications, but especially for harsh, corrosive or sanitary environments. For more on Kyntec’s wide variety of products, see kyntec.com.
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American Shooting Journal // December 2016