After the death of his father and company founder John Schoffstall earlier this year, Zach Schoffstall has taken the reins at C. Sharps Arms. Frank Jardim catches up with the president of the Big Timber, Montana, company that makes beloved single-shot replica rifles of the Old West. (TOBIAS SAUER)
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THE C. SHARPS ARMS STORY
The single-shot rifles that saw duty in the Old West always fascinated John Schoffstall, leading not only to quite a collection but a booming business. After John passed away this year, son Zach Schoffstall stepped in. Find out Zach’s plans for C. Sharps Arms in Frank Jardim’s Q&A.
31 BL ACK POWDER: FROM NEAR ZERO TO ALMOST A HERO
Fall started out pretty foul for silhouette shooter Mike Nesbitt, who set a new all-time personal low score at an October match. We’ll let him tell you about how many hits he scored – hint: it rhymes with “none” – as well as his comeback trail to a modicum of redemption last month.
45 BULLE T BULLETIN: THE 411 ON A NEWER .400 LEGEND CARTRIDGE
First came the .350 Legend, now the .400 Legend. Our professor of projectiles Phil Massaro details the cartridge’s origins and puts a Winchester Deer Season XP .400 Legend to the test against a Kentucky whitetail.
57 R OAD HUNTER: CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR HUNTERS
Ho-ho-ho! Scott Haugen spends much of his year in the woods, fields and marshes, and that allows him to use a wide variety of hunting gear. He shares his annual field-tested and approved holiday gift suggestions for sportsmen.
65 MAKING THE CUT: A LOOK AT BENCHMADE KNIVES
Paul Pawela’s been teaching folks to protect themselves for more than four decades, and over that time one blade company’s folders have been a lock on he and his wife’s persons. He details why Benchmade’s 940 Osborne and Griptilian make the cut.
69 TACTICAL TRAINING: THE DANGERS OF CARRYING A CONCEALED WEAPON WITHOUT PROPER TRAINING
It goes without saying that gun ownership is an awesome responsibility, and if you’re going to carry concealed, it’s even more weighty. Justin Young tells our Graciela Casillas why 16 hours of training – the bare minimum for a CCW permit in parts of the country – is far, far from enough.
77 SELF-DEFENSE TRAINING: READY FOR AN IMMERSIVE TRAINING EXPERIENCE?
While live-fire guns aren’t allowed at Decision Tactical, this facility features amazingly realistic training simulations and scenarios for law enforcement and the public. Step inside the state-of-the-art complex in the heart of central Florida’s popular vacation region for a tour of what’s on offer.
(TOBIAS SAUER)
95 MILITARY SPOTLIGHT: SPECIAL FORCES LEGEND AND RANGER HALL OF FAMER GARY O’NEAL
Look up the word “warrior” in the dictionary and there just might be an illustration of Gary O’Neal, who survived torture, wounds and wars across the world over a varied 40-plus-year career in the US military. Learn about his incredibly varied life and times.
101 L AW ENFORCEMENT SPOTLIGHT: DELIVERING TOYS, DELIVERING JOY
I’m not crying, you’re crying! That could be your reaction when you read this touching piece about a Northern California police department and community’s annual holiday toy drive and giveaway that may be as cathartic for needy kids as it is for officers like our Nick Perna. 105 GIFT GUIDE
39 THE HAMMER AND THE HUNTER
With the need for a bullet with more stopping power than what was available for AR-15s came the .458 SOCOM, and with it, rifles chambered in that beefier caliber. Enter Bishop Ammunition & Firearms’ AR and bolt-action Hammer Mark II and Hunter – Jason Brooks got ahold of both and took them to the range for our review!
CENTURY ARMS/SHARPS BROS. MILLED-RECEIVER MB47
The saying “spray and pray” might not have been coined in reference to the AK-47, but the famed Russian rifle and its variants haven’t always been known for their accuracy, nor being accessorizable. Enter the new MB47, which our Frank Jardim feels might just kill two birds with one stone.
(BISHOP AMMUNITION & FIREARMS)
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USA Shooting usashooting.org
December 13-15
Winter Air Gun Championships Colorado Springs, Colo./ Camp Perry, Ohio
United States Practical Shooting Association uspsa.org
Glock Sport Shooting Foundation gssfonline.com
Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association cmsaevents.com
International Defensive Pistol Association idpa.com
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December 6-8
North Florida Section Championship New Smyrna Beach, Fla.
January 22-26
Shotgun Spring SelectionTrap West Palm Beach, Fla.
December 7-8
“Remember the Alamo” Ballistic Challenge Atascosa, Texas
December 13-14
Mid Mississippi Christmas Classic State Championship Raymond, Miss.
January 29-February 2
Shotgun Spring SelectionSkeet West Palm Beach, Fla.
December 6-7
NC State Championship Lumberton, N.C.
January 25-26
Las Vegas Practical Shooting Club Gamblers Challenge Boulder City, Nev.
January 16-19 Florida State Championship New Smyrna Beach, Fla.
Warmer Winter Pastures Shootout Green Cove Springs, Fla.
February 1-2
GSSF at Tango Down Shooting Complex Jacksonville, Fla.
January 29
Fort Worth Stock Show Classic Fort Worth, Texas
December 17
Northwest Missouri Defensive Pistol Club Match St. Joseph, Mo.
December 28
IDPA Austin Rifle Club Manor, Texas
THE MAKING OF AMERICA’S BUFFALO GUN IN MONTANA
An interview with C. Sharps Arms President Zach Schoffstall.
STORY BY FRANK JARDIM • PHOTOS BY C. SHARPS ARMS
In the world of reproduction Sharps rifles, the one maker I would choose over all others is C. Sharps Arms of Big Timber, Montana. This is not to say that their American and Italian competitors don’t make excellent rifles too. In terms of best value for your money, the many offerings of Davide Pedersoli are tough to beat. But if you want something special, and uniquely yours, you have to go with one of the two American makers. The American guns cost more, but frankly a lot less than you would expect a rifle like that would go for if made entirely in America.
With an American maker, you can buy a rifle just like they were bought from the factory 150 years ago. You tell them what you want and they make it that way. The main difference is that you’ll likely have to wait eight months to get a C. Sharps rifle today instead of the two months it took in the days of the buffalo hunters. Is it worth the wait? I think it is, if for no other reason than we’ll lose our American artisanal shops if we don’t support them, and that would be a tragedy.
This is the attitude of Zach Schoffstall, the subject of this month’s cover. He recently took over C. Sharps Arms after the death of the company’s founder, his father John Schoffstall. No contemporary maker of Sharps rifles has the depth of historical understanding and passion for the guns that C. Sharps Arms does. They also make a damn strong receiver.
The First Sergeant John Ryan 1874 Sharps is a replica of the one the rifle’s namesake famously used at the Battle of Little Bighorn. A special run of 50 will be made that will include a lithograph of the original painting serialized to the rifle.
Frank Jardim What’s C. Sharps Arms’ origin story and why are the two great American makers of reproduction Sharps rifles virtually neighbors?
Zach Schoffstall C. Sharps Arms Company was born out of my dad John Schoffstall’s deep interest in single-shot rifles of the Old West. He was passionate about them at a time when most collectors were focused on Colt revolvers and Winchester leveractions. He grew up in Pennsylvania in a blue-collar coal mining family, but his heart was always in the West. He learned to be a draftsman in trade school, and the money he earned once he went to work may have been disproportionately spent on antique
The
single-shot rifles. I remember him having up to 50 antique rifles on hand at any given time. He bought, sold and traded often as his interests expanded. He had no plans of making them back then, but he loved collecting and shooting them. More than most collectors, he appreciated their unique historical role in the taming of the American West. More than rarity or condition, he valued each gun’s story – who owned it, what they did with it, where they did it, and why.
He got in the gun business in the early 1970s while he was working in Washington state’s fledgling nuclear power industry. There were frequent layoffs and he opened the Hole in the
Wall gun store to make ends meet. That was a good name because it was tiny. It still exists too. My mom ran the store with him. By 1975 his growing interest and expertise in Old West single-shot rifles led to the hiring of two gunsmiths to specialize in the repair and rebuilding of antique rifles. He quickly became the go-to guy for that sort of thing and formed C. Sharps Arms to reflect that. My dad used to say, half joking, that he took a perfectly good hobby and ruined it by turning it into a business.
FJ How did he go from fixing antiques to building reproduction rifles?
ZS While my dad was repairing antique Sharps rifles in Washington as C. Sharps Arms, a New Jersey man named Len Mule’, founder of Shiloh Products Incorporated, was selling excellent black powder bullet molds of his own design and researching how to make modern reproductions of the Sharps rifle. Mule’ was a draftsman, too, and a Civil War reenactor, whose passion for the Sharps probably exceeded Dad’s. They immediately became friends. Because Mule’ had no production capabilities of his own, he partnered with a New York machinist named Wolfgang Droege, owner of the Drovel Tool Company, to make his molds, reproduction parts and eventually complete black powder Sharps Model 1863 and cartridge Model 1874 guns.
My dad was a great salesman, and C. Sharps Arms became the western distributor for Shiloh Products’ reproductions. He also bought reproduction parts from Shiloh Products for his gunsmiths to assemble into custom rifles under his C. Sharps Arms brand, with their barrels stamped “OLD RELIABLE” just like the original guns were. Dad owned the trademark for the original Sharps marketing logo and to this day, our guns are the only ones bearing this authentic and iconic marking.
In 1981, Dad moved C. Sharps Arms to Big Timber, Montana, and eventually sold the Hole in the Wall to his brother Tom Schoffstall. To be in the heart of the Old West was the fulfillment of a dream goal for
1875 Sharps was the most advanced of the side-hammer Sharps and was the first rifle produced exclusively by C. Sharps Arms. It was capable of handling the same heavy calibers as the Model 1874. This color casehardened one is chambered in modern .357 Magnum and equipped with a vintage-style scope and Marble Arms tang sight, as requested by the customer.
C. Sharps Arms President Zach Schoffstall. (TOBIAS SAUER)
Dad. The colocation of C. Sharps Arms and the New York-based rifle manufacturing operation, which was subsequently renamed Shiloh Rifle Company, was Dad’s most ambitious undertaking to grow the businesses, and probably his greatest mistake. For a time, everything was in the 8,000-square-foot building we still occupy today. Dad got the loans to buy the land and build it and its 50-yard test range. I remember the walls going up when I was a child. Unfortunately, the partnership fell considerably short of his expectations.
The mid- and late 1980s were trying times for Dad as the partnership with Shiloh dissolved; and in the shakeout, Shiloh Rifle Company was eventually bought by its present owners, the Bryan family, in 1991. They are fine people.
C. Sharps Arms still had its own machine tools and staff, but up to that time it was never set up or equipped to do big production runs. It was oriented toward custom builds and repairs. That rapidly changed once Dad had no more Shiloh Rifle Company guns to sell. Focusing on tooling up to build the famous and popular Model 1864 and 1874 Sharps on a bigger scale would seem on the surface to be the move to make, but Dad knew he didn’t have the
A closeup of the Boss rifle receiver engraving, which was copied from original 1870s guns customized by the Freund & Bro. Gun Store in Wyoming Territory, where the big Sharps rifles had earned the nickname “Boss of the Plains.” Note the tall, windage-adjustable, deluxe long-range tang peep sight useful out to 1,200 yards.
production capabilities to compete directly with both Shiloh Rifle Company and the imported Italian reproductions that were coming on the market.
FJ Wow, the irony there is that as the distributor of Shiloh Rifle Company guns, your dad actually spent years building up the competing Americanmade brand.
ZS That’s right. And the fact was that both Shiloh and the Italians made OK guns. So Dad made a move that I can’t believe anyone saw coming, though it was perfectly within his character as a sincere devotee to single-shots of the Old West. He decided C. Sharps Arms is going to make a reproduction of the ultra-rare Model 1875 Sharps. Only four or five were ever made, though it was a lighter and more advanced rifle than its side-hammer peers. Dad believed the more evolved Model 1875 would appeal to bigbore black powder cartridge target shooters and hunters because of its faster lock and lighter weight. He also expected it would appeal to Sharps enthusiasts because its rarity made the chances of acquiring an original virtually impossible. This was a huge gamble. The Civil War and buffalo hunting made the Sharps famous in America, but the Model 1875 couldn’t
claim any direct historical tie to those events. Dad was betting customers would want the Model 1875 and he judged the market correctly.
FJ I recall that the steel silhouette hobby was pretty popular in those days. I imagine that helped.
ZS Yes, it did, which is why Dad invested heavily in promoting its growth among black powder cartridge rifle enthusiasts. The technical advancement of Model 1875 gave the skilled shooter an edge over an equally skilled competitor with a Model 1874. You should know that people are still getting a thrill from banging away at those steel rams at 500 yards with their big bores, but there’s plenty of more traditional target shooting competitions nationwide.
The NRA has a whole competitive program based on vintage black powder cartridge rifles. Just look up NRA BPTR (Black Powder Target Rifle) matches and see what’s within striking distance. To cater to these enthusiasts, Dad also made reproductions of the Model 1874 and limited reproductions of the Model 1877 Sharps, a rifle purpose-designed for target shooting at the original longrange Creedmoor matches in Long Island, New York. The 19th century rules required the rifles have single triggers and weigh no more than 10
pounds. The NRA BPTR Creedmoor Championships are held every year and still shot at 800, 900 and 1,000 yards. What amazes most contemporary shooters is the high degree of accuracy attainable with rifles based on 150-yearold technology.
The most popular match in the country for Sharps enthusiasts is without a doubt the Matthew Quigley Buffalo Rifle Match in Forsyth, Montana. Inspired by Tom Selleck’s portrayal of a noble American marksman in the film Quigley Down Under, it’s now in its 33rd year. It’s not unusual for 600 shooters to participate in this two-day steel target competition. The life-size buffalo looks pretty small at 805 yards.
FJ One of the things that always made C. Sharps Arms stand out for me was your dad’s willingness to go beyond the security of the Sharps name and make reproductions of other great American single-shots.
ZS That’s because, unlike his domestic and Italian competitors, his one true love was the Old West single-shot rifle. As sales and cash flow increased, Dad gradually built up C. Sharps Arms’ production capabilities and by the mid-1990s through the 2010s, he employed up to 18 people building all the side-hammer metallic cartridge
The Model 1874 Sharps found fame in the Old West hunting buffalo, and when necessary, fighting hostile Indians. This is the C. Sharps Arms Boss Model 1874.
The 1885 High Wall Winchester single-shot was designed by John Browning and its thick, robust receiver walls allowed it to chamber the heaviest caliber of the day for hunting or target shooting. This one sports custom checkering, engraving and wire inlay as per customer request.
The 1885 Low Wall was a lighter and handier version of the High Wall intended for handgun cartridges. This one features high-grade walnut and gold inlaid custom engraving enhancements.
Model 1874 Heavy Hartford Sharps with French gray finish and custom checkering on the pistol grip and forend. The tang sight is the deluxe midrange peep sight with windage adjustment useful up to approximately 800 yards with vintage calibers.
An 1885 Low Wall Winchester in French gray finish with high-grade wood, pistol grip buttstock and medium-range tang peep sight enhancements.
Sharps models, the 1885 High Wall and Low Wall Winchesters, and limited numbers of the 1879 Hepburn rifle and the Hopkins & Allen Model 922 rimfire rifle. The 1885 Low Wall is particularly well suited for .22 rimfire silhouette. It’s still chickens, pigs, turkeys and rams, but they’re one-fifth the size and at one-fifth the range.
FJ Do you still make all those guns? ZS When Dad died earlier this year and I stepped in to take the reins, I decided to temporarily cut back our offering so I could concentrate on our most popular guns, which are the Model 1874 and 1875 Sharps, and the Model 1885 High and Low Wall Winchester reproductions. With costs of manufacturing materials and manpower rapidly increasing, I wanted to focus on doing more with less and centralizing our efforts around maintaining our legendary quality across a smaller product line.
I decided I needed to do that, for both of us and for every one of our gunsmiths who ever left his or her mark with pride on the rifle they built at their bench. America’s artisanal craftsmanship needs to be preserved. Dad sacrificed a lot to make C. Sharps Arms a premier manufacturer. His slogan was, “The first in Montana and the finest in the world.”
This .45-90-caliber 1874 Sharps from John Schoffstall’s collection belonged to Barney Day, a cowboy and buffalo hunter working the Utah and Wyoming Territories. It was made for Western artist Tobias E. Sauer (tobiasesauer.com), who created this original painting of the rifle in use. At a recent C.M. Russell Western Art Auction, the artist sold the painting and C. Sharps Arms rifle for $16,800.
FJ You seem to be doing alright. ZS I got plenty of managerial experience as an Air Force captain and a supervisory special agent in the FBI, and the gun business isn’t new to me. I’ve been around it since I was born. As a little boy, Dad enthralled me with stories of the rifles and hunters of the Old West and taught me to shoot. At 10 years old, I was answering phones in the office, then he was sneaking me into SHOT Show to set up and run our booth, and I would help around the shop after school and in the summers. But being the guiding hand of C. Sharps Arms is new to me. Dad never tried to make me follow his passion at the expense of my own. Like him, I loved old single-shots and the history of the Old West, but I loved the idea of serving my country more. He encouraged me to be who I wanted to be, and I did as an Air Force intelligence officer for four overseas deployments and then as an FBI special agent. I never expected to be president of C. Sharps Arms.
The timing of Dad’s death this year found me at an unexpected turning point in my life where I was in a position to carry on his legacy.
I watched him spend a lifetime building that reputation. He didn’t do that alone, and I realized I wouldn’t have to either because he left behind the great and talented people he chose to work with him. A few of them have worked here for 20 years. Every one of them is here because they really want to devote their talent and time to making C. Sharps Arms rifles. Some were trained as machinists, some as gunsmiths, but all of them are truly interested in their work on a historical and technical level and they take tremendous pride in doing it expertly. When you have something extraordinary like we do, it’s worth preserving. I need to increase sales volume to get the cash flow to afford to bring on more of the right people and renew production of our full product line, but we will never sacrifice quality to quantity. Our core marketing strategy is our reputation.
FJ How do you make your rifles? Is it all done in-house?
ZS Since the 1990s, C. Sharps Arms has blended modern manufacturing processes with traditional, hand-fit, bench-made gunsmithing processes to create the most historically accurate and high-quality production rifles available, and offer them at a reasonable price. To do that we use the most efficient means consistent with our quality specifications. We have three American-made Haas CNC milling machines and one Haas CNC lathe, as well as all the usual manual machines. We use these to make the majority of our parts, including our sights, and most of our receiver work, in-house.
For example, a receiver starts out as a big billet of tough 8620 steel. Several billets are mounted in a milling fixture and all the exterior cuts
are done on our CNC mills to include the barrel mounting hole, which is drilled and threaded. However, cutting the slot through the receiver for the breech block is not a job well suited to mills or lathes. Cutting a precision-shaped hole through a thick piece of metal is traditionally done on a broaching machine, but can be more efficiently done today by EDM (electrical discharge machining).
EDM is not new, but it still has an almost magical quality to it. Precision EDM work is expensive, but it is less expensive for us than broaching that cut. The finished receivers are then casehardened in-house to increase their strength and give them that traditional finish.
By the way, there are easier ways to make a receiver, but they aren’t definitively better. For example, our neighbors down the road cast their receivers in-house. The advantage of this is the part is nearly in its final form when it comes out of the mold, so it takes much less machining to finish it. The downside is that castings are not quite as strong as those cut from billets of steel. We are the only Sharps maker who will warranty our receivers with all factory smokeless loads and handloads up to the lower limit of those suitable for Ruger No. 1 and No. 3 single-shot rifles. We have that much confidence in them because we make them the way we do. Another example of efficiency
from outsourcing to specialty shops is barrel making. Barrel making requires some unique dedicated tooling. You always need a deep hole drill, but the other machines vary depending on the rifling process. Because there are several shops that specialize in producing high-quality barrel blanks, it’s generally not worth the investment in equipment and know-how to make barrels in-house unless you are producing a lot of guns. Most AR15 manufacturers don’t even make their own barrels. What does that tell you? For years we used cut-rifling Badger barrels with excellent results. Then they went out of business and we switched to button-rifled Green Mountain and McGowen
Delicately shaping the inletting for a perfect wood-to-metal fit. There is no substitute for a skilled hand and trained eye.
A lot of handwork goes into achieving an excellent surface finish.
A traditional buckhorn rear sight also starts as a block of steel. It goes through milling, drilling, tapping, polishing and bluing before it ends up like the finished sight on the right.
C. Sharps Arms receivers start out as a huge block of tough 8620 steel, as seen at left. On the right is the receiver after machining operations but before polishing.
The manufacture of precision long-range sights is especially delicate work.
C. Sharps Arms Models 1875, 1874 and 1885 receivers during the polishing process.
barrel blanks. No one could see any difference in accuracy. By starting with a perfectly made rifled barrel blank, we already have a guarantee of quality and performance before we even start cutting the exterior profile.
Machining time saved is money saved, which is always important, but even more so in recent years with inflation eroding the value of a dollar and making everything more expensive, including the labor of the talented hands using barrel wrenches, scrapers, files, metal finish tools, engraving cutters, checkering blades, and so on, that turn a collection of parts into an heirloom-quality firearm a family will pass on from generation to generation.
FJ I want to tell you that I think your new website is unlike any other gunmaker’s and I understand it is still a work in progress. I spent a half-hour
This Indian-owned 1874 Sharps rifle from John Schoffstall’s collection was also the subject of a Sauer painting (below). Zach Schoffstall seeks these partnerships to advance the study of the history of the American West and support American craftsmen and artists.
just reading the actual histories of the various rifles you’ve made. It took a moment for me to realize that the accompanying paintings were actually depicting the historical figures and events specific to the guns.
ZS Thanks. The idea is to make CSharpsArms.com an experience, not a shopping cart, something people will enjoy coming back to. In it, we share some of our enthusiasm for the guns we make with our present and future customers. The carefully researched and detailed paintings you saw were done by Ralph Heinz, a great Western artist and historian who I’m proud to call my friend. The Battle of Little Bighorn painting of First Sergeant John Ryan and his scoped Sharps hangs in our shop, along with our replica of the rifle. We are doing a special run of 50 of these rifles with limited edition lithograph copies of the painting serialized to
each rifle. I’m sure our customers will love it and there will be more fine art and fine gunmaking collaboration to come. This way we promote both American artisanal gunmakers and American historical artists. ★
C. Sharps Arms gunsmiths pose with their replica of the First Sergeant Ryan 1874 Sharps in front of the original Ralph Heinz painting of the 7th Cavalry officer during the Battle of Little Bighorn, at the company’s shop in Big Timber, Montana.
BLACK POWDER
FROM NEAR ZERO TO ALMOST A HERO
After setting a new personal lowest score ever, silhouette match shooter makes a decent comeback at next event.
STORY AND PHOTOS BY MIKE NESBITT
My new “record” for an all-time low score was set at an October black powder silhouette match, when I fired 40 shots for score but was rewarded with only one hit. That was nothing for me to be proud of, let me assure you. And that single hit was with my last shot for the day, held off-target and fired rather wildly. Why was it my only hit for the match, held at the Upper Nisqually Sportsmen’s Club, located near Mount
Rainier, Washington? I really don’t know, although I will say that my faith in that particular rifle, with that particular bullet and load, was gone.
No one was more surprised than I. While I really don’t want to blame the rifle, it was my .45-70 Sharps by C. Sharps Arms, equipped with the 10x MVA (Montana Vintage Arms) scope. The mystery of what caused my new all-time low score will probably remain mysterious, but I told myself to try again while using a different rifle. So, at the November silhouette match, I used my heavier Sharps in .45-90 caliber and
more surprises were waiting for me.
For my report on this match, I will certainly give you several details. This particular rifle is a heavy one with a 30-inch-long No. 1¾ Heavy barrel, and with its full-length 6x MVA scope, it weighs 14½ pounds. Even at that weight, in the .45-90 (2.4-inch case) caliber, with loads using the 550-grain Hoch bullet, the rifle has enough recoil that it can be uncomfortable. My load under that heavy bullet is only 70 grains of Swiss 1½ Fg powder. I’ve found that’s all it takes for some good shooting. This is a rifle that I bought at
Missing paint on a “pig” silhouette sighting target shows where it’s been hit. Next come the shots for score!
BLACK POWDER
least three years ago with the intention of using it at the Matthew Quigley Buffalo Rifle Match, held near Forsyth, Montana, and yet I have never used it there. Perhaps next year I will.
The silhouette match I can report on now was to be my “comeback trail” and the echoes of the October match were not to be repeated.
MY PARTNER AT this match was Cary Thorogood, a very experienced silhouette shooter. Getting Cary as a partner delighted me. He shares excellent advice about shooting and sight picture, and I find him to be a true inspiration. Silhouette shooting is certainly a team effort; shooter and spotter must work together. Having Cary as a spotter was tremendous and I can only hope that he feels somewhat similar about me as a spotter. We’ve known each other for at least 10 years but we’ve only teamed up a few times.
Even so, my shooting in the November match began with a rather rocky start. Cary and I began our shooting at the rams, set at 500 meters (roughly 550 yards). He shot in relay 1 and I’d do my shooting in relay 2. And the turnout for this match was rather light, only 10 shooters, so the relays were not even full.
Cary was using his scoped Sharps in .40-50 Bottleneck caliber, firing bullets that weighed about 410 grains. That gave him plenty of powder to knock down the targets, and those targets must be knocked down to count for score. After the smoke cleared from the first relay, Cary, who shoots from the prone position, had knocked over six of the 10 rams; not a bad start.
Try as I might, I couldn’t remember when or where I had shot this .45-90 last. Remembering might have given me some insight to the windage settings for the scope. As it was, I had good elevations recorded in my sight book but nothing for windage, and windage needed some real adjustment. After firing a couple of sighter shots at the sighting ram, I went for score. My first shot, aimed at ram number one, made a good hit on ram number two. So, I made a windage adjustment to the left. Then I shot at ram number three, and hit ram number four. That was not good – those hits could not be counted. I made more adjustments before shooting at ram number five and then going back to numbers one and three to finish the first half of my shooting
relay. Those were simply misses! Windage adjustments were being made prior to every shot. Finally, in the second half of that relay, on ram number six, I made a hit. Then number seven was a hit. But after that, my shots went low, which I can’t explain. So, I finished the first set of targets with two hits.
CARY AND I moved to the chickens, set at 200 meters (roughly 220 yards). Here’s where Cary really shined. The chickens, “copies” of small banties, were shot at from the offhand position, which makes them the hardest of the silhouette targets to hit. Cary got three of them and he was the highest-scoring chicken shooter for the day.
My reward for 10 tries was just one chicken and I was glad to get it. In
Nesbitt uses a blow-tube to keep fouling in the barrel soft.
Author Mike Nesbitt’s .45-90-caliber Sharps from C. Sharps Arms.
BLACK POWDER
fact, when I was aiming at that target, my rifle’s sights drifted to the left just as the rifle fired. I expected that to be a miss, but Cary shouted that I had clobbered it. When I went down range to set up the targets again and to repaint them, I saw that my bullet had hit the chicken right on the end of its beak; another inch to the left and I would have missed.
Next were the pigs, set at 300 meters (about 330 yards). Cary led the way again in relay 1, while I spotted his shots. He did rather well, sending his .40-caliber bullets out to collect seven of the pigs. His misses he could not explain, a feeling I knew all too well.
When my turn to shoot came along, it was easy to see that I was beginning to understand this rifle better. It should get shot more often. After hitting the sighter target a couple of times, I began to shoot for score. The first batch of five pigs were all knocked down. After the break in the relay, targets number six and seven were knocked over. Then I missed number eight, with no idea of why. But targets
nine and 10 both fell to the ground. That gave me nine hits for the relay. I was certainly very well pleased!
Before the last relay, my .45-90 got cleaned just a little better than before, perhaps just my way of saying “thanks” for giving me those good shots. But the best was yet to come.
OUR LAST RELAY in this 40-shot match was fired at the turkeys, set at 385 meters (almost 425 yards). Cary led the way again but things were not favorable for him. He finished his shooting by adding only one turkey to his score.
Those turkeys, several shooters will tell you, are the hardest to hit of all the targets except for the chickens. While I was getting into my sitting position, behind my cross-sticks, I reminded Cary that I hadn’t hit a turkey for at least three months! My expectations were rather low. And on that note, I fired at the sighter target.
Cary reported that my shot had gone high, so the scope was lowered accordingly. I went into this final relay with 14 rounds and four of them were
fired at the sighter target. After getting a couple of good hits on the sighter, I let Cary know I’d shoot for score, and fired my first shot. That, Cary announced, was a hit and the turkey was down. My shot had hit the turkey on its leg and Cary suggested that I hold higher. I followed his advice and good hits
A quintet of .45-90 cartridges, loaded with 550-grain bullets from a Hoch mold.
Cary Thorogood checks his aim before a shooting match relay starts. He would go on to be the high-scoring chicken target shooter at the event.
BLACK POWDER
were made on the first five turkeys. Then the next three in the second batch of five went down, but I missed with shot number nine. That miss was very close, just in front of the leg. My 10th shot was a good one and that gave me nine turkeys. Cary had been spotting my shots with push pins on his target board and he showed that to me while saying, “You should get a picture of this.” I did get that picture, a pretty good group for 425 yards!
At the awards for the day, Cary won the “chicken money” for being the high-scoring chicken shooter. I was awarded with two 5-pins for my shots on the pigs and the turkeys, my first time to win two of those pins in one day. My total score was 21 hits, quite the comeback from getting just one the month before. ★
Nesbitt’s “group” on a spotting board shows the result of his shots at the turkey targets.
November silhouette match winners
Pat Ochoa (scoped division) and Steve Morris (irons division).
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THE HAMMER AND THE HUNTER
A
closer look at Bishop Ammunition & Firearms’ AR and bolt-action rifles in .458 SOCOM.
STORY AND PHOTOS BY JASON BROOKS
he goal of creating the new 458 SOCOM caliber was to make a larger, more powerful cartridge that could be used in the AR-15 platform to provide greater stopping power and effectiveness in close-quarters combat and in situations where larger rounds were considered too heavy or impractical. The .458 SOCOM was designed to be compatible with standard AR-15/M16-style rifles with minimal modifications, enabling Special Forces units to use a more powerful round while maintaining their existing weapon systems. The round uses a .458-inch-diameter bullet, making it significantly larger and more powerful than the standard 5 56 NATO round used in most AR-15 rifles.
TSo now that we have a new caliber to use, is there any manufacturer out there making a rifle designed around it? I’m glad you asked.
Enter Bishop Ammunition & Firearms, founded by Merrisa and Dianne Bishop, both US military veterans. Merrisa is a disabled combat vet and former Army military police officer and long-range marksman. She does the research and development of all the company’s rifles and ammo products, and also builds rifles. She is a wealth of knowledge and talking with her is an enlightening experience. She is a consummate professional and takes pride in the work she does.
Bishop has designed two incredible rifles to complement the .458 SOCOM.
THE FIRST RIFLE we’ll talk about is the Bishop 458 SOCOM Hunter, which is a bolt-action. This rifle originally debuted
Author Jason Brooks prepares to test the Bishop 458 SOCOM Hammer MK II, an AR-style rifle introduced in 2019 and which has had several updates since then.
gun review
at SHOT Show in 2019 but has since had a few revisions. The short action receiver includes a Sako extractor, dual ejectors, side bolt release and six locking lugs. The rifle comes standard with 16inch EV-5 Match barrel from Tactical Ordnance, eight-port muzzle brake made by Bishop, and Elftmann match adjustable trigger. The safety is located at the top of the rifle near the buttstock and is easily maneuvered with your thumb; this requires less movement, so your grip and sight alignment stay focused on your shot. The rifle only weighs 8 pounds.
Now that all that technical stuff is out of the way, the question is, “How does it shoot?” The best way for me to describe the feel of this rifle is that it is shockingly smooth. First, the trigger was
The MK II has a 16-inch EV-5 match-grade barrel from Tactical Ordnance and an Elftmann match-adjustable trigger that can be set from 2.75 to 4 pounds. (BISHOP AMMUNITION & FIREARMS)
Merrisa Bishop, cofounder of Bishop Ammunition & Firearms of Pocatello, Idaho, holds the bolt-action 458 SOCOM Hunter. (BISHOP AMMUNITION & FIREARMS)
set just around 2 pounds, so the rifle just screams at you as soon as you apply a little pressure with your trigger finger. The rifle almost jumped out of my hands, as it was excited to be in action on the range with me. The accuracy, smooth shot, and easily manipulated bolt-action is like something out of a dream. The rifle practically did all the work; I just had to grab on and go along for the ride. The 458 SOCOM Hunter can easily make anyone feel like a short-range Carlos Hathcock. (Google him if you do not recognize the name.)
THE SECOND RIFLE Bishop sent me to run was their 458 SOCOM Hammer MK II. Like their bolt-action, this rifle was also introduced at SHOT Show in 2019, and has had a few revisions. And just like its sister, this AR has a 16-inch EV-5 matchgrade barrel by Tactical Ordnance. The
Elftmann match-adjustable trigger can be set from 2.75 to 4 pounds. An adjustable gas block is now standard to help the user adjust the harmonics of the barrel for optimum accuracy. What’s unique about this AR is the billet Gibbz Arms side charging handle. Yep, you read that right; the charging handle is located on the left side of the rifle instead of the standard top charging handle on most AR platforms. Each rifle is also fully configurable by the purchaser to create it to their own requirements.
I know, I know, technical blah blah –now tell me how it shoots! Well, like how a pitbull bites – hard, fast and powerful! This 458 SOCOM AR kicks like an AK but is smooth like its bolt-action sister. While shooting rapidly, you really need to have your stance locked in (or preferred shooting platform), as this
One unique feature of the AR is that the billet Gibbz Arms side charging handle is located on the left side of the rifle. (BISHOP AMMUNITION & FIREARMS)
gun review
Make sure you have your stance locked down before firing the Hammer MK II, as it really announces its presence while putting the hurt on targets.
baby likes to announce its presence! Having the charging handle on the left side (I am a right-handed shooter) made racking the rifle a lot smoother. Magazine changes on the move were smooth and fast, as there is nothing I did to this rifle that interrupted my normal actions on the range. Accuracy at 100 yards was pinpoint, even on the move. If my targets could talk (which they can’t, as they were all destroyed), they would tell you to change to a different rifle because this one hurt too much!
For more on Bishop Firearms, visit bishopammunition.com. ★
Editor’s note: Author Jason Brooks is a combat medically retired marine, force recon hand-to-hand instructor, counterterrorism instructor trainer, recognized national law enforcement trainer, active personal protection specialist and co-owner of Assault Counter Tactics. Visit assaultcountertactics.com for more.
411 ON NEWER .400 LEGEND CARTRIDGE
Addition to Winchester Deer Season XP lineup is specially engineered for our most famous big game animal, field testing shows.
STORY BY PHIL MASSARO • PHOTOS BY MASSARO MEDIA GROUP
We pulled into Will Brantley’s lodge, and the memories began immediately flooding back. Located in New Concord, Kentucky – adjoining Kentucky Lake and the famous Land Between the Lakes – I hunted Brantley’s farm back on December 10, 2021,
when that terrible tornado devastated Mayfield, Kentucky, and a second and nearly equally powerful twister came within a couple miles of his place. It’s safe to say that none of us present on that long, dark evening three years back will ever forget it.
That year we were chasing those beautiful Kentucky whitetails with a new muzzleloader, but this November we had a bit of a different agenda: putting the new Winchester Deer Season XP in .400
Legend through its paces.
FIRST, A BIT about the cartridge, as it might be foreign to some. The .400 Legend is the second in the Legend series of cartridges, having been preceded by its smaller sibling, the .350 Legend. Both cartridges are a specialized design, built to adhere to a number of different state and provincial laws regarding the use of centerfire cartridges in the Midwest.
Winchester’s Deer Season XP lineup has been expanded to include the .400 Legend.
The basic requirements – the amalgam of regulations – were a straight-walled cartridge (Illinois, Ohio, parts of Michigan), with a case longer than 1.16 inches but not to exceed 1.80 inches (Indiana, when hunting on public lands), and a minimum of .357-inchdiameter projectiles (Ohio).
Released at the SHOT Show in 2019, the .350 Legend uses the .378-inch rim diameter of the .223 Remington and the 2.26-inch overall cartridge length, making it perfectly suited for use in the AR platform, as well as in bolt-action rifles. The rim is slightly rebated, and the cartridge headspaces off of the case mouth.
Seeking a cartridge compliant with those aforementioned laws, yet offering a lower recoil level than the .45-70 Government or .450 Bushmaster offers, the .350 Legend is certainly easier on the shoulder than either of those larger-diameter cartridges.
This 50-yard target – verifying zero in whitetail camp – shows the accuracy potential of the Deer Season XP .400 Legend load.
The .400 Legend offers a larger frontal diameter and heavier bullet weights than does its sibling, the .350 Legend.
BULLET BULLETIN
Winchester’s 180-grain Power Point load for the .350 Legend leaves the muzzle at 2,100 feet per second, and the 150-grain Deer Season XP cruises along at 2,325 fps. It has been touted as the “fastest straight-walled cartridge,” but that point might be debatable now.
While the .350 Legend is wonderfully easy on the shoulder, the engineers at Winchester sought to offer a bit more bullet weight and larger frontal diameter, while giving the balance of tolerable recoil and abiding by the parameters that defined the design of the .350 Legend. Just four years after the release of the .350 Legend, Winchester announced the .400 Legend in the spring of 2023. It uses a bullet measuring 0.4005 inch in diameter, and shares the .440-inch casehead diameter of the 6 8 SPC, so again, the cartridge is compatible with existing AR bolt faces. Like the .350 Legend, the
.400 Legend has a rebated rim, but a shorter case length of 1.65 inches, though it maintains the same 2.26-inch cartridge length of its older brother to fit snugly in the popular AR-15 magazines.
THE .400 LEGEND has a rather wide range of bullet weights, with the 215-grain
jacketed Power Point being the middle of the road, leaving the muzzle at 2,250 fps and generating 2,416 foot-pounds of energy. The 300-grain load is designed for subsonic work, cruising along at just 1,060 fps. But like so many other cartridges in the Deer Season XP line, the .400 Legend gets a lighter bullet in this cartridge, with the Extreme Point projectile weighing in at 190 grains. That projectile uses an oversized polymer tip on top of a cup-and-core bullet with a skived and tapering jacket, designed for the rapid energy transfer that deer hunters love and deer despise. Winchester’s load sees that 190-grain slug leave the muzzle at 2,400 fps, for 2,430 foot-pounds of muzzle energy.
This particular load works well with a 150-yard zero, as the 50-yard rise is 0.8 inch and the 100-yard rise is 1.4 inches. The Extreme Point bullet will drop 4 7 inches at 200 yards, and 12 3 inches at 250 yards, where the energy value drops to 914 foot-pounds.
Our test rifle – a Winchester XPR bolt-action topped with a Leupold VX3HD 4.5-14x scope – certainly liked the ammunition, putting three shots into a group measuring just over 1-MOA at 100 yards. Brantley had zeroed the rifles for 150 yards prior to my arrival, as the three-day hunt didn’t afford a whole bunch of time, but we verified the 50-yard trajectory. The XPR is one of those rifles that doesn’t look very flashy, but has all the goods a hunter wants. The push-feed action is reliable, giving consistent feeding and ejection, and the rifle has a decent trigger right
The Extreme Point bullet used in the Deer Season XP line is a flat-based spitzer with a large polymer tip and skived copper jacket for rapid expansion. (WINCHESTER)
The .350 Legend is the older of the two cartridges to bear the name; it meets the legal hunting requirements of several Midwestern states. (WINCHESTER)
BULLET BULLETIN
out of the box. With a detachable polymer magazine and pliable recoil pad, the Winchester XPR is one of the best values in a hunting rifle on the market, and is equally at home in the deer stand, box blind or while stalking out in the inclement weather.
BRANTLEY HAD SOME good deer on a trail camera on his farm, right across the road from the hunting lodge, where he’d installed a couple food plots. The weather in Kentucky had been wet for the entire autumn, in addition to being warmer than normal, but the action shown on camera gave all the indications that the rut was in full swing.
With an accurate rifle and Winchester’s new Deer Season XP load in tow, I headed to an old homemade box blind that was one of Brantley’s favorite spots. With a small plot at the front of the blind offering shots out to 85 yards or so, and a larger plot – half obscured by brush – at the end of a clearing to the right reaching out to 225 yards, there was plenty to watch in the open, as well as picking apart the edge of the woods with my binocular. We got a bonus sit for the last 90 minutes on the day we arrived and I got a look at a good, tall eight-point buck, but the situation didn’t allow me to close the deal. The following day showed me plenty of deer, mostly does but a couple of small bucks; though I spent dawn to dusk in the box blind, a shooter buck did not present himself.
Checking the weather, I saw a significant storm front coming in the following morning, but wasn’t sure if it would result in a complete washout or an opportunity. Nonetheless, I was convinced that the proper course of action was to wait the day out in the blind, and I’m glad I did. A spike buck and a battered three-point, who’d obviously injured his antlers early on, were all I’d seen in the couple of hours before the skies opened and the deluge began.
The radar showed a small break in the downpours at about 3:30, giving a one-hour reprieve in the weather; my hope was that the does would take the opportunity to feed, and I was correct.
The Deer Season XP line takes full advantage of the large polymer tip for rapid expansion upon impact with a game animal.
Ten minutes after the rain ceased, a lone doe came out to each of the food plots, feeding happily and shaking off the rain. Five minutes later, a good eight-point buck swaggered out from the edge of the brush to court the doe in the lower food plot. Once I ranged him to be 115 yards away, I settled the Leupold’s crosshair on his shoulder as he quartered toward me and broke the XPR’s trigger. I heard the bullet hit, and the buck took off as if shot out of a cannon, tail down, piling up about 80 yards away.
Upon autopsy, the 190-grain smashed the shoulder joint – where the polymer tip was found – and took out the onside lung, yet we couldn’t find the bullet in the viscera. Undoubtedly, the buck was killed quickly, but it did seem that the Extreme Point bullet did break up after hitting the shoulder bones. But quick energy transfer is what this bullet
Offering the rapid energy transfer that whitetails despise, the Deer Season XP is the deer hunter’s friend. (WINCHESTER)
Author Phil Massaro took this eight-point Kentucky whitetail with the new .400 Legend Deer Season XP load in the Winchester XPR rifle.
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BULLET BULLETIN
is all about, and that .400 Legend bullet on that big-bodied Kentucky buck sure demonstrated that. Despite the distance the buck covered – almost totally across open ground – he ran in that dead-anddoesn’t-know-it manner; I imagine that the closer shots in the woods would have an even more dramatic effect. Couple this bullet with the Power Point, and you’ve got a rather dynamic duo in the .400 Legend. The Deer Season XP line is centered around bullets on the lighter side of the bullet spectrum. The 125-grain 130-grain .277-caliber, 140-grain and 150-grain .30-caliber all illustrate the concept. Couple that idea with the oversized polymer tip and skived jacket and you’ve got serious whitetail medicine. Is the Extreme Point bullet an overly tough design? No, it isn’t, but that’s the point: a whitetail is highly susceptible to bullet shock, when and if that bullet is put where it belongs. Do you run the risk
of more bloodshot meat than normal? Perhaps, but I like large wound channels more than I like lost deer. Give the Winchester Deer Season XP a chance in your chosen rifle, and you may make a
Bullet weights for the Deer Season XP line generally run on the lighter side, like this 130-grain .270 Winchester load. (WINCHESTER)
Nestled comfortably in the polymer magazine of the XPR rifle, the .400 Legend fed and extracted reliably, with no issues at all.
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Be prepared for a fair chase hunt! With over 3 square miles of prime natural habitat, our ranch provides challenges to even the most seasoned hunter, but our experienced guides and “No Game, No Pay” policy practically ensure that you won’t go home empty handed. In addition, High Adventure’s hunting season is year-round, allowing ample time to fit the most demanding schedule.
While our whitetail, elk, wild boar and red stag hunts top our hunter’s most popular lists, hunters from around the world have visited our ranch, hunting everything from American bison, black buck, fallow deer to Spanish goats and African game.
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ROAD HUNTER
CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR HUNTERS
Field-tested and approved gift suggestions for sportsmen.
STORY AND PHOTOS BY SCOTT HAUGEN
nother Christmas season has arrived! And here’s a look at some of the top gear I used this year and why they’re great gifts to consider.
ASITKA OPTIFADE COVER
I can count on one hand the number of camo patterns that have impressed me when it comes to hunting in the
rainforests of the Pacific Northwest. Sitka’s new Optifade Cover pattern is one of them. I began testing this pattern last spring in multiple states, including Alaska. It’s made for folks throughout much of the West, as well as the brush-laden, shadow-dense habitats we hunt throughout the country. From the Cascades to the Coast Range and the valleys between, the new Cover pattern is a mustsee. I never owned a piece of Sitka clothing until just over a year ago.
Now it dominates my closet, thanks to the comfort, precise fit and top performance on all levels.
5.11 TACTICAL CLOTHES, BAGS & MORE
What do flying on a plane halfway around the world, going to church, elk hunting and spending a week on a fishing boat in Alaska have in common? You can wear the same 5.11 Tactical clothing for all of them. And that’s exactly what I did. If you’ve not checked out 5.11’s clothing, do
Sitka’s new Optifade Cover pattern is made for the Western hunter. Author Scott Haugen has used it on many hunts, in multiple states, and ranks it atop his most liked camo patterns.
ROAD HUNTER
it. From base layers to casual wear, hunting, fishing, camping and anything outdoors – or indoors – it’s comfortable, durable and performs. My wife Tiffany relies on it for biking and hiking trips around the world. And their travel bags and packs have accompanied us around the globe, on trips to four continents and over a dozen states, including Alaska. They’re tough, built to maximize organization and are easy to handle.
That attention to quality is what led me to try 5.11’s Response XR1 Headlamp. I’ve used a lot of headlamps over the years, and this has become my go-to choice. It casts 1,000 lumens in peak spot mode and is simple to switch
to flood mode when needed. The lamp is easy to rotate and is removable.
PAKA BASELAYER
I’ve worn a lot of base layers in my 48year hunting career and, oh my, how they’ve advanced. The latest test was Paka’s Baselayer. I first wore it into the soggy blacktail deer woods. Instantly I loved the soft, comfortable fit and its ability to move moisture. Then I wore it on a high-desert elk hunt, on multiple predator hunts, upland bird treks and waterfowl hunts. You get the idea. I was impressed. Even when hiking in mountains chasing chukars, the Paka never overheated and always moved moisture. When sitting in a
duck blind or coyote stand, it retained body heat to the point that it was selfregulating and comfortable. That’s what the 100-percent-natural, nontoxic materials of this garment do. I’ll be getting a set of these for my wife, as I know she’ll love the soft, natural fit.
FORLOH JACKETS
I first saw Forloh’s AllClima Soft Shell Jacket in Alaska; a father and son were each wearing one on a fishing trip. It poured rain five of the six days, yet they stayed completely dry, which is saying something, given Alaska’s extreme conditions. I picked one up and have worn it in driving rains chasing deer in the timber, on cold, windy days in sagebrush country, on various elk hunts and on rainy days pursuing fall turkeys in the river bottom. The AllClima jacket is quiet, comfortable and has always kept me dry and shielded in high winds.
Forloh’s ThermoNeutral Down Jacket is also worth checking out. They dub it “the best down hunting jacket on the market” and I know why. I’ve tried several brands. Waterproof and comfortable as a midlayer or even outerwear, the ThermoNeutral Down Jacket keeps you dry on the inside and outside. It’s breathable and allows air to circulate, meaning you won’t overheat or get cold when hiking through mountains or sitting in a tree stand.
MOULTRIE MOBILE TRAIL CAMERAS
I currently have 134 trail cameras set out in three states, spanning hundreds of miles. Over half of them are Moultrie Mobile cellular cameras. I’ve tested a lot of cellular trail cameras in recent years, and love the dependability and performance of Moultrie Mobile cameras. There’s no card to check, thanks to built-in memory. Videos are easy to download on your smartphone and their high-definition resolution is exceptional. The Edge Pro and Edge 2 Pro cameras feature a super-fast trigger speed, smart zones that can be controlled from your phone to eliminate moving brush and shadow shots, a GPS
The Live Aim feature of the Moultrie Mobile Edge Pro trail camera is just one feature that maximizes its operating efficiency.
ROAD HUNTER
so you never lose track of where it’s at, and an easy-to-mount and aim option that connects directly to your phone and results in perfect positioning. Each camera automatically connects to all four major networks for nationwide cellular coverage, and it’s now available in First Lite camo. Moultrie’s Universal Camera Stakes, Solar Panels and rechargeable batteries are must-haves if serious about streamlining your trail camera game.
LEUPOLD RENDEZVOUS RIFLE CASE
I first used Leupold’s new two-rifle Rendezvous case on a road trip. I loved its streamlined fit under the backseat of my truck so much, I kept using it. Now it’s been on numerous hunts and probably always will be. Not only is there plenty of room to hold two rifles, but the two outside zipper compartments stow ammo, magazines, parts and more. Two Velcro strips securely hold each rifle in place, no matter how rough the backroads; if Velcro would have been this strong when I was playing flag football in the
early 1970s, I’d have never been stopped. The reinforced grab handles, sling and zippers are tough and perfectly designed for carrying and moving.
BIG AL’S MALLARD SILHOUETTE DECOYS
I’ve been using Big Al’s silhouette duck and goose decoys for many years. They’re durable, retain their color, clean up very well and look stunningly lifelike. This season they updated their
mallard silhouette decoys. They’re a bit lighter in color and the perfect body positions are appealing to ducks. I started using the updated mallard decoys on opening weekend, and they’ve been an integral part of my decoy spreads on numerous trips on rivers, sloughs and flooded fields.
HIGH CAMP FLASKS
The next level in flasks for outdoor
Leupold’s Rendezvous Rifle Case securely holds two scoped rifles, along with ammo and accessories in the outside compartments.
Big Al’s updated drake and hen silhouette mallard decoys pop, and ducks love ’em!
ROAD HUNTER
lovers has arrived! Last summer I took a 375ml High Camp Firelight Flask to Africa. I was going to take it on a weeklong cast-and-blast in Alaska, but then I ended up getting their new 9-ounce Torch Flask instead. You can’t have just one of these sturdy, quality flasks. They come in a range of sizes and colors. The Firelight 375 has a magnetic tumbler that’s cleverly designed and secure. The Torch is the perfect size when on the go and features a 3-ounce shot glass that’s magnetically attached. The vacuuminsulated, leak-proof construction of High Camp Flasks keeps hot drinks like coffee hot for up to 12 hours, and cold drinks cold for over 20 hours. The large top of the Firelight even fits ice cubes.
GARMIN XERO C1 PRO CHRONOGRAPH
Garmin’s Xero C1 Pro Chronograph is simple to set up, plus it’s versatile, accurate and logs every shooting session. Despite being
the technologically challenged guy that I am, I had it out of the box and recording shots in less than 10 minutes. When I opened the box, the C1 Pro was already charged, so I downloaded the app and paired it to my smartphone. Just press “pair” on the device, then add it and follow the prompts. Grab your rifle, hit the “start session” button, select the bullet speed and enter the bullet weight, then set the unit to the side of and behind your barrel.
I used it on a .223 with a suppressor and a Browning 6.8 Western to have a Leupold Custom Dial System built for it. I even used it on my .22 to test various solid and hollowpoint bullet speeds. When finished with each session, hit the “end session” button, wait a couple minutes for it to sync to your phone, then bam, all the data is at your fingertips. The data is also stored on the C1, so you don’t need your phone in the field when testing it; just
sync it once home. The C1 works with arrows, paintballs, air rifles, pistols and shotguns.
MEINDL COMFORT FIT HIKER
For over 25 years I’ve been a big fan of Meindl boots. I’ve worn them around the world on some of the most demanding hunts imaginable. Meindl has a range of boots fitting the needs of hunters around the globe, but their Comfort Fit Hiker continues to be my go-to choice. This year I wore the Comfort Fit Hiker while scouting all summer throughout the West, every day during a 10-day African safari, on two trips to Alaska, and more than 40 days this fall and winter chasing big game and predators in both rainy conditions and freezing days with snow and ice. They’re comfortable, nonbinding, and I can wear them all day, every day. They’re durable but not tight; supportive but not restricting.
SLAYER DUCK CALLS
Seeing as how we’re in the middle of waterfowl season, here’s one for you duck hunters. I’m not a great duck caller, which is why I rely on Slayer Calls – they make me sound good. One call I’ve used a lot the last two seasons is the Whistler’s Mother, which produces crisp, loud wigeon whistles and drake mallard chatter that appeals to all ducks. It’s loud, making it ideal on rainy, windy days and when hunting expansive waters.
I’ve also been using their Dubar duck call this season. The tooth-like, notched reed is simple to run, creates a raspy sound and doesn’t stick, no matter how much slobber you throw down the pipe. Their new Yolo Bypass duck call is another one I’m having success with this season, thanks to its unique blend of design features and the multiple reeds that allow for precise sounds for the birds and areas I hunt. ★
Editor’s note: Looking for more Christmas gift ideas? Check out Scott Haugen’s extensive line of how-to hunting and fishing books at scotthaugen.com.
Slayer Calls has an array of high-quality, easy-to-run duck calls.
MAKING THE CUT
A LOOK AT BENCHMADE KNIVES
Blade company’s 940 Osborne, Griptilian stand out for self-defense.
STORY AND PHOTOS BY PAUL PAWELA
hen I began teaching women’s self-defense classes in the 1980s, I did not teach students to use firearms, as there were no concealed carry weapon laws in place at the time in that state. Nor did I teach less-lethal alternatives such as pepper spray, or even hand-to-hand techniques.
WI taught women how to use a knife in an offensive situation when they were assaulted, emphasizing target areas such as the eyes, neck, throat, stomach, liver, spleen, etc. (For further information, refer to this column in the October 2024 issue of American Shooting Journal, where I discuss the “dirty dozen” target areas.)
A knife has always been the primary tool of choice for self-defense when a firearm cannot be used, so it is imperative to learn how to carry and deploy the weapon properly.
OVER MY 40-PLUS years as a recognized national self-defense trainer, I can assure you that the number one folding blade that both my wife and I carry for self-defense reasons is made by Benchmade Knives.
As an airborne jumpmaster in the military, I carried and used a Benchmade automatic-opening knife for years. Then the Benchmade 940, designed by famous knifemaker Warren Osborne, was released.
The product description reads as follows: “Highly regarded as one of the most quintessential EDCs of all time,
the 940 Osborne is slim, stylish, and can perform in just about any situation imaginable. The 940 features a satin plain-edge reverse tanto blade with a green anodized aluminum handle. The manual opening blade contains strong CPM-S30V blade steel.”
The steel gives an excellent balance
of edge retention, corrosion resistance and durability. The blade length is 3.4 inches with a thickness of 0.115 inch. The knife is slender and fits well in the pocket.
One of the most outstanding features of the 940 is the Axis lock, which makes for a strong, secure and completely
Trainer Paul Pawela has long taught women the value of knives as a primary self-defense weapon when a firearm is unavailable.
MAKING THE CUT
ambidextrous locking mechanism. The 940 also comes with the standard carry pocket clip and a tough but lightweight aluminum handle.
I COULD TALK more about this great knife, but it is time to move on to my number one pick for a self-defense and all-around carry knife, the Benchmade Griptilian, designed by master knifemaker Mel Pardue.
The Griptilian is described as
follows: “When it comes to allaround functionality, you can’t beat the Griptilian family. The 551-S30V Griptilian features a plain-edge, drop-point blade with a black Grivory handle. The CPM-S30V blade is perfect for everyday, outdoor, or tactical situations.”
There are many reasons why this knife is the ideal one. First, the Griptilian is a very simple knife. The blade length is 3.45 inches, generally legal to carry in most states (but always check the law in the states you are planning to carry). The overall length is 8 07 inches, and it has a really good feel in the hand. Once again, the knife comes with the Axis lock mechanism.
Now, this is going to surprise many. I recommend buying the Griptilian in pink, as it comes in many different colors. I recommend the color pink for a couple of different reasons. First, if one has to defend him- or herself in court, the knife does not present as menacing; it doesn’t look like a “killing knife.”
One can easily contend in court that the knife is meant to cut rope and open mail and packages. And in the past, Benchmade has set aside a percentage of sales of these knives in pink for breast cancer treatment and awareness.
Throughout my career, I have found that knives are the best way to protect a human being and for that purpose, Benchmade Knives make the cut! ★
The Benchmade 940 Osborne, which features an Axis lock. (BENCHMADE)
The Benchmade Griptilian. (BENCHMADE)
Benchmade makes a full line of knives for various uses.
THE DANGERS OF CARRYING A CONCEALED WEAPON WITHOUT PROPER TRAINING
STORY AND PHOTOS BY GRACIELA CASILLAS
estled within the heart of Ventura County, California, VC Armory stands as a beacon for those seeking comprehensive firearms training.
NJustin Young, owner, former marine and dedicated
An interview with Justin Young.
instructor, shared his insights on the critical importance of proper firearms training for those considering carrying a concealed weapon. His journey, rooted in a lifetime of shooting and refined through rigorous military training, underscores the gravity of firearms ownership and the necessity of ongoing education.
“Tell me a bit about your background,” I prompted, eager to delve into Young’s
rich history. A seasoned 40-year-old with a calm demeanor, Young leaned back, reflecting on his early years. “I’ve been shooting since I was six or seven,” he began. “My dad was an Arizona resident, and we spent countless hours at the range. It started with BB guns, then moved up to .22s, and eventually everything else. My first time shooting a 12-gauge shotgun was a rite of
Justin Young is the owner of VC Armory in California and is a proponent of comprehensive firearms training for those who carry concealed.
TACTICAL TRAINING
passage, nonetheless a painful one with a buckshot slug.” He chuckled at the memory, a glint of nostalgia in his eyes.
His journey took a significant turn in 2002 when he joined the Marine Corps. “The Marines really honed my skills,” Young explained. “I was attached to their security forces and received more one-on-one training; even though I was a field radio operator, I received tactical training – room clearing, hostage scenarios and more. It was an intense, formative period.”
CARRYING A CONCEALED firearm is a significant responsibility that should not be taken lightly. While obtaining a concealed weapons permit is a constitutionally protected right in the United States, doing so without adequate training can pose serious risks to both the permit holder and the public at large.
According to Young, simply meeting the minimum training requirements, such as 16 hours of instruction in California, is often not enough to be truly prepared to carry a concealed weapon. “What did you really learn in 16 hours?” Young asked. “And do you feel 110 percent confident in carrying? I’ll tell you from my experience, it took me a lot more than 16 hours to feel like, ‘Hey, I should put a gun on my hip or
gun in my waistband.’”
The importance of proper firearms training cannot be overstated. Young’s journey is a testament to the critical role that training plays in responsible firearms ownership. From his early days shooting with his father to his intensive training in the Marine Corps and his current role as an instructor, Young’s experiences highlight the necessity of continuous education and practice.
“In the Marines, the training was
rigorous and comprehensive,” Young recalled. “We learned everything from basic marksmanship to advanced tactics. This training prepared us for real-world scenarios and instilled a deep sense of responsibility.”
AFTER LEAVING THE military, he distanced himself from firearms. “I didn’t own any guns for a couple of years,” he admitted. “I was tired of sleeping with my rifle and didn’t want the responsibility. However, in 2008 I met Refugio Flores, a former world champion kickboxer who, after retirement from the ring, dedicated himself to teaching firearms skills and working in executive protection. He reintroduced me to the world of firearms. He encouraged me to develop my shooting skills and cultivate my teaching ability. He also realized how important it was to stay proficient. I had never taught firearms before, but Flores mentored me and encouraged me to become an instructor. I found a new passion in teaching others.”
This passion, however, comes with a stern warning. “Firearms are a huge responsibility,” Young emphasized. “Every American should own a gun and get trained. If you don’t know how
Working with a student.
Young teaching on the range.
TACTICAL TRAINING
to use it, it does nothing for you. A gun in a safe might give you peace of mind, but without proper training, it won’t protect you.”
Young’s dedication to teaching is evident in his approach. “I’ve been teaching for 16 years, but I made the full-time leap about 12 years ago. It’s a decision you just must jump into. There’s a constant need for training, especially with the rise in people wanting CCWs. Since constitutional carry came down, there has been a significant influx.”
However, he cautioned against the dangers of inadequate training. “A lot of people in California complain that they have to complete a 16-hour training course to obtain their CCW. You should always be training; you are carrying a gun. How well prepared is someone after 16 hours of training?”
One of the biggest risks of carrying without proper training is that in a high-pressure, self-defense situation, you will likely perform at only about 30 percent of your perceived skill level, according to Young. “That 30 percent that you think you know, and you might think you’re so badass, you’re going to perform at 30 percent of that,” he
said. Without extensive and ongoing training, your ability to use your firearm safely and effectively could be severely compromised when it matters most.
OUR CONVERSATION SHIFTED to the legal and ethical responsibilities of carrying a concealed weapon. Another danger is a lack of understanding around critical issues like use of force law, escalation and de-escalation tactics, and the legal implications of brandishing versus justifiably drawing your weapon. Young teaches his students verbal judo and creating distance to try to avoid using their gun if possible. But without that knowledge, an untrained concealed carrier could easily misuse their weapon and face serious legal consequences.
“I’m no lawyer, and I can’t give you legal advice, but I can tell you that if you’re involved in a shooting, you’re getting arrested,” said Young. “That police officer does not know if this is a drug deal gone bad, or a self-defense situation. How you articulate the situation can mean the difference between self-defense and murder. Training isn’t just about shooting; it’s about understanding
the legal ramifications and knowing how to handle the aftermath.” A good instructor will even have an attorney come in and teach the legal and civil aspects of using lethal force.
Perhaps the scariest prospect of undertrained concealed carriers is the potential for accidental shootings or stray bullets hitting unintended targets. “You are responsible for everything that comes out of that gun,” cautioned Young. Even at close range, people can miss their intended target, and those bullets can strike innocent bystanders. The liability and tragedy of such a scenario is immense. For all these reasons, Young is a passionate advocate of continuous, ongoing firearms training for anyone who carries or plans to carry a concealed weapon.
Young also highlighted the psychological aspects of carrying a firearm. “Carrying a gun should make you humble. You have the power to take a life, which means you need to stay calm and collected. The mindset is crucial. You need to be a thinker before a shooter. Human life is precious, and you have to respect that.”
The discussion touched on the varying state laws and how they compound the risks of minimal training. “In places like New York, getting a CCW is nearly impossible, which means people might carry without any training,” he explained. “Even seasoned military personnel have come to me for training on how to carry concealed. Everyone needs proper instruction.”
As our conversation ended, Young’s passion and dedication were unmistakable. His journey from a young shooter to a seasoned instructor highlights the importance of proper training and the profound responsibility that comes with carrying a firearm. At VC Armory, Young is not just teaching people how to shoot; he’s instilling a sense of duty, respect and continuous learning in every student he encounters. He offers a comprehensive range of services – firearms training, virtual simulators, custom rifles and more.
“The backbone of our business is
Young demonstrates drawing a handgun from concealment.
TACTICAL TRAINING
training,” said Young. “We want to ensure our clients have the right tools and knowledge. Education is key. The right to bear arms and use them in selfdefense is an incredible responsibility. No one should undertake it without being as prepared as possible to wield that power safely, judiciously and effectively. The risks of being underprepared can be deadly.” ★
Editor’s note: Author Graciela Casillas is a certified personal protection specialist who works as a staff instructor with Executive Security International bodyguard school (esibodyguardschool .com). She is also an advanced firearms trainer and has worked with many world-class firearms instructors. She has authored many articles on the subject for various publications and holds a bachelor’s degree in law and society, master’s degrees in education and physical education, and lifetime teaching credentials in psychology.
“The right to bear arms and use them in self-defense is an incredible responsibility. No one should undertake it without being as prepared as possible to wield that power safely, judiciously and effectively,” states Young.
IGY6 DEFENSE, a body armor company that makes some of the lightest armor in the industry, is comprised of special operators and combat vets from both the US military and IDF. They use their own armor and gear in combat, including their CEO, Jake Bittan. He trusts the gear they create and sell with his life, and during the Israel-Hamas war, he proved that. He will continue to fly back and fight in this war while using their gear. He believes there’s no better way to give customers confidence in his products than to use it himself in one of the most significant wars in history.
SAFE BABY ARMOR - BALLISTIC BABY CARRIER
Be
IMMERSIVE TRAINING EXPERIENCES
Decision Tactical fuses realistic simulations and scenarios
to better train law
enforcement, public, all without live-fire guns.
STORY AND PHOTOS BY PAUL PAWELA
s I wrote this article, I received an email from a firearms instructor who needed guidance on liability firearms insurance. I gave him a list of some of the top reputable insurance companies. However, premiums are going through the roof. There are limitations as to what you can and cannot do in your training, making it pretty tricky for firearms instructors to do anything that insurance companies may consider unorthodox, such as drawing from a holster, moving with a firearm or shooting in the dark, just to name a few.
Decision Tactical is a state-of-the-art training complex located in central Florida near Orlando.
SELF-DEFENSE TRAINING
One might ask why this would be the case. There are several reasons, but the number one answer is accidental discharge, or negligent discharge. Call it what you want, but someone had their finger on the trigger when they shouldn’t have, period.
While firearms instructors across the country might consider this a rarity, it’s actually not so rare.
In my live-fire shooting classes, I ask, “What do the FBI Hostage Rescue Team, Delta Force, SEAL Team 6 and the British Special Air Service have in common?” They are the best counterterrorist units in the world, and their operators shoot 100,000 rounds a year in handgun ammunition alone. Do you know what else they have in common? Every single unit has had an
individual killed in training because someone had their finger on the trigger when they shouldn’t have.
Negligent discharges happen in law enforcement training and civilian training too, and even at national training institutions like the NRA and the United States Concealed Carry Association.
What are the reasons for this?
Officers train in Decision Tactical’s 360-degree shooting simulator as staffers control the scenarios from a separate room.
The 43,000-square-foot facility incorporates a green room and live actors to create situations that trainees can react to in real time.
SELF-DEFENSE TRAINING
One could be the facility not having the proper number of safety officers. Another reason might be instructors pushing students beyond their skill set, or not correctly analyzing the students’ skill sets.
So, what is the solution? A training facility in Sanford, Florida, might have the answer.
DECISION TACTICAL IS a state-of-the-art immersive training complex using simulated laser guns, with no live-fire guns anywhere. The company’s mission statement says it all: “Our mission is to save lives and bridge divides through better training and better understanding between civilians and law enforcement.”
The story-based simulations activate multi-sensory experiences that challenge individuals on cognitive, emotional and behavioral levels while dealing with simulated
real-world situations. All the while, the participating individual is being monitored and tracked for after-action reviews. In simpler terms, an individual goes through different training simulations designed to jack up their heart rate, force their eyes to focus on the threat – or no threat – and to make a decision all in about a two-second time frame, which is about the length of an actual gunfight. An individual can run through these different scenarios as many times as they want and will never go through the same one twice! This exercise builds an incredible database embedded into one’s muscle memory.
Decision Tactical’s “gun range” is a 12-bay “simulated fire training range that includes various targets, and drills, all with shooting analysis that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the industry.” Once again, all the fundamentals in marksmanship can be applied safely without any concern
of injury or malfunctions of ammo or weapons.
Training is led by an incredible lineup of tactical instructors from various backgrounds, from former special unit operators (better known in the industry as “secret squirrels”) to former SWAT commanders with miles of real-world experience. They also have seasoned and experienced krav maga instructors to help hone your empty-hand skills as well.
One of the biggest problems in the shooting world is putting skilled operators mixed with civilians under one training umbrella, which has led to disastrous results for many different reasons. When an experienced shooter is next to an inexperienced shooter, it becomes very competitive. Usually, the inexperienced shooter goes faster than their skill sets, often ending in disastrous results. At Decision Tactical, experienced shooters and beginners
A two-story balcony allows instructors and others to watch participants performing scenarios and make on-the-spot corrections as they go.
SELF-DEFENSE TRAINING
can safely be put together without the worry of anyone going beyond their skill level because all the firearms used are simulators, so there is no chance of anyone getting frustrated and injuring another.
During my visit to the facility, one of the most refreshing points I witnessed was a bonding moment between a father and his young son. First the son learned safe fundamental shooting skills, and all the procedures in firearms safety protocol were in play. After that, they went to the range together to practice fundamental marksmanship, and then they had great fun in the simulator. The joy and smile on the young man’s face were priceless, and both father and son will have memories that will last a lifetime.
DOES THIS TYPE of technology help make better shooters? The Armed Forces have used this kind of technology for years. Institutions like Cubic have provided aircraft dog-fighting simulations (featured in the movie Top Gun), submarine war simulations and infantry battle simulations. Technology constantly expands faster than we can
catch up with, so why not use it for the positive?
Consider what it would cost to attend a top firearms training school when you add up the travel, firearms, bullets, equipment, food, lodging and tuition expenses. Now compare that to traveling to the number one entertainment destination spot in the world, where you can take the whole family to Disney World, Universal, SeaWorld, Legoland or the many other attractions Florida has to offer. All are very close to Decision Tactical, where the entire family can learn all about firearms safety, marksmanship, tactical skills and being safe at all times.
Decision Tactical is used by almost every law enforcement agency in Florida, and they just held their first military competition with various branches competing. Theirs could be an excellent model for future firearms training and the wave of the future! ★
Editor’s note: Author Paul Pawela is a nationally recognized firearms and self-defense expert. For his realistic self-defense training, see assaultcountertactics.com.
Decision Tactical has the very latest in advanced training technology. Here, an instructor showcases a VCAT operator terminal, the same kind of simulation training that Israel’s fighter pilots use.
To complete your visit, Decision Tactical offers a wonderful bar and grill.
There are many qualified hand-to-hand trainers on site as well.
The new milled-receiver MB47 (here, and below outfitted by author Frank Jardim with a military-grade optic for range testing) is a collaboration between Century Arms and Sharps Bros., and features the latter’s improved and updated 4140 milled steel receiver first introduced a few years ago.
gun review
MB47
Finally, a more accurate AK.
STORY BY FRANK JARDIM • PHOTOS BY F.J.G. JARDIM
f you love the rugged reliability of the battle-tested AK platform but lament that its Cold War engineering didn’t take into account modular accessory mounting, or that its loosey-goosey, twisty-flexy, stamped sheet metal construction has always held it back from realizing its full accuracy potential, you should take a close look at the new MB47 rifle from Century Arms. It has the potential to be the most accurate AK on the market and allows ample room for the easy mounting of accessories and optics on integral M1913 and M-Lok mounting
Ipoints on the forend, in addition to a standard military AK optics mounting rail on the left side of the receiver.
Like the Cold War-era Finnish RK 62 and Israel’s Galil rifle that were renowned for their accuracy, the MB47 uses a milled steel receiver, which rigidly supports the barrel, bolt and bolt carrier during firing. While the MB47 barrel is not fully free-floated, its forend configuration appears to reduce accuracy-robbing lateral stresses on the barrel. It accomplishes this in a slightly different, and at least partly superior, way than the RK 62 and Galil
gun review
by virtue of the style of gas tube and front handguard mounting.
A standard AK gas tube can put a lot of pressure against the barrel if it is shoe-horned on the rifle between the gas block outlet and the rear sight base. To correct this, the RK 62 and Galil were designed without a barrelmounted rear sight base so that the gas tube could lay somewhat loosely in place in a dovetail on the top of the receiver, placing almost no stress on the gas block and barrel. The Century Arms MB47 has a conventional rear sight base and gas block, but uses a standard UltiMak M2-B aluminum gas tube with front venting holes and integral M1913 rail along the top. The UltiMak gas tube is secured tightly to the barrel itself by two screw-tensioned straps, but the front opening of the gas tube is of noticeably larger diameter than the gas block outlet and would appear to offer a no-contact fit once the gas tube is tightened down. A no-contact fit between gas tube and gas block is ideal for accuracy, and if one must clamp anything to the barrel, it’s best to do it as close to the receiver as possible like the UltiMak does.
I ESPECIALLY LIKE the MB47 front
handguard design, which unlike the military models allows the majority of the barrel to free-float. To do this, Century Arms made a new and unique extruded aluminum lower handguard. It mounts with two screws to a geometrically complex aluminum block that nests at the rear in the receiver’s lower handguard slot, with the front serving as the bottom of the UltiMak gas tube’s rear mounting clamp. It is a clever piece of engineering that minimizes the barrel contact and confines it to the thicker rear portion of the barrel. The only downside I see to this design is that there is no means to positively and precisely index it on the barrel and I’d expect that heating and cooling cycles will loosen the four screws
Here you can see the bottom of the new Century Arms/US Palm free-float aluminum M-Lok front handguard assembly. Eventually it will be offered alone as an upgrade accessory. Note how the bolt hold open cut in the side of the safety is used. It is not quite as easy to manipulate as it seems.
that clamp the whole business in place. I would get in the habit of checking the tightness of the screws regularly. I bring this up because that gas tube rail is exactly the spot that you’ll want to mount your red-dot optic and you don’t want your zero shifting around. That being said, even if the handguard/gas tube assembly was so loose it could freely move
Designed with an integral AR-15 buffer tube socket, the MB47 can accept any and all of your favorite AR-15 buttstock configurations. It comes with a six-position Magpul DT carbine buttstock.
The MB47 comes standard with a US Palm pistol grip, all-polymer waffle magazine and enlarged magazine release paddle.
The milled receiver has almost no flex when compared to the 1mm- to 1.5mm-thick stamped sheet metal receivers used on all AKM-47 variants. A milled receiver is the starting point for maximizing the accuracy potential of this platform.
about, it won’t affect reliable function of the rifle.
The MB47 barrel and trigger also work in favor of enhancing accuracy. The 16.25-inch, 1-in-10-inch-twist barrel is chrome-lined for long wear and corrosion resistance, threaded 5/8x24 for common American-made muzzle devices, and has a unique and very compact chevron-cut compensator/ muzzle brake tightly installed with a crush washer. The potentially accuracy-
enhancing barrel feature is the fluting in front of, and behind, the gas block. Properly cut fluting has been shown to increase the rigidity of the barrel and reduce barrel whip. Fluting also reduces the weight of the rifle and can improve cooling to some degree by increasing the exterior surface area.
The MB47 uses Century’s new RAK-1 Enhanced flat trigger face instead of the common curved military profile. Once a custom feature, flat-face triggers are becoming increasingly popular on production guns. Their greater surface area lightens the perceived weight of the trigger pull and many feel they allow for more consistent flesh-to-metal engagement. Like other RAK-1 enhanced triggers I’ve tried, it is a double-hook design with an exceptionally good two-stage pull consisting of a short take-up to the wall with very little travel after that to a crisp break. I measured the pull at 5 pounds, but it feels lighter.
Though a milled receiver is a great starting point for improving the accuracy of the AK-47, Mikhail Kalashnikov did not design it to be a target rifle. The early milled-receiver (AK-47) rifles were actually a stopgap measure implemented because the Russians initially couldn’t make a
Note the double-hook trigger inside and the receivermounted optics rail on the left.
gun review
suitably durable stamped sheet metal receiver gun. While the extremely rigid milled receivers laid the groundwork for an accurate rifle, that was not what the Russian military was striving for. They wanted economical manufacturing and light weight. Once they perfected the stamped sheet metal receiver (AKM47), they never looked back.
GENERALLY, CONTEMPORARY RECREATIONAL shooters care more about accuracy than weight and many AK platform owners, myself included, will admit they are more often disappointed than impressed with their guns. The guns alone are usually not entirely to blame. Ammo quality, especially military surplus, varies considerably. AK owners who are more interested in the rifle’s historical role care less about accuracy than they do an authentic military appearance, but people who genuinely love it as a platform will welcome the improvements in the MB47
Granted, the MB47 is a heavy rifle. Before optics and with an empty all-polymer, lightweight US Palm 30-round magazine, it weighs a hefty 8 pounds, 13.6 ounces. A full 2 pounds of that is the Sharps Bros. 4140 steel milled receiver. (They are best known for their artistic billet-cut AR-15 lower receivers with the magazine wells sculpted to look like a human skull, Spartan helmet or shark teeth.)
Sharps Bros. broke with tradition by designing their receiver with an integral AR buffer tube socket so shooters could draw from the huge variety of AR-15 buttstocks to customize the gun to their tastes. To allow for the convenient use of popular single-point tactical slings, Sharps Bros. cut QD sling swivel attachment sockets on the left and right rear of the receiver.
My test rifle came with an excellent Magpul DT (Dual Tension) carbine stock. It’s polymer and collapsible with six length-of-pull positions. The pistol grip is US Palm and features stippling on the sides and a pronounced foreand-aft flare toward the heel to provide ample gripping surface for all hand sizes. Because the MB47 has the front sight mounted on the gas block, it only has an 11-inch sight radius. That’s not
much! The top cover fit is so tight that I’m inclined to mount an adjustable aperture sight on it in the manner of the RK 62 and Galil. That would stretch the sight radius out to 19 inches and improve iron sights accuracy.
FOR ACCURACY TESTING,
I installed a Meprolight RDS Pro V2 with a green bull’s-eye reticle and 2-MOA center aiming point. This is a military-grade optic you may have seen in news footage of the fighting in Gaza and Lebanon. It’s fairly heavy at 8.8 ounces, but it is extremely rugged, runs on a common AA battery, has a big (1.3-inch by 0 79-inch) nonreflective aiming window, 16 brightness settings (four of them for night vision use) and retails around $500. For the accuracy testing, I would have preferred a magnified optic,
The rifle uses a cast, lightweight bolt carrier (note the windows), but the bolt is machined from an 8620 steel billet.
The MB47’s handguard and gas tube are aluminum and provide plenty of M1913 rail and M-Lok slots for your accessories, as well as improve cooling and enhance accuracy. Moving the front sight back to the gas block unfortunately does reduce the iron sight radius to 11 inches.
but I didn’t have a mount to fit the rifle’s scope rail. (Excellent ones are made by RS Regulate.) For general shooting and any dangerous scenarios, I think iron sights or reflex sights like the RDS Pro V2 are a more practical choice.
A typical military-style AKM-47 in the standard 7 62x39mm caliber isn’t all that nice to shoot. Their little steel butt plate buttstocks can beat up your cheek and shoulder with recoil. The MB47 is
not like that at all. The combination of extra weight, the tight lock-up of the Magpul DT stock with its big rubber butt plate, and the compensator/muzzle brake made the MB47 very soft shooting with hardly any muzzle rise, though the fireballs at the muzzle were impressive under overcast skies.
I formally tested three quality brands of ammunition: Hornady American Gunner 123-grain JHP, Hornady Black
123-grain SST (jacketed polymer tip) and imported German Geco Target 124-grain FMJ. Shooting five-shot strings at a 100-yard target from the bench off a Caldwell The Rock BR rest, individual and 15-shot aggregate groups (minus a few obvious flyers) suggested this is a 3 5-MOA rifle. For an AK, that’s pretty decent, but I was expecting better with all the accuracy-enhancing features built into this rifle. I suspect
A closeup of the aluminum mounting block that serves to support the US Palm freefloat handguard and clamp the rear of the UltiMak gas tube/M1913 rail to the barrel.
With the gas tube and handguard assembly removed, you can see that the barrel is fluted to increase its rigidity for improved accuracy.
gun review
During range testing,
and
the
that the UltiMak gas tube/M1913 rail where I mounted my optic wasn’t tight enough. The 2-MOA dot might have been working against me at 100 yards too. Rear projection reflex sights aren’t meant for longrange target shooting, but they’re still a big advantage over iron sights.
This new chevron compensator/muzzle brake is screwed down tight with a crush washer on the 5/8x24 TPI threaded muzzle. There’s no metric RH thread madness on this AK!
I believe I could have cut the groups in half if I’d had a 9x optic and a solid RS Regulate mount fitted to the receiver scope rail. Others have gotten 1 to 1.5 MOA out of the MB47 at 100 yards. I intend to test it again. If there’s a lesson here, it’s to check those gas tube screws for tightness before and during shooting. The MSRP for the MB47 is $1,699.99. For more info, visit centuryarms.com. ★
Jardim found
MB47’s muzzle jump to be just about zero –
its muzzle blast awe-inspiring.
The Meprolight RDS Pro V2 is an Israel Defense Forces battle-tested brute of a reflex optic. The aluminum gas tube does a good job dissipating heat, but remember to check the tightness of the steel screws before and during shooting to avoid loosening and loss of your zero.
Introducing the Double Dog Series
MILITARY SPOTLIGHT
SPECIAL FORCES LEGEND AND RANGER HALL OF FAMER GARY O’NEAL
Meet the 'total embodiment of a soldier’s soldier.’
STORY BY PAUL PAWELA
While many military leaders are remembered for their strategies, a select few become legends because they were at the forefront of the battle: modern warriors skilled with lethal tactics in long-range shooting, close-quarter combatives, neutralizing sentries with edged weapons, and hand-to-hand combat.
These types of military warriors combine the roles of leader and fighter, earning the respect and loyalty of their troops through their physical courage. The hallmark of these figures is their involvement in combat. The best always lead charges from the front. These words fit the description of Special Forces legend and Ranger Hall of Famer Gary O’Neal.
SERVING HIS COUNTRY for over 40 years, from Vietnam through both Gulf wars, O’Neal specialized in conventional and unconventional warfare on land, in the skies and through the oceans. He worked with every US military branch on every continent.
O’Neal is the total embodiment of a soldier’s soldier, and he has the scars to prove it: bullet wounds, shrapnel wounds and bayonet knife wounds from over nine separate combat engagements. His multiple combat tours include Vietnam-era incursions into Laos and Cambodia, as well as long periods of service in Central and South America and the Middle East. O’Neal gained notoriety as an
PHOTOS COURTESY OF GARY O’NEAL
US Army Ranger Gary O’Neal survived torture, wounds, and wars in Vietnam, Central and South America and the Persian Gulf over a varied 40-plus-year career in the US military.
MILITARY SPOTLIGHT
elite Ranger serving as a long-range reconnaissance patrol, or LRRP, scout. He was then hand-picked to become a member of Blue Light, America’s first counterterrorism team, while Delta Force was becoming operational.
During his four-decade-long military career, O’Neal wore many hats. He was a member of the US Army’s elite Golden Knights Parachute Team, where he performed a staggering 10,000plus jumps and was the first man on Earth to parachute into Stonehenge. His parachute experience led him to become the free-fall instructor in charge of the Military Freefall School and he was instrumental in the Tandem Free Fall Program.
O’Neal also worked with Colonel Nick Rowe (featured in American Shooting Journal’s September 2024 issue) to put together the now-famous Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape, or SERE, school, an elite military training program that teaches service members and civilians alike how to survive and escape captivity.
A SOLDIER’S HISTORY is often reflected in his or her awards and decorations, and
O’Neal’s are many, starting with the Silver Star. It is my hope that with Donald Trump’s help as the 47th president, that medal will be upgraded to the Medal of Honor, as O’Neal already has more than one MOH to support this move. According to O’Neal’s bio, his other awards include: Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with V-device, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medals with V-device, three Army Achievement Medals, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Gold Star, Army Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Special Forces and Ranger Tabs, Master Parachutist Badge, Master Military Freefall Badge, and Combat Diver’s Badge.
O’Neal is immortalized in the book The Green Beret in You: Living with Total Commitment to Family, Career, Sports and Life, written by John Giduck and Special Forces Sergeant Major John Anderson (retired) and with a foreword by Delta Force plank owner and Command Sergeant Major Mel Wick.
About O’Neal, they write: “Despite his name, Gary O’Neal is an Oglalla, Sioux tribal member. Tall and handsome, with an infectious laugh, he is a retired SF soldier with many decorations. Though a lifetime in SF took its toll on his body, he continued to serve America running the Robin Sage culmination exercise outside of Ft. Bragg, North
Carolina. When in his late 50s he was challenged by others as to his physical infirmities and ability to continue in that role, he entered and won championships in both bodybuilding and powerlifting. Often playing the role of indigenous warrior chieftain, he ensures that those who graduate the Q Course [Special Forces Qualification Course] have been held to the highest standards.”
On a side note, O’Neal played semipro football in his 70s, then participated in rodeos and roping calves.
A famous photo of O’Neal shows him demonstrating mental toughness by lifting a 5-gallon bucket of water via an ice pick through his neck to students of Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape school.
O’Neal was a member of the elite Golden Knights Parachute Team. Here he was on a tandem jump before he was inducted into the Army Ranger Hall of Fame at Fort Benning, Georgia, currently known as Fort Moore. (U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE)
On top of being the subject of other books, O’Neal has also written his own memoir in American Warrior
MILITARY SPOTLIGHT
IT IS SAID that the warrior is, by definition, a fighter, a man of action, and a specialist in meeting and resolving conflict. While some seek out battle, true warriors engage in battle as a last resort after all other means of resolving the conflict have been exhausted. A true warrior does not fight out of aggression; the apparent fierceness of the warrior proceeds from primarily caring for others. Putting others before oneself is the ultimate source of the warrior’s courage.
This explains who O’Neal is through and through. But to me, he is that and much more. He has been my mentor, martial arts instructor and godfather to my children for over 40 years. He has been a part of my family for over 43 years. Gary O’Neal is known worldwide for his lethal skills, but my family and others know him for his love of country and love for life. ★
“Part Native American, O’Neal was trained in both military combat and the ways of his native people, combining his commitment to freedom with his respect for the enemy, his technical fighting skills with his fierce warrior spirit,” reads a summary of his book.
■ Embedded bar magnet for unmatched retention
■ Paddle backing for comfortable carry
■ Durable, custom molded leather construction
■ Enables smooth, one-handed draw
■ Precision fit for your pistol
■ Suitable for concealed or open carry
■ No straps or retention screws to get in the way
■ Works with pistols with steel frames
If you’re looking for a holster that keeps your pistol secure while allowing for a fast and smooth draw, the AlphaMag™ retention Holster is the perfect choice. The combination of magnetic hold and paddle design sets this holster apart, providing both next-level retention and comfort.
Black
Mahogany Brown
Gunfighter Brown
Saddle Tan Natural
L.E. SPOTLIGHT
DELIVERING TOYS, DELIVERING JOY
Annual holiday giveaway doesn’t just benefit kids, but cops too.
STORY BY NICK PERNA PHOTOS COURTESY REDWOOD CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT
t the end of the day, police work is a job just like any other. You load your car up, go to shift briefing, then hit the streets. You are reactive at times, responding to calls for service. At other times you are proactive, enforcing laws. At the end of your shift, you go home.
AObviously, there is a lot more to it than that, but at its core, these are the basics of the job of being a patrol officer. Many cops choose to function in that manner, coming to work, doing the job, then going home. Honestly, I cannot blame those who take the minimalist approach.
Given the fact that policing is a -hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week affair, cops often work through the night and on weekends to keep the peace. On their days off, which often fall on weekdays, officers are routinely interrupted by court appearances and training days. Or, if you are lucky, you work a night shift followed by a full day in court, followed by another night shift. Getting the appropriate amount of sleep and time off are precious things to cops.
All that being said, cops routinely come in on their days off to volunteer to do things to help their community. They work as coaches in sports, mentors, instructors and so on. They have seen firsthand what happens when children do not get love and attention at home, so they do what they can to fill such voids.
Sergeant Nick Perna’s daughter (center) and son (right), along with Santa, participate in his California municipal police department’s annual toy drive.
L.E. SPOTLIGHT
EVERY CHRISTMAS, MY department in California’s Bay Area hosts a toy drive. The Redwood City Police Department partners with the local fire department, sheriff’s office and others to deliver toys to needy children. This noble endeavor is a heavy lift that starts almost as soon as the previous year’s event ends. Over 150 donation barrels are put out throughout the city. Requests for toys are received from about 1,000 families each year. This endeavor strives to give the kids the specific toys they ask for.
All such donated toys need to be wrapped, and hundreds of volunteers assist with this and other functions. It is a lot of work, but there is a reward at the end. The week before Christmas, everyone gathers at “Toyland” where all the now-wrapped and sorted gifts are stored. Cops and firefighters load the bags into patrol cars and fire trucks and deliver them to local families in need.
Each delivery team has a Santa who hands out most of the toys. We always carry extra toys and candy canes for the kids who were not on the list but still deserve something. There are usually some toys left over after the delivery nights. Cops take these out with them on patrol and hand them out to kids they encounter during calls for service – children who have just observed domestic violence, drug use
and death, among other things.
When the deliveries are made, it is truly a wonderful time. There is something to be said when you see the faces of the children light up as Santa delivers a bag of goodies to their house. It is one of the most wonderful things I have seen in my career. The look of joy and, in some cases, relief on the parents’ faces is worth giving up a few hours of your personal time as well.
And whether we choose to admit it or not, it is very cathartic for us cops. It is not uncommon for some of us on the job to become cynical. In extreme cases it develops into an “us versus them” mentality (as in cops versus everyone else). Our toy drive does an excellent job of breaking down the barriers for everyone involved.
So, for anyone who is just clocking in, doing your job and clocking out, consider giving a little time to something like the toy drive. You give a lot already just by showing up every
day, but I promise you will get a whole lot more in return.
Visit the website for Toys for Tots (toysfortots.org/find-your-localchapter), run by the Marine Corps, which may also coordinate with local communities. A simple search within your local jurisdiction may also yield some great results for local programs. Your donations are tax-deductible and will pay dividends within your community. ★
Editor’s note: Author Nick Perna is a sergeant with the Redwood City Police Department in Northern California. He previously served as a paratrooper in the US Army and is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He also has a master’s degree from the University of San Francisco. He is a frequent contributor to multiple print and online forums on topics related to law enforcement, firearms, tactics and veterans issues.
Lieutenant Junsun Lee (left) hands out gifts to excited children as part of the toy drive.
Officer Danny Valencia (right) at the home of another grateful family.
Peet Shoe Dryer, Inc.
peetdryer.com
In 1968, Gene Peet revolutionized footwear care with the invention of the world’s first shoe dryer. Since then, Peet Shoe Dryer’s unwavering commitment to American manufacturing has been a cornerstone of their success. The Advantage Plus (M2107F) Fan Dryer dries boots, cleats, shoes or skates in just one to four hours, making it the perfect gift and a smart choice for maintaining healthy, dry footwear.
OffGrid Faraday Bags
offgrid.co
The OffGrid Faraday Duffel Bag offers superior protection with its built-in signal-blocking technology, shielding your devices from GPS, EMP, Wi-Fi and cellular tracking. Its rugged, water-resistant construction ensures durability, making it perfect for travel, outdoor activities or securing multiple devices. Stay organized and protected with this innovative duffel.
Holiday GIFT GUIDE
Gentry Custom, LLC
gentrycustom.com
New quiet muzzle brakes with suppressor-length threads. Available in ½x28 or 5/8x24 threads, straight or custom contours. Call Gentry Custom today at 406-388-4867 or visit their web store at the above address.
Black Hills Ammunition
black-hills.com
The Black Hills 6mm ARC 90-grain Dual Performance load is designed to shoot flatter to 600 yards compared to the 103-grain ELD-X introduced last year, plus open immediately upon impact to create a large, 7-inch-diameter wound channel. Velocity is 2,650 feet per second with over 1,400 foot-pounds of energy.
God’ A Grip
godagrip.com
God’ A Grip Cheek Pads and Grips provide a custom fit. Their self-customizing gun grips enhance comfort and increase reliability, while the molded finger grooves allow for consistent hand placement for more accurate shots. The grips retain their comfort feel in the winter or summer. Call 321-242-0200 or visit the
Holiday GIFT GUIDE
Exquisiteknives.com
exquisiteknives.com
Selling some of the finest and most collectible custom knives in the world.
Owner Dave Ellis is a retired ABS mastersmith as well as a lifelong collector of valuable custom knives. Specializing in Bob Loveless, Bill Moran, Michael Walker and CAS of Argentina. Pictured is the Dragonfly Knife by Dr. Fred Carter. See more on Instagram @daveellis44.
Comer’s Gunworks
comersgunworks.com
Comer’s Gunworks is a dealer for all the major black powder gun manufacturers – Pedersoli, Chiappa, Uberti and Pietta – and they are priced better than the competition. Gunsmithing is also available. Check the above website for holiday sale prices.
Pocket Ox
PocketOx.com
The stocking-stuffer-size Half Calf is the tiniest mini hoist offered by Pocket Ox. A cut-down version of their 1,000-pound 8:1 Calf hoist, hence the name, the Half Calf is truly a block and tackle that will fit in a pocket. Standard 50 feet of “rope” has a block-to-block reach of 12 feet. May be ordered with 100 feet, doubling that distance while adding less than an ounce of carry weight.
Hi-Point Firearms
hi-pointfirearms.com
MKS Supply is excited to announce the latest additions to the Hi-Point Firearms lineup: the 995P and 4595P pistols. The 995P, a pistol version of the popular Model 995 Carbine, is perfect for backpack carry, ensuring that you have a reliable firearm at your side wherever you go. A machined addition on the rear of the pistol includes a Picatinny rail, allowing for the attachment of various accessories, as well as compatibility for buffer tubes and folding braces, adding to the versatility of these firearms.
Colorado Buck’s Dream Catcher Beef
dreamcatcherbeef.com
The Holiday Dream Box includes two ribeyes, two filets and four burgers. The perfect gift for anyone who likes beef for $149.99.
Henry Repeating Arms henryusa.com
Everybody’s got a little cowboy in them. Unleash it with the gift of a Henry Golden Boy rifle – the rifle that brings out the West in you. Pick one up, work the buttery smooth action, and you’ll quickly find that there’s more to the Golden Boy than good looks alone.
vlineind.com
V-Line’s new in-wall Tactical Closet Vault is finished in a rugged flat black powder coating and is outfitted with an all-steel MOLLE board on the door. The Tactical Closet Vault has been specifically designed to conveniently store and organize tactical gear such as magazine clips, ammo pouches, flashlights and optional mounts for your home defense weapons. The threepoint locking system with the Simplex quick-access push-button lock provides superior security on the corners of the door. The lock does not require batteries and will always be at the ready. The Tactical Closet Vault in-the-wall safe fits between the wall studs (16 inches on center 2×4), and the door and frame protrude less than 2 inches from the wall, allowing it to be concealed behind a door or in a closet.
Redding EquipmentReloading
redding-reloading.com
Redding Reloading offers accessory Metric Bullet Seating Micrometers for rifle and handgun cartridges. These allow you to update your Standard or Premium Redding seating dies, providing you the convenience of fast and accurate changes in bullet seating depth in the metric scale. The “world” of reloading keeps changing; Redding makes it easier than ever to fine-tune your favorite metric loads.
Aholster Company
aholster.com
Is that an Aholster in your pocket or are you happy to see me? Everyone knows that the best gun is the one that you have with you. Above is Aholster’s flagship holster that put them on the map 20-plus years ago. Used by everyday gun toters and professionals.
Harvester Muzzleloading
harvestermuzzleloading.com
Scorpion PT Gold bullets are electroplated with copper plating that does not separate from lead core like most jacketed bullets. The end result is better penetration needed for one-shot kills. The PT Gold offers greater accuracy at longer ranges than a hollowpoint. The 3 percent antimony makes the bullet harder than pure lead and is intended for the shooter who wants a bone-breaking, pass-through shot. It is packaged with patented Crush Rib Sabots.
Holiday
Triple K Manufacturing
triplek.com
The K-Max Chest holster features a dual over-the-shoulders harness system that provides balance, comfort and maximum retention. Their innovative chest plate design allows for holster angle adjustment that best meets your style of carry. Adjustable holster angles allow for canted 45-degree-, horizontal- or vertical-style carry. Rugged and reliable with easy-to-personalize adjustments for all torso sizes. Constructed of premium saddle-grade vegetable-tanned leather, solid brass rings and Chicago screws that are resistant to the most diverse elements. Comes in Havana brown. MSRP: $310.
October Country Muzzleloading
octobercountry.com
Back in 1977 when the company was in its infancy, October Country Muzzleloading was a hunting bag. One product. Today, the northern Idaho-based outfit offers a complete and thorough line of muzzleloaders and muzzleloading accessories, including ramrods, Pushing Daisies patches, Blue Thunder solvent, Bumblin’ Bear Grease, quality leather shooting bags, powder horns and hand-forged shooting tools. All exceptional quality goods for the hunter, shooter, collector and history reenactor enthusiast. October Country products are made in the USA, and are designed and manufactured for muzzleloading, cowboy action and black powder cartridge shooters.
Clinger Holsters
clingerholsters.com
The Clinger Cushion is the ultimate comfort upgrade for your holster. Designed with soft, durable materials, it creates a thin, breathable, padded barrier between you and your gun, reducing pressure and irritation during all-day wear. Whether you’re sitting, standing or moving, the Clinger Cushion ensures discreet carry without sacrificing comfort. The best stocking stuffer for gun owners this Christmas.
AlumaGrips
alumagrips.com
The Desert Eagle grips from AlumaGrips have undergone a redesign with improvements that are second to none. First, almost 1/8 inch was removed from the thickness of each grip, then the radius on the back edge of the grip was enlarged to reduce the overall circumference. Finally, AlumaGrips eliminated the need for two screws, as well as the plastic insert that traditionally is needed for mounting the grips. Excellence in design and function – that is the goal of AlumaGrips.
GoDark Faraday Bags
godarkbags.com
Safeguard your satellite phone with the GoDark Faraday Bag, designed to be highly water- and puncture-resistant. This innovative bag effectively blocks satellite signals, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, 5G and EMP interference. It features MOLLE straps on the back for convenient attachment to belts or bags, along with a secure magnetic buckle that allows for easy one-handed access.
Davis Tent
davistent.com
The sleeping bag cover from Davis Tent is a great way to protect your sleeping bag and add a little warmth. You can even sleep under the stars on a starry night! Roll your sleeping bag, pillow and sleeping pad up and it’s a perfect bedroll to keep all your sleeping gear organized.
True Blue
truebluegunlube.com
• The most diverse selection of firearm care products over other brands.
• The smartest gun oil applicator caps.
• Suppressor Syrup is the only product like it on the market.
• Cleaner Concentrate is their proven suppressor cleaner.
• Tested. Proven. Trusted.
Devil Dog Concepts
devildogconcepts.com
No longer do you have to rebuild your rifle or buy new to have the side charging capability! Turn your rifle into a side charger without rebuilding or modifying. Simply swap out the charging handle and install the Hard Charger. Takes only a minute or less!
Liberty Game Calls
libertygamecalls.com
Liberty Game Calls are predominantly made of rubber, setting them apart from plastic game calls on the market. Rubber is soft and flexible and has exceptional sound transmission properties. Rubber’s high elasticity enables it to absorb and dis sipate sound energy more effectively. This ensures that sound waves are not reflected or prematurely absorbed, allowing them to carry further and more efficiently. Rubber’s low density and significant internal damping produce deeper, more resonant sounds. Rubber is the perfect material for calling game where the highest sound transmission and quality are essential for attracting game.
Holiday GIFT GUIDE
Buktek
thetacbox.com
Need a simple and consistent way of accessing your pistol? The Tacbox Holster Box is the perfect gift for anyone looking for fast access and secure storage. Available in full-size and subcompact models, the Tacbox mounts almost anywhere to holster your handgun safely and consistently in the same orientation for easy access. Great for vehicles, gun safes, bedside or even for display. Tacboxes can also be linked together to create your very own custom setup.
Luth-AR
luth-ar.com
The AR Retro A1 and A2 Furniture Kits provide a timeless look for rifle enthu siasts. Available in black or OD green, these kits include durable stocks, ergonomic grips and rifle-length handguards. Ideal for build ing or restoring AR-style rifles with vintage aesthetics and reliable perfor mance. Easy to install and durable!
Kusiak Leather
kusiakleather.com
Michlitch Company
spokanespice.com
Michlitch Company offers a wide variety of jerky and sausage-making seasonings and supplies. For the holiday season, they have gift boxes available for $30 each. Each box includes three seasoning blends and one sauce. Visit the website to see their variety of products and gift boxes.
Kusiak Leather offers EDC holsters that are made in America. Rocco Handmade
roccohandmade.com
Handmade cutlery, tools and leather goods. Carefully crafted in Michigan.
Northern Precision
npcustombullets.com
Northern Precision’s custom swaged bullets are made one at a time in Corbin dies under high pressure. There is no heat involved. Each one is individually inspected and then packaged. They offer bullets in .228 to .500, and are always adding new bullets to their line, including custom weights and styles.
Typhoon Defense
typhoondefense.com
The Typhoon Defense X12 is a semiautomatic 12-gauge shotgun with a lightweight, durable polymer receiver. Designed for versatility and performance, it features ergonomic controls and a tactical design, making it ideal for home defense, competitive shooting and more. Its compatibility with accessories ensures a customizable and reliable shooting experience.
Evolution Gun Works
egwguns.com
Elevate your Henry Homesteader with the premium Picatinny Rail from Evolution Gun Works. Perfect for mounting optics and accessories, this rail enhances your firearm’s versatility and precision. Ideal for gun enthusiasts, it’s the ultimate holiday gift for those who value top performance and reliability.
Knives of Alaska
knivesofalaska.com
Knives of Alaska has added MagnaCut to several models. Hardness values of Rc 60-62 are achieved with proper heat treatment and tempering, retaining a shaving-sharp edge longer and with its fine grain structures proven to be in the 5-micron range that assist in combating brittleness.
Dead Foot Arms
deadfootarms.com
With a collapsed length of 2.5 inches, the SCW 2.5 Tailhook is by far the most compact PDW-style pistol brace that the industry has ever seen. With its concise design, it is still very versatile, allowing for button-free brace deployment and six length-of-pull settings.
Holiday
GIFT GUIDE
Remora Holsters
remoraholsters.com
Experience Remora Holsters’ inside-the-waistband holster. Remora’s holsters are crafted with a unique rubberized non-slip fabric that ensures a secure grip, keeping the holster firmly in place. Now offering “buy one, gift one.” Start a new holiday tradition. Spend $29.95 and receive a free basic inside-the-waistband holster with modification upgrades available.
Hi-Point Firearms
hi-pointfirearms.com
The new 995P, 1095P and 4595P models have taken Hi-Point Firearms’ carbines and shortened them to pistol length. They removed the stock and added a machined end plate that features a Picatinny rail, QD socket and is threaded for an AR-style buffer tube. Ghost ring rear sight aperture and new front sights that include Hi-Viz fiber optics.
Dixie Gunworks dixiegunworks.com
The 1861 US Springfield Rifled Musket was the workhorse of the American Civil War. Dixie Gunworks’ rifle is a very close copy, as evidenced by it being approved by the NSSA. It is .58 caliber and made in Italy by Pedersoli. MSRP: $1,475.
Moore Security, LLC
mooresecuritysafes.com
Gun (or anything) display safe.
Camo Face Paint, Inc.
camofacepaint.com
Made and packaged in the USA with the highest quality ingredients. Choose from three-, four- and five-color compacts with mirrors. Camo tubes, eye black and powders. Odorless, nontoxic, hypoallergenic, washes off with soap and water, four-year shelf life, no animal products, and no talc! Call 305-893-5650 or email bw@bobbieweiner.com for more.
Vortex vortexoptics.com
Vortex performance sunglasses are here to bridge the gap between hyper-tactical eyewear and uncomfortable safety glasses, delivering UV and ballistic-rated protection, comfort, versatility and casual style. Vortex performance eyewear is available in two styles, the Jackal and Banshee, and multiple lens colors in each style.
Jaguar Silencers
jaguarsilencers.com
The CAS22 is Jaguar’s Shorty version of the .22 silencer. The CAS22 utilizes an intermittent flow system to provide best in suppression with extremely low blowback. Designed for .22-caliber rimfire guns, while also being suitable for any caliber smaller than .22. Jaguar manufactures all silencers using additive manufacturing with aerospace-grade materials, making this suppressor the toughest, most high-tech silencer on the market. Available at an affordable price with different textures and color options, give the gift of plinking away on a .22 rifle with hardly any sound!
Slayer Calls
slayercalls.com
The Tried & True Hunting Collection is the ultimate waterfowl bundle, featuring the top-rated Drake Slayer Duck Call in your choice of soundboard and color. Complete with the versatile four-in-one Whistler’s Mother duck whistle, durable Prostyle Lanyard, lightweight HUTO Field Dresser Knife and waterproof Slayer Ammo Dry Bag. Gear up. Hunt strong.
