American Shooting Journal - May 2024

Volume 13 // Issue 8 // May 2024

PUBLISHER

James R. Baker

GENERAL MANAGER

John Rusnak

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Andy Walgamott

OFFICE MANAGER / COPY EDITOR

Katie Aumann

LEAD CONTRIBUTOR

Frank Jardim

CONTRIBUTORS

Jason Brooks, Larry Case, Scott Haugen, Ash Hess, Phil Massaro, Fred Mastison, Mike Nesbitt, Paul Pawela, Nick Perna, TogetherWeServed.com

SALES MANAGER

Paul Yarnold

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Tawna Lucero, Tom St. Clair

DESIGNERS

Gabrielle Pangilinan, Lesley-Anne Slisko-Cooper

PRODUCTION ASSISTANT

Emily Baker

WEBMASTER / INBOUND MARKETING

Jon Hines

INFORMATION SERVICES MANAGER

Lois Sanborn

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES ads@americanshootingjournal.com

ON THE COVER

Don Mann is a former member of SEAL Team 6 and best-selling author who hosts the competition show Surviving Mann on the Pursuit Channel. Season three begins airing July 4. (AMERICAN STORIES)

Website: AmericanShootingJournal.com Facebook: Facebook.com/AmericanShootingJournal X: @AmShootingJourn

THE MAKING OF SURVIVING MANN

Don Mann is a former member of SEAL Team 6 and best-selling author who also hosts Surviving Mann on the Pursuit Channel. With season three set to air this summer, Paul Pawela takes a look at Mann and the eight contestants who will challenge one another before taking on the man himself.

19 HONORING SACRIFICE

It is America’s most solemn occasion, but do you know Memorial Day’s origins? Take a step back in time to the founding of this federal holiday honoring those who served in the US military and made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as learn how best to honor their memory.

42 GUN REVIEW: SPRINGFIELD ARMORY 2020 REDLINE RIFLE

In the market for a good ultralight hunting rifle? Gun writer Fred Mastison takes this bolt-action in .308 and 6.5 Creedmoor to the shooting range for a tryout and likes what he finds!

50 GUN REVIEW: TAURUS TH45

It’s tough to top this double-stack polymer .45 ACP, even for twice its roughly $400 MSRP, according to our handgun reviewer Frank Jardim, who recently put one through its paces.

ROAD HUNTER: PRIME-TIME BLACK BEARS

Late May is when to hunt for boars cruising for sows, and Scott Haugen details three top tactics to use for tagging out on a spring bruin.

60 SC ATTERGUN ALLEY: THE 28-GAUGE’S TIME HAS COME

With even gobbler hunters rediscovering this relatively light shotgun gauge, Larry Case has a gander at the 28 as it sees a bird-hunting renaissance fueled by new magnum 3-inch shells.

77 BULLE T BULLETIN: THE HORNADY ELD-VT

The new Extremely Low Drag –Varmint/Target bullet from Hornady, available both in component form and in the V-Match ammo line, impresses our professor of projectiles, Phil Massaro.

107 TACTICAL TRAINING: ON THE WELL-AIMED SHOT

Whether hunting, competing or in combat, shooting accuracy is critical. Ash Hess knows that more than most, and here’s how he ensures his rifle is properly zeroed in.

115 TACTICAL TRAINING: EXECUTIVE PROTECTION 101

Jason Brooks shares some thoughts on the intersection of professional bodyguard training and personal and family self-defense.

119 L AW ENFORCEMENT

SPOTLIGHT: NYPD COP GUNNED DOWN BY ‘CAREER CRIMINAL’

The suspect who gunned down New York Police Department Officer Jonathan Diller in late March should have been behind bars, argues fellow cop Nick Perna.

125 BL ACK POWDER: A LOOK AT THE HAWKEN SHOP’S HAWKENS

With wares harkening back to the famed mountain man rifles of the 1800s, “It’s as if the old Hawken Shop had never closed.” So writes Mike Nesbitt of the western Washington-based kit maker whose rifles challenge the best Sam Hawken made back in St. Louis.

25 NR A ANNUAL MEETINGS AND EXHIBITS FEATURED PRODUCTS 25 Miscellaneous 39 Firearms

67 Parts & Accessories

87 Ammunition & Reloading 91 Gear 123 Knives

Special Sections also inside

75 COMPANY SPOTLIGHT: NEW ADJUSTABLE TRIGGERS FOR AR’S

Take a look at Elftmann Tactical’s Apex Pro R S and Apex B CF A triggers made for AR-platform rifles and likened to the “finest custom 1911 triggers.”

DEPARTMENTS

15 Gun Show Calendar 17 Competition Calendar

(SCOTT HAUGEN)

C&E Gun Shows cegunshows.com

GUN SHOW CALENDAR

May 25-26

June 1-2

June 1-2

May 4-5

May

May

June 1-2

June 8-9

May 25-26

June 1-2

June 8-9

RK Shows rkshows.com

May 4-5

COMPETITION CALENDAR

May 18

LAR&R Airgun PTO South El Monte, Calif.

June 23-29

Para Trap World Cup Hillsdale, Mich.

June 24-30

2024 Rifle and Pistol National Championship Fort Moore, Ga. usashooting.org

uspsa.org

May 16-18

Alabama State Championship Woodville, Ala.

May 16-19

Area 1 Championship Winnemucca, Nev.

May 16-19

Northern Arizona Classic Wilhoit, Ariz.

May 24-26

Mid Atlantic Sectional New Tripoli, Pa.

May 30-June 1

NH State USPSA Match Dunbarton, N.H.

May 31-June 2

Staten Island Championship Staten Island, N.Y.

gssfonline.com

May 11-12

IN-OH-KY Borderlands Shootout Versailles, Ind.

May 11-12

Gunsite Glock Classic Paulden, Ariz.

cmsaevents.com

idpa.com

May 11-12

Spring Fling Shootout Tenino, Wash.

May 18-19

Belton Blast Belton, S.C.

May 18-19

Northern Lakes Regional Classic Lake Elmo, Minn.

June 6-9

Area 8 Championship Bulger, Pa.

June 14-15

Treasure State Championship Billings, Mont.

May 17-18

Great Lakes Regional Saginaw, Mich.

May 23-26

CMSA Jeffers National Championship Lincoln, Neb.

June 1-2

Big Sioux Ballistic Challenge Valley Springs, S.D.

June 1-2

Benton Gun Club GSSF Challenge Bauxite, Ark.

June 1-2

Maryland State Championship Dillsburg, Pa.

May 18-19

WV State Championship Cumberland, W.V.

May 23-26

Rocky Mountain Regional IDPA Championship Palisade, Colo.

HONORING SACRIFICE

Memorial Day's origins, and how best to observe it.

REPRINTED COURTESY OF TOGETHERWESERVED.COM

Memorial Day is a deeply significant and cherished national holiday in the United States, providing an opportunity for Americans to reflect on and pay tribute to the courageous men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the armed forces. As we observe this solemn occasion, TogetherWeServed, the largest online community of military veterans and their families, is dedicated to sharing the rich history of Memorial Day, highlighting its distinctions from Veterans Day and providing guidance on how to observe this day of remembrance with reverence and gratitude.

Attending parades honoring soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen and others who served in the US military and made the ultimate sacrifice is one of several recommended ways to observe Memorial Day. (SHUTTERSTOCK )

THE ORIGINS AND HISTORY OF MEMORIAL DAY

Memorial Day, originally known as Decoration Day, has a profound historical background that dates back to the aftermath of the American Civil War. The practice of honoring fallen soldiers by decorating their graves with flowers and flags gained momentum across the nation, with various communities independently commemorating their fallen heroes.

The official birthplace of Memorial Day is often attributed to Waterloo, New York, which held the first organized, community-wide observance in 1866. It started when prominent local druggist Henry C. Welles mentioned to some of his friends at a social gathering that along with praising the living veterans of the Civil War, it would be well to remember the patriotic dead by placing flowers on their graves. John B. Murray, a Civil War hero known for his intense patriotism, supported the idea wholeheartedly and marshaled veterans’ support. Plans were developed for a more complete

celebration by a local citizens’ committee headed by Welles and Murray. On May 5, 1866, the village was decorated with flags at half mast, draped with evergreens and mourning black. Veterans, civic societies and residents, led by General Murray, marched to the strains of martial music to the three village cemeteries.

Over time, the concept of Memorial Day gained traction, and on May 5, 1868, Major General John A. Logan, the commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, proclaimed May 30 as a nationwide day of remembrance for fallen soldiers. The date was specifically chosen as it did not coincide with any particular battle anniversary. On the first Decoration Day, Major General James Garfield, then an Ohio Congressman who went on to be elected president, made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, and 5,000 participants decorated the graves of the 20,000 Civil War soldiers buried there.

Many Northern states held similar commemorative events and reprised the tradition in subsequent years; by 1890, each one had made Decoration

Day an official state holiday. Southern states, on the other hand, continued to honor the dead on separate days until after World War I.

For decades, Memorial Day continued to be observed on May 30, the date General Logan had selected for the first Decoration Day. But in 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, which established Memorial Day as the last Monday in May in order to create a three-day weekend for federal employees. The change went into effect in 1971. The same law also declared Memorial Day a federal holiday.

DISTINGUISHING MEMORIAL DAY FROM VETERANS DAY

While both Memorial Day and Veterans Day hold significance in honoring military personnel, they are distinct observances with different purposes. Memorial Day is dedicated only to those who died in battle or after injuries sustained in battle, rather than activeduty soldiers or living veterans. It is a solemn occasion to commemorate the ultimate sacrifice made by brave

Millions of flags will be planted at national and private cemeteries across the country for Memorial Day, a ritual that dates back to the solemn occasion’s post-Civil War origins. (SHUTTERSTOCK )

servicemen and women, ensuring their memory lives on.

On the other hand, Veterans Day, celebrated on November 11, is a day to express gratitude and appreciation to all veterans who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Veterans Day recognizes the dedication and contributions of living veterans, highlighting their commitment to protecting the nation and its values.

OBSERVING MEMORIAL DAY

Observing Memorial Day is a meaningful way to pay tribute to the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the military. Here are some suggestions on how to observe Memorial Day with reverence and gratitude:

1. Participate in Memorial Day ceremonies: Attend local ceremonies, parades and memorial services to honor fallen heroes. Many communities organize events where veterans, military families and citizens come together to pay tribute and show support.

2. Visit memorials and cemeteries:

Take the time to visit national cemeteries and memorials, such as Arlington National Cemetery, to pay respects to the fallen. Consider placing flags or flowers on gravesites as a symbol of remembrance.

3. Reflect and share stories: Memorial Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by service members. Share stories and memories of fallen heroes, ensuring their legacy lives on and their contributions are never forgotten.

4. Support veterans and military families: Use Memorial Day as a platform to support veterans and military families. Consider donating to reputable organizations that provide assistance to those who have served, such as Wounded Warrior Project or the Fisher House Foundation. Consider volunteering your time or resources to local initiatives that support veterans in your community.

5. Educate and foster awareness: Memorial Day is an ideal time to educate younger generations about the significance of this solemn occasion. Teach children about the sacrifices made by servicemen and women and encourage them to

participate in activities that honor the fallen. This can include writing letters to veterans, creating artwork or visiting local historical sites.

6. Moment of silence: At 3 p.m. local time, join in the National Moment of Remembrance by observing a moment of silence. Take this time to reflect on the selflessness and bravery exhibited by those who gave their lives in service to their country.

TogetherWeServed joins the nation in saluting the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the military. May we honor their legacy by fostering a sense of unity, gratitude and reverence as we pay tribute to their unwavering dedication and bravery. View our Roll of Honor to find profiles of the brave men and women who served our country, read the service histories of thousands of veterans who served from World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War to the present day or honor a military veteran by creating a military service tribute page and plaque on their behalf. 

Editor’s note: For more info, visit togetherweserved.com.

Poppies are worn as a show of remembrance for war dead, a tradition cemented by a World War I-era poem, “In Flanders Fields.” (SHUTTERSTOCK )

FG-15 TRIGGER ACTUATING GRIP

The FG-15 is just a grip when not in use, when the handle is deployed it is a trigger crank, allowing you to fire one shot per 120 degrees you crank the handle.

The FG-15 has been tested on a 20 year old Bushmaster, new Aero Precision, Daniel Defenses, LWRC, Ruger, Bravo Co, to name a few. Aside from the twin stainless Japanese precision ball bearings, the FG-15 is an American made and seriously overbuilt piece of kit. Comprising of nitride 4140 steel machined components, hardened S7 trigger striker pin, and many more high quality components. The FG-15 was mechanically tested for over 1,000,000 shots fired. At that point, the components showed only a light surface finish wear.

In the prone and with your weapon on a bipod, it allows the user to consistently put shots on target without trigger fatigue. Any AR-15 type firearm that has a 1/4-28 thread pitch for the grip screw will accept the FG-15 grip. Which is 99% of AR-15 lower receivers.

miscellaneous

JOSEPH CHIARELLO & CO.

guninsurance.com

Joseph Chiarello & Co., Inc. and SAGE Program Underwriters have teamed up to offer you the most comprehensive and competitive insurance solutions for the shooting sports and firearms industries.

Whether you are a retailer, manufacturer, importer, range owner, instructor or club member, you need reliable and experienced insurance partners who understand your industry and your needs. Joseph Chiarello & Co., Inc. has been providing insurance solutions to the firearms industry for over 40 years. They are the endorsed insurance provider for the National Shooting Sports Foundation and have a proven track record of delivering outstanding service, communication and claims-handling to their clients.

SAGE Program Underwriters is the leading workers’ compensation provider for the shooting sports industry nationwide. They have been proudly underwriting shooting ranges, gun retailers and firearms and ammunition manufacturers since 2006. They’re also an endorsed partner of the NSSF and offer an exclusive insurance program dedicated to helping you better understand and lower your work comp costs.

Together, they can offer you the best of both worlds: a comprehensive insurance program that covers your property, liability and workers’ compensation needs, as well as the expertise, industry knowledge and ease of doing business that you deserve.

HIGH ADVENTURE RANCH highadventureranch.com

Nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains in Missouri, High Adventure Ranch offers all of the excitement of Western big game hunting.

Be prepared for a fair chase hunt! With over 3 square miles of prime natural habitat, the ranch provides challenges to even the most seasoned hunter, but their experienced guides and “No Game, No Pay” policy practically ensure that you won’t go home empty-handed.

While the whitetail, elk, wild boar and red stag hunts are most popular, hunters from around the world have visited the ranch, hunting everything from American bison, black buck and fallow deer to Spanish goats and African game.

High Adventure Ranch guarantees memories of an unparalleled hunting experience that will bring you back again and again.

BECHAROF LODGE

becharoflodgefishing.com

Want to experience world-class ptarmigan hunting in remote Alaska? Look no further than Becharof Lodge on the Egegik River, home to some of the best willow ptarmigan hunting on the Alaska Peninsula. This non-guided, DIY adventure begins right out the doors of the lodge. Hiking across the firm, flat tundra is simple, as is navigating the beautiful, expansive terrain. By mid-August, big flocks form up and encountering 500 or more ptarmigan a day is common. Once you’ve secured a limit of birds, head back to the lodge for what’s historically been some of the best coho salmon fishing in the entire state!

XINSURANCE

xinsurance.com

XInsurance provides gun owners with true peace of mind through their Tru Umbrella coverage solution. This specialized insurance product fills the critical gaps left by traditional firearms insurance policies, ensuring gun owners are truly protected against a wide range of liabilities, including self-defense and accidental discharge. Whether facing legal challenges or unforeseen accidents, XInsurance stands as a steadfast partner, offering tailored, flexible coverage solutions designed to meet your unique needs. With over 40 years in the industry, XInsurance’s expertise in crafting customized solutions makes it the preferred choice for gun owners seeking robust, reliable protection.

MISCELLANEOUS

AMERICANO AMMUNITION COFFEE

ammoandcoffee.com

Ordering an extra shot takes on a whole new meaning at Americano Ammunition Coffee in Queen Creek, Arizona. Here, customers can not only pick up a quality brewed coffee or handcrafted espresso drink, but also a wide selection of ammunition.

Owned by James Ballentyne, his son Kevin Ballentyne and daughter-in-law Sydney Ballentyne, Americano Ammunition Coffee was formed in 2019 to fulfill a need that they saw when producing events for their company Arizona Gun Shows.

“We realized that both the vendors and patrons needed a good cup of coffee to keep their energy high during the long shows,” explains Kevin Ballentyne. “Originally, we started with using a well-known competitor’s basic blend of coffee beans. As that company’s business model and practices changed, we realized that we needed to go a different direction. By divine intervention, we got connected to a local coffee roaster in Mesa, Arizona. After extensive profiling, we came up with our custom blend (and) started bagging and brewing it for sale at our gun shows.”

“What makes ammo and coffee such a great pairing is not the products that we sell and serve, but more so the idea of what ammo and coffee means to Americans: freedom, liberty and grit. Now you can either come in (or even just drive through!) and get one of our True Patriot Americanos made with our .338 Federal French Roast and a box of .338 Federal for your next hunt, or a popular Desert Eagle Breve with a case of .50 AE for your actual Desert Eagle! What a concept!”

CRAYON EATER COFFEE

crayoneatercoffee.com

Coming from the marines at Devil Dog Concepts and their families, Crayon Eater Coffee is no regular coffee company. Things are different there. Those who serve our country on the front lines and as first responders know too well how different it really is! And so do their families. This isn’t just about coffee. It’s about amazing coffee! Like, really amazing coffee! It’s about the crazy lives that first responders, frontliners and their families go through that makes them special. This coffee company is for those heroes, their families and all that it takes, because to do so, you’ve got to be a little bit crazy and a little bit different, just like this coffee. That’s what makes us family ... a family of crazy, special Crayon Eaters.

AMERICAN GUNSMITHING INSTITUTE

americangunsmithinginstitute.com

Start your gunsmithing career with AGI! Their Certified Professional Gunsmithing courses of Firearms Design, Function, and Repair (DF&R) are now available with online streaming video instruction. Become a certified gunsmith and get started in as little as 90 days, making money part-time, full-time or as a retirement income. Demand for gunsmiths is soaring! Get the training you need, studying from home with this self-paced training system. AGI has been training successful gunsmiths for over 30 years, preserving freedom one gunsmith at a time since 1993. Get your free information package and video lesson at the website above or call 800-797-0867 today. Visit us at booth #8319

ELECTRONIC TRANSFER, INC.

electronictransfer.com

Choosing the best credit card processing solution is crucial in the dynamic world of smalland medium-sized businesses. It’s not just about accepting payments; it’s about finding a reliable, cost-effective partner that aligns with your business needs. The BBPOS Chipper 3X BT mobile reader is great for small to medium businesses needing a simple payment solution at the point of sale. It lets businesses accept credit or debit cards, as well as mobile wallets from customers. BBPOS credit card readers for small businesses are simple to set up and use, have reasonable fees and work with a wide variety of payment methods.

For a limited time and while supplies last, ETI is offering a free mobile card reader for anyone who does trade shows and a free credit card terminal with built-in printer for retail face-to-face merchants.

Features include: free setup; month to month agreement; works on Gunbroker and Guns America; and solutions to all platforms.

A Unique Big Game Hunting Ranch

Nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains in Missouri, High Adventure Ranch offers all of the excitement of western big game hunting without the costs and hassles.

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.

So, whether you desire a 10-point whitetail mount for your trophy room or simply the thrill and challenge of taking down one of our many elusive big game animals, High Adventure Ranch guarantees memories of an unparalleled hunting experience that will bring you back again and again.

Red Stag

Wild Boar

Whitetail

Don Mann, a retired Navy chief warrant officer three and former member of SEAL Team 6, hosts the eponymously named competition show Surviving Mann on the Pursuit Channel.

THE MAKING OF SURVIVING MANN

With season three of the competion show airing this summer, here's a look at the host, contestants and producers (part one).

STORY BY PAUL PAWELA • PHOTOS COURTESY OF AMERICAN STORIES

The United States Navy Sea, Air, and Land Teams have an ethos/creed that they live by.

It reads:

“In times of war or uncertainty there is a special breed of warrior ready to answer our Nation’s call. Common citizens with uncommon desire to succeed. Forged by adversity, they stand alongside America’s finest special operations forces to serve their country, the American people, and protect their way of life.

I am that warrior.

My Trident is a symbol of honor and heritage. Bestowed upon me by the heroes that have gone before, it embodies the trust of those I have sworn to protect. By wearing the Trident I accept the responsibility of my chosen profession and way of life. It is a privilege that I must earn every day.

My loyalty to Country and Team is beyond reproach.

I humbly serve as a guardian to my fellow Americans always ready to defend those who are unable to defend themselves. I do not advertise the nature of my work, nor seek recognition for my actions. I voluntarily accept the inherent hazards of my profession, placing the welfare and security of others before my own.

I serve with honor on and off the battlefield. The ability to control my emotions and my actions, regardless of circumstance, sets me apart from others. Uncompromising integrity is my standard. My character and honor are steadfast.

My word is my bond.

We expect to lead and be led. In the absence of orders I will take charge, lead my teammates and accomplish the mission. I lead by example in all situations.

I will never quit. I persevere and thrive on adversity. My Nation expects me to be physically harder and mentally stronger than my enemies. If knocked down, I will get back up, every time. I will draw on every remaining ounce of strength to protect my teammates and to accomplish our mission.

I am never out of the fight.

We demand discipline. We expect innovation. The lives of my teammates and the success of our mission depend on me – my technical skill, tactical proficiency, and attention to detail.

My training is never complete.

We train for war and fight to win. I stand ready to bring the full spectrum of combat power to bear in order to achieve my mission and the goals established by my country. The execution of my duties will be swift and violent when required yet guided by the very principles that I serve to defend.

Brave SEALs have fought and died building the proud tradition and feared reputation that I am bound to uphold. In the worst of conditions, the legacy of my teammates steadies my resolve and silently guides my every deed.

I will not fail.”

In the world of US military special operations, each branch has accomplished extraordinary feats. However, the Navy SEALs have, with their heroism, captivated the imagination of ordinary citizens. One team in particular has taken on some of the most successful missions recorded in history, and has come to be recognized for their almost mythological combat action success stories. Of course, we are talking about the very famous SEAL Team 6!

SEAL Team 6, formally commissioned in November 1980, is the Navy’s premier hostage rescue and counterterrorism unit. The members of SEAL Team 6 have participated in many successful secret missions, the most public ones being the Battle of Mogadishu (also known as the Black Hawk Down incident), the rescue of Captain Phillips, the rescue of Jessica Buchanan and Poul Thisted in Somalia, and the most famous

mission to date: the killing of Osama bin Laden. SEAL Team 6 has executed too many other classified missions to list.

VERY FEW MEN know what it takes to make it in the SEAL community, and even fewer know what it takes to get to the level of SEAL Team 6. Don Mann is one such man (no pun intended).

Mann, a retired Navy chief warrant officer three, was an early member of SEAL Team 6 (he was part of Marcinko’s Merry Marauders). Mann set many a standard for SEAL Team 6 and for the last 30 years has been associated with the Navy SEALs as a platoon member, assault team member, boat crew leader, advanced training officer and, more recently, program director preparing civilians to go to Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL school. Up until 1998, he was on active duty with SEAL Team 6. Since then, he has deployed to the Middle

Ra Rappelling is one of many challenges competitors face on Surviving Mann.

East on numerous occasions in support of the war against terrorism. Many active-duty members of SEAL Team 6 are the same guys he taught how to shoot, conduct ship and aircraft takedowns and operate in arctic, desert, river and jungle warfare, as well as close-quarter battle and military operations in

urban terrain.

In addition to being an advanced Navy SEAL trainer, Mann is a threetime New York Times bestselling author, a sought-after motivational speaker across the country and an extreme athlete who has participated in over 1,000 endurance and ultradistance events in nearly every

corner of the globe.

He has been featured in National Geographic Adventure, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and on ESPN. For the past few years, he has had his own television series, Surviving Mann, on the Pursuit Channel.

AS MANN DESCRIBES the competition show, it is his own rendition of the ultimate test of strength and survival. As one would expect, the challenge emphasizes shooting accuracy with many types of different weapons (these events are not only graded for accuracy but speed as well), and military training exercises. These include difficult land navigation courses, rappelling, and assault tactics, such as closequarter shoot house/hostage rescuetype scenarios. This is in addition to the daily demanding physical training exercises.

Surviving Mann will be airing its third season this summer. This season will feature eight outstanding candidates (see sidebar) who endured stressful situations that tested their minds and physical bodies.

Just as critical to the show’s success are the brains behind Surviving Mann, Robert and Toli Cefail, the dynamic duo at American

Season three contestant Lanny Barnes awaits further instructions.

Contestants perform another test on Surviving Mann

Stories Entertainment. Both have extraordinary backgrounds. Robert has been an innovator in telecommunications, internet marketing and celebrity endorsement industries for years. He started companies in each sector that have generated tens of millions in revenue and over a billion brand impressions. In addition to his role at ASE, he is CEO of the C Shop, a celebrity and endorsement firm connected with thousands of celebrities, which is how they met Mann. Robert is also

a Navy veteran who was part of the Submarine Force, a true man’s man (again, no pun intended) in every sense of the word.

Robert’s wing-woman is his wife, partner and best friend, Toli, who has been a marketing strategist, creative director and administrative process developer for over 25 years in her partnership with Robert. Toli has been at the forefront of the marketing streaming video and celebrity marketing industries. In addition to her role at American

SURVIVING MANN SEASON 3 CAST

STEPHEN ERLE

Stephen Erle is a doctor of chiropractic and physio-therapy and is a certified strength and conditioning coach with extensive experience spanning 29 years. He has treated athletes at all levels, including Broadway performers and professional football players. Stephen spent eight years serving in the US Navy for NAVSPECWAR in the intelligence community and operated as a corpsman for NAVSPECWAR youth and other training programs. He also trained recruits for Special Operations Command schools. Currently, he is the CEO of six pain management clinics focusing on chronic pain and nerve damage. Stephen is also a dedicated husband, father of five and enjoys shooting sports.

Stories, she is also the lead campaign strategist and creative director at the C Shop.

MY TAKEAWAY FROM watching season three of Surviving Mann was that everyone, and I mean everyone, involved were by-God Americans, from contestants and host to the film crew, vendors and producers, including the Cefails. These are people you would be proud to have as neighbors, the kind of people you could count on when you need a strong helping hand, the kind of men and women who make this country great.

Probably the best way to sum up Surviving Mann is with a quote from the host himself on how to become a better person every day. Mann says, “1) Get up every morning and do something that makes you physically stronger every day. 2) Do something to make you faster every day. 3) Get smarter; read books on all subjects. 4) Every day, do something good for somebody.”

Season three of Surviving Mann will air on July 4, 2024. ★

Editor’s note: Part two of Surviving Mann will appear in the June issue of American Shooting Journal. Visit survivingmann.com for more.

MATTHEW OSBORN

Matthew Osborn resides in San Tan Valley, Arizona, with his wife, Joy, and their four children. Raised in southern Utah and having attended college in Colorado, Matthew developed a profound appreciation for the outdoors. His active lifestyle includes shooting, hiking, mountain biking and snowboarding. Holding a bachelor’s degree in business administration, Matthew initially carved out a career in marketing, leading initiatives for three years before entrepreneurial aspirations took hold. He cofounded ScoutIQ, a software startup that achieved considerable success and was sold in 2022. Today, Matthew is involved in affiliate marketing within the firearms, survival and health and fitness industries.

Robert and Toli Cefail, the “brains” behind Surviving Mann, and cofounders of American Stories Entertainment, which produces the show.

He is also an investor in early-stage startups and is currently dedicated to launching a new software venture.

CALEB CHRISTIANSEN

Caleb Christiansen, at just 19, is already making waves in the world of survival challenges. He’s a college student studying veterinary science, inspired by his parents’ career path. After feeling he didn’t meet his own standards in Surviving Mann: All-Stars season 2, he’s back for season 3, determined to prove himself. Despite initially joining season 2 at the last minute, Caleb’s performance earned him the MVP title. Now, fueled by a desire to push his limits further, he’s ready to showcase his resilience and skills in the challenges of Surviving Mann season 3.

JAMES WILKOSZEWSKI

James Wilkoszewski, cofounder, director and chief operating officer at Pilgrim Ammunition, brings nearly two decades of leadership and management consulting expertise. With a strategic approach and intuitive marketing, he’s driven positive outcomes for startups across several global industries. Collaborating with cofounder P.J. Marx, he introduces patented projectiles to defense and law enforcement. Leading Pilgrim Ammunition’s operations and marketing, James leverages his extensive experience in business development, supported by his Six Sigma Green Belt certification and MBA from Singapore Management University. He’s revered for his leadership, motivation and strategic insight.

KYLE BAKER

Kyle Baker, hailing from Indianapolis, wears multiple hats with finesse. As a licensed real estate broker, he navigates the world of property transactions with skill and expertise. However, it’s his ventures into executive protection that truly showcase his diverse skill set. With over a decade of experience in personal protection, coupled with significant time in the bail bonds industry specializing in fugitive recovery, Kyle is no stranger to high-stakes situations. Despite his already impressive resume, Kyle sought out a new challenge by auditioning for Surviving Mann. Inspired by the show’s first two seasons, he recognized an opportunity to push his boundaries and test his capabilities. Though initially intimidated, Kyle’s determination only grew stronger. For him, comfort zones are just barriers to be broken

through. He firmly believes that real growth occurs when one ventures beyond their perceived limits, and he’s eager to embrace whatever challenges lie ahead on his journey through Surviving Mann

DANNY ZACHARIAS

Danny Zacharias boasts advanced skills in firearms training and competitive shooting. His proficiency in martial arts, particularly aikido, stems from training under military and SWAT instructors. Beyond the realm of competition, Danny’s expertise extends to teaching missionaries essential self-defense and combat medicine techniques for survival in high-risk environments. His commitment to empowering others with life-saving knowledge underscores his dedication to preparing individuals for the most challenging situations. Returning for another round of Surviving Mann, Danny embodies the spirit of resilience and determination. With his blend of tactical expertise, martial arts prowess and teaching experience, he’s primed to tackle whatever obstacles come his way in the ultimate test of survival.

JENN STANKUS

Jenn Stankus is a powerhouse. She’s an emergency physician and licensed attorney with a remarkable track record. Her credentials extend beyond the boardroom and hospital walls, as she boasts over a decade of military service, including rigorous airborne training and expertise in shooting. But Jenn’s talents don’t stop there. She’s also a force to be reckoned with in the realm of sports, excelling in BMX, extreme skiing and overall sports and fitness. Her previous appearances on Surviving Mann, Aftermath and All-Stars showcased her competitive spirit and serve as an inspiration to women of all ages, encouraging them to pursue their goals fearlessly.

LANNY BARNES

Lanny “Oakley” Barnes is a versatile talent known for her achievements as a three-time Olympic biathlete and world champion shooter. Beyond her athletic success, she serves as the chief experience officer at PrairieFire Nevada and shares her expertise as a firearms instructor and trick shooter. Lanny is also an accomplished artist, public speaker and celebrity chef, captivating audiences with her creativity and diverse skill set.

FIREARMS

FREE STATE GUN COMPANY, LLC

typhoondefense.com

Located in Basehor, Kansas, Free State Gun Company, LLC has been importing Typhoon Defense shotguns since January 2023. FSGC offers numerous models of Turkish firearms and accessories from multiple manufacturers. New for fall 2024, FSGC is excited to introduce their first American-made 12-gauge semiauto, magazine-fed shotgun. They are confident this new model will meet and exceed the standards their customers expect with tighter tolerances and oversight throughout production. Each gun will include accessories from other well-known American brands matching the quality of the guns.

BLACK ACES TACTICAL

blackacestactical.com

The Black Aces Tactical Pro S4 stands out as a top-tier semiautomatic shotgun and is renowned for its reliability, durability and performance.

Its robust build quality ensures resilience in harsh environments, complemented by an inertia-driven operating system that guarantees smooth cycling with minimal malfunctions.

Versatile and customizable, the S4 effortlessly adapts to diverse needs, from home defense to competitive shooting. With ergonomic design, precise accuracy and minimal recoil, it offers unmatched effectiveness without compromising affordability.

Whether for military, law enforcement or civilian use, the BAT S4 represents the pinnacle of reliability, versatility and performance. On the hit show Surviving Mann, it has proven indispensable for navigating the toughest challenges.

FREEDOM ORDNANCE MFG

freedomordnance.com

If you’ve never seen the innovation of a belt-fed 9mm, then check out Freedom Ordnance Manufacturing. American-made in the Midwest and built with pride by fellow patriots.

FIREARMS

BISHOP AMMUNITION MANUFACTURING, LLC

bishopammunition.com

The Bishop Exodus, also known as AR45TC, is custom-designed, engineered and manufactured in Pocatello, Idaho. With its EV-5 match-grade barrel at 16 inches and rifle-length stock, this is a subrifle. Shorter than a standard AR rifle but longer than a carbine, this provides a perfect balance for the AR platform. Chambered in the time-proven and hard-hitting .45 ACP, this is the perfect home-defense rifle.

The rifle is guaranteed to provide 1 inch or better groups at 50 yards with match 230-grain ball ammunition. The receiver is machined from billet aluminum and the upper receiver is nonreciprocating side-charging by Gibbz. With its use of factory Glock magazines, this rifle pairs perfectly with your sidearm, allowing the same ammunition and magazine to be used in both the rifle and handgun. Available in .45 ACP and 10mm. MSRP: $1,900.

SPRINGFIELD 2020 REDLINE RIFLE

In the market for a good ultralight hunting rifle? This bolt-action in .308 and 6.5 Creedmoor ‘needs to be on your list of possibilities.’

Springfield Armory has followed up its 2021 release of the lightweight 2020 Waypoint bolt-action with the Model 2020 Redline, an ultralight hunting rifle with a three-round magazine.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY FRED MASTISON

There is a saying that only accurate rifles are interesting. While some history buffs may argue, I subscribe to that idea. What has been nice over the last decade or so is a growing trend toward out-of-the-box-accurate rifles.

Back at SHOT Show 2021, Springfield Armory released the 2020 Waypoint bolt rifle. It was a lightweight tack driver that checked many boxes on my shooting checklist. I got a very close look at the rifle during a precision rifle class I taught in

gun review

Idaho, and it performed well. However, rare is the day that Springfield will leave a great idea alone. So I was pretty excited when I got the email that a followup version of the Waypoint was in the works. The new rifle in the line now is the Model 2020 Redline.

THE REDLINE IS designed to deliver a lightweight, customgrade hunting rifle. Springfield is offering the new rifle in both .308 and 6.5 Creedmoor. One of the first things you notice

gun review

is the minimalist Grayboe Trekker stock. This unique stock is ideal for hunts where lightweight yet rigid performance is important. The uniquely shaped buttstock ensures extreme light weight as well as rigidity and strength. Removable inserts beneath the recoil pad allow for an adjustable length-ofpull system and allow the rifle to be customized for a perfect fit. The stock also has three stud mounts allowing for easy attachment of slings and bipods. One last interesting component of the stock is the inclusion of an integrated bubble level at the rear of the action. I

consider this a luxury feature, yet feel every precision rifle on Earth should have one.

Barrel-wise, the Redline is outfitted with a 16-inch or 20-inch carbon fiber barrel. The free-floated BSF barrel of the Model 2020 Redline is jacketed in a roll-wrapped carbon fiber sleeve and loaded under tension. This means 95 percent of the carbon fiber sleeve doesn’t contact the barrel, providing cooling air gaps and promoting cold bore to warm bore repeatability. In addition, fluting under the sleeve reduces weight and increases surface

cooling area. At the end of the barrel, we find the removable SA Radial Brake, which effectively reduces recoil by directing gases in an outward direction. A thread protector is included.

Under the rifle’s muzzle brake, topping off both the 16-inch and 20-inch barrels, is ½x28-pattern threading, ensuring that you can easily equip the Model 2020 Redline with a wide range of suppressors. Springfield has partnered with the good folks at Silencer Central to offer all purchasers of Model 2020 Redline rifles – where legally applicable – a free “Tax Stamp”

The Redline’s Grayboe Trekker stock and carbon fiber barrel combine to keep its weight at just 6 pounds. With its 16-inch barrel, author Fred Mastison added a Banish 30 suppressor, which he reports paired well with the rifle.

for acquiring a suppressor. The Model 2020 Redline pairs perfectly with their Banish Backcountry .30-caliber titanium suppressor.

The heart of the Redline is the Model 2020 action, precision-manufactured from premium materials. It features dual locking lugs on a fluted bolt that runs smoothly down EDM raceways for perfect, repeatable engagement. In addition, an optimized extraction cam provides robust, reliable operation in any condition. I found the action to be very smooth and free of play and the dreaded chatter that we find in many off-

the-shelf guns. Trigger-wise, Springfield chose wisely. I believe the trigger is the most important interface between the rifle and the shooter. The Redline’s trigger comes from TriggerTech and features a low-profile, non-snag safety and employs the company’s Frictionless Release Technology. It’s adjustable from 2.5 to 5 pounds with a patented, free-floating roller for a crisp, clean and repeatable pull.

Due to its combination of cuttingedge design with state-of-the-art materials, the Redline is designed to consistently deliver the accuracy

expected from a custom-grade rifle. Accordingly, Springfield Armory stands behind the rifle with a rock-solid ¾-minute-of-angle-accuracy guarantee – for a three-shot group at 100 yards with quality match-grade factory ammunition, in the hands of a skilled shooter. Lastly, they have designed the gun to run AICS, or Accuracy International Chassis System, pattern magazines. With exceptional design, broad acceptance and utter reliability due to the rounds feeding straight into the chamber, this magazine ensures you will have your shot – every time.

Using 168-grain Federal Premium Gold Medal CenterStrike bullets and a Leupold VX-3HD 4.5-14x40mm scope, the rifle put together a pretty nice 100-yard group.

gun review

Bottom line for Mastison? “If you are in the market for a solid game-dropper, the Springfield 2020 Redline needs to be on your list of possibilities,” he states.

The gun comes with a three-round mag, but you are free to run any mag in that pattern that serves your needs.

SPRINGFIELD 2020 REDLINE RIFLE SPECS

Calibers: .308 Winchester (7.62x51mm NATO) and 6.5 Creedmoor;

Barrel: 6-inch carbon fiber, threaded (5/8x24), 1:10 twist;

Receiver: Model 2020 stainless steel, Mil-Spec green cerakote H-264;

Optic mount: Picatinny mount, Rem 700 SA pattern, 6-48 screws; Bolt: Fluted 4140 tool steel, nitride; Stock: Grayboe Trekker, olive with black webbing;

Trigger: TriggerTech adjustable, 2.5 to 5 pounds;

Muzzle device: A radial brake, Mil-Spec green cerakote H-264;

Magazines: One three-round, AICS short action;

Weight: 6 pounds;

Length: 36.5 to 37.75 inches; and MSRP: $2,299.

it open. The rifle with the Grayboe stock has a unique look. It is indeed lightweight; coming in at only 6 pounds, it would be an easy carry for long hunts. In preparation for range day, the rifle would first include quality glass. The scope for this session would be the Leupold VX-3HD 4.5-14x40mm. The scope uses Leupold’s Elite Optical System and provides superior dawnto-dusk light transmission for a bright image when it matters most. It has highperformance glare reduction in harsh light, and the resolution and clarity are solid. It features a front parallax focus ring that adjusts from infinity all the way down to 10 meters. It would be a good piece of glass for the Redline.

The model I received was the 16-inch-barrel version in .308. With that, I decided that a suppressor would be a solid addition. With the partnership Springfield enjoys with Silencer Central, I thought my personal Banish 30 can would be a good fit. This suppressor works with both rimfire and rifle calibers from .17 to .300 Weatherby and can be configured in two different lengths. The Banish 30

RANGE DAY CAME and a 7 a.m. arrival was welcomed by 103-degree temps. It’s Arizona, so that’s par for the course. Ammo-wise, I would be using the new Federal Premium Gold Medal CenterStrike .308. This is a new addition to their precision ammo lineup and looked very promising. It leverages a proprietary open-tip match design, sleek profile and extremely tight specifications for the ultimate long-range accuracy and consistency. It has a very good ballistic coefficient of .450 and a muzzle velocity of 2,650 feet per second. I would be running 168-grain bullets and had a feeling it would pair well with the Redline. While I would normally set any precision rifle up on a bench and build a shooting base, I wanted to do something different with the Redline. The gun is primarily designed as a hunting rifle, so a tripod was in order. My choice for the day was the Kopfjäger K800 carbon fiber tripod with Reaper Grip Kit. The tripod weighs just 3.85 pounds and is crafted of carbon fiber composite material and features four-level leg extensions

gun review

with flip locks. The Reaper Grip boasts an adjustable, pivoting grip designed to accommodate both tapered and straight stocks and chassis without allowing recoil movement. The K800 Tripod and Reaper Grip Kit provide a 360-degree smooth pan and tilt. It is built to handle harsh environments and is a tripod I would carry into the backcountry.

ALL SET UP, I ran a quick zero on the scope and we were off to the races. Springfield guarantees a ¾ MOA with the gun and that is no hollow promise. My first group was indeed ¾ MOA and the following groups were the same or even slightly better. The Federal CenterStrike performed well and I am absolutely going to need more. The trigger on my gun was set at 3.5 pounds, which is the bottom of what I feel a hunting rifle should be. The break was crisp and clean. The bolt throw was noticeably smooth and felt closer to a

high-end custom gun as opposed to one I just pulled out of the box.

While I am not a hunting legend, I have spent my time humping guns and gear across the fruited plain. One thing I know is that shots are not always time-friendly and need to be made quickly. With that, I took the time to take several offhand shots and was pleased with the results. The lightweight nature of the gun made getting it onto target a quick and easy affair. Add in a great trigger, good glass and a suppressor, and my confidence in making an offhand shot was through the roof.

As with all range days, it was over quicker than I wanted it to be. The experience was good, though, and I started listing my takeaways. First is that the 2020 Redline performs as advertised. It is a comfortable gun to run and is as accurate as promised. While I did not burn through ammo, I was not shy about emptying boxes.

Bishop EXODUS

The gun fed and extracted without issue and performed very well. I would personally keep this gun suppressed and without hesitation take it with me on my next hunt. If you are in the market for a solid game-dropper, the Springfield 2020 Redline needs to be on your list of possibilities. ★

Editor’s note: Author Fred Mastison has written over 2,000 print articles in dozens of magazines. He is also the founder of Force Options USA, a training company for various uses of force, from hand-to-hand training to all levels of firearms training. Mastison is also one of the country’s top professional firearms and combative instructors and a certified dignitary protection specialist. He has taught for over 30 years and has over 16 law enforcement post-instructor certifications. In addition, he’s taught martial arts for 28 years and holds multiple black belts, including a seventhdegree black belt in aiki jujitsu.

AR Rifle Available In 45 ACP and 10mm

TAURUS TH45

It’s tough to top this double-stack polymer .45 ACP, even for twice the price.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY FRANK JARDIM

What would you say to a concealable 4.25-inch-barrel, polymer-frame, 13-round doublestack-magazine .45 ACP pistol that weighs 2.3 pounds loaded, shoots five-shot groups under 3 inches at 25 yards with iron sights, and costs less than $410? Being cynical myself, I had to test out that claim. Knowing what I know now, my answer would be, “I’ll take two, please.”

If you are looking for a reliable, value-priced .45 ACP for self-defense that shoots better than a lot of guns costing twice as much, the Taurus TH45 is a gun you should consider. The TH45 and, most recently, the TH10 10mm are the heavy hitters of the Taurus TH handgun line, which previously encompassed only 9mmand .40-S&W-caliber pistols in compact and full frame sizes. Bucking the striker-fired handgun trend, the TH line pistols are all exposed hammer-fired with single-action/double-action (SA/ DA) triggers very much like the guns that made Walther hugely successful before World War II, but improved with ambidextrous controls and a unique manual safety feature that allows “cocked-and-locked” carry like a singleaction autoloader. You could never do that with a Walther PPK.

The SA/DA mode of operation seems to be almost forgotten these days, so I’ll explain for the benefit of readers who may not be familiar with it. A singleaction autoloader (for example, a Colt 1911) must be manually cocked for the first shot. Racking the slide to chamber a round simultaneously cocks a singleaction autoloader, but an exposed hammer single-action autoloader can also be cocked with the thumb when

Retailing for a bit over $400, the .45 ACP Taurus TH45 proved to be an excellent shooter and an exceptional value.

circumstances require it. Once cocked, the single-action autoloader is ready to fire, and characteristically has an easy-to-manage, short, light trigger pull. However, for safety’s sake, it is no more advisable to carry a cocked singleaction autoloader on your hip than it is a cocked revolver. As such, single-action autoloaders generally have a manual safety that is applied to allow for safer carry. A single-action autoloader that is cocked with a round chambered and the manual safety engaged is referred to as being cocked-and-locked.

By contrast, the SA/DA autoloader (for example, the Walther PPK) operates in a manner similar to a double-action revolver. It is designed for safe carry with a loaded chamber and the hammer down. The hammer can still be manually cocked with the thumb like a single-action autoloader, but the unique feature of the SA/DA is that the first shot can be fired simply by pulling the trigger as if it were a doubleaction revolver. That initial doubleaction trigger pull cocks and releases the hammer just like a double-action revolver and has its characteristically long, heavy pull for safety. After the

The pistol comes with three rear grip strap options so you can adjust the grip shape to best suit your hand. Also included are two 13-round steel-bodied Mec-Gar magazines, a loading tool and a sight adjustment/ pin removal tool.

The grip has shallow finger grooves on the front strap and aggressive stippling on all four sides to improve control.

initial double-action trigger pull fires the pistol, the recoiling slide takes over to cock the hammer on all subsequent shots and the trigger operates in singleaction mode with all its accuracyenhancing benefits.

In its heyday, the SA/DA action offered the best of both worlds for self-defense: the instant readiness of the revolver, and the short, light trigger of the single-action autoloader. The shift from a doubleaction to single-action trigger took getting used to, and without practice, that first double-action shot couldn’t be placed with the same precision as the following single-action shots.

If striker-fired guns have any advantage over SA/DA designs, it would be that their trigger pulls are consistent from shot to shot. The downside for striker-fired designs was that their triggers often weren’t very good at all, and a crappy trigger hurts accuracy more than a consistent one helps. Fortunately, the trigger pull on striker-fired guns improved steadily with more and more breaking the threshold of decent these days. Some

are even excellent. I carry a strikerfired pistol for protection myself.

BY COMBINING THE basic principle of SA/DA operation with a cockedand-locked feature, the Taurus TH line really expanded their versatility and potential appeal. A Taurus TH is two guns in one, and both of them are very good. If you like single-action autoloaders, carry it like a 1911 and get a consistent 6.5-pound, two-stage trigger pull. If you like SA/DA, carry it like a Walther P99 and get an initial double-action trigger pull of 13 pounds followed by 6.5-pound single-action pulls. I’ll admit that a 6.5-pound singleaction trigger pull is on the heavy side for even an average 1911, but the accuracy of the TH45 I tested doesn’t suggest it holds the pistol back much.

The TH45 trigger itself is stamped sheet metal with a broad plastic shoe molded over it. The large surface area makes the pull feel lighter than it actually measures with a gauge.

It has an overall travel of 0.50 inch with the first stage take-up covering about 75 percent of that

before coming up to the wall at the start of the second stage. Sometimes I could detect a little creep in the second stage before it broke sharply. Overtravel was hard to judge, but it was at most the length of the second stage pull. The trigger would reset when held anywhere in the first stage.

The steel sights, which include lowprofile and easy-to-see rectangular front post and rear notch varieties, have sloped edges to reduce snagging. The front sight has a permanently inset white dot and is secured with a bolt that comes up from inside the slide. The rear sight is dovetailed on for windage adjustment and includes a tiny set screw to hold it in position. Its rear face is also horizontally grooved to reduce glare. By virtue of the way they are mounted, you can easily change out the sights with aftermarket types if you want to – and you might. I noticed that the TH45 shot consistently high at 25 yards. Depending on the ammo, groups were centered from 1.25 to 5.5 inches above the point of aim. At 7 yards, it wasn’t so noticeable.

The decocker/safety lever in the safe (upward) position puts the TH45 in a cocked-and-locked status for safe carry like a single-action 1911.

FROM THE BENCH using a Caldwell Shooting Supplies Pistolero rest, I shot five-shot strings at 25 yards to test the pistol’s accuracy. All strings were fired in single-action mode. The Winchester Win3Gun 230-grain truncated cone bullet averaged 739 feet per second and 2.74-inch groups that were 5 inches above point of aim. The Black Hills Ammunition 230-grain JHP averaged 789 fps and 2.99-inch groups that were 3 inches above point of aim. The Black Hills Ammunition 135-grain Honey Badger solid-copper self-defense loads (which look like the tip of a No. 3 Phillips screwdriver) averaged 1,156 fps and 2.98-inch groups that were 1.5 inches above point of aim.

I shot a large pumpkin with both these Black Hills loads to see what the entrance and exit holes looked like and was impressed at the destructive force of the Honey Badger. The conventional hollowpoints made small entrance holes and big exit holes. The Honey Badger’s exit holes were the same size as the JHP’s, but the entrance holes were equally large!

In my testing I had some failures to feed with Winchester PDX1 Defender and Win1911 JHP loads that prevent me from recommending them. Both those rounds are fairly large-diameter hollowpoints and it appears that the rather broad blunt edge of the PDX1 was dragging, and sometimes snagging, on the feed ramp. This could likely be corrected with some polishing of the feed ramp, but that was beyond the scope of my T&E. Four other brands of hollowpoints, as well as all the ball ammo I tested, ran through the gun without a hitch and I was more than satisfied with the accuracy.

OTHER

NOTEWORTHY

FEATURES

of the TH45 include its ambidextrous slide release, decocker/manual safety lever and magazine release. The magazine falls free when you depress the release button, but it requires so much pressure I had to do it with my trigger finger. This isn’t necessarily a flaw. Personally, I’m more worried about accidentally dropping the magazine

Pushing the decocker/safety lever downward safely drops the hammer on a loaded chamber and puts the trigger in double-action mode for the first shot. Always keep the pistol pointed in a safe direction when decocking a handgun.

With ambidextrous slide lock releases, loading is equally easy for right- and left-handed people. Ejecting the magazine is a somewhat different story. That’s equally hard for right- and left-handed people.

Note the loaded chamber indicator bar protruding from the right side of the frame behind the ejection port.

A 2.15-inch group shot from the bench at 25 yards with Winchester Win3Gun 230-grain truncated cone bullet ammunition. Author Frank Jardim tested seven different loads in the TH45 and all of them had five-shot groups averaging between 2.5 and 3 inches. That’s really good for any centerfire pistol and really impressive in a $400 one.

in a dangerous encounter than I am about removing it to reload.

To put the pistol in DA mode for the first shot, the decocker/safety lever is fully depressed and then released to safely drop the hammer over a loaded chamber. (I still advise you keep the pistol pointed in a safe direction when you do this for the sake of Murphy’s Law if nothing else.) A red dot on the slide indicates the safety is off and the pistol can be fired by pulling the trigger. To carry the pistol in SA mode cocked-andlocked, push the decocker/safety lever upward until it clicks into, and stays, in an upward position. The safety is easily thumbed down and off on the draw. The safety can also be engaged when the hammer isn’t cocked, in which case it prevents DA firing.

Two other safety features I liked on this pistol are the visible and tactile loaded-chamber indicator that sits above the extractor on the right side of the slide, and the little fingertip depressions molded into the frame in line with the front edge of the triggerguard. Taurus calls them “memory pads,” their purpose being to provide a resting place for your fingertip to be when it isn’t, and shouldn’t be, on the trigger.

Similar to the style of other quality

TAURUS TH45 PISTOL SPECIFICATIONS

Caliber: .45 ACP; Capacity: 13+1;

Operating system: SA/DA, locked action, hammer-fired, semiauto; Barrel: 4.25 inches, stainless steel; Frame material: polymer; Slide material: steel;

Sights: low-profile combat type, fixed front, windage adjustable rear; Safety: manual decocker/safety lever, loaded chamber indicator; Weight: 27.3 ounces empty; Overall length: 7.8 inches; Height: 5.8 inches; Width: 1.43 inches; and MSRP: $529.99, retailing online around $410.

Pumpkin punishment. Entrance holes created by Black Hills Ammunition’s 135-grain Honey Badger (left) compared to its 230-grain JHP (right). Holy moly! That Honey Badger is as destructive going in as it is coming out.

polymer handguns, the TH45 comes with three backstraps of varying size so you can customize the grip shape and circumference to suit your hand. All four sides of the grip are also aggressively textured, similar to 80-grit sandpaper. It makes for an excellent hold, but if I was carrying this gun concealed, I’d want a holster that kept that rough surface off my skin.

It is rare that I get to say this, but it would be hard to find a more accurate and practical gun than the TH45 at twice the price. The pistol comes in a sturdy plastic storage case with three grip backstraps, two high-quality MecGar 13-round magazines, a magazine loader tool, a cable lock and a sight adjustment/pin removal tool. For more information on the TH45 and the other pistols in Taurus’s TH line, visit taurususa.com.

In its TH line of pistols, Taurus revisited and improved the once-popular SA/DA operation system, adding a cocked-and-locked option and making the controls ambidextrous.

Using the unique Dumonde Tech polymerizing technology, Suppressor Syrup can reduce carbon from bonding to surfaces within a suppressor, especially a new suppressor. It is like no other product introduced to the firearms world!

Eliminates Carbon Lock

* Suppressor Internals

* Mount systems and threads

* Compensator

* Modular Suppressor Threads

* Muzzle Break

* Flashlight Lens

* Shotgun Choke Tube

* Any High Carbon Areas

Applications: www.truebluegunlube.com

Example: Two gunshot Silencerco suppressors, 150 rounds each, 9mm Glock only wiped off.

SCATTERGUN ALLEY

THE 28-GAUGE’S TIME HAS COME

‘Once you shoot one, you will never go back to a 12-gauge for bird hunting.’

STORY AND PHOTOS BY LARRY CASE

The 28-gauge is a shotgun round whose time has come. So, you don’t think so? Take a look around and see what is being talked about on shotgun forums, at your local baggy pants trap, skeet and sporting clays range and, dare I say, the Book of Faces. You have never in your lifetime heard as much about this odd little gauge.

You knew about it, but you never really thought about it. If you wanted to go there, you thought you could just get a 20-gauge and it would do everything the 28 can do, only better. If you really

wanted to go more on the oddball side, you would just do a 16-gauge, right? The point being, if you wanted to slide off the 12-gauge boomers and delve into the subgauge world, you would just go with the 20 or 16 and they would do it all better than the 28.

Well, maybe not.

AS WITH MANY firearms, the history of the 28-gauge may not be entirely clear. Many go with the story that the 28-gauge shotgun shell has its roots in England in the late 1850s at W.W. Greener, and later Parker Brothers in the United States. Parker Bros. introduced the 28-gauge in 1903, and Fox, Winchester and others soon followed by introducing their own models. Other sources tell us that the gauge is older than that, with ammo companies in England producing 28-gauge shells as early as 1857. Now, I would bet that you guys and gals who are among the current crop of 28 users, who carry the gauge to murder grouse and woodcock, care not a bit about those dates, but I thought you might want to know.

Over the course of many years, the 28-gauge shell was modified and eventually came down to a 2¾-inch shell with a ¾-ounce shot load. This was the standard fare of 28-gauge ammo for years until the recent popularity of this little gauge yielded new advances in loads and shotguns.

The past several years have brought

For years, the standard ammo for the 28-gauge was the 2¾-inch shell.

Turkey hunters are discovering there’s more than one gauge to gobsmack a gobbler with. Chambered for 3-inch shells, the 28-gauge Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 is one of several viable options.

SCATTERGUN ALLEY

The resurgence of the 28-gauge is fueled by new magnum

from

new interest in using the “subgauges” – really anything below the 12-gauge. I think much of this interest has been fueled by the turkey hunters, who are forever looking for new ways to bring about the demise of big gobblers. But make no mistake, it is not just turkey hunters who are helping to resurrect this handy little shotgun round. Upland hunters are often the most discerning of shotgunners as to what they are carrying into the thickets. Lightweight, smooth sleek lines, fast-handling and low recoil all describe the 28-gauge.

Even more surprising to me is the growing number of waterfowl hunters who are using the 28-gauge in the duck blind. Much of this resurgence is no doubt fueled by the appearance of magnum 3-inch shells in the 28 from Federal, Hevi-Shot and Kent, to name a few, in tungsten super shot and bismuth loads.

MAYBE NOTHING IS better than hearing from those who use the 28-gauge regularly. Mike Hyde from Missouri is an experienced shotgunner in the various clays games, as well as a welltraveled bird hunter. Along with his longtime friend Mike Bennaka (they are known as the “Mike and Mike

Show”), he has hunted and traveled extensively with Dave Miller, pro shooter and shotgun product manager for CZ-USA. I asked Hyde for the lowdown on the 28-gauge.

“I’m a 28-gauge guy through and through,” he said. “I use my two 28-gauge shotguns – a CZ Drake overand-under and a CZ 628 pump – for all types of hunting, such as duck hunting and pheasant and quail hunting. In 2023, I used my 28-gauge shotguns in

North Dakota hunting sharptail grouse and Hungarian partridge. I prefer to use a 28-gauge mainly because it’s lightweight to carry and has a darn near perfect pattern for all things bird hunting. I can carry two boxes of shells in my hunting vest due to their light weight, which allows me to walk for miles before needing to head back to the truck to restock on shells. There is no felt recoil, which is another great trait of the 28-gauge. For me, it’s the perfect bird gun, hands down.”

“My dad was a hardcore quail and pheasant hunter and always told me from a young age that if you want to be a bird hunter, you have to shoot a 12-gauge,” continued Hyde. “I have since seen the light and firmly believe that the 28-gauge is the perfect bird gun. My only wish is my dad had lived long enough to see what a 28-gauge can do.”

He added, “My best friend Dave Miller turned me onto the 28-gauge, and I’ve never looked back. I also love to shoot clay targets with both of my 28-gauge shotguns. I wish everyone would try out a 28-gauge. Once you shoot one, you will never go back to a 12-gauge for bird hunting.”

“As for shotshells, I use a lot of different brands, such as Hevi-Shot for ducks and Fiocchi, Aguila, Winchester and Federal for upland birds. I use high

Federal Black Cloud 3-inch 28-gauge shells.

3-inch shells

Hevi-Shot and Federal, including tungsten super shot, or TSS, loads.

• UNIBODY CONSTRUCTION

Fort Knox has folded the edge around the door, making it virtually impossible to pry.

• HEAVY DUTY CORNER BOLTS

Securing the corners of the door to prevent attacks on Guardian, Titan, and Legend vaults.

• DRILL STOP HARD PLATE

Bearings are recessed into the hard plate and will cause drill bits to slip and break.

• 5 TO 1 GEAR DRIVE SYSTEM

Our patented rack & pinion bank locking drive is the most reliable locking system available.

• SUPERIOR FIRE PROTECTION

Fort Knox Vaults will protect your possessions with a Reinforced Fire Liner option.

• POWER SUPPLY INSIDE

All Fort Knox Defender Vaults & above come standard with an internal power supply.

• QUADRAFOLD DOOR FRAME

The Quadrafold Door Frame has been designed to be the strongest in the industry.

• MANIPULATION PROOF LOCK

Our UL Listed Group II mechanical lock resists manipulation & “safe cracking” attempts.

SCATTERGUN ALLEY

brass No. 6 shot for ducks, pheasants, sharptail grouse and Hungarian partridge. I use No. 7½ shot for quail, doves and clay targets. Once you go 28-gauge, you will never go back to anything else! Shooting a 28-gauge will test your shooting skill and, to be honest, it’s just downright fun!”

MILLER, THE AFOREMENTIONED shotgun guru at CZ-USA, talked to me a little about the advantages of the 28-gauge.

“Is the 28-gauge magic? Well, maybe a little bit!” he said. “With the 28-gauge, it is not only the ammunition, but the guns themselves are just naturally lighter, smaller, sleeker and fast-handling, all of those things that come with a lightweight, fast-handling shotgun.”

“On the ammunition side,” he continued, “up until now the choices have always been only with 2¾-inch, but now with all the recent choices that ammo companies have made available, those who want to use this great little subgauge have many good choices in hunting loads and waterfowl loads, including 3-inch offerings.”

“As far as patterning, the 28-gauge sits in a place that allows it to do incredible ballistic performance, very quickly, as in 30 yards and less (note: Miller likes 25 yards for the 28), and if you think about it, this is what a bird gun should do. Nothing patterns better,

faster, than a 28-gauge; it gives you an optimum pattern faster than anything else. So what does that mean? It means it is not a long-range gauge; this is why quail hunters love it, and serious pheasant hunters do, as they are only going to take quality shots. The 28-gauge does this by way of the shot load in the shell is as wide as it is tall; it is not longer in the shell. So as the load starts down the barrel, it is less likely to have a longer shot string as with some other gauges. Most of the shot arrives on target at the same time, in short to medium ranges. That is the magic of the 28-gauge.”

So is the 28-gauge for you? If you want the subgauge experience with great performance at upland bird ranges, skeet shooting and the added attraction of turkey and waterfowl hunting with the new high-performance 3-inch loads available now, the answer is yes! 

Editor’s note: Larry Case has been a devoted outdoorsman since he was a child. He will admit to an addiction to turkey hunting (spring and fall), but refuses any treatment. He enjoys the company of gobblers and cur dogs that are loud and people who speak the truth softly. Case served 36 years as a game warden in West Virginia and retired with the rank of district captain. You can check out his podcast and other stories at gunsandcornbred.com.

Mike Hyde uses his CZ Drake for all types of hunting, including duck, quail, pheasant and dove.

Hyde’s 28-gauge

CZ 628 pump shotgun.

Twenty-eight-gauge models on the market include (from top to bottom): Mossberg’s International Silver Reserve Eventide over-and-under, Franchi’s Instinct SLX and Benelli’s Super Black Eagle 3 in 3-inch chamber and SBE 3 offered in Realtree Max-7.

(BENELLI)

(FRANCHI)

(MOSSBERG)

PARTS+ACCESSORIES

DEAD FOOT ARMS

deadfootarms.com

The Dead Foot Arms AR9 Uppers are complete direct blowback upper receivers chambered in 9mm. The non-reciprocating forward charging upper receivers will attach to most AR-9 and AR-15 lower receivers.

The included full-auto-compatible 9mm BCG will work with Glock, Colt, Endo and MP5 magazines.

The uppers also come with an MP5 blade-style front sight and rear sight drum. Handguard options: MP5

SD-style aluminum handguard with three M-Lok slots or MP5 wide-style polymer forearm.

Visit us at booth #11237

SKINNER SIGHTS

skinnersights.com

Skinner Sights has released a 13-inch scout-style rail for the new Gen 2 Ruger American rifles. This mount allows options for conventional scopes, scout scopes and red dot optics. Featuring a Skinner peep sight on the rear and an AR A2-type sight in the front for backup to the optics, should they be removed. Can be used with or without two forward attachment screws (drill and tap –recommended for mounting heavier forward-mounted optics).

Luth-AR announces three new 1-in-8½-inch Fractional Twist Barrels, and Complete Uppers featuring their 15-inch Palm Handguard. Embrace the fractional twist!

The three new barrels and three new complete uppers are available in the following configurations:

• 20-inch heavy barrel, and complete upper assembly;

• 20-inch fluted threaded bull barrel, and complete upper assembly; and

• 20-inch non-fluted threaded bull barrel, and complete upper assembly.

Experience the evolution of precision with the 1-in-8½-inch Fractional Twist AR Barrels and Complete Upper Barrel Assemblies by Luth-AR, now available in various configurations to suit your shooting needs. A perfect choice for precision shooting with a wide variety of ammunition.

Parts+Accessories

ELFTMANN TACTICAL

elftactical.com

Introducing the ELF Glock Trigger, for Glock Gens 1-4. This advanced trigger is engineered for precision, featuring a short creep and a glass-like break that guarantees swift and accurate firing. With an adjustable pull weight ranging from 1½ to 3½ pounds, this trigger caters to individual preferences for a personalized shooting experience.

The aluminum trigger shoe, available in sleek black or vibrant red, brings style and also ensures durability. Crafted from A2 steel, the ELF Glock Trigger delivers both longevity and reliability, utilizing the Glock’s stock firing spring and stock safety spring for full ignition. The Glock Slide will need to be milled, which ELF offers as a service.

Visit us at booth #6006

STRIPLIN CUSTOM GUNWORKS

striplincustom.com

Why turn it sideways? Striplin Custom Gunworks has been manufacturing red dot sight mounts that turn the reasonably priced, ultra-reliable C-More Railway or Slide Ride sight 90 degrees for over 10 years. What is the purpose of this odd-looking setup? Turning the sight 90 degrees gives the shooter a large sight window with a near-unobstructed view of the top plane of the handgun or rifle. Your eyes will naturally align the top of the gun to virtually eliminate losing the red dot in the lens of the sight. For shooters who don’t shoot thousands of rounds a month to develop concrete muscle memory, this 90-degree sight mount will shave tens of seconds off of steel challenge times. It will also help you break the time-killing habit of following the dot with your eyes from target to target and help you develop the target acquisition and gun-driving skills needed to excel above others of similar shooting experience. Made for Picatinny rails, Browning Buck Mark pistols and Ruger semiauto rifles and pistols.

NOWLIN ARMS, INC.

nowlinarms.com

In a market flooded by inferior 1911 auto parts, Nowlin is known as a top manufacturer of quality barrels, parts and tools for the platform. They use the latest technologies for maintaining quality parts. Materials purchased are of the highest industry standard and heat-treating is meticulously certified. Nowlin’s new and improved Action Kits are also top sellers in the firearms market. Made in the USA.

Visit Nowlin’s website to view their line of world-renowned barrels, parts and tools, or call 918-733-9200.

GENTRY CUSTOM LLC

gentrycustom.com

A family-owned business, Gentry Custom’s motto is “Where guns are not a hobby, but a way of life.”They believe in gun ownership and gun safety. Gentry Custom is known for the Quiet Muzzle Brake, which will make for a user-friendly rifle. The Quiet Muzzle Brake reduces recoil and muzzle jump so you can get that second shot off if needed, without the large increase of noise to the shooter. Many of the factory rifles have been threaded for a muzzle brake. Gentry Custom offers 5/8 x24 threads and many others.

Call them today and they can provide the proper Quiet Muzzle Brake for your rifle. Gentry Custom also offers a three-position safety for the Remington family of rifles and the Mauser 98.

Parts+Accessories

DEVIL DOG CONCEPTS

devildogconcepts.com

Not a fan of the charging handle on your AR rifle? Devil Dog Concepts wasn’t either and came up with a side charger with no machining and no modifications. Developed from decades of experience in military, SWAT and law enforcement, the Hard Charger Side Charging Handle System brings more benefits to you and your shooting capabilities than you’ll ever expect! Get more than just an upgrade for your rifle; get better ergonomics, increased speed and efficiency. Amat Victori Curam – Victory Loves Preparation.

ULTIMAK, INC.

ultimak.com

The UltiMAK AK optic mount system is legendary for its rock-solid stability and for offering the lowest rail height, which allows for co-witnessing with some optics. There are several models to cover a wide variety of AK types and configurations. Featured here is the model M2-B, which is the most versatile of UltiMAK’s AK mounts. If you have a standard-length, standard-barrel AKM, with or without a ported gas chamber, then your AK can use the UltiMAK M2-B. Update your AK to the 21st century with an UltiMAK mount and a quality red dot sight. You’ll never look back!

EVOLUTION GUN WORKS

egwguns.com

Enhance your shooting experience with the Springfield Prodigy Magwell in sleek black and silver. Designed exclusively for the Springfield Prodigy, this second-generation magwell is engineered for a seamless fit without the need for additional fitting. Crafted from durable aluminum, it offers a width of 1.739 inches, ensuring a comfortable grip and improved reloading efficiency. Priced at $49.99, it’s an affordable upgrade for the discerning shooter. Elevate your firearm’s functionality and aesthetics with this essential accessory.

COX ARMS USA

coxarmsusa.com

Cox Arms USA’s newest product, the Battle Brake, is the culmination of over a year of R&D and is nothing short of astonishing.

The Battle Brake is the flattest-shooting two-port brake on the market, allowing for lightning speed, follow-up shots and less felt recoil. Precisionmachined on state-of-the-art equipment, 416R stainless steel and coated with H&M Blacknitride+ for a superior finish.

At an incredible introductory price of only $79.99, this Battle Brake is sure to be the envy of all your friends and tame all your 5.56/.223 weapons.

For more information (and to check out an in-depth video), visit the website or call 602-819-5331. Dealers are welcome!

Parts+Accessories

ALUMAGRIPS

alumagrips.com

AlumaGrips’ Desert Eagle grips have undergone a redesign with improvements that are second to none. First, AlumaGrips removed almost 1/8 inch from the thickness of each grip, and then they enlarged the radius on the back edge of the grip to reduce the overall circumference. Finally, they 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.

BOONE TRADING COMPANY, INC.

boonetrading.com

Gorgeous classic white mother of pearl 1911 grips are a very popular new addition and are available with various medallions and fancy screws.

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.

TACTICAL ARMS COMPANY LLC

This company is a true one-stop shop for all your precision gunsmithing needs. 903 Tactical is a Green Beret-owned and -operated company founded in 2008 specializing in performance aftermarket modifications. This FFL 07/02 SOT not only has several gunsmiths on staff, but they are also laser- and Cerakote-certified and carry a wide variety of aftermarket parts to build your next dream gun in their storefront located in Diana, Texas. With a motto of “Your budget and imagination is the limit,” this company truly embodies the term “innovation” with cutting-edge processes. Check them out on Facebook and Instagram.

The Premier Manufacturer of AR Triggers

ELF Glock Trigger

Introducing the ELF Glock Trigger, for Glock Gens 1-4. This advanced trigger is engineered for precision, featuring a short creep and a glass-like break that guarantees swift and accurate firing. With an adjustable pull weight ranging from 1 1/2 to 3 1/2lb, this trigger caters to individual preferences for a personalized shooting experience. The aluminum trigger shoe, available in sleek black or vibrant red, brings style and also ensures durability. Crafted from A2 steel, the ELF Glock Trigger delivers both longevity and reliability, utilizing the Glock’s stock firing spring and stock safety spring for full ignition. The Glock Slide will need to be milled which ELF offers as a service.

ELF APEX Trigger

The ELF APEX Trigger has been built for performance. Pull weight is so easy to adjust it can be done in seconds without removing the trigger from your lower receiver. A second-to-none AR-Platform drop-in trigger system that is strong and light, made of wire EDM machined, hardened A2 tool steel and lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum. Available with a curved or straight shoe along in black or red. It can also be purchased in our Pro Lock Threaded Mounting System.

The amazingly short take-up, glass-rod crisp break, no skip technology and our new adjustable sear lets you customize the over-travel can be compared to the finest custom 1911 triggers. If you are looking for the finest adjustable trigger for your AR platform, this is the trigger system for you.

The ELF-SE Drop-In Trigger maintains the Elftmann reputation for quality, craftsmanship and customer service in an affordable package. Extremely short takeup, clean crisp break and very short, positive reset. It has a brand new look and features such as, an adjustable pull weight being one of them! Available in our Pro Lock Threaded Mounting System.

Fits any and all AR platforms (large pin Colt available) with features including: Drop-safe, adjustable from 2 3/4 to 4lbs without removing from lower, Patented Double-Double torsion hammer spring, short pull and reset allows for rapid follow up shots, lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum and hardened steel construction, design of disconnector allows full 1/4” width eliminating possibility of wear and double-firing, adjustable aluminum trigger shoe (available in straight or curved, red or black)

ELF SE Trigger

NEW ADJUSTABLE TRIGGERS FOR AR’S

Elftmann Tactical’s Apex series is ‘built for performance.’

PHOTO BY ELFTMANN TACTICAL

trigger can make all the difference in the performance of your firearm, and that’s why Elftmann Tactical is dedicated to designing and manufacturing the best possible triggers for AR platforms. The company’s triggers are made from the highest quality materials exclusively within the US, and they are designed with precision and attention to detail to ensure that they deliver superior performance.

AAlex and Art Elftmann are the lead designers and owners of Elftmann Tactical, and they have more than 30 years of combined experience in the industry. They are committed to evolving the trigger game to the next level and are constantly pushing the limits of what is possible in trigger design. Some of these unique designs

and features include needle bearings, pull weight adjustability, drop safety, no-fail technology, ease of installation and full ¼-inch-width disconnects, along with an adjustable sear to adjust the amount of creep desired.

New from Elftmann Tactical is the Apex Trigger, which has been built for performance. Its pull weight is so easy to adjust that it can be done in seconds without removing the trigger from your lower receiver. The dropin trigger system is strong and light, made of wire EDM-machined, hardened A2 tool steel and lightweight aircraftgrade aluminum. With its amazingly short take-up, glass-rod-crisp break, no-skip technology and Elftmann’s new adjustable sear that lets you customize the over-travel, the Apex can be compared to the finest custom 1911

triggers. If you are looking for the finest adjustable trigger for your AR platform, this is the trigger system for you.

Elftmann Tactical offers a wide range of trigger options to meet the needs of shooters of all skill levels, whether you are a professional shooter or a recreational shooter. Elftmann triggers are designed for speed, accuracy and reliability, and are trusted by shooters all over the world.

In addition to the company’s topquality triggers, the Elftmann team is dedicated to ensuring that its customers are completely satisfied with their purchase, and all products are backed by a lifetime warranty, guaranteed. ★

Editor’s note: For more information, visit elftactical.com.

Elftmann Tactical likens its new Apex Pro R S (left) and Apex B CF A for ARplatform rifles to the “finest custom 1911 triggers.”

BULLET BULLETIN

THE HORNADY ELD-VT

Dual-purpose varmint/target bullet offered in component, V-Match ammo lines ‘a well-designed update on classic design.’

STORY BY PHIL MASSARO • PHOTOS BY MASSARO MEDIA GROUP

hat do you get when you mate the principles of Hornady’s ELD Match and the frangible qualities of a good varmint projectile? Why, you get the new Hornady ELD-VT, of course. The acronym stands for Extremely Low Drag – Varmint/ Target, indicating that the bullet is

Wdesigned for both long-range varmint eradication and long-range target work, especially in the smaller calibers. Hornady’s AMP, or Advanced Manufacturing Process, jacket is carried over from the ELD Match and ELD-X bullets, giving excellent concentricity and very little run out from bullet to bullet. Sticking with the family attributes, the ELD-VT bullet also sports the Heat Shield polymer tip, which resists deformation caused

by atmospheric drag, and provides a consistently high ballistic coefficient for the bullet’s entire flight path. A consistent BC is one of the most important factors in a long-range ballistic solution, and Hornady has proven that the Heat Shield tip just works, as evidenced by the ELD Match and ELD-X performance.

Where things start to get a bit different with this bullet is in the lead core. In order to give the ELD-VT the

Hornady’s new ELD-VT bullet, in the V-Match ammo line, blends match bullet accuracy with varmint bullet rapid expansion.

In component form, the ELD-VT is available in .22, 6mm, 6.5mm and .30 caliber (not shown).

rapid expansion and frangible qualities that are characteristic of varmint bullets, while still making it a perfectly viable choice for target work, Hornady has used a shorter lead core. This shifts the center of gravity rearward, in addition to leaving a good-sized air pocket underneath that polymer tip. Upon impact with an object – namely a prairie dog, woodchuck, coyote, fox

or bobcat – the polymer tip is driven rearward into that air cavity, and the nose of the projectile immediately begins to expand. The shorter lead core will also aid in violent expansion, as there is less material to resist deformation upon impact.

THE ELD-VT COMPONENT BULLET

With a premium-quality polymer, high-

With the proper twist rate (1:8 or faster) the .22-caliber ELD-VT component bullet can be a handloader’s new best friend.

ly concentric jacket, and a boattail base used to best resist the effects of atmospheric drag and wind drift alike, the Hornady ELD-VT surely has the makings of a great projectile. In component form, Hornady offers four different models. The .224 caliber comes in at 62 grains, with a G1 BC value of .395. Too long for my beloved .22-250 Remington – its twist rate precludes almost all bullets of conventional profile weighing more than 55 grains – it will work well in the numerous iterations of the .223 Remington with the slower 1-in-8inch twist rate, as well as many of the modern .22-caliber centerfires, like the .224 Valkyrie, .22 ARC, .22 Creedmoor, or anything with a fast twist barrel. My electronic caliper indicated that the .22-caliber ELD-VT averaged a length of 1.048 inches, which explains the need for the 1:8-twist barrel.

The 6mm/.243-caliber variant tips the scales at 80 grains, measuring an average of 1.177 inches. Once again, a 1:8 twist rate is required to properly stabilize the projectile, so the common .243 Winchester and 6mm Remington designs might not be so happy with this particular bullet. However, keeping with the theme, modern cartridges like

BULLET BULLETIN

the 6mm Creedmoor, 6mm ARC and 6mm Dasher will be right at home. With a G1 BC of .410, these bullets will not only hammer a woodchuck at distances measured in fractions of a mile, but they’ll also make a good candidate for target work in a cartridge that won’t pound your shoulder into mincemeat.

Hornady offers a 6.5mm version of the ELD-VT, coming in at the lighter

The new bullet shown in profile and in section; note the large airspace between the polymer tip and shortened lead core.

weight of 100 grains. While one might not think that a 6.5 cartridge makes a good choice for varmints, there are a ton of rifles chambered for the 6.5 Creedmoor that are fully capable of doing double duty as a big game cartridge/occasional varmint cartridge. The 100-grainer measures 1.242 inches – compared to the 140-grain ELD-X, which comes in at 1.445 inches – so there will be less real estate eaten up in

The projectiles have a similar (if shorter) conformation to the ELD-X and ELD Match; they share the Heat Shield polymer tip and sleek boattail. (HORNADY)

the case, yet Hornady still calls for a 1:8 twist rate for this bullet. With a G1 BC value of 0.448, the 100-grain Hornady ELD-VT might have you liking the lighter weight bullet in your 6.5mm cartridge of choice.

The .30-caliber version of the ELDVT weighs 174 grains, which to me is a bit surprising, as a bullet this heavy is rarely associated with varmint work of any sort. However, the target end of the

Author Phil Massaro appreciates the subtlety of Hornady’s packaging; the box features a close-up of predator fur. (HORNADY)

(HORNADY)

The new Hornady V-Match ammo line is capable of fine accuracy, though is limited to a number of recent cartridge developments. (HORNADY)

equation is a different story, and that is where I believe this bullet will shine. Sadly, it was not available for testing at the time of this writing.

V-MATCH FACTORY AMMUNITION

While these are all component projectiles that must be handloaded, Hornady also offers the ELDVT in their new V-Match loaded ammunition line. Packaged in a furcovered box – don’t worry, it’s just a photo – the V-Match line offers loaded ammunition for the .22s, 6mms and 6.5mms; that .30-caliber bullet is not available in a factory-loaded cartridge. There are five offerings initially, including the 62-grain ELD-VT in the .22 ARC, the 80-grain bullet in the 6mm ARC and 6mm Creedmoor, and the 100-grain bullet in the 6.5 Grendel (such an underrated cartridge) and

6.5 Creedmoor.

If you’ve noticed that the vast majority of these cartridges are Hornady developments, then the extensive power of their marketing capabilities are not lost on you. But also realize that the most recent Hornady cartridges have been based on the principle of a smaller cartridge, using longer (higher BC) projectiles, in conjunction with a twist rate that is faster than standard.

That .22 ARC load sports a muzzle velocity of 3,300 feet per second, and offers a slightly better trajectory than does a .300 Winchester Magnum with a good 180-grain bullet. Its big brother, the 6mm ARC, sends its 80-grain bullet at 3,020 fps, and with a 200-yard zero will strike 6.8 inches low at 300 yards and 19.8 inches low at 400 yards. Bump up to the large

The Hornady V-Match ammo and ELD-VT bullet go to the range.

The author’s 6.5 Creedmoor was more than happy with the 100-grain ELD-VT bullet in the V-Match line, with groups averaging .68 MOA at 100 yards.

BULLET BULLETIN

6mm Creedmoor and you’ll see a muzzle velocity of 3,300 fps; with the same 200-yard zero, you’ll need to elevate 5.5 inches to hit at 300 yards, and 16.2 inches to hit the mark at 400 yards. The little 6.5 Grendel delivers that 100-grain bullet at 2,730 fps, and has a trajectory reminiscent of the .308 Winchester. That’s not a terrible place to be, especially considering it probably has half the recoil. And lastly, the 6.5 Creedmoor will spit the 100-grain ELD-VT out of the muzzle at 3,200 fps with a trajectory mirroring the 6mm Creedmoor’s. All of these are sold in 20-count boxes.

AT THE BENCH

To test the ELD-VT – and the V-Match ammo – I handloaded the 62-grain component bullet in a bull-barrel Savage .223 Remington, and grabbed a couple boxes of the 6.5 Creedmoor V-Match-loaded ammo. The .223 sure liked the 62-grain ELD-VT, with Hodgdon’s Varget and H335 giving excellent results, but Shooters World AR Plus powder gave the best blend of accuracy and consistent velocity, clocking in at 3,080 fps at ½ MOA. In my 6.5 Creedmoor, that V-Match ammo was right at home, printing three-shot groups averaging .68 inch at the 100yard board. Muzzle velocities averaged 3,178 fps, with a spread of only 18 fps. I had no issues with feeding or extraction with the Hornady factory ammo.

Hornady has a winner here. Weighing the component projectiles, I found there was a deviation of just 0.2 grain, maximum, among the projectiles. Accuracy was much more

Handloaded in a .223 Remington for a fast-twist barrel, the 62-grain ELD-VT liked Shooters World AR Plus powder.

Shown for comparison, at left is the highly popular 140-grain 6.5mm ELD-X, and at right is the 100-grain 6.5mm ELD-VT.

than acceptable, and though the warm targets I had were limited, there is no doubt that any varmint will drop like a stone to these bullets. Once again, Hornady’s engineering team has given us a well-designed update on the classic design; this time it is the varmint bullet. Am I a bit sad that my .22-250 Remington is left out of the fray? I’ll admit to that, though this projectile, and several others, have me seriously considering getting a newer faster-twist barrel with a throat to handle this type of bullet.

Is the ELD-VT going to be a gamechanger inside of 300 yards for the woodchuck hunter or prairie dog executioner? Probably not. But if you like making the red mist outside of 400 and 500 yards – and that is certainly not out of the question when it comes to hay-lot woodchucks or a hot prairie dog town – the ELD-VT projectile, whether component or factory loaded, will check all the boxes. 

THUMLER’S TUMBLER

BRASS MASTER

ULTRA VIBE CASE CLEANERS

Made of durable steel construction - heavyduty, sealed ball bearing motors - thermally protected - fast, quiet operation - 3/4 to 4 3/4 gallon capacity - industrial and rotary models available. Send for our free brochure!

TRU-SQUARE METAL PRODUCTS, INC.

P.O. Box 585, Auburn, Washington 98071

TEL (253) 833-2310 or Toll Free 1-(800) 225-1017 www.thumlerstumbler.com t-tumbler@thumlerstumbler.com

“Manufacturers of quality case cleaners, deburring and tumbling equipment since 1959”

The V-Match line includes the popular 6.5 Creedmoor, but also newer developments like the .22 ARC, 6mm ARC and 6mm Creedmoor. (HORNADY)

AMMO+RELOAD

HAMMER BULLETS

hammerbullets.com

Hammer Bullets are custom-turned on a CNC lathe, using only the highest-quality solid copper appropriate for the desired result. The Swiss-style screw machines used in the Hammer Bullets shop are capable of holding extremely tight tolerance, allowing them to hold .0002-inch variation. The result is an incredibly consistent product with unparalleled quality control.

Hammer Bullets are available for both target shooting and hunting applications. The company can quickly produce virtually any custom caliber and grain your rifle can support.

The hollowpoint and polymer-tip designs, intended for big-game hunting applications, initiate expansion upon impact, shedding petals immediately, with the remainder of the bullet staying intact with a blunt front for optimal wound channel.

BLACK HILLS AMMUNITION

black-hills.com

UNDERWOOD AMMO

underwoodammo.com

Underwood Ammo is proud to introduce its latest range of high-precision ammunition – where innovation meets performance. Aligned with Underwood’s new tagline, “Make your next shot your best shot,” each round is a testament to the company’s commitment to quality. Underwood ammunition is engineered for unparalleled accuracy and consistency, ensuring that whether you’re at the range or in the field, your equipment is as reliable as your aim. Discover the new standard in ammunition at the above website and experience the difference with Underwood Ammo’s cutting-edge products. Visit us at booth #7244

Black Hills Ammunition is now loading .300 PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge) ammunition with the Hornady 212 ELD-X hunting bullet. The 212-grain ELD-X is designed to provide an optimum combination of accuracy and deep-penetrating, game-stopping performance. Velocity is 2,850 feet per second with 3,824 foot-pounds of energy. It has a G1 ballistic coefficient of .663 and a G7 coefficient of .334.

The .300 PRC design eliminates the unnecessary belt of the .300 Winchester Magnum and increases the body diameter. The result is smoother feeding, increased powder capacity and a resultant increase of around 150 fps in velocity for improved terminal performance.

To find a dealer near you, please call 800-658-6625.

Ammo+RelOAd

TOP BRASS

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In business for over 40 years, Top Brass is the nation’s largest supplier of reconditioned, “once-fired” military (NATO) brass and bullets. In complement to this longstanding commitment, Top Brass is pleased to introduce its new (and “reconditioned”) website and logo.

On the website, visit the new “Bulk Trader” page. You’ll find industry closeouts and production overruns for all ammunition components: new/reconditioned brass, bullets, primers and powder. This listing is offered through multiple manufacturers and resellers from across the industry. All items are sold in bulk and may be limited in quantity (items come and go). See the great deals at the above website.

Visit us at booth #10063

NORTHERN PRECISION CUSTOM SWAGED BULLETS

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Northern Precision has just introduced a new line of hunting bullets designed especially for the .45-70 Marlin Guide Gun and similar lever-action rifles.

The bullets are available in 400-grain flat-tip configuration, with a tapered jacket wall for uniform controlled expansion. The pure lead core is bonded to the jacket to prevent separation and retain nearly 100 percent of the core weight after expansion.

Designed with the needs of the professional guide in mind, the bullets are recommended for moose and bear, and as a backup for clients shooting lighter calibers. The price is $100 per box of 50 bullets, well within the normal range for high-performance swaged bullets.

Northern Precision offers a wide range of other calibers and unusual bullet designs for hunters. For further information and pricing, contact William Noody by mail or by phone at 315-955-8679.

REDDING RELOADING EQUIPMENT

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The new Redding Z Series dies utilize larger, stronger and more robust 1-inch die bodies.

Redding engineering has proven that many modern highperformance cartridge designs of today are severely taxing the capabilities of traditional 7/8-inch reloading dies. In short, it is all about the strength of material and the stresses induced on the die itself.

With the revolutionary 1-inch Z Series dies, the handloader can see, feel and measure the difference. Based on enhanced wall thickness, the Z Series dies are as much as two times stronger than traditional 7/8-inch-bodied dies. Extensive lab testing has shown that this increased strength and rigidity provides significantly reduced sizing effort coupled with more consistent final-sized case dimensions.

Visit us at booth #9860

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Gear

EXOTHERMIC TECHNOLOGIES

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Exothermic Technologies is the No. 1 manufacturer of long-range torch systems. Owned and operated by a retired firefighter, their products provide the safest and most fun way to apply fire at a distance, whether it’s lighting the bonfire, controlling weeds and other foliage or professional use in land management.

The Pulsefire UBF is the company’s newest addition as the first commercially available underbarrel flamethrower. With a 25-foot reach and about 20 seconds of fuel capacity onboard, it can be used fully handheld, mounted to a Picatinny-equipped device, or even with their backpack kit, increasing available duration to over four minutes!

FULL FORGE GEAR

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New for 2024 is the Full Forge Gear Shelter plate carrier. It’s designed for all-day comfort with mesh material for airflow and a one-size-fits-all cummerbund with a multiple size plate pocket. Quick-release cummerbund and shoulder straps allow for easy on and off. The Shelter features laser-cut MOLLE and is placard-compatible with hook and loop attachments. The Shelter also features a front zipper admin pocket and padded shoulders with hook and loop openings for comms and hydration. Fits small, medium or large SAPI, or small arms protective insert, plates up to 1.5 inches thick. A perfect pairing is the Full Forge Gear ballistic plates. Available in black, tan or green.

*Magazines, mag pouches and shotshell cards not included. Visit us at booth #7616

V-LINE INDUSTRIES

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Introducing the new SRT Vault, designed to be used by law enforcement agencies, security and tactical personnel, hunters and home defense. Safely stores firearms in areas where it is readily available in an emergency situation.

Made from heavy-duty 14-gauge steel with a low-gloss powdercoated finish. Measures 43½ inches by 14 inches and weighs 50 pounds. Damper for soft closure when mounted horizontally, welded and ground corners on the door, predrilled holes in the back so it can be mounted, and a S&G Spartan lock that can be rotated 360 degrees to accommodate left- or right-side door opening, as well as horizontal use.

Features: S&G Spartan lock, the same lock used on large safes; multipoint locking mechanism; 2 square feet of standard MOLLE panel to organize firearms or accessories; preinstalled ¾-inch foam pad to protect contents; and adjustable quick-release nylon security straps. Made in the USA. To order, call 805-520-4987 or visit V-Line’s website.

gear

STICKY HOLSTERS

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Discover the Sticky Holsters Optics Ready Holster, offering unmatched concealment, comfort and compatibility. Designed to seamlessly integrate with lights and lasers, it ensures a personalized fit for your firearm setup. From casual wear to formal attire, it effortlessly conceals, offering versatility for any clothing style. Bid farewell to discomfort and bulkiness; embrace the confidence of concealed carry, tailored to your needs. With Sticky Holsters, enjoy the freedom to move comfortably while knowing your firearm is securely by your side. Elevate your concealed carry experience with the Optics Ready Holster.

Visit us at booth #7722

URBAN CARRY HOLSTERS

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Experience the perfect blend of functionality and style with LockLeather from Urban Carry Holsters. It’s a pioneering hybrid holster that combines the security of a polymer retention with the elegance and comfort of premium leather. Designed for versatility, LockLeather OWB, IWB and Shoulder Holsters excel in both concealed and open-carry configurations. No matter your day, the innovative LockLeather retention clip ensures your firearm stays securely in place. Crafted from 100-percent American-made premium leather, this holster molds to your body, offering an unparalleled fit and immediate draw readiness. Embrace comfort without compromising on security with LockLeather, the ideal choice for everyday carry.

MERNICKLE HOLSTERS

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The AlphaMag Holster from Mernickle Holsters is the solution to your slipping and sliding pistol holster woes. Featuring an embedded bar magnet for unrivaled retention, this holster locks your pistol in place for ultimate security. The paddle backing ensures comfortable carry while the durable, custom-molded leather construction provides a precision fit.

Other features include: smooth, one-handed draw; suitable for concealed or open carry; no straps or retention screws to get in the way; and 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.

Visit us at booth #10451

TRIPLE K MANUFACTURING

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Triple K Manufacturing brings you the #606 Bandolier Holster Rig for largeframe revolvers. The traditional acrossthe-body bandolier-style rig features modern upgrades to accommodate both scoped and unscoped handguns. Built for comfort and mobility in the field. Features removable cartridge carrier and a wide range of adjustment for all torso sizes. Available for most large-frame revolvers and multiple calibers. Retail: $219. Made in USA.

gear

PEET SHOE DRYER, INC.

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In 1968, Gene Peet revolutionized footwear care by inventing the world’s first shoe dryer and securing a patent for his innovation. Since then, Peet Shoe Dryer’s unwavering commitment to American manufacturing has been at the core of their ethos. Their success is a testament to the hardworking individuals who form the foundation of Peet, catapulting the company to the forefront of the shoe dryer market. Whether you’re on the job, in the field hunting or simply enjoying leisure activities, Peet ensures your footwear remains dry and your feet comfortable. The Advantage Plus (M2107F) Fan Dryer boasts the ability to dry boots, cleats, shoes or skates in just one to four hours. For further details, visit the website above or email customerservice@peetdryer.com.

DAVIS TENT

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Introducing the ultimate adventurer’s sanctuary: the Single Shot bivy tent. Crafted with precision, this compact yet spacious shelter boasts a 5-foot-wide front door for seamless entry and exit, and overall it spans a generous 7 feet, 6 inches in length to accommodate any explorer. Constructed from lifetime-treated Sunforger canvas, it ensures enduring durability against the elements. Its innovative design features an oversized garage door side, ingeniously doubling as an awning for added versatility in outdoor comfort. With a D-shaped door for effortless access and a user-friendly six-pole setup, this bivy tent is the peak of convenience and rugged reliability for your wilderness escapades.

RYO

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Steady Stix by RYO bring the fit and feel of real handmade quality you get with a USA-made product. Using 7075 aluminum for max strength and heavy wall tubing to support heavy rifles, the Steady Stix go from a folded position in the supplied sheath to a fully extended position of 41 inches in one quick deployment. Machine-fit for a wobble-free stand, including a hinge that works like no other. Rest your binos on the platforms while you sit and glass with no arm fatigue – that’s a big deal! Rotate the patented head design to open the surface for a well-balanced rifle, shotgun or pistol rest. The weight is a mere 8 ounces, which is unnoticeable when clipped to your pack or belt. The shock cord is a proprietary development made to last, connected with stainless hog clamps for years of use. All the rubber bumpers and gun sleeve protection are made of EPDM material for direct sun exposure with many years of use. You can sit or stand with this system using the supplied carry sleeve to support the Stix. RYO also makes a set of Stubby Stix for prone use that are 15 inches long. Designed for the guy who doesn’t want to pack a bipod connected to a rifle, the Stubby Stix weigh just 2 ounces. Visit us at booth #8346

■ 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

UMAI DRY umaidry.com

UMAi Dry brings together the best of old-world artisan meat tradition with sophisticated modern technology, making it easy for you to craft authentic dry-aged steak, charcuterie and salumi in the comfort of your own kitchen fridge. UMAi supports you in “Creating Meatcraft Tradition at Home.”

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The Combat tri-color camo face paint compact is the newest item on offer from Camouflage Face Paint. Owner Bobbie Weiner was asked to do a three-color compact (olive green, mud brown and black) with an attached lid and mirror, and she says, “I am happy to make whatever the military and hunting industry desires for the safety of our soldiers and huntsmen.” All Camo Face Paint products are made in the USA, including compacts and packaging, and are made with the highest quality ingredients. Odorless, nontoxic, hypoallergenic, four-year shelf life and washes off with soap and water. No animal products are used in the making of Camo Face Paint.

PMA TOOL LLC pmatool.com

If you’re not using a rod guide to clean your rifle, you’re doing it wrong. The PMA Tool Rod Guide is the best your money can buy. PMA Tool stocks over 125 different sizes of rod guides for nearly any rifle and centerfire cartridge combination. From American Rifle Co. and AR-15s to Terminus Zeus and Zermatt Arms, .17 Fireball to .50 BMG and everything in between, PMA Tool either has or can custom-make a rod guide to properly clean your rifle’s barrel. Check out their website, fire them an email or give them a call and get started cleaning your rifles the right way.

COLLAR CLINIC collarclinic.com

The Alpha 300i dog tracking and training handheld features a vivid 3.5-inch touchscreen, buttons and inReach satellite messaging (active subscription required). It works with any TT15, TT25, T5 or T20 Series collar and has up to 50 hours of battery life. Track and train your pack with the Alpha TT25 dog collar. This universally sized collar fits large and small breeds and is slim and durable. You can track and send training commands up to 9 miles while getting up to 68 hours of battery life with dynamic tracking enabled.

Remote, Comfortable & Affordable

Our remote Alaskan fishing lodge is situated on the upper stretches of the beautiful Egegik River. You’ll watch some of Alaska’s most stunning sunrises, complete with a distant, active volcano. We are a fishing camp specializing in coho fishing, brown bear viewing, and flyout fishing adventures to even more remote destinations in the Last Frontier.

Coho Fishing The Egegik River

The Egegik River is touted by many experienced anglers as the best silver salmon stream in all of Alaska. Becharof Lodge On The Egegik River was the first fishing lodge to become established on the breathtaking Egegik River, and is less than a 5 minute boat ride from some of the best fishing holes on the entire river.

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ROAD HUNTER

PRIME-TIME BLACK BEARS

Late May is when to hunt for boars cruising for sows, and here are three top tactics to use.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY SCOTT HAUGEN

slipped off my pack, set up the spotting scope, grabbed a snack and looked forward to a nap. After all, I’d reached the ridgetop way too early in the afternoon for bears to be moving. But before I could finish my sandwich, a bear slithered out of the timbered creek bottom below.

IThe black fur shimmered in the midday sun. Looking through binoculars, I could tell it was a dandy sow. Then a massive boar popped out, hot on the sow’s trail. The boar dwarfed the sow. As it followed the sow up a hillside, the boar’s back end gyrated when it walked. Its front legs were thick all the way to the wrists and the divot atop its head glistened silver in the sunshine. It was a massive bear. They were over 800 yards away,

slowly moving across a fresh cut unit. If they kept moving in the same direction, I would be in a good position.

Soon my .338 Lapua was in the shooting sticks. First the sow wandered through my scope, focused on the distant hillside. Then came the giant boar. They had no clue I was there and the boar kept trying to mount the sow, but she wouldn’t have it.

Finally, the sow stopped, and so did the boar. That’s when I shot.

Whether you’re calling, glassing or covering ground, there’s nothing like coming face to face with a black bear on a mission.

ROAD HUNTER

It was late May, less than a week left in the season, and the black bear rut was in full swing. The bear I’d just taken was one of the biggest I’d ever seen, tipping the scales at nearly 400 pounds. The 16-year-old boar carried a record-book skull. While it had been a short hunt, the skinning, quartering and packing took hours.

I’d hunted several days that spring season and based on years of bear hunting experience, I knew boars would go on the move that last week of the month. But it’s always hard to pass bears early in the season because you simply don’t know what will happen with the weather or bear movement in the final days of May.

Late in the spring throughout the West, the weather might be so cold with blowing snow that bear movement will be limited. Then again, it might be 80 degrees and boars could be active all day, feeding on foot-tall green grass and covering miles in search of a sow in heat.

I’ve taken black bears on opening day amid freezing temperatures with snow on the ground, as well as late in the season when it’s in the mid-80s with vegetation, bulbs and other food sources flourishing. Overall, the later in spring it is, the more bears you’ll find on the move. This is due to two reasons: the rut and increased food availability.

The rut puts the male of any big game species on the move, and bears are no different. The black bear rut peaks during the month of June throughout the West, with prerut movements becoming noticeable in late May.

I once accompanied a biologist from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife into the Cascade Range, where an extensive radio-collaring project was taking place. I learned many things, but one of the biggest takeaways was when he showed me on a map the path boars traveled during the rut. It was some of the most rugged country in the entire West, yet boars were scaling rocky

THE BLACK BEAR RUT

Calling can be an effective way to take bears late in the spring. Author Scott Haugen likes an open-reed call because of the range of sounds it’s capable of producing; he also likes combining it with an electronic call.

Wooden road signs are often chewed on by boars on the move during the rut, something hunters will want to look for.

ROAD HUNTER

mountain cliffs and heavily timbered ridges like it was nothing, covering 25 miles a day. They weren’t just sticking to draws, gentle slopes and logging roads. The collared boars were plowing through terrain that would test the fittest of hunters. There was no sidehilling for the bears; it was straight up and down nearly vertical canyon walls.

One of the signs I’ve noticed –literally – is wooden road signs along logging roads that boars chew on during the rut. The first time I saw a shredded sign I dismissed it as being vandalized by someone with an ax. Then I looked closely and saw tooth and claw marks from a bear. While bears will do this to trees and stumps, you rarely find those in the vast forest, so when driving logging roads, look to the wooden signs for fresh bear sign.

Bears often tear up signs where two or three roads converge, usually where multiple ridges connect. Bears

will travel roads because it’s quick and easy and food grows along the edges, so look for tracks and scat. Chewing on signs is a way of marking the area.

Bears have an incredible sense of smell. When I lived in Alaska, polar bear research was going on in the Arctic Coast village where I resided.

A biologist told me they’d tracked a boar hunting on the pack ice for over 20 miles as it followed the scent of a seal it had detected. Imagine having a nose so powerful you could smell food 20 miles away. I’ve seen reports where biologists had strong reason to believe these bears could smell dead whales and pinnipeds from up to 100 miles away. That’s a powerful sniffer. Combine the bear’s sense of smell with their physical ability to cover rugged ground, and it makes sense that they’d travel ridgelines and canyons to be where air currents carry the scent of a sow in heat.

A BLACK BEAR’S DIET

Bears have a short intestinal tract and can’t digest food very efficiently. This becomes obvious when looking at fall droppings, where full undigested berries are often present. This means they have to eat a lot, and increased photoperiodism drives them. The more sunlight there is in spring, the more vegetation will grow.

Bears love gorging themselves on green grass, clover and dandelions. They’ll also dig for wild onions, celery, balsamroot and a range of bulbs and tubers. They’ll eat the fresh corn out of the center of flowering skunk cabbage and dig for the lush white roots. South-facing slopes that receive more sunlight in the spring, below the snow line and under rocky hillsides where runoff is high are all good places to search for bears feasting on bursting new growth of spring.

As squirrel dens grow active, bears

Haugen has taken a number of bears and credits his consistent success to spending time afield, studying bear behavior and knowing what moves to make and when.

ROAD HUNTER

will root them out this time of year. They’ll also dig up hornet nests and tear up old stumps and logs infested with termites and ants. Though these aren’t food sources on which to concentrate hunting efforts, look for the signs of bears feeding on them to confirm they’re in the area. Often, boars on the move are the ones hitting these opportunistic food sources as they happen upon them while searching for a sow in heat.

LATE-SEASON APPROACHES

There are three approaches I rely on when hunting spring black bears late in the season. First is the one I used to take that monster boar described in the beginning of this article, and that’s to

get to a place where bears are known to travel, set up and glass, waiting for bears to emerge from cover. Another option is to cover ground, and the third is to call.

Last spring I tried sitting but wasn’t seeing any bears. I went on the move and located six bears in two evenings. They weren’t the big boars I was hoping for, so I didn’t pull the trigger. I didn’t see any big boars last spring, and that’s part of bear hunting. They’re out there, but there are no set rules as to when and where they’ll show themselves.

If sitting and glassing, be patient and keep covering ground with your eyes. Set up overlooking key food sources and keep glassing with binoculars. Once a bear is spotted, size

it up with a spotting scope. Calling bears can also be effective, especially as the peak of the rut commences. I’ve had the best success calling black bears after I first spot one. This allows me to adjust the calling to their behaviors and interest level. If I can see a bear approaching, I’ll keep calling to keep it moving my direction. If it loses interest, I’ll switch sounds and call more intensely. Sometimes they come on the run, sometimes they take their time and sometimes more than one bear will appear from nowhere.

Use a mix of mouth calls and electronic calls, with rabbit, bird and fawn distress sounds. In late May, bear cub distress sounds are good.

If seeing fresh droppings and tracks, call into a thicket where you think the bear might be in an effort to lure it out. When doing this, use an electronic call and keep it running nonstop for at least an hour. After every 10 to 15 minutes, change up the sounds. Bears have a short attention span and keeping the sounds rolling and changing them up maintains their level of interest.

If bowhunting, have an arrow nocked and be ready. A bear can come in fast, especially if calling blindly into thick cover.

Quit calling if the wind changes and moves toward the bear – you’ll never fool the nose of a bear. Then again, sometimes they smell you, know exactly what you are, but still keep coming. That’s when calling bears reaches the next level of excitement.

No matter how you choose to hunt late-season black bears, focus on the sign and food sources. Their habitat is vast and dense, and they seldom show themselves. But if there’s a sow in heat, be ready because boars will cover many miles to track her down. ★

Editor’s note: Want to learn how to skin and break down a bear? Order Scott Haugen’s popular DVD, Field Dressing, Skinning & Caping Big Game, at scotthaugen.com. Follow Scott’s adventures on Instagram and Facebook.

The author’s wife, Tiffany Haugen, with a big boar she took using a spot-and-stalk approach as it grazed on green grass.

TACTICAL TRAINING

ON THE WELL-AIMED SHOT

Whether hunting, competing or in combat, shooting accuracy is critical. This is how one expert ensures it.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY ASH HESS

sk five people what it takes to shoot well, and you will get seven different answers. Odds are high you will get three answers that have something to do with proper application of “the fundamentals.” It’s not that these answers are wrong, but they are complicated answers to a simple problem. This isn’t saying it’s easy, but simple.

AThe reality is that there are two things and two things only that will result in a projectile landing at its intended destination.

These truths came to me via the US Army Marksmanship Unit many years ago but in a downplayed manner. After a lot of research and testing, they went from hypothesis to law. They are:

1) Properly point the firearm (aim).

2) Fire the shot without disturbing the aim.

WITH THOSE PRINCIPLES in mind, this article is focused on the well-aimed shot. There are many factors that decide what that really means. The first two are target size and distance. A torso-sized target requires various levels of effort, depending on distance. At 3 yards, extraordinarily little aiming

effort is needed, which is why point or instinct shooting can be fast and effective. That same target at 300 yards requires accounting for things like bullet drop and wind. The well-aimed shot takes all those things into account. Changing the target size makes the required amount of aim increase or decrease. Getting a hit is different than getting an X ring hit. Just shooting a deer is not acceptable, as we are trying to get an effective and ethical hit. This means we must again account for the effects on the projectile from gravity and wind. Even at close range, aim must be applied to the smaller target –suddenly the sights on the pistol are a

A good chronograph will pay for itself after just a couple range sessions. The MagnetoSpeed V3 is very easy to use.

TACTICAL TRAINING

lot more important.

This is what I mean by a wellaimed shot.

What this also means is that we are responsible for having a proper zero, having bullet drops that are true and tested, and the ability to call wind at distance. We are also responsible for accounting for things like height of the sights above the bore. Many hoods and

barricades have bullet strikes due to this omission in knowledge.

Before we get into the process of data gathering, the next piece of the puzzle is you. You have two jobs when you are behind the firearm. The first is to apply the proper aim, and the next is building a position stable enough to hold that aim for the duration of the shot. The projectile will land

wherever it is pointed when it leaves the barrel. We see this a lot with pistol shooters. If watching from the side, you can watch the pistol move as the trigger is pressed and – surprise – the bullet strikes low or left. That’s where the sights were when the gun fired. While not the focus of this article, having a quality shot process that is refined, tested and reliable is vital to performance. For now, though, we are going to assume you can fire the shot without disturbing the aim.

THE FIRST THING that any firearm should receive is a zero. Zeroing is the process of adjusting the sights so that the selected bullet strikes at the desired point of impact at a specific range. You should never put a firearm into a position of self-defense, hunting, competition, or anything for that matter, until you have completed this process. You literally have no idea where the projectile is going to land once fired. This is unacceptable.

The first step in a zero is some sort

Author Ash Hess attempts an 800-yard shot.

Even close-range targets deserve a well-aimed shot.

TACTICAL TRAINING

of boresight reference. There are tools available to aid in this procedure such as lasers or collimators. For years, though, looking down on the bore and then adjusting the sights to get them roughly lined up has been effective. Stability is important to this process. I use a tripod and lock the upper into it, then apply minimal pressure to rough align. A boresight is not a zero. Once I boresight, then I live fire at the range. Stability is king. I see people zeroing from field positions versus using a rest or bags. This is fine after you get the sights matched to the projectile, as things may change slightly in field positions, but take that out of the equation first. Removing that variable will save you time and let you see the capabilities of the system without you in the loop. Then you can see the effects of the other positions on that capability. Next, decide a range that you want the point of aim to match the point of impact. For my personal guns, any

unmagnified optic gets zeroed at 50 yards and magnified optics get zeroed at 100 yards. This is my near zero. The far zero is decided by many other factors, so ignore that for now. There is a ton of propaganda about near and far zeros, also known as the 50/200-yard zero, that I won’t get into except to say that they are only true for a specific firearm/ ammunition at a specific altitude or accepting garbage data.

Targets matter at this point. You want to have a target that allows for extremely specific aiming. Remember, “aim small.” Personally, I use diamonds or squares and aim at the tip of the shape, not center of the shape. If you choose a target with a grid, make sure the measurement matches your optic in either MOA or mils. Otherwise, the grid is useless.

Once the group is printed, adjust the sights to match the impacts. The smaller the group, the better the zero. Keep in mind that this zero is only true for the specific cartridge you are using. Switching brands, bullet weights, even

Quality equipment becomes important with both distance and speed.

TACTICAL TRAINING

lot numbers, will change where the bullet strikes. A few of you will accept the difference and still claim to have a zero. If you do, make sure you have a bit of brush between you and the target to blame that leaf for the miss.

THE BULLET WILL be lower than your sights out to zero distance, and then depending on the zero, higher or lower to a certain distance, then lower than your sights as the bullet slows and drops. For a wellaimed shot, you need to be able to predict exactly where the bullet will be in flight compared to your sights.

In the past this required shooting at those distances and data gathering. It was expensive and time-consuming. We now have computers in our pocket and applications that do math for us. They need some inputs, like zero distance, bullet type and speed. This means we need to get the bullet velocity at some point in our zero session. There are many diverse types of chronographs out there for many different budgets. They will pay for themselves in a couple of range sessions, so make the investment. At this point, the calculator will start spitting out data. The next step is to do what long-range shooters or snipers call “truing.” This is simply shooting the supplied data and verifying its accuracy. If you put reliable data in, you will probably get reliable data out.

We are almost there, so stay with me just a bit longer. Our calculator will also be able to predict the effects of wind on the projectile at this point. We still need to call the wind. This starts easy and gets harder. First is direction of wind, followed by velocity. This isn’t the time to be vague. Championship-level competitors are calling wind speed down to the mile per hour. Left-to-right wind between 5 and 10 mph isn’t going to cut it. Your wind call should be something like, “From the 10 o’clock at 7 mph.” This needs practice and effort applied long before the shooting event.

NOW WE ARE finally ready for a well-

aimed shot at distance. We have our zeroed rifle, a true ballistic calculation for wind and gravity, and the adjusted aim point based off that calculation. All we need to do now is press the trigger on that aim point and hold it there long enough for the bullet to accelerate and leave the muzzle. Target size, target distance, our capability, effect on target and time will affect how much fidelity is needed for this.

You are accountable for any projectile you put into flight until it lands safely. Winning a match,

ethical kills on animals and combat all require the ability to send well-aimed shots downrange. 

Editor’s note: Ash Hess is a highly seasoned combat veteran of 22 years with four combat deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq, totaling 52 months. His military training includes the US Army Master Marksman Trainer course, as well as rifle marksman instructor, urban combat leaders’, senior leaders’, army basic instructor, high-angle marksman and unit armor courses. He also wrote TC322.9, the Army’s marksmanship manual.

Hess adjusts his rifle scope’s magnification for the target distance.

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TACTICAL TRAINING

EXECUTIVE PROTECTION 101

Thoughts on the intersection of professional bodyguard training and personal and family self-defense.

STORY BY JASON BROOKS

Executive protection is not a new term in the firearms industry, but it does have new meanings.

In the past, one might have considered EP to be something only hard pipe-hitting guys from Delta, SEAL Teams, Force Recon or the CIA would do, since they are the most “highly trained” individuals from the special operations community. People think of clandestine operations or highrisk dignitary protection as something that is prominent in EP. However,

there is a huge difference between EP and dignitary protection overseas.

The problem is that most trainers and students only see EP through the lens of “wet work” and nothing could be further from the truth.

Hollywood doesn’t help out either with movies like The Hitman’s Bodyguard and John Wick. Although the movies are popular, they are filled with inaccuracies and Hollywood magic that plays on your emotional responses and understanding of reality.

What if I told you that you, average Joe or Joanna, are closer to being an EP agent than you might even realize. Let’s break down what executive

protection actually means.

IN ITS SIMPLEST form, EP is nothing more than protecting a person – a principal – from harm. EP agents offer physical protection to keep high-profile clients safe from potential danger and are able to identify possible hostile situations and divert them. They often provide complete security services and create safety measures to protect clients at their homes, places of work and other locations the client may visit. They may also drive clients to and from destinations, provide concierge services and keep individuals safe while in a motor vehicle.

Executive protection agents are trained to put themselves in harm’s way before something happens to their client, similar to what parents would do for their children. (SHUTTERSTOCK )

TACTICAL TRAINING

EP agents also protect clients in a physical manner, putting themselves in harm’s way before something happens to them, kind of like any parent would do for their children, which is naturally ingrained in our DNA. Humans (most of them) are built to instinctually protect and provide for their offspring. The key is now being able to confront or defend any type of attack on a client with that same resistance or response, no matter the medium. For example, if someone pulls a knife, as an agent you would disarm them or mitigate their attack, and go on about your day. Someone pulls a gun, you would disarm them or mitigate their attack, and go on about your day.

Since the beginning of time, there have been attackers, robbers and thieves, and those who stop them. This

concept is nothing new, and no one group of people – military-trained or not – owns the rights to that idea. Enter EP training.

The problem with highly trained individuals who operate in a highthreat environment is that they expect everyone they themselves train to want to be in the same arena. A housewife, mother, husband, father or everyday person will never be in an environment like that, so the training has to focus on what their day-to-day activities are, and specifically the locations where attacks on them can happen. Before we get too far ahead of ourselves, which I can easily do in my rantings, we need to focus on where anyone who is interested in training should start: empty-handed. Learning how to move and analyze your surroundings (situational awareness) is

the first step.

WHEN TALKING ABOUT self-defense, I just want to stick with the basics, not debate which styles are the best. Whatever works for you in any self-defense situation where you walk away without losing your life is the best “style” for you. The basics all people should know (in my humble opinion) are blocking, punching, kicking, moving, holds and break-holds. Pretty simple, right? Well, there is more to it, but if you don’t understand those basic fundamentals, adding firearms or handheld weapons to the mix is just dangerous and irresponsible.

Having said that, any basic EP class that you embark on should contain, at a minimum, those self-defense fundamentals, along with weapons safety, retention and defensive tactics centered around firearms and things that can poke or slash you. Now, there is a need for different levels of EP courses that get into specifics for advanced techniques in hostile environments, or things like technical surveillance countermeasures, escaping captivity and even hostage rescue. There are many companies out there that offer the basic courses and seminars in one- and two-day classes to make it easier to find time to attend some training.

The other issue plaguing the firearms industry is concealed weapons classes. Your basic concealed weapons class teaches you about the laws governing the use of force or continuum of force for concealed weapons, but doesn’t show you how to use a concealed weapon (draw and fire) in given situations. Most concealed weapons classes end with a basic indoor range shoot at common distances of 3, 5, 7 and 15 yards, and the student leaves thinking they know everything about shooting to protect themselves at home or in their car. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Nothing about close-quarter battle training, trajectory of rounds being fired through a car windshield or even drawing a weapon from a

Close-quarter battle training is often neglected in concealed weapons classes, to the detriment of those learning self-defense skills for themselves and their family. (SHUTTERSTOCK )

seated position is taught in those classes. Ask yourself this question: After attending the concealed weapons class, are you confident you can walk through your house in the dead of night and defend your family from an armed intruder breaking in? Do you even know how to walk and shoot?

Understanding the tactical aspect of “pieing” a corner or shooting from unconventional positions or angles are not taught in those types of classes and cannot be done in the basic indoor range facility. Standing and shooting at a paper target in an indoor range has its uses, but training you to protect yourself and your family is not one of them. What about tactical driving? Are you confident that if someone starts shooting at you or following you on the freeway or different roadways, you can evade and return fire or maneuver your vehicle and family away from the attack?

All these things are instrumental in the EP world and the world of protecting your family, regardless of your age, sex, gender identity or political beliefs. They may just scratch the surface, but they go hand-in-hand. ★

Editor’s note: 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.

NYPD COP GUNNED DOWN BY ‘CAREER CRIMINAL’

Suspect has over 20 arrests and an attempted murder conviction.

If I am to be completely honest, I am growing tired of writing this story. It is a narrative that repeats itself over and over again, but nothing seems to change. Completely preventable line-ofduty law enforcement deaths brought on by politicians who care little for those tasked with protecting them. Legislators who are more concerned with getting votes and the financial windfalls that come with public office than the lives of the officers who work in their jurisdictions.

Jonathan Diller was a 31-year-old police officer serving with the worldfamous New York Police Department. He had served three years with the department, his final assignment as an NYPD Community Response Team officer in Queens. According to an indictment filed by the local district attorney early last month, in late March, an officer saw what appeared to be a gun in the front pocket of 34-yearold suspect Guy Rivera’s sweatshirt

L.E. SPOTLIGHT

have been rotting in a prison cell for all of his past crimes but was instead free to roam the streets, killing a husband, a father of a 1-year-old boy and a protector. He was indicted on murder in the first degree for killing Diller and first-degree attempted murder for attempting to shoot the sergeant, according to the indictment.

Officer Jonathan Diller, pictured here with his son, was

during a traffic stop. The suspect, a career criminal, was allowed to remain on the streets when he should have been behind bars, argues author Nick Perna.

before Rivera got into a car parked along the street. Officer Diller and his partner went to the car and asked Rivera to roll down his window several times before they were able to open the door. Rivera then pulled out the gun and shot Diller in the lower abdomen, below the area protected by his body armor, then tried to shoot a sergeant on the scene, but the gun jammed. Diller was taken to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

Now here’s the tiresome part. Rivera is a career criminal with over 20 arrests, as well as an attempted murder conviction from 2002 that helped elevate a charge of criminal possession of a firearm in the Diller case from fourth to third degree, according to the indictment. At the time of Rivera’s arrest, he reportedly had a shiv – a homemade knife carried by ex-cons –hidden in his rectal cavity. Sounds like he was preparing to go back to jail. Rivera is another crook who should

THE IRONY SHOULDN’T be lost on those who follow politics. New York City has some of the most draconian gun laws in America. Citizens with concealed carry permits aren’t allowed to arm themselves for self-protection while in the Big Apple. Apparently, only career criminals are afforded that opportunity. One great thing about New Yorkers is they aren’t afraid to speak their minds. During the funeral, Officer Diller’s widow Stephanie asked, “How many more officers and how many more families have to make the ultimate sacrifice before we start

STORY BY NICK PERNA

PHOTOS COURTESY NYC POLICE BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION

gunned down

New York Police Department Officer Jonathan Diller, pictured here with his son, was gunned down by a suspect who was allowed to remain on the streets when he should have been behind bars, argues author Nick Perna.

L.E. SPOTLIGHT

protecting them?”

Say it loud, Mrs. Diller, because the political fat cats in Albany and in Washington, DC probably aren’t listening.

And ahead of Diller’s funeral, NYPD Sergeants Benevolent Association President Vincent Vallelong said in a letter that politicians who might use the event to “shed a few crocodile tears” were unwanted. When Governor Kathy Hochul tried to attend, she was

THUMLER’S TUMBLER

turned away shortly after arriving. Hochul has been at the forefront of the movement to make it more onerous for law-abiding citizens to acquire concealed carry permits. She, and legislators like her, make the laws that allow scumbags like Rivera to run the streets, while the rest of the lawabiding citizenry live in fear. The same politicians have 24-hour-a-day armed security, namely cops, protecting them.

I sincerely doubt most American

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Shooting Journal readers support politicians like Hochul. If you voted for them, it was probably because their message seemed sincere when, in reality, it is anything but. I ask the residents of the state of New York to take a stand and to not tolerate this type of behavior from their politicians. Recall ’em when you can and definitely don’t reelect them.

I hope this is the last time I will have to write a story like this. Sadly, I know that won’t be the case. 

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.

Fellow officers line the street after the passage of Officer Diller. Two men have been charged in his death.

BEGIN YOUR CAREER IN EXECUTIVE PROTECTION OR CORPORATE SECURITY TODAY.

KNIVES

KNIVES OF ALASKA

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Selected in Fish Alaska Magazine’s 2020 Editors’ Choice Awards, Knives of Alaska’s Fisherman’s Combo with orange handles provides you with the perfect high-visibility fish-cleaning system. The Steelheader works great for smaller panfish, bass, walleye or crappie-sized fish, while the Coho is designed for larger fish. Both knives come packaged together in a quick-drying ballistic-style nylon sheath lined with Kydex, perfect for transport in your tackle box or gear bag. Weight: 12 ounces; MSRP: $189.99.

EXQUISITEKNIVES.COM

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Exquisiteknives.com is owned by retired American Bladesmith Society Mastersmith Dave Ellis. Dave has been a collector and end user of fine cutlery for most of his life. With one of the largest and most diverse collections in the world, exquisiteknives.com can provide the astute collector with some of the finest custom knives made, as well as offer advice on collecting, buying and selling. Specializing in makers like Bob Loveless, Bill Moran and Michael Walker, Dave has befriended all of these bladesmiths and so many more. Dave also coproduced the film Robert Loveless: An American Legend (see robertloveless.com for more).

Featured here is a wonderful Ranger Bowie created by CAS Knives out of Argentina. Their Damascus steel and use of organic materials is second to none.

Visit the website for more information, or if you want to chat, contact Dave at 760-310-4078 or exquisiteknives@gmail.com.

WARLANDER ENTERPRISES

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Warlander Enterprises is a small shop located in northern Georgia that specializes in handcrafted heirloom-quality knives and leather goods.

Whether you are looking for the perfect gift for the outdoor enthusiast in your life or shopping for yourself, Warlander’s selection of handcrafted knives and leather goods may have something to fit the bill! All of their goods are made in-house and, as such, new items are added to the website nearly every week. To see what is currently happening in the shop, photos and videos of their process and past projects, check out the Instagram page @warlander_enterprises.

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ROCCO HANDMADE

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Rocco Handmade proudly unveils its latest additions – the Little Bear and Baby Bear hunting knives. Crafted exclusively from AEB-L stainless steel, the Little Bear boasts a 4- to 4.25-inch blade, while the Baby Bear features a more compact 3- to 3.5-inch blade. Both knives showcase the distinctive Scagel-style handles, meticulously handcrafted with precision and care. Each piece is a unique creation, ensuring attention to detail in every step. Accompanied by individual leather sheaths, these custom hunting knives blend classic style with functionality. Equip yourself for the next adventure or hunt with Rocco Handmade, epitomizing the spirit of the adventurous sportsman.

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A LOOK AT THE HAWKEN SHOP'S HAWKENS

Kit

maker's wares harken back to namesake's famed mountain man rifles of the 1800s.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY MIKE NESBITT

It’s as if the old Hawken Shop had never closed. Formed in the early 1800s in St. Louis by brothers Jacob and Samuel Hawken, the company changed hands over the years, but since 1990 has been based out of Oak Harbor, Washington. The company sells kits for building very good and highly authentic copies of the old S. Hawken percussion halfstock rifles, and also has a lot of items in their tools and such that were part of the old Hawken Shop. Best of all, the rifles made from The Hawken Shop kits are just as good, if not better, than the rifles produced by Sam Hawken at the height of his gun-making career.

I’ve quoted Dan Phariss of Montana before and will do so again. He said, “The Hawken, the fully evolved mountain rifle, be it full or half-stock, was the final evolution of the American muzzleloading hunting rifle.” What he means is, we can’t find a better muzzleloading hunting rifle than the Hawken. Of course I’m referring to authentic-style Hawken rifles. Too many “over the counter” rifles are labeled as Hawkens, but in fact are far from the quality and dependability of the old Hawken rifles. With those trends and features in mind, I’ll help you take perhaps another look at the rifles from The Hawken Shop.

AS DAN MENTIONED, there was an evolution in Hawken rifles. The first of the St. Louis guns were made by Jacob Hawken, who opened his shop in 1815 after working at the Harpers Ferry Armory. Sam Hawken,

the younger of the two brothers, also worked at Harpers Ferry and then joined Jacob in St. Louis in 1822. Together they made the J. & S. Hawken rifles so treasured by the mountain men.

That partnership lasted until 1849 when Jacob died, apparently a victim of cholera. Sam kept the shop going and then stamped the tops of the guns’

barrels with “S. Hawken, St. Louis.” Some slight but notable evolutionary changes were made in the rifles following that date. Ramrod entry pipes were secured with one pin while the J. & S. Hawken rifles generally used two pins. The line of the comb of the stock became straighter while on the older J. & S. Hawken rifles it was slightly

An image from The Hawken Shop website shows a Hawken rifle with the likeness of Sam Hawken, one of two brothers who formed the gun-making company in the 1800s. (THE HAWKEN SHOP)

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curved, a touch of the “Roman nose.” And the hook-breech rifles began to receive what is called the “slant breech,” which makes removal of the barrel and replacing it in the stock somewhat easier to do. In addition to those changes, the rifles became somewhat heavier. This is because in that earlier period, the most common caliber was probably .50, but after 1850 the favored caliber became .54 with usually heavier barrels.

Those slight changes I’ve mentioned must be considered in the general sense because all of the old

Hawken rifles were individually made; this was before most thought about mass production. And rifles were made as the buyer wanted, which included all of the characteristics of the rifle, from barrel length and caliber to patch box or plain stock.

BUT ENOUGH OF the history and generalities of the S. Hawken rifles. Let’s talk about what comes in the kits from The Hawken Shop. Only one caliber is offered and that is .54, although two different barrel lengths are available, either 34 or 36 inches.

The finished rifle will have an overall length – if built with the standard 14inch length-of-pull – of 50 inches with the 34-inch barrel or 52 inches with the 36-inch barrel. Those two barrel lengths are both tapered, from 1 1/8 inches at the breech to 1 inch at the muzzle. The rifling is cut with a twist of one turn in 48 inches, which was the rate of twist in most of the original Hawken rifles. And, one last “Hawken” step, the barrels can be stamped with “S. Hawken, St. Louis” with the original stamps.

Stocks are precarved maple and cut for the 14-inch length-of-pull. That is

A Hawken Shop kit being assembled, starting with the butt plate.

An “experienced” Hawken Shop Hawken with a 34-inch barrel. Thirtysix-inch barrels are also available, but the rifles only come in .54 caliber.

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the distance from the forward trigger to the center of the butt plate. And the drop at the heel of the stock is 2 7/8 inches. Furniture, of course, is steel.

According to The Hawken Shop’s website, “Our rifles are hand fit and not the product of mass machining. They retain the human element making each one unique unto itself. If you choose to build a rifle yourself you will find a Hawken Shop kit is more time consuming than a CNC kit. You will also discover it puts you, the builder in touch with your gun. The major machining steps have been done. The barrel is breeched, the dove tails for the sights are cut and the trigger group and the lock are assembled.”

The description continues, “What is left for you to do is to create a rifle that is distinctly yours. Building your own Hawken rifle is special, it becomes as individual as you, the builder. Once you have the parts married to the wood to your satisfaction the real connection begins. It is your personal attention that now goes into the final shaping of your Hawken rifle. It’s your hand that guides the file perfecting those final touches.”

Outside of some copy editing, I don’t think I could improve on those words. Where I will differ a little bit from the website is where it describes browning

A close-up showing detail of the lock and the triggers.

“S. Hawken, St. Louis” can be stamped on the barrel for an added historical touch.

Notice the slanted line of the hook breech of this slant-breech model.

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the metal parts for a truly authentic finish. That would be a good finish, certainly, but the Kit Carson Hawken, which is still in nearly new condition, shows evidence of being blued instead of browned. While the barrel, under rib and other metal parts show the effects of being blued, other metal parts, including the tang and breech plug plus the lock plate, show that they were bone color casehardened. Carson’s rifle was built by Sam Hawken and the top of the barrel is marked with “S. Hawken, St. Louis.” If I was to build one of these kits, I believe I’d vote for the blued and color casehardened finish to make a very outstanding rifle.

The current price for The Hawken Shop’s Hawken rifle kit is $1,650.

I USED TO have one of The Hawken Shop Hawkens, one from 1978 when the company was owned by Art Ressel. My father assembled and finished that rifle, which I wrote a lot about

years ago. Greg Roberts and Claudette Greene are the owners now, and a few years ago they asked if they could buy my rifle back so they could put it in their collection of guns that have influenced their business. I could only agree and they now have the rifle my father built. In the late ’70s and early ’80s I used that gun several times at shoots and rendezvous.

Rifles and kits are not the only goods available from The Hawken Shop. For fans of the original Hawken rifles and the very authentic copies of those guns that are made today, The Hawken Shop now offers a belt buckle featuring their special logo. Written above the profile of a halfstock percussion Hawken rifle, which is accompanied by a powder horn, are the words “The Hawken Shop” and in a banner beneath the rifle appears the most famous location of that shop, “St. Louis.” Also, above the word Hawken in very small letters is the word “original,”

which refers to the shop’s best known and founding location.

The buckle is cast of solid pewter and it can be fitted to belts up to 1 ½ inches wide. Its color is the natural “almost silver” color of pewter. The buckle is made as a one-piece casting with nothing else added except for the belt attachment, which is anchored into parts of the buckle that are included in the casting. While the buckle is not particularly large at 3 ¼ inches wide, it is solid and we can easily say it is made like a real Hawken. These well-made and unique buckles are available for $24 each, plus shipping and handling.

Whether your sights are set for a new rifle kit, or authentic Hawken rifle parts, a new belt buckle or one of the other items sold exclusively from The Hawken Shop, that’s the place to go. Visit them at their shop in Oak Harbor, roughly two hours north of Seattle, a bit longer by ferry, or online at thehawkenshop.com. ★