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WESTERN

March 2015 - April 2015

SHOOTING JOURNAL

Volume 3 // ISSUE 7 // March 2015 PUBLISHER

James R. Baker ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Dick Openshaw EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Andy Walgamott

Pasco, WA TRAC Center, 6600 Burden Boulevard

Feb. 28-Mar. 1

Helena, MT Mar. 13-Mar. 15 Lewis & Clark County Fairgrounds, 98 West Custer Avenue Coeur D’Alene, ID Mar. 21-Mar. 22 Kootenai County Fairgrounds, 4056 North Government Way

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Danielle Breteau COPY EDITING

Katie Sauro LEAD CONTRIBUTOR

Frank Jardim CONTRIBUTORS

Missoula, MT Missoula County Fairgrounds, 1101 South Avenue West

Apr. 10-Apr. 12

Nathan Askew, Jason Brooks, Robert Campbell, Larry Case, Ron Gill, Scott Haugen, Tom Hudson, Mike Nesbitt, Bob Shell, Larysa Switlyk, Troy Taysom, Tatiana Whitlock, Dave Workman

Billings, MT Metra Park, 308 6th Avenue North

Apr. 17-Apr. 19

SALES MANAGER

Richland, WA Shilo Inn, 50 Comstock Street

Apr. 25-Apr. 26

Brian Lull ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Becca Ellingsworth, Mamie Griffin, Steve Joseph, Sherrie Miller, Mike Smith, Paul Yarnold DESIGNERS

Dawn Carlson, Beth Harrison, Sonjia Kells, Liz Weickum PRODUCTION ASSISTANT

Kelly Baker PRODUCTION MANAGER

John Rusnak OFFICE MANAGER/ACCOUNTING

Audra Higgins ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Katie Sauro INFORMATION SERVICES MANAGER

Lois Sanborn INBOUND MARKETING

Jon Hines CIRCULATION MANAGER

Heidi Belew DISTRIBUTION

Tony Sorrentino, Gary Bickford, Barry Johnston ADVERTISING INQUIRIES

ads@westernshootingjournal.com

ON THE COVER NRA sweetheart and tactical dynamo, Tatiana Whitlock. (OLEG VOLK)

MEDIA INDEX PUBLISHING GROUP WASHINGTON OFFICE P.O. Box 24365 • Seattle, WA 98124-0365 14240 Interurban Ave. S. Ste. 190 • Tukwila, WA 98168 OREGON OFFICE 8116 SW Durham Rd • Tigard, OR 97224 (206) 382-9220 • (800) 332-1736 • Fax (206) 382-9437 media@media-inc.com • www.media-inc.com

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Western Shooting Journal // March 2015


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CONTENTS

VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 7 • MARCH 2015

58

ALL ABOUT SNIPERS On the long road to the recognition they receive today, the American sniper was created out of necessity, forgotten, recreated, found to be indispensable, disbanded and treasured, all in a span of almost 200 years. This issue, we look into the history of our sharpest shooters, the evolution of their rifles (p. 46), and speak with snipers from different eras (pages 65, 163)! (TREY DOMINICK)

FEATURES 46

Evolution of the Sniper Rifle

105 Lightfoot’s Thunderbolt

America’s sniper rifles have come a long way from their origins in 1803 – we timeline the advances through the ages!

49

Gun Reviews: 3 Dead Bang Winning Rifles Longtime gun writer Dave Workman spends quality time with three of the industry’s latest rifles – Browning’s AB3 Hunter, Winchester’s XPR and Savage’s Model 10 FCP-SR. What you read may surprise you – it surprised Dave!

69

Like lightning out of the blue, entrepreneur Carrie Lightfoot has created a dynamo with The Well Armed Woman. We check in with Carrie for an update on her fast-growing business that provides gear, education, support and training for all things women and guns.

109 SHOOTING WITH LARYSA: Larysa’s Award-winning Shot Through hard work, determination and quick bow reflexes, Larysa’s dream shot came true – and while the camera was rolling! Find out what award she won for her incredible skills.

COMPETITION: Air Raid! An array of powerful air-powered rifles from international companies squared off at the recent Extreme Benchrest competition – did FX Airguns of Sweden add another win to its resume, did England’s Daystate finally break through, or did California’s Mac 1 Airguns breeze away with the top prize and even things up for the Americas?

115

WOMEN & GUNS: All In For Bear Tatiana Whitlock, our new Women And Guns columnist, is known more as an NRA self-defense tactical dynamo and owning a company that makes shooting targets, but does she have what it takes to hunt black bear in northern Maine?

139

ROAD HUNTER: Tag-team Turkey Married with two young sons, Scott Haugen walks us through five excellent turkey hunting locations that also offer fun family activities for when the gobblers just ain’t gobbling.

147 SCATTERGUN TRAIL: Wait, You Mean You Need To Sight In Your Turkey Gun?!? Before you pack up those slate calls and jake decoys and head afield, this important tool in your turkey-hunting kit needs to be zeroed.

151

Anatomy Of A Gunfight When we train in preparation for bad things, it has become standard practice to break down each movement, step by step, in order to smooth out our actions and muscle memory. Former law enforcement sergeant Robert Campbell gives us tips on how to do just that.

WESTERN SHOOTING JOURNAL is published monthly by Media Index Publishing Group, 14240 Interurban Ave South Suite 190, Tukwila, WA 98168. Display Advertising. Call Media Index Publishing Group for a current rate card. Discounts for frequency advertising. All submitted materials become the property of Media Index Publishing Group and will not be returned. Copyright © 2015 Media Index Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be copied by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying or recording by any information storage or retrieval system, without the express written permission of the publisher. Printed in U.S.A.

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Western Shooting Journal // March 2015





CONTENTS ALSO INSIDE 65 101

Jack East, longtime sniper, instructor Book Review: Remington Rolling Block Rifles, Carbines & Shotguns, Target & Sporting Rifles

DEPARTMENTS 19 21 29 33 35 37 41 87 95

The Editor’s Note NEWS: Utah Cops Who Rock Competition Calendar Gun Show Calendar Readers’ Top Shots: Law enforcement sniper spotlight Range Profile: Wichita, Kansas’s Outback Park and Public Range Guns Of Our Fathers: The .577 Snider Conversion BEHIND THE BADGE: Sgt. John Parow, St. Lucie Co., Fla., Sheriff’s Office BLACK POWDER: On Cappers

THE LONGEST LION HUNT Tracking a lion down is no easy feat, especially as the hunt nears the threeweek mark. Find out what it takes to down one of Africa’s iconic predators!

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Western Shooting Journal // March 2015

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EDITOR’S NOTE

H

ello, Western Shooting Journal readers! This is my first note as editor of WSJ, and what perfect timing for it to coincide with the SHOT Show! Having literally just stepped out of the show, I am impressed by all the new things I’ve seen. I have been attending it over the past 10 years and am always impressed at the learning curve, no matter your skill level. While scouting out the latest gear, I found myself speaking with folks who were not familiar with the shooting world, other than having hunted once or twice in their lifetime. The more I explained the scope of the industry, the more I recognized there are so many facets, with “a projectile” being one of the few common denominators. If you think about the different disciplines between competitive, tactical, survival, sport, hunting, military, law enforcement – the list goes on (and I am sure I have left out several categories, not to mention the multitude of subsections within those) – you have an endless array of concepts, tactics, training and reasoning. I have a tactical

background and can speak endlessly on different concepts, why they were created, who created them and when each might be used, but that is just one tiny portion of an immense industry. One cannot possibly know everything, but I find it beneficial to use SHOT Show as an opportunity to step outside my scope (no pun intended) of understanding. I try to spend time in areas I know little about, such as bowhunting and competitive speed shooting, to learn even more. It makes my abilities as a shooter more rounded and my mind more willing to accept new concepts. SHOT Show 2015 did not fail to provide a feast for an insatiable appetite to learn. Please share any suggestions or photos with me: dbreteau@media-inc.com.

(ICHIRO NAGATA)

This was one of our favorite finds at SHOT this year. Battlecomps array of compensators create a profound reduction to recoil and muzzle climb. For more from the show, see our photo feature on p. 21! (DANIELLE BRETEAU)

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A brief look back at

SHOT SHOW 2015

WSJ associate publisher Dick Openshaw is as much an institution as SHOT, which is held in Las Vegas.

Colts latest models were presented in a hands-on display.

Wicked Grips’ owner Ed Strange’s wife Lisa was awarded “Best Use Of Imagery” by the Firearms Channel. (PHOTOS BY WSJ STAFF)

“Tactical Ted” was a fave at the annual show, which this year attracted 62,000 from the industry. A small part of the show’s main floor.

The folks at Sightmark provide a range of optics for every level of shooter.

SHOT Show did not disappoint those looking for new polymers and finishes.

WSJ and Media Index owner/publisher Jim Baker (left) and detective Derrick Focht hang at our booth.

Stuart Hutchins, Jim Winjum and Robert Sherer of Kenetrek Boots.

Another one of our favorites at SHOT – Mark Hostetter, owner of Precision Firearms, makes some of the finest receivers and bolts, among other products, with an exacting attention to detail.

WSJ’s own Becca Ellingsworth looks ready for war games on the sand dunes.

Over 1,600 companies from 100 countries displayed at SHOT. Another view of the show.

Many new camo patterns, clothing and precision bows were exhibited at the show.

Displays at SHOT never fail to impress. This year’s show covered 630,000 square feet, or about 11 football fields.

WSJ editor Danielle Breteau with Michael Goerlich, owner of Raven Concealment, PROIS Womens Apparel brought their showing his company’s newly well-tailored, high-quality clothing. unveiled Eidolon holster. westernshootingjournal.com 21


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PRIMER NEWS // CALENDARS // READER PHOTOS

NEWS

THE GOOD THINGS THAT COPS DO How Utah Police Officers Go Out Of Their Way To Help The Less Fortunate STORY BY TOM HUDSON • PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PROVO POLICE DEPARTMENT

Provo PD on present patrol.

RUNNING THE GAUNLET Helen Smith received the phone call that all parents dread no matter how old: Her son was in a hospital in Ogden, Utah, was critically ill, and she needed to come up and see him immediately. Helen is 87 years old and the Ogden Regional Medical Center is in another state. Helen

lives in Nevada, some 350 miles from where her son lay, dying. In Fillmore, Utah, Helen flew past state trooper Jeff Jones, catching his attention. Jones pulled Helen over and gave her a warning to slow down. When Helen went to leave, she placed the car in reverse instead of drive and backed into the trooper’s car. This is

where Jones showed what a real cop is. Realizing her distress and inquiring further, instead of giving her a ticket, field sobriety tests and otherwise making her life even more miserable, he had her car moved to a secure location and gave her a ride to Juab County. Once in Juab County, Jones handed her off to trooper Jared Jensen, who westernshootingjournal.com 25


PRIMER

NEWS

drove her to Utah County. Jensen then handed her off to trooper Chris Bishop, who drove her to Salt Lake County. Trooper Andrew Pollard met her in Draper, and drove Helen all the way to Ogden Regional Medical Center. In total, the Utah Highway Patrol drove Helen 180 miles to see her dying son. Helen commented after the trip, “I ended up taking four patrol cars with four good-lookin’ patrol boys.” Though unusual, her quick, safe trip across state lines was well worth it: She was able to see her son before he passed away five days later. And her tale is indicative of how much Utah law officers care about their communities. SOMETHING IS MISSING Officer Bryce Lewis of the Provo PD responded to a call for a missing child just days before Christmas. When Lewis arrived at the child’s home, it became very apparent that the kids

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Western Shooting Journal // March 2015

in the house were missing more than just a sibling. The child eventually returned home safely, but there was still something missing – any sign of Christmas. There wasn’t a tree, decorations, and certainly no presents. Lewis was heartbroken to see this and decided that he could do something about it. Lewis and fellow officer Justin North combined what cash they had on hand, and donated it to the family. But Lewis, North and the department didn’t stop there. Lewis bought a Christmas tree while North and 10 other Provo officers purchased toys and clothing for the family. While the officers’ wives wrapped the presents, all of the other officers returned with a squad car full of wrapped presents for the kids. All of the money used came directly from the officers’ pockets. “It almost brought tears to my eyes to watch how excited they were,” Lewis said. “We have children and it’s

one of the most exciting days for them. To think if someone had to go without, it hurts to see that kind of stuff, so you just want to do what you can.” I PULLED YOU OVER ... TO GIVE YOU $100 Enoch is a very small, one-horse town (if you happen to bring a horse with you) in southern Utah. The Enoch PD was given a donation by a private citizen to help families in need. So the department decided to give the money away during traffic stops. The officers handed out $100 bills to people they pulled over. Everyone they stopped were shocked when they found out that instead of a fine, they would be receiving cash. All these fine Utah officers went out of their way to help those in need and showed that there is still good in the world – and most likely, right in your own neighborhood. These types of incidents are not singular. They happen throughout the country. WSJ


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PRIMER

COMPETITION C A L E N D A R

MARCH 1 Four Stage Shootout CMSA Three Wooden Crosses Arena Augusta, Kan. (cowboy)

3-9 Western National Shoot NMLRA Ben Avery Shooting Facility Phoenix, Ariz. (black powder)

6 Area 6 Multi-Gun Nationals USPSA Universal Shooting Academy Frostproof, Fla. (practical shooting)

6-8 East International Championship USAMU Ft. Benning, Ohio (trap and skeet)

7 Black Powder Championship SASS Fort White Gun Club Fort White, Fla. (cowboy)

8 Roots and Boots Three Stage Match Horseshoe Park Queen Creek, Ariz. (cowboy)

Kincaid Ross, U.S. Junior Champion, at the USPSA Nationals. (PAUL HYLAND, WWW.LIVESHOTS.NET)

13-14

15

27-29

Jabs Extreme Steel Sectional USPSA, East Alabama Gun Club Phenix City, Ala. (practical shooting)

New Mexico Texas Border War CMSA Roosevelt County Special Events Arena Portales, N.M. (cowboy)

Wild Bunch Championship SASS, Sacramento Valley Shooting Center Sloughhouse, Calif. (cowboy)

13-15

20

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Upper Midwest Inter. Championship Ark Valley Gun Club Udall, Kan. (trap and skeet)

Wild Bunch Championship SASS Old Fort Gun Club Fort Smith, Ark. (cowboy)

Silver Dollar Championships IDPA Double Tap Ranch Wichita Falls, Texas (defensive pistol)

14

21-22

Piedmont Championships USPSA Rowan Practical Shooters Range Statesville, N.C. (practical shooting)

Virginia Indoor Regionals IDPA Norfolk County Rifle Range Chesapeake, Va. (defensive pistol)

Florida State Championships IDPA Port Malabar Rifle & Pistol Club Palm Bay, Fla. (defensive pistol)

Oklahoma State Championships IDPA United States Shooting Academy Tulsa, Okla. (defensive pistol)

22-27 Intercollegiate Pistol Championships USAMU Ft. Benning, Ohio (NRA-Pistol)

29 March Mounted Madness CMSA WB Ranch and Arena Swanton, Ohio (cowboy) Visit westernshootingjournal.com for more events. Email dbreteau@media-inc.com to have your show listed here.

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BROUGHT TO YOU BY

PRIMER

GUNSHOW C A L E N D A R

MARCH 7-8 Gun, Knife And Militaria Show Jamil Temple Columbus, S.C. Victorville Gun Show San Bernardino County Fairgrounds Victorville, Calif. Saline County Gun and Knife Show Benton Event Center Benton, Ark. Prospectors Sertoma Gun Show Colorado Springs Event Center Colorado Springs, Colo. Eastman Gun Show Columbia County Exhibition Center Augusta, Ga. River City Rifle and Pistol Gun Show North Iowa Fairgrounds Mason City, Iowa Crossroads of the West The Cashman Center Las Vegas, Nev.

A quartet of pocket pistols on offer that might draw “Mama Bears’” eyes. (BECCA ELLINGSWORTH)

Premier Gun Show Pasadena Convention Center Pasadena, Calif.

Henry County Gun and Knife Show County Fairgrounds Paris, Tenn.

Enumclaw Gun Show Enumclaw Expo Center Enumclaw, Wash.

Saxet Gun Show Convention Center McAllen, Texas

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C&E Gun Show Salem Civic Center Salem, Va.

Up In Arms Gun Show Rock Springs Fairgrounds Rock Springs, Wyo.

Gun Show Extravaganza Philadelphia Expo Center Oaks, Pa.

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21-22

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G and S Gun Show Canton Civic Center Canton, Texas

Crossroads of the West University of Phoenix Stadium Glendale, Ariz.

Crossroads of the West Pima County Fairgrounds Pima, Ariz.

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Tanner Gun Show Denver Merchandise Mart Denver, Colo.

Hall of Fame Gun Show City Fairgrounds Oklahoma City, Okla.

Classic Arms Gun & Knife Show Lamar Dixon Expo Hall Baton Rouge, La.

Saxet Gun Show Borchard Regional Fairgrounds Corpus Christi, Texas

Front Sight Gun Show Muskingum County Fairgrounds Zanesville, Ohio

Claude Hall’s Las Vegas Gun Show The Sports Center Las Vegas, Nev.

Bad-Shot Gun Show Murray County Expo Center Sulphur, Okla. Premier Gun Show Big Town Even Center Mesquite, Texas

Gun Slinger Show North Indiana Event Center Elkhart, Ind.

14-15 Crossroads of the West Mesa Centennial Hall Mesa, Ariz. West Palm Beach Gun Show South Florida Fairgrounds West Palm Beach, Fla.

Columbia Gun and Knife Show State Fairgrounds Columbia, S.C.

Visit westernshootingjournal.com for more events. Email dbreteau@media-inc.com to have your show listed here.

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Western Shooting Journal // March 2015


PRIMER

TOP SHOTS Law Enforcement Sniper spotlight PHOTOS BY BRIAN K. SAIN, FOUNDER, AMERICAN SNIPER ORGANIZATION

Now you see me … wait?

Law enforcement snipers train how to crawl on their belly to get to a shooting position, while pulling their gear behind.

Commed up and ready for duty!

A trainer provides valuable instruction.

Range time is a guarantee during training.

An officer practices for “oversight” duties, such as for a parade or state visit.

A marskman hones his skills. westernshootingjournal.com 35


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Western Shooting Journal // March 2015


RANGE SPOTLIGHT

START THAT DATE OFF WITH A BANG! Wichita Range Has Good Couples Deals On Firing Machine Guns BY FRANK JARDIM • PHOTO BY THE OUTBACK RANGE

A mix of silhouette target and bowling pins await shooters at The Outback Range.

I

f you’re ever looking for a safe, professional and fun place to take the family for a little recreational shooting and you’re on the northwest side of Wichita, Kan., the Outback Park & Public Range is a unique, family-friendly facility that is one of the finest in the region. Open year-round, this is a full-

service range, dedicated to supervised shooting, with nine rifle and five pistol ranges, all of which are covered, at the firing line, and equipped with padded tables. It even has a tactical steel range, with MGM targets, for those who like a little reactivity in their shooting sports. The attitude at Outback Park is that nobody should have to stay home.

They have a picnic area, children’s play area and restroom facilities for family events. The range is also wheelchair accessible, and staffers have even made accommodations for the blind. Only shooters pay range fees. Any nonshooting visitor can enjoy the park for free. Outback charges shooters $20 a day, for adults, or $8 for shooters 14 years old and younger. Keep in mind westernshootingjournal.com 37


RANGE SPOTLIGHT that they don’t accept credit cards. Outback Park & Public Range also offers firearms and ammunition sales (they are a Glock retailer) and have very reasonable firearms rental fees. Renting a gun is a great way to try out different firearms. Pistol rentals start at $10 a day, so there’s no excuse not to try before you buy. The rental selection is very broad and includes a 20mm shoulderfired anti-aircraft gun, weighing 114 pounds, for $25 a shot, as well as .50 BMG rifles and machine guns. The machine gun rental offers some really interesting dating activities for couples. As an example, for $90, two people can each fire a 25-round magazine through a 9mm MP5 submachine gun, like the type used by the FBI and Secret Service. If your pockets are a little deeper, for $100, two people can each shoot a 50-round

belt of ammo through a military FN M249 squad automatic weapon (SAW), like the type our troops are using right now, in Afghanistan. The facility’s classrooms and ranges are used to host numerous classes during the year, including remedial shooting, handgun safety and fundamentals of marksmanship,

requirements for marksmanship, mental preparedness, and grasping the complexity of state law, regarding the use of deadly force. Outback Range also offers courses such as children’s firearms safety and basic shooting skills, defensive shotgun, law enforcement pistol and shotgun, and a basics of reloading, for aspiring handloaders. These include classroom and range instruction at the same convenient location, and are taught by professional staff that include NRA pistol instructors, law enforcement firearms instructors, and former military veterans. You can even shoot at night, by appointment. WSJ

ANY NONSHOOTING VISITOR CAN ENJOY THE PARK FOR FREE

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Western Shooting Journal // March 2015

intermediate pistol shooting and advanced pistol craft and combat shooting. Staffers can also take an inexperienced shooter through a course of instruction that can culminate in the new concealedcarry handgun course (CCHC) necessary to be licensed in Kansas. The latter course, which costs $100, is taught by state-certified instructors who go beyond the minimum

The Outback Park & Public Range is at 368 Navajo Road, McPherson, KS 67460. It is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more, call (620) 4899407 or visit TheOutbackPark.com.


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guns of our fathers

THE .577 SNIDER CONVERSION An American’s Invention That Was Used By The British Army STORY AND PHOTOS BY BOB SHELL

Jacob Snider’s innovative breechloading action.

T

he 1860s were an interesting and exciting time in firearms development. Countries were transitioning from muzzleloaders to cartridge rifles. The American Civil War highlighted everything from muzzleloaders to Gatling guns. Many European countries utilized various conversions, including Great Britain, which used the Snider conversion

THE ORIGINAL IDEA WAS REJECTED BY THE US … SO SNIDER SOLD IT TO BRITAIN designed by an American, Jacob Snider. The military quickly saw the advantages of breechloader (a firearm loaded via a chamber from the rear) versus frontloader models. Besides being faster to load, the ability to do so while in the prone position meant the shooter presented a much smaller target for enemy marksmen. The British brought out the P-53 Enfield rifle in 1853. It is a .58-caliber muzzleloader that shoots a hollow-base bullet weighing anywhere between 405 and 500 grains. It was popular in the American Civil War, second only to the Springfield. During the 1860s, many countries were

Snider’s conversion utilized a .577-caliber cartridge.

experimenting with breechloading rifles, and Britain was no exception. Like many nations, its military wanted to use existing stocks of rifles to save money. Snider started working on the conversion in 1862, and by 1865 it was complete. But the original idea was rejected by the US in favor of the trapdoor design, so he sold it to Great Britain. THE WAY IT WORKED WAS, the rear of the barrel was cut out and a swinging breechblock was installed. By the push of a westernshootingjournal.com 41


guns of our fathers button, the breechblock would swing up, a cartridge could be inserted, and the block pushed back in place. Ejection was performed by the shooter, pulling out the empty

RELIABLE, THOUGH A STOPGAP MEASURE cartridge or by tipping the rifle over. There was no safety, which was common among rifles of that period. The rear sight is adjustable, though crude by today’s standards, and the front is a typical blade style.

Dies used to make .577-caliber ammo.

The Snider conversion evolved through time.

THE P-53 ENFIELD IS A LONG AFFAIR, although there was also a carbine made. One of my specimens, sporting an 18inch barrel, is supposed to be an original carbine used in Canada by the Mounties. My other with a Snider conversion lacks the push button, which is found on later models. The system works well and is reliable, though it was a stopgap measure. The British gave it to many of their colonies, including those in Africa, India and Australia. It was loaded with buckshot and said to be popular with the Indian police for use in riot control. WSJ

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EVOLUTION OF THE SNIPER RIFLE SPRINGFIELD M1903A1

Harpers Ferry Service years: 1803-1820 Weight: 9.0 pounds Caliber: .54 Length: 48 inches Range: Approximately 300 yards The 1803 flintlock rifle shows “Kentucky” style influences to emulate the accurate civilian rifles that preceded it.

SPRINGFIELD M1903

1855 COLT ROOT REVOLVING RIFLE Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company Service years: 1856-1864 Weight: 9.8 pounds Caliber: .44 Length: 49.25 inches Range: Approximately 350 yards This six-shot revolving rifle is a direct descendent of the 1838 Paterson rifle. It was made under the supervision of Samuel Colt’s eventual successor, Elisha Root.

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Western Shooting Journal // March 2015

RI FL E 18 59 “B ER DA N” CO NT RA CT

SH AR PS

RE VO LV IN GR IFL E

18 55 CO LT RO OT

1800

18 03 US FL IN TL OC K

RI FL E

Springfield Armory Service years: 1903-1939 Weight: 11.6 pounds Caliber: .30-06 Length: 43.5 inches Range: 700-plus yards Known for being robust and accurate, this rifle is a direct descendent of the German K98 bolt-action rifle.

SP RI NG FIE LD M1 90 3A 1

1803 US FLINTLOCK RIFLE

SP RI NG FIE LD M1 90 3

Springfield Armory Service years: 1928-1935 Weight: 11.1 pounds Caliber: .30-06 Length: 43.5 inches Range: 1,000-plus yards This variation of the Springfield M1903 rifle was made on contract to the U.S. Marine Corps. This rifle is one of only a few made during the 1930s, and most M1903A1s were produced as special target rifles, match rifles or, in this case, sniper rifles.

SHARPS 1859 “BERDAN” CONTRACT RIFLE Sharps Rifle Manufacturing Company Service years: 1862-1866 Weight: 8.75 pounds Caliber: .52 Length: 47.25 inches Range: 600-plus yards This rare and historic rifle is the Berdan Contract Sharps New Model 1859 Military Rifle. Colonel Hiram Berdan enlisted a few of the best marksman who became the 1st and 2nd Regiments of United States Sharpshooters (USSS).


RE MI NG TO NM 40 SN IP ER RI FL E

M1 DG AR AN DS NI PE RR IFL E

RE MI NG TO NM 19 03 A4

International Harvester Service years: 1953-1968 Weight: 12.2 pounds Caliber: .30-06 Length: 46.3 inches Range: 800-plus yards The M1 Garand was officially adopted in 1936 as the first semiautomatic main battle rifle in the hands of infantrymen. This rifle is an earlier sniper rifle, and its scope was mounted directly to the receiver.

KNIGHT’S MK11MOD0 Knight’s Armament Company Service years: 2000-present Weight: 14.0 pounds Caliber: 7.62x51mm Length: 43.5 inches Range: 900-plus yards This Navy sniper rifle is an enhanced version of the commercial model SR-25, codeveloped by Eugene Stoner. Its features include the replacement of the fiberglass hand guard with an aluminum rail. This was the first sniper system to include suppressor capability with every rifle from the factory.

M2 4S NI PE RW EA PO NS YS TE M

M1D GARAND SNIPER RIFLE

Remington Arms Company Service years: 1966-1972 Weight: 9.9 pounds Caliber: 7.62x51mm Length: 43.4 inches Range: 900-plus yards After much debate between the definition of a “target” rifle and a “sniper” rifle, the Remington 700 was adopted by the Marine Corps with little modification from its commercial counterpart.

KN IG HT ’S MK 11M OD 0

REMINGTON M40 SNIPER RIFLE

PRESENT

Editor: Sourced from The Institute of Military Technology

REMINGTON M1903A4

M24 SNIPER WEAPON SYSTEM

Remington Arms Company Service years: 1943-1972 Weight: 11.1 pounds Caliber: .30-06 Length: 43.5 inches Range: 900-plus yards The M1903A3 used many stamped parts replacing machined parts. Some cosmetic features were removed, a simplification of the rear sight and a “scant grip” stock. This is the only sniper rifle considered to have been mass produced.

Remington Arms Company Service years: 1988-present Weight: 11.1 pounds Caliber: 7.62x51mm Length: Approximately 43.4 inches Range: 900-plus yards This consists of a Remington 700 with long-action, H&S precision stock and an aluminum bedding block. Fielded in 1988, it was widely distributed throughout the U.S. Army by 1992.

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gun reviews

3 DEAD BANG WINNERS Longtime Gun Writer Reviews Trio Of New Rifles Revealed At SHOT Show STORY AND PHOTOS BY DAVE WORKMAN 1 Browning AB3 Hunter 2 Winchester XPR 3 Savage Model 10FCP-SR

The author examines Browning’s newest AB3 Hunter, featuring a handsome checkered stock.

BROWNING AB3 HUNTER Moving deer, at 100 yards, are tough to hit, so when a rifle is accurate enough to put two consecutive rounds into a swinging bowling pin, at that distance, it gets your attention. With Browning and Winchester press manager, Kevin Howard, looking over my shoulder at range day, on the eve of January’s Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT), Show, in Las Vegas, I put two rounds, downrange, with Browning’s newest version of the AB3 A-Bolt rifle (this one chambered in .30-06) and nailed that pin solidly. Admittedly, the rifle was in a fairly stout Caldwell Lead Sled

1

rest, but hitting a moving target that small, twice, in about 20 seconds, with a rifle I’d never fired before, says plenty about the weapon. The AB3 Hunter is the third generation of Browning’s popular A-Bolt. This specimen has a handsome, checkered, walnut stock (typical entrylevel rifles, these days, have composite stocks), Inflex recoil pad, detachable recoil pad, top tang safety and a nifty little button on the rear right, just behind the bolt handle, that unlocks the bolt with the safety on, for ejecting rounds safely. That was impressive enough, so when I sat down and nailed that bowling pin, it struck me that

Browning has a winner. Credit the button rifling and the fast 60-degree bolt throw, for my followup shot. That free-floating barrel has a target crown, and it wears a deep

From the bench, during range day just before SHOT Show, Workman put two quick rounds into a swinging bowling pin at 100 yards in less than 20 seconds with the AB3

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gun reviews

The new Winchester XPR has the kinds of features Workman likes, including a boltrelease function that allows for ejecting live rounds while the safety remains engaged.

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matte-blue finish that is eye-catching. The trigger broke comfortably light; that is, one doesn’t have to tug on it to make the rifle discharge. Once in a while, one runs across a brand-new model that, for reasons known only to the gods, has a horrid trigger. Fortunately, such dogs are few and far between, and I’ve never seen one that had “Browning” etched on the barrel. If I recall correctly, this trigger breaks somewhere around 4 pounds, and was crisp. Ah, but the wood. It’s handsome. It’s clean. It’s traditional. Somebody looking for a new bolt-action, big game rifle is going to drool on this one. If I had this rifle on eastern Washington’s Snake River Breaks this fall, I’d fire up the barbecue and smoker before leaving deer camp, because anything on the business end is going to definitely end up in the cooler. The good news is that the AB3 Hunter is available in several popular short- and long-action calibers,

according to the company’s website, browning.com. WINCHESTER’S NEW XPR is another sizzler that just impressed the hell out of me. This one has a toughas-nails synthetic stock, that will do rather well in any rainy or fall climates. It’s got a detachable magazine, blued button-rifled Chromoly steel barrel and receiver, Inflex Technology recoil pad, and recessed target crown. This specimen was also chambered in .30-06, and was just as accurate as the Browning. Winchester designers included a two-position thumb safety, at the rear right of the receiver, and like the Browning AB3, it has a bolt-release button that allows the bolt to be opened while the safety is engaged so, you can pop out a live round safely. One might actually consider this set-up a virtual three-position safety mechanism. This Winchester has a 60-degree bolt throw, which is fast and sure.

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gun reviews The stock features QD sling swivel studs and the standard calibers come with 24-inch barrels, while the magnums have 26-inch tubes. Find out more at winchesterguns.com. THE SAVAGE MODEL 10FCP-SR also has a dandy new entry in the Model 10 FCP-SR, chambered for the .308 Winchester. I’ve never seen a Savage that isn’t capable of MOA accuracy all day long, provided the shooter does his or her part, and this one is no exception. Cut with a 1:10-inch rifling twist, this is something of a tactical rifle, in a serious game-busting caliber. It’s got a detachable 10-round magazine, weighs 8¾ pounds empty, and measures 44¼ inches overall. So, what makes it such a hot rifle? Long story short, I hit everything I aimed at. That’s the acid test. A rifle that doesn’t put a bullet where you want it to go, isn’t worth much in the

3

This image shows the new XPR’s two controls: The rear one is the two-position safety and the smaller front button is the bolt release.

Available in .270 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, .300 Winchester Magnum and .338 Winchester Magnum, in both the standard black matte and Hunter model with Mossy Oak BreakUp camo, I’d say this one is a cut or two above an entry-level rifle. A third version, which comes with a Vortex scope, is chambered for those calibers

plus 7mm Remington Magnum. It’s got a good trigger, and thanks to that recoil pad, when it goes “Bang!” you don’t get bruised. Another important feature is the M.O.A. trigger system. The trigger comes factory set at 3½ pounds, and when I touched it off, I didn’t feel a hint of creep.

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gun reviews clinches, no matter what the target. Savage fitted this rifle with an AccuStock and the action features the popular AccuTrigger. It’s got a fluted matte finish barrel and black synthetic stock. What gets your attention immediately is the oversize

bolt handle. The test rifle was topped with a Bushnell scope, and the combination was deadly accurate. Sure, this rifle’s primary application is for law enforcement. So what? An accurate rifle is an accurate rifle, and The new Savage takes a 10-round magazine that is tough and easy to eject and replace. By the time that magazine is empty, you’ve hit something!

Now here’s a “black rifle” that is a robust tack-driver, the Savage Model 10 FCP-SR, chambered in .308 Winchester.

for someone who may hunt from a stand or a favorite stump, rock or log every year, the weight of this model is not going to be that big of an issue, especially in a trade-off for a freezer full of venison. If the intent is to use this rifle for taking that one critical shot in a law enforcement situation, my small experience with the FCP-SR was enough to convince me the new Savage is up to that challenge too. Check it out at savagearms.com. WSJ

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HISTORY OF THE SNIPER The Long Road To Recognition

I

n 1944, theWar Department Basic Field Manual FM 21-75, Infantry Scouting, Patrolling and Sniping defined the sniper as “… an expert rifleman, well qualified in scouting, whose duty is to pick off

(SHUTTERSTOCK)

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key enemy personnel who expose themselves. By eliminating enemy leaders and harassing the troops, sniping softens the enemy’s resistance and weakens his morale.” That definition remains consistent through the broader history of sniping, before and since, whether the weapon was a crossbow or a high-powered, telescopically sighted rifle.

STORY BY FRANK JARDIM

The sniper is an incredibly efficient fighter, compared to the typical infantryman. Consider that in World War II, American infantry units fired 25,000 rounds to kill just one enemy soldier. By the Korean War, that figure jumped to 50,000 rounds, and the select-fire M14 and M16 infantry rifles of the Vietnam War only seem to have produced more misses, requiring the expenditure of 200,000 rounds to kill one enemy combatant. Nowadays, it’s a quarter million rounds of spraying


and praying to kill a single Taliban. By comparison, on average, a sniper requires only 1.3 bullets to kill an enemy. During the Vietnam War, it was noted on many occasions that a handful of snipers accounted for more enemy killed than the entire infantry battalion (and sometimes even regiment) they were assigned to. It was the wildly disproportionate contribution of snipers in the

Vietnam War that set the stage for the first permanent peacetime sniper training programs. The U.S. Marine Corps set theirs up first at Quantico, Va., in 1977, and the U.S. Army followed suit at Fort Benning, Ga., in 1985. Snipers were finally on the TO&E (Tables of Organization & Equipment) of combat units, which

meant they would always be ready for deployment. The rigorous training programs ensured the accumulated knowledge, gained from combat experience, would be preserved and ready when it was needed. Another critically important achievement of the USMC Scout Sniper and U.S. Army Sniper Schools was the creation of the U.S. military’s first purpose-built sniper rifles. Again, the USMC led the way with the M40A1 and the U.S.

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A sniper surveys the landscape. (CANSTOCK)

Army followed with the M24 Sniper Weapons System. Both were based on the Remington 700-bolt action rifle, chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO. Prior to that, snipers used standard service rifles, specially selected for their accuracy and equipped with telescopic sights or commercial, offthe-shelf sporting rifles, as was the case in the black powder era and the Vietnam War. The upside of using the standard service rifle as the basis for a sniper conversion was complete parts and ordnance maintenance support from the normal supply channels. The downside was that the most accurate service rifles were not nearly as good as the best commercially available hunting rifles. The accuracy of the service rifle was always hampered by hand guards, stacking swivels and bayonet lugs hanging off the barrel – items totally useless to a sniper. It is ironic that a country built on a tradition of rifle marksmanship took nearly 200 years to formally embrace the sniper, the man that represents the military apex of that long tradition. In each major war, through Vietnam, our armed forces began with no snipers and had to create training programs, usually in the theater of operations, to train them on the spot. Training 60

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varied from none to good, but the typical formula that has made many a successful American sniper is a rural background with early and continuous exposure to hunting or competitive, rifle shooting. Time after time, at the conclusion of the war, the sniper schools were closed and the snipers faded away. The knowledge they gained in the deadly art of hunting men faded away with them and had to be retaught in the next war. This happened because America’s senior military leaders saw the sniper as a specialist, of small importance compared to the conventional infantry, artillery, cavalry (and later armored) forces who massively outnumbered him. From the general’s point of view, snipers didn’t win wars; huge armies did. DURING THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, volunteers from the frontier colonies took their long rifles to war. No British soldier within 400 yards was safe, and 200-yard, one-shot-kills were common. Riflemen terrorized the British, on the march and in garrison, picking off officers and noncommissioned officers from hidden positions. Without any formal guidance, they were doing

exactly the same mission as snipers do today, but the British had far greater respect for them than General George Washington. Slow to load and lacking the capacity for a bayonet, the rifles and the unruly men who wielded them were ill-suited to the linear tactics of the day. General Washington thought the riflemen were more trouble than they were worth and didn’t want them in the Continental Army. In the American Civil War, snipers were called sharpshooters and recruited for their marksmanship skill. The percussion-lock rifled musket and minie ball of the period greatly increased accuracy, without sacrificing speed of loading, and made the battlefield a much deadlier place. Some sharpshooters made use of early telescopic sights and many used their personal weapons in battle. The breech-loading Sharps rifle was popular among Union sharpshooters because it could be loaded lying down, behind cover. The standard muzzleloading, rifled musket required the soldier to stand up to load it, thus exposing himself to enemy fire. Confederates favored the British Whitworth rifle, when they could get it. With its unique hexagonalshaped, fast-twisting bore, instead of conventional cut rifling, it fired a six-sided bullet accurately just over a mile. It was the first military rifle built for long range accuracy. A Confederate sharpshooter, armed with a Whitworth rifle, killed Union General John Sedgwick at the Battle of Spotsylvania from a range of 800 yards. DURING WORLD WAR I, THE skill sets and standard operating procedures of our present-day snipers were developed and codified in no-man’s land and the trenches. By that time, the boltaction rifle reached the pinnacle of its development as an infantry weapon. It had a five- to 10-round magazine and fired a much smaller caliber, high-velocity and aerodynamic bullet, propelled by smokeless powder, up to 3 miles.


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Once he had a suitable modern weapon, the scout sniper emerged in a form identical to the present day. Now actually called a sniper, he can engage targets at 1,000 yards with more precision than luck. Whether shooting from behind or in front of friendly lines, he selects his hiding place carefully and uses camouflage to conceal himself and his spotter. He may wait for hours or days to get a shot at his target. When and if he does fire, it is rarely more than a few shots before he must move to avoid detection. (Smokeless powder makes it much more difficult for the enemy to locate his position.) Sniper rifles are now commonly equipped with telescopic sights. Germany, thanks to their worldrenowned optics industry, initially dominated the battlefield by putting 20,000 scoped rifles (some of them civilian hunting rifles) in the hands of its best marksmen. The Allied nations had to play catch up. The United States Army fielded the

ungainly 6x magnification prismatic Warner & Swasey scope, mounted on the .30-06 M1903 Springfield Rifle. It looked strange and it was clumsy, but it worked. It had over twice the magnification of most scopes of the day. By World War II, telescopic sights improved and rugged, domestically made ones with fair weather resistance, like the 2.5x-power Lyman Alaskan (military M81/M82), were mounted on the standard .30-06 M1 semiautomatic rifle. The old M1903 Springfield, with an improved 10x-power Unertl scope, served the USMC, and the simplified M1903A4, with a 2x-power M73B1 scope was a substitute standard for both services. In World War II, the United States was almost continuously on the offensive. Both the Japanese and Germans often used snipers, suicidally, to cover their withdrawals and stall the allied advance. The greatest threat to a sniper is another sniper, so U.S. Army infantry

platoons commonly designated a scout sniper in the headquarters section to be employed at the commander’s discretion. Contrary to our image of the American sniper as a lone wolf on the battlefield, they also fought as platoons. When the Marines invaded Betio in the Tarawa Atoll on Nov. 20, 1943, Lt. William D. Hawkins led his platoon of scout snipers on a mission, far in advance of the main forces. They hunted down, and eliminated, enemy machine gunners and snipers to protect the advance of their fellow Marines at the long pier. They fought with grenades and flamethrowers, as well as precision rifle fire. Lt. Hawkins died in the battle, but his ferocity in combat earned him the Medal of Honor. THE SNIPER’S ROLE IN THE KOREAN War bore similarities to World War I: static lines, an attrition strategy and costly frontal attacks. Once again, the precision contributions of the hastily Continued on page 163

The longest confirmed kill by an American sniper was taken with a semiautomatic .50-caliber BMG M82 Barrett. (CANSTOCK)

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Jack East (left) is a Marine Corps sniper who also taught at the Special Forces sniper school.

THE SNIPERMAKER I

One Man’s Journey From Asian Jungles To Utah Sniper School STORY BY TROY TAYSOM • PHOTOS PROVIDED BY JACK EAST

recently had the chance to sit down and speak with Jack East, Chief Warrant Officer 5, U.S. Army Special Forces (Ret.), and former instructor at the Special Forces sniper school in Utah. The school, called Special Operations Target Interdiction Course (SOPTIC), is a course designed for the Special Forces soldier to prepare him for the rigors of combat as a sniper. Sniping is one of the many skills that Special Forces soldiers must master in order to perform their assigned missions. East started his career as a Marine in 1972, and was assigned to various operations in Southeast Asia as the Vietnam War wound down. At the end of the war, East was sent to Camp Pendleton to be an instructor for the Marine Corps Divisional long-distance shooting matches. East was fortunate enough to study under Carlos Hathcock. Hathcock is a legend in the Marine Corps, racking up 93 confirmed kills in Vietnam, and is the father of the Marine Corps’ modern sniper-training program. East brought this knowledge with him to Utah when he left the Marine Corps and joined the 1/19th Special

Forces Group based there. East spent 20-plus years in the Utah Army National Guard in this group, and 17 of those years, were spent on the teams. The rest of the time he spent as an instructor at a National Guard base in Little Rock, Ark., before the Army established a SOPTIC school in Utah. As I spoke with East, I could hear the excitement in his voice as he explained MILS and MIL Dot Formulas. One would think he was speaking of a grandchild, such is the passion of these special warriors for their scopes. East’s pride is teaching soldiers the fine art of distance shooting. The days of Kentucky windage are long gone and have been replaced with complicated mathematical formulas calculating distance, based on measuring your target using the MIL Dots within the scope, as well as techniques to determine wind, speed and direction at distance. A Special Forces sniper isn’t just a distance shooter. He is performing these complicated techniques while hiding from an enemy who is more than happy to kill him. Hours of boredom and positioning oneself in uncomfortable spots are westernshootingjournal.com 65


standard while waiting for those few critical moments before the shot. When asked what the most difficult skill to teach a shooter who is new to sniping, East replies, “reading the wind.” Special Forces shooters are taught to use a spotting scope to focus on the target and then back it off a quarter of a turn and look for the mirage. The mirage holds the key to what the wind is doing downrange. East has spent 30-plus years of his life hunting bad guys as a young Marine in the jungles of Vietnam, in the jungles of the Philippines as a seasoned Green Beret, deployed to Southwest Asia, and teaching new Special Forces soldiers how to be precision shooters. No matter the capacity, his life has been spent in the service of country – a true American hero. WSJ

East and 19th Special Forces members train Royal Thai Air Force special ops forces.

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Editor’s note: For privacy reasons, a pseudonym was used for the subject of this article.


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COMPETITIONS

A ROW IN THE DESERT, WITH AIR GUNS European, American Rivals Meet At Annual Competition In Arizona STORY AND PHOTOS BY RON GILL

Andrew Huggett of Daystate shoots one of the English outfit’s air rifles.

E

xtreme Benchrest is a unique air gun tournament that’s held annually in Green River, Ariz., north of Phoenix. Launched just a few years ago by Airguns of Arizona, the match showcases the latest in air gun power and accuracy. The signature stage is a 75-yard, benchrest match, where the winners hit a 7/16-inch 10-ring (less than the size of a dime) nearly every time. Over the previous three years, a rivalry had developed between Daystate, Ltd., of England and FX Airguns of Sweden. Daystate and FX make high-quality air rifles, in calibers up to .30, with 10-ring accuracy. With FX winning two years in a row, would the Swedish outfit make it three at the most recent event, held recently, or would Daystate – or an American company that’s also won – put some life back into the game? Air gun owners and fans on both sides of the Atlantic had their favorites all picked to

No, not the latest AR, rather Swedish air-rifle manufacturer Fredric Axelsson’s .30-caliber model.

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COMPETITIONS

A USFT Long Ranger was the most accurate air rifle at the annual event held in Arizona.

win, but the final scores were surprising.

He cannibalized actions and barrels to get parts for his next design. I asked where he was trained in engineering, but Axelsson explained that he is self-taught. Perhaps that is why his rifles are so

FREDRIC AXELSSON AND FX AIRGUNS Fredrik Axelsson is the owner and chief designer of FX Airguns. He is also a competitor, personally winning the 2012 match. Air guns from FX are among the best in the world. I asked Axelsson how he made the transition from a teenager with a pellet gun to an air-gun Fredric Axelsson speaks with another shooter. powerhouse. He told me the following story. As a boy, Axelsson was obsessed with air guns. When he diverse, so stylish and so accurate. returned to them in his 20s, he was annoyed by the vibration and inaccuracy of his spring-powered air rifle. He wondered, ANDREW HUGGETT AND DAYSTATE “Why isn’t my rifle a smooth and stable extension of my “What day is this?” Andrew Huggett asked unexpectedly shooting form?” when we met, just behind the firing line in Green Valley. Axelsson built rifles from scratch, each time improving on He had been traveling for days from his home in northern his previous design. He never stopped innovating. England to Arizona. He’d been asked, at the last minute, to “The rifle, in my imagination, was always more interesting shoot Daystate’s project rifle, a .30-caliber Wolverine, in a than the one I had in my hand,” he said. one-of-a-kind benchrest stock, made by England’s Gary Cane. 70

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COMPETITIONS Cane’s stock was designed with a long forearm to support the rifle, rather than it resting on the 480cc carbon-fiber air bottle that stretches forward from the action. TIM MCMURRAY AND MAC 1 AIRGUN Tim McMurray must have air guns in his DNA. His grandfather, Les McMurray, opened an air gun shop in Los Angeles in the 1930s. Tim grew up in it, fixing, shooting

Daystate’s Wolverine project rifle, seen here, features an extended forearm that supports the air gun.

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and selling air guns. He and the family shop, now known as “Mac 1 Airgun,” have been fixtures of southern California air-gunning for decades. McMurray and Larry Durham collaborated on the USFT air rifle, which has dominated the field since its inception, in the 1990s. Later versions still rule Tim McMurray of Mac 1 Airgun, cocreator West Coast airof the USFT air rifle, smiles after winning Extreme Benchrest 2014. gun benchrest competitions. In 2011 Larry won the first Extreme Benchrest with a USFT in .22 caliber. For 2014, Tim rebarreled a USFT benchrest rifle to .30 caliber and added a large-capacity, carbon-fiber air tank to get the velocities needed for the 75-yard competition.


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COMPETITIONS CUSTOM OR PRODUCTION? Those three rifles couldn’t look more different. USFT may look like a collection of pipes and right angles, but it can shoot and is stunningly accurate. Daystate is all graceful lines. FX falls in between, with lines recalling 1950s Scandinavian furniture. These three guns were custom built for the match, but the production guns they are built from are for sale to the airgunning public. AND THE WINNER IS ... I shot on the same relay as McMurray. His USFT was huge, with its long barrel and carbon-fiber tank, and loud. Attached to the muzzle was a proprietary air stripper that redirects the turbulence of the muzzle blast from the pellet, but doesn’t mute the report. Each time he fired, I could hear a bellow over the pops and snaps of the other rifles. McMurray and Durham are a hard team to beat, and their rifle beat everyone. McMurray shot a 239 out of a possible

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The FX Boss was a common sight on the firing line.

250, topping the best scores from Europe and the Americas. As it now stands, the score is two wins for USFT, two for FX, and zero for Daystate. A whole new rivalry has been added to Extreme Benchrest. WSJ


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WSJ’S

76

Holster Showcase

Western Shooting Journal // March 2015


WSJ’S

Holster Showcase

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Accurate • Lightweight • Dependable

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207-899-3254 78

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Adam Brooks, the author’s son, takes aim.

YOUTH AT THE SHOOTING BENCH Marksmanship Just One Facet Of A Day At The Range For Young Guns STORY AND PHOTOS BY JASON BROOKS

R

esting the rifle in the Lead Sled, I kept asking, “Can you see the target?” while the squinty-eyed kid leaned forward, trying to see through the scope. When he finally replied, “Yes, I see it,” I gave the go-ahead to pull the trigger, and the .223 barked with an immediate report. “Did I hit it?” the boy asked. The can of soda sat untouched. But a few rounds later, it exploded – as did his brother, who let out a big “Wow! Did you see that?!” When it comes to youth and firearms, some people cringe, and though there is much debate on when and how to introduce shooting to the younger crowd, we as members of the shooting community must remember what it was like to plink when we were


Ryan Brooks prepares to fire.

young. Of course, safety is first and foremost, and needs to be stressed and taught. After the initial firearms fundamentals have been preached, it is important to remember to make it fun to go shooting. If not, then we just might find ourselves at the range alone, as the kids might rather stay home and play games on the Xbox.

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To make it fun, here are some things that I have incorporated into my range time with my two young boys. B.B. GUNS ARE FUN, BUT they don’t go “bang”; same with .22s. This is why one of the first firearms that both of my sons fired was my old Winchester Model 70 in .223. This light-recoiling

round makes a very loud report when fired, instilling in both boys that it was not a toy. The rifle is very accurate and fun to shoot, as well as fairly inexpensive. Once they both fired the .223 a few times, we switched over to a .22. My goal was to show them that firearms need to be taken seriously, and besides, it’s cool to shoot such a “big gun” as a kid. But to bring the point home that even a .22 was dangerous and not to be taken lightly, I put out a few fun targets. First, it was more cans of cheap soda, including a 2-liter bottle – well shaken, beforehand. The .22 caused them to explode, and most of the time, the cans and plastic bottles stayed in one piece, making for easy clean-up. Eventually, we moved to eggs, which make a serious splatter when hit with hollow points. As my sons grew up a little more, they wanted to start shooting my deer rifle and muzzleloader, so the targets went from eggs to pumpkins.


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Accuracy was the game, and of course, this meant the targets got smaller too, so we started shooting oranges and finally those small tangerines. Increasing the distance made it a real challenge, and soon the boys were having fun, making side wagers on who had to pick up all the brass if a shot was missed. For now, the rifles stayed in the vise. There was no need to have the boys shooting offhand, and safety is always stressed. As my oldest grew and became stronger, I brought out

the portable clay-pigeon thrower. My youngest had fun being the one who pulled the cord as his brother swung a single-shot .410. That made it a real family affair. At the end of the session, we went over what we had done that day and any safety violations that could have occurred. We left the range with smiles on our faces. It is important to remember that in today’s world, where tragedy is reported every hour by news groups and organizations that are trying to suppress our freedoms of owning

Gun safety includes keeping one’s finger off the trigger till it’s time to fire.

and shooting firearms, youths are who will be depended upon to keep our rights. WSJ

RESPECT YOUR RANGE I’ve discussed shooting “non-traditional” targets at the range. Our range consists of private land, near our home, on whic where we are allowed to plink cans and plastic bottles, as long as we clean them up. Make sure you check with public ranges if targets other than paper are allowed. With any nonbiodegradable targets, you must clean up after yourself. Leaving trash leads to land closures, which hurt responsible shootres. Never shoot glass, especially if you are on public land, and always account for all of your brass and hulls. Helping to clean up the range also teaches new shooters

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responsibility, and that is the most important gun lesson. And it doesn’t stop at the range. When we get home, my boys know that cleaning the guns is just as important as proper handling and storage. I field strip the firearm and then give each a task, making the chore of cleaning easier and faster. As I hand one kid the bolt, I will ask him about the parts of the firearm. The other is given the duty to wipe down the rifle, and while doing so, practice safe firearm handling and also name the parts. Not only is this teaching them how to properly maintain a firearm, but also respect it, and respect goes a long ways in today’s world.


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BEHIND THE BADGE

SNAPSHOT OF A COP Sgt. John Parow Has Risen From Humble Beginnings

INTERVIEW BY DANIELLE BRETEA • PHOTOS PROVIDED BY JOHN PAROW

John Parow is a sergeant of strategic tactics and response (STAR) with the St. Lucie County, Fla., Sheriff’s Office.

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was born in upstate New York. My family and I lived a modest life; most would say we were poor, but my parents did the best they could. At the ripe age of 5, my parents were struggling to find work, so they loaded up our station wagon – you know, the white ones with woodpaneled siding – and headed to Florida in search of work. It’s funny because I can still remember that car; it was completely rusted out and the gas tank sat inside the car with us, which made for a long trip. When we arrived, we lived in tents due to a lack of money. Yes, folks, my first start in Florida was in tents. I recall having to pack up once a month and stay in a hotel because the state park had rules about long-term camping. My parents found work at

a local thoroughbred training center in Indiantown, Fla. My father worked as a handy man with my mother and we soon moved into a small house on the property. I guess, truth be told, calling it a house was a bit of a stretch, but it was a lot better than tents, and this is where we lived for most of my childhood. I grew up playing football, ran track, and yes, got into trouble from time to time. WHEN I WAS A JUNIOR, the military peaked my interest as a way to get out on my own and serve my country. After looking into and researching all of the branches, I chose the Air Force. Knowing this is what I wanted to do when I graduated, I signed up when I was 17. Before leaving for boot camp, I was very nervous, since I had never

When off duty, Parow enjoys riding his 2005 Victory Vegas.

been away from home and it was also my first time flying. I arrived in San Antonio, Texas, and life on my own began with the yelling of a drill sergeant. I went on to tech school, westernshootingjournal.com 87


BEHIND THE BADGE defensive tactics instructor for the law enforcement academy. DANIELLE BRETEAU Why did you become a law enforcement officer? JOHN PAROW It sounds like a cliché answer, but I actually got into law enforcement because I truly like helping people. In this field, many people don’t like us overall, but if I can help one person, then that is what I am looking for. Parow kayaks at Loxahatchee River Battlefield Park, in Jupiter, Fla.

became a security policeman, and spent five years traveling to and from Korea. This is where I learned to appreciate the position and my ability to help people. After an honorable discharge I found a job in construction and realized how drawn I was to law enforcement. I focused on working during the day, putting myself through the academy at night, and was

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ultimately hired by St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office as a patrol deputy. Since then, I was promoted to detective within three years, managed and help create the computer forensics division, promoted again to sergeant, recently graduated with a master’s degree in criminal justice administration and am aspiring to a position as a lieutenant. I also spend much of my time as a firearms and

DB Best day as a cop? JP When I was part of the Internet Crimes Against Children task force, we were able to locate and save seven children who were actively being molested by adults. The feeling you get knowing that these children will no longer be taken advantage of is indescribable. DB Worst day as a cop? JP February 28th, 2013. On this day


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BEHIND THE BADGE

THE PROWLER STORY AND PHOTO BY RET. SGT. RALPH DETTWILER

In my years as an officer we received many prowler calls. Usually the person calling had heard something or sometimes saw something they thought was a prowler. This call came in as a report of a prowler at such and such an address. The area was a subdivision, so the neighborhood was a line of similar houses in a row. When we arrived, my partner told me, “You take the back and I’ll take the front.” I went to the back, between two houses, and ran into a man with a rifle. He was pointing it at another man who was at the fence between his house and the neighbor’s. The first thing I did was made sure they both knew that I was the police. The man with the rifle explained he had caught the other man prowling around and he didn’t want him to get away. I told the man it was fine and I would take over. He reluctantly went back inside. I walked up to the suspect and told

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him to keep his hands on the fence. He saw that I did not have my weapon out and that the rifle was no longer pointed at his back, so he decided it was the time to jump that 4-foot fence and beat feet. I had different thoughts, so I grabbed him and we started fighting against the fence. During all of this neither one of us made much noise. I did not call for the other deputy because I knew, after he checked the front, he would continue around to meet me, and that at that point, I would have help. Well, anyway, that was the way it’s supposed to work. To be honest, we got a lot of these calls and never found anybody. Most often we were able to calm the person who called and keep the area on extra patrol. My fellow officer and I thought that this would be the same type of situation. I had found out differently; the other officer still didn’t know and was talking to a neighbor. That man’s wife had also come outside. She decided that it was safe to check her backyard; after all, there were deputies on the scene. She came around

and saw me struggling with the prowler. It didn’t upset her at all; she walked back up front and asked the other officer, “Aren’t you going to help your partner?” He said, “Oh, he’s just checking the backyard, he’ll be around in a minute.” She said, “OK, I was just wondering, because he’s fighting with a guy back there, by the fence.” All I heard from my location was, “Oh, crap!” I looked up just in time to see the deputy jump the fence without even breaking stride. By this time I had the handcuffs on the suspect, so to be fair, I let my partner walk him to the car.


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BEHIND THE BADGE a fellow sergeant and friend was murdered while doing his job. During a traffic stop, the suspect exited his vehicle and executed him. There are no words for the feeling I had that day. DB Work related “YES” moment? JP This is a tough one because there have been several, but if I had to pick just one, it would be the day we were able to get a conviction on two individuals who murdered an entire family on the Florida Turnpike. DB Driving advice to the public? JP Pay attention to what is going on around you. This means stay off your phone, don’t read and drive or do anything else which takes your attention off where it should be. DB Most ridiculous reason you responded to a 911 call? JP If I picked only one, it would have to be an individual who wanted to report

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that his illegal drugs had been stolen. He could not understand why we would not do a report.

WE WERE ABLE TO SAVE CHILDREN FROM BEING MOLESTED DB Describe the type of cop you want to be in one word? JP Impartial. DB Hobbies? JP I love riding my motorcycle; it is a great stress reliever when dealing with the things we see on the job. I also volunteer for charity events and play a round of golf from time to time.

DB What are you working on to better yourself as a person? JP I have been going to school to further my education, and I am always working to be more physically fit. DB Overall message to anyone who might want to get into law enforcement? JP I would tell them to please make sure you know why you want to be in this job. I believe that so many people get into it for the wrong reasons. DB What do you feel you have learned the most since you started in this profession? JP I have learned to be confident. Before I was in law enforcement, I had trouble talking to strangers and standing up in front of crowds. Now I can do both and even teach. The other thing I have learned is patience. There is nothing like this job to teach you that. WSJ


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BLACK POWDER

THAT’S USING YOUR THINKING CAP-PER! How A Modern Straight-Line Muzzleloader Capper Came Into Being STORY AND PHOTOS BY MIKE NESBITT

This is Cash Manufacturing’s Straight-Line capper. You will notice the cap, held in the spring clamp, ready to go on the nipple.

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hen we talk about accessories and assorted plunder for shooting our muzzleloading arms, we sometimes want to get too technical, which can make us overlook some of the very good, but very basic, things we need. That type of thinking does keep us nicely up to date with our black powder shooting, but we aren’t helping the beginners as much as we should. With that in mind, it’s time to take a good look at an old standard, the capper for percussion guns. And while I’m telling you about this item and how to use it, we can bet that more than a few of our old-timers have not heard all that I’m going to say about this handy accessory. The item is the straight-line capper from Cash Manufacturing, the “standard” version for No. 11 caps. Yes, this item has been in their catalog for several years, but we can still take a good long look at it. Several years ago, Tedd Cash told

me a story that really must be shared again so new shooters can enjoy it too. This took place when Cash was a young man, while he was still earning his reputation for making authentic brass items for muzzleloading shooters who enjoyed using plunder

these that works?” That’s exactly what Cash did, and he took some of his early samples to the next Spring Friendship shoot. Gostomski, always with a grand sense of humor, told everyone that he had given Cash the idea for the capper and had even told him how to do it.

EVEN OLD-TIMERS HAVE NOT HEARD ALL THAT I’M GOING TO SAY that “fit their eras.” He was part of a group of shooters who were on their way to the Eastern Rendezvous which was being held in West Virginia that year. Another member of that group was Curly Gostomski, who would later become so well known for starting North Star Enterprises. Gostomski was loading caps into an imported straight-line capper and he was having trouble with it. He turned to Cash and said, “Why don’t you make one of

That, of course, was a good joke, but the Cash Straight-Line capper was an instant success. Gostomski passed away in the 1990s and Cash considers the Straight-Line capper to be his tribute to him. THE STRAIGHT-LINE CAPPER is made of brass with a solid body. Its “cap channel” is made with precise dimensions to allow easy and unrestricted movement of No. 11 westernshootingjournal.com 95


Attached to a beaded necklace, this is the author’s personal Cash Rifle Capper.

caps. They do admit that some No. 10 caps have problems. The body of this capper holds 20 caps. Inside the cap channel there is a “follower” and a small coil spring. That spring is there to keep the follower from sliding too far back, if the capper is held pointing up, which would expose the loading port in the back of the capper body. Exposing that port might mean losing some caps. Also, there is what appears to be

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a wire lanyard ring at the back of the capper, but that ring is actually meant to loop across the knob of the follower to hold it back, with the loading port open, while filling the capper. Using a straight-line capper is simple and you never want to use the follower to push on the caps; always use gravity to let the caps flow to the spring clamp, where they will be applied to the gun’s nipple. The way to “charge” that spring clamp is to hold that end of the capper down, put the clamp over the gun’s nipple, and then pull the capper straight away or sideways from the nipple. That will open the spring clamp, allowing the next cap in line to enter the clamp. Then you will be ready for the next capping. Applying the cap to the nipple is done the same way. Pull the capper sideways to pull the cap out of the spring clamp while holding the capper in a way that allows gravity to pull the next cap in line. This will then slide into the clamp. WHILE THE CASH STRAIGHT-LINE CAPPER is hard to beat, my favorite is the Cash Rifle Capper, which will hold about 75 No. 11 caps. This capper has a lifetime warranty and I’ve had mine for over 30 years, it has never needed repairs. The Rifle Capper works on all side-lock rifles and shotguns, and it can work on some in-line rifles, but it cannot be used on percussion revolvers. (For those, Cash makes the Universal Capper, which has a thinner “nose” so it will reach the nipples on the revolver’s cylinders.) To apply a cap to the nipple with the Rifle Capper, you push the button on the side of the capper while holding the “nose” down. That allows one cap to fall into position by gravity flow, then release that button so the cap is held in position. Center the cap on the nipple and push it down, then pull the capper away to the side, just like with Cash’s Straight-Line Capper, and the cap will stay in place on the gun’s nipple. The Rifle Cappers are available in brass or German silver, and those can be purchased with either a bright

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BLACK POWDER With the Rifle Capper opened you can see the large cap storage area.

finish or a matte finish. The matte finish is just not as reflective as the bright. Prices for the Rifle Cappers range from $24.75 to $31.75, depending on the metal and finish, and both

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are good, dependable, cappers, no matter which version you prefer. The Cash Straight-Line capper is priced at $12.50, and one of these will give several years of good use. WSJ

Editor’s note: Contact Cash Manufacturing Co. by writing to PO Box 130, Waunakee, WI 53597, or phone them at (608) 849-5664. You can also visit their website at tdcmfg.com.


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Book Review Roy Marcot’s book on Remington’s Rolling Block rifles is richly illustrated.

A BOOK TO TREASURE REMINGTON ROLLING BLOCK RIFLES, CARBINES & SHOTGUNS, TARGET & SPORTING RIFLES, BY ROY MARCOT REVIEW BY MIKE NESBITT

I

really wish I had seen Roy Marcot’s tome to Remington Rolling Block rifles sooner. Fantastically illustrated, it provides a look back into the history of a firearm that traces its roots to the mid-1860s, by an author who has published numerous historical books, including several on Remington, rifles and a firearms inventor. Some will say the book’s real highlight is the photography, and they would be right. The images of rifles, cartridges, boxes, sights and other accessories are presented in an array

of visuals that are highly detailed. Because the No. 1 Sporting Rifle had a bit of an evolution, differences from early to late sporting rifles, such as early to late front sights, early to late trigger guards, and much of the custom work done during the late 1800s, are well depicted. AT 330 PAGES, the book is broken down into 17 chapters. The first dozen are dedicated to the No. 1 Sporting Rifle. Remington offered several versions of the No. 1, including the Remington Buffalo rifles, which were advertised in 1872. Those were in .50-70 caliber,

and were offered at about the same time as the Remington Deer Rifle. This was a lighter version of the No. 1, chambered for the .46 rimfire cartridge. The other chapters are dedicated to the Remington Rolling Block rifles No. 1½, 2, 4, 5 Sporting & Target Rifles, and the No. 7, all equally as interesting as the No. 1. There is a lot more of this in the book, one to treasure if you’re a real fan of rolling block rifles. It’s available for around $85 through northcapepubs.com as well as Amazon. WSJ westernshootingjournal.com 101


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The Well Armed Woman has 210 chapters in 45 states, including Apple Valley, Calif., where the ladies on the line give the thumb’s up.

Intelligent women

MAKING AN INDUSTRY CREATING A COMPREHENSIVE SOURCE FOR WOMEN AND GUNS STORY BY DANIELLE BRETEAU • PHOTOS BY CARRIE LIGHTFOOT

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hen I spoke to Carrie Lightfoot, founder of The Well Armed Woman (TWAW), I might have expected to speak with someone who happened to be a woman and happened to like guns. What I got was a force of motivation for an entire demographic in the shooting world. She not only likes firearms – her schnauzer-terrier mix is named Sig-Sauer – but is passionate about women in the industry overall. Lightfoot says that women are a group with specific, physiological and mental requirements that can be tailored to through intelligent insight. Lightfoot is business minded, and with a plethora of professions and interests under her belt, she recently turned her focus to firearms. This thought occurred to her when she

was spending time around and in “interesting” neighborhoods, where she volunteered to help povertystricken people and considered owning a firearm for protection. She says the information that she found online was sexualized and almost condescending. She felt she had intelligent questions, a true desire to understand the value of gun ownership, and to be properly trained. Her search results did not yield similar answers. With a glint in her entrepreneurial eye, she realized there was a vast area missing, for people just like her. She decided that since no one else was doing it, she would. With the focus of becoming a stand-alone source for all things “women and gun,” The Well Armed Woman is just that. Since lift-off a

Carrie Lightfoot, owner and founder of The Well Armed Woman (TWAW).

mere three years ago, Lightfoot has taken the industry by storm. Not only does her company provide gear for female shooters, but a portal for education, support, and training specifically targeted westernshootingjournal.com 105


towards the psychological aspects of how a woman’s mind processes information (worry not, gentlemen). Some of the equipment offered is designed by Lightfoot herself. For example, she redesigned the bellyband holster. Previously, any lady who attempted to wear one would tell you it functions more as a girdle than a holster. Unless you wanted that dual-action capability, it might not have worked so well. So, Lightfoot created one for people with shorter torsos. The thigh rig has also been redesigned for women wearing skirts or dresses. “This is not sexy, it’s a piece of equipment that works!” she says emphatically. A large aspect of The Well Armed Woman is the training side. This is not a silly women’s outing at the range, called training. This is a full-fledged NRA dual instructor program. There is an additional TWAW certification rounding out the triad. The thought process here

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TWAW has trained and certified 175 female firearms instructors. This class graduated in April 2013.

is that women learn in specific ways and communicate in a language all their own (a code the boys may never crack). When working with female instructors, female students can achieve higher learning and understanding. To acquire all three certifications, students must attend a three-day course; the program is receiving hundreds of women from as far as Puerto Rico and Alaska. The thought has never been to infiltrate the male-dominated industry, but to create a stand-alone,

supplemental industry with all the nuances that a demographic requires. For more info, training, and gear, visit thewellarmedwoman. com, where you will possibly find a TWAW chapter in your area. There are only 210 in 45 states so far, which is stunning, considering the nonprofit “chapter program” was launched just two years ago. A fast-growing part of the firearms industry, the response to The Well Armed Woman proves it’s here to stay. WSJ


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SHOOTING WITH LARYSA

A DREAM SHOT COME TRUE How Practice Made For A Perfect – And Award-winning – Shot For Larysa STORY AND PHOTOS BY LARYSA SWITLYK

As evidenced by not just a great shot but an award for it, Larysa Switlyk is at the top of her game.

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hen the Sportsman Channel revealed its long-awaited 2014 Sportsmans Channel Choice Award winners in January 2015, our columnist Larysa Switlyk, host of Larysa Unleashed, won “Shot Of The Year,” with her shot titled “Fast Reflex Doe.” Here’s her story:

A PERFECT DOUBLE-LUNG SHOT

I’LL NEVER FORGET THIS HUNT and the shot that won the award – I’d dreamed about for five years. I’m an instinctual shooter, so I shoot better when the target is moving

hitting you while trying to shoot them! That, along with a lot of practice on moving targets, was great preparation for this whitetail deer hunt. It took place on the islands of the

and I don’t have time to overthink my shot. Prior to this hunt, I had set a women’s record for shooting flying Asian carp with a bow. Let me tell you, there is nothing like having hundreds of fish jumping out of the water and

upper Mississippi River, outside of Lacrosse, Wis. My guide put me at one end of an island, with my cameraman and the rest of the crew on the other. They walked the island towards us, causing the deer to spook away from

them and run towards me, what they call a “deer drive.” After waiting about 45 minutes, without warning we heard a noise in the distance, so I quickly drew my bow. westernshootingjournal.com 109


SHOOTING WITH LARYSA Out of nowhere multiple deer were running straight towards us, at full speed. I spotted one doe running at me through my peep sight. At 5 yards the doe stared me straight in the eyes, then quickly decided to avoid me by turning lef. That gave me a chance to release my arrow for a perfect doublelung shot. I aimed with my sight, knew where I was aiming, and through practice and instinct, I led her just enough to hit exactly where I was aiming, then finished with a smooth follow through. The deer made it less than 80 yards before she dropped. Now, I do not suggest shooting at a moving animal. You should only take a shot on an animal when your skill level is comfortable with the conditions you have practiced in. The best hunters out there know their limitations. I have practiced taking shots on moving

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take the shot. I wanted the deer to present me with a better shot, and when he did, I had a tree blocking my shot, so it didn’t come together. Afterwards, my cameraman asked me why I hadn’t taken the shot. I explained Larysa and her awardthat there winning “Fast Reflex Doe.” was a reason targets, and I know my ability. I I had hesitated, as I was not fully personally felt comfortable releasing comfortable with it. I had never my arrow on that running doe. practiced shooting at something A great example of my knowing directly below me, so I wasn’t 100 limitations is having had a “shooter percent sure of the correct place to aim buck” under my stand, but with only or which pin to use. You should never a two-second window to release an shoot at something unless you have arrow. I personally hesitated and didn’t practiced that shot and the angles of


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SHOOTING WITH LARYSA

The award marks a dream’s culmination.

where to shoot. Remember one simple rule: If you aren’t confident in the delivery of a shot, you shouldn’t shoot. BACK TO THE AWARD: The Sportsmans Channel Choice Awards are voted on by the viewers. This was the first time the “Shot of the Year” award had been presented to a female. It was the culmination of a goal I’d set for

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myself years ago before diving into the industry. I come from a family that criticized me for my passion, and it wasn’t until I found the outdoor industry that I had the courage to follow my dreams and start my own show. I once snuck into an awards show and watched others win awards for their productions. It was at that moment that I pictured myself on the stage accepting my own award. I gave myself five years to achieve that goal. It has been a rollercoaster creating and self-producing my own outdoors show and having to learn the business without help. It’s been a lot of hard work, but I’ve learned from my mistakes and never gave up. I’m still in shock from winning the award. I had achieved the goal I set for myself, and I am living proof that if you work hard enough, you can turn your dream into a reality! This is what Larysa Unleashed is all about,

passionately pursuing adventures in the outdoors. Go ahead, unleash your dreams! WSJ ditor’s note: To catch new episodes of Larysa Unleashed, tune into The Sportsman Channel now till June on Sundays at 2 p.m. and Wednesday at 12 p.m., Eastern Standard Time.

Larysa is the first female to be presented with the “Shot of the Year” award.


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women and guns

GOING ALL IN FOR BEAR For NRA’s Tatiana Whitlock, First Big Game Hunt Is About More Than The Shot STORY AND PHOTOS BY TATIANA WHITLOCK Editor’s note: Tatiana Whitlock is an NRA Women’s Network contributor who owns and operates a Maine-based company that makes targets for civilian, law enforcement and military markets. Also a practitioner of the style of self-defence known as krav maga, she is our new Woman And Guns columnist, and in this story, Whitlock goes all in on her first ever bear hunt! THE PILGRIMAGE NORTH Our camo-clad Jeep was packed with gear, guns, a large white cooler and the hopes we wouldn’t come home empty-handed. After a long ride filled with hilarious B-role stories from past hunts, discussions about the ongoing battle against a bear referendum, and a prehunt pep talk, Steve Beckwith and I arrived at Fish River Lodge. I must admit I was shocked to find that the drive from the densely populated city of Portland, Maine, Tatiana Whitlock with her first bear, a boar taken in northern Maine. to a town of 800, which was just a stone’s throw from the Canadian border, was only five hours and three major roads away. Eagle Lake, on which of camp and full attention of our rock star Maine master guides. the lodge sits, did not disappoint. The lake mirrored clear skies, The Bennet’s lodge is exactly what you romanticize a while a warm breeze and three enthusiastic German shorthaired hunting lodge would be. Log construction, few right angles, deer, pointers greeted us as we made our way to Cabin No. 5. bear and bird mounts on the walls, a giant Eric Vogle custom wood stove, and wifi at full strength. Wait, a log cabin in the middle of nowhere with a great wifi signal? Real people live here, and they are living the dream. After a dinner of lobster, corn, baked potato, Wayne’s homemade bread (did I mention he is also a professional chef?) To say that everything about this place and this trip redefined and Tenley’s famous blueberry upside-down cake, we had our my past conceptions of what hunting was all about is an hunter’s orientation. Tenley discussed what we could expect understatement. The cabin was fully renovated with granite on the hunt and some basic guidelines that she and Wayne countertops, a fully applianced oak kitchen and flat screen TV requested we respect while under their guidance in the woods. in the open-concept living room. It could comfortably sleep What many folks don’t realize is that Maine hunters live and up to eight and was hardly the creaky-cot-lit-by-oil-lamp-andhunt by a code that goes above and beyond written law. There is decorated-with-cobwebs cabin I recall from my youth. no tolerance for a hunter who takes a shot that isn’t perfect and We met our guides and hosts, Tenley Bennet and her only wounds a bear. We received a lesson bears’ anatomy and husband Wayne, who have run the lodge for the past 10 years. discussed shot placement as well as effectiveness at different They instantly welcomed us as family with easy, genuine smiles angles. I started feeling that pang of nervousness mixed with and a welcome-home hug. Our small group of five had the run excitement.

MAINE HUNTERS LIVE BY A CODE

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women and guns THE HUNT BEGINS Who can sleep the night before their first big game hunt? Certainly not I. Fortunately, with Tenley, Steve and I planning to leave camp at 3 p.m. for our hunt site, I had the morning to nap on the dock with the camp dogs, which seemed to feel obligated to babysit this novice from the city. The stillness was broken only by the sound of a hunter confirming zero at the camp range. The ride to the bait site was epic. Tenley and Steve shared Maine guide stories while I white-knuckled the dash. The 13 miles of logging road that led to the site bobbed and weaved. I haven’t felt that seasick in years. The coastal girl who I am instinctively looked for the horizon, but the towering pines swayed and seemed to laugh at me in return. A little woozy but far too excited to care, we quietly got out of the truck and crept into the woodline. While Tenley serviced the bait site with a fresh batch of trail mix, Steve and I climbed up and into the buddy blind 37 yards away. Not more than five minutes after Tenley left us, the till-then silent forest came alive. Red squirrels erupted around the bait site and then raced up the trees to inspect us. At first, their cartoon-cute little faces and antics were sweet and amusing, but there would be no commercial break from their incessant high-pitched barking. On the ride back to camp, Tenley and Steve tried to explain why I shouldn’t be disappointed about not seeing bear on the first sit. But how could I be disappointed? I was elated. Addicted,

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Fish River Lodge sits on picturesque Eagle Lake, in northern Maine.

even. I didn’t even notice the roller-coaster ride to pavement – all I could think of was how centered, calm, relaxed and happy I was. Imagine, five hours without cell phones, without the buzz of push notifications from social media and email. Five hours without the need to speak. Just a block of time wherein your only obligation is to watch, listen and be completely still. I had no idea that kind of peace could be found in the ritual of the hunt. That night I slept like a baby. Day two at the bait site was much like the first. With great anticipation we took in every moving shadow in the moments when the forest went quiet. Was a bear coming? From the condition of the site it was clear that one had dined there the night prior. We began short baiting the site to see if, with less food, our bear would believe he had competition and arrive


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RESPECT AND RESPONSIBILITY The sound of the shot meant Tenley wasn’t far behind. She greeted us with a huge smile at the base of our tree, and listened as we recounted what happened minutes before. “Well, let’s see what we’ve got,” she said. There was no blood to mark where the shot had impacted my bear, only a long, sweeping scrape in the ground where he had propelled forward and fled into the woods. Our gaze rose as we followed tracks that led into the thicket. And there he was, not 30 yards away. The wave of relief that hit me was more like a tsunami. It had been a good shot and he hadn’t had time to suffer. I held his massive head in my hands and relief turned to reverence. Most bear appear to shrink in size from what you perceive them to be in your stand to what they actually are on the ground. Not this

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There was nothing. The longer we waited, the sicker I became. Had I missed? Had I only wounded him? The idea of my possible ineptness resulting in a suffering animal was overwhelming. The instant replay in my mind of exactly where I placed that dot was confirmed by replaying the shot on Steve’s HD camera. “It was a good shot,” he said. “He can’t be far.” I was ill and wouldn’t believe it until I saw it.

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earlier to get his snack. It worked. Three hours into the third sit, Steve nudged me and in a low, slow whisper said “We’ve got a bear.” From his line of sight, he caught a glimpse of black feet coming towards us, under the thick brush of the woods. Though we couldn’t hear the bear approach, apparently the pesky squirrels did, and they vanished, leaving the forest silent. The large animal made no sound as he cautiously swaggered into the site. Sniffing the air, he looked right at us. I could feel my heart race. I remembered our guides instructions: Make sure it isn’t a female with babies. Wait for the perfect shot. Wait for him to turn. Soon, his attention shifted and he started for the trail mix, turning broadside to me. It would have been a perfect shot right then and there, but the sun was shining directly into my optic and all I could see was the milky haze that the shaft of light created. The bear wasn’t convinced we weren’t just shadows in the tree he was so familiar with, and slowly turned to go back the way he came. Steadying my aim I caught a break in the sun and enough shadow for the red dot to align perfectly. As he quartered away, that magic spot – a third down from his back and centerline of his foreleg – appeared. My shot broke, he humped his shoulders and took off at full gate, crashing through the woods. I clicked the safety on, did a mental instant replay and Steve and I waited for the tell-tale death moan.


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women and guns one. He looked every bit as magnificent in person as he had 37 yards away. I didn’t let him down with my shot and I wasn’t going to let him down now. He was my responsibility and I wasn’t going to disrespect him by standing back and letting others handle him from here. Tenley and I dragged all 283 pounds of him out of the woods ourselves. Thankfully, our truck had an electric winch and we were able to hoist him the final hundred feet, then up a ramp and into the bed. This was the transition point between two worlds, where my bear went from being a creature of the woods to food for my family. The gratitude and respect we felt towards the animal was astounding. On the ride out of the woods to the tagging station, I asked how involved Tenley and Wayne allowed their guests to be in the processing of the animals. “As involved as you’d like to be. What did you have in mind?” they asked. “All of it,” I said.

Back at camp with her prize, Tatiana poses with master Maine guide, Tenley Bennet.

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THE HARVEST Growing up, we had a family rule for when it came to interacting with nature: “If you kill it, you clean it, and you’d better eat it!” After dinner that night, I got my first lesson in gutting something bigger than a turkey. Honestly, I wasn’t sure when or where in the process I would find myself dry heaving on the sidelines, but I figured I’d just keep going until that happened.


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women and guns To my surprise, I made it through the entire process without a flinch. Holding the lungs and heart in my hands I could see the path my round had traveled. The shot had, in fact, been perfect and penetrated both lungs and the heart. The next morning, Tenley and Steve walked me through the process of skinning my bear. It probably would have gone faster in more skilled hands, but I was committed to making sure I didn’t cut through the hide and that the only two holes in it were where the bullet went in and went out. For me, being careful and meticulous was more about honoring the animal than wanting a perfect bear blanket. With the hide removed and wrapped for tanning, we moved on to cutting and bagging the meat, which was then frozen. In the final stages, I had help from another hunter and Steve, whose experience ensured the meat was cut properly by kind, and nothing went to waste. Steve and I would process it into sealed packages for cooking later. THE REAL TROPHY The mood at camp the next day was relaxed and upbeat. Both hunters had tagged out, and the camp had a no-trackingnecessary season, which meant that all the bear taken were taken with good shots. No hunter who came through camp this year had wounded a bear either, and Tenley, Wayne, Shannon the cook and Brandon the camp’s adopted son couldn’t have been

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Not afraid to get her hands dirty, Tatiana skins her fat-rich black bear.

more proud of the 100 percent track record. We had many more adventures in the week we spent at Fish River Lodge, and the lessons learned and experiences we enjoyed could easily fill a lot more pages. We are blessed for the little boar that would fill our freezer and nourish our body and spirit. WSJ


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TOO STUPID TO QUIT The Longest Lion Hunt

STORY AND PHOTOS BY NATHAN ASKEW, BULLET SAFARIS

I

t wasn’t the first time I’d heard the phrase “too stupid to quit” directed at me. However, it was nice to have a client who saw himself in the same light. If I have my mind set on something, it’s going to get done, one way or another. Today, as the 17 days before, a lion was on my mind. I was running out of time and I needed to catch one quick. My client Wayne and I were on day 18 of a 21-day safari. I hunted hard every day, as is always the case when I am guiding; hunting is not only my passion, it’s also my livelihood. I had done everything right and worked every daylight hour – I even resorted to moving baits in the dark to try to get ahead of these cats. But despite our effort and preparation, Wayne and I were behind the 8-ball, so to speak. By this point in a safari, I usually have my clients relaxing by the fire and contemplating sleeping in a morning or two. They have their main animal in the salt, as opposed to dragging a six-day-old zebra carcass through the African night to a new location where someone may have seen a lion track. The 17 long days before were all about the same: up at 4:30 a.m., depart camp before 5:30, and cover ground, collecting, hanging and checking bait. Throw in a few rotten gut drags – a sort of long-distance calling card for predators – hours in the hot sun, a picnic lunch under a tree, and you get the idea. This schedule is interesting and fun to your average client for about three days; then it just smells bad. This is, however, what it takes to get a cat on bait. Lions are on their own schedule and typically hard to locate. A little luck never hurts; I have found in cat hunting that luck is

While pursuing their lion, the author (right) and client Wayne had a chance to take a trophy lesser kudu bull.

directly proportional to hard work, the amount of meat in the trees, and timing. Our timing had to be a bit off; I had everything else checked off the list. WE WERE IN THE RIGHT PLACE, I knew that. This part of southeastern Africa and its ecosystem is second to none for producing large cats, with great mane quality, though you might not know it at first glance. I have hunted all over the continent, and on first appearance this area is similar to other

so-called “lion country.” There’s some plains game and decent elephant movement across big country with varied vegetation. Lions cover a large territory, and contrary to what you see on the Discovery Channel, you seldom find a pride of 10 or so relaxing under a shade tree on the savanna. You find them covering ground in small bands under the cover of darkness, hunting on their own or in tandem, and keeping loose contact with one another through scent markings and calling to each other. There were a lot westernshootingjournal.com 125


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of lions here and the draw card in this area was the chance at an old male that had been kicked out of his territory. These battered lions are sentenced to a nomadic life, roaming until their eventual death due to lack of hunting ability or old age. Mother Nature is tough on an old lion; their death is a terrible one from starvation or at the hands of a rival male. The herdsmen in this area don’t cut a lion any slack

is the only proven and sustainable combination that currently works in Africa for man and beasts, outside of the federally run national parks. We had managed a little bit of trigger time along the way. We shot a lesser kudu on day three, a zebra on day four, a greater kudu on day eight, and another zebra on day 13. All animals were split into manageable parts and hung for lion bait. We also

HE HAD BEEN LUCKY ENOUGH TO GET CHARGED BY A BULL ELEPHANT AND CHASED BY A PYTHON either. From personal accounts, they and their razor-sharp spears are ready for combat with a lion when necessary. Our hunting area was large and borders a national park to one side and a small community on the other, with lots of bush in between. This 126

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supplemented our trap line with three cattle purchased from the village folks. One of the cows had been injured during a night-time raid by a group of three lions. The lions attacked in our second week of hunting, within a kilometer of our camp. They had

caught and consumed a calf and tried to take down another larger cow. The locals intervened sometime during the attack, but the lions escaped with the small calf in tow. We set-up on the cattle raiders, but unfortunately they had consumed the entire calf in the thick bush and then moved on. This is always a problem with hunting cats. They will usually stick around if there is meat available, unless they are disturbed or the chance of mating is around. Once the meat is gone, it’s back to patrolling their territory and hunting. I saw their tracks headed away from our set-up the next morning, most likely back to the national park, perhaps to let things in the village cool off. During the course of the hunt, we located several male lions and I also picked up two different tracks of solitary males near watering holes. Another lion, one which I had high hopes for, was brought to our


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This young boy spent everyday in the bush with his cattle and led the hunting party to a cowkilling lion that he had confronted a week earlier.

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attention by a young Bar Beck tribesman. He claimed to be 16 years old, but looked much younger. He lived with his family and their livestock well off the beaten path, even for Africa. We hiked into his boma (a cattle corral and living area) and found a scene from hundreds of years ago. A thorn fence surrounded three small huts. A few chickens pecked around the enclosure and there was a small fire outside the main mud hut. There were two children running around and one infant strapped to the back of her barely clothed mother. She greeted us, half surprised and half worried. In broken Swahili she tried to explain, to my trackers, what had happened. The story went something like this: “… Middle of the night a big lion tracks the cattle to our home; the same simba was responsible for taking another cow in a few months before …” “…Lion jumps over thorn bush barrier and latches onto the large white cow … The family sleeping nearby wakes immediately and chases snarling lion into the bush ...” The boy’s responsibility in life was to keep track of the family’s cattle, same as many other young men throughout Africa. If that meant going toe to toe with the king of beasts, then that was just part of doing business. He offered to take me to where the lion drank, ran to collect his spear from his hut, and we headed further into the bush. We trekked to a remote water hole in the bush. Along the way I asked him about the spear he carried. The boy told me that he had thrown his spear at two different lions in his time,


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and that he really wanted to kill this one. At the water hole he brought us to, sure enough, there was a large pugmark in the mud, presenting another great chance to get a cat. We hung a bait near the water and I left the boy with the local equivalent of

$20 and a Coke. MY CLIENT WAYNE HAD NOT SEEN a lion yet, though he had been lucky enough to shoot several plains game animals, get charged by a bull elephant and chased by a python. It was increasingly difficult to explain to him how close

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we really were to our goal, and that his team was on the trail of five different male lions. We seemed to be just behind the cats, which is usually the problem when lion hunting. Success comes when you can guess ahead of their movements and have a bait waiting on them, or by stumbling onto a natural kill. Stumbling onto a kill sounds like luck – and luck helps – but you have to cover lots of ground and have enough experience to recognize the signs of a natural kill. That is what happened to us on day 17. Early that morning while looking for elephant, I had spotted a marabou stork in a tree. Not having seen many in this area, I pointed it out to my tracker, who took note. A few minutes later, I tapped on the top of our truck, bringing it to a stop. The tracker and I both pointed at our nose and then to the left. Everyone on the truck caught a whiff. We unloaded and went by foot into the forest. We moved slowly, looking, listening and communicating with hand signals. I pointed out a fresh

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One of the author’s fellow hunters prepares a trophy greater kudu, both for its cape and for the meat which will be hung to attract a male lion.

pugmark in the wet soil beneath a large tree in the middle of the thicket. I could hear Wayne take his gun off his shoulder to the ready position. This lion was close. When we found the dead elephant, there wasn’t a lion around, but his presence was evident. Around the carcass were

a few scattered tracks, along with a territory marking. That was proof enough to me that the elephant had been claimed; we began to plan our ambush. That evening we sat in mashon (elevated blind), but the only thing to show up was a very alert jackal. Jackals are frequently found just

behind a lion – waiting for the leftovers. We did not see the lion, but I knew, things were falling into place. The next morning I woke Wayne up at 4:30. He didn’t say so, but I could tell he was not interested in getting out of bed. I couldn’t blame him: I was tired as well. We had many long days behind us and they were taking an obvious toll on us both. But it was of the utmost importance that we were on this cat at first light, so we dragged ourselves out of our tents. My plan was to get to the bait just as light allowed us to see enough for a shot. We drove into a small herd of elephants with a very impressive bull. They were no more than 50 yards from the truck and we could have easily pursued and shot. But when you’re hunting cats, you hunt cats! Any distractions that take time away from that can be your downfall. We approached the bait slowly and there was our lion, contently feeding on the elephant carcass.

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THE LION WAS FACING AWAY FROM US. He knew we were there, which I could tell by his ear movement. Eventually he gave us a “this is my meat and you’re not getting it” look over his shoulder. With that, I told Wayne to shoot four ribs back to send This lion was estimated at over 12 years of age, ancient for an African big cat. Its scarred face tells of a tough life.

the bullet through to the opposite shoulder. He did just that. The .375 Swift A-Frame bullet hit the lion through the boiler room. He came unglued and sprang 4 feet straight up. As per our agreement, I backed up my friend with a .470 Nitro

Express, hitting the cat through both hips while he was in the air. The old warrior only made it a few yards into the bush before it was all over. The lion was estimated to be 13 years old, definitely in his last year of life. He was a fantastic trophy with a full mane and a 26-inch skull (minus one canine broke in half ). He had most likely lost his pride in a violent battle; the scars from many battles were evident all over his body. He was missing his right eye and had a deep puncture wound in the top of his head, no doubt from the clash that dethroned this king of beasts. He was thin in his old age, thus his persistence to claim the elephant carcass for as long as he could. This animal would not have been able to provide for himself much longer. The law of the jungle would have turned against him soon. WSJ Editor’s note: The author is a professional hunter with Bullet Safaris.

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ROAD HUNTER

TAG-TEAM TURKEYS Taking The Family Out For Gobblers A Great Introduction To Hunting, Outdoors STORY AND PHOTOS BY SCOTT HAUGEN

S

pring is a wonderful time of year to be afield, not only hunting, but also spending time with the family. Of all the great hunting opportunities we have in the U.S., when it comes to introducing youth, spring

turkey season is tough to beat. This time of year, conditions are warm, or at least mild and comfortable. As grasses green, flowers blossom, and birds come to life in the woods. It’s one of the most enjoyable times to be afield. With all the comforts, and plenty to appease a young hunter’s curiosity, turkey hunting can be the ticket to hooking youth on hunting and the outdoors.

Turkey hunting is ideal for introducing youth to a great shooting sport. Even if kids are too young to pull the trigger, get them afield, let them work box calls and set decoys, as their participation is key.

Since my sons were 2 years old, my wife, Tiffany, and I made it a point to take them turkey hunting with us, even before they were old enough to tag a tom. We let them work box calls, help set decoys, and took the time to share all that’s happening in the spring woods. We also made it fun for them. Taking snacks and a thermos of hot chocolate, into the turkey blind, was something both boys looked forward to. We also took hand warmers for them to play with and keep warm, on


ROAD HUNTER This photo: Letting kids do their own calling greatly sparks their interest in turkey hunting. Practice before hitting the field, and start with a box call, as they’re forgiving, easy to work and sound great. Right: Two days after going through an emergency appendectomy, Scott Haugen took his 4-year-old son, Braxton, turkey hunting. Braxton spotted this big tom and shared in all the action of the hunt.

those chilly mornings. Giving them their own set of binoculars, taught them hunting skills and piqued their interest in nature. We also took time to sightsee as a family, and still do when on the road. The boys, now teenagers, still talk

about how fun it was going to water parks in northern California, driving through Yellowstone Park and seeing South Dakota’s Custer State Park, as well as touring the Alamo in Texas; and it was turkey hunting that led us to these destinations.

Our oldest son, Braxton, took his first turkey at the age of 6, in Texas. Both boys took their first Oregon toms at age 9. For both boys, spring turkey hunting sparked an overall interest in hunting, in general, which naturally transitioned into fall turkey hunting and bigger game. If you don’t have children of your own to take turkey hunting, consider reaching out to youth in your area.

FAMILY TURKEY DESTINATIONS

1

DEVILS TOWER, WYOMING

The northeastern corner of Wyoming offers some of the country’s best hunting for Merriam’s turkeys. These birds are usually responsive to calling, which makes it fun for everyone. The locale is near the Montana border to the north and South Dakota to the east. This means you can easily hunt in three states and take in Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park and Old West towns and historical sites.

2

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Spring turkey season kicks off early in northern California, and temperatures can be quite warm. Due to the dry, usually hot conditions, the best hunting occurs in the first two hours of the day, leaving the rest of the time to explore water parks, museums and more.

3

WEST-CENTRAL OREGON

It’s said, by many hard-core turkey hunters, that western Oregon’s golden triangle holds the highest density of turkeys anywhere in the West. From Roseburg over to the little town of Elkton, back to Oakland, turkeys thrive. In fact, hunters can fill three tags here, and there’s more to do than just hunt. Smallmouth bass, spring Chinook and shad are in the Umpqua

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River, which runs near all these towns. There are many hiking and mountain biking trails in the foothills of the Cascades too.

Spring turkey hunting and family fun, go hand-in-hand, this time of year.

4

WEST TEXAS

5

EASTERN WASHINGTON AND IDAHO’S PANHANDLE

Texas is one of the best states, west of the Mississippi, to hunt turkeys. With so many birds and such great incentives for youth, opportunities abound. Youth tags are cheap and kids can take multiple birds. Conditions are warm, and feral hogs and exotic deer can be hunted at the same time.

The eastern portion of Washington, from Walla Walla to north of Spokane, and the northern reaches of Idaho, from Lewiston to Sandpoint, hold many turkeys. There’s a lot of good, public land hunting here, and some outstanding golf courses. If your family likes to golf, this is the perfect place to hunt in the morning, catch a nap, then hit the links in the afternoon.


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ROAD HUNTER BOG-POD XSR

The author and his 12-year-old son, Kazden, traveled to parts of west Texas last spring and experienced some great hunting and sight-seeing.

With declining numbers of young hunters in America, the joy and comfort of spring turkey hunting, could be the ticket to getting more kids hooked on hunting, and carrying our passion on to future generations. WSJ

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Ever since their invention, Bog-Pod’s shooting sticks have been an integral part of my big game hunting gear. I’ve taken them all over the world because, in my business of writing and hosting TV shows for a living, I can’t afford too many misses. They’ve also helped my sons connect on turkeys. My favorite shooting sticks for youth turkey hunters are Bog-Pod’s three-legged-style sticks, because they’re sturdy, easy to adjust and the 360-degree rotating head easily pivots. If the youth hunter is small statured or not very strong, then attaching an Xtreme Shooting Rest (XSR) to the top of the Bog-Pod is easy and adds great stability. This will allow the entire gun to slide into a shooting position upon entering the blind, meaning all the hunter has to do is move the gun ever so slightly to track an approaching tom. Movement is minimal with this setup and allows kids to focus on the bird, not struggle with lifting and aiming a gun that might be too heavy.

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TIME TO SIGHT IN YOUR GOBBLER GUN It Takes More Than A Call And Decoy To Successfully Harvest A Spring Turkey STORY AND PHOTOS BY LARRY CASE

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aybe you know by now that I always try to be honest. I think I have probably talked to you before about the importance of being prepared, knowing where your shotgun hits, and having it sighted in. Yes, I just said “sighted in” in reference to a shotgun. As we are speed through late winter, many of us shotgunners begin to think about preparing for spring turkey season. But I want to caution you about merely grabbing the shotgun off the wall and heading out to the woods. Success comes from having confidence in your weapon, and we achieve this by knowing what the gun will do. First, realize that this turkeyshooting deal has evolved into something more akin to rifle shooting than shotgunning. Ideally, we are aiming, not pointing, the gun at a small, stationary target (the turkey’s head and neck). Almost any kind of sights we put on the shotgun, more than just a

WING OR CLAY SHOOTING INSTRUCTORS WILL HAVE A STROKE standard bead, will help us to that end. The first level of improvement is installing an additional bead, about halfway down the rib. This gives you a “rear sight.” The shooter puts the rear bead on the front bead, front bead on the target, and squeezes the trigger. A bead or rear sight is meant to keep us

Patterning that shotgun now will give you the best shot, literally, at bagging a tom when seasons open in spring.

from making the big mistake that saves more turkeys’ lives than any other factor in our shooting. Ready? When we do not put our head on the gun and look squarely down a level rib, we shoot high and miss. I know because I’ve done it more than once. The front bead is, in fact, on the target, but your cheek is not fully down on the stock. With the gun in effect tilted up, you end up sitting there with your jaw on your chest, watching your bird fly off. Next level of improvement is rifle sights (check out what HiViz or Dead Ringer have to offer). An open, rear sight gives you a precise way to aim the shotgun. Red Dot-style scopes and other optics are even more sophisticated. If the Red Dot-style optic is properly sighted in, and the dot is on the target when the shooter pulls the trigger, you will hit the target. Remember, we are talking about aiming the shotgun at a mostly stationary target. Wing- or clay-shooting instructors will have a stroke if you ask

them about putting these sights on your gun. Alright, now that we have an accurate way to aim, let’s talk about point of impact. One of the hardest things for some people to learn is that all shotguns do not shoot where the shooter looks. If we fire the shotgun from a bench rest, the target may tell us the gun is shooting right, left, high, low or whatever. Many shotguns will shoot differently with different loads or chokes. You have to put them on paper, folks! Basically, what we are talking about is sighting in your shotgun. You knew I would have some pointers on this, and here they are. First, do this on a day when you are not in a hurry. If you are pressed for time, go home and watch TV. To do this right, you need a large target holder (30 inches or better), a bench rest, sandbags or comparable, ammo, targets and a stapler. Have the loads you are going to hunt with on hand, but we are not going to start with them. To begin, let’s shoot westernshootingjournal.com 147


SCATTERGUN TRAIL any low-brass target loads. Your first shot will be from the 10-yard line (that’s right, 10 yards). A large piece of blank paper will do. Darken a 4-inch center circle for an aiming point, and mark a straight line, vertically and horizontally, through it. All we are doing is seeing where the pattern is going. Is the pattern evenly placed on either side of the lines? Is there about 50 percent of the pattern above or below the horizontal line? Now do this at the 20-, 30- and 40-yard lines, using a new piece of paper every time. You should then try your hunting loads at the same intervals. Now you should know where your gun is shooting, no question. If the pattern is significantly off, and you can’t adjust it with your sights, you need to speak to a qualified gunsmith. We are talking about straightening or bending a barrel here. A good gunsmith can do this in his sleep. Till turkey season, folks. WSJ

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2 MOSSBERG LINES ADD MARBLE SIGHTS You know my theory about how many shotguns one needs? All you can get! So, I wanted to give you a peek at a shotgun that you can lust after. Mossberg came out with something new for 2015 on their 835 Ulti-Mag and 535 ATS pump shotguns, the Marble Arms Bullseye sight system. If you don’t know about these sights, the idea has been around since Davy Crockett tracked his first bear. I looked at these guns at SHOT Show; they’re the same, functional, dependable, Mossberg pumps, with dual extractors, twin action bars, an anti-jam elevator and that great ambidextrous, top-mounted safety as before, but the Marble Bullseye adds a double-ring design on the rear sight and a lightgathering fiber optic on the front. It allows the shooter to get on target quickly, and stay on target. The instant the front sight drifts out of the center Linda Powell, Mossberg ring, the shooter can see they are not on target. This director of media relations, holds a Mossberg 535 at SHOT. sight is ideal for turkey hunters. The minute I picked the shotgun up and looked through the Marble sight I liked it, and you will too. I have always thought that Mossberg shotguns are as tough as a pine knot, and from what I can see, the Marble Bullseye sight is as well.


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OF A GUN FIGHT An Overview Of Close-range Dynamics STORY AND PHOTOS BY ROBERT CAMPBELL

Firing from the pocket is simply another facet of short-range combat.

F

or some folks, the worst experience is a breakdown on a macadam road. A close brush with death is another thing. You think much differently and more clearly afterwards. If we escape death, we are pleased with the results, ideal or not. Others have commented that before a neardeath event, nothing was important, and afterwards, everything was. Training gives us preparation and practice keeps us sharp. When an assailant who is roughly the size of a tree is bearing down on you, weapon in hand, you may regret a lack of tactical repertoire. What is happening becomes more important than how it happened, and if you can’t impede their scheme, then you are in for a shiv or a hail of bullets. I have and have done my best to cultivate a true sixth sense. Some may call it situational awareness, but I have always had it. I have not been intelligent enough to listen or take my own counsel at times, and some

Zombie targets provide good training.

incidents came at me faster than a car wreck. Training and preparation are very important, but the question of why we train must be answered

before we fire the first shot. Facing a killer, someone with acute mental issues, can lead to an autopsy with your initials on it. I westernshootingjournal.com 151


PHASES OF AN ATTACK 1. Attack 2. Realization 3. Identification 4. Presentation 5. Target Acquisition 6. Engage

At arm’s reach, firing from the pocket is a viable solution to a threat ...

recently looked over a report that read “death by homicide–unknown etiology.” I do not wish to be a victim, regardless of the type of homicide. In practice sessions, we may stand at the 7-yard line and pour rounds into a stationary target, or we may want to get more realistic. Perhaps three terrorists at a fast-food restaurant isn’t realistic, but we might want to be somewhere in between. Is the awareness of the actions our “protein-fed-excon” criminal classes take enough to motivate us to our personal best? When facing an attacker, your actions had best be smooth, deliberate, and immediate. It isn’t possible to practice for every scenario, but it is possible to keep an open mind and limber body. Every event is different yet similar, and each scenario can be diagramed. I have considerable experience in creating emergency flow sheets and this project is not dissimilar. For the most part, I concentrated on short-range battle because almost all personaldefense situations, happen inside 21 feet. When you diagram the action and train each part, in 152

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due consideration, you are better prepared for a deadly attack. Every confrontation does not result in an engagement, and the fight you avoid is the best one. However, we should be prepared and confident. ATTACK This sets everything else in motion and may also be the trigger for the presentation. You cannot waste time at this point overcoming the shock that you are being attacked. The attacker may suffer from a combination of psychological problems coupled with physical roots. The “not otherwise specified” disorder aside, the attacker falls into one of two very distinct categories and knowing the origin of attacks will help you to be more aware. The first category is the “predator.” He has planned his actions, attacks accordingly, and may have been stalking the victim. They may choose to attack with some stealth and

... but you do not want to fire from the pocket more than once. However, if you have good close quarters skill, it will work.

be difficult to defend against. The second type of attacker is known as the “effective.” They pick the victim on impulse or as a result of an opportunity, i.e., they have planned a burglary and will rape if the opportunity is presented. Their attack is often wild, savage and will come fast. Realization you are under attack may come with the attack, or you may realize you are going to be attacked just before it comes. Either way, you cannot let shock deter your response. REALIZATION Until

you realize you are under attack you cannot respond. You must get over the “It can’t happen to me” shock, and move to action. The motivation for an assailant’s attack may or may not be obvious, however motivation is immediate for you to act. React to live! IDENTIFICATION If you slightly modify this to include realization, such as your home is being invaded, a new cast is put on identifying the target. When a mugger is standing in front of you with a knife, identification is much easier. The active shooter must also be identified, and at intimate range, target identification is less crucial because the threat is on the attack. PRESENTATION The presentation of a handgun is triggered by the attack. Properly acquiring and staying on target will be difficult, if the presentation is not properly handled, and must be smooth. Clumsy gun handling is deadly to the stooge handling the handgun, and recovery is very difficult. There are two types of outer clothing to consider: open front and closed front. When confronted with a threat at close range, you must quickly get past and around interference from clothing and complete the draw. You must practice moving clothing aside with one and two hands, as both hands may not always be available. The simplest movements may become a compound movement under stress, and in my experience, this is where most shooters fall short. To deal with threats at short range, you must master the presentation from concealed carry.

A conventional two-hand fire with the isosceles stance works great at 5 to 7 yards, but be prepared for much shorter range.


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At short range, a shot’s damage may be amplified by muzzle blast.

The draw may be practiced without cover first, but you must master getting the covering garments out of the way.

TARGET ACQUISITION In the acquisition of the target, we move smoothly, superimpose the handgun and line the sights on the target. We do not aim for the whole target but rather a specific area that will do the most good. At intimate range, you may be shoving the pistol in the attacker’s body wherein you know where the bullet is going. At short range, the handgun is aimed, but the aiming sequence may not be traditional. As an example, if the threat is stabbing at you with a knife and you have the nondominant arm up, to counter the attack, the handgun will be fired from the retention position, that is, from, say, a jacket pocket. Some skill is needed to avoid firing and striking your own body. The handgun and firing hand are locked solidly into a retention position, close against the body. The firing grip must be solid, the slide must clear the body as it fires, and the firearm must be lined up with the target. This is accomplished by keeping the slide aligned with the assailants’ body. At intimate/contact range, this works. 154

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ENGAGE When we diagram a gunfight, target engagement comes after target acquisition. You may acquire a target, but you have only engaged the target when you actually fire. Target engagement occurs when we have drawn the handgun, acquired the target and are ready to fire. We keep the finger off the trigger until we are ready to fire. When we have made the decision to fire, we engage the target. We fire accurately and fire until the threat is no longer a threat. The assailant has either dropped or has turned and fled. To hit the target properly at close range, you must practice often. There is a certain set of skills that will aid in this type of combat shooting. As an example, many shooters are fine target shots but cannot increase speed and practice the coarser sight picture at close range. For fast and accurate shooting, I have found that “meat and paper” works best. I do not teach instinctive shooting for many reasons. I always aim, even at very close range; however, the sighting may not be conventional and involve body positioning as much as the sights. To use the “meat and paper” drill, the outline of the handgun is superimposed over the target. The slide of the self loader or the cylinder of the revolver is used to aim. The handgun is quickly brought

to bear and fired when the meat (the handgun) is surrounded by paper (the target). If the top of the slide is visible then the shot will go high. If the sides or flats of the slide are seen, then the shot will off to the right or left. You are aiming but the visual index is much faster with the entire handgun being aimed. Misalignment of the slide will become obvious with a bit of practice on this drill. Meat and paper works when the sights are scarcely visible and when real speed is needed. Practice, alignment, and meat and paper will give good accuracy at close range.

A quick Applegate point may carry the day. Focus on the front sight or adapt to a laser sight.


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At this range you should use the sights, even if the sight picture is coarse.

So to reiterate, we use the retention position at intimate distances and meat and paper at slightly longer range. Next comes an extended form of shooting, for ranges of 10 to 15 feet. The Applegate is a known drill where the handgun is drawn as the

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If you see the long flat of the slide in this meat-and-paper drill, you are going to miss.

eyes focus and identify the target. A flash sight picture is taken as the front sight of the handgun breaks the plane between the eyes and the target. The pistol is fired and you have a hit. This drill is fast and offers good hit potential if the shooter has practiced. This drill is usually executed with one

This is ideal sight and slide placement for fighting and firing at short range.

hand and offers excellent speed for those who practice. Another drill that works well also involves a flash sight picture using only the front sight. For many reasons, including a lack of lighting, the sights are not always visible; however, the front sight is usually at least partially


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If you need greater precision, always use the sights.

At close range, weapon control and body positioning will result in good hits.

Guns kick, so practice live fire and getting back on target.

visible. At very close range, the front sight may be lifted and become silhouetted against the target. More precision is used in firing than in the meat-and-paper drill, but the bullet

will strike high because the sight is elevated. At about 10 to 12 feet, aim for the belt buckle and the bullets will strike the midsection. These diagrams may seem simple,

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but they cover the majority of the scenarios you will face. As you consider the likely zones of attack in each environment, be certain that you consider the likely avenues of escape and local cover. The situation may end when you draw the gun, there may be multiple assailants, and you may have to fire repeatedly. WSJ Editor’s note: The author is a certified NRA instructor, former law enforcement sergeant and has been widely published in the firearms field.


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CAYLEN WOJCIK: A SNIPER SPEAKS BY FRANK JARDIM

C

aylen Wojcik was a U.S. Marine Corps scout sniper for eight years as a trainer and warrior. He served as the chief sniper in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II, conducting 100 sniper missions until he was seriously wounded during Operation Phantom Fury. He returned to training duties during his recovery and now works in the private sector for Magpul Industries as its director of training of Precision Rifle Operations. He is a man who knows what it’s like to be behind a sniper rifle in battle. I had the opportunity to ask him a few questions. FRANK JARDIM You’ve spent a good deal of your life preparing snipers for battle and being a sniper in battle. What do you think is important for people to know about snipers? CAYLEN WOJCIK It doesn’t take long for commanders to identify the extreme effectiveness and lethality of a well-trained and equipped sniper on the battlefield. I think with the duration of our current conflict that snipers will ultimately benefit, for many years to come, as their effectiveness on the battlefield is solidified, without question. It’s important to understand that not everyone can become a sniper. Snipers aren’t cut from a “sniper cloth,” nor do they magically acquire skills with an application of “sniper dust.” Being a sniper requires more than just marksmanship skills. Snipers are highly intelligent, extremely resourceful, incredibly disciplined and above all, undeniably passionate about the science and art of sniping. Those traits cannot be cultivated. The skills, however, can be cultivated and honed through effective training. It’s important to remember that snipers’ continue to be effective problem solvers on the battlefield. FJ How do you explain the relative celebrity of present-day snipers compared to those from previous wars, when they remained virtually unknown outside of their units and the shooting community? (I don’t recall anybody making a movie about Carlos Hathcock.) CW In terms of factual events, the only movie I’ve seen (or know

Continued from page 62

trained snipers (now equipped with M1D sniper rifles and 2.2x-power M84 scopes) was overshadowed by the mass slaughter wrought by concentrated small arms and artillery fire. Korea was a big war fought in a small place. If machine guns had trouble stopping human-wave attacks used by the Communist Chinese, what could snipers possibly do? By contrast, snipers made undeniably significant contributions in the Vietnam War and all the wars that followed it. The nature and scale of combat changed in a manner that

of) about a sniper besides American Sniper is Enemy at the Gates, which was a rendition of the Soviet sniper Vasily Zeytsev, who was a Russian hero of WWII, and was incredibly lethal during the Battle of Stalingrad. Snipers pride themselves on being silent professionals, as their passion for the job is enough for personal satisfaction. Very few snipers, if any, will actively seek out recognition for their accomplishments, as it usually finds them. FJ Were snipers used as effectively as they could have been in the units you fought with? Did commanders understand how to deploy expert riflemen? CW Sniper employment is a steep learning curve for both the sniper and the commander, especially if it’s their first time around in combat. Commanders in the past had very little, if any, training in how to employ snipers on the battlefield. Young snipers, learning sniper employment on a fundamental level at the Scout/Sniper Basic Course, need to be excellent communicators of their capabilities and limitations with their supported unit commanders. In my experience, once we got the major bugs worked out and both the commander and sniper understood each other, things went smoothly and effectively. Having been at war for the past 13 years, there are many seasoned commanders and snipers who are passing on those lessons learned to make both sides run more smoothly. FJ Have the current infantry rifles and training helped or hurt basic combat marksmanship among typical soldiers? CW I’m not currently on active duty, nor have I been since the Marine Corps adopted the ACOG as their primary sighting device on the service rifle. Several of my peers are now Marine gunners who are directly responsible for the development of that system and they speak highly of the increased average qualification scores. The addition of requiring Marines to qualify on combat marksmanship is also a huge step forward from my time when only known distance rifle qualification was scored. More emphasis on close-quarters marksmanship and weapons manipulation was definitely required to adapt to our modern battlefield.

favored the sniper. Vietnam was a big war, but only in the aggregate. It was fought in small engagements over a large area and a long period of time. In this environment, the sniper was on more equal terms with the enemy. Combat actions in Grenada, Beirut, Iraq and Afghanistan were likewise small in scale, compared to the World Wars and Korea. The superior equipment, training and communication of today’s snipers makes them the deadliest warriors on the battlefield. In Vietnam in 1967, USMC scout sniper legend Carlos Hathcock mounted a scope

on an M2 .50-caliber heavy machine gun and used it to make the longest recorded sniper kill in history. His 2,286-meter record stood until 2002, when a Canadian sniper broke it by 24 meters in Afghanistan using a MacMillan Tac-50 bolt-action rifle in the same caliber. Hathcock’s improvised, ultralong-range, sniping demonstration was a harbinger of things to come. In 1990 the U.S. Army purchased the .50-caliber BMG M82 Barrett, semiautomatic sniper rifle for use in Operation Desert Shield/ Desert Storm in Iraq. Later it would be standardized as the M107. This westernshootingjournal.com 163


rifle was used by Army Ranger Sgt. Bryan Kremer in Iraq, in March 2004, to make the 2,300-meter kill that now stands as the farthest for an American sniper. His was the fourth-longest kill shot in recorded history. For the record, the credit for the farthest kill goes to British sniper Craig Harrison, who made an incredible 2,475-meter shot with an Accuracy International L115A3 rifle in .338 Lapua Magnum. The .338 Lapua round was designed to outrange the powerful .300 Winchester and extend the sniper’s lethality to 1,600 meters. Chief petty officer Chris Kyle used a McMillan Tac-338 bolt-action rifle in .338 Lapua Magnum to make his farthest kill, at 1,920 meters, against an enemy combatant about to fire an RPG at a passing American convoy. In World Wars I and II, American snipers were expected to make 600yard hits. This was reasonable, in light of the limitations of their service-riflebased sniper rifles, and the ordinary ball ammunition they had to use.

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than ever before possible. The film American Sniper has grossed over $250,000,000 as of this writing, making it the most popular war film in American history. Its themes resonate with Sgt. 1st Class Daniel Horner on the stalk at the 2015 Mammoth Sniper Challenge Field Craft Competition, at Fort Benning, Ga. (SGT. 1ST CLASS the public right RAYMOND PIPER, USAMU) now and are sure to generate an increased interest in Today’s sniper is expected to hit the long-range rifle marksmanship that target at twice that range. The sniper’s will serve the cause of freedom well in skills remain the same, but his tools wars to come. The film tells a slightly have greatly improved. Laser range fictionalized account of the life of the finders, bipods, high-magnification aforementioned SEAL sniper Chris scopes, night-vision scopes, matchKyle, who learned to shoot as a boy grade ammunition, rugged specialty in rural Texas, perhaps not unlike our rifles built to take the abuse of combat sharpshooters of yore, and became and deliver competition accuracy, one of the most successful snipers in and excellent, often continuous U.S. military history, saving countless communication, all contribute to American lives on the battlefield with getting the bullet where the sniper his shooting ability. WSJ needs it to go, with greater accuracy


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