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American Shooting Journal // April 2015

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A MERIC A N

April 2015 - May 2015

SHOOTING JOURNAL Volume 3 // ISSUE 8 // April 2015 PUBLISHER

James R. Baker ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Dick Openshaw EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Missoula, MT Missoula County Fairgrounds, 1101 South Avenue West

Apr. 10-Apr. 12

Billings, MT Metra Park, 308 6th Avenue North

Apr. 17-Apr. 19

Richland, WA Shilo Inn, 50 Comstock Street

Apr. 25-Apr. 26

Andy Walgamott EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Danielle Breteau NRA SHOW COVERAGE

Dave Workman LEAD CONTRIBUTOR

Frank Jardim CONTRIBUTORS

Butte, MT Butte Civic Center, 1340 Harrison Avenue Yakima, WA Yakima State Fairgrounds, 1301 South Fair Avenue

May 1-May 3 May 9-May 10

Coeur D’ Alene, ID May 15-May 17 Kootenai County Fairgrounds, 4056 North Government Way Helena, MT May 29-May 31 Lewis & Clark County Fairgrounds, 98 West Custer Avenue

Nathan Askew, Scott Haugen, Larysa Switlyk, Robin Taylor, Troy Taysom, Jonothan Waldrop SALES MANAGER

Brian Lull ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Becca Ellingsworth, Mamie Griffin, Steve Joseph, Garn Kennedy, Mike Smith, Paul Yarnold DESIGNERS

Beth Harrison, Sonjia Kells, Sam Rockwell, Liz Weickum PRODUCTION ASSISTANT

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Heidi Belew DISTRIBUTION

Tony Sorrentino, Gary Bickford, Barry Johnston ADVERTISING INQUIRIES

ads@westernshootingjournal.com

ON THE COVER Kristy Cook, star of the new show The Most Wanted List sponsored by Browning and to be aired on The Sportsman Channel. (DEREK GIFFORD)

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

American Shooting Journal // April 2015

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VOLUME 3 • ISSUE 8 • APRIL 2015

CONTENTS 110

BROWNING’S MOST WANTED Kristy Cook (center) has ﬁt an epic life into 31 years, and now with a little help from friends Jessie Jo Stanﬁll and Jess Hull, she’s the star of a new huntingadventure TV show. We sat down with her to talk American Idol, country music, barrel racing and their upcoming The Most Wanted List. (TRUESIGHT MEDIA)

FEATURES 27

For Shooting Aﬁcionados Only Savannah, Ga., is home to one of the oldest and most elite trap and skeet ranges in America. What does it take to get through the gates?

Frank Jardim dives into the Civil War to detail the weapons that made it so lethal.

Wondering what guns and ammo to bring on safari? Professional hunting guide Nathan Askew sets you up for the savanna’s big game.

115 66

America’s Deadliest Conﬂict On the 150th anniversary of its end,

ROADHUNTER Exotica, Next Door Where can you hunt some of the world’s most beautiful and exotic game?

SHOOTING WITH LARYSSA On The Auction Block: 1 Hunt The trip of a lifetime’s up for grabs at this month’s NRA Show: a Macedonian hunt with big game goddesses Laryssa Switlyk and Brittany Boddington!

COMPETITIONS These Kids Can Shoot! Look out, a new generation of shooters is coming up through grade school and college – and they’re fast, if results from the Scholastic Pistol Program’s Southwest Regionals is any indication!

Arming For An African Adventure

139

DEPARTMENTS 19 21 23 25

Editor’s Note Competition Calendar Gun Show Calendar Top Shots

AMERICAN SHOOTING JOURNAL is published monthly by Media Index Publishing Group, 14240 Interurban Ave South Suite 190, Tukwila, WA 98168. Display Advertising. Call Media Index Publishing Group for a current rate card. Discounts for frequency advertising. All submitted materials become the property of Media Index Publishing Group and will not be returned. Copyright © 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.

American Shooting Journal // April 2015

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American Shooting Journal // April 2015

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CONTENTS NRA SHOW 2015

The NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits head south this month, to Nashville on April 10-12, and for the big show, we proﬁle the hottest new guns and accessories, and check in with NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre on the ﬁght for gun freedoms.

31 41 65 77 103 121 129 143 169 177

The Threat Ahead: Anti-gunners’ plans Riﬂes Blackpowder Handguns Shotguns Optics Ammunition Accessories Reloading Knives

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EDITOR’S NOTE

pril 2015 marks the 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War. While that subject ignites (no pun intended) all forms of different views, I am simply sharing points that you may not have known.

• The Gatling gun was ﬁrst used during the American Civil War. • Two-thirds of all Civil War deaths were not caused by battleﬁeld injury but from disease to include typhoid fever and dysentery. There were even a few soldiers whose deaths were categorized as “homesickness.” • If the names of all the Americans lost in the Civil War were etched onto a wall similar to the Vietnam Memorial in Washington D.C., the Civil War wall would be 10 times longer.

in American history. • Dr. Mary Edwards Walker was the ﬁrst female surgeon in the history of the US Military and is still the only woman to have ever been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. I will be attending the NRA Meetings and Exhibits in Nashville, Tenn. April 10-12th. I hope to see you there! Note: The Western Shooting Journal has changed its name from the Western Shooting Journal to the American Shooting Journal as we have officially expanded nationwide. Yay!

• Most soldiers marched 15 to 20 miles a day. • The Civil War was the ﬁrst time the national draft was used

Talk to me: If you have some great ideas or know someone who should be highlighted, email me at: dbreteau@media-inc.com.

westernshootingjournal.com 19

American Shooting Journal // April 2015

PRIMER

COMPETITION C A L E N D A R

April 3-4 Easter Celebration Shootout CMSA Miller Ranch Arena Jet, Okla. (Mounted Cowboy)

Jordon Castro, of Bellingham, Wash., currently holds the rimﬁre speed record in the Scholastic Pistol Program. (ROBIN TAYLOR)

April 8-12 Big Blast - Browning/Briley Caney Creek Lodge Teague, Texas (Clays)

April 8-17 Shotgun Spring Selection USAS Fort Benning, Ga. (Trap/Skeet)

April 11 April Showers CMSA Kentucky Cowtown Arena Williamstown, Ky. (Mounted Cowboy) Maine State SPP Match BSA Camp Hinds Raymond, Maine (Scholastic)

April 13 - 19 Mega Blast World English Clays Championship South Florida Shooting Club Palm City, Fla. (Clays)

April 15 - 19 Women’s Shooting League Conference Copperhead Creek Shooting Club Marble Falls, Texas (All disciplines)

April 17 - 19 Pistol Match NMLRA Walter Cline Range Friendship, Ind. (Black Powder)

April 22 - 26

April 24 - 26

April 18

Texas State Clays Championship National Shooting Complex San Antonio, Texas (Clays)

National Women’s Weekend NMLRA Walter Cline Range Friendship, Ind. (Muzzle Loader)

Midwest Spring Regional SPP Match World Shooting and Recreation Complex Sparta, Ill. (Scholastic)

April 24

April 25

Arkansas State Championships ACPL Luther Owens Memorial Park Berryville, Ark. (Combat Pistol)

Wild West Extravaganza Shootout CMSA ACE Arena Andrews, Texas (Mounted Cowboy)

Northeast Spring Regional SPP Sig Sauer Academy Epping, N.H. (Scholastic)

Alabama State Championships IDPA Central Alabama Gun Club Shorter, Ala. (Defensive Pistol)

Think Of The Children Beneﬁt Lewistown Pistol Club Lewistown, Penn. (Pistol)

Email dbreteau@media-inc.com to have your show event listed here.

westernshootingjournal.com 21

American Shooting Journal // April 2015

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

PRIMER

GUNSHOW C A L E N D A R

April 4-5 C&E Gun Show N.C. Expo Center Fayetteville, N.C. Lake County Gun Show Radison Hotel East Lake, Ohio Showmasters Gun Show Norfolk Scope Norfolk, Va.

Smith and Wesson 325 Thunder Ranch wearing an FDE Sureﬁre X300U. The rounds are 230GR HSTs recovered from bare ballistics gelatin. (John Johnston)

April 10-12 NRA 2015 Meetings and Exhibits Music City Center Nashville, Tenn. Tradeshow Gun Show Iowa State Fairgrounds Des Moines, Iowa Sportsmans Gun Show Laramie County Fairgrounds Cheyenne, Wyo.

April 11-12 Crossroads of the West The Cow Palace Daly City, Calif. Collectors and Shooters Club Greater Gulf State Fairgrounds Mobile, Ala. Suncoast Gun Show Lee Civic Center Ft. Myers, Fla. RK Gun Show Kansas Expo Center Topeka, Kan. RK Gun show The Center Somerset, Ky. Don Rich Gun Show Civic Center Lake Charles, La. Chancellor Gun Show Neshoba County Coliseum Philadelphia, Miss. Wanenmachers Arms Show Tulsa Fairgrounds Tulsa, Okla.

Saxet Gun Show San Antonio Events Center San Antonio, Texas

Eagle Arms Gun Show Lebanon Valley Expo Center Lebanon, Pa.

Crossroads of the West South Town Expo Center Sandy, Utah

Carroll Gun and Knife Show Carroll County Fairgrounds Huntingdon, Tenn.

April 17-19

Tier 1 Gun Show Allen Event Center Allen, Texas

RK Gun Show Boone County Fairgrounds Columbia, Mo.

April 24 - 26

VFW Post Gun Show Amery Hockey Arena Amery, Wis.

The Nation’s Gun Show Dulles Expo Center Chantilly, Va.

Crossroads of the West Arizona State Fairgrounds Phoenix, Ariz.

April 25 - 26

April 18-19

The Gun Show Denver Merchandise Mart Denver, Colo.

Tanner Gun Show Colorado State Fairgrounds Pueblo, Colo.

RK Gun Show KY Fairgrounds and Expo Center Louisville, Ky.

Up In Arms Gun Show Montana Star Lanes Butte, Mont.

Tier 1 Gun Show Irving Convention Center Irving, Texas

N.Y. Arms Collectors Assoc. Show New York State Fairgrounds Syracuse, N.Y.

Email dbreteau@media-inc.com to have your show listed here.

westernshootingjournal.com 23

American Shooting Journal // April 2015

PRIMER

TOP SHOTS

Danielle Breteau, editor of American Shooting Journal, keeping up her skills during Magpul’s multi-day training course. (ICHIRO NAGATA) Steve “Yeti” Fisher of Howell, Mich., owner of Sentinel Concepts, which provides “real world” ﬁrearms training, demonstrates a solid AR grip. (STEVE FISHER)

O-Kay! Laura Kay of Atlanta, Ga., shows off how she makes this look good! (LAURA KAY)

John Johnston of Cincinnati here on an AR platform, owns and hosts the talk show Ballistic Radio, home to intelligent – and sometimes humorous – conversation on the gun industry. (JOHN JOHNSTON)

PHOTO CONTEST WINNER!

Last month’s photo contest theme was the “Best Workbench.” We reached out and wanted to know where our readers work on their guns. The March photo contest winner is: Jeff Roden from Girard, Ohio, who wins a CRKT folding knife for his entry. Thank you for the great photo, Jeff, and we really like the way you laid out the stickers. Excellent use of space!

Tatiana Whitlock, owner of ID Targets Systems and a new contributor to our mag, trains at a range near her home in Portland, Maine. (OLEG VOLK) westernshootingjournal.com 25

American Shooting Journal // April 2015

RANGE SPOTLIGHT

SHOOTING AMONG AFICIONADOS Savannah, Ga., Gun Club Boasting a Reputation and the History to Back it Up STORY BY JONOTHAN WALDROP • PHOTOGRAPHS BY MICHELLE KERI

The perfectly maintained shotgun ranges at historic Forest City Gun Club.

un ownership is more than simply a primal desire to thrust one’s masculinity and competitive drive into the foreground. It’s familial. It’s history. The proudest of gun owners could go their entire lives without taking a single shot, if only for the reason that they love the nostalgia that owning a gun evokes. Late Lynyrd Skynyrd frontman Ronnie Van Zant, one of the all-time hell-raisers, in fact owned only a single shotgun, a seldom-used Winchester his father passed down to him, which he never grew comfortable enough to shoot. This is all to say that the gun owner chooses his or her method of application. The gun owner who is not only fortunate but skilled enough, to be a member of the Forest City Gun Club just outside of Savannah, Ga. can operate as both, proud owner and proﬁcient shooter. Depending on where you’re coming from, Forest City can be more than

just a hop, skip and jump away from civilization. Strategically nestled among the Georgia pines and live oaks is a rather impressive facility, built almost like a compound; a refuge from even Savannah’s molasses-paced city life. The front entrance to the club warns against lone novices. Admission into this fraternity of marksmen is based purely on recommendation and the responsibility falls on the member to ensure that the club’s impressive safety record is maintained. Speaking with several members and managers of Forest City, one can certainly understand why it maintains its exemplary reputation. The club itself is the oldest in the country. Formed in 1883, Chester A. Arthur was the U.S. president, the Brooklyn Bridge was opened for traffic and the world’s ﬁrst rodeo occurred. Forest City is an institution. Were it not for the construction of a local thoroughfare in the late 1990s, the club would still

be the largest in the United States. That designation goes to the San Antonio Gun Club. Still, Forest City has functioned in multiple locations with a cadre of professional shooters at its helm and has maintained a level of prestige since its inception. The value of a place like Forest City is really in the name. Its reputation, obviously, precedes itself, hosting at least twenty-ﬁve events a year, with participants from all over the country in attendance. Club Manager, Zac Guerrettaz, left his native Illinois with a degree in Shooting Complex Management and Wild Game Management in tow, speciﬁcally to work at Forest City. “We get a lot of inquiries from a lot of diehard shooters that are swinging through the area and know about Forest City and its history.” It doesn’t take a degree in molecular engineering to know that Forest City, no matter its location, is, was and continues to be the desired destination westernshootingjournal.com 27

RANGE SPOTLIGHT

The competition medals awarded to former club president Dr. Frank Cheatham Wilson.

for gun aficionados. There is, however, a rare opportunity to shoot at this range even if you are not a member. Forest City is hosting the Lawyers, Guns & Money for the American Diabetes Association on Friday May 8th, 2015 Friday. Open to the public and all the proceeds benefit the ADA. You can sign up at adaclayshoot.org. The club operates in as traditional a manner as any in the country. They have trap, skeet, sporting clays (their most popular), five stand and dove tower, using only shotguns as their chosen firearm. Former club president and current board member Charles Upchurch is one of the resident historians. A member since 1978, Upchurch has seen the club go through its share of changes. “It used to be that skeet was the main

game, then there was skeet and trap. The only thing that’s growing anymore is sporting clays and that’s attracting a lot of the younger shooters.” It’s with great pride that the members of the club speak of its progenitors, namely the individual who carried the torch for Forest City and helped dig its roots into its current location: Dr. Frank Cheatham Wilson. Wilson was president of the club from 1899 until 1922. He continued to be an active member until his death in 1950. Upon his tombstone the words ring true: “I wish to do what I may to make it possible to pass along this sport and the companionship it forms, to the youth who may come after me.” His burial site can be found on the grounds that Forest City established for itself in 1951, the very place it inhabits today.

Among a huge collection of memorabilia, there hangs and photograph from 1910 showing the member of the Forest City Gun club at that time.

Many of Cheatham’s guns can be found in the Clubhouse, enclosed in glass, as they carry a special meaning to not one, but all members of Forest City. This is familial and this is history. At the foot of the shotguns are a slew of shells and broken clays found by recent members on the grounds where Forest City used to be, along with all the medals Wilson won during his life. Over the years, Forest City has housed a number of notable figures that have helped bring acclaim to its already prominent stature. Georgia native Fred Missildine, who won thirty national and international skeet competitions and was named to the All-American Trap and Skeet Shooting Team twenty-five out of twenty-six years, was a member. The club, also, dedicated their stadium field in his name. More recently, renowned shooter and gunfitter for London Gunmakers E.J. Churchill, Chris Batha became a member of Forest City. If you peruse Batha’s website you will realize this is no small feat to attract such an established individual in the field. For a lot of people, both members and guests, Forest City is where it begins and ends as it pertains to gun clubs. It is a thirty-acre testament to the spirit of the outdoors and the camaraderie that comes with it. The word “institution” is the definable term for tradition and prominence. Harvard churns out millionaires. Alabama football wins games. Forest City Gun Club provides the finest facilities and ranges for the finest shooters in the country. Men and women yearn to walk its grounds simply to soak up the past and everything it represents. There’s a gate at the front for a reason. They don’t call it a privilege for nothing. Forest City is the destination for the avid shooter. ASJ Note: Forest City Gun Club will be hosting the internationally-recognized Krieghoff Masters tournament from April 30th until May 2nd. You can register online at nssa-nsca.org.

American Shooting Journal // April 2015

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American A Am Ame m meeri ric iicca an n Sho S Sh Shooting ho h oo otting Jou oti Journ Journal rna rna nal al // / April Apr priil 2015 pri 201 015 015 15

WAYNE LAPIERRE: ‘Fight like hell for freedom, or you’re going to lose it!’

the Bloomberg gun ban agenda.” ightmare. Is this paranoia? As the old saying That’s a reasonable goes, It’s not paranoia when you definition for what know they really are out to get you. gun owners are facing with the insertion of anti-gun billionaire Michael Bloomberg’s fortune into the gun control effort, and what happened last November in Washington state should stand as a warning. Bloomberg’s $50 million “Everytown for Gun Safety” dumped more than $2 million into the campaign to pass Initiative 594, the 18-page gun control measure that was sold as a “universal background check.” But it is more than that, as National Rifle Association Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre warned throughout last year’s campaign, and again in the pages of the March American Rifleman, American Hunter and America’s 1st Freedom magazines. His headline said it all: “Universal Background Checks Wayne LaPierre Mean Gun Registration, Gun Bans and Confiscation.” Even before the votes were In an exclusive interview with counted in Washington, the American Shooting Journal, the campaign to pass a similar initiative veteran Second Amendment was already underway in Nevada. advocate said what is now happening There was a push for similar in Washington – where the law now legislation in Vermont and Oregon. requires background checks with few “This should tell the rest of the exemptions – is a shot across the bow country that they should be prepared of gun owners in other states that are to fight like hell for their freedoms,” now entertaining similar measures. LaPierre observed. “This is a fight “What’s happening,” LaPierre said, between the political elites like “is going to prove the nightmare of

Bloomberg and President Obama, and the (average) people.” President Obama? Absolutely, the NRA chief executive assured. He cited the recent push by the Obama administration’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to ban the M855 cartridge – a .223-caliber round that is popular with AR-15 shooters – because the agency suddenly decided, in a reversal of earlier policy, that the M855 is an “armor-piercing” bullet that can be used in handguns. The backlash was swift. Capitol Hill was ﬂooded with letters, phone calls and e-mails. Members of Congress got involved. Ultimately, after receiving more than 80,000 comments – most of them negative – ATF shelved the proposal, but LaPierre and Chris Cox, head of NRA’s Institute for Legislative Action, suspect the battle is far from over. “Prior to the 2012 election,” LaPierre recalled, “I tried to tell the American people what the president’s agenda was. The media called me all kinds of names. But the minute he got re-elected, he came after the Second Amendment, and it will be that way until the day he leaves office.” Within hours of conﬁrming his re-election, Obama had rekindled his support for the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty, a document that westernshootingjournal.com 31

is essentially dead on arrival in the U.S. Senate. But don’t expect Obama to take a hint, LaPierre suggested.

“We’re in the 700 most dangerous days in the history of America,” he said, referring to the time remaining for the president in office. “People

NRA EXHIBIT HALL, ACTIVITIES SCHEDULE The National Rifle Association’s 144th annual meetings and exhibits will draw tens of thousands of NRA members and guests to Nashville this year, and it is a gathering that invariably brings together the most active shooters, hunters, handloaders and Second Amendment activists in the country. NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre thinks this could be the biggest annual meeting ever. This year’s celebration is being held at the Music City Center, with more than 550 exhibitors in a huge hall covering 450,000 square feet. Many of those exhibitors’ products are highlighted in this special issue of American Shooting Journal. The NRA exhibits provide an opportunity for outdoorsmen and -women to see new products for the first time in a public setting; guns and gear they have and will read about in magazines like this, and online for the next weeks and months. Things get cranked up April 9th when the NRA Store and Pyramyd Air gun range open up at 2 p.m., and that evening, the annual NRA Foundation banquet begins at 6 p.m. On Friday, April 10, activities fire up to full steam, with the popular NRA Foundation Wall of Guns, the exhibit hall opening for three full days, a national firearms law seminar, the annual NRA Leadership Forum at 1 p.m. and starting at 7 o’clock that evening, the NRA Country Jam, which is free this year and open to the public, and presented by Bushnell. Activities continue on Saturday, with country superstar Alan Jackson headlining the “Keepin’ It Country” tour with special guest Jeff Foxworthy starting at 6 p.m. Things wrap up Sunday with the exhibit hall running to 5 p.m. and such popular events as the annual Prayer Breakfast, NRA Women’s New Energy Breakfast and more activities. The NRA exhibit hall is free to NRA members and their immediate family.

American Shooting Journal // April 2015

need to wake up. You’ve got ISIS taking over the Middle East, we have a health care disaster, a completely collapsed southern border, and the president is worried about taking .223 green-tipped ammunition away from law-abiding American citizens.” LaPierre’s March magazine piece seemed spot-on to Paciﬁc Northwest and Nevada gun owners. So-called universal background checks really can’t work without some form of registration so the government can prove who owns what ﬁrearm. He said as much in his magazine article: “(G)un transfers universally requiring approval by the government cannot be enforced without mandatory gun registration,” he wrote, “as Obama’s Justice Department has already admitted. At some point, the government has to argue, ‘Without registration, we won’t know who had the gun in

the first place.’ Whether the initial proposal includes a government registry of firearm transfers or firearm owners, that’s the end game.” “I’ve said for years that unless you’re going to tax them or take them, there’s no reason to register guns,” LaPierre told ASJ. “If you look around the world, all law-abiding citizens – if (the government) registered guns, they took them.” He reminded ASJ about forced surrender of firearms in England, Australia and other nations. “The politicians always promise that they will never confiscate,” he noted with more than a hint of sarcasm. “And they always break those promises.” In New York, Connecticut, California or anywhere that certain firearms were required to be registered, subsequent new legislation declared many of those

American Shooting Journal // April 2015

guns to be contraband. “Now that Obama has no more elections,” LaPierre predicted, “he’s going to do whatever it takes to trash the constitution. That may be fine in Third World dictatorships, but it’s not fine in the United States. We’re a nation of laws and a constitution.” LaPierre’s critics assert that he’s a nutty fanatic. They argue with no small amount of hysteria that the NRA wants to arm criminals, and that’s the reason they have to push for increasingly tighter gun laws. Earlier this year, the New York Daily News published an editorial that lamented the number of donations to the NRA following the Sandy Hook tragedy. But what was behind that support for the fivemillion-member organization? A push for all manner of gun control laws, none of which would have prevented the Newtown

outrage, and it seemed as though everyone knew it. Still, the press was unmerciful when LaPierre told a press conference that “the only thing that can stop a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun.” “The media were ridiculing me,” he recalled. “They said ‘he just wants to raise money and raise members.’” That actually didn’t take as much effort as the newspaper intimated. Alarmed gun owners rallied to the NRA ranks. The organization spent less on fundraising, the newspaper said, in 2013 (the year after Sandy Hook) than in 2012, prior to the tragedy. When anti-gunners dredged up everything on their agenda, hoping to see it all become law on the tidal wave of public emotion, it essentially proved everything LaPierre had warned about. In the two years since his postSandy Hook press conference, a number of school districts have

westernshootingjournal.com 35

actually adopted plans for armed teachers or increased armed security. They simply did not acknowledge that they were doing precisely what LaPierre and NRA had suggested. That hypocrisy is not lost on LaPierre. He recalled that over the years, anti-gun organizations have complained loudly about the millions of dollars NRA spends on lobbying and election activities. Yet, nobody is whimpering about the tens of millions of dollars that Bloomberg and other anti-gun billionaires have dumped into the gun control effort. LaPierre noted the irony that these wealthy elitists are protected by armed bodyguards. “They’re the special people,” he said. “They’re more ‘entitled,’ they’re more ‘deserving.’ We’ve seen that for years.” They are pushing universal background checks, building on the victory in Washington. As LaPierre wrote in his March magazine piece, “To them, universal background checks are just the first step in their long march to destroying our Second Amendment-protected rights.” Looking back on that, he told ASJ, “We’re at a precipice in this country. It’s time to stand up for our freedom…” He said criminals “are always going to find a way” to be armed. While gun control groups continually want to have “a dialogue” about violent crime, LaPierre noted that “what’s missing from all of these conversations is, where do bad people come into the (equation)? With the gun banners, they don’t, but with us they do.” He said people with a utopian goal of a gun-free, violence-free society are simply wrong, and that they are fooling themselves. “We’ve seen throughout history that there is no good at the end of what they’re pushing,” LaPierre concluded. “They hate the fact that law-abiding people can own firearms. The good news is that when we stand up and fight, we are the majority.” ASJ

American Shooting Journal // April 2015

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ooking to fulfill your dreams of hunting Africa? Check out TDK Safaris, an American-owned South African outfitter. Located in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, approximately three hours north of Johannesburg, their private plains-game concession, Kudamela, is nestled in the beautiful Waterburg Mountains. The TDK team is comprised of dedicated hunters who are passionate about South Africa. To them, it is more than the hunt and the trophy; it is the love of the land, the animals, the people and the glorious African sky. TDK says South Africa will deliver an experience like none other. TDK caters to all styles TDK Safaris of hunting: Limpopo Province, South Africa rifle, handgun, (307) 213-1007 muzzleloader, tdksafaris.com bow (compound

American Shooting Journal // April 2015

(COURTESY TDK SAFARIS)

and traditional) and crossbow. And nonhunters are encouraged to observe a hunt, relax safely at camp or take an excursion to experience Africa in their own way. To make a dream-fulﬁlling trip to South Africa even more alluring, TDK Safaris has announced a limited-time offer for NRA members: 50 percent off a ﬁve-day hunt for two, which includes an impala and wildebeest. The offer expires June 1, 2015. For more, visit tdksafaris.com. ASJ

westernshootingjournal.com 39

Rifles

NEW HYBRID MAXX RIFLES FROM AMERICAN TACTICAL IMPORTS IIMPO

Maxx .556

100 10 00 Airpark Dr. Rochester, NY 14624/(800) 290-0065 www.am .ame me i www.americantactical.us

Maxx .300

Earlier er this year, American A Tactical Imports introduced a series of rifles, with models chambered in either 5.56mm new w Omni Om Hybrid Maxx rifl NATO TO oor the increasingly popular .300 Blackout. Selections include combo models that come with one barrel chambered in .22 Long Sel with a completed hybrid upper. One has a Rifle, and a the other barrels in 5.56mm that come w 10-round capacity which makes it California-complia 10-ro California-compliant and the other features the standard 30-round capacity. Two models chambered for the 5.56mm 5 56 round and feature 7-inch quad rails, and half of the new 10-round capacities which also make them California-legal. The remaining introductions are limited to 10-ro capacity 30-round magazines. All of these rifles have 16-inch barrels and six-position models have original cap stocks. Visit us at booth #515

ANDERSON MANUF MANUFACTURING NG HAS NEWARS IN .308 WINCHESTER WINCHE

Anderson .308 Winchester

1743 Anderson Blvd., Dept. ASJ, Hebron, KY 41048/(859) 859) 689-4085/www.andersonrifles.com

with a camo ﬁnish on the receiver and handguard. Visit us at booth #1962

Anderson Manufacturing has been testing and evaluating its large-format AR-type rifle chambered for the .308 Winchester, and now that rifle is available. According to Anderson, this new larger platform .30-caliber model has a medium 18-inch standard barrel, a precision-machined 7075-T6 receiver and the RF85 treatment. The receiver design will handle metal or polymer SR-25-type magazines. Anderson manufactures several models of AR rifles, including a heavy-barrel varminter and one

ACCURACY THE BOTTOM LINE WITH PRECISION FIREARMS 74 Dupont Road, Suite A, Dept. ASJ, Martinsburg, WV 25404/(240) 217-6875/www.precisionfirearms.com Whether looking for precision bolt-action riﬂes, or semiauto sport-utility models, the folks at Precision Firearms can deliver, and they’ll be at the NRA convention this month in Nashville to display their wares. They produce entry-level riﬂes and bolt-action models featuring top components. Everything is

hand-assembled, and they specialize in producing upper assemblies that are capable of .5 MOA groups and smaller. This outfit chambers rifles in .204 Ruger, 5.56mm NATO, .223 Wylde, .243 Winchester, .260 Remington, 6.5 Grendel, 6.8 SPC II, .300 Blackout, and .308 Winchester. They can either build a complete 3-Gun rifle or simply the lowers, gas piston uppers and kits. Everything has a custom touch. Accessories include muzzle brakes and flash suppressors. Visit us at booth #1361 AB3 Bolt-action

BROWNING AB3 BOLT-ACTION RIFLE FAMILY EXPANDS One Browning Place, Dept. ASJ, Morgan, UT 84050 (801) 876-2711/www.browning.com Earlier this year, Browning announced additions to the popular AB3 bolt-action rifle series to include short-action calibers, including .243 Winchester, .308 Winchester, .270 WSM and .300 WSM. The standard-caliber models have 22-inch barrels and the short magnum rifles wear 23-inch tubes. The AB3 features a composite stock with a recoil-reducing Inflex

recoil pad, detachable box magazine, bolt-lock override button and 60-degree bolt lift. Other new Browning entries are the X-Bolt Eclipse Target and Eclipse Varmint models. Both wear a gray laminated thumbhole stock with satin ﬁnish and Monte Carlo cheekpiece. The Eclipse Target model is chambered in .308 Winchester and 6.5 Creedmore with a 28-inch heavy bull barrel. It features a trigger set at 3 to 3½ pounds. The Eclipse Varmint model in .204 Ruger, .223 Remington and .22-250 Remington has a 26-inch heavy bull barrel. Browning’s new X-Bolt Varmint Stalker with Mossy Oak Brush camo has a heavy sporter contour barrel with a matte blue ﬁnish and composite stock. It is offered in .204 Ruger, .308 Winchester, .243 Winchester and .223 Remington, all with 24-inch barrels, and a .22-250 Remington with a 26-inch heavy bull barrel. Visit us at booth #2111

westernshootingjournal.com 41

RIFLES C308

CENTURY ARMS OFFERS NEW MODELS 430 South Congress Ave., Suite 1, Dept. ASJ, Delray Beach, FL 33445 (800) 527-1252/www.centuryarms.com Century Arms introduced three new riﬂes, at the January SHOT Show, two chambered for the 7.62x39mm cartridge and a third in .308 Winchester. The C308, based on the CETME roller-block bolt system action is the .308-caliber entry. It has an 18-inch threaded barrel for various muzzle

NOSLER OFFERS A NEW CALIBER IN THE M48 RIFLE P.O. Box 671, Dept. ASJ, Bend, OR 97709 (541) 382-3921/www.nosler.com Nosler’s M48 riﬂe series offers a new chambering this year: a brand new cartridge pushing a 7mm/.284-caliber bullet out of the muzzle at more than 3,000 feet per second, with plenty of downrange energy to deck bucks and bulls at long distances. Enter the 28 Nosler, a cartridge based on

American Shooting Journal // April 2015

accessories and a proprietary Chevron muzzle brake. It has a single ﬁve-round magazine and two 20-round magazines. In 7.62x39mm, the C39v2 semi-auto joins the C39 family. The milled receiver is machined from a solid block of 4140 ordnance quality steel, and this model boasts a new enhanced trigger group. It features a large tee-shaped magazine catch that is compatible with AKM furniture. It also has a bolt hold-open safety and enhanced dust cover. The riﬂe comes with a pair of 30-round Magpul magazines. Century’s RAS47, marketed under the Red Army Standard brand, is also chambered for the 7.62x39mm cartridge. Also 100-percent American made, it features a large tee-shaped magazine catch and is compatible with AKM furniture. It also ships with a pair of Magpul 30-round magazines. Visit us at booth #1248

the .404 Jeffery, like its sibling, the 26 Nosler introduced in 2014. The NRA exhibition will be the first opportunity for the public to get a hands-on look at this new round. The cartridge is faster than the 7mm Remington Magnum or the .280 Remington, and the rifles are first rate. Nosler offers this new caliber in the M48 Heritage, M48 Patriot and M48 Custom. The M48 Patriot features a lightweight composite stock with a 1-inch-thick recoil pad. straight comb and raised cheekpiece, Cerakote

all-weather finish, 26-inch barrel and smooth action. It is drilled and tapped for scope bases, and it takes the same two-piece base made for the Remington 700. The M48 Custom also features Cerakote on the metal surfaces, and a match-grade stainlesssteel hand-lapped barrel. The rifle comes with a 3-pound factory trigger pull, and the hand-laid Kevlar and carbon-fiber stock features glass and stainless steel pillar bedding. Nosler’s M48 Heritage features a stainless match-grade battle, walnut stock with 20 lpi

westernshootingjournal.com 43

RIFLES checkering, glass bedding, a hinged ﬂoorplate and Cerakote ﬁnish on the metal surfaces. The action features a two-position Rocker safety. Visit us at booth #2414 Blaze 47

RUGER’S NEW RIFLES WINNING FAVOR 1 Lacey Place, Dept. ASJ, Southport, CT 06890 (203) 259-7843/www.ruger-firearms.com

NEW RIFLES FROM MOSSBERG GREET NRA MEMBERS 7 Grasso Ave., Dept. ASJ, North Haven, CT 06473/(203) 230-5300/www.mossberg.com New rimfires from Mossberg that were announced earlier this year will be on display at the NRA exhibits in Nashville, and should soon be showing up on retail gun racks all over the map. The American-made Blaze 22LR is a semi-auto with a synthetic stock, 16.5-inch free-floating barrel and a choice of adjustable sights, barrel rail or a scoped combo package. Weighing 32/3 pounds, this lightweight plinker is rugged and affordable, and it is available with either a 10- or 25-round magazine. The Blaze 22LR features a top tang safety, blue finish on metal components, and the barrel is cut with a 1:16-inch rifling twist. Scoped combo rifles come with a rail-mounted adjustable Dead Ringer Green Dot sight, and a choice of camo or black dipped finish on the stock. Another entry is the Blaze 47, which resembles an AK-47 rifle in both look and feel. It has either a fixed-length wood stock or adjustable black synthetic stock. Both models come with either a 10or 25-round magazine. It has a molded polymer receiver and action, 16.5-inch free-floating barrel, metal bolt, firing pin and bolt handle, and ambidextrous safety. The rifle also has an adjustable fiber optic rear sight and raised front sight. Visit us at booth #2400

The Ruger Hawkeye FTW Predator bolt-action rifle is available in two additional calibers, while there has also been a warm reception for the Scout rifle in .223 Remington and a left-hand version of the American rifle. Featuring a Hawkeye matte stainless finish, the Predator has a Green Mountain laminate stock and two-stage adjustable target trigger. The newest chamberings are .308 Winchester with a 22-inch barrel and 6.5 Creedmore, which has a 24-inch tube. Ruger’s AR-556 M4-style modern sporting rifle has a 7075-T6 aluminum upper and lower receiver, cold hammer-forged barrel made from chrome moly steel with M4 feed ramp cuts. It has a flat top design with Ruger’s Rapid Deploy folding rear sight and a milled F-height gas block with post front sight. It also features a forward assist, dust cover and brass deflector. Ruger offers this rifle with a telescoping sixposition stock, enlarged trigger guard and supplies

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American Shooting Journal // April 2015

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RIFLES XPR Hunter Mossy Oak Break-Up Country

WINCHESTER’S NEW XPR MODEL IN SPOTLIGHT 275 Winchester Ave., Dept. ASJ, Morgan, UT 84050-3737/(801) 876-3440/www.winchester-guns.com Since its introduction earlier this year, the new bolt-action Winchester XPR bolt-action rifle is getting a decent reception, and American Shooting Journal had a chance to try it out at the SHOT Show in January with satisfaction. It proved to be accurate, with a good action that features a “chromoly” steel receiver and fulldiameter bolt body with a nickel Teflon coating. It has a 60-degree lift for fast cycling, and the free floated barrel is button-rifled. Chambered in .270 Winchester and .30-06 with a 24-inch barrel, and .300 Win. Magnum and .338 Win. Magnum with a 26-inch barrel, the XPR has a two-position thumb safety, cocking indicator bolt unlock button and three-round detachable magazine. Winchester’s newest Model 70 is the Ultimate Shadow Hunter SS with a forged stainless-steel barrel and receiver, and a lightweight synthetic stock finished in Mossy Oak Break-Up country. It features Winchester’s popular pre-’64-style-controlled round feed with claw extractor and the M.O.A. Trigger System. The Model 1873 Sporter Octagon Color Case lever-action is a winner with Cowboy Action shooters. It has a 24-inch octagonal barrel with a color case-hardened finish on the receiver, lever, forend cap and crescent buttplate. The stock is crafted from Grade II/III walnut with a straight grip and satin oil finish. It is chambered in .44-40 Winchester and .357 Magnum. Also this year, the Model 94 Short Rifle is now available in .450 Marlin with a 20-inch barrel. Visit us at booth #2125

one 30-round Magpul PMag. The left-hand American Rifle is chambered in .223 Remington, .22-250 Remington, .243 Winchester, 7mm-089 Remington, .308 Winchester, .270 Winchester and .30-06 Springfield. A new Ranch version has a 16.12-inch threaded barrel in standard and compact length chambered for the 5.56mm/.223 Remington, and .300 Blackout. It has a black polymer stock with palm swell on the textured grip and a one-piece aluminum scope rail. Ruger’s newest Scout in .223 has a black laminate stock, a 16.1-inch cold hammer-forged barrel with a 1:8-inch rifling twist and a chamber that takes both 5.56mm and .223 Remington cartridges. It also has a detachable 10-round magazine, flash suppressor, nonglare post front sight and ghost ring rear sight, plus a Picatinny rail ahead of the action. Visit us at booth #1217, 142

A NEW RIFLE FROM SIG SAUER 72 Pease Blvd., Dept. ASJ, Newington, NH 03801 (603) 610-3000/www.sigsauer.com Earlier this year at the SHOT Show, Sig Sauer introduced the SIG MCX, a short-barreled lightweight riﬂe system chambered in .300

GET TRIGGER HAPPY...

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American Shooting Journal // April 2015

westernshootingjournal.com 47

RIFLES Blackout and 5.56mm NATO. Calibers can be changed out quickly by swapping the barrels and op rods. With a change of the bolt face, this riﬂe can also be switched to ﬁre the 7.62x39mm cartridge, with the appropriate barrel. Barrel lengths initially are offered in 16- and 9-inch lengths, the latter of course being an SBR. Threading the barrel allows for the use of a suppressor for considerable noise reduction. According to Sig Sauer, the MCX recoil system does not require a buffer tube. This allows the use of a side-folding stock. The MCX features an aluminum KeyMod handguard, ambidextrous AR-style controls and the charging handle, and they utilize standard STANAG magazines. Visit us at booth #925

LIGHTWEIGHT BIG GAME RIFLES FROM FORBES 600 County Road, Dept. ASJ, Westbrook, ME 04092 (207) 899-3254/www.forbesriflellc.com Forbes Rifle, the legendary Maine outfit that has been a leader in production of lightweight hunting rifles, will be showing off its wares at the NRA exhibits in Nashville, but even if you’re not attending, check them out online. The Model 24B is a long-action model in standard calibers that hits the scale at about 5.5

American Shooting Journal // April 2015

Forbes Riﬂe Model 20B

pounds. It features a Kevlar-reinforced carbon-fiber stock and an alloy steel or stainless-steel barrel and action. The alloy-steel model features a militarygrade phosphate finish, and the barrel is 24 inches long. Available chamberings for the 24B include .2506 Remington, .30-06 Sprg., .270 Winchester, .280 Ackley, and the 6.5x55 Swede. The Forbes Rifle Model 20B is a short-action model with a 21-inch barrel and same Kevlarreinforced carbon-fiber stock. This one weighs about 4.75 pounds and it is chambered in .308 Winchester, 7mm-08 Remington, and .260 Remington. In April, Forbes Rifle is planning to introduce the Model 28B rifle. This one is a long-action model weighing 6 pounds and it will be chambered in two popular magnum calibers, the .300 Winchester Magnum and 7mm Remington Magnum. All stocks have a length-of-pull at 13.75 to 14 inches, and the stocks are hand-laid carbon fiber with Kevlar reinforcement that does seem to reduce felt recoil. Barrels are made by E.R. Shaw, and the actions feature Timney triggers. Forbes Rifle supplies either 1-inch or 30mm scope rings and they are all shipped in hard-

plastic riﬂe cases. Visit us at booth #900

REMINGTON 870 Remington Drive, Dept. ASJ, Madison, NC 27025 (800) 243-9700/www.remington.com Already reported in some of the blogs, Remington will offer the Model 783 in a bargain package in several popular calibers, from .223 Remington and .22-250 Remington up to .300 Winchester Magnum. It’s got a button-riﬂed heavy contour barrel, synthetic stock and adjustable trigger. Also, Remington is observing the 50th anniversary of the .22-250 Remington, introduced as a production cartridge in 1965. It’s being offered in a limited edition of the Model 700 CDL SF with a handsome checkered stock. Visit us at booth #1925

CMMG P.O. Box 369, Dept. ASJ, Fayette, MO 65248 (660) 248-2293/www.cmmginc.com Late last year, CMMG introduced the Mk47 Mutant semiauto chambered for the 7.62x39mm cartridge. It’s got a newly designed upper and lower receiver made from 7075-T6 aluminum, and three

westernshootingjournal.com 49

RIFLES versions are available with 16.1-inch medium tapered barrels. The Mutant T has an A2 compensator, while the Mutant AKM and Mutant AKM2 both have an SV brake. Both AKM models weigh 7.2 pounds while the T weighs 7 pounds even.

COLT’S M.A.R.C. RIFLES P.O. Box 1868, Dept. ASJ, Hartford, CT 06144/(860) 2366311/www.colt.com Colt’s Manufacturing has expanded its popular LE901 rifle family and they’ll be appearing at the NRA exhibition in Nashville. There are four new models in the series, the LE901-16SE, LE901-FDE-16SE, LE901-18SE and the AR901-16S. All feature a monolithic upper receiver with a fixed rail on top. There are also provisions for mounting rails on both sides and underneath. The AR901 has a flattop upper receiver and tubular forend and rails may be mounted in various positions. Three of the SE models feature ambidextrous

Colt AR901-16S

American Shooting Journal // April 2015

controls for magazine release and bolt catch, and a single-side reversible fire selector. The LE901-FDE-16SE features an exclusive flat dark earth finish on both upper and lower receivers. The AR901-16S has a free-floated barrel, tubular handguard and rail-mounting provisions in several locations. It also features a B5 Bravo retractable buttstock.

MARLIN P.O. Box 1871, Dept. ASJ, Madison, NC 27025/(800) 5448892/www.marlinfirearms.com Look for the limited edition Model 1895 leveraction rifle, marking the 120th anniversary of this legendary rifle. This handsome rifle is chambered in .45-70 Govt., and it has a 24-inch tapered octagonal barrel with a full-length tubular magazine. The receiver features scroll work on both sides and there’s an elk inlay in 24 carat gold on the left side, while the right side features a Marlin Horse and

Rider located just ahead of the loading gate. Each riﬂe is marked “Limited Edition” and “1 of 1500” on the barrel. The barrel and action are deeply blued and the stock is B-grade walnut.

CZ-USA 1401 Fairfax TFWY, B-119, Dept. ASJ, Kansas City, KS 66115 (800) 955-4486/www.cz-usa.com CZ-USA introduced several new rimfire and centerfire rifle models that should be on display in Nashville, and in gun shop racks. CZ offers several centerfires, including the Model 527 youth carbine, chambered in .223 Remington or 7.62x39mm. It has a walnut stock, 12.75-inch length of pull, 18.5-inch barrel, single set trigger and five-round magazine. The CZ 527 Varmint Thumbhole in .223 Remington has a Shady Camo thumbhole laminate stock, 24-inch heavy barrel, single set trigger and five-round magazine, while the Model 527 Sporter is offered in .270 Winchester, .30-06 and 6.5x55. The Model 550 Western series Sonoran is now available in 26 Nosler. It has a Manners carbonfiber stock, 26-inch No. 4 contour fluted barrel and three-round magazine. The CZ 550 Safari Classic Craig Boddington signature series in .375 H&H Magnum has an XX Claro walnut stock with red recoil pad and rust blue finish on the metal. In rimfire, the CZ 455 Varmint thumbhole fluted

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Accurate • Lightweight • Dependable

CZ-USA 527 Sporter

Savage 16 Bear Hunter

Forbes Rifle is a lightweight, precision bolt-action hunting rifle manufacturer. Our rifles are built by hand one rifle at a time and have the fit and finish of a custom rifle at a production price. In addition to our models 20B and 24B, Forbes is proud to announce the 2015 release of the new model 28B in .300 Win Mag and 7mm Rem Mag. The model 28B will weigh approximately 6 pounds and will feature a 24 inch barrel and the same lightweight recoil-reducing, carbon fiber, Kevlar stock Forbes is known for. If you are looking for an ultra lightweight, deadly accurate, hunting rifle, look no further than Forbes Rifles.

www.forbesriﬂellc.com or shop at

www.forbesriﬂestore.com

207-899-3254 52

American Shooting Journal // April 2015

model has a Nutmeg thumbhole laminate stock and 20.5-inch varmint barrel with heavy ﬂuting. The 455 Ultra Lux has a beechwood stock, 28.6-inch barrel, tangent rear sight with slide adjustment for distance, 10-round magazine and adjustable trigger. The CZ 512 Tactical is offered in either .22 long riﬂe or .22 Magnum. It has a six-position adjustable stock, Picatinny rail, 16.5-inch barrel, 25-round magazine in .22 LR and 10-round magazine in .22 Magnum.

SAVAGE 100 Springdale Road, Dept. ASJ, Westfield, MA 01085/(800) 235-1821/ www.savagearms.com Earlier this year, Savage introduced six new models chambered for the .338 Federal, a cartridge based on the .308 Winchester case expanded to take a .338-caliber bullet. The choices include the 11 Long Range Hunter, 11 Hog Hunter, 11 Trophy Hunter XP, 16 FCSS, 16 Bear Hunter and 16 Trophy Hunter XP. The new Model 11 Scout Rifle for law enforcement is chambered in .308 Winchester as well. It has an adjustable AccuTrigger, a cheek-adjustable synthetic stock finished in flat dark earth, and muzzle brake. For law enforcement, the Savage Model 10 FCP-SR series features a 10-round detachable box magazine, synthetic black beavertail AccuStock, fluted matte barrels, one-piece EGW scope mount bases, tactical bolt handles and threaded barrels. ASJ shot this rifle in January and it’s impressive. All three versions are chambered in .308 Winchester. One has a 20-inch barrel and the other two have 24-inch barrels, including the left-hand model. Chambered for the .17 Winchester Super Magnum, the Savage B.MAG is now available with a gray laminate thumbhole stock. It features a stainless heavy barrel, adjustable AccuTrigger, center-feed rotary magazine and soft rubber butt pad.

STEYR 2530 Morgan Road, Dept. ASJ, Bessemer, AL 35002/(205) 417-8644/ www.steyrarms.com Steyr is now shipping the AUG A3 M1 bullpup, chambered for 5.56mm/.223 Remington. It’s available in short-rail and high-rail versions, and an integrated-optic version, the latter with either a 1.5X or 3X scope. It has a top rail with numbered slots in two segments. It has a 16-inch chrome-lined barrel cut with a 1:9-inch right-hand twist. The AUG A3 M1 was designed with a single-stage trigger and the stock is black synthetic. It comes with a polymer 30-round magazine, while 10-round and 42-round versions are available.

American Shooting Journal // April 2015

BIG GAME TIPS FROM A PRO Your African Safari Check List STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY SAFARI GUIDE NATHAN ASKEW

“

hat gun do you use?” That is the most common question I get from hunters, clients, and people interested in what I do for a living. It’s a bit of a unique situation to make your living with a gun in your hand. This privilege is reserved for a handful of professional hunters, law enforcement agents, the military, security and, unfortunately, a few on the wrong side of the law. Each profession has its own specific needs when it comes to firepower. Being a professional hunter in Africa, I can provide some valuable knowledge from the hunting side that may save hunters quite a bit of money and disappointment when it comes to wounded and lost animals. This knowledge may also save them, my staff and me from injury – especially when it comes to the pursuit of dangerous game. For hunters and gun enthusiasts alike, the variety of firearms and calibers has a definite allure. From Davie Crockett to heroes of the great wars, much of our history was carved out with a good rifle in hand. Guns, good or bad, are a part of our culture and the stuff from which legends are made. When it comes to hunting there are three things that one needs to think about. The first is the tool itself – your rifle. The second is the projectile that is launched. The third is the device you use to see with. There have been thousands of articles and books written on these topics, many composed by true experts in physics, ballistic and rifles. I can’t cover these topics in more detail than the experts before me, but I can outline the basics on hunting and tell you what I have seen perform in the field, under real life conditions. See this article as more

Bigger isn’t always better when it comes to hunting Africa. What’s most important is making sure your weapon is accurate. Before going, practice – and then practice some more. Hunting the Zambezi Valley, Karen Kelley of Sikeston, Mo., sports a .378 Weatherby.

of a “what really works” article than a dissertation on sectional densities, feet-per-second and caliber statistics. START WITH THE GUN A gun that feels right and is steady in your hands will lead to better accuracy and cleaner kills. The gun is where accuracy comes from, and accuracy is everything. It holds the potential energy to send the projectile down range to the target. Without the delivery system in correct working order, the bullet can’t strike the target. The weight and barrel length needs to ﬁt you and the terrain you will be hunting. In Africa, the bush is thick and you may

have to take your shot quickly. This calls for a shorter, medium-weight rifle that shoulders well and, ideally, was properly measured for your length-of-pull. This allows the gun to shoulder correctly and quickly. The rifle must also have a stock and grip that you are comfortable with. There are many stocks and styles out there, so you should try as many as you can to see what works best for you. Another decision is the type of action. Should you get a semiauto, bolt action or a double rifle? Semiauto rifles are not allowed in Africa; only the people in power have the right to use these types of arms (the military, police and game rangers). In the US, we have seen semiauto rifles used for deer and westernshootingjournal.com 55

One of the author’s clients, Ronnie Richardson, with a great Tanzanian 40-inch buffalo taken with a .416 Rigby in the Selous game reserve, Tanzania.

predator hunting, but they are not the most accurate, or lightest, and generally operate with the smaller calibers. These riﬂes were designed to shoot at people and win wars. Most hunters are best served with a bolt-action rifle; they are the most versatile in caliber, most reliable, most accurate and the list goes on. A double rifle is not the best option for a hunter, so if you have or are considering a double rifle, please do not put a scope on it – that has always confused me. Doubles are for close encounters and back-up for dangerous game. These rifles are not the best hunting tool and you should not need a scope at a distance of 20 steps. Once you have decided on the action, then you can move on to the model and brand that you like. More than likely you do not need an overthe-top custom gun. There are lots of variations in moderately priced, massproduced guns. Save your money for ammunition and shooting practice, which will serve you better in the ﬁeld, than fancy engraving. Something to consider is having a good trigger. This will increase accuracy and a nice, short, crisp trigger is an asset and easily customized. 56

American Shooting Journal // April 2015

SCOPES Most if not all of the hunting you do with a riﬂe is better done with a variable power scope. Most hunting situations take place at dusk and dawn when visibility can be an issue. You should make sure that the scope collects enough light in these conditions. For an all-around scope, I recommend a Leupold or Zeiss with detachable mounts, somewhere around a 4-10

power, with a 30 millimeter tube. Bigger can be better here as the tube transmits light to your eye, but then there is a limit when you start going overboard. The shots here are usually not that far and you cannot really see or judge an animal from 500 meters so what good is a scope that magnifies too much? It ends up just being in the way. On the other hand, a hunter with only a fixed 4-power scope is at a true disadvantage. Get a scope with a medium to heavy reticle or crosshair. There is no need for multiple crosshairs and other distractions in your field of view. Put the crosshair on the animal’s shoulder and squeeze – don’t overcomplicate things. Iron sights are a matter of preference, but practice with them is a must; know how they work and know that they are zeroed in. I am amazed at how many hunters do not know how to shoot with regular old iron sights. You should buy the highest quality scope mounts that you can afford. I prefer detachable scope mounts, as there are many instances when a scope will not do you much good. The ability to detach your scope quickly for following up shots on a wounded animal is priceless.

An unbeatable camp battery might include a 7mm Remington Magnum, .375 Holland & Holland Magnum, .470 Nitro Express, .577 Nitro Express – in Africa you should be prepared for any situation or shot.

westernshootingjournal.com 57

Brothers in arms. John and Nathan Askew after a successful crocodile hunt. John (left) has a .416 Remington, Nathan a .375 H&H; both are made by Dakota Arms.

American Shooting Journal // April 2015

AMMUNITION Provided you can hit your target correctly, the projectile that comes out of your rifle is what tows the line at the end of the day. This topic needs to be divided into the size, speed and construction of the bullet. Caliber is the size of your bullet, and you need to match it to the animal you are hunting. Bigger is not always better – especially if you become inaccurate due to the heavy recoil and flinching before the shot. Have you ever seen someone pull the trigger when they mistakenly thought there was a bullet in the chamber? It’s great way to see if people anticipate their shots. Speed only kills if the bullet can handle it. I have seen fast bullets disintegrate on impact, resulting in poor penetration and wounded animals. The faster a projectile is, the more unstable it can be in flight and expansion. There is also greater deflection when a fast bullet encounters obstacles such as unseen brush on the way to the target. I have seen fast bullets zip through an animal so quickly that it results in a long retrieval and a prolonged death. All too often the newer, faster short magnums leave too much potential killing power on the table and deliver it straight to the dirt on the other side of the animal instead of within. In Africa I have seen heavier slower calibers outperform ultra fast ones; I would rather take a .30-06 to the African bush over a

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.270 Weatherby unless, of course I am heading west for an antelope. Construction of the bullet is very important and must also be matched to the animal you are hunting. There are diﬀerent bullets for various applications; applying the right bullet makes a huge diﬀerence. Basically you want the type of bullet that has the proper rate of expansion and penetration, to the animal you have chosen to hunt. Expandable (aka soft) bullets do more damage, due to their increased diameter as the head expands or deforms upon impact. This reaction slows a bullet down and leads to less penetration but more internal damage. In Africa, the animals are very hard, generally speaking, a harder bullet is needed to get through the animal’s vitals. Plastic-tipped or ballistic bullets are the fastest expanding but least penetrating; they are basically useless in Africa and only good for prairie dogs, in my opinion. Soft bullets are expanding bullets, typically with a lead core. The best of

American Shooting Journal // April 2015

these bullets are bonded, meaning that the metal jacket is bonded to the lead core which helps to retain bullet mass and provides controlled expansion. These are great for Africa and are used on most game. An exception to the lead core, expandable bullets is a revolutionary concept pioneered by Barnes Bullets. They make an expanding bullet without any lead. The Barnes Bullets are great and have changed the game when it comes to expandable bullets. The last category is solid bullets. They do not expand and are not supposed to deform in any way. They are made out of one single piece of metal (monolithic solids), or they can have a lead core with a full metal jacket. The best of these bullets are monolithic solids, as they have the least chance of failure. The idea with a solid bullet is to penetrate at all costs; they are typically used on dangerous game and shot out of larger caliber riﬂes. To answer the question, I

carry a Merkel double .470 Nitro Express when I am hunting with clients. I load it with 500-grain Barnes Banded Solids. I am very thankful for this rifle and such a great bullet; they have saved me from various sticky situations. It is the perfect gun for my work and I thank a great friend and client Jim Lightsey for that rifle. When I am hunting I shoot a left-hand, controlled-feed, bolt action in a Dakota 76 model, chambered in .375 H&H, with a 3.5x to 14x power Leopold Scope with detachable mounts and Barnes X or Swift A-frame bullets. Regardless of the type, caliber and make of your rifle, practice is the most important thing. Being accurate and efficient with your rifle is the most crucial aspect of hunting that you can control. ASJ Editors note: The author is a professional hunter with Bullet Safaris. Learn more at bulletsafaris.com.

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American Shooting Journal // April 2015

NEW INCARNATION FOR CENTURY ARMS C39v2

ounded 44 years ago, Century International Arms concentrated on importing bolt-action and semi-auto firearms. The Florida-based company has gone through quite a change in recent months, not the least of which is a shortening of its name to simply Century Arms. That reflects what marketing manager Dina Sanders explained is a shift that includes domestic production of guns in the inventory. What this represents is not a “new and improved” version of the company, but more of a “perfection,” according to Century’s Steve Stanko. Century has earned a reputation for being a large importer of firearms, including long guns built on the popular AK platform, plus bolt-action sporters and various handgun models. The company has also introduced firearms that appeal to Cowboy Action shooters. It now also offers ammunition under the Red Army Standard and Red Army Elite labels. Founded in 1961 by the late William Sucher and his wife, Phyllis, Century also has

Red Army Standard

offered muzzleloading firearms, including rifles and percussion shotguns. As the company expanded and reached new markets and customers, its inventory and horizons widened as well. Underscoring its shift toward domestic production is the new RAS47, chambered for the 7.62x39mm cartridge and 100-percent American made. This rifle is marketed under the Red Army Standard brand, featuring a large T-shaped magazine catch and 30-round Magpul magazines. Another brand new entry is the C39v2, compatible with AKM components. Sanders said the Centurion 39 rifle line is made in the U.S. and it includes rifles and three pistol models, all built on the AK platform. All chambered in 7.62x39mm, each model in this series accepts standard-capacity magazines and all the typical controls. Century has a pretty good lineup of semiauto pistols, including five different Model 1911 clones chambered in .45 ACP, and several more models in 9mm. A third entry is the C308, chambered in .308 Winchester, another signal that Century is going domestic. This semiauto sporter is yet

another “black rifles” but in a caliber ample enough to knock over a buck or bull, bear or wild hog. At this year’s SHOT Show in Las Vegas, the company showed off its full line and rarely had any down time at its display. One Cowboy Action model that raised eyebrows is the PW87 leveraction 12-gauge shotgun, based on the Browning design. It has a tubular magazine that feeds through the receiver. It features a 19-inch barrel with a modified choke, a stained hardwood stock and forearm, and the magazine holds five rounds. It is chambered for 2¾-inch shells. Also for the cowboys are singleaction sixguns from Pietta. They are all in the 1873 series, with barrel lengths ranging from 4¾-inches to 7½ inches. There are models chambered in .22 Long Rifle, .44/40 and .45 Colt. Century also has models from Chiappa Firearms, Excel Industries and other great surplus pistols from Europe. In addition to the firearms and ammunition, Century has several shooting accessories, including magazines for rifles and pistols, telescoping buttstocks, handguards, bayonets, knives and even some sabers. From all indications, Century has hit a new stride. It’s a safe bet this company has plenty more on the horizon. ASJ westernshootingjournal.com 63

American Shooting Journal // April 2015

Black Powder

available in those same granulations, with the ﬁner grain powders designed for priming ﬂintlocks. Manufactured by Poudrerie d’Aubonne in Switzerland, Swiss black powder is produced in small batches to maintain quality control. This is why it has become popular with blackpowder competitors, and it burns cleanly. Visit us at booth #319

REMINGTON

870 Remington Drive, Dept. ASJ, Madison, NC 27025 (800) 243-9700/www.remington.com Remington is cranking up production of the Model 700 “Ultimate” bolt-action muzzleloader. This muzzleloader can handle charges of up to 200 grains of black powder or a substitute, behind a 250-grain bullet. Visit us at booth #1925

FEDERAL

SCHUETZEN BLACK POWDER: GERMAN-MADE FOR AMERICAN SHOOTERS

900 Ehlen Drive, Dept. ASJ, Anoka, MN 55303 (612) 323-2300/www.federalcartridge.com

7650 US Hwy. 287, #100, Dept. ASJ, Arlington, TX 76001 (817) 704-4261/www.schuetzenpowder.com Manufactured by WANO Schwarzpulver GmbH in Germany, Schuetzen black powder is a top choice of muzzleloaders, and they’re exhibiting at the NRA convention. Schuetzen is made from potassium nitrate, sulfur and charcoal made from a blend of alder and hazelnut woods. It is available in Fg, 1.5 Fg, FFg, FFFg, FFFFg and 0B granulations. Meanwhile, Swiss black powder is also

Schuetzen Black Powder

Federal has introduced a Trophy copper muzzleloader bullet with B.O.R. Lock MZ system for in-line muzzleloaders. The Federal Premium bullet’s B.O.R. Lock MZ system features an expanding polymer base cup that is permanently attached. This cup expands upon powder ignition to fully engage the riﬂing and seal the bore for full use of energy to improve trajectory and accuracy. This bullet does not have a sabot, but instead has a polymer base cup designed to clean out fouling as it is loaded into the bore.

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RIFLED-MUSKETS REVOLUTION? THE AMERICAN CIVIL WAR The fantastic array of arms in an era BY FRANK JARDIM

pril 9th marks the 150th anniversary of Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia to US Army General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox, Va., in 1865. News of Lee’s capitulation triggered a series of surrenders across the far-flung battle lines, and a month later, President Andrew Johnson considered the war over. From the beginning of hostilities on April 12, 1861 when the Confederates attacked the US Army garrison at Fort Sumter, S.C., the American Civil War lasted just over five years and resulted in a greater loss of American lives than any conflict before or since. Total military casualties numbered 1,125,000, which represented 3.5 percent of the entire US population, in 1861. The total military deaths from all causes, numbered 654,000. Technically, more soldiers were killed in World War II, but the number of soldiers who lost their lives from disease during the Civil War puts that number ahead in overall loss of life. This is the human tragedy of war. The magnitude of this 66

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war deeply scarred the people who lived through it. The Civil War is sometimes described as the last old fashioned, and the first modern, war. It was fought with the final generation of muzzle-loading percussion arms and artillery. These were at the apex of their development as well as other new technologies in the form of breech-loaders, repeating rifles (that used self-contained metallic cartridges) and, of course, the first Gatling guns. The armies fought using linear tactics of previous centuries, but generally with less finesse than the highly disciplined soldiers of Europe. RIFLED-MUSKETS were eventually the standard infantry weapon for both the North and South. They possessed the speedloading ability of a smoothbore musket and the accuracy of a rifle, thanks to the ingenious Minié bullet. Minié balls varied in detail, but the type commonly used during the Civil War had a hollow base that formed a thin skirt at the bottom, similar to a sewing thimble. It was cast smaller than the rifle bore so

Between May 30th and June 1st of 2014, an elaborate recreation of an American Civil War garrison was created at Fort Stevens State Park in Oregon. (JIM BAKER)

it could be easily loaded down the barrel. When fired, the expanding gas forced the Minié ball’s base outward and into full contact with the barrel’s rifling, stabilizing the spin. The result allowed the weapon to fire accurately against individual targets at ranges of 600 yards and against massed targets at 1,000. This increased the range 10-fold over smoothbore muskets. It is still commonly believed by historians that the horrific casualties of war were the direct result of the range and accuracy of the rifled muskets versus the old fashioned linear tactics. These tactics involved maneuvering large bodies of men in close formations around the battlefield. Each group would line up in full view of each other and fire volley after volley, until one side wavered. At that point a bayonet charge would decide the winner. ON THE SURFACE, the combination of better weapons and outdated tactics seems like a good formula for slaughter

but the reality is less clear. It seems unlikely that the full potential of the rifled musket was realized since commanders rarely took advantage of its range and accuracy. For one thing, the field artillery’s ubiquitous 12-pounder Napoleon combination guns/howitzers were deadly effective at ranges well beyond small arms. Some historians now believe that artillery fire may have accounted for 20 to 50 percent of all casualties. Statistics on the effectiveness of small arms vary. Some suggest about one casualty for every 240 rounds fired, which is hardly more than the old smoothbore musket days of Emperor Napoleon. Other estimates state that Union forces expended over 1,000 rounds per casualty. It is worthy of note that a declining ratio of rounds fired to casualties produced is consistent with results found in subsequent wars as weapons technology improved. Other factors played a part in limiting the effectiveness of the rifled-musket. The black powder propellants used westernshootingjournal.com 67

Model 1857 Smith breech-loading .50-caliber carbine with percussion hammer. Engraved: ADDRESS POULTNEY & TRIMBLE, BALTIMORE, USA MANUFACTURED BY AMERICAN MACHINE WORKS SMITH’S PATENT JUNE 23, 1857; 6550; hallmark on stock: JH in small oval. (COURTESY MEMPHIS PINK PALACE MUSEUM, TAMARA BRAITHWAITE)

produced such prodigious amounts of white smoke that at times it completely obscured large parts of the battlefield. The accuracy of the rifledmusket was of little consequence when the soldiers couldn’t see the enemy. Further undermining the myth, military marksmanship training was virtually nonexistent at that time. Soldiers had whatever shooting experience they joined the army with. Rural farm boys grew up shooting while urban laborers had, likely, never handled a firearm before becoming a soldier. Estimates show that 48 percent of the Union Army and 69 percent of the Confederate Army came from farming backgrounds. The figures suggest that the South should have had better marksmen, but keep in mind that the Union fielded twice as many troops as the Confederacy. If the Union had more good shots, it had more bad ones too. How many of those rural men in the ranks, had experience with long-range marksmanship? There’s 68

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Model 1860 Savage-North .36-caliber percussion Navy revolver. Engraved: SAVAGE R.F.A. CO. MIDDLETOWN, CT H.S. NORTH PATENTED JUNE 17 1856 JANUARY 13 1859 MAY 15 1860. (COURTESY MEMPHIS PINK PALACE MUSEUM, TAMARA BRAITHWAITE)

Model 1858 Allen & Wheelock percussion Army revolver; .44-caliber Engraving: ALLEN & WHEELOCK WORCHESTER, MASS. ALLEN’S PT’S JAN. 13, DEC 15, 1857 SEPT. 7. (COURTESY MEMPHIS PINK PALACE MUSEUM, TAMARA BRAITHWAITE)

Model 1864 Burnside breech-loading .54-caliber carbine. Engraving: BURNSIDE RIFLE CO. PROVIDENCE RI; 14402; R.K.W. stamped into stock; used by Union cavalry. (COURTESY MEMPHIS PINK PALACE MUSEUM, TAMARA BRAITHWAITE)

no doubt that a shooting background would help, but the real question is, how much? To this day, typical hunting ranges in the Eastern states are less than 100 yards. To successfully hit a longrange target requires the soldier to understand bullet trajectory and know the exact distance. The Civil War shooter had to compensate for the high arch of the heavy, slow-moving, Minie ball. A soldier shooting at the enemy from what he determined to be 300 yards would have to fire at the target’s waist. The Springfield Model 1861 had a three-tier notch rear sight (one for 50, 100 and 300 yards). The shooter would flip up the 300-yard sighting mecahnism, called a leaf, to make the shot. When he squeezed the trigger, the hammer struck the percussion cap on the nipple and instantly ignited the main 65-grain powder charge in the barrel. This launched the 505-grain projectile on its arching path towards the opponents belt buckle. At the 250-

American Shooting Journal // April 2015

yard point, the bullet would reach the apex of its arch, rising 48 inches above the line of aim on it’s path to the target. That means it would pass over the head of a man standing 50 yards in front of the target. Let’s say the shooter’s windage was oﬀ and he missed. The bullet would carry only another 50 yards behind the target before gravity pulled it to the ground. Correct range estimation was key to success and even a 50-yard error in judgment would cause a clean miss.

During the Civil War, it was common for soldiers to stack their riﬂes against each other by intertwining the bayonets. This was used while at rest or working in the camp when the riﬂe was not needed. (JIM BAKER)

IN JANUARY OF 1862, the Union had an army of 527,000 infantrymen, and by the end of the war, that number exceeded 1 million. The United States government purchased 1,565,250 weapons of all types. When the war broke out, the Springfield Model 1855 percussion rifle was the standard weapon of the US Army. It was a .58-caliber rifled-musket with a unique Maynard priming system that didn’t use conventional percussion caps, although it could if necessary.

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Sea Service Pattern1858 models In the Maynard system, the primers from the British. The Pattern 1853 were bonded to a thin tape, coiled Enfield became the mainstay of the inside its lock that functioned in the Confederacy and was the second most same manner as a roll of paper caps common weapon of the Civil War. The in a child’s cap-gun. Only 7,000 of American market quickly became a these were available at the outbreak dumping ground for Europe’s obsolete of hostilities, and though an excellent weapons as both sides scrambled to weapon, it was thought that its find enough small arms to equip their complexity would be a hindrance in armies. The Confederates purchased mass production. four blockade-runners (seagoing The Springfield Armory made a steam-ships used to make their way simplified version using an ordinary Roughly 1,264,000 American soldiers died through the Union water blockades) percussion ignition system and thus in all the nation’s wars - 620,000 of those were in the Civil War alone. The remaining to facilitate their imports. The U.S. the Model 1861 Springfield was 644,000 came from of all other conflicts government had no impediments born. It became the most widely put together. It was only as recently as the Vietnam War, that the amount of American to importation and bought 453,500 used weapon of the Civil War, and deaths in foreign wars, eclipsed the number old rifled-muskets of various types the main weapon of the Union Army. who died in the Civil War. (COURTESY OF CIVILWAR.ORG) in addition to 100,000 smooth Springfield Armory made 250,000 boremuskets. from 1861 to 1863, but another Smoothbores saw considerable use at the start of the 450,000 were made by private contractors. Design changes war on both sides. The state armories in the Confederacy to further simplify manufacturing resulted in the Model only had about 160,000 weapons of the same type as the 1863 Springfield, of which 273,000 were made before yet Union, including many Model 1842 percussion muskets. another round of simplifications resulting in the Model Even several years into the conflict, smoothbore muskets 1863 type 2. Only 255,000 of these were made in 1864. continued to be used, sometimes with buck-ball loads that combined a musket ball with several buckshot for THE U.S. GOVERNMENT also bought 428,292 .577-caliber devastating close-range effects. Pattern 1853 Enfield rifle-muskets and another 8,000 Short

American Shooting Journal // April 2015

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620,000

Civil War 405,399

World War II 116,516

World War I 36,516

Korea Revolutionary War

25,000

War of 1812

20,000

Mexican War Iraq-Afghanistan

The number of American fatalities per war. (NSSF)

58,209

Vietnam

13,283 6,626

Spanish-American War 2, 446 Gulf War 258 The Union supplemented its rifled-muskets with small numbers of various innovative repeaters and single-shot breechloaders. The lever action Spencer and Henry rifles were the most famous and successful of the repeaters. It’s strange that the most iconic and advanced rifle of the Civil War, the Henry, was the one that held the least interest for the US government. Fewer than 1,800 were purchased, compared to 11,400 .52-caliber Spencer rifles and 94,196 carbines. Among breech-loaders, the standout was the robust and accurate Sharps arms. Nine thousand Sharps New Model 1859, 1863 and 1865 breech-loading rifles as well as 80,512 M1859 and M1863 carbines, were bought

by the US government. The Sharps rifles were favored by Union sharpshooters for their accuracy and ability to reload while laying down. It might seem that the Union had gone carbine crazy when you consider that they also bought 55,567 .54-caliber breech-loading Burnside carbines (plus over 21,000,000 of their unique cartridges) in addition to 30,000 Smith, 25,000 Starr and 22,000 Gallagher breechloading carbines. The fact was the Union had a lot of cavalry. The Confederates found the utility of captured carbines limited, due to their varied calibers. In the case of Spencer and Henry repeaters, the South lacked the capacity to manufacture their special rimfire ammunition. Confederate cavalry made extensive use of short shotguns and later short rifled-muskets when they became available through capture, purchase or extremely limited manufacturing. The Confederacy never developed a small arms industry of any consequence, but they were able to purchase weapons overseas and capture them in great numbers on the battlefield in 1861 and 1862. In the latter year alone, we know that 100,000 weapons were captured. It was helpful that the .58-caliber Minié ball of the Springfield and the .577 Minie ball of the Enfield were close enough that they could be used interchangeably. ASJ

WAR WEAPONS OF THE AMERICAN CIVIL Springﬁeld Model 1855 EDGED WEAPONS

Model 1832 Foot Artillery Sword Model Dragoon Saber Model 1840 Light Artillery Saber Model 1840 Army Noncommissioned Officers’ Sword Model 1840 Cavalry Saber Model 1860 Light Cavalry Saber M1860 Cutlass Model 1850 Army Staff & Field Officers’ Sword. Mameluke sword Bowie knife HAND GUNS Adams Revolver Beaumont Adams Colt Army Model 1860 Colt M1861 Navy Colt 1851 Navy Revolver Colt Police Colt Root Colt Pocket Colt Dragoon Revolver Colt Walker Colt Paterson Moore’s belt revolver

American Shooting Journal // April 2015

Remington Model 1858 Smith & Wesson Model 1 Smith & Wesson Model 2 Starr revolver Savage 1861 Navy Tranter revolver Kerrs Patent Revolver LeMat Revolver Lefaucheux M1858 Butterfield Revolver Walsh Revolver Elgin Cutlass pistol Volcanic Pistol Wesson and Leavitt Dragoon Revolver Whitney Revolver RIFLES American Machine Works Model 1857 Springfield Model 1861 Springfield Model 1863 Pattern 1853 Enfield Pattern 1861 Enfield Musketoon Lorenz Rifle M1841 Mississippi Rifle Springfield Model 1812 Springfield Model 1816 Springfield Model 1847 Musketoon

Fayetteville rifle Richmond Rifle Whitworth rifle Sharps rifle Frank Wesson rifle Colt revolving rifle Volcanic Carbine Joslyn rifle M1817 Common rifle Maynard carbine Merrill carbine Jenks Mule ear Carbine Burnside carbine Tarpley carbine Smith carbine Henry rifle Spencer repeating rifle M1819 Hall rifle Rapid Fire Weapons .58 caliber Agar gun Billinghurst Requa Battery Williams Gun Vandenberg Volley Gun

(Non-comprehensive)

COMPILED BY GRIFFIN HUGGINS

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HANDGUNS RUGER’S LCRX 3-INCH, LIGHTWEIGHT .45 R 1 Lacey Place, Dept. ASJ, Southport, CT 06890/(203) 256-3860/www.ruger.com

Ruger’s LCRx revolver

Two recent handgun introductions from Ruger have been getting lots of attention Tw an they will no doubt be getting more at the NRA exhibits, and in gun shops and around the country, the 3-inch LCRx revolver and Lightweight SR1911 pistol. arou The Commander-sized Lightweight has a 4.25-inch barrel, aluminum frame, steel Th slide and barrel, and it’s all put pu together in a handsome two-tone package. Chambered in .45 ACP, the pistol has a polished titanium feed ramp that should last a lifetime. It features three-dot Nov Novak Lo-Mount Carry sights, a lowered and flared ejection port, hardwood grip panels and a pair of 7-round m magazines. The newest version of the five-shot LCRx has a 3-inch barrel and an adjustable rear sight. It’s got a Hogue Tamer Monogrip, stainless-steel stain barrel, matte black Synergistic hard-coat finish and exposed hammer. Like all other revolve revolvers in the LCR family, it has a polymer fire-control housing, aluminum monolithic frame and patented patente friction-reducing cam. The cylinder is heavily fluted to help keep the weight down. Ruger says the LCRx 3-in 3-inch will handle +P ammunition. Visit us at booth #1217, 142

MAXIMUM VALUE FROM NORTH AMERICAN ARMS MINI-REVOLVERS 2150 South 950 East, Dept. ASJ, Provo, UT 84606-6285 (801) 374-9990/www.NorthAmericanArms.com North American Arms is widely known for its series of miniature .22-caliber rimfire revolvers, and as increasing numbers of American citizens are carrying concealed, these tiny handguns are finding increasing favor among people wanting maximum concealment. There are several models available, with the most recent being the Sidewinder, chambered for .22 Magnum. One version has a conversion cylinder for .22 Long Rifle. NAA also produces other popular magnum revolvers with three barrel lengths, including the 1-inch PUGS, the 2-inch Black Widow series and the 4-inch Mini-Master models. All of these guns have raised vent ribs, and some have adjustable sights. These single-action revolvers are made from stainless steel and they are rugged and reliable. NAA also produces the Guardian semi-auto pistols, in .32 ACP, .380 ACP, .32

Sidewinder

A AMERICAN TACTICAL IMPORTS HAS NEW .45 ACP MODELS 100 Airpark Dr. Dept. ASJ, Rochester, NY 14624/(800) 290-0065/www.americantactical.us

FXH-45 full-size model

A introduced a trio of new polymer-frame semiautos chambered for the .45 ACP at this ATI year’s SHOT Show, and they are worth a look for anyone visiting the NRA convention in ye Nashville, oor a local gun shop. include a full-size pistol with an eight-round magazine and 5-inch barrel, a CommanderThe three models inc size pistol with a 4.25-inch bbarrel and eight-round magazine, and a compact model with a 3.25-inch barrel that holds seven rounds. These pistols feature a steel-rei steel-reinforced frame with molded ﬁnger grooves. They have match-grade barrels and steel slides. Also in the mix are two AR-type Omni Hybrid Maxx pistol models. One is chambered in 5.56mm and the other in .300 Blackout. The 5.56-caliber model has ha a 7½-inch barrel and the .300 Blackout has an 8½-inch tube. Both come with 30-round magazines. Visit us at booth #515

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HANDGUNS NAA and .25 NAA calibers. Visit us at booth #2549

YANKEE HILL MACHINE ADDING AR-15 PISTOL 20 Ladd Ave., Suite 1, Dept. ASJ, Florence, MA 01062 (877) 892-6533/yhm.net Black Label 1911-380

BROWNING 1911-380 BLACK LABEL One Browning Place, Dept.. ASJ, Morgan, UT 84050 050 (801) 876-2711/www.browning.com Browning will officially introduce a new incarnation arnation of its reducedred for the .380 ACP, and sized Model 1911 handgun, this time chambered American Shooting Journal has already had itss hands on this semi-auto. Built to an 85 percent scale of the original Government Model, the Black Label 1911-380 has a 4.25-inch steel barrel,l, composite frame, steel controls, beavertail grip safety with bump, fixed sights, an eight-round single-stack magazine, steel slide and ckeckered plastic grips. Overall length is 7.5 inches and the pistol weighs approximately 17 ounces empty. It features an ambidextrous thumb safety, magazine disconnect and it comes with a hard-sided ABS carrying case that is lockable, and a cable lock for additional security. ASJ fired the Black Label at the range and found it to be reliable and accurate. Visit us at booth #2111

American Shooting Journal // April 2015

Yankee Hill’s new AR-15 handguns have already made a strong impression at the SHOT Show, and they’ll be

AR-15 handgun in 9mm

in the spotlight again during the NRA exhibits. There are two models available, one chambered in 5.56mm with a 10½-inch barrel, and the other in 9mm sporting a 5½-inch threaded barrel. Both feature Keymod handguards, Phantom ﬂash hiders and EZ Pull takedown pins. Visit us at booth #1661

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HANDGUNS 20 Sig Sauer P220

SIG SAUER’S UER’S 10MM P220 GETTING LOTS OF ATTENTION ENTION 72 Pease Blvd.,., Dept. ASJ, Newington, NH 03801/(603) 610-3000/www.sigsauer.com ww.sigsauer.com There was quite uite a buzz in January when Sig Sauer introduced the 10mm version of the e fabled P220 semi-auto pistol, and it will be on display at the NRA exhibits in Nashville. ashville. re four versions of the pistol, including the Hunt Ready model for There are re’s also a Match Elite Reverse two-tone, the Stainless Elite and hunting. There’s te Nitron. Stainless Elite tch Elite Reverse model has an Elite beavertail, stainless finish with Sig’s Match front cockingg serrations, handsome contrasting black G-10 Piranha grips and adjustable match sights. It’s a DA/SA model. The Huntt Ready version is a single-action only with the Elite beavertail and front cocking serrations. It comes with the Sig Sauer Romeo mini red-dot sight, black G-10 Piranha grips and Kryptek Highlander camo finish. The Stainless Elite and Stainless Elite Nitron are both single-action-only models, also with front cocking serrations. The Stainless model has a natural stainless finish with rosewood grips while the Nitron version has a Nitron finish and black G-10 Piranha grips. In addition, Sig Sauer is also offering the modular P320 Compact in .45 ACP. The pistol features the same modular fire-control group as the rest of the series. The company is also offering a P320 Subcompact model that holds 12 rounds of 9mm. This pistol also accepts the 15- and 17-round magazines for the larger 9mm versions. The Subcompact has a one-piece stainless-steel frame. The P320 is available in 9mm, .40 S&W, .357 SIG and .45 ACP. Visit us at booth #925

American Shooting Journal // April 2015

TAURUS TAU 16175 NW 49th Ave., Dept. ASJ, Miami, FL 33014161 631 6314/(305) 624-1115/www.taurususa.com Interes is continuing to build for the new Taurus Interest Curve, a .380 ACP pistol that lives up to its name because it has a slighty curved proﬁle. becaus It hhas a 2.5-inch barrel, 6-round magazine, loaded chamber indicator, stainless-steel slide barrel and a carbon-steel slide, and a polymer frame with a metal subframe. TThe Curve has an integrated LaserLyte LED combo system and a bore-axis sighting system com designed for instinctive point shooting at close desi range, according to Taurus literature. It also has rang an int integral belt clip that allows the pistol to be carried without a holster.

CZ-USA P.O. Box 171073, Dept. ASJ, Kansas City, KS 66117/(800) 955-4486/www.cz-usa.com Several new CZ-USA handguns introduced earlier this year should be on display during the NRA exhibits this month. The 40th Anniversary limited-edition CZ75 has rainbow titanium-nitride controls, custom birdseye maple grip panels and hand engraving. Only 1,000 of these pistols will be made. The CZ Scorpion Evo 3 S1 is chambered for 9mm and it has a 20-round magazine,

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HANDGUNS CENTURY INTERNATIONAL OFFERS CANIK PISTOL 430 South Congress Ave., Suite 1 Dept. ASJ, Delray Beach, FL 33445 (800) 527-1252/www.centuryarms.com

Canik TP9SA

Joining the popular TP handgun series from Century International Arms this year is the Canik TP9SA, chambered in 9mm. This striker-ﬁred semi-auto has an improved single-action trigger and features a cold hammer-forged barrel. Designed with an ambidextrous top-slide-mounted decocker, the pistol has three-dot sights with a dovetailed steel rear. This handgun also has a loaded chamber indicator, striker status indicator and reversible magazine catch. It comes with two interchangeable backstraps and a MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny rail and a pair of 18-round magazines. It also comes with a poly holster that has a paddle attachment and belt attachment, plus a magazine loader and cleaning rod with a brush. Visit us at booth #1248

American Shooting Journal // April 2015

ambidextrous controls and low-profile adjustable sights. CZ’s SP-01 Shadow Target II is another 9mm pistol with adjustable rear sight, fiber optic front sight, aluminum grips and accessory rail. The Shadow Tac II is also chambered for 9mm built by CZ Custom. It has a serrated rear sight, tritium front sight, tuned internals and aluminum grips. A Model 1911 A1 pistol in .45 ACP has a sevenround magazine, checkered walnut grips, stainlesssteel barrel, dovetailed sights front and rear and is true to the Model 1911 design with a couple of “minor improvements.” The CZ 805 Bren S1 pistol is a .223 Remington with a 30-round magazine with low-profile adjustable sights, ambidextrous controls and an accessory adapter.

SMITH & WESSON 2100 Roosevelt Ave., Dept. ASJ, Springfield, MA 01104/(413) 781-8300/www.smithandwesson.com New guns from Smith & Wesson will be showing at the NRA exhibits, and pretty soon in gun shops all over the map. The lineup includes the impressive 460XVR, chambered in .460 S&W Magnum, with a 7½-inch barrel, five-round capacity, fiber optic front sight, adjustable rear sight, stainless-steel construction and a two-tone finish.

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HANDGUNS COLT AND TALO OFFER WILEY CLAPP P SIGNATURE HANDGUNS GUNS

Government

AIRGUNS

P.O. Box 1868, 68, Dept. ASJ, Hartford, CT 06114 (860) 236-6311/ 6311/ www.coltsmfg.com Colt’s Manufacturing nufacturing is working in on with veteran gun writer conjunction Wiley Clapp pp and TALO Distributors to provide all three exclusive Clapp signature handguns to ent sporting independent res and gun goods stores shops. The series eries includes the original al Wiley Clapp models, dels, a Lightweight Commander and a full-size size Government Model, plus a Concealedd Carry Ofﬁcer’s model with a 4.25inch Commander mander slide and barrel on a shorter Lightweight ht Ofﬁcer’s frame.

American Shooting Journal // April 2015

Shooters should warm up to the new M&P Co Compact in .22 Long Riﬂe. It has a 10-round ma magazine, white dot sights, polymer frame, alu aluminum-alloy slide, 3.56-inch barrel and an int internal hammer.

UMAREX AIRGUNS FEATURE NAME BRAND PRODUCTS

Lightweight Commander

Concealed Carry Officer

7700 Chad Colley Blvd., Dept. ASJ Fort Smith, AR 72916 (479) 646-4210/www.umarexusa.com Many NRA members began their shooting careers with airguns, and Umarex USA designs, develops and markets high-quality airguns under some of the top brand names. Many adult airgun shooters now use these products, which will be on display at the NRA convention in Nashville, and are available all over the country. Among the brands familiar to American shooters are Beretta, Browning, Colt, Combat Zone, Hammerli, HK, Makarov, Ruger, Smith & Wesson and Tactical Force. In the lineup one will ﬁnd airguns, air-soft guns, optics, airgun ammunition and accessories. Visit us at booth #649

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Western Shooting Journal // April 2015

COMPETITIONS

YOUTH STEEL EXPLODING

Scholarships Available Now

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY ROBIN TAYLOR

hree Boeing AH-64 Apache helicopters wheeled over and roared in low, setting up for a mock gun run. Below them, youth teams from every corner of the country looked up in wonder as the helicopters accelerated to attack speed and hissed overhead. Between the mini air-show, the 105mm start cannon and the blend of prestige and industry support, the 2015 Scholastic Pistol Program (SPP) Southwest Regional competition, highlighted the growth in the industry. The SPP has more or less exploded onto the national stage in the last few years, with youth teams popping up everywhere. The junior high/high school nationals drew more than 300

Team Gotta’s Adam Thomas, High School “Senior” Rimfire, flanked by Kevin Jimmerson (Texas A&M) and Ed Fitzgerald (Glock). Adam consistently places in the top five of all SPP shooters nationwide, regardless of age.

Team Gotta out of Custer, Wash., includes: back row: Tony Castro, Jordon Castro, Austin Millsap, Adam Thomas, Dan Harris, Robin Taylor; front row: Russell Jeffcoat, Zane Coffey. (JAMES COFFEY)

competitors this summer and the southwest regional (one of several such events) drew more than 100. Those two matches alone put SPP on par with the largest speed-steel-shooting organizations in the United States. With successful ovations by the NRA and the Boy Scouts of America, its current thousand-plus membership, represents what one might call “openers.” The near-term growth potential for the SPP has no equal. My youth group, “Team Gotta” of Custer, Wash., ﬂew down to the Southwest Regional for a chance to shoot against the two top-rated high school teams in the nation, the South Texas Juniors and Red Dawn Marksmanship Academy; both hail from Texas. Many top college teams were present, including the US Military Academy from West Point, Southeastern Illinois College and the Naval Academy. These teams were all there to test themselves against our

hosts, the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets. According to Kevin Jimmerson, match director and Texas A&M coach, the Southwest Regional started three years ago with just 40 shooters. It doubled to 80 the following year and grew to just short of 120 this year. Sponsorship and sporting excellence has tracked that growth, and with more industry support, high-skill athletes are turning fresh eyes to the sport. Coach Bruce Hering, from Southeastern Illinois College (SIC), showed up at the Southwest Regional with a four-person squad, all shooting on scholarships. Hering is known for coaching shotgun competitions, but he and team captain Alex Aguilar, made no bones about it; they were here to recruit action-pistol shooters for SIC and had a two-year, full-ride scholarship, for the right candidate. “This is our ﬁrst match as a (scholarship-level) team,” says Aguilar, who’d been tasked by Hering to form the pistol squad. “What SIC is doing, it’s really an opportunity of a lifetime westernshootingjournal.com 87

COMPETITIONS FEROCIOUS JUNIOR TEAMS for me.” One would expect college-age Hering’s current crew teams to dominate the sport, is made up mostly of top but instead freelance gun-club shotgunners who have picked teams, made up of middle and up the pistol, but they’re high school students, have looking for someone to come moved into the forefront of the the other way – a nationalcompetition. These teams are level pistol shooter who out shooting, out competing can learn shotgun. Hering and out growing all comers sees value in cross-training to the sport, particularly in shotgun with speed-pistol rimfire. For example, the Red and it helps him maximize his Dawn Raiders Marksmanship scholarship dollars. “I think Academy boasts more than 30 we’re going to stick with this members, all of whom focus model,” he says. on action-pistol sports. South Action-pistol scholarships Texas has a similar number. were not available just three When these two teams show years ago; and combining up, accompanied by coaches, shotgun with pistol was parents and friends, you would considered lunacy. Now, think a tour bus had arrived. talented young pistol shooters The SPP focuses primarily have suddenly become on centerfire (9mm) valuable assets to a growing handguns, but shooters are number of school teams. allowed to use a .22 pistol for Let’s be clear: Most shooting up to two years. For many teams don’t cross-train the The Glock Trophy, awarded to the top high school or collegiate rimfire reasons, the very young have way Hering does, nor have team. flocked to the rimfire division scholarships, but thanks to the and no college has been able SPP, young pistol shooters are to catch the juniors (yet). prizes available. looking at college programs in a whole This year Red Dawn Raiders fielded new way. young Ethan Inocando, who shot AWESOME INDUSTRY SUPPORT the fastest score of the match with a I’m not sure what magical powers SPP THE COMPETITION BREAKDOWN blistering 41.59-second round. Team directors Scott Moore and Tammy If you’ve never heard of steel shooting, Gotta’s Adam Thomas (a high school Mowry have, but they’ve managed to it’s simple. Steel shooters start from senior), was right on his heels with a bring exceptional support to the SPP. a “low ready” position with their 42.26-second round (winning “senior” Glock’s Ed Fitzgerald and Smith & pistol aimed at a flag on the ground. division). Both far outpaced the leading Wesson’s Tom Yost not only support On signal, they raise their pistol and collegiate competitor, Chandler Lewis the sport in material ways, but they engage five steel plates of various at 50.86. appear in person at many of the big shapes and sizes until they each shoot Shooting as a team, the A&M Corps matches – corporate reps literally one, ending on a “stop plate.” Your of Cadets won the collegiate rimfire doing the heavy lifting to help make score is the time it takes to shoot all category (with a score of 246 seconds) the sport a go. In a few weeks, I will five, even if extra rounds are required. but were dramatically out shot by attend the NRA Level I coach school, Each person shoots the arrangement the younger guns. Team Gotta set a dedicated to the SPP competition. of plates five times and calculates the national course record with a score of The idea that this highly conservative best four runs. There are four specified 183.85 seconds, followed by the South organization would adopt a new courses, so in all you will shoot 100 Texas Juniors with 194 seconds. program into their coaching school targets in a match. Centerfire is another game was simply amazing. The weekend It’s fast, feedback is instantaneous altogether and here the colleges schools are elevating the prestige, and everyone can tell whether a run slightly ahead of the juniors. safety and overall quality of the shooter is doing well or not. On top College student Anthony Vieth, for program, coast to coast. of all this, there are even endowment

American Shooting Journal // April 2015

COMPETITIONS example, laid down a truly impressive 43.31-second run for the individual win, and the Texas A&M team posted an excellent 204.45. “That was pretty good,” says Jimmerson, whose cadets set the centerﬁre record last year with a score of 186 and hope to do it again. GROWTH AND CHANGE The SPP is changing fast and the shooters with it. The sport is so young, some of the youth teams and coaches enjoy an experience advantage. However, this current crop of high school marksmen will soon graduate and join college teams like the Aggies. When they do, they’ll take that experience with them and the colleges should then dominate the centerﬁre side of the sport. High school senior Jordon Castro from Bellingham, Wash., holds the record at 39.32 seconds. That’s under ½ second each – including 20 starts, making him

American Shooting Journal // April 2015

Jake Overstreet shot a great score setting an unofficial course record on “Go Fast.” His fastest 5-target run, from start beep to last shot measured a blistering 1.38 seconds. Overstreet shoots as the No. 4 player on Team Gotta’s four-person varsity team.

an excellent candidate for any college competing in this sport. Right now, top-flight competitors are able to engage all 80 steel targets (SPP Course) in just over 40 seconds. Remember that when you throw away the four slowest runs, you have 80 targets left. “The sport is maturing so fast, it won’t be long before we’re looking

at whole teams with (individual) scores in the 30’s,” predicts Moore. It’s a changing landscape for youth sports. In a world where liberal politicians want to label our schools as “gun free zones,” SPP is sending kids to college on the strength of their skills with a handgun. And that’s an encouraging thought. ASJ

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The Smart Firearm features infrared sensors and intelligent algorithms that detect when a trainee has placed their ﬁnger near or on the trigger at the wrong time. The sensors are smart enough to know when you should or should not be there.

SMARTER THAN YOU!

Science Fiction Or Are You Already Behind In Your Training? BY DANIELLE BRETEAU • PHOTOGRAPHS BY MIKE FARRELL

ost people who pick up this magazine have handled a firearm, maybe even twice and at some point, have had training, whether it was formal i.e., law enforcement academy/military training or a bit more relaxed, such as plinking with friends or family on a range. Either way, there are cardinal rules one must always follow. These rules are usually touted in the same manner that we use to recite the pledge of allegiance in the classroom. It is doctrine. Let me refresh your memory: 1. Treat every firearm as if it’s loaded. 2. Never point a firearm at anything you are not willing to destroy. 3. Always be sure of your target and what is beyond it. 4. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are on target and ready to fire. There are various versions of this, usually much longer, but these four rules are always part of the program. I draw your attention to No. 4. When an instructor is working one-on-one

with a student, it is usually clear when the student has inappropriately placed their finger in the trigger guard or is not safely handling the firearm, but what if you are teaching many people at once? It is not always obvious when someone has slipped their finger into the trigger guard, even to the new shooter at times. They may be uncomfortable or busy considering the 57 other rules they must learn when on the range or handling a firearm.

LET’S LOOK AT THE TRAINING ASPECT here. What can you do to train in a safer environment until the students get it? I know, blue guns (or red, whatever, a plastic molded gun)! Blue guns are great for training people how to hold a firearm, holster it, handle it, deal with it, etc. This invention was a great idea and another excellent use of those plastic-dolphin molding machines. Moving on to the 21st century and the adage “necessity is the mother of invention,” there are products out there that address the shortcomings of current training tools, like the famed blue gun. I recently had the opportunity to interview Mike Farrell, owner and founder of Smart Firearms. Picture a smart blue gun: A training tool that will tell the instructor that the student let their finger drift into the trigger guard or onto the trigger, at an inappropriate time. This training gun is designed to set off an audible alarm when this faux pas happens, but get this: It is smart enough to know when you should and should not be on the trigger. There is an infrared westernshootingjournal.com 95

sensor that knows when your finger is inadvertently drifting into the trigger guard and also knows when you actually intend to be there. There is an algorithm set to calculate these actions ,and unless you are a rocket scientist or electronics engineer, let’s suffice it to say that it is a “smart” tool. What many do not realize is in the training environment, many bad habits start forming in the blue gun stage. Instructors across the country have adopted the idea that they will simply correct the trigger invasion once they are hot on the range. The problem with this, and one of the reasons it is extremely important to handle any firearm, including a fake one, as if it were loaded, is you build muscle memory every step of the way. When I was in the police academy, I used to think it was ridiculous that the instructors seemed to overreacted when someone muzzled (passed the muzzle of a blue gun over an area not intended for destruction) a fellow cadet. I remember thinking, “Surely the instructor knows it’s a piece of plastic.” Having now instructed many students, I have an immense respect for that concept and have seen many negligent discharges from new and seasoned shooters alike. ANOTHER COMMON ASPECT to training is the “notional” training, the time during training where you do not actually “do” a specific movement but verbalize that at a certain point, you would go through this or that motion. There have been countless times where the notional action has caused a vast amount of confusion between the student and the instructor, much to the exasperation of both. Scientifically, it has been shown that if you do not properly conduct the movement in training, you most likely will not do it when you need your skills the most. The more realistic the training, the more profound the muscle memory, and this is where intelligent training tools create a realistic environment from the beginning and thwart bad habits. Smart Firearms is currently 96

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customer. Most, if not all of his clients who purchased a few to “see how things go” have returned to purchase even more and have fully integrated the Smart Firearm into their curriculums.

Mike Farrell, founder and owner of Smart Firearms training devices.

distributing their second generation and is already working on the third. Their progressions are directly related to the feedback from law enforcement agencies nationwide, which initially had the units for testing and evaluation purposes. The original algorithms were based on two to three sensors but the Gen. II is now calculating over 121 diﬀerent feeds – All of that for one movement of the trigger ﬁnger. Pretty impressive. WHILE TALKING TO FARRELL, who hails from an in-depth pilot background, hence is highly technical and subject to perfection, he was passionate about the process and goals for the unit. There are currently over 42 law enforcement agencies and security companies nationwide and beyond which include Dugway Proving Grounds and the Phoenix Police Department, using this device. Farrell says the proof is in the returning

WHEN I ASKED FARRELL what drove him to start creating this training aid, he said, “We, as a society, ask a lot of our police officers. Smart Firearms believes officers should be provided with nothing but the very best in training equipment, if they are to be held to very unforgiving standards. The consequences for the officer personally, the agency they represent and the citizens they serve are frankly too high to risk getting it wrong through the use of substandard, outdated training equipment.” Farrell went on to say, “We also believe that a Phd level of knowledge exists in the firearms tactics/defensive tactics units which is, for the most part, completely ignored at the chief level. I have talked at length with hundreds of instructors from all over the country and it is a common theme that most police officers are simply not given enough repetitions in critical functions to properly build correct muscle memory. Muscle memory becomes very important to an officer in a stressful situation. When the heart rate goes up, fine motor function and executive reasoning all start to suffer. That officer is left to fall back on the training they have received to see them through the day. If a function was not done enough to become ingrained as a gross motor memory, the odds are it will not be carried out correctly.” I could not have said it better ourselves. I am always open to new concepts and ideas and try my best to see the possibilities in anything I find. What may not be perfect now is possibly a product that is on the way there. I think the concept of this product is fantastic and it appears that agencies that have it, use it and are on the cutting edge of the everprogressive training standard. ASJ

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American Shooting Journal // April 2015

NAA’s Sidewinder revolver with a hinged cylinder, just like a standard revolver, for easy reloading. (CHRISTOPHER E. HERBERT)

TINY GUNS, HUGE SOUL North American Arms Winds Their Way Into Your Heart

orth American Arms (NAA) was created from the ashes of Rock Mountain Arms, the former manufacturer of firearms designed by Dick Casull. Casull was known for reducing and expanding the single-action revolver and a few of his treaured models would include a 3.5-inch revolver, chambered in .22 short and a hand cannon chambered in .450 Magnum-express. NAA is located in Provo, Utah, and currently produces some of America’s finest tiny guns. They even manufacture the world’s smallest production model with their revolver chambered in .22 short (leaving respectful room for the few, even smaller custom models). Some may wonder why, other than novelty reasons, would anyone carry a firearm so incredibly small. Well, there are actually many reasons one might not have even entertained. Sandy Chisholm, president of NAA says “ours is a very niche-oriented business whose entire reason for being is personal

protection. These firearms are not designed to be target-grade, although some people have managed to achieve some extraordinary results. Nor are they intended for hunting, although I hear that many hunters carry them to dispatch wounded or trapped animals. Our firearms are deliberately designed to be small, light and concealable. We cater to a wide variety of interests, be it recreational (stick one in a backpack or tackle box), law enforcement (as a second or third weapon or for deep concealment), or collectable. Primarily, however, our market is the man or woman who simply wants something easy to carry and conceal; something that can be comfortably dropped into a purse or pocket. Our customers typically equate “ease of carry” with “likely to carry.” Chisholm also remarks on the derogatory comments he has received regarding the size of their firearms, effectiveness and calibers. Often times, conversations may go

STORY BY DANIELLE BRETEAU • PHOTO BY NAA

something like “I only carry a .45,” “Well, where is it?” “Back at home.” Point made! Chishom says NAA never suggests that a .22-caliber mini is better than a .45, but what they do argue is that a 22WMR is infinitely better than an angry voice and/or short legs. There has always been substantial evidence which shows that simply brandishing a gun will avert a potentially threatening situation. NAA clients seem to operate on the American Express theory: never leave home without it. Looking at the variety of firearms and accessories that NAA offers (careful, you may be explaining why you must have the full set), I have found their Sidewinder to be a great option for a number of reasons. It’s a logical concealed carry choice not only due its 5-inch length and reasonable price of $349, but also because it is the only mini-revolver where you do not have to completely remove the cylinder to reload. The cylinder is on a hinge, just like standard revolvers, and allows the westernshootingjournal.com 99

The NAA’s unique HAVA Ranger revolver donated and designed speciﬁcally for the 2015 HAVA Invitational Golf Classic held in Las Vegas, Nev.

shooter to quickly angle the cylinder towards the ground, slap the ejector pin, dropping spent cases, and reload just as you would a common revolver. This alone makes the Sidewinder an excellent option. It’s chambered in .22 Magnum rimﬁre, but get this: you can get a conversion cylinder, chambered in .22 long riﬂe, giving this little gun a wider range of uses. The lines are very smooth and traditional, which makes this single action a pleasure to handle, and to be honest, if you carry one gun, why not two? And if you carry two then there is always room for three, especially at this size. ASJ

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NORTH AMERICAN ARMS SUPPORTS HAVA North American Arms is also a big supporter of Honored Veteran Americans Aﬁeld, or HAVA. NAA created a one-of-a-kind piece dedicated and auctioned for the cause at the HAVA Invitational Golf Classic held in Las Vegas earlier this year. HAVA has created a network of shooting enthusiasts who help wounded soldiers enjoy shooting sports in a capacity that would not be possible without so many dedicated people. Kudos to North American Arms and HAVA for supporting our troops when they need us the most. If you want to ﬁnd out more about HAVA or North American Arms at northamericanarms.com

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SHOTGUNS Omni Hybrid MAXX .410

AMERICAN TACTICAL IMPORTS .410 SHOTGUN 100 Airpark Dr. Dept. ASJ, Rochester, NY 14624/(800) 290-0065/www.americantactical.us Earlier this year, American Tactical Imports announced the addition of a .410 shotgun built on an AR platform, and it should be on display at the NRA exhibits. This semi-auto .410 bore accepts ﬁve- or 15-round magazines, and utilizes Remington chokes. It will handle shotshells and slugs, and can be used for hunting, competition, survival and home defense. Chambered for 2½-inch shotshells, this model has an 18.5-inch barrel and six-position telescoping stock. Magazines are manufactured by ATI and the ﬁve-rounder makes this gun California compliant. The receiver has a milled rail on top and a forward bolt assist. Visit us at booth #515

CHECK OUT BENELLI’S NEWEST O/U SMOOTHBORE 17603 Indian Head Highway, Dept. ASJ, Accokeek, MD 20607/(301) 283-6981/www.benelliusa.com Over-and-under shotgun connoisseurs are already dy giving longing looks at the new Model 828U from Benelli, and small wonder. Introduced earlier this year at the SHOT Show, it will be on display during the NRA exhibits, and should be showing up on dealer racks this summer. Designed with an auto-safety, the 828U opens smoothly and features impulse-driven ejection so unfired shells don’t fly out. It has floating crio barrels and crio chokes, and a carbon-fiber rib to save weight. It is offered in both black anodized

Benelli 828U and nickel engraved finishes on the alloy receiver, and 26- or 28-inch iis available il bl with ith either ith 26 28 i h barrels b l that feature a fiber optic front sight with red insert. The shotgun features Benelli’s patented Progressive Comfort System to reduce recoil, and an AA-grade satin walnut stock with crisp checkering. Benelli supplies the Model 828U with five choke tubes in cylinder, improved cylinder, modified, improved modified and full. Visit us at booth #1013

REMINGTON 870 Remington Drive, Dept. ASJ, Madison, NC 27025/(800) 243-9700/www.remington.com 243-9700/www remington com Remington’s introduction of the V3 shotgun in 12 gauge has been greeted with by various gun writers with enthusiasm. It features a compact receiver, light contour vent rib barrel, short pistol stroke, a Versa Port operating system that has, according to Remington, fewer moving parts than the 11-87 autoloader. Weighing 7.2 pounds, the V3 is available with 26- or 28-inch

Citori 725 Sporting Grade V

BROWNING HAS NEW HIGH GRADE, CITORI LINES One Browning Place, Dept. ASJ, Morgan, UT 84050 (801) 876-2711/www.browning.com People attending the NRA convention will be able to see the new Browning 12-gauge Model 725 Citori over-and-under Sporting models that were introduced at the January SHOT Show, along with the new Pro Sporting and Pro Trap shotguns. The Pro Sporting and Pro Trap models feature the Pro Fit adjustable comb stock and Pro Balance System to allow the guns to be “ﬁne-tuned” by each shooter. Additional features include Browning’s superb Fire Lite Mechanical Trigger System, the new Invector DS-choke tube system, and full-width hinge pins and tapered locking bolts. The Pro Sporting model is available in 12 and 20 gauge with 30- or 32-inch barrels, while the Pro Trap model comes in 12 gauge with a high rib and the same barrel lengths. The new Citori 725 Sporting models are engraved and feature

high-grade walnut stocks and forearms and come with either 30- or 32-inch barrels. The Sporting Grade V has a silver nitride finish on the receiver. The wood is Grade IV/V with an oil finish, close radius pistol grip and palm swell. It comes with a fitted case made with canvas and distressed leather. Meanwhile, the Grade VII has a blued receiver with gold accents, and both models feature deep-relief engraving. It has a stock of grade VI/VIII walnut, with the same close-radius grip and palm swell. It comes with a John M. Browning signature fitted case. Also in the new lineup is the Cynergy Micro Midas in 20 gauge. It’s an O/U shotgun for smaller shooters with a 13-inch length of pull. It has the MonoLock Hinge System, reverse striker ignition system and a soft, recoil-absorbing Inflex recoil pad three ¼-inch spacers. It is available in 24- or 26-inch barrel lengths. Another new choice is the Model 725 Feature in 20 gauge. It’s got a lightweight alloy receiver, steel breech face and hinge pin, and highrelief engraving on the nitride-finished receiver. It features a grade II/III walnut stock with close-radius pistol grip and barrel lengths of 26 or 28 inches. Visit us at booth #2111

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SHOTGUNS Catamount Fury

CENTURY ARMS HAS TWO SEMI-AUTO SMOOTHBORES 430 South Congress Ave., Suite 1, Dept. ASJ, Delray Beach, FL 33445 (800) 527-1252/ www.centuryarms.com New for 2015 from Century Arms are a couple of new Catamount shotguns, the 922r-compliant Fury and Fury II, both certain to be on display for people visiting the NRA convention in Nashville. Chambered in 12 gauge and built on the Saiga pattern, both have 10-round magazines and will chamber 2¾- and 3-inch shells. The Fury shotguns feature MIL-STD 1913 rails on the hinged dust cover barrels, and a variety of stock options. Stocks are available in walnut, black synthetic, Mossy Oak Shadow Grass Blades or Realtree APG. Chambered for 3-inch magnums, there will reportedly be additional versions this year for competition and tactical work. Visit us at booth #1925

STOEGER HAS NEW 3-GUN READY M3K 17603 Indian Head Highway, Dept. ASJ, Accokeek, MD 20607/(301) 283-2981/www.benelliusa.com

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and on the bottom of the gas block. Both guns feature an AK-style receiver and operating system. The Catamount Fury model has a black synthetic sporter-style stock. The magazine inserts into the bottom of the receiver, same as on an AK rifle The Catamount Fury II wears a thumbhole Dragunov-style stock, and the magwell funnel also allows the magazine to be loaded like an AR-type rifle. Both guns ship with a single 10-round magazine, two fiverounders and three choke tubes. Visit us at booth #1248

Stoeger M3K

Lots of 3-Gun fans will warm right up to the new Stoeger M3K shotgun, a competition-ready model right out of the box. Stoeger worked with pro-shooters Jesse Tischauser and Ryan Muller to design this model, based on the M3000, and the M3K was the result. It may shoot like a custom gun, but it comes in at

about a third of the price. The M3K features Stoeger’s “Inertia-Driven” action, for fast cycling and reliability. It features an oversize bolt release and safety, and an extended tactical-style anodized-aluminum bolt handle. The gun also sports an elongated carrier and enlarged loading port that is beveled for easy reloading. Chambered in 12 gauge, it has a black synthetic stock, comes with three chokes (C, IC,

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SHOTGUNS MOSSBERG ANNOUNCES SEVERAL NEW SHOTGUN MODELS 7 Grasso Ave, Dept. ASJ, North Haven, CT 06473/(203) 230-5300/www.mossberg.com After years of waiting, southpaws now can get their hands on left-handed versions of the famous 500 L Series Mossberg Model 500/590/590A1 pump shotguns, announced earlier this year at the SHOT Show. In all, there are 15 versions of the left-handed gun, including nine general purpose and hunting versions of the 500 L series, plus six tactical models of the 590A1 nine-shot. There’s also a heat-shielded version of the Model 590 nine-shot and a trio of six-shot models, and optional eight-rounder. There are both 12- and 20-gauge versions in some models. According to Mossberg, the All-Purpose and hunting models feature black synthetic stocks or a fully camouflaged Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity finish on the turkey model and a Realtree MAX-4 finish on the waterfowl model. The L series tactical models have full-length black synthetic stocks and there are other variations including a pistol grip for the Cruiser/Persuader versions, or an optional six-position stock for the Model 500 Tactical. The Model 590A1 L nine-shot has a Parkerized finish, metal trigger guard and safety button, and a heavy-walled barrel to stand up to tough environments. The L series shotguns have the same proven twin action bar setup and same steel-to-steel lockup that has worked for more than 50 years. Visit us at booth #2400 M), a 24-inch barrel with a fiber optic red-bar front sight, and four-round magazine. Visit us at booth #1013

CZ-USA 1401 Fairfax TFWY, B-119, Dept. ASJ, Kansas City, KS 66115/(800) 955-4486/www.cz-usa.com There are several new shotguns from CZ-USA, including pumps, autoloaders and double-barrel models. There are four over-and-under double guns,

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including the Redhead Premier in 12 and 20 gauge with 26- or 28-inch barrels, solid mid rib and white bead front sight. The Redhead Premier Target model has 30-inch barrels, a Monte Carlo stock, stepped rib for higher pattern, and extended chokes. The Wingshooter Elite is also available in 12 and 20 gauge with 28-inch barrels, two-tone handengraved receiver a new CNCed action and solid midrib. There are also a couple of side-by-side doubles, the Sharp Tail in 12, 20 and 28 gauge and

.410 bore with 28-inch barrels, and the Sharp-Tail Target with 30-inch barrels, extended steel choke tubes and is offered only in 12 gauge. Three pumpguns include the Model 612 Magnum Turkey model with a 12 gauge, 3½-inch chamber and 26-inch barrel. The gun is finished in Realtree Xtra Green. The nearly identical Model 612 Waterfowl model has a 28-inch barrel, five extended chokes and a Realtree MAX-4 finish. CZ’s Model 612 Trap gun is also a 12 gauge with

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SHOTGUNS SXP Turkey Hunter

WINCHESTER’S 20-GAUGE SXP PUMP GUN A DANDY 275 Winchester Ave., Dept. ASJ, Morgan, UT 84050/(801) 876-2711/www.winchester-guns.com Spring turkey hunting is just around the corner for a lot of people, and this year, Winchester has introduced the SXP Turkey Hunter model in both 12 and 20 gauge. This model has a synthetic stock, Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camo finish and 24-inch barrel with Truglo fiber optic adjustable sights. The 12-gauge model is chambered for 3½-inch 12 gauge shells and the 20 gauge has a 3-inch chamber. Winchester is offering the new Mossy Oak Break-Up Country camo finish on the SX3 Universal Hunter semi-auto shotgun chambered in both 12- and 20 gauge. Likewise, the finish appears on the SX3 NWTF Cantilever Turkey model in 3½-inch 12 gauge and 3-inch 20 gauge and the SX3 Long Beard Turkey in 3 ½-inch 12 gauge. The Long Beard has a pistol grip stock and Invector-Plus Briley Extra-full extended choke tube. Meanwhile, other models new this year – and making their public debut at the NRA exhibits in Nashville – are the SXP Field and SXP Field Compact models both featuring alloy receivers with a black matte finish and satin-finished stocks. The SXP Black Shadow has a synthetic stock and forearm with textured surface and black matte finish. There’s also a new Winchester SXP Ultimate Defender model, this one with a black matte synthetic stock featuring a textured surface. The Ultimate Marine Defender has a matte hard-chrome finish on the barrel, magazine tube, slide arms and other component surfaces. Both models are chambered in 12 gauge and they feature Ghost Ring sights and Picatinny rails, plus a Breacher choke tube. Visit us at booth #2125 a 32-inch barrel, raised rib and Monte Carlo stock. The Model 712 G2 synthetic semi-auto has a 3-inch chamber, 28-inch barrel with five chokes and a black synthetic stock, while the Model 812 Waterfowl self-loader is chambered for 3-inch 12-gauge shells and a Realtree MAX-4 finish.

SAVAGE 100 Springdale Road, Dept. ASJ, Westfield, MA 01085/ (800) 235-1821/www.savagearms.com The Stevens Model 320 pump shotgun series has expanded with the addition of four 20-gauge models.

They include a Youth Field Grade model with a 22-inch vent rib barrel; a Field Grade with a 26inch vent rib barrel; and two Security models, both with pistol-grip stocks and 18½-inch barrels. One of those models has a ghost ring sight.

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Kristy Cook

THE MOST WANTED LIST Browning’s new reality show STORY BY TROY TAYSOM • PHOTOS BY TRUESIGHT MEDIA

rowning, in conjunction with The Sportsman Channel, is launching a new reality television show called The Most Wanted List. The show will star Browning personality Kristy Lee Cook and her two best friends from Oregon: Jessie Jo Stanﬁll and Jess Hull. The idea is a family-friendly, adventure reality show with these three young ladies who will be traveling the country and checking oﬀ wild adventures from their bucket lists. I had the pleasure of catching up with Kristy while she was on a horse ranch in Texas. If the name Kristy Lee Cook sounds familiar to you, then you might be a country music fan. You might also be a fan of American Idol or barrel racing; maybe even big game hunting. You see, Kristy has made a name for herself in all of these areas. She jumped into the nation’s spotlight while competing on the immensely popular TV show during its seventh season. She worked hard and made it into the top 10 (coming in seventh place out of hundreds of thousands of contestants), went on tour, launched an album, and most of us might assume she’d have it made in the shade, but it’s still an uphill climb once Idol is over. I asked Kristy if the show helped or hurt her career. “Well, both,” Kristy said. “I gained thousands of fans and a lot of national 110

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Jess Hull, Kristy Cook and Jesse Jo Stanﬁll taking aim on their new show, sponsored by Browning.

exposure, but on the other hand, radio stations and other music industry insiders see Idol contestants as having broken into the music business the ‘easy’ way and are reluctant to play their music. I had a record contract at the age of 17, several years before I was on Idol so I did it the hard way, but I still had to ﬁght to have my music listened to.” The sting of the loss can still be heard in Kristy’s voice, but she didn’t let radio stations or doubters stop her ambition and drive. She turned the loss into motivation and ultimately victory. In 2008 Kristy released an album titled Why Wait. The album debuted at No. 8 on the US Top Country albums chart and No. 49 on the Billboard 200, with sales just under 10,000 in the ﬁrst week. Since the album, Kristy has become heavily involved in the song-writing process, making sure that she has and maintains creative control over her music. The move has proved to be genius. She released singles such as “Airborne

Kristy on the set of The Most Wanted List.

Ranger Infantry” and “Lookin’ For A Cowgirl,” which have both been hugely successful, receiving attention from publications like Rolling Stone and websites Bustle.com and Countrymusicrocks.com. The reviews

are all positive and it seems, according to her fans, Kristy is writing and performing music that actually speaks to them. “Airborne Ranger Infantry” is a tribute song to her father and all the other Vietnam-era veterans who came home to protests, insults and hatred. Kristy felt these men and women deserved better, and with her song, tries to gives them the respect they deserve. The lyrics are based on poems her father wrote about his and his friends’ experiences in the war. They are powerful in their simplicity and will ring home with anyone who has ever been at war, not just Vietnam. The song is blunt, direct, truthful and representative of what happened some 50 years ago in Southeast Asia. “Looking For A Cowgirl” is simply about being a country girl. Kristy has matured and is now very comfortable with who she is and this song is a reﬂection of exactly how she feels about herself and her life. “I am who I am,” said Kristy when asked about the westernshootingjournal.com 111

Kristy is a country singer, barrel racer, huntress and soon to be television icon.

Kristy Cook shooting a Browning .270 WSM Stalker.

song and its meaning. As if music weren’t enough, Kristy is an active barrel racer and winning on the circuit. Shasta, her mare, recently passed away, leaving a large void in Kristy’s heart, but Kristy has continued on, choosing to remember Shasta by racing her colt, Tazer.

(KRISTY COOK)

Winchester, Bog Pod, Tenzing, Anderson Bean Boots, Nose Jammer and the Mule Deer Foundation. The Most Wanted List premieres this July and Kristy intends for the show to be diﬀerent from other reality TV programs. According to her, many reality TV shows are risqué and take

“AIRBORNE RANGER INFANTRY” IS A TRIBUTE SONG TO KRISTY’S FATHER AND ALL THE OTHER VIETNAM-ERA VETERANS According to her, Tazer looks “just like his momma.” She is also racing a young stallion named Venom that Kristy says, “shows big promise and has been in the money for most of his races.” Kristy doesn’t seem to live by the same 24-hour clock the rest of us do, because not only does she ﬁnd time to sing and race, she also loves to hunt. To her every animal is a trophy, whether it’s a New Zealand stag or a Midwest whitetail. This love of hunting and her desire for everything adventurous led her to pitch the idea for her new show. The execs at Browning and The Sportman Channel agreed it was a great idea. This idea was so popular that it even attracted a host of other companies and organizations, such as Caldwell, 112

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the approach that the more scantily dressed the participants are, the better. “That’s not what this show is about; this is a show the entire family can watch,” Kristy said. “We want parents to be able to watch the show with their kids and trust that we won’t be cussing or inappropriately dressed.” This show will feature Kristy hunting with her trusty Browning Stalker riﬂes chambered in .300 WSM and .270 WSW, as well as her Browning Maxus 12-gauge shotgun. She may even have her new Browning 1911-.380 hidden somewhere on her person but she’s not telling, for the record. Kristy, Jessie Jo and Jess will be hunting mountain lions and alligators, just to name a few, but she realizes that many of her fans and

TV audiences aren’t hunters. “This show isn’t just about hunting. We are going to be flying in a Navy fighter jet, skydiving and deep sea fishing. There will be something for everyone,” Kristy assured me. The show will also be more than just the adventures. A large part will be about the comedic relationship between these three long-time friends. As if that were not enough, Kristy also is heavily involved in humanitarian efforts and is a board member for the Dutton Foundation, which includes Heavenly Hope Ministries. The foundation works in the African nations of Uganda, Sudan and Ethiopia helping to form and run orphanages for children. The foundation primarily keeps children safe from child sex trafficking. John Dutton, co-founder and president, is also a former NFL and AFL (Arena Football League) quarterback who works with these children to pursue athletic dreams instead of being trapped in the hopelessness that is so prevalent in Africa. Kristy Lee Cook is a lot of things: Country music star, accomplished barrel racer, avid hunter, TV star and quiet humanitarian. But if I had to boil it down and place one label on her, it would simply be, country girl. Kristy is what is right about America. She is living the American dream on her terms and doing a fantastic job of it. ASJ

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ROAD HUNTER

Spanish goats thrive on many Hawaiian islands and make for a thrilling and physically challenging hunt.

DESTINATION EXOTICS

The World Of Hunting At Your Doorstep STORY AND PHOTOS BY SCOTT HAUGEN

arch marks the coming of spring, but most Western states are still a few weeks away from bear season. Turkey season is fast approaching, but if you desire to hunt big game, bears are pretty much it until fall. Or are they? The closer one looks, the more you’ll ﬁnd March and April to be prime times to pursue some of the West’s nonindigenous big game, or what hunters refer to as exotics. Exotics are large game animals that were introduced

to the United States from other parts of the world, often from their native lands. The history of our nation’s many exotic species is very interesting and the stories behind how each came to be here, even more so. Many of the exotic species found in Texas are the result of veterans who shipped exotic animals there during the war. Many of these species now thrive and can be hunted. We have the Spanish explorers to thank for the introduction of many goats, some sheep and hogs. Hard-to-access

The author’s son, Kazden Haugen, was elated with this monster, free-range axis deer taken in West Texas. In parts of Texas, axis deer outnumber whitetails, creating exceptional hunting opportunities.

species such as nilgai, scimitar horned oryx, aoudad, gemsbuck, ibex, and blackbuck were also brought to the U.S. through similar sources. It is westernshootingjournal.com 115

ROAD HUNTER illegal to hunt many of these exotics in their homelands, which makes it an even more valuable option to hunt them here. Nearly 15 years ago I traveled through India and saw wild nilgai and blackbuck antelope. Neither species can be hunted there, but my interest to learn more about these animals,

The author couldn’t have been more pleased with this whopper black Hawaiian ram, one of multiple subspecies of sheep that call the Hawaiian Islands home. Corsican sheep, Texas Dalls and an array of other sheep can be hunted on private lands and ranches in parts of the West.

and potentially hunt them, grew. I knew I couldn’t afford a free-range blackbuck hunt in South America, but I did learn that blackbucks are plentiful and free-ranging in many parts of Texas. The nilgai, however, is still on my bucket list. Axis deer are considered by many people to be the most beautiful deer species in the world, and I’ve been fortunate to hunt them in various parts of the South Paciﬁc and Hawaii. When my youngest son expressed interest in hunting these grand deer we once again turned to Texas, where they thrive in many places. If you are looking to put venison in the freezer, this is your deer. Axis meat is some of the best on the planet. Hogs continue to be proliﬁc in California and Texas, as well as on private ranches throughout various Western states. Hogs also exist on multiple Hawaiian Islands and yield some of the best wild game meat out there. Because hogs gravitate to private lands throughout California where food, water and ideal shelter is more readily found, it is fast becoming a pay-to-hunt scenario; not what it used to be 30 years ago.

EXOTIC LOCATIONS

1. AXIS DEER

Axis deer are native to India and various islands in the South Paciﬁc. In the U.S. they thrive in Hawaii and Texas. Surprisingly, there are many axis deer ranging freely throughout Texas, and although it is largely made up of private lands, some landowners encourage hunting and others offer it for a reasonable trespass fee. The island of Lanai offers the best axis deer hunting in the US, but a recent private party purchase could thwart that, meaning Molokai and Maui are the places to go.

2. BLACKBUCK Native to India, blackbuck antelope are considered the most striking antelope

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in the world and they can be hunted in Texas. They thrive on many cattle, sheep and goat ranches, where they are free to come and go as they please. Big ranches may see blackbuck living on the ranch for their entire lives and trespass and/or trophy fees may be in place; this is still cheaper than hunting them in southern South America.

3. HOGS When it comes to the Western states, California and Texas are getting overrun by wild hogs. The pigs gravitate to where food and shelter can be found, which is largely on private ground. Check with regional ﬁsh and wildlife officials to see if they have any complaints from ranchers looking for help to control overpopulated swine.

Scimitar horned oryx can no longer be legally hunted in northern Africa, but they’re in Texas.

Spanish goats and various strains of feral sheep also exist in many places. The country’s best Spanish goat hunting can be found in Hawaii and on private ranches or preserves in multiple states. The same is true for feral sheep, which come in a variety of sizes and coat coloration’s. From black Hawaiian rams to Texas Dalls and corsicans, there are many options

4. ORYX The scimitar horned oryx can no longer be hunted in its native countries throughout northern Africa. But they can be hunted in Texas. Ranked among the world’s most stunning big game animals, the sweeping horns and coloration of these oryx are appealing. They’re big animals and yield a lot of great meat.

5. GOATS & SHEEP Spanish goats thrive on most Hawaiian islands as do black Hawaiian and Corsican sheep. From high atop volcanoes down to lava-strewn beaches, sheep and goats range, respectively, all over the Hawaiian islands. Looking for an all-white sheep? Head to Texas for Texas Dall, a white strain of feral sheep. Also, check out estate hunting options, where sheep and goats thrive.

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ROAD HUNTER when it comes to hunting exotic sheep and they are considerably easier on the pocket book than any of North America’s wild sheep. The spring months are a great time to hit the road and hunt exotics. If freerange is what appeals to you, start doing your homework, as options do exist. If you are looking for more of a privateland hunt with high success rates on big animals, then perhaps a ranch-style hunt is more to your liking. Whatever exotics you choose, have fun, enjoy the meat and be thankful we even have the opportunity to pursue some of these striking and unique animals. ASJ Note: For signed copies of Scott Haugen’s popular big game hunting adventure book, Life In The Scope: The West, send $15 (free S&H), to Haugen Enterprises, P.O. Box 275, Walterville, Ore. 97489 or order online at scotthaugen.com. Scott Haugen is the new host of Alaska Outdoors TV on The Outdoor Channel.

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PICK THE RIGHT SCOPE Many types of hunting gear has greatly progressed over the years and rifle scopes are no exception. If he was still around, I’d be Scopes: With so many scopes to choose from, make sure you take the curious to see right scope for your caliber and hunt. how my grandpa’ would hunt today, with some of the high-powered scopes on the market, versus his old, fixed 4x scope. When it comes to exotics, or any big game, make sure you choose the right scope to get the job done. Some of the new 1-4x scopes are great when hunting hogs in brushy terrain, but wouldn’t be the scope of choice for hunting blackbuck. The standby 3x9 is a great all-around choice, but don’t overlook 15x to 25x scopes. Some of these high-powered scopes feature externally adjustable turrets, to quickly dialing-in on a long-range target. They also feature a parallax knob, for optimizing clarity. There are some great scopes out there, so pick what’s right for your caliber and hunt. From there it’s a matter of putting in range time to gain confidence in how impressive rifle scopes are these days. - SH

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OPTICS SWAROVSKI SPOTLIGHTS NEW SPOTTER, BINOCS, RIFLE SCOPE 2 Slater Road, Dept. ASJ, Cranston, RI 02920/(800) 426-3089/www.swarovskioptik.com It’s tough to find more devoted shooters than at an annual NRA meeting and exhibition, and there’s something new from Swarovski that should really get their juices flowing, especially the long-range trophy hunters and benchrest shooters. Swarovski Optik’s new STR80 spotting scope has an illuminated reticle and 15 brightness levels; good for those long glassing sessions at dawn and dusk, and for long-range target work on gloomy, overcast days at the range. But that’s not all Swarovski is touting this spring. Just in time for this special issue, Swarovski announced that its new X5(i) rifle scope is ready, and the redesigned EL Range binocular, with its improved ergonomics, is available this month. The new spotter got rave reviews at the January SHOT Show, because it accepts Swarovski’s current eyepieces, including the 20-60X and the 25-50xW wide angle. There are ten daytime brightness levels and five night levels. The reticle gets larger or smaller as one moves through the magnification adjustments. This reticle is a godsend to precision shooters for adjusting shots in ¼-minutes of angle or 0.10th MRAD increments, which means plenty to those shooting for score from a bench, or trying to nail prairie dogs at several hundred yards. The optics in this scope are sharp enough for users to clearly make out bullet holes in targets at long range. EL Range binocular

SIG SAUER ENTERS THE OPTICS ARENA 72 Pease Blvd., Dept. ASJ, Newington, NH 03801 (603) 610-3000/www.sigsauer.com Sig’s new Electro-Optics products are getting plenty of attention since they were introduced at the January SHOT Show, and people can ﬁnd out what the excitement is about at the NRA exhibits

Swarovski designed the STR 80 with an HD optical system, with Swarovski’s exclusive specialty

coatings – Swarodur, Swarotop and Swaroclean – on the lenses. The scope has a rugged exterior and features precision adjustments. The bonus is that it may be adapted for use with an SLR camera. Swarovski’s X5(i) riﬂe scope has newlydesigned turrets that allow for 20 MOA with each revolution. It features ¼-MOA adjustments. Built on a 30mm tube, this new scope offers up to 116 MOA of elevation adjustment, and the elevation, windage, parallax turrets and the inversion system are built with stainless-steel components. The X5(i) scope has ten brightness setting and a “sub zero function” that allows a shooter to shoot at closer targets if the scope is zeroed at a longer range. There are two models in the series, a 3.5x18x50mm and 5x025x56mm. They will both be available this fall. The redesigned EL Range binocular is available in 8x42mm and 10x42mm. This roof-prism model, originally introduced in 2011, has a new rotating neck strap connector, plus new eyepiece and objective lens covers. It features SWAROAIM technology and userfriendly focus wheel and diopter adjustments. Visit us at booth #901

in Nashville. The lineup includes a series of tactical riﬂescopes dubbed the Tango6 with models in 1-6x24mm, 2-12x40mm, 3-18x44mm and 6-30x56mm. All feature Sig’s Hellﬁre illuminated reticle system and are built on

BURRIS HAS UPGRADED XTRII RIFLESCOPES

X5(i) riﬂe scope

34mm tubes. The Tango4 models are designed with 30mm tubes. The line up incudes a 1-4x24mm, 3-12x42mm, 4-16x44mm and a 3-24x50mm. They also have two classes of XTR II 5-25X50mm riﬂescope

920 – 54th Avenue, Dept. ASJ, Greeley, CO 80634/(970) 356-1670/www.burrisoptics.com Earlier this year, Burris announced upgrades to its popular XTRII tactical riﬂescope line, and visitors to the NRA exhibits in Nashville will get a hands-on look at them. They feature the new proprietary special competition reticles (SCR) in two variations, the SCR MOA and SCR MIL. There are seven scopes in the upgraded series, including two 4-20X50mm models and a pair of 5-25X50mm scopes, a

2-10x42mm with the SCR MOA reticle, a pair of 3-15x50mm models, one with the SCR MIL and the other with the SCR MOA. The XTR scope series features Burris’ new XT-100 click adjustment knob. This offers 100 clicks per rotation, allowing shooters to more finely tune their scope adjustments. Also, Burris has added a side parallax adjustment for the Fullfield E1 and Predator Quest riflescopes. It’s faster and more convenient, particular for varmint and predator hunters. Visit us at booth #911

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OPTICS hunting riﬂescopes, the Whiskey5 group with six models with second focal plane reticles and the Whiskey3 models, ﬁve in all, with low-dispersion glass. In addition, there are four levels of binocular models, including three with BaK4 aK4 roof prisms and one with Abbe Koenig prisms. isms. The Zulu3 models include an 8x32mm andd 10x32mm, the Zulu5 models come in 8x42mm mm HD and 10x42mm HD, and the Zulu7 trio includes des an 8x42mm, 10x42mm and 15x56mm, all with HDx ratings. The Zulu9 models are a 9x42mm and 11x45, both in the HDx category. Visit us at booth #925

SIGHTMARK’S NEW ‘PRISMATIC WEAPONS SIGHT’ AT NRA 2201 Heritage Parkway, Dept. ASJ, Mansfield, TX 76063 (817) 225-0310/www.sightmark.com Sightmark is introducing a new sight it calls the Long Range Prismatic unit at the April NRA gathering in Nashville, and it should be available soon for shooters all over the landscape. Sightmark calls it the Wolfhound 6x44 Prismatic Weapon Sight, and it is designed for use on the popular AR platform. According to Sightmark, the reticle is ballistically matched to the .223-caliber cartridge with 55- and 62-grain

are capable of handling and excelling at almost any task, from security and surveillance to navigation, hunting and wildlife management, to name just a few. The PVS-14 is small, lightweight, and works equally well mounted on an AR-15 riﬂe or mounted on your head for handsoperation. free ope eration. In addition to performance and versatility, perform the PVS-14 is full Military Spec quality, so durability and longevity are the best you

Wolfhound 4x44 Prismatic Weapon Sight bullets, with holdovers from 300 to 900 yards. This sight has a ﬁxed power of 6X, and it is designed with an aluminum Picatinny-style mount. It has a built-in rail on top for additional optics, such as red dog sights or Sightmark’s own Mini Shot reﬂex sight. It is designed to resist impacts and it is also submersible. It has a rubber armor exterior and is 100 percent waterproof. Visit us at booth #1356

NIGHTVISION4LESS (800) 771-6845/www.nightvision4less.com The PVS-14 monocular is a versatile and popular night vision product. A veritable Swiss Army Knife of night-time equipment, its optics

can get. The other most noteworthy feature on the device is the Manual Gain control that enhances the unit’s

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American Shooting Journal // April 2015

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

SWAROVSKI SPOTLIGHTS NEW SPOTTER, BINOCULARS, AND RIFLE SCOPE

t’s tough to find more devoted shooters than at an annual NRA meeting and exhibition, and there’s something new from Swarovski that should really get their juices flowing, especially the long-range trophy hunters and benchrest shooters. Swarovski Optik’s new STR80 spotting scope has an illuminated reticle and 15 brightness levels; good for those long glassing sessions at dawn and dusk, and for long-range target work on gloomy, overcast days at the range. But that’s not all Swarovski is touting this spring. Just in time for this special issue, Swarovski announced that its new X5(i) rifle scope is ready, and the re-designed EL Range binocular, with its improved ergonomics, is available this month. The new spotter got rave reviews at the January SHOT Show, because it accepts Swarovski’s current eyepieces, including the 20-60X and the 25-50xW wide angle. There are ten daytime brightness levels and five night levels. The reticle gets larger or smaller as one moves through the magnification adjustments. This reticle is a godsend to precision shooters for adjusting shots in ¼-MOA or 0.10th MRAD increments, which means plenty to those shooting for score from a bench, or trying to nail prairie dogs at several hundred yards. The optics in this scope are sharp enough for users to clearly make out bullet holes in targets at long range. Swarovski designed the STR 80 with an HD optical system, with Swarovski’s exclusive specialty coatings—Swarodur, Swarotop and Swaroclean—on the lenses.

elevation, windage, parallax turrets and the inversion system are built with stainless steel components. The X5(i) scope has ten brightness settings and a “sub zero function” that allows a shooter to shoot at closer targets if the scope is zeroed at a longer range. There are two models in the series, a 3.5x18x50mm and 5x25x56mm. They will both be available this fall. The re-designed EL Range binocular is available in 8x42mm and 10x42mm. This roof prism model, originally introduced in 2011, has a new rotating neck strap connector, plus new eyepiece and objective lens covers. It features SWAROAIM technology and user-friendly focus wheel and diopter adjustments. The scope has a rugged exterior and features precision adjustments. The bonus is that it may be adapted for use with an SLR camera. Swarovski’s X5(i) riﬂe scope has newly-designed turrets that allow for 20 MOA with each revolution. It features ¼-MOA adjustments. Built on a 30mm tube, this new scope offers up to 116 MOA of elevation adjustment, and the

2 Slater Rd • Cranston, RI 02920 (800) 426-3089 www.swarovskioptik.com

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OPTICS capability and enables it to better resolve images in both brighter and lower light conditions. The PVS-14’s Hand Select Image Tubes are simply awesome. With a guaranteed signal-tonoise ratio of 27.00 or higher plus exceptional image clarity, it doesn’t get any better than these tubes. Only a very small percentage of the manufacturer’s image tubes make the hand-select cut. With these image tubes you can expect superior performance in the darkest environments, giving you longer range and improved resolution in very low light. The multi-purpose workhorse has a number of accessories that can further increase its capability – for example, using a weapon-mounted NV compatible Eotech red dot sight or an eye-safe infrared laser in conjunction with a properly set up helmet-mounted PVS-14. This system will give you the ultimate tactical capability and situational awareness. Should you go this route, contact Nightvision4less sales staff for help setting it up.

STEINER ADDS NEW MERLIN PRO BINOCULAR 920 54th Ave. - Suite 200, Dept. ASJ, Greeley, CO 80634 (888) 228-7747/www.steiner-optics.com There are lots of new optics from Steiner this year, and they’ll certainly be on display in Nashville when the NRA gathers there this month.

PRECISION RIFLE BARRELS INC.

The lineup includes the Micro Reflex Sight (MRS), a low-profile model with a 3 MOA red dot and 1 MOA adjustments for windage and elevation. It’s got a hard anodized finish and it gets up to 550 hours of operation from a single CR1632 battery. There’s also a new P-Series binocular family aimed at law enforcement, but there’s no reason they can’t have general applications for outdoor work. The lineup includes a 10x50mm, 7x50mm and 8x30mm, all porro-prism models, plus a compact 10x26mm and 10x42 full-size models, both in a roof-prism design. Also in the binocular arena is the new XC series of porro-prism binoculars. There are four models including the compact 8x32mm and 10x32mm, and two midsize models in 8x42mm and 10x42mm. Steiner’s T5Xi series of tactical riflescopes feature a German-engineered optical system, while the scopes are designed, machined and assembled in the U.S. There are initially three models in the series, two larger models and a compact. The 5-25x56mm model is designed for longrange precision shooting. It has an SCR (for “Special Competition Reticle) that is located in the first focal plane. The other full-size model is a 3-15x50mm that is actually about 2 inches shorter than comparable models, built on the M110 platform.

Record Setting Match Grade Barrels Used By Hunters, Target Shooters & Military

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406-826-3084 • ZZZ ULÁ HEDUUHOV FRP 126

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The compact model is a 1-5x24mm designed for quick target acquisition when set on 1X. A Rapid Dot reticle is available on this model , calibrated for 5.56mm and 7.62mm calibers. Steiner’s T5X1 scopes feature 30mm or 34mm tubes, 5X zoom, broadband anti-reﬂection coatings, large windage and elevation adjustment knobs and low-proﬁle turrets. The illuminated reticles have seven night and four day levels. When in the “off” position, the battery is completely disconnected. Visit us at booth #911

LEUPOLD 14400 Northwest Greenbrier Parkway, Dept. ASJ, Beaverton, OR 97006/(503) 646-9171/www.leupold.com Leupold’s new VX•R is a 1.5-5x33mm Scout FireDot scope for Scout rifles, so it is designed for mounting forward of the action. It has the Quantum optical system with indexmatched lens coatings and DiamondCoat coatings on exterior lens surfaces. Leupold also has a new rangefinder, the RX-1200i that is accurate to 0.1 yard, and it can measure ranges to live game at 800 yards, and on reflective surfaces to farther than 1,200 yards. The new VX-6, a 1-6x24mm scope on a 30mm tube has an Xtended Twilight lens system and DiamondCoat 2, with edge-blackened lead-free lenses.

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AMMUNITION NEW AMMO FROM HORNADY FOR VARMINTS, BIG GAME P.O. Box 1848, Dept. ASJ, Grand Island, NE 68802-1848 (308) 382-1390/www.hornady.com Varmints, big game and hogs; they’re all on Hornady’s radar screen this year with new ammunition offerings. With the spread of wild hogs across much of the landscape, Hornady’s Full Boar line features loads in several calibers topped with GMX monolithic copper-alloy bullets for controlled expansion and weight retention. There are eight offerings, including a .223 Remington with a 50-grain pill, a .243 Winchester pushing an 80-grain bullet, a 6.8mm SPC pushing a 100-grainer, a .270 Winchester with a 130-grain projectile, a 7mm Remington Magnum with a 139-grain bullet, another entry in .308 Winchester with a 165-grainer, a .30-06 with a 165-grain bullet and a .300 Winchester Magnum also with a 165-grainer. If varmints are your game, Hornady’s Superformance Varmint line, all featuring V-MAX bullets, includes a .222 Remington with a 50-grain

American Gunner line of cartridges bullet clocking 3,345 feet per second; a .223 Remington featuring a 53-grainer at 3,465 fps; a .22-250 Remington topped by a 50-grain pill at a reported 4,000 fps, and a .243 Winchester pushing a 58-grain bullet at 3,925 fps.

Full Boar ammunition family

WINCHESTER OFFERS NEW SHOTSHELLS FOR TURKEY, UPLAND

Winchester is also producing the Rooster XR 12-gauge 12 gauge 33-inch inch magnum load in Nos. 5 or 6 shot

600 Powder Mill Road, Dept. ASJ East Alton, IL 62024-1273 (618) 258-2000/www.winchester.com As one might expect from Winchester, they’ve got a couple of new loads for spring turkey hunting just in time for the season kick off, and they’re called the Long Beard XR. These 12-gauge entries include one in 3½-inch and another in 3-inch, both with a reported muzzle velocity of 1,050 fps. They are offered in No. 4, 5 or 6 shot and all feature Winchester’s Shot-Lok technology for tight patterns. Though upland seasons are months away, y, Long Beard XR

Another .243 Winchester has a 75-grain V-MAX bullet with a reported muzzle velocity of 3,580 fps. The new .17 Winchester Super Mag pushes a 20-grain V-MAX bullet at 3,000 fps. An American Whitetail riﬂed slug in 12-gauge has a hollowpoint design. It weighs an ounce and leaves the muzzle at 1,600 fps. Hornady’s new American Gunner line of cartridges for handguns, all pushing XTP bullets, includes a .380 ACP with a 90-grain bullet, a 9mm round with a 115-grainer, a 9mm +P load with a 124-grain bullet, and a .38 Special with a 125-grainer and a .357 Magnum with the same 125-grain pill, plus a .40 S&W with a 180-grain bullet and a .45 ACP pushing a 185-grain projectile. Hornady’s Critical Defense Lite 9mm reducedrecoil load penetrates 10 inches of ballistic gelatin. It has a 100-grain FTX bullet with a pink Flex Tip. Visit us at booth #1717

with a muzzle velocity of 1,450 fps. Winchester also remembered trap and skeet Wi shooters with the new entries in AA Tracker shoote and AA Steel. The AA Tracker loads are an aall 12-gauge entries in 2¾-inch, all with 11/8-ounces of shot sizes 7½ or 9, depending upon the load. In the AA Steel family are a pair of 2¾-inch 12-gauge rounds with an ounce of shot in 7½ or 8. Earlier this year, Winchester aannounced a 250-round Commemorative Wood Box of 12-gauge 2¾-inch loads in No. W 88. There are 10 25-round boxes in the box. In plenty of time for spring and summer va varmint shooting, Winchester is delivering a new 40-round carton of Varmint X ammunition with polymer-tipped bullets. am Later on this year, Winchester’s new westernshootingjournal.com 129

Ammunition Hotshot ammunition

CENTURY ARMS HAS RED ARMY STANDARD AMMO 430 South Congress Ave., Suite 1, Dept. ASJ, Delray Beach, FL 33445/(800) 527-1252/www.centuryarms.com While Century Arms will be showing off its ﬁrearms, it also has new Hotshot ammunition, and new loads in the Red Army Standard family. Red Army Standard is expanding its selections this year with a 7.62x25mm Tokarev load featuring an 86-grain full metal jacket bullet, a 7.62x54R with a 148-grain FMJ bullet and a 7.62x54R pushing a 148-grain copper-jacketed bullet. Red Army Elite ammunition is available in 7.62x39mm with a 123-grain FMJ bullet. The case is reloadable and they come in 30-round boxes, with six boxes per range pack. Hotshot ammunition is available in domestic and NATO calibers. These loads come in steel cases, which makes this ammunition more affordable. Available calibers include 9mm/115-grain and 124-grain; 9.92x57mm (8mm Mauser) in 170 grains and a 146-grain 7.62c51mm. The latter round comes in a 100-round pack with cartridges packaged in ﬁve 20-round boxes. Visit us at booth #1248 Red Army Standard ammunition

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Deer Season XP loads in .243 Winchester, .270 Winchester, 7mm Remington Magnum, .308 Winchester, .30-06 Sprg., .300 Winchester Magnum and .300 Winchester Short Magnum will be available. There are also two new .45 ACP loads in the W Train & Defend series, and American Shooting Journal had a chance to try them out at the January SHOT Show. The training rounds come 50 to a box and the defensive loads come 20 to a box. Both are loaded with 230-grain bullets and they clock at an identical 850 fps. Visit us at booth #2125

NEW AMMUNITION FROM SIG SAUER 72 Pease Blvd., Dept. ASJ, Newington, NH 03801 (603) 610-3000/www.sigsauer.com As if to match its debut of a 10mm pistol, Sig Sauer’s Elite Performance ammunition entries this year include a pair of 10mm loads. The 10mm loads both push 180-grain bullets, one V-Crown JHP for personal defense and handgun hunting, and the other an FMJ round for target practice. Then comes a 180-grain load for the .40 S&W. It’s also a V-Crown JHP. Sig also offers a 230-grain V-Crown load in .45 ACP. Joining the 200-grainer already in the line. In 9mm, Sig now has loads with 115- and

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Ammunition 147-grain V-Crown bullets. This ammunition features brass cases that are coated with Techni-Crom, which enhances the lubricity of each cartridge to feed properly. There are also loads coming in at least one riﬂe caliber and a couple of other pistol calibers for 2015. Visit us at booth #925

NEW OFFERINGS FROM BLACK K HILLS P.O. Box 3090, Dept. ASJJ Rapid City, SD 57709 (605) 348-5150 www.black-hills.com

Hornady GMX 5.56mm Bullets

Earlier this year, Black ck Hills announced some e new loads, and they’re re certainly in demand demand. There’s a new Black Hills offering in .308 Winchester featuring a 168-grain Sierra Tipped MatchKing tip g (TMK) bullet. Sierra added a ppolymer y p to the famous MatchKing projectile to increase its ballistic coefﬁcient, and that translates to improved accuracy and more energy. It also prevents deformed bullet tips on the feed ramp. The new 5.56mm round features a 70-grain Hornady GMX bbullet designed for 100 percent weight retention. This bullet works best in barrels with tight 1:7- or 1:8inch riﬂing twists, and has penetrated as much as 17 to 22 inches in bballistic gel. It creates a wide wound channel, which could put wo the hurt on hogs. th The addition of that tip translates to more uniform tr terminal performance, te according to Black Hills. ac Sierra Tipped MatchKing Bullets

ICC AMMUNITION LEADS IN FRANGIBLES 2273 Route 310, Dept. ASJ, Renoldsville, PA 15851/(814) 938-6820/iccammo.com Billed as the world leader in lead-free frangible ammunition, International Cartridge Corporation offers ammo for duty, personal protection and hunting. They will be exhibiting at the NRA convention and their products can also be found online. ICC technology has allowed development of projectiles that spread more than 5 inches inside 10 percent ballistic gelatin. There are loads available in .380 ACP, 9mm, .357 SIG, .40 S&W and .45 ACP. There are two riﬂe rounds with hollowpoint bullets, in .223 Remington and .308 Winchester. There are also 12-gauge shotgun loads, including a breaching round, a pair of buckshot loads and a slug. They all feature lead-free projectiles.

and Ammunition Pistol Bullets and

Zero Bullet Company, Inc.

ZERO

P.O. Box 1188 Cullman, AL 35056 Tel: 256-739-1606 Fax: 256-739-4683

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What’s more “cutting edge” than the razor sharp tusks on a wild boar? The bone-breaking technology built into the Razor Boar XT™ line by Winchester. Offered in popular riﬂe calibers from .223 to .308 Win., and also available in .44 Mag, the Razor Boar XT™ line has what you need to bring down the biggest and baddest boars.

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Ammunition There’s also a Gold Elite training ammo line, with loads in .223 Rem., 7.62x39mm, .308 Win., .380 ACP, 9mm, 357 SIG, .40 S&W and .45 ACP. In the hunting arena, loads are offered in .243 Win., .308 Win., .270 Win., 7mm-08 Rem., and 7mm Rem. Magnum.

NEW PERSONAL-HOME DEFENSE AMMO FROM CUTTING EDGE P.O. Box 248, Dept. ASJ, Drifting, PA 16834/(814) 3456690/www.cuttingedgebullets.com Cutting Edge, which is famous for producing

bullets for reloaders, also offers a line of handgun cartridges called Personal-Home Defense (PHD), and they’re scheduled to display for thousands of people heading to the NRA convention. The lead-free HG Raptor bullet, designed by Cutting Edge, of course, fractures into ﬁve pieces for maximum stopping power, and the resulting wound channel is somewhat star-shaped after the ﬁrst couple of inches of penetration. It has four copper petals that break off and radiate outward while the “Blunt Trauma” base continues to penetrate as far as 14 to 16 inches in ballistic gel. Loads are available in four popular calibers, including a .380 ACP pushing a 75-grain bullet, a 9mm cartridge that launches a 90-grain projectile, a .40 S&W with a 120-grain bullet and a .45 ACP topped by a 150-grain bullet. Visit us at booth #2761

CORBON OFFERS AMMO WITH PROPRIETARY BULLETS 1311 Industry Road, Dept. ASJ, Sturgis, SD 57785-9123 (605) 347-4544/www.corbon.com

Personal-Home Defense (PHD)

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CorBon is now producing handgun ammunition with proprietary jacketed hollowpoint bullets, in several popular calibers, along with new riﬂe loads topped with the Swift A-Frame bullet. Samples of handgun ammunition in .45 ACP provided to American Shooting Journal for evaluation were reliable and shot accurately.

CorBon is gradually introducing their proprietary bullets into calibers including .32 ACP, 9mm, .38 Special and .45 ACP. For riﬂe shooters, CorBon’s loads with the Swift A-Frame bullet come in big bore calibers, designed for long-range shooting. Visit us at booth #2057

NOSLER’S NEW BT AMMUNITION FAMILY, NEW CARTRIDGE P.O. Box 671, Dept. ASJ, Bend, OR 97709 (541) 382-3921/www.nosler.com Whether or not you visit the NRA exhibits, it’s time to check out the new BT line of ammunition from Nosler, featuring that company’s renowned Ballistic Tip bullet, and ﬁnd out about the new 28 Nosler, another sizzling cartridge. The 28 Nosler follows on the heels of last year’s introduction of the 26 Nosler. This one has a 7mm/.284-caliber bullet offered in two weights, a 160- and 175-grain AccuBond, the lighter round in the Nosler Trophy Grade series and the heavier bullet in the Trophy Grade LR family. The inaugural BT Ammunition lineup includes loads in a half-dozen non-magnum calibers, for deer and hog-sized game. Selections include a .243 Winchester with a 90-grain projectile, a .270 Winchester topped with a 140-grain bullet, a 7mm-08 Remington featuring a 120-grainer, a .30-30 Winchester pushing a

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Ammunition 150-grain bullet, and two loads each in .308 Winchester (125 and 165 grains) and .30-06 (125and 180-grainers). Visit us at booth #2414

NEW ENGLAND CUSTOM HAS RWS AMMUNITION 741 Main Street, Dept. ASJ, Claremont, NH 03743 (603) 287-4836/www.newenglandcustomgun.com The big news this year from New England Custom is that it is now importing RWS ammunition in popular calibers ranging upwards from .22 Hornet. This should mean that RWS ammunition is no longer hard to ﬁnd, especially the metric calibers, including 5.6x57mm, 6.5x57mm, 8x68mm and 7x64, along with more common cartridges, including the .308 Winchester, .300 Winchester Short Magnum and 7mm Remington Magnum. New England Custom will also be offering other metric calibers this year, and “lead free” ammunition for people who hunt in areas where lead projectiles are now prohibited. Visit us at booth #1639

REMINGTON 870 Remington Drive, Dept. ASJ, Madison, NC 27025 (800) 243-9700/www.remington.com Anyone visiting the NRA exhibits in Nashville should ask Remington about the new load for the .300 AAC Blackout with a 120-grain bullet. Remington also unveiled four new Nitro Steel

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entries at the January SHOT show, including a 10-gauge, 3½-inch shell in No. 2, BB or BBB; 12-gauge, 3½-inch No. 2 or BB, and a 20-gauge, 3-inch No. 4. And it appears the .22 Long Riﬂe ammunition shortage may be ﬁnished, as Remington’s bulk packs, including the Bucket of Bullets, should be more available this spring and summer. Visit us at booth #1925

LEHIGH DEFENSE HAS NEW LOADS FOR HOG HUNTING 130 Penn Am Drive, Suite D-1, Quakertown, PA 18951 (215) 536-4100/www.lehighdefense.com Visitors to the NRA exhibits can ask Lehigh Defense abut the new line of ammunition for hunting hogs, which are beginning to overrun the countryside from Florida to the Carolinas and west to Texas and Louisiana. There are loads in .223 Remington, .243 Winchester, .308 Winchester and .300 Blackout. Lehigh’s Xtreme Penetrator ammunition, for both riﬂes and handguns, features the CNCmachined bullet made from solid copper which produces a large wound cavity. The nose of this bullet features a unique design with an “X” produced by four concave cuts. Xtreme Penetrator ammunition is available in 9mm, .357 SIG, .380 ACP, .38 Special, .357 Magnum, .40 S&W, 10mm Auto, .44 Special, .44 Magnum, .45 ACP and .45 Colt, and riﬂe calibers including .308

Winchester and .300 Blackout.

FEDERAL 900 Ehlen Drive, Dept. ASJ, Anoka, MN 55303 (612) 323-2300/www.federalcartridge.com Earlier this year, Federal announced several new loads for handguns, riﬂes and – just in time for spring turkey hunting – shotguns. New Federal Premium 3rd Degree shotgun loads feature a three-stage payload consisting of 20 percent No. 6 FliteStopper pellets, 40 percent copper-plated No. 5 lead and 40 percent No. 7 Heavyweight pellets for downrange performance. It is offered in 3-inch and 3½-inch shells. A portion of the proceeds go to the National Wild Turkey Federation. There’s a new .17 Winchester Super Magnum with a 20-grain bullet that clocks out of the muzzle at a reported 3,000 fps. In addition, a new American Eagle load for the .338 Lapua Magnum has a 250-grain jacketed softpoint bullet in a reloadable brass case. A new Federal Premium load in .30-30 Winchester features a new 150-grain Trophy Copper bullet with a polymer tip. It’s part of the Vital Shok line. Also in the Federal Premium Vital Shok line is a new .223 Remington with a 62-grain Trophy Bonded bullet with a polymer tip. Federal added to the Personal Defense HST line with a .380 ACP round featuring a 99-grain JHP bullet.

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4 person 2 day hunt $2800 40 pheasants 80 quail & 8 chukar 4 person 3 day hunt $4100 60 pheasants 120 quail & 12 chukar

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SHOOTING WITH LARYSA

Laryssa on the stalk in Canada, just before she almost lost her riﬂe to the US Customs and Border agents.

ON THE AUCTION BLOCK! STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY LARYSA SWITLYK

Larysa Switlyk at the top of her game

great for you and the nation.

NNOUNCEMENT On the auction block: An opportunity for two women to hunt the famed Balkan chamois in Macedonia with Larysa Switlyk and Brittany Boddington.

Have you ever dreamed of hunting internationally? Brittany and I have teamed up to provide an opportunity of a lifetime for the ladies; an accompanied, international hunt to Macedonia with us and The Sportsman Channel ﬁlm crew. The show will be aired on an episode of Larysa Unleashed and The Boddington Experience with the

Ladies hunt in Macedonia

auction winners as our guest. The reception and silent auction will be held on Friday, April 10th, between 10 and 11:30 a.m. just before the NRA Women’s Leadership Forum luncheon being held at the NRA Annual Meeting and Exhibits this year. The proceeds will be considered a charitable contribution which beneﬁts the NRA Foundation, so it’s

IF YOU ARE THE LUCKY WINNER, don’t make the same mistakes I have made. Here are a few funny lessons I have learned while traveling to international hunting destinations. TRIP 1: YOU CAN ONLY CHECK OUT. When I traveled to Canada for a hunt, I packed my gear and felt that I had everything under control regarding my riﬂe and the proper paperwork for traveling with it. What I didn’t expect was to be stopped at the US Customs and Border Control desk on my way back into the US and westernshootingjournal.com 139

SHOOTING WITH LARYSA asked to provide paperwork for the rifle. Secure in the feeling that I had thought everything through, I handed them my paperwork. The customs agent looked at them and said, “No, we are not Canada, this is the United States and that paperwork is for them.” I then handed him the airline declarations document. He said, “This does me no good either. Canada knew you brought a gun into the country and the airline knew you were traveling with a gun, but as the US Customs and Border Control, we we did not know you left the country with it. We should have been notified.” Hard lesson to learn because I almost lost my rifle right then and there. Before my next trip, however, I made an appointment with the US Customs office, located at the airport, and completed Form 4457, which required, among other standard information, the serial number from my rifle. Good to know.

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TRIP 2: DON’T SHOOT A RIFLE YOU DON’T KNOW. I booked an ibex hunt in Spain with IbexHunt.com. This ended up being an amazing hunt as hunting is a universal language. However, for this trip, I opted to use the outfitter’s rifle rather than travel with my own. The mistake I made was not shooting the rifle or zeroing it when I first arrived. After hiking and setting up on some ibex, I aimed, shot and clearly missed. I didn’t understand what happened and even my cameraman was confused. It turned out that I was not properly prepared to hunt with this rifle. I had not zeroed it or practiced with it. I am a left-handed shooter and the rifle was set up for a right-hander, plus I am accustomed to my rifle with its 2½-pound trigger pull. None of this made for a good combination. We immediately returned to the range where I was able to get acquainted with the trigger and sight in the rifle. If you are going to use someone else’s gun, make sure you

have time to get used to shooting it before hunting, and double check that it is sighted in correctly. TRIP 3: OH, DIDN’T YOU KNOW? I booked a hunt to Argentina with Rincon de Luna. When my cameraman and I started getting ready for the hunt on the first morning, I noticed the guides putting saddles on horses. I turned to my guide and asked, “what are the horses for?” He said, “We are hunting from them.” I had no idea that this was going to be a horseback hunt. I turned to my cameraman and asked “ … Um, can you film from a horse?” He looked at me shaking his head, laughing and saying, “You’re lucky I grew up around horses.” I should have probably asked more questions, especially since these hunts are being filmed. Note: We hope to see you at the auction block in Nashville, Tenn. Good luck and good bidding! ASJ

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Accessories N82 TACTICAL UNVEILS IWB MAG CARRIER

N82’s magazine holster

9724 S. NC Hwy 150/Linwood, Dept. ASJ, NC 27299/(336) 479-3561/www.n82tactical.com NRA members and guests in Nashville, and armed citizens all over the map, should quickly warm up to the new companion offside magazine carrier that compliments their popular concealed carry rigs. And now there’s a holster for the Glock 42 in the popular Professional Series of concealment rigs. It features the proven Twist Release retention system to keep the pistol snug. The N82 magazine holster features a shim that allows the user to tighten the retention when it is necessary to keep a speciﬁc magazine secure. The lineup will include carriers for both single- and double-stack magazines, for 9mm and .40 S&W, and other calibers including .45 ACP handguns. This rig is constructed with a soft, layered back and a hard-molded synthetic material forming the actual holder/pouch. It features a belt clip to hold the carrier in place, and separate the magazine entirely from the body. Visit us at booth #957

SPECIAL EDITION NRA GUNS FROM AMERICAN LEGACY FIREARMS P.O. Box 369, Fort Collins, CO 80522/(970) 221-0502 www.americanlegacyfirearms.com American Legacy Firearms will be showing off a special edition NRA shotgun during the three-day convention in Nashville, and there’s also an NRA revolver. The single-action revolver is a .44 Magnum Ruger Super Blackhawk with the squared trigger guard and plated in 24K gold. It is engraved on the barrel, frame and cylinder, with a jeweled hammer. The black engraving contrasts nicely with the gold ﬁnish, and even the hardwood grips feature engraving. American Legacy’s choice of commemorative shotguns is the Ithaca pump, also featuring 24K gold plating and a handsome hardwood stock with scrollwork on the grip and a thick recoil pad. The vent rib barrel and magazine tube are blued, and the shotgun has a ﬁber optic front sight. The magazine tube end cap is also gold-plated.

KICK-EEZ ANNOUNCES NEW PATRIOT PAD 1819 Schurman Way, Suite #106, Woodland, WA 98674 (877) 542-5339/www.kickeezproducts.com The latest recoil pad innovation from KICK-EEZ is The Patriot series, and it is identiﬁable by its striking red, white and blue coloring. The Patriot series

According to KICK-EEZ, the Patriot Pad will be offered in the company’s two most popular sizes to ﬁt a wide range of ﬁrearms. Created from Sorbothane, a modern material that provides tremendous cushioning and recoil reduction, the Patriot Pad joins a full line of KICK-EEZ recoil pads. They are all 100-percent

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American made, and the surface is textured for a solid ﬁt against the shooter’s shoulder.

Bald Eagle 1156

P.O. Box 2219, 1821 Valencia St., Dept. ASJ, Bellingham, WA 98227 (800) 235-0272 www.bullets.com Bullets.com has announced a full line of rugged gun safes from Bald Eagle, designed and constructed especially for this Washington State company. For people with limited space and a few firearms, there’s a five-gun safe with an interior lock box for a handgun. It has five locking bolts, soft barrel rests and a powder coat Bald Eagle 1158 finish and interior hinges. Next up is a pair of nearly identical models, one for eight long guns and the other for 12 guns. Both have interior lock boxes for handguns. They measure 57 inches high and approximately 20 inches wide. All of these safes have keypad electronic opening with manual key backup. The next largest measures 60x30x24 inches, followed by a 60x40x24-incher, and the largest of the lot at 72x42x28 inches. All three have chrome locking bolts, heavy-duty Securam digital locks. The smaller three safes are black and the larger models are red.

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Accessories CRAZY QUAIL THROWERS WERS REALLY CHALLENGE SHOTGUNNERS’ SKILLS ILLS 318 Anderson Blvd., Dept. ASJ, Geneva,, IL 60134 (855) 267-8245/www.crazyquail.com Crazy Quail throwers are becoming ng a hit with gun range operations all over the map, offering plenty of challenge to wingshooters. rs. The Crazy Quail system integrates ates computers into the mechanics andd multiple throwers to simulate all kinds of live ve bird ﬂight. Last year, this Illinois-based company ompany introduced The Mini, a machine that hat can be controlled from an iPhone! It rotates tes 360 degrees and runs on the power of a single marine battery. Featuring wireless remote with a Joystick for basic control, this is an affordable e thrower that can be used on someone’s property. operty. The Crazy Quail Covey model combines four throwers to produce ce some of the wildest and challenging ng shooting anyone could imagine. Crazy Quail’s Quad has four throwers on a trailer platform. It’s just the thing for a professional range operation. Visit us at booth #2261 The Mini

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BROWNING HAS NEW SAFES, FLASHLIGHTS One Browning Place, Dept. ASJ, Morgan, UT 84050 (801) 876-2711/www.browning.com NRA members visiting the Nashville exhibition can get the lowdown on the company’s newest innovation: ThermaBlock fire protection, exclusive to Pro-Steel safes. The ProSteel safe line is expanding to include the new Pistol Vault 500 and 1000 models. Made with 10-gauge steel, they feature an electronic four-button touch pad that is powered by eight AA batteries. There’s an interior LED light and a manual backup, operated by a unique key. This new feature has thicker sheets of fire insulation in an interlocking pattern to reduce gaps that might allow internal temperatures to increase in the event of fire. Browning’s Heavy Safe series models are built with 11-gauge steel and feature Pry-Stop bolts. Heavyweight safes have a 1-inch duo-formed door with an inner plate and the Force Deflector locking system. There are four models in the series, finished in textured charcoal or gloss black. Browning offers a new Black Label flashlight model called the Disrupter. The 2,800 lumens of light reach out to 500 yards. It has a bezel design to prevent rolling, and three white Cree LED lights, plus three red LEDs and three green LEDs.

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Accessories Browning also is introducing Epic headlamps, powered by a single battery and featuring multiple LEDs powered by a single AA battery. The 4-in-1 Survival Pen is a combination ﬂashlight, cap light, writing pen and glass breaker with a hardened tungsten carbide point. It has an aluminum body, pocket clip and eighthour run time. Visit us at booth #2111

NEW ACCESSORIES FROM COMMAND ARMS 911 William Leigh Dr., Dept. ASJ, Tullytown, PA 19007 (866) 611-9576/www.commandarms.com The shooting world would not be much without a vast array of useful accessories, and folks attending the NRA annual meetings and exhibits in Nashville can get a firsthand look. For the growing number of modern sporting rifle shooters, Command Arms produces the CD (for “Count Down”) Mag, a 30-round polymer magazine with a counter that allows the user to check his or her cartridge count at a glance. This color-coded visual indicator appears at the lower rear of the magazine. Another model is the Clear Action (CAA) Magazine, with a clear “window” through which cartridges are visible. It not only shows how many rounds remain, but there’s also a full-magazine indicator button on the bottom. Command also offers muzzle brakes, butt stocks and tubes, butt-stock accessories, pistol grips, light and laser mounts, forearm grips, tactical gear, slings, mounts and other equipment. All Command Arms products are rigorously tested and evaluated in the field. Visit us at booth #101

CANNON HAS 50TH ANNIVERSARY SAFE, 100-GUN MODEL 19949 Kendall Drive, San Bernardino, CA 92407 (909) 382-0303 www.cannonsafe.com Visitors to the NRA exhibitss will get to see firsthand the new 50th anniversary Cannon safe, and the company’s new 100-gun model. Cannon A100 The charcoal colored 50th anniversary model featuress an exclusive dual-access electronic EMP lock with manual backup. It has multi-directional LED lighting and an internal media outlet featuring a pair of 110 outlets, two USB ports and an RJ45 Ethernet connection for added security. It is made from 12-gauge steel with 4-inch-thick doors and patented Trulock internal hinges. The roomy A100 gun safe can store both long guns and handguns, along with other valuables. Weighing more than 1,000 pounds, this big safe measures 59x52x35 inches on the outside, and takes up 62.14 cubic feet of space. Inside, the storage space is 56¾ x 503/16 x 287/8 inches. The door has a five-spoke handle and a dozen 1¼ x 4-inch bolts. It is 43/16 inches thick and the safe provides 45 minutes of fire protection. Visit us at booth #3007

NEW ACCESSORIES FROM PACHMAYR 475 Smith Street, Dept. ASJ, Middletown, CT 06457 (860) 632-2020/www.pachmayr.com Earlier this year Pachmayr unveiled several new products just right for the home gunsmith, including a new plug screw assortment, screwdriver kit,

LYMAN OFFERS GUN MAINTENANCE MAT 475 Smith Street, Dept. ASJ, Middletown, CT 06457/(860) 632-2020/www.lymanproducts.com Those cruising the NRA exhibit hall aisles in Nashville can stop by the Lyman display and ﬁnd out about the new Essential Gun Maintenance Mat, which has an interesting design feature. The mat incorporates several recessed sections that home gunsmiths will quickly recognize as a handy innovation. They work to prevent parts from rolling off the bench and onto the ﬂoor or to keep small spills from spreading. Made from a soft but tough polymer, the Essential Gun Maintenance mat won’t scratch gun surfaces. Also, it shouldn’t slide off a bench. Visit us at booth #1301 Essential Gun Maintenance Mat

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Pachmayr Master Gunsmith Kit gunsmith tool kit and handgun grips. The Ultimate Gunsmith tool kit has it all, including a 277-piece Master Gunsmith Screw Kit, four roll pin punches, five standard punches, a couple of special punches, a brass tapper hammer with heads of brass, steel and nylon, a Torx driver and seven flat-blade screwdrivers. Pachmayr’s new Master Gunsmith plug screw assortment has 120 pieces. They will fit virtually all open scope and sight base holes and there are a dozen each of the 10 most frequently required sizes. There are pieces with either stainless or black oxide finishes, and the slotted screws are offered with straight-sided flush mounts and headed positive stop designs, according to Pachmayr. The Master Gunsmith 10-piece screwdriver

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Accessories LIBERTY SAFE NEW HD SAFE DOES THE JOB 1199 West Utah Avenue, Dept. WSJ, Payson, UT 84651/(866) 537-0165/www.libertysafe.com Announced at the January SHOT Show, Liberty’s six new small HD safe models include ﬁve versions that offer lighted interiors and auto opening doors. They’ll be on display at the NRA annual exhibits and they are worth a look. Last year, Liberty acquired 9g Products, which manufactures top-of-the-line biometric safes. The result is Liberty’s new line of “Home Defender” handgun vaults. The HDX-250 has an auto-opening door, lighted interior and biometric access in less than one second. It measures12x11x7 inches. It has the Reliable Biometric Access, lighted interior and auto-opening door. The smaller HDX-150 measures 12.4x8.5x2.2 inches and features Reliable Biometric Access. It also has a lighted interior and security cable. Both of these models are approved by the California DOJ, and are very rugged. Visit us at booth #3143

set has a new design that features hollow-ground, magnetized S2 steel tips. Each screwdriver has a through-shaft handle design with steel striking cap and polymer-coated handles with triangular Torq Grip wings. The screwdriver kit comes with a stand that accommodates all the tools. Pachmayr has reintroduced American Legend grips for J-, K- and L-frame Smith & Wesson revolvers, along with round-butt N-frame models. They feature rubber grip panels and Rosewood or charcoal laminate wood. Visit us at booth #1301

DROP-IN UNIT FROM CMC TRIGGERS 5597 Oak Street, Dept. ASJ, Fort Worth, TX 76140 (817) 563-6611/www.cmctriggers.com

HDX-150

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For devotees of the AR-type riﬂe platform, CMC Triggers offers a 100-percent drop-in ﬁre control trigger group. These trigger groups may be used to upgrade both AR-10 and AR-15 platforms. Made from 8620 alloy steel and S7 tool steel, the trigger group is housed in a frame made from 410 stainless steel. The one- and two-stage trigger group drops right in, and comes with a nonadjustable factory preset trigger pull, available in 3.5-, 4.5-, 5.5- and 6.5-pound trigger weights. This unit features CMC’s patented Flat Trigger.

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Accessories LEWIS MACHINE & TOOL HAS SIGHTS, COMPONENTS 1305 11th Street West, Dept. ASJ, Milan, IL 61264/(309) 787-7151 www.lewismachine.net

LMT Flip-up Lewis Machine & Tool has flip-up sights and accessory Rear components for AR-type rifles. Sights The sights are Mil-Spec phosphate steel, and will work either on 5.56mm or 7.62mm caliber rifles. The rear sight is ½ minute of angle-adjustable for height and ¼ MOA adjustable for windage. The .308-caliber model is designed for rifle-length rails and is marked for up to 800 yards, while the 5.56 version is designed for carbine-length rails and is marked for up to 700 yards. These sights attach to the rails and are tightened with a flathead screwdriver. LMT’s rugged DMR stock fits the AR and features a Mil-Spec extension tube. The overall length is 9.25 inches collapsed and 10.5 inches extended. It has an adjustable cheek rest and buttpad for reduced felt recoil. It features four QD sling swivel sockets. For law enforcement and military applications, there are some stock assemblies for 40mm single-shot launchers. They are made with Mil-Spec anodized aluminum and phosphated steel. LMT Flip-up Front Sights

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The hammer spring is made from rocket wire, and all components are machined to precise tolerances. The ﬁre-control group features Positive Trigger Reset for fast follow-up shots. Each trigger unit comes with complete installation instructions. Visit us at booth #2459

TOP QUALITY SUPPRESSORS FROM SILENCERCO 5511 S 6055 W, Dept. ASJ, West Valley City, UT 84118 (801) 417-5384/www.silencerco.com Suppressors are hot items among an increasing number of devoted shooters, and models from SilencerCo are available for rifles, shotguns and pistols. There are models for both rimfire and centerfire guns, along with some gear for shooters. Earlier this year, SilencerCo unveiled the Omega model, a short, light and quiet full-auto rifle silencer. Weighing 14 ounces, the Omega features a titanium tube and Stellite blast baffle, and components made with stainless steel. It measures 7 inches using a direct thread mount, and 7¾ inches when used with the Active Spring Retention QD mount, which comes with the silencer. Other models introduced in January are the 9.4-ounce Octane K45 and 8-ounce Osprey K45,

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Accessories both aimed at being part of the Army’s planned Modular Handgun System when a new sidearm is selected for standard issue. The new models are about 2 inches shorter than the standard Osprey and Octane 45 models. They have a dark grey Cerakote ﬁnish. Visit us at booth #857

SPORT EAR BOASTS ‘GHOST STRYKE’ HEARING PROTECTOR 8683 South 700 West, Suite 200, Dept. ASJ, Sandy, UT 84070/(801) 566-0240/www.sportear.com SportEAR will be exhibiting at the NRA annual meetings in Nashville, giving shooters an opportunity to check out the remarkable Ghost Stryke hearing protector that ﬁts entirely in the ear. This tiny self-contained hearing protector is useful for hunting, target shooting, competition, various sporting events and to protect from industrial noises. It has four different-sized tips made from foam or silicone, and can be tailored by the user. SportEAR Ghost Stryke

Engineered to compress noise at 85 decibels, the Ghost Stryke is offered in different colors including black, tan and pink, and the noise level can be adjusted. Recently SportEAR also introduced a non electronic “passive” hearing protector described as the next evolutionary step up from the popular XP3. Provided with a variety of tips including foam and silicone, this unit allows for a simple press to open up the hearing canal slightly for improved hearing while the plug remains in place. Visit us at booth #3125

TACTICAL TAILOR’S ‘GREY GHOST’ BACKPACK 12715 Pacific Highway South, Dept. ASJ, West Lakewood, WA 98499/(866) 984-7854/www.tacticaltailor.com Tactical Tailor has announced a new backpack based on the Removable Operator model, and this one is called the Grey Ghost Throwback, made out of wax canvas. The Throwback backpack will take on some character as it ages. It features a laser-engraved label that will also show some aging. The Throwback features a large main compartment with heavy-duty zippers and a sideentry front pocket. The front pocket is lined with loop material, and there is also a smaller front pocket with zipper access. Tactical Tailor designed this new model with a sternum strap, grab handle, four cinch straps and a 3-liter hydration pocket. Visit us at booth #61

YANKEE HILL MACHINE INE OFFERS NEW SUPPRESSORS, HANDGUARDS NDGUARDS 20 Ladd Ave., Suite 1, Dept. ASJ, Florence, ce, MA 01062/(877) 892-6533/www. yhm.net Suppressors are becoming increasingly singly popular with urban shooters and new this year from Yankee Hill Machine is the Sidewinder nder family ue to be of pistol suppressors which are due available this spring. The YHM Sidewinder models feature a new mono-core bafﬂe made from 7075-T6 -T6 aluminum. The outer tube body is made from 6061-T6 aircraft-quality aluminum. Inside and nd out, they have class 3 hardcoat anodized ﬁnishes. nishes. Other components are heat-treated ed 17-4ph stainless steel, and they are e available for 9mm, .40 S&W and .455 ACP pistols. YHM also produces handguards, which may be be viewed at the NRA exhibits. One model that appeals to hunters is the Deer Tracks Handguard, with a unique vent pattern that resembles sets of deer tracks running from one end to the other. These cutouts reduce weight and help keep the barrel cool. This handguard has threaded holes at the 12 o’clock position on the muzzle end that allow

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YHM Sidewinder

for ﬁtting a 3-inch rail. There’s another threaded hole for installing a stud for either a sling swivel or mounting a bipod. The unit measures 12.25 inches. The keymod SLK handguard is available in three different lengths. They feature a lightweight Picatinny rail machined at the 12 o’clock position. They come in lengths of 7.3 inches, 9.25 inches and 12.25 inches. Another Yankee Hill entry is the Tactical Charging Handle latch. This little accessory adds a scant half-inch to the length of the charging handle and weighs 0.6-ounce. Made from steel and ﬁnished in black Melonite QPQ, it improves the ability of a shooter to access the charging handle even while wearing gloves. Visit us at booth #1661

FORT KNOX ENJOYS HOT MARKET FOR VAULT DOORS 993 North Industrial Park Road, Orem, UT 84057 (801) 224.7233/www.ftknox.com While Fort Knox is keeping a tight lid on its new introductions for 2015, the company has acknowledged that one of the hottest items going into the New Year is the vault door. People building new homes, or even doing major remodeling projects, are investing in vault doors to protect not only ﬁrearms but also other valuables. Some people even install vault doors to close off a wine cellar, while others store important documents inside of a vault. These are rugged accessories that are installed complete with frames. They are increasingly popular for setting up walk-in security rooms, and Fort Knox designs them with an Inside Release Mechanism that allows them to be opened from the inside, providing a safe room for a family in the event of an emergency. Fort Knox vault doors feature a Quadrafold doorframe and up to 24 active door-locking bolts measuring 1½ inches in diameter. This includes patented Star corner bolts on the Executive vault door model. They also feature EasyGlide concealed ballbearing hinges and a ﬁve-spoke clutch drive spinner handle. Visit us at booth #2011

FROGLUBE ‘SUPER DEGREASER,’ NEW ‘PRO GRADE’ LABEL P.O. Box 327, Dept. ASJ, Wellington, NV 89444 (855) FROGLUBE (376-4582)/www.froglube.com Having made their debut at this year’s SHOT Show, two new products that should ﬁnd quick acceptance from serious shooters, FrogLube FrogLube Super Degreaser

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Accessories MEGA ARMS HAS NEW AR CHARGING HANDLE 5323 Joppa Street Southwest, Dept. ASJ, Tumwater, WA 98512/(877) 857-5372/megaarms.com Mega Arms has announced a new slide-lock charging handle that is among the new products being introduced for 2015. This patent-pending accessory was developed to be fully ambidextrous, so there are no pivoting points to minimize malfunction and breaking. Mega took 12 months to develop this replacement handle. Made from 7075-T6 aluminum to save weight, the new Slide Lock charging handle has a precision-cut latch and a textured contact point for positive purchase. Coated in black Nitride, it has been recessed on the bottom/rear of the handle to save weight.

It is also being marketed at a lower price point than competing ambidextrous charging handles.

Mega Arms Slide-Lock Charging Handle

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Super Degreaser and the new FrogClean kit for keeping guns clean and operating smoothly. Super Degreaser has a boiling point of 200 degrees Fahrenheit, and is odorless, so you can safely use it in the house or workshop. It is the strongest nontoxic solvent available and replaces any toxic or corrosive petroleum-based products already on the market. It will be especially effective in ultrasonic cleaning devices. FrogLube formulates Super Degreaser to be diluted, so a little goes a long way. The company has also announced the introduction of the FrogClean universal cleaning kit. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a joint venture with MS Clean, and the kit includes a two-ended plastic/nylon brush, bore rod kit, bore brushes for riďŹ&#x201A;e and pistol calibers, an AR chamber brush, dental pick, cleaning patches and a 5ml tube of Frog Lube. It comes in a container shaped like a 30-round AR magazine. Visit us at booth #124

NECO ANNOUNCES KURZZEIT CHRONOGRAPH 108 Ardmore Way, Dept. ASJ, Benicia, CA 94510 (800) 451-3550/www.neconos.com NECO has announced that the Kurzzeit BMC-19 wireless chronograph is now available. This unit can be used with a computer, and requires no USB cable. It offers enhanced sensitivity

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Accessories and features infrared screens that can pick up even the smallest .17-caliber projectile going over 4,000 fps. According to NECO literature, this unit has the fastest clock and processors available. The BMC-19 is designed to provide “real time” updates of minimum, maximum and average velocities, muzzle energy, extreme spread and standard deviation. It truly does it all, and is capable of storing up to 600 shots. Once home from the range, all the data can be downloaded, or this operation can be done right at the range with a laptop. The Kurzzeit BMC-19 chronograph will work in all light conditions.

RADARCARVE 28 Charlene Lane, Belen, NM 87002 (505) 948-0571/www.radarcarve.net The Radarcarve is a fantastic tool for carving gunstocks. It precisely copies any original stock, no matter what the length, and has an accuracy of better than .005 inches. It works by placing the original and a new blank in a rotating mechanism, and a small high-speed router carves the new stock while a stylus traces over the original. It takes less than two hours to carve a new stock, including all inletting and the barrel channel. Radarcarve will carve objects up to 8 inches in diameter, including pistol grips. The New Mexico company’s website

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HIPERFIRE OFFERS NEW AR FIRE CONTROLS P.O. Box 300, Dept. ASJ, Hamel, MN 55340 (612) 729-3829/www.hiperfire.com Joining the already-proven Hipertouch fire controls for AR-15/10 rifles will be two new entries from Hiperfire, the Enhanced Duty Trigger and a further-enhanced version of the Enhanced Duty Trigger model. These are drop-in units that install like MilSpec triggers with hard-hitting hammers. Like the other trigger assemblies in the Hipertouch family, these are built with heat-treated alloy steels and they will Hiperfire 24C provide long service. The Hipertouch EDT is a single-stage trigger with a curved trigger bow, a fast reset and flat pre travel. The furtherenhanced version was in pre production at press time. They join four Hipertouch models that were designed with lighter triggers and have become popular with competitors and hunters because they are user-adjustable. Where the Hipertouch 24, 24E, 24 3G and 24C fire controls have low weight let-offs, the new models are adjustable for medium to heavy weights and come in at 4½ or 5½ pounds, settable by the user, for street duty and home defense. All of the 24 models can be adjusted from 2 to 4 pounds, and have a best-in-class high-energy hammer fall, curved trigger surface (bow). The 24E features elite enhancements. The 24 3G features enhancements for 3-Gun match shooters, like virtually no creep and a fast, positive reset. The 24C is identical to the 24 3G, but with a straight trigger bow and adjustable Hipershoe.

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Accessories includes a nice selection of router bits, and the only thing to add to get going with your next project is a Bosch router, which you must purchase yourself. The Radarcarve comes with a lifetime guarantee, is priced at $1,185, and can be shipped to the lower 48 states for $60.

ALTAMONT HAS NEW GRIP INTRODUCTIONS 901 North Church Street, Thomasboro, IL 61878 (800) 626-5774/www.altamontco.com Altamont was busily working on its new replacement grip introductions for 2015 at press time, but there were some details available. The lineup will include a set of premier decorative grips for Luger pistols. There are also replacement panels for Bersa semiautos and a new line of G10 replacement grips. Also look for additional grip choices for “tactical” Model 1911 pistols. In addition, Altamont was planning other new

Altamont Grips components including mainspring housings. If they are not available at the SHOT Show, they will likely appear later in the spring.

INFIDEL BODY ARMOR P.O. BOX 171, Royse City, TX 75189 (888) 608-6605/www.infidelbodyarmor.com Many of you are likely aware of the public’s growing distrust of government due to countless instances of police militarization and

SKINNER OFFERS APERTURE PEEP SIGHTS, HTF TACTICAL GARMENT BAG P.O. Box 1810, Dept. ASJ, St. Ignatius, MT 59865/(406)531-5113/www.skinnersights.com Skinner Sights is offering a rugged aperture “peep” sight with models now available for the Ruger American Rifle series. Skinner’s new Aperture peep is made from solid barstock. In addition to the centerfire and rimfire versions of the Ruger American, Skinner makes this sight for the Savage 93 and 42, the Winchester Models 94 and 70, and the Ruger 77/357-44 and 10-22, plus all models from Henry Repeating Arms. In addition to the replacement accessory sights, Skinner is offering the new HTF bag that holds firearms while appearing to be a simple garment bag that can hang in a closet. This “hidden in plain sight” bag is built with a tough hanger, and it can hold a rifle or shotgun measuring up to 40 inches OAL, a couple of handguns and eight pistol magazines, three rifle magazines and other gear. If the hanger is removed, the bag folds up for easy carry. There are four main categories of sights in the Skinner family. They include: • The Reliable series, which has been the Skinner mainstay for several years; • The Express series, described as a bit more elegant than the Reliable; • The Montana series that allows applications for many more models; • The Barrel Mount Dovetail is an aperture model that will work on sights with standard rear dovetails. Skinner Sights HTF Bag

Level IIIA 10x12 Trauma Max aggressiveness of federal agencies. As media coverage exposes more examples of government overreach and augmented police forces, some are looking at protective equipment such as body armor to guard themselves in these dangerous circumstances. Politicians tend to criticize the concerns of civilians. Some have even called for bans of protective items such as body armor worn by average citizens with proposed legislation such as the Responsible Body Armor Possession Act. It’s irrational for politicians to presume that an individual doesn’t have the right to defend their person. Anyone should be able to purchase clothing that will protect them from threatening situations. Infidel Body Armor has created an exceptional collection of body armor for the public to purchase and wear. The engineers at Infidel Body Armor have crafted body armor that provides both comfort and extreme durability, and they stand behind all of their products with lifetime warranties. As there are no signs of government interference or police militarization slowing down, now is the time to take a look at Infidel Body Armor’s premium line of body armor and purchase reliable defense equipment from a dependable company while we still have the freedom to purchase these items. Use the code Journal” at checkout and receive 10 percent off of your order as well as free shipping.

EARTHEASY’S NEW LIFESTRAW GO FILTER BOTTLE NOW AVAILABLE (888) 451-6752/www.buylifestraw.com The new LifeStraw Go integrates the awardwinning LifeStraw Personal water filter into a sport bottle. Made of durable BPA-free Tritan plastic, LifeStraw Go is ideal for hiking, camping, travel, emergency preparedness and survival. The LifeStraw hollow-fiber-membrane filtration technology makes contaminated water safe to drink, removing 99.9999 percent of waterborne bacteria, and 99.9 percent of waterborne protozoan parasites, including cryptosporidium, giardia and E-coli. LifeStraw Go will filter a minimum of 1,000 liters (264 gallons) of water. LifeStraw won Time Magazine Invention of the

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Accessories Eartheasy LifeStraw Engraved .223 Necklace

HIGH CALIBER CREATIONS P.O. Box 1801, Belvidere, IL 61008 /(815) 904-3477/www.highcalibercreations.com

Year in 2005, the 2008 Index Award, and the Saatchi & Saatchi Award for World Changing Ideas. With the Follow the Litres program, for every LifeStraw water ﬁlter sold, a child in Africa receives clean water for an entire school year.

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High Caliber Creations offers custom-made jewelry and accessories, many of which are made from real ammunition components. They are home to the original and most extensive bullet jewelry collection anywhere. While their products do not contain live ammunition, they meticulously work to make their bullet jewelry look as authentic as possible. Unlike the majority of bullet jewelry designers, much of their jewelry is made with the entire cartridge, not just simple case heads or spent casings. They also offer unique paracord products and other “high caliber creations.” Featured here are two popular products: First, the ever popular Engraved .223 Necklace. This one says “Live Free or Die” and features an American ﬂag charm. It can also be purchased as a key chain. Please note that they offer personalized engraving for most of their bullet jewelry. Popular engraved phrases include “Molon Labe” and “Don’t Tread On Me,” but you can choose whatever text you want, including names and dates. Paracord Survival Bracelet Another popular product is their Paracord Survival Bracelet with Bullet Clasp. Using the Mil-Spec paracord color of your choice, they custom weave the bracelet to your desired length and then use a .30 caliber bullet to make one badass and unique accessory! They offer many more unique products and their inventory changes constantly. Check them out at www. highcalibercreations.com and use the promo code “nra issue” to receive a 10 percent discount off your entire order.

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Accessories HIGHFIGUREGRIPS INTRODUCES AGED BONE GRIPS 11400 134th Avenue North, Dayton MN 55327 (612) 860-7337/www.highfiguregrips.com Highﬁguregrips has added Aged Bone grips to their distinctive grip lineup. Through a multiple-step process, multiple colors have been introduced, giving the Bone a very aged, timeworn look. The company also handcrafts stunning selections for 1911s, Sig p238s, Sig p938s, Browning 1911-22s, Beretta 92 and 96FS and the Ruger New Vaquero. A small family-run shop, quality, not quantity is foremost on their mind.

Highﬁguregrips Aged Bone

SKB CORPORATION 1633 North Leslie Way Orange, CA 92867 (800) 654-5992 www.skbcases.com/sports

SKB 3i-3614

SKB Corporation has been making indestructible cases for many industries, including music, sports, military and industrial, for more than 36 years. They started with quality vacuumformed cases and evolved into rotational and injection-molded cases that meet high military standards. With 38 different sizes of iSeries Watertight Injection Molded cases and counting, SKB is pleased to offer several types of rifle, pistol and accessory cases, such as the 3i-1006-SP Single Pistol Case, the 3i-3614-DR Double Rifle Case with wheels, the 3i-4909-SR Single Rifle Case, and the 3i-5014-3G 3 Gun Case with wheels, just to name a few. iSeries Injection Molded Watertight Cases are constructed of ultra-high-strength polypropylene copolymer resin and feature a gasketed, waterproof and dustproof, submersible design (IP67) that is resistant to corrosion and impact damage. The molded-in hinges and stainless-steel hinge pins, patented “trigger release” latch system, comfortable, snap-down rubber over-molded cushion grip handles, and an automatic ambient pressure equalization valve (MIL-STD-648C) all contribute to the cases’ military-grade design. Stainless-steel locking loops are provided for a customer-supplied lock. Some models also feature convenient roller blade-style wheels and will securely stack with like cases for easier transport of multiple cases. iSeries Injection Molded Watertight Cases are all manufactured in the United States and feature SKB’s Lifetime Warranty and $1,500 content coverage warranty if your gear is damaged by an airline.

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Accessories SOUNDSHIELD BY READYMAX 3132 Dwight Road, Suite 200 Elk Grove, CA 95758 (916) 475-1870/www.readymax.com ReadyMax Men’s Sport Safety Glasses ses feature a patented safety eyewear and hearing protection combination and d a sleek silhouette for an active lifestyle. Perfect f ffor outdoor use, these glasses feature anti-scratch and impact resistant lenses that absorb 99 percent of UV rays and ready-to-use, retractable PermaPlug earplugs that provide NRR 25 noise protection. ReadyMax Safety Glasses also include polycarbonate lenses perfect for outdoor activities including hunting, ATV activities and yard work. Finish options include black, green and orange; lens options include clear, grey and amber.

BEATENZONE MFG ANNOUNCES THE GENERATION 3 ADVANCED TACTICAL CHARGING HANDLE FOR THE AR15/M16 RIFLE (480) 719-0522/www.beatenzonemfg.com The Advanced Tactical Charging Handle or ATCH is an aftermarket charging handle that serves as a direct replacement for any OEM charging handle. The Gen. 3 ATCH retracts on its own and

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ReadyMax Safety Glasses Amber Lens

rests securely in the stowed position. It offers ample surface area the slim tto hhold ld onto t while hil iin use andd maintains i t i th li profile of the rifle when stowed. Beatenzone Mfg.’s ATCH comes fully assembled, requires no major modifications to the rifle, fits virtually all Mil-Spec upper receivers, and is available in three different profiles and colors. Until now, most aftermarket charging handles would create more issues for the operator than they would solve. While these “tactical” latches benefit the shooter by allowing them to easily cycle the action with the nonfiring hand from the side, they have been known to introduce side load to the charging handle and elevated amounts of friction between the charging handle and the upper receiver. Additionally, due to the oversized nature of tactical latches, the user runs the risk of the latch getting caught on their gear as well as the potential discomfort of having a protruding latch jabbing them in the body when the weapon is slung. The Generation 3 Advanced Tactical Charging Handle is the only aftermarket charging handle

that retracts on its own and locks ks in place. The lever portion is larger than otherr tac latches, yet the profile is as small as an OEM charging handle, something no other current tactical latch offers. The eapon ATCH effectively converts the weapon into a “side charger” and is easyy to access with the left hand when firing osition. in either the left- or right-hand position. al The ATCH is especially beneficial n when a large optic is mounted on the firearm, limiting access to thee on is charging handle. The lever portion ct the ergonomically contoured to direct rtion user’s hand to the innermost portion of the charging handle causing the ndle, operator to pull the charging handle, cing straight to the rear, further reducing er side load and friction on the upper receiver and charging handle. The Generation 3 Advanced Tactical Charging Handle boastss a BeatenZone Mfg. Generation 3 ATCH

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completely redesigned locking latch that adds strength and enhances versatility. The roll pin of the Gen 3 locking latch has been relocated inboard of the charging handle, made 1½ times larger than an OEM roll pin, and replaced with a coil roll pin for increased strength and dependability. Striations have been added to the outside of the locking latch to allow for manipulation of the action without the use of the lever. The hook portion of the locking latch has been rounded to reduce wear and tear on the upper receiver. The charging handle is made of 7075 T6 aluminum, machined from billet, and hard-coat anodized. The lever portion is made of 6061 T6 aluminum, machined from an extrusion, and hard coat anodized. The locking latch is laser cut from 4130 chromoly steel, heat treated, and coated in a black oxide ﬁnish. All parts and hardware of the ATCH are made in the USA.

TACSTAR SIDESADDLE 475 Smith Street, Dept. ASJ, Middletown, CT 06457 (860) 632-2020/www.tacstar.com Finally, owners of Mossberg Model 500 pump shotguns have a model of the popular SideSaddle shotshell holder. This unit has been available for Remington pump guns, and now Mossberg users can upgrade their gun as well. The Side Saddle holds six shells on the

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GUN VAULT on Fox Hill SideSaddle shotshell holder left side of the receiver, and there’s an integral Picatinny rail on top of the accessory for different sights or accessories. Made from lightweight billet aluminum, the SideSaddle Picatinny Rail Mount has a low-proﬁle design to allow continued use of the front bead. TacStar also offers a new AR-15 AMRS (for Adjustable Match Riﬂe Stock) from TacStar. Designed to adjust both the length of pull and comb height, this accessory has a full range of adjustments. It also features several sling mounting points and ports for quick-detachable sling swivels. Visit us at booth #1301

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RELOADING

boasts a three-color LED display. Bald Eagle’s 7.5-liter model has three ceramic heaters and ﬁve temperature settings. The threecolor LED display is user-friendly and this unit has three industrial-grade transducers with a fullrange timer that runs up to 60 minutes. The biggest of the bunch is a 9-liter model that has four ceramic heaters, a timer that runs up to 60 minutes, three-color LED display, 35kHz frequency with four industrial-grade transducers and stainless-steel tank.

Hornady Lock-N-Load 1911 Auto Primer

NEW EQUIPMENT, BULLETS FROM HORNADY P.O. Box 1848, Dept. ASJ, Grand Island, NE 68802/(308) 382-1390/www.hornady.com Handloaders heading to Nashville, or just the local gun shop, will soon be seeing new bullets and equipment from Hornady. Hornady has introduced new unprimed cases in several calibers, in 50-count boxes. The selection includes .22 Hornet, .220 Swift, 6mm Remington, 7mm-08 Remington, 7x65R, .300 Remington Ultra Mag, .30-378 Weatherby, 8x57 JRS, .500-416 Nitro Express and .380 ACP. This year, all Hornady Match and A-MAX bullets feature the new AMP (for Advanced Manufacturing Process) jacket. They have swaged lead cores and high ballistic coefficients for accuracy and flat trajectory. Hornady is also offering the Lock-N-Load 1911 Auto Primer to fill primer tubes. It looks like a Government Model pistol and is powered by a couple of AAA batteries. It can fill a 100-count primer tube in about 15 seconds. There are also new Lock-N-Load bullet tubes for the 9mm, 10mm and .45-caliber bullets. Also in the Lock-N-Load lineup is the Neck Turn tool that allows the use of a cordless drill to speed up case neck turning, and the Quick Change Hand Tool that accepts chamfer/deburring tools, primer pocket reamers and brushes. Visit us at booth #1717

BALD EAGLE ULTRASONIC CLEANERS FROM BULLETS.COM P.O. Box 2219, 1821 Valencia St., Dept. ASJ Bellingham, WA 98227 (800) 235-0272/www.bullets.com New Bald Eagle ultrasonic cleaners have been introduced by Bullets.com, and there are models to ﬁt the needs of handloaders,

whether they have small batches of brass or large. These cleaners range in size from a pint model to one that handles up to 9 liters. The 1-pint model has a stainless steel tank and five built-in cycle times. It is quiet and features solid-state circuitry and digital programming. Bald Eagle’s next in line is a 2.5-liter model which also has a stainless-steel tank, ceramic heater with internal safety timer and thermal cutoff. The timer can be set for up to 30 minutes and there are five temperature settings. There’s also a 6-liter model with two ceramic heaters and five temperature settings. It has a pair of industrial-grade transducers and a full-range timer that runs up to 60 minutes, plus a solution usage timer. It also 6-liter ultrasonic cleaner

MTH hunting bullet

CUTTING EDGE OFFERS REDESIGNED MTAC/ MTH BULLETS 75 Basin Run Road, Dept. ASJ, Drifting, PA 16834 (814) 345-6690/www.cuttingedgebullets.com With the announcement earlier this year from Cutting Edge that its popular MTAC/MTH high ballistic coefﬁcient bullets have been redesigned, handloaders will no doubt be paying plenty of attention to these solid copper projectiles. As concerns about lead continue to spread, the MTAC and MTH bullets should help solve the problem. Offered in several caliber choices, Cutting Edge MTAC and MTH bullets feature solid copper construction, so they will see lots of applications in areas where traditional lead projectiles are prohibited. The MTAC is a match/tactical solid projectile can be obtained in the same weight, and is less expensive than the hunting bullet, but still provides handloaders with the opportunity to cook up identical loads for practice. Meanwhile, the MTH hunting bullet is designed to fragment at the tip into three petals while the “Blunt Trauma Base” continues deeper into the target. The result is massive wound trauma. Visit us at booth #2761

CORBON BULLETS AS RELOADING COMPONENTS 1311 Industry Road, Dept. ASJ, Sturgis, SD 57785-9123 (605) 347-4544/www.corbon.com CorBon has entered the reloading market, offering

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RELOADING NEW TOOL HEAD STAND, NEW BOOK FROM DILLON DPX bullets

its DPX line of bullets as components. Initially offered in 100-count boxes, CorBon’s DPX bullet offerings include an 80-grain/.355-caliber bullet for use in the .380 ACP; a 115-grain/.355-caliber bullet for the 9mm; a 140-grainer in .40-caliber and a 185-grain pill for use in the .45 ACP. The plan is to eventually have bullets available in all popular calibers from .32 to .500. Visit us at booth #2057

CHECK HODGDON’S 2015 ANNUAL MANUAL 6231 Robinson, P.O. Box 2392, Dept. ASJ Shawnee Mission, KS 66201 (913) 362-9455/www.hodgdon.com The new 170-page 2015 Annual Manual from Hodgdon features new data for three new IMR propellants and 20 different riﬂe and handgun calibers, including data on the sizzling 26 Nosler.

This magazine-format manual has become a staple on countless loading benches all over the country. In addition to the new data for the three new Enduron powders from IMR, it contains thousands of loads for other powders from Hodgdon, IMR and Winchester. There are also nine informative feature articles, including one each on the three new Enduron propellants, loading for the 26 Nosler and one on primers, perhaps the most taken-forgranted component in a cartridge. Visit us at booth #1618

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8009 East Dillon Way, Dept. ASJ Scottsdale, AZ 85260 (480) 948-8009/www.dillonprecision.com Gun fanciers not only like to shoot and even reload their own ammunition, they also like to read informative books, and this year, Dillon Precision has a Square Deal B new volume titled 101 Classic Firearms: ToolheadStand A Chronological Foray into the Golden Years of Firearms Development. Written by John Marshall, a long-time columnist for Dillon’s The Blue Press, this book spans 224-pages. It was printed and bound in the USand covers such legendary firearms as the Mauser Model 98, the Colt Single Action Army, the Model 1903 Springfield, German Luger P.08, the Model 1917 Enfield and Colt Government Model 1911. For those who would rather spend time at the loading bench, Dillon’s Square Deal B Toolhead Stand and the Super 1050 Short Trim Die toolhead might be worth checking out. The toolhead stand has six threaded slots for various dies. It holds the SBD toolhead, powder measure, dies and caliber conversion components, and has a solid blue base with rubber base pads. Dillon’s Super 1050 is a specialty toolhead designed for use on smaller cartridges, including the .300 Blackout. Reloaders must use a short trim-die toolhead when using the Rapid Trim 1500 case trimmer. It allows for the proper trimming and preparation of short rifle cases on the 1050. Visit us at booth #2700

Many handloaders like to mold their own bullets, and that’s where Lyman’s new Mag 25 melting furnace comes in. It has a 25-pound 475 Smith Street, Dept. ASJ, Middletown, CT 06457 capacity and it offers precise digital thermal (860) 632-2020/www.lymanproducts.com control, and has a keypad. It operates on 850 Once again, Lyman will intrigue visitors to the NRA watts of power and the temperature is digitally annual meetings and exhibits with new products displayed on the front, a bottom-pour valve for handloaders. system and a universal mould guide that adjusts Unveiled earlier this year at the SHOT Show, for popular blocks from several popular makers. Lyman’s new Turbo Sonic 1200 Ultrasonic case Then there’s the new Ultimate Case Prep cleaner has a midsize tank that can hold up to Kit. It includes small and large primer pocket 350 9mm cases. It can clean cartridge brass, reamers, nylon case neck brushes in several and clean and lubricate steel and stainless-steel calibers, an extra-large deburring tool, a bullet items. puller with two collets, an outside chamfer tool One can also get a 5-gallon can of TurboSonic and dry case neck lube. gun lube. It works in an ultrasonic cleaning Lyman’s Turbo Case/Media separator gets system, and provides deep lubrication and media out of clean brass cases. It has a solid penetration, leaving a dry protective ﬁlm coating, latch to keep dust and media inside the container and this gun lube may be used repeatedly. during operation, and it features a rotating basket that holds empty cases inside. Another Lyman entry is the Turbo Super Sifter. It has a stepped sidewall so it can be positioned over a common 2-gallon bucket and a deep design that prevents spillage. It also has large handles for a solid hold during the sifting process. Lyman is now packaging Turbo Tumbler media in jumbo 16- and 18-pound buckets. The media choices include untreated corncob and corncob green, both in 16-pound buckets and Tufnut crushed nutshells Turbo Sonic 1200 treated with rouge, in an Ultrasonic case cleaner

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Visit Us Online westernshootingjournal.com

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RELOADING 18-pound bucket. Visit us at booth #1301

STARLINE BRASS, INC. 1300 W. Henry, Dept. ASJ, Sedalia, MO 65301 (800) 280-6660/www.starlinebrass.com Starline Brass is pleased to announce the addition of four new calibers to their product line. New arrivals include the 30 Carbine, 32 Auto, 9mm Steyr, and 32 S&W. These new additions will be available by June 2015 or sooner. Starline will be adding even more calibers when these projects are complete. Visit us at booth #FF7 Brass shells from Starline Brass

NEW DIES AND ACCESSORIES FROM REDDING 1089 Starr Road, Dept. ASJ, Cortland, NY 13045 (607) 753-3331/www.redding-reloading.com Shooters interested in creating precision loads

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should check out the new Premium Die sets in both standard and deluxe versions, and they include a carbide expander button and micrometer adjusting seat stem. The carbide expander button reduces case neck stress, and the micrometer adjustment gives the best odds of repeatedly creating precision loads that are consistent from one round to the next. Redding also now has dies for the 26 Nosler, available in standard full length, standard neck and deluxe versions. There are bushing-style, Type-S and Type-S Match sets, along with a Competition Die set. There’s also a new Micrometer Adjusting Proﬁle crimp die for .38 Special/.357 Magnum and .44 Special and .44 Magnum cartridges. Both versions feature knurled micrometertype heads that adjust to within +/- 0.001 inch. They feature a freeﬂoating hardened steel internal sleeve to form the crimp. Redding has expanded the National Match product line and carbide expander buttons. They include dies for the .204 Ruger, .243 Winchester, 6.5 Grendel, 6.5 Creedmore, .260 Remington and 7mm/08. The National Match set includes a full-length

Redding Premium die set

sizing die, competition seating die and taper crimp die. Redding’s new Dual Ring Carbide sizing dies in various straight-wall calibers size cases to SAAMI specs. The use of dual rings creates case tension in the right spot for holding bullets securely for crimping. Visit us at booth #1732

RAINIER BALLISTICS OFFERS BULLETS .41, .30-CAL. 4500 15th Street, Dept. ASJ, East Tacoma, WA 98424 800-638-8722/www.rainierballistics.com Rainier Ballistics has ﬁnally come up with some new bullets for fans of the .41 Magnum, a caliber that is

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often overlooked by everyone but devoted handgun hunters, silhouette shooters and reloaders. Rainier has also been working with Alexander Arms on the development of loading data for some new projectiles designed for the .300 Blackout. The .41-caliber pills are offered in two weights, 210 and 220 grains. These bullet weights are the most favored by handgunners for target shooting, hunting and even personal protection. For the .300 Blackout, Rainier has been working on a 180-grain bullet, and is even considering lighter-weight projectiles. Visit us at booth #414

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American Shooting Journal // April 2015

Three brand new propellants from IMR dubbed the Enduron series are formulated to literally cover all the bases for handloaders. All three powders feature a built-in copper fouling eliminator, yet they are environmentally friendly. They are not sensitive to changes in temperature like other propellants. All three feature small grains for easy ﬂow. IMR 7977 has the slowest burn rate of the three, and is designed for magnum cartridges including the .300 Winchester Magnum, 7mm Remington Magnum and .338 Lapua. Next up is IMR 4451, a propellant for longaction cartridges and short magnums. There is already loading data available for the .270 Winchester, .30-06 and the .300 Winchester Short Magnum in the Hodgdon Annual Manual. This propellant has a mid-range burn speed. IMR 4166 is a match-grade propellant designed for such cartridges as the .257 Roberts, .22-250 Remington and .308 Winchester, among others. All three of these propellants will be available in 1- and 8-pound containers.

LEHIGH DEFENSE OFFERS XP BULLETS FOR HANDLOADERS 130 Penn Am Drive, Suite D-1, Dept. ASJ Quakertown, PA 18951 (215) 536-4100/www.lehighdefense.com Handloaders can now utilize the Xtreme Penetrator bullets from Lehigh Defense, and they really do a job. These solid copper bullets feature a unique frontal design with radial ﬂutes that create a larger wound channel and better transfers energy. There are bullets listed on the website, including a .429/220-grainer for the .44 Magnum, and a .452 weighing 250 grains for the .45 Colt. Another entry is a .475-caliber bullet weighing 300 grains, and a .500-caliber pill weighing 350 grains.

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KNIVES Big Belly skinner

Black Label tactical folding knife

SEVERAL NEW BROWNING KNIVES One Browning Place, Dept. ASJ, Morgan, UT 84050/(801) 876-2711/www.browning.com While Browning is a name admired for its firearms, many outdoorsmen and -women also know the company for its cutting edge, and this year there are several new models that ought to be on display in Nashville. Leading the pack are fixed-blade Storm Front Damascus models with hand-forged Damascus steel blades. They are called the Stag Clip Point and Stag Drop Point, Both featuring 4¼-inch hollow-ground blades. Browning has three new Damascus Folder models as well, all with 31/16-inch hollow-ground Damascus blades. The Black Label tactical series is expanded with the Shock ‘N Awesome tomahawk with a hot-forged, black powder-coated tool steel blade. It features a curved penetration spike and one-piece handle with a spiked pommel. Also from Browning are the Big Belly skinner and Drop Point, both with 3½-inch flat-ground blades and black ash hardwood handles. Browning’s fixed-blade Ignite model has a 4-inch blade with polymer handles. There’s a Black and Gray model with a titanium coating, and the Black and Orange has a black oxide coating. Visit us at booth #2111

TOPS KNIVES SHOWING NEW MODELS AT NRA P.O. Box 2544, Dept. ASJ, Idaho Falls, ID 83403/(208) 542-0113/www.topsknives.com

Overlander

Tactical Operational Products (TOPS) has introduced several new knife models and there are four that will be on display at the NRA gathering in Nashville this month worth a look. The lineup includes the Overlander, 2, a fixed-blade model weighing 8.7 ounces. It has a 4-inch blade made from 1095 high-carbon steel with a 3½-inch cutting edge. The blade has a black traction finish and the handle is tan canvas Micarta. It has an overall length of 8¼ inches. Another new entry is the Rocky Mountain Spike, a one-piece model also made from 1095 high-carbon steel with a 3½-inch blade and skeletonized handle. The blade is colored with a new finish TOPS calls sandstorm bronze. The handle is shaped for the fingers, and this knife comes with a black leather sheath. A third model deserving of attention is the Mil Spie 3.5 Tanto folder. Overall, when opened, this model measures 8 inches and it Rocky Mountain Spike has a 3½-inch blade. The frame is 6061-T6 aircraftgrade aluminum and the blade steel is N690Co cobalt vanadium steel. It has a tool steel liner lock and there are three color options: solid black, coyote tan or tan/black combination. The Scandi Woodsman model is 75/8 inches long with a 3½-inch blade of 1095 carbon steel, and it has a green canvas Micarta handle. The blade has a tumble finish and the knife weighs only 3.8 ounces. It comes with a steerhide leather sheath. Visit us at booth #66

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KNIVES COLUMBIA RIVER SPOTLIGHTS NEW MODELS 9720 S.W. Hillman Court, Suite 805, Dept. ASJ, Wilsonville, OR 97070 (800) 891-3100/www.crkt.com Several new models from Columbia River Knife & Tool should delight shooters even if you’re not making it to Nashville for the NRA gathering. CRKT’s Thunder Strike has a flat-grind drop-point blade measuring just over 2.8 inches with a powder coat finish. It comes with a glass-filled nylon sheath. The Hunt’N Fisch comes with a brown leather sheath. It has a satinfinished drop-point blade with a flat grind. The No Time Off, designed by Flavio Ikoma, has a 2.99-inch drop-point blade with a hollow-ground edge and satin finish. It features an Ikoma Lock Safety and a pocket clip. The new Shizuka noh Ken features a folding Samurai-style blade. It’s a compact model with a 3.67-inch plain-edge blade made from AUS8 steel and the handle is made from G10. It has a black corrosion-resistant coating. CRKT’s Northcliffe has a drop-point blade with a flat grind and satin finish. It has a locking liner and measures just over 7½ inches when opened. The Akari also has a drop point blade with a hollowground edge and a titanium nitride finish. The handle material is a faux neon green ray skin with black cord wrap. The Saker has a drop-point blade featuring a Scandi grind, and walnut wood handle. Visit us at booth #835

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RUANA AMERICANA KNIVES MADE IN AMERICA P.O. Box 520, Dept. ASJ, Bonner, MT 59823 (406) 258-5368/www.ruanaknives.com The Ruana brand has become the stuff of legend, and knives

AM Smoke Americana Smokejumper

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AM Fish Americana Fisherman

from this company, founded by the late Rudy Ruana, are prized by outdoorsmen and collectors. This year, the company is spotlighting two new entries, the AM Smoke Americana Smokejumper and AM Fish Americana Fisherman. Both models feature high-carbon steel finished to a Rockwell 56-58. The skeleton handles are wrapped with several feet of nylon paracord, and they carry a razor edge. They come with a Kydex sheath. The purchase of each knife benefits the Healing Waters project, which supports the rehabilitation of disabled active-duty military and veterans through fly fishing and similar activities. The AM Smoke model is based on Ruana’s popular original Smokejumper model designed in the 1930s and quickly adopted by smokejumpers in western Montana. The AM Fish is based on Ruana’s traditional Steelhead model, though it has also been utilized by big game hunters. Ruana offers a military discount. All American made, Ruana knives cover all the bases, from heavy skinning to careful caping, survival and even fighting Bowie models. They are identifiable by the traditional elk handle insets, and Ruana knives may be personalized with name and/or logo engraving. The Hangas family now owns the company. There are 10 different Bowie designs, 14 catalog hunting models and a hatchet, and they come with full-grain English bridle leather sheaths. Blades are hammer forged from highcarbon steel and are oil-quenched. They are hollow ground and can take a razor edge.

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