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SEPT 2014 • VOLUME 55, NO.9 • $4.99 U.S. DISPLAY UNTIL: 9/9/14 • www.gunworld.com

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GW_1409_3 6/27/14 4:19 AM Page 3

GW 14-09-TOC-4-7.CRX 4 7/3/14 11:40 PM Page 4

CONTENTS 14 Agency Adoption SIG Sauer’s longawaited P227 offers enhanced stopping power and flexibility for law enforcement applications.

By Leroy Thompson

24 Shape Shifter Stag Arms understands the need for flexible and modular mission capability, and its 3GH upper is a solution-in-a-box that warrants a much closer look.

By Capt. John N. Raguso

34 Blackout Stakeout A spot-and-stalk, boltaction veteran jumps at the chance to put CMMG’s new Mk4 T rifle to the test against Texas hogs.

By Mike Dickerson

Mike Dickerson

FEATURES

SEPTEMBER 2014

34

46 Impressive View The Taurus View may not be entirely original, but it is unique in how it combines the best in traditional snubnose revolver design with the latest technology.

By Dr. Martin D. Topper

4

GUN WORLD | SEPT 2014

54 Red, White, Blue & Bear Ruger, Redfield, Crimson Trace and Warne Scope Mounts join forces on an affordable, all-American .30-06 hunting package.

By Brad Fitzpatrick

GUN WORLD (ISSN 0017-5641) Volume 55, Number 9, is published monthly, 12 times a year by Beckett Media, LLC, 22840 Savi Ranch Parkway, #200, Yorba Linda, CA 92887.

Periodical postage paid at Anaheim, CA, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Gun World c/o Beckett Media, 4635 McEwen Road, Dallas, TX 75244.

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www.gunworld.com

GW_1409_5 6/27/14 4:29 AM Page 5

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GW 14-09-TOC-4-7 7/2/14 5:34 AM Page 6

8

Up Front – Craig Hodgkins

14

10 New Products – Gun World Contributors 12

Ask the Experts – Gun World Contributors Leroy Thompson

COLUMNS

CONTENTS

64 Today’s Hunter – Thomas C. Tabor 70 Reload – James E. House 76 Concealed Carry – Dave Workman 82 Gunsmithing – Steve Sieberts

46 Dr. Martin D. Topper

92 Questions & Answers – The Editors

Steve Sieberts

96 Back Pages – Craig Hodgkins

82 ON THE COVER: Photographs by Sig Sauer/Ron Eldridge & CMMG Cover design by Johann Frederick Mendoza

6

GUN WORLD | SEPT 2014

www.gunworld.com

GW_1409_7 6/27/14 4:35 AM Page 7

GW 14-09_UPFRONT-8-9 7/15/14 10:50 PM Page 8

UP FRONT SEPT 2014 • VOLUME 55 • NUMBER 9

VAQUEROS & LUMBERJACKS

By Craig Hodgkins

This week I received a notice

Today, it’s no secret that 3-Gun

about an upcoming 3-Gun compe-

competitions are proliferating, and

tition, and it got me thinking about

for good reason. Human beings

vaqueros and lumberjacks.

tend to be a competitive lot, and if

Rodeo evolved into a sport be-

someone has developed proficiency

cause one vaquero (or his friends)

with firearms, and there’s an oppor-

wanted to see how he measured up

tunity to prove he or she is faster or

against someone from an adjoining

more accurate (or both) than

ranch in skills he’d acquired or de-

someone else, it isn’t hard to con-

veloped on the job.

vince them to put their money

These talents often included horsemanship, dexterity with a lariat, and the ability and stamina to ride or wrestle a steer. These skills lent themselves to competition, but at the end of a very long day, they were also life-sustaining skills. Without

where their mouth is.

“

Human beings tend to be a competitive lot...

A few decades ago, I wrote fea-

”

But as with vaqueros and lumberjacks, 3-Gun competitors (as

theme park. One weekend, an entire

well as those in a myriad of older,

course was constructed along the

more established shooting con-

riverfront for the various events of a

tests) have an opportunity to gain

lumberjack competition.

much more than ribbons, trophies

petitors played “can you top this” in

and oversized checks.

Each practice round hones re-

eye-popping exhibitions of axe

action times under stress and

throwing, wood splitting, tree limb-

brings a greater working knowledge

ing, and logrolling. Again, with the

of all the required equipment.

possible exception of axe throwing, these were job skills on steroids.

IN SOCIAL MEDIA: Website: www.GunWorld.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ GunWorldMagazine Twitter: @gunworldmag Pocketmags

8

GUN WORLD | SEPT 2014

Todd Burgreen, Jerry Catania, Mike Dickerson, Brad Fitzpatrick, Paul Hantke, James House, Jameson Parker, Buck Pope, D.K. Pridgen, John Raguso, Steve Sieberts, Dave Spaulding, Tom Tabor, Chuck Taylor, Leroy Thompson, Martin Topper, Dave Workman

ADVERTISING Gabe Frimmel: Ad Sales Director (714) 200-1930 GFrimmel@Beckett.com Casey Clifford: Senior Account Executive (717) 896-8956 Mark Pack: Senior Account Executive (714) 200-1939 Gennifer Merriday: Ad Traffic Coordinator

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GUN WORLD (ISSN 0017-5641) Volume 55, Number 9, is published monthly, 12 times a year by Beckett Media, LLC, 22840 Savi Ranch Parkway, #200, Yorba Linda, CA 92887.

Periodical postage paid at Anaheim, CA, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Gun World c/o Beckett Media, 4635 McEwen Road, Dallas, TX 75244. Return undelivered Canadian addresses to: Gun World c/o Pitney Bowes, Inc. PO Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B GST#855050365RT001 © 2014 by Beckett Media, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from this issue in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

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In these uncertain times, those may just turn out to be life-sustaining skills. GW

GUN WORLD

CONTRIBUTORS

22840 Savi Ranch Parkway, #200 Yorba Linda, CA 92887 (714) 939-9991 www.gunworld.com www.facebook.com/gunworldmagazine www.facebook.com/eembybeckett

a well-known Southern California

I watched in awe as the com-

Editor In Chief: Craig Hodgkins Managing Editor: Kari Windes Senior Creative Director: Eric Knagg Art Director: Johann Frederick Mendoza

EDITORIAL, PRODUCTION & SALES OFFICE

them, a vaquero was out of a job. tures for the company newsletter at

EDITORIAL

Beckett Media, LLC Nick Singh: Executive Director Jennifer Degtjarewsky: Group Editorial & Business Unit Director This magazine is purchased by the buyer with the understanding that information presented is from various sources from which there can be no warranty or responsibility by Beckett Media, LLC as to the legality, completeness or technical accuracy.

GST #855050365RT001 Canada Post: Publications Mail Agreement #40612608 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: PITNEY BOWES, INC. P.O. Box 25542 London, ON N6C 6B2

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GW_1409_9 6/27/14 4:41 AM Page 9

GW 14-09-PRODUCTS-10-11.CRX 10 7/3/14 11:45 PM Page 10

NEW PRODUCTS

SILENCE IS GOLDEN

SilencerCo’s Harvester Family Of Sound Suppressors Are Designed For Hunters Photos courtesy of SilencerCo/Dewey Keithly

As more and more states pass

grade stainless steel baffle design

The Harvester adds less than 12 ounces to this Remington 700 in .243 Win.

The Harvester Big Bore is rated

legislation allowing the use of si-

place them among the lightest cen-

for magnum calibers up to and in-

lencers and suppressors for hunt-

terfire silencers available.

cluding the .338 Lapua. GW

ing, a variety of manufacturers have begun to discover that silence can be golden. One company, West Val-

THE HARVESTER This model was specifically de-

ley, Utah-based SilencerCo, has fo-

signed for hunting and long-range

cused its attentions solely on this

precision shooting applications.

growing segment.

Utilizing its lightweight design, the

Founded in 2008 with the goal

end of your barrel. Because it uti-

ideas to forever change the land-

lizes modular thread adapters, the

scape of the suppressor industry,

Harvester can be used on a wide

SilencerCo seeks to creates prod-

range of threaded barrels, and the

ucts that will improve sound reduc-

anchor brake offers excellent recoil

tion levels, durability and longevity,

reduction across a range of calibers.

and maintenance.

SilencerCo’s Harvester & Harvester Big Bore sound suppressors

The Harvester is rated for magnum calibers up to and including 300 Winchester Magnum (minimum of 24-inch barrel).

are designed specifically for hunting and long-range precision shooters handling larger calibers. The use

This unit encapsulates all the features of the Harvester, but adds

each of these an excellent choice

the capability to allow the use of a

for a variety of shooting disciplines,

modular adapter to utilize various

and the fully welded hardened tool-

mounting options.

GUN WORLD | SEPT 2014

HARVESTER 30 Caliber: .300 Weight: 11.3 ounces Diameter: 1.375 inches Length: 8.80 inches Sound Reduction: 21-34 dB

THE HARVESTER BIG BORE

of modular thread adapters make

10

SPECIFICATIONS

Harvester is barely noticed on the

of providing new, forward-thinking

form and function, and ease of use

For more information on SilencerCo and its products, visit the website at SilencerCo.com or call (801) 417-5384.

Finish: Hardcoat Anodized MSRP: $750 (with thread mount)

www.gunworld.com

GW_1409_11 6/27/14 4:49 AM Page 11

www.silencerco.com

GW 14-09-EXPERTS-12-13 7/2/14 5:12 AM Page 12

ASK the EXPERTS

We do the research so you don’t have to.

However, the H&K MK 23, Mod 0 was specifically developed to give

The Heckler & Koch MK23.

special operations personnel a pistol to be employed during offensive operations, especially clandestine raids. Chambered for the .45 ACP cartridge and with a magazine capacity of 12 rounds, the MK 23 can hit hard but may still be used with one hand or in confined spaces.

The “offensive” capability is enhanced by the suppressor developed for the weapon by Knight’s Armament Company and LAM (Laser Aiming Module) developed by Insight Technology. These allow the pistol to be used at close range to take out enemy personnel during direct action operations.

Though very effective for cer-

INTENTIONALLY OFFENSIVE Question: I read in an article that the MK 23 Pistol is considered an “offensive” pistol.

What makes it different from other military handguns?

Randy W., Lake Forest, California

“

tain operations, the MK23 is a good-sized pistol at 16.5 inches overall with suppressor mounted, or 9.65 inches without the suppressor and a weight of 5 pounds loaded

The MK 23 can hit hard, but may still be used with one hand or in confined spaces.

”

secondary weapon should the pri-

with LAM and suppressor mounted.

As a result, some special units carry a companion “defensive” pistol rather than the MK23. The SEALs normally carry a SIG P226, and Special Forces operators currently carry Glocks.

Leroy Thompson Answers: Gen-

mary weapon go down. The latter is

erally, in the military, pistols are

especially true for special opera-

used most often by US Navy SWCC

viewed as defensive weapons when

tions personnel who may not be in

(Special Warfare Combat-Craft

used by troops who will not nor-

position to be readily supplied with

Crewmen) who deliver the SEALs

mally see frontline combat, or as a

a replacement rifle or carbine.

on some missions. GW

I have actually seen the MK23

OUR SEPTEMBER EXPERTS: Leroy Thompson is an internationally recognized authority on weapons and tactics, and is the author of more than 50 books. His current feature on SIG Sauer’s P227 may be found on page 14.

Thomas C. Tabor is Gun World’s resident hunting columnist, and routinely goes afield in pursuit of small birds, large game and good stories. His “Today’s Hunter” column may be found on page 64.

12

GUN WORLD | SEPT 2014

www.gunworld.com

GW 14-09-EXPERTS-12-13 7/2/14 5:12 AM Page 13

Shed hunters often find freshly shed antlers beside ones shed months earlier with the color bleached out. You can either leave them in that condition, or try your hand at restoring the color.

SHEDDING COLOR Question: I read your recent column on shed antlers, but would like a bit more information. I frequently find sheds bleached by the sun, particularly on the upper surfaces. Is there any way to restore the color for a more natural look, and if so, how?

its monetary value takes a hit as well. It only takes a few weeks lying in the penetrating sun to bleach the color out.

Taxidermists frequently use

”

antler wax or antler conditioner to artificially bring back the color, and

be seen. It is all too easy to overdo

these products are available for

it, turning the entire horn into an

sale from many taxidermy supply

ugly, unnatural-looking disaster.

houses.

Kent H., Kansas City, Missouri

“

Taxidermists frequently use antler wax or antler conditioner…

Another method I have occa-

Once mounted, your sheds should always be stored away from

sionally used is to apply a very thin

the direct sun to maintain as much

Tom Tabor Answers: Loss of

layer of walnut stain, but I would

of the natural beauty as possible. I

color in an antler can be a big prob-

certainly advise that you use a con-

often cringe when I see people who

lem for shed hunters. When this

siderable amount of caution using

carelessly store their antlers out-

happens the antler loses much of

stain, and to always test it out on an

side, allowing them to slowly dete-

its visual appeal and in many cases

old set or in a place where it won’t

riorate in the sun. GW

www.gunworld.com

SEPT 2014 | GUN WORLD

13

GW 14-09-P227-14-23 7/2/14 5:15 AM Page 14

AGENCY ADOPTION SIG Sauer’s Long-Awaited P227 Offers Enhanced Stopping Power And Flexibility For Law Enforcement Applications Story & Photos by Leroy Thompson

M

y appreciation of the SIG P226 dates to when it was one of the two ďŹ nalists, along with the Beretta 92, in the 1984 U.S. service pistol trials. Much drama surrounded the selection of the Beretta M9 that year, with many feeling the P226 was a better pistol.

Still, the SEALs wanted the P226 and got it, and the P228 was adopted by the U.S. Armed Forces as the M11 for issuance to those needing a more compact pistol.

14

GUN WORLD | SEPT 2014

www.gunworld.com

GW 14-09-P227-14-23 7/2/14 5:15 AM Page 15

The P227 is similar in size to the P226, but is chambered in .45 ACP. This new SIG Sauer has an accessory rail, making it suitable for several accessories, including this Streamlight TLR-2s Tactical Light.

www.gunworld.com

SEPT 2014 | GUN WORLD

15

GW 14-09-P227-14-23 7/2/14 5:15 AM Page 16

Despite being chambered for the .45 ACP round, the P227 shows only moderate recoil, and allows fast recovery after a shot.

Thus, when the P226 (with its 15+1

concealment, but just a little. The

for many years, but by the mid-

capacity) was introduced, I immedi-

latest P226 grips have helped slim

1980s I was ready for a high capac-

ately ordered one, and I have re-

the pistol in the hand.

ity, double action auto. I’d used the

mained a fan of the pistol.

I carried a Browning Hi-Power

CZ75 on some overseas jobs and

My first contact with a SIG in

PERSONAL PREFERENCE

liked its feel, which was similar to

.45 ACP may have been with a

the Hi-Power’s, as well as the ability

Browning BDA, as the earliest P220

safety/hammer drop, as on S&W

to carry it ready for a first DA round

imports, with bottom magazine

pistols such as the Model 59 series

or cocked and locked.

release, were designated. I’m not

or the Beretta M9, but I like the

sure.

SIG’s hammer drop, which drops

But I was also a major fan of SIG pistols. I’d used a P210 as a

However, the first one I remem-

Some users prefer a manual

the hammer and returns to the fire

second gun to my Hi-Power when

ber shooting belonged to an FBI

position. My hands are small

working close protection jobs, as I

agent in the St. Louis office. I liked the

enough, though, that I cannot work

felt the P210 gave me longer-range

pistol, which was utterly reliable and

the hammer drop (de-cocker) with

capability.

very accurate. Its single-stack

the thumb of my right hand without

I had also fired the Swiss

magazine allowed the grip to remain

shifting my shooting grip; I have to

military issue P75, which was a 9 x

relatively small, though I never really

use my support side thumb. I can

19mm single-stack version of the

found the P226 grip too thick, but

work the slide release without shift-

P220. Because I had worked in

many did.

ing my firing position.

environments where the ability to

Well, let me rephrase that: I

I also find the P226 an easy pis-

deliver sustained fire during an

didn’t find it too thick in the hand,

tol to disassemble by just rotating

evacuation under fire was

but I was carrying it in an inside-

the disassembly lever downward

important, I had a preference for

the-waistband holster and some-

90 degrees and removing the slide

high capacity 9 x 19mm weapons.

times it was a little thick for

assembly from the frame.

16

GUN WORLD | SEPT 2014

www.gunworld.com

GW 14-09-P227-14-23 7/2/14 5:15 AM Page 17

The three primary controls for the P227, left to right: takedown lever, de-cocker, slide release.

When SIG introduced the DAK

After a couple of years, though, I

ENHANCED STOPPING POWER

system, I purchased a pistol with

went to the lighter 4563, which was

that smooth DA-only feature and

the same gun, but with an alloy

have since purchased a couple

frame. Both were in .45 ACP. I still

of the P227—which is basically a

more, and would recommend the

carried a 9 x 19mm pistol as a

P226-sized gun chambered for the

DAK versions for law enforcement.

pocket gun (Kahr PM9 or HK

.45 ACP—I became very interested,

Some years ago, some friends and I

P2000SK, depending on the

and I was not alone. Many law en-

had Performance Center 4566 pis-

pocket), but for many years now,

forcement agencies that previously

tols made, and I found that I liked

the 4563 has stayed in my night-

used 9x19mm or .40 S&W handguns

the pistol so much that I switched

stand along with its holster or on

have changed to .45 ACP weapons to

to carrying it when I used a belt gun.

my belt when applicable.

gain enhanced stopping power. For

When I saw the announcement

“

Many law enforcement agencies … have changed to .45 ACP weapons to gain enhanced stopping power.

”

Right side view of the P227.

Note the rail for mounting various illuminators or pointers.

www.gunworld.com

SEPT 2014 | GUN WORLD

17

GW 14-09-P227-14-23.CRX 18,19,22 7/3/14 11:47 PM Page 18

cess. My own experience and that of many law enforcement trainers has also shown that if personnel carry weapons with lights mounted it has to be emphasized that they carry a separate light for normal lighting tasks (i.e. the light on the gun should not be used to check identification, and so forth.)

The SIG Sauer duty holster is very cleverly designed for retention, but with quick access. When the pis-

A good view of the P227’s slide markings and rail.

tol is in the holster (with or without such agencies, the P227 should be

open enough to slide onto the

light mounted), a hinged cap pivots

very appealing due to SIG Sauer’s es-

P227’s rails until the crosspiece is in

over the top of the slide and sights

tablished reputation in law enforce-

position. The turnkey is then tight-

and snaps in place. Along with fric-

ment and the fact that SIG pistols

ened to hold the illuminator in posi-

tion, this retains the pistol. Pressing

normally do very well in law enforce-

tion. At 130 peak Lumens, it is bright

down a button naturally with the

ment testing.

enough for all types of use. The

thumb during the draw releases the

strobe feature can also be useful

retention cap and allows the pistol to

tols with an accessory rail to make a

for disorienting an opponent,

be drawn straight upward.

weapon light, another advantageous

though some persons subject to

feature on the P227. And, for agen-

epileptic seizures reportedly can be

cies that already use a P226R (The

affected by strobes.

Many agencies now adopt pis-

“R” indicates that the pistol has an

One note on the STL-900: the

accessory rail), the same duty hol-

instructions are not clear on how to

sters will normally fit the P227, and 11

open the battery compartment.

rounds of .45 ACP (with a round

After staring at the side where the

chambered) give a substantial num-

compartment is located, I eventu-

ber of follow-up rounds, especially

ally figured out that it is necessary

with a pistol chambered for the .45

to loosen the screw above it for ac-

ACP cartridge.

“

I like the P227 quite a bit, and am thinking about making it my belt-carry .45 DA…

”

Although I term this a “duty”

holster, it came with a paddle de-

I use a Blade-Tech holster designed for a P226 with light mounted, but for this test I wanted to try SIG’s own Level 2 duty holster for a P227 with the SIG Sauer STL-900 Tactical Light and Laser mounted. The illuminator on this unit is well designed and compact.

It offers the choice of constant light, strobe, or laser, the latter of which can operate with the light or independently. It also has the type of quick attach/detach system that I like.

Turning a folding turnkey head

A view of the P227’s slim grip (for a double stack .45); note the texturing, which allows a solid grip even in the rain or with sweaty palms.

allows the jaws of the illuminator to 18

GUN WORLD | SEPT 2014

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GW_1409_19 6/27/14 4:54 AM Page 19

GW 14-09-P227-14-23 7/2/14 5:16 AM Page 20

SPECIFICATIONS SIG SAUER P227 Action: Double action/single action Caliber: .45 ACP Overall Length: 7.7 inches P227 in SIG-Sauer’s Level 2 holster for the P226 or P227; note that the hammer/slide is covered and the holster is designed for carry with the SIG STL900 affixed.

Barrel Length: 4.4 inches Weight: With empty magazine 32 ounces Magazine Capacity: 10 rounds (14 round magazine to be available) Sights: Front post, rear notch, with SIGLITE Night Sights on test gun

The P227 in one of Thompson’s favorite belt holsters for concealed carry: the Kramer Belt Scabbard.

MSRP: $749 and up signed to allow it to be quickly attached to the belt. It would serve for concealed carry, but it does stick out further than I like for concealed carry. It should work well for law enforcement officers working in soft

tions if it gets a little dirty. I did

bered, muzzle awareness is para-

clothes, however. Just as a quick

squirt a little oil on the rails before

mount. I haven’t seen a DAK version

test, I tried Streamlight’s TLR 2s

each shooting session. To the best

of the P227 yet, though I’m sure one

Tactical Light and Laser since I had

of my recollection, I did not have

will be available. For agency issue, I

it set up for mounting on SIG rails,

any malfunctions.

would recommend that a DAK ver-

and it worked fine as well.

Before discussing accuracy, I’ll

sion be purchased.

offer a couple of other comments

At 25 yards, the P227 was rela-

that may apply especially for law

tively accurate. A friend shot a five-

enforcement adoption. Pulling back

shot group of about 3.75 inches

three times now and put 100

the slide against the P227’s recoil

with the Federal 185-grain load, and

rounds through it each time. I took

spring requires some effort, cer-

that was the best with that ammo.

some hand loads that I buy in bulk

tainly more than with a 9 x 19mm

The sights were off with groups a

for function and general handing

P226. Although I find the grips com-

couple of inches left, but I borrowed

testing, while for accuracy testing I

fortable, anyone with hands smaller

a SIG-Sauer sight pusher and have

took Cor-Bon 200-grain +P JHP

than mine will likely find it too thick.

taken care of that.

and Black Hills 185-grain JHP and

I do not find recoil at all excessive,

230-grain FMJ. I’ve done the shoot-

but I shoot thousands of rounds of

DA/SA autos is to fire a group of

ing tests over more than a month

.45 ACP per year. Finally, since the

double taps with the first round DA

and have not cleaned the pistol yet

P227’s de-cocker must be manually

and the second round SA to see

as I like to see how a new gun func-

operated after a round is cham-

how much difference in impact

ROUND FIGURES I’ve taken the P227 to the range

20

GUN WORLD | SEPT 2014

Another test I like to do with

www.gunworld.com

GW_1409_21 6/27/14 5:02 AM Page 21

GW 14-09-P227-14-23.CRX 18,19,22 7/3/14 11:48 PM Page 22

To pop up the slide/rear sight cover of the SIG Sauer Level 2 holster, the lever at left of the holster is naturally pressed with the thumb.

SA were usable and did not

and rarely do. This one is no excep-

seem gritty or to stack unduly.

tion. The invoice for the P227 is on

To be honest, I want to test a

my “bills to pay” stack. GW

P227 with DAK trigger for comparison, as I’ve gotten used to the A 25-yard five-shot offhand group using Black Hills 185-grain JHP ammunition.

steady pull of the DAK for all shots.

I like the P227 quite a bit, and

point there is between the two. I

am thinking about making it my

fired 10 rounds quickly, coming up

belt carry .45 DA, although I need to

from the low ready for each double

shoot it some more to decide if I

tap at 15 yards and found that all

want the DA/SA model I’ve tested

except one were center of mass on

or the DAK model. I’ve already or-

a “killer clown” target. The one that

dered five extra ten-round maga-

was off to the left still impacted the

zines and will order three more

clown.

14-round ones, as I like to have ten

I also did a series of double

mags for pistols I use a lot.

taps from the low-ready position

I’ve also ordered a Kramer Belt

on pepper poppers and plates at

slide holster, which is one of my fa-

15-35 yards. Mostly, I wanted to

vorites for belt carry. Since it’s been

see how the P227 was for quick

a while since I carried a P226 regu-

handling, and it responded well.

larly, I do have to adjust to a

The rear sight notch is open

slightly fatter belt gun than I’ve

enough that acquiring the front

been using. Still, I like the idea of

sight quickly was easier than with

SIG Sauer accuracy and reliability

many pistols I’ve tried.

in a carry gun. I definitely see an LE

SIG Sauer advertises the SA

market for agencies that have been

pull as 4.4 pounds and the DA pull

using a P226 and want to go to a

as 10 pounds. That seems about

larger caliber.

right to me. I wouldn’t call either trigger pull great, but both DA and 22

GUN WORLD | SEPT 2014

When I test SIG Sauer pistols, I

CONTACTS SIG Sauer, Inc. (603) 610-3000 SigSauer.com Streamlight (800) 523-7488 Streamlight.com/en-us Blade-Tech (877) 331-5793 Shop.Blade-Tech.com Kramer Leather (800) 510-2666 KramerLeather.com Black Hills Ammunition (605) 348-5150 BlackHills.com Cor-Bon Ammunition (800) 626-7266 CorBon.com

always find them hard to send back www.gunworld.com

GW_1409_23 6/27/14 5:05 AM Page 23

™

In 1990 a Navy SEAL was navigating a minefield when his pack failed. As his gear tumbled to the ground, he vowed that if he got out of there alive he would make gear the right way. Today this obsession with quality applies to everything we do. We’re constantly researching, refining and perfecting every detail to provide gear that won’t let you down. Because we’re not just making stuff. We’re honoring a vow.

GEAR AS PREPARED AS YOU ARE.

GW 14-09-STAG-24-33 7/2/14 5:27 AM Page 24

The author tests the Stag 3G upper, using Midwest Industries’ flip-up, rail-mounted iron sights.

Test ammo included a wide range of loads, including Winchester's 5.56 NATO M193 55-grain and M855 62-grain FMJBT; Hornady's .223 Rem 60-grain TAP and 75grain BTHP; and Federal's .223 Rem 55-grain FMJBT and 69-grain Gold Match SMK.

24

GUN WORLD | SEPT 2014

www.gunworld.com

GW 14-09-STAG-24-33 7/2/14 5:27 AM Page 25

SHAPE SHIFTER Stag’s 3G Upper Will Transform Your AR-15 Into A Real Competitor Story & Photos by Capt. John N. Raguso

T

wo seasons back, Stag Arms debuted its popular 3G/3-Gun model mil-spec AR-15 clone with great success. Understanding the desire of most AR-15 owners for exible and modular mission capability, this New Britain, CT manufacturer now offers the upper-half-only portion of this 3-Gun platform for those potential customers who prefer to upgrade an existing AR-15 platform for 3-Gun matches or other run-and-gun events. The Stag 3GH (and 3GHL for lefties) is a solution-in-a-box that warrants a much closer look.

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SEPT 2014 | GUN WORLD

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GW 14-09-STAG-24-33.CRX 26,27,30 7/3/14 11:50 PM Page 26

The Stag's 3G upper mated perfectly with the author’s mil-spec Rock River Arms National Match lower. Note the Stag’s optional chrome-plated BCG that is visible through the open ejection port.

3-GUN SPECIALIST PLUS A call to Stag revealed the mission statement of this relatively new upper. According to sales manager, Dave Larson, “The Model 3GH was manufactured specifically for the speed, agility, and accuracy needed for shooting 3-Gun competitions, hunting and target shooting.

Working with our newly formed 3-Gun shooting team, Team Stag Arms, we have determined the features and configuration that will have the broadest appeal and use in competition.

“With the 3GH,” Larson continued, “competitors are able to

The Stag 3G’s Samson Evolution free-float hand guard allows each operator to add modular rail sections whenever and wherever they are needed. Noted the fluted, heavy, stainless steel barrel visible though the hand guard vents.

produce fast and accurate shots from close to long range as is

racy is the Samson Evolution hand-

needed in 3-Gun competitions.

guard, which is free floating and

and straightforward. Manufactured

Boasting an 18-inch stainless steel,

modular, allowing the attachment of

from a forged block of T7075 mil-

fluted, heavy barrel with a rifle

rail sections or sling mounts along

spec aluminum, the machined

length gas system and the new Stag

the handguard. This also grants the

upper is protected with a type 3

Arms 3G compensator, recoil im-

shooter the ability to mount acces-

hard coat anodizing, and fitted with

pulse is greatly reduced allowing for

sories as needed but not be bur-

an E.R. Shaw fluted stainless steel

fast follow-up shots. Aiding in accu-

dened with a full quad rail.”

barrel sporting a 5.56 NATO cham-

26

GUN WORLD | SEPT 2014

The layout of the 3GH is simple

www.gunworld.com

GW 14-09-STAG-24-33.CRX 26,27,30 7/3/14 11:51 PM Page 27

RAPID TRANSITION SIGHTS If the Trijicon or other ACOG is your preferred primary optic and you need a set of “ready” back up iron sights, installing a set of Dueck Defense Rapid Transition Sights (RTS) on the Stag’s extending Picatinny rail is definitely the way to go. Designed by 3-Gun shooter and IPSC Grand Master Barry Dueck, they allow rapid transition from optical to iron sights that are canted off at an angle from the top rail’s centerline, so both optical and irons are always in place and ready to go.

The RTS pair (front and rear) is machined from 7075 aluminum alloy bar stock, coated with a durable milspec hard anodized finish, offers ½MOA elevation and windage adjustments on the rear sight, works for both right-handed and left-handed shooters and is made in the U.S. The MSRP is $238 for the set.

MISSION FULFILLED After field-testing the Stag

platform to take on your next pig hunt that can stabilize the heavier

3GH upper, there’s no doubt that

75-grain and 77-grain ammo to drop

this bona fide shape shifter can

ol’ porky? Maybe a consistent bull’s-

exhibit a number of different per-

eye shooter at the range, or some-

sonalities, depending on the op-

thing to snipe a troublesome varmint

erator’s mood.

at the ranch? Check, check and

Need a tack-driving paper

check … the Stag 3GH with its fluted

puncher? No problemo. This one

stainless heavy profile barrel, cou-

delivers MOA accuracy or better

pled with a 1:8 twist rate, has each of

when fed the right ammo. How

these mission requirements covered.

about a rapid-fire steel plate slayer? Check; definitely can do.

Or maybe you need to drop

Like most mil-spec AR-15 clones, the Stag 3GH is a veritable quick-change artist and can literally

steel poppers at 200 yards and

mount to your favorite lower in 5

require a spot to add some mag-

seconds or less. This is accom-

nified optics, like an ACOG,

plished by lining up the upper re-

VCOG or traditional variable

ceiver’s fore-and-aft attachment

ber. This 18-inch tube offers a 1:8

power scope? This one can defi-

lugs with the lower’s corresponding

twist rate, optimum for stabilizing

nitely make it rain, with dedi-

openings on either end of the mag-

heavier 75-grain and 77-grain, open-

cated T-marked Picatinny rail

azine well and pistol grip. Snap the

tip match projectiles. Stag tops off

positions both on the upper and

pivot and takedown pins into place

the 410-stainless steel Shaw barrel

on the standard Samson Evolu-

and you are in business and ready

with a compensator that’s an in-

tion free-float rail.

for action.

house design.

How about a quick-handling

I attached the Stag 3GH to the

The Stag 3G features a standard charging handle, but the author chose the optional chrome-plated bolt and bolt carrier group for easy cleanups after extended shooting sessions.

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SEPT 2014 | GUN WORLD

27

GW 14-09-STAG-24-33 7/2/14 5:28 AM Page 28

SPECIFICATIONS Action: Semi-auto, direct gas impingement Chamber: 5.56 NATO (this upper will also shoot .223 Rem) Pivot/Takedown Pin Size: Small pin (0.250-inches) Muzzle Device: Stag 3G compensator Barrel: E.R. Shaw, 18-inch, 410 stainless steel, fluted, heavy barrel profile Barrel Twist Rate: 1:8, button rifled Handguard: Samson Evolution 15-inch free-floating, three accessory rails Upper Receiver: Forged, mil-spec, type three hardcoat anodizing, with Picatinny rail

The author attacks a target using the Stag 3G's M/I iron sights. Note the Trijicon RMR reflex canted off on the right side of the Samson rail, ready for immediate transition should the need arise.

Bolt & Carrier: Enhanced semi-auto with a manganese phosphate coating (HP & MPI tested bolt, M16 bolt carrier and chrome-plated bolt and BCG also available)

lower receiver of my Rock River Na-

manufacturers; no aftermarket

tional Match rifle, which is outfitted

Accu-Wedge is needed here!

Charging Handle: Standard mil-spec

was picture perfect, with nary a

lessly with the Stag’s chrome-

trace of wobble or shake. You could

plated bolt and carrier (a $30

barely see sunlight pass through

upgrade) and it was as if they were

the two receivers’ horizontal seam

meant for each other from the get-

and it was as rock solid a connec-

go. Although I rarely use my Rock

tion as you could expect from two

River National Match rifle unless

disparate (although mil-spec)

shooting a competitive match,

with an A2 stock kit and an excellent two-stage trigger.

The marriage of upper to lower

Front Sight: None Rear Sight: None MSRP: $775 (3GH)- $785 (3GHL) Warranty: One year

“

The Rock River’s two-stage trigger with specialized hammer and disconnector worked seam-

This one delivers MOA accuracy or better when fed the right ammo.

28

GUN WORLD | SEPT 2014

”

Midwest Industries flip-up front and rear rail sights (left and right) flank its offset rail sight mount that allows the simultaneous use of a small rapid transition reflex sight, like this Trijicon RMR.

www.gunworld.com

GW 14-09-STAG-24-33 7/2/14 5:28 AM Page 29

CORŽBON PROVEN ‹ Go to www.corbon.com for details!

Call or email us and mention ad CBG-GW14 for a free gift from CORÂŽBON/Glaser Ammunition.

adding the Stag 3GH upper to the mix offers me a lot more mission exibility with this setup and that’s the point.

LIKES AND DISLIKES Although this Stag 3GH worked great with all of the name-brand, made-in-USA M855 and .223 Match ammo that I could feed it (a list which included Federal/American Eagle, Winchester and Hornady), there were a few rounds that it just didn’t like. For reasons known only to its creators, this upper would not function reliably with any of the Silver Bear (Barnual) 62-grain HPBT or 55grain FMJBT ammo I attempted to send down the tube. It would short stroke on absolutely each and every one.

Even if I attempted to “fool� it and sneak a stray Silver Bear carwww.gunworld.com

SEPT 2014 | GUN WORLD

29

GW 14-09-STAG-24-33.CRX 26,27,30 7/8/14 11:52 PM Page 30

STAG 3GH RANGE RESULTS WITH TRIJICON TA11E-A 3.5X35 ACOG Manufacturer & Load

Best Five-shot Group

Average Five-shot Group (Five groups)@ 100-yards

Muzzle Velocity (Manufacturer’s specs)

Federal/American Eagle M855 NATO 62-gr FMJBTSPC

1.30 inches

1.50 inches

3,020 fps/20-inch barrel

Winchester Ranger M855 NATO 62-gr FMJBTSPC

1.37 inches

1.55 inches

3,095 fps/20-inch barrel

0.75 inches

0.95 inches

2,790 fps/24-inch barrel

Hornady .223 Rem Match 75-gr HPBT

tridge into a magazine of Federal’s

hundred rounds of M855 left over

cleaned up fairly easily with a mini-

American Eagle M855 or Winchester

from the Mil-Spec Shootout I re-

mum of effort with just some

Ranger green tip, it could pick it out

cently conducted for this magazine,

Break Free CLP, a clean cloth and a

each and every time, like a drug-sniff-

and this was all totally good-to-go.

standard AR-15 kit double-ended

ing canine and completely shut down

It was the same deal with the Hor-

nylon brush.

the operation. As an aside, most of

nady 75-grain Match .223 Rem

the Rock River, Colt, Bushmaster and

ammo that I fed it; absolutely no

Frankenstein ARs I have tested his-

hiccups. Rapid fire, slow fire, maga-

torically have had no trouble digest-

zine dumps, whatever … nothing

and at the range confirmed that

ing this zinc-plated steel case ammo,

bothered it.

when outfitted with the proper op-

which has been some of the least

When I performed some quick

REAL WORLD RESULTS Operating the 3GH in the field

tics and fed top-shelf ammo, this

problematic Russian ammo I have

field maintenance after an ex-

Stag can shoot with the best of

used in the past.

tended firing session, the Stag’s

them. I was able to produce a num-

chrome-plated bolt and carrier

ber of five-shot groups that meas-

As most AR owners know, it could be caused by many reasons, from not having enough power to cycle the action, to the steel case not making a tight enough seal in the chamber (compared to the brass-cased ammo) to ensure max gas pressure, to the inherently dirtier ammo clogging up the directgas impingement operation, etc.

Just be advised that this upper didn’t care for the Silver Bear ammo.

In contrast, there were no such problems with any of the brasscased USA ammo that were sent downrange in the Stag. I had a few

30

GUN WORLD | SEPT 2014

Test ammo included standard M855 62-grain FMJBT green tip from Federal and Winchester, in addition to Hornady's proven 75-grain BTHP .223 match load for precision work.

The 10-round magazines from AR-Stoner/ASC (left and right) and Magpul's Gen3 P-Mag (center) fed flawlessly for hundreds of rounds fired through the Stag 3G upper.

www.gunworld.com

GW_1409_31 6/27/14 5:21 AM Page 31

GW 14-09-STAG-24-33 7/2/14 5:28 AM Page 32

Dedicated 3-Gun fans will probably outfit the Stag 3G with a set of offset Dueck Defense RTS rapid transition sights, which are adjustable for both windage (rear) and elevation (front and rear), in combination with its favorite optic on the top Picatinny rail.

ured just less than an inch at 100 yards with Hornady’s 75-grain .223

its five-shot groups as well.

To ensure this consistent accu-

the Dueck RTS canted irons on the side, but it’s just another way to

Match ammo using a Caldwell

racy downrange, I bolted a Trijicon

Tack-Driver bean bag set on top of

TA11E-A 3.5 x 35 ACOG (Advanced

a wooden range bench.

Combat Optical Gunsight) onto the

with a traditional hunting scope

play the game.

Of course, you can always go

Stag’s Picatinny rail and put the tip

and rings on the topside P-rail and

position or working a run-and-gun

of the amber chevron onto the cen-

this shooter performed totally

target course, I could feel the Stag’s

ter of the target and squeezed the

“lights out” armed with a Weaver

proprietary comp design doing its

Rock River lower’s two-stage trig-

variable power 3-12 x 42mm Grand

thing, pushing the muzzle down to

ger. It’s extremely hard to miss the

Slam scope at 100 yards with con-

allow fast follow-up shots without

bull’s-eye with this “ringer” in the

sistent sub-MOA groups and is just

losing my sight picture.

game on your side.

the ticket for sniping or truly long

When migrating to my offhand

If pinpoint accuracy is paramount in your 3GH operations, I had the most consistent results feeding

distance shots.

MULTI-SIGHT For yet another one of its per-

If you are looking to transform one of your plain-Jane mil-spec AR-

this upper Hornady’s proven 75-grain

sonality changeovers, I adapted the

15 platforms into a real competitor,

BTHP .223 Match (load #8026). This

Stag 3GH to perform with a set of

or simply need a quality upper to

Hornady Match projectile’s 0.395

Midwest Industries flip-up low pro-

complete an AR-15 lower build, you

ballistic coefficient is superior to

file iron sights front and rear, while

should definitely give the Stag 3GH

most other .223 Rem and .5.56 NATO

also employing an MI 22.5-degree

a closer look. GW

loads and will typically fly straighter

offset rail, to which I mounted a Tri-

than the M193/55-grain (0.267 B/C)

jicon RMR (Ruggedized Miniature

or M855/62-grain NATO (0.304 B/C)

Reflex) optic.

ammunition.

I didn’t have any of Federal’s ex-

The Trijicon RMR’s 7 MOA amber dot never needs batteries,

cellent 69-grain SMK Gold Match on

courtesy of both its internal tritium

hand to challenge the Hornady’s ac-

material and external fiber-optic

curacy dominance for this test, but

array, and is a proven fave of many

from many past experiences in 1:8

of our armed forces’ front-line oper-

and 1:7 twist launching platforms, I

ators. This is sort of a “reverse take”

suspect the Federal product would

on using an optic as the primary

have printed sub-MOA for many of

sighting system on the top rail with

32

GUN WORLD | SEPT 2014

CONTACTS Stag Arms (860) 229-9994 StagArms.com Dueck Defense DueckDefense.com www.gunworld.com

GW_1409_33 6/30/14 3:20 AM Page 33

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GW 14-09-CMMG-34-45.qxp 7/2/14 2:10 AM Page 34

BLACKOUT STAKEOUT The Author Puts CMMG’s New Mk4 T Rifle To The Test Against Texas Hogs Story & Photos by Mike Dickerson

34

GUN WORLD | SEPT 2014

www.gunworld.com

GW 14-09-CMMG-34-45.qxp 7/2/14 2:10 AM Page 35

Range testing of the CMMG Mk4 rifle revealed a strong preference for the Barnes 110-grain TAC-TX bullet.

T

hose who know me might be tempted to suggest that I’m addicted to hog hunting, but it simply isn’t true. I’ve traced my family surname, on my mother’s side, to a small village in Switzerland. Translated into English, the name means, “The place where men hunt wild boar.”

Clearly, my fondness for hunting hogs is a simple matter of genetic predisposition, and who am I to fight some 200,000 years of natural selection?

www.gunworld.com

SEPT 2014 | GUN WORLD

35

GW 14-09-CMMG-34-45.qxp 7/2/14 2:10 AM Page 36

With a 16.1-inch barrel and collapsible stock, the Mk4 T is handy in tight places and chambered for the 300 ACC Blackout cartridge, which gives you a .30-caliber punch in a necked-up .223 case that works in existing 5.56/.223 magazines.

“

CMMG’s Mk4 rifle comes in a multitude of configurations and models.

I’ve hunted hogs with everything from rifles and handguns to knives, but I’ve never hunted them with an AR platform rifle. Most of my early experience was in Califor-

”

nia, where AR ownership was (and is) legally challenging, and my favorite method was via the spotand-stalk approach, often requiring Standard furniture on the Mk4 T includes an A2 pistol grip and an M4 buttstock with a six-position, MIL-SPEC receiver extension.

long shots with accurate bolt-action rifles.

Things are different in my adopted state of Texas. Hunting hogs with AR rifles is immensely popular, and much of it is done upclose and personal, often in fairly

tion. Test rifle in hand, I teamed up

looking a feeder, and it didn’t take

thick cover or at close range from

with my pal Mark Ballard—who

long for the action to start once the

stands. There’s also a growing trend

founded the non-profit organiza-

feeder went off. In short order, we

to hunt them in the dark with night-

tion, Freedom Isn’t Free Veteran

had no less than 40 hogs milling

vision optics and suppressed rifles.

Hunts, to honor U.S. military veter-

around in front of us, and since my

ans for their service—to hunt pigs

wife requested that I bring home

jump at the chance to test CMMG’s

on a ranch in south-central Texas.

“tasty” versus “trophy,” I picked out a

new Mk4 T rifle, chambered in .300

Being pressed for time, we

All of these factors led me to

Blackout, on the local pig popula36

GUN WORLD | SEPT 2014

opted to hunt from a stand over-

100-pound sow and touched off a Barnes VOR-TX round, sending a www.gunworld.com

GW 14-09-CMMG-34-45.CRX 39 7/8/14 4:13 AM Page 37

The basic components of the bolt carrier group.

TACTICAL ROOTS

110-grain TAC-TX bullet into her

learning how the .300 Blackout

boiler room. Twenty minutes later, I

performed on game with tradi-

shot a 130-pound boar with the

tional bullet placement. We’ll get

multitude of configurations and

same heart/lung placement. It was

to that shortly, but first, here is a

models chambered in 22 LR, 5.56,

a short, but highly efficient stakeout.

rundown of the features that

and now, .300 Blackout. The choice

make the new Mk4 T rifle bad

of .300 BLK is intriguing in as much

news for hogs.

as the round is often characterized

I could easily have taken head shots, but I was more interested in

PRETTY. TOUGH.

CMMG’s Mk 4 rifle comes in a

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GW 14-09-CMMG-34-45.qxp 7/2/14 2:11 AM Page 38

The Mk4 T rifle comes with CMMG’s RKM11 KeyMod free-floated handguard, which provides a much more userfriendly way to mount accessories than the non-ergonomic Picatinny rail system.

most notably, perform well with suppressors.

While those characteristics have certain obvious tactical advantages, they also match up nicely with a lot of hunting requirements, especially in areas where shots are normally at modest range. Since I didn’t have a selection of night-vision scopes and The CMMG Mk4 T rifle wears an A2 compensator on a 16.1-inch medium taper, 416 stainless barrel with a 1:7 twist and matte, bead-blasted finish.

suppressors on hand, I opted to test the Mk 4 T rifle the way it arrived, adding only a scope.

The choice of components that go into the Mk4 T rifle reflects CMMG’s desire to strike a balance between modularity, quality and affordability. Starting at the busi-

as a niche cartridge for niche appli-

sign goal was to create a .30-cal-

ness end, the rifle, as tested, sports

cations. That perception isn’t likely

iber round for the AR platform that

a 16.1-inch medium-taper, 416

to change any time soon, outside of

used existing 5.56 magazines, pen-

stainless barrel, which has a 1:7

the handloading community, due to

etrated barriers with high-mass

twist and a matte, bead-blasted

an ongoing scarcity of .300 BLK

bullets, and delivered energy and

finish. The muzzle wears an A2

ammo on store shelves.

ballistic performance equal to or

compensator, threaded 5/8-24 for

better than the 7.62 x 39 Soviet

.300 BLK barrels.

Technically known as the .300 ACC Blackout, the cartridge has its

cartridge. It was really intended to

roots in the tactical world. The de-

perform best at short range and,

38

GUN WORLD | SEPT 2014

Surrounding the barrel is CMMG’s RKM11 KeyMod freewww.gunworld.com

GW 14-09-CMMG-34-45.CRX 39 7/3/14 11:53 PM Page 39

CCMG MK4 T 300 BLACKOUT LOAD

AVG. MUZZLE VELOCITY (FPS)

AVG. 100-YARD GROUP (INCHES)

BEST 100-YARD GROUP (INCHES)

Barnes VOR-TX 300 BLK 110-gr. TAC-TX

2316

1.36

1.12

Black Hills 300 Whisper 125-gr. OTM

2140

2.44

2.02

Black Hills 300 Whisper 220-gr. OTM

1042

2.37

1.55

Double Tap 300 BLK 110-gr TAC-TX

2310

1.19

1.05

Southwest 300 BLK 110-gr TAC-TX

2271

1.90

1.27

Southwest 300 BLK 147-gr. FMJ

1912

2.28

1.22

Note: All test groups ямБred with wind varying 5 to 17 mph.

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SEPT 2014 | GUN WORLD

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GW 14-09-CMMG-34-45.qxp 7/2/14 2:11 AM Page 40

floated handguard. The KeyMod

the maximum peak strength of the

change triggers on AR rifles more

system is fast becoming an indus-

7075 alloy.

often than not. Doing so almost al-

The rifle comes with an A2 pis-

ways cuts target group sizes in half,

because it provides a much more

tol grip and an M4 buttstock with a

or better. Judge the following accu-

user-friendly way to attach acces-

six-position, MIL-SPEC receiver ex-

racy results accordingly, as the fac-

sories without having to deal with

tension. For those who just have to

tory trigger made it difficult to judge

the old “cheese grater,” non-er-

have something different—or just

the rifle’s true accuracy potential.

gonomic Picatinny rail system for

the latest and greatest components

all attachments. This rifle retains a

from a favorite manufacturer—

full-length Picatinny rail on top for

these are a couple of obvious

mounting optics, and I prefer that.

places where you may want to up-

Nikon’s P-300 BLK 2-7x32 BDC Su-

try-standard rail-mounting system

RANGE AND FIELD For accuracy testing, I mounted

grade. Be selective if you want to

perSub scope in a rock-solid Burris

ally shines is in attaching things like

keep the weight low. As configured,

PEPR mount, which helps position

flashlight mounts, vertical grips,

the rifle weighs only 6.3 pounds un-

the scope more naturally in line

laser modules, and bipods. The

loaded, and it’s handy in tight spots,

with your eye. The P-300 scope

handguard, made of extruded alu-

measuring just 32 inches with the

was designed for the ballistic pro-

minum, weighs 8 ounces and

stock collapsed.

files of the .300 Blackout, in both

Where the KeyMod system re-

measures 11.13 inches. It has attach-

This brings us to the one thing I

supersonic and subsonic loads, via

ment points at the 3-, 6- and 9-o’-

found objectionable on this rifle:

use of Nikon’s Spot On Ballistic

clock positions, with QD sling

the single-stage, MIL-SPEC–style

Match Technology.

positions at 3 and 9 o’clock.

trigger. It had a bit of creep in it and

Used properly, this system

broke at an average pull weight of 6

helps you know which aiming

type lower, with all controls in their

pounds, 5 ounces. That’s simply too

points on the reticle to use in order

usual spots, while the M4-type

heavy for precision work. In an ideal

to be on target at various ranges. I

upper receiver is made of forged

world, all rifles would come with

didn’t have the time to fully test

7075-T6 aluminum. The T6 desig-

great triggers. In reality, many—per-

that system, so I simply zeroed my

nator—for you metallurgical trivia

haps even most—do not. Of course,

chosen hunting load an inch high at

fans—means that the aluminum

with rifles at this price, many buyers

100 yards and called it good. I knew

has been subjected to a heat-treat-

purchase with the full intention of

shots were likely to be close.

ing process to achieve a tensile

swapping out the trigger. Being an

strength of 74,000 to 78,000 psi,

accuracy nut of the first order, I

The rifle uses a standard AR 15-

Apart from its ballistic match technology, the scope offers spring-

The author found the fit of the 7075-T6 aluminum upper to lower to be nice and snug.

40

GUN WORLD | SEPT 2014

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GW 14-09-CMMG-34-45.qxp 7/2/14 2:11 AM Page 41

For hunting, the author mounted Nikon’s P-300 BLK 2-7 x 32 BDC SuperSub scope in a rock-solid Burris PEPR mount.

www.gunworld.com

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41

GW 14-09-CMMG-34-45.qxp 7/2/14 2:11 AM Page 42

loaded, zero-reset turrets, multi-

mum accuracy out of a rifle at the

2,400 fps out of a 16-inch barrel,

coated optics and ¼ MOA adjust-

target range. It is, as I would dis-

but the difference wasn’t enough to

ments. It has a quick-focus

cover, an exceptionally good choice

worry about at the modest ranges

eyepiece, and is nitrogen-filled and

to help you get “on” game fast—as

the cartridge is normally used at.

O-ring sealed for waterproof and

in, right-now fast. In other words,

fog-proof performance.

That 110-grain TAC-TX bullet

it’s a tradeoff, but one which works

caught my eye, in part, because

The reticle of the scope pre-

out very well in the field, especially

Barnes claims full (50 cal.) expan-

sented a bit of a challenge at the

on quick-moving critters, like hogs.

sion and 20-inch-plus penetration

range. The small circle that sur-

It would work equally well on white-

at 300 yards. That sounded suspi-

rounds the crosshairs proved to be

tail deer. For an M4 platform, and

ciously like a decent hunting bul-

the perfect size for obscuring the

hunting deer-sized game at short to

let—even though I normally sling

little diamond-shaped targets I use

medium range, it’s just the right

heavier bullets at hogs—and I in-

for zeroing rifles at 100 yards. As a

size, weight and power.

tended to test their terminal per-

result, this scope may not be a great choice for squeezing maxi-

For velocity testing, I ran a half dozen factory loads over my Competitive Edge Dynamics M2 chrono-

SPECIFICATIONS CMMG Mk4 T 300 BLK

formance on game once I found out how accurately the stuff shot.

Results were mixed in that

graph and found velocities to be

area. Heavier, slower bullets did not

pretty much as expected. The one

fare as well as lighter, faster bullets.

subsonic load tested, a Black Hills

All three of the heavier bullets

.300 Whisper round using a 220-gr.

tested turned in average groups

open-tip match bullet, averaged

measuring more than 2 inches. The

1,042 fps. A Southwest Ammunition

single best group, measuring 1.05

Action: Gas-operated, semi-auto

.300 BLK load with a 147-grain FMJ

inches, was turned in by Double

Caliber: 300 Blackout, as tested

bullet clocked in at 1,912 fps. The

Tap’s 300 BLK load using the 110-

three hottest loads, from Barnes,

grain Barnes TAC-TX bullet. That

Mag. Capacity: Variable

Double Tap and Southwest—all

load also turned in the best average

Barrel Length: 416 stainless, 16.1-inch medium taper profile

using Barnes’ 110-grain TAC-TX bul-

group size of 1.19 inches. The other

let—came in a bit below the com-

two factory loads using that bullet,

monly cited velocity for that load of

from Barnes and Southwest, were

Muzzle: A2 comp., threaded Receiver: M4-type upper, AR15 type lower Overall Length: 32 inches (stock collapsed) Weight (empty): 6.3 pounds Sights: None, Picatinny rail for optics Handguard: CMMG RKM11 free-floated KeyMod Furniture: A2 pistol grip, six-position M4 buttstock Finish: Black

MSRP: $1,049.95

42

GUN WORLD | SEPT 2014

Some of the ammo tested in the Mk4 T included, left to right, Barnes 110-grain TAC-TX, Black Hills 300 Whisper 125-grain OTM, Black Hills 300 Whisper 220-grain OTM, Double Tap 110-grain TAC-TX and Southwest 147-grain FMJ.

www.gunworld.com

GW 14-09-CMMG-34-45.qxp 7/2/14 2:11 AM Page 43

Equipped with Nikon’s P-300 BLK scope, which matches the ballistic profile of .300 BLK ammo, the author found the Mk4 T to be a deadly setup for dispatching wild hogs.

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43

GW 14-09-CMMG-34-45.qxp 7/2/14 2:11 AM Page 44

I was a little surprised that the pig made it as far as he did, but I learned long ago that some hogs take a bit of time to realize they’re supposed to be dead.

Both bullets resulted in through-and-through wounds, with no bullets recovered for examination. That was mildly disappointing, but not unexpected. With a tally of two rounds fired, two good meat hogs down and an appointment with some Texas-style ribs on the BBQ, the only thing I could legitimately complain about was the Texas heat. GW

CONTACTS Barnes Bullets BarnesBullets.com The author dropped these two meat hogs with one shot each using the 110-grain TAC-TX bullet in Barnes factory ammunition.

very close behind. In fact, the average overall group size from all three

ger pull in excess of 6 pounds.

As for how the .300 BLK car-

loads using this bullet was right

tridge performed on game, a data

around an inch and a half.

sampling of two animals is far from

That will definitively get the job

definitive, but here’s how it played

done in most hunting and self-de-

out. The first shot on the 100-

fense scenarios, but I still came

pound sow, using the Barnes VOR-

away less than totally happy with

TX load with the 110-grain TAC-TX

the rifle’s accuracy. Part of that

bullet, took out both the top of the

comes from being one of those

heart and a portion of lungs. The

guys who sells every rifle he can’t

sow ran 20 yards and dropped. We

make shoot sub-MOA groups. Yes,

stayed put, until about 20 minutes

that’s me, guilty as charged, and

later, when another group of hogs

proud of it.

moved in. I made the same shot

On the other hand, I’m pretty

placement on a 130-pound boar,

confident that groups would shrink

and was initially concerned when

some with additional rifle break-in,

he showed little reaction to the shot

and I’m positive it would shoot

other than to run like he just lit an

tighter groups with an upgraded

afterburner. We found him, after a

trigger installed. I’ve always found it

bit of searching, about 100 yards

exceedingly tough to shoot tight

away. That bullet took out the arter-

groups with any gun that has a trig-

ies above the heart and both lungs.

44

GUN WORLD | SEPT 2014

Black Hills Ammunition Black-Hills.com Burris Optics BurrisOptics.com CMMG Firearms CMMGInc.com Competitive Edge Dynamics CEDhk.com Double Tap Ammunition DoubleTapAmmo.net Freedom Isn’t Free Veteran Hunts FreedomIsntFreeVeteranHunt.com Nikon Sport Optics NikonSportOptics.com Southwest Ammunition SouthwestAmmunition.com

www.gunworld.com

GW_1409_45 6/27/14 6:26 AM Page 45

With two sighting systems in one compact package, the CounterStrike™ gets you on target faster…no ifs, ands, or buts. + Combines 1x30mm red dot sight with visible laser aiming device + User-selectable red/green 4-MOA dot reticle with 11 intensity settings (including night vision) + Integrated Picatinny rail mount is fast and repeatable + Flip-back lens covers included + 100% waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof + Redfield® “No Excuses” Warranty

+ Integrated visible laser aiming device allows engagement from almost any position.

Features separate on/off controls.

COUNTERSTRIKE™

RED DOT RETICLE

GREEN DOT RETICLE

REDFIELD.COM © 2014 Redfield, A Brand of Leupold & Stevens, Inc.

GW 14-09-VIEW-46-53 7/2/14 6:01 AM Page 46

IMPRESSIVE VIEW Story & Photos by Dr. Martin D. Topper

Taurus Reinvents The Belly Gun With A .38 Special See-Through Snubbie

The clear polymer side plate on the Taurus View allows the owner to see if the lockworks are clean and functioning properly.

46

GUN WORLD | SEPT 2014

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GW 14-09-VIEW-46-53.CRX 47,52 7/3/14 11:56 PM Page 47

T

he View may not be entirely original, but it is unique in how it combines the best in traditional snubnose revolver design with the latest technology. Like many small-frame .38 Special snubbies, the View is a short-barreled, aluminum-framed, DAO, ďŹ ve-shot revolver with a small grip. However, the View differs from other .38 snubs in a number of important ways.

First, it has a very short barrel. Most snubnose .38s have a 1.875- to 2.5-inch barrel.

The View's barrel is an ultra-short 1.41 inches.

Carried in a pocket or an inside-the-waistband holster, the view's short barrel is less likely to print through your clothes or poke you.

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GW 14-09-VIEW-46-53 7/2/14 6:01 AM Page 48

The View's five-shot cylinder, frame and grips leave ample room for the use of speedloaders.

Making quick reloads is no problem, despite the View’s small size.

rection before pulling the trigger.

Because of these weight-saving features, the View weighs just 9 ounces unloaded, making it the lightest medium-bore concealedcarry handgun currently available from a major manufacturer. It’s even lighter than a couple of popular polymer-framed .380s, and this makes it very easy to carry in a holster or a pocket.

EVALUATION When I picked the revolver up at the Florida Gun Exchange, I was immediately impressed by its short grip and barrel. The next thing I nocylinder. But the View takes tita-

ticed was the View’s color scheme,

smaller than the boot grips found

nium usage a step further by having

which combines a matte silver alu-

on other snubbies. Like the barrel,

a titanium barrel shroud.

minum frame, silver-polished trig-

Second, the grip is much

it's designed to be comfortable to

The final weight-saving feature

ger, gold-polished hammer and

carry and to resist the tendency of

is the frame's clear polymer side-

matte black stocks, matte gray tita-

most grips to print.

plate. In addition to reducing

nium cylinder and barrel shroud. All

weight, this clear plate also allows

parts were well finished, and the

View's extremely low weight. Like

the owner to see when it's time to

overall effect was striking.

other lightweight handguns, the

clean the lockworks and watch the

View has an aircraft-quality alu-

action cycle when the trigger is

workbench indicated that the View

minum frame and a titanium alloy

pulled. Watching the lockworks can

was well made. This revolver has a

be fun, but check twice that the gun

three-point lock-up that employs a

is empty and pointed in a safe di-

detent in the top of the crane to

A third important feature is the

SPECIFICATIONS

A mechanical check at the

TAURUS VIEW Model: 85 VTA Barrel: l.41 inches Frame: Aluminum small frame Stock: Polymer Finish: Silver and gray Length: 5.67 inches Weight: 9 ounces Caliber: .38 Special Capacity: Five Sights: Fixed MSRP: $599 The detent on the cylinder crane provides a tight lock-up for the front of the View’s cylinder.

48

GUN WORLD | SEPT 2014

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GW 14-09-VIEW-46-53 7/2/14 6:01 AM Page 49

Taurus View is an innovative, five-shot .38 cal. snubnose that only weighs 9 ounces. Its construction cuts weight by combining space-age materials like titanium, aircraft-grade aluminum and polymers.

“

The final weightsaving feature is the frame’s clear polymer sideplate.

”

lock the front of the cylinder in

cylinder-to-barrel gap, I could not

higher in the frame than on some

place, a spring-loaded center pin in

fit a standard thickness gauge be-

others. During live fire tests, this dif-

the extractor to lock the rear and a

tween the cylinder and barrel. There

ference in dimensions had no effect

cylinder stop to prevent rotation

was just not enough room between

on the functioning of the gun.

during ignition.

the top of the gas seal on the crane

This system worked well be-

and the bottom of the frame’s top-

SHOTS FIRED

cause the cylinder locked up in the

strap. A comparison to other snub-

frame without significant backward

nose revolvers revealed that the

for velocity, bullet energy, reliability

and forward or side-to-side play.

cylinder of the View is set just a bit

and tactical accuracy at the Volusia

The View was live-fire tested

Crane to frame fit was very good, with no gap between the crane and the frame.

Functioning was also very good. Double-checking to ensure the View was unloaded, I pointed it in a safe direction and checked the timing. Each chamber locked in place before the hammer fell. Trigger pull was consistent at 10.5 pounds for all five chambers. The pull was long and smooth and the trigger did not reset until the trigger was fully forward. Therefore, when

The functional polymer boot grips on the View are checkered to promote a sure grip and are decorated with the Taurus logo.

firing the View, one must allow the trigger to come fully forward before attempting to pull the trigger again.

When attempting to check the www.gunworld.com

SEPT 2014 | GUN WORLD

49

GW 14-09-VIEW-46-53 7/2/14 6:02 AM Page 50

The View placed quick, accurate shots on target at CQB distances.

County Gun and Hunt Club. Be-

nition produced the highest energy,

picted a single individual with a gun

cause it weighs only 9 oz. and has a

generating 157 ft-lbs. As you can

and the other target was a compos-

very small grip, no +P ammunition

see from the attached chart, the

ite of two armed assailants, one

was used. Recoil would simply have

performance level of .38 Special

standing behind the other. The tar-

been too punishing. Four .38 Spl.

ammunition fired in the View was

get with the single assailant was

loads, graciously supplied by their

very similar to the performance of

engaged with a center chest shot.

manufacturers, were used for the

the old .38 S&W/.38 Colt New Po-

The target depicting two assailants

test. They were: Black Hill's 148-

lice cartridges fired from a 4-inch

grain WC, Hornady's 90-grain Lite

revolver. Recoil was also similar to

load with the FTX bullet, HPR's

my old Colt Police Positive revolver

158-grain HP with Hornady's XTP

chambered for .38 Colt New Police.

bullet, and Winchester's new 130-

Complete velocity and energy

grain Defend ammunition, which

figures are included in the attached

features a bonded bullet.

table.

I also patterned a CCI snake load at 10 feet, since the ultra-light View is easy-carrying in snake country.

Muzzle velocity and muzzle en-

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL The View is designed for personal defense at close quarters;

ergy levels produced from the

therefore, it was evaluated for tac-

View's short 1.41-inch barrel were

tical accuracy by shooting two dif-

comparable to those of standard

ferent close-range drills. Its small

pressure .38 Special ammo fired in

grips and DAO trigger pull would

snubnose revolvers that have 2- to

not have produced meaningful re-

2.5-inch barrels. The fastest load

sults from bench testing. With a

was Hornady's 90 gr. FTX Lite load.

belly gun, it's how you shoot it

It's average velocity of 839 fps pro-

under stress at close range that's

duced 140 ft-lbs of muzzle energy.

important.

Fired into a 3-gallon water jug, this

The first drill involved engaging

bullet expanded to .44 inches. Win-

three hostiles depicted on two tar-

chester's 130-grain Defend ammu-

gets at five yards. One target de-

50

GUN WORLD | SEPT 2014

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GW 14-09-VIEW-46-53 7/2/14 6:02 AM Page 51

TEST PERFORMANCE LOAD NAME

VELOCITY

MUZZLE ENERGY

Black Hills 148-gr. WC

603 fps.

120 ft-lbs.

Hornady 90-gr. FTX

839 fps.

140 ft-lbs.

HPR 158-gr. XTP

627 fps.

138 ft-lbs.

Winchester 130-gr.

Defend HP

737 fps.

157 ft-lbs.

Velocity was the average of five shots measured 15 feet from the muzzle with a PACT 1XP chronograph.

required a body shot on the ex-

were more difficult. The small grips

posed assailant and a head shot on

and DAO action made it difficult to

the second armed assailant who

make a quick 5-yard head shot

was standing behind him.

every time. That’s because the size

At this distance, body shots were no problem, but head shots

and shape of the grip made this revolver point high. I compensated by

BEALR A L K L GE AC A GOT. C BL I T T C TA JUS TERNG H G I I BR ODUC L A TIC .

INTTR S T AC LIGH

Recoil of the View is pronounced, but tolerable, when standard-pressure .38 Spl. loads are used. The author did not use +P loads because of the View's reduced weight and small grips.

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BROWNING.COM

SEPT 2014 | GUN WORLD

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GW 14-09-VIEW-46-53.CRX 47,52 7/3/14 11:57 PM Page 52

ejected. In addition, using standard pressure ammunition helps reduce the chance of a casing over-expanding and sticking in its chamber.

FINAL THOUGHTS The View proved to be reliable and handled quite well for a .38 that only weighs 9 oz. Like other snubnose revolvers, it is designed for close-range encounters, and it performed well in drills at distances of up to 5 yards. Overall, the View would be a good choice for deep concealment in urban areas, and for Author used a firm, two-hand grip when shooting the View.

carry while hiking in areas where poisonous snakes are common. GW

leading to the house. Distance to the target was about 3 yards. This target was quickly dealt with by a

CONTACT

shot to the center of the chest.

The second target depicted two hostiles who were blocking the

Black Hills Ammunition (605) 348-5150

walkway leading to the front door.

One of these men was standing behind the other and both were Hornady’s .38 caliber, 90-grain FTX bullet expanded to .44 inches. That’s excellent performance from a 1.41-inch barrel.

armed. The distance was 5 yards.

Both targets were successfully engaged, but given the distance to the

holding low and using a very firm

targets, my strategy involved taking

two-hand grip. I would like to see

one shot at the fully exposed as-

the View offered with a set of

sailant and saving the rest of my

slightly oversize soft polymer laser

shots to make sure I hit the head

grips. Such a grip would help bring

shot on target two. As with all

out this revolver’s full potential.

small-capacity handguns, one has

The second drill also involved engaging three targets. The drill simulated a hostage rescue situa-

to carefully manage ammunition when using this five-shot revolver.

Fortunately, the View can be re-

tion in which three men were hold-

loaded using a speedloader. How-

ing a family member in a house. The

ever, like most snubnose revolvers,

task was to take down the three

this new gun from Taurus has a

targets who were positioned to pre-

short ejector rod that does not push

vent me from entering the house.

the cartridges completely clear of

The first target simulated a lookout

the cylinder. Therefore, the rod

in a window. It had to be engaged

needs to be firmly depressed to

before a entering a narrow walkway

help ensure all of the brass is

52

GUN WORLD | SEPT 2014

CCI Ammunition (800) 379-1732 Florida Gun Exchange (386) 304-9499 FloridaGunExchange.com Hornady Ammunition (800) 338-3220 Hornady.com HPR Ammunition (928) 468-0223 HPRAmmo.com Volusia County Gun and Hunt Club (386) 717-1394 VolusiaCountyGunAndHuntClub.com Winchester Ammunition (800) 356-2666 Winchester.com

www.gunworld.com

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GW 14-09-AMERICAN-54-61.qxp 7/2/14 3:26 AM Page 54

At the range, the author sighted the rifle in using both the scope and the laser. At the modest ranges required for hunting black bear over bait, it was easy to switch between the two sighting systems, and having two optics on the same rifle inspired confidence.

54

GUN WORLD | SEPT 2014

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GW 14-09-AMERICAN-54-61.qxp 7/2/14 3:26 AM Page 55

RED, WHITE, BLUE & BEAR Ruger, Redfield, Crimson Trace And Warne Combine On An All-American Hunting Package Story & Photos by Brad Fitzpatrick

T

he current trend toward building affordable, accurate, feature-loaded bolt action rifles has produced some outstanding products over the last decade, and at the top of that list is Ruger’s budget-priced American Rifle. Gone are the days when shooters will accept creepy triggers and so-so accuracy, even in rifles costing under $500.

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Ruger’s lightweight, inexpensive American Rifle with a Redfield scope and Crimson Trace Laser mounted on a custom Warne bracket is a fantastic hunting rig that is built completely in the United States. Add to that a few boxes of Federal Premium Fusion ammunition and you’re ready to hunt black bears in dense cover.

Throughout the year, Ruger has released variants of its American rifle lineup, including an AllWeather version in regular and compact lengths as well as a Predator model with a heavy barrel and a combo package that comes with a mounted and bore-sighted Redfield Revolution riflescope. For the hunter or shooter who wants an affordable rifle capable of subMOA groups, this lineup has plenty to offer.

Each American rifle shares the same receiver, a one-piece unit with a small ejection port machined out of a single piece of steel. The design is sturdy and robust, which helps improve accuracy, and the oversized bolt (same diameter as the lugs) runs smoothly through the action with very little slop and play compared to other bolt designs.

The bolt features three locking lugs, which provide a secure lockup and allow the American to have a short (70 degree) bolt lift for faster 56

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follow-up shots and a reduced risk

the market, it’s also light enough for

of bashing your fingers against the

all-day carry.

scope as you reload. The 22-inch hammer-forged barrel has a re-

MOVING PARTS

cessed crown to protect rifling, and

The last decade has seen a

Ruger’s Power Bedding system en-

push toward lighter, crisper, ad-

sures that the receiver is firmly se-

justable triggers, and the American

cured and that the barrel is

Rifle’s Marksman trigger is out-

allowed to float freely for maxi-

standing. It incorporates a center

mum accuracy.

blade design, and when the blade

The stock is lightweight and

is pulled back, the trigger break is

features finger grooves that offer a

light and clean. It’s factory-ad-

secure grip on the rifle without look-

justable, between 3 and 5 pounds,

ing avant-garde or extreme, and the

and the rifle I tested broke at 3.5

soft recoil pad does a good job ab-

pounds from the factory. It’s a

sorbing recoil. At six and a quarter

great aid in accuracy and makes it

pounds as tested, the rifle’s push

easy to wring tight groups out of

was comfortable and manageable

the American.

even with full-power .30-06 loads.

The plastic magazine is rotary

Not only is the American Rifle one

and flush-fit, light and easy to pop

of the most affordable bolt guns on

in and out of the rifle. Initially, I had some feeding issues, but when I swapped in a different mag, the feeding problems ceased altogether.

LASER HUNTING Lasers are not a traditional sighting system for bolt-action rifles, but the team at Warne has developed a lightweight, rugged mounting bracket for the Crimson Trace laser that fits on the front of a rifle’s Picatinny top rail. The system doesn’t interfere with a standard scope, so both can be mounted simultaneously.

Lasers offer a rapid sighting system and, on pistols, don’t require the shooter to shift focus between the front sight and target.

On hunting rifles, they are particularly advantageous in low or dim light when hunting dark animals like bears.

Another bonus is that a laser allows you to instantly check the zero of your scope when you climb in the stand. If the laser and scope crosshairs intersect at the distance they were zeroed then the scope and the laser are still in line.

The laser also offers a useful backup in the unlikely (but still possible) event that your scope fails or fogs.

The American Rifle’s tangBlack bears are tough animals, and even at close range shot placement must be good. Lasers are a great aid for hunting bears over bait in the dense forests, where their dark hides can be difficult to see with standard crosshairs.

mounted two-position safety is

traveling to and from the range or

easy to find and manipulate with-

stand. Ruger provides bases with

out looking down at the gun. A

the rifle, which work well and are

large, cocking indicator on the tang

easy to secure to the receiver.

allows for instant feedback regard-

The stainless, All-Weather

ing the rifle’s status, and it was easy

model adds a level of resistance to

to drop the magazine, draw the bolt

the elements not found on other

backward and unload the rifle while

versions of the American. That was

The receiver of the American Rifle is of sturdy construction and features a small ejection port for maximum rigidity and improved accuracy. The new stainless finish is also impervious to the elements.

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The Marksman trigger is user adjustable from 3 to 5 pounds and provides a crisp, clean break. It utilizes a bladed design and is a great aid in making accurate shots.

good for this particular test be-

Rifle I’ve tested, accuracy was su-

was the 3-9x40 version with a 4-

cause the rifle was exposed to rain,

perb. This is a genuine sub-MOA

Plex reticle, the perfect combina-

mud, and rough handling in bear

rifle, capable of keeping groups

tion for hunting bear in low light.

camp and survived the ordeal with-

under an inch with factory ammuni-

out any issues.

tion. Ruger doesn’t promise that

scopes with a variety of magnifica-

level of accuracy, but I have yet to

tion, objective diameter, and reticle

see one of these rifles that wouldn’t

options, and whatever your game

group under an inch at 100 yards

there’s likely a scope that fits your

with quality factory ammunition.

rifle and your needs. Like the Ameri-

As with every other American

SPECIFICATIONS RUGER AMERICAN RIFLE ALL-WEATHER Action: Bolt-action centerfire Caliber: .22-250, .223, .243, .270, 7mm-08, .308, .30-06 (tested) Finish: Stainless Stock: Synthetic

There are various Revolution

can Rifle, the Redfield is robust and

ALL-AMERICAN OPTICS For my Alberta bear hunt, I

durable, able to withstand the elements without issue. It’s hard to be-

mounted a Redfield Revolution

lieve that these scopes retail under

scope on a Picatinny rail atop the

$300 ($249.99 as tested)—they’re

rifle. Redfield’s rebirth has been a

a great bargain.

boon to hunters, and these Ameri-

For most hunters, a good scope

can-built riflescopes offer good

and rifle combination is just the

light transmission and excellent

ticket for hunting big game. But for

consistency from a budget-priced

this hunt, the folks at Warne and

optic. The Revolution scope I tested

Crimson Trace teamed up to offer

Capacity: Four (as tested) Barrel: 22 inches, hammer-forged Sights: None (drilled and tapped, bases provided)

The American Rifle has a two-position safety mounted on the tang of the rifle. At the rear of the bolt, a large cocking indicator helps identify whether the rifle is cocked or not by visual inspection or touch.

Weight: 6.25 pounds (as tested) Overall Length: 42.50 inches MSRP: $529 58

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The laser mounts to the side of the rail and remains out of the way of the scope. It proved to be a very successful setup for hunting Alberta bears, and the laser was a major benefit when shooting dark animals in low light.

Caution: Lasers aren’t legal in every state and province, but where you can hunt with them, they make sense.

something more. The objective was to mount an auxiliary laser sight on the rifle, something commonplace on AR-platform guns but a relatively new concept in the realm of bolt-action rifles.

The challenge was to mount a laser on a rifle not specifically designed for one and, as such, lacked the required accessory rails found on pistols and AR rifles. But the engineers at Warne quickly developed an ingenious method to secure the laser to the American Rifle without

LIFE CAN BE LOUD...BUT SOMETIMES,

SILENCE IS GOLDEN!

making it prone to damage while being pulled through the thickets of northern Alberta.

That solution was a horizontal bracket that, by turning a screw, could be secured into the Picatinny rail just ahead of the scope. This provided a solid and steady platform for the Crimson Trace Railmaster, and the whole system was lightweight, streamlined, and durable. With the Railmaster mounted on the side bracket, it was simply a matter of aligning the scope and the laser for the same point of aim.

With the laser mounted and sighted in at 40 yards, the bullet’s point of impact for the laser and scope was within an inch out to a tested range of 72 yards. That meant that from 15 yards to almost www.gunworld.com

Introducing the new incredibly quiet Umarex Fusion CO2 powered pellet rifle, featuring the SilencAir five-chamber noise dampening system.

With its .177 caliber precision accuracy and virtual silence, the Umarex Fusion is a one-of-akind airgun. Zero In on the Fusion at UmarexUSA.com/Fusion

GW 14-09-AMERICAN-54-61.CRX 61 7/9/14 12:08 AM Page 60

Red Willow Outfitters offers fantastic spring and fall bear hunts as well as trips for other game, including some of the largest whitetail deer found anywhere. Here, the author (left) and Kent Thomas of Crimson Trace pose with two of their bears taken on the hunt.

75 yards, it was possible to use the

for deep, consistent penetration,

up the slack in the American Rifle’s

laser or the scope interchangeably

the type of performance that’s es-

trigger and fired, the bullet striking

while hunting.

sential when hunting big bears.

where the laser had indicated and

In the dense spruce and poplar

IN BEAR CAMP

sending the bear into a rapid spin

thickets around Red Willow’s camp,

before it departed down the same

shots would be close, and when I

well-used game trail on which it had

to Grand Prairie, Alberta to hunt

turned on the laser and lined up the

arrived.

bear with fellow outdoor writer

scope, I found just what I was hop-

Aaron Carter and the team from

ing for; the red dot and the

bruin, so I slipped down from the

Crimson Trace. Our base of opera-

crosshairs overlapped at 40 yards.

tree and moved through the towering

tions was Todd Loewen’s Red Wil-

One of the advantages to having an

spruce along the hard-packed trail.

low Outfitters, which operates in

auxiliary laser system is the ability

With the red beam bouncing ahead

some of Alberta’s greatest hunting

to instantly verify the accuracy of

of me, I found the bear standing 50

areas near the Smoky and Peace

both the scope and the laser.

yards from the stand. It probably

To field test the rifle, I headed

Rivers. Todd’s area allows hunters

Lasers aren’t legal for hunting

I didn’t want to risk losing the

wouldn’t have gone any further, but I delivered a second shot and an-

to harvest two bears, and since that

in every state, and it is important

region has consistently produced

to make sure you’re staying within

some of the largest bruins in Al-

the boundaries of the law when

RED WILLOW OUTFITTERS

berta, we knew there was a possi-

you mount one and prepare to

bility of connecting with a brute.

hunt. Where they are legal, how-

Todd Loewen’s Red Willow Outfitters offer hunts in some of Alberta’s most game-rich areas.

The area is perhaps best known for big black bears, and is home to some of the largest whitetails in North America.

The area is also home to some outstanding mule deer, and it’s possible to double up on whitetails and muleys at Red Willow. Elk and moose are also abundant, and the prices in Alberta are competitive with other areas in North America.

Visit RedWillowOutfitters.com.

The first step in the process

ever, lasers offer a low-light alter-

was to double-check the zero of our

native and allow for rapid target

American Rifles to ensure the long

acquisition.

trip to Alberta and the subsequent

My first bear of the week came

knocks, blows, and bangs delivered

in and began feeding at the bait not

to our bags by the airlines hadn’t

long after I climbed on stand on the

changed the point of impact of our

second day of the hunt. With a

rifles. For the hunt, we were using

touch of the laser activation pad, a

Federal Fusion 165 grain ammuni-

red beam began bouncing on the

tion, which features a lead core and

bear’s black shoulder. When the

copper jacket that won’t separate

beam settled over the vitals, I took

60

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chored the bruin for good.

INTRODUCING THE

On the final night of the hunt,

LAR-8 X-1 RIFLE

the last few minutes of shooting

Combining custom features and all-new components with RRA’s years of experience and dedication to making the best rifles available, the RRA X-Series.

light dragged on and the woods began to darken, I heard the sound of a large animal approaching from my right. The bear slipped out of the woods and stood at the edge of the open area, moving cautiously out of the trees and offering only one angle for a shot.

I touched the laser activation pad and immediately saw the red beam bouncing over the earth. With only minutes to spare before the close of the hunt, I centered the laser on the bear’s vitals and pressed the trigger. The American Rifle roared and the bruin turned to

LAR-8 X-1 RIFLE X308A1750T

run, but before I could work the bolt,

TAN WITH OPERATOR A2 STOCK

MSRP: $1850*

it went down and didn’t move. The All-American bear rifle had accounted for another Alberta bear, and my second tag was filled.

FINAL WORDS

RRA HUNTER MUZZLE BRAKE

Ruger’s All-Weather American Rifle with Redfield’s Revolution scope, the Crimson Trace Railmaster laser and Federal’s Fusion ammunition proved to be an ideal set-up for bears. By the time we’d finished the hunt, I could imagine a number of uses for that rifle, from whitetails to hogs and even moun-

* Prices are subject to change.

Optics and scope mount not included.

ROCKRIVERARMS.COM

tain hunting. Lasers aren’t traditionally considered an accessory to bolt-action rifles, but as my Canadian hunt proved, they work extremely well. GW

CONTACT Sturm, Ruger & Co. (603) 865-2442 Ruger.com

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TODAY’S HUNTER

The AR platform rifles sets up very well for hunting coyotes.

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A SPORTING

CHANCE Despite Some Early Challenges, The AR Has Earned A Place On The Hunt Story & Photos by Thomas C. Taborb

W

hen the trend of hunting with sporting rifles first began to take hold, I was more than a bit reluctant to accept it.

While I didn’t begrudge anyone using an AR for any legal purpose, I cherished the look of a highly figured walnut stock and a nice bluing job.

When squeezing the trigger, I have grown to like the feel of wood against my cheek. Obviously, those characteristics are lacking in most modern rifles and so I resisted the urge to make a place for them in my own hunting and shooting activities largely for those reasons.

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TODAYʼS HUNTER prairie dogs, ground squirrels, foxes

to place a higher emphasis on the

with ARs, my viewpoint began to

and coyotes, but for deer-sized

accuracy of their products. That,

change. While I still don’t believe

game, most hunters feel it lacks se-

coupled with adding an abundance

that AR platform rifles will ever re-

rious consideration. In many juris-

of AR chamberings (including a

place the more traditional style

dictions, deer hunting laws prohibit

wide range of both production and

firearms, I have learned that the

.22 caliber cartridges and center-

wildcats cartridges), moved the fa-

modern rifle clearly has a place in a

fires such as the .223.

vorability of the modern rifle for-

However, after a few trips afield

variety of hunting situations, including many of my own.

The second factor was that the AR was originally designed to be a short- to moderate-range firearm.

EARLY CHALLENGES

ward tremendously, particularly within the hunting community.

Today, one of the best AR deer

Like the 1911 .45-caliber pistol, its

hunting calibers is the very popular

Outside of my own personal

capability to quickly lay down a bar-

.308 Winchester. A few years ago, I

bias, I believe that the AR as a vi-

rage of gunfire and an ability to eas-

used an AR-10 chambered in .308

able hunting choice was initially

ily be repaired in the field took

for some wild boar hunting and

held back to a degree by two major

considerable precedence over an

some culling of water buffalo in

factors. First was the caliber. At the

ultimate degree of shooting accu-

Australia. While I normally would

onset, the vast majority of the ARs

racy at longer range.

consider the .308 to be on the light

hitting the market were chambered

But as shooters began to look

side for large tenacity critters like

in 5.56mm, or its civilian counter-

to the AR as a viable alternative to

buffalo, in this particular case it

part, the .223 Remington, and these

traditional rifles, things began to

worked out very well.

calibers have limitations when it

change in the area of accuracy and

comes to hunting.

caliber choice. Manufacturers, from

son .308 chambered AR-10 for

firearms production people to the

whitetails and hogs last year and

aftermarket barrel makers, began

found it also performed excellent in

Sure, the little .22 caliber bullet worked great for such critters as

I also used a Smith and Wes-

A good solid rest, an AR-15, plenty of ammunition and a well populated prairie dog town—what more could any varmint hunter ask for?

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UNSURPASSED CAPACITY CZ P-09

With 19+1 in its ush ďŹ tting magazine, the P -09 can’t be beat when it comes to 9mm service pistols.

Fellow writer and editor, Mark Chestnut, of NRA 1st Freedom took this excellent whitetail with an S&W Model 10 chambered in .308 Winchester.

that setting as well. I frequently use

installed, which makes mounting

an AR-15, chambered in the more

all types of optics easy. It can be

traditionally .223 caliber, for both

used to accommodate various

prairie dogs and coyotes.

types of optics, lasers, or even a light source for night shooting. I

AN AR EVOLUTION

personally like the beneďŹ ts asso-

Today there is no shortage of

ciated with quick, detachable-

AR-styled ďŹ rearms from which to

style rings, like the QRW made

select. Many are custom tailored

by Leupold. These are a great

MAIN FEATURES

and designed to match a speciďŹ c applications, including hunting versions. You can opt to select one of these already custom ries, or you can purchase a basic AR and swap out the parts that best suit your particular application.

The modular AR design makes part swapping easy, and in most cases doesn’t require the assistance of a gunsmith. Many companies offer high quality, very accurate replacement barrels, highly superior triggers, improved upper and lower units and other accessories allowing you to achieve the exact results needed for your particular hunting needs.

Most ARs come factory-

AR ORIGINS The AR-15 is a magazine fed, air-cooled rie design with a rotating-locking bolt actuated by direct-impingement gas or a long/short-stroke piston operation. Based on the 7.62mm AR10, the AR-15 is a lighter rie originally intended for the smaller 5.56/.223 cartridge.

Although many believe “ARâ€? is short for “Assault Rie,â€? the letters actually stand for ArmaLight Rie, after the company that developed and built it in 1957. In 1959, due to ďŹ nancial difďŹ culties, ArmaLight sold the manufacturing rights to both the AR-10 and AR-15 to Colt. Colt made a few modiďŹ cations to the design that resulted in the M16.

t *OUFSDIBOHFBCMF CBDLTUSBQT t $POWFSUJCMF TBGFUZ PS EFDPDLFS t 0NFHB USJHHFS TZTUFN t 1PMZNFS GSBNF XJUI 1JDBUJOOZ SBJM t NN 4 8 t 5XP NBHB[JOFT t ZFBS XBSSBOUZ

1305&$5 t )6/5 t $0.1&5&

www.cz-usa.com

equipped with a Picatinny-style rail www.gunworld.com

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TODAYʼS HUNTER Of course, I won’t be selling my traditional, walnut-stocked hunting rifles in the near future and replacing them with ARs, nor do I see most other hunters doing so. With a growing number of options for high quality aftermarket accessories and a huge selection of calibers to choose from, the popularity of these rifles will continue soaring in the future. I would encourage anyone that hasn’t had an opportunity to hunt with one to give ARs a sporting chance. GW

An AR is often the best choice when hunting feral hogs.

choice for AR applications and per-

ground squirrels. Having a high ca-

mit the shooter to swap out optics

pacity magazine or two loaded and

by simply turning a couple of levers.

ready to go when needed helps to

For long-range shooting, I frequently prefer a high magnification variable scope, but for closer work, I

This Smith & Wesson AR-10 chambered in .308 Winchester is a fine example of the new era modern rifles specifically built to conform to a hunter’s needs. (Smith & Wesson)

ensure no disruption of your shooting action.

The more traditional AR stocks

sometimes like one of the 1x dot-

are typically adjustable for length,

style sights, or a low-power scope.

which makes it a great training aid

When equipped with quick release

for youngsters or anyone with

mounts, I can swap them out with-

shorter arms. And, because ARs are

out the need of rechecking the

typically lightweight, fast-handling

point of bullet impact. Or, you can

firearms, these additional assets

use those same mounts to remove

make them a great choice when

the optics completely, then rely on

hunting in close-quarters situa-

the built-in iron sights.

tions.

Even though in some jurisdictions there are restrictions on the use of high capacity magazines, the

RELUCTANT RIGHTS

standard AR magazine typically

by some individuals to accept a

holds 30 rounds. There are, how-

modern rifle for hunting. I’ve en-

ever, a wide variety of aftermarket

countered it myself in the field on a

magazines choices, including those

few occasions. Those individuals

holding 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 60, 90 and

certainly have a right to their own

even a big 100 rounder. This in itself

opinion, but when viewed with an

provides a great deal of flexibility,

open mind, the AR platform rifles

particularly when used for high vol-

clearly offer advantages in many

ume targets like prairie dogs and

hunting situations.

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GUN WORLD | SEPT 2014

CONTACTS

There will always be reluctance

Smith & Wesson (800) 331-0852 Smith-Wesson.com Leupold & Stevens, Inc. (800) Leupold Leupold.com Ruger.com www.gunworld.com

GW_1409_69 6/27/14 6:37 AM Page 69

C E t E P , X E G A R N t E h N IN thE WOOD S OR O Y , It IL IA B L , E Y R A It U L Q DU RABIL ItY

When you own a Del-Ton rifle, you are guaranteed: s ! LIFETIME WARRANTY

s 'OOD VALUE FOR THE MONEY s %XCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE s (UGE SELECTION OF PARTS AND ACCESSORIES Del-Ton Incorporated is a manufacturer of quality AR-15 style modern sporting rifles and your online source for parts, upgrades, accessories, optics, and custom rifle kits. Ask your dealer about Del-Ton rifles or visit del-ton.com.

*For as long as you own it

www.del-ton.com

www.facebook.com/deltoninc

GW 14-09-RELOAD-70-75.qxp 7/2/14 3:48 AM Page 70

RELOAD

NOW ON THE MENU Hodgdon’s CFE Pistol: A Versatile New Handgun Powder Story & Photos by James E. House

As the name implies, the CFE Pistol is suitable for loading handgun ammunition, such as the 9mm .40 S&W, and .45 Auto.

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The CFE Pistol consists of granules of many shapes, including flattened spheres.

G

oing to a favorite restaurant and finding a new special on the menu can be exciting—especially if it’s delicious, and doesn’t give you indigestion.

I had that same feeling a couple of years ago when Hodgdon’s new CFE 223 hit the market. And now, Hodgdon has provided handgun shooters with a special new item on the reloading menu: CFE Pistol.

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RELOAD

Loads assembled for the .40 S&W utilized (left to right) 150-grain Nosler HP, 155-grain Hornady XTP, 155-grain Berry RNHB, 165-grain Rainier HP, and 180-grain Berry HP bullets.

popular calibers in terms of reload-

autoloader calibers, as well as sev-

that makes it suitable for use in cal-

ing die sales are .223 Remington,

eral of the most popular revolver

ibers such as the .223 Remington,

.30-06 Springfield, .45 Auto, .308

calibers in another study.

.308 Winchester, and many other

Winchester, and 9mm Luger. There-

mid-sized cases. In a similar way,

fore, the logical handgun calibers to

used a 9mm FNH X9, .40 S&W

the CFE Pistol has a burning rate

test first are two of those listed in

SigSauer P2022, and .45 Auto

comparable to Hodgdon HS-6,

the top five and the .40 S&W, which

Ruger P345. Barrel lengths for

Winchester AutoComp, and Accu-

is also immensely popular.

these guns are nominally 4 inches

The CFE 223 has a burning rate

rate No. 5.

The result is that it is an excel-

There can be little doubt that those three calibers are the most

For testing the loads prepared, I

or very close to that length.

Winchester cases trimmed to

lent selection for use in a consider-

reloaded ones for use in autoload-

the appropriate length were used in

able number of handgun cartridges.

ers. After doing some testing with

all three calibers. Both the 9mm

With both powders, the letters CFE

those, my plan is to include other

Luger and .40 S&W use small pistol

stand for Copper Fouling Eraser, which means they reduce copper deposits in bores. That is good news because a lot of shooters of necessity fire a large number of shots between cleanings.

As a result of having a medium burning rate, CFE Pistol is suitable for calibers from the .380 Auto to the .45 Colt.

Because the CFE Pistol is a recent introduction, the only source of data is Hodgdon, either from the website or the latest reloading manual. That means that many combinations of components and calibers have never been evaluated, and it will be some time before loading manuals are revised to include data for CFE Pistol. Consequently, I undertook this project to get some firsthand data.

RCBS has stated the five most 72

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“

My plan was to gain experience with the CFE Pistol by using it in loading the most popular calibers…

”

LOAD DETAILS AND RESULTS OBTAINED USING HODGDON’S CFE PISTOL

Caliber Bullet

Load 1

Load 2

Case

Length

Primer

O.L., in.

Gr. Vel.

Gr. Vel.

9mm

90 gr Hdy. XTP

Win.

0.746

Win. SP

1.035

5.5 1176

5.9 1288

9mm

115 gr Rem. FMJ

Win.

0.746

Win. SP

1.128

5.2 1069

5.5 112

9mm

115 gr Hdy. XTP

Win.

0.746

Win. SP

1.135

5.2 1062

5.5 1116

9mm

115 gr Speer GD

Win.

0.746

Win. SP

1.122

5.2 1067

5.5 1111

9mm

124 gr Berry HP

Win.

0.746

Win. SP

1.115

4.4 959

4.8 1021

40 S&W 150 gr Nosler HP

Win.

0.840

Win. SP

1.133

6.8 1041

7.2

40 S&W 155 gr Hdy. XTP

Win.

0.840

Win. SP

1.130

6.6 1040

7.0 1098

40 S&W 155 gr Berry RNHB

Win.

0.840

Win. SP

1.129

6.6 1031

7.0 1089

40 S&W 165 gr Rainier HP

Win.

0.840

Win. SP

1.130

6.2 1006

6.6 1065

40 S&W 180 gr Berry HP

Win.

0.840

Win. SP

1.130

5.1

874

5.5 930

45 Auto 185 gr Rem. GS

Win.

0.892

CCI 300

1.208

7.0 805

7.4 899

45 Auto 185 gr Hdy. SWC

Win.

0.892

CCI 300

1.208

7.0 858

7.4 896

45 Auto 200 gr Hdy. XTP

Win.

0.892

CCI 300

1.254

6.2 710

6.6 784

45 Auto 200 gr Rainier SWC Win.

0.892

CCI 300

1.262

6.2 764

6.6 793

45 Auto 230 gr Rainier FMJ

0.892

CCI 300

1.265

5.4 605

5.8 666

Win.

1114

Velocities are shown as the averages for five shots with each load.

These loads were safe and reliable in the author’s handguns, but neither the author nor the publisher accepts any responsibility for their preparation and use by others.

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RELOAD

Bullets used for loading 9mm Luger are (left to right) 90-grain Hornady XTP, 115-grain Remington FMJ, 115-grain Hornady XTP, 115grain Speer Gold Dot, and 124-grain Berry HP.

primers and Winchester primers

that initial tests would involve pro-

handgun depends on grip, trigger

were utilized in those calibers but

ducing loads that were not neces-

action, and eyesight it is as much a

CCI 300 large pistol primers were

sarily of maximum persuasion,

function of the shooter as it is of

used in the .45 Auto loads. Five car-

especially with the plated bullets

the gun and load.

tridges were prepared for each load

in .40 S&W and .45 Auto. Like

and all powder charges were

many other hand loaders, I do load

groups with all of these loads, but

weighed. Velocities were measured

to near maximum occasionally, but

they regularly perforated the middle

at 10 feet from the muzzle using a

only using propellants with which I

of targets placed at 25 yards from

Competition Electronics ProChrono

am familiar and confident.

the shooting bench.

chronograph. Complete descrip-

The results presented in the

Therefore, I did not try to shoot

By comparing the data shown

tions of the loads assembled and

table indicate that indeed most of

in the table with a lot of informa-

the results of the tests are shown in

the loads fall in the moderate cate-

tion obtained when using other

the accompanying table.

gory. In spite of that, all of the pis-

powders in the same cartridges, it

tols cycled reliably, so the loads

is readily apparent that the CFE

ence with the CFE Pistol by using it

were reliable in my guns. Even the

Pistol is in fact slower than the old

in loading the most popular cal-

plinking loads utilizing plated bul-

standby Alliant Unique and is com-

ibers utilized in auto-loading pis-

lets in the .45 Auto shot very well.

parable in burning rate to Hodgdon

tols. Moreover, it was intended

Because accuracy obtained with a

HS-6, Winchester AutoComp, and

My plan was to gain experi-

Accurate No. 5.

This means it is not only a very useful handgun powder, but also it has the advantage of reducing copper residues in bores, which is an important consideration in high-volume competitive handgun shooting. GW

CONTACT Hodgdon Powder Company (913) 632-9455 Hodgdon.com The CFE Pistol is similar in burning rate to Winchester AutoComp, but loading data are not interchangeable.

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CONCEALED CARRY

The Colt Python is one of the most recognizable handguns in the world.

This .357 Magnum revolver is a classic, and 2015 marks the 60th anniversary of its introduction.

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GUN WORLD | SEPT 2014

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THE COLT PYTHON

& THE ZOMBIE RESURRECTION

With A Starring Role In The Walking Dead And A 60th Anniversary Looming, The Colt Python Deserves An Afterlife Of Its Own Story & Photos by Dave Workman

O

fficially retired from the Colt product line just before the turn of the century, and removed from Custom Shop production about 10 years later, the Colt Python would have been 60 years old in 2015. Because of its stardom in a currently popular television show about walking dead zombies, this powerful revolver deserves an afterlife more than as the prop for characters on the small screen.

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CONCEALED CARRY

Workman has carried his prized Python in this vintage Safariland shoulder holster to protect it from the Northwest weather in the field, or under a parka for personal protection.

blue finish (I really never liked the

the-box, and even some of the hol-

sense. Indeed, it defines the term

nickel or stainless guns), the check-

ster-work specimens are priced in

with that unmistakably sexy full un-

ered hardwood grips, an action that

the $1,500 range.

derlug vent rib barrel, the deep royal

was glass-smooth and a muzzle

This gun is a classic in every

SPECIFICATIONS COLT PYTHON

has the original box and a 6-inch

Magnum I’ve ever fired.

barrel. It is about 98 percent, but is

The Python is also one of the

Caliber: .357 Magnum Capacity: Six shots Barrel Length (inches): 8, 6, 4, 3 (rare), 2.5 Finish: Royal Blue, Nickel, Stainless 78

GUN WORLD | SEPT 2014

not for sale. I’ve carried it while

most recognizable handguns on the

hunting and shot at game with it—

planet, and its current entertain-

and did I mention it’s not for sale?

ment stardom is nothing new. It

Produced: 1955-1996

My gun is a dead-bang shooter,

blast different than any other .357

The Python has been written

was the choice of bad cops in one

about, and maybe overly so, and

of the “Dirty Harry” films, and a le-

renewed interest thanks to that

gion of screen heroes have carried

television series may compel me

this gun in various movie roles, in-

to lobby further some acquain-

cluding Burt Reynolds, Don Johnson

tances at Colt to bring back the

and Bo Svensen.

Snake. It would be entirely appro-

I bought my Python in the early

priate to resurrect it on the 60th

1980s for a pittance of what they’re

anniversary of its introduction, and

fetching today at gun shows. I have

I suspect Colt would be instantly

seen them listed at $2,000 new-in-

back-ordered. www.gunworld.com

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the visit found him admiring the

using .38 Special handloads, that I

How many handgunners would line

handgun, cocking it and letting the

won a steel plate match several

up for the chance to purchase a

hammer down slowly, and balanc-

years ago. There is not a rabbit on

brand-new Colt Python?

ing it in his hand.

the landscape that can dodge a

How about a show of hands?

Colt produced the Python ini-

GREAT LENGTHS

148-grain semi-wadcutter launched

tially with deep blue or nickel fin-

from this double-action sixgun. I

ishes. The nickel finish was

have carried this gun for personal

barrel lengths of 2 ½, 3, 4, 6 and 8

eventually replaced by either satin

defense in a shoulder holster, and

inches during its lifespan. They

stainless or a bright, polished finish

would not wish to be on the busi-

were all sexy, but for my money, the

called “Ultimate Stainless.” A target

ness end.

6-inch version is the ultimate

model was chambered for .38 Spe-

model. Cop pals of mine who car-

cial, but it is in the magnum cham-

H110 behind a 125-grain JHP, either

ried 6-inch Pythons on duty got im-

bering that the Python earned its

a Nosler, Hornady XTP or Speer. It’s

mediate and undivided attention

reputation.

a mild load by comparison to some

Colt produced the Python with

when they arrived at disturbances

Let’s get a little picky now. A

My personal load is 19 grains of

I’ve seen recommended, but it

and other crime scenes, and they

steady diet of full-house magnums

shoots flat, hits plenty hard and

didn’t even have to draw the gun.

can put a cylinder “out of time” so

doesn’t wreck anyone’s wrist shoot-

that the chamber and forcing cone

ing it.

I never saw a 3-inch model, and the most common versions have

do not precisely line up. That could

the 4- or 6-inch tube. Some models

cause the gun to spit a little lead or

were factory-fitted with neoprene

powder, so it would need a bit of

grips and the Python Hunter came

gunsmithing.

with a scope. They all have target

But if carefully maintained, this

WEIGHTY FIREPOWER One complaint I hear about the Python is about its weight. It’s on the heavy side, and that helps soak

hammers and triggers, and ad-

sixgun stays the course, locks up

up recoil. My gun weighs about 2.5

justable sights.

tight the moment the trigger is

pounds, and that’s actually a bit

pressed and the hammer drops,

lighter than my Smith & Wesson

and puts ‘em where you want ‘em.

Model 57 in .41 Magnum with its 6-

Not long after acquiring mine, I was visiting my uncle and mentioned, “Hey, I got a Python.” A cou-

I’ve been careful enough to use

ple of raised eyebrows later, I asked,

a less-than-full-house magnum

“You want to see it?” Didn’t have to

handload with considerable suc-

ask that question twice. The rest of

cess, and it was with this revolver,

inch barrel. Did I mention that it’s not for sale?

Another complaint about the Python is what you’ll hear about other double-action revolvers.

They’re slower to reload than a semi-auto. Well, if you’re good at it, using a decent speed loader, it is not that much slower.

Others complain that, with only six rounds, it lacks firepower. Let me tell you something. The Python breathes fire. Anybody ever see this baby go off at night? Instead of spraying the countryside with lead, just settle that front sight on whatever it is you want to shoot, and shoot it. Ain’t nobody gonna take a warp-speed 125-grain JHP and re-

Workman’s two snakes, the 6-inch Python (top) and his 4-inch Diamondback; the latter being inspired by the former. Both revolvers were highly successful, and the author wishes Colt would bring them back.

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main much of a threat. Shoot a deer solidly with this revolver and SEPT 2014 | GUN WORLD

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GW 14-09-CONCEALED-76-81.qxp 7/2/14 3:57 AM Page 80

CONCEALED CARRY Speer JHP out of the muzzle at about 925 fps, and I can roll a tin can around at 25 yards with it.

A CONCEALED PYTHON? It is not only possible, but practical to carry a Python in a shoulder holster for self-defense, because the gun and the round are proven fight stoppers. Imagine some hoodlum intent on an easy mugging coming face-to-face with a Colt Python. Suddenly, the urge to steal becomes the urge to survive.

As the favored sidearm of the Rick Grimes character in “The Walking Dead,” Colt’s Python is proving itself rather tough to kill in its own right, but this baby is not a zombie.

It is a remarkably handsome, inAt the range, the Python is an excellent target gun, and Workman enjoys plugging away at small targets to retain his ability to hit bigger things.

credibly accurate and highly prized double-action revolver that may be the best D/A ever in .357 Magnum.

The Python has been “dead” as

all that remains is to fire up the bar-

beefed-up Detective Special with

a production model for better than

becue or the smoker.

full-underlug barrel and adjustable

a decade. In my opinion, it’s time to

sights, it came with a choice of 2 ½-

rise from the grave.

Through much of the Southwest these days, instead of zom-

, 4- or 6-inch vent rib barrels.

bies, they’re suffering from a plague

Mine has a 4-inch tube, and I

of wild pigs. We’re not talking about

recently fitted it with a set of Her-

some happy camper like the ones

ret’s stocks. It’s not for sale, either. I

you see in the FFA tent at the

occasionally carry that revolver in a

county fair, we’re talking mean,

pancake-type holster I built, and it’s

crop-destroying, dangerous porkers

a good shooter. It is the same

that can raise hell with someone’s

model John Wayne carried in his

property. I can envision the Python

two late-career cop movies, McQ

Pork Pounder with a 6-inch barrel, a

and Brannigan. Steve McQueen car-

set of Pachmayr grips, two speed-

ried a 2 ½-inch Diamondback in

loaders and a belt slide cartridge

Bullit.

carrier, produced as a package in a lockable hard-sided case.

The Python was so hot in its

It should be noted that I don’t own any collector guns. Every handgun in my possession is a work-

heyday that Colt produced the Dia-

horse rather than a show horse. The

mondback in .38 Special. This is a

Diamondback has its firing pin on

sexy little number in its own right,

the hammer, whereas the Python’s

and I happen to own one that I

firing pin is in the frame. A load con-

bought at a very good price about

sisting of 4.7 grains of Hodgdon’s

four years ago. Essentially a

HP38 pushes a 125-grain Nosler or

80

GUN WORLD | SEPT 2014

Did I mention that mine is not for sale? GW

The Python is extremely versatile, as is any .357 Magnum, because it will digest a steady diet of .38 Specials (left) all day long, as well as magnum rounds.

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GW_1409_81 6/27/14 6:42 AM Page 81

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GW 14-09-SMITH-82-91.qxp 7/2/14 4:05 AM Page 82

GUNSMITHING

A well-mounted optical sight can make a huge difference in rifle accuracy.

Here, the author’s son, Kyle, tests a Savage 10 Precision Carbine in .223 Remington wearing a Leupold Mark 6 Compact Tactical scope.

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GUN WORLD | SEPT 2014

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STRAIGHT, SECURE & LEVEL Scope Mounting Do’s And Don’ts Story & Photos by Steve Sieberts

M

ounting an optical sight on a rifle seems like a fairly straight forward process, but if you’re not careful, things can go sideways pretty easily, and a sideways scope is of very little use.

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GUNSMITHING impact variations in different ammunition. We want the scope reticle to be as mechanically centered as possible to offer the widest range of adjustments.

TWO MOUNTING SYSTEMS There are too many combinations of optics and firearms to cover in one short column, so I’ll focus on two types of mounting systems for a centerfire rifle, and then the correct way to get the scope securely mounted so it can do its job when needed.

The first application is the standard, steel two-piece base, with the rings that utilize a dovetail mount. The dovetail fits into the base very snugly by rotating 90 degrees. Many manufacturers use this type because it’s a very strong mounting system, but it has quirks that you have to deal with in order to get the best performance from Sometimes, the gunsmith will need to chase out the threads with a good sharp tap, either in the receiver or the mounts or rings. It’s a good idea to place a rag under the tap to catch the chips. You want to keep them out of the trigger area.

Also, use good quality cutting oil.

your scope.

I prefer the two-piece steel bases because with the one-piece base, if the receiver’s mounting holes are not lined up with the screw holes machined into the base, tightening the base screws can induce stress in the scope

looks can be deceiving, especially

mounting system. Granted, it won’t

rifle, we need to focus on two im-

with sharp recoiling firearms. There

be much, but any stress is to be

portant factors. First, we want to

are specific torque settings to apply

avoided for maximum accuracy.

make sure it’s securely mounted

to various parts of the mounting

With the two-piece base, if the

because we don’t want it coming

system to ensure it’s on the rifle

front set of screw holes are not

off while we’re shooting. Having a

rock solid.

aligned with the rear, we can cor-

When mounting a scope on a

scope in our lap instead of on the

Another reason we want it

rect that offset somewhat. I’ll show

rifle is not conducive to good ac-

straight and level is to have avail-

how to do that in this month’s col-

curacy.

able the most click adjustments in

umn.

Even a slight looseness in the

all directions. If I have to use up al-

The other type of system I’ll

scope can cause huge shifts in our

most all of my windage or elevation

cover is the Mark 4 mounts-and-

point of impact, especially when

just to get the scope and rifle ze-

ring system from Leupold, which

shooting past 100 yards. So while it

roed, I then have little to no adjust-

uses a Picatinny type rail for the

may seem the scope is on tight,

ments left to account for point of

base. These all-steel ring-and-base

84

GUN WORLD | SEPT 2014

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systems are very tough, and were Using a Q-tip to apply the Acetone to the receiver threads helps degrease them.

the only scope mounting system I used when building precision rifles for the DOD. For this project, I’ll be using two Savage rifles as platforms to demonstrate how to mount these scopes. On the first rifle, a Savage 110 tactical rifle in .308, I’ll mount a Mark 4 ETR scope in 3 x 18 and a Mil-Dot reticle with the Mark 4 ring system.

The other rifle is the Savage 10 Precision Carbine in .223, a great little LE patrol rifle, and I’m going to mount a Leupold 6x scope with MilDot reticle and the dovetail bases and rings.

Using compressed air will speed up the cleaning process. Air compressors suitable for a small home shop are available from many places for $120 and up.

Remember, the dovetail-type base-and-ring system is what you would mount on a typical hunting rifle. So I’ll be explaining how to mount a tactical system and a more traditional hunting rifle-type system.

CLEAN THREADS The first item on our checklist is to make sure the receiver threads are cleaned of any oil, grease or residue. If I’m rebarreling the rifle, and I have the barrel off the receiver, I’ll go ahead and chase out the scope base mounting threads with a good, sharp thread tap. Otherwise, I’ll usually just leave them alone unless I see that the threads have been damaged by previous attempts to install a scope. Cross threading is a fairly common occurrence when people are unfamiliar with firearms tools and techniques.

If you are removing an old scope and replacing old mounts Using the Leupold wring wrench to rotate the front ring dovetail into position.

and rings and can’t get the old screws out, it could be because either the person screwed them on too tight, or used the wrong thread

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GUNSMITHING

If you don’t own the special tool, you can use a wood hammer handle or wooden dowel to turn the front dovetail scope ring into position.

break the bond of the adhesive.

So, assuming we have a barreled action in the stock and ready to go, the next step is to degrease the screws and the threads in the receiver. One of the best degreasers I’ve found is Acetone, but it is highly flammable. Automotive brake cleaner works well too, and has an additional benefit of being in #320 grit abrasive compound and the lapping tool from Brownell’s.

The tool is also available in 30 mm for the larger Mark 4 rings. Always use a little oil when using the lapping compound. Break Free works pretty well.

aerosol form. Compressed air is also very useful when mounting scopes. I have a small Sears air compressor that I bought new for about $120 that works well around the shop.

Once the base screws are de-

locking compound (probably the

screws, and never use any thread

greased, mount the front and rear

latter). Loc-Tite makes various

adhesive on the ring screws.

bases without thread locker. Re-

grades of thread adhesive. Blue is

If you can’t remove the base

move the front base screw and look

for small/fine threads that you

screws and you suspect someone

down into the threads of the re-

want to be removable, red is for

used the wrong adhesive, remove

ceiver and the tip of the screws to

threads that you want to be mostly

the scope, take the barreled action

see if the screw has bottomed out

permanent. Green is for larger

out of the stock, and place a wet

on the barrel threads. If it has,

threads like 1911 compensators that

towel around the receiver. You can

shorten the screw on a bench

you don’t want to remove later. Al-

now carefully apply heat to the

grinder to make sure there is no

ways use blue Loc-tite for base

screws with a propane torch to

contact between the front screws

86

GUN WORLD | SEPT 2014

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the front and rear rings, although

MAXIMUM RECOMMENDED TORQUE SETTINGS

we also want to check misalignment with the Mark 4 mounting system as well. The rear ring is ad-

6-48 Scope Base Screws

22 in.-lbs

8-40 Scope Base Screws

28 in.-lbs

8-40 Scope Ring Screws

28 in.-lbs

When selecting the rings for a

Mk 4 Ring Keeper Screws

65 in.-lbs

specific rifle, get the correct height

STD Windage Screws

45 in.-lbs

justable for windage, and we want to get that as centered as possible.

for your gun. Most scope manufacturers make low, medium and high rings to accommodate various mounting situations, so identify the combination that mounts the rings at the lowest possible height.

and the barrel extension. Don’t use

anything interfering with the proper

a file to try this as the screws are

ejection of cases.

harder than the file and you will end up damaging the file.

BASES AND RINGS Screw the bases down on the

With the dovetail mounting

Now that we have both rings mounted on the bases, we need to check front-to-rear ring alignment.

system, I attach the top half of the

Brownell’s makes a nifty scope ring

ring of the front set and rotate the

alignment tool for this. This will

ring into the dovetail with a 1-inch

check for angular misalignment.

piece of wooden dowel rod. Le-

With today’s modern mounting

receiver, and then attach the rings

upold makes a handy ring wrench

systems, you will not likely have to

to the base. With the Mark 4-type

for this purpose, and a hammer

shim the bases to get the rings

mounting system, I always attach

handle also works.

aligned for elevation, but you will

the rings with the large, keeper nuts

The dovetail system is where

need to correct side to side or an-

to the left of the receiver, rather

you will most likely run into mis-

gular misalignment with a lapping

than on the right, as I don’t want

alignment issues with regards to

tool. Install the scope alignment

Lapping in the scope rings. Use a rotating motion to avoid favoring one side of the rings or the other.

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87

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GUNSMITHING Sometimes the front base screw will be slightly too long and will contact the threads on the barrel extension through the receiver ring.

You need to shorten the screw a little on a bench grinder with a set of parallel pliers. This will ensure the downward force is applied to the screw shoulder and scope base, and not the barrel extension.

Torqueing the keeper nut on a Leupold Mark 4 scope ring. See the sidebar on page 87 for basic ring-and-base screw torque settings.

tool onto the rings and lap the rings with the lapping compound and plenty of oil until you get about 90 percent contact with the

A scope ring alignment tool from Brownell’s helps get the scope rings in perfect alignment, and it works with both 1-inch and 30mm rings. Here, you can see how the rings are misaligned and how much movement is needed to get them into alignment. For rings that are misaligned in elevation, shims may be needed.

bottom ring.

When lapping the rings in, make sure you rotate the tool side to side as you run it front to back,

vent, then degrease using acetone

want to tighten the base screws

or brake cleaner.

using a torque wrench that is grad-

I always mark the bottom rings

uated in inch-pounds. The 6-48

using a figure-eight motion. This is

so I don’t get them mixed up. I al-

screws should be torqued to about

to make sure you put even pressure

ways put the mark on the left side

22 in.-lbs, and larger 8-40 screws

all the way around the base of the

of the rings for orientation, and I

torqued to 26 in.-lbs.

ring. Check your work as you go, and

put a single stake mark on the rear

make sure you are getting good

ring and double stake mark on the

rings and bases, the large ½-inch

contact. Eventually, you will remove

front ring. This ensures I get every-

keeper screws on the rings should

the finish from the bottom of the

thing properly oriented after I have

be torqued to 65 in.-lbs. I’ve in-

ring and you will see what kind of

lapped the rings in.

cluded a handy chart with torque

contact you are getting.

I also like to make sure the rifle

When installing the Mark 4

settings for the various screws

is leveled before mounting the

used on ring and base systems

lapped in, remove the rings and

scope, as I’m going to make sure

(see sidebar).

bases, clean them of all lapping

the rifle and scope are both leveled

compound and oil, and reinstall

before I tighten everything.

Once you have the rings

them, this time using blue Loctite on the base screws only. I usually clean everything with a good sol88

GUN WORLD | SEPT 2014

Install the rings and use the scope ring alignment tool to line everything back up again, and in-

GETTING TORQUED When you install the bases, you

stall the scope. Make sure you have an equal gap between the top and www.gunworld.com

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GUNSMITHING

The author testing the Savage M110 in .308 Win.

bottom rings. This will ensure you

25 feet away. Turn the laser on and

have even pressure when you

point the laser at the target pro-

tighten the top ring screws, and it

vided, place the crosshairs just

also looks much more professional.

above the red dot, and you will be

With the rifle already leveled, I

on paper at 100 yards. The Site-Lite

ensure the scope is also using a tar-

also has a crosshair alignment grid

get that I’ve already squared up. I

with a built-in level already at-

align the vertical crosshair with the

tached, and makes quick work of

vertical lines on the target and then

getting the crosshairs vertical and

I’m good to go. Another way to do

horizontal.

this in your garage is by setting the

Boresighting can also be per-

scope on its lowest power and

formed at the range by removing

marking a plumb line on a wall

the bolt, and looking through the

across the garage.

bore and placing the center of the

Now that the rifle is leveled and

bore on my target at 100 yards and

the scope is mounted and tightened,

moving the crosshairs with the

I want to make sure I have the

windage and elevation adjustments

crosshairs aligned with the probable

until they coincide, but it’s nice to

point of impact. Again, Brownell’s

have the rifle already be on paper

carries a neat little laser boresighter

when I get to the range.

that makes quick work of getting the rifle on paper at 100 yards.

The Site-Lite level mounts into

doesn’t have to be intimidating.

Once you have the proper tools and install a few scopes, it becomes

protected with O-rings on the spud,

easier and you’ll have the confi-

and the laser target is placed about

dence to tackle other projects. GW

GUN WORLD | SEPT 2014

Brownell’s Inc. Brownells.com Bluegrass Sportsman’s League BgSlInc.com Savage Arms SavageArms.com Leupold, Optics (800)-LEUPOLD Leupold.com Oehler Chronographs (512) 327-6900 Oehler-Research.com

Properly mounting a scope

the barrel with a spud. The bore is

90

CONTACTS

Federal Premium Ammunition (800) 379-1732 FederalPremium.com

www.gunworld.com

GW_1409_91 7/2/14 12:18 PM Page 91

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GW 14-09-Q&A-92-95.CRX 92 7/4/14 12:43 AM Page 92

QUESTIONS

and ANSWERS

Bushnell headquarters in Overland Park, Kansas.

TAKING THE LONG VIEW Questions by Gun World Editors, Photos by Bushnell

F

or decades, Bushnell has been known for fine optics the world over. Recently, we sighted an opportunity to connect with Jordan Vermillion, Bushnell’s director of product development, and he got us focused on the right information.

Gun World: How did the company get started?

purchased 400 binoculars for a

on improving the binocular by incor-

Christmas gift order. In the post-

porating lighter-weight materials

World War II United States, optics

and wide-angle lenses, and adding

were a luxury item, and he saw the

coatings to reduce glare.

opportunity to bring high-performance optics to the average consumer.

GW: What has changed the most in the optics field?

Unfortunately, a shipping strike prevented pre-Christmas delivery of

JV: Some of the biggest advance-

the binoculars, resulting in the can-

ments have come by way of lens

cellation of all of his orders. To sell

and prism coatings. These maxi-

through his inventory, David created

mize light transmission, color fi-

a mail-order business and placed

delity and resolution, providing

an advertisement in a sporting

consumers with an enhanced expe-

Jordan Vermillion: The company

goods magazine offering a 30-day

rience in the field.

began in 1947 when David P. Bush-

exchange or refund on purchases.

nell was visiting the Orient on an around-the-world honeymoon and 92

GUN WORLD | SEPT 2014

Later, he leveraged his background in engineering and focused

Another category is distance measuring devices or laser rangefinders. In 1995, we were the www.gunworld.com

GW 14-09-Q&A-92-95.qxp 7/2/14 4:12 AM Page 93

Advancements in all-weather performance have also been important. Our permanent hydrophobic RainGuard HD lens coating causes moisture to bead and scatter less light. For hunters, this means having the confidence to acquire a target and take a shot when other optics would be rendered useless.

Finally, reticles have evolved from basic duplex designs to bullet drop compensation (BDC) to the Mil-based reticle systems used by military. With ballistic data at our fingertips and reticles that allow us to accurately account for distance and windage, shooters are becoming more accurate and capable of Founder David P. Bushnell with an early product display.

shooting long distance targets.

GW: Do you ever adapt existing products?

The Elite LRHS 3-12x 44mm long-range hunting scope.

first company to make distance measuring attainable for consumers with the Lytespeed 400, a device that allowed golfers and hunters to simultaneously measure the distance to the target and magnify the image, eliminating the guesswork, resulting in more confidence and accuracy on the course

The Fusion 1 Mile 10 x 42mm binoculars with laser rangefinder.

and in the woods. www.gunworld.com

SEPT 2014 | GUN WORLD

93

GW 14-09-Q&A-92-95.qxp 7/2/14 4:12 AM Page 94

QUESTIONS and ANSWERS simple, easy-to-use navigational device to help consumers get from point A to point B.

GW: What is new for 2014?

JV: There may not be a technology in the last few decades that has excited hunters like trail cameras, but until recently, the only way to check those cameras was by visiting the site and risking disrupting animal patterns and leaving human scent.

The Bushnell Wireless Trophy Cam HD is the industry’s first carrier-approved wireless trail camera built on the AT&T network. No conThe Truth rangefinder with ClearShot Technology.

tracts required; consumers select the Bushnell data plan that best meets their needs and images are delivered in near real time via SMS or email. In addition, consumers

JV: One of our mottos is that if it

the hardest working product at

can control the camera remotely

can be built, it can be improved. An

every price point. Whether a con-

through the Android or iPhone app

example is our recently introduced

sumer is purchasing his/her first

or via the web portal.

third-generation, laser range-find-

Bushnell binocular or has saved for

ing binocular. From the first genera-

months to purchase a riflescope for

in long-range shooting, Bushnell

tion to the third, consumers helped

a once-in-a-lifetime hunt, they can

has recently introduced the Elite

identify areas for improvement.

rest assured knowing they’ve spent

Long Range Hunting Scope (LRHS).

their hard-earned money on the

The 3-12x 44mm riflescope offers a

best product money can buy.

broad magnification range, the Mil-

The new Fusion 1 Mile features a laser rangefinder capable of acquiring targets at distances up to

We recently introduced the

Because of the growing interest

based G2H first focal plane reticle

one mile in combination with a high

Bushnell Bulletproof Guarantee, a

and an exposed elevation turret

quality binocular available with 8x,

no-questions-asked, one-year guar-

equipped with the RevLimiter zero

10x or 12x magnification.

antee on select binoculars, laser

stop mechanism.

From the range to the field, the

Based on consumer feedback

rangefinders and spotting scopes.

of the second-generation unit, we

If, for any reason, a consumer isn’t

LRHS provides the long-range en-

completely redesigned the display

satisfied with the Bushnell product,

thusiast with the information and

to improve readout visibility in

it can be returned to Bushnell for a

repeatability necessary to succeed

bright ambient light conditions

100-percent refund.

as a marksman. GW

while enhancing the binocular’s

Another tenant of our business

light transmission and color fidelity

is simplicity, and we work with en-

for improved low light performance.

thusiasts throughout our product development cycle to ensure the

GW: What sets Bushnell and its products apart?

products we design are inherently simple to use and understand. For example, with the introduction of

JV: Our ultimate goal is to develop 94

GUN WORLD | SEPT 2014

Company Overview

Bushnell Company Established: 1948 Owner: ATK Sporting Group Headquarters: Overland Park, Kansas Web: Bushnell.com

BackTrack in 2006, we introduced a www.gunworld.com

GW_1409_95 6/30/14 11:57 PM Page 95

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Project1 7/2/14 6:26 AM Page 96

BACK PAGES accompanying survey of available trail bikes from multiple makers— gave Honda’s copywriters a run for their money, waxing lyrical on the future of these cycles.

“History will note that in the Sixties,” we trumpeted, “a new type of vehicle appeared in the trackless outdoors. Called variously trail machines, tote goats or trail scooters, they are gasoline-powered, twowheeled beasts of burden that can do many things that four-footed, grass-eating pack animals cannot, yet they can traverse equally as rugged terrain.”

And while this and other “rugged little two-wheelers” delivered on the promise of “getting into the back country where the game is,” they lacked in one very important aspect, namely the capacity to pack mid- to large-sized game out of the backcountry after the hunt.

Still, they remained popular for preOur September 1964 cover featured field test editor Jim Dougherty (more about him in a future issue), Norma’s Schultz & Larsen .358 Magnum, and a Honda 90 trail bike.

season exploratory treks, and Honda manufactured the Trail 90 in

GUN YOUR ENGINE

various forms through 1979. GW

By Craig Hodgkins

For many born in the late 20th

paign in men’s interest and out-

century and beyond, the name

door magazines, the Trail 90 (also

Honda is associated with automo-

known as the CT200) was guaran-

biles. But in 1964, Honda Motors

teed to handle rough terrain

had just begun its reign as the

(“She’ll climb all over a 50% in-

world’s largest manufacturer of

cline—if you feel so inclined”), and

motorcycles, and its first production

boasted “30% more oomph” than

automobile, the T360 mini pick-up

its predecessors. In a nod to

truck, had been in production less

Smokey the Bear, it also came with

than a year.

“the only standard-equipment

Also in 1964, Honda launched a “CT” series of trail bikes aimed directly at hunters and gatherers.

According to a ubiquitous ad cam96

GUN WORLD | SEPT 2014

spark arrestor approved by the USDA Forest Service.”

Gun World featured the Trail 90 on the September cover, and—in an

In this 1964 ad, a model perches precariously on the seat of a Trail 90 holding a flintlock firearm that perhaps only Garry James could identify. (Honda)

www.gunworld.com

GW_1409_97 6/30/14 3:57 AM Page 97

BUSINESS DIRECTORY John Bartulin 866-866-5146 ext:2746 jbartulin@beckett.com

GW 14-09-AD INDEX-98-99 7/2/14 6:37 AM Page 98

Advertiser Index Ambush Arms American Tactical Imports ATK - Blackhawk ATK - Savage Arms Barnes Bullets Inc BARSKA Black Hills Ammunition Browning CampCo9, Colt's Manufacturing Company Cor-Bon CZ-USA Daniel Defense Davidson's Del-Ton DoubleTap Ammunition European American Armoury GTUL Guncrafter Industries, LLC Jantz Supply Les Baer Custom,Inc. Major Surplus & Survival Mec-Gar Numrich Gun Parts Corporation Redfield Rio Grande Custom Grips Rock River Arms S&K Scope Mounts SCCY Industries Secure Medical Silencerco Sportsman's Guide Springfield Armory Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. ULTIMAK Umarex USA, Inc. WILSON COMBAT

81 41 23 91 31 3 39 51 89 2 29 67 19 5 69 97, 99 7 61 53, 97 62-63 33 21 29 98 45 97 61 97 37 97 11 97 75 100 43 59 98

The advertiser index is provided as a service to Gun World readers. Gun World is not responsible for omissions or typographical errors on names or page numbers.

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GW_1409_C3 6/30/14 2:34 AM Page C3

GW_1409_C4 6/30/14 2:37 AM Page C4

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