UN12 - 008 Magazine

U.S. $12.95

Featured Material

• Aero Precision M4E1 Builder Set • Inside Midwest Industries • 12-gauge AR & AK Shotguns • Setting Up a Precision Rifle • R700 Chassis & Stock Buyer’s Guide

Feature Firearm

2A Tactical LLC

Fett Blaster

Transport of Dangerous Goods Ammunition, such as for rifles, handguns, shotguns, starter’s pistols and power tools that contain explosive material are dangerous goods listed under Class 1.4S. The information presented here is for the following UN numbers only:

Customized Quentin Defense ARQ-15

Included

UN12 x Grey Ghost Precision Patch UN0012 / CARTRIDGES FOR WEAPONS, INERT PROJECTILE or CARTRIDGES, SMALL ARMS —

ISSUE

UN12mag.com

008

STAND OUT FROM STANDARD

L E A R N A B O U T A L L E VO S P M O D E L S AT K I M B E R A M E R I C A . C O M

W I T H T H E S T R I K E R - F I R E D E V O S P. P R E M I U M C A R R Y F I R E A R M S .

EVO SP (CDP)

EVO SP (TLE)

EVO SP (TWO-TONE)

EVO SP (STAINLESS RAPTOR)

RECOIL MITIGATING ALL METAL CONSTRUCTION

FNC FINISHED SLIDE AND BARREL 6-7LB TRIGGER

STEEL LEDGED TRITIUM U-NOTCH DAY/NIGHT SIGHT S

EVO SP (CUSTOM SHOP) AVA I L A B L E I N 9 M M

USER CONFIGURABLE GRIP SYSTEM

MADE IN AMERICA MADE IN A MERIC A

what all guns should be™ ©2019, KIMBER MFG., INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. INFORMATION AND SPECIFICATIONS ARE FOR REFERENCE ONLY AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

(888) 243-4522 KIMBERAMERICA.COM

86 Fett Blaster Firearm Feature

UN12 Issue 008

Table of Contents

36

64

106

134

Competition Shotguns Firearm Feature

BCA Pork Sword R700 Pistol Firearm Feature

Customized CZ 75 SP-01 Firearm Feature

Golden Triggr Awards General Feature

46 SilencerCo General Feature

52 Midwest Industries Shop Tour

58 Aero Precision M4E1 Builder Set Product Review

04

UN12 / Issue 008

74 Remington 700 Stock & Chassis Buyer’s Guide

94 Precision Shooting Basics General Feature

100 Tactical Walls VMod Product Review

116 Warrior Rituals— Load & Make Ready General Feature

122 GIBBZ Arms & Koted Arms Customization Feature

126 Personalized Knife Customization Feature

UN0012 / CARTRIDGES FOR WEAPONS, INERT PROJECTILE or CARTRIDGES, SMALL ARMS —

DISCLAIMERS: UN12 is created for MATURE AUDIENCES and may include adult language and humor. PRICES shown are deemed accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice. FIREARM SAFETY is paramount. Obey firearm safety rules at all times. UN12 assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information. The opinions expressed in each article are the opinions of its author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of UN12.

TOC

DEPENDABLE DEPENDABLE DEPENDABLE FOR FOR FORLIFE LIFE LIFE

UN0012 / CARTRIDGES FOR WEAPONS, INERT PROJECTILE or CARTRIDGES, SMALL ARMS —

18 Every Day Carry

Dept.

28 DISCOUNT DISCOUNT DISCOUNT CODE: CODE: CODE: UN12 UN12 UN12 20$ 20$ off 20$ off any off any order any order order of $150.00 of of $150.00 $150.00

08

130

Editor’s Letter

Shoot This Drill

10

137

New Products

Guns of IG

130

TNVC, TNVC, Inc. TNVC, and Inc.Inc. Night andand Night Goggles, Night Goggles, Goggles, Inc. warrants Inc.Inc. warrants warrants all TNV all TNV and all TNV NGI andand branded NGI NGI branded branded nightnight vision night vision devices vision devices devices assembled assembled assembled afterafter 31 after 31 31 December December December 20172017 (original 2017 (original (original warranty warranty warranty shallshall apply shall apply forapply products for products for products assembled assembled assembled priorprior to this prior to this date) to this date) fordate) the forlifetime the for the lifetime lifetime of the of the of the product product product and and guarantees and guarantees guarantees this this product this product product to betofree be to free from be free from manufacturing from manufacturing manufacturing defects defects defects in material in material in material and and workmanship and workmanship workmanship under under normal under normal use, normal use, anduse, and transferable and transferable transferable by the by owner the by the owner assuming owner assuming assuming that that thethat product the the product product otherwise otherwise otherwise still still fallsstill falls within falls within the within the the scope scope ofscope this of warranty. this of this warranty. warranty.

For complete For For complete complete warranty warranty warranty info info vistinfo https://tnvc.com/returns/ vistvist https://tnvc.com/returns/ https://tnvc.com/returns/

16 Morale Patch

26 Called Out

28 Do It Yourself: 1911 Safety Grip Installation

06

UN12 / Issue 008

WWW.WWW. TNVC WWW. TNVC .COM TNVC .COM.COM

© Copyright © Copyright ©2018, Copyright 2018, TNVC, 2018, TNVC, All Rights TNVC, All Rights Reserved All Rights Reserved Reserve

008

DEPT.

Editor’s Letter

Transport of Dangerous Goods Ammunition, such as for rifles, handguns, shotguns, starter’s pistols and power tools that contain explosive material are dangerous goods listed under Class 1.4S. The information presented here is for the following UN numbers only: UN0012 / CARTRIDGES FOR WEAPONS, INERT PROJECTILE or CARTRIDGES, SMALL ARMS

—

As we close out the second year of UN12’s existence, we

covers the guns and gear we all love, but also extends to

Publisher

find ourselves taking measure of what we’ve accomplished

the people who help create them. In that spirit, we sit down

Howard C Lim

and evaluating where we’re headed next. UN12’s

with Midwest Industries founder and co-owner Troy Storch

foundation is based on simple aesthetics, high-quality

to find out how he got his start and was able to parlay

Editors

photography, and entertaining articles that one can also

his personal love of shooting into a successful company.

The UN12 Creative Team

use to learn a thing or two. It is our mission to spotlight

Elsewhere, Charles “Chip” Lasky takes us on a journey into

innovative firearms and gear as well as the artisans,

the warrior mindset and gives us insight into what it means

craftsmen, and experts who both create and use it all.

to “load and make ready.” It’s an intense read that we’re

UN12 began as a passion project and remains as such.

As you might imagine, starting an independently published

sure will get your blood pumping.

Naturally, we love our gear, old and new, and we know

print magazine nowadays is a challenge. We couldn’t do it

you do too. Join us as we look at a selection of the very

without you, and we thank you for your continued support.

latest Remington 700 chassis and stock platforms, with a

Once again, in this issue we take an up-close look at a

few old favorites thrown into the mix. Which will you use

varied collection of customized

to upgrade your precision

firearms. To start, we visit Titan

shooting game? We also try

Ballistics, a team of guys who have competition coursing their veins, and check out a pair of AR- and AK-inspired 12-gauge shotguns. Both big sticks are tuned for fast-action Multigun competition shooting.

After that, we cruise over to peruse a custom Remington 700 based pistol build created on a chassis called the Pork

“UN12’s mission is to spotlight innovative firearms and gear as well as the artisans, craftsmen, and experts who create and use it all.”

Associate Editor Danny Chang danny@un12mag.com

Technical Editor Michael Penhall

Creative Direction James Ho, Jerry Tsai

out Tactical Walls’ new VMod

Art Director

vehicle-based storage system

James Ho

for enthusiasts on the move.

It may just inspire you to buy a new Jeep, stat.

This print issue’s included morale patch marks a collaborative effort between UN12, Grey Ghost Precision, and Aprilla Design. The

Contributors Martin Anders, Jay Canter, Nick Gough, Michael Grey, Charles Lasky, Jared Reston, Greg Schauble, John Scott, Chris Tran, Roland Wilkes, James York

Special Thanks Aristotle Bartolome, John Hwang, Bryan Robaina, Jeff Lai, Zach Mason, OC Armory

limited-production patch

Sword. The name had us

comes in two different

Copy Editor

hooked from the start.

colorways, one a bit scarcer

Frank Stroud

With a new TV series and motion picture in the offing,

than the other. Which color did you get? Like the magazine,

there’s a lot of Star Wars in the air lately—so we thought

our morale patches are made in small batches and will not

it only fitting that we get in on the action. We caught up

be reissued once they’re gone.

with Steve Gonos of 2A Tactical LLC for a detailed look at

As always, we’re looking for innovators and custom

our cover subject, his Boba Fett inspired PDW AR blaster.

guns and gear to feature. If you have a firearm or other

We think the mysterious Mandalorian himself would be

piece of equipment that you have customized, we want

pleased. Our final custom gun feature zeroes in on a

to know about it. Tag us @un12mag on Instagram if you

custom CZ 75 SP-01 that’s been re-imagined as a modern-

have something you think UN12 readers would like to see.

day “gentleman’s pistol.” We have a hunch that you’ve

Let’s continue to build UN12 together. Let us know what

never seen another quite like it before.

you think we got right or could do better in this issue on our

As we’ve mentioned time and again, UN12’s focus is on innovation, imagination, and creativity. This ideology

Facebook page at: /un12mag.

—The UN12 Creative Team

Advertising Sales Danny Chang

UN12 / Issue 008

The culmination of fifteen years of carbine stock innovation, with an optimized cheek weld, sleek on-board storage, a snag-free profile, shielded levers, ambidextrous sling attachments, a non-slip rubber butt pad, staggeringly impressive all-temperature durability, and geometry that helps you manage recoil and stay on target. All of Magpul’s best carbine stock features, available in one, optimized solution.

Ad Coordinator Frank Stroud

www.magpul.com

Printed in the USA 008-2019

08

THE MAGPUL SL-S STOCK.

© 2019 Magpul Industries Corporation. MAGPUL, MAGPUL LOGO & DESIGN, and others are trademarks of Magpul Industries Corp.

SOB Tactical MFQD B-Sling

DEPT.

New Products

Designed by a former Tier 1 operator and combat tested and proven for more than 10 years, the Sheriff of Baghdad B-Sling features quick adjustment capability with intuitive lanyard-based controls.

Quick to Shoot (Q2S) technology means the adjustable buckle remains in the same position regardless of how tight or loose the sling is, so you never have to take your eye off-target. The MFQD stands for movement-free quick detach, allowing you to quickly attach or release your sling and weapon while maintaining the B-Sling’s predictable, quick-to-shoot properties. $60 sobtactical.com

Mantis X10 Elite Shooting Performance System According to one satisfied customer, the Mantis shooting system is like a personal coach that gives instant feedback on your shot-taking abilities and lets you hone in on your weak points. The X10 does everything the foregoing X3 and X7 systems do in addition to recoil and holster draw analysis, dynamic shooting, and software support for all shooting sports—pistol, rifle, shotgun, airsoft, archery. Used in conjunction with a smart-device-based app, the X10 allows shooters to analyze their shooting practice in real time and focus on grip, trigger pull, and follow-through in either dry or live-fire situations.

511 Tactical LV10 Sling Pack 13L This pack is designed to keep your everyday carry anything but boring.

The interior is designed to keep you highly organized, with a concealment compartment, tablet sleeve, zippered pockets, and admin panel. The CCW compartment features a “hot pull” system for fast deployment, a loop panel, and a webbing system for your holster. The LV10’s over-the-shoulder design keeps your gear handy when you need it and it’s easy to swing out of the way and tote when you don’t. Total interior volume is 13 liters or 793 cubic inches.

$250 mantisx.com

Modlite OKW18650 Light Package The package includes an OKW light head, 18650 body, tail cap, and two KeepPower 3500mAh 18650 batteries with Nitecore D2 charger.

It’s best suited for situations where extreme throw is needed, such as long-distance nighttime shooting. The light features a 680-lumen output and, more importantly, luminous intensity of approximately 69,000 candela, so it’s able to project its output over a comparatively long distance. The light head features a 6061 Mil-Spec anodized aluminum bezel and an ultraclear Borofloat lens that allows nearly 100% light transmittance. $350 adventuremodlite.com

$110 511tactical.com

KNS Precision SnapFoot Quick Change Modular Bipod Kit

Trigger Fanatics One Step Solution

Combat Flip Flops The Floperator Zero Rise

This accessory system allows you to quickly swap the feet on your bipod sans tools to allow you to adapt to different shooting surfaces, environments, and situations. You can go from using standard rubber feet, to spikes for sand or wooden surfaces like barricades or fences, to KNS’s “posable” feet that allow easy, stable manipulation of your weapon. You also retain the option of using your bipod’s original rubber feet by using the included transition adapters to mount them. The kit includes two main adapters, two rubber foot transitions, two posable feet, two spikes, and the necessary roll pins and O-rings. Fits Harris, Magpul, and Atlas bipods.

This solvent is formulated as a quality, all-in-one cleaner, lubricant, and corrosion inhibitor for all the moving parts in your firearm. It’s designed to be effective in removing oils, dirt, copper, lead, and other contaminants while imparting a thin, non-greasy coating to surfaces on which it’s applied. It can also nourish, preserve, and protect wood and leather components like buttstocks, grips, holsters, scabbards, and slings. Contained in a 4-ounce spray bottle for easy application.

$75-$90 (depending on bipod)

$20

knsprecisioninc.com

triggerfanatics.com

Like the company says, they’re “bad for running, worse for fighting.” But Floperator footwear remains land, sea, and air compatible and helps reinforce the SOF mantra of “slow is smooth, smooth is fast.” The Zero Rise version features zero drop from heel to toe and is 10% lighter than the original, with combatboot rubber outsoles, injection-molded EVA arch support, and high-rubbercontent EVA midsoles. The upper is made from tubular nylon webbing and includes loop attachments for your favorite patches. A portion of each sale goes to charitable causes like schooling for Afghan children and veteran charities at home. Shown in black/coyote. $30 combatflipflops.com

10

UN12 / Issue 008

UN12mag.com

11

Bushnell Nitro 1800 Laser Rangefinder

Bastion Tactical Vest Koozie

The Nitro 1800 provides a ranging solution up to 800 yards out of the box and is upgradeable to over 2,000 yards. It’s engineered to pair with your smartphone or Kestrel device for simple setup and data input and allows you to configure ballistics, get holdovers, apply wind adjustment, and more. It connects with the Bushnell Ballistic app via Bluetooth.

The app lets you update or email range cards, set multiple target distances, and input environmental information, shot angles, and so on. The rangefinder ships with a durable carrying case, paracord and lanyard tether, instructions, and a handy quick-start guide.

Strictly tacticool but downright handy nonetheless, this molle-festooned tactical vest beverage koozie makes an ideal range-day companion. It can keep hot beverages hot and cold beverages cold and is sized to fit any 12- or 16-ounce can or bottle using the adjustable shoulder straps. It is constructed from tactical nylon so it’s just about as durable as your real vest, and it’s available in a wide variety of colors and camo patterns including black, brown, orange, OD green, and jungle, ACU, or desert digital patterns.

$350

$16

bushnell.com

bastiongear.com

Grey Ghost Precision GGP320 Slides GGP has released a line of aftermarket slides to support the SIG Sauer P320, the U.S. military’s latest contracted sidearm. Like GGP’s slides for Glock 17 and 19, the P320 slides offer features to improve both aesthetics and functionality, including enhanced grip serrations and an improved finish. There’s also an available optic cut option to support SIG’s Romeo1, along with cuts to accommodate the Trijicon RMR or Leupold Delta Point without using bulky adapters. These slides are available in a standard gray or black DLC finish, as well as a Cerakote FDE to match coyote tan grip modules used in M17 and M18 issued sidearms.

C

M

Y

CM

$419

MY

greyghostprecision.com

CY

CMY

K

Fortis Lower Enhancement Kit SLS Fifty Bundle This kit includes three of Fortis’s most popular items packaged together for a single price: the Lightweight Enhanced (LE) castle nut and end plate system, the SLS Fifty ambi safety selector, and an enhanced mag release button.

The LE castle nut/end plate combine to virtually eliminate the risk of the nut ever backing out.

The SLS Fifty selector is engineered using a patent-pending RidgeKey locking mechanism that secures the levers to the selector core in lieu of standard sockets/Torx screws. The mag release button installs in seconds for a nearinstantaneous upgrade for your rifle’s lower. $110 fortismfg.com

12

UN12 / Issue 008

UN12mag.com

13

HISTORY IN THE MAKING

B&T USA USW-320 Polymer Lower This polymer lower for the SIG Sauer P320 is designed to transform a full-size or compact pistol into a B&T USW-320 complete with integrated stock. All you need to do is transfer the trigger group, slide, and magazine release onto the new unit. The USW-320 mirrors the full-size P320’s footprint so 17-round (and bigger) magazines can be used. The company claims that with the integrated stock (which may also be folded away) accuracy and effective range can both be significantly improved. bt-ag.ch

MODEL 334 1985

SUREFIRE SETS THE BAR.

Kinetic Energy Tools Brass-Deflector This is a brass-catching alternative to block hot flying bullet casings. It has been tested on some of the toughest firearms and has proven effective for easily stopping ejected shotgun shells. There is no max capacity since it’s designed to direct spent brass directly beneath or next to your firearm for easy collection. The innovative design will not weigh you down during live-fire exercises and will not prompt overheating during intense sessions, promoting increased accuracy and safe shooting. $33 kineticenergytools.com

Nighthawk Custom Counselor It’s no secret that Nighthawk Custom crafts some of the finest 1911 pistols in the world, so the Counselor is in good company. It’s a 3.5-inch-barreled Officer Model built around a shortened, lightweight aluminum frame with aluminum MSH and grip safety. It features a new bobbed-concealment beavertail and hammer designed specifically for concealed carry. It also features Nighthawk’s patent-pending Flush-Fit magwell, which allows the Counselor to maintain an officer frame’s overall length with magwell included. A high undercut trigger guard accommodates most hand sizes and the G10 grip panels were engineered in concert with Railscales to be the thinnest available.

Caliber: 9mm Frame: Officer, aluminum Slide: Anodized stainless steel

X300

Barrel: 3.5 in.

Length:7.01 in.

Height: 5.12 in.

2019

Weight: 27.9 oz. $3,799

SETTING THE BAR. AGAIN.

nighthawkcustom.com

Enoch Industries Odin Chassis System This is billed as the ultimate in compact versatility for the Ruger 10/22 platform. Machined from 6061-T6 billet, it incorporates all current AR-15 attachment standards to give a similar level of functionality. It features a rear Picatinny attachment point that allows you to stabilize a pistol or rifle build without using a bulky receiver extension. It has M-Lok slots at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock, and at the chassis’ rear there are two 360-degree, anti-rotational steel QD points that let you run your favorite sling system.

The grip adapter closes the grip-to-trigger gap to keep transition to a minimum for a more enjoyable shooting experience. $195-$225 enoch-industries.com

THE STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE. In 1985 SureFire pioneered the pistol-mounted WeaponLight. Today the X300U is still the gold standard when your life is on the line. Our best-selling WeaponLight delivers 1,000 lumens of TIR lens-focused light for positive threat identification and features ambidextrous switching for intuitive activation. Light, rugged and engineered to win the fight, it is trusted by law enforcement and military personnel around the world. Anything else is on the wrong side of history.

SUREFIRE.COM

14

UN12 / Issue 008

UN12 x Grey Ghost Precision

DEPT.

Patch-08

The Favored Few

0640

Text by JAMES YORK

Concept art for this issue’s UN 12 x Grey Ghost Precision morale patch.

flair. We also have sentimental attachments

“GGP is always patch is made in a collaboration with Grey pushing the Ghost Precision (GGP), one of the most envelope, innovative firearm companies in the industry.

GGP is always pushing the envelope, whether whether they are they are developing a new rifle, a new pistol, developing a new or upgraded parts. Some of their most popular new products are their drop-in pistol slides. rifle, a new pistol, Not only are they engineered to increase a or upgraded parts.” pistol’s performance and capabilities, they

based on when, where, or from whom

look damned good.

Text by JERRY TSAI

H

ow many morale patches do you have in your collection? No matter if you’re

working on filling out your fifth wall-sized patch panel or if the morale patch that came with this issue of UN12 is your first, we all have our favorites.

With some patches it’s the artwork that we’re digging, while for others it’s comedic

we acquired a certain patch.

U

N12 and industry innovators go hand

in hand. That’s why this issue’s morale

GGP’s newest drop-in slide was created

without the use of bulky adapter plates. The slide is available in a gray or black DLC finish.

for SIG Sauer’s P320 platform. With the

In celebration of this important release,

ten list? We’d sure like to see them.

adoption of the P320 by the U.S. military

UN12 and GGP, in conjunction with Aprilla

Snap a shot of your favorite morale

along with many law enforcement agencies,

Design, have created an exclusive morale

patches and post them on Instagram.

trainers, and competition and recreational

patch that’s available in two collectible

[ UN12 ]

shooters, it made sense for GGP to create

colorways, one in black and the other in

an upgraded slide. The GGP320 slide offers

FDE. Which version you get? Aprilla Design’s

If you’ve been collecting UN12

enhanced aesthetic features, improved grip

distinctive morale patches are highly sought-

morale patches, show us your

serrations, and an improved coating without

after by morale patch collectors the world

collection by tagging us on

compromising function.

over, so hold on tight to yours.

Which patches would make your top

Instagram @un12mag.

GGP also added their hybrid MRDS optic

[ UN12 ]

cut as well as a third red dot cut option for the SIG Romeo1. The GGP320 slide allows

We’d like to know what your patch collection

you the option of using a Romeo1 as well

looks like! Show us by tagging us on Instagram

as a Trijicon RMR or Leupold DeltaPoint Pro

@un12mag.

ALWAYS A BOLD CHOICE Which folder goes with you today? With its utterly practical design and boldly eye-catching style, may we suggest the 0640 from ZT and Emerson? CPM 20CV blade steel. Titanium and carbon handle.

Manual open with thumb disk. See it in its full glory at ztknives.com 16

UN12 / Issue 008

Every Day Carry

Every Day Carry / 17

01 04

05

Text by GREG SCHAUBLE & UN12 STAFF Images by GREG SCHAUBLE & JERRY TSAI

W

hy is it so interesting to see what other

06

people carry with them in their pockets on a daily basis? When you see an EDC collection spread out on a table, do you compare its items with what you

07

carry? Do you look for items that are unfamiliar to you?

What can you tell about the person by what they carry?

We’d venture to guess that

03

08

all of the above keep people engaged in someone else’s setup. That, and the diverse selection of EDC gear

09

available. (It’s always fun to look at the latest gear.)

In this issue’s Every Day Carry, we examine EDC setups that have been

10

curated by two very different individuals. Some items can be called everyday staples, while others are much more unique. Do you see anything you’ll add to your EDC

02

11

loadout?

12

01

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

09

10

11

12

Pelican

Gerber

GemRed

Milwaukee

iGaging

Neiko

Steelex

Mitutoyo

Streamlight

Gerber

Govo Products

Kershaw

Ruck Case R60

Center-Drive Plus

82305 Digital Protractor

Digital Micrometer IP40

Impromptu Tactical Pen

MSRP: $22

MSRP: $68

MSRP: $77

pelican.com

gerbergear.com

gemred.com

MSRP: $23

MSRP: $12

Badge Holder-Wallet / RFID Blocking Card / T3 Lanyard

Launch 10

MSRP: $20

D3383 Precision Square, 4”

Stylus Pro COB Pen Light

MSRP: $125

01407A Electronic Digital Caliper

6” Steel Rule, 182-105

MSRP: $65

6ft / 2m Keychain Tape Measure

mitutoyo.com

streamlight.com

gerbergear.com

amazon.com

amazon.com

MSRP: $4 milwaukeetool.com

MSRP: $39 igaging.com

MSRP: $40 (holder) / $9 (card)/ $7 (lanyard)

MSRP: $150 kershaw.kaiusaltd.com

govoproducts.com

18

UN12 / Issue 008

UN12mag.com

19

17

Premium EDC Items Govo Products Badge Holder MSRP: $40 (holder) / $9 (card) / $7 (lanyard) URL: govoproducts.com Our 2¢: If you work in a secure facility, you know that not having your ID badge with you means being locked out. Govo’s badge holder doubles as a wallet and is available in polycarbonate, aluminum, and titanium. We paired it up with Govo’s T3 lanyard, which is made of 6mm round cord. It’s comfortable to wear and will not become sticky on your skin. We also increased our protection with their RFID blocking card. A single RFID blocking card can protect cards placed on both sides—no sandwiching required.

Streamlight Stylus Pro COB Pen Light

MSRP: $68 URL: streamlight.com Our 2¢: This versatile rechargeable pocket flashlight is great for those who work with their hands. The compact light is shaped and sized like a pen and packs a powerfully bright 160-lumen light. It comes with a pocket clip for stowage and hands-free use. A magnet in the base makes it even more useful. We really like that the Stylus Pro’s light is even defused, so it is not overly harsh on the eyes or on the surfaces it lights up.

MI Combat Rifle Sights

Mitutoyo 6” Steel Rule, 182-105

MSRP: $22 URL: mitutoyo.com Our 2¢: Made of tempered stainless steel, Mitutoyo’s ruler may be the last six-inch ruler you own. Its 3/64-inch thickness gives it a sturdy feel and a satin chrome finish allows its markings to be clearly read. For ease of use and precision measurements, the ruler shows fractional increments in both 32nds and 64ths of an inch. Made in the USA.

◆ Featuring dual locking detent springs for added reliability and crisp positioning ◆ Ordnance grade phosphate finished steel and hard coat anodized 6061 aluminum ◆ 100% made in the U.S.A. with Midwest Industries Lifetime Warranty

Combat Rifle Front Sight

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .#MI-CRS-F Retail ◆ Low profile .437” when folded down, flips up to Mil-Spec sight height ◆ Uses standard A2 front sight post, 1.5 MOA per click adjustments

$84.95

Combat Rifle Rear Sight

$84.95

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .#MI-CRS-R Retail ◆ Low profile .388” centerline when folded down, flips up to Mil-Spec sight height ◆ Intermediate aperture for long-range precision and close range rapid engagement ◆ 1 click equals .50 MOA for 20 inch rifle; 1 click equals .65 MOA for 16 inch Carbine

MI Combat Sight Set ◆ Includes Combat Rifle Front and Rear Sight, and A2 Front Sight Tool #MI-A2ST . . .#MI-CRS-Set Retail $159.95

MI Combat Rifle Sights

45 Degree Offset

Ambidextrous design works on right side or left side of the rifle Dual locking detent springs for added reliability and crisp positioning Ordnance grade phosphate finished steel and hard coated 6061 aluminum 100% made in the U.S.A. with Midwest Industries Lifetime Warranty 45 Degree Offset Front Sight features: Uses standard A2 front sight post, 1.5 MOA per click adjustments, weighs 1.8 ounces ◆ 45 Degree Offset Rear Sight features: Super low profile with intermediate aperture for long-range precision and close-range rapid engagement; 1 click equals .50 MOA for 20 inch rifle; 1 click equals .65 MOA for 16 inch Carbine, weighs 1.6 ounces

◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆

Combat Rifle Sight Set - 45 Degree Offset - Includes A2 Front Sight Tool #MI-A2ST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .#MI-CRS-OSS

MI Combat Rifle Fixed Offset Sight Set ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆

e

UN12 / Issue 008

e

MSRP: $125 URL: gerbergear.com Our 2¢: For the truly prepared, it’s not a case of if you carry a mutli-tool, but which one you carry. CenterDrive Plus includes plenty of general-use tools for repairs and maintenance—and then some. Its driver is designed to align like a dedicated screwdriver, allowing you the torque and rotation you’re accustomed to. The full-sized tools really stand out, as do its useful scissors and leather sheath.

Typ

MSRP: $65 URL: pelican.com Our 2¢: Widely used by military personnel and explorers alike, Pelican hard cases are durable and keep the elements out. The Ruck Case scales down the size but not the functionality. The R60 includes a rigid divider tray and a snap-in lid organizer. It is IP68 rated for protection from water, dirt, snow, and dust, and a built-in pressure valve balances internal air pressure.

HK

MSRP: $150 URL: kershaw.kaiusaltd.com Our 2¢: A small knife isn’t any less useful than a large one. Some situations require a smaller blade for delicate tasks. Launch 10 is an automatically deployed knife with a CPM 154 steel curved blade refined with a stonewashed finish. The blade curves downward while the lightweight anodized aluminum handle sweeps up, providing a secure grip for detailed work.

e

Gerber Center-Drive Plus

Typ

Pelican Ruck Case R60

A2

20

Kershaw Launch 10

Combat Fixed Front Sight, A2 Type . . . . . #MI-CFFS Retail $59.95 Combat Fixed Front Sight, HK Type . #MI-CFFS-HK Retail $59.95

pe

HK Ty

Sight Set with A2 Style Front Sight - Includes A2 Front Sight Tool #MI-A2ST . . . . . . . . . . . . . .#MI-CRS-FOSS-A2 Sight Set with HK Style Front Sight - Includes A2 Front Sight Tool #MI-A2ST . . . . . . . . . . . . .#MI-CRS-FOSS-HK

◆ Rugged lightweight design, weighs 1.1 ounces ◆ Machined to A2 or HK type front sight profile ◆ Ambidextrous design works on right side or left side of the rifle ◆ Billet machined from 6061 T6 aluminum, hard coat anodized ◆ Uses standard A2 front sight post ◆ Easy install on a mil-std 1913 rail, for same plane rail systems ◆ 100% made in the U.S.A. with MI Lifetime Warranty

$179.95

A2 Typ

Ambidextrous design works on right side or left side of the rifle Low profile clamp, same height as traditional sights at 45° angle Do not have to move your head when transitioning to backups Hard coat anodized 6061 aluminum, set weight 3.8 ounces 100% made in the U.S.A. with Midwest Industries Lifetime Warranty Front Sight features: Uses standard A2 front sight post, 1.5 MOA per click adjustments Rear Sight features: Standard A2 aperure; 1 click equals .50 MOA for 20 inch rifle; 1 click equals .65 MOA for 16 inch Carbine

MI Combat Fixed Front Sights

Retail

Retail Retail

$179.95 $179.95

MI Combat Back Up Iron Sight ◆ Rugged lightweight design, weighs 1.9 ounces ◆ Standard A2 dual rear aperture fully protected for extreme use ◆ Flush windage knob easily adjusted with a bullet tip ◆ 1 click equals .50 MOA for 20 inch rifle; 1 click equals .65 MOA for 16 inch Carbine ◆ Billet machined from 6061 T6 aluminum, hard coat anodized ◆ Easy install on a mil-std 1913 rail, for same plane rail systems ◆ 100% made in the U.S.A. with MI Lifetime Warranty

Combat Back Up Iron Sight . . . . . . . . #MI-CBUIS Retail $69.95

W292S4498 Hillside Rd, Waukesha, WI 53189 ◆ Tel: 262-896-6780, Fax: 262-896-6756 ◆ www.midwestindustriesinc.com

DEPT.

Every Day Carry / 18 06

05 01 02

01

05

03

Grim Survival

Tale of Knives Keypster

Everyday Carry Multi Tool Wallet

MSRP: $48

MSRP: $35

taleofknives.com

grimworkshop.com

02

06

SOG

Grim Survival

PowerLock EOD Multi Tool

Everyday Carry Tool Roll

MSRP: $91

MSRP: $70

sogknives.com

grimworkshop.com

07

03 AVI-8

07

04

Spyderco Para Military 2 Knife

Hawker Harrier II Watch Matador Chrono

MSRP: $236

MSRP: $330

spyderco.com

avi8-nation.com

08

04 09

Lipsey’s Guns / Vickers Tactical

10

Okluma DC1 Flashlight MSRP: $299-$499

Lipsey’s / Vickers Tactical Collab. Glock 19 Gen 3

okluma.com

MSRP: Gen 4 version starts at $729

09

lipseysguns.com Shown with Tru Glo TFX Fiber Optic & Tritium Sights (truglo.com), Talon Grips (talongungrips.com)

Aion Innovation Triune Pen MSRP: $75

08

aioninnovation.com

10 Rite in the Rain Notebook #735 MSRP: $4 riteintherain.com

22

UN12 / Issue 008

UN12mag.com

23

18

Premium EDC Items SOG PowerLock EOD Multi Tool MSRP: $91 URL: sogknives.com Our 2¢: We couldn’t believe the leverage these pliers deliver. The SOG Powerlock tool utilizes SOG’s proprietary Compound Leverage Technology to generate twice the leverage as other multi-tools. It features one-handed opening and 18 essential tools. The Powerlock has a durable black oxide coating and all tools lock into position when opened.

Spyderco Para Military 2 Knife

MSRP: $236 URL: spyderco.com Our 2¢: A high-quality knife is a must-have for any EDC kit and the Spyderco Para Military 2 certainly fits the bill. Opening and closing action is incredibly smooth thanks to Spyderco’s Bushing Pivot System. The G10 textured handles provide a secure grip and the CPM S30V full flat-ground blade was razor sharp out of the box. The knife has a four-way pocket clip that allows for tip-up, tip-down, left-handed and right-handed carry.

Aion Innovation Triune Pen

MSRP: $75 URL: aioninnovation.com Our 2¢: We were very impressed by the versatility this pen delivers. It’s not only a high-quality writing instrument that integrates a replaceable Fisher Space Pen cartridge. It also features a glass breaker tip and the capability to create fire: The durable aircraft-grade aluminum body contains a fire piston that when combined with the included char cloth material will create a burning ember.

INTRODUCING THE NEW

MAG-EX²

STUFF 40 ROUNDS OF 9MM, 33 ROUNDS OF 10MM, AND 30 ROUNDS OF .45 ACP INTO YOUR FACTORY STANDARD GLOCK® MAGAZINES WITH THE KRISS MAG-EX2.

24

Okluma DC1 Flashlight

Tale of Knives Keypster

MSRP: $299-499 URL: okluma.com Our 2¢: The Okluma DC1 is made in Oklahoma, USA with attention to detail and quality being paramount. The DC1 is available in aluminum, titanium, or copper finishes and features an ultra-reliable McClicky switch, 800 lumens on high-output, and a lifetime, no-questions-asked warranty. It has a heavy-duty pocket clip and ships with a rechargeable battery.

MSRP: $48 URL: taleofknives.com Our 2¢: This handcrafted, full-grain American tanned leather belt loop is made using traditional methods by a family-owned small business. It’s crafted of firm but flexible leather and available with matte black or antique brass hardware with a solid iron snap closure. It fit our average-sized key rings without any issues.

Sized to fit belts up to 1.5 inches wide.

UN12 / Issue 008

Grim Survival Everyday Carry Tool Roll MSRP: $70 URL: grimworkshop.com Our 2¢: Keeping small essential pieces of gear organized can be a challenge. Constructed of 100% soft yet durable buffalo leather, the Tool Roll is designed to store and carry just about anything.

Eighteen elastic bands and two dozen pockets keep your gear secured while you’re on the move.

AVAILABLE AS A KI T OR COMPLETE MAGAZINE

SHOP NOW AT STORE.KRISS-USA.COM USE

CODE

"UN12MAG"

FOR

15%

OFF

“GLOCK®” IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF GLOCK HEALTH, SCIENCE AND RESEARCH GMBH LLC AUSTRIA. KRISS USA IS NOT AFFILIATED IN ANY M A N N E R W I T H , O R O T H E R W I S E E N D O R S E D B Y, G L O C K . T H E U S E O F “ G L O C K ® ” I S M E R E LY T O R E F E R E N C E C O M PAT I B I L I T Y.

DEPT.

Called Out

Backplate Killer Innovations Model: Velocity Glock Backplate

Red Dot

Trigger

Sights

Trijicon

Killer Innovations

KNS Precision

Model: RMR RM07 Type 1

Model: Velocity Glock Trigger

MSRP: $699 (Type 2)

MSRP: $130

Model: SwitchSight Folding Sights

trijicon.com

killer-innovations.com

Compensator

MSRP: $149

Killer Innovations

knsprecisioninc.com

Model: Velocity Glock Compensator MSRP: $110

MSRP: $22

killer-innovations.com

killer-innovations.com

Framework High Speed Arms Model: C3 MSRP: $300 highspeedarms.com

Light SureFire Model: XH30 MSRP: $299 surefire.com

Killer Innovations Glock 17

A

s customized guns become the

such as Killer Innovations have taken

norm, it’s now commonplace for

notice. They have developed drop-in

an enthusiast to send firearm parts out for

parts for Glock pistols that can give you

craftsmen and specialists to work their

the custom-designed look and improved

magic. Slides are machined, barrels are

functionality but with off-the-shelf, ready-

fitted and coated, frames are stippled. If

to-ship components. Instead of waiting

you’re a patient person, you know all too

months for your parts to arrive, you’re now

well that you can’t rush greatness. But if

looking at days.

you’re the impatient type, like I am, you want greatness now.

If you want to build a custom pistol

Except for the stippled frame, the pistol

Model: Velocity Glock Slide

parts that required no waitlisting. Let’s take

MSRP: $472-$482

a look at the ready-to-go parts that help

Text by JOHN SCOTT

waitlist, you’re in luck. As custom work

change up a standard humdrum Glock 17

Images by MICHAEL GREY

becomes further in demand, companies

to this highly customized piece.

Magwell

Mag Extension

Killer Innovations

Killer Innovations

Model: Velocity Glock Magwell

Model: Velocity Glock Mag Extension

MSRP: $100

MSRP: $52

killer-innovations.com

killer-innovations.com

UN12 / Issue 008

Killer Innovations

you see here is built using off-the-shelf

without having to sit on a customizer’s

26

Slide

killer-innovations.com

UN12mag.com

27

DEPT.

Do It Yourself

Text by JASON DAVIS Images by JERRY TSAI & DANNY CHANG

1911 Grip Safety Installation

f you are a fan of the 1911, or Government

1911 parts by installing and fitting a Wilson Combat

serialized paperweight. That’s not necessarily the

Model pistol, you pretty much know that there is

Beavertail Grip Safety onto a Colt Series 70 1911. It

case, so give yourself more credit! When taking on

nothing “drop-in” about it. Sure, from the factory these

wasn’t hard to do, but required some patience. We

this DIY, give yourself time, work with your files, and

guns look like they can be mass-produced, and some

were able to complete the job over a few hours on

in a few hours you’ll have a nicely cut frame and can

of them actually are. But if you are a 1911 enthusiast,

a Friday evening. With all of the items ordered from

now add your new grip safety.

you know just about every replacement part for the

Brownells, we just needed a little bit of elbow grease,

With the 1911 fitting jig, most of the guesswork is

pistol requires some type of fitting. This is not to say

the right files, and a few other small items that can be

taken out of the process by properly seating the jig in

that if you want to change out a part or two you have to

found at the local hardware store.

the frame, securing it, and then getting to work. The

I

find a machine shop or a competent gunsmith to do

Any cutting of a frame might seem like a massive

Wilson Combat Beavertail Grip Safety

Sandpaper (various grits up to 600)

Wilson Combat 1911 Beavertail Fitting Jig

Markers

Metal files

Rubber bands Bench vise

fitting jig is made of hardened tool steel and your files

your work. Actually, quite a bit of work on these pistols

undertaking, especially since the frame is the

will not cut it. What it will do is allow you to get very

can be done in a do-it-yourself fashion.

serialized part of your weapon. You might think that

close to the needed 0.250-inch radius for a properly

if you screw up, that’s it; you now have yourself a

fit grip safety.

We took it upon ourselves to demystify the fitting of

What’s Needed

Disclaimer: Always take safety precautions when working with tools or other dangerous goods. This DIY should be done at your own risk. Verify your results with a certified gunsmith prior to using the final product.

28

UN12 / Issue 008

UN12mag.com

29

START

DIY: 1911 Grip Safety Installation

01 DISASSEMBLY

02 SET UP THE JIG

The first step is to disassemble the

In the small tool shop I have

1911 down to its frame. You can leave

at my disposal I was able to

the trigger and magazine release

set the 1911 frame in a bench

in place. Be sure that the pistol is

vise. The jig is quite simple

unloaded before beginning and follow your pistol’s owner’s manual for proper disassembly procedures.

03 MEASURING UP

to secure through the use of the pins built into it and the supplied screw.

04 ROUGH FILING

Once the jig is on the frame you can

With the frame secured in the vise,

see how much frame material needs

I started working from right to left

to be filed down. Using the jig as a

and always did my best to keep the

reference point, I used a pin punch

file level and straight. This helped in

to scribe the area that will need to be

not having to work one side against

filed. This step is optional; I marked it

the other. It also took off even

just to visualize how much material I would be taking off.

amounts of steel each time the file swiped past the frame. Little by little I was seeing the radiused contour starting to look like it would begin to accept the grip safety. Using the bastard, or rough, file and following the outline of the hardened tool steel jig, my 0.250-inch radius slowly came together.

30

UN12 / Issue 008

START

DIY: 1911 Grip Safety Installation

05 REFINING THE SHAPE

06 CHECKING FITMENT

As I got closer to the needed radius I began using a second, finer file to

Here I started taking the jig off and placing the Beavertail grip safety

cut the steel. Again, working straight and level allowed my finer swipes

into the frame. This allowed me to check the hole where the thumb

to follow the jig perfectly. Remember to work slowly—it’s always easier to take material off than to add it back on. A handy tip is to use

safety enters the frame and passes through the grip safety. As more steel came off, the holes in the frame and safety started to align.

a marker to mark the safety where it contacts the frame. This is a good

From time to time I would place a safety into the frame to see how

way to see which areas of the frame are making contact. Marker ink on

close it was to passing all the way through. A rubber band will help

the safety will leave telltale signs on the frame if it’s making contact.

07 FINE FILING I used a fine round file to take the little bit of excess steel off the top portion of the frame. This allows for the grip safety to be in the resting position when your hand is not on the pistol.

After about two and a half hours of working I finally had a good fit.

FINISH

keep the safety in the frame for quick reference.

08 CLEANING UP When the beavertail fit into the frame and the thumb safety passed through perfectly, I started using different grits of sandpaper to take out some of the filing marks. In about another 20 to 30 minutes I was happy with the results.

09 REASSEMBLY & SAFETY CHECK Once the thumb and grip safeties fit together, it was time to reassemble and make sure everything worked. While there are areas on the underside of the grip safety that should be fitted to the other internals, I simply checked the 1911 with a function test. Everything worked once it was put back together. With the thumb safety down and the grip safety not depressed, the trigger would not function.

Once the grip safety was depressed, I had the hammer down with a squeeze of the trigger. Not bad for three hours of work.

CONCLUSION Before this pistol goes into the inventory or gets placed out in the field, I will fit the internals and make sure I have a nice trigger pull. That will take a little more filing, polishing, and a bit more time, but that’s best left for another article. This DIY project was quite fun and did not break the bank with parts and tools. Good luck! [ UN12 ]

32

UN12 / Issue 008

: : Purpose-modified for Multigun competition : : Magazine-fed shotguns : : Chambered for 12 ga.

Text by MARTIN ANDERS Images by JERRY TSAI

“We came across a pair of semi-auto shotguns used for competition; one look and we knew further investigation was in order.”

36

UN12 / Issue 008

ompetitio hotguns

FEATURE

UN12mag.com

37

FEATURE

To get the VR80 to perform at competitive levels,

f we had to use a single word to

out their shop and learn about their competition

describe the guys at Titan Ballistics, the

exploits. It was during this visit that we came

the team at Titan improved it in a few key areas, the

word would most certainly be “competitive.”

across a pair of semi-auto competition shotguns

first of which was modifying its recoil management

If we had the chance to add a second word,

that piqued our interest. Just one look and we

system. The Titan team tuned the system to allow

that word would undoubtedly be “meticulous.”

knew that further investigation was in order.

it to run low-velocity shotgun ammo reliably. They

I

Based in Irvine, California, Titan Ballistics

These shotguns, one based loosely on an AR

also added an offset timed compensator to allow

is staffed by shooters who live and breathe

and the other on an AK, are used for Multigun

gases to escape in a balanced manner when

competition shooting. The company produces

competitions and have been groomed to be quick,

shooting slugs.

its own line of firearms, including pistol-caliber

smooth, and reliable shooters. The AR-style

carbines as well as small- and large-frame ARs.

shotgun started out as a Rock Island Armory

of the trigger, which reduced it from a eight-pound

A big difference-maker was also the modification

As impressive as their guns may be, their

VR80. Described as a “Lean, Mean, Customizable

pull to a three-and-a-half-pound pull. The trigger

real bread and butter is their line of fine-tuned

Machine,” by its manufacturer, in the hands of Titan

pull reduction makes steadier rapid fire and double

ammunition. The team believes that matches

the VR80 certainly lives up to that description—and

taps possible. “After the Titan tuning package

are won and lost based on the quality of

then some.

is installed, the VR80 becomes a very serious

The Titan Ballistics version of the VR80 was

game-changing contender in the Open Division for

their unrelenting attention to detail, creating

purpose-built and outfitted to compete in Open

Multigun because of its fast cyclical rate, as well as

the perfect loads for their top-ranked clientele

Division Multigun matches. Although the semi-

its magazine capacity,” Pak reveals.

wouldn’t be possible.

auto, 12-gauge VR80 may resemble an AR, Tim

ammunition the competitor is fielding. Without

The 18-inch-barreled VR80 was topped off with

Pak of Titan Ballistics found that its looks are only

an EOTech EXPS2 holographic sight for quick

rounds before a major match, each individual

skin deep. “This gun was a brand-new platform,

target acquisition. At the rear, a Magpul UBR

round is still measured, weighed, and triple-

so a lot of the parts had to be prototyped to

stock was installed for stability. To give the

checked to ensure that it is perfectly made.

allow it to run to our standards,” he says of the

shotgun a bit of personality, a Titan

Even after loading tens of thousands of

They say in the split-second world of competitive shooting, any ammo-related malfunction could be the determining factor between winning and losing a match.

Split seconds spent on ammo trouble can’t be made up.

We recently visited Titan to

build. “Additionally, the gun takes all proprietary hardware, meaning even something as simple as trigger pins had to be constructed from scratch.”

Ballistics Cerakote job was applied inhouse.

“A lot of the VR80 parts had to be prototyped; things as simple as trigger pins were constructed from scratch.”

01

03

The VR80 build was topped off with an EOTech EXPS2 holographic sight for quick target acquisition.

The offset timed compensator allows gases to escape in a balanced manner when shooting slugs.

01

02 An oversized magwell flare helps with quick magazine changes on the fly.

check

02 03 38

UN12 / Issue 008

UN12mag.com

39

01

FEATURE

As handsome as the Titan Ballistics version of the VR80 looks, it had heavy competition for our attention from its brother from another mother, the AK-style shotgun lying right beside it. Built for the same competitive purpose as the VR80, the AK-style 12-gauge is similar yet different in many respects.

Based on a Dissident Arms KL-12, the shotgun is in turn based on a VEPR-12, but is heavily modified for competitive use. VEPR-12 is a detachable-magazine shotgun produced in Russia by Molot-Oruzhie Ltd. It features an AK-pattern operating system and is built on the heavier RPK receiver.

03 01

03

The VEPR-12, on which the modded KL-12 is based, is a magazinefed platform built around a heavy RPK receiver.

The KL-12, nicknamed Sputnik, features a 14-inch barrel and low-velocity, low-recoil tuning.

02

04

Helping keep weight down for competitive use, the optic on the KL-12 is a diminutive Leupold DeltaPoint red dot.

The rear of the KL-12 is fitted with a skeletonized XLR stock to help further reduce weight.

The upgraded Dissident Arms KL-12 comes in an array of variations, each of which could be the star of its own UN12 feature story. The Titan Ballistics guys modified their KL-12 to suit their shooting style and to increase its reliability when running their ammo. They’ve named it Sputnik.

02

04

Of the KL-12, the Titan team says: “Dissident Arms does a fantastic job of taking a VEPR and pushing it to the max. We really only had to fine-tune the piston system to get it to run with low-velocity ammunition, which allows us to achieve faster follow-up shots.” The one complaint we’ve heard about the platform was its rough-around-the-edges nature, common with Russianbuilt firearms. The Titan guys had to hand-tune all its moving parts to allow for match-grade repeatability.

Once that was done, however, they had themselves one high-performance machine.

Sputnik features features low-recoil, low-velocity tuning performed by Titan that allows for lowervelocity, softer-shooting 12-gauge shells to cycle.

This allows for quick shots, which is critical for timed competition shooting. Like the VR80, the KL-12 also sports a custom Cerakote job done at Titan in a brandappropriate scheme.

“The KL-12 is based on a Russian VEPR-12 and features an AK-pattern operating system.”

40

UN12 / Issue 008

UN12mag.com

41

FEATURE

Neither the VR80 nor the KL-12 are small guns. Remember, they aren’t firing rifle rounds, but 12-gauge shells. We’ve handled and fired our fair share of magazine-fed 12-gauges, including Saiga 12s and the like, and it’s safe to say that we were delighted to find out that both shotguns are surprisingly lightweight for what they are.

As configured, the VR80 weighs 7 pounds and the KL-12 only seven and a half. Some of Sputnik’s weight savings are thanks to ultralightweight accessories such as a diminutive Leupold DeltaPoint red dot optic. It is also fitted with an XLR stock, which we’re sure helped shave a few ounces.

Both shotguns look as though they perform like beasts on the competition circuit. With meticulous fine-tuning and competition-based custom parts created by Titan Ballistics to suit their shooters, both the customized VR80 and KL-12 are sure to be forces to be reckoned with on the competition circuit. Which of the pair would you choose to shoot a stage? [ UN12 ]

01 The AR-styled Rock Island Armory VR80 is fed by a modified RIA magazine.

02 The AK-styled Dissident Arms KL-12 is fed by an SGM Tactical polymer magazine.

42

UN12 / Issue 008

UN12mag.com

Titan Ballistics / RIA VR80 Specifications Caliber: 12 ga.

Overall Length: 40 in. (approx.)

Barrel: 18 in.

Weight Unloaded: 7 lbs Coating: Cerakote by Titan Ballistics

Featured Accessories Optic: EOTech EXPS2 Buttstock: Magpul UBR Magazine: Rock Island Armory (modified)

Titan Ballistics / Dissident Arms KL-12 Specifications Caliber: 12 ga.

Overall Length: 38 in. (approx.)

Weight Unloaded: 7 lbs, 8 oz.

Coating: Cerakote by Titan Ballistics

Featured Accessories Optic: Leupold DeltaPoint Optic Mount: Titan Ballistics Custom Height Riser Buttstock: XLR Stock Magazine: SGM Tactical VEPR-12

About the Owners Name: Titan Ballistics

“With meticulous fine-tuning and custom competition parts, each is a force to be reckoned with.”

IG: @TitanBallistics FB: @TitanBallistics Occupation: World-class manufacturer of firearms and ammunition.

Special Thanks: Rock Island Armory for creating such a great platform for us competition shooters to excel with.

Dissident Arms for creating such a fantastic platform for us to use in the Open Division at Multigun.

UN0012 / CARTRIDGES FOR WEAPONS, INERT PROJECTILE or CARTRIDGES, SMALL ARMS —

44

UN12 / Issue 008

UN12mag.com

45

ADVENTURE : : Behind-the-scenes look at production processes : : Examining two updated products, two all-new products

Silencerco

: : Dedicated range time and exclusive first impressions

Fighting the Noise Text & Images by CHRIS TRAN

S

ilencerco started from humble beginnings with two guys, an idea,

and some space in a garage in 2008. In just one year the company moved into an old bread factory and expanded even further into adjacent space in 2014. A household name among enthusiasts, Silencerco now commands a strong portion of the suppressor market with high-quality, innovative products to “Fight the Noise.”

We had the opportunity to tour Silencerco’s factory and learned quite a bit about the operation, production processes, and a few new reconfigured and all-new products for the fourth quarter of 2019.

THE TOUR Located in West Valley, Utah, Silencerco’s factory is great example of well-thoughtout production paired with efficient technology. The efficiency of a production line depends on several variables, including supply and inventory and the number of machines and their inherent production capacity. The level of training and ethos of the work staff is yet another.

The company is dedicated to eking out as much efficiency as possible, to the point where individual machines, and even downtime, are tracked in real time.

Approximately 90% of all automated processes are tracked, and an even higher percentage is anticipated in the future.

Even the term “downtime” is a bit of a misnomer, as it pertains to quality checks, cleaning, insert checks, and diagnostics rather than machines simply being out of service. Downtime relates to overall efficiency, and it’s important that downtime is used effectively to keep the multiple product fabrication processes moving forward. This enables continual

46

UN12 / Issue 008

UN12mag.com

47

01

01

Several different suppressor models shown drying in the Cerakote room.

02

A cross-section example of the baffles welded together inside a Silencerco suppressor.

03

Suppressor baffles are precisely welded together and undergo several finishing processes afterwards.

04

All processes are performed in-house, from design and prototyping to final finishing.

05

05

The author takes aim with the new non-NFA Maxim 9.

06

The non-NFA Maxim 9 is still a work in progress and anticipated to be released in 2020.

improvement based on objective

behind suppressor fabrication is

serialized laser engraving process

series suppressors. The new model

benchmark reports.

incredible. The suppressor baffle

for the controlled items and start

is full-auto-rated for 9mm, .45 ACP,

02

materials—in this case stamped

on required government forms

and 300 BLK subsonic variants. With

run the length of the factory, each

Stellite and Inconel—have to be of

while controlled items are still being

17-4 baffles, it is user-serviceable

churning out multiple parts and in

the utmost quality, and the assembly,

completed, thus tracking in-progress

and comes with an anticipated $625

some cases multiple processes

welding, and finishing processes

builds for already-committed inventory.

and $699 MSRP for the 9mm and .45

or parts at a time. Each machine

have to be literally perfect. Baffles

is closely monitored not only by

are stamped at the rate of 24 per

UPDATES AND NEW RELEASES

cloud-based technologies, but

cut. Once the baffles are deburred,

After the tour we learned about two

also the watchful eyes of skilled

finished, and tumbled, they’re

enhanced Silencerco products and

Omega 36M, a modular, two-piece

technicians. Machines are dedicated

welded together. After this process

two new releases.

suppressor that can be mounted in

to the fabrication of Silencerco’s various

is complete, it’s crucial that the

ASR (Active Spring Retention) muzzle

suppressor is 100% concentric, as

devices. The machines are able to crank

small variances can occur during

out 90 brakes in just over two hours. The

Multiple bays of CNC machines

First was an enhanced version of

a Stellite blast baffle followed by

Silencerco has reconfigured the

Inconel baffles. The front module is

devices go through a four-step finishing

centered first and all else follows.

design in aluminum. The Sparrow 22

also fully welded and fabricated out

process that includes bead-blasting,

Once the mount is true, the end cap is

Aluminum boasts the same sound

of heat-treated 17-4.

anodizing, Cerakote, and black oxide for

trued concentric to the mount itself.

reduction ratings, but weighs just

certain models.

The final bore diameter is wire EDM’d

3.5 ounces versus the 6.5-ounce

Omega’s versatility. It is rated for use

03

04

to achieve the final bore diameter,

original. The new aluminum Sparrow

on 9mm pistols and subguns all the

ensuring that no wayward material is

is .22 full-auto-rated, and 17HMR/.22

way up to magnum rifle rounds such

finishing of various Silencerco muzzle

present and to minimize the possibility

Mag rifle-rated. Its target MSRP is

as .338 Lapua. The stated sound

devices, we moved on to the meat of

of a baffle strike.

$379 with an anticipated street price

suppression in short configuration

of around $300. Next up was the

surpasses sound reduction of the

cosmetically updated Octane 9/45

current Omega 9K, and sound

48

UN12 / Issue 008

07

08

The most impressive feature is the

dedicated to the cutting, milling, and

system in which they initiate their

06

short and long configurations. The

the welding process. The mount is

themselves. The execution of steps

A visual comparison of the Omega 36M next to a legacy Harvester 338.

The first new product was the new

rear core is fully welded and features

Silencerco utilizes a distribution

08

price of $500/$550.

was a stainless steel configuration.

the tour—fabrication of the suppressors

The Omega 36M is a modular suppressor that can suppress 9mm and subgun hosts all the way up to .338 Lapua.

ACP models, respectively, and street

the popular Sparrow 22. The original

After we saw the section of the factory

07

UN12mag.com

49

Other rifles would give their right arm to be ambidextrous™.

UIC MOD-2

suppression of sub-140dB at the shooter’s ear up to .338 Lapua in both short

RANGE TIME

and long configurations.

We traveled to a private range to get some hands-on experience with the

The Omega 36M is compatible with all Silencerco Charlie mounting systems

new suppressors, as well as to re-acquaint ourselves with some other

and can be used on existing ASR, direct-thread, three-lug, and piston-

products. The new suppressors work exactly as advertised. The real

housing mounting systems. The complete suppressor package includes both

standout was the new Omega 36M. Comfortably shooting .338 Lapua

suppressor modules, a toolless 9mm front cap, Charlie piston mount, a 5/8-inch

without ear protection was impressive enough; however, hearing just

Charlie direct-thread mount, a multitool, and Charlie wrench to reconfigure the

subtle differences between the smaller 36M versus a legacy Harvester

suppressor system. The Omega 36M is anticipated to start shipping mid fourth

338 really shows its capabilities.

quarter of 2019 with a target MSRP of $1,249.

Last up was a product that we were permitted to leak before publication: the

The new Maxim 9 commanded attention as well. The trigger was in fact improved over the original, and the pistol was a soft, accurate

yet-unnamed, non-NFA Maxim 9. A few years ago Silencerco impressed the

shooter, especially equipped with a Trijicon RMR. Since the pistol is

shooting world with the release of the Maxim 9, a fully integrated suppressed

a suppressor host, not integrally suppressed, mounting a white light

pistol. While impressive, the original Maxim 9’s trigger left something to be

would be possible, and perhaps an open-topped holster would make

desired, and some shooters did not want to go through the NFA process for an

carrying it a possibility. It may not appeal to everyone, but for those

integrally suppressed pistol.

who like to shoot pistols suppressed, or who don’t want to go through

In response, Silencerco created a brand-new Maxim 9 designed from

the NFA process for the original Maxim 9, this may be the way to

the ground up to be a suppressor host pistol. No longer a controlled item,

go. With its various suppressor mounting options, you can have the

everything about the new non-NFA Maxim 9 is centered around shootability and

freedom to mount your existing can on a host specifically designed for

reliable suppressed performance. It features a roller-delayed blowback system

suppressed shooting.

with a fixed 3.9-inch barrel. The suppressor can be directly threaded onto the pistol with no boosters required and can even accommodate a three-lug mount.

The new Maxim 9 maintains some of the great features of its predecessor, such

In closing, it’s clear that Silencerco staff take great pride in the company, products, and dedication to their mission statement— Fight the Noise. They continue to push innovation and production

as aftermarket sight compatibility, and it still accepts Glock magazines. The trigger

efficiency forward.

system has been completely redesigned, and we found it to be crisper than the

[ UN12 ]

original, with less take-up and a more definitive reset feel. The new non-NFA Maxim 9 is still in its prototype phase and won’t release until 2020.

50

UN12 / Issue 008

The American Defense Mfg UIC line of firearms consist of premium components, exceptional performance and accuracy through precision manufactured barrels, and dependability that can be counted on day after day. They provide full ambidextrous controls to include charging handle, safety selector, magazine release, and patented bolt catch and release to improve the usability whether left or right handed. In both rifle and pistol configurations, ADM provides firearm systems in 5.56, .224 Valkyrie, .300BLK, 9mm, .308 Win, and 6.5 Creedmoor in a variety of barrel and handguard lengths. ADM is Intentionally Superior.

Follow Chris on Instagram @christranfiveoh.

For dealer inquiries, email dealers@admmfg.com

www.admmfg.com

FEATURE UN0012 / CARTRIDGES FOR WEAPONS, INERT PROJECTILE or CARTRIDGES, SMALL ARMS —

MIDWEST INDUSTRIES Text by ROLAND

WILKES

Images by CHARLES

T

“CHIP” LASKY

he explosion of popularity for any product— whether it’s a sporting rifle or a fidget spinner—

creates a predictable market reaction. Popularity explodes, demand increases, new players enter the market, popularity continues to expand, and the whole cycle starts over again. Such is the case with the AR platform and the massive parts and accessories market surrounding it today.

Of course, such a rapidly expanding market presents the consumer with a challenge. With so many options, who can you trust? A general rule of thumb when navigating these unfamiliar waters is turning to some of the original players in the market, those who have been in it long enough to cultivate a reputation for quality and customer service.

Established in 2003, Midwest Industries is one of those original players. In a way, the company was born of necessity. Company founder and co-owner Troy Storch started his career in tool and die making, first as an apprentice and then later as a tool room machinist.

In 2001, at the onset of a nationwide recession, his company began outsourcing operations and moved his position overseas.

Storch went to work as a foreman in another company, which is where he met his business partner and Midwest Industries co-owner Wendy Abts. About the same time, Storch, a lifelong shooting and gun enthusiast, was looking for a way to solve a specific problem he was having with accessorizing his rifle.

“I was looking at how guys were mounting lights on their ARs,” Storch says. “You have to remember, this was way back before a lot of people were making accessories, even handguards. There was only a handful of players out there at the time.”

: : Range of accessories for many different platforms : : Complete builds under the MI Combat Rifle line : : Products made and sourced domestically in the state of Wisconsin

Not only that, but what was available was either scarce, expensive, or both, with a lot of support going to military use. Storch set to work on producing his

52

UN12 / Issue 008

UN12mag.com

53

01

FEATURE

Midwest Industries is wellknown for AR accessories but also supports more exotic platforms like the FN SCAR.

own simple, cost-effective way to mount a light on his rifle. He devised a component in his free time, bounced ideas off a few friends and fellow enthusiasts, and ended up with a prototype for the MCTAR-01 tactical light mount (which Midwest Industries still sells to this day).

“I made a small batch and sold them on eBay,” Storch says. “They sold so well, a light bulb sort of went off over my head and I started thinking of ways to sell more of them and make a lot more money.”

He started kicking the gun part idea around with Abts, who was instrumental in working out the financial and management side of

01

launching the company. “She watches all the numbers and the books; I’m the product development guy,” Storch says. “She keeps me from spending too much money, basically.”

Midwest Industries is still very much a down-

for components that we make ourselves,”

description,” Abts says with a laugh. Their

to-earth operation, employing between 25

Storch says. “I don’t know of too many other

business relationship is the engine that

and 30 people at any given time.

companies that cover the variety of platforms

“That’s definitely part of my job

drives Midwest Industries today, more than a

“We understand that every role within the

decade and a half later. to producing a high-quality, cost-effective

their job to the best of their ability is essential

design generation with QD swivels. The

product, business began booming early

to success.” Fluidity is also key to the

company also makes its own receivers and

on. “We started off with sling attachments

company’s success; if one area becomes

receiver sets for the AR-15 platform, and

and rails,” Storch says. “As we got bigger,

especially busy, other team members will

about four years ago took the next logical leap

we jumped in to make our first handguard.”

jump in and help that area. It’s just one of the

and began assembling its own complete AR-

The company carved out a niche producing

reasons Midwest Industries is able to turn out

pattern combat rifles in .223/5.56 and

components for civilians and LE departments

such an impressive catalog of products.

300 BLK.

military hardware.

UN0012 / CARTRIDGES FOR WEAPONS, INERT PROJECTILE or CARTRIDGES, SMALL ARMS —

Both partners remain integrated in daily

Today the company makes parts and

we figured why not take the final step?”

and for manufacturers like HK, Ruger, IWI,

Storch says.

Kel-Tec, and SIG Sauer, among others.

household name among firearm enthusiasts,

“There are more than 200 part numbers

02

“We were making all the other stuff, so

accessories for a wide variety of platforms

operations. Even though it has become a

04 UN12 / Issue 008

Midwest Industries still produces Storch’s first tactical light mount, now in its second

who didn’t have access to the more elusive

54

that we do.”

company is important. Employees doing

Because of a dedication to innovation and

“Midwest Industries has been around to see it all happen—as well as being one of the driving forces in the industry.”

“We are very team-oriented,” says Abts.

03

05

“It brought us around full circle and completes the brand,” Abts adds.

02

03

Midwest Industries got its start producing cost-effective accessories, like this set of offset BUIS for a Picatinny interface.

The company maintains the ability to produce most of its products in-house; any work that isn’t done here is sourced locally in Wisconsin.

04

05

MI founder Troy Storch saw firsthand the effects of labor outsourcing, so Midwest Industries is adamant about producing its own branded products domestically.

Storch is oldschool enough that he still jots down ideas in an old Mead notebook.

This AR is outfitted with some of the company’s very first products.

UN12mag.com

55

tailhook

FEATURE

pistol brace

Tailhook Mod I

01 02 03 04

GEAR HEAD WORKS IS PROUD TO OFFER OUR NEW TAILHOOK PISTOL BRACES.

UN0012 / CARTRIDGES FOR WEAPONS, INERT PROJECTILE or CARTRIDGES, SMALL ARMS —

Because of past experience with overseas

Industries has been around long enough to pretty

outsourcing and its impact on their personal lives,

much see it all happen firsthand—as well as being one

the company founders have mandated that all their

of the driving forces behind it.

work is produced in-house or domestically. This is

“Competition is good,” Storch says. “It pushes

key to the Midwest Industries brand, and Storch and

quality and innovation across the whole industry. The

Abts believe it’s what makes the company continue to

downside to the rapid expansion of the market is that

stand out in the sea of competitors and what allows

there are a lot of low-quality or counterfeit products

them to produce the best possible quality and value

consumers may not be aware of.”

for customers.

“Everything we make is made here in Wisconsin,

“We never really stop product development, and we’re always looking to make what we make better,”

from material sourcing to machining, even

he adds. “Even we never really know what we’ll come

packaging,” Storch says. “Everything MI branded

up with next.”

is 100% made and sourced by us locally.” Even

[ UN12 ]

certain operations that aren’t economically feasible to

...........................................................................................

perform in-house, like anodizing or heat-treating, are

You can view the complete range of Midwest

done nearby, sometimes even down the street.

Industries products at midwestindustriesinc.com. You

We asked the owners what they thought of the firearms aftermarket’s expansion, since Midwest

56

UN12 / Issue 008

can also find the company on Facebook at Midwest

01 01

02

MI is wellknown for AR accessories, but also covers a wide variety of manufacturers and platforms.

This group of Ruger PC9s displays a range of MI upgrades, which are also offered in a full upgrade package.

03

04

More recently the company began producing receivers, and after that complete firearms in the Combat Rifle lineup.

Midwest Industries’ range of coverage is singularly impressive, as evidenced by this handguard for a .30-30 lever gun.

Tailhook Mod I

Tailhook Mod II

These braces give the shooter ultimate control over their AR pistol by utilizing a fold down shelf that “hooks” under the shooter’s forearm to counter balance muzzle weight.

Tailhook Mod II

For more info on our products check us out at www.gearheadworks.com

Follow us:

Industries, Inc. and on Instagram @midwestindustries.

gearheadworks.com

PRODUCT REVIEW

Aero Precision M4E1 Builder Set Text by JOHN SCOTT Images by MICHAEL GREY

W

ith so many options available to get your AR-15 build started, where do you

begin? We looked around and found that many companies now offer AR build kits, gathering a pre-selected group of parts together in order to simplify the process of parts selection and ordering for the consumer.

Manufacturer-curated kits can also be beneficial because the manufacturers themselves will group parts that work well with one another. This can be a lot more convenient and less confusing compared to just a few years ago, when you would have needed to source your parts from an array of different brands and shops.

“The handsome lines of the M4E1 lower receiver may make it look like it’s machined from billet steel, but it is actually made of high-strength, forged 7075-T6 aluminum.”

a third or even fourth hand to handle easily lost roll pins, springs, and detents.

The M4E1 lower’s bolt catch roll pin ears are threaded for the included bolt catch roll pin.

This brilliant “why didn’t I think of it” provision allows the builder to install the bolt catch by easily screwing in a threaded pin instead of hammering a roll pin in while at the same time carefully aligning the bolt catch and roll pin punch. This screw-in method also helps eliminate the chance of damaging the lower’s finish. We absolutely love this feature.

Another point of concern for many AR builders comes during the installation of the lower receiver’s takedown pin. If not perfectly installed, the detent and spring can go flying

In this review, we take a look at Aero Precision’s M4E1 Builder Set. The set includes

AR variant needs. The handsome lines of the

across the workbench, or worse, into the

Aero Precision’s proven M4E1 Stripped Lower

M4E1 lower receiver may make it look like

abyss of the floor, never to be seen again. The

Receiver, their matching M4E1 Threaded

it’s machined from billet steel, but looks can

engineers at Aero Precision know this peril

Upper Receiver, and the builder’s choice

be deceiving. The lower is actually made of

all too well and took it out of the equation by

of the popular ATLAS series or Enhanced

high-strength forged 7075-T6 aluminum, which

threading the receiver’s takedown pin detent

handguards. The handguard is chosen by

means that it is a seriously robust lower that

recess. This means that builders can easily

the user in one of many available variations.

can undoubtedly take more than its share of

install the takedown pin detent and spring with

ATLAS and Enhanced come in 7, 9, 12, and

abuse, all while looking every bit a part of a

the use of a 4-40 set screw. The screw holds

15-inch lengths with either M-Lok or KeyMod

custom build. Its exterior is marked and milled

the spring and detent in, so that even when

accessory attachment formats. All three pieces

for both short-throw and standard safety

you are servicing your firearm or changing out

of the set are finished in the builder’s choice

selectors on both sides.

components, such as an end plate, you need

of Mil-Spec anodized black, Magpul FDE

With do-it-yourselfers in mind, Aero Precision

not worry about a flying spring and detent. This

Cerakote, or other custom finishes. We chose

has added several features to the lower

is a modification that we would apply ourselves

FDE for our build.

receiver that AR builders, experienced or not,

to other lowers; we’re glad that Aero Precision

can truly appreciate. Thanks to the lower’s

has saved us the hassle and included it direct

thoughtful design, gone are the days of needing

from the factory.

Aero Precision’s M4E1 Builder Set comes with the foundation for what every AR-15 and

Aero Precision

M4E1

58

UN12 / Issue 008

UN12mag.com

59

Product Review: Aero Precision M4E1

02

UN0012 / AERO PRECISION M4E1 BUILDER SET —

OPTIC We installed a SIG Sauer Romeo4T, with Midwest Industries Combat Rifle Offset Sights installed as backups.

03 CHARGING HANDLE We chose an Aero Precision ambidextrous piece to go with the Aero Precision upper.

04 HANDGUARD This is also included in the M4E1 Builder Kit, and the customer selects the length and style. We chose a 9-inch ATLAS R-One with M-Lok attachment points.

01 LOWER RECEIVER Packaged with the builder kit, the Aero Precision lower includes features like an integrated trigger guard and a screw-in roll pin for ease of assembly.

05 BCG Considering the upper assembly came nearly exclusively from the same source, we also went with an Aero Precision bolt carrier group.

06 BRACE

lower is machined with an integrated trigger

refined version of the standard USGI-style trigger.

tensioning screw that allows you to remove

guard, which assists in eliminating the possibility

PNT stands for polished, nickel, Teflon, which

upper and lower receiver fitment slop. No matter

of breaking or deforming the lower’s trigger guard

means that the assembly feels like an aftermarket

which upper you attach to the lower, one made

tabs if a guard had to be installed separately. Also

performance trigger with the reliability of a

by Aero Precision or otherwise, this tensioning

nothing new, but still very much welcomed, is an

combat-proven trigger.

screw allows for a tight fitment between the two

enlarged magwell flare that helps with quicker,

receivers. Tension adjustments are made by

surer magazine changes.

The M4E1 lower also includes an upper

tightening or loosening a nylon-tipped tensioning

The M4E1 lower is said to be compatible with

Designed specifically for the low-profile transport of ARs, the adapter allows for the quick folding and unfolding of the AR’s stock. Attached

set screw located at the bottom side of the lower

all Mil-Spec AR-15 parts. We decided to fit a

to the adapter is an entire SB Tactical pistol brace

receiver’s grip tang.

BCM PNT trigger assembly and Law Tactical AR

setup, which includes the SBA3 brace as well as

Folding Stock Adapter to it just to make sure. The

SB Tactical’s buffer and spring kit. Piggybacked

BCM PNT trigger assembly is essentially a highly

onto the brace is an SB-SAC, a soft pouch that’s

It may not be a groundbreaking feature nowadays, but it’s still worthy to note that the

60

UN12 / Issue 008

A Law Tactical folding adapter interfaces with an SB Tactical SBA3 brace to keep our shots steady. The BCM PNT trigger assembly peeks out of the taken-down lower receiver.

UN12mag.com

61

At home

Product Review: Aero Precision M4E1 UN0012 / AERO PRECISION M4E1 BUILDER SET —

And on the go At the tip of the barrel sits a VG6 Precision Gamma

Hypalon, an innovative synthetic rubber that’s also

556 muzzle brake encased in a VG6 CAGE Device.

used to make Zodiac inflatable boats. The pouch is

The VG6 CAGE Device is designed to quickly install

sized to accept a C-A-T tourniquet and other range

on VG6’s Gamma and Epsilon series muzzle devices

essentials. We’ll keep a Multitasker Twist tool and a

to dampen concussion. It does this by directing

bottle of Slip 2000 EWL lube in ours.

muzzle blast to the sides while maintaining the recoil

The upper that comes with the set is the M4E1

and movement characteristics of the host muzzle

Threaded Assembled Upper Receiver. As with the

device. We topped off our build with a SIG Sauer

lower, the M4E1 Threaded Upper Receiver features

Romeo4T optic, with Midwest Industries Combat

special styling cues that allow it to visually stand

Rifle Offset Sights serving as backups.

out from the crowd. It comes with all the bells

As we expected, the handguard and upper receiver

and whistles you’d expect from a quality upper,

fit together perfectly and, aesthetically speaking, look

including M4 feed ramps and laser-engraved

made for one another—which in fact they are. Including

position marks on the Picatinny rail. Threaded to

the handguard and upper and lower receivers, this set

accept a standard AR-15 barrel nut, this upper

of three foundational pieces comprising the M4E1 set

receiver can accept any handguard that uses a

can make any AR build look and feel like a perfectly

standard nut. It is forged from 7075-T6 aluminum

machined custom piece.

and includes the port door and a pre-installed forward assist.

The M4E1 upper’s Picatinny profile was

We found the Aero Precision M4E1 Builder Set to be much more than just a grouping of three pieces to base your build on. It’s the detail-oriented design

designed to blend in seamlessly with Aero’s ATLAS

and engineering of each of the individual pieces

handguards, one of which came with this set. As

that make this kit a true standout. Add your choice

mentioned, the handguard’s length and attachment

of handguard style, length, and attachment type,

point style are the user’s choice. We chose a 9-inch

as well as some really custom finish options, and

ATLAS R-One, which features an uninterrupted

it’s tempting to start any build with this set. If you’re

Picatinny rail on its spine and M-Lok attachment

looking to start your first or even fifteenth build, this

points. The shorter-length handguard complements

is an option that’s worth considering.

a 10.5-inch Aero Precision .223 Wylde barrel.

[ UN12 ]

: : For more info: Aero Precision M4E1 Builder Kit MSRP: $307-$550 URL: aeroprecisionusa.com

UN12

made in conjunction with Grey Ghost Gear from

Get organized with tacticalwalls.com

540.298.8906 62

UN12 / Issue 008

Proudly made in the usa

Shenandoah, virginia

FEATURE

: : Bolt-action Remington 700 pistol platform : : Based on Black Collar Arms build-your-own kit : : “Freaking Fun”

BCA PORK SWORD R700 PISTOL Text by DANNY CHANG Images by JERRY TSAI

64

UN12 / Issue 008

UN12mag.com

65

FEATURE

I

believe life is about opportunities and timing— or, as the saying goes, “Everything happens

The Pork Sword comes in black as standard, as well as popular FDE, OD Green, and Tungsten Gray. BCA also

for a reason.” Almost 11 months ago I was invited

offers special Cerakote patterns and colors like Antique

to media event hosted by Big Daddy Unlimited (IG:

Copper, Mini M81 Camo, and MultiCam Black, with more

@bigdaddyunlimited) and Leviathan Group (IG: @

in the works. Normally I’m all about MultiCam Black, but

leviathangroupllc) called Epic Shoot.

this time I picked something that caught my ear without

There I met Chris, showed him a copy of UN12, and we

even seeing it: Rust. You can have the “Pork Sword Actual”

started talking about cool gun setups. I knew right away he

logo engraved, a hilarious “Successful Hunt” marking, or

gets what UN12 is all about. He in turn excitedly pulled out

no engraving at all like this one.

his phone and showed me a CAD rendering of a chassis for

02

If you’re still wondering what action is

what I assumed was a rifle. “OK, another Remington 700

used, it’s the Remington 700 (R700)

chassis,” I thought. “I’ll be nice and listen.” He went into

that’s been around since 1962. You

his pitch and told me he hoped to have a prototype ready

might already have one in your

for SHOT Show in a few weeks. The first would be a pistol

safe, but to do this build right you

setup—and that got my attention.

need to start with a receiver that

01

A bolt-action pistol build isn’t something new, to me or the magazine. In Issue 004 we featured the Gear Head Works One Pistol prototype, now in full production. However, I really got into Chris’s kit because I felt he and I

03

had very similar taste and style. Especially after I found out it was called Pork Sword.

Why a bolt-action pistol? The Pork Sword’s makers, Black Collar Arms (BCA), revealed the benefits. Small size and light weight without big expense, no complications or restrictions associated with an SBR. For hunting, you can keep a loaded pistol in a vehicle (unlike a rifle), and depending on where you live it can extend your season.

Accuracy on par with a traditional bolt-action rifle, and increased accuracy in many cases with improved barrel stiffness. Simplified ownership and legality in restrictive locales. And as Chris and his partner would say: “It’s freaking fun.” Accuracy beyond 800 yards from a 10-inch pistol? Yes, please.

Figuring it would be a while before a consumer chassis would be ready, I pushed the Pork Sword to the back of my brain vault. When I showed up at SHOT Show a few weeks later, to my surprise I saw Chris again, along with his partner in crime Jeremy. The conversation sparked up again about building a Pork Sword.

We’ve been planning ever since.

The basis for this build is the BCA Pistol Build Kit. Sourcing short barrels that use a Remington 700 thread and a Savagestyle barrel nut—a newer style known as Remage—is a pain in the ass, so the BCA kit has everything you need. I was lucky enough to connect with Jeremy and Chris and special ordered mine, although I’m sure they would do it for any other customer. I got a right-handed Pork Sword chassis, 8-inch Tri-Lok FARend, 10.5-inch .308 Winchester barrel, and BCA Remington 700 recoil lug.

66

UN12 / Issue 008

01 The Pork Sword build is based on a Black Collar Arms Pistol Build Kit, which includes all major components including the chassis, barrel, and pistol brace.

02 Type III anodizing is standard, with custom Cerakote finishes available. This Pork Sword is done in a scheme called “Rust.”

03 The build employs a 10.5-inch barrel chambered for .308 and an 8-inch Tri-Lok FARend.

“The bolt-action pistol’s advantages versus a rifle include light weight, compact size, reasonable cost, fewer restrictions... and, as the guys at BCA say, it’s ‘freaking fun.’”

UN12mag.com

67

FEATURE

“The goal was to perform this build at the lowest possible cost and upgrade parts only as needed.”

01

01 With the SB Tactical pistol stabilizing brace folded, the Pork Sword measures under 24 inches.

02 The optic is a Primary Arms Silver Series 1-8x24 mounted via lowprofile Warne rings.

02 has never been built as a rifle.You can easily go with a R700-compatible aftermarket action, but I wanted to build this one at the lowest cost and upgrade parts only

also offers a 10-inch version. There are Tri-Lok (M-Lok

if needed.

compatible) slots on both sides and the bottom. BCA

The chassis by itself is 13.6 ounces and made from 7075-

Angled Fore Grip (AFG), which is a perfect fit for this build,

use any AR-15 pistol grip. I upgraded to the Ergo Tactical

but I wanted to try something different and installed a

Deluxe Zero Angle Suregrip as it fits my hands better.

BCMGunfighter M-Lok Kinesthetic Angled Grip (KAG)

The rear uses any M1913 Picatinny rail compatible pistol

installed intentionally backwards. It feels great and works

stabilizing brace—more about this later. It’s fed with any

for me, like a mini vertical grip that lets my thumb naturally

brake, I can also quickly and easily attach the SOCOM762-

helps you get behind the gun in a more modern shooting

AICS-pattern magazine; shown here is a Magpul PMag 10

fall on the Guntec M-Lok rubber insert covers.

MINI2. It’s very quiet for the shooter when suppressed

position for maximum comfort and control on a bolt action.

compared to most semi-autos, with slightly higher muzzle

Plus, the palm swell fits the size of my fat palm better than

with optional Pork Sword Actual engraving. Two Picatinny

A .300 AAC Blackout 6.5-inch barrel would have been

rails are located at the front of the chassis at the forward-

a great choice, but I usually have and reload more .308

velocity. A BCA Remington 700 Recoil Lug finishes the

the thinner Swift Grip. For total success on a build like this,

facing and bottom positions. You can do it however you

than .300 BLK. I went with the 10.5-inch .308 Winchester

barrel setup.

a bipod is a must. There are cheaper options and there

like, but the front facing is normally for the FARend and the

barrel; with the SureFire muzzle setup, the front of the

bottom can be for a barrier stop, bipod, or grip. I used it for

Warden would be almost flush with the Magpul bipod when

It is designed to fold to the left, out of the way of the bolt

the handguard. Two QD points, one at the front and one at

it’s folded forward. I have .300 BLK in 10-inch or shorter

knob on a right-handed action. The low-profile steel hinge

the rear, are a nice touch.

barrels, but never a .308 in this length. With the barrel’s

locks in both folded and extended positions. The BCA kit

give the bolt knob that lovely tactical feeling, the Kinetic

1:10 twist, I wanted to see what only one full rotation and a

does come with an Ergo Swift Grip. Ergo took their Tactical

Research Group (KRG) Bolt Lift is an enlarged polymer

smidge is like. Since I’m using a SureFire SOCOM muzzle

Deluxe Flat Top grip and made it in a zero-angle grip, which

shell that fits over the bolt handle to improve manipulation.

The 8-inch Tri-Lok Forward Accessory Rod (FARend)— translated as M-Lok handguard—is standard and BCA

68

usually showcases their pistol builds with a Magpul

T6 billet. The kit comes with an Ergo Swift Grip, but you can

UN12 / Issue 008

BCA chose the SB Tactical FS1913 to include as a brace.

are more expensive options, but for the functionality, low weight, and cost, the Magpul is great bang for your buck.

A few other additions help it go bang—only better. To

UN12mag.com

69

FEATURE

01

It supercharges reloading for under $30. CMC Triggers

the-buck low power variable optic

announced their first-ever bolt gun trigger earlier this

(LPVO) scope. I decided to try to

year—and of course it’s for the ever-so-popular R700

Primary Arms’ Silver Series 1-8x24

platform. When you see the signature flat trigger bow

Second Focal Plane (SFP) illuminated scope with patented ACSS reticle.

and hook, you know it’s a CMC. To me, a flat trigger

The ACSS system is one of the most

gives better feel for the pressure I’m applying and the

useful reticles on the market today. Its

hook gives me an indexing point for consistent finger

illuminated horseshoe offers versatility

placement. Another convenient feature is that you can safely flip your rifle upside down and use an Allen

in low-light conditions, with holdovers

key to adjust the trigger from an 8-ounce pull up to

for windage, elevation, and even moving

3.5 pounds to suit hunting, tactical use, or precision

targets, plus the ability to estimate distance.

distance shooting. Like CMC AR-variant triggers,

Since this is a pistol, 1x was a requirement for close

you drop it in and you’re ready to go. If safety is one

range with both eyes open, and 8x is just about where

of your top concerns, have no fear with CMC’s Over

I want to take it for now. The windage turret cap on the

Center Dynamic (OCD) locking system and Fire Control

opposite side of the illumination battery holds a spare

Systems safety mechanism.

CR2032 battery.

To keep eyes on the prize, I wanted the best bang-for-

When fitting the optic, BCA suggested getting the scope rings as low as possible. Jeremy sent me a link to some rings that mounted directly to the R700 action.

70

01

02

Ergonomic upgrades include a Kinetic Research Group Bolt Lift, BCM Kinesthetic Angled Grip, and an Ergo Zero Angle Suregrip.

Various additions include a Magpul bipod and SureFire SOCOM muzzle brake/suppressor combo.

UN12 / Issue 008

02

UN12

E X P L O D E D VIEW

Danny Chang’s Pork Sword Pistol Specifications Caliber: .308 Winchester Overall Length: 32.75 in. (w/ SureFire Warden) / 35.50 in. (w/ SureFire SOCOM762-MINI2) Barrel: KAK Industry 10.5-in.

Remington standard thread (1 1/6”x16 TPI) w/ Savage style barrel nut system from BCA Weight Unloaded: 8 lbs, 12.5 oz. (w/ Warden) / 9 lbs, 7 oz. (w/ MINI2) Chassis: Pork Sword (Pistol Build Kit) Coating: BCA Rust Cerakote

Featured Accessories Optics: Primary Arms Silver Series (SLx8) 1-8x24 SFP w/ ACSS 5.56/5.45/.308 reticle Scope Rings: Warne Scope Mounts 7213M 30mm low rings Handguard: Black Collar Arms Tri-Lok FARend 10.5” Muzzle Brake: SureFire SOCOM Muzzle Brake (SFMB-765-5/8-24) w/ Warden blast regulator Suppressor: SureFire SOCOM762MINI2 Pistol Brace: SB Tactical FS1913

“You can throw a sling on it and run it around, you can put it on a bench, or you can go prone for some PRSstyle drills. Some might say it’s cool, some might call it dumb, some might laugh... then you let them shoot it.”

I wanted to be able to change scopes in the future and

Bipod: Magpul Bipod for M-Lok Magazine: Magpul PMag 10 7.62 AICS Short Action w/ Pork Sword Actual engraving

style rails, as well as being NATO-STANAG compatible.

STANAG is a rail specification that allows the mount to clamp at the bottom and top surfaces instead of the sides and helps ensure repeatable return to zero if you remove the mount.

This thing really is “freaking fun”—as BCA said it would be. It’s a bolt-action single shot, but I can throw a sling on it and run around. I can put it on a bench and really get my brain to naturally use the ACSS reticle system without thinking, or I can go prone and do some

About the Owner

PRS-style shooting drills. When you take it out, some

Name: Danny Chang

might say it looks cool, some might call it dumb, some

Occupation: UN12 Associate Editor / Advertising Sales

might laugh. Then you let them shoot it.

And with another Pork Sword chassis and FARend,

didn’t want to worry about matching tube diameters for

I can remove an R700 action from a stock rifle and

action-mounted rings, so I’ll keep the action rail for now.

probably find enough parts lying around to assemble a

Warne Scope Mounts 30mm Mountain Tech low rings

rifle version.

with the standard 1/2-inch “tactical” nut mount the

[ UN12 ]

scope to the rail. Warne rings fit Picatinny and WeaverUN0012 / CARTRIDGES FOR WEAPONS, INERT PROJECTILE or CARTRIDGES, SMALL ARMS —

72

UN12 / Issue 008

Parts & Accessories: Remington 700 factory short-action single-shot receiver, BCA Remington 700 Recoil Lug, CMC Triggers Remington 700 Adjustable Ultra Precision Drop-in Trigger (flat bow), Kinetic Research Group Bolt Lift, BCMGunfighter KAG, Ergo TDX-0 Tactical Deluxe Zero Angle Suregrip, Guntec USA Gen 2 M-Lok Rubber Neoprene Insert Covers with Protruding Grooves

Special Thanks: My wife Hien, daughter Taylor, and son Paxton for letting me tinker in the garage for hours and hours; Chris & Jeremy @ Black Collar Arms, Andrew @ SureFire, Dina @ Primary Arms, Mike @ OC Armory, Amy @ SB Tactical, Brett @ CMC Triggers, Randy @ Warne Scope Mounts, Will @ Magpul, KRG, Paul @ BCM.

DEPT.

Buyer’s Guide

Remington

700 Stock

& Chassis Text by JOHN SCOTT Images COURTESY OF THE MANUFACTURERS

T

he Remington Model 700 line of rifles has been the go-to bolt-action,

Aside from the action and barrel, one component that is essential to the accuracy and

precision-shooting instrument for the majority

performance of the venerable 700 is its stock or

of shooters in America, and probably the world,

chassis. Over the past few years, manufacturers

since its introduction in 1962. At times, it’s hard

have pushed the limits, researching, testing,

to fathom the longevity and success that this

and producing some of the best rifle

platform has enjoyed. Even nearing its 60th

foundations that a precision shooter could

birthday, the design is still going strong.

dream of. We have collected 14 of the latest

Part of what makes the 700 so timeless

stocks and chassis to hit the market. Some

is in part its robust aftermarket support.

are built for ultimate precision and others are

The Remington 700, which already comes

designed to balance weight for shooters on the

available in a wide variety of variants from the

move. Which one will you equip your rifle with?

manufacturer, has so much coverage that

: : Stock and chassis platforms for Remington 700

you can build a complete rifle without using a single piece from Remington itself. That’s pretty incredible support.

: : Support for both long and short actions : : 14 manufacturers represented

74

UN12 / Issue 008

UN12mag.com

75

01

Accuracy International AXAICS Action: Short, Long Magazine Type: AICS pattern

Quick Take: This combat-proven chassis features polymer and alloy construction, which provides the rigidity, strength, and durability necessary to provide a stable, rugged platform. The AXAICS includes degrees of modularity and configurability that cannot be achieved with traditional stocks. Quick and easy to install and requiring no specialized gunsmithing, this chassis system is available for short and long Remington 700 actions in .308 Win, .300 Win Mag, and .338 Lapua Magnum cartridge families.

03 Brownells BRN-1 PRECISION CHASSIS Action: Short, Long Magazine Type: AICS pattern Quick Take: Manufactured by MDT, the BRN-1 is developed exclusively for Brownells and is inspired by MDT’s popular LSS rifle chassis. It accepts AR-style furniture including buttstock, pistol grip, and other accessories, ensuring that owners can customize their rifle any way they see fit. Constructed from 6061 aluminum, it features a V-shaped bedding system that accommodates most heavy barrels.

Available in black and flat dark earth with M-Lok attachment points.

MSRP: $1,662-$1,766

MSRP: $449

URL: accuracyinternational.us

URL: brownells.com

02 Black Collar Arms Action: Short

Gear Head Works

Magazine Type: AICS pattern

ONE

Quick Take: The Pork Sword accepts Remington 700 footprint short actions, is machined from a solid block of 7075-T651 billet aircraft aluminum, weighs only 14.3 ounces, and comes Mil-Spec Type III hardcoat anodized as standard with Cerakote options available. It accepts any AR-15 pistol grip; if you’re building a bolt pistol it also accepts any M1913 Picatinny rail compatible pistol stabilizing brace. The chassis accepts AICSpattern, single-stack magazines.

Action: Short

MSRP: $300-$440

MSRP: $399 (chassis only)

URL: blackcollararms.com

URL: onepistol.com

PORK SWORD CHASSIS

76

UN12 / Issue 008

04 Magazine Type: AICS pattern Quick Take: Available as a complete boltaction pistol, the Gear Head Works One sits on a chassis featuring a length that’s specific to pistol builds. The aluminum chassis is available in no fewer than 11 color variations from the factory. As of this writing, Gear Head Works is in the process of releasing the One chassis as a standalone item.

UN12mag.com

77

05 Grayboe

07 Hogue 700 BADGER

RIDGEBACK Action: Short, Long Magazine Type: AICS pattern, requires optional Grayboe DBM Quick Take: Packed full of innovative features such as an embedded bubble level, the Ridgeback also comes with a total of 12 M-Lok slots for the seamless attachment of shooting accessories. To further streamline the 700, Grayboe has also taken the standard cheek piece and thrown it out to eliminate all internal hardware and increase reliability.

The stock features adjustable length of pull, a vertical pistol grip, and a butt hook to ensure a tight fit into your shoulder. It is available in 11 different finishes.

MSRP: $599-$624 URL: grayboe.com

Action: Short Magazine Type: AICS pattern Quick Take: Looking for a comfortable and economical way to have your 700 take AICS-style magazines? Hogue’s 700 Badger stock will let you do just that. Because the inlet in the factory 700 stock is too small to accept a detachable box magazine, Hogue designed a drop-in stock that comes cut with the required inlet to perfectly fit the Remington 700. Hogue’s overmolded stock features a rigid skeleton with a durable yet soft synthetic elastomer exterior. What you get is a comfortable, stable stock and the added the benefit of box magazine feeding.

MSRP: $260 URL: hogueinc.com

06 GRS BITFROST Action: Short, Long Magazine Type: None

78

UN12 / Issue 008

08 JP Enterprises APAC Action: Short Magazine Type: AICS pattern

Quick Take: Built with hunters squarely in its sights, the GRS Bitfrost is made from lightweight, glass-fiber-reinforced composite material. The grip and forehand area are coated with rubber surfacing to keep the rifle steady and comfortable in your hand in a variety of weather conditions. GRS’s unique SpeedLock 2.0 system makes it easy to adjust the length and height of the stock, as well as to resist recoil from even the heaviest calibers.

Its Picatinny rail is integrated into four different positions on the stock, making it a cinch to accessorize.

Quick Take: JP Enterprises is synonymous with precision and this 700 chassis is designed to live up to that reputation. Capable of nesting both right- and left-handed short actions, the Advanced Precision Ambidextrous Chassis (APAC) is machined from 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum and can accept any AR-style grip. Its fully adjustable buttstock folds 180 degrees and locks securely in place for compact storage in a truck bed drawer or even mounted to a UTV. The APAC includes a continuous Arca-Swiss mounting rail gauged for compatibility with RRS accessories.

MSRP: $547

MSRP: $1,599

URL: grsriflestocks.com

URL: jprifles.com

UN12mag.com

79

KRG

09

BRAVO CHASSIS

Action: Short, Long Magazine Type: AICS pattern Quick Take: KRG’s Bravo Chassis combines all the traditional benefits of a chassis system with target and varmint ergonomics packaged at a reasonable price. Its fulllength aluminum backbone will not allow the forend to flex, further increasing your rifle’s accuracy. The forend is designed with modularity in mind and comes configured with M-Lok attachment points to allow for many accessory options. Remington 700 inlets are made to accommodate standard Remington factory lugs. Some wider and thicker aftermarket recoil lugs will also fit without modification. Bravo takes AICS magazines and is available in black, FDE tan, and Sako Green.

11

Manners Composite Stocks MCS-CS2 Action: Short, Long Magazine Type: AICS pattern

MSRP: $349-$439

Quick Take: The 2019 update to Manners’ Compact Stock 2 (MS-CS2) was made to the forend to allow it to accommodate night vision devices. The forend has been lengthened and a slight flare added at the very top end, then the tip was widened to 2.4 inches. The MCS-CS2 features a quick-deployment buttstock system that allows the user to adjust as many as 9 positions, with a LOP ranging from 10.25 to 13.5 inches, at the push of a button. It is constructed of Mil-Spec hard-coated aluminum and nitrided tool steel.

URL: kineticresearchgroup.com

MSRP: $759-$1,200 URL: mannersstocks.com

10

Magpul PRO 700 Action: Short

Magazine Type: AICS pattern Quick Take: This full-featured precision rifle chassis is designed specifically for shortaction Remington 700 footprints. If features a Type III hard-anodized, machined 6061-T6 billet aluminum V-bedding block and a full billet aluminum skeleton wrapped in Magpul’s popular polymer. The fully ambidextrous chassis can take right- and left-handed actions and has a push-button-activated folding stock. A fixed stock adapter is also available for those who require a non-folding stock. The forend includes M-Lok slots for accessory mounting and the integrated magazine well is optimized for Magpul’s PMag magazines as well as most other AICSpattern, short-action magazines.

80

UN12 / Issue 008

12

MC3 TPIM Stocks THE LEGEND DELUXE BDL Action: Short, Long Magazine Type: AICS pattern

Quick Take: MC3 The Legend Deluxe is made for short-action Remington 700 BDL models and is constructed of a glass-filled proprietary polymer. Designed to take Varmint/Sendero barrel contours, it includes an AICS-pattern MDT polymer 10-round .308 magazine and polymer DBM with trigger guard. The stock features aluminum pillars that are bedded-in during molding. It is available in OD Green and Tan Full color schemes, with custom paint jobs available. The Legend Deluxe model includes an adjustable cheek riser system along with an adjustable length-of-pull spacer system.

MSRP: $1,000

MSRP: $349

URL: magpul.com

URL: mc3stocks.com

UN12mag.com

81

MDT

13

ESS CHASSIS SYSTEM Action: Short, Long

15 ORYX

Magazine Type: AICS pattern

ORYX BOLT-ACTION RIFLE CHASSIS

Quick Take: The ESS incorporates a specific buttstock interface rather than the traditional AR-pattern interface, allowing MDT to place the pistol grip in an optimal position in relation to the trigger while still allowing the shooter to choose from the wide variety of AR-pattern pistol grips. It also features MDT’s proven V-block bedding system that forms a solid and reliable base for the 700’s action. The magazine well has been refined for easy mag insertion, while the tab-style mag release has been replaced with a semiflush ambidextrous paddle that can easily be activated by either hand. The ESS Chassis System includes chassis, buttstock, and 15inch M-Lok forend.

Action: Short, Long

MSRP: $989-$1,238

MSRP: $399

URL: mdttac.com

URL: oryxchassis.com

MPA

Magazine Type: AICS pattern Quick Take: The ORYX Bolt-Action Rifle Chassis was conceived to be an affordable aluminum chassis to replace your factory rifle stock and provide improved accuracy and increased ergonomics. Designed with both long-range performance and hunting portability in mind, it is constructed of 6061 aluminum finished with a Mil-Spec Type III hard anodizing. It accepts AR-style grips and is equipped with M-Lok slots along the forend’s underside. The ORYX is only available in OD green and uses AICSpattern magazines.

14

BA COMPETITION CHASSIS Action: Short, Long Magazine Type: AICS pattern Quick Take: By claiming top spots in precision shooting matches over the past few years, MPA has proven that the BA chassis can stand up to the rigors of competition.

MPA chassis are designed to impart a competitive advantage when shooting in long-range tactical rifle competitions such as PRS. This latest model has been enhanced with a Rotating Barricade Stop that locks the rifle in place when shooting on a variety of barricades, a Spigot Mount that attaches to the front of the forend to give the shooter additional space to mount a bipod, and a Bag Rider attachment for better rear bag recoil management.

MSRP: $999-$1,150 URL: masterpiecearms.com

82

UN12 / Issue 008

UN12mag.com

83

FEATURE

“No matter where you first encountered Fett, your likely reaction was that he’s a badass. We had the same reaction to this AR-based blaster.”

Fett Blaster

BOBA FET Text by JERRY TSAI

: : Boba Fett themed, AR-based PDW

Images by JAY CANTER

: : Custom built by 2A Tactical, LLC : : Chambered in 5.56 NATO

84

UN12 / Issue 008

UN12mag.com

85

OBA FETT FEATURE

W

ith “The Mandalorian” now streaming and the final

movie covering the Skywalker saga dropping soon,

The history of Boba Fett is a convoluted one and can

become quite complex, but suffice it to say he is an

one can’t help but be drawn into the fascinating world of

enigmatic yet highly respected bounty hunter famous for

Star Wars. Elements of the epic sci-fi space opera seem to

donning what is known as Mandalorian armor. In Star Wars

be everywhere you turn, now even in the firearms domain.

lore, Mandalorians are a people who are deeply rooted in

When we first caught a glimpse of this AR-based, Boba

warrior culture. But enough Star Wars history for now—

Fett themed blaster, we knew that our inner sci-fi geek and

let’s move on to what we’re really interested in.

The blaster is based on a Slick Side Quentin Defense

gun nerd both needed to take a closer look.

Many of us growing up during the ’80s and ’90s can

ARQ-15 receiver set. We find that the layered angles of the

remember the first time we saw the mysterious masked

upper and lower receivers lend themselves quite well to

bounty hunter called Boba Fett. For some it was on the

matching the angular look of Fett’s armor. Quentin Defense

big screen; for others it might have been in a comic book,

engineered some unique features that make their receiver

on a trading card, or as an action figure. No matter where

set stand apart from run-of-the-mill Mil-Spec offerings. The

you first encountered him, the likely reaction was to think

receivers can accept takedown and pivot pins from either

that he’s a badass. Decked out with a cool T-visor helmet,

side and an ambidextrous bolt release is included. They are

rocket pack, and a bunch of gear, there’s something about

also available in the customer’s choice of either 7075-T6

his sinister look that many of us seemed to be drawn to.

or 6061-T6 billet aluminum. A large magwell opening with

We had a similar reaction when we got to check out

Steve Gonos’s Fett Blaster. Gonos is the owner of 2A

Tactical LLC, which is a specialized laser engraving and

a proprietary ARQ radius magwell ramp is designed into the lower.

The upper half is outfitted with a Faxon

firearm customization shop, as well as a Class 07 / SOT 2

Firearms Gov’t/SOCOM 5.56 NATO

dealer, based in Gilbert, Arizona.

barrel. The 7.5-inch barrel

Gonos’s Fett Blaster is based on AR-15 architecture and

features a pistol-length gas

is built from a Quentin Defense receiver set. The inspiration

system and is tipped with

for the build started out as a creative itch that Gonos

an eye-catching Strike

wanted to scratch. He wanted to make his own rendition

Industries Cookie

of Boba Fett’s gun and wanted to have it completed before

Cutter compensator.

the series premiere of “The Mandalorian.” For those who

The idea behind the

may not already know about Fett and the new series, allow

design of this comp is

us to get you caught up.

that its shape creates

01 Falkor Defense’s Optimus PDW stock was chosen for both its look and functionality and is one of the builder’s favorite features.

“The inspiration for the build started out as a creative itch that Gonos wanted to scratch.”

02

UN0012 / CARTRIDGES FOR WEAPONS, INERT PROJECTILE or CARTRIDGES, SMALL ARMS —

01 02 03 04

86

UN12 / Issue 008

A drop-in CMC trigger and Elftman Tactical Push Button Safety complete the lower.

03 The optic is a Leupold Mark AR MOD 1 and the charging handle is a POF Tomahawk.

04 The Strike Industries Cookie Cutter compensator is yet another piece that happily marries function and ideal form for the themed build.

UN12mag.com

87

BOBA FET FEATURE

01

“Components used in the build were chosen not only to enhance the themed look, but also because they offer a functional benefit.”

area that assists in eliminating recoil.

The company claims that this type of comp is especially effective on short-barreled rifles and AR pistols. Sleeved over the barrel is a Pantheon

releases. A tried-and-true

its name, Aero Precision’s Ultralight 30mm scope mount

of custom elements, including a Mythosaur skull on the

drop-in CMC trigger sits

weights a smidge over three ounces but still gives the optic

Magpul PMag and clan logos on the magwell and stock,

in the driver’s seat of the

a rock-solid foundation that will keep it on target even

as well as plenty of other elements attributed to Mr. Fett

lower and is paired up with

under bounty-hunter-like situations.

and the Mandalorians. To really drive home the Boba Fett

an Elftman Tactical Push

03

Prior to sending the PDW for Cerakote, Steve Gonos painstakingly etched visual elements like the Mythosaur skull symbol on the buttstock.

look, Gonos turned to the Cerakote masters at Koted Arms in Mesa, Arizona, for what they call a Mandalorian Fett

endowed with a Falkor Stock. The stock is built

the front end of the PDW to be removed and reinstalled in

to use a single guide rod,

seconds for the ultimate in compact storage.

circumventing problems that could occur when

gas tube and Superlative Arms .750 adjustable gas block.

using PDW stocks with dual

We’ve had great success with Superlative’s adjustable

guide rods. The Optimus

gas blocks and can see why Gonos opted to use one on

was designed to allow the shooter a comfortable, proper

this gun. He also selected an Iron City Rifle Works G2

cheek weld and does not require a specialized BCG. You

Competition Enhanced BCG finished in the company’s

can use whichever BCG you prefer. The stock also comes

CopperHead coating. Iron City’s CopperHead is a Titanium

with a solid tungsten 2.9-ounce heavy buffer and flat wire

CarboNitride PVD coating that not only gives the BCG

action spring. This buffer and spring combination is said

a nice, shiny copper look, but allows a very slippery 0.2

to allow for maximum performance in both suppressed or

friction coefficient. A POF Tomahawk charging handle

unsuppressed carbines and short-barrel rifles.

The lower receiver also features plenty of bounty-worthy

painstakingly designed and then laser-engraved a host

The Iron City Rifle Works CopperHead BCG’s finish fits the PDW’s color scheme perfectly.

The rear of the lower is Defense Optimus PDW

leverage when charging or clearing the pistol.

To get the themed build to look just right, Gonos

Button Safety.

takedown system. The compact system allows for

completes the upper and gives the shooter plenty of

UN12 / Issue 008

01 02 03

Arms Prometheus MC handguard with Dolos

Driving the upper receiver are a Bootleg Inc. pistol-length

88

02

The Fett Blaster is aimed by way of a Leopold Mark AR MOD 1 1.5-4x20 optic in an Aero Precision Ultralight 30mm scope mount. The Mark AR provides enough field-of-view

upgrades including a Quentin Defense “Skinny Bitch”

for tight, close-quarter scenarios, yet it allows the shooter

Grip and Battle Arms Development magazine and bolt

just enough magnification for farther shots. Living up to

UN0012 / CARTRIDGES FOR WEAPONS, INERT PROJECTILE or CARTRIDGES, SMALL ARMS —

a large reflection

The Quentin Defense “Skinny Bitch” skeletonized pistol grip looks cool and cuts mass.

UN12mag.com

89

FEATURE

BA

“Carefully pre-planning and following the themed concept made the build process go smoothly.” colored Cerakote job. The colors, along with the weathered and worn look, really do give it an authentic character.

“This build went fairly smoothly, with few hiccups,”

Gonos says of the project. “Pre-planning and following the conceptual idea of what we wanted made the process smooth. Quentin Defense’s ARQ-15 was a perfect platform to base it on.”

When asked about his favorite details, Gonos replied

that he particularly likes the Iron City Rifle Works G2 Competition Enhanced BCG. “ICRW makes an excellent bolt carrier group that runs flawlessly. These BCGs are never a disappointment,” he says. “Plus, the color scheme and the bolt color matched perfectly.”

He also called out the Falkor Defense Optimus PDW

Stock as one of the gun’s highlights. “Creating a weapon that’s from a galaxy far, far away is all about nailing the look,” Gonos says. “Most stocks fall short of this requirement, but Falkor Defense’s Optimus was indeed the winning choice. The single guide rod, along with its unique look, really made the grade. It features solid construction and has a good surface for laser engraving.”

UN0012 / CARTRIDGES FOR WEAPONS, INERT PROJECTILE or CARTRIDGES, SMALL ARMS —

01

02 90

UN12 / Issue 008

01 Koted Arms supplied the Mandalorian Fett Cerakote job in the appropriate colors with a baked-in battleworn finish.

02 Details like the Battle Arms Development bolt and magazine releases were selected to help enhance the themed look.

FEATURE

Steve Gonos’ Fett Blaster Specifications Caliber: 5.56mm Overall Length: 21-25 in.

Barrel: Faxon Firearms Gov’t/ SOCOM 5.56 NATO (7.5 in.)

Weight Unloaded: 6 lbs, 10 oz.

OBA FETT Receivers: Quentin Defense ARQ-15 Slick Side Receiver Set Coating: Cerakote by Koted Arms Laserwork: 2A Tactical LLC

Featured Accessories Optic: Leopold Mark AR MOD 1 1.5-4x20 Optic Mount: Aero Precision Ultralight 30mm Trigger: CMC Trigger

Stock: Falkor Defense Optimus PDW Magazine: Magpul PMAG

Parts & Accessories: Pantheon Arms Prometheus MC with Dolos Takedown Handguard, POF Tomahawk Charging Handle, Iron City Rifle Works G2 Competition Enhanced BCG CopperHead, Bootleg Inc. Pistol Length Gas Tube, Superlative Arms .750 Adjustable Gas Block, Strike Industries Cookie Cutter Comp, Quentin Defense “Skinny Bitch” Grip, Elftman Tactical Push Button Safety, Battle Arms Development Mag Release, Battle Arms Development Bolt Release, Strike Industries Takedown Pins

“Concealment and adaptability are key for any skilled Mandalorian hunter—or your average PDW carrier.”

And according to Gonos, the Pantheon Arms

Prometheus MC handguard with Dolos takedown

system is “a unique piece to add to an out-of-thisuniverse weapon system. Pantheon Arms really

created an opportunity to take the Fett Blaster to the next level. For a skilled bounty hunter, concealment and adaptability are key. The takedown meets that requirement in this theme build.”

In closing, Gonos shared a few further thoughts: “Builds like this really appeal to a silent majority who appreciate something that’s beyond the run-of-the-

About the Owner

mill black rifle. These custom builds celebrate quality

Name: Steve Gonos

and highlight creativity to help take shooting sports to

IG: @2a_tactical_az

the next level.” [ UN12 ]

Occupation: Owner, 2A Tactical LLC Special Thanks: Jason @ Iron City Rifle Works, JD @ Koted Arms

92

UN12 / Issue 008

UN12mag.com

93

FEATURE

The Basics

GOING ALL-IN ON PRECISION RIFLE SETUPS Text & Images by NICK GOUGH

S

hooting precision rifle is more than just getting behind a scoped rifle and hitting targets at will. Countless factors

and variables come into play when shooting for accuracy, especially at extended ranges. Everything from shooting fundamentals to compensation for atmospheric conditions must be considered before taking the shot.

94

UN12 / Issue 008

UN12mag.com

95

FEATURE If you’re starting with an empty gear locker, then you have the ability to select equipment that best suits your needs from the start. It’s critical to understand what exactly it is you’re looking for with your journey into precision rifle shooting. Is your goal purely target shooting, or do you also want to hunt with your rifle? Do you plan to reload your own ammunition? Are you planning to shoot primarily inside 1,000 yards, or beyond? Will you be carrying your rifle extended distances, or not really? Will you need to range targets with your reticle?

INTENT What you plan to do—punching holes in paper, making steel ring, or taking down that trophy elk you’ve always dreamed of—is the first question you must ask yourself when considering the world of precision shooting.

The answer to this question will help narrow down which calibers and rifle components are best suited to your shooting needs.

Without going down the bottomless hole commonly referred to as ballistics, we can use the answer to this question to determine if terminal ballistics (effects of a bullet’s impact on its target) need to be taken into consideration. There are without question

“It’s critical to attain a shooting position that’s comfortable as well as sustainable.”

going to be hundreds of cartridges that will achieve your intended result on target. I highly recommended starting with a cartridge that can be easily obtained anywhere ammunition is sold. Although you may eventually take the leap into reloading, it’s important that you are able to have ammo readily available, because getting out and shooting is the most valuable thing you can do when starting out.

THE BUILD Once you’ve decided on the round, the next step is building the rifle that’s going to get the job done. If you are planning on shooting prone or from a bench the majority of the time, the build options are virtually limitless.

However, if you’re going to be exploring the great outdoors and tracking down wild game,

to shave some weight off their rifle build.

solution commonly found on AR platforms,

then you need to also take length and weight

One way to reduce barrel weight without

whereas a traditional stock relies on a thumb

into consideration.

compromising stiffness or sacrificing barrel

rest or thumb hole. The decision to purchase

length is to purchase a fluted barrel.

a chassis or stock should not be taken lightly

If the cartridge you choose is responsible for delivering your intent on a target, then

UN12 / Issue 008

and is well worth a trip to your local gun shop

the barrel is responsible for delivering that

debate rages on with no clear frontrunner

or the registration fee for a course that will

projectile to the target. A heavier barrel

(or an end in sight, for that matter). The fact

allow you to experience both platforms. No

yields several benefits over a lightweight

is that this piece of the precision rifle puzzle

matter which option you decide to go with,

counterpart, primarily a reduction in felt

is completely based on personal preference

it is highly recommended that you choose a

recoil, “barrel whip,” and the rate at which

and purpose. The precision rifle industry has

model with built-in cheek weld and length-of-

the barrel heats up. When a barrel whips or

evolved by leaps and bounds in recent years

pull adjustment. It’s critical that you be able

heats up, inconsistencies are introduced

to the point where it would be hard to find

to attain a position that is comfortable and

from shot to shot that make accurate hits at

a chassis or stock option that didn’t offer

sustainable, but one that can also be modified

extended ranges unpredictable and difficult.

multiple attachment points, adjustability, and

over time as you settle into your comfort zone

Competitive shooters who remain in a static

plug-and-play installation.

and develop as a shooter.

position during their course of fire will benefit

96

Chassis or stock—which is better? The

There is still one design feature that

No matter which setup you decide to run

from having a heavier rifle with a longer barrel.

separates a chassis system from a traditional

with—chassis or stock—do yourself a favor

However, hunters having to do a bit of hiking

stock, and that is the grip position for your

and purchase a quality set of bipods capable

to get to their preferred location will be looking

hand. Chassis systems utilize the pistol grip

of extending, panning, and tilting. There’s no UN12mag.com

97

FEATURE THE EXTRAS Along with the list of must-haves, there’s an equally important list of should-haves. The first staple on this list is the “sand sock,” which has in more recent times become

“Don’t get hung up on the gear before you go to your first competition— just go shoot.”

referred to as a “rear bag.” While rear support is the most common use, the same bag can be used to stabilize the rifle on a barricade or in the absence of a bipod. While sand is usable and can be obtained just about anywhere in a pinch, it is heavy and prone to leaking. Fills such as rice and beans attract moisture and do not hold up well in humid climates. Bags using plastic, nylon, or polystyrene fills are lighter in weight and hold up well in any environment. Don’t consume yourself with buying a bag for every possible scenario. Start with a basic rear bag and find what else you need as you gain experience.

As much as advancements in rifle manufacturing have changed the shooting game forever, so have advancements in shooting technology. Ballistic calculators and atmospheric reading devices can provide data that’s difficult to calculate, let alone obtain with the push of a button. But it’s important to remember these solutions require good data in to put good data out. Providing accurate velocity information from your gun and your ammo is essential to maximizing the efficacy of your software. Buying a chronograph right away is not essential; you’ll likely meet a shooting partner who will let you borrow one to measure your muzzle velocity.

THE HOLY GRAIL No matter how many space-age developments are made in the precision rifle industry, the data book will remain the tried-and-true method of maintaining information. Data books can be as detailed or as generalized as you want them to be, but remember this is the best way to keep track of exactly what happened when you hit or missed the target. A well-kept data book can set you up for success at a later date when you find yourself in a similar scenario trying for

reason to skimp on this purchase because you

the quality of shooting conditions degrades.

means that reticle sub-tensions do not

will be able to transfer them across multiple

Remember, this is the piece of equipment

change. This is especially important

rifle platforms, especially if you select a bipod

you’re going to be looking through for hours

for tactical shooters because it means

with a quick detach (QD) mount. Most popular

on end at the range as you hone your skills as

their leads and holds remain the

bipods offer interchangeable feet that allow

a precision shooter.

same regardless of whether they are

be specified in the manual. Range estimation

“holding” for windage or elevation. Angular

that first-round hit. At a minimum you should

and object measuring techniques will only be

adjustments translate into smaller changes at

record the conditions you’re shooting in and

accurate at the true magnification setting. This

closer distances and larger changes at farther

the ammo you are using (to include the lot

is true of leads and holds also!

distances. Imagine two laser pointers pointed

number). Repeatable long-range accuracy

downrange, spread apart at a certain angle;

is all about consistency. This is why a log

Now that you’ve decided what you want

running at high or low magnification.

to happen to your reticle when you adjust

the beams would get farther apart as they

book wherein you can track all of your data is

there’s no shortage of options in the optics

Additionally, techniques used for ranging

the magnification, it’s time to navigate the

shine downrange at a consistent rate. The

absolutely essential.

market. First-focal-plane (FFP) or second-

and measuring objects will work at any

seemingly infinite reticle options available.

dots will be twice as far apart at 200 yards as

something you can’t see, and this without

focal-plane (SFP) reticle? Mil adjustments or

magnification setting.

The first divergence comes when choosing

they were at 100 yards. Miliradian systems

B MOST IMPORTANT

question applies to precision shooting.

MOA? The choices can seem overwhelming,

between a Miliradian (Mil) and Minute of Angle

are more prevalent among competitive and

GO SHOOT. Don’t get hung up on the gear

Shooters often rush out and spend the

but remember your goals and think about

magnification changes, the reticle remains

(MOA) reticle system. Both are units of angular

tactical shooters because their adjustments

before you go to your first competition—just

majority of their rifle build budgets on the

what decisions will make the most sense for

unchanged. This means that reticle sub-

measurement used to describe linear size

are faster and require fewer revolutions of

go shoot. Observe what other shooters are

rifle itself, leaving whatever is left over to put

you. Choosing a focal plane is very important,

tensions change as the magnification

relative to distance (e.g., 20 inches tall at 500

the turrets than MOA systems. Regardless of

using, ask questions, and more than likely

toward their optic. Although lower-quality

but each must be understood before a

changes. As a result, the reticle sub-

yards, or 18 centimeters left at 600 meters).

which you choose, pick a scope that uses the

some will let you try out the gear they use. This

optics may perform fine when shooting at

conclusion can be made.

tensions are only accurate at a “set”

The most common uses are measuring

same unit for its turrets and reticle and has

is invaluable in helping you decide if you want

magnification setting, usually max power,

to make impact adjustments, estimating

a zero stop that allows you to quickly return

or need a particular item. Good luck.

but the “true” magnification setting will

distance to known-size targets, and

your elevation to zero.

[ UN12 ]

you to ensure the best footing for whatever environment you’re shooting in.

Common sense tells us you can’t hit

shorter distances in great conditions, this does not hold true as distances increase and

98

UN12 / Issue 008

As with every other aspect of your rifle build,

First Focal Plane: When the magnification changes, the reticle changes with it. This

Second Focal Plane: When the

UN12mag.com

99

PRODUCT REVIEW

: : Customizable panels organize gear and free up cargo space : : Compatible with ModWall system accessories : : Available for Jeep Wrangler and Toyota FJ Cruiser

Tactical Walls Modular Vehicle Storage Solutions Text by MARTIN ANDERS Images COURTESY OF TACTICAL WALLS

H

ow you outfit your vehicle for a day out

Compatible with accessories from Tactical

at the range, a weekend off-roading on

Walls’ in-home ModWall system, VMod can be

the trails, or for your daily commute can differ

configured using any number of ModWall’s wide

quite a bit. If you’re at the range, you will want

variety of gear mounting fixtures. For those who

to have your guns and gear laid out and ready to use. On the other hand, if you and your truck are climbing over rocks, you will want to have recovery gear ready—just in case. The layout and gear pretty much depend on your chosen activity. What doesn’t change is your need for a reliable method of storing and presenting it all.

Tactical Walls, makers of in-home firearm storage solutions, has invaded the automotive space by grafting their popular wall-mounted modular storage fixtures onto the tailgates of popular vehicles such as Jeep Wrangler and Toyota FJ Cruiser. The VMod system consists

“VMod can be configured using a wide variety of gear mounting fixtures.”

of a slotted VMod panel that mounts to your vehicle’s tailgate interior and gives you a modular storage solution to securely organize

are not familiar with the ModWall system, the

gear, tools, straps, firearms, and more—all

concept is simple. ModWall (and VMod) panels

mounted directly to the tailgate itself.

are made of sturdy, non-abrasive plastic with

VMOD 100

UN12 / Issue 008

UN12mag.com

101

Product Review: Tactical Walls VMod

slots cut into them that securely accept each ModWall or VMod fixture’s mounting screws. Fixtures slide into position on the panel from either end.

Once mounted, the fixtures stay securely in place and can be used to mount any number or type of items.

Removal or adjustment is just as simple. You simply slide the fixture off the panel and you’re done. VMod panels allow multiple items to be strapped in securely or mounted to a wide array of accessory fixtures, some of which are magnetic for even greater utility. Dedicated fixtures include rifle and pistol mounts, magazine mounts of all sizes, and even plate carrier and helmet mounts, too.

“VMod panels allow multiple items to be strapped in securely or mounted to a wide array of accessory fixtures.”

Installation of the VMod panel took us literally about five minutes on a Jeep Wrangler JK. The procedure required removing a piece of interior trim from the tailgate and using a power screwdriver to drive eight self-tapping screws that will hold the VMod panel in place. The panel slid into place on to its mounting bracket within seconds. Other than the holes made by the screws, which are made in an area that would normally be hidden by the factory interior trim, nothing is permanent with this installation. After screwing the VMod panel into place on the tailgate, we slid a number of fixtures into place. This helped us create secure equipment mounts for our tools, guns, and gear.

01 CUSTOMIZATION You can arrange and rearrange your gear however you see fit.

You can even prepare multiple panels for specific activities, then swap out the whole panel when it’s time for that activity.

102

UN12 / Issue 008

This system allows you to not only configure the VMod panel to suit your mission requirements but also to swap out entire pre-outfitted VMod panels to fit your needs. You can prepare multiple panels with gear ready to go for any type of activity. For a day at the range, you can have a panel configured with your shooting gear.

Going fishing the next day? Swap out the range-day panel for your gone fishin’ panel. It’s that easy.

UN12mag.com

103

Product Review: Tactical Walls VMod

02 DEDICATED MOUNTS Fixures include rifle and pistol mounts and magazine mounts in all sizes. There are even fixtures for mounting plate carriers and tactical helmets.

The modular storage solution the VMod system brought our Jeep has been a godsend. Swinging the tailgate open and having instant access to our mostused tools made us realize it was a solution we hadn’t even known we needed. Additionally, by helping us eliminate tool bags and hard-sided cases, it helped free up cargo space for other uses. The VMod system’s sheer modularity and breadth of various attachments makes it fun to lay out. Call us organizationally obsessed, borderline OCD. We’re confident if you get your own VMod system going, you’ll find yourself obsessively organizing your vehicular-borne gear as well.

The VMod system is available for Jeep Wrangler TJ, JL, JK, and their Rubicon siblings, as well as the Toyota

“Having instant access to our most-used gear was a solution we hadn’t even known we needed.”

03 INSTALLATION Other than drilling the holes for the mounting screws (in an area normally hidden by a factory panel), nothing is permanent with this installation, so it’s easily reversible.

FJ Cruiser. As we’ve come to expect from Tactical Walls, the system is made domestically in the United States and comes in a complete package that includes the VMod tailgate panel, base plate mounting bracket, and several ModWall fixtures to help get your organizing started.

Tactical Walls VMod MSRP: $199 URL: tacticalwalls.com

104

UN12 / Issue 008

UN12

[ UN12 ]

UN12mag.com

105

FEATURE

“The SP-01’s inherent elegance pushed the owner to re-imagine it as a ‘gentleman’s pistol.’ He would adhere to the theme of refined modernity.”

Customized CZ 75 SP-01 Text by MARTIN ANDERS Images by MICHAEL GREY

: : Custom work by Alpha Dog Arms : : Cajun Gun Works trigger UN0012 / CARTRIDGES FOR WEAPONS, INERT PROJECTILE or CARTRIDGES, SMALL ARMS —

106

UN12 / Issue 008

: : Chambered in 9mm

UN12mag.com

107

FEATURE

02 01

W

hen you conjure up an image of a customized

imagine it as a “gentleman’s pistol.” To this end, he

pistol in your mind, there’s a good chance

would adhere to the theme of refined modernity.

you end up picturing a modified Glock over any other

upgrades, it’s not often you see an SP-01 modified to

support, there’s no disputing that Glock is the king of

the level that Seargeant took his. The real challenge

pistol custom-ability. It’s for this reason that so many

was finding customizers he could depend on to carry

enthusiasts base their builds on the popular line of

out the vision he had. We have been fans of Alpha Dog

polymer pistols. It’s also precisely why the owner of this

Arms for a while now, quietly following the company

featured pistol chose to go another route.

on Instagram and trying to come up with an excuse to

Not long ago, Tim Seargeant, Kriss USA marketing

work with them. Their custom Glocks are eye-catching

manager and owner of the CZ 75 SP-01 you see

to say the least, and their workmanship is some of the

here, was afforded the opportunity to add another

finest we’ve seen. We recommended Seargeant give

customized pistol to his ever-growing collection

Alpha Dog a ring even though they are primarily known

of firearms. Already the proud owner of a number

as Glock customizers.

of Glocks, he wanted to try to build out something

108

Other than your typical off-the-shelf, drop-in

type of pistol. Thanks to tremendous aftermarket

Alpha Dog’s capabilities are impressive. The

different. He’s always had a soft spot for CZ pistols and

company has more than 30 cumulative years of

thought this new project would be a great opportunity

experience in industrial design and another 20 in

and a challenge for him to try to customize one. The

engineering products for manufacture. Combining

inherent elegance of the pistol’s design inspired

that experience with the latest hardware and software

Seargeant to push the theme even further and re-

technology allows Alpha Dog to provide services to

UN12 / Issue 008

01 Along with performing considerable slide work, Alpha Dog ported the barrel after mocking up the modifications using computer modeling.

02 A SureFire X300U-B sits on th rail, its all-metal construction complementing the CZ’s metal frame.

03 A Cajun Gun Works safety was added to the left side to match the larger safety on the right (the left side safety being smaller on the factory-issue pistol).

03 “The real challenge was finding customizers to carry out the vision. Even though Alpha Dog has primarily done Glocks, they did not shy away from the challenge when called upon.”

UN12mag.com

109

01

FEATURE

02 “Less than a week after the project began, a computergenerated rendering had been completed with all the requested modifications—and more.”

creatives and visionaries large and small. Best of all, they

sight like a Trijicon RMR. Bethlenfalvy took it from there.

aim to provide their services quickly and affordably. That

He reverse-engineered the slide to uncover its internal

sounded like the right kind of partner to help Seargeant

workings and ascertain where he could make cuts into it

see his project through. The only question was: Would

for the window and red dot as requested.

Alpha Dog take the job?

Alpha Dog did not shy away from the challenge

110

Less than a week after he had the pistol in hand, Bethlenfalvy had a computer-generated rendering of

when it was offered. In fact, Alpha Dog founder and

the slide complete with the requested modifications and

CEO Aaron Bethlenfalvy was enthusiastic in taking on

more. He included the top window and added angles

something they hadn’t done before—modifying and

to match the style of the slide, a thoughtful detail. He

completely customizing a CZ SP-01 from the ground up.

also added three additional windows on each side. After

Timing would be an issue—Bethlenfalvy was headed out

examining the slide rendering, the idea of porting the

of country in less than four weeks, so the entire project

CZ’s barrel came up and Bethlenfalvy was on it without

needed to be completed before he left. Even with this

hesitation. Realizing that an RMR red dot would be

time constraint, Seargeant and Bethlenfalvy moved

too wide for comfortably fit on the slide, Bethlenfalvy

forward with the endeavor.

recommended that Seargeant find a slimmer alternative.

01

comes equipped with a rear backup sight notch, which

goes down. A custom-made front sight with a calibrated

Alpha Dog cut the top slide window and three additional windows on each side.

allowed for the red dot to be moved back as far back

height will be Seargeant’s next upgrade.

as possible. Due to the time constraints, a CZ front

02 The grip panels are VZ carbon-look G10, whose modern style complements the build quite well.

03 The front sight is a CZ suppressor-height unit which, since it’s a tad too tall, will be swapped for a custom replacement in the near future.

Proving that they can do it all, Alpha Dog took care of

suppressor-height sight is temporarily mounted at the

the pistol’s Cerakoting as well. Seargeant wanted to do

front of the slide. It is a tad too tall, but would still come

something completely different from what he’s done in the

in handy in a pinch in the unlikely event that the red dot

past. In this spirit, he requested the pistol be finished in a

03

color-changing, chameleon-style coating. Having never applied chameleon paint before, Bethlenfalvy was game to try. He applied the protective top coat of Armor Clear with cyan/red/green chameleon additive after covering the SP-01 with Armor Clear Cerakote. The look is indeed eye-catching, especially at the range.

With so much going on with the slide, what about doing something special to the frame? From the factory, the SP01’s frame comes with a little patch of texture engraved on the front part of the frame’s grip where your middle and

Utilizing a 3D scanner, laser machine, and a CNC,

The SP-01’s slide width is similar to a Glock 43’s and

Bethlenfalvy got to work. Over the phone, ideas were

might be even skinnier. An ultra-slim Shield Sights RMSc

kicked around that included the idea of adding a window

red dot was the only solution that seemed to fit. As you

for intricate laser work, Bethlenfalvy volunteered to do

cut at the top of the slide and a provision for a red dot

can see, it worked out great. What’s more, the RMSc

something more. He expanded on the factory’s patch of

UN12 / Issue 008

ring fingers would fall. Because Alpha Dog is also known

UN12mag.com

111

FEATURE

02

“The pistol is coated in color-shifting ‘chameleon’ Cerakote, which Alpha Dog had never done before but was game to try out.”

01

03 grip checkering and took it further up on the front part

To back up the build’s refined theme, Seargeant went

of the grip as well as on the sides of the frame, which

with VZ grips that are finished in carbon-fiber-look

we’ve never seen on a CZ SP-01. We got to handle

G10. We agree that the subdued yet modern look of

the pistol and thought that the extra, subtle grip the

the carbon pattern fits the pistol’s theme quite well.

checkering provided was a welcome enhancement.

Hanging on the SP-01’s rail is a SureFire X300U-B. This

It is said that if you’re going to tinker with a CZ,

weaponlight was chosen for its legendary performance

it’s best to at some point go to the experts at Cajun

as well as its all-metal body, which matches the all-

Gun Works. Seargeant found that to be a solid piece

metal frame and slide of the pistol.

of advice. He opted to swap out his stock trigger

We’d say that the customizer faithfully completed

assembly for Cajun Gun Works’ 75 Series Pro Package

the pistol owner’s vision. Seargeant’s SP-01 is a unique

group. The package includes everything required to

piece for sure. It’s not often you see these pistols with

outfit the SP-01 with a reliable, high-performance

slide cuts, barrel ports, and custom framework to the

trigger. It endows the pistol with an eight-pound

degree that has been completed here. We’ve got to

double-action and three-and-a-half pound single-

give it to Bethlenfalvy and Alpha Dog, especially with

action trigger. It cuts the reset by half, and the trigger

this build. He not only tackled design and machining on

is moved five millimeters rearward with the pistol’s

an unfamiliar platform, but applied a type of Cerakote

hammer down. Helping even out the size of the

he’d never used. We admire his bold willingness to try

safeties, Cajun’s left-side safety mirrors the bigger CZ

anything. He pulled it all together very, very nicely.

factory right-side safety, as the one that comes on the

[ UN12 ]

01 The trigger assembly was replaced with a Cajun Gun Works 75 Series Pro Package trigger group, which cuts the reset by half.

02 Enhancements were made to the grip checkering on the pistol’s grip and on the sides of the frame.

03 The red dot is an ultra-slim Shield Sights RMSc with a rear backup sight notch that allows the unit to be mounted as far back as possible.

CZ’s left side is smaller.

112

UN12 / Issue 008

UN12mag.com

113

UN12

E X P L O D E D VIEW

Tim Seargeant’s Custom CZ 75 SP-01 Specifications Caliber: 9mm Capacity: 18 Barrel: CZ Cold Hammer Forged, Alpha Dog Ported (4.6 in.)

Overall Length: 8.15 in.

Weight Unloaded: 2 lbs, 11.8 oz.

Coating: Cerakote by Alpha Dog Slidework: Alpha Dog Framework: Alpha Dog

Featured Accessories Sights: CZ Front Night Sight 75/85 Suppressor Ready Optic: Shield Sights RMSc (4 MOA) Parts & Accessories: Cajun Gun Works 75110 ProPackage for 75 Manual Safety (Race, Black), Cajun Gun Works OEM Safety LH Shadow SP-01 (75 B), SureFire X300U-B, VZ Grips CZ 75 VZ 320 Carbon Fiber G10

About the Owner Name: Tim Seargeant Occupation: Kriss USA marketing manager Special Thanks: To my wife Stacey and son Nathaniel for being in my life. All the guidance and support from Aaron @ Alpha Dog Arms, Danae @ CZ USA, Scott @ Cajun Gun Works, Ken @ Shield Sights, Andrew @ SureFire, and VZ Grips.

UN0012 / CARTRIDGES FOR WEAPONS, INERT PROJECTILE or CARTRIDGES, SMALL ARMS —

“It’s not often you see these pistols with slide, barrel, and framework completed to the degree that has been carried out on this one.”

MEET YOUR NEWEST ADDICTION UN12: The biggest and freshest firearms magazine focuses on customization and individuality.

Dealers wanted: UN12 is a premium and limited magazine that is not available on newsstands. It is only available online and through specialty shops like yours.

Join up as a UN12 retailer and we’ll drive customers to you. If you would like to carry UN12, contact us at retailer@un12mag.com today.

114

UN12 / Issue 008

FEATURE

UN0012 / CARTRIDGES FOR WEAPONS, INERT PROJECTILE or CARTRIDGES, SMALL ARMS —

WARRIOR RITUALS:

LOAD & MAKE READY Text by CHARLES

W

“CHIP” LASKY

arriors have performed rituals before battle for

you and your gear are ready for it. Making ready transcends

centuries. From the ancient Greek hoplites to the

my own self preservation and extends to that of my team.

feudal Japanese samurai, these rituals encompassed

If I’m not ready to fight at 200%, then I’m a liability to my

everything from making offerings to the gods to preparing

brothers. The consequences could have disastrous effect

their blades, shields, and armor.

on them.

The mark of a professional warrior is that he or she

Being a professional warrior favors the obsessive-

approaches every task with a sense of purpose, devotion,

compulsive among us. To practice something to the point

and care. They do everything as if their life depends on

of ritual may sound a little crazy to the average person.

it. No detail is too small. The goal of combat is to win.

But we are warriors. We are different from the average

We close with and destroy the enemy. By nature, this

person—stronger, more focused, more disciplined, more

activity is dangerous. Failing in combat often means

driven to win. Every action we perform is a choreographed

suffering great bodily harm or loss of your life (or that of

movement that strengthens the neural pathways in our

your teammates). Losing is an unacceptable outcome

brains to ensure success. The details of your Make Ready

in combat. And because the stakes are so high, we as

Procedure may differ depending on your job, but there are

professional warriors must endeavor to stack the odds in

a few basics that should be followed regardless of whether

our favor. Before stepping off into the fight, it is absolutely

you are a cop or a warfighter.

imperative that we perform pre-fight checks of ourselves

Let’s assume that we have a properly planned mission

and our gear. Everything must be perfect. As professional

and have gotten kitted up in the staging area. After we have

warriors, we must perform our ritual of “making ready.”

donned all the gear and equipment we are going to take

If you carry a gun for a living, then the process of

to the fight, we need to Load & Make Ready. This process

“making ready” should be a ritual that borders on

ensures that we have checked and double-checked the fit,

fanaticism. You are essentially preparing yourself to

function, and presence of all mission-critical components

go into a fight to the death. Whether or not that fight

on our person. It is also the time that we mentally start

happens is of little importance. What is important is that

preparing ourselves for what we are about to do.

116

UN12 / Issue 008

UN12mag.com

117

FEATURE

magazine with a push/pull method to ensure that it is properly seated. Next, I close the dust cover—an often-overlooked practice.

02: Rifle

Closing the dust cover helps keep debris from being introduced into the weapon during the insertion phase of the mission. It’s very important to conduct the loading and presscheck reps without looking at the guns. If you need to do this in the dark or under night vision goggles, you will not be able to see your equipment. Don’t let lazy daytime square range habits dictate your pre-fight rituals.

I always Load & Make Ready without looking at my guns and gear. After I’m satisfied that the rifle is loaded and safe, I will re-acquire my sight picture and check my optics, lights, and lasers. Everything should have fresh (or at least new) batteries.

I want to ensure that my optic brightness is set to a useable level should I need to employ my white light. I want to make sure that laser is functional (in all spectrums).

No matter what, the first thing I load and make ready is my pistol. Why? Because it’s my lifeline. If I need to go to my blaster, shit

chamber a round, and achieve another sight

this point I have already lubed the gun and

And I want to make sure that support hand

picture on my aiming point.

performed mechanical checks. Like the

grip is consistent, able to reach all light/laser

pistol, I’m going to first achieve a proper

controls, and that my sling tension is good.

Next, I conduct a press check of the

has gone sideways and I am now fighting

chamber, pound the back of the slide to

sight picture on an aiming point. Always get

When satisfied, I let the weapon hang on

for my life. So that little gun better be ready,

ensure it’s fully back in battery, and then

proper reps in when you can. When satisfied,

the sling and back-fill my emergency reload

topped-off, and capable of saving me.

check my pistol optic and light. I need to

I lock the bolt to the rear and safe the

pouch with a fresh mag from my pocket.

It’s easy to get wrapped up in the rifle. It’s

make sure that the optic is at the proper

weapon. Next, I retrieve a magazine from my

bigger, cooler, and already in our hands. But

brightness setting and the light is functioning

emergency reload pouch on my belt. Without

both little and big guns from my emergency

I always—always—do the little gun first. I

on a fresh set of batteries. I will then re-holster

looking at it, I feel for the top round in the mag

reload pouches during the Load & Make

find a point of aim and conduct a correct

the pistol and give it a tug to make sure the

and make a mental note of which side it’s on.

Ready ritual, before backfilling those pouches

presentation from the holster. During this

mechanical retention latch has engaged.

While still looking “downrange,” I seat the

from my pocket. Why go through the extra

movement I am not only getting another rep,

Last, I will backfill my pistol reload pouch with

magazine in the rifle and release the bolt. I

steps? Why not just toss the mags that will

but also ensuring nothing is obstructing my

a fresh magazine from my pocket. Only then

then eject the magazine, hold it off to the side,

be in the guns in a dump pouch when I walk

path to and from the holster. After achieving a

am I confident that my pistol is ready to save

and feel for the top round. Is it now on the

up on the line? Because it’s about doing it

sight picture on my aiming point, I will retrieve

my life.

other side? If yes, then I know the first round

right. Proper reps build and support neural

is in the chamber.

pathways that my body will rely on in a fight.

a pistol mag from my pistol mag pouch, seat it in the gun, power stroke the slide to

Next comes the rifle. My primary weapon, I need to ensure that it is good to go. At

Once again without looking, I will insert the

You’ll notice that I produced magazines for

In mortal combat, while under the most physical, mental, and emotional stress we

01: Pistol

“If I need to go to my blaster, shit has gone sideways and I am now fighting for my life. So that little gun better be ready, topped-off, and capable of saving me.”

118

UN12 / Issue 008

as humans can face, our bodies will rely on the mechanics we have practiced and programmed into our brains. I do not load mags into my guns from five different places on my person. I always go to the same spot.

Even in a fight, I will load from my emergency reload pouch on my belt and then back fill it from my plate carrier after the immediate threat or threats is/are dealt with. The mark of professionals is that they do everything as if their lives depend on it—every time. Don’t be lazy.

If I’m carrying a tertiary weapon system such as a breaching shotgun, grenade launcher, or rocket, I will conduct the same Load & Make Ready procedure for it as well.

Once all weapon systems have been made ready to my satisfaction, I move on to my UN12mag.com

119

FEATURE

coming to that conclusion. But remember that we are preparing ourselves to enter mortal combat, not arguing with the wife about how to properly load the dishwasher. I check the snaps, clips, and bungees on every pouch.

I turn the radio knob to the “off” position and then count the clicks as I turn it on to the proper channel before doing a comms check. I run my hand over every pocket of my combat uniform and feel the individual tools and items stored in each one, mentally naming each item. Finally, I review the contents of my assault pack (eyes still closed) to ensure that I can immediately lay hands on UN0012 / CARTRIDGES FOR WEAPONS, INERT PROJECTILE or CARTRIDGES, SMALL ARMS —

anything I need in the dark. Again, I cannot over-emphasize the importance of doing this entire procedure without looking at the gear and tools. You won’t be able to see it in the dark, so don’t cheat yourself by getting lazy in the light.

I finish my Load & Make Ready procedure by doing a couple body weight squats protection is one of the most often overlooked

and jumping in place. This lets me know if

violent, kinetic, and frantic, that your fight/

still on my helmet? How about my helmet

have everything I brought to the party, I

pieces of gear, yet it protects the organs

anything is loose or making noise. At this

flight reflex and adrenaline dump can

camera? Are mags, frags, bangers, bombs,

proceed with SSE.

that provide us with 90% of our sensory

point, I’m confident that I am physically ready.

cause your body to enter a shock-like state

rockets, knives still where they should be?

information. God only gave us one pair of

This entire ritual is performed in the exact

and suppress your ability to feel pain. I’ve

Is my pistol still in the holster? I once lost

as stressful as fighting for your life. Stacking

personal kit. I work my way down my body,

eyes and they can be easily damaged. Even

same manner and order, every time, before

seen guys break bones or sustain deep

my pistol and the holster shell on an assault.

the deck in your favor ahead of time is the

starting with my head. I flip my NVGs down

if you’re “just a patrol cop” and don’t do any

leaving the wire. No exceptions.

lacerations, shrapnel wounds, even gunshot

I assume that it was sheared off the leg

best way to prepare to win. Remember, it’s

and turn them on, ensuring a functional

SWAT work, you should be wearing eye-pro

wounds without knowing it until it was

platform on my belt (because that part was

not just your life that you’re saving. As one

battery connection is made. I check their

day and night.

assault. The bad guys are either dead or in

brought to their attention by a teammate.

still attached to me) while making the initial

of the good guys, you are gearing up to

custody. Before exfil from the target, we need

Your team doesn’t need you to become a

entry. I don’t know exactly what happened,

save the lives of innocent civilians and your

03: Head to Toe

focus and make any adjustments required

Closing my eyes, I literally run my hands

for the expected engagement distances on

over every part of my plate carrier and belt

to conduct a quick post-assault check of

non-ambulatory casualty due to blood loss.

but we recovered the pistol (inside the

teammates. Letting them down because

the target. I ensure the retention bungee and/

(usually while humming a stripper song in my

ourselves and our gear. I like to do this before

A quick 10-second pat-down will let you

holster) right outside the building. Shit

you were ill-prepared for the fight is an

or lanyard is secure before turning them off

head). I touch every magazine, tourniquet,

pulling out the SSE bags. The purpose of the

know if you’re still in one piece.

happens so fast that you don’t always catch

unacceptable outcome. A professional does

and flipping them back up. I check my strobe

PTT, blade, flashbang, frag, charge, and so

post-assault check is to make sure we don’t

everything until afterwards. If I carried any

everything as if lives depend on it. No detail

to ensure function by feeling for the telltale

on. Everything needs to be perfectly secured

have any extra holes or lacerations that need

the ones I showed up with, I move on to

extra equipment, such as a breaching tool

is too small or inconsequential. In a gunfight,

vibration through my helmet before moving

and within reach. I’ve quite literally doffed

treating and to make sure that we have all our

my gear. I’ll physically touch every piece of

or ladder, I make sure I retrieve and secure

you have the rest of your life to fix your

on to the task light(s) on the side rails. I turn

my war belt and reattached it with a half inch

gear. This may sound silly to the uninitiated,

sensitive and/or expensive kit on my person.

it where it was dropped during the assault.

mistakes. Fortune favors the prepared.

on my communication headset if it isn’t on

difference to ensure that my left hand will fall

but you’d be surprised at the items that have

This is a head-to-toe check. Are my NVGs

Once I’m satisfied that I’m in one piece and

[ UN12 ]

already and adjust the volume. I physically

right in the exact place it needs to in order to

been left behind on a target by even the

touch my eye-pro to ensure it’s on my face

retrieve a frag. Yes, this sounds like total OCD

best operators. This post-assault check is

before moving down to the plate carrier. Eye

overload. And you are absolutely correct in

often referred to as a “Budweiser Check.”

“Eye protection is one of the most often overlooked pieces of gear, yet it protects the organs that provide us with 90% of our sensory information.”

120

Now let’s say we have just completed the

You will never partake in any other activity

UN12 / Issue 008

Essentially, if you lose something on a target, you are buying the beer—for the entire team, and the support personnel, and the command staff… usually until someone else makes the same mistake.

The first thing I do is take off my gloves and quickly run my hands all over by body, pressing clothing to my flesh which would cause any unknown wound to create a blood stain. I put my hands between my plate carrier and my body to feel for any pain or sticky wetness (blood feels different than sweat). You’re probably thinking, WTF, how would you not know you’re wounded? The fact of the matter is that gunfights (especially close-quarters gunfights) are so incredibly

Assuming the only holes in my body are

“You will never partake in any activity as stressful as fighting for your life. Stacking the deck in your favor ahead of time is the best way to prepare to win.”

UN12mag.com

121

FEATURE

Customization

GIBBZ Arms & Koted Arms Text by ROLAND WILKES

Images by JAY CANTER

T

oday’s AR-15 is to a gun enthusiast what a Chevy small

Kevin says. “Our side-charge upper design is certainly what put us

block is to a muscle car aficionado. There is prestige to

on the map.”

be had and money to be made, but in a market that’s so close to saturated with product—good, bad, ugly, and everything in between—getting your foot in the door is probably your make-or-break moment, even if the stuff you build is the very best in its class.

fact, you could argue that innate engineering chops and the entrepreneurial spirit are both part of their DNA. Their paternal

Arizona, had an angle: side-charging AR-15 uppers. While side-

grandfather worked as an engineer at Boeing before building a

charging has gained in popularity among the AR faithful over the

business that manufactured fireplaces using his own patent (one

years, it’s still something of a novelty in the shooting world at large.

of many proprietary inventions). That successful venture enabled

Much more so when the brothers established their operation in

him to purchase land near the mountains of southeastern Arizona,

the summer of 2010, and to their great benefit. Theirs is one of a

his family’s ancestral home and where he’d grown up ranging and

handful of companies that show up on the short list when you do

hunting with his brothers.

an online query for a side-charging AR-15 platform. “Most who have looked into side-charging ARs would recognize our name,”

UN12 / Issue 008

For the brothers, launching a firearm manufacturing company was as natural as their inherent love for guns and shooting. In

Kevin and David Gibbens, co-founders of GIBBZ Arms in Mesa,

122

With a grin, he adds: “It’s the best side-charge design out there of course… no bias, right?”

Later, Kevin and David’s father left his own comfortable career as a chemist and purchased his own nearby parcel of land. “I think

UN12mag.com

123

Customization: GIBBZ Arms & Koted Arms Dad was just happy to live close to Grandpa and

many ideas we had,” he says. “We decided that

of colors (11 total). Custom finishes are applied by

his workshop,” Kevin says. “They got along well

with our varied backgrounds and experience we

Koted Arms, the company’s in-house Cerakoter—

and really complemented each other’s talents.

had all the tools to build a business, so we took

which, incidentally, is also a standalone operation

They were also both Air Force veterans, Grandpa

the plunge.”

that can apply fully custom color schemes and/

a paratrooper pilot in WWII, Dad an F-4 mechanic

GIBBZ Arms currently manufactures upper and

or themes to individual components or complete

lower receivers in three main product lines: G4

in Vietnam.”

When they came of age, the Gibbens brothers

weapons of any make or model.

for AR/M4/M16 platforms; G9 for pistol-caliber

Established in 2014, Koted Arms comprises a

followed in their forefathers’ footsteps and

AR platforms; and G10 for LR-308 platforms.

two-man crew that is entirely self-taught, as many of

enrolled in engineering programs at Arizona

Upper receivers can be ordered in both right- and

the best Cerakoters on the scene today are. “I used

State University. Upon graduation, both went

left-handed charging configurations. Matched

to have a custom knife business,” says Koted Arms

to work for a start-up company making body

receiver sets are available from all three lines,

founder J.D. “I was looking for new knife finishes

armor products. Here they applied and honed

as well as complete uppers (receiver, bolt,

when I came across Cerakote. I enjoyed the artistry

their technical skills, and being involved in the

handguard, barrel) for the G9. They also have

so much that I gave up the knife business and made

ground-up creation of a small business gave them

an industry first to claim: the first ambidextrous

Cerakote my primary focus.”

experience that would be invaluable when the

Glock magazine compatible AR lower.

time came to start their own. After a subsequent

handguards in a range of lengths that offer a

about and experienced product testing,

variety of accessory attachment methods, as well

production efficiency, and quality control at scale,

as the ability to use any standard backup sights

the brothers’ entrepreneurial leanings began to

as offset sights when running an optic. They

reach critical mass.

claim their guards are also some of the simplest

The third vertex in the GIBBZ Arms triangle is the brothers’ Uncle Larry, their father’s youngest

to install.

In addition, GIBBZ offers proprietary bolt

brother, whom Kevin refers to as the proverbial

designs for pistol-caliber builds and various small

“rich uncle.” While Kevin is quick to point out

parts like charging handle kits and accessories.

that’s mostly in jest—since the capital investment

“What really motivates us is trying to solve real

required to get the company going paled in

problems and offer a tactical benefit,” Kevin says.

comparison to all the work they ended up putting

“We first look at solving problems, then we focus

in—Larry Gibbens was the catalyst that really got

on making them look good while doing that.”

the GIBBZ Arms machine moving.

“As David and I were growing tired of aerospace, we got to talking with Larry about the

GIBBZ receivers and handguards come with standard Type III hardcoat black anodizing or may be ordered to include a Cerakote finish in a range

At right & bottom of page: Koted Arms offers a variety of finishing options, from digicam and Kryptek to full themed finishes.

Working closely with GIBBZ is a natural fit, since

GIBBZ also manufactures free-float

stint working in aerospace, where they learned

Left: The Gibbens brothers’ engineering background is central to their company’s success.

that company’s focus is AR-based hardware and Opposite page, center: GIBBZ is probably best known for side-charging AR uppers, which are available for a variety of calibers as well as right- or left-handed operation.

the AR platform offers virtually unlimited options for

Below: GIBBZ also offers various AR accessories like a full range of proprietary handguards.

his favorite project has been so far, J.D. is visibly

customization in both the mechanical and aesthetic sense, which any Cerakote artisan can certainly appreciate. Koted Arms is pretty much down for anything, however, having done custom weapon themes from The Punisher to the P51 Mustang, catering to pistols, shotguns, and rifles alike, and offering a wide variety of popular camouflage applications like digicam, MultiCam, and Kryptek.

Typical of his line of work, when asked what torn. “I’d probably have to say the Joker theme build we did,” he says after thinking it over for a bit.

“That build marked a lot of firsts for us. It was the first time we turned a Sharps Bros ‘The Jack’ into an existing character. It was also the first time the customer gave us full control over the build. I liked it

GIBBZ Arms & Koted Arms

so much I’m in the process of making another one for myself.”

As for Kevin Gibbens, his fave is a rifle he and J.D. did as one of their first official collaborations: a side-charging G10 hunting rifle in a desert-drab, Kryptek-styled motif he’s already used to take down a few notable trophies, most recently a big whitetail buck.

“It just works,” he says. “It was the last morning of the hunt, 350 yards, my spotting buddy and I were not on the same page… but hey, the camo works, right?” [ UN12 ]

“What really motivates us is trying to solve real problems and offer a tactical benefit.”

Find GIBBZ Arms online at gibbzarms.com, on Facebook at GIBBZ.ARMS, and Instagram @gibbzarms. Find Koted Arms online at kotedarms.com, on Facebook at KotedArms, and on Instagram @koted_arms.

124

UN12 / Issue 008

UN12mag.com

125

FEATURE

Customization : : Based on a CRKT Pilar Large Black with D2 Blade Steel : : Personalized at home : : Originally designed by Jesper Voxnaes

Personalized Knife Text by DANNY CHANG Images by MICHAEL GREY

W

hen we came across the featured

While he liked the original, smaller Pilar knife,

customized knife, we were floored

he learned about a bigger version released

to learn that its owner had built it based on

earlier this year. He felt that a larger knife

something he saw in the pages of UN12.

would be a better match for his meaty paws.

Tyler has been an avid reader of UN12 from

“The larger Pilar’s bigger handle gave my

the very first issue. When he saw the Nevada

hands a more solid feeling when gripping it,”

Cerakote APOD camouflage pattern on the

he says.

cover rifle from Issue 003, he immediately

Pilar Large Black with D2 Blade Steel. The

pattern on one of his own future projects.

original Pilar, designed by Jesper Voxnaes

Tyler needed a budget-friendly EDC knife to take with him to work on a daily basis.

126

UN12 / Issue 008

The project started out with a CRKT

knew one way or another he would use that

in his Denmark shop, was first released in 2017 and received many awards for being a

UN12mag.com

127

01 Customization: Knives

The camouflage is a Nevada Cerakote APOD pattern.

Specs Personalized CRKT Pillar Large Owner: Tyler Occupation: Veterinarian Special Thanks: Ashley, Chris, little brother D

CRKT Model: Pilar Large Black with D2 blade steel MSRP: $70 URL: crkt.com Designer: Jesper Voxnaes

favorite everyday carry (EDC) knife for under $50. Two

the standard 8Cr14MoV blade. “I spent a few extra

on and seeing what else was on the market for the

years later, and after several iterations, CRKT released

bucks to get the D2 blade since it offers a better

Pilar.” He came across a company called Flytanium,

a larger version that measures 6.625 inches overall.

edge and better corrosion resistance,” he says.

which specializes in knife products that improve or

The larger Pilar also had a flipper tab added to it that

While waiting for the painted scales and hardware

enhance popular mass-produced factory knives.

runs on Teflon washers. “Opening the knife one-

to be finished, he decided to do something about

He found an antique stonewash-finished copper

handed is very easy by flipping the tab,” Tyler says.

the factory black D2 blade to better match the

scale that caught his eye. It was his good fortune

APOD camo.

that Flytanium had just released scales for the Pilar

As mentioned, Tyler fell in love with Nevada Cerakote’s APOD camo pattern when he first laid eyes on it. He explains how he went about the process of getting the same pattern applied to the knife’s scales.

02

“I contacted the people over at Nevada Cerakote

The Pilar can be easily disassembled for cleaning and maintenance.

Bacon and his team have a unique and very cool

and told them what I had imagined,” he says. “Russ camouflaged pattern that I hope to put on a pistol or rifle one day to match this knife.”

It wasn’t long after Tyler shipped the knife off to get coated that he received a surprise message from

“One night I was getting my Googlefu on and seeing what else on the market was made for the Pilar.”

Personalized CRKT Pilar Large

I wanted to really pimp out this knife,” he says. The stonewashed finish on the copper scale and the colors of the APOD camo all meshed well together.

It was now time to see it all assembled.

As you can see, Tyler’s customized Pilar really stands out and looks quite sharp (pardon our pun).

There probably isn’t another CRKT Pilar that looks

Tyler’s decision was to dip the blade in two different

starter for anyone who sees it, and that’s fine by

acids, which further protects it from corrosion, as well

Tyler. He says every aspect of this knife, from

says. “But, as if he read my mind, he sent a picture

as stonewashing it for a more finished look. “In all

concept to completion, has a story he can share.

with the CRKT logo lasered back on the belt clip as if it

honesty, to me, the black coating from CRKT looked

We’re especially pleased that UN12 had a small

came like that from the factory.” That’s some attentive

like it was just painted on. This gave me a reason to do

hand in his inspiration. If you have a knife that you

customer service.

something about it,” he says.

customized yourself that you’d like to see featured

went for the optional upgraded steel instead of UN12 / Issue 008

existing scales and hardware being Cerakoted, but

want to trouble them to add the logo back on,” he

When he originally purchased his Pilar, Tyler

128

have been more perfect. “I knew that I had all the

just like this one. The knife is now a conversation

Russ regarding the CRKT logo on the knife’s belt clip.

“I already knew there was a lot going on and didn’t

the very day he contacted them. The timing couldn’t

“Google is a great but scary tool to have,” Tyler continues. “One night I was getting my Google-fu

in UN12, tag us on Instagram @un12mag. [ UN12 ]

UN12mag.com

129

DEPT.

Competition & Training

Shoot This Drill CADENCE DRILLS UTILIZING THE RGT CADENCE TARGET

On the practical side, meat moves when being shot. This movement is completely unpredictable in terms of both when it will move and how it will move. At the same time, only good hits will end the fight in a determined adversary. Therefore, as practical shooters training for reality, we must train to shoot these unpredictable, moving targets.

A competition shooter is better able to adjust his cadence to a particular situation because he is under less stress and has seen the upcoming course of fire. As practical shooters, we must train a cadence that gets us the needed good hits in any situation.

Text by JARED RESTON

RGT CADENCE TARGET DESCRIPTION

Illustrations by CHARLES “CHIP” LASKY

The target has five slightly shortened A-Zone boxes and three circles on both

O

ne of the core tenets of Reston Group has been to combine tactical

the left and right sides. The boxes are

training with the information gained from competition and human

blacked-out with large white numbers

performance science. Our goal has been to use both fields to design

inside them. The numbers are large

practical and effective training that directly improves our students’

enough and contrast well enough that

abilities. After personally experiencing several lethal-force encounters

drills can easily be shot under night vision.

while working as a police officer, studying other lethal-force encounters,

130

UN12 / Issue 008

The solid black circles on both sides

RGT ACCURACY DRILL

An easy way to practice the

and observing how professional shooters deal with complex targets, I

are set up as the accuracy standard for

The pistol circles should be shot

cadences is to count out loud. The

realized that perhaps we tend to out-shoot our brains—that is, trying to

both pistol and rifle. The left-side circles

from the 7-yard line and the rifle from

1-second cadence is counted “One-

shoot faster than we can process situations.

are to be used with a rifle; from top to

the 10-yard line. The top circle is to

one thousand, two-one thousand,

Performance science tells us that it takes our brain 0.25 seconds to

bottom the circles get larger from 2, 3,

be shot using a 1-second cadence,

three-one thousand, four-one

recognize and react to a stimulus. If we are shooting split times faster

and 4 inches. The right-side circles are

the middle circle a 0.5-second

thousand, five-one thousand.” The

than that, then we are, by definition, out-shooting our brain. The same

to be used with the pistol and from top to

cadence, and the bottom a 0.27- to

0.5-second cadence is counted “1

professional competition shooters who are capable of amazingly fast shot

bottom the circles get larger—3, 4, and 5

0.31-second cadence. Each circle is

and 2 and 3 and 4 and 5.” The 0.27-

split times on a single target shoot movers and plate racks with slower

inches. Note: The Reston Group Cadence

shot with 5 rounds and all five rounds

0.31 cadence is counted at a rhythmic

shot cadences.

Target is available from Action Targets.

need to be placed inside the circle.

“1, 2, 3, 4, 5.”

UN12mag.com

131

Competition & Training

will give you 5 numbers from the target

same box/target and speed up your

slower cadences. They build the mental

in random order, representing the 5

transition time between boxes/targets.

concept of staying within your defined

numbered boxes.

Do not just throw away the earlier,

cadence and the mental discipline to not

The most important training goal

On the signal you will draw or snap up

in the beginning is shooting an even

needlessly chase too-fast splits. More

your weapon and engage each number

cadence with no misses, even if this

importantly, slower cadences allow you

called with one round. (Example: 1, 2,

seems “slow.” Over time you will

to really work on your follow-through. Use

3, 4, 5 or 3, 3, 4, 4, 5.) The goal for the

develop your ability to accurately shoot

the longer split times to evaluate your

drill is a hit on each box as prompted,

any combination of targets at the 1, 2,

performance: Did I really prep my trigger,

with an even cadence between shots

3, 4, 5 (0.27- to 0.31-sec.) pace. You will

did the sights come back on target, am I

and no misses. If you imagine someone

then be prepared to accurately engage

prepped for the next shot?

listening to your shots with their back

an adversary while maintaining the

turned, they would hear no difference

ability to react to changing conditions.

between any combination of shots.

Once you reach this standard, resist the

RGT CADENCE DRILL This drill is also shot from the 7-yard

RGT CADENCE DRILL

Optimally, five shots to one box would

temptation to shoot even faster.

line with pistol and the 10-yard line

sound the same as one shot to five

with rifle. The pistol will start from the

separate boxes. Holding yourself to

- Rifle Standard: 2 sec. with 0 misses

holster and the rifle from a low ready.

this standard forces you to both control

- Pistol Standard: 2.75 sec. with 0 misses

Before the shot timer signal someone

your cadence when shooting to the

[ UN12 ]

“As practical shooters, we must train a cadence that gets us the needed good hits in any situation.”

TIP An easy way to practice shooting cadences is to count out loud while you’re shooting the drill.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jared Reston has been a law enforcement officer with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office since 2001 and an active member of SWAT since 2004. He is currently assigned as a detective in the Department of Homeland Security/Gang Investigations Unit, and is the assistant team leader and lead firearms instructor for SWAT. Reston has been involved in the successful resolution of more than a thousand SWAT missions, including several lethal-force incidents.

For his actions in a January 2008 operation, he was awarded The President of the United States “Medal of Valor,” American Police and Hall of Fame’s “National Police Officer of the Year,” Fraternal Order of Police’s “Florida Police Officer of the Year,” and the State of Florida’s “Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.”

He has had the opportunity to train with, and be trained by, some of the finest firearms and tactics instructors in the country.

132

UN12 / Issue 008

UN12mag.com

133

FEATURE

2019 GOLDEN TRIGGR AWARD MOST INNOVATIVE FIREARM

Text by MICHAEL GREY

Golden Triggr Awards H

eld annually in the Pacific Northwest, Triggrcon is

WINNER LWRCI SMG .45 PISTOL One look at LWRCI’s new SMG .45 pistol and you’ll realize why it stole the show. Representing the first model in LWRCI’s SMG family, the new LWRCI SMG .45 Pistol features an SB Tactical brace and is built on an AR platform that runs LWRCI’s proprietary Short Recoil/Delayed Blowback operating system. Best of all, it’s quite lightweight, weighing only 5.9 pounds, and compact, folding down to a mere 15.3 inches.

MSRP: $2,995 For more information on SMG .45 pistol, visit lwrci.com.

a dedicated firearms show that showcases and

celebrates the top design and engineering innovations in the small-arms space. As expected, the show’s 2019 rendition brought showgoers plenty of the latest in tactical gear to check out. Items included the newest guns and other related accessories.

Triggrcon separates itself from major firearms events

2019 GOLDEN TRIGGR AWARD MOST INNOVATIVE NEW OPTIC

such as SHOT Show and NRA’s Annual Meetings in that this show was created expressly for the tactically minded. show draws the attention and participation of companies

WINNER SIG SAUER ROMEO8H

who serve the tactical small arms world. It is a hotbed for

The Romeo8H 1 x 38mm is a full-sized red dot

companies debuting their latest innovations. Some of

sight designed for modern sporting rifles (MSRs)

the items displayed on the show floor are prototypes and

and shotguns. A Quad Ballistic Circle Dot reticle

concepts fresh from the machine shop or testing range.

with ballistic holds will withstand the most severe

This year’s Triggrcon was held July 24-27, 2019, in Bellevue,

conditions, and is ideal for rapid target acquisition

Washington. It is part industry-only tradeshow, part public

in any environment with an exceptionally large

spectacle.

38mm field of view. The Romeo8H features

With such a targeted audience, it’s not hard to see why the

2019 marks the Triggrcon Golden Triggr Awards’ second

MOTAC power management and a rectangular

year. The Golden Triggr Awards are bestowed on products

viewing window, and will maintain zero under the

that demonstrate the latest innovations in the tactical small-

most hostile temperature differentials.

arms arena. Recipients of the Golden Triggr Awards are evaluated on the following criteria: 1) Concept and Design—

MSRP: $599

innovation that addresses a need and becomes a basis for

For more information on SIG’s Romeo8H,

future innovation; 2) Finish—quality of materials used and

visit sigsauer.com.

manufacturing design; and 3) End User—the innovation should provide a high value to the consumer and benefits that exceed the cost.

Four Golden Triggr awards were given out, one each for the firearms and optics categories and two for accessories.

Without further ado, here’s a look at the winners of the second annual Golden Triggr Awards. [ UN12 ]

134

UN12 / Issue 008

UN12mag.com

135

Golden Triggr Awards

2019 GOLDEN TRIGGR MOST INNOVATIVE ACCESSORY WINNER KILLER INNOVATIONS VELOCITY GLOCK COMPENSATOR Killer Innovations’ Velocity Glock Compensator “brakes” all the rules! This compensator significantly reduces recoil and muzzle climb and attaches in an innovative new way that makes it completely different from any other compensator on the market. The team at Killer Innovation adjusted the ports and tuned this

A few IG accounts that we found to be follow-worthy

comp for months before they were satisfied with its flat shooting characteristics. It shoots flat, yet reliably cycles the slide with a 13-pound spring.

@thegunguyinc

@nerdism_edc

@dgbladeco

@jeger_tac17

@ar15news

@uwone_77

@republicrifle

@deejaysguns

MSRP: $110 For more information on Killer Innovations’ Velocity

INSTA-08

Glock Compensator, visit killer-innovations.com.

2019 GOLDEN TRIGGR MOST INNOVATIVE ACCESSORY

WINNER SEISMIC AMMO 185-GRAIN 9MM AMMO Seismic’s QuakeMaker +M 9mm NATO bullets are heavier and reportedly deliver far greater momentum than any other 9mm cartridge, and at subsonic velocities. Because of this, they’re ideal for suppressed use. The bullets are 160% the weight of a standard 9mm, which gives you much heavier hits on your target.

MSRP: $28.98 per 21-round pack For more information on Seismic Ammo 185-grain 9mm ammo, visit seismicammo.com.

Popular IG tags to follow: #un12mag #weaponsdaily

@weichelarmamentllc

136

UN12 / Issue 008

Win glory for yourself and your collection and gain

#firearmphotography

hordes of IG followers. Tag

#sickguns

if you’d like a chance for your

#gunsofinstagram

future issue of UN12.

us with the hashtag #un12ig IG account to be featured in a

UN12mag.com

137

RETAIL DIRECTORY

TM

UN12 is a specialty magazine that is printed in limited quantities and is not available everywhere. Find your copy at these select retailers before it sells out.

CA

LA

Evike 2801 W. Mission Rd. Alhambra, CA 91803 Tel: (626) 407-0561 URL: evike.com

Iron Sights Weaponry Woodland Trace Ct. Sorrento, LA 70778 Tel: (833) 476-6486 URL: ironsightsweaponry.com

Evike 1400 W. 4th St. #2 Antioch, CA 94509 Tel: (925) 237-2560 URL: evike.com

ND

Kings River Coatings 2491 Avenue 400 Kingsburg, CA 93631 Tel: (559) 246-6426 URL: yooying.com/kingsrivercoatings OC Armory 23012 Del Lago Dr., Suite B Laguna Hills, CA 92653 Tel: (949) 768-5189 URL: ocarmory.com Rifle Gear 18065 Mount Shay St. Fountain Valley, CA 92708 Tel: (949) 209-6413 URL: riflegear.com Tactical Pro Shop 3503 W. Burbank Blvd.

Burbank, CA 91505 Tel: (818) 468-7837 URL: tacticalproshop.com

CO Danger Close Armament 6801 S. Emporia St. #102 Greenwood Village, CO 80112 Tel: (720) 638-6572 URL: dangerclosearmament.com

138

UN12 / Issue 008

Spartan Firearms 7101 Hwy 2 & 52 W. Minot, ND 58703 Tel: (701) 838-GUNS URL: spartanfirearms.us

NV New Frontier Armory 150 E. Centennial Pkwy, Suite #110 N. Las Vegas, NV 89084 Tel: (702) 479-1470 URL: newfrontierarmory.com

NH 2A Tactical 99 Tolend Road Barrington, NH 03825 Tel: (978) 833-1215 URL: 2atacticalnh.com

TX Custom Defense Firearms 1911 E. Rancier Ave. Killeen, TX 76541 Tel: (408) 597-4867 URL: customdefensefirearms.com Evike 100 Cypresswood Dr. #1302 Spring, TX 77388 Tel: (281) 771-3126 URL: evike.com

Rifle Gear 6101 Windhaven Pkwy, Suite 145 Plano, TX 75093 Tel: (972) 292-7678 URL: riflegear.com

WA Grey Ghost Gear 2916th 107th St. South Lakewood, WA 98499 Tel: (253) 984-7854 URL: greyghostgear.com NW Safe Company 830 Cole St. Enumclaw, WA 98022 Tel: (360) 825-5953 URL: nwsafe.com Pantel Tactical 16926 116th Ave SE Renton, WA 98058 Tel: (425) 282-4186 URL: panteltactical.com Rainier Arms 2504 Auburn Way N. Auburn, WA 98002 Tel: (253) 218-2999 URL: rainierarms.com Rehv Arms 27623 Covington Way SE #2 Covington, WA 98042 Tel: (253) 630-5900 URL: rehvarms.com Wade’s Eastside Guns 13570 Bel-Red Rd. Bellevue, WA 98005 Tel: (425) 649-5995 URL: wadesguns.com

ONLINE RETAILERS amazon.com evike.com rainierarms.com UN12mag.com weaponoutfitters.com INTERNATIONAL RETAILERS

CANADA Canadian Tactical Cowboy Supplies URL: ctcsupplies.ca

BELGIUM DTS-Armory Tel: (+31) 475-202-153 URL: dts-armory.com

NETHERLANDS DTS-Armory Tel: (+31) 475-202-153 URL: dts-armory.com

THAILAND Thailand Tactical Mind / PP Tactics 135 Prachanaruemit, Pracharat Sai1 Rd Bangsue Bangkok, 10800 Tel: (+66) 81-889-7855 URL: tacticalmind.co.th

If you are a retailer that would like to carry UN12 in your store, contact us at: retailer@un12mag.com

P 320

LEGION IT’S NOT JOINING THE COMPETITION.

IT’S CHANGING THE GAME.

04

02 06 LEGION SERIES

Featuring the first-of-its-kind TXG tungsten infused grip module, the new P320 X5 Legion was designed to deliver uncompromising performance. With an overall weight of 43.5 ounces the P320 X5 Legion is the heaviest striker-fired pistol on the market today, giving you Improved recoil control, reduced muzzle flip, increased comfort a better overall shooting experience.

03

01

05

01

First-of-its kind TXG tungsten infused heavy grip module

05

Performance magazine base pads by Henning Group

02

Overall weight of 43.5 ounces, heaviest striker-fired pistol on the market

06

Upgraded recoil assembly with 1911 style springs

03

30% reduction in trigger pull

04

Optics ready sight plate compatible with Romeo1 PRO and Delta Point Pro