World of Firepower - March April 2018

hands on

TRIUMPH SYSTEMS PIVOTAL TRAINER

BUYERS GUIDE

NEARLY 100 M-LOK PARTS

VOLUME 6 | ISSUE 2

WREAKING HAVAK

SEEKINS PRECISION LIGHTWEIGHT HUNTER GOES THE DISTANCE

BEAST MODE

TAKING THE SAVAGE ARMS MSR 10 TO TASK AT THE RANGE

AMMO DEPOT

BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE SIG SAUER AMMUNITION FACTORY

TESTING AND TWEAKING THE GLOCK GEN5 17 & 19

DIGITAL ISSUES AVAILABLE ON WWW.ENGAGEDMEDIAINC.COM

U.S. $8.99 MARCH/APRIL 2018 DISPLAY UNTIL 04/03/18

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NEXT GEN MECHANIZED CLEANING

TESTING OUT BLAZNTECH'S MOTORIZED WEAPONS CLEANING SYSTEM

,FZ.PE JT IFSF 5.

AccuPoint TR24G • Trijicon 1-4x24 Riflescope $1,020.00

KeyMod™ is the tactical industry’s new modular standard!

Defense • American RECON X Scope Mount $189.95

Diamondhead • BCM Folding Rear Sight ®

Diamondhead • BCM Folding Front Sight ®

$99.00

$119.00

KMR-A15 KeyMod Rail • BCM Handguard 15 Inch $199.95 ®

KMSM • BCMGUNFIGHTER™ KeyMod QD Sling Mount $17.95

• BCMGUNFIGHTER™ Stock $55.95

$89.95

Low Profile • BCM Gas Block $44.95 ®

• BCMGUNFIGHTER™ Vertical Grip Mod 3 $18.95

• BCMGUNFIGHTER™ QD End Plate $16.95 Ranger • GEARWARD Band 20-Pak $10.00

• BCMGUNFIGHTER™ Compensator Mod 0

BCM® A2X Flash Suppressor $34.95

• BCMGUNFIGHTER™ Grip Mod 0 $29.95 B5 Systems SOPMOD Bravo Stock $58.00

BCMGUNFIGHTER™

KeyMod 1-Inch Ring Light Mount

®

BCM KMR-A KeyMod Free Float Rail Handguards

For 1” diameter lights $39.95

Same as the fantastic original KMR Handguards but machined from aircraft aluminum!

Blue Force Gear VCAS Sling $45.00

BCM BCM BCM BCM

BCM PNT™ Trigger Assembly ®

9 Inch KMR-A9 . .

10 Inch KMR-A10 13 Inch KMR-A13 15 Inch KMR-A15

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$176.95 $179.95 $189.95 $199.95

BCMGUNFIGHTER™

KeyMod Modular Scout Light Mount

For SureFire Scout Light $39.95

BCMGUNFIGHTER™

Polished – Nickel – Teflon $59.95

PWS DI KeyMod Rail Handguard

Free float KeyMod rail for AR15/M4 pattern rifles.

Wilson Combat Tactical Trigger

PWS DI 12 Inch Rail . . . . . . . . . . . . $249.95 PWS DI 15 Inch Rail . . . . . . . . . . . . $249.95

PWS KeyMod Polymer Bipod Adapter $23.95

$269.95

Inforce WML-HSP

$119.00

Daniel Defense SLiM Rail Handguard

Slim, Light, Modular KeyMod free float handguard.

Trijicon TA31RCO-M4 ACOG 4x32

DD SLiM Rail 12.0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $265.00 DD SLiM Rail 15.0 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $265.00

Daniel Defense KeyMod Bipod Adapter

$1,422.05

$47.00

Aimpoint PRO Patrol Rifle Optic

$424.00

Daniel Defense KeyMod 1 O’Clock Offset Rail Assembly $39.00

KeyMod Modular Light Mount

For 1913 mounted lights $39.95

Arisaka Inline KeyMod Scout Mount $34.00 Arisaka Ring KeyMod 1” Light Mount $44.00

Thorntail KeyMod Offset Adaptive Light Mounts Thorntail 1.030 Mount . . . $70.00 Thorntail M3M6 1913 Mount . . . . $50.00

Arson Machine Company KeyMod Light Mounts Scout M600 Mount . . . . . . . $48.00 1” Ring Mount . . $44.00

All pricing is subject to change without notice. Please see our website for current pricing.

Hartland, WI U.S.A. / Toll Free: 1-877-BRAVO CO (1-877-272-8626) / Fax: 262-367-0989 / BravoCompanyMFG.com

TM

KeyMod is here!

Industries • Midwest Folding Front Sight $79.95

• BattleComp 1.5 $155.00 1913 • BCMGUNFIGHTER™ Modular Light Mount, KeyMod $39.95

Industries • Midwest ERS BUIS $93.95

Micro H-1 2 MOA • Aimpoint with LRP Mount $709.00

Ranger • GEARWARD Band 20-Pak $10.00

• BCMGUNFIGHTER™ KMSM KeyMod QD Sling Mount $17.95

• BCMGUNFIGHTER™ QD End Plate $16.95

KMR-A13 KeyMod Rail • BCM Handguard 13 Inch $189.95 ®

KAG • BCMGUNFIGHTER™ Kinesthetic Angled Grip, KeyMod $18.95

KeyMod™ is the tactical industry’s new modular standard!

•

• BCM PNT™ ®

TangoDown ARC MK2 30 Round Mag $14.95

Trigger $59.95

PWS FSC556 Tactical Compensator $98.95

• BCM

®

BCMGUNFIGHTER™

• BCMGUNFIGHTER™ Stock $55.95 • BCMGUNFIGHTER™ Grip Mod 3 $17.95

Polymer Trigger Guard $6.95

Vltor Carbine EMOD Stock

Comp Mod 0 - 556

Threaded 1/2x28 for 5.56 AR15 platform

$89.95

$119.65

Comp Mod 1 - 556 Threaded 1/2x28 for 5.56 AR15 platform

$94.95

IWC KeyMod QD RL Sling Mount

Accepts heavy duty or standard QD swivels $17.00

VTAC MK2 Wide Sling $44.95

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BCMGUNFIGHTER Enhanced Lower Parts Kit BCMGUNFIGHTER™ VG MOD 3 With BCM PNT™ Trigger Assembly, BCM ®

IWC KeyMod Hand Stop Mount-N-Slot design $34.95

BCM® KeyMod Picatinny Rail Sections Mil-Std 1913 rails, Nylon Rails available in Black, FDE and Foliage Green.

Nylon Rail, 3 Inch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8.95 Nylon Rail, 4 Inch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $11.95 Nylon Rail, 5.5 Inch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14.95 Aluminum Rail, 3 Inch, Black . . . . . . . $19.95 Aluminum Rail, 4 Inch, Black . . . . . . . $24.95 Aluminum Rail, 5.5 Inch, Black . . . . . $29.95

PWS KeyMod Picatinny Rail Polymer Rail, 5 Slot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $11.95 Aluminum Rail, 5 Slot . . . . . . . . . . . . $28.95

®

Mod 3 Grip, BCM® Trigger Guard, and MilSpec hardware kit.

BCMGUNFIGHTER™ ELPK, semi-auto . .$99.95

BCMGUNFIGHTER™ KAG

Kinesthetic Angled Grip

Uses biomechanically efficient forward rake, with small profile textured front and back for positive engagement. Impact resistant polymers, in Black, Flat Dark Earth, Foliage Green and Wolf Gray.

KAG-KM, KeyMod Version . . . . . . . . $18.95 KAG-1913, Picatinny Rail Version . . . . $19.95

Low-profile length for increased mobility and decreased “snag”.

Made in the U.S.A. from impact resistant polymers, available in Black, Flat Dark Earth, Foliage Green, Wolf Gray.

VG-KM-MOD-3, KeyMod Version . . . . . . . $18.95 VG-1913-MOD-3, Picatinny Version . . . . . $19.95

Aimpoint Comp M4S

Red dot sight, fully NVD compatible, with QRP2 Picatinny Rail Mount

$846.00

EOTech HOLOgraphic

Weapon Sights

BCM KeyMod Rail Panel Kits ®

5.5 Inch Rail Panels, in Black, Flat Dark Earth, Foliage Green, Wolf Gray - 5-Pack . . . . $9.95

Model 512 $429.00 Model 552 $529.00

All pricing is subject to change without notice. Please see our website for current pricing.

Hartland, WI U.S.A. / Toll Free: 1-877-BRAVO CO (1-877-272-8626) / Fax: 262-367-0989 / BravoCompanyMFG.com

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MARCH-APRIL, 2018

COVER STORY 44 Plying the Fifth An early chance to take the Glock Gen5 17 and 19 models through their paces

FEATURES 14 Keep It Clean

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Putting the automated BlazNTech MWCS to the white-glove test

22 Havak Squad Sighting the ultra-light Seekins Precision Havak rifle at the range

36 threat/no threat Triumph Systems Pivitol Trainer—a new way to target practice

56 Loked in The World of Firepower guide to the world of M-LOK accessories

74 Beast Mode Evaluating the Savage Arms MSR 10 Long Range

88 tops tools

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98 The Bullet Factory A walk through SIG Sauer’s state-of-theart ammo production facility

106 Getting To Know Jack A one-off rifle build based on the wicked Sharps Bros Jack lower

departments 06 First Words 08 Uncovered 10 Reload 12 Dual Blades 118 locked up 124 Pocket Dump 126 Ground Zero 128 Five 130 Last Shot

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Taking a look at a pair of TOPS knives for table and trail

on THE COVER Subject: Glock Gen5 17 & 19 Photography: John Teator | Designer: David A. de la Torre, Jr.

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MARCH/APRIL 2018

Good To Go It bears repeating from time to time: One of the most important considerations we can have when working with our guns is safety. And a passive area that’s of great importance but one that might get sometimes overlooked is firearms storage.

That was part of the concept behind World of Firepower’s recurring Locked Up section. For this edition we moved away from ogling the traditional gun vault or “man cave” and looked at some practical solutions for transporting firearms in a vehicle. In this case it’s a shiny new pickup truck, but these methods of storage and transport can be applied to virtually any vehicle. They’re designed to keep your guns secure and in some cases accessible for self-defense.

In the middle of the magazine you’ll find our expose on a range of products and accessories designed for Magpul’s M-LOK attachment system. There are today a variety of attachment methods including the old guard Picatinny rail, but we’ve been detecting a shift toward the Magpul system—notably by the United States military, whose Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division just released a massive test report and has selected M-LOK as its go-to system.

We also put the Seekins Precision superlight Havak bolt-action rifle through its paces. The tester is an experienced precision shooter and after approaching the gun with some trepidation—on realizing it is built as a lightweight hunting platform—came away visibly impressed by its highly repeatable printing ability. Also

on the rifle front, and more specifically 6.5 Creedmoor (also used in the Havak), we give you an in-depth rundown on the Savage Arms MSR 10 Long Range.

Of course we cannot overlook this issue’s cover subject: the brand-new and highly anticipated Glock Gen5. Our resident law enforcement pistol guru got his hands on a couple new first-release examples—models 17 and 19—and gives the rundown on updates and improvements on the perennial LE sidearm stalwart and how it stacks up versus previous Glock generations (hint: the bar gets raised once again).

Elsewhere in the issue we take you on a behind-the-scenes tour of SIG Sauer’s “bullet factory”—an ammunition manufacturing facility that gives the company a distinct advantage when it comes to producing projectiles designed to enhance the performance of SIG Sauer firearms. We also take a look at the Pivitol Trainer by Triumph Systems—a very unique targeting practice system. And then we give an automatic gun cleaner a whirl: the BlazNTech MWCS. Yes, we said automatic.

In closing, we’re just back from SHOT Show 2018, where we spent all of six days and five very long nights taking in the sights, getting our hands on new products, rubbing shoulders with the titans of industry, and even doing a little shooting. With that in mind, the coming year is going to be packed with all kinds of great stuff that we can’t wait to show you.

Safe shooting, and all the best.

VOLUME 6 • ISSUE 2

EDITORIAL Jason Mulroney John Scott Kelly Nomura Karl Funke

Director of Content Technical Editor Executive Managing Editor Managing Editor

DESIGN Katia Sverdlova David A. de la Torre, Jr.

Design Director Art Director

CONTRIBUTORS Reuben Bolieu, Danny Chang, Jason Davis, Michael Furrer, George Huang, Michael Penhall, Richard Schultz, Mike Searson, John Teator, TracerX, Chris Tran ADVERTISING Gabe Frimmel (714) 200-1930 Casey Clifford (714) 200-1982 Mark Pack (714) 200-1939 Charles Dorr (714) 200-1931 Spencer Redmond (972) 448-4649 John Bartulin (866) 866-5146 ext. 2746 John Cabral Gennifer Merriday Eric Gomez OPERATIONS Robert Short Parveen Kumar Shailesh Khandelwal Alex Mendoza Melinda Magde Victoria Van Vlear

Ad Sales Director gfrimmel@engagedmediainc.com Senior Account Executive Senior Account Executive Account Executive Account Executive Account Executive Advertising Design Advertising Traffic Coordinator Advertising Traffic Coordinator

IT Manager Newsstand and Circulation Analyst Subscriptions Manager Administrative Assistant Project Manager Intern Program Manager

EDITORIAL, PRODUCTION & SALES OFFICE 17890 Sky Park Circle, Suite 250, Irvine, CA 92614 (714) 939-9991 • Fax: (800) 249-7761 www.facebook.com/worldoffirepower www.facebook.com/eembybeckett WORLD OF FIREPOWER (ISSN 2332-0281) is published bimonthly six times per year (January/February, March/April, May/June, July/ August, September/October, November/December) by Engaged Media Inc., LLC, 17890 Sky Park Circle, Suite 250, Irvine, CA 92614.

POSTMASTER: SEND ADDRESS CHANGES TO WORLD OF FIREPOWER C/O ENGAGED MEDIA INC, VSI, INC. 905 KENT ST., LIBERTY, MO 64068. © 2018 by Engaged Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from this issue in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

CUSTOMER SERVICE Engaged Media, Inc. 17890 Sky Park Circle, Suite 250. Irvine, CA 92614 Subscriptions, Address Changes, Renewals, Missing or Damaged Copies (800) 764-6278 (239) 653-0225 Foreign Inquiries subscriptions@engagedmediainc.com customerservice@engagedmediainc.com Back Issues: www.engagedmediamags.com Letters to Editor, New Products, or to Contribute a Story or Photo djeffrey@engagedmediainc.com SUBSCRIPTION RATES $21.95/1 year, $34.95/2 years. Outside the U.S., add $26.00 per year payable in U.S. funds. Single copy price is $8.99.

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This magazine is purchased by the buyer with the understanding that information presented is from various sources from which there can be no warranty or responsibility by Engaged Media Inc., as to the legality, completeness or technical accuracy.

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02.

Pendleton Broad Shirt pendleton-usa.com $135-145

10.

Glock Glock 17 Gen5 gen5.glock.us

06.

Chris Reeve Knives Umnumzaan chrisreeve.com $450

09.

Ox Cart V2DX – RENDITION oxcart.us $165

MARCH-APRIL, 2018

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Five Ten Guide Tennie fiveten.com $120

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Oakley Half Jacket 2.0 Polarized oakley.com $163

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Federal Premium Ammunition Premium Personal Defense 9MM LUGER HST federalpremium. com

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RDR Holsters The Standard rdrholsters.com $56

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Single Pistol Mag rdrholsters.com $30

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Single Pistol Mag rdrholsters.com $30

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Ares Gear Aegis Enhanced Belt aresgear.com $100

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RELOAD

MARCH-APRIL, 2018

01. Gear Head Works / Tailhook Mod 2 Love your pistol brace but wish you could telescope it for length? Gear Head Work’s revolutionary Tailhook MOD 2 allows you to do just that. The key to this function is its patented and proprietary telescoping latch mechanism that gives the user five brace positions, up to a 12.75-inch length of pull. Combine it with a reinforced polymer injection-molded brace and it provides the perfect balance between size, weight, comfort and rigidity you’ve been looking for.

MSRP: $120 URL: GEARHEADWORKS.COM

04. BCM / MCMR-15 (M-LOK Compatible Modular Rail) BCM’s popular KMR handguard for AR-15 is now available with the M-LOK interface. Featuring the same industry-leading barrel nut and lock-up design as the original KMR handguard, the MCMR Series of handguards gives the shooter modularity with the M-LOK system. The patented mounting system includes a mechanical index to the 12 o’clock rail and positions mounting hardware to mitigate movement caused by heat generated by the weapon system.

Available in 7, 8, 9, 10 and 13 inches.

MSRP: $210 URL: BRAVOCOMPANYUSA.COM

07. Strike Industries / AR Aluminum Ultimate Dust Cover 223 The AR Aluminum Ultimate Dust Cover 223 (SIAR-ALUDC-223) takes everything you love about Strike’s polymer dust covers to the next level. With an all-aluminum construction, a CED coating for added durability and an even cleaner finish, the Aluminum UDC is the modern evolution of standard MIL-SPEC dust covers.

MSRP: $19 URL: STRIKEINDUSTRIES.COM

02. Primary Arms / 3X Compact Prism Scope with the Patented ACSS 5.56 Reticle Ideal for tactical or sport shooting, the illuminated 3X Compact Prism Scope is a lightweight scope that can handle a wide range of tasks and now comes in a Flat Dark Earth finish. It features Primary Arms’ popular patented ACSS reticle, which provides quick ranging, wind holds and moving target leads. The ACSS reticle can be used with 5.56 NATO, 7.62 NATO/.308 Win, and 5.45x39 calibers.

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03. Brownells / AR-15 80% Lower Receiver Build your own AR-15 at home! This 80% AR-15 Lower Receiver is an unfinished unit that enables hobbyists and home gunsmiths to build an AR from the ground up. It is machined entirely from a 7075-T6 aluminum forging and even comes equipped with the takedown-lug pocket. It features a broached magazine well and is compatible with a wide variety of home machining jigs and any standard AR-15 upper receiver. Available unfinished or with a black hardcoat anodized finish.

MSRP: $55 URL: BROWNELLS.COM

MSRP: $260 URL: PRIMARYARMS.COM

05. LaserMax / Spartan SPS-c-R The Spartan Light & Laser delivers 120 lumens of LED light and quickly adapts to a multitude of rail platforms. Lasers come in vivid red or daytime green.

This is LaserMax’s first offering that uses a AAA battery. Its dual electronic touchpads enable both left- and right-handed shooters to activate the laser with ease. User programmable for a steady or highvisibility pulsed beam, Spartan is fully adjustable for windage and elevation.

MSRP: $165 URL: LASERMAX.COM

08. Guntec USA/ AR-15 9mm Cal Complete Upper Receiver Combo Kit Proudly made in Scottsdale, Arizona, GUNTEC’s AR-15 9mm Cal Complete Upper Receiver Combo Kit is made to match up with any brand 9mm lower receiver. The kit includes the 9mm upper receiver, 9mm complete BCG, and charging handle. The upper is manufactured from a solid block of billet aluminum and is then MIL-A-8625 TYPE III anodized.

MSRP: $330 URL: GUNTECUSA.COM

06. Mars Gear / MG Spectre 20L Backpack Packed with features you need and nothing you don’t, the MG Spectre 20L Backpack features a laser-cut MOLLE panel, large exterior zippered pocket, loop panel for ID and patches, four compression straps, reinforced double layer grab handle, is hydration carrier compatible and more. The MG Spectre 20L Backpack is ready to keep you and your gear prepared.

MSRP: $50 URL: MARSGEAR.COM

09. Primary Weapons Systems / PCC9 Compensator (Pistol Caliber Carbine 9mm) Looking to minimize the muzzle rise on your PCC? PWS’s new PCC9 compensator promises to do just that. The 9mm comp is available in both 1/2x36 and 1/2x28 thread pitch to fit most any 9mm carbine barrel. The muzzle device is made of 4140 steel, is treated in LIFE coat and combats muzzle rise by venting gas upward.

MSRP: $58 URL: PRIMARYWEAPONS.COM

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D blade length 3.4 INCHES

L blade finish STONEWASHED

blade material S30V blade edge PLAIN blade thickness 0.12 INCHES

KERSHAW S30V BLUR The Kershaw Blur is one of the most popular knives the company makes. The S30V Blur is the upgrade everyone’s been clamoring for. Its S30V powdered stainless steel blade material is more dense and fine-grained, enabling it to take and hold an extremely fine edge for a longer period of time. The stonewashed steel exhibits superb wear resistance and hardness. Like all Kershaw Blurs, the S30V Blur has a slightly recurved blade that’s ideal for multitasking, providing top slicing and piercing capabilities.

closed length 4.5 INCHES

lock Style LINER LOCK

KERSHAW.KAIUSALTD.COM

$145 handle material 6061-T6 ANODIZED ALUMINUM, TRAC-TEC INSERTS

overall length 7.9 INCHES

overall weight 4.O OZ.

MARCH-APRIL, 2018

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AL ACTIUZ S

blade length 3.0 INCHES

Style PLUNGE-LOCK WITH CROSS BOLT SAFETY

blade finish STONEWASHED

blade edge PLAIN

blade material S30V blade thickness 0.099 INCHES

closed length 4.2 INCHES

GERBER US-ASSIST S30V Packed full of features such as an S30V drop-point blade and dual-ramped thumbstuds, the US-Assist is always ready for action. Designed and built in Portland, Oregon, this assisted-opening knife offers Gerber’s smoothest, most consistent deployment to date. Including Gerber’s B.O.S.S. Tech (Balls of Stainless Steel Technology), it features a ball-bearing system that is designed to reduce friction and provide smooth and reliable blade deployment and closing.

handle material GLASS-FILLED NYLON

GERBERGEAR.COM

$119

overall length 7.2 INCHES

overall weight 3.9 OZ.

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KEEP IT

MARCH-APRIL, 2018

BLAZnTECH Motorized Weapons Cleaning System TE XT & P HOTOS BY J OHN T EATOR

Disclaimer: The following information is to be used for general guidance only. Working on your firearm may irreversibly modify or damage it and should be done solely at your own risk. Be sure that the firearm is safe and unloaded; all firearm safety rules apply.

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eing a gun nut isn’t only about the guns. Sure, it’s a huge part of being a firearms enthusiast, but let’s not forget about gun accessories; we’d be willing to say that they’re just as important. An aftermarket handguard, a sleek new holster, a cutting-edge laser—the accessory world is fun to visit for sure. For those who enjoy working on or cleaning our firearms, firearms-specific tools are just as fun to discover and use. Some of us take a special joy in cleaning our weapons, while others see it as just another chore.

Regardless of how you may feel about it, we have discovered a tool that may bring even more enjoyment to those who like the cleaning process or, conversely, help in speeding up the errand for those who don’t.

What Does It Do? Some shooters demand a white glove standard of clean when it comes to their firearms, cleaning them after every range outing.

Others, on the other hand, may choose to clean them only after they log a few thousand rounds down the pipe. Regardless of what your cleaning regimens are, there’s little debate that gummed-up and fouled chambers can greatly decrease the reliability and functionality of your weapon.

CLEAN

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Even for those of us that take great pleasure in cleaning our guns, we must admit that sometimes it does take up too much of our precious spare time. Is there another way to clean our firearms to a glimmering shine, without it eating up hours of our day?

BLAZnTECH’s Motorized Weapons Cleaning System (MWCS) was developed to not only speed up gun cleaning times, but to save you the elbow grease as well as enhance the

The MWCS is a battery-powered tool dedicated to cleaning your firearm's chamber and bore—without having to disassemble the weapon.

Inside its nicely appointed rigid ballistic nylon case, the MWCS comes with the motorized cleaner, brushes and brush socks for 5.56mm, 7.62mm, 9mm, and .45 ACP, barrel brush extension rod, FrogLube CLP, FrogLube Solvent, lanyard and 9-volt battery.

effectiveness of your cleaning procedures.

It’s a battery-powered motorized tool that is dedicated to cleaning your firearm’s chamber and bore.

Designed for use without having to disassemble your gun, the MWCS can be a real time saver. Its brush rotates at 300 rpm at the push of a button and it has a built-in LED light to help you see hidden carbon deposits.

Its proprietary nylon brushes are designed to provide enough rigidity to ensure that carbon, powder residue and fouling are effectively removed without any damage to the firearm.

Brush socks can be installed over the brush itself for even more detailed cleaning.

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How Do You Use It? 1. Always check first to see that your gun is not loaded.

2. Attach the correct sized brush for your firearm to the motorized cleaner and apply a cleaning solvent, in this case FrogLube Solvent.

3. Lock back the bolt (or slide if you are cleaning a pistol) and insert the brush into the chamber.

“the mwcs really helped with the hard-toreach areas.”

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4. Activate the tool by turning it on. Let the brush run inside the chamber for a few moments. We like moving the tool around just a bit to make sure it gets in all the crevices.

5. Next we install a brush sock, apply a cleaning lubricant such as FrogLube CLP and repeat the last step.

6. For pistols, a brush extension can be installed to help clean the entire interior of the barrel.

7. Use the LED light to inspect for cleanliness.

If there are any missed areas, repeat steps until satisfactorily clean.

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does it work?

The bottom line is that yes, the cleaning system did work for us. Does it replace every other cleaning tool or supply that you already use? Probably not. But it does help cut down on cleaning time and in our case it finally helped us get at the hard-to-reach areas we usually have a hard time getting to.

If you’ve had a heck of a time cleaning your AR’s star-shaped chamber, you’re not alone.

We’ve used everything from a standard cleaning rod with brush to those star-chamber-shaped pads, and even cotton swabs and dental picks, and we’ve never been fully satisfied with how clean we could get it.

The MWCS changed all that. With just a few passes with the brush and then with the sock, both accompanied with BLAZnTECH’s recommended FrogLube cleaning solvent and CLP, our star chamber was finally as clean as the day it was manufactured.

For long arms, the MWCS cleans chambers like a champ, but due to the longer length of rifle barrels, it wasn’t able to tackle the entire bore. You’ll still need to go old-school for that. It can however clean the entire length of most pistol bores with the help of the MWCS’s barrel brush extension rod, which is included with the tool.

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specifications MAKE: BLAZNTECH MODEL: MOTORIZED WEAPONS CLEANING SYSTEM MSRP: $195 URL: BLAZNTECH.COM

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PUTTING THE SEEKINS PRECISION HAVAK BOLT-ACTION RIFLE THROUGH ITS PACES T EXT BY M I C HAEL FU RRE R / P H OTOS BY T RAC E RX

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n preparing the review of and range testing regimen for the Seekins Precision Havak rifle, we were sure that with such a cool sounding name attached to the weapon there must be some sort of significance to it or some sort of detailed backstory behind this firearm’s development. We soon found out that Havak doesn’t mean anything in particular. Glen Seekins, founder of Seekins Precision out of Lewiston, Idaho, said they chose the name because it did indeed sound cool and the V in the center of the word Havak made for a compelling logo, especially when you turn the V into stylized antlers.

Good enough for us.

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Seekins founded his company in 2004 after he had his scope rings fail while on a hunt.

He came away from that hunt disgusted with the quality of workmanship. He teamed with a buddy and started making scope rings on a mini-mill. After producing his first set, friends and family wanted the same rings, which are today some of the finest scope rings available. Now, at the ripe old age of 38, Glen and his wife Katie Seekins have 42 employees and turn out top-of-the-line AR-15 uppers and lowers, scope rings, bases, Picatinny rails, completed ARs—and now, hunting rifles.

I currently am not much of a hunter. Fifteen years ago I was pulled from my own hobbies of hunting and long-range shooting due to two young ladies wanting to shoot Olympic-style small-bore and air rifle. Buying those types of precision rifles is expensive, especially two for each child. Now that the children are grown and on their own, I can pursue long-range precision shooting (but still have no time for hunting).

The barrel has a number 4 contour with nearly full-length spiral fluting, which is designed to maintain barrel stiffness while minimizing weight.

Prior to evaluation, I went to the Seekins website to take a look at some pictures of the Havak. Knowing a bit about Seekins and seeing him occasionally at matches, I thought maybe this was a crossover rifle, something used in competition and in hunting. Frankly, I’m a little embarrassed to admit my internet reconnaissance of the rifle wasn’t very thorough since I didn’t check the rifle’s weight.

Specifications On receiving the rifle for review, I pulled it out of the box and immediately noted that this was not anything near the weight of a competition rifle. This was a purpose-built, lightweight hunting implement. I haven’t held a rifle this light in my hands for many years, and frankly at first I didn’t much care for it.

The rifles I carry into field matches weigh about 16-18 pounds; this little thing weighed in at 7 and a half. It uses a short-action Remington 700 pattern chambered in the 6.5 Creedmoor.

The barrel is not the standard number 2 contour you would find on a rack-grade factory rifle. It has a number 4 contour with nearly

MARCH-APRIL, 2018

The bolt is unique, with a proprietary design, 4 locking lugs and a 90-degree throw with 3 and 9 o’clock locking positions.

full-length spiral flutes. The fluting is designed to maintain barrel stiffness while minimizing weight. The rate of twist in the barrel is 5R 1:8, which is what you would find in a longrange precision rifle of similar caliber. A 1:8 twist is ideal for the heavier 140-grain bullets long-range shooters typically prefer. Spiral fluting like that on the Havak also helps keep the rifle cool and aids in preventing barrel walk during repeat shots. The bolt is unique, with a proprietary design, 4 locking lugs and a 90-degree throw with 3 and 9 o’clock locking positions.

In addition, the bolt head is constructed with a secret “super metal” alloy that is interchangeable, extremely tough, has anti-galling properties and simplifies the manufacturing process. The bolt is designed with a special helical extraction cam, which provides a smooth, fluid motion during the extraction process. This smooth process aids the shooter in keeping his or her cheek on the cheek piece and the scope on the target while working the bolt. The bolt also has an M16-style extractor, which ensures extraction during the critical second-shot process.

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WORLD OF FIREPOWER The rate of twist in the barrel is 5R 1:8, what you would find in a long-range precision rifle of similar caliber and ideal for the heavier 140-grain bullets long-range shooters typically prefer.

The rifle also features hand pillar bedding, a 20 MOA Picatinny rail, a threaded bolt nob, a barrel thread for suppressors or muzzle brakes, an integrated recoil lug and, interestingly, a top recoil lug that reduces any possible shearing of the screws on the pic rail during recoil. I’ve never seen a top recoil lug on a rifle but understand how this may be important feature on a lightweight hunting platform.

The trigger is a Timney set at 3.5 pounds, but it can be adjusted by the shooter. The stock is the McMillan Game Warden with a vertical grip. It’s an ideal lightweight hunting stock without the tactical look. The magazine provided with the rifle is a P-MAG but the rifle

will accept any AI, Ruger or Savage magazines. In addition, the magazine well contains a spacer that can be removed to allow for the use of the slightly longer Havak magazine.

This longer Havak magazine will allow for a longer bullet seating depth for those riflemen who reload their own ammunition. Seekins Precision is planning on releasing this same rifle in multiple calibers, including 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 and the 6.5 PRC. A long-action version will soon be released in 28 Nosler, 300 Win Mag and an undisclosed cartridge in 338.

Auxiliary Equipment Before taking the rifle to the range, I ran a patch down the barrel to make sure there were no obstructions or metal fouling. I contacted a friend, Tony Burke at Tab Gear, for one of his PRS slings (the best practical field sling on the market), and attached an Atlas bipod on the sling swivel stud.

“precision match rifles typically weigh 16 pounds; the havak weighs just 7.5.”

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I scrambled around a bit for a scope and finally pulled a SIG Sauer Tango 6 off one of my competition guns. The only rings I had available were 1.26-inch Vortex Rings (also made by Seekins). These were too tall to get a proper cheek weld, so to get a proper sight alignment I used a stock pack, which elevated the cheek piece to provide a proper sight alignment. This rifle requires low rings to avoid the use of a stock pack. Before hitting the range, I grabbed a couple boxes of Prime 6.5 Creedmoor ammunition. This is the ammunition I use in competition, so I felt it would be fine to zero the rifle.

At the Range, Round 1 While at the range, as is my typical process, I worked the action a bit and dry-fired the rifle. I noted the action wasn’t as smooth as I would prefer. This lack of smoothness was due to the full-diameter bolt body and the protectant coatings on the rifle. During my later conversation with Seekins, he assured me that with use the action would become more smooth. The actions I am familiar with are those on high-end competition rifles, which are glassy smooth but cost nearly as much

The trigger is an adjustable Timney; the magazine provided with the rifle is a P-MAG but the Havak will accept any AI, Ruger or Savage magazines.

“a lightweight rifle shooting 6.5 creedmoor may tend to jump off target, but the havak recovered quickly.” as the Havak itself. I also noted the trigger setting, at 3.5 pounds, was very stiff—but again, my competition rifle triggers are set at 1.5 pounds. A factory-set trigger is generally 3.5 pounds. This trigger is adjustable and the shooter can adjust the trigger down to 1.5 pounds. In the end, I decided against adjusting it; I wanted to test the rifle as delivered.

While zeroing the rifle, after adjusting the scope to center, the first group at 100 yards could be covered by a dime. The two follow-on groups were of similar size. After zeroing, I contacted Seekins to get some more technical information. I mentioned the

first group size with my target ammunition.

Seekins mentioned that the Havak, being purpose-built as a lightweight hunter, was designed around the Hornady 140-grain bullet, not the 130-grain match bullet I’d used. I planned on field testing the next day so I immediately went to the local gun shop and picked up a couple of boxes of Hornady’s Precision Hunter 143-grain ELD-X loaded ammunition.

At the Range, Round 2 The following day, I headed out to the Mica gun range just south of Spokane, Washington.

The day was clear, with a slight right-to-left

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«

WORLD OF FIREPOWER Auxiliary equipment added prior to testing includes a Tab Gear PRS sling, an Atlas bipod on the sling swivel stud, and a SIG Sauer Tango 6 rifle scope taken from one of the author's competition guns.

specifications Seekins Precision Havak bolt-action rifle CALIBER TESTED: 6.5 CREEDMOOR RIFLING: 5R, 1:8 TWIST OVERALL LENGTH: 45 INCHES BARREL LENGTH: 24 INCHES WEIGHT: 7.35 POUNDS MSRP: $2,200 URL: SEEKINSPRECISION.COM

The author's competition round is the Prime 6.5 Creedmoor with a 130-grain Norma match bullet. As a lightweight hunter, the Havak was designed around the Hornady 140-grain bullet, which was used for this article's testing.

breeze and the temperature at a crisp 40 degrees. Since I prefer to shoot prone, I used an Atlas bipod with Riflesticks grapnel spikes. I ranged the targets with my SIG Kilo 2400 rangefinder, which also provides a ballistic solution with its embedded Applied Ballistics software. Since my competition round is the Prime 6.5 Creedmoor with a 130-grain Norma match bullet, this is the load data that’s in my ballistic software. I had to mentally adjust the elevation changes to account for the larger, and possibly slower, 143-grain Hornady bullet.

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I decided to start at the 420 yard 45% IPSC target, which is a steel target that has a dimension of 10x16 inches. Allowing for the wind, I favored right and broke the shot, which was immediately followed by the resounding ring of a hit. A 7.5-pound rifle shooting the mild 6.5 Creedmoor tends to jump off the target, but I was able to recover quickly enough to observe the target rocking on its stand. To confirm that this first shot wasn’t just luck I repeated the shot with the same results.

Seekins Precision is planning on releasing the rifle in multiple calibers, including 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 and the 6.5 PRC. A long-action version will soon be released in 28 Nosler, 300 Win Mag and an undisclosed cartridge in 338.

Next I went to the 500, 600 and targets, with a progressively grea hold, on targets of the same dim

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each case, the result was a first-round hit. I had to progressively hold for more wind as the range increased, but the data provided by the SIG Kilo 2400, with a slight adjustment for the increased bullet weight, was stunning.

While planning this trip to the range I had no intention of shooting to 1,000 yards, but since the initial results were so surprising, I figured why not? My first shot at 1,000 was slightly high and left. I reduced the elevation a couple tenths and allowed for a bit more wind. The second shot at 1,000 yards rang the bell!

Conclusions Observations of a long-range rifleman: I was rocked back on my heels with this rifle. The light weight and stiff trigger (as delivered) were not appealing to me. But as a longrange shooter with 40 years of experience, I have never seen a rifle at this weight shoot this well. If I were a hunter, I would be quite happy to carry a 7.5-pound rifle that performs like a 16-pound long-range precision gun. It’s been several days since my trip to the range and I still can’t remove the smile from my face, nor lose the feeling of first-round hits out to 720 yards. The Seekins Precision Havak is a rifleman’s rifle.

Moving beyond 400 yards to the 500, 600 and 720-yard targets, with a progressively greater wind hold, on targets of the same dimensions, the result was a firstround hit in each and every case.

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“a static target wouldn’t make an as effective way to train your cognitive decision-making skills while under stress.”

Target frames are modular and can be configured in many different ways to provide a unique shooting experience every time you shoot.

H

ow do you train to shoot? It’s a simple sounding question, but the deeper you dive into it, the more complex it can get. In fact, you’ll probably get a different answer from everybody you ask. That’s because different types of shooting disciplines require different training techniques. Though many gun handling and shooting skills are shared among each type of shooting discipline, what type of shooting you train for should ultimately dictate your training regimen.

Whether you’re a 3-gun competitor trying to accurately shoot a course of fire in as little time as possible or a CCW permit holder that needs to hone your shoot or no-shoot decision-making skills, a static target probably wouldn’t make for an effective way to train your cognitive decision making skills while

Each piece of extruded lightweight nylon framing material comes apart easily and is secured by simple wing nuts.

under stress. But when you go to the range, what are you most likely going to be shooting? We’d venture a guess and say, probably a static target.

While we believe that getting any amount of trigger time is better than none, as shooting at a non-moving target can still be good practice. That said, we also believe that static target training can lack the dynamics that one requires to improve their shooting and decision making under stress skills. Former Navy SEAL Jared Ogden, founder of Triumph Systems, agrees. If his name sounds familiar to you, you might have caught him on Season 2 of Ultimate Survivor Alaska on the National Geographic Channel.

Ogden and his team has developed the Pivotal Trainer, a turning target system that

promises to introduce increased stress levels by providing time performance, as well as threat/no threat cognitive decision making into your training program. Essentially, the Pivotal Trainer is a target system that uses a motorized unit and remote control to turn a double-sided target so that its threatening side (a silhouette with a gun) and its non-threatening side (a silhouette with a smartphone) face the shooter at random and timed intervals. The goal, of course, is to shoot the gunman and not the person shooting a selfie (or video filming opportunist).

The ultimate goal of this turning target is to help the shooter to eliminate anticipation and forces the shooter to think quickly and to use discretion before acting.

Pivotal Trainer is a slick package whose major components include a target stand, target frame, rechargeable motor unit, remote controller and more. The entire unit is very portable and weighs a paltry 13 pounds. In fact, we were surprised at just how light and packable the target system is. Each piece of extruded lightweight nylon material framing comes apart easily and is secured by simple wing nuts. The beauty of using this material for its framing aside from its weight savings is that it can be inexpensively replaced with PVC or 2x2-inch wood that you can find at your local hardware store in case it is inadvertently damaged. The company also has replacement parts available at reasonable prices. When assembled, the frame and stand have approximate dimensions of 82 inches high, 33 inches wide and 42 inches of depth.

The motor is powered by rechargeable lithium ion batteries for convenient outdoor use.

When using its battery, it will run between

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“we were faced with a dynamic, changing target that didn’t always present itself as an OKay to shoot subject.”

The motor unit is protected by a ballistic shield that can withstand a hit from a pistol round. An AR500 armor plate upgrade is available for even greater protection.

You don't need more than one Pivotal Trainer, but the more the merrier. Imagine 10 motor units flipping 10 threat/ no-threat targets to make for a very challenging course of fire for yourself or in a shooting line with friends.

1 to 2.5 hours depending on the chosen mode. If there’s a wall socket nearby, it can be plugged in for continuous use. To help the motor housing unit survive hanging out above a target that’s being shot at longer, a ballistic nylon protective shield armors it from direct impacts. The standard plate will stop one handgun round but not a repeated shot.

An upgradable .25" thick AR500 Steel plate is also an option for even greater durability.

The motor’s mounting bracket allows it to be mounted on the top rail of Pivotal Trainer’s frame but it can also be securely attached just about anywhere—including a door frame in a shoot house, an existing target runner in your indoor range, and much more. It also features a removable and replaceable target arm to clip targets to. The unit is so versatile that even when not training with live fire, it can be set up inside the house for dry fire practice as well.

Its RF line of sight remote has a range of 25 yards and is powered by four AA batteries.

With the push of a few buttons, the shooter can set this wireless device to random presentation intervals or use the manual mode while training with another. An exciting feature that we especially like is that one remote can be paired up with up to 10 motors. Ten motor units flipping 10 threat/no-threat targets can make for a very challenging course of fire.

We brought two Pivitol Trainers to the range to run transitional drills with. Transportation and setup of the units were problem-free and took us only about four minutes for each

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We’ve Got A Bleeder!

Triumph Systems Targets

Static targets still have their place at the shooting range, especially if they bleed or “explode.” Triumph Systems has released targets that are as fun as they are useful to use. Aside from the Threat/No Threat Double Sided Targets that are described in the main article, Triumph Systems also created responsive targets that give you instant feedback by “bleeding” colorful gel when hit.

Available in the form of a full-size zombie, a terrorist or a humanoid in the Threat Down

Silhouette series, as well as small animal sized-targets in the Ethical Harvest series, these targets feature gel packs that slowly ooze gel when shot. With plenty of gel packs to shoot at (over 100 each in the Threat Down Silhouette series), each target is challenging to shoot and should last for a long while on the range. Triumph’s environmentally safe gel that is water-soluble and will not permanently stain your clothes.

If you’re looking for something a bit more

“with plenty of gel packs, each target is challenging to shoot and should last for a while on the range.”

“explosive,” take a look at Triumph’s Pop Packs. This multi-variable and responsive training aid was developed to facilitate cognitive shooting drills, refine marksmanship, and add another degree of fun to a day at the range. Each pack has twelve unique variable arrangements consisting of different colors and shapes and numbers (in the form of stickers that are placed on the packs).

This allows for a variety of “call-outs” when practicing defensive drills. These targets are not only fun, but they also reinforce positive identification as well. A direct hit on a Pop Pack results in a highly visible pop of color.

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The remote belt clip hangs on the belt to face the controller in the correct orientation of the viewer. In either unholstered or holstered automatic modes, the user can specify target presentation at 1.5, 3 or 5 seconds.

target. As soon as we had the targets set up, we were ready for to shoot some drills.

The target system can be programmed to run in an unholstered or holstered position auto mode that randomly switches the targets between three different presentations including shoot, no shoot and “negative-presentation,” when the side of the target is shown.

We opted for the auto mode for most of our shooting day as it gave us an unpredictable shooting experience. The targets flipped between their three presentations, only exposing themselves for a few seconds each time. As the shooter, we had to quickly anticipate and discern which targets to shoot and which to ignore. With two units standing side by side flipping their targets seconds apart, our brains were working up a sweat. We can only imagine having 10 of these targets to worry about.

A manual mode is also available so that the user has more control over which aspects they want to work on; it can also be controlled by an instructor or friend.

The targets themselves withstood plenty of shots from multiple shooters. The design of Triumph Systems Threat/No Threat Double

MARCH-APRIL, 2018

Sided Targets includes graphics that depict Threat/No Threat sides, vital organs, T-zone, and a central nervous system. When examining shot placement on the targets, you will notice that bullets penetrate deeply when entering the target and leave an obvious tattered hole after exiting it. This makes determining shot direction when scoring shots on both Threat and No Threat sides. Marksmanship stickers also come with the targets to plug up holes when you want to shoot a clean target.

All in all, we got plenty of useful and worthwhile training out of the Pivotal Trainer systems. Rather than trying to get tight groups on a motionless target, we were faced with a dynamic and ever-changing target that didn’t always present itself as an okay to shoot subject. Sometimes it was a no-shoot, sometimes it even came up as no target.

Because of the random presentations and its quick to turn movements, we were always kept on edge and forced to sharpen our target identifying and decision-making skills. Our groups weren’t one ragged hole either and that’s okay. It helped us train to shoot faster and smarter. If we had the chance, we’d love to get a group of these targets in front of us the next time we go to the range.

The ultimate goal of this turning target is to help the shooter eliminate anticipation and forces the shooter to think quickly and use discretion before acting.

The goal, of course, is to shoot the gunman and not the person shooting the selfie.

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Plying the Fifth Evaluating the Gen5 Glock 17 & 19 T E X T BY JA SON DAVIS P H OTOS BY JOH N TE ATOR

MARCH-APRIL, 2018

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I

n mid-2015 the gun industry was abuzz about what Glock might be working on for its next generation of pistols. Lots of speculation about what might be going into this new generation was talked about on every gun forum and in various publications. Leaked photos of what was possibly the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s new service pistol were circulated; the images had people speculating that this would be the very same pistol released to

The new pistols boast a new Glock Marksman Barrel, nDLC finish on the slide, a flared magazine well, an ambidextrous slide stop/release lever, and do not feature finger grooves on the front of the frame.

the general public. Fast forward to late June 2016 and it became known that the FBI had awarded Glock its handgun solicitation for its new-generation sidearm—the “Glock M,” as it was called.

With the solicitation being given, official pictures of the pistol finally being released, and one domestic law enforcement agency at last being sold the Glock M, more and more people thought this was the exact pistol that would be released to consumers.

What happened over the following year was a change in the name; the M would be reclassified as the Glock Gen5 and would be sold upon a pending release date given by

the manufacturer. And in late August 2017 Glock at least released its new pistol to the masses.

From the manufacturer, this generation, which includes the 17 and the 19, features more than 20 design modifications differentiating it from the previous Glock Gen4.

«

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specifications glock 19 gen5 CALIBER: 9MM MAGAZINE CAPACITY: 15 ROUNDS (STANDARD) BARREL LENGTH: 4.02 INCHES OVERALL LENGTH: 7.28 INCHES HEIGHT: 5.04 INCHES WIDTH: 1.34 INCHES WEIGHT UNLOADED: 23.99 OUNCES WEIGHT LOADED: 31.04 OUNCES MSRP: $560 (BASE) URL: US.GLOCK.COM

Most notable by looking at photographs of the Gen5 is that these pistols boast a new Glock Marksman Barrel, a different finish on the slide the company is calling nDLC (nitration Diamond Like Coating, which is currently only done in Austria), a flared magazine well, an ambidextrous slide stop/release lever, no finger grooves on the front of the frame, and these guns are held together by two pins rather than three. Internally, there are additional changes that allow the pistol to work off the two-pin system; in turn, some of these changes may have helped with a smoother trigger pull that has not been achieved in previous generations.

Having had the opportunity to shoot the 17 and 19 M models prior to the Gen5 being released, I was very accepting of the new changes and could not wait to see a Gen5 released. Those who know my affinity for 1911-based pistols and know my history with them may find it shocking that I was eagerly awaiting the civilian release date of the Gen5. As soon as I got a call from Pro Force Law Enforcement in Brea, Calif., that the Gen5 was being released for sale, I quickly bought both a Gen5 Glock 17 and Glock 19.

Living in a state where you must wait 10 days after initially doing the paperwork on a

The new Glock Gen5 is held together by two pins rather than three. The Gen5 17 pictured opposite is fitted with a SureFire X300 Ultra weaponlight—one of our favorites for auxiliary illumination.

pistol hits a guy’s ego in striving for constant and immediate gratification. So be it—I had to wait the 10 days, but as soon as they were up I was back picking up the pistols and headed straight for the range. Once at the range I could not unload boxes of ammunition fast enough to load up the Glock magazines that came with both pistols. It is worth mentioning that Glock did not just change the pistols, but they also changed the magazines shipping with these guns.

The new magazines feature an orange follower and an extended base plate that will allow for faster removal of the magazine from the weapon. I’m not sure if the orange follower was part of the solicitation with the

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specifications glock 17 gen5 CALIBER: 9MM MAGAZINE CAPACITY: 17 ROUNDS (STANDARD) BARREL LENGTH: 4.49 INCHES OVERALL LENGTH: 7.95 INCHES HEIGHT: 5.47 INCHES WIDTH: 1.34 INCHES WEIGHT UNLOADED: 25.04 OUNCES WEIGHT LOADED: 32.10 OUNCES MSRP: $560 (BASE) URL: US.GLOCK.COM

“we feel that the trigger is truly the best that the company has produced to date.” federal government, but it is nice to see, especially since more than a few agencies have shooters show clear once their slide is at the rear. The orange follower visually jumps out of the all-black pistol when the slide is locked to the rear of the pistol.

Getting into and working with both pistols over the next few days, I came to like the changes a lot. Accuracy is better than previous out-of-the-box generations and I truly feel the trigger on the Gen5 is the best the company has produced to date.

Over the course of a weekend I put about 1,000 rounds through both the 17 and the 19. I experienced zero malfunctions, and if I was doing my part the rounds landed exactly where my sights were aimed. For the weekend of shooting I left these pistols exactly as they came out of the factory, with the white front and rear sights, but after the first weekend of shooting I immediately began tinkering with both.

Happy as I was with the factory configuration, of course I had to make some changes to really start to evaluate the pistols and their abilities. The first thing I

Both evaluation pistols received Fowler Industries Lock Back sights at the rear and Wilson Combat Vickers gold beads at the front.

did was change the sights. I used a Fowler Industries Lock Back sight at the rear and the fronts got the Wilson Combat Vickers gold bead, which is .245 inches in height.

This combination works well with my eyes and every Glock pistol I own has this exact setup. I changed out the sights on both the 17 and the 19. The 19 saw this upgrade only; everything else on it remains as it was from the factory.

I decided to add some parts to the Gen5 Glock 17 pistol because generally speaking I simply cannot leave a gun stock in appearance. I fitted it with a KKM Match Barrel that’s finished in black nitride. The barrel looks like it was mated to the frame since

the two finishes appear nearly identical. The fit on this barrel is incredibly tight, as soon I realized when I made the exchange. Having a good fit on the lock-up generally equates to accuracy on the other end, and I’d soon find out if there was any difference between stock and the KKM barrel.

Although I had been impressed with the stock trigger, I decided to give an Apex drop-in replacement kit a try. I chose the company’s Apex Action Enhancement Thin Blue Line Series, which is supposed to make the pull smoother and drop pull weight by up to a pound. One great thing about Glock pistols is that they are very easy to modify, even using just basic

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suppliers Apex Tactical Specialties apextactical.com KKM Precision kkmprecision.com SureFire surefire.com Taran Tactical Innovations tarantacticalinnovations.com

knowledge of the pistol. The new Apex trigger was installed after about four minutes of work. It uses a more “flat” face as opposed to the more upswept, or curved, factory trigger. I do like a flat-face trigger and the Apex unit seems to interface with my finger slightly better. As for the

pull weight while shooting, I do feel this trigger operates more smoothly and its actuation takes right around half a pound off the factory 5.5-pound trigger pull. No other modifications were made to the factory ignition parts other than what Apex sent in the kit.

Our test magazines were fitted with Taran Tactical base plates that add another five rounds to the capacity. Note the orange followers, which are Glock factory standard.

From Taran Tactical, I installed the Gen5 stainless steel guide rod and replaced a couple of my factory magazine base plates with base pad kits that add another five rounds to the magazine. These base pads came in blue that matches the safety bar lever on the Apex trigger, so it’s kind of

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nice to see the LE blue color added to this pistol.

With the handful of changes to the Glock 17, I hit the range once again to see how well the modifications worked. The gun was of course noticeably just a bit heavier with the addition of five rounds, but it was nice having those extra rounds while working different drills on the range. Getting onto the target with the gold bead front sight from Wilson and pressing the trigger with the new Apex kit, I noticed that I was keeping rounds exactly where I wanted.

In addition to new sights, the Glock 17 received a drop-in Apex Tactical trigger, which is designed to smooth out the pull and lighten it by about half a pound.

“we experienced zero malfunctions;; if the shooter does his or her part,, the rounds land precisely where aimed.�

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The Thin Blue Line You may have noticed the blue-colored trigger safety equipped on the Glock 17 Gen5 in this article. It looks nice, but the Apex trigger’s blue safety isn’t simply to appeal to law enforcement customers. It’s also to raise money for an important organization.

The trigger and the sights worked well in tandem and I was happy with an extra half pound taken out of the trigger. I did not notice much difference in trigger smoothness, but having the extra weight out of its pull made a difference at 25 yards.

Accuracy between the factory barrel and the KKM was not much different out to 15 yards, but between 15 and 50 yards I truly saw where the KKM shines. Keeping everything in the black at 25 yards on a modified B8 X ring had me impressed with the KKM barrel.

It’s an unfortunate fact that roughly 140 to 160 law enforcement officers lose their lives in the line of duty every year. Due to this, organizations such as Concerns of Police Survivors (COPS), which is a nationwide notfor-profit organization with 53 Chapters across the country, was formed to help “rebuild shattered lives” of the survivors. COPS has a membership comprised of more than 47,000 people who have identified themselves as survivors.

To support this worthy cause, Apex Tactical Specialties donates 25% from each sale of its Thin Blue Line series of triggers to COPS. As of the time of this article’s writing, Apex is closing in on $100,000 in donations raised for the organization. Introduced on October 31, 2016, Apex’s Think Blue Line series of triggers are available for a variety of pistols including Glock, Smith & Wesson M&P, M&P Shield, and Walther PPQ models, with additional offerings scheduled for release soon.

“COPS thanks Apex Tactical for not only their exceptional product created to honor the thin blue line of law enforcement, but for their generous support of law enforcement survivors,” says Dianne Bernhard, executive director of COPS. “Apex Tactical is truly a company who honors our nation’s heroes and never forgets those left behind.”

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Suffice to say the modifications to the 17 will remain in the pistol.

Having grown up around firearms all my life and not having shot a Glock pistol until late 2013, I must say I am impressed with the Glock Gen5. These pistols are highly accurate, can be left alone or highly modified, and are reliable to say the least. Now the Gen5 pistol has me thinking: What, if anything, could be coming along with a Gen6 in the future?

Gen5 pistols fit in Gen4 holsters as long as the ambidextrous slide stop doesn't get in the way.

(Some even say most Gen3 holsters may work as well.) Gen5 magazines fit same as previous generations.

, highly modifiable if the user so desires,, and very reliable to say the least.�

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M-LOK parts installation examples shown on either black BCM MCMR15 (M-LOK Compatible Rail) or Flat Dark Earth Aero Precision 12" ATLAS S-ONE handguards.

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LOKed-In M-LOK Buyer’s Guide T EXT & P H OTOS BY J O H N T E ATO R CO M P I L E D BY DA N N Y C H A N G

F

or decades, if you wanted to mount an accessory to your rifle, such as sights or a flashlight, you pretty much had two choices. MIL-STD-1913 (aka Picatinny) rail or duct tape. Luckily, we now live in more civilized times. When it comes time to choose which type of accessory interface to go with for your weapon system, you’ll find out that there are many choices other than the old standard Pic rail. Two popular and slimmed-down options on the market today are KeyMod and M-LOK.

M-LOK was developed by Magpul as a freely licensed rail interface system that has really taken off in the past few years.

Some like the look of it; others like its utility. But probably its most popular attributes are that it keeps handguards extremely low profile and lightweight when compared to the old cheese grater.

A recently released study by Naval Special Warfare Center Crane Division pitted the two contemporary systems, KeyMod and M-LOK, against one another with interesting results. After extensive

tests, they concluded that while the two systems exceeded cyclic load test conditions in terms of endurance and rough handling, it was M-LOK that fared better in tests that measured repeatability, drop tests and failure loads.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the latest and greatest M-LOK accessories available on the market for your firearm.

Like the battle between Blu-ray and HD DVD in 2006-2008, which system do you think is winning the fight or has already won? Let us know.

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LIGHT MOUNTS 1

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ARISAKA INLINE RING MOUNT M-LOK

ARISAKA INLINE SCOUT MOUNT M-LOK

APPLICATION: 1 INCH DIAMETER LIGHT BODIES FINISH & MATERIAL: MIL-A-8625 TYPE III HARD COAT ANODIZED 6061-T6 ALUMINUM COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 1.0 OUNCES MSRP: $47 URL: ARISAKADEFENSE.COM

APPLICATIONS: ARISAKA 300 & 600 SERIES LIGHTS, STREAMLIGHT PROTAC RAIL MOUNT 1 & 2 LIGHTS, SUREFIRE SCOUT LIGHTS NOTE: STREAMLIGHT PROTAC RAIL MOUNT HL-X LONG GUN LIGHT AND SUREFIRE AA SCOUT LIGHTS LONGER BODIES ARE NOT COMPATIBLE UNLESS A MODIFICATION OF TOOL(S) ARE MADE TO FIT BETWEEN THE LIGHT BODY AND MOUNT AS SCREWS ARE COVERED.

FINISH & MATERIAL: MIL-A-8625 TYPE III HARD COAT ANODIZED 7075-T6 ALUMINUM COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 0.7 OUNCES MSRP: $39 URL: ARISAKADEFENSE.COM

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BCM BCMGUNFIGHTER RING LIGHT MOUNT 1-INCH, MOD-0 APPLICATION: 1 INCH DIAMETER LIGHT BODIES MATERIAL: ALUMINUM COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 1.3 OUNCES MSRP: $45 URL: BRAVOCOMPANYUSA.COM

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LEAD FAUCET TACTICAL troy/lft light mount large MLOK APPLICATION: FITS MOST 1 INCH DIAMETER LIGHT BODIES FINISH & MATERIAL: TYPE III HARD COAT ANODIZED 6061-T6 ALUMINUM COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 0.9 OUNCES MSRP: $45 URL: LEADFAUCETTACTICAL.COM

MAGPUL MLOK CANTILEVER RAIL/LIGHT MOUNT, POLYMER LEAD FAUCET TACTICAL TROY/LFT LIGHT MOUNT SMALL MLOK

APPLICATIONS: MAGPUL LIGHT MOUNT V-BLOCK AND RINGS, SUREFIRE SCOUT LIGHTS

APPLICATIONS: 0.825-0.875 INCH DIAMETER LIGHT BODIES, SUREFIRE E-SERIES FINISH & MATERIAL: TYPE III HARD COAT ANODIZED 6061-T6 ALUMINUM COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 0.7 OUNCES MSRP: $43 URL: LEADFAUCETTACTICAL.COM

MATERIAL: ALUMINUM COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 0.7 OUNCES MSRP: $18 (POLYMER) $35 (ALUMINUM) URL: MAGPUL.COM

NOTE: SUREFIRE DS00 DUAL ACTIVATION SWITCH IS NOT COMPATIBLE.

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offset MOUNTS 7

8

MAGPUL M-LOK EXTENDED CANTILEVER SCOUT MOUNT

MIDWEST INDUSTRIES RAISE STRAIGHT SUREFIRE LIGHT MOUNT, M-LOK COMPATIBLE

APPLICATIONS: STREAMLIGHT PROTAC RAIL MOUNT LIGHTS, SUREFIRE SCOUT LIGHTS

APPLICATION: SUREFIRE SCOUT LIGHTS FINISH & MATERIAL: HARD COAT ANODIZED 6061 ALUMINUM COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 0.6 OUNCES MSRP: $30 URL: : MIDWESTINDUSTRIESINC.COM

NOTE: SUREFIRE DS00 DUAL ACTIVATION SWITCH IS NOT COMPATIBLE.

FINISH & MATERIAL: MIL-SPEC HARD ANODIZED ALUMINUM COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 1.1 OUNCES MSRP: $34 URL: : MAGPUL.COM

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ARISAKA OFFSET PICATINNY MOUNT M-LOK APPLICATIONS: COMBINATION OF PICATINNY MOUNT OR SUREFIRE SCOUT LIGHTS. OFFSET: 45-DEGREE, 1:30/4:30/6:30/10:30 POSITIONS, SIX VARIOUS SIDE-TO-SIDE POSITIONS FINISH & MATERIAL: MIL-A-8625 TYPE III HARD COAT ANODIZED 6061-T6 ALUMINUM COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 1.1 OUNCES MSRP: $62 URL: ARISAKADEFENSE.COM

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ARISAKA OFFSET SCOUNT MOUNT M-LOK

ARISAKA RING LIGHT MOUNT M-LOK

APPLICATIONS: ARISAKA 300 & 600 SERIES LIGHTS, STREAMLIGHT PROTAC RAIL MOUNT 1/2/HL-X LIGHTS, SUREFIRE SCOUT LIGHTS OFFSET: 45-DEGREE, 1:30/4:30/6:30/10:30 O’CLOCK POSITIONS, THREE LIGHT MOUNTING POSITIONS FINISH & MATERIAL: MIL-A-8625 TYPE III HARD COAT ANODIZED 6061-T6 ALUMINUM COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 0.6 OUNCES MSRP: $47 URL: ARISAKADEFENSE.COM

APPLICATION: 1-1.03 INCH DIAMETER LIGHT BODIES OFFSET: 12:00/6:00 O’CLOCK POSITIONS FINISH & MATERIAL: MIL-A-8625 TYPE III HARD COAT ANODIZED 6061-T6 ALUMINUM COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 1.1 OUNCES MSRP: $47 URL: ARISAKADEFENSE.COM

bcm BCMGUNFIGHTER MODULAR LIGHT MOUNT APPLICATIONS: MOST 1913 PICATINNY PISTOL/WEAPON LIGHTS OFFSET: 45-DEGREE, MULTIPLE LIGHT MOUNT POSITIONS, OPTIONAL HIGH OR LOW MOUNTING POSITIONS MATERIAL: ALUMINUM COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 1.2 OUNCES MSRP: $45 URL: BRAVOCOMPANYUSA.COM

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13

14

BCM BCMGUNFIGHTER MODULAR SCOUT MOUNT

CENTURION ARMS MLOK HANDGUARD LIGHT MOUNT (SCOUT MOUNT)

APPLICATION: SUREFIRE SCOUT LIGHTS OFFSET: 45-DEGREE, TWO LIGHT MOUNTING POSITONS MATERIAL: ALUMINUM COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 0.9 OUNCES MSRP: $45 URL: BRAVOCOMPANYUSA.COM

APPLICATION: SUREFIRE SCOUT LIGHTS OFFSET: 45-DEGREE MATERIAL: FIBER-REINFORCED POLYMER COLORS: BLACK, FLAT DARK EARTH WEIGHT: 0.4 OUNCES MSRP: $8 URL: CENTURIONARMS.COM

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MAGPUL M-LOK OFFSET LIGHT MOUNT, POLYMER

MIDWEST INDUSTRIES OFFSET SCOUT MOUNT, M-LOK COMPATIBLE

APPLICATIONS: COMBINATION OF PICATINNY MOUNT OR SUREFIRE SCOUT LIGHTS OFFSET: 45-DEGREE, 1:00/11:00 O’CLOCK POSITIONS MATERIAL: PROPRIETARY HEAVY-DUTY POLYMER COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 0.6 OUNCES MSRP: $18 URL: MAGPUL.COM

APPLICATION: SUREFIRE SCOUT LIGHTS OFFSET: 12:00/6:00 O’CLOCK POSITIONS FINISH & MATERIAL: HARD COAT ANODIZED 6061 ALUMINUM COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 0.7 OUNCES MSRP: $30 URL: MIDWESTINDUSTRIESINC.COM

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KNIGHT’S ARMAMENT MLOK SCOUT LIGHT MOUNT APPLICATION: SUREFIRE SCOUT LIGHTS OFFSET: 45-DEGREE, 1:30/11:30 O’CLOCK POSITIONS MATERIAL: ALUMINUM COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 0.8 OUNCES MSRP: $56 URL: KNIGHTARMCO.COM

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MIDWEST INDUSTRIES MI 45 DEgREE OFFSET SUREFIRE LIGHT MOUNT, M-LOK COMPATIBLE APPLICATION: SUREFIRE SCOUT LIGHTS OFFSET: 45-DEGREE FINISH & MATERIAL: HARD COAT ANODIZED 6061 ALUMINUM COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 0.6 OUNCES MSRP: $40 URL: MIDWESTINDUSTRIESINC.COM

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BARRICADE/ FINGER/HAND STOPS 21

MIDWEST INDUSTRIES OFFSET SCOUT MOUNT, M-LOK COMPATIBLE

UTG M-LOK OFFSET FLASHLIGHT RING MOUNT

APPLICATION: SUREFIRE SCOUT LIGHTS OFFSET: 90-DEGREE FINISH & MATERIAL: HARD COAT ANODIZED 6061 ALUMINUM COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 0.8 OUNCES MSRP: $40 URL: : MIDWESTINDUSTRIESINC.COM

APPLICATIONS: NO INSERT=27MM, INSERT 2=25.4MM (1 INCH), INSERT 1+2=20MM DIAMETER LIGHT BODIES OFFSET: FORWARD OR REARWARD 1.60 INCHES, VERTICAL OR DOWNWARD 1.12 INCHES FINISH & MATERIAL: ANODIZED AIRCRAFT GRADE ALUMINUM COLOR: MATTE BLACK WEIGHT: 3.1 OUNCES MSRP: $18 URL: : LEAPERS.COM

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CENTURION ARMS MLOK HANDGUARD HAND STOP HEIGHT: 0.65 INCHES WIDTH: 1.18 INCHES MATERIAL: FIBER-REINFORCED POLYMER COLORS: BLACK, FLAT DARK EARTH WEIGHT: 0.3 OUNCES MSRP: $8 URL: CENTURIONARMS.COM

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ERGO GRIPS M-LOK HAND STOP/BARRICAGE STOP HEIGHT: 0.72 INCHES WIDTH: 0.75 INCHES FINISH & MATERIAL: ANODIZED 6061-T6 ALUMINUM COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 0.9 OUNCES MSRP: $54 URL: ERGOGRIPS.NET

ARISAKA FINGER STOP M-LOK HEIGHT: 0.85 INCHES WIDTH: 0.50 INCHES FINISH & MATERIAL: MIL-A-8625 TYPE III HARD COAT ANODIZED 6061-T6 ALUMINUM COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 0.4 OUNCES MSRP: $27 URL: ARISAKADEFENSE.COM

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GUNTEC USA MICRO HANDSTOP FOR M-LOK SYSTEM HEIGHT: 0.91 INCHES WIDTH: 0.75 INCHES MATERIAL: ALUMINUM COLOR: MATTE BLACK WEIGHT: 0.9 OUNCES MSRP: $35 URL: GUNTECUSA.COM

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GUNTEC USA QD HANDSTOP / FINGER REST FOR M-LOK SYSTEM HEIGHT: 0.70 INCHES WIDTH: 0.70 INCHES (WIDEST SECTION) MATERIAL: ALUMINUM COLOR: MATTE BLACK WEIGHT: 1.2 OUNCES MSRP: $38 URL: GUNTECUSA.COM

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26

27

JL BILLET SPIK-R

KNIGHT’S ARMAMENT M-LOK BARRIER STOP – SKELTONIZED

NOTES: MOUNT HANDSTOP IN DIRECTION FOR BARRICADES AND THE OTHER FOR GLASS BREAKER. PROTOTYPE SHOWN IN PICTURES

NOTES: A SLING CAN BE ATTACHED DIRECTLY TO ELIMINATE THE NEED FOR ADDITIONAL SLING MOUNTING POINTS

HEIGHT: 1.20 INCHES WIDTH: 0.60 INCHES FINISH & MATERIAL: : MIL-SPEC TYPE III HARD COAT ANODIZED 6061-T6 ALUMINUM COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 0.5 OUNCES (PROTOTYPE WEIGHT) MSRP: $60 URL: JLBILLET.COM

HEIGHT: 0.50 INCHES WIDTH: 1.00 INCHES MATERIAL: ALUMINUM COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 1.2 OUNCES MSRP: $60 URL: KNIGHTARMCO.COM

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LEAD FAUCET TACTICAL TROY/LFT BROKOS BRACE (HANDSTOP) MLOK

MAGPUL M-LOK HAND STOP KIT

MIDWEST INDUSTRIES MI BARRICADE STOP, M-LOK COMPATIBLE

HEIGHT: 2.00 INCHES WIDTH: 0.63 INCHES FINISH & MATERIAL: TYPE III HARD COAT ANODIZED 6061T6 ALUMINUM COLORS: BLACK, TROY MILITARY BROWN (AKA JESSICA BROWN) WEIGHT: 1.8 OUNCES MSRP: $51 URL: LEADFAUCETTACTICAL.COM

HEIGHT: 1.25 INCHES (TALLEST PIECE) WIDTH: 1.03 INCHES FINISH & MATERIAL: TSP TEXTURE PROPRIETARY HEAVYDUTY REINFORCED POLYMER COLORS: BLACK, FLAT DARK EARTH, OLIVE DRAB GREEN, STEALTH GRAY WEIGHT: 1.6 OUNCES (ALL PIECES) MSRP: $25 URL: MAGPUL.COM

HEIGHT: 0.72 INCHES WIDTH: 0.63 INCHES FINISH & MATERIAL: HARD COAT ANODIZED 6061 ALUMINUM COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 1.0 OUNCES (ALL PIECES) MSRP: $26 URL: MIDWESTINDUSTRIESINC.COM

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32

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PHASE 5 WEAPON SYSTEMS MICRO STOP M-LOK

PHASE 5 WEAPON SYSTEMS MINI HAND STOP – M-LOK

RAILSCALES KARVE-P (MLOK)

HEIGHT: 0.94 INCHES WIDTH: 0.60 INCHES FINISH & MATERIAL: ANODIZED 6061-T6 ALUMINUM COLORS: BLACK, GREY, RED WEIGHT: 0.6 OUNCES MSRP: $35 URL: PHASE5WSI.COM

HEIGHT: 0.85 INCHES WIDTH: 0.60 INCHES FINISH & MATERIAL: ANODIZED 6061-T6 ALUMINUM COLORS: BLACK, GREY, RED WEIGHT: 0.8 OUNCES MSRP: $35 URL: PHASE5WSI.COM

HEIGHT: 0.95 INCHES WIDTH: 0.63 INCHES MATERIAL: HIGH TEMP POLYMER COLORS: BLACK, FDE TAN, OD GREEN, SNIPER GREY WEIGHT: 0.4 OUNCES MSRP: $26 URL: RAILSCALES.US

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35

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TROY INDUSTRIES HANDSTOP, LOW PROFILE, MLOK

XLR INDUSTRIES M-LOK MICRO BARRICADE STOP

YANKEE HILL MACHINE M-LOK HAND STOP ASSEMBLY

HEIGHT: 0.70 INCHES WIDTH: 0.65 INCHES MATERIAL: ALUMINUM COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 0.3 OUNCES MSRP: $24 URL: WORLDOFTROY.COM

HEIGHT: 0.50 INCHES WIDTH: 0.63 INCHES FINISH & MATERIAL: ANODIZED 6061-T6 ALUMINUM COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 0.7 OUNCES MSRP: $25 URL: XLRINDUSTRIES.COM

HEIGHT: 1.00 INCHES WIDTH: 0.72 INCHES FINISH & MATERIAL: MIL-SPEC HARDCOAT ANODIZED 6061-T6 ALUMINUM COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 0.8 OUNCES MSRP: $47 URL: YHM.NET

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ANGLED GRIPS 37

BCM BCMGUNFIGHTER KINESTHETIC ANGLED GRIP (KAG) HEIGHT: 1.70 INCHES WIDTH: 0.70 INCHES FINISH & MATERIAL: FRONT AND BACK TEXTURED IMPACT RESISTANT POLYMERS COLORS: BLACK, FLAT DARK EARTH WEIGHT: 1.0 OUNCES MSRP: $21 URL: BRAVOCOMPANYUSA.COM

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ERGO GRIPS M-LOK ENHANCED ANGLE GRIP

FORTIS MANUFACTURING SHIFT SHORT ANGLED GRIP MLOK

HEIGHT: 1.40 INCHES WIDTH: 0.65 INCHES FINISH & MATERIAL: ANODIZED 6061-T6 ALUMINUM COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 0.8 OUNCES MSRP: $49 URL: ERGOGRIPS.NET

HEIGHT: 1.75 INCHES WIDTH: 1.20 INCHES FINISH & MATERIAL: : MIL-SPEC TYPE III HARD COAT ANODIZED 6061-T6 ALUMINUM COLORS: BLACK, RED WEIGHT: 2.5 OUNCES MSRP: $70 URL: FORTISMFG.COM

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SEEKINS PRECISION M20 M-LOK ANGLED GRIP HEIGHT: 1.45 INCHES (TALLEST PART) WIDTH: 0.65 INCHES FINISH & MATERIAL: ANODIZED ALUMINUM COLORS: BLACK, FLAT DARK EARTH, RED WEIGHT: 2.0 OUNCES MSRP: $49 URL: SEEKINSPRECISION.COM

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VERTICAL GRIPS 42

STRIKE INDUSTRIES SI LINK CURVED FOREGRIP NOTE: DIRECT MOUNTING TO BOTH M-LOK AND KEYMOD

HEIGHT: 1.75 INCHES (TALLEST PART) WIDTH: 0.55 INCHES FINISH & MATERIAL: ANODIZED 6061-T6 ALUMINUM COLORS: BLACK, BLUE, FDE, GREY, RED WEIGHT: 1.8 OUNCES (ALL PIECES) MSRP: $38 URL: STRIKEINDUSTRIES.COM

ARISAKA VERTICAL GRIP M-LOK HEIGHT: 2.45 INCHES WIDTH: 1.30 INCHES FINISH & MATERIAL: MIL-A-8625 TYPE III HARD COAT ANODIZED 6061-T6 ALUMINUM COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 1.9 OUNCES MSRP: $32 URL: ARISAKADEFENSE.COM

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BCM BCMGUNFIGHTER VERTICAL GRIP, MOD-3 HEIGHT: 2.75 INCHES WIDTH: 1.10 INCHES FINISH & MATERIAL: FLAT SIDES WITH AGGRESSIVE TEXTURE IMPACT RESISTANT POLYMERS COLORS: BLACK, FLAT DARK EARTH WEIGHT: 1.7 OUNCES MSRP: $21 URL: BRAVOCOMPANYUSA.COM

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FORTIS MANUFACTURING SHIFT VERTICAL GRIP MLOK HEIGHT: 3.30 INCHES WIDTH: 1.20 INCHES FINISH & MATERIAL: MIL-SPEC TYPE III HARD COAT ANODIZED 6061-T6 ALUMINUM COLORS: BLACK, RED WEIGHT: 3.8 OUNCES MSRP: $80 URL: FORTISMFG.COM

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DANIEL DEFENSE M-LOK VERTICAL FOREGRIP

ERGO GRIPS M-LOK MINI MAX VERTICAL FORWARD GRIP (VFG)

HEIGHT: 3.25 INCHES WIDTH: 1.20 INCHES FINISH & MATERIAL: SOFT-TOUCH RUBBER OVERMOLDING SIDES ON PROPRIETARY BLEND OF GLASSINFUSED POLYMERS COLORS: BLACK, DANIEL DEFENSE TORNADO, MIL SPEC + WEIGHT: 1.8 OUNCES MSRP: $30 URL: DANIELDEFENSE.COM

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GUNTEC USA ALUMINUM VERTICAL GRIP FOR M-LOK SYSTEM HEIGHT: 3.00 INCHES WIDTH: 1.20 INCHES FINISH & MATERIAL: SMOOTH TEXTURE ALUMINUM COLORS: BLACK, RED WEIGHT: 2.1 OUNCES MSRP: $30 URL: GUNTECUSA.COM

HEIGHT: 2.55 INCHES WIDTH: 1.20 INCHES FINISH & MATERIAL: ANODIZED 6061-T6 ALUMINUM COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 2.7 OUNCES MSRP: $43 URL: ERGOGRIPS.NET

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JL BILLET FORWARD FIST GRIP HEIGHT: FORWARD FIST GRIP WIDTH: 0.50 INCHES FINISH & MATERIAL: TYPE III HARD COAT ANODIZED AIRCRAFT GRADE 6061-T6 ALUMINUM COLORS: BLACK, LIMITED EDITION GOLD WEIGHT: 4.2 OUNCES MSRP: $55 (BLACK) $60 (GOLD) URL: JLBILLET.COM

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MAGPUL M-LOK MVG VERTICAL GRIP

YANKEE HILL MACHINE M-LOK GRIP WITH STORAGE COMPARTMENT

YANKEE HILL MACHINE M-LOK GRIP W/O STORAGE COMPARTMENT

HEIGHT: 3.15 INCHES WIDTH: 1.25 INCHES FINISH & MATERIAL: MIL-SPEC HARDCOAT ANODIZED 6061-T6 ALUMINUM COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 3.7 OUNCES MSRP: $67 URL: YHM.NET

HEIGHT: 2.95 INCHES WIDTH: 1.25 INCHES FINISH & MATERIAL: : MIL-SPEC HARDCOAT ANODIZED 6061-T6 ALUMINUM COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 3.1 OUNCES MSRP: $44 URL: YHM.NET

HEIGHT: 2.90 INCHES WIDTH: 1.05 INCHES FINISH & MATERIAL: TSP TEXTURE PROPRIETARY HEAVYDUTY REINFORCED POLYMER COLORS: BLACK, FLAT DARK EARTH, OLIVE DRAB GREEN, STEALTH GRAY WEIGHT: 1.3 OUNCES MSRP: $23 URL: MAGPUL.COM

RAIL COVERS

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BCM BCMGUNFIGHTER RAIL PANEL KIT, 5.5INCH, 5 PACK LENGTH: 5.50 INCHES PIECES INCLUDED: 5 PANELS FINISH & MATERIAL: AGGRESSIVE NON-SLIP OR NONREFLECTIVE SURFACE HIGH-STRENGTH POLYMER COLORS: BLACK, FLAT DARK EARTH WEIGHT: 0.2 OUNCES EACH PANEL MSRP: $11 URL: BRAVOCOMPANYUSA.COM

CENTURION ARMS MLOK HANDGUARD RAIL COVER, 3-PACK

ERGO GRIP M-LOK WEDGELOK RAIL COVERS – 4 PACK

LENGTH: 3.15 INCHES PIECES INCLUDED: 3 COVERS FINISH & MATERIAL: GOLF BALLED TEXTURED GRIP SURFACE FIBER-REINFORCED POLYMER COLORS: BLACK, FLAT DARK EARTH WEIGHT: 0.4 OUNCES EACH COVER MSRP: $12 URL: CENTURIONARMS.COM

LENGTH: 6.25 INCHES (UNCUT COVER) PIECES INCLUDED: 4 COVERS FINISH & MATERIAL: NON-SLIP GRIPPING SURFACE SANTOPRENE CONSTRUCTION COLORS: BLACK, CLEAR, DARK EARTH, GRAPHITE GREY, M-LOK LOGO BLACK, M-LOK LOGO DARK EARTH, OD GREEN, PINK, PURPLE, ROBIN’S EGG BLUE, USA FLAG BLACK, USA FLAG DARK EARTH WEIGHT: 0.4 OUNCES EACH UNCUT COVER MSRP: $22 URL: ERGOGRIPS.NET

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GRIFFIN ARMAMENT RAIL SHIELD 4 PIECE M-LOK FURNITURE SET LENGTH: 4.70 INCHES PIECES INCLUDED: 4 PANELS FINISH & MATERIAL: TEXTURIZED POLYMER COLORS: BLACK, FDE, GREY, OD GREEN WEIGHT: 1.0 OUNCES (HANDSTOP) 0.8 OUNCES (CONTOUR & FLAT BOTTOM) EACH PANEL MSRP: $30 URL: GRIFFINARMAMENT.COM

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MAGPUL M-LOK RAIL COVER, TYPE 1 LENGTH: 9.50 INCHES (UNCUT COVER) PIECES INCLUDED: 2 COVERS FINISH & MATERIAL: ENHANCED GRIPPING SURFACE, EXTREMELY HEAT RESISTANCE FLEXIBLE MATERIAL COLORS: BLACK, FLAT DARK EARTH, OLIVE DRAB GREEN, STEALTH GRAY WEIGHT: 0.6 OUNCES EACH UNCUT COVER MSRP: $16 URL: MAGPUL.COM

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GUNTEC USA GEN 2 M-LOK RUBBER NEOPRENE INSERT COVERS WITH PROTRUDING GROOVES LENGTH: M-LOK SLOT PIECES INCLUDED: 10 INSERTS FINISH & MATERIAL: : PROTRUDING GOOVES NEOPRENE SOFT RUBBER COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 0.5 OUNCES FOR ALL 10 PIECES COMBINED MSRP: $15 URL: GUNTECUSA.COM

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GUNTEC USA M-LOK NEOPRENE GRIP PANELS LENGTH: 3.95 INCHES PIECES INCLUDED: 3 PANELS FINISH & MATERIAL: : NEOPRENE SOFT RUBBER ALUMINUM COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 0.7 OUNCES EACH PANEL MSRP: $40 URL: GUNTECUSA.COM

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MAGPUL M-LOK RAIL COVER, TYPE 2 LENGTH: 1.55 INCHES PIECES INCLUDED: 6 TWO-PIECE COVERS FINISH & MATERIAL: TSP TEXTURE POLYMER COLORS: BLACK, FLAT DARK EARTH, OLIVE DRAB GREEN, PINK, STEALTH GRAY WEIGHT: 0.1 OUNCES EACH COVER MSRP: $13 URL: MAGPUL.COM

RAILSCALES HTP SCALES LENGTH: 4 INCHES PIECES INCLUDED: 3 OR 4 PANEL OPTIONS FINISH & MATERIAL: G10 HONEYCOMB OR DRAGON OPTION HIGH TEMP POLYMER COLORS: BLACK, FDE TAN, OD GREEN, SNIPER GREY WEIGHT: 0.4 OUNCES EACH PANEL MSRP: $30 (3 PACK) $36 (4 PACK) URL: RAILSCALES.US

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sight 61

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RAILSCALES RAILSCALES

TROY INDUSTRIES SQUID GRIP, M-LOK, 7-PACK

KNIGHT’S ARMAMENT M-LOK MICRO FRONT SIGHT

LENGTH: 3.20 INCHES (SHORT) 4.20 INCHES (LONG) PIECES INCLUDED: 2 OR 3 PANEL OPTIONS FINISH & MATERIAL: G10 HONEYCOMB, DRAGON, MATRIX, MINIDOT OPTION HIGH TEMP POLYMER COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 0.5 OUNCES EACH PANEL MSRP: $53 (SHORT 2 PACK) $77 (SHORT 3 PACK) $54 (LONG 2 PACK) $78 (LONG 3 PACK) URL: RAILSCALES.US

LENGTH: 4.65 INCHES (UNCUT COVER) PIECES INCLUDED: 7 UNCUT INSERTS FINISH & MATERIAL: HEAT RESISTANT PROPROETARY ADVANCED RUBBER COLORS: BLACK, FDE, OD GREEN, TAN WEIGHT: 0.2 OUNCES EACH UNCUT COVER MSRP: $25 URL: WORLDOFTROY.COM

NOTES: FINGER ADJUSTABLE SIGHT POST. DESIGNED FOR M-LOK URX 4 RAIL AND OTHER COMPATIBLE HANDGUARDS. 45-DEGREE POSITION ON THE RIGHT OR LEFT HAND SIDE. INTENDED TO BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH KAC RAIL MOUNTED OFFSET FOLDING REAR SIGHT.

QD MOUNTS

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MATERIAL: ALUMINUM COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 0.7 OUNCES MSRP: $132 URL: KNIGHTARMCO.COM

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ARISAKA DEFENSE QD MOUNT M-LOK ANTI-ROTATION: YES FINISH & MATERIAL: MIL-A-8625 TYPE III HARD COAT ANODIZED 6061-T6 ALUMINUM COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 0.4 OUNCES MSRP: $23 URL: ARISAKADEFENSE.COM

BCM BCMGUNFIGHTER QUICK DETACHABLE SLING MOUNT

ERGO GRIPS M-LOK QUICK DETACH (QD) SLING MOUNT

ANTI-ROTATION: YES MATERIAL: STEEL COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 1.0 OUNCES MSRP: $20 URL: BRAVOCOMPANYUSA.COM

ANTI-ROTATION: YES FINISH & MATERIAL: : ANODIZED 6061-T6 ALUMINUM COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 0.4 OUNCES MSRP: $27 URL: ERGOGRIPS.NET

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GUNTEC USA QD SWIVEL WITH ADAPTER FOR M-LOK SYSTEM

JL BILLET M-LOK QUICK DISCONNECT ATTACMENT FOR QD SLING MOUNTS

KNIGHT’S ARMAMENT M-LOK QD SLING MOUNT

ANTI-ROTATION: NO MATERIAL: ALUMINUM (ADAPTER) STEEL (QD SWIVEL) COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 0.3 OUNCES (ADAPTER) 1.1 OUNCES WITH QD SWIVEL MSRP: $35 (ADAPTER & SWIVEL) $23 (ADAPTER ONLY) URL: GUNTECUSA.COM

ANTI-ROTATION: YES FINISH & MATERIAL: MIL-SPEC TYPE II ANODIZED 6061-T6 ALUMINUM COLORS: BLACK, ORANGE WEIGHT: 0.4 OUNCES MSRP: $18 (BLACK) $20 (ORANGE) URL: JLBILLET.COM

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MAGPUL M-LOK QD SLING MOUNT ANTI-ROTATION: YES FINISH & MATERIAL: MIL-SPEC ANNODIZED ALUMINUM COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 0.4 OUNCES MSRP: $20 URL: MAGPUL.COM

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ANTI-ROTATION: YES MATERIAL: ALUMINUM COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 0.7 OUNCES MSRP: $75 URL: KNIGHTARMCO.COM

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MIDWEST INDUSTRIES MI QD SLING ADAPTER, M-LOK COMPATIBLE

MIDWEST INDUSTRIES MI M-LOK STEEL SLING ADAPTOR, M-LOK COMPATIBLE

ANTI-ROTATION: YES FINISH & MATERIAL: HARD COAT ANODIZED 6061 ALUMINUM COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 0.4 OUNCES MSRP: $20 URL: MIDWESTINDUSTRIES.COM

APPLICATION: FOR HK STYLE HOOK (NOT A QD MOUNT) FINISH & MATERIAL: PHOSPHATE FINISHED 4140 STEEL COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 0.7 OUNCES MSRP: $43 URL: MIDWESTINDUSTRIES.COM

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MIDWEST INDUSTRIES MI QD SLING ADAPTER, M-LOK COMPATIBLE

STRIKE INDUSTRIES LINK RAIL SECTION 7 SLOTS-QD FEATURED

UTG PRO M-LOK STANDARD QD SLING SWIVEL ADAPTER

ANTI-ROTATION: YES FINISH & MATERIAL: HARD COAT ANODIZED 6061 ALUMINUM COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 0.6 OUNCES MSRP: $25 URL: MIDWESTINDUSTRIES.COM

NOTE: DIRECT MOUNTING TO BOTH M-LOK AND KEYMOD

ANTI-ROTATION: YES FINISH & MATERIAL: ANODIZED AIRCRAFT GRADE 6061-T6 ALUMINUM COLORS: BLACK, FDE WEIGHT: 0.4 OUNCES MSRP: $20 URL: LEAPERS.COM

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ANTI-ROTATION: NO FINISH & MATERIAL: HARD ANODIZED 6061 ALUMINUM COLORS: BLACK, RED WEIGHT: 1.1 OUNCES MSRP: $25 URL: STRIKEINDUSTRIES.COM

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SLING SWIVEL MOUNTS 78

XLR INDUSTRIES M-LOK QUICK-DETACH SLING ADAPTER ANTI-ROTATION: YES FINISH & MATERIAL: MIL-SPEC ANODIZED ALUMINUM COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 0.4 OUNCES MSRP: $19 URL: XLRINDUSTRIES.COM

YANKEE HILL MACHINE M-LOK Q.D. SLING SWIVEL MOUNT ANTI-ROTATION: NO FINISH & MATERIAL: MIL-SPEC HARD COATED AIRCRAFT QUALITY ALUMINUM COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 0.4 OUNCES MSRP: $16 URL: YHM.NET

MAGPUL GI SLING SWIVEL WEBBING: UP TO 1-1/4 INCHES FINISH & MATERIAL: COATED STEEL (LOOP) MIL-SPEC ANODIZED ALUMINUM (BASE) COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 0.7 OUNCES MSRP: $20 URL: MAGPUL.COM

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MAGPUL M-LOK PARACLIP SLING MOUNT

LEAD FAUCET TACTICAL TROY/LFT SLING SWIVEL MLOK

UTG RECON FLEX M-LOK BIPOD

APPLICATIONS: MAGPUL PARACLIP AND WIDE RANGE OF OTHER CLIPS FINISH & MATERIAL: EXTREMELY DURABLE MELONITE FINISH PRECISION CAST STEEL COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 1.0 OUNCES MSRP: $20 URL: MAGPUL.COM

WEBBING: UP TO 1-1/4 INCHES FINISH & MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL (SWIVEL PIN) TYPE III HARD COAT ANODIZED 6061-T6 ALUMINUM (BASE) COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 1.0 OUNCES MSRP: $32 URL: LEADFAUCETTACTICAL.COM

HEIGHT ADJUSTMENTS: 5.70 INCHES TO 8.00 INCHES FINISH & MATERIAL: ANODIZED LIGHTWEIGHT AIRCRAFT GRADE ALUMINUM CONSTRUCTION COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 5.4 OUNCES PER SIDE MSRP: $55 URL: LEAPERS.COM

HARRIS-STYLE BIPOD MOUNTS

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ERGO GRIPS M-LOK BIPOD MOUNT FINISH & MATERIAL: ANODIZED 6061-T6 ALUMINUM COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 1.0 OUNCES MSRP: $40 URL: ERGOGRIPS.NET

GUNTEC USA BIPOD ADAPTER FOR M-LOK SYSTEM

JL BILLET M-LOK BI-POD MOUNT

MATERIAL: ALUMINUM COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 1.0 OUNCES MSRP: $35 URL: GUNTECUSA.COM

FINISH & MATERIAL: TYPE III HARD ANODIZED 6061-T6 ALUMINUM COLORS: BLACK, ORANGE WEIGHT: 0.7 OUNCES MSRP: $19 (BLACK) $20 (ORANGE) URL: JLBILLET.COM

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MIDWEST INDUSTRIES MI BIPOD ADAPTER, M-LOK COMPATIBLE

XLR INDUSTRIES M-LOK BIPOD / SLING ADAPTER

yankee hill machine M-LOK BIPOD MOUNT ASSEMBLY

MATERIAL: 6061-T6 ALUMINUM COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 0.4 OUNCES MSRP: $23 URL: XLRINDUSTRIES.COM

FINISH & MATERIAL: MIL-SPEC HARD COATED AIRCRAFT QUALITY ALUMINUM COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 1.2 OUNCES MSRP: $34 URL: YHM.NET

MATERIAL: ALUMINUM COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 0.8 OUNCES MSRP: $23 URL: MIDWESTINDUSTRIESINC.COM

TRIPOD MOUNTS

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XLR INDUSTRIES M-LOK DOVETAIL ADAPTER MAGPUL M-LOK TRIPOD ADAPTER APPLICATION: MANFROTTO RC2/Q2 INTERFACE FINISH & MATERIAL: MIL-SPEC ANODIZED ALUMINUM COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 1.4 OUNCES MSRP: $50 URL: MAGPUL.COM

APPLICATION: ARCA-SWISS STYLE TRIPOD HEADS MATERIAL: 6061-T6 ALUMINUM COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 2.4 OUNCES MSRP: $48 URL: XLRINDUSTRIES.COM

MIDWEST INDUSTRIES MI CONTOUR VIDEO CAMERA MOUNT, M-LOK COMPATIBLE APPLICATION: CONTOUR VIDEO CAMERAS FINISH & MATERIAL: HARD COAT ANODIZED 6061 ALUMINUM COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 1.3 OUNCES MSRP: $30 URL: MIDWESTINDUSTRIESINC.COM

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TAPE SWITCH MOUNTING PLATES

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MIDWEST INDUSTRIES MI GOPRO MOUNT, M-LOK COMPATIBLE APPLICATION: GOPRO FINISH & MATERIAL: HARD COAT ANODIZED 6061 ALUMINUM COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 0.9 OUNCES MSRP: $35 URL: MIDWESTINDUSTRIESINC.COM

MAGPUL M-LOK TAPE SWITCH MOUNTING PLATE – SUREFIRE ST magpul M-LOK TAPE SWITCH MOUNTING PLATE – INSIGHT PEQ APPLICATION: INSIGHT PEQ PRESSURE PAD MATERIAL: HEAVY-DUTY REINFORCED POLYMER COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 0.5 OUNCES MSRP: $15 URL: MAGPUL.COM

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APPLICATION: SUREFIRE ST PRESSURE PAD MATERIAL: HEAVY-DUTY REINFORCED POLYMER COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 0.4 OUNCES MSRP: $15 URL: MAGPUL.COM

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UNITY TACTICAL M-LOK COMPATIBLE FUSION ADAPTER MAGPUL AFG-2 M-LOK ADAPTER RAIL

MAGPUL RVG M-LOK ADAPTER RAIL

APPLICATION: MAGPUL AFG-2 MATERIAL: HEAVY-DUTY REINFORCED POLYMER COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 0.7 OUNCES MSRP: $10 URL: MAGPUL.COM

APPLICATION: MAGPUL RVG MATERIAL: HEAVY-DUTY REINFORCED POLYMER COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 0.4 OUNCES MSRP: $9 URL: MAGPUL.COM

APPLICATIONS: UNITY TACTICAL FUSION ACCESSORIES, STREAMLIGHT PROTAC RAIL MOUNT LIGHTS, SUREFIRE SCOUNT LIGHTS FINISH & MATERIAL: TYPE III HARD COAT ANODIZED 6061T6 ALUMINUM COLOR: BLACK WEIGHT: 0.3 OUNCES MSRP: $20 URL: UNITYTACTICAL.COM

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Beast Mode SAVAGE MSR 10 LONG RANGE T E X T BY RI C H A RD S C H U LTZ P HOTOS BY R I C HAR D S C HULTZ & CO U RT E SY O F SAVAG E A RM S

S

avage Arms has been busy launching new products recently, but most of them have been consistent with the company’s traditional bolt-action rifles, semi-auto rimfire rifles and various shotguns. Therefore, most of us in the firearms industry were shocked when Savage announced that a completely new product line consisting of four Modern Savage Rifles (MSRs) would be introduced at the 2017 SHOT Show in Las Vegas.

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“It’s great to see that Savage arms got it right on the first try.”

This new line consists of two AR-15 and two AR-10 type rifles. The AR-15s are the base (not basic) MSR 15 Patrol and the MSR 15 Recon. The AR-10s are the MSR 10 Hunter and MSR 10 Long Range. These four rifles pretty well cover the middle ground of both the AR15 and AR-10 platforms offered today.

The subject of this end-user evaluation is the Savage MSR 10 Long Range chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor. It is a direct-impingement semiautomatic action with an adjustable gas block.

This is an accurate high-end rifle with all the features that you would expect from a $2,000 AR-10 modern sporting rifle. The 6.5 Creedmoor is a flat-shooting, long-range cartridge that allows you to accurately reach out and touch things at 1,000 yards or more.

SPECIFICATIONS The upper receiver is forged from 7075 T6 aluminum and is matte black hardcoat anodized. It features a non-reciprocating side charging handle, forward assist, polymer

company Blackhawk, an AR Blaze two-stage trigger with boron-infused steel for a smooth pull. A tension adjustment machine screw is also provided to eliminate any play between the upper and lower receivers.

A Blackhawk Knoxx Axiom AR pistol grip and a Magpul PRS Gen 3 adjustable buttstock make up the furniture for the MSR 10 Long Range.

The PRS buttstock allows the shooter to adjust the cheekpiece height and the length of pull both quickly and positively. The thumb wheels used to make these adjustments have very positive detents with approximately 0.180 inches of movement per 360-degree rotation of either thumb wheel.

dust cover, rear charging handle and a 1913 MIL-STD rail that runs the length of the receiver. The bolt carrier is by Savage and the bolt is machined from E9310 alloy steel and high-pressure tested.

A Savage Arms aluminum octagonal handguard with M-LOK attachment points along seven sides and a full-length 1913 MIL-STD rail at the 12 o’clock position is solidly bolted to the upper receiver with four socket-head cap screws. The 22-inch fluted barrel is machined from 4140 steel and is Melonite QPQ finished. Rifling is 5R style with a 1:8 twist rate. Savage Arms attaches a muzzle brake of its own design, using the barrel’s 5/8-24 threads, to help mitigate recoil.

The lower receiver is also machined from an aluminum 7075 T6 forging and is matte black hardcoat anodized. The magazine well is beveled to facilitate quick magazine changes. A MIL-STD diameter AR-10 length buffer tube is used with a standard carbine buffer assembly.

The trigger assembly is from Savage’s sister

Savage Arms provides its own muzzle brake on the MSR 10 Long Range. The 6.5 Creedmoor doesn’t create a lot of recoil, but the muzzle brake did seem to help limit muzzle rise.

At 44-1/8 inches long and 10 pounds in weight, the Savage MSR 10 Long Range is not small or light. But then, it’s not designed to be a lightweight. Most of the “excess” weight comes from the 4-6 inches of barrel length, 4 inches of handguard and the PRS buttstock.

All of this is necessary in order to provide the velocity, accuracy and recoil management that this rifle provides.

MODELS Savage Arms offers the AR-15 series in MSR 15 Patrol and MSR 15 Recon models. Both are chambered in .223 Wylde so that both .223 Remington and 5.56x45 (NATO) ammunition can be used. The Recon version comes

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with a low-profile gas block, Blackhawk BUIS sights, Blackhawk AR Blaze trigger and a Savage Arms octagon aluminum handguard with M-LOK attachment points.

The 6.5 Creedmoor is a flat-shooting, long-range cartridge that allows you to accurately reach out and touch things at 1,000 yards or more.

“This is an accurate, high-end rifle with all of the features that you would expect from a $2,000 AR-10 type modern sporting rifle.”

The AR-10 series includes the MSR 10 Hunter and MSR 10 Long Range rifles. Both are chambered in .308 Win. and 6.5 Creedmoor. Barrel lengths are 16-1/8 inches in .308 Win. Hunter, 18 inches in 6.5 Creedmoor Hunter, 20 inches in .308 Win. Long Range and 22 inches for the 6.5 Creedmoor Long Range. The MSR 10 Hunter has a single stage Blackhawk AR Blaze trigger and a Blackhawk adjustable Knoxx Axiom carbine buttstock with pad.

AMMUNITION Savage’s instruction manual recommends inspecting all ammunition prior to use to make sure that it is not damaged, corroded or of otherwise questionable quality. Use only the type of ammunition that matches what is marked on the barrel (top, just behind the muzzle). Use only new ammunition manufactured to SAAMI/ANSI/MIL-SPEC standards.

Any other ammunition including reloaded, handloaded and remanufactured ammunition can cause gun damage or personal injury and will void the warranty.

We used six different factory loads from three different manufacturers when evaluating muzzle velocity and accuracy. All ammunition

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specifications Savage Arms MSR 10 Long Range CALIBER TESTED: 6.5 CREEDMOOR RIFLING: 5R, 1:8 TWIST OVERALL LENGTH: 43.56 INCHES (COLLAPSED) BARREL LENGTH: 22 INCHES WEIGHT: 10 POUNDS MSRP: $2,284 URL: SAVAGEARMS.COM

FEATURES COMPACT AR-10 DESIGN; FLUTED 22 INCH BARREL WITH 5R RIFLING; RIFLE LENGTH GAS SYSTEM WITH AN ADJUSTABLE GAS BLOCK;

Like the upper, the lower receiver is also machined from an aluminum 7075 T6 forging and is matte black hardcoat anodized.

fed flawlessly through the Magpul PMAG LR/SR Gen M3 magazine and ejected uniformly due to the dual ejector plungers.

OPTICS No sights are provided with the Savage MSR 10 Long Range. We mounted a Bushnell Elite Tactical DMR II-i 3.5-21x50mm F1 riflescope on the Savage MSR 10 Long Range using Weaver Tactical 34mm rings for test purposes. This riflescope is an excellent match for the MSR 10 Long Range in 6.5 Creedmoor. The G3-i reticle offers a clean center yet allows accurate ranging utilizing 0.1 mil reference points and windage hold-offs utilizing 0.5 mil markings. We’ve now used a number of first focal plane riflescopes and like the way that they operate and that the reticle can be used to range at any power setting.

CUSTOM FORGED UPPER AND LOWER RECEIVERS; NON-RECIPROCATING SIDE CHARGING HANDLE; FREE-FLOATING M-LOK HANDGUARD; MAGPUL PRS GEN3 BUTTSTOCK; BLACKHAWK! AR BLAZE 2-STAGE TRIGGER; 10-ROUND MAGPUL PMAT LR/SR GEN M3 MAGAZINE

PERFORMANCE VELOCITY

E.S.

S.D.

SM. GRP.

AVE. GRP 100 yards

AVE. GRP 300 yards

HORNADY #81491 120 GR. ELD MATCH

2839

53

15.6

0.69

0.95

2.89

AMERICAN EAGLE #AE65CRD1 140 GR. OTM

2638

35

12.3

0.96

1.04

3.69

HORNADY #81500 140 GR. ELD MATCH

2680

51

18.3

1.05

1.08

3.84

HORNADY #81492 120 GR. A-MAX

2888

70

20.1

0.59

1.24

WINCHESTER #S65CM 140 GR. MATCH BTHP

2670

35

13.4

0.99

1.60

FUSION #F65CRDFS1 140 GR. SP

2713

48

14.5

2.53

3.18

AMMUNITION

Groups were fired from a Caldwell Rock BR adjustable front rest and rear sandbag at 100 and 300 yards.

Velocity is in feet per second calculated at the muzzle using a LabRadar device; E.S.—Extreme Spread; S.D.— Standard Deviation; Sm.Grp.—size of smallest single group for that ammunition, in inches; Ave. Grp.—the average group size in inches for 3 5-shot groups.

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A full-length octagonal aluminum handguard using the M-LOK attachment system provides a 1913 MIL-STD rail on top and accessory attachment points on the other seven sides.

; : ILLUMINATED G3-I MSRP: $1,999

“If you are looking for a moderately priced long-range modern sporting rifle, the Savage MSR 10 Long Range could be the one for you.”

INDAGE: 20 MILS

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The fast-focus eyepiece, power change ring (Throw-Hammer lever) and the side focus adjustment knob all operated smoothly and with sufficient friction to eliminate inadvertent movement. This riflescope features a T-Lok windage turret which requires that the turret be extended prior to rotating and then pushed back in to lock the setting.

The upper receiver features a non-reciprocating side charging handle, forward assist, polymer dust cover, rear charging handle and a 1913 MILSTD rail that runs the length of the receiver.

The Revlimiter (Zero-Stop) on the elevation turret can easily be set for a quick return to zero after an elevation change. Also, after elevation and windage adjustments have been completed, both turrets can be reset to zero. This is accomplished simply by removing the turret knob, then replacing it with the “0” mark aligned with the vertical index line on the turret.

AT THE RANGE We first broke in the barrel with 20 rounds of assorted ammunition, cleaning the barrel after every five rounds. This also allowed us to become familiar with the feel of the trigger.

The Blackhawk Blaze AR 2-stage trigger was smooth and had a crisp, clean break. It is as good as any AR aftermarket trigger that we have used.

The lower receiver is also machined from an aluminum 7075 T6 forging and is matte black hardcoat anodized. The magazine well is beveled to facilitate quick magazine changes.

We fired each of the six loads using a Caldwell “The Rock BR” competition front rest and a sandbag rear rest. The barrel was cleaned and a fouling round was fired after each load (16-21 rounds). Everything went so smoothly during this range session that it was almost boring. The gas-operated semi-auto rifle combined with the sweet-shooting 6.5 Creedmoor round made firing almost 150 rounds a pleasure.

Top honors for 100-yard accuracy go to the Hornady #81491 120-grain ELD Match ammunition with an average group size of 0.95 inches for three five-shot groups. American Eagle #AE65CRD1 140-grain OTM and Hornad #81500 140-grain ELD Match ammunition were close behind at 1.04 and 1.08 inches, respectively. The smallest group fired at 100 yards was 0.59 inches using Hornady #81492 120-grain A-Max ammunition.

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The PRS buttstock allows the shooter to adjust the cheekpiece height and the length of pull both quickly and positively.

The aluminum octagonal handguard is solidly bolted to the upper receiver with four socket-head cap screws.

The Savage MSR 10 Long Range comes apart for cleaning just like any AR; with the bolt in the forward position, push out the captive rear takedown pin and violá, it breaks open.

“smallest group at 100 yards was 0.59 inches using Hornady #81492 120-grain A-Max ammunition.”

Next, we fired the top three performers at 300 yards. Once again, the Hornady 120-grain ELD Match round came out on top at 2.89 inches average for three five-shot groups (3.86, 2.50 and 2.30 inches). Except for one errant shot, that average could have been closer to 2.5 inches. One issue we did discover when shooting paper at 300 yards was that when the scope is set at 21x the crosshairs cover most of the bullseye. Dialing back the power a little solved the problem but doing this obviously sacrificed precise aiming. Slightly thinner crosshairs might help. At closer distances and lower magnification the finer crosshairs would probably not be a problem.

Hitting the 8-inch and 4-inch steel plates at three hundred yards was like child’s play. The 2-inch steel was a little more difficult with about a 50% hit rate. The instant gratification of hitting steel consistently is hard to beat.

MISSION ESSENTIAL

The modernized Galil ACE is based upon the reliable mechanism of the original Galil assault rifle first developed by IMI in the late 1960’s. Drawing inspiration from the legendary Russian AK-47 and the Finnish Valmet RK 62, the IWI Galil ACE has been continuously improved over the last 40+ years, resulting in today’s extremely reliable and highly accurate Galil ACE. Rifle and pistol models available in 7.62x39mm,

GAP 556SB

INNOVATE. OPTIMIZE. PERFORM.

IWI US, Inc. | info@iwi.us

w w w.iwi.us

Galil ACE® Rifle

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FINAL THOUGHTS

The bolt carrier is by Savage and the bolt itself is machined from E9310 alloy steel and high-pressure tested.

manufacturing experience, along with some sound engineering, to come up with the MSR product line.”

The Savage MSR 10 Long Range in 6.5 Creedmoor is a very pleasant gun to shoot.

Recoil is mild and everything functioned just as it was designed to. Savage Arms took its 120+ years of firearms design and manufacturing experience and applied it along with some sound engineering to come up with the MSR product line. It’s great to see that Savage Arms got it right on the first try.

Almost one third of the groups fired at 100 yards were under an inch and several more were just barely over an inch. With the correct factory or handloaded ammunition, this rifle should consistently shoot sub-MOA groups.

We also like the way that this rifle is set up right from the factory. It has just the right components without leaving out anything or adding anything frivolous and costly. All anyone needs to do is add a scope and possibly a bipod and the gun is ready to go.

If you are looking for a moderately priced long-range modern sporting rifle, the Savage MSR 10 Long Range could be the one for you.

Take a hard look at it before making your decision.

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THE BUSHCRAFTER KUKURI AND THE FROG MARKET SPECIAL TEXT BY REUBEN BOLIE

TOPS Tools for Table and Trail

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A

s with so many other critical tools and pieces of equipment, it would be great if you could find one knife that would answer all your needs. However, the tasks are too diverse, making it impossible to have a one-size-fits-all solution.

The olive drab MIL-SPEC nylon sheath features a utility pocket and double hook-and-loopsecurity closure.

This sheath is almost as tough as the knife it was made for.

The next best option is two knives. Enter the TOPS Bushcrafter Kukuri and Frog Market Special—two knives that can handle the requirements for almost all your slicing and chopping needs.

The TOPS Bushcrafter Kukuri is based loosely on the designer’s experience with a kukuri knife from Nepal. Designer Nicholas Fury III (of L.V.I. Bushcraft and Survival) said he designed this kukuri with strength, reliability, resilience and adaptability in mind.

The Bush Kukuri is 14 inches overall, boasting a 7¾-inch-long recurve blade. A hefty, ¼-inch-thick blade with black traction coating and classic TOPS Knives black linen Micarta handle scales put this knife right at home with the “big boys” on the TOPS roster.

The steel is the mainstay of TOPS: 1095 high carbon with an RC of 56-58. The sheath is a brawny MIL-SPEC olive drab nylon with two

TOPS Knives’ rendition of a kukuri, with a 7¾-inch blade and Micarta handle scales, features bow drill divots in the handle. The Bush Kukuri is a formidable chopper and fieldcraft knife.

MARCH-APRIL, 2018

security straps and a small pocket on the front. It attaches to your belt for vertical or horizontal carry and has numerous eyelets around its perimeter for lashing it to almost any mounting surface. The Bush Kukuri has a deeper belly than a traditional kukuri; this aids in slicing and game processing.

The blade geometry and balance of the FMS allow complete and precise control when dicing a large piece of meat.

The history and tradition of the famed kukuri trace back to the Nepalese people. It was made famous by the Gurkha regiments that used this large chopping blade for combat and general utility.

Bushcrafting With the Kukuri After picking up this knife at a major knife convention in Georgia, I took it with me into the backwoods the very next morning.

It instantly felt at home chopping through hard oak, dogwood, maple and poplar. The hardwoods of the Southeast are better suited for a hatchet/axe type of chopping tool, although the Bush Kukuri’s compact size, weight and inwardly curved blade made it feel as if I were using a hatchet. It was about the same weight as a hatchet or small axe, but it had more versatility because of its pointed tip and long blade.

After chopping a length of dead poplar wood, I propped it between the ground and myself and began shaving tinder by

The FMS made quick work of processing the author’s solid piece of bacon into thinner, fastercooking slices.

“The fine point of the FMS is used for boning, its deep body for plunging cuts through large chunks of meat and its sweeping edge for long slicing cuts.”

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The Kukuri’s versatile sheath allows you to carry it virtually anywhere on your body or gear.

The TOPS Bushcrafter Kukuri works like a big knife but gives you more maneuverability than heavier traditional models.

Blade serrations are available as a custom upgrade for an additional charge.

“the Bush Kukuri’s compact size, weight and inwardly curved blade made it feel as if I were using a hatchet.” using the handle and gripping the spine (back) of the blade, pinching it to smoothly guide the brawny blade down the length of soft poplar. This is where the recurve of the blade shines: Any curvature of a blade will result in curly shavings, which are perfect for making a tinder bundle.

It’s important to keep the curly shavings on the stick. Losing them to the damp ground should be avoided as much as possible. I made smaller lengths and then began splitting them down to the size of finger-thick pieces.

I then drove the Bush Kukuri, point first, into a log and held the blade in place via the handle with my left hand. My right hand used the dry pieces of split wood to make tinder by drawing the wood back against the big blade. Once again, the curve of the blade made curly shavings. This is a safe, efficient way of making tinder shavings with a larger, heavier chopping tool.

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The TOPS FMS is shown with the sheath mounted horizontally on a web belt.

The Bush Kukuri went on to make a few more bushcraft items needed for the day, including a pot hook and tarp stakes. Control wasn’t an issue with the kukuri’s weight-forward blade. Making a point on the end of a stick was easy and felt natural, because long blades have always been my favorites.

Making the notches for the pot hook and stakes were accomplished by using the blade section closest to the handle in the recurve area.

The fit and finish of the Micarta handle slabs on the FMS are excellent!

The Bushcrafter Kukuri is versatile enough for chopping, splitting and carving wood. Teamed up with a saw, I don’t see it having trouble taking on any task the woods could throw at it. TOPS and Nicholas Fury have certainly done justice to the time-honored kukuri design.

The TOPS FMS is sure to become one of your favorite knives in the kitchen, as well as the camp.

This view of the back of the FMS sheath shows the rotating belt clip.

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Marketplace Cutlery “In Hanoi, a ‘frog market’ is an unlicensed wet market [a market that sells fresh meat and produce] that stays ‘one jump’ ahead of the tax collector. It was in one of those markets that I first found this pattern of knife at use,” designer Steven Dick told me when I asked him to explain the Frog Market Special (FMS) knife.

As long as I’ve known about Steven Dick from Tactical Knives Magazine, he has been attending cooking schools abroad, mainly in Asia. He has quite the background: He is a Vietnam vet and former member of C/75th Rangers (Airborne). He was a former forester for a large timber company in Washington state. But Dick is best known as a knife and firearm journalist since 1977, as well as serving as Tactical Knives’ former editor (for 20 years).

The author is shaving tinder from a section of poplar wood for a fire. The recurved section makes this task fun and easy to do.

“The Bushcrafter Kukuri is versatile enough for chopping, splitting and carving wood.”

His popular model, the Pasayten Lite Traveler, was designed as an outdoor camp knife. It was his first TOPS design. His newest model, the Frog Market Special, comes from a different skill set—the kitchen.

“The fine point of the FMS is used for boning, its deep body for plunging cuts through large chunks of meat and its sweeping edge for long slicing cuts,” Dick said. He added that the FMS is a “smaller utility model” of the originals found in Hanoi.

The TOPS rendition of this Vietnamese butcher knife measures 9½ inches overall, with a 5 1/4-inch-long blade made of 1095 carbon steel (RC 56-58). In addition, the FMS is the thinnest, sharpest TOPS knife I have ever seen: just 1/16 inch! It has a unique, aged finish called Black River Wash, along with tan Micarta scales. The knife, itself, weighs 3.5 ounces. There is a simple, but safe, black Kydex sheath that is ready for either vertical or horizontal attachment to the belt. However, it is more of a carrying case, because the FMS is primarily a kitchen knife.

I’m no Steven Dick, but give me a knife, and I’m going to the “Backwoods School of Cooking” to make something that requires slicing mushrooms, potatoes, onions, peppers and pork: I made stuffed peppers that were cooked in the coals. The FMS was super sharp and sliced and diced whatever was put in front of it.

Processing peppers was actually easy with the FMS. I usually buy the type of baconthat

The author used the Bushcrafter Kukuri for all facets of bushcraft.

Making detailed notches, tinder and putting a point on the end of a stake were all easy for this kukuri-inspired knife.

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«

specifications TOPS Knives Frog Market Special OVERALL LENGTH: 9½ INCHES BLADE LENGTH: 5¼ INCHES BLADE THICKNESS: 0.060 INCH BLADE STEEL: 1095 WITH BLACK RIVER WASH RC: 56-58 HANDLE: TAN CANVAS MICARTA WEIGHT: 3½ OUNCES SHEATH: BLACK KYDEX WITH ROTATING SPRING STEEL BELT CLIP

MSRP: $115

specifications TOPS Knives Bushcrafter Kukuri OVERALL LENGTH: 14 INCHES BLADE LENGTH: 7¾ INCHES BLADE THICKNESS: 0.250 INCH BLADE STEEL: 1095 WITH BLACK TRACTION COATING HRC: 56-58 HANDLE: BLACK LINEN MICARTA WEIGHT: 22.2 OUNCES SHEATH: OLIVE DRAB MIL-SPEC NYLON; MOLLE COMPATIBLE

MSRP: $260

The author sliced vegetables for making stuffed peppers. The peppers were especially easy to prepare with the Frog Market Special knife.

“Thin knives are the way to go for slicing and are easy to resharpen, as was the case with the FMS.” comes in a whole piece and needs to be sliced. The handle was thin but comfortable.

And while the ergonomics seem to have been downplayed in the TOPS product description, they were really the knife’s hidden gems.

SOURCE J TOPS KNIVES (208) 542-0113 WWW.TOPSKNIVES.COM

I like the idea of carbon steel for a kitchen knife; it reminded me of the Old Hickory butcher knives I still use. Thin knives are the way to go for slicing and are easy to resharpen, as was the case with the FMS. In addition, the Kydex sheath that comes with

the FMS was a good choice, because the knife was often dunked in a creek, shaken dry and then put back in the sheath.

I, too, have roamed similar markets in many of the same countries as Steven Dick, and I can see where the influence for this design comes from. In fact, as I was communicating with him about FMS, he was already thinking of his next trip abroad. I’m looking forward to seeing what he comes up with next.

Whether it comes to chopping and lopping or slicing and dicing, TOPS Knives has great solutions that will serve you well.

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The Bullet Factory AN INSIDE LOOK AT THE SIG SAUER AMMUNITION FACILITY T E X T & P H OTOS BY C H RIS TRAN

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“If You Want Something Done Right…Do It Yourself.”

N

o one knows what you want better than you do. This basic tenet was the impetus behind SIG Sauer’s decision to open a brand-new ammunition factory in Jacksonville, Arkansas. SIG has been in the ammunition making game for a few years now, so when World of Firepower asked me to check it out, I jumped at the chance to travel to the new factory and learn what SIG was bringing to the ammunition market.

SIG Sauer is one of the largest and most renowned firearms manufacturers in the world.

All of its products are extensively tested, and if issues are discovered in the real world by end users, the company is sure to address and correct them. While talking with the SIG representatives, a salient point emerged: Consistency in their testing was affected by variances in readily available ammunition.

To this end, and to reduce wildcard factors in testing results, they realized they needed to have the most consistent ammunition possible to reduce chaotic variances in firearm performance. If ammunition factors deviated, reliable testing couldn’t be achieved.

Large open spaces on the plant floor mean that as production capacity increases, the factory layout can change and adapt to demand as well.

How better to ensure quality control than to be the ones to make the ammo themselves?

SIG aimed to make its ammunition cleaner, more competitive and of better quality than what was presently offered, ensuring that its ammunition and firearms testing were of the highest consistency and quality possible.

agile, nimble, and adaptable to ammunition production needs.

Plant staff explained that SIG can change caliber production very quickly according

During the morning introductions, Bud Fini, SIG Sauer’s Executive Vice President of Ammunition and Special Projects, explained that SIG wanted to position itself as a “one-stop shop.”

He explained that with the development and production of its own lines of ammunition, SIG started with a clean slate. There were no deadlines for development, and they could really take their time to refine their processes and ensure that all of their own internal requirements were met to achieve the most reliable results possible.

Adaptable and Nimble Modular walls and large open spaces on the plant floor meant that as production capacity increases, SIG’s factory layout can change and adapt to demand as well. The modularity of the facility layout, as well as the production capacity the plant is capable of, means that even though the facility is huge, it is also very

“SIG Sauer is one of the largest and most renowned firearms manufacturers in the world.”

Caliber production can be changed quickly according to demand, requiring only 30 minutes of downtime.

to production demand, requiring only 30 minutes of downtime to shift production from one caliber to another. This high dedication to efficiency results in a robust production output; SIG maintains 6-8 months

MARCH-APRIL, 2018

“Many of the ammo production machines date back as far as 1953.”

SIG maintains 6-8 months of inventory on top of the daily production output, which is substantial in and of itself.

of ammunition inventory on top of the daily production output, which is substantial in of itself. In short, the SIG ammunition factory is a production powerhouse.

Retro Production, Nouveau Performance The streamlined yet bustling factory floor is a marvel of cutting-edge technology. However, the production machines, the heartbeat of the factory, are antiques. Many of the ammo production machines date from as far back as 1953. Other rifle and pistol cartridges are made using machines from the 1940s and up.

All of the machines are however retrofitted with updated and customized computers and components to precisely measure dimensions and tolerances.

SIG produces its own ballistic gelatin in-house, and goes through more of the stuff in a year than the entire U.S. government.

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“The facility produces 1,000-2,000 trays of handgun ammunition every day.”

Ammunition is consistently checked for velocity, pressure, accuracy, function, bullet seat/pull and proper dimensional values before packaging.

On the assembly floor, employees were busy operating machines, feeding boxing/ packaging machines, and loading casings into metal trays for powder loads and bullet seating processes. The workers produce 1,000-2,000 trays of handgun ammunition a day, which are consistently checked for velocity, pressure, accuracy, function, bullet seat/pull and proper dimensional values before packaging. An additional round check during boxing as well as box overall weight verification is performed prior to complete boxes of ammunition being transported for final delivery packaging.

The quality control staff even arrives an hour before shift workers to run complete diagnostics on assembly machines prior to the start of production to set the team up for as smooth a day as possible. Nothing is left to chance.

Ammunition Testing I was also fortunate enough to meet and talk to John Ervin, SIG’s lead ballistician. His expertise with ammunition and measuring ballistic results is crucial. SIG’s factory has several stations to test round performance, consistency and velocity, ranging from 100yard tubes to shoot through, to a unique pistol range that features a bullet trap with a consistent waterfall of liquid medium cascading down it, which is designed to safely capture not only the round but also the particulate from impact.

Regardless of their vintage, all the machines are retrofitted with updated and customized computers and components to precisely measure dimensions and tolerances.

For rounds to be accurately measured for ballistic performance, SIG tests its ammunition in lab-like surroundings, with as many controls and precise measurements as possible. If consistent testing is to be

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achieved, everything right down to ballistic gelatin consistency must be controlled.

Ballistic gelatin has a shelf life; the longer it sits, the more moisture evaporates from the gelatin block, which changes the consistency, size and density of the block over time.

This variable can affect round penetration and potentially skew crucial measurements, resulting in inconsistent or inaccurate perfor-

mance outcomes. SIG solved that problem by choosing to produce its own ballistic gelatin in-house. The company boasts that it produces and goes through more ballistic gelatin in a year than the entire United States government.

Gelatin is carefully measured out, mixed, poured, set and refrigerated. Each block

“there will continue to be ballistic advancements from sig sauer.”

Testing consistency was affected by variances in readily available ammunition, so to reduce wildcard factors in testing results, SIG representatives realized they needed to have the most consistent ammunition possible.

of gelatin is marked with a date and time stamp, so the ballisticians know exactly when the block was produced and if it is used within the appropriate time frame.

SIG’s ammunition factory has the capacity to produce 12 blocks of in-house ballistic gelatin an hour, meaning the company’s testing capacity is never slowed down due to lack of gelatin and additional protocol mediums to shoot through.

I observed Ervin shoot 9mm V-crown rounds through multiple mediums: gelatin blocks alone to measured penetration protocols, as well as several layers of clothing, auto glass, and drywall. All indicators demonstrated excellent performance through all mediums as measured and well within established performance parameters.

Real-World Accuracy In the time I visited the factory in Jacksonville, I have had several opportunities to shoot hundreds of rounds of 77-grain .223, as well as both sub- and supersonic 300BLK ammunition from SIG Sauer. The rounds perform as advertised against the targets I’ve shot at from distances ranging from 50 to 700 yards, suppressed, unsuppressed and under widely varied conditions and across three different platforms.

The quality control staff arrives an hour before shift workers to run complete diagnostics on assembly machines; nothing is left to chance.

We are very much looking forward to seeing how SIG advances its ammunition production in the future. They’ve got a very solid product already on the market and if current progress is any indication, there will continue to be ballistic advancements from SIG Sauer.

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Getting to know Jack SOMETIMES THE RIFLE BUILDS ITSELF T EXT & P HOTOS BY M I K E S EAR S ON

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he AR-15, the black rifle, the modern sporting rifle—call it what you want, it is probably the most user-friendly semiautomatic rifle in history. Not only is it easy to shoot and accessorize, but building one from the ground up is easier than working on a classic small-block Chevy engine in the garage.

Many of us have been shooting, modifying, building and repairing ARs since we were handed an M16A2 service rifle at the ripe old age of 17. This author currently owns close to 20 and about three quarters of them were built from virgin stripped receivers in the exact configuration required.

This latest build took on a life of its own during the build process.

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“the intriguing magazine well is milled to look like a human skull.”

Start with a lower As this is the part that is considered the heart of the rifle, it is typically our starting point. We happened into a Jack lower by Sharps Bros and Spike’s Tactical. Billet lower receivers may be seeing heavy discounts now, but we were intrigued by the magazine well as it was milled to look like a human skull.

We knew that Cerakote would be the order of the day and our first idea was to go with a traditional ivory or bone-colored look, until a few people pointed out that we should try to match it up with the silver rings that were made by Steel Flame.

A call went into Nevada Cerakote and we advised Russ Bacon of our latest project.

Our first idea was to go with a bone-colored look, until a few people pointed out that we should try to match it up with the silver rings made by Steel Flame.

We sent multiple pictures of our rings and indulged in a heavy dose of listening to Ozzy, Metallica and Guns N’ Roses in the shop while they finished it up.

We installed a standard DPMS lower receiver parts kit with few issues. One of which was that the standard magazine button was too shallow, so we went with an extended one that was just lying around, having been a bit too long for another build. The rear takedown pin was supplied by Derrick Obatake of Steel Flame featuring a bronze skull motif and matched our rings that inspired the Cerakote paint job.

Last, we went with a match grade dropin trigger assembly from Rise Armament to round out the basic lower build. Their RA-434 HTP is a single-stage trigger with a 3.5-pound pull, little to no over-travel and a skeletonized hammer.

MARCH-APRIL, 2018

Upper receiver I tend to test a lot of different suppressors and one thing that I ďŹ nd annoying is the gas you catch in the face through the charging handle. One thing required for this build was a side-charging upper, so we went with one of the best in the business from American Spirit Arms.

One thing required for this build was a sidecharging upper, so we went with one of the best in the business from American Spirit Arms.

For the barrel, we were going for a look factor and found it with an ER Shaw mid-length, stainless steel, 18-inch barrel with external spiral uting.

The Cobalt Kinetics muzzle brake provides a symmetrical linear array of intersecting spheroid baffles that are designed to dramatically improve performance.

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WORLD OF FIREPOWER The rear takedown pin was supplied by Steel Flame and, similar to the mag well, it is formed into the shape of a skull.

With some slight modification to the bolt carrier due to the way American Spirit Arms’ side-charging handle catches the shoulder of the carrier, we were in business.

Furniture We were not going old-school plastic furniture and wanted something different than the various rail systems out there. We were going for looks, but performance counts, too.

The Rise Armament RA-434 HTP is a single-stage trigger with a 3.5-pound pull, little to no over-travel and a skeletonized hammer.

At the 2017 SHOT Show we saw some unique handguards offered by Brigand Arms.

Our first thoughts were either “cargo nets on a pirate ship” or “spider webs.” Then we saw the folks at Brigand using the handguards to support weights. Made of carbon fiber weave, these guards can support 90 pounds in both directions and 600 pounds along their length. When the rail showed up in a mailing tube, it was so light that I thought someone shipped me a poster!

For the pistol grip we chose Tango Down LLC’s vertical grip, which is perfect for extended prone shooting sessions, and a SIG Sauer carbon fiber buttstock to complement the Brigand Arms Blade handguard.

Performance

The Brigand Arms handguard is made of carbon fiber weave and can support 90 pounds in both directions and 600 pounds along its length.

There are some gadgets for your rifles that are simply a waste of money, but there are a few that will help you become a better shooter. In experimenting with different

“we’ve pushed ARs out to 700 yards, but a more realistic range rarely exceeds 300.”

buttstocks on this build we found one from Cobalt Kinetics known as the Cobalt Advantage Buffer System In essence, you have an adjustable buffer system tunable to your rifle and loads. It comes with three different weights for the buffer body and three spring configurations to customize cyclic rates. The buffer tube is lined with nylon to reduce friction. The tolerances are so tight and the contact surface so smooth that it creates a nearly frictionless system, requiring less gas and thereby eliminating unnecessary heat, debris and wear.

As with the back end, we went to the front end and crowned the ER Shaw Barrel with one of Cobalt Kinetics’ Pro muzzle brakes.

This brake provides a symmetrical linear array of intersecting spheroid baffles designed to dramatically improve performance.

Exhaust energy is vented only to the sides to eliminate dust signature and the inherent design eliminates the compromising effects that biased or directional ports can have on accuracy.

At a demo in late 2015 we fired a full-auto Cobalt Kinetics Evolve rifle one-handed with this brake and the mentioned buffer with very minimal muzzle rise, keeping all rounds on target.

We were also going for a look factor with the barrel and found it with an ER Shaw mid-length, stainless steel, 18-inch unit with external spiral fluting.

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“The gun’s light weight made it very maneuverable and easy to engage the steel.”

The Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8x scope is mounted in a set of Warne Scope Mounts medium-height 30mm rings.

We wanted this one as low as possible as most of our shooting will be done at close range.

Accessories

Adding a light in the form of an Inforce, or any other brand for that matter, is a challenge with the Brigand Arms Blade as there are no rails, KeyMods or M-LOK attachment points on the handguard. However, Brigand Arms offers an attachable Picatinny section for this purpose. Mounted on the left side of the handguard, it was possible to attach the light without a hiccup.

I am typically a minimalist when it comes to adding accessories to a rifle. For years it was simply a sling and a light, but approaching a half century of walking the earth and more than half of that as a shooter, I decided I wanted an optic instead of just irons for this rifle.

The optic is a Vortex Strike Eagle in 1-8x with an illuminated reticle. For short range, it can be powered up for the quick acquisition and reliability of a red dot scope. If we need to go for distance, up to 8x magnification on an AR would be plenty.

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“the build blossomed into a lightweight precision gun with attitude.”

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WORLD OF FIREPOWER For a pistol grip we chose Tango Down LLC’s vertical grip, which is perfect for extended prone shooting sessions, along with a SIG Sauer carbon fiber buttstock to complement the Brigand Arms handguard.

Mounted as it is in a set of Warne rings, we wanted this one as low as possible as most of our shooting would be done at close range. We’ve pushed ARs out to 700 yards in the past, but a more realistic range for most of our shooting rarely exceeds 300 yards. We selected a medium height set of 30mm rings.

Problems with the build and a solution Almost any custom AR project will give you a headache or two. We had a few with ours like timing the Brigand Arms handguard so the scalloped front end would center properly and having to use an oversized magazine release button.

Our build was on a first-generation Jack lower and Sharps Bros has fixed a few shortcomings with their Gen 2 version of the Jack. The Jack Gen 2 incorporates a threaded bolt catch pin as is found on most 308 ARs. This can be a huge stumbling block for some with the original AR style as you must align a roll pin and drive it in without marring your lower. This is a huge improvement.

other features include: • • •

•

• • • • •

An oversized integral trigger guard A beveled magazine flare that helps you load as quickly and efficiently as possible Machined top to bottom from 7075-T6 aluminum, a peak-strength corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy A hardcoat anodized finish per MIL-A-8625, the anodizing model for most military and aerospace products Full compatibility with all MIL-SPEC internal parts Full compatibility with all other aftermarket MILSPEC upper receivers Full compatibility with PMAGs, Hex mags and other standard-capacity magazines Multi-caliber mark Weight: 10.7 oz

As of this writing Sharps Bros is still taking pre-orders, but the receiver may be available by the time this article goes to press.

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Real pretty, but can she shoot?

While it never hurts to have a good-looking rifle, we prize being able to shoot one accurately above all else, remembering the late Col. Jeff Cooper’s comment: “Only accurate rifles are interesting.”

We headed out to the range with a handful of Okay Industries Sure Feed Magazines.

The magazine bodies and floor plates are lightweight aluminum and heat treated to MIL-SPEC requirements for strength and durability. A four-way, anti-tilt, self-lubricating, non-hygroscopic resin follower and high performance MIL-SPEC stainless steel spring keep rounds properly aligned and tensioned for flawless performance. These were similar to the magazines issued back in 1987 but upgraded where it counts for reliability and durability.

Test ammunition was provided by Aguila with both 55 and 62-grain projectiles. At 200 yards, we were easily shooting 1 to 1.95inch groups all morning with the magnification dialed up to 4x. At 300 yards and on 8x, we were still keeping it within 2.5 to 3.25 inches. In time, we’ll load our rounds for this particular rifle to tighten that up.

For close-range testing we set up some steel at various distances from 50 yards out to 200 and ran the Vortex on 1x illuminated. The light weight of the rifle made it very maneuverable to engage the steel and hear that satisfying ping every time. Target acquisition was a bit slower at first compared to a true red dot or holographic sight, but we quickly got used to it.

Finally, we removed the Cobalt brake and installed a Radical Firearms 556 silencer we acquired through Silencer Shop for testing.

We prefer direct thread silencers to QD (Quick Detach) for rifles intended to be more precise as the threads line up exactly every time. However, in this case we wanted to see if the side-charging upper would perform as we thought with regard to gas busting.

We were very pleased with the performance in that regard but we were getting a very dirty rifle in the interim.

In the end, we’re very happy how this rifle turned out. A build that almost started as a SBR/PDW type rifle blossomed into a lightweight precision gun that packs attitude, accuracy and reliability into a sweet package.

suppliers American Spirit Arms americanspiritarms.com Brigand Arms brigandarms.com Cobalt Kinetics cobaltkinetics.com ER Shaw ershawbarrels.com Inforce inforce-mil.com Nevada Cerakote nevadacerakote.com Radical Firearms radicalfirearms.com Rise Armament risearmament.com Sharps Bros sharpsbros.com SIG Sauer sigsauer.com Silencer Shop silencershop.com Steel Flame steelflame.com Tango Down tangodown.com Vortex Optics vortexoptics.com Warne Scope Mounts warnescopemounts.com

The optic is a Vortex Strike Eagle in 1-8x with an illuminated reticle. It can be powered up for the quick acquisition and reliability of a red dot scope, or if we need to go for distance up to 8x magnification would be plenty.

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Locked Up Firearms Storage Solutions for your Vehicle TE XT & P HOTOS BY M I K E S EAR S ON

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I

t’s one thing to have a firearm safe or vault in your home.

This is where most of our firearms spend most of their time and it is a no-brainer to have your firearms secured and protected against theft. Yet how do you secure them when you leave your home? Whether it’s a trip to the range or your EDC guns, you do not want to leave them accessible to an opportunistic vehicle burglar. Here’s how we safeguard our firearms when we are out and about.

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The vehicle After two severe engine problems, we junked our old pickup truck and bought a brand-new 2018 Chevy Colorado Z71. We went with an extended cab because it suited most of our needs, but in hindsight it left us with a limited amount of cargo space for firearms. So we decided to outfit it with a few accessories to suit our storage needs and give us a higher level of security.

The vehicle in question is a brand-new 2018 Chevy Colorado Z71.

Console Vault Like most vehicles today, the Colorado comes equipped with a center console for storage. But what gets stored in these things after a while? Phone chargers, gas station receipts, spare change and other small random bits of clutter that become completely useless after 48 hours. Why not set the center console up for secure firearm storage beyond dropping a holstered carry piece inside from time to time?

The Console Vault drops in place and is secured by two screws that mount to the walls of the console from inside the vault.

Console Vault of Las Vegas, Nevada, offers a solution that is easy to install inside the center console of your vehicle. It discreetly hides within your vehicle’s console so the vehicle interior looks exactly as it did when it left the factory. But lift the console lid and you now have a 12-gauge steel vault that can hold your CCW if you need to leave it stowed for when you have to visit the post office, courthouse or other restricted areas.

The Console Vault drops in and is secured by two screws which mount to the walls of the console from inside the vault. They offer three lock types: keyed, 3-combination or 4-combination. We chose the 4-combination as it gives over 10,000 possible combinations and was deemed to be the most secure in that regard.

“here’s how we safeguard our firearms while out and about.”

Our well-traveled Pelican hard case fits perfectly inside the TruckVault drawer.

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A Personal Firearms Collection

Can you name everything in it?

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can be stored in the Console Vault when not needed.

SIG Sauer Rifle Bag Car Seat Back Up For hunting, or for just having a carbine ready to go in the cargo area of your vehicle, we chose a holster for our “truck gun” from SIG Sauer. You can mount it vertically on the back of one seat or horizontally over the backs of both seats. We found the vertical option better for hiding in plain sight with the horizontal method better for ease of access.

The TruckVault drawers are highly configurable and dividers can be added or removed with ease.

Foam inserts are also available.

Now, what do you do when you leave the vehicle and cannot take your rifle with you?

Easy, you store it inside the TruckVault.

TruckVault V-Line Tactical Top Draw-Handgun Safe Even with an extended cab, pickup trucks leave you few options for storage inside the vehicle. However, the back seats on ours flip up individually and we found these to be great places to add a pistol safe from V-Line called the Tactical Top Draw-Handgun Safe. It can be permanently bolted to the floor of the vehicle if you desire. We do not necessarily keep a defensive handgun in there—most often just a spare pistol to take to the range. It’s secure in the lockbox plus hidden under the seat.

DeSantis Kingston Car Seat Stepping aside from security from theft for

a second, we want to address what may be more important: security of self. What happens when a criminal decides to car-jack you in your ride and your guns are either locked up or are on your person and behind layers of clothing plus a seat belt while you are seated?

We found a solution to that scenario with the Kingston Car Seat from DeSantis Holsters. The concept is simple: You run the “belt” through the back and bottom of your seat cushion so that you have a strap with Velcro on the front of your seat cushion. A nylon holster attaches to the Velcro and keeps your pistol pointed straight down in a safe direction. When you drive, it rides between your legs. The nylon holster makes for an effective carry holster or

While all of these options work extremely well for our purposes, we saved one of the best for last with the TruckVault. You may have seen these used on the popular TV series 24, but they are not just for secret agents going after terrorists, although they are a favorite of tactical units and officers worldwide.

These customizable vehicle vaults can be ordered for nearly any truck, SUV or car.

TruckVaults are built from medium density overlay (MDO), the same product used to make highway signboard. The composition of these units makes them extremely difficult for burglars to break into.

Having an open-bed pickup truck directed us to the all-weather version that is resistant to

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“think of them as ways to safeguard your firearms during transport.”

TruckVault offers secure storage solutions for virtually any vehicle. We opted for a weather-proof version, which adds cost but is essential for an open truck bed as in our application.

snow and ice. This is the most expensive version due to this coating. The drawers are designed to maximize space, and with a six-foot bed, we have plenty of room in the double drawers to store our firearms safely and securely. The folding T-handle locks are backed up by anti-pry security brackets that deploy when an attempt to pry the drawers open is made.

Installation was a snap. We had the unit drop-shipped to a trucking depot to save on freight costs and to have a forklift load it into our bed. When we got it home, we centered the 450-pound vault, locked it down and installed the cover plates.

As for storage space, the drawers are highly configurable and dividers can be added or removed with ease. TruckVault offers foam inserts but we passed on these as we test close to 100 firearms a year and our range load out is almost never the same twice.

A few of our friends didn’t get it, as the magnum-height drawers went nearly to the top of our bed. “What’s the sense of having a truck?” one asked.

Left: The DeSantis Kingston Car Seat loops into the belt and keeps a pistol tucked conveniently and discreetly between your legs as you drive.

Right: The TruckVault T-handle locks incorporate anti-pry security brackets that deploy if an attempt to pry the unit open is made.

The V-Line Tactical Top Draw-Handgun Safe can be permanently bolted to the floor of the vehicle if you so desire.

Well, we didn’t buy it to get out of helping friends move. We bought this because when it comes to firearms we are generally “super users” who routinely make multiple trips to the range for T&E, classes and other shooting activities. If we need to haul furniture and the like we can hook up an ATV trailer or use an engine hoist to pull the vault in order to use the pickup bed.

However, do not be mistaken into thinking the TruckVault or any of these other options are suitable for long term-storage.

They may prevent someone for looting your vehicle while it’s parked and you’re a mile away on your ATV hunting or inside some secure facility that prohibits the carrying of firearms, but your vehicle can be stolen while sitting in your driveway and once the thieves have it they have all the time in the world to break into any and all of these types of safes.

Think of them as ways to safeguard your firearms or other valuables while you are transporting them, but remember to take them inside for more permanent storage when not in use.

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GROUND ZERO

BY JA SO N DAV I S

W

orking in law enforcement can keep you rather busy, especially these days.

Don’t take my word for it— turn on any major news channel and watch the first ten minutes of the 5:00 or 10:00 reels and you’ll see what I’m saying.

Being busy isn’t a bad thing. I like keeping busy and feel if I’m not doing something productive, I must be missing out on life or I’m just getting lazy. As police officers, we have to learn a lot about laws, case laws,

constitutional law, policies and procedures.

The laws are constantly changing, being affirmed, modified or stricken, and it’s our duty to keep up to date with these changes.

As a supervisor, you not only are responsible for these same items but also additional policies and procedures, as it is your responsibility to look after the public, your officers, and even the bad guys. You are given many additional hats to wear along with your stripes, and one of those hats is that of a Risk Manager.

Key events will make you don that risk manager hat pretty quickly; a use-offorce call, any officer-involved shooting, a pursuit, formal citizen complaint, even a row between officers. The time to think about any of these events isn’t when they happen—by that time it’s too late. Keeping up on the policies and new laws is what makes supervisors a valuable link in the

chain that makes up an organization.

Unlike a pre-planned event, when you can anticipate items that may or may not occur, a supervisor should do his or her best to stay many steps ahead of reality when a major event is unfolding.

One such occurrence happened to me in the middle of the summer a few years back.

The shift started out like most. Nothing unlike previous watches—we weren’t on the lookout for any trending crimes, the officers just went out of the station and into their assigned beats to see what was happening.

Within a few hours of the beginning of our shift we heard a few words over our main radio channel from a dispatcher in response to an officer who just ran a plate for wants and warrants: “10-29 Victor,” a stolen vehicle. Everybody working just had their interest piqued by those words coming over the air.

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OBJECTIVES MISSION Monitoring Vehicle Pursuit TEAM Shift Supervisor LOCATION Anytown, USA TIME OF DAY Late Afternoon

As the supervisor working this shift, upon hearing those words my interest was also heightened, but I also had to start wearing the hat of risk manager. A stolen vehicle, which is a felony in my state, is going to be met with guns drawn at suspects if they pull over and comply once they see a forward red facing lamp from a patrol vehicle. If they decide to flee, we are likely going to give chase until they pull over or we, an officer or a supervisor, terminate the pursuit.

The latter is where the supervisor begins weighing his or her options in keeping a pursuit going, and we have to weigh myriad factors, which, at the top, include public safety.

As officers get into position from around the city to assist with an arrest or give chase in a pursuit with the primary officer, I immediately start thinking about policies, what cars are responsible for calling

roadway conditions and speed, how many can follow, when and what position do I get involved as a supervisor. I also recall a pursuit driving video put out by the state that hasn’t been updated in a decade, one we make fun of for the entire two hours of the video, but it’s still relevant if this does in fact become a pursuit.

The suspects decide they don’t want to pull over and the pursuit is on. Officers do as they should: they call out roadway conditions, directions of travel, miles per hour, vehicle codes violated, and so on and so forth. As I am listening I’m hearing their transmissions, but I’m also considering the next possible directions of travel, the busy morning commuter traffic, and whether or not—and where—schools are in the area.

Remember, I have a duty to supervise, be a Risk Manager and to anticipate a few moves ahead.

As a shift supervior, you are given many different hats to wear along with your stripes.

As the suspects turn onto a street that I believe will be filled with traffic, a street with schools either on or nearby, and a few other factors, I decide to terminate the pursuit. I heard it in the officers’ voices when they responded to my call to terminate—they seemed a bit let down, but it was for the reasons stated above. I had to consider a range of laws, policies and reasonings.

We ceased pursuing, lights off, looking ahead as the stolen vehicle became smaller and smaller as it pulled away. With the vehicle almost out of sight I saw, in slow motion, what I didn’t want to see: multiple vehicles striking and being struck by the suspect vehicle as it entered a busy intersection. The slow motion before me also reflected in my mind, had I done and fulfilled the role of a supervisor. Anticipating moves ahead paid off this day.

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STANCE If your life is on the line in a gunfight you may not be thinking about your stance, but it doesn’t hurt to exercise your muscle memory when you get a chance at the range.

With knees slightly bent, take a half step forward with your non-dominant foot (left foot for right-handed shooters).

Put about 70 percent of your weight on your front foot, balancing on the balls of your feet. Curling your toes down can help. An athletic position will help absorb recoil as well as preparing you to move from one position to the next. Knee and hip alignment should be comfortable and don’t have to be square on target. The same goes for your chest and shoulders. Take the top of the buttstock pad and put it in the pocket of your shoulder as with a shotgun.

grip Place your non-dominant hand (left for right-handed shooters) on the handguard at a distance that’s comfortable for you.

Do not lock your elbow out and do not put your hand on the magazine well. Extend your non-dominant hand out to a comfortable distance, keeping your index finger along the axis of the bore and pointed generally at the target. Keep your elbow high in line with the bore of the rifle. This will allow you to sweep onto targets left to right or vice versa. Keeping the gun flat will make it as efficient as possible. Your dominant hand is going to be high on the back of the pistol grip, with your fingers wrapped naturally around the grip and your index placed naturally on the trigger. You don’t want to be reaching for anything on your strong hand. A “firm handshake” grip is all you need on both hands as you shoot.

sight picture Whether using iron sights, a red dot or a magnified optic, getting the correct sight picture is essential to accurate shooting. For a rear ghost ring or peep sight with a front post setup commonly found on iron sights, the rear sight should be unfocused, the target should be slightly unfocused, and the front sight post should be crystal clear. For a red dot or magnified optic, focus your eyes on the target and allow the reticle to be slightly unfocused.

trigger control Jerking the trigger back can move the rifle and cause you to move before the actual shot, putting you off target. A smooth pull using the center of the front segment on your trigger finger, under the fingernail (or distal phalanx), is equally important. It’s very common for new shooters is to use the middle segment (middle phalanx) of the finger, but holding the trigger too far in either direction could cause you to pull the rifle in that direction. Pulling the trigger directly to the rear in line with the bore axis should result in rounds landing where you intend them to.

AR-15 SHOOTING FUNDEMENTALS

BREATHING CONTROL One technique for ensuring your breathing doesn’t impact your shot is to shoot on empty lungs. Breathe normally, get your sight picture, and when you exhale and are ready to inhale, ensure your point of aim is on the target. When you inhale again, the sights will likely move; however, the sights should return to where you mean to shoot upon exhaling.

When your lungs are empty, gently squeeze the trigger.

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LAST SHOT T EXT BY JA S ON DAV I S / P H OTO BY H I RO S O G A

I

like shooting accurately. Scratch that—I love shooting accurately. Accuracy is to me the desired outcome of shooting, while having all your basics and fundamentals down.

Can you get lucky and hit the target where you were aiming? Of course. But can you be lucky on a consistent basis? The answer is likely not.

A drill I shoot often with a pistol, which only takes a few minutes but will really show my accuracy and consistency, is something I call the 5x5 Drill. The drill is shot at five different yardage markers—3, 5, 7, 10 and 15—with five rounds at each line and at your own speed and time. The target I use is a modified NRA B-8, which is meant for timed fire at 25 yards. This particular target has the 9 and 10 in black, while the 7 and 8 are in white. The total rounds fired for this drill is 25 and all shots should be kept in the black. The number 10 should be your point of aim for each shot all the way out to 15 yards. This is done so that you can track your rounds and will help with diagnosing any issues.

Sound easy? Yes, this drill can be easy, but it can also be used as a great diagnostic tool. If at the end of this drill all rounds are accounted for and they are all in the black, good job, pat yourself on the back. If you can shoot this drill consistently a few times in a row, add two more five-shot strings and push back to 20 and 25 yards to see if your hits stay in the black.

If they are not all in the black and you see a consistent hit pattern, this can help you diagnose what you’re doing wrong with your pistol. Some days my grip may be off and I start to see rounds pushed out of the 10 as soon as seven yards. Other days my trigger finger is consistently pulling rounds low and to the right (I’m a lefty). If this is the case, I will have a nice pattern stretching from the 10 all the way out to the seven ring at about the four o’clock position. Observing 25 rounds that aren’t where I aimed tells me I’m doing something wrong.

The target will inform you of what you’re doing right and what you’re doing wrong.

Learn to use the rounds plotted on the target to let you know what you aren’t doing correctly and what you could be doing better.

This is a simple drill, requires just 15 yards, involves little movement, and only costs you 25 rounds of ammunition. Take your time at all the yardage markers, especially at the three-yard line. If you take the three-yard line for granted you will see issues at 15, trust me.

Good luck!