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P. 95 P. 31 P. 96
ACITELLI EMARY WOOD
States age-restrict Nifty tools that make Why is ATF approving
access to information. handloading easier. suppressors faster?
BETTER GET
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GUNS & AMMO JU LY 2024 | VOLUME 68, NUMBER 7 | P UBLISH ED MONT HLY

CO N TE N TS The subscriber cover

features the Henry
Axe X Model in .410
with a Leapers UTG
OP3 Micro red dot
mounted to the optic
rail. It’s a firearm —
not a rifle, not a pis-
tol, and not a shotgun.
P. 52

BY JOE KURTENBACH

CAN A TURKISH DELIGHT

REALLY EARN THE COMBAT
MASTER’S MARK?

COVER PHOTOS: MARK FINGAR; ABOVE PHOTO: MARK FINGAR

52
SHARPEN YOUR AXE
60
J-FRAMES
70
THE SAVAGE 110:
78
THE FORCE
Henry introduces the .410 Smith & Wesson offers more PART 2 Hammerli Arms’ Force B1
version of a Mare’s Leg. than 40 varieties of its The Model 110 has become is a fast-action straight-pull
BY JAMES TARR legendary revolver for 2024. a platform for all shooters rimfire.
and hunters. BY TOM BECKSTRAND
BY KEITH WOOD BY CRAIG BODDINGTON

Reader Blowback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Bullet Board by Dave Emary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Editorial by Eric R. Poole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Quiet Time Aero Precision Lahar-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Gun Room by Garry James. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Proofhouse SIG Sauer P322-COMP .22 LR . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Gun Tech by Richard Nance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Connect by Antonio Acitelli . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Rifles & Glass by Tom Beckstrand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Spent Cases by Keith Wood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
B1911 Flat Dark Earth
Made In The U.S.A.

MADE
AMERICAN.
MADE
BERSA.
Hand lapped, hand fitted, and manufactured with
meticulous attention to detail, right here in
the United States.

• 416 Stainless Steel

• Front Tritium Sight
• Rear Iron Novak Sight
CLASSIC MODERN TRUSTED
• 25 LPI Grip Checkering LOOK FEATURES RELIABILITY
• VZ Grips
4 G&A | JULY 2024

gunsandammo.com
An Outdoor Sportsman Group® publication

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Chris Agnes

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 1920s Style for a
6 G&A | JULY 2024

1920s Price CORPORATE

®

I t was a warm summer afternoon and my wife and I

were mingling with the best of them. The occasion
was a 1920s-themed party, and everyone was dressed
PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
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GROUP PUBLISHER & OPERATIONS
to the nines. Parked on the manse’s circular driveway Derek Sevcik

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display was a series of dashboard dials DIRECTOR, PUBLISHING TECHNOLOGY

Kyle Morgan
that accentuated the car’s lavish SENIOR CREATIVE DIRECTOR
aura. One of those dials inspired Tim Neher
our 1920s Retrograde Watch. DIRECTOR, DIGITAL EDITORIAL
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What does retrograde mean? DIRECTOR, SOCIAL MEDIA
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Instead of displaying the
For questions regarding digital editions,
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Copyright 2024 by Outdoor Sportsman Group®
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8 G&A JULY 2024

R E A DER WRITE US! “Letters,” Guns & Ammo, 2 News Plaza, 3rd Floor, Peoria, IL 61614, or email us at gaeditor@outdoorsg.com.
B LOWBAC K Please include your city and state of residence. Letters may be edited for brevity and clarity.

MARLIN 1881 JANUARY ’04

Thank you, Dave Emary, for
the fine article, “The 1881
Marlin,” in the April 2024
issue. It explained a piece
of history that I never knew
but did wonder about. I
have owned many of the
leverguns mentioned in the
article, but never under-
stood the relationship.
Keep up the good work.
FEDERAL GAME LOAD HI-BRASS, .410 BORE, 21⁄2 IN., #6, MSRP: $25
Doug Sprick
GETTERS Evansville, Indiana
Because of advancing age (80) and some physical prob-
lems, I can no longer shoot the larger bore shotguns. I GOLD RING SERVICE
have become a squirrel hunter. Also, my Weatherby no About 10, 12, or maybe 15
longer shoots where I point it due to my eyes. I have years ago, I purchased a set
purchased a Hatfield .410 single-shot that I really like and of Leupold binoculars. In
I’m considering a .410 semiauto, but Hatfield’s only uses need of repair, I sent them
2½-inch shells. Will 2½-inch shells still kill squirrels at the back to Leupold. After not
same distance as 3-inch shells? hearing from them for a
Charles Waterfield week, I called to be sure
Chandlerville, Illinois they had received them. As
soon as the gentleman got running the organization
Let’s compare similar .410 3/8-ounce shot charge at a my name and address, he efficiently, well, it has been
loads. Federal’s H412 6 thumping 1,400 fps! These informed me that they were an abused system. I realize
propels a half-ounce load are no doubt just the thing unable to be fixed. How- that the job of president
of No. 6 shot at 1,200 feet for teal and other small ever, there was a new pair in and CEO requires a lot of
per second (fps). This pro- ducks, but probably overkill the mail that arrived at my travel and work, but the
duces 699 foot-pounds (ft.- for the bushytail. I confess, home the following day — number of directors is out
lbs.) of energy at the muz- I’ve never shot a squirrel and at no expense to me! of line. As an NRA member
zle. The H413 6 fires 11/16 with any kind of .410, but How is that for customer for years and a Life member
ounces of No. 6 at 1,135 my guess is that you’ll find service? of a community sportsman
fps, yielding 851 ft.-lbs. So, the 2½-inch load perfectly Warren E. Howsare club with 600 members, we
you’re getting more than adequate out to 20 or 25 Clearville, Pennsylvania receive no compensation
20 percent more energy yards. I’d advise patterning for our positions on the
with the 3-inch load, which before you take the new THE NEW NRA board or in officer roles.
is what that round dom- gun into the field so you Mr. Wood, your article in I have seen several NRA
inates for hunting. If you have an accurate feel for the April issue of Guns & members dropping their
order from Federal’s web- your aiming point. Ammo was spot on, and I support for these reasons.
site (federalpremium.com), — R. Hunnicutt totally agree. While I am I hope we can get the
the two are identically certain that we can’t do changes needed to con-
priced at $25 each. There PARDON THE PUN without the NRA, and all tinue the good work that’s
are really only two excuses In Guns & Ammo’s May the great programs and been done since 1871.
for the 2½-inch .410. They 2024 issue, James Tarr wrote projects, it needs a change Ron Bridgman
are necessary for American about a subject that many in the way it operates. Con- Aliquippa, Pennsylvania
Skeet competition and gun folk find either boring stantly asking for money
there are guns — mainly or too advanced: Sights. He to carry on the fight from 11/22/1963
old but some new — that aimed at both beginners members, and then paying I’ve read about the 6.5
require it. Federal offers a and veteran readers. exorbitant salaries, benefits, Carcano but Lee Harvey
couple of 3-inch steel shot Jacob Spencer and compensation to those Oswald’s name is often
loads in .410 that send a Ridgeway, Virginia who are supposed to be never mentioned. Thank
 INTRODUCING THE RM1C FROM

ROST MARTIN
T HE N E W E ST A M E R I CA N- MA DE F I REA RMS MA NUFACTURER

T HE NEXT G ENER AT I O N O F F R E E D O M
AVA I L A B L E N O W

rostmartin.c om Made in Dallas, TX

10 G&A | JULY 2024 | READER BLOWBACK

you, Keith Wood, for gave it to me because he cut the stock to 12 inches WHY .410
reminding America in the knew I had an interest in length of pull for them and HANDGUNS?
May 2024 “Spent Cases” guns. It was dug up by a later instructed the Rifle & Growing up ’coon hunting
column. Years ago, a young backhoe when they were Shotgun Merit Badge for in the 1960s and ’70s with
co-worker said that John F. clearing a hole for the the Boy Scout troop. At the my grandfather, I remember
Kennedy was shot with a cellar of a new home. It was time, I removed the original him carrying a .410 single-
.30-’06. I corrected him, but badly rusted, pitted, and sights and replaced them shot pistol chambered for a
that showed me that young the stock was broken in half with a Lyman 55 RWS, and a 2½-inch shotshell. I believe
people don’t know their at the wrist. I sanded off globe front. Unknowingly, I it was made by Stevens
history. the rust, soaked the bolt in had created a 1904 Deluxe, Arms, Co.; it seems like the
Jeffrey W. Adams Liquid Wrench (which was as shown in the article. The barrel was 8 or 9 inches
Sterling, Alaska partially open), and ran a smallest boy in the troop long. He would use it to
patch through the bore. To was always allowed to scare or make raccoons
ONCE A BOY’S RIFLE my surprise, the bore was use the rifle. Many Scouts jump out of the tree for the
The article, “A Boy’s Rifle,” perfect. I repaired and refin- learned gun safety and how dogs to chase, sometimes
by Robert W. Hunnicutt, ished the stock and testfired to shoot with this rifle. It they did not have to chase
published in the May issue it. It worked, and the is not as pretty to look at very far. Later in years,
of Guns & Ammo, sent me trigger pull was light and as the one pictured in the he had a small problem
back to my gun cabinet creep-free. It became my article, but it has a great with the gun and called a
to look at my Model 1904 rainy-day rifle to protect my history. I still use it today to gunsmith about repairing it.
Winchester. I thought you garden from rodents when I protect my garden, even He was told if he brought it
might like my story about didn’t want to take a better with the short stock. Thanks to his shop, he would have
it. I am 82 years old and rifle out in the weather. My for a great article and the to call authorities as it was
have had it since I was in two sons were both taught memories it brought back. considered a sawed-off
high school. The art teacher to shoot with it when they W. Jackson French shotgun and suggested
brought it to school and were five or six years old. I Sheffield, Massachusetts that he get rid of it, which

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 READER BLOWBACK | JULY 2024 | G&A 13

I assume he did. Why are able stocks have been not have time to acquire a HOLSTER REALITY
there now .410 pistols such removed from the NFA list sight picture with a red dot All gun magazine coverage
as the Taurus Judge? and can be transferred like optic. For close distance, on holsters lack photos
Gary Bartley most firearms and legally I think an instant-on laser that show different people
Gravols Mills, Missouri owned. Modern handguns would be preferable, but wearing the holster, includ-
chambering .410 and .45 as the distance opens, say ing males, females, those
Stevens Arms’ single-shot, Colt are different in that 50 feet or more, then the who are fat, slim, tall, short,
tip-up barrel pistols were they feature rifling to sta- red dot sight might prove and those with big bellies.
made in several variations bilize the .45 Colt projec- to be the better option. There is a lot of advertising
with a number being cham- tile. Released in 2006, the I have a laser on my SIG for lights on handguns, but
bered in .410, Many of the Taurus Judge was approved Sauer P228, and I practice there are few holsters that
.410 models are consid- by the BATFE prior to its with it a lot. I can’t imagine accommodate them. I have
ered by the BATFE to be commercial introduction, unholstering my SIG and had a custom light-bearing
“short-barreled shotguns” confirming its compliance trying to acquire a sight Kydex holster made from
under the National Firearms with federal regulations. picture with a red dot as an ANR Design and was
Act (NFA), which requires — E. Poole adversary moves rapidly. I lucky that I found them. I
them to be registered with can get on target using a suggest that when review-
the BATFE and taxed when LASERS FOR laser without having to get ing lights on firearms, lead
transferred. As firearms CLOSE RANGE directly behind my hand- readers to holsters that
subject to NFA restric- Regarding Richard Nance’s gun. The Viridian with light accommodate them. I’d
tions, smoothbore Stevens “Gun Tech” column featur- and laser seems ideal for like to see some reviews on
handguns in .410 are illegal ing the Viridian C5L Micro, I close range where I sup- leather holsters for hand-
to possess unless they were got to thinking about what pose most critical incidents guns with lights and optics
previously registered with I would prefer in the heat of take place. Good article. on them, as well.
the BATFE. Most of the the moment. I think I would Bill Stephens Louis Larios
Stevens pistols with detach- want a laser because I may Gig Harbor, Washington Topsham, Maine

Exceeding the expectations and gaining the trust of

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POWER
BRANDS have in common? producing a projected annual output of 1 billion rounds.
Inc.; Ammo, Inc.; Olin Corpo- With former Fiocchi General Manger Jared Smith as
Sm Sturm, Ruger & Company; and the CEO of Ammo, Inc. and GunBroker.com, the com-
se brands are publicly traded, which pany is poised to become one of the most significant

option. Public concerns for

personal safety and anti-

sales. According to the

National Shooting Sports
Foundation (NSSF), there
were 21 million background

With gun-
sales of new firearms have steadied. Still, the industry is nition — identifiable by brightly colored packaging — as
a $63.5 billion-dollar business. Comparing the perfor- well as its high-quality Signature line for defense, hunting,
mance of these brands, Ammo, Inc. (NASDAQ: POWW) match, and target use.
has experienced noticeable price increases per share and Launched in 1999, GunBroker.com has become the
consistently exceeds speculators’ expectations. As of this largest online marketplace serving the firearm and shoot-
writing, seven hedge funds hold stakes in Ammo, Inc. ing sports industries. It also gave Ammo, Inc. access to a
Ammo, Inc. is a producer of ammunition, one that makes stable business model and, perhaps more importantly, live
its brass and certain bullet types. Commercial sales pro- intelligence on firearm, hunting and shooting trends. Con-
vide most of the company’s revenue. Despite past issues sider what information is worth and you’ll understand why
with European powders and hard military primers, Ammo, I think Ammo, Inc. is becoming one of the most powerful
Inc. now sources much of its temperature-stable powders and influential brands.
from St. Marks Powder — like most manufacturers — and Ammo, Inc. is chaired by its founder, Mr. Wagenhals,
primers from CCI. This adjustment resulted in more consis- and guided by CEO Jared Smith, Attorney Jessica Lock-
tent ammunition, improving its commercial reputation. ett, GunBroker.com Founder Steve Urvan, and investors
Founded in 2016 by inventor and entrepreneur Fred Christos Tsentas, Wayne Walker and Randy Luth, founder
Wagenhals — my younger self thanks him for diecast race of DPMS and LUTH-AR. One or two seats in a boardroom
cars and the mechanical bull — production expanded to a are often occupied by celebrity investors, an indication of
PHOTO: JAMIE POTOSNAK, ROUTE 1A

185,000-square-foot facility in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, after the brand’s values. On Ammo, Inc.’s board is Richard Chil-
Ammo, Inc. purchased Jagemann Stamping Company’s dress and Rusty Wallace of NASCAR fame, a connection
brass division for $27 million in 2020. The following year, to Mr. Wagenhals diecast stock car business. Childress and
Ammo, Inc. acquired GunBroker.com for $240 million. Wallace have a long-established record for supporting the
Ammo, Inc. has managed to increase its revenue from $2 Second Amendment. Not only does this support investor
million in 2016 to $250 million in 2022. In 2019, there were confidence, but it should also comfort those of us who
19 on staff; in 2024, 289 employees were on its payroll want to buy products that support our gun rights.
Trust in Smith & Wesson’s Legacy - The M2.0® Pistol
Our commitment to excellence shines through our M&P® family of
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©2023 Smith & Wesson Inc. All Rights Reserved.

GUN ROOM

“Embellishments are Teutonic, so it’s

curious the rifle is in the very
American .50-90 caliber.”

GARRY.JAMES@
OUTDOORSG.COM

versions (BE) with simu- A: Universal Firearms began

lated pearl grips were also business in Hialeah, Florida,
offered. I’d value this one at circa 1958. It produced a
a good $850. number of different types of
firearms, from handguns to
UNIVERSAL M1 shotguns. The firm is prob-
CARBINE SERIAL ably best known for its line
NUMBER of M1 Carbine copies. As
Q: I hope you can help well as offering a standard
me. I’m having a problem GI “Model 1000,” variations
trying to locate a manufac- included an M1A1 para-
ture date on my Universal trooper style, an “Enforcer”
Carbine. I did go on the pistol, a deluxe sporter ver-
Universal website and sion, and a stainless-steel
searched other forums for model, among others. Iver
LLAMA MODEL BE-XA, .32 ACP, 98%: $850
help. I have been unable Johnson purchased Univer-
ENGRAVED LLAMA to find any information. My sal in 1983 and continued
Q: Back in the late 1970s, early ‘80s, I was carrying a serial number starts with to manufacture a line of
Llama Model IIIA in .380, which I purchased in 1976. In the the letter “L” and has four arms under that brand until
summer of 1980, my wife and I were on Cape Cod with digits. I would appreciate 1987. Quality on Universal
another couple, which is when I visited a gun store and saw any support. M1 Carbines was OK. Even
this beautiful Llama Model XA in .32 ACP, engraved and A. P. though originals could be
wearing mother-of-pearl grips. I immediately traded in the Laconia, New Hampshire purchased at fairly reason-
IIIA and purchased the XA, a pistol I still have to this day.
On the side of the gun are the initials of the engraver, “G. AUCTION BLOCK
C.”, which are also my initials. I love the gun but I am really
interested in finding out a little more about it. Was this a
special order? More important to me, what is the name
of the engraver? Above the triggerguard on the right is
the serial number 690XXX. Above that reads “STOEGER
ARMS/S. HACKENSACK, N. J.” I do not see another mark
anywhere on the gun. The grips have the Llama logo on
both sides.
G. C.
Email
A: Quite a classy little gun! the early ‘50s and continued
Your .32 was manufactured to be manufactured for
by Gabilondo y Cía in Eibar, some time thereafter. The
Spain, and imported by miniature 1911-style XA was
Stoeger Arms. The Model basically a variant of the
XA was one of a series of .380 ACP Model IIIA, but in
compact model automat- .32 ACP. While Llamas were
ics made by Gabilondo/ available with blue or nickel
Llama, which appeared in finish, blued engraved
18 G&A | JULY 2024 | GUN ROOM

able prices in the ’80s, Uni-

versals sold well. Alas, like
you, my research failed to
turn up any reliable listing
of Universal serial numbers.
Perhaps there’s a G&A
MERIDEN MODEL 15, .22, 55%: $350
reader who may be able to
enlighten both of us.
when Sears divested itself arm in question is a Colt blue do not have a period
MERIDEN PREMIER of the Meriden company 1911 Government Model. look at all. I would sug-
.22 RIFLE and sold it to New England From the serial number, gest you contact the Colt
Q: Can you provide any Westinghouse. Later, the C12XXX, it appears to be a Archives Service at
information on this Mer- rifle’s patents were sold to commercial model manu- coltarchives.com, 860-554-
iden Model 15 .22 rifle? Mossberg who resumed factured in 1914, according 8088. For a fee, they will be
Age and value? It was production of the gun and to the Colt website. I am able to provide you with a
owned by my great uncle. sold it as the Models K, M attaching photographs letter detailing the factory
The top of the barrel says and S. These were built that should provide the history of the piece.
“Premier”. It takes .22 between 1922 and 1931. details you may require.
Short and Long Rifle. The Your rifle dates to the earlier What we found intriguing HALYON
serial number is 21XXX. Sears period. These were is the fact that this is a Colt PERCUSSION RIFLE
S. H. handy, reliable repeaters conversion unit .22 Long Q: I got this rifle from a
Email that achieved comfortable Rifle. It has, as you can see, friend whose dad passed
popularity. Value on a Mer- elaborate and very well- away recently. I am hoping
A: The Meriden Fire Arms iden Model 15 in reason- executed engraving. The you can provide any details
Model 15 pump .22 Short, able shape runs between grips in the photographs about it, including era,
Long, Long Rifle repeater $275 and $350. are not the originals, caliber, value, etc. The
was actually marketed by although he does have only marking is on the
Sears & Roebuck who had EMBELLISHED 1911 them. The grips seen on barrel: “HALYON SIOUX
the arms manufactured at .22 CONVERSION this pistol were made from CITY IOWA”. I’ve attached
its Meriden factory in Con- Q: I am hoping that you antler and added after he photos.
necticut. It was based on a may be able to assist in obtained the firearm. R. S.
patent by Basil Savage. Pro- finding information on a I. A. Email
duction began circa 1912 firearm that one of our St. Thomas, Ontario,
and continued until 1917 members owns. The fire- Canada A: Your photos are a bit on
the fuzzy side, so I do have
HOLLYWOOD HARDWARE A: Your photos show what a few concerns about what
appears to be a nice, early I may be actually seeing.
civilian Colt 1911, which has The style of the piece is
been commercially refin- that of a typical half-stock,
ished and engraved. The percussion, back-action lock
rear sight, style of embel- sporting rifle of the 1845 to
lishment and color of the ’60 period. Details seem to

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20 G&A | JULY 2024 | GUN ROOM

definitive evaluation, but I

will take a stab and opine
that, from what I can see,
its value ranges between
$2,500 and $3,250, depend-
ing upon bore condition,
final determination of origi-
nal caliber, and the origi-
nality of the scope mounts.
Any problems in these areas
could easily drop the value
by a grand or so.

1870 GERMAN DOUBLE RIFLE, .50, 90%: $3,000

FLINTLOCK
and the letters “RS”. If you CHARLEVILLE
have any source of infor- MUSKET
mation on what this fine Q: I purchased this .69-
double is — and/or who it caliber Charleville flintlock
was made for — I would be musket with serial num-
most grateful. Valuation for ber 14XX. It actually fires
indicate, however, that it is not the most available insurance reasons would beautifully. Any information
either might be a bit more cartridge. It was produced be helpful, however, I have you can provide would be
modern than that, or that it by Josef Seigl in Salzburg, never sold a firearm and I greatly appreciated.
has had some restoration Austria. I would guestimate won’t sell this one either. L. B.
work done. The sharpness its manufacturer to some- T. H. Email
and style of the rifling time in the 1880s. It has Plymouth, Indiana
shown at the muzzle has scope mounts and a recoil A: The barrel’s serial num-
me particularly concerned. pad that may or may not A: From your description ber, stock finish and style
I cannot find Halyon listed have been original. It also and photo, it appears of lock markings indicate
in any of my references, sports a flip-up peep sight you have an 1870s to ’80s you likely have a modern
but that is not particularly that is incorporated into German double hammer reproduction “Charleville.”
unusual as there were many, the overall engraving. It is rifle with what appears to It appears to be in the style
many gunmakers turning in excellent condition with be a Jones-style under- of the French Model 1777
out this style of arm in the only minor wood imperfec- lever. Quality seems good. mousqueton de cavalerie.
mid-19th century. Without tions in the forearm. The My research failed to turn I cannot discern the gun’s
actually measuring the bore, bluing is turning slightly up Josef Seigl. Still, the origin, though it is probably
it is impossible to deter- plum on very close inspec- workmanship of the rifle Italian-made. You are right,
mine caliber. Because of my tion using bright lights. The speaks for itself. Embellish- Charlevilles are excellent
concerns, I’m afraid I’ll have bores are bright with sharp ments are Teutonic, so it’s fun shooters! I have a cou-
to beg-off assigning a value rifling, almost as if who- curious the rifle is in the very ple that I take out regularly,
on this one. ever ordered this firearm American .50-90 caliber. Is it as well.
decided that shooting it possible it could have been
GERMAN 1800s was too painful, perchance reworked from some Euro-
DOUBLE RIFLE requiring the addition of pean 12mm round? The
Q: I have this unusual dou- a recoil pad. Both barrels photo you sent is a bit dark,
ble gun. It is a very light .50 have the number “42” but condition appears quite
with extensive engraving. along with “U” and “G” decent. I would feel more
It is a European/African under the crown. On the comfortable actually seeing
style gun chambered in the left is the number “6XX” the piece before I made any
“CHARLEVILLE” MUSKET (REPRODUCTION), .69
very unlikely .50-90 Sharps
caliber. Online discussions
questioned that it might
be a .500 Black Powder
Express, but subsequent
research indicates it is actu-
ally .50-90 Sharps, which
70
 $600

since,
its, a bar-
to operate,

an LCD
Today,
use with

Xero C1
wait for a ceasefire to move forward of the firing line. Pro measures 5.1 inches long, 4½ inches wide, and 5½
Three long cords extending from the sensors to the printer inches tall. It weighs just 5.7 ounces. The information
always seemed to be in my way. If there screen is a 240x320-pixel display that
was insufficient or inconsistent ambient measures 1.3 inches by 1.7 inches and
light, I was often unable to test. Embar- 2.2 inches diagonally.
rassingly, one or two of the screens Like other radar-based chronos, the
were scarred from an errant shot that Xero C1 Pro uses Doppler radar, but
can occur with a scope rifle aimed too it’s a fraction of the size. It is more
low in the screens’ windows. When I convenient to carry to the range, and
PHOTOS: YAMIL R. SUED

completed Guns & Ammo’s testing it’s small enough to fit in a pocket.
protocol, I always had to factor in time The Xero C1 Pro is also more user-
to disassemble the unit and print the friendly. With just four buttons to
Measuring only 5.5 inches across at its lon-
results. It’s still a reliable chronograph, gest point and weighing 5.7 ounces, the Xero learn, it’s quick to obtain the same
but it’s based on 1980s technology. C1 Pro and tripod are remarkably portable. data. The monochromatic display is
24 G&A | JULY 2024 | GUN TECH

even visible under sunlight.

When the sun isn’t
shining, the Xero C1 Pro’s
IPX7 water rating ensures
it is not easily damaged by
weather. It has an operating
temperature range of 14°
to 131° Fahrenheit. The
Xero C1 Pro can be used in
almost any environmental
condition.
The push-button-
When not using the ShotView app, the shooter When removed, the waterproof cover on the side
operated Xero C1 is simple can use four buttons to cycle through the menu to exposes the USB-C charging port. At full battery,
to use. Point it in the direc- activate the radar or replay previous data. the Xero C1 Pro operates for up to 6 hours.
tion of the target, turn it on
and select “NEW SESSION,” then choose the type of ses- phone or tablet, notes from multiple shooting sessions
sion, i.e., rifle, shotgun, pistol, etc. Since it’s not affected can be added. You can also enter a bullet’s grainweight to
by muzzleblast, shooting with suppressors, compensators, obtain kinetic energy calculations in case the information
and muzzlebrakes doesn’t interfere with its operation. wasn’t entered prior to using the chronograph.
For use with rifles and shotguns, however, place the unit An internal, rechargeable lithium-ion battery powers the
within 5 to 15 inches to either side and behind the muzzle. unit for 2,000 shots, or up to 6 hours. It’s charged using a
With a handgun, shoot directly over the unit. Results will USB-C powercord. To preserve battery life, the unit will pause
be displayed in real-time on the customizable screen. after 30 minutes if it doesn’t detect a shot, and the internal
Select between a white or black background and choose memory will save up to 50 sessions of up to 100 shots fired.
among several data screens that can be displayed. Beyond that, I suggest saving data to a smart device through
With Garmin’s ShotView app downloaded to a smart- the ShotView app. Visit garmin.com to learn more.

|
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R I F L E S & G LASS

Hornady reinvented the bullet tip.

YEARS AGO, Hornady Ballisticians Dave Since these influential factors remain measurably consis-
Thielen wandered into Jason Hornady’s tent, the reason why bullets don’t behave as predicted is
sophisticated instrumentation that would called “drag variability.” Hornady can demonstrate drag
bullet science.
expensive, even by

and make it happen fast. Like, today!”

every few inches and provided a new

level of resolution in what bullets do
when they fly through the air.
Possession of a radar unit is far from

week to process and analyze.

after feature for long-range pre-

polymer-

point
sharp noses

long-
PHOTOS: MARK FINGAR

interacts with the barrel — the barrel, the muzzle device ever manned a target board in the pits at a rifle range,
and wind conditions. Each of these factors influences how the crack heard in the pits is the shock wave from the
much drag the bullet generates in flight. Except for wind, bullet passing overhead. This phenomenon only occurs in
none of them change significantly between each shot. supersonic flight.
28 G&A | JULY 2024 | RIFLES & GLASS

I can already hear the screaming: Tom said bullets with

blunt noses have the most consistent drag and are the
best for long-range accuracy! That is not true. I said a small
blunt area on the very tip of the bullet’s nose creates the
most consistent drag and is best for long-range precision
shooting. Hornady’s testing has proven this statement time
On impact, Hornady’s polymer Heat Shield Tip technology com-
presses into the bullet, aiding expansion at both high and low and again, and anyone with the proper instrumentation
velocities. can test and verify it. Also, I’m not talking about a blunt
nose as you might imagine it. The flat spot on the very tip
of the bullet will be measured in hundredths of an inch and
requires close inspection to be noticed.
Hornady figured this out several years ago and already
implemented the small flat nose on most of its polymer-
tipped projectiles. Hornady A-Tip bullets only come with a
flat spot on the nose because Hornady made this discov-
ery prior to the A-Tip introduction in April 2019. Should
anyone feel pressed to inspect Hornady bullets for said flat
spots on the nose, know that each caliber of projectile has
a different size flat spot. This is because there is an ideal
ratio of flat spot diameter to bullet caliber necessary to
create the most consistent drag models possible.
Until now, drag variability has seen limited discussion.
Several hypotheses have been put forward, however, no
one has disclosed their findings through testing while
Aluminum tips, or “A-Tips,” are precision-machined by Hornady and
longer than polymer tips. The design moves the bullet’s center of simultaneously sharing the methodology of how they came
gravity to enhance flight stability. to their conclusions.
What does this mean for the rifle-shooting community?
Looking at photos and comparing drag curves showed If the smallest groups possible are a top priority, or hitting
Hornady that the most consistent drag curves occurred small targets at 600 yards and beyond is important to you,
when the shock wave that formed on the bullet’s nose pay attention to a bullet’s nose. Greatly reducing drag vari-
wasn’t attached to it. The reason the old polymer tips ability will make a meaningful difference in those scenarios.
yielded such consistent Most casual rifle shoot-
drag curves was the blunt ers and hunters will likely
nose provided enough not benefit as much from
resistance in flight to keep this new discovery because
the shock wave from ever the performance improve-
attaching directly to or ments found in reducing
touching the bullet’s nose. drag variability will be
Bullets with sharp or very buried under other more
“pointy” noses had the low- prevalent accuracy issues.
est overall drag, but were At least now we know a
also the most inconsistent significant contributing fac-
because the shock wave tor to drag variability and,
attached directly to the bul- to steal a quote from my
let in flight. That attachment childhood cartoons, “Now
As seen on the ELD-Match (left) compared to the A-Max (right),
location varied ever so the flatter spot on the end of Hornady’s polymer tips is a sort of you know. And knowing is
slightly from one bullet to “umbrella,” keeping shockwaves from touching the bullet. half the battle.”
 $566
$190
$16

$58

$9
$30
$193

to on reloading tools I have 6mm, 7mm and .30. A complete flash-hole deburring tool
cover tools from inexpensive to rather and handle for a caliber lists at $14. The primer pocket
expensive, but all offer a lot of utility to the reloader. uniforming cutter is available for small rifle and pistol, large
pistol, large rifle and 50 BMG. They cost from $29 to $59.
RCBS HANDHELD CASE PREP TOOLS The cutter in the primer pocket cutters is ground carbide
RCBS Case Prep Kits were recently upgraded with plastic and will last a lifetime. Replacement cutters for the tool-
PHOTO: MICHAEL ANSCHUETZ

handles, making them bigger and more comfortable to steel flash-hole deburring tool are also available. The 8-32
use. The handles have an 8-32 threaded insert that accepts mounting thread size on the tools allows them to be used
any 8-32 threaded case prep tool such as a primer pocket on almost any powered case-prep center offered by other
cleaner and reamers. Tools from RCBS I frequently use are tool manufacturers. These allow the reloader to perform a
the caliber-specific tools for flash-hole deburring as well one-time operation on the flash hole and primer pocket. In
as cutters for primer pocket diameter and depth uniform- many cases, it will produce improved ammunition velocity
32 G&A | JULY 2024 | BULLET BOARD

RCBS Flash Hole Deburring Tool (left) makes even cuts Lee Precision offers a quick trimmer that removes the A .223 Rem. case
inside the flash hole. The VLD Deburring Tool (right) need for a caliper ($30). Install the correct quick trim trimmed to length
cuts a 22-degree inside chamfer on the case mouth. $14 die ($16) in the press for the desired caliber. and deburred.

uniformity. Hornady and Lyman offer similar flash-hole

deburring tools.
With the standard 8-32 thread for mounting, the RCBS
VLD deburr tool cuts a 22-degree inside chamfer on the
case mouth instead of the usual 60-degree. This makes
seating bullets easier and reduces the possibility of
damaging the heel of flat-base bullets or the boattail/
body junction of a boattail bullet, both of which will hurt
accuracy. It lists for $14 for the cutter, alone.

LEE FACTORY CRIMP DIE & QUICK TRIM

The Lee Precision factory crimp die is a collet crimp die
The Lyman Brass Smith Case Trim Xpress is a motorized trimmer
that puts a factory style crimp on the case mouth. It pro- that features a variable speed motor and bushings that contact the
duces a high bullet pull-force and eliminates the possibility shoulder of bottleneck-type cases. Ten bushings are included. $190
of bullet setback into the case on a semiautomatic firearm
or hard-recoiling cartridge. These dies are not new but The cutter cuts to length, chamfers and deburrs simulta-
have received little press. Dies are caliber-specific. They neously. The cutter features a click-adjustable ring that
work by using a four-section split collet with a small ring controls the length of the trim to .001-inch per click. The
machined into the top that forces the top of the case quick trim is available as either a hand-turned cutter or as a
mouth into the cannelure groove at a right angle to the drill-powdered cutter. Quick Trim dies list from $16 to $20.
case that allows for hard crimps without collapsing the The universal Quick Trim cutter retails for $30.
case, as can frequently happen with a roll crimp. These
crimp dies do not put any axial force into the case. Case LYMAN CASE TRIM XPRESS &
trim length can be adjusted to get more or less case POWDER PAL UNIVERSAL FUNNEL PAN
mouth crimped into the cannelure, which will increase bul- The Lyman Case Trim Xpress is one of the slickest and
let pull. The die body is adjusted so that the bottom of the most accurate trimmers I have used. New for 2023, it offers
crimp collet bottoms out on the shell holder, driving it into adjustable speed from a corded electric motor. It has a
a taper in the top of the die that, in turn, forces the crimp small footprint on a load bench, measuring only 8¼ inches
ring in the collet into the case mouth at a right angle. The in length and 4 inches wide. Its footprint includes rails on
more the die body is turned down, the harder the crimp. the sides to secure it to the bench. The trimmer only works
These dies will allow the heaviest crimp and highest bullet on shouldered cases. The trimmer has caliber-specific
pull achievable as a reloader. I recommend these for large, bushings that insert into a sliding spring-loaded sleeve
hard-recoiling cartridges and ammo loaded for semiautos. with a screw-on cap that holds the bushing. The bushing
The Lee Quick Trim is relatively new and is a well- bottoms on the case shoulder provide the reference for the
thought-out tool. It is a caliber-specific tool that screws trim length. The spring-loaded sleeve, cap and bushing
into any reloading press. It consists of a caliber-specific die are pushed into the trimmer cutter, which has a fixed stop.
and a universal cutter that inserts into the top of the die. The trim length is adjustable by a wheel, allowing .001-
The die has an O-ring in the bottom that keeps the case inch adjustments of the cutter position and corresponding
centered in the die for a square cut on the case mouth. trim length. I found the cutter adjustment to be accurate.
 TA K E Y O U R S E C U R I T Y T O T H E

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34 G&A | JULY 2024 | BULLET BOARD

pushes into the aluminum funnel and six caliber bushings.

The Hornady Case Prep Trio has been with us for a while
but has become an indispensable tool on my reloading
bench. It is a powered rotary tool that will accept three
8-32 threaded accessories. It uses little space on the
bench. This tool saves a lot of wear and tear on my wrists
and fingers that used to grind away with handheld chamfer
and deburr tools, and primer-pocket cleaners. The process
of finishing the sized, deprimed and trimmed case is con-
siderably easier and quicker with this tool, which sells for
$194.
The Hornady Lab Scale is the most expensive item in
my short list of “nifty” tools, but if you are a handloader
The Hornady Case Prep Trio (left, $193) chamfers, deburrs, and
cleans primer pockets without changing tools. The Premium Powder who requires high precision, repeatability and ease of use
Funnel Kit (right, $58) includes nine caliber-specific bushings. in a scale, there is no better scale for the price. For years,
I have tried and discarded
The quality of the trim is the best I’ve the cheap $25 to $75
seen. The uniformity of the case trim scales. Cheap scales don’t
length was very good, varying by hold a zero, they don’t
.003 inches for several hundred cases. repeat and are sensitive
The adjustable speed of the cutter to temperature changes. I
provides a crisp case-mouth finish with got so frustrated with them
a minimum amount of chamfer and that I went back to the old
deburr required. The Xpress trimmer balance-beam scale. Hor-
lists for $190 and comes with bushings nady solved this problem
for most popular calibers with a handy with its 2023 introduction of
plastic case. Extra bushing collars for the Precision Lab Scale. It
other calibers are available for $11.50. is truly a laboratory quality
The Lyman Powder Pal Universal scale. It measures to .01
Funnel is one of those reloading grain, holds a zero and
accessories that falls squarely into the doesn’t wander. This accu-
category of “Why didn’t somebody racy is accomplished by the
think of this sooner?” It is a simple use of a higher quality load
Hornady Precision Lab Scale reads up to .01-grain accu-
tool, but saves time and hassle at racy with a capacity of 3,000 grains. Loads can be com- cell than used in cheaper
the reloading bench. It is a non-static pared and spreadsheets generated from its data. $566 scales. The scale has a
molded plastic powder pan that 3,000-grain capacity, high
features a molded-in funnel at one end of the pan. Weigh and low sensitivity, removable draft shield and several data
the powder charge and simply pick up the case, insert it output options. The scale retails for $566. I have used this
into the funnel and dump the charge into the case. There scale for more than a year and it compares favorably to the
was no fumbling for a funnel, or trying to get it on the case laboratory scales I have used in the past during my career,
while holding the powder pan with the other hand. Brilliant. which cost some $2,500. If you need precision weighing,
The Powder Pal Universal Funnel Pan costs $9. this is it. Note: When I first started using it, it took about an
hour to ”burn in” or “settle down” the scale. The Precision
HORNADY PREMIUM POWDER FUNNEL KIT, CASE PREP TRIO Lab Scale has, since, been accurate and dependable.
& PRECISION LAB SCALE
Hornady’s Premium Powder Funnel Kit consists of a non- WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE RELOADING TOOLS?
static aluminum funnel with nine caliber-specific, threaded, Some of the tools I discussed are ones I’ve used for years.
screw-in bushings. When loading fluffy Ball and shotshell Others I’ve found through articles like this and product
powders, the anti-static plastic funnels leave a little to be websites. There are a lot of sources for reloading tools, so I
desired. Often you have to tap the funnel to get all the recommend spending time searching and comparing prices
powder to go into the case; not so with the aluminum fun- online or in stores. It can be enjoyable to discover products
nel in this kit. The screw-in threaded red-anodized alumi- you didn’t know about that make your hobby more pro-
num bushing is a nice touch. The premium Powder Funnel ductive and efficient. Nearly all the items I’ve listed can be
Kit lists for $58. Lyman offers almost the same funnel kit found for prices below the retail numbers on these pages.
called the Brass Smith Precision Funnel Set ($40). The dif- The high-cost items can be found priced considerably less
ference is Hornady’s includes bushings with an O-ring that than retail. Be sure to search out the best deal.
36 G&A JULY 2024

Q U I ET TI M E Aero Precision Lahar-30

$699

PROTECTION
LOT TOUGHER THAN YOU’D THINK to come up a gun results when hot burning gas under high pressure
inexpensive suppressor that does almost every- exits the muzzle. The concussive blast is like recoil on the
well. Sound suppression, durability and weight all brain, and the reason why most shooters close their eyes,
y rank high on the list of a shooter’s priorities, but however briefly, when the gun fires. A suppressor traps
larity has become more important recently. Aero this blast and helps eliminate the problem. I always shoot
took a look at what today’s suppressor customer suppressed when introducing new shooters to firearms or
wants and applied its engineering and manufacturing when kids are involved.
capabilities to develop the Lahar-30. The Lahar-30 is a sin- Another advantage of suppressor use is how it changes
gle suppressor for the most shooting applications possible. the felt recoil of the firearm. The best description I can
There are a lot of first-time suppressor buyers in the come up with is that it takes a sharp jab to the shoulder
market. Following a few gun-buying panics since 2008, and turns it into a soft push.
we know that it’s not uncommon for many first-time gun Knowing this, Aero Precision set out to make a general-
buyers to take a more active role in firearms ownership use suppressor that appeals to most shooters. The goal
after the initial plunge. If a run on the gun shops brings in was to create a suppressor that works well on both a bolt-
10 million new customers, action rifles and AR-15s,
it’s likely that 1 to 2 million even if the shooter was
will realize what they’ve using a full-auto variant or
been missing and become a short-barreled magnum
repeat customers. These bolt-action. This meant
customers have embraced Aero Precision had to get
suppressors and the bene- serious about material
fits they offer. selection.
Putting a suppressor Full-auto firearms place
on a firearm is the best an extreme amount of
PHOTOS: MARK FINGAR

enhancement to a firearm stress on the first baffle

that makes shooting a gun inside the suppressor. It’s
more fun. Much of the The Lahar-30 is a tubeless, laser-welded design. Durability was known as the “blast baffle.”
unpleasantness of firing achieved through a stainless blast chamber and Inconel blast baffle. The blast baffle faces the
38 G&A | JULY 2024 | AERO PRECISION LAHAR-30
ACTUAL SIZE

SLEEVED OR TUBELESS?
Combination wrenches are The Lahar-30 is part of the
provided that opens the suppres- latest generation of sup-
sor to access the baffles, and pressors featuring a tube-
installing/removing the suppres-
sor from a threaded barrel or less design. Suppressors
quick-detach mount. used to be primarily made
of stacked baffles welded
highest pressure and, when together and inserted
that pressure is combined within a one-piece tube,
with the heat, unburned which are then welded
powder and particulate that together. This approach is
leaves the muzzle, the result great for strength and dura-
is akin to sand-blasting. bility, but putting a baffle
The shorter the barrel, stack inside a tube reduces
the worse the erosion that a tube’s internal volume.
AERO PRECISION
occurs. Also, the more powder in the LAHAR-30 Internal volume of a suppressor is a
cartridge case, the worse the erosion. CALIBER
key factor in determining how well
The solution varies based on the DIAMETER
sound is suppressed. Tubeless sup-
manufacturer’s goals. Its 17-4 stainless THREAD PATTERN
pressors can offer the same external
steel is the most economical material, LENGTH
dimensions as a tubed model, but the
offering excellent strength-to-weight. WEIGHT
baffles can be slightly larger because
However, 17-4 stainless will erode FINISH
they don’t have to fit inside a tube.
faster than an exotic material such as MSRP
Hence, internal volume is increased
Inconel. Inconel is more expensive and better sound suppression is
and weighs about the same as 17-4, MANUFACTURER produced.
but few materials are better for heat Can a tubeless suppressor be made
and erosion resistance. The Lahar-30 as durable as a tubed suppressor?
is an entry-level suppressor that’s good for a wide range The short answer is yes. Aero Precision spent 18 months
of uses, yet Aero Precision still found room in the budget engineering and testing the Lahar-30 to make certain that
for an Inconel blast baffle and made the remaining baffles durability was prioritized the same as sound suppression
from 17-4. This combination allows the Lahar-30 to carry and value. The first hurdle was getting the weld between
a full-auto rating — and no barrel length restrictions — as the Inconel blast baffle and the first 17-4 stainless steel
well as a cartridge rating up to .300 Winchester Magnum. baffle correct. Welding two different materials is no small
40 G&A | JULY 2024 | AERO PRECISION LAHAR-30

Standard 1 3/8-24 threads allow the Lahar-30 to be directly attached The endcap is also a flashhider, reducing the signature of each shot.
to many threaded barrels chambered in .30 caliber or less. The Lahar-30 is also available as a short (K) and long (L) model.

feat. Time and energy was spent making sure it was right. eight magazines from an M4/M16) fired at the follow-
After doing due diligence, a lot of money was invested in ing rate: One magazine at one round per second; one
creating the right welding cell for this task. Aero Precision magazine at two rounds per second; another magazine at
verifies quality through live-fire testing and micro-analysis one round per second; one magazine firing three to five-
of the welds in its lab. round bursts; another magazine at one round per second;
Talking about getting welds right and making a dura- another magazine at two rounds per second; another
ble suppressor is fine, but the proof is in the testing. The magazine at one round per second; and a final magazine
Suppressed Upper Receiver Group (SURG) testing pro- fired in one continuous burst. A suppressor needs to fire
tocol came from the U.S. Special Operations Command six cycles of the SURG test, while being allowed to cool
(SOCOM). A single SURG cycle consists of 240 rounds (i.e., to ambient temperature between cycles in order to pass.

THE
FIRST
NITROGEN
CARTRIDGE
PCP RIFLE

NITROAIR.COM
© 2024 UMAREX USA, INC.
42 G&A | JULY 2024 | AERO PRECISION LAHAR-30

⁄ x24 direct-thread end-cap comes

58

installed on the Lahar-30. The HUB

system is common to almost all
suppressor manufacturers, so there is
a variety of muzzle devices that will fit
onto the Lahar-30.

AT THE RANGE
Aero Precision does not suggest a
decibel-reduction rating for the Lahar-
30, but the time spent at the range
proved that it is as quiet as most sup-
pressors. Suppressors have become
so competitive that it’s hard to tell the
sound difference from one to the other
without expensive instrumentation.
I’d be comfortable using the
The Lahar-30 was tested to and successfully passed eight Lahar-30 for any purpose. Where suppressors distinguish
cycles. Aero Precision did not test beyond eight cycles. themselves is features and price. The only penalty that
Aero Precision Product Development Specialist Kirk Fore- comes with the Lahar-30 is its 15-ounce weight. It’s within a
man said, “That means it works just fine on everything but few ounces of less-durable titanium suppressors that offer
a 1,000-round burst from a belt-fed machine gun.” similar sound performance and features, so the choice
The Lahar-30 comes with a removable front cap and end comes down to how much the consumer desires durability
cap. The front cap that’s included with the suppressor is versus weight and expense. Most shooters would be best
the flash hider, which is preferred for maximum signature served with the Lahar-30, in my opinion.
reduction. The end cap is threaded 13⁄8x24, or “HUB”; a — T. Beckstrand

CONTRAST

MADE

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STEEL

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OP1500BT

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NATO CHROME LINED, 1:9 TWIST
44 G&A | JULY 2024
 JULY 2024 | G&A 45

CAN A TURKISH DELIGHT

REALLY EARN THE
COMBAT MASTER’S MARK?
BY JOE KURTENBACH | PHOTOS BY MARK FINGAR
46 G&A | JULY 2024 | TRIGGERED

The slide is cut to accept a variety

of popular optics, ranging from the
Shield RMSc to the Trijicon SRO
using pass-through mounting plates.
CANIK It is a new mounting system for Canik
TTI COMBAT with dual benefits. First, it eliminates
the extra set of screws required in a
TYPE
plate-to-slide, optic-to-plate arrange-
CARTRIDGE ment. Second, it uses a deep cut and
CAPACITY thin new plates, allowing optics to sit
BARREL lower in the slide and cowitness with
OVERALL standard-height irons.
LENGTH
It’s clear the TTI Combat slide spent
WIDTH
time in a CNC machine. More than a
HEIGHT dozen angled slide serrations provide
WEIGHT purchase points at the front and rear,
and six windowed lightening cuts
I SHOULD NOT LIKE the Canik MATERIAL near the muzzle offer a view of the
Taran Tactical Innovations (TTI) barrel. I like that the cover plate for
FINISH
Combat pistol featured in this review. the optic mount carries the serrations
Based on experience, I have a strong SIGHTS
over the top of the slide. The metal
preference for duty-proven platforms. upper is finished with a TTI Bronze
I believe country of origin matters, and TRIGGER Cerakote. Overall, it’s an aggressive
I’ve seen a direct correlation between MSRP and racy design, and even the external
“Gucci” go-fast modifications and on- MANUFACTURER
extractor is machined to follow the
range malfunctions. In defiance of my slide’s terrain features.
predilections, the Canik TTI Combat At the heart of the pistol is a 4.6-
pistol is a Turkish-made, polymer-frame, striker-fired semi- inch barrel with a black finish and spiral fluting. The muzzle
automatic covered in slide serrations and lightening cuts. is machined with a single port and receptor grooves for
Already a full-size handgun, it’s made longer by a compensa- the included dual-port steel compensator. Both the ported
tor meant to tame, I suppose, the terrifying recoil of its 9mm barrel and comp are originals for Canik, designed to divert
chambering. The only “combat” this gun has seen appears gas upward and resist muzzle rise during recoil. Note, the
to be a wrestling match with a woodchipper, and a dull gold barrel is not threaded. Rather, it uses a proprietary quick-
paint job completes its aspiring artist aesthetic. The gun’s detach mount that relies on the barrel’s muzzle grooves and
got “drip,” I’ll give it that, but one look at the pistol had me a spring-tensioned latch on the front of the comp. The latch
preparing to “tap-rack” a lot. is easy to depress with a small punch. Once unlocked, the
I should not like the comp can be rotated about
Canik TTI Combat. And three-eighths of a turn
yet, I sort of love it. clockwise and removed.
The slide assembly
THE GUN includes two visual and
Given its many features, the tactile status indicators.
Canik TTI Combat warrants On top of the slide, behind
a walk-around description. the ejection port, a small
Starting from the top, sights black lever serves as a
are a green fiber-optic loaded chamber indicator.
front paired with a black, A HiViz fiber-optic sight is paired with a square notch rear. The The front portion rises
serrated square-notch rear. low-profile optic cut accepts Trijicon SRO and Mecanik sights. above flush when there is
 TRIGGERED | JULY 2024 | G&A 47

To unlock the compensator from the

barrel, press the latch on the face of the
comp with a punch, rotate and remove.

TTI Combat pistols is intended to

The compensator at the end of the slide is removable and can be quickly attached or
detatched due to the unique grooves machined to the muzzle end of the barrel. be around or below 4 pounds, and
the travel required for reset is a mere
“1.3 millimeters,” according to Canik.
Each of the controls sport bronze accents to stand out
against the black polymer frame.
Regarding the frame, the TTI Combat receives a new
molded texture around the grip and at index points above
the triggerguard. Consisting of small pyramids, the texture
is more aggressive than most popular polymer-frame pis-
tols, and slightly less abrasive than gritty skateboard tape.
The texture is continued to the interchangeable backstraps,
three of which are included for personalizing the grip size
— all finished in bronze. There is also a removable alu-
minum, bronze-finished magazine well. The triggerguard
is undercut to promote a high grip, and the dustcover
includes three Picatinny rail slots for adding a light or laser.
Two indicators provide the visual and tactile status of the pistol:
A pivoting loaded chamber indicator atop the slide and the pro- Finally, the TTI Combat feeds from full-size Canik TP9-
truding red dot at the rear of a cocked striker. pattern magazines, which have a standard capacity of 18
rounds.
a cartridge in the chamber.
The firing pin indicator is THE GURU
a small, red extension that What sets the TTI Combat apart from
protrudes from the rear of other pistols in the Canik catalog is
the slide when the striker is the collaborative effort with Taran
cocked. Butler, competitive shooter and celeb-
Controls on the Canik rity trainer. A California native, Butler
include square, serrated rocketed to prominence in the firearm
bilateral takedown levers industry for his shooting abilities,
and ambidextrous slide which have earned him many titles,
lock/release bars. The latter championships, and honors in the last
features angled serrations 30 years. Though he got his start in
similar to the slide. The The trigger features a flat face and a safety lever. The pistol competitions, Butler is a multi-
extended slide-release con- triggerguard is contoured with a high-grip undercut. discipline shooting savant and one of
trols appear exotic, but they the original 3-Gun greats.
have been a feature of recent Canik platforms, including In concert with his competitive shooting career, Butler
the Mete- and Rival-series pistols. The trigger is Canik’s founded Taran Tactical Innovations (TTI) in Simi Valley.
precision-machined and tuned flat-face unit. It features TTI is a manufacturing and gunsmithing operation that
a wide internal safety lever and is designed to break at produces parts and complete firearms. TTI-branded prod-
the 90-degree mark on its arc of travel. Pull weight for ucts are notable for pushing the performance envelope and
48 G&A | JULY 2024 | TRIGGERED

The flat-faced TTI trigger incorporates a wide, tactile safety lever. The flared magwell is integral to the grip of the TTI. A larger,
Pull tests placed trigger weight at 3 pounds, 11 ounces. removeable, aluminum competition mag funnel is also supplied.

polymer-frame, minor-power 9mm was considered nearly

impossible. Jonasson broke the barrier with a Canik pistol
and Butler saw an opportunity to evolve the gun’s design
creating, in his words, “one of the most versatile, accurate,
and next level performing production pistols ever made.”
Ultimately, the Canik TTI Combat is a collaboration that
required 2 years of development. The gun’s design received
continuous input from Butler as well as serious testing
before it was deemed fit to wear the TTI logo. Canik credits
Butler with inspiring many of the features that make the
gun a standout, from big innovations including the com-
pensator and optics-mounting system, to smaller details
such as exposing more fiber-optic pipe in the front sight
Three backstraps are included. To change the size, remove the and using hints of black Cerakote between the slide serra-
magwell and use a punch to push out the retaining pin. tions to add depth to its appearance. There is no question
that attention was paid to
for meticulous attention every detail.
to detail. TTI guns always
look as good as they shoot. THE GEAR
The third leg of the TTI Although the “box o’ good-
stool is Butler’s silver-screen ies” packaging has largely
accolades. Dubbed Hol- gone out of favor with
lywood’s “Trainer to the thrifty American gun mak-
Stars,” Butler offers fire- ers, I’ve always appreciated
arm instruction to actors the inclusion of a handgun
and producers in order starter set. Canik takes this
to improve safety on set, approach to another level.
comfort and familiarity in The gun comes in a molded
hand, and ultimately the Under the dustcover is an accessory rail, the length of which is polymer, lockable hardcase
gun-handling portrayals flush with the seam between the compensator and slide. with custom-cut foam for
on camera. Butler most the accessories. The first
famously prepared actor Keanu Reeves for his role in the tier includes the pistol, backstraps, and two magazines —
“John Wick” series of films, which also featured TTI hard- one 18-rounder with bronze TTI flush baseplate and one
ware prominently. 21-round unit thanks to the bronze TTI +3 base. Option-
To many, Butler and Canik may seem unlikely part- ally included is the Mecanik MO3 red-dot optic and three
ners. According to Butler, he’s been watching the evolu- mounting plates to support a variety of optics that use
tion of Canik’s product line for years. Inspiration struck Shield RMSc and Trijicon RMR footprints.
when pro shooter Nils Jonasson won the 2022 USPSA On the bottom layer, users find the typical cleaning
Limited Nationals shooting a Canik Rival. That division rods, lock, and magazine loader. More interestingly, there
is traditionally dominated by metal-frame, .40-caliber, is a custom-molded competition-style beltloop holster.
major-power-factor pistols. The idea of winning with a One of the holster’s neat features is a knurled knob below
50 G&A | JULY 2024 | TRIGGERED

trigger I’ve ever felt. Not only that, it’s better than most
triggers found on production 1911s.
At the range, accuracy was very good. Group sizes were
consistently between 2 and 3 inches at 25 yards using a
variety of ammo, which is exactly what we wanted to see.
Ejection was extremely consistent, and I quickly populated
small piles of brass a few feet back and to the right of my
various shooting positions. That’s not only the sign of a
healthy gun, but it also makes clean-up a breeze.
Early on during testing, I experienced a few failures of
the slide to go fully into battery. A light tap on the back
of the slide finished chambering the round, but the cause
of the stoppage was elusive. My best guess is a combina-
tion of using a lighter load with the standard spring, plus
some unintended friction from my support hand riding
against the slide. The gun may also have just needed a
little break in to smooth
PERFORMANCE
the triggerguard that the metal contact areas.
BEST AVG.
allows for easy retention VEL GROUP GROUP In any event, the issue
LOAD (FPS) ES SD (IN.) (IN.)
adjustment. A disassem- was constrained to
bly pin punch is also Armscor 115-grain FMJ
provided, perfect for load at 1,108 fps, and I
removing the compensa- could not replicate the
Notes: Velocity is the average of 10 shots measured by a Garmin Xero C1 Pro chronograph off-
tor, as are the additional set 6 inches from the muzzle. Accuracy is the average of five, five-shot groups fired at 25 yards stoppage with any load
from bag rests using a Mecanik MO3 red-dot sight mounted to the slide.
optic-mounting and after the first hundred
maintenance tools. A rounds. An additional
low-power recoil spring is also supplied, intended for light 450 rounds were fired without incident.
competition loads with velocities around 1,000 feet-per- I joked about the gun’s “aspiring artist” aesthetic, but
second (fps). Finally, a challenge coin commemorates the the pistol has serious bars, and its preferred tempo is fast.
Canik/TTI partnership and is a tip of the hat to the under- Again, I give credit to the trigger and its light, crisp break.
ground currency seen in the “John Wick” films. I can’t speak to the reset since I don’t ride the trigger, but
I can say I never short-stroked the press when pushing
AT THE RANGE for speed. Too, the compensator keeps the gun flat for fast
I’ll admit that despite my fear that the TTI Combat would follow-on shots. The recoil is extremely manageable, and
be an absolute jam cannon, I was still excited to get it on the gun is very easy to control. It returns immediately to
the range. It wasn’t the glitzy finish or the fancy cuts that target and it is light in the hand — right around 30 ounces
got me, it was the trigger. Familiarizing myself with the — making it quick to transition between targets.
pistol, I was genuinely In the final tally, the
surprised the first time TTI Combat defied my
the trigger fired. The preconceptions about its
second time I pressed country of origin and the
the trigger, I was abso- utility of modifications
lutely hooked. Accord- and embellishment.
ing to a Lyman digital The pistol is a turnkey
gauge, the average pull solution for competition
required just 3 pounds, or defense, and it offers
11 ounces of pressure. one of the best triggers
I could hardly feel the extant for less than a
safety lever, and there grand. With custom-like
was barely any move- slide serrations and pops
ment between the wall of TTI Bronze, the gun
and the glass-like break. oozes cool and shoots
I am shocked to find the lights out. Besides
myself writing this, but a bucket of ammo and
Accessories abound with the Canik TTI Combat, which include a holster,
the Canik TTI Com- cleaning kit, and Taran Butler collaberation coin, all inside a custom a few extra mags, what
bat has the best striker carrying case with pre-cut foam inserts. more could you want?
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52 G&A | JULY 2024
 JULY 2024 | G&A 53

SHARPEN
YOUR
AXE
HENRY INTRODUCES THE .410
VERSION OF A MARE’S LEG.
BY JAMES TARR | PHOTOS BY MARK FINGAR
54 G&A | JULY 2024 | SHARPEN YOUR AXE
HENRY BRASS AXE, .410, MSRP: $1,212

HENRY X MODEL AXE, .410, MSRP: $1,124

HENRY AXE
TYPE Lever action
BORE .410, 2½-in. chamber
CAPACITY 5+1 rds.
BARREL 15.14 in., smoothbore
THE HENRY AXE is undeniably an LENGTH 26.4 in.
18 inches for shotguns. So, because
offbeat firearm, and I think that’s what HEIGHT 5.5 in.
they are not a pistol (no barrel rifling)
a lot of people are going to like about WIDTH 1.5 in.
or rifle (no stock) or shotgun (bar-
it. It’s going to fall solidly into that cat- WEIGHT 5 lbs., 13 oz. (tested)
rel shorter than 18 inches, and not
egory of “I don’t know what I’m going Blued steel or hardened
meant to be fired from the shoulder),
RECEIVER
to do with it, but I want one” guns. brass; drilled and tapped and over 26 inches in length (which
The Henry Axe is a smoothbore FURNITURE
American walnut (brass/ avoids the title of a short-barrel shot-
steel); polymer (X Model)
lever-action chambered for 2½-inch, gun), they are simply, technically, and
Brass bead (brass/steel);
.410 shotshells. It has a 15.14- SIGHTS
fiber optic (X Model)
legally, just a “firearm.”
inch barrel and is 26.4-inches long TRIGGER 4 lbs. (tested)
Firearms that fit into this niche
overall. Currently, it is available in SAFETY Transfer bar safety
have been legal for some time.
three different versions: Matte blued $1,088 (blued steel)
Mossberg didn’t discover this “cavity,”
steel receiver with walnut furniture; MSRP $1,124 (X Model) let’s call it, in our nation’s arbitrary,
$1,212 (brass)
polished brass receiver with walnut capricious, and wholly unconstitu-
ACCESSORIES Optic rail, incl. (X Model)
furniture; and the X Model. The X tional gun laws, but they were the
Model has polymer furniture, a green Henry Repeating Arms, first to find widespread success filling
MANUFACTURER 866-200-2354,
fiber-optic front sight, and rail on the henryusa.com it when it introduced the Shockwave
underside of the forend, as well as in 2017.
M-Lok mounting slots for accessories, A short, compact and handy firearm
and an optional rail to attach to the receiver for mounting chambered in a shotgun caliber can be very useful, and the
optics. All of the receivers are drilled and tapped. Henry Axe, being chambered in .410, has significantly less
recoil than something like the 12-gauge Mossberg. With
WHAT IS IT, EXACTLY? its old-school looks — including lever action — the Henry
Upon seeing me pull the Axe X Model out of the box, Axe has a completely different look and feel.
my wife said, “Oh, it’s a baby shotgun!” If I were going Guns & Ammo received two Axes, an X Model and a
to describe the Axe to someone using verbal shorthand, Brass version for testing. The X Model weighed 6 pounds,
I’d say it’s a pistol version of Henry’s lever-action .410 4 ounces, according to a digital scale. The Brass model was
shotgun, except that’s not really accurate either. I need to 5 pounds, 15 ounces. The X Model is a very modern take
address this: The Henry Axe is technically not a pistol, and is utilitarian in appearance, built solely for function.
rifle, or shotgun. Legally, it is just a “firearm.” The Brass model is just old-school gorgeous. The Brass
To briefly explain how and why these non-shotgun model has almost a Steampunk look to it; an inappropri-
“firearms” are legal and not NFA items, it’s because they ately oversized and ungainly scope awkwardly mounted
are not cut down or “sawed-off.” They are not meant to be atop the receiver, with leather straps randomly wrapped
fired from the shoulder, either. If you cut down the barrel around the gun, would complete the Steampunk aesthetic.
of a shotgun, it would become an NFA-restricted short- If I ever become a post-apocalyptic warlord, this is the gun
barrel shotgun — or just plain “illegal.” These guns, on I’m grabbing for, but I digress.
the other hand, were manufactured without stocks and The Axe .410 is a lever-action firearm. You can feed
with smoothbore barrels shorter than the legal limit of it through the side gate of the receiver or remove the
 SHARPEN YOUR AXE | JULY 2024 | G&A 55

A fiber-optic sight (left) appears on the X Model, while a brass

bead front sight (right) is on the brass and steel Axe models.

Despite functioning like a traditional lever-action, the ejection

port, loading gate and action were engineered for the .410 shell.

The barrel is internally

threaded for Invector-style There is not much difference
chokes. A full choke is between the bolt of the Axe
included with the Axe. and Henry’s other leverguns.

Every gun patterns differently with shotshells, of course,

but with standard birdshot loads I found the Axe patterned
An optic rail is provided with the X Model. Mounting a red dot as well as we’d expect from a standard .410 shotgun.
such as Leapers’ UTG OP3 Micro helps with precise aiming. $130 Generally, the length of a barrel has little impact on the
size of the pattern you’ll get
magazine tube to load it. with shotshells; far more
Magazine capacity with 2½- important is the choke and
inch shells is five, meaning type of shell.
it has a total capacity of six. The barrel is marked on
I don’t know that there’s both sides just forward of
ever been a wider variety the receiver. On the right:
of .410 shotshells available “410 BORE-2 ½-INCH”,
than now, which expands and on the left “HENRY
the potential applications REPEATING ARMS —
for the Axe. Three-inch RICE LAKE, WI — MADE
Though working the lever cycles the bolt and cocks the hammer,
shells are pretty common in the serrated hammer can be manually thumb-cocked, as well. IN USA”. The folks at
.410-bore guns, but the Axe There is no crossbolt safety; a transfer bar keeps it drop-safe. Henry definitely want us to
is limited to 2½-inch shot- know that all of its firearms
shells so it could be equipped with a short-throw lever. are 100-percent made in the USA.
Both the steel and brass versions of the Axe carry a The Axe has the smooth clean lines expected for a
brass-bead front sight mounted at the end of the barrel. lever-action firearm, and the forend in the steel and brass
The X Model has a steel front sight with a green fiber-optic versions is made from smooth walnut with an end cap of
insert, which I think is more useful but not nearly as tradi- metal that matches the receiver. At the bottom of the end
tional. The X Model also comes with a 5¼-inch aluminum cap is a sling stud; there’s another at the base of the grip.
piece of optic rail, which mounts to the drilled-and-tapped The Axe balances forward of the lever. If you’re walking
receiver. Mounting an optic was easy. around the range or the woods you’ll likely find yourself
The 15.14-inch barrel is internally threaded for Invector- carrying the Axe at your side like you would a full-size
type chokes. The Axe comes with a Full choke installed by rifle, with your hand wrapped around the gun right where
Henry, helping to extend the useful range of these .410s. the forend meets the receiver.
56 G&A | JULY 2024 | SHARPEN YOUR AXE

Loaded through the side gate, magazine capacity is five rounds. For access to load or unload the magazine tube, simply rotate
However, a shell can also be placed directly into the chamber. the spring-loaded follower and pull it away from the forend.

firearm like this for the .410 shotshell makes more sense
than a rifle caliber, perhaps.

HANDLING AN AXE
I own a Model ’94 in .30-30 that I bought in the early
1990s. I love everything about that rifle except the cross-
bolt safety in the receiver. (Purists know it’s not found in
the original design.) The Axe, however, stays true to its
roots as an old-school lever action; there is no cross-bolt
safety. When the hammer is cocked, the only way to lower
it is by trapping it with a thumb or two fingers and pulling
the trigger. The Axe is equipped with a transfer bar safety,
though, cleverly hidden inside the face of the hammer; if it
Triggerpull weight measured 4 pounds during testing. With the is dropped, nothing will happen.
lever action open, the trigger is disabled. If you’ve never handled a lever action, let me give you
a quick primer: You load
OLD-SCHOOL COOL the shells into the under-
On the back of the grip barrel magazine tube, and
is the proud Henry logo, to chamber a round from
either etched into wood the magazine you work
or molded into the rubber the lever. You can also
insert on the polymer grip. load shells one at a time
The Axe gets its name from into the chamber with the
that angled grip and how lever open. Working the
it resembles an axe handle. lever cocks the external
For people my age, when hammer, and that hammer
they see the Henry Axe functions as an ersatz safety.
they’re going to reflexively If you don’t want to shoot
blurt out, “Mare’s Leg!” when you’ve got a shell
The first cut-down “pis- The short-stroke lever limits the Axe to 2½-inch .410 shells. The chambered, you simply
tolized” lever-action that moving parts are clean and polished for a smooth action. lower the hammer. Most
most people are aware of hunters using lever actions
is also the most famous: It was a Winchester Model 1892 move through the woods with a round chambered and the
with a cut-down barrel and stock, nicknamed the “Mare’s hammer down. When game is spotted, they simply cock
Leg.” It was carried by Steve McQueen first in the TV the hammer.
series “Trackdown” (1957), and then by him again when The Axe has a single-action trigger that is nicely crisp
he starred in “Wanted: Dead or Alive” (1958-1961). There and light. The trigger has no takeup and barely any over-
were several versions of this gun that McQueen’s character travel. Both of G&A’s samples had 4-pound triggerpulls.
carried in a custom leg holster that reached to his knee. You’ll see the loop in the lever is slightly oversized, mak-
Practical? No. Cool? Hell yeah! Chambering a stockless ing it easier to work if you’re wearing gloves. This leads me
NIGHT STALKER SERIES
58 G&A | JULY 2024 | SHARPEN YOUR AXE

A screw holds the triggerguard plate in position. The tab keeps M-Lok slots and a small length of rail lend the X Model the capa-
remaining ammo in the magazine until the carrier is in position. bility to accept accessories and be used as a self-defense gun.

massively strong wrists and forearms, feel free to shoot it

one-handed; the rest of us will be using two hands. Hold
up the Axe, high enough to see the sights, but out in front
of you as far as is comfortable. It will recoil upward as
much as it does backward, and not much of either — but
that’s still no reason to smack yourself in the face with the
grip. I recommend a push/pull grip, i.e., push with your
support hand, pull with your shooting hand.
Loaded with birdshot, it will make quick work of small
game. Most companies make standard slug loads for the
.410. There’s a definite difference in recoil, but I didn’t
have any reliability or cycling issues.
A credit to the popularity of the Taurus Judge .410
to the first question I had when looking at the Axe: How revolver, just about every ammunition company makes
easy is it to work the lever? With a lever-action rifle, you .410 shells with at least one personal-defense load. Almost
keep the butt against your shoulder and your eyes on the all of them are 2½-inch shells. Federal has a 4-pellet 000-
sights as you work the lever. However, not only is the Axe buck load, Hornady sells its Triple Defense load featuring
lighter than a full-length rifle or shotgun, unless you’re two .35-caliber balls topped with a .41-caliber FTX slug,
tucking the handle against your ribcage, there’s nothing to and Winchester’s Defender load stacks three copper-plated
brace the gun against when working the action. discs atop 12 BBs. Whether birdshot or these personal
It turns out my fears were unfounded. The levers on defense loads, with the Full choke in place, they all pro-
both samples cycled relatively smoothly and easily, and I vided 1 inch of spread per yard from the muzzle or less.
didn’t find myself wrestling with the guns when working As for what you’d use the Axe for, first on everyone’s
the levers. I did find it easier to work the lever if I turned list would be to have fun. Beyond that, the Axe does
the Axe on its side so that the lever was going out instead provide mostly the same kind of utility you’ll get out of
of down. Either way, it was quick to cycle. The more a .410 shotgun, but smaller. It is short enough that you
you work the lever, the could fit it in a large tool-
smoother it gets. However, box or behind the seat of
you’ll find you won’t be a truck or canoe. With the
able to keep your gun up X Model, you can easily
on target as you work the mount a red dot on top of
lever like you would a lever the Axe and a light down
gun with a stock. on the handguard, which
features both a rail and
FINDING PURPOSE M-Lok slots.
Recoil was not bad at all. I don’t know what most
This is a 6-pound firearm Axe buyers will use these
chambered in the smallest guns for, but for whatever
commercially available The model number and serial number is engraved at the top of they’re doing, they’ll be
shotshell. If you’ve got the tang. The shape of the grip is reminiscent of an axe handle. having a blast.
60 G&A | JULY 2024
 JULY 2024 | G&A 61

J-FRAMES
RANGING FROM $449 TO $1,149, SMITH & WESSON
OFFERS MORE THAN 40 VARIETIES OF ITS
LEGENDARY REVOLVER FOR 2024.
BY KEITH WOOD | STUDIO PHOTOS BY MICHAEL ANSCHUETZ

THE REVOLVER IS NOT DEAD, fied I-frames, according to Michael Helms of

but it has lost ground to the Smith & Wesson Historical Foundation.
micro-compact semiautomatics. The J-frame became the standard for compact
The ubiquitous 4-inch-barreled revolvers in the Smith & Wesson catalog,
sixgun — once the mainstay replacing the I-frame. The Chief’s Special, later
of American law enforcement — known as the “Model 36,” was a double-action,
has all but disappeared from duty five-shot .38 S&W Special with a 2- or 3-inch
holsters, as well. For nearly 100 years, barrel. Initially released with a round-butt
Smith & Wesson dominated the duty- frame, square-butt examples emerged within
revolver market, but it successfully transi- 2 years. An aluminum J-frame known as the
tioned to become a significant brand in “Chief’s Special Airweight,” later as the “Model
the making of semiautomatic pistols. 37,” followed in 1951. Seemingly overnight,
However, Smith & Wesson did not the J-frame revolver became the most capable
abandon the revolver business, and one concealable firearm of the era, and it remains a
segment that is experiencing a resurgence credible self-defense option decades later.
in public interest for small-frame models. J-frame revolvers were produced in many
The J-frame was introduced in 1950 as configurations through the years. In various
the Chief’s Special, and these have remained forms, they have been carried as backup guns
in production ever since. Not everyone is for law enforcement officers, primary defensive
interested in owning or carrying a double-stack firearms among those who concealed carry, and
9mm with a red dot and light attached. Some general options by recreational shooters. The
people simply want to slip a gun into a pocket U.S. Air Force even issued aluminum-framed
holster or purse and go about their day. For J-frame revolvers to its aircrews, as well as
that role, the J-frame is ideal. the more common K-frame M13 Aircrewman
The J-frame evolved from the I-frame, handguns. Reliable sources have indicated that
introduced in 1896, which could accommo- a significant number of J-frame guns were used
date .22 LR, .32 and .38 S&W cartridges but by the Central Intelligence Agency, also. In all,
not the more powerful .38 S&W Special. The between 5 and 6 million J-frames have been
first 20,000 to 30,000 J-frames were modi- produced, according to Helms.
62
Chambered in .38 S&W Special, the M&P Bodyguard 38
is an affordable DAO revolver with a short barrel and
aluminum upper frame. It is state compliant with Cali-
fornia, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois,
Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island,
$449

SMITH & WESSON

M&P BODYGUARD 38
TYPE

CARTRIDGE
CAPACITY
BARREL
OVERALL
LENGTH
WIDTH
HEIGHT
WEIGHT
FINISH
The aluminium upper frame is bonded to a
polymer grip module. The cylinder release GRIP
is a sliding button below the rear sight. SIGHTS
TRIGGER
Today, Smith & Wesson’s website MSRP
The crowned, stainless-steel barrel is
lists 38 different J-frame variations, MANUFACTURER sleeved by a machined aluminum shroud
ranging in chambering, configuration, that is complete with a pinned front sight.
and price. J-frames are available in
eight-shot .22 LR, .22 Magnum; five-shot .38 S&W Special, with a titanium cylinder and stainless-steel barrel, which
and .357 Magnum; as well as a six-shot .32 H&R Magnum harnesses magnum performance in an 11.8-ounce package.
on a limited distributor-exclusive program. Weights range There are fixed ramp sight models, adjustable sight
from the 11.7-ounce Model 340 PD to the 22.9-ounce Model variants, and models with exotic hardwood stocks or a
60. Suggested retail pricing ranges from $449 to $1,149. utilitarian polymer handle. There’s even a J-frame available
Exposed, shrouded, and enclosed hammer versions are with a pink grip; there is a J-frame for just about everyone.
all offered. There are J-frames equipped with Crimson Trace With so many options, I decided to compare J-frame
Lasergrips, and Model 60/642 Ladysmith models were revolvers from opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of
designed specifically for female users. An enhanced Ultimate features and price: The M&P Bodyguard 38 ($449) is a
Carry series is sold through Lipsey’s, a firearms distributor no-frills, budget-minded option that only shoots .38 Spe-
known to dealers (lipseys.com). The Ultimate Carry guns, cial. The comparator is the Performance Center Pro Series
equipped with XS Sights, VZ Grips, and an enhanced double- Model 60 ($909) in .357 Magnum. As a control, I included
action-only (DAO) trigger bring the total number of available an original 1963-vintage Model 36, which has a used “Blue
J-frame models up to 42! The J-frame offers the most diverse Book” value of about $550, about $300 less than the cur-
product lineup in the entire Smith & Wesson catalog. rent-production Model 36 Classic.
For collectors, the Model 36 Classic ($859) is a near- How did the value-priced M&P Bodyguard 38 compare
clone of the Chief’s Special. For the outdoorsman, there’s against the Performance Center Model 60 that costs twice
the handy Model 310 Kit as much?
Gun chambered in .22 PERFORMANCE
LR ($849). The ultimate BEST AVG. M&P BODYGUARD 38
VEL. GROUP GROUP
in power-to-weight ratio LOAD (FPS) ES SD (IN.) (IN.) Developed to be
is the Model 360 PD lightweight and reason-
($1,149) chambered in ably priced, the M&P
.357 Magnum. This Air- Bodyguard 38 is built
Lite revolver combines Notes: Accuracy is the average of five, five-shot groups from a sandbag rest at 25 yards. on an aluminum-alloy
Velocity is the average of five shots recorded by an Oehler Model 35P chronograph.
a Scandium-alloy frame upper frame paired with
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more steel beneath the rear adjustable target sight gives you a
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with the iconic Colt medallion make this a gun you’ll want to shoot
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 Center Pro Series treatment was
to the Model 60 in .357 Magnum, the first
revolver introduced in 1965. The Pro
sports chamfered charge holes and a
shaped to encourage a high-hand hold.

SMITH & WESSON

PERFORMANCE CENTER
MODEL 60 PRO SERIES
TYPE
CARTRIDGE
CAPACITY
BARREL
1.875-inch barrel is made from stain-
OVERALL
less steel, as is the five-shot cylinder. LENGTH
Both are PVD-coated satin black. The WIDTH
barrel is a two-piece system with an HEIGHT
internal tube and an outer shroud. WEIGHT
Though this model features composite FINISH
smooth, releasing the hammer after
arrangements, Pistolsmith Hamilton GRIP
just 10 pounds. The trigger allowed
Bowen told me that they are “techni- for “stacking,” which was helpful
SIGHTS
cally superior to the traditional one- when shooting groups from the bench
piece forging.” TRIGGER during accuracy testing.
Unlike any other revolver I’ve seen, MSRP The Bodyguard’s sights are fixed,
the M&P Bodyguard 38’s cylinder MANUFACTURER
combining a pinned and serrated ramp
is supported under spring pressure at the front with a rear groove making
from inside the frame, a notch machined into
which creates a barrel- PERFORMANCE the frame’s topstrap.
BEST AVG.
to-cylinder gap of less VEL. GROUP GROUP Though the sights are
LOAD (FPS) ES SD (IN.) (IN.)
than 0.001 inch unless utilitarian, they are
manually pulled to the superior to those on
rear. The cylinder yoke my vintage Model 36 in
locks into the frame by terms of visibility.
Notes: Accuracy is the average of five, five-shot groups from a sandbag rest at 25 yards. Veloc-
way of a spring-loaded ity is the average of five shots recorded by an Oehler Model 35P chronograph.
Each revolver from the
detent ball. Instead of bench with three differ-
the cylinder release ent loads to establish the
being located in the traditional position on the left side of mechanical accuracy potential. The requirement that the
the frame, it is a sliding polymer button that rides where a Bodyguard had to be shot double-action was a disadvantage
hammer typically rests. It is intuitive and fast to use. from the shooter’s perspective, but effect results were not
The hammer is enclosed, making the Bodyguard a what one might assume in terms of group size.
double-action-only The M&P Bodyguard
(DAO) revolver. It’s 38 is a defensive tool.
worth noting that, It has useful sights,
historically, Bodyguard a decent trigger, and
models used a shrouded exhibits surprisingly
rather than an enclosed good accuracy. I carried
internal hammer. it appendix-style in a
Enclosed hammer guns Crossbreed Holsters
were often referred to Freedom Carry holster
as a “Centennial.” The ($70, crossbreedholsters.
“Bodyguard” name must Sights consist of a pinned, serrated ramp front with a tritium insert. The com), and I didn’t feel
have been too good to rear notch is adjustable, and the topstrap is also serrated to cut glare. under-gunned. If you’re
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66 G&A | JULY 2024 | J-FRAMES

The Model 60 Pro Series has an internal The rear sight assembly includes a ser-
lock above the release. Using the supplied rated strip attached to the topstrap. The
key, it secures the hammer and cylinder. rear screw is used to adjust elevation.

The Classic line honors the

brand’s revolver history. When
Smith & Wesson adopted
model numbers in 1957, the
Chiefs Special became the
Model 36.

SMITH & WESSON

MODEL 36 CLASSIC
TYPE
CARTRIDGE
CAPACITY
BARREL
OVERALL
LENGTH
WIDTH mance Center Pro Series Model 60, a
HEIGHT high-end J-frame.
WEIGHT To use legacy Smith & Wesson
FINISH parlance, the Pro Series is the “Model
GRIP 60 Target.” The Pro Series has a 3-inch
SIGHTS stainless-steel barrel with a tapered,
TRIGGER partial underlug and machined flats
MSRP on both sides. The sights are adjust-
MANUFACTURER
able; a pinned, serrated ramp featuring
a Trijicon tritium lamp is at the front,
and a black, adjustable rear sight can
looking for a simple revolver to carry, be tuned for windage and elevation.
it would be hard to go wrong with this Windage adjustments have positive
one, especially for less than $500. clicks, but the elevation screw does
not. The adjustable sights were an
PERFORMANCE CENTER advantage during accuracy testing
PRO SERIES MODEL 60 since the loads used varied in bullet
Launched in 1965, the Model 60 was weight and velocity.
the world’s first revolver built from The Pro Series has a smooth-faced
stainless steel. However, the Model trigger and a narrow, checkered ham-
60 was otherwise a Chief’s Special. mer. The double-action triggerpull
 J-FRAMES | JULY 2024 | G&A 67

The Model 36 was desiged for the .38 Like the original Chiefs Special and Model The Model 36 Classic features a check-
Special, which was more powerful than 36, the Model 36 Classic retains the vin- ered, color-cased-style spur hammer for
the I-frame’s .38 Long Colt and .38 S&W. tage-type exposed ejector rod. light, single-action trigger work.

was smooth with a bit of creep after the stack. The single- but the two-piece laminated grips fill that gap to create a
action pull was short and crisp, letting go of the hammer square-butt profile. The grips were comfortable, allowing
after 3 pounds, 2 ounces. The handgun is equipped with me a full-fingered purchase on this little revolver.
an internal lock that can be used to render the action inop- The longer sight radius, upgraded sights, and the option of
erable with a key. The a single-action trigger pull
cylinder locks into place PERFORMANCE made the Pro Series easier
both at the rear and at BEST AVG. to shoot accurately than
VEL. GROUP GROUP
the front of the ejector LOAD (FPS) ES SD (IN.) (IN.) the Bodyguard. In fact,
rod. The cylinder gap the Pro Series was capable
on G&A’s test sample enough to be used for
measured .008 inch. casual target shooting. It
The Pro Series’ frame Notes: Accuracy is the average of five, five-shot groups from a sandbag rest at 25 yards. Veloc- would be excellent for
ity is the average of five shots recorded by an Oehler Model 35P chronograph.
is a round-butt style, self-defense duties, also.

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 68 G&A | JULY 2024 | J-FRAMES

Though the Model 60 is chambered in .357 Magnum, to five shots, given the capacity of J-frames, and placed
I focused on using .38 Special loads for comparison. One the 10-by-10-inch target at 7 yards. With a shot timer, I
of the advantages of a revolver is the freedom to choose executed the drill twice with each handgun in random
from a variety of loads and bullet styles with little concern order. The times were nearly indistinguishable from one
for reliability. Mine ranged from Hornady’s mild-recoiling another, the difference between 1.78 seconds for the Model
110-grain FTX Critical Defense load to Super Vel’s spicy 36 and 1.84 seconds using the Pro Series Model 60, a mere
Super Snub 90-grain jacketed hollowpoints. To evaluate six-tenths of a second.
the real-world shootability of these guns, I performed a From a price-to-performance perspective, I can’t say that
simple timed drill. The “Bill Drill” was named after Bill the Pro Series is twice as good as the Bodyguard. If I were
Wilson of Wilson Combat. It involves firing six rounds at looking for a self-defense handgun, the Bodyguard would be
a specified target as rapidly as possible. I modified the drill fine. The features on the Pro Series were nice, though, and it
was certainly a more refined product. If
I were looking for more of a multi-pur-
WWW.RITONOPTICS.COM
pose handgun, the Pro Series would be
my choice. However, it would be hard
to go wrong with any gun in Smith &
Wesson’s J-frame lineup.

OLD VS. NEW

How do the modern J-frames compare
to the Classic? The trigger pull on my
old Chief’s Special was a bit slicker,
and its finish was more impressive.
Admittedly, the sights of the old are
inferior. Performance-wise, G&A’s two
modern J-frames were every bit as
good as my vintage Model 36.
Why has the J-frame endured where
other revolvers have not? I think it’s
practicality. With a revolver, there’s no
manual of arms to memorize, feed-
ing is not an issue, and the relatively
heavy double-action trigger provides a
margin of safety. The J-frames lack of
capacity is made up for in simplicity.
The J-frame is just as relevant today
as it was in 1950. Given the wide-
spread legalization of concealed carry
during the intervening decades, it is
possible that more J-frames are being
relied on now than ever before. Even
when the revolver market seemed to
give way to autos, the J-frame held
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70 G&A | JULY 2024
 JULY 2024 | G&A 71

PART 2

THE MODEL 110 HAS BECOME A

PLATFORM FOR ALL SHOOTERS
AND HUNTERS.
BY CRAIG BODDINGTON | PHOTOS BY MARK FINGAR
72 G&A | JULY 2024 | THE SAVAGE 110

SAVAGE 110 CLASSIC, MSRP: $1,129

SAVAGE 110 HIGH COUNTRY, MSRP: $1,279

SAVAGE 110 LONG RANGE HUNTER, MSRP: $1,279

Forty-eight variations of the Model 110 are

offered by Savage in 2024. Though the bar-
reled action is at the heart of each rifle, various
stocks, finishes and treatments optimize func-

$2,259

GUNS & AMMO’S June 2024 issue summarized the his- synthetic stock with AccuStock rail system. “AccuStock”
tory and engineering of the Savage Model 110, a bolt-action is a Savage innovation that incorporates a chassis-type
rifle that was named for its $110 price tag when it was bedding of the action and recoil lug that leaves the barrel
introduced in 1958. (Factoring inflation, that’s about $1,189 free-floating. Perhaps more important, the gray “AccuFit”
in 2024.) We explored its concept and operation, then stock is adjustable with four length-of-pull spacers and five
surveyed its many variations including innovations such as height-of-comb spacers. Just unscrew the recoil pad and
the AccuTrigger and scoped-rifle packages. Following the the spacers easily slip in and out to make a perfect stock fit.
numbering system released in 1998, models such as the Really wanting the Creedmoor to perform from the
111, 112, 114 and 116 expanded on Savage’s long-action 110 Storm, I mounted a discontinued Bushnell 4.5-15X
offerings, while two-digit models, including the 10, 11, and scope to the drilled-and-tapped receiver for its magnifica-
12, were developed for short-action receivers. These days, tion range. The scope added a bit of weight, bringing the
the numbering system continues, but it has been simplified short-action 110 Storm up to 9 pounds. Thinking of hills
to three digits with consistency. to climb in the fall, I put a Bushnell 4500 Elite 2.5-10x40
To become familiar with current Savage models, I exam- scope on the .30-’06 ($310, bushnell.com). Interestingly,
ined modern-manufactured examples ahead of writing with a lighter scope, the 114 Classic weighed exactly the
these articles for G&A. As different as they could be, one same as the scoped 110 Storm — even with the long
was a long-action Model 114 Classic in .30-’06 Springfield, action and walnut stock.
discontinued in 2019, that sports a walnut stock. It’s a tra- As expected, the function of both rifles was smooth and
ditional-looking, classy rifle that is very similar to the first flawless. Given the reputation of the 6.5mm Creedmoor,
110 I bought 40 years ago. The second rifle I ordered was plus the 4-15X scope and AccuStock, I expected the 110
a current-production short-action Model 110 Storm, also Storm to be the superior option, but it was not to be. The
available with a left-hand action and calibers ranging from best group of five shots into .6-inch came from the .30-’06
.243 to .338. Mine was chambered to 6.5mm Creedmoor using Federal’s Edge TLR 175-grain load. Overall, the 6.5
($989, savagearms.com). Creedmoor did produce the best average — making it a
solid MOA rifle — but the .30-’06 was just as close in per-
THE INCLUSIVE RIFLE formance. Both rifles were grouped with a variety of loads
The 110 Storm features a stainless-steel barreled action and and multiple brands. Although results varied, the 110 and
 10,000 ROUNDS

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74 G&A | JULY 2024 | THE SAVAGE 110

Depending on the model, Model 110s can have blued steel or machine-polished bolt
bodies with traditional ball handles or large knurled handles. Handles are user-replace-
able, supported by a host of custom aftermarket styles.

The 110 bolt is a

two-lug design that
features a 90-degree
bolt lift that is
easy to unlock and
cycle. It uses a claw
extractor and a
plunger-type ejector
positioned within the
bolt face. The bolt
assembly features
a rotating baffle
between the bolt
head and the bolt
body; it functions as
a gas shield in the
event of a ruptured
case head.

114 were very consistent; accuracy From the 110 Scout rifle with 16½-
was pure Savage. inch barrel and muzzlebrake ($959) to
Now at retirement age — but neither 110 Precision rifles with MDT custom-
retired nor tired — the Savage 110 line izable chassis stocks and extreme range
continues to expand, adapting configu- performance ($1,699), the varieties
rations to include contemporary feature address any shooting activity. There are
sets and trends. At this writing, there also models designed specifically for
are 48 variations of the Model 110. The youth. At the core, all are built around
newer Savage Axis line offers some 39 the proven Model 110 action. Intro-
variations. Configurations span hunting duced in 2022, the 110 PCS ($989),
rifles in wood or synthetic stocks, a bolt-action pistol with MDT alumi-
attached to stainless steel or matte black num chassis and AICS detachable box
finishes. Starting in 2020, the 110 was magazine available in .223 Remington,
offered with exclusive Proof Research .300 Blackout, .308 Winchester, .350
stainless-steel, carbon-fiber-wrapped Legend and 6.5 Creedmoor.
barrels. These include the 110 Carbon Historically, Savage 110 chamber-
Predator ($1,689), 110 Carbon Tactical ings were popular cartridges, which
($1,779), and 110 Carbon Tactical FDE is still true. The goal of any manufac-
($1,779) with limited chamberings. turer is to sell guns, right? However,
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76 G&A | JULY 2024 | THE SAVAGE 110

The AccuTrigger was introduced in The Savage 110 uses a locking nut to
2003, now standard on all Model 110s. secure the barrel to the receiver. Locking
Crisp and clean, it can be adjusted. The nuts that used to be knurled are now
secondary sear safety lever splits the notched for machined tools designed
trigger. To fire, the safety lever must be to change barrels. The action design is
pressed flush, allowing the trigger to appealing to target shooters and wildcat-
move rearward. ters who change barrels more often.

Savage has been daring in the cham- today, though the 110 Trail Hunter
berings of its recent models. In the ($639) and Walmart-exclusive
early 2000s, the Savage 110 was the Model 110 Hunter XP with Bushnell
only factory rifle chambered to some 4-12x40mm scope package ($650)
of John Lazzeroni’s super-fast Lazze- are close. Some configurations may
roni Magnums, which were always not appear as elegant as the 110
the fastest in a given caliber class. Classic, and some are probably not as
Today, Savage 110s address cartridges smooth as others, but it’s gonna work
with cult-like followings, including and shoot straight. It may even be a
the 6.5-.284 Norma, and .280 Ackley tackdriver with the right load.
Improved, .300 WSM and .375 Ruger, I don’t go back far enough to know
to name a few. The Savage 110 is also exactly when the rifle acquired this
quick to introduce rifles that support reputation, but it had it by the 1970s.
the latest cartridge technology, includ- It was a strength that Ron Coburn
ing the 6mm ARC, the .350 Legend, seized upon when he accepted the
the Hornady PRC cartridges, and the role of CEO in 1988: Accuracy. It is
.224 Valkyrie. None of the many con- an attribute that I’ve always relied on.
figurations are chambered to all possi- For many years, Savage was the best
ble cartridges that we might want, but option for heavy-barreled varminters,
no current-production bolt-action is and they still offer more options for
offered in as many chamberings. cartridges ranging from .204 Ruger
to .220 Swift. Of course, accuracy is
STILL THE SAME subjective. It depends on what you
As a junior editor at G&A in 1979, I want, what you need, and what you
was once in a conversation with Dave expect. It is also dependent on the
Hetzler. Forty years ago, I’ve never for- shooter’s ability, but adjustable stock
gotten his words: “If you want a factory options — from the Savage AccuFit,
rifle that will really shoot, just get a Magpul Hunter and Scout models,
Savage 110 and be done with it.” This and MDT chassis systems — support
was a whispered mantra back then, but a shooter’s willingness to tune a rifle
it remains true today. fit for optimal performance.
The Savage 110 is not the least- While filming a G&A TV segment
expensive factory bolt gun offered at the Westfield, Massachusetts, plant,
 THE SAVAGE 110 | JULY 2024 | G&A 77
1859-1909 Indian Head Cent

1913-1938 Indian/Buffalo Nickel

The safety has been tang-mounted since On some current 110s, the bolt release
the beginning. It’s a three-position sliding is in the forward trigger bow, operated 1916-1945 Mercury Dime
switch shown (above) in the intermediate by depressing both release button and
position that locks the sear but unlocks trigger while pulling rearward on the bolt.
the bolt for unloading while “safe.” Two-hand operation is easiest.

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Serving Collectors Since 1945
A detachable box magazine, now standard, was first offered in 1966. Current cen- Due to fluctuations in the coin market,
ter-feed 110 models can be changed from the drop box-type to a hinged floorplate. prices and limits are subject to change.

For New Customers Only

I was allowed to build a Savage 110 Why do Savage 110s shoot so well? ✓YES! Please send me the following:
on camera. I am not mechanical, but Honestly, I don’t know. The design is
under the patient tutelage of veteran sound and manufacturing consistent. 1
3-Coin Collector’s Set (limit 4) $4.95
Wheat Ears Cent FREE
employees, we built a heavy-barreled For more than 60 years, Savage has Shipping FREE
model in .22-250. In the shooting held the Model 110 to tight toler- Sales Tax FREE
TOTAL $
tunnel, the bench was in a cramped ances. Beyond this, I think there are

Check Charge: VISA MC AmEx Disc
space and could only accommo- subtle factors. First, the machined
Card #: Exp. Date
date a right-handed shooter. When action is massive and rigid. Second,
there isn’t a choice, I can shoot as a the bolt head is a floating design
right-hander if I must. With the rifle under pressure from a flat spring Name _______________________________________________

reasonably zeroed in three shots, I behind the forward baffle. As lugs go

Address___________________________________ Apt #______
fired a group using a Federal 55-grain into battery, there’s a bit of flex, so
load. That first group that day mea- contact and headspace are consistent. City ___________________________ State ____ Zip _________
sured just .118 inches. Savage barrels I think the lock nut that marries the
are button-rifled, which is a common barrel to receiver is a major factor, as E-Mail _______________________________________________

method to both manufacture and rifle well, ensuring a consistent and con- Littleton Coin Company
1309 Mt. Eustis Rd Littleton NH 03561-3737
barrels. centric fit. For sure, it isn’t magic.
78 G&A | JULY 2024
 JULY 2024 | G&A 79

THE FORCE
HAMMERLI ARMS’ FORCE B1 IS A FAST-ACTION
STRAIGHT-PULL RIMFIRE.
BY TOM BECKSTRAND | PHOTOS BY MARK FINGAR
80 G&A | JULY 2024 | THE FORCE

“DO YOU WANT TO GO HUNT- HAMMERLI ARMS

FORCE B1
ING IN AUSTRALIA?” It took me
TYPE
a second to make sure that I heard
CARTRIDGE
correctly before responding “Yes!” to
CAPACITY
Editor-in-Chief Eric Poole. I didn’t
BARREL
need to know what we were hunting
OVERALL
because I definitely wanted to see LENGTH
Australia. I’d never been there before. WEIGHT
Then I learned that the trip was a rab-
STOCK
bit hunt designed to test a straight-pull
rimfire from Hammerli. GRIP
Leading up to the hunt, I asked LENGTH OF PULL
myself what .22 Long Rifle (LR) was FINISH
so compelling that we needed to TRIGGER
travel halfway around the world to SIGHTS
hunt bunnies. Well, Hammerli has MSRP The vertical handle on the lever that
works the straight-pull bolt is a tog-
established a strong reputation in the MANUFACTURER gle-type design reminiscent of the Swiss/
competition rimfire scene. For a year, Hammerli K-31 international match rifles.
I was a member of the West Point
Pistol Team and shot a Hammerli pistol. The new-for-2024 were hosted by Greg Pennicott Safaris (gregpennicottsa-
rifle had to be a big deal to justify hunting in a place where faris.com). I’m sure he was well-meaning, but in 1859
the government is known to be anti-gun. The ownership, an English settler named Thomas Austin released a few
possession and use of firearms are all regulated by Austra- rabbits into the wild in Australia with disastrous effect.
lia’s state and territory laws. The country’s National Fire- Rabbits have proliferated to the point that many residents
arm Agreement (1996) defines categories of firearms with consider them a plague. Estimates of the rabbit population
different levels of control, but there are shooting clubs and place it at around 200 million. I did a fair bit of rabbit
organizations for firearm owners. hunting growing up in a Nevada farming community
where we tried to keep numbers down to preserve alfalfa
1859: 24 BRITISH RABBITS TOOK OVER AUSTRALIA production. The problem Australia has isn’t going to be
Arriving at a farm in Adelaide, New South Wales, we solved by a few rabbit hunters, but I was willing to help.

The Force B1 barrel can be replaced without tools due to a collar-lock mount design. Pull the knurled ring to the rear and slide the
barrel out. Hammerli Arms indicates that a .22 Winchester Magnum-chambered quick-change barrel will be available to the U.S.
82 G&A | JULY 2024 | THE FORCE

The Hammerli Force B1 feeds rimfire ammunition from 10/22 Shared with the Ruger 10/22 is the trigger system. This also
magazines, both aftermarket and ones produced by Ruger. Ham- means that the Force B1 will accept aftermarket trigger units
merli includes a standard 10-round magazine with the Force B1. designed for the 10/22.

I spent four days in a side-by-side utility vehicle working

my way through rolling terrain shooting as many rabbits
as I could. Distance ranged as close as 10 yards, extending
to more than 100 yards. It was an ideal circumstance to
review a new rimfire. I had a week to get to know the rifle
and shoot several hundred rounds through it. At the end
of the hunt, I realized the Force B1 was an ideal rifle for
just about any rimfire task.

NOTABLE DESIGN ELEMENTS

The Force B1 receiver was engineered around some Ruger
10/22 patterns, and it feeds from 10/22 magazines and
accepts aftermarket 10/22 triggers. This was wise because
M-Lok slots are machined into a plate mounted below the
10/22 mags and triggers are probably the most readily polymer forend. ARCA plates, bipods, rails, M-Lok sling swivels,
available .22 LR accessories. Just about every rifleman I handstops, and other compatible accessories can be attached.
know has a small pile of 10/22
magazines. Common capacities slamming against the breech
span 10 and 25 rounds, but with each shot. If the shooting or
there are drum mags that exceed hunting situation calls for rapid
100 rounds. and silent shots, no rimfire rifle
The Force B1 is initially avail- — with the possible exception of
able in .22 LR, but a .22 Win- a lever-action — will be as fast
chester Magnum Rimfire (WMR) and quiet as the Force B1.
is forthcoming. During the hunt, While the Force B1 borrows
I used rifles in both chamber- patterned elements from the
ings. Both functioned flawlessly 10/22, Hammerli developed
Hammerli engineers crowned and threaded the barrel
for the duration of the hunt. with ½x28 threads. If attaching a direct-thread sup- substantial improvements. The
Unlike the 10/22 though, pressor, remove the O-ring to avoid baffle strikes. first is an integral Picatinny rail
the Force B1 is a straight-pull machined atop the receiver.
bolt-action. The narrow vertical toggle on the right side of This eliminates the small screws normally used to secure
the receiver is almost impossible to miss. The handle was a rail to the receiver of a traditional 10/22. Even when
inspired by the Hammerli K31’s, and it makes for effortless de-greased secured with Loctite, mounting screws can still
cycling. Little effort is required to pull the bolt to the rear; work loose and cause the loss of zero.
a quick flick of the wrist pushes it back into battery. The other significant receiver improvement is the quick-
The wisdom to make this a straight-pull bolt-action rifle change barrel system; no tools are required. There is a col-
manifests in shooting suppressed and wanting fast fol- lar under spring tension on the receiver tenon that uses an
low-up shots. The straight-pull action allows the Force B1 ingenious but simple method of attaching the barrel. Pull
to cycle faster than just about any traditional bolt-action the collar to the rear and slide the barrel into the receiver.
rimfire, yet it’s still just as quiet when suppressed. Unlike Index marks on the barrel line it up with the receiver and
semiautomatic rimfire rifles, there is no noise from the bolt seat it in place. Releasing the collar pushes a series of ball
84 G&A | JULY 2024 | THE FORCE

ward. The comb height adjusts, too. There is a soft rubber

insert that sits inside the stock’s comb. It comes installed to
fit flush with the comb line from the factory. This is prob-
ably the preferred way to set up the rifle if shooting with
a red-dot sight. It takes a little wiggling, but the rubber
insert lifts out of the comb. Turned upside down, it raises
the comb height by approximately .65 inches. The rubber
insert in the raised position worked best for me with mag-
nified optics when shooting groups for accuracy.
The stock is well-suited to a wide variety of shooting
because it makes use of the most popular stock profiles.
The grip is close to vertical, placing the firing hand at the
correct distance for most hands to have proper engagement
between the trigger finger and trigger shoe. The forend has
The sliding stock and reversible cheekpiece allow users to adjust
length of pull and comb height. A sling attachment point is avail- a square-ish profile and is flat on the bottom. There is a
able near the toe of the stock. metal insert along the underside of the forend with M-Lok
slots cut into it for mount-
bearings into a recess in the ing bipods, tripods, and
barrel and keeps it under ARCA plates. After spend-
tension, locking it in place. ing several days hunting,
I was skeptical of the accu- I realized that the stock is
racy using such a simple one of the best general-use
and tool-free system, but stocks on a factory rifle. It
several days of hunting fol- isn’t too big or bulky for
lowed by accuracy testing fast offhand shooting, but
cured my skepticism. it adjusts in the right places
The Force B1 is first and can accommodate pre-
available in .22 LR, but I cision rifle accessories. The
also hunted with it in .22 fact that it is on a relatively
WMR. Magazines for both inexpensive rifle makes it
cartridges are the standard sweeter.
Ruger rotary magazines.
The magazine well is sized for the .22 WMR mags, so BEYOND THE LAND OF OZ
adapter plates must be attached to regular .22 LR mag- The Hammerli Force B1 is a great rifle for a number of rea-
azines for them to work. The adapter plate is inexpen- sons. It offers fast and quiet shooting (when suppressed),
sive, easily fitted to the magazine, and was 100-percent and would be handy if your need is to keep pests in check.
reliable. The Force B1 has a better magazine release than Neighbors can love it, too. The stock is ideally suited for
the standard 10/22. Instead of a tab recessed next to the just about any configuration of .22 LR and .22 WMR,
magazine that requires a press before dropping, the Force set-up with a scope or with a dot sight. Life with the Force
B1 has a lever with two extensions that protrude away B1 is going to be pretty hassle-free. Cleaning the rifle is as
from the triggerguard. Straightening the trigger finger is all simple as removing the barrel from the receiver and giving
that’s required to drop a mag. Since the magazine release is it a good scrub. Old 10/22 rifles couldn’t be cleaned from
incorporated with the trigger system, any magazine release the breech, and new ones with an access hole in the back
found on any 10/22 pattern trigger can be used. of the receiver still have to be removed from the stock.
The stock is well thought-out and has more features The Force B1’s barrel comes off in about 5 seconds with
than I expected for a rifle at this price. It is injection- no need for tools. Caliber conversion, when available, is a
molded polymer but offers more barrel and magazine change.
rigidity than anticipated. Most Here’s your chance to expe-
PERFORMANCE
surprising is the adjustable rience a straight-pull action
BEST AVG.
length of pull. It adjusts from VEL. GROUP GROUP without going broke. With its
LOAD (FPS) ES SD (IN.) (IN.)
14½ to 16½ inches, so even 35½-inch length and sub-6-
large adults can shoot this rifle pound weight, it’s handy and
comfortably. Length of pull is fun. It’
s certainly qualified as a
adjusted by pressing a button target rifle, for use in teaching
Notes: Accuracy is the average of five, five-shot groups at 50 yards.
on the buttpad while simultane- Velocity is the average of five shots recorded by Labradar placed adja- youngsters to shoot, or manag-
cent to the muzzle.
ously pulling the buttpad rear- ing the rabbit population.
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86 G&A JULY 2024

PR O O F H OU S E SIG Sauer P322-COMP .22 LR

SHOOTING GALLERY
SIG SAUER’S P322 is a .22-caliber rimfire pistol styled slide over a black frame. The slide has been left “in
like the very popular P365 XL. First introduced in Guns the raw” with just a clear anodized finish over the
& Ammo’s June 2022 issue, the latest version is the aluminum. The serial number is etched on the
P322-COMP. Though the pistol would be suitable for stainless-steel frame, which is visible in a cutout
rimfire competition it should have broader appeal. at the top right side of the grip. The steel frame
Like the standard P322, the P322-COMP features sits inside the grip housing, but unlike the P365
a 4-inch barrel and is supplied with either two 10- it is not meant to be user-removable.
round or a 20- and 25-round magazine, depending on Aggressive, flat-bottomed serrations are
jurisdiction. The barrel appears longer than standard on the slide, and they’re not for show. The recoil
due to the recoil-reducing compensator attached to spring, which fits around the barrel, is lighter
the barrel — hence the name. Unlike the standard than a spring in the P365 because of lower-
P322, the -COMP includes a RomeoZero Elite red dot powered ammunition and the fact that the
optic, slide racker, extended magazine release, and hammer spring adds resistance. The
an oversized takedown lever with a thumb rest. force required to cycle the slide
The P322 looks like the striker-fired P365 XL, but when the hammer is forward is
engineers had to make certain concessions to ensure more than you’d expect for
reliability with the much weaker .22 LR cartridge. a rimfire, which is also
The slide of the P322 is machined from aluminum to why there is a slide
reduce weight, and the P322 does not use a striker- racker at the
fired operating system. Rather, on the inside this is a rear.
hammer-fired single-action-only (SAO) pistol. As tested
— with compensator, optic, and 20-round magazine
inserted — it weighed just 19½-ounces according to
a digital scale. It measured 8 inches long, 2.2 inches
wide at the slide racker — 1.3 inches at the slide
stop — and 6.2 inches tall with the 20-round
magazine inserted.
Introduced for 2024, there is only
one model of the P322-COMP:
A two-tone gun with a silver
 JULY 2024 G&A 87

SIG SAUER
P322-COMP
Hammer fired, blowback operated,
TYPE
semiautomatic
CARTRIDGE .22 LR
CAPACITY 20+1 rds. or 25+1 rds.
BARREL 4 in.
OVERALL LENGTH 8 in.
WIDTH 2.2 in.
HEIGHT 6.2 in.
WEIGHT 1 lb., 3.5 oz.
SLIDE 7075 aluminum; Anodized
FRAME Stainless steel (chassis); textured grip module
Fiber optic (front), integral notch in optic
SIGHTS with photoluminescent paint (rear); SIG Sauer
RomeoZero Elite (included)
TRIGGER 3 lbs., 12 oz. (tested)
SAFETY Drop safety, manual thumb safety lever
One 20- and one 25-round magazine; threaded
ACCESSORIES barrel extension; curved trigger; cable lock;
lockable hard case
MSRP $650
MANUFACTURER SIG Sauer, 603-610-3000, sigsauer.com
88 G&A | JULY 2024 | SIG SAUER P322-COMP .22 LR

The P322-COMP slide features a removable,

ambidextrous slide racker behind the rear
sight of the RomeoZero Elite optic.

for a finger to hook on

either side, making the
slide easier to cycle. If you want to remove the racker,
you can; it is held in place by a single screw. Removing it,
though, will leave a gap at the top-rear of the slide.
The 4-inch P322 barrel can be configured with or without the
It would appear that the P322-COMP has a longer compensator. Included is a thread-on adapter for suppressors and a
barrel to which the compensator is attached. In fact, it’s thread-protecting cap for shooting without a muzzle device.
the same 4-inch barrel as
the standard P322. There is You will need to remove
a “compensator adapter” the compensator before
screwed to the end of the you can take the slide off
½x28-threaded barrel, the pistol for routine main-
which extends roughly a tenance, because the barrel
third of an inch beyond the is fixed. SIG Sauer provides
slide. The compensator is hex wrenches to fit the set
then attached to that using screws on the compensator.
a set screw underneath. The front sight presents
Provided with the pistol a green fiber-optic insert
is a steel thread adapter within a polymer body. The
that screws to the end of rear sight on this model is
A fiber-optic front sight is co-witnessed with the RomeoZero Elite
the barrel. When installed red-dot sight. The rear sight notch is integral to the optic. However, built into the body of the
it provides a .4-inch long it must be removed to install the battery and activate the optic. RomeoZero Elite optic,
½x28 thread extension to which has some interesting
install a sound suppressor, if you prefer. features also. First, below the notch of the rear sight, there
Interestingly, the middle baffle in the compensator is is a vertical white stripe; it is photoluminescent, meaning
a separate part held in place by another set screw. That that it glows after being exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light.
insert can be removed when you want to clean the inside Second, the optic allows the shooter to choose between
of the compensator. The real reason why that middle baffle a 3-minute-of-angle (MOA) dot reticle or a 2-MOA dot
is a separate piece is because it is made of steel; the rest within a 32-MOA circle — or just the 2-MOA dot, or just
of the compensator is aluminum. That center baffle will the 32-MOA circle. It’s powered by one CR1632 battery,
take the lion’s share of the blast, so designing it from of which is supplied with the gun but not installed. You have
steel — and making it replaceable — meant that the com- to remove the optic from the slide to install the battery.
pensator should last longer. Advertised battery life for this optic is up to 20,000 hours.
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90 G&A | JULY 2024 | SIG SAUER P322-COMP .22 LR

A SIG Sauer RomeoZero is a 1x24 reflex sight that shares the Shield The trigger on the P322 is not the trigger device. Rather, it is a
RMSc-pattern footprint. Though included with the P322-COMP, it’s user-replacable trigger shoe that can be changed between a flat or
offered separately with either a 3- or 6-MOA red-dot reticle. $140 curved profile. Its tested resistance averaged 33⁄4 pounds for 10 pulls.

The frame features a three-slot length of rail to accomodate lights Though the exterior resembles a striker-fired P365 variant, the P322
and lasers. Ahead of it is the set screw for securing the compensator. is actually internal hammer-fired single-action-only (SAO) pistol.

The standard RomeoZero “gas pedals.”

has a polymer lens, but this The P322 features a bilat-
RomeoZero Elite sports a eral slide stop lever, but the
glass lens within a tougher, right-side does not function
thicker polymer housing. It to release the slide. The
uses the same Shield RMSc left-side lever is a tad small,
footprint as the standard but due to the reduced
RomeoZero, too. Every force of the weaker recoil
surface on the housing spring it is not difficult to
facing to the rear sports use it to release the slide.
anti-reflective serrations; a The pistol also comes
nice detail. The optic has with a bilateral manual
eight daylight brightness thumb safety lever; up for
settings and is adjusted by Safe, down for Fire. You can
a small rubber button just The takedown lever is like a pressure point to support recoil control. only engage it when the
behind the lens that allows internal hammer is cocked.
choosing between reticles. In part due to its polymer hous- When engaged it physically blocks trigger movement.
ing, the optic adds just a half an ounce of weight. Bought On the P322-COMP, you’ll find an extended magazine
separately, the optic has an MSRP of $139.99. release, too. The button is polymer, with a triangular
At the front, the frame sports a three-slot accessory rail checkered face. It is reversible. The texturing on the grip is
for mounting lasers or lights. For the P322-COMP, the the same as what’s found on the P365. It’s fine and doesn’t
simple takedown lever has also been replaced by a larger, look like much, but Guns & Ammo’s staff agreed that it is
competition-type that offers a curved, checkered thum- nicely aggressive and holds the hand in place.
brest for a right-handed shooter’s support hand; it’s useful The trigger is straight with a flat face, but the P322
for anyone not left-handed. Competition shooters have trigger is modular. What’s externally visible isn’t the trigger
been adding these to guns for years, nicknaming them but a polymer trigger shoe instead. The trigger shoe is
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92 G&A | JULY 2024 | SIG SAUER P322-COMP .22 LR

Unless subjected to the laws of a restricted state, one 20- and one With the compensator removed, the threaded barrel accepts a variety
25-round magazine are included with the P322-COMP. The capacity of suppressors with the provided thread-adapter installed. Suppress-
is complemented by its ease of use and affordability of .22 ammo. ing the P322 adds weight to the gun, lessening noise and muzzle flip.

replaceable, without tools. Included with the P322-COMP produced an average 3¾-pound triggerpull.
is a curved trigger shoe, if you prefer. The straight version A subtle, integral magazine well is located at the base
is installed at the factory. Changing the trigger profile is a of the molded frame. Like the frame, the magazines are
simple procedure that requires no tools. SIG Sauer even completely polymer in construction, sans the springs of
created a link to a few how-to videos on the subject and course. There are tabs on either side of the follower to
other products. Visit sigsauer.com to view them. pull down to aid in loading, and SIG Sauer also provides
The triggerpull on G&A’s sample was nice, a product of a magazine loader that fits over the top of the magazine,
the single-action, hammer-fired operating system. There which engages the tabs. If you’ve never loaded a .22 LR
was some takeup, but then a crisp break. G&A’s test pistol magazine with tabs, they assist your effort to pull down the
 SIG SAUER P322-COMP .22 LR | JULY 2024 | G&A 93

PERFORMANCE
BEST AVG.
VEL. GROUP GROUP
LOAD (FPS) ES SD (IN) (IN.)

Notes: Accuracy is the average of four five-shot groups at 25 yards from a sandbag
rest. Velocity is the average of 10 shots measured with an Oehler Model 35P chrono-
graph set 12 feet from the muzzle.

follower, but don’t pull the follower down all the way and
start dropping cartridges in; they’ll misalign and cause mal-
functions. Instead, move the follower down just enough to
insert one cartridge at a time. This ensures the cartridges
are arranged properly. Spare magazines are available from HIGH PERFORMANCE FIREARM LUBRICANTS
sigsauer.com, also. Twenty-rounders retail for $29.99 and
25-rounders cost $39.99.
Like many manufacturers, SIG Sauer is not providing an PROTECT
owner’s manual with the firearm. Instead, a small pamphlet
with 20 pages of warnings and 1 page of warranty infor- YOUR
mation is included, but if you want to examine the owner’s
manual you’ll need to scan the QR code on the front of the
pamphlet or go to the pistol product page on the website
FIREARMS
Wide operating temperature range
where there is a “download” tab. FMO GUN OIL: -5°F to 430°F
The P322-COMP is small and light enough to be a great SFL GUN GREASE: -50°F to 350°F

choice when taking kids to the range, but that’s also can Lubricating film remains after
being wiped away.
be a negative. At less than 20 ounces, it’s light for a true
competition pistol. The compensator tends to reduce Fortified with extreme pressure
and anti-wear additives.
muzzle rise — almost eliminate it — but “lightweight”
means the entire pistol can jump in your hand with each Provides high boundary lubrication
film protection.
shot. At the range, the pistol was exceedingly fun to shoot,
Includes oxidation inhibitors
and proved reliable with every type of ammunition — even to prevent gumming.
with subsonic ammunition.
Anti-corrosion additives protect
The SIG Sauer P322-COMP isn’t priced that much more against rust and corrosion.
than similar rimfire autos when viewed across the gun CELEBRATING OVER

counter, especially when you consider the $139.99 price of

a RomeoZero Elite. For example, the Taurus TX22 Competi-
15 YEARS
OF CONTINUOUS
OPERATIONS

tion SCR without optic has a manufacturer suggested retail

price of $590.99. Unfortunately for those of us who like to
FIREARM LUBRICANTS
compare prices against other brands, SIG Sauer no longer
Newark, NJ 07105 / Toledo, OH 43605 / 800-733-4755
provides official retail prices. Instead, the “minimum adver- www.lubriplate.com/falubes Or Scan QR Code
tised price” (MAP) for the P322-COMP is $649.99.
 Ed Brown Fueled® M&P®’s feature our exclusive
CUSTOM ACCURACY RAIL to perfectly mate the slide
and the barrel surfaces for improved lockup and accuracy

edbrown.com
C ON N E C T

Some states say gun-surfers must be 18.

Editor-
e lamented
provide
enever he
any firearm-
related website. I was confused
because I have never been is a ranch rifle that answers the
asked for that information before desire of residents wanting the
accessing a website. He sent me performance and modularity of
a screenshot and noticed that it a Modern Sporting Rifle (MSR).
said “certain states” blocked the Hornady developed expand-
content. As I live and work out of ing copper alloy (CX) bullets
Web users living in restrictive states may
Tennessee I was in the clear, but have noticedan age-verification screen when for hunters subject to lead-free
many are subjects of a blue state. attempting to view firearm media. mandates. And we’ve all witnessed
I investigated the situation and the surge in popularity for straight
found that even industry websites law-abiding American citizen. Of late, wall cartridges and lever-action rifles.
with no direct links to purchasing a restrictions target parts of a gun such In areas where “assault weapon bans”
firearm could be age restricted. The as the magazine capacity, stocks, grip, exist, gun owners are becoming
primary reason for the block was that and non-traditional appearance. How- familiar with lever-actions as both
some states consider newsletters and ever, restrictions often breed innova- hunting and self-defense options.
websites such as the NRA’s to be fire- tion and clever solutions. Aero Precision, Citadel, Henry, Marlin,
arm advertisements. Hence, a number In the May 2024 “Proofhouse,” POF-USA, and Rossi are capitalizing
of state legislative bodies are prohib- the Nighthawk Custom Treasurer was on the defensive or tactical-minded
iting minors from viewing content on reviewed. When ordering the pistol, crowd who can’t purchase an AR or
firearm subjects. (Yes, youth shooting the buyer receives a California-com- other Black Rifle by creating modular
sports and hunting are being affected pliant T3, completes the paperwork lever-actions that accept lights, optics
by these bans, as well.) and fulfills the 10-day waiting period. or have rails, mounting points, and
With a newfound appreciation for Then, it is returned to Nighthawk for a threaded barrels.
The Volunteer State, I began thinking Treasurer-package upgrade. Let us know if you want more
about readers who reside in restrictive Not limited to simply altering exist- coverage of state-compliant firearms
areas. It’s no secret that some firearms ing designs, new firearm platforms and accessories, and if so, for which
and suppressors reviewed by Guns and ammunition have been designed states? Send your feedback to
& Ammo can’t be enjoyed by every to work within the confines of reg- gaeditor@outdoorsg.com.
ulation. SIG Sauer’s MCX regulator
TOP COMMENTS

SOUND OFF
Respond to articles, find community and join the conversation in the Guns & Ammo forums and by engaging with us on social media:
Guns & Ammo Magazine @gunsandammomag @GunsAndAmmoMag gaeditor@outdoorsg.com
 SPENT CASES

The wait time for suppressor approvals is shrinking.

SENTENCE
40 YEARS OF SHOOTING, a good bit of ing the process. We will not stop until every law-abiding
my hearing could use a break. That is why citizen can buy a suppressor with zero delay.”
They cut noise, recoil and muzzleblast The backlog was attributed to the background check
odest weight and length. I use suppressors process. Form 4s were being processed sequentially, so,
and have found them to be instrumen- when an application was delayed due to a name similarity
tal when teaching new or actual criminal history,
shooters. I have heard the process for everyone
no credible argument stalled while the exam-
against using them on iner investigated that
appropriate firearms. application. Under the
The issue has been new system, the process
the long delay in sup- continues to flow while
pressor approvals, a delayed applications are
process that has ranged investigated separately.
from several months to The result of that simple
more than a year. When change is significant.
the eForm system was The fastest approv-
launched in late 2021, als are happening for
we were promised Form 4s submitted
faster approval times. from individuals rather
However, applications than on behalf of trusts.
languished for months. Trust approval times
Those days appear to be are improving as well,
no longer. Thanks to improvements made by the BATFE’s especially with so-called “standardized” trusts prepared by
NFA Division, Form 4 approvals are happening in mere companies such as Silencer Central (silencercentral.com).
days as of this writing. My most recent approval, which Silencer Central offers a free NFA trust with every order
occurred in April 2024, took 44 hours. and is able to ship the suppressor directly to the custom-
What happened? There was a meaningful collaboration er’s door once the application is approved. Their services
between industry trade groups and the NFA Division. The are available in the 42 states where suppressor ownership
American Suppressor Association (ASA, americansup- is legal, but it does offer individual sales as well.
pressorassociation.com) worked behind the scenes, for The bad news is that the rapid approvals don’t negate
example, to encourage improved practices regarding the the necessity of paying for a $200 tax stamp; only Con-
processing of suppressor transfers. A Fall 2023 gathering gress can eliminate that tax, which won’t happen anytime
organized by ASA Vice President Owen Miller, a compli- soon. The electronic filing process has made suppressor
ance guru, was a key event in this odyssey. ownership easier than ever, though. Once a company such
“[ASA] has spent more than a decade spearheading as Silencer Central has your fingerprints and other informa-
efforts with ATF, Congress and the suppressor industry to tion on file, there’s no need to repeat the entire process.
ILLUSTRATION: A. F. BRANCO

get rid of unnecessary delays,” said ASA President Knox Suppressor sales are skyrocketing, so don’t be surprised
Williams. “Hats off to the current NFA Division leadership if cans are backordered. Supply will catch up with demand
who have worked diligently and directly with ASA to finally and business will normalize — eventually. Once that hap-
turn a corner on processing times. Despite the significant pens, suppressors will be readily available and approvals
leap forward, ASA is still hard at work to continue improv- should happen quickly. Our ears will thank us.
CO-DESIGNED BY ONE OF THE MOST

THE U.S. MILITARY.

©2024 Trijicon, Inc. | 24TRIJ18481-R24 | Trijicon.com

precise riflescope that gave

warfighters the ability to
engage targets from CQB to
long range with confidence.
Mission accomplished.

Read the full story at

Trijicon.com/VCOG.