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4 G&A | DECEMBER 2024

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Conifer Knife is the perfect blade for the person who wants to stand out. CALL NOW! g) Copies not Distributed 33,746 31,914
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10 G&A DECEMBER 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.

mention the M1A1 Carbine. MARCH ’99

He always said that he
couldn’t hit anything with it
and wished he had an M1
instead. Hopefully, Inland
Manufacturing figured
out the accuracy issue as
mentioned in the article.
He has been gone for more
than a decade, but I swear I
could hear him cussing out
the little carbine as I read
the article.
Bob Murray
Lompoc, California
WOOD VS. PLASTIC 10 IS PERFECT
Being 77 years old, I know Good read, Mr. Tarr. Thanks TRIPOD SHOOTING
I am an outdated human for not regurgitating the A lot of guys are using
and generally do not keep same recycled information tripods when shooting wild
with society. I own several about the 10mm in your hogs with thermal optics
nice walnut-stocked rifles: April 2024 column, “The at night. An article about
Ruger M77 in .220 Swift; Perfect Ten.” That 20 years tripods and swivel heads
Ruger No. 1 in .300 H&H; of downtime for the 10 was should interest many folks, I
custom 7x61mm S&H with a the best, making it the best- imagine. I have hogs on my
AAA Claro walnut stock that kept secret for its Power ranch and enjoy shooting
I made; and a dozen others Factor and capacity. At first, them. My point is to buy what you
with wood stocks. Some are ammunition was limited and Lu McLeod need for the future. Powder
really nice; others are fairly expensive. After a while, I Ocala, Florida is neither getting cheaper
plain. All look better than was able to snatch up all or easier to find. If properly
the plastic-stocked rifles. I the ammo still on shelves POWDER STORES stored in sealed containers
know plastic-stocked rifles at excellent prices. I follow In the August 2024 issue of and in a climate-controlled
are less expensive to make, everything “10mm,” as Guns & Ammo, Keith Wood environment, it can last
and I guess they sell better much as possible. Everyone authored a timely and rel- decades. I opened a sealed
than the old-fashion ones. is catching on to it, but evant piece on gunpowder 8-pound container of IMR-
How did we, years ago, there are too many ammo shortages, price increases, 4198 purchased in Septem-
ever hit anything without manufacturers wussing and a good explanation as ber 1995. I inspected it and
an adjustable this or that? down the power factor. to why. A bit bothersome loaded a half-dozen rounds
I know plastic is more Pete Perez was the response by a for my .30-30 T/C pistol.
durable, and generally more Email reader from Pennsylvania When chronographed,
stable than wood, but does published in the October the numbers matched the
no company care about M1A1 MEMORIES issue’s “Reader Blowback.” historical data in my note-
appearances anymore? A It was good to read Dave He accused Wood of books with a deviation of
nice wood stock can be Emary’s article “Borne of encouraging “hoarding” 10 feet per second (fps). I
made almost weatherproof the Clouds” in the August and advised readers to then loaded 100 cartridges
with a little effort. None of 2024 issue of Guns & “buy no more than they and killed two deer in
mine have warped or swol- Ammo featuring the M1A1 need,” whatever that is South Georgia. My point is
len. I would like to congratu- Carbine. My father, Chuck supposed to be. There is simple: Purchase what you
late riflemakers for their work Murray, was a tail gunner no assurance there will ever estimate you need, and
ILLUSTRATION: A. F. BRANCO

with plastic. I suggest Guns in a B-29 during World War be a glut of gunpowder. understand that when prop-
& Ammo create an “Ugliest II, the “Phoney Express.” Not only are we faced with erly stored powder doesn’t
Rifle of the Year Award.” I have vivid memories of endless wars, but there is have an expiration date.
John Frazar him cussing every single no indication that inflation David Sikorsky
Jasper, Alabama time he heard someone of commodities will end. Savannah, Georgia
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12 G&A | DECEMBER 2024 | READER BLOWBACK

MAKE MINE A 9 Magnum. I was surprised considered, I couldn’t be FIRST GUN

I like 9mm Parabellum; when I didn’t read it men- happier with them. The My dad bought me a Marlin
deeper penetration, flatter tioned in Part 1 or 2. Was it guns were made in Zastava, bolt-action .22 when I was
trajectory, increased mag- also derived from the .300 Yugoslavia, on German in the second grade. He
azine capacity, quicker fol- H&H Magnum? (I also used tooling and bear the King’s paid a whopping $17 for
low-up shots, more afford- that round in the 1950s.) The seal and crown. For $307, it! I couldn’t even pull back
able ammo. According to Remington 7mm magnum all the serial numbers were the safety to fire without
the “Hornady Handbook caliber rifle is still in produc- intact and matched on the his help. I still have this
of Cartridge Reloading,” tion. I would like to read bolt, barrel, stock and floor rifle and I am 67 years old.
the 9mm also delivers more another article on these two plate. The bayonet didn’t Thanks for the memories.
kinetic energy on target. great cartridges. Keep up match, though. The bore Chuck Barron
Michael Mackay the good work, G&A! was shiny, and the gun Email
Mulvane, Kansas Gary Bingham performs perfectly. It’s my
Blue Ridge, Georgia go-to deer rifle. These are LET THERE BE
MAGNUM CRAZE not infamous! LIGHT!
As usual, I enjoyed Craig RIGHT George Miller I very much enjoyed the
Boddington’s two excel- I opened my October issue, Franklin County, Missouri review of the Smith &
lent articles on magnum and my eyes caught Dave Wesson Bodyguard 2.0
cartridge history (“Too Many, Emary’s “punching” of “Most of the M48s were (October, 2024). I believe
Too Fast,” September 2024; Mitchell’s Mauser project. intact because they were that S&W would have a real
“Not Too Many, Not Too It was interesting and infor- imported that way. Not so gold mine with this new pis-
Fast,” October 2024). Since mative, but biased consid- with the K98s, so Mitchell’s tol, but it doesn’t have a rail
1964, I have bagged many ering my experience. I pur- Mausers cleaned the parts under the barrel to mount a
deer and an elk with the chased “Collector Grade” and remarked them so they light or laser sight. This is a
popular Model 700 Rem- M48s in the late 1990s would match.” serious oversight. Too bad
ington in 7mm Remington or early 2000s. All things — D. Emary they missed this feature

THE NEXT GENERATION OF HOLSTER EXCELLENCE

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CandGHolsters.com
 READER BLOWBACK | DECEMBER 2024 | G&A 13

because if there was a rail, little carry gun. I know that new product launches “Achieving a flawless prod-
the Bodyguard 2.0 would guessing public demand is in their own way. Many uct launch with sufficient
be on my hip tomorrow! not a science, but I would firearms companies launch inventory to meet demand
Mike Beals think they’d have some products at large industry is always the goal, but it
Tomahawk, Wisconsin idea as to the number of shows even if they don’t is a challenging process. I
units they expect to sell and have inventory on hand in feel like companies actually
NEW-GUN build accordingly. I’ll keep order to gain the broadest achieve this about 10 per-
AVAILABILITY looking. reach and news coverage. cent of the time. It’s tough.
Just finished reading the Kurt Hopkins In those cases, it may take Most companies do have
Proofhouse on the Tau- Weeki Wachee, Florida several months for inventory inventory to ship at launch,
rus 692 Executive Grade to be delivered to retail- but the amount they want
(September 2024). It’s “We can’t disclose exact ers where consumers can or need, it’s all based on
a little out of my price numbers, but Taurus does finally purchase them. We production timing. We do
range, but something to have pre-launch inventory. generally try not to launch a build an inventory before
consider down the road. With Executive Grade mod- major product until we have each release. The science is
Do companies build up an els, those are handbuilt so inventory in the channel so the want, which is affected
inventory before releasing volume will always be lower customers can access them by what you actually get.
a new product? I’ve been than production guns. The sooner. Regarding forecast- We follow the same sched-
looking for a Model 692 Model 692 became the fast- ing, there is a lot of time ule, imported or not. In the
with a 3-inch ported barrel est-selling Executive Grade and energy spent on work- beginning, we consider
and can’t seem to find to date. There is a lot of ing that out. We knew the the timeline for ATF and
one. I’m also looking for a excitement for it, even more Bodyguard would be suc- German approvals. When
Walther PD380. I see that than we anticipated.” cessful, but it has exceeded we set a launch date, we
Smith & Wesson has an — C. Giddings, Taurus our expectations.” correlate those times.”
improved Bodyguard 2.0 in — A. Gore, — C. Osborn,
.380, which looks like a nice “Yes. Every company treats Smith & Wesson Walther Arms

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E D I TO R I AL

Stoeger celebrates 100 years.

@GUNSANDAMMOMAG

an Austrian-born sporting goods dealer ing pipes to skis, to chess and backgammon sets, for
appointed as the sole agent for Deut- example. After World War II, Stoeger sold firearms
Munitionsfabriken (DWM) in 1922. On and ammunition with great success. In 1948, the
placed an order for 2,500 Lugers catalog was 544 pages and became “The Shoot-
to stamp “A.F. Stoeger Inc, New York” er’s Bible.” It eventually included editorial features
on commercial-numbered receivers. He imported and authored by outdoor writers such as Jack O’Con-
sold German-made factory Luger pistols at a whole- nor, Tom McNally, and George Nonte.
sale price of $15 each. The 1920/23 Stoeger American Stoeger was purchased by SAKO in the 1990s,
Eagle Lugers were offered in 7.65mm or 9mm calibers, primarily for its firearm import and distribution
with barrels spanning 35⁄8 inches to 24 inches in length. assets. In 2000, Beretta Holding S.p.A., the Italian
Though longer-barrel models possess a higher value, group that owns venerable firearm brands such
a 98-percent Stoeger American Eagle will command as Beretta, Benelli, Franchi, and Uberti, acquired
between $6,000 and $7,500 in 2024. SAKO — and Stoeger. Now a division of Benelli
The first price list is believed to have been published USA, Stoeger Industries continues to thrive with its
by A. F. Stoeger on September 1, 1923. The advertise- lines of affordable pistols, shotguns and airguns.
ment indicated that Stoeger was the “[sole] authorized To honor its 100th anniversary and legacy,
importer for the United States and Canada of the Stoeger developed the Model 3000 Signature
genuine Mauser and Luger Arms and Ammunition.” semiautomatic shotgun. Featuring a 12-gauge,
Also listed for sale was Stoegerol, a solvent developed 3-inch chamber, the 100th Anniversary Edition
by Stoeger to lubricate and dissolve nitro powder. One blends classic styling and contemporary function-
could also purchase German-made Anson & Deeley ality. The receiver is satin-finished nickel and
double-barrel shotguns, as well as Luger holsters, displays fleur-de-lis engraving in the spirit of
cartridge belts, field binoculars, compasses and bespoke shotguns, which is set apart by the
telescopes. The business was successful, and the first polished blue 28-inch barrel with a stepped
numbered Stoeger catalog appeared in 1925. rib and fiber-optic bead. Controls feature a
Through the Great Depression, the Stoeger catalog black-accent finish. Most distinctive is the satin
expanded to include commercial offerings from Colt, walnut furniture. The forend is slim with
Mauser, Smith & Wesson, Walther and Webley. Avail- expansive finger grooves and texture,
able by mail order were hunting rifles from Mannlicher- which is complemented by the textured
Schoenauer, Mauser, Mossberg, Remington, Savage, stock and rubber buttpad. Drop and cast
Stevens, and Winchester. Shotguns were also sold shims are provided to personalize fitment,
through Stoeger including those from A. H. Fox, Greener, and IC, M, and XFT choke tubes are
Ithaca, Iver Johnson, Parker, Remington, L. C. Smith, and included. In keeping Stoeger’s repu-
Winchester. The company grew so large and fast that it tation for offering high-value prop-
opened a retail store at 507 5th Avenue in New York. ositions, the Model 3000 Signature
World War II threatened Stoeger because arms and is offered with a manufacturer-sug-
ammunition were in limited supply due to the war effort. gested retail price (MSRP) of $799.
A. F. Stoeger adapted to the situation by expanding the It’s an affordable tribute to a brand
business to include the sale of goods ranging from smok- with staying power.
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“The three-digit serial number of your

gun increases its desireability.”

GARRY.JAMES@
OUTDOORSG.COM

main question is to the this a police-trim shotgun

nature of the trim level of that wasn’t roll-marked
the shotgun. The receiver with any indicator that it
is marked with an Express is a magnum or a Police
roll stamp, but it also has variant? Or is it simply an
“LPD” marked, indicating off-the-shelf Express-model
that it was owned by a shotgun that was made in a
local police department. time before my own when
To me, this explains the quality control was still a
wear on the gun, mainly thing? I have no intention
in the shell retainers and of selling the shotgun.
the finish. The firearm, Rather, I intend to use it
$1,050
however, has an aluminum as a home-defense item.
trigger housing and what Therefore, its value matters
WORLD WAR II-ERA WALTHER PPK? I believe is a non-MIM little to me. I would like to
Q: Here are pictures of a Walther PPK pistol supposedly extractor. Upon purchase, know a little more about
liberated from a German officer in World War II. Any ideas it was completely stock the story of my beloved
on its authenticity or value? with the exception of the scattergun.
L. S. factory furniture being G. G.
Email changed for polymer. Was Kansas City, Missouri

A: It appears to be a very decent Walther PPK with the AUCTION BLOCK

“Eagle N” proofmark used in Germany from 1939 to 1945.
I see no military marks or Waffenamts on the piece, so it
is likely commercial. This does not preclude it from having
been used by a German military officer who could have
purchased it privately. The military-style holster would lend
some credence to this possibility. Condition looks to be
around 80 percent. As such, with the holster and spare
magazine, it’s worth in the $950 to $1,100 range.

REMINGTON 870 to this shotgun of mine has

Q: A few years ago, I led me to wonder more
bought a Remington 870 about the nature of this
from a local gun shop for shotgun. According to my
my 18th birthday. With research, it was manufac-
the exception of occa- tured in August 1990 with
sional double feeds, it has the left-hand barrel code
functioned flawlessly in my “WK 91”. Additionally,
care. Lately, I’ve regained I’ve ascertained that it is
interest in this shotgun, a 3-inch magnum variant
and I’m deciding to bite by the suffix of the serial
the bullet and customize number A003XXXM. This
it. The newfound attention all makes sense to me. My
18 G&A | DECEMBER 2024 | GUN ROOM

A: Model 870s are just posed, off-the-shelf Express fire. Double-trigger Frank were the usual finishes.
not my thing, so I que- model that has a great deal Wessons were made from Grips were normally of hard
ried Dwight Van Brunt of of life remaining.” 1859 to 1888 in five vari- rubber. Your five-shooter
Sportsman’s Legacy for his ants involving sporting and is a fairly common variant
thoughts on your piece. FRANK WESSON military models. Calibers and, based on the condition
Here they are: “I am a RIFLE SPECS ranged from .22 to .44. In apparent in your photos, it’s
50-plus-year user of 870s, Q: I’m helping out with an the condition you describe worth in the $275 to $300
and I think quite highly of estate. There is a Frank — a photo would have range. The box doesn’t look
them. Had they not begun Wesson two-trigger rifle, helped considerably in my original to me. It should
in the shadow of the great Type 1, with the Kittredge evaluation — on the con- have some label matching it
Model 12, I suspect they marking. It’s in good con- servative side I’d price it in to the gun.
would be regarded as the dition with a patina finish, the $1,450 to $2,250 range,
greatest ‘shell shucker’ of but is missing the front depending upon finish and EARLY COLT
all time. One even stands sling swivel. The barrel functionality. FRONTIER SCOUT
watch at the bedside to is decent and rifling has Q: I have a Colt Frontier
this day. On hunting trips, it minor corrosion. It should .32 S&W ID Scout .22 that I bought
rides along to address the be a .44 rimfire, right? On Q: Having read your new in 1970 in Alabama.
occasional opportunity for slugging the barrel, the column for a long time, I would like to know a bit
pheasant or grouse. The lands and grooves measure I finally have a question more about it. The serial
870-receiver designation .410 and .417. Do you have to ask you. I have this number is 243XXXF. It
‘M’ indeed indicates ‘mag- any thoughts on this? pistol that was given to my appears to have an alumi-
num.’ That said, barrels are P. H. grandfather by a patient’s num receiver with fixed
often mixed and matched, Email wife who did not want sights and a 4¾-inch barrel.
especially over time. As I it around after her hus- For insurance purposes,
recall, the Express trigger- A: The Kittredge markings band’s passing. Caliber is I’m assuming the value is
guard was originally alloy lead me to believe you have .32 S&W; serial number around $700. I’d also like
before the accountants a Frank Wesson First Type 1204XX. Bluing is turning to know the date of manu-
willed it polymer. Cop guns Military Carbine variant. If brown in places; it would facture, and anything else
are all about the ‘go’ rather the buttstock is round on probably be 98 percent you’d care to add. I haven’t
than the ‘show.’ It could well the bottom, it’s military. If it’s otherwise. Markings on shot this little gun a lot,
have seen aftermarket parts flat, it’s civilian. A number of top of barrel read, upper but it is a joy to shoot.
added, so there really is no these were sold by dealer line, “SMITH & WESSON D. M.
way to answer the specific Benjamin Kittredge & Co. SPRINGFIELD MASS Email
parts questions with cer- to various states for troops U.S.A”; lower line, “PAT’D
tainty. The general answer is during the Civil War. The MAY 11.1880. JAN.5.1882 A: I hold something of a
that it was likely a repur- caliber is likely .44 rim- APRIL 9.1889”. I suspect fondness for the Colt Fron-
the box it’s in may be tier Scout, as an early Scout
“PLANET OF THE APES” CARBINE original, but it has no label was the first revolver I ever
to confirm. The model and owned. The Frontier Scout
possible value would be was manufactured between
appreciated. I’m not plan- 1958 and 1970 with the
ning to sell, just curious. early batches having “Q”
T. G. or “F” suffixes in the serial
Email numbers. Your particular
piece was made at the
A: You have a Smith & end of the run in 1970.
Wesson .32 Double Action Originally chambered for
Fourth Model. These nice .22 LR, a .22 WMR version
little revolvers were manu- was offered beginning in
factured from 1883 to 1909. 1960. Barrel lengths were
Some 239,600 were built 4¾ inches or 9½ inches (i.e.,
during that period. Barrel Buntline). An alloy frame
lengths ranged from 3 to was standard. Other vari-
10 inches, with some of the ants such as models with
longer ones being quite “K” or “P” suffixes offered
scarce. Blue and nickel features such as nickel plat-
20 G&A | DECEMBER 2024 | GUN ROOM

ing or “Staglite” grips. The the answer is that the top Wesson. Instead, inside the takedown to clean and
Colt Peacemaker .22 Scout number is a serial number trigger is a spring-loaded inspect it. I was amazed
with a case-hardened steel that at one time would likely bar. All I had to do was get at how good it looked.
frame and interchangeable have matched the pistol that lever on the right side The bluing, stock, and the
.22 LR/.22 WMR cylinders with which it was issued. of the hand pin, and the bore are really good. FYI:
were made between 1970 The “y” indicates there problem was solved. It has I won’t ever tackle that
and 1977. A New Frontier were other guns with the the typical British import main spring again; what
Scout with flat topstrap was same serial, this being a marks under the barrel. a chore that was! I know,
offered between 1970 and qualifying prefix. The “655” “3½ Ton”, the crown over or have heard, that these
1977. It was reintroduced in is the Wehrmacht unit to “BNP”, and so on. It also were made in a limited
1982 only to be discontin- which the piece was issued. has the crown over “BNP” number, initially because
ued some four years later. behind each flute on the of a controversy regarding
The final incarnation had a IS IT A REAL cylinder, so I am sure that the “Deerstalker” moniker.
crossbolt safety. Your gun SMITH & WESSON? it is a British Import. Thus This early number (3XX)
appears to be in fine shape Q: A Smith & Wesson it may be obvious that it may have some additional
and has a spare cylinder, so that’s not a Smith & Wes- is not a Smith & Wesson. value. What can you tell
I’d say your $700 evaluation son? Garry, your column What do I have here? me about the history and
is just about right. I might is always the first thing I J. J. T. value?
even be tempted to add read when I get my copy New Mexico C. T.
another C-note since it is of G&A. Finally, I have one Pflugerville, Texas
very clean and shows little to send you. I won this gun A: According to Rick
use. on gunbroker.com as a Vic- Nahas, co-author of “Stan- A: The handy little .44 Mag-
tory model Smith & Wes- dard Catalog of Smith & num Deerstalker semiauto
son. Shame on me! I collect Wesson,” “It’s a mid-World carbine was introduced
and gunsmith Smith & War II Victory model with a by Sturm, Ruger & Co. in
Wesson revolvers. I missed strange barrel from another 1959, and was manufac-
two things: There is no gun. Prior to World War II, tured until 1985. There
Smith & Wesson emblem these only had a one-line were several variations,
on either side of the pistol. address. The slide hammer including commemoratives,
Second miss: Only one line bar did not come along etc. Yours appears to be a
of text is on the right side, until mid-war, so one will standard carbine. It’s a very
“Made in USA”. I got this not see the sliding bar early example, and does
one as a gunsmith special, and the trigger return pin have some collector appeal
as the cylinder didn’t turn on the spring housing. It as it was manufactured
with a trigger pull. I only has later jewelling on the before the 1962 Ithaca
paid $180 for it, so I don’t hammer and trigger, also “Deerstalker” lawsuit. The
LUGER MAG MARKS mind that it isn’t a Smith & called “engine turning.” It’s three-digit serial number of
Q: In the “Gun Room” Wesson. It didn’t snap until a real S&W, but the barrel your gun increases its desir-
column of the April 2024 I pulled the side plate off. is wrong. The trademark ability. On the other hand,
issue of Guns & Ammo, The sear on the hammer is was not on all guns in that it appears that the gun has
you referenced a Luger very different than Smith time.” been embellished with an
with the markings “byf” & Wesson’s. The rebound aftermarket rear sight, and
and “41”. My Luger has slide doesn’t have a pin to RUGER an extended rubber recoil
these markings, though on operate the hammer block. DEERSTALKER pad, thus diminishing its
the magazine the markings As a matter of fact, the Q: I obtained this rifle appeal. Assuming these
are different. Could you hammer block is mounted about 20 years ago as a can be removed and/
shed some light on the to the side plate and big brother to the first or replaced with proper
markings on my magazine? operated by a ramp on the ever gun I bought in original-style components,
I thoroughly enjoy your back of the hand. The hand 1975, a Ruger 10/22. I am and that no structural or
column each month, as I do was not under tension, very fond of this carbine cosmetic damage has been
the entire publication. thus creating the prob- style. Hopefully, you can done to the rifle, it would
G. S. lem with the cylinder not manipulate the pictures, help restore some of its
Email turning. I pulled the trigger but I apologize for my value and appeal. A clean,
out and there is no pin for limited ability in that unaltered early Deerstalker
A: I checked with a cou- the typical spring for the regard. Upon purchas- can easily bring close to a
ple of Luger pros, and hand like on a Smith & ing, I performed a total couple of grand.
NIGHTSTICK.COM
HANDGUNNING

The 5.7x28mm is surging in popularity.

FEST
AS A WEIRD, niche cartridge, P90 Personal Defense Weapon (PDW). The specs for the
5.7x28mm has seemingly exploded in cartridge called for a round that could penetrate a ballistic
Unlike the 10mm, though, for which helmet at 200 meters while fitting into a gun smaller and
seemed to appear for no traceable rea- lighter than a standard rifle. The 5.7x28mm SS190 car-
is easily explained. tridge was capable of defeating armor, but since it was
Since the introduction by FN in 1990 — and until 2020 “armor piercing,” it was not available commercially. Other
— there were just two factory platforms chambering in the sporting full-metal-jacket (FMJ), polymer tipped, and jack-
5.7: FN P90 PDW for which the cartridge was designed eted-hollowpoint (JHP) loads followed in 2000.
(and the PS90 semiauto- Out of the P90’s 10.4-
matic carbine in commercial inch barrel, most 5.7 loads
form), as well as the FN will do more than 2,200
Five-seveN pistol. The P90/ feet per second (fps).
PS90 and Five-seveN pistol Current offerings feature
were considered expensive, bullets from 35 to 62 grains.
and the ammunition, which Except for the subsonic
was made exclusively for rounds, most cartridges
FN by Fiocchi, was expen- travel 1,600 to 1,800 fps
sive and hard to find. out of pistol-length barrels.
Then, FN’s patents In appearance, the bot-
expired. In December The 5.7x28mm offers low recoil and fast follow-up shots. Tarr tested tlenecked 5.7 looks like a
2019, Ruger introduced the TISAS PX-5.7, and the muzzle remained flat through rapid fire. baby rifle cartridge, which is
the Ruger-5.7 ($899, ruger. basically what it is. Because
com) pistol at almost half the cost of FN Five-seveN it has almost no taper, the cartridge body needs to be
($1,409, fnamerica.com). Surprising to many, the Ruger-5.7 lubricated during the manufacturing process. This was the
was a hit. Since then, Smith & Wesson released its M&P reason why many ammunition makers were slow to invest
5.7 ($699, smith-wesson.com); KelTec the P50 that feeds in the cartridge, aside from the fact that there were only a
P90-type 50-round magazines ($795, keltecweapons. few guns chambered for it.
com); Palmetto State Armory PSA 5.7 Rock ($499, palmet- While long, the cartridge cases are skinny, which means
tostatearmory.com); and TISAS the Turkish-made PX-5.7 magazine capacities for 5.7mm pistols start at 20 and go
($300, tisasarms.com). I’ve also heard that Taurus will be up from there. Capacity is a big selling point. While it
introducing a 5.7-chambered pistol soon. is loud, one of the reasons the 5.7 has been popular in
On the ammo side, the 5.7x28mm cartridge was SAAMI pistols is due to the lack of felt recoil. It has less recoil than
approved on July 11, 2024. In addition to Fiocchi and FN a 9mm, and is controllable. The main reasons the 5.7 isn’t
ammunition, even Federal, Hornady and Speer are offering more popular as a carry cartridge is due to the fact that
loads for it. It’s finally a mainstream cartridge. the pistols and frames have to be sizable to accommodate
On May 7, 2024 — “5/7,” get it? — I attended “5.7 the length of the cartridge and SAAMI’s maximum average
Fest” hosted by Gun Talk and Range Ready Studios in pressure of 48,500 psi. Several companies are working on
Louisiana. It was a two-day event where gunwriters gath- smaller versions of a 5.7 pistol, but the long, high-pressure
ered with various manufacturers to talk about all things cartridge is problematic when used in short barrels.
5.7x28mm, past, present, and future. It was educational, On the long-gun side, Ruger offers its LC Carbine cham-
and I left with a lot of new information. First, let’s revisit bered in 5.7 ($1,009, ruger.com), and there are several
history for readers who may be new to this little bottle- AR-based pistols, rifles, and conversion kits. At the 2024
necked cartridge. NRA Annual Meetings, an FN rep told me it was thinking
The FN 5.7x28mm was designed for the select-fire FN about offering semiauto short-barreled-rifle (SBR) versions
24 G&A | DECEMBER 2024 | HANDGUNNING

of the PS90 with the 10.4-inch barrel sells affordable FMJ bulk packs featur-
due to the short wait times in the ATF ing a 40-grain bullet. At the event in
approving SBRs. (I told FN to stop Louisiana, Fiocchi representatives dis-
thinking about it and do it!) Having cussed its new 400-round combo and
twice watched all 17 seasons of “Star- value packs that combine 300 rounds
gate SG-1,” “Stargate: Atlantis,” and of 40-grain FMJ for practice with 100
“Stargate Universe,” where the P90 rounds of either 40-grain JHPs or 62-
is so heavily featured it could be con- grain subsonic rounds.
sidered a co-star, I’d buy one! (Don’t At 5.7 Fest, there were product
judge me, please.) The bottlenecked 5.7x28 cartridge is slen- presentations from Burris, EOTech,
While I can’t speak to the specific der. Mag capacities are often at least 20. Fiocchi, Hornady, Meprolight, Ruger,
reason behind the interest in the 5.7 Silencer Central, Smith & Wesson,
from the U.S. Secret Service, I know why American police Steiner, The Kinetic Group (i.e., Federal and Speer), and
departments were initially drawn to it: The common com- TISAS. In addition to shooting a lot of 5.7x28mm through
mercial, non-armor piercing loads, don’t penetrate barriers various platforms, we witnessed a ballistic gel test of
well. The small, light 35- to 40-grain JHPs hit plywood or various 5.7 loads. We also watched a decibel meter test
drywall and fragment. Police departments that answer a illustrating the efficacy of the Silencer Central Banish 22
lot of calls inside apartment buildings liked the fact that silencer on various 5.7 firearms, shooting both super- and
the 5.7mm bullets produced less overpenetration risk than subsonic ammunition. Fiocchi’s 62-grain subsonic FMJ load
traditional handgun bullets. was “Hollywood quiet,” as some like to say, producing just
Ammo was once rare and expensive, and only made by 122 decibels (dB).
Fiocchi for FN. The 5.7x28mm round is now more widely Gel tests of 5.7 ammunition were interesting, and I
available, and much of it was developed for personal walked away from the event with a new opinion: The
defense. Hornady offers a 40-grain V-Max Black and a 40- 5.7x28mm isn’t a bad choice for personal defense, as long
grain Critical Defense load. Speer engineered a 40-grain as you understand its limitations.
Gold Dot load. For those who train a lot, American Eagle I know a few people who actually carry pistols chambered

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 HANDGUNNING | DECEMBER 2024 | G&A 25

in 5.7; I was ambivalent. spec, but it is close. I saw

After 5.7 Fest, I understand excellent results. Generally,
the choice. Bullets wound 5.7mm JHPs will penetrate
two ways: With permanent 12-plus inches in bare gel or
wound cavities and with gel covered with FBI-spec
hydrostatic shock, a product “heavy clothing.” The veloc-
of velocity upon impact. ity seemed to guarantee
Generally, a defensive bullet expansion or fragmentation.
needs an impact velocity of What 5.7x28mm isn’t
At 5.7 Fest, various 5.7x28mm loads were fired in Clear Ballistics
more than 2,000 fps to pro- synthetic gel. Most of the defensive loads, including Fiocchi’s Hyper- good at is penetrating
duce traumatic hydrostatic formance 40-grain tipped hollowpoint, penetrated at least 12 inches. barriers, which is why some
shock, which typically means law enforcement agencies
you need a carry a rifle. Out of a pistol, the 5.7mm bullet choose it for certain roles: Indoor security and around
lives in that nebulous gray area between the two. The bul- crowds, for example. The light, fast bullets go through
lets speed downrange at near-rifle velocities, and the speed clothing fine, but they usually break apart against drywall
seems to offset the small size and weight of the projectile. or auto glass, and they have a much lower chance of pass-
While there haven’t been a lot of shootings involving ing through a person. This makes it a reasonable, rational
the 5.7x28mm — there have been some — it seems to caliber choice for the concealed carry piece of a private
perform as well as standard pistol-caliber hollowpoints on citizen who is far more likely to get into a face-to-face
the street. A representative from the U.S. Concealed Carry confrontation. Let’s not forget: 5.7 pistols, while large, offer
Association (USCCA, uscca.deltadefense.com) attended generous magazine capacities and relatively low recoil.
the event. He stated the organization was currently Even though the cartridge was introduced almost
defending a member who’d used a 5.7 pistol in a shoot- 35 years ago, it’s only been during the last five years
ing. After two shots were placed center mass, the threat that we’ve seen a lot of exciting opportunities with the
stopped, dropped, and died. 5.7x28mm. From what I learned at 5.7 Fest, I expect we’ll
Gel testing using Clear Ballistics blocks is not quite FBI see even more in the coming years.
 R E M I N G TO N A M M U N I T I O N

B U Y T O D AY R E M I N G T O N . C O M
R I F L E S & G LASS

Steiner H6Xi 2-12x42mm

HUNTER
A NATION of riflemen, and I’m proud to see for holdovers. It is clearly visible in the top half of magni-
continue. The competitive shooting world fication. As the magnification lowers, the tree shrinks and
for more than a decade, and the hunting heavy stadia lines along the vertical and horizontal axis
experienced the same. There has been a come into view. These stadia lines make fast aiming at 2X

new and better products.

to 20 percent is reflected back to the

come together. Doing so has allowed me shooter’s eye. This system isn’t power-
a more thorough understanding of what’s ful enough to be visible in bright day-
going on inside the maintube. light. By using the LED’s housing like a
Steiner is a strong German name, and flashlight’s reflector, Steiner directs the
the company headquarters is in Germany. beam only at the reticle’s center where
more of it impacts the reflective mate-

H6Xi has American details throughout.

has a horizontal crosshair with a dot at the center, illumination system right and working together for
and it subtends in .2-mil increments. The vertical stadia the optimal hunting solution is no small feat, but image
have a simple descending tree down the lower half of the quality is still king. Steiner uses a three-lens objective lens
reticle, subtending again in .2-mil increments. The STR-MIL group with all three lenses made from extra low disper-
reticle is useful for holdovers, and subtension marks remain sion glass. Two lenses are ground and permanently mated
accurate at any magnification thanks to the FFP reticle. together — a cemented doublet — with a third single lens,
However, having such a wide magnification range means all assembled in the objective lens group. The lens group
the reticle looks great in the top half of the magnification, plays the largest role in the scope’s image quality because
PHOTOS: MARK FINGAR

but it could become hard to see in the magnification’s it takes the incoming image and focuses all the light into a
lower half. Steiner’s solution to that potential problem is single focal plane that the rest of the scope manipulates.
addressed in two parts. The first is that only the center of Since incoming light has different wavelengths based on
the reticle has the fine subtension and descending tree the light’s color, and wavelength determines focal length,
28 G&A | DECEMBER 2024 | RIFLES & GLASS

Remove the elevation cap and Each H6Xi has two possible turret configurations: The exposed elevation turret (above, left) was
replace after sighting in to set designed for use when frequently dialing corrections. The interior turret (above, middle and right)
the zero stop. illustrate an interior turret that offers elevation corrections, but is capped until dialing is needed.

Machined aluminum throw levers clamp

over the magnification ring, giving some The reticle is powered by a common
extra leverage for fast adjustments. CR2032 battery. It is accessed by remov-
ing the reticle illumination cap.

because it reduces the diameter of

The Steiner STR-MIL reticle appears as a
every other lens in the optic when com-
duplex crosshair in low magnification with
an illuminated center. When zoomed in, pared to 34mm maintubes. The 30mm
fine .2-mil increments increase precision.
tube keeps weight to a minimum, but
it does carry the slight penalty of reduc-
STEINER
2-12X42MM H6XI ing the scope’s adjustment range to
POWER
about 21 mils, or 70 minutes of angle
The locking diopter ring is knurled and
prevents unintended reticle-focus adjust- OBJECTIVE
(MOA). Still, this is plenty of adjustment
ments.
TUBE DIAMETER
to get a rifle chambered in 6.5 Creed-
ELEVATION
moor out to beyond 1,100 yards, a dis-
getting them corralled into a single ADJUSTMENT tance that I’d never hunt at but might
focal plane is an engineering chal- WINDAGE ring some steel for fun. While the 2X
lenge. Spending money and using RETICLE to 12X magnification range is meant to
extra low dispersion glass is the time- LENGTH be great for hunting, this is still a scope
tested and most effective solution, so WEIGHT that allows for some fun at the range.
that’s what Steiner did. The result is EYE RELIEF Walking through the factory gave
excellent resolution with no chromatic MSRP me an appreciation for Steiner’s com-
aberration. Chromatic aberration is MANFACTURER
mitment to building premium prod-
the odd colors that appear around ucts in the United States. The maintu-
high-contrast edges in the scope’s bes are machined in Colorado from a
field of view. Aberration fatigues the eye when viewed for single piece of billet aluminum, and most of the internals
prolonged time periods. are made there as well. Only the glass lenses are made
Getting all of the above done was a challenge, but doing elsewhere, and those must pass stringent quality assurance
it in a large and heavy scope would have defeated Steiner’s standards before being put into a scope. All assembly and
primary objective of creating an ideal mid-powered optic testing occur in Colorado.
for hunters. Steiner kept the weight down to a svelte 23 The H6Xi is a premium scope built for premium rifles.
ounces, and the length to a short 11.8 inches. Its light weight I’d expect to see these more atop a high-end, adjustable
comes partially from using a 42mm objective lens. Objective hunting rifle rather than a more affordable Mossberg
lens groups are the heaviest group in any scope, so going Patriot or Ruger American, for example. Whether or not
with 42mm was a great decision. The maintube diame- the H6Xi is a good fit for you, it does represent the latest
ter is 30mm, also wise when trying to keep weight down in scope technology that’s intended for hunters.
30 G&A DECEMBER 2024

Q U I ET TI M E Silencer Central Banish Speed K Ti

TITANIUM
to the physics of suppression, internal vol- Besides an increase in cost — $1,399 versus $1,199 —
Suppressor manufacturers face the perennial there aren’t any drawbacks.
size, weight and noise reduction. “The only concern with titanium as a suppressor material
Director of Engineering Lukas VanLae- is temperature,” said VanLaecken. “To prevent internal
achievements in suppressor design are erosion, the can shouldn’t get above 750 degrees. Is that
and Banish Speed K, two cans an issue for most shooters? No. To achieve that tempera-
that prioritize small size over absolute sound suppression. ture, you need to fire three magazines — about 90 rounds
As the name suggests, the — as fast as you can pull
Backcountry was designed the trigger.”
for lightweight hunting. The Speed K Ti uses
The Speed K, on the other standard HUB mounts.
hand, was built to be as Pressure-wise, it can handle
small as possible while anything from rimfires to
capable of withstanding the large centerfires includ-
high-volume abuse. ing the .22 Creedmoor.
“The idea for the Speed K Because of its small size,
came from the law enforce- the Speed K’s blast cham-
ment community,” said ber has a series of fins.
VanLaecken. “Working “In a small suppressor,
alongside Federal Ammu- everything matters,” said
nition, we met with SWAT VanLaecken. “The fins cre-
teams, highway patrol, and ate six individual chambers
various police departments that cause gas to flow in
from all over the country. We took their input and designed all directions, which aids in turbulence and helps sound
the Speed K. The design intent was to create a suppressor reduction.”
that allows for maneuverability and minimizes blowback The final two baffles of the Speed K are ported. In
while also being hearing-safe. The Speed K is a short and terms of sound suppression, the ports don’t help, but they
maneuverable suppressor for taming AR platforms with minimize gas blowback, which is critical for the AR-pattern
barrels as short as 10½ inches.” firearms the Speed K was designed for.
The Speed K is only 4 inches in length yet 2 inches “Gas in a shooter’s face is never healthy,” said VanLae-
in diameter, maximizing internal volume. This unique cken. “The more you shoot, the more this matters. Porting
suppressor is 3D-printed from Inconel, a nickel-chromium in the final baffles allows some of the pressure to escape
superalloy used in extreme environments. As a suppressor by using the controlled-flow technology design. During
material, Inconel has just one drawback: It’s heavy. testing, other suppressors on the market increase back-
Silencer Central recently unveiled an upgrade that offers pressure in an AR by 20 to 40 percent. That’s substantial. In
all the benefits of the Speed K, but in a lighter package: comparison, the Speed K showed just a 5-percent increase
Banish Speed K Ti. According to VanLaecken, the only in backpressure.”
difference is the material. Despite the similarities, the Speed K Ti is slightly quieter
“Besides the metal, the Speed Ks than the Inconel version — almost 1
are identical in design,” said Van- SILENCER CENTRAL decibel quieter. Inconel and titanium
Laecken. “The advantage to Inconel BANISH SPEED K TI have different densities and metal
CALIBER
is durability. During testing, we put properties. The Banish Speed K pales
DIAMETER
more than 20,000 rounds through in comparison to other suppressors
LENGTH
the Speed K and, internally, it looked if maximum sound suppression is the
WEIGHT
new. The advantage of titanium is its goal.
MATERIAL
weight. Whereas the Inconel Speed K “The Speed K Ti cuts noise to a
MOUNT
weighs 14.1 ounces, our titanium ver- hearing-safe level,” said VanLaecken.
PHOTO: MARK FINGAR

FINISH
sion weighs just 8.6 ounces. That may “It prioritizes small size, low weight,
MSRP
not sound like much, but when it’s and reduced backpressure. The
hanging on the end of a rifle, a reduc- MANUFACTURER Banish Speed K Ti is hard to beat.”
tion of 5.5 ounces is noticeable.” — D. Faubion
ALWAYS Trusted in the line of duty - Trusted in your

READY
home. Built beyond tough for professional
use and for the the moments of no second
chances. Don’t settle for anything less.

Performance from Trust™

012741
32 G&A | DECEMBER 2024

2024

The best of what’s new

and innovative for 2024.

GUNS & AMMO EDITORS, contributors and staff have determined the
firearms industry’s award recipients for 2024. G&A evaluated the merits of
every new product during the course of in-house testing and evaluations,
and through field reports and information gathered while attending firearm
industry events. Nominations and voting were conducted at the conclusion of
the annual Outdoor Sportsman Group (OSG) Roundtable in Grand Junction,
Colorado. Only products made commercially available since the fourth quar-
ter of 2023 — and were not considered for last year’s awards — qualified for
consideration.
G&A acquired several samples of each nominated product throughout 2024
to achieve a representative evaluation. Products that warranted any doubt in
reliability or durability were struck from the list of candidates. All-new designs,
as well as those having the most potential to benefit the broadest range of read-
ers, were given additional merit when scored. To decide split decisions between
comparable products, the more affordable option was favored during the voting
process. New for 2024 is the creation of the “Air Gun” category.
The winner of each category was determined by popular vote, but nominated
products had to meet three criteria: First, the product must have been new
and available for purchase in 2024. A line extension of an existing product did
not earn full points as another possessing innovative features and engineer-
ing. Second, the product must have demonstrated quality and reliability to a
degree that met or exceeded its design objectives. Lastly, the winner offered the
greatest availability and interest to the largest audience. G&A’s staff awarded
these points after surveying in-store availability and confirming retail pricing to
ensure that new products exist for sale and provide great value.
Voting concluded on September 1, 2024. Congratulations to the winners.

To maintain the credibility of the Guns & Ammo of the Year awards, no manufactur-
ers, advertisers or sales representatives were consulted or involved with the selection
process. What follows is the ultimate list of 2024’s best new products.
 DECEMBER 2024 | G&A
33

PHOTO: MICHAEL ANSCHUETZ

34 G&A | DECEMBER 2024 | 2024 GUNS & AMMO OF THE YEAR AWARDS

$3,000

$2,160

$276

$3,000

$2,040
 $3,000

$1,320

BURRIS introduced several new optics and technologies a 5X zoom range for accuracy from close- to long-range
for release in 2024. These include the Eliminator 6, Signa- targets. Working in conjunction with an advanced eleva-
ture HD spotting scope, Veracity PH, FastFire C, and three tion turret, the unit features a heads-up display (HUD) to
thermals, the BTH35 v3, BTS35 v3 and BTC35 v3. These offer the shooter the ability to dial distance, windage hold
products represent an achievement in each respective cate- value, correct for cant. Shooters can also use the Bur-
gory, but the collection accentuates the advancements made risConnect app to create and upload a ballistic profile and
by Burris and its investment toward the betterment of our tune environmental factors.
optical future. The FastFire C is Burris’ latest red-dot optic that was
The Eliminator 6 packages ranging capability, environ- designed to support sub-compact and micro-compact pis-
mental monitoring, and ballistics technology into a single tols. It weighs less than 1 ounce and features “Always On”
scope with excellent optics. To use the Eliminator 6, sim- technology with a 25,000-hour runtime. It’s powered by
ply range the target, hold the illuminated aiming point on a CR2032 battery and is low profile while also mounting
the target and press the trigger. Previous generations of the with a lower-third co-witness when using standard sights.
Eliminator have been groundbreaking, but the Eliminator Burris has also introduced three high-resolution ther-
6 incorporates the latest tech packaged in a traditional- mals: One handheld (BTH35 v3), a second that is a
looking scope suited for most rifles. dedicated scope to be mounted on a rifle (BTS35 v3), and
The Signature HD Spotting Scope features a 20X to a third clip-on unit that can function either as a hand-held
60X magnification range with an 85mm objective. High thermal or as an imager that can be mounted ahead of an
Definition (HD) lenses are apochromatic, meaning they are optic, changing the host optic into a variable power ther-
free of chromatic and spherical aberrations. The result is a mal (BTC35 v3).
PHOTOS: MARK FINGAR

sharp image with high color accuracy. There is no detect- Each of these products qualifies for an individual award,
ible color fringing from edge to edge. but the collection bestows greater honor
Veracity PH is a riflescope that combines FOR MORE INFORMATION to the brand. In 2024, Burris reached the
Burris, burrisoptics.com
simple aiming concepts with technology on zenith of optical innovation. Q— E. Poole
36 G&A | DECEMBER 2024 | 2024 GUNS & AMMO OF THE YEAR AWARDS

SMITH & WESSON

BODYGUARD 2.0
TYPE

CARTRIDGE
CAPACITY
BARREL
LENGTH
HEIGHT
WIDTH

WEIGHT

FRAME
FINISH

SIGHTS

TRIGGER
HANDGUN OF THE YEAR
SAFETY
SMITH & WESSON BODYGUARD 2.0 That’s what happened the first time
was revamped and made distinctive. The MSRP we took a sample to the range. It’s
Bodyguard 2.0 in .380 ACP was an unex- a reliable subcompact in .380 that’s
pected entry in 2024. Excitement grew MANUFACTURER as shootable as a full-size gun while
as Guns & Ammo’s staff began receiving fitting in the palm of your hand. It
samples and testing the little gun. Then, it also features double-digit capacity.
was as if no one could stop raving about it. The Bodyguard 2.0 is a striker-fired .380 with a polymer
Pictures do not accurately describe the Bodyguard 2.0. frame and a stainless-steel barrel and slide protected by
It has the proportions of a compact or even full-size pistol, Smith & Wesson’s Armornite finish. It sports a 2¾-inch
but it is truly small enough to fit into a pocket. barrel and fits 10 rounds in the flush magazine, and 12
Everything about the in the extended. It only
Bodyguard 2.0 works. weighs 11.4 ounces with
Aesthetically, it looks great. the flush magazine inserted.
It also functions and is ergo- It’s just three-quarters of
nomic. The iron sights might an inch thick, and sports a
be “Best in Class,” as some highly visible orange day/
say. The trigger pull might night front sight.
be, too. The trigger pull on The Bodyguard 2.0 is an
our samples averaged a spec- eligible carry pistol for most
tacular 4¼ pounds. When shooters that’s priced com-
PHOTO: MARK FINGAR

a great trigger and a set of petitively. If it becomes the

sights work as these do, standard in .380 autos, well,
you have a pocket gun that you heard it here first. Q
will ring steel at 50 yards. — J. Tarr
 20 - GAUGE

Legendary in quality and performance, three generations

of the Benelli Super Black Eagle have carved their name
in history. This historic line continues to expand in 2024
with the addition of the SBE 3 Compact model in
28-gauge, 20-gauge and 12-gauge. See one today at your
local dealer or visit BenelliUSA.com.
38 G&A | DECEMBER 2024 | 2024 GUNS & AMMO OF THE YEAR AWARDS

RIFLE OF THE YEAR

WILSON COMBAT NULA MODEL 20/MODEL 20S ated a distinctive rifle that complements Wilson Combat’s
was based on Melvin Forbes’ New Ultra Light Arms reputation for accuracy, quality, and reliability.
(NULA), which Wilson Combat acquired in June 2022. Though the NULA design was improved, the receiver
Forbes passed away on June 5, 2024, at age 77. Guns & is still a scaled-down version of the Model 700 pattern,
Ammo immediately began pursuing Wilson’s NULA Model reduced in weight from the typical 35 ounces to just 20
20 and Model 20S Mini Action rifles. “I won’t have them ounces; it is where this rifle gets its name. The receiver
ready for the fall,” Wilson said in 2022. “It’ll be hunting is machined from 4140 bar stock, featuring a recoil lug
season next year before they’re ready.” True to his word, sandwiched between the barrel and receiver. Barrel lengths
Wilson had rifles ready for sale in the fall of 2023. Guns & depend on chambering, but span 16¼ inches and 22
Ammo first reviewed the NULA Model inches. The Model 20 is offered in
20 for the January 2024 issue. .243 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor,
WILSON COMBAT
Rifle aficionados are familiar with NULA MODEL 20 7mm-08 Remington, .308 Win-
Forbes’ Ultra-Light Arms and NULA TYPE
chester, and .358 Winchester. The
rifles. There were few produced CARTRIDGE
Model 20S Mini Action calibers
because the shop was always small, CAPACITY
include .223 Wylde, .300 HAM’R,
despite high demand. When the .300 Blackout and .350 Legend.
industry learned that Wilson Combat BARREL Wilson Combat makes its barrels
acquired NULA, a sigh of relief was in-house, and no Wilson Combat rifle
OVERALL
heard from heaven. Wilson Combat LENGTH
tested by G&A has ever failed to meet
has a robust manufacturing oper- WEIGHT
the sub-MOA guarantee.
ation, and Wilson refuses to make STOCK
Wilson Combat’s NULA Model 20
anything less than exquisite. Our LENGTH OF
and Model 20S earned Guns & Ammo’s
hope was that Wilson would stay PULL 2024 Rifle of the Year honors because
true to Forbes’ design while making it successfully preserved the icon’s
FINISH
them in enough quantities to satisfy lineage, staying true to Forbes’ original
the demand. A year after these rifles intent, but with enhancements that
TRIGGER
became available, we were thrilled to make its availability to the masses pos-
report that the new NULA rifles from SIGHTS sible. These rifles are now supported by
PHOTO: MARK FINGAR

Wilson Combat are more than what SAFETY a company that refuses to compromise
we hoped they would be. Wilson has MSRP quality for profit. It’s a huge win for the
taken the design, leveraged modern MANUFACTURER
rifle-shooting community. Q
manufacturing techniques, and cre- — T. Beckstrand
40 G&A | DECEMBER 2024 | 2024 GUNS & AMMO OF THE YEAR AWARDS

SHOTGUN OF THE YEAR

BROWNING A5 20 GA. was based on the 1898 John releases a shell from the magazine when the bolt is closed for
Browning design that was patented in 1900. The Auto-5 fast loading. The oversized shape and location make using
was the first mass-produced semiautomatic shogun, and it the latch convenient. Inside the A5 is the patented feeding
was in continuous production for nearly 100 years. Its dis- system that sends the first shell loaded directly into the
tinctive high rear receiver earned it the nickname “Hump- chamber. The term “speed loading” is historically attributed
back,” and it became the second best-selling autoloading to the Browning Auto-5, however, it was the invention of Val
shotgun in history. Browning, John’s son, which was patented in 1952. Not only
In 2014, Browning Arms released the A5. It is mechani- is the A5 fast to load, but it can be unloaded quickly without
cally different than the Auto-5, largely due to the Kinematic needing to cycle each shell through the chamber.
Drive System. The A5 uses kinetic energy to power the The overall fit and finish of the new A5 20 gauge is
recoil-operated system, providing reliable operation despite excellent. Aluminum parts, such as the receiver, have a
the differences in loads for 2¾- and 3-inch chambers. high-gloss anodized finish that complements the high-
The new-for-2024 A5 20 gauge is an innovative gloss walnut stock and blued steel barrel. The bolt,
approach to the design. Rather than taking a 12-gauge A5 bolt slide, shell carrier, bolt-release button and cocking
and rebarreling it for 20-gauge ammu- handle wear a nickel Teflon coating
nition, Browning engineered a smaller for additional protection. Inside the
BROWNING
frame, which made it slimmer and A5 barrel, the chamber and bore are
more than a pound lighter than the chrome, which resists corrosion and
TYPE
12-gauge model. The effort resulted in makes the bore easier to clean.
superb balance that feels light in the CARTRIDGE At the range and in the field,
hand, swings quickly, and promotes CAPACITY the Browning A5 20 gauge proved
follow-through. The humpback BARREL accurate, reliable, and intuitive to
receiver profile helps the eyes sight OVERALL shoot well. Felt recoil was light and
LENGTH
down the rib along the sight plane for dull. The barrel combines Vector Pro
WEIGHT
natural sight alignment with the fiber- forcing cone lengthening, back-bore
STOCK
optic bead and target. technology, and Invector-DS inter-
LENGTH OF PULL
Controls are familiar, and the trigger changeable chokes to put more pellets
group — with Browning’s gold trigger FINISH in each pattern. Twenty-gauge ammu-
PHOTO: MICHAEL ANSCHUETZ

— is easily removed for cleaning. The SIGHTS

nition is performing as 12-gauge loads
safety is a reversible crossbolt-style used to. For its smaller frame, iconic
SAFETY
button behind the trigger, while ahead humpback-shaped receiver, and 20-
of the triggerguard is the bolt latch. MSRP gauge performance, the A5 was easily
The bolt latch locks the bolt to the rear IMPORTER
the best shotgun in 2024. Q
when the magazine is unloaded and — E. Poole
HORNADY 22 ARC & ELD-VT exists because Hornady with copper jackets, but there is a large air cavity in the
wanted to offer .22-250 performance in a cartridge that nose. The air cavity keeps weight down while allowing Hor-
would work in an AR-15. It successfully pulled off the nady to create a long aerodynamic ogive that slips through
.22 Advanced Rifle Cartridge (ARC) by pairing Very Low the air. The ELD-VT family of bullets are so long and aero-
Drag (VLD) bullets with high dynamic that they pair best
ballistic coefficients (BC), and with cartridges designed for
installing them in a case that VLD bullets.
accepts as much powder as The .22 ARC brings the
possible behind the bul- latest in cartridge design to the
let. While the .22 ARC was .22-caliber world by maxi-
designed to work in an AR-15, mizing velocity and pairing
it is equally at home in a bolt- it with high-BC bullets. Since
action rifle. this cartridge has a maximum
While the .22 ARC shares overall length and case diam-
the same 6 PPC parent case eter capable of working in an
as the 6 ARC, it is not just a AR-15, it still offers mild recoil
necked-down version of it. and great barrel life. Combin-
The .22 ARC uses .22-caliber ing the .22 ARC cartridge with
VLD bullets that are shorter the ELD-VT makes a combi-
than its 6mm counterparts, so the .22 ARC case is slightly nation that has proven great for all types of shooting, from
longer and has more powder volume. That powder volume ringing steel to blasting coyotes. Few cartridge and bullet
— when paired with a VLD bullet — means the .22 ARC combinations have offered this much versatility. Q
has less wind drift than a .22-250 at 200 yards. Elevation — T. Beckstrand
drop is almost identical at 375 yards, and the ARC has less
drop at 500 yards and beyond. All of this exists in a case PERFORMANCE
that uses significantly less powder and is much easier on BEST AVG.
GROUP GROUP
the barrel than the .22-250. .22 ARC VEL. (FPS) ES SD (IN.) (IN.)
The 62-grain ELD-VT is the other half of Guns & Ammo’s
2024 Ammunition of the Year award because it was no less
PHOTOS: MARK FINGAR

deserving. The ELD-VT line offers bullets that are longer

with better ballistic coefficients
than the weight would indicate. FOR MORE INFORMATION Notes: Accuracy is the average of five, five-shot groups from 100 yards.
Hornady, hornady.com Velocity is the average of five shots measured with a Garmin Xero C1 Pro chronograph.
These are lead-core projectiles
 DROP-TESTED FROM
A LAND CRUISER AT
50 MPH IN UGANDA
Trijicon

Tim Herald’s safari hunt

started when a gust of
wind knocked his rifle and
Trijicon Tenmile® optic off the
©2024 Trijicon, Inc. | 24TRIJ18619-R24 | Trijicon.com

roof rack of his safari truck.

It ended when he took an
East African defassa waterbuck
bull with that same rifle and
optic two days later, after
confirming zero.

Read the full story at

Trijicon.com/50mphDropTest.
OPTIC OF THE YEAR
LEUPOLD MARK 4HD RIFLESCOPES won Guns & less expensive price. The Mark 4HD is that solution. It’s a
Ammo’s 2024 Optic of the Year honors because Leupold huge win for the customer, but it will certainly cut into the
found a way to merge superior optical performance with success of the Mark 5HD.
most of the features used in the Mark 5HD series — G&A’s We all know that nobody gets something for nothing.
2023 Optic of the Year. The Mark 4HD riflescopes include There are some differences between the Mark 4HD and
1-4.5x24mm, 2.5-10x42mm, 4.5-18x52mm, 6-24x52mm, Mark 5HD scope lines that need to be highlighted. The
and 8-32x56mm. These scopes are packaged for several Mark 4HD scopes have 4X erector assemblies, as com-
hundred dollars less than competitively configured optics pared to the 5X erector assemblies used in the Mark 5HD.
from other brands. Almost all models of these scopes feature This means the customer has to be willing to have a scope
first focal plane (FFP) reticles, have a side-focus adjustment, that is a 4.5-18X versus a 3.6-18X. Also, Mark 4HD scopes
a 34mm maintube, and are offered in the reticles we know are longer than the Mark 5HD counterparts. These sacri-
and love. G&A expects the Mark 4HD series will soak up a fices in length and magnification range resulted in signifi-
significant portion of market share because the performance cant savings that most of us can accept.
offered far exceeds the price they command. Prices start at Leupold is capable of offering a product like the Mark
$1,000 for the 1-4.5X and 2.5-10X models and top out at 4HD because it is unique among scope manufacturers. In
$1,600 for the 4.5-18X and 8-32X models with side focus. the case of the Mark 4HD, everything was designed, made
The idea for the Mark 4HD came from Leupold employ- and assembled in the U.S., and the company leadership
ees listening to customers they encountered while at was willing to compete with its own more expensive
shooting matches and trade shows. It was said that many Mark 5HD line to benefit the consumer. The combination
PHOTO: MARK FINGAR

potential customers couldn’t afford the Mark 5HD, or they of corporate attitude and these products is unusual and
wanted a VX-5 with an FFP reticle. Engi- worth rewarding, which is why the Mark
neers went to work to create a scope line FOR MORE INFORMATION 4HD series was named Guns & Ammo’s
Leupold, leupold.com
that offered Mark 5HD performance at a 2024 Optic of the Year. Q — T. Beckstrand
AFTER YOU
THE PRICE WILL
MAKE EVEN LESS SENSE
46 G&A | DECEMBER 2024 | 2024 GUNS & AMMO OF THE YEAR AWARDS

HOLSTER
OF THE YEAR
N8 TACTICAL MULTI-
FLEX proved to be different to test fitment during
than holsters that claim to our evaluation. The
be “universal” or “multi-fit,” MultiFlex holster
which are often discarded performed well in
in a storage tub of forgotten G&A’s draw-to-fire
leather and kydex. The N8 test, providing a
Tactical MultiFlex holster clean draw even
is compatible with a long from concealment.
list of firearm makes and It rated high among
models, and the same holster other IWB holsters
can be used interchangeably tested, also.
with different guns. Further, the The N8 Tactical
MultiFlex can be tailored for ride MuliFlex offered a secure
height on a belt, cant and retention. fit, proved adaptable, and
Using available accessories, the MultiFlex can be configured was easy to wear. Not only would this holster support
for inside-the-waistband (IWB) or outside-the-waistband daily carry, but it would also work with new and unusual
(OWB) carry by attaching belt clips or loops, respectively. pistols that lack strong aftermarket support. Given the

PHOTO: JOE KURTENBACH

An OWB paddle is an option, too. range of configurations, optional accessories and accom-
The MultiFlex is offered in two sizes: Full and Compact. modation of so many makes and models, the N8 Tactical
The holster accommodates more than MultiFlex soundly earned G&A’s 2024
275 pistol models. Guns & Ammo staff FOR MORE INFORMATION Holster of the Year honors. Q
N8 Tactical, n8.crossbreedholsters.com
reviewed both and adapted several firearms — J. Kurtenbach

TECHNOLOGY OF THE YEAR

GARMIN XERO C1 PRO CHRONOGRAPH turn it on and select “NEW SES-
Occasionally, a product comes along that SION”. Choose the appropriate
truly makes life easier. If you’re a reloader, session type, i.e., rifle, shotgun,
competitive shooter, or even a gunwriter or pistol. For rifles and shotguns,
in need of ballistic data, the Garmin Xero place the unit 5 to 15 inches to
C1 Pro chronograph is one such product. either side and behind the muz-
Measuring only 5½ inches across and zle. With a handgun, you can
weighing just 5.7 ounces, the Xero C1 shoot directly over the unit. It’s as
Pro easily fits in a cargo pocket. Attach simple as that.
the supplied mini tripod and you’re The Xero C1 Pro displays
ready for the range. data in real-time on the Xero C1
The Xero C1 Pro relies on Doppler Pro’s 240x320-pixel monochro-
radar to obtain speed data from 100 matic screen, which is visible even in
feet per second (fps) to 5,000 fps. Velocity, direct sunlight. An internal, rechargeable
extreme spread (ES), standard deviation lithium-ion battery powers the unit for
(SD), and kinetic energy data are calcu- 2,000 shots or up to 6 hours. The
lated. This information helps with load memory will save up to 50 100-shot
development, determining bullet sessions. Additional data can be
trajectory, and power factor (PF) stored with the free ShotView
for competition. app on a smart device, which
The push-button-operated also supports notetaking.
PHOTO: YAMIL R. SUED

Xero C1 Pro is as easy to It’s so good that it’s even

use as it is to transport. being used by ammo
First, point the unit FOR MORE INFORMATION manufacturers. Q
Garmin, garmin.com
toward the target. Then, — R. Nance
Trust in Smith & Wesson’s Legacy - The M2.0® Pistol
Our commitment to excellence shines through our M&P® family of
polymer-frame pistols, renowned for their reliability and performance.
As the landscape continued to shift, we rose to the challenge,
developing cutting-edge polymer-frame, striker-fired pistols that have
become top sellers in the industry. Today, our M&P® M2.0® stands as
a testament to our dedication to constant improvement, addressing
critiques to deliver the best-in-class firearms.

smith-wesson.com
Scan for
More Info
©2024 Smith & Wesson Inc. All Rights Reserved.
48 G&A

Defender Series effectively cover all types of handguns and illumination setting. Vortex was also thoughtful enough
applications. They are also highly durable and well-priced. to include numerous mounting plates and screw types
Reliability tests proved them to be flawless. with each red dot. This means you don’t get soaked in

PHOTO: MICHAEL ANSCHUETZ

Part of the reason the Defender Series optics are so accessories just to get your pistol ready for the range.
durable is that the housings are made from 7075 T6 alu- Intuitive controls, clear glass, rugged durability,
minum, the toughest material available for this application. versatile mounting, fine adjustments; these are qualities
The Defender Series was made to survive only found in Guns & Ammo’s 2024 Red
the blunt force that can come from being FOR MORE INFORMATION Dot of the Year. Q
Vortex Optics, vortexoptics.com
mounted to a pistol slide. — T. Beckstrand

are an 18-inch barrel, metal receiver with integral optic

rail, rotary magazine, and adjustable synthetic stock. This
side-lever action air gun is powered by a 200cc reservoir
with a 3,000-psi maximum fill. Its air system is regulated
and delivers a consistent psi behind each pellet. The pres-
AIR GUN OF THE YEAR sure is regulated to deliver around 2,030 psi for each shot.
STOEGER XM1 SCOUT PCP marks the first Air Gun of Depending on the bullet grain, a .22-caliber pellet was
the Year award for Guns & Ammo. Air guns have been an clocked downrange range to near 1,000 feet per second
important step for many young shooters. These are often the (fps). The benefits of regulated air guns are velocities with
first gun type that inspires us to become lifelong firearms low extreme spreads and standard deviations.
enthusiasts. Today’s air guns are as diverse as firearms, and The stock’s ergonomics reveal its Italian roots. The
are offered in small to large calibers. Besides target shooting, swooping groove of the forend and the spacer-adjustable
air guns are popular for pest control, squirrel and rabbit length of pull is reminiscent of a shotgun. The cheekpiece
hunting, as well as hunting hogs and big game. height offers 1.2 inches of total adjustment, too. Textures
The Italian-designed Stoeger XM1 Scout pre-charged cover the bottom of the forearm and encircle the grip for
(PCP) air gun was selected by Guns & Ammo’s staff for high traction on an otherwise slick stock. Other thoughtful
PHOTO: MICHAEL ANSCHUETZ

its performance and affordability during the 2024 Round- features include pistol grip inserts to increase palm swell,
table. When we tested the .25-caliber model on paper and rail attachments for the forend tip. The XM1 Scout
at 100 yards and then out to 150 yards against steel, its PCP is what you would want a multi-purpose air gun to
power and precision won over the most be. It is a quality build, affordable, and easy
ardent rifleshooters. FOR MORE INFORMATION to shoot precisely. Q
Stoeger Ind., stoegerindustries.com
The notable features of the XM1 Scout — A. Rico
LEARN
MORE
50 G&A | DECEMBER 2024 | 2024 GUNS & AMMO OF THE YEAR AWARDS

SUPPRESSOR OF THE YEAR

SILENCER CENTRAL BANISH SPEED K TI proved once standard 1½-inch diameter to 2 inches provided about 30
again that Silencer Central knows its users. Evidence: Banish percent more volume in a 4-inch design.
Speed K Ti. The Inconel-made Banish Speed K was designed The Banish Speed K Ti is a 3D-printed titanium design,
to be the go-to solution for law enforcement and military allowing for complex flow-through geometry that would be
professionals seeking a compact suppressor with reasonable impossible to machine traditionally. In cross-section, users
sound reduction for teams working in closed environments. would see a blast baffle, four vented baffles, and a vented
While Inconel is a premium solution for the extreme heat endcap. The blast baffle has a stepped face with six longi-
and abuse experienced during full-auto operation, it is a rel- tudinal fins designed to slow down and direct pressures
atively heavy material resulting in a 14.1-ounce suppressor. and gasses down the length of the suppressor — and not

for such a small package.

The benefits of a short suppressor in the
HAMMER
TIME
THE CZ P-09 C NOCTURNE
IS A MIX OF THE
OLD AND NEW.
BY JAMES TARR
PHOTOS BY MICHAEL ANSCHUETZ

THINGS GO IN AND OUT of fashion all the time,

sometimes for good reasons, and sometimes for no reason
at all. Striker-fired pistols have been the dominant form of
handgun in the U.S. for at least 20 years, replacing the dou-
ble-action/single-action (DA/SA) semiautomatics that were
everywhere in the 1980s and ’90s. However, DA/SA pistols
are now coming back in demand as younger shooters
discover older designs. CZ’s timing with the introduction
of its updated hammer-fired DA/SA P-07 and P-09 pistols is
perfect.
Previously, CZ offered the compact P-07 and full-size
P-09 models. They have been replaced with the P-09 C
(compact) Nocturne and the P-09 F (full-size) Nocturne.
It is unusual in the firearms world to see new hammer-
fired DA/SA pistols with polymer frames. I think they’ve
always been great, and maybe the updated models will
get them the attention they deserve. The P-09 C was sent
to Guns & Ammo for review, which is likely to be the
more popular of the two variants. It’s big enough to be a
duty pistol, but small enough to carry concealed.
The P-09 C Nocturne has roughly the same specs as
the P-07 Duty that it’s replacing, including a 3.74-inch
barrel and a 15-plus-one capacity of 9mm. The P-09
F stretches the barrel to 4.53 inches and the frame to
accommodate a longer 19-round magazine. With an
empty magazine inserted, the P-09 C Nocturne weighed
26.1 ounces and measured 7.3-inches long, 5½-inches
tall — if you include the steel lanyard loop. It measured
1.4-inches wide at the bilateral decocker. Previous mod-
els of these pistols were also offered in .40 S&W, but the
P-09 C Nocturne is only available in 9mm. I don’t know
that any manufacturer is offering new pistols chambered
in .40 S&W.
54 G&A | DECEMBER 2024 | HAMMER TIME

The P-09 C Nocturne represents the first major

upgrade suite CZ has made to the platform. The
most notable additions are the optic-ready slide and
enhanced grip texture.

CZ
P-09 C NOCTURNE
TYPE

CARTRIDGE
It’s always somebody’s first day, CAPACITY
so let me explain a few things: DA/ BARREL
SA means you can fire the first shot OVERALL
in double action, i.e., pulling the LENGTH
trigger to cock and then release the HEIGHT
hammer. The cycling slide cocks the WIDTH
hammer, and subsequent shots are WEIGHT
single action, where the hammer FINISH If you’re familiar, you’ll see the
starts cocked and the trigger pull is SIGHTS
P-09 C Nocturne looks quite a bit like
shorter and lighter. From the factory, the P-07 Duty. The biggest external
the P-09 Nocturne comes equipped SAFETY changes are an optics-ready slide
with a frame-mounted decocker. and increased texturing on the grip.
TRIGGER
Work the lever and the hammer drops In addition, the forward cocking
to what I like to call a “quarter-cock,” serrations have been improved and
moving it from SA to DA mode. CZ ACCESSORIES expanded, the slide release slightly
also ships the pistol with replacement enlarged, and there’s a loaded cham-
levers so you can swap the decocker MSRP ber indicator on the extractor. The
with a manual safety, thus, theoreti- IMPORTER
contour of the decocker and safety
cally, enabling this pistol to be carried have also changed slightly. The sights
“cocked-and-locked” with the ham- are slightly higher profile, too.
mer back and safety engaged. More on this further on. The P-09 Nocturne features the same cold-hammer-
forged barrel, the same Omega trigger system, and the
THEN VERSUS NOW same frame construction — fiberglass-reinforced polymer,
The P-07 was first introduced in 2009, and the full-size with replaceable backstraps. The new guns will work with
P-09 was introduced a few the existing P-07/P-09
years later. The two pistols magazines, however, the
have seen a few minor new Nocturne magazines
upgrades through the years, will not work in the older
but this is the first major guns due to changes in the
overhaul CZ has given baseplates.
them. Oh, and I asked
about the name. CZ went SLIDE DETAILS
with “Nocturne” because The sights on the Noc-
it sounds cool, which is turne pistols are a bit taller.
always important; also, They are steel, with a big
because it fits with previous U-notch in the rear, and
names. (CZ Shadow pistols A Shield RMSc and Holosun K footprint was used for the P-09 C offer a three-dot sight pic-
have been very successful.) Nocture slide. A Vortex Defender CCW was mounted for testing. ture featuring green photo-
 HAMMER TIME | DECEMBER 2024 | G&A 55

Dovetailed steel sights feature photoluminescent inserts to pro-

vide a three-dot post-notch arrangement.

luminescent paint. If you For the Nocturne, the

take the pistol from direct frame texturing has been
sunlight into a dim room, improved and expanded. It
or hit them briefly with a is a little more aggressive,
flashlight, the dots glow and it extends further up
green for a few minutes — on the frame. One of the
and are surprisingly bright. complaints I had about the
While not as high-tech as original P-07 and P-09 was
true tritium-insert night a lack of texture; that’s no
sights, photo-luminescent longer an issue. You can
paint is a great compromise also find patches of textur-
that helps keep the price ing above the front of the
down. triggerguard even, on both
The slide is cut for direct sides where it’s meant to
mounting of optics with support the thumb of your
Small, medium, and large backstraps are provided with the P-09
the Shield RMSc/Holosun C Nocturne. They do not change the grip‘s volume in the hand, support hand.
K footprints. Between the but they do adjust grip angle. The magazine release
direct-mounting option, is steel and rectangular,
and the slightly taller sights, you will be able to see your and nearly flush with the side of the frame; you’ll have no
sights through the optic window. If you choose to run the problems using it. The pistol has interchangeable back-
iron sights, the slide cover plate is steel and not polymer, straps, and three are provided with the gun, sizes small,
which I like. The slide has a nitride finish for corrosion medium, and large. The small backstrap was installed on
resistance. Guns & Ammo’s pistol when it arrived. The medium and
The slide serrations are angled and flat-bottomed. At large pieces are not that much bigger. While they add a bit
the front they wrap around the top of the slide, which is of size, they also slightly change the grip angle.
new. If the slide looks short (height-wise), that’s because There’s a steel lanyard loop at the bottom of the grip.
the slide of the Nocturne rides inside the frame, as on the Magazines are steel, too, with numbered index holes at
original CZ 75 rather than on the outside, as is common the rear. There’s a slight angle cut at the base of the grip,
with other pistols. This gives you a little less real estate to and the basepads are angled to make stripping out stuck
grip, so improved serrations are a good idea. magazines a little bit easier
If you look on the external extractor on the right side The trigger is steel with a wide smooth face and a
of the slide, at the rear you’ll see a silver gently curving length. Some people
dot; that’s the tip of a stainless-steel think that gunwriter test samples are
post that sticks out when a round is hand-picked. The truth is most gun
chambered, acting as a loaded cham- companies are too big and too com-
ber indicator. partmentalized to do this, even if they
wanted to. Perfect example: This gun.
FRAME DETAILS The Nocturne uses CZ’s established
At the front of the frame is a rail Omega trigger system, and every other
with one slot available for mounting CZ I’ve tested with it has had a dou-
a light. The triggerguard has always ble-action pull of about 9 pounds and
been large on these pistols, and the The slide cut is low enough that the sights a single-action pull of, at, or less than
square front also features a hook. can be used through the optic’s window. 4 pounds. The DA pull on the P-09
lever that CZ provides with these pistols, if you would find a short section in the owner’s manual that was clearly
rather swap out the decocker. translated into English — most likely from Czech. The
I found an article I authored more than a decade ago on process is simple, at least when switching from decocker
the original P-07. Here is what I wrote: “The manual safety to safety. Once the slide assembly was off the gun, it took a
was so flat that it was hard to work holding the pistol at minute and didn’t require tools. Going the other way, there
any angle, and nearly impossible to get on and off using was a small captured spring held in place by the decocker
your thumb with a firing grip on the pistol.” Guess what Getting that back in place was a bit of a pain.
hasn’t changed in a substantive way Being able to also safely carry and
with the P-09 Nocturne? You got it. use the P-09 cocked-and-locked, in
The only reason to swap out the single action, would make it a stand-
decocker for the safety is to carry this out. I can only hope that some enter-
pistol cocked-and-locked, but for that prising company will make a thumb
you need a manual safety lever large safety for it with an appropriately
enough to work with your thumb as sized and shaped lever. Until then,
part of the drawstroke (as with any consider the Nocturne solely a DA/SA
modern 1911). That’s not what CZ decocker; in that role it shines.
gave us. Instead, the optional safety A brief comment about trigger
is no wider than the decocker. The The trigger is curved and smooth, featur- systems: People tend to like striker-
safety is almost unusable for a carry ing the same Omega SA/DA mechanism fired pistols because the trigger pull
as on original P-07/P-09 models. The front
gun. I understand an engineer’s desire of the triggerguard is textured, and the is the same every time. They have
to keep the surface of a pistol smooth rear has a high-grip undercut. drawbacks, including the fact that a
58 G&A | DECEMBER 2024 | HAMMER TIME

A bilateral decocker is standard on the P-09 C Nocturne, resetting a cocked hammer

from SA to DA. CZ provides a bilateral manual safety lever so that the P-09 C can be
carried “cocked and locked,” at the ready without fear of an accidental discharge.

A rail slot accepts lights and lasers, but

When lowered, a decocked hammer rests accessories will cover the serial number
at a “quarter cock” position. It can be plate. A 650-lumen Nightstick TCM-10
manually cocked or fired in double action. was used during testing. $135

PERFORMANCE are a better choice

BEST AVG.
VEL. GROUP GROUP than striker-fired
LOAD (FPS) ES SD (IN.) (IN.)
guns for many peo-
ple. With renewed
interest in these,
maybe that will
start to resonate.
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 chronograph set at 12 feet in front of the muzzle. AT THE RANGE
The P-09 C Noc-
shorter, lighter trigger pull, combined turne was a lot of
with no external safety, usually other fun. It is a mid-sized pistol cham-
than the lever on the trigger, means bered in 9mm, so it can be shot all
that anytime something gets wedged day without the feeling of abuse. It’s
in the triggerguard during rehol- based on a proven 15-year-old design.
stering, an accidental discharge is I noted that none of the updates were
possible. The long, heavy, first trigger meant to improve reliability; the
pull on a DA/SA pistol is insurance P-07/P-09 models have always been
against that. Once the first shot is regarded for reliability.
fired, subsequent follow-up shots The decocker doesn’t lower the
are produced by single-action trigger hammer all the way, shortening the
pulls. The P-09’s is superior to what is DA trigger pull slightly, so getting
found in most striker-fired guns. I’ve fast A-zone hits on a USPSA target at
argued in the past that DA/SA guns 7 yards was easy once I got used to
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The Gold Rush of 2024 60 G&A | DECEMBER 2024

Glimmering 24k gold in a tungsten setting

A h, my dear compatriots, allow me to
share a tale of intrigue and fortune.
Picture this: a venture into the heart of
a South American goldmine, where the
earth yields its treasures to the daring
and the cunning. With every step as we
follow Diego, our mining master, the
air thickens with anticipation, the scent
of wealth mingling with the thrill of the
unknown.
There, amidst the darkness, lies the prize
we seek — veins of gold, glimmering like
stars in the night sky.
Now picture this: a ring, not just any Longer 19-round magazines were
ring, mind you, but a masterpiece crafted developed for the P-09 F Nocturne. They
to adorn the fingers of the discerning. are not compatible with older models.
Crafted with meticulous care, each piece According to CZ, older P-07/P-09 mags
function reliably in the new Nocturnes.
encasing ribbons of 24 karat gold in a
Tungsten setting, whispering tales of
luxury and prestige. the gun. When it comes to shooting
pistols, everyone is a little different,
Meticulously crafted and amazingly from stance to grip to hand size. I
comfortable, you will not find anything found the P-09 C Nocturne pointed
like this in a jewelry store. As gold prices
very naturally for me. The grip is a bit
skyrocket, we have been able to craft this
and hold the price under $100 making thinner than that of a Glock 17/19,
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www.stauer.com CZ provides a dummy round with replaca-
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dryfire the handgun without damaging the
hammer and firing pin. CZ does not rec-
ommended dryfiring the P-09 without it.
AFFORD THE EXTRAORDINARY®
62 G&A | DECEMBER 2024
 DECEMBER 2024 | G&A 63

THE UMAREX KOMPLETE NCR

AIR RIFLE IS GROUNDBREAKING.
WORDS & PHOTOS BY ALFREDO RICO
64 G&A | DECEMBER 2024 | PCP TRAIN

I AM ALWAYS SKEPTICAL when a company touts a new and/or charging tank.

product as “groundbreaking.” Often, changes are small and
incremental to an existing design. Few products chart a THE NITROGEN REVOLUTION
new path, and even fewer make it easier to use. However, The extra cost of the high-pressure equipment has been a
the Umarex Komplete NCR has done just that. It is the first barrier to the popularity of the PCP platform. Umarex set
pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) airgun out to change this and developed the
to break the platform’s reliance on an UMAREX KOMPLETE NCR NitroAir nitrogen cartridge. NitroAir is
external air-filling station. Instead, it TYPE a small, high-pressure, pre-filled car-
utilizes NitroAir, a disposable, high- CALIBER tridge. It is ready to use out of the box,
pressure cartridge that can be bought CAPACITY and is recyclable. Once NitroAir proved
at an airgun supply store. Out of the BARREL itself, Umarex decided to build a rifle
box, the Komplete NCR pellet rifle is OVERALL around it. The “NCR” in the name is
LENGTH
ready to shoot. an abbreviation for “Nitrogen Cartridge
WEIGHT
Rifle”.
TRIGGER
ABOUT PCP AIRGUNS The cartridge is filled with nitro-
SAFETY
At the 2024 Outdoor Sportsman’s gen instead of compressed air, hence
SIGHTS
Group (OSG) Roundtable, many of “Nitro” in the “NitroAir” name. Using
STOCK
my colleagues shot a PCP airgun past nitrogen is not new, though. PCP
POWER SOURCE
100 yards for the first time. It was enthusiasts prefer it for its tempera-
MSRP
easy to get excited about the plat- ture stability. Velocities remain steady
form’s power and reach. I have been MANUFACTURER whether it is 30- or 90-degrees Fahr-
shooting PCP airguns for years, so I enheit. Nitrogen molecules are larger
wasn’t surprised at the performance. than oxygen, which helps minimize
PCP airguns outpower most break- leaks. Nitrogen also improves O-ring
barrel, variable pump, and carbon-dioxide (CO2) airguns. life. The downside to nitrogen for PCP reservoirs is that it
They are more than just plinkers or pest control tools, is hard to find a source to fill an airgun or charging tank.
too. They are offered in calibers from .177 to .50, and are The NitroAir cartridge is not like a CO2 cartridge. CO2
used for hunting, precision shooting competitions, and cartridges are pressurized to around 800 psi. CO2 cartridges
even Olympic shooting sports. PCP airguns get air from are temperature sensitive, that is to say, velocity fluctuates
an on-board, high-pressure reservoir. To fill them typically as the temperature changes. Another characteristic of CO2
requires buying a high-pressure handpump, compressor, cartridges is that if you lay down a long string of shots, the
 PCP TRAIN | DECEMBER 2024 | G&A 65

Each NitroAir tank has an average capacity of 50 shots. Taking a The trigger pull was tested at a crisp 1 pound, 2 ounces. The lack
few canisters to the range supports a day’s worth of shooting. of recoil and the light trigger revealed its accuracy potential.

The spring-loaded charging lever is used to chamber a new pellet A fixed cheekpad positions the eye level with most standard
between shots. scope heights. Under the stock is a cut for shooting on sandbags.

cartridge cools drastically, source is a handpump,

which decreases velocity. which can cost north of
NitroAir contains 32 $100. It may be all you
grams of nitrogen in a need for a PCP airgun with
3,600-psi pressurized a small cylinder. These
cartridge. Comparing equal have a downside though:
grainweight pellets, the Filling the last 1,000 psi
PCP velocity will be double of a 3,000 psi cylinder will
what a CO2 cartridge can have you breathing hard! If
produce. The pressure is you shoot a lot, you’ll tire
on par with standard PCP of this quickly and buy a
rifles, so power is not sacri- compressor.
ficed for convenience. The Opting for a high-
cartridge weighs 12 ounces An integral sound moderator is at the end of the barrel. It lessens pressure compressor is
and is 8 inches long, mak- the noise created by escaping air behind each pellet. where the costs become
ing it a portable air source. significant. There are two
A cartridge will power about 50 shots with a .22-caliber types of compressors: Portable and full-size. Portable
14-grain pellet. Grab two or three cartridges for an outing compressors start around $400 and can cost as much
and you’ll have 100 to 150 shots. Since it is made of steel, as $1,000. Umarex sells the portable ReadyAir Airgun
once the cartridge is spent, just toss it in the recycle bin. Compressor for $700. These types of compressors are
fan-cooled and best suited for filling small cylinders. Full-
NITROGEN VS. COMPRESSED AIR COSTS size compressors include a liquid cooling system and can
PCP reservoirs are pressurized to around 3,000 psi and handle filling small cylinders to large charging tanks. They
require a high-pressure air source. The most economical cost $1,000 and more. The upside to buying a compressor
66 G&A | DECEMBER 2024 | PCP TRAIN

The handguard serves as the cartridge housing, too.

The Komplete NCR is a side-lever-action repeater. The
receiver is metal with a polymer overmold, making the
Picatinny rail polymer, too. On a pricier airgun, this would
concern me, but for an entry-level PCP it is acceptable.
Recoil is minute, so the rings mount are secure enough.
The Komplete NCR receiver holds a 10-round rotary mag-
azine. Two magazines are included with the rifle, and the
trigger’s travel is adjustable.

REGULATED & UNREGULATED

Another feature that makes the Komplete NCR a great deal
and excellent shooter is that it utilizes a regulated air sys-
The Komplete NCR preferred certain pellets during testing. G&A tem. Regulated airguns release the same amount of air pres-
recommends JSB Match, Umarex and Crosman Premier. sure to the pellet for highly consistent velocities. It achieves
this by pre-staging air in a
is that you incur the cost small chamber. In the case
once. In contrast, a 2-pack of the Umarex Komplete
of NitroAir costs $25. NCR PCP rifle, a fresh
cartridge starts with 3,600
THE RIFLE psi and banks 1,800 psi
Aside from the convenience into the chamber. Each shot
of the nitrogen cartridge, receives the same amount of
there’s a lot to like about pressure until the cartridge
the Komplete NCR. It’s pressure drops below 1,800
affordable, has a well- psi. If you were to chart the
designed stock, shoots velocities from a regulated
lights out, and its air pres- airgun, the line would be
sure is regulated. mostly flat and then drop
With a $200 retail price, off sharply at the end.
it is one of the most afford- With a non-regulated PCP
able PCP rifles on the mar- airgun, there is no pre-staged
ket. The package includes air. The air that hits the pel-
a NitroAir cartridge and Two 10-round rotary mags are included with the Komplete NCR. let comes directly from the
Axeon 4x32mm scope with Five magazines can be used per tank. Extras are sold separately. reservoir. As the reservoir’s
rings. The Komplete NCR pressure decreases, velocity
has an overall length of 41½ inches with a 14-inch fixed fluctuates. When you chart a non-regulated airgun’s velocity,
length of pull. It is not a youth-sized stock. The barrel has it is more of an arc that drastically falls off at the end.
a 1-in-18-inch twist and is 23.6 inches long. An integrated
polymer sound moderator is affixed to the muzzle. The AT THE RANGE
rifle is offered in .177 and .22 caliber. With the cartridge I have reviewed several Umarex airguns, and I was excited
installed, it weighs 5 pounds, 13 ounces. Guns & Ammo to test the Komplete NCR. Umarex has a talent for design-
received the .22-caliber model without scope for review. ing well-shooting airguns, no matter the price point.
Since I spend a lot of time behind precision rifles, I like Setting up the rifle was simple. A push on the hand-
that the stock resembles a precision rifle, and not some- guard tabs released the cartridge cover. I spun the cartridge
thing out of a sci-fi movie. The butthook, high comb, ver- hand tight and then replaced the handguard. For an optic,
tical grip, and flat, wide forend are common precision rifle I mounted a Vortex Venom 3-15x44mm ($650, vortex-
stock features. These help a shooter shoot a rifle precisely. optics.com), one of my favorite front focal plane (FFP)
The butthook allows the shooter to stabilize and control budget scopes. This is another advantage of a PCP rifle
the height of the buttstock with the support hand and a versus a break-barrel of variable pump: You can outfit it
support bag. The comb offers a large area for a shooter to with a regular riflescope and not one specifically designed
center their eye behind a scope. The vertical grip positions for airguns. I added a small M-Lok rail to the handguard
the trigger finger at a natural 90-degree angle for a straight- and attached a Warne Skyline Precision bipod. To stabilize
back trigger press. A wide, flat handguard aids stability on a the buttstock, I tossed a rear support bag under the stock.
tree, rock, or fence post. It includes M-Lok slots at 3, 6, and Preparing for the range was gratifying. I placed the
9 o’clock for mounting a bipod, light, or other accessories. NitroAir cartridges and pellets in a small range bag and
68 G&A | DECEMBER 2024 | PCP TRAIN

was ready to go. For my PERFORMANCE 18.67-grainers were the

other PCP rifles, I first fire next best.
ENERGY BEST AVG.
up my high-pressure com- VEL. (FT.- GROUP GROUP I kept track of velocity
PELLET (FPS) LBS.) ES SD (IN.) (IN.)
pressor, top off the airgun’s with a chronograph to see
reservoir and then fill a 6.8- how many consistent shots
liter carbon-fiber charging the Komplete NCR would
tank. The charging tank produce. With 55 shots
is the size of a scuba tank, down the barrel, the veloc-
Notes: Accuracy is the average four, five-shot groups at 25 yards from a sandbag rest.
and it serves as a portable Velocity is the average of 10 shots measured using an Oehler Model 35P chronograph ity averaged 904 fps with
set at 12 feet in front of the muzzle.
filling station at the range. the JSB Diabolo Express
It was nice having one less 14.3-grain pellet. At shot
thing to load and carry. 56, each pull of the trigger dropped the velocity 5 to 9 fps.
I first shot the rifle from the bench to get an idea about On paper, the decline was obvious. Each hole was lower
its accuracy potential. I expected the polymer stock to flex, than the previous one, indicating that it was time to switch
and I was right. With the rifle firmly planted on the bipod, out the cartridge.
and some pressure on the buttstock, the stock pivots on I bled the remaining air using the degassing screw before
the single receiver screw and can move around. The solu- installing a fresh cartridge. The rifle remained easy and
tion was to soften the pressure I put on the stock. Making fun to shoot. With the right pellet, this is a very precise
a fuss about the flexing stock is like complaining that a shooting PCP airgun. I continued accuracy testing, and
fast-food burger doesn’t taste like steak, though. before I knew it I was halfway through the fourth NitroAir
The trigger was good. It has a lengthy travel, but fired cartridge.
consistently after just 1 pound, 2 ounces. I left the travel in I then shot the Komplete NCR standing unsupported.
its original setting. The tight group on paper told me this The rifle is well-balanced and shouldered nicely. The cock-
rifle is a shooter. ing lever felt smooth, and the magazine was easy to feed
Like any firearm, you have to shoot a variety of ammo to and swap out. The moderator toned down the pop of the
find what the rifle likes best. I gathered six different pellets blast well, and it sounded quieter than a roofing nail gun.
with different shapes and weights, from 14 grains to 18.67
grains. Velocities varied from 900 feet per second (fps) PARTING SHOT
for the 14-grain pellets to 812 fps for the 18.67 grainer. The Komplete NCR is the perfect airgun for airgun or
Energy in foot-pounds ranged from 25 to 28. I eliminated firearms shooters who are PCP curious. The NitroAir rifle
two of the pellets because they shot poorly. One group is ready-to-go out of the box like a break-barrel, variable
was a 1.65-inch horizontal string. By the time I started the pump, or CO2, but with much more power. Its $200 retail
accuracy test, I only had two cartridges left for testing. I price is close to that of mid-priced break-barrels, and is
didn’t want to waste time testing pellets that shot poorly. at the low end of PCP rifles. With the right pellet, this is
The JSB Match Exact Jumbo Express 14.35-grain pellet a precise and smooth shooting rifle. As the model’s name
performed the best, driving a .17-inch five-shot group suggests, the Komplete NCR has it all: Price, performance,
at 25 yards. Its average group size was .43 inch. The JSB convenience. Until now, affordability and convenience
Match Exact Jumbo Heavy 18.13- and Umarex Brimstone have not been synonymous with PCP systems.
 WHERE COMPACT DESIGN MEETS
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70 G&A | DECEMBER 2024
 DECEMBER 2024 | G&A 71

SUPER
HORNET
THE RUGER SUPER REDHAWK,
NOW IN .22 HORNET.
BY CRAIG BODDINGTON | PHOTOS BY MICHAEL ANCSHUETZ

THE RUGER SUPER REDHAWK IS A BIG, burly revolver. Since its

introduction in Guns & Ammo’s November 1979 issue, it’s been cham-
bered in powerful handgun cartridges. The .44 Remington Magnum has
been its mainstay, but it was also the launching platform for the .480
Ruger in 2003, the first cartridge to bear the Ruger name. It’s also
among few production revolvers to be chambered to the .454
Casull. More recently, it’s been chambered to 10mm Auto.
In 5-, 7½-, and 9½-inch barrels, the standard Super Red-
hawk, in stainless steel only since 1992, comes supplied
with Ruger detachable scope rings, bases dovetailed into
the substantial frame, much like generations of Ruger
centerfire rifles. In powerful cartridges and optic-ready,
it’s a favorite among serious handgun hunters.
Its more recent (and snubbier) sibling, the Super Redhawk
Alaskan, is identical. Except, with a 2½-inch barrel, it’s not
long enough for scope mounting. Currently offered in .44 Rem.
Mag., .454 Casull, and .480 Ruger, the Alaskan lives up to its name: A
big, powerful carry revolver, designed for (and popular with) wilder-
ness wanderers in Alaska and the northern Rockies. Intended for short
range, in extremis use in big bear (or bad guy) country.
 CARTRIDGE
CAPACITY
BARREL
LENGTH
WEIGHT
In fact, the .22 Hornet is the m
GRIP
Super Redhawk, stainless
meant unkindly. I love the .22 Hor- FRAME
steel
are interesting?” It’s a good sentiment,
net, in part, because Dad loved his 3 lbs., 8 oz. (SA),
unless you’re defending yourself
TRIGGER
.22 Hornet. It was his favorite varmint 10 lbs., 8 oz. (DA) against grizzlies. The first thing that
cartridge. I also love the Hornet on its SIGHTS
HiViz fiber optic (front), strikes you about any Super Redhawk
U-Notch, adj. (rear)
own merit. With its diminutive and is, “This is a big revolver!” In the
MSRP $1,499
archaically tapered, rimmed case, the 1840s, the massive Walker Colt was
Sturm, Ruger & Company,
little .22 Hornet is faster and more MANUFACTURER 336-949-5200,
judged too large and heavy for gen-
accurate than it has any right to be. ruger.com eral use. Heavily loaded, it was prob-
When a new firearm or cartridge ably the most powerful handgun until
comes out, I have a bad habit of the introduction of the .44 Rem. Mag.
asking myself, “What’s it for?” I feel it’s bad because no one in 1956. At 66 ounces (sans scope), the Super Redhawk in
should care what I think. Also, with a chronic imagination .22 Hornet is almost heavier than the Colt Walker. Also,
deficit, I often guess wrong. When the .17 HMR first came it’s heavier than other Super Redhawks chambered to big
out, I questioned it because I couldn’t imagine what it was cartridges. Obviously, the cylinder and barrel are mostly
for. Hundreds of millions of rounds later we know, don’t steel and not much hole.
we? I wasn’t the only curmudgeon in the closet. Steve Long Eye Relief (LER) handgun scopes aren’t as common
Hornady himself resisted taking on the .17 HMR project as they once were. I’ll apologize right now that the scope I
because, like me after the fact, he didn’t envision its utility. used on the revolver doesn’t match the Burris 3-12x32mm
I received the Ruger Super handgun scope in this article’s
Redhawk .22 Hornet in mid- studio photos. Photographer
summer 2024 at the Kansas Mike Anschuetz had to bor-
farm while I was on the tractor row that Burris, which is still
trying to beat food plots into a great name in LER handgun
submission in 100-degree heat. scopes. The scope I mounted
It wasn’t the ideal time to get to the Super Redhawk Hornet,
the creative juices flowing. It is a was an older Leupold VX-3
gorgeous revolver, magnificently 2.5-8x32mm handgun scope.
machined, and I love the clever The scope and steel Ruger
eight-shot cylinder. But, in .22 mounts brought the weight to
Hornet? What’s the point of a big nearly 5½ pounds, a lot of hand-
revolver using this round? My gun. Forget shooting it offhand.
Kansas neighbors, all gun folks, Although none of us could
Initial zeroing was done over sandbags, starting
joined me in asking the same close. A big revolver such as the Super Redhawk immediately figure an ideal
question: “What’s it for?” produces almost no recoil in .22 Hornet. mission for this big revolver, my
 SUPER HORNET | DECEMBER 2024 | G&A 73

A legacy round, the .22 Hornet hasn’t seen many

The first five-shot group at 50 yards with changes since it’s inception, but still has excellent
Hornady 35-grain V-Max was almost the performance as a small game round.
size of a quarter — except for one flyer.

Kansas neighbors were curious and

insisted on coming along to shoot it.
That’s a good sign. Curiosity killed the With a scope mounted, the
cat — and makes sales happen. Super Redhawk in .22 Hornet
weighed nearly 5½ pounds, a
Well, with that weight, it didn’t large handgun. The cylinder
kick. Shooting off both pistol rests and barrel are mostly steel
and sandbags, I tried desperately to with a small bore. The .22
Hornet weighs several ounces A HiViz fiber-optic front post and adjustable U-notch
get a proper photograph of the gun more than the Super Redhawk rear sight are adequate. For precise shooting irons
in recoil. The .22 Hornet doesn’t have chambered in larger calibers. sights are preferred by many versus optics.
much recoil to begin with.
When properly rested, there Hornet’s most obvious rea-
was almost no movement as son for existence is for small
it fired. game and varmints. To be
In order to mount the viable in that arena, “min-
scope, I needed to drop ute of squirrel” or “minute
the rear sight almost all of prairie dog” accuracy is
the way down to clear the essential.
ocular bell. Any .22 Hornet
firearm deserves an optical AT THE RANGE
sight. It’s not like you can I have experience with big
boresight a revolver, so we revolvers and specialty
started on big paper up pistols in various chamber-
close. We were a long way ings. With good extended
out of zero, but the scope eye-relief optics, short, stiff
responded well. It didn’t barrels are amazingly accu-
The cylinder and barrel are incredibly stout. The smooth cylinder
take many shots to get it accommodates eight rounds of .22 Hornet. To swing out the rate. However, this was my
zeroed at 50 yards. Then triple-locking cylinder, simply press the cylinder release button. first experience with a big
we had some fun. revolver in a high-velocity
Not trying to shoot groups, just getting the feel of a varmint cartridge. Unusually, I had no idea what to expect.
different concept: A tiny cartridge in a huge revolver. It Zeroing done, the next step was to start again on a cooler
seemed like it wanted to shoot. It had no problem hitting morning, chronograph ammo, and see what happened.
small steel spinners at 25 and 50 yards, then at 100. My The .22 Hornet has been around since 1930. It was not
last five shots with Hornady 35-grain V-Max seemed to the first smokeless .22 centerfire. That honor goes to 1912’s
group close to an inch at 50 yards. Later, this would prove .22 Savage High-Power. With 70-grain bullet, the Savage
consistent. My friend, Steve Trainer, Vietnam veteran and cartridge was envisioned for big-game. The Hornet was
retired Wichita police officer stole the show by ringing a thus our first dedicated smokeless varmint cartridge. In a
steel coyote at 200 yards — six out of six! Accurate fire- time when big game was scarce but small game and pests
arms — both rifles and handguns — are interesting. This were plentiful, it became popular. Long eclipsed by much
one showed promise. faster .22 centerfires, the Hornet retains a loyal following.
In .22 Hornet, the Super Redhawk, like any other hand- In rifles, it is accurate, with mild report and no recoil,
gun, could serve for home or personal protection, but not effective to at least 200 yards. This is more than twice the
proof against big bruins. Other than fun — which is a valid reasonable range of the .22 LR, and far beyond the reach of
reason for a firearm’s existence — the Super Redhawk .22 .22 WMR. Of course, all of that is in closed-breech rifles.
74 G&A | DECEMBER 2024 | SUPER HORNET

The Ruger Super Redhawk features a spur hammer and a The smooth, curved trigger produced a 3½-pound trigger pull
transfer-bar mechanism that provides added security against an for single-action operation, and a 10½-pound double-action
accidental discharge. trigger pull.

Integral mounts are machined to the steel topstrap. Ruger’s Ruger equips standard Super Redhawk revolvers of all calibers
proprietary scope rings are included to mount an extended eye with Hogue’s Tamer Monogrip. A recoil cushion is designed into
relief scope. the grip and is positioned under the web of the hand.

The original .22 Hornet load used No matter how much we harp on
a 45-grain bullet at 2,700 feet per eye and ear protection, lapses do
second (fps). In recent years, lighter occur. Do not shoot this revolver
35-grain bullets at about 3,000 fps without eye and ear protection! It’s
have become more popular. However, certainly no worse than a big mag-
it’s not like the .223 Remington in num revolver, but you may feel hot
popularity. For this article, I obtained debris on hands and face with each
American Eagle 35-grain Tipped shot. In part, this is because the .22
Varmint, Hornady Varmint Express Hornet, although old, is a rifle car-
35-grain V-Max, Remington Premier tridge loaded to higher pressure than
35-grain AccuTip-V, and Remington most handgun cartridges. The SAAMI
45-grain soft point. The Federal and spec for .22 Hornet is 44,000 psi. By
both Remington loads were packed The cold-hammer-forged barrel features a comparison, the .44 Rem. Mag. spec
recessed 11-degree target crown to pro-
50 per box, while Hornady’s load tect the rifling near the muzzle. The twist is 36,000 psi. In the world of revolver
came in a square 25-round pack. rate is 1-in-9 inches. cartridges, only the .454 Casull,
Long before I started shooting .480 Ruger, and .460 and .500 S&W
groups, two observations were noted. Trainer called my Magnums are specified at higher pressures than the .22
attention to the forward surface of the cylinder. The blast Hornet. (Those require eye and ear protection, as well.)
marks around each chamber exit were small, round, con- I shot all four mentioned loads for accuracy, and over
centric and uniform. This suggested excellent manufactur- the chronograph. That’s 20 five-shot groups, 100 shots as
ing with tight tolerances and a small cylinder gap. Second, good as I could hold them. Folks, if you don’t have much
it is a revolver, and there is a cylinder gap. experience with long-eye-relief scopes, that’s hard work.
SEE BETTER. HEAR BETTER. SHOOT BETTER.

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76 G&A | DECEMBER 2024 | SUPER HORNET

The blue-color internal recoil cushion is visible on the Hogue The cylinder locks to the Super Redhawk frame at three
Tamer Monogrip with the grip removed from the Super Red- locations: At the front of the frame, rear, and bottom for more
hawk. So is the coil-type hammer spring. positive alignment and security.

The thick topstrap of the frame supports loads such as the .454 The Super Redhawk was designed to accept handgun scopes
Casull and .480 Ruger in the Super Redhawk. Though a small featuring extended eye relief. A contemporary red dot on an
caliber, the .22 Hornet is a cartridge producing up to 44,000 psi. optic rail would suffice for target shooting and hunting, too.

By their nature, long Express, 35-grain

PERFORMANCE
eye relief scopes have V-Max, averaging 1.67
BEST AVG.
a small field of view. VEL. GROUP GROUP inches for five groups.
LOAD (FPS) ES SD (IN.) (IN.)
The more magnifi- The American Eagle
cation, the smaller. 35-grain Tipped Varmint
To keep the groups load followed at 1.74
as tight as possible, I inches. Then, it was
shot with the scope Notes: Accuracy is five, five-shot groups at 50 yards fired from a sandbag rest using a discontinued
the Remington Premier
all the way up to 8X. Leupold VX-3 2.5-8x32mm handgun scope. Velocity is the average of five shots measured by a 35-grain AccuTip-V load
Garmin Xero C1 Pro chronograph placed at muzzle.
Even with almost no averaging 1.99 inches.
recoil and a steady I regret that I had just
rest, I had to relocate the target for each shot. It’s more dif- one 45-grain load to try because it appeared this revolver
ficult and took longer than shooting groups with a scoped preferred the lighter bullets. The Remington 45-grain PSP
rifle or a handgun with iron sights or a red dot. load had the “worst” accuracy, averaging 2.49 inches. I
Still, the Super Redhawk Hornet was a joy to shoot. put “worst” in quotes because I’ll take sub-2½-inch 50-
There was no recoil, little blast, and the crisp, clean 3½- yard groups from a revolver all day long. That’s minute of
pound single-action trigger helped immensely. The best prairie dog.
accuracy with G&A’s test gun was with Hornady Varmint Although a long-eye-relief scope is more difficult to
 800 -338 -3220 | HORNADY.COM

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78 G&A | DECEMBER 2024 | SUPER HORNET

shoot, and a handgun more difficult load, as in every 25 shots. This proved
to stabilize, there’s no limit on range. adequate. So far I’ve put in excess of
Combining my abilities with the fact 200 rounds through the revolver, all
that the subject gun is a revolver, and functioning trouble-free.
not a bolt-action or single-shot pistol, Over the chronograph, Hornady’s
I chose to shoot groups “for score” Varmint Express load was amazing.
at 50 yards. I shot a few 100-yard Extreme spread (ES) of just 35 fps,
groups, just to see progression. With standard deviation (SD) at a low and
the Hornady load averaging just more admirable 18. The other three loads
than 1½ inches at 50 yards, 100-yard had ES in the triple digits and high
groups ran just more than 3 inches, SDs. No wonder the Hornady load
exactly what one might expect. was the most accurate! In fairness, all
Although testing was done in high loads were rifle ammo, not specifically
midsummer temperatures, I was developed for short-barrel use. Propel-
surprised at how slowly the Super lants intended for 22-inch barrels are
Redhawk heated up. Lots of steel unlikely to burn efficiently in less than
surrounds the chambers and barrel half the barrel length. Also, since the
channel. Despite the Hornet’s high .22 Hornet is the oldest .22 center-
velocity (compared to most handgun fire still loaded — and not the most
cartridges), no cooling-off periods popular — I suspect little recent load
were needed. Like all revolvers, gunk development. The disparity between
and residue accumulates. I needed the Hornady load’s average group size,
to clean it frequently. My standard and especially its lower ES and SD, and
protocol when testing for accuracy is the other loads, suggests that, at some
to clean it thoroughly between each point recently, Hornady’s ballisticians

The small, concentric powder burns on Although there is no muzzle rise during
the forward face of the eight-shot cylinder recoil, sharp, hot gas will escape through
indicate that Ruger kept close manufac- the cylinder gap. It was enough to cut the
turing tolerances and a tight cylinder gap. author’s sandbag and make a mess.
 SUPER HORNET | DECEMBER 2024 | G&A 79

might have taken a fresh look at the .22 Hornet. So, in a handgun barrel, the .22 Hornet is not as power-
ful a cartridge as it is in a rifle. This is not the train smash
THE LONG & SHORT it sounds. The .22 Hornet’s closest competitor in versatility
Although new to me, a .22 Hornet handgun is not new. and utility is probably the .22 WMR. The .22 Magnum’s
Magnum Research and Taurus have made .22 Hornet bullet weights and velocities vary widely. Worst-case com-
revolvers, and it’s been chambered to various single-shot parisons suggest that a .22 Hornet in a 9½-inch revolver
and bolt-action specialty pistols. is still several hundred fps faster than a .22 WMR shot
With less muzzle jump and less barrel heat than faster .22 from a rifle. The .22 Hornet shoots flatter and carries more
centerfires, the great old Hornet has always been a favorite energy than the .22 WMR. So, keep your ranges short and
prairie dog cartridge. No, it doesn’t have the range of its go have fun. That’s what the Ruger Super Redhawk in .22
faster cousins, but in an accurate rifle it’s deadly well beyond Hornet is really all about.
200 yards. In my estimation, the coyote
is one of the toughest pound-for-pound
animals. Unless very close and with
perfect shot placement, the .17 HMR
isn’t enough gun, and the .22 WMR is
questionable. The .22 Hornet is plenty
for coyotes. It’s awesome for bobcats,
too, producing much less pelt damage
than faster centerfires.
Other than javelinas, North
America doesn’t have much “small
big game.” G&A’s founder Robert
E. “Pete” Petersen always took a .22
Hornet on safaris in Africa, using it
for small predators, tiny antelopes,
and up to impala and reedbuck. I
borrowed that page from Pete. On
smaller animals, the Hornet is marvel-
ous. It’s deadly and efficient. Purists
hate this, but several states allow rifles
and handguns for wild turkey. Turkeys
are tough, but not when stung by a
Hornet. Just pick your shot, avoid the
breast, and little meat will be lost.
Anything that can be done with
a .22 Hornet rifle can also be done
with a .22 Hornet handgun. So, that’s
what it’s for. Just keep ranges within
the accuracy the platform offers. The
Ruger Super Redhawk Hornet isn’t a
200-yard prairie dog gun, but out to
100 yards it’s perfect. Let me add one
more caution: Since all existing .22
Hornet factory loads were developed
for rifle-length barrels, in the Super
Redhawk’s 9½-inch barrel, velocity
loss was severe. The accompanying
chart shows velocity figures over my
chronograph. I have no idea what any
of these loads clock in a 22- or 24-
inch rifle barrel. I do know the Super
Redhawk Hornet velocities showed
a loss, across the board, of between
633 and 818 fps from factory velocity
zeiss.com/lrp-s3
specs, or about 25 percent.
80 G&A | DECEMBER 2024

TRISTAR’S TURKISH-MADE
OVER-UNDER PROVIDES
VALUE IN SPADES.
BY ROBERT W. HUNNICUTT | PHOTOS BY MICHAEL ANSCHUETZ
 DECEMBER 2024 | G&A 81

Spending a fun-filled fall day shooting

birds in the morning and sporting clays
in the afternoon? The TriStar Cypher will
satisfy both requirements.
82 G&A | DECEMBER 2024 | CYPHER

The Cypher is the top-level over-under shot-

gun from TriStar. It is made by Khan Arms
in Turkey. At less than $1,000 retail, it offers
unusual value and an attractive design.

TRISTAR
CYPHER
TYPE

FIREARMS IMPORTING is not a GAUGE facturing facilities.

game for the weak of heart or thin BARREL
TriStar imports a range of 1911-
of wallet. Currency fluctuations can OVERALL
style pistols in 9mm, .38 Super and
make a finely calibrated sales plan LENGTH .45 ACP, but is primarily notable for
no more than a pipe dream. Foreign WEIGHT a very complete line of sporting and
policy gyrations, whether on the U.S. STOCK
defensive shotguns. These include
end or in the country of manufacture, over-under and side-by-side doubles,
LENGTH OF PULL
can make goods that were perfectly autoloaders, pumps, single-barrel
DROP AT HEEL
fine one day verboten the next. Cus- trap guns and even a .410 based on
DROP AT COMB
toms regulations mean that nameless the Winchester Model 94 lever gun.
FINISH
bureaucrats can make interpretations These are available in finishes
TRIGGER
that keep vital merchandise locked in ranging from camouflage to quite
SIGHTS
some bonded warehouse for months. shiny, and there’s a compact line for
SAFETY
Ghassan “Gus” Bader has been younger or smaller shooters.
navigating that life for more than The over-under ranges start with
four decades, and is really quite good ACCESSORIES
the Setter, which economizes on
at it. I first got to know him in the wood quality and has extractors
1980s while he operated American rather than ejectors, but still pro-
Arms, an importer primarily focused MSRP vides a full five-piece choke tube
on Spanish shotguns. MANUFACTURER set, fiber-optic sight and ventilated
Bader was one of the first to IMPORTER side ribs. Retail is $655 for 12- and
discern the potential of Turkey as an 20-gauges, and $685 for 28-gauge
arms manufacturer. (Sorry President and .410.
Erdoğan, good luck getting Americans to spell it “Tür- Next in line is the Trinity II, which gives you a higher
kiye.”) Now, of course, the NATO member dominates grade of Turkish walnut and gold-colored decoration for
the low and moderately $855 for the 12 and 20,
priced civilian gun market, and $870 for the small-
putting the smaller Italian bores. You can specify the
and Spanish makers in the Trinity II LT, which gives
shade. you an aluminum frame for
We’ve all heard of no extra charge. This gets
Turkish drones, due to the the weight of the 20-gauge
Ukraine War, and Turkish below 6 pounds.
manufacturer Repkon is Next is the subject of
providing the machinery this month’s examination,
for the U.S. Army’s new the Cypher. This takes the
plant for 155mm artillery walnut up another notch
shells in Mesquite, Texas. and incorporates decora-
The largest Turkish manu- tive panels that endlessly
facturers, including Hatsan repeat the name Cypher in
and Sarsilmaz, are 100-per- tiny letters. These are both
The semi-gloss black finish of the trigger assembly contrasts
cent competitive when it effectively with the Cypher’s silver receiver finish. Trigger pulls attractive and useful, as you
comes to up-to-date manu- were identical for both barrels, testing at 4½ pounds. can press them into service
 CYPHER | DECEMBER 2024 | G&A 83

A well-figured grade of Turkish walnut

is the headline feature of the Cypher.
Referred to as “Deluxe,” it combines
with a subtly decorated frame for a mod-
ern interpretation of the double gun.

The slim walnut forend has a Deeley-style catch. There’s a deco- The Cypher’s manual safety switch is a Beretta-style selector
rative outline on the frame bottom that mimics the trigger plate that determines which barrel fires first and then ejects its empty
of older over-under shotguns. cartridge case.

as an emergency nail file. for gun values.

Prices for the Cypher line are $960 for the larger gauges The Cypher frame is finished in matte silver with the
and $975 for the smallbores. You can specify the Cypher TriStar logo on three sides. There’s an etched line on the
X if you want the lightweight aluminum treatment. There’s underside that echoes the trigger plate of a Browning shot-
a Cypher SP, which is a dedicated sporting clay gun that gun, but it’s strictly decorative; the frame bottom is solid.
adds an adjustable cheekpiece for $1,025. The top lever, trigger, triggerguard and safety button are
A Superposed shotgun for less than $1,000 is a pretty finished in a semi-gloss black that contrasts nicely with the
impressive achievement. My first over-under was a Brown- frame color.
ing Citori, which was thought of as an economical shotgun Looking inside the frame with barrels removed shows
when I paid $666 for one in 1978. That’s more than an action familiar from many, many moderately priced
$2,500 in today’s money, and while I’d hardly equate the Italian and Turkish over-unders. A bolt at the bottom of
two guns, it demonstrates that these are the good old days the standing breech engages a bite in the bottom of the
84 G&A | DECEMBER 2024 | CYPHER

Cocking rods pass down the inside center of the frame. They The monobloc is engine-turned for a more luxurious appearance.
recock the hammers after firing and control the ejectors, which The bores are chrome-plated for corrosion resistance. It’s cham-
are held back by catches in the steel monobloc. bered for 2¾- and 3-inch loads.

safety button moved left or right to select the barrel to fire

first. Sliding it to the right selects the bottom barrel, and
most shooters will leave it there 99.9-percent of the time.
The single trigger is mechanical, meaning it can be fired
twice whether the first shell goes off or not. This once
was the province of competition guns, but has become so
universal that it’s hard to remember a time when inertia
triggers were the rule.
Ejection is selected by a cocking rod moving forward
and pushing up on a lock piece in the monobloc that
holds the ejector in place until the barrels are fully low-
ered. At that point, it is pulled out of engagement with the
ejector, allowing the latter to spring rearward, ejecting the
empty.
The Cypher is fitted with
monobloc. At the left of the 28-inch barrels, and that’s
bolt is the catch that holds the only length available.
the top lever open. If you insist on something
When the gun is closed, longer for sporting compe-
the engine-turned mono- tition, you’ll have to step
bloc presses down on this up to the SP version, which
part, unlatching the top comes with 30-inch barrels.
lever. As you can imagine, The upper barrel is
you insert a finger and 3-inch chambered and
press down on it while topped with a 7mm
holding the top lever to the straight-sided ventilated
right to let the lever close rib. Some might find this a
for casing the shotgun. bit skinny on a 12-gauge,
The cocking levers pass but it’s perfect for a 20 or
The forend and stock are checkered at 16 lines-per-inch (lpi),
down the bottom center of a measure that combines good looks and grip. The barrels are 28. At the muzzle is a 2mm
the frame. After firing, they fitted with ventilated side ribs. red fiber-optic front bead.
are returned by a cam in This I found easily visi-
the forend iron and recock the hammers. ble without the shouty aspect of large green fiber-optics,
Since shotguns in this class are intended as much for which are more appropriate for a defensive shotgun. Side
sporting clays shooting as for hunting, the safety is man- ribs are ventilated; some like that and some abhor it.
ual. This is appropriate in a competition where the safety is The chrome-lined barrels measured .624 inch inside
never used. In the hunting field, you’ll need to remember diameter. The Cypher comes with a full set of five choke
to reset it after firing. tubes: Cylinder bore (.629 inch), Improved Cylinder (.622
Barrels are selected Beretta style, with a sliding tab in the inch), Modified (.612 inch), Improved Modified (.604
 ©2023 O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc.

|
MOSSBERG ® PATRIOT ™ LR TACTICAL

SCAN CODE FOR

MORE INFO u

M-LOK is a registered trademark of Magpul Industries Corp.

MDT is a registered trademark of Modular Driven Technologies.

SAFETY TIP
Store firearms securely, inaccessible to children and unauthorized users.
Consult and comply with any and all applicable federal, state, and local: laws,
regulations, requirements, and/or restrictions, including but not limited to
those regarding the purchase, ownership, use, transport, and carrying of
a firearm. Not all products are available in all states or jurisdictions.
86 G&A | DECEMBER 2024 | CYPHER

inch) and Full (.598 inch). enough grip in all but the
The tubes are 3 inches sweatiest conditions.
long, have a conical-parallel It used to be that when
interior profile and are you wrote up a modestly
threaded to the Beretta priced double gun, you
Mobilchoke standard, could count on widely dis-
where the threads are at the parate trigger pulls, barrels
muzzle. The availability of that shot to different impact
tubes in this style is almost points or comically erratic
infinite, should the five ejection.
supplied not get it done for That made for more
you. reporting fun, but the fun
Tubes have a knurled seems generally to be over
section that extends these days. Double guns
three-quarters of an inch like the Cypher most often
A significant value proposition is that the Cypher includes a full
from the muzzle to allow set of five extended choke tubes, ranging from Cylinder to Full. come out of the box with
easy removal. If they’re too They are knurled for easy finger removal and tightening. no interesting defects to
hot or too tight, a supplied report at all. Bad news for
key helps apply the required torque. The notches for this us, good news for the consumer.
are covered, helping to keep the tubes from cutting up the I’ve shot plenty of Blasers, Krieghoffs and Perazzis, and
inside of your case. the triggers were more rifle-like than the Cypher’s, but
As you’d expect on a Turkish gun, the stock is of Turkish it provided pulls that were smooth, consistent and more
walnut, here with a semi-gloss finish. The buttstock has than adequate for anything short of your state trap cham-
a 1-inch black rubber recoil pad, and both buttstock and pionship. You certainly will be at no disadvantage when
forend have 16 lines-per-inch checkering in a bordered topping off a morning of preserve birds with a round of
point pattern. This is a measure that should provide five-stand.
 ... .
Make it a Made in America Christmas with the gift of
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'­ØëģŇS­è­öÀظŇ
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Make it a Made in America Christmas.

Put a Henry under the tree.

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@ŇRSŇESŇj*W*]ŇHENRYUSA.COM

Ĝ­ëģŇ'­ØëģŇÀïŇèëÝø©ÑģŇŧ?©­ŇÀØŇ
×­ëÀ£ŊŇEëŇ@ÝöŇ
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88 G&A | DECEMBER 2024 | CYPHER

PERFORMANCE PERFORMANCE
FEDERAL TOP GUN STEEL FEDERAL TOP GUN STEEL
TG251 7 7/8-1210-7 TG251 7 7/8-1210-7
AVERAGE PELLET COUNT: 339 AVERAGE PELLET COUNT: 339
AVERAGE OF 10 SHOTS AT 40 YARDS AVERAGE OF 10 SHOTS AT 40 YARDS

IMPROVED CYLINDER TUBE MODIFIED TUBE

21¼-IN. INNER CIRCLE 100 (29%) A 1-inch black rubber recoil pad nicely coordinates with the dark 21¼-IN. INNER CIRCLE 113 (34%)
30-IN. OUTER CIRCLE 39 (12%) walnut buttstock. It did not interfere with shouldering the Cypher 30-IN. OUTER CIRCLE 59 (17%)
TOTAL HITS 139 (41%) TOTAL HITS 172 (51%)
during the mount.

We patterned the Cypher with Federal’s Top Gun steel I passed the Cypher around to bystanders, and all were
load in No. 7. As you’d expect, recoil was a little stiffer able to connect with clays immediately. Earlier Turkish
given the fact that the wad is effectively a plastic bucket shotguns often had an odd, uncomfortable grip angle, but
with no cushion section. That said, it was not unpleasant. the Cypher’s is perfectly conventional, which is a pleasure.
It will get the job done at the increasing number of pre- If you’re looking for your first over-under, the Cypher
serves and sporting layouts that are adjacent to wetlands definitely rates a look. If you already have one or several,
and require non-toxic shot. If you suspected that patterns it’s still worth examining as a backup gun. The value prop-
might be tighter with steel, that was not the case here. osition for this stackbarrel is ironclad.

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ģƥĘƙÅ՞ƥ_Ęր‫ڑ‬ንջጀኔኔ‫ڑ‬Ęƥģ_īƋ‫ڑ‬՞‫ڑ‬ƋĘ՞Aጅ ‫ڑ‬ _‫ڑڑ‬Ս‫ڑڑ‬
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I_‫ڑ‬ ƙƙ Å_Ƌ‫ڑ‬LjÅƙ¡ŀƥƙ‫_ ڑ‬ģŀ ‫ڑ‬ƙ¡_‫ڑ‬Ę ‫ڑ‬
ŀģ‫ڑ‬ƙ¡_‫ڑ‬ ‫ڑ‬Վ‫ڑ‬ƥ ‫ڑ‬Åīƙ _‫ڑ‬ƋLjÅƙI¡_Ƌ

Ę ռIŀģՍƙĘ ՞ን¡ĘǏ o
©202 , INC. VED. om
90 G&A | DECEMBER 2024
 DECEMBER 2024 | G&A 91

AN OLD
FRIEND
REMEMBERING A COMBAT TOUR THROUGH
PIONEER ARMS’ HELLPUP AK PISTOL.
BY TOM BECKSTRAND | PHOTOS BY MARK FINGAR
92 G&A | DECEMBER 2024 | AN OLD FRIEND

PIONEER ARMS
HELLPUP
MY FIRST extended shooting TYPE
experience with the AK-47 occurred CARTRIDGE
in Afghanistan in 2003. The Taliban CAPACITY
had a lot of them, but so did the militia BARREL
that were assigned to our Special LENGTH
Forces A-Team. Every American on the WEIGHT
the M4 would be my nighttime gun
team was issued an M4 carbine, but I GRIP
and that I should look elsewhere for a
took an interest in the AK because just FINISH
daytime gun.
about everyone else in the country was SIGHTS
The solution I landed on was to use
shooting it. SAFETY
a battlefield-recovered AK-47, which
Soldiers on the battlefield were MSRP
was sent down to Kandahar for modi-
allowed to pick up and use weapons fication into what we called a “Krink.”
they found, and it didn’t take long MANUFACTURER The AK was a late-1950s-vintage,
before I had my own AK that I could milled-receiver AK-47. The barrel
use. Our firebase had a 100-yard range was shortened, and a side-folding
attached to it, so I spent slow days at the range working stock was attached. Folding the stock, combined with the
on my proficiency with both the M4 and the AK. What I 10-inch barrel, allowed the little rifle to ride comfortably
learned would shape what rifle I carried and when. It wasn’t in my lap when moving around the country during the
until the next deployment to the same firebase in ’04 that I daytime. It was also easy to get into operation since it
started carrying an AK regularly outside the wire. was always in my hands. All I had to do was hop out of
The M4 that Uncle Sam issued me had the 14½-inch the truck and lock the stock in the open position before I
barrel and a carbine-length gas system with a fixed front started shooting. I carried that rifle for the last few months
sight post. The suppressor was from Knight’s Armament, of my 2004 deployment to Afghanistan.
and it attached to the flash hider of the M4. If I zeroed I’ve always thought highly of that compact rifle, and I still
my rifle without the suppressor, it would induce a 6-inch miss it. It was a handy little thing that proved wonderfully
point of impact shift when attached. I quickly realized lethal out to about 150 yards. I’m sure it would have worked
that I needed to leave the suppressor attached all the time, further than that, but that was the longest range at which
every day, so that I could we hit the enemy. That rifle
hit whatever I was shoot- was also popular with our
ing at. Also, most of our militia. I think they liked the
activity was at night, which idea of an American carrying
is when I need as much sig- the same rifle they were.
nature reduction as possible
so that anyone shooting at MEET THE HELLPUP
me would have difficulty The AK pistol I acquired
locating my position. The for this evaluation is
problem with the suppres- remarkably similar to what
sor was its inclusion added I carried some 20 years ago
a ton of weight, and about in Afghanistan. It is made
7 inches in length to the by Pioneer Arms and goes
gun. The M4 carried like a by the name of “Hellpup.”
Kentucky long rifle, espe- These guns are made in
While early AKs were built from milled steel blocks, the AKM
cially when getting in and switched the platform to stamped and folded steel around a Radom, Poland, a location
out of the truck. I decided trunnion. The Hellpup is based on the AKM design. known for making military
 AN OLD FRIEND | DECEMBER 2024 | G&A 93

Short AK pistols have the front sight assembly pressed against

the gas block. At the rear is a sliding ladder-style sight that can
be adjusted from point-blank to an optimistic 1,000 meters.

and AK-pattern firearms. Radom, and the government

factory located there, built some of the highest-quality AKs
ever made during the Cold War. However, the conclusion
of the Cold War, and the drop in demand, meant that the
The safety selector can be engaged up to “S”, preventing the
government factory closed and was later relocated. bolt from cycling (top) or down to “F” for semiautomatic fire
However, an enterprising individual (middle). It is also notched to capture the bolt handle (bottom).
bought the engineering drawings,
some of the buildings, and many create the casting process, and Radom
of the machines from the old fac- incorporated it into the manufactur-
tory before it moved. He then hired ing process. Just like other forms of
several key employees and put AKs material handling, following a good
back in production at the original process creates a good result. Radom
factory using the same drawings and has one of the best casting processes. It
machines. That’s who makes the Pio- heats the dies to 5,000 degrees before
neer Arms guns today. pouring in order to ensure no cracks
Prior to the Radom facility link- or voids form in the steel. The result
ing up with the U.S. sister company was a good cast trunnion that is used
of Pioneer Arms, business with a to build the 7.62x39mm guns. Maxi-
different American distributor focused mum SAAMI chamber pressure for this
solely on low-cost guns. That distrib- cartridge is 45,000 pounds per square
utor put lots of pressure on Radom inch (psi). Cast trunnions have proven
The bolt carrier supports the rotating
to build them. Radom went to the bolt assembly, which contains the large to work indefinately at that pressure.
engineers and asked if there was a way extractor and firing pin. However, the customer base spoke
to keep the same performance and out against the cast trunnion and
durability while lowering manufacturing costs. Engineers voiced concerns about long-term durability. Pioneer Arms
came back with the solution to make the receiver’s trun- listened. In 2023, Pioneer Arms stopped putting cast trun-
nion out of casting to create significant savings. Radom nions in every 7.62x39mm rifle and pistol. All centerfire
hired a British manufacturing and engineering firm to rifles and pistols now use forged trunnions exclusively,
94 G&A | DECEMBER 2024 | AN OLD FRIEND

Being an AK-type pistol, the Hellpup lacks a fixed or folding

stock. It can be slung using a fixed attachment point at the front
of the handguard and a rear QD sling swivel.

An optic-mounting point is riveted to the left side of the

putting to bed any concerns about long-term durability. stamped and folded receiver. Aftermarket optic rails and scope
I was pleasantly surprised when I laid eyes on the mounts are available.
Hellpup and removed it from the packaging. It was
beautifully finished and had a much better trigger than stamped steel that was folded into the final shape. Guns got
anything I experienced when in the military. The Hellpup a lot lighter and easier to produce when this design change
is made from all new-manufacture parts and, because of was implemented. While everyone loves the workmanship
its size, can be imported as-manufactured in Poland. Most milled steel represents, it adds a lot of unnecessary weight
AK-pattern firearms require final assembly with some and expense. I saw no difference in reliability between vin-
American-made parts due to 922R-compliance regulations. tage AK47s and the AKM during my time overseas.
The Hellpup is a commercial AKM, meaning it follows the The Hellpup comes with iron sights and a side receiver
Kalashnikov design update from 1959. This moved receiver rail for mounting optics. The receiver mount is a big deal
production from milled blocks of steel to 1mm-thick because it makes sensible optic mounting a real possibility.
96 G&A | DECEMBER 2024 | AN OLD FRIEND

Mounting an optic on an PERFORMANCE and fixing a rail to it. This

AK-pattern firearm is usu- BEST AVG. puts the optic right above
VEL. GROUP GROUP
ally a struggle. The receiver LOAD (FPS) ES SD (IN.) (IN.) the hottest part of the gun,
cover lifts off the top, so which can cook electronic
attaching anything to it is sights if the gun is shot a
doomed to never hold zero. lot. Pioneer Arms puts the
Other mounting options Notes: Accuracy is the average of five, five-shot groups at 100 yards. Velocity is the side-mounted rail in place,
average of five shots measured with a Garmin Xero C1 Pro chronograph.
include removing the rear allowing the shooter to
sight and direct-mounting a mount the optic low above
plate, or installing a section of rail and attaching the optic the receiver cover. It still requires the optic to be removed
to that. It can be a good solution, but it raises the optic to access the receiver’s internals, but there are some elegant
high above the stock, so good head-to-stock contact isn’t and efficient aftermarket solutions. If you plan on shooting
possible. The final solution is removing the top handguard past 100 yards with any AK-pattern rifle, a good optic-

I N T R O D U C I N G T H E

LEE ULTIMATE TURRET PRESS


KIT






98 G&A | DECEMBER 2024 | AN OLD FRIEND

mounting solution is paramount. The Hellpup comes with

it already installed.
Spending some time with the Hellpup at the range
reminded me why I enjoyed my Afghan travel companion,
my daytime go-to gun all those years ago. Even though the
barrel on the Hellpup measures a short 11 inches, muzzle
blast isn’t horrible as it is when a shooter fires an 11-inch
Black Rifle in 5.56 NATO. One reason the 7.62x39mm
is a good choice is the low chamber pressure: 45,000 psi
versus 62,000 psi produced by the 5.56 NATO cartridge.
It makes for a much lower projectile exit pressure, and
that translates into significantly less
muzzleblast. There is still a fireball,
though. The Hellpup’s trigger is also
much better than the AKs I encoun-
INTRODUCING tered overseas. The test pistol’s trigger
let the hammer go consistently after
just a hair beyond 4 pounds, and it
was smooth and grit-free. It made
accuracy testing the Hellpup at 50
yards a joy.
Defensive firearms can be a com-
plicated subject. Twenty years ago, I
faced a tactical problem as a soldier
THE NEXT GENERATION that required some creativity to find
a solution. The solution for me was
HSM brings you an extraordinary new a highly portable firearm with great
hunting cartridge: Tipping Point ! 2 lethality and pleasant table manners.
It’s now available from Pioneer Arms
for several hundred dollars. Not only
is the price attractive, it is of a higher
An Exciting NEW! quality and has a better trigger and
Addition to the HSM optic-mounting solution than what I
Roster of Superior dreamed up. However, I did bet my
life on that old rifle a few times, and I
Hunting Cartridges! would be comfortable doing the same
Accuracy is our with the Hellpup.
Business.

The magic in this new cartridge is TIPPING POINT2 is available in

the Hornady® SST® (Super Shock the following calibers:
Tip) bullet. Designed to deliver
tremendous shock on impact while
expanding quickly and reliably,
particularly at higher velocities.
Flat shooting and deadly accurate,
it’s an ideal bullet for whitetails,
as well as most North American
game animals. The SST® creates a
devastatingly large
wound channel.
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100 G&A DECEMBER 2024

PR O O F H OU S E SIG Sauer P320-XFIVE SXG 9mm

HEAVY METAL
SIG SAUER ANNOUNCED a number of new versions in Germany, and were originally based
of its flagship P320 pistol. The P320-XFIVE SXG is on P220 and P226 models. The first XFIVE
a dedicated competition version of the striker-fired built on the P320 pistol was introduced in
9mm. Guns & Ammo staff first shot the P320-XFIVE 2017, but it was only offered with a polymer
SXG at an event in New Hampshire where SIG Sauer grip module. SIG Sauer also introduced a heavy
revealed more than 20 new products. SIG Sauer tungsten-infused polymer grip module
Team Captain Max Michel was available to walk G&A (TXG) and an aluminum grip module
through the features of the new pistols, including the (AXG) for the chassis pistol.
P320-XFIVE SXG. When production samples became For 2024, the P320 was
available, one was sent to G&A for evaluation. given a steel X-grip
The P320-XFIVE SXG is an all-stainless-steel version module, the
of the striker-fired P320. It has a 5-inch barrel and SXG.
several unique features. It is chambered in 9mm and
is provided with three, 21-round magazines.
SIG Sauer has made XFIVE pistols for years,
and they’ve always been competition-
oriented pistols. They used to be
produced by SIG Sauer’s
Custom Shop
 DECEMBER 2024 G&A 101

The Fire Control Unit (FCU) is an assembly on a serialized

stainless-steel chassis, which is considered to be the “firearm.”
Attached to the P320-XFIVE SXG FCU is a steel, flat-face trigger
with subtle finger hook. Trigger weight was tested at 4¼ pounds.

SIG SAUER
P320-XFIVE SXG
Recoil operated,
TYPE
striker fired, semiautomatic
CARTRIDGE 9mm
CAPACITY 21+1 rds.
BARREL 5 in., carbon steel
LENGTH 8.5 in.
HEIGHT 6.5 in. (with magazine inserted)
WIDTH 1.6 in.
3 lbs., 1.8 oz. (with empty
WEIGHT
magazine inserted)
SLIDE Stainless steel
SXG, X-Grip module,
FRAME
stainless steel, G10 grips
Post front with fiber optic insert,
SIGHTS fully adjustable rear notch
removable for red dot
TRIGGER 4 lbs., 4 oz. (tested)
SAFETY Striker safety
MSRP $1,799
ACCESSORIES Three, 21-rd. magazines
SIG Sauer, 603-610-3000,
MANUFACTURER
sigsauer.com
102 G&A | DECEMBER 2024 | SIG SAUER P320-XFIVE SXG 9MM

Slide cuts enhance the aesthetics of the Sighting is accomplished with either the Three recoil springs — 12, 14 and 16
P320-XFIVE SXG and reduce mass, keeping green fiber-optic front sight and adjustable pounds — are included to enhance reliabil-
slide weight similar to a standard P320. rear on the cover plate, or with an optic. ity and manage recoil from different loads.

The P320 is a chassis gun, meaning that it has no 8½ inches in length, 6½ inches in height with a magazine
“frame” per se, just an internal Fire Control Unit (FCU), inserted, and 1.6 inches wide. Although the width is at the
and a grip module. The serialized part is the stainless-steel steel magazine well, this pistol is 1.3 inches thick at the grips.
chassis that organizes the trigger, slide lock, sear, pins and The original, full-size P320 had a 4.7-inch barrel. With the
springs. It is easily removable from the grip module. P320-XFIVE SXG, the barrel is an even 5 inches, and given a
In SIG Sauer’s nomenclature, the “S” stands for “steel.” thicker bull-barrel profile and target crown. The extra barrel
“G” in “SXG” stands for the “grip” module. As for the length adds weight and provides shooters with a little extra
“X?” It has nothing to do with this model being an X-Five. velocity, important if you’re worried about your ammo making
The original P320 and P365 models had almost vertical minimum power factor. Plus, the additional slide length trans-
grip angles. It wasn’t long before SIG Sauer offered “X”- lates into a longer sight radius to help with accuracy. When
grip modules for the P320 to provide a more angled grip you’re pushing the edge at a match, every advantage helps.
alternative. It was so successful that almost every P320 and Every veteran competition shooter has learned that
P365 manufactured today — apart from the military M17 more reciprocating weight equals more felt recoil and
and M18 models — feature X-grips.
The grip angle is close to that of a
Model 1911.
It isn’t just the increased angle of
the X-grip that is functional, it is the
undercut below the triggerguard and
at the rear of the frame, which also
has a high-grip beavertail. A shooter’s
hand is positioned about an eighth
of an inch higher on the P320-XFIVE
SXG than a standard P320. That slight
difference results in less felt recoil and
less muzzle rise, which is important to
a competition shooter.
As an all-steel pistol, the P320-XFIVE
SXG weighs 49.8 ounces with an empty
magazine inserted. For comparison, the
polymer-framed P320-XFIVE weighs
35.5 ounces. The all-metal pistol weighs
Fieldstripping includes removal of the serialized FCU, which contains the trigger, slide-lock
nearly a pound more than the polymer lever and sear assembly. The P320 remains the easiest chassis system to remove from a grip
version. The P320-XFIVE SXG measures module.
104 G&A | DECEMBER 2024 | SIG SAUER P320-XFIVE SXG 9MM

To remove the slide assembly from the grip module and FCU, first The steel blade trigger is flat-faced with a subtle finger hook at the
rotate the takedown lever down. bottom. Note the triggerguard undercut, enabling a high grip.

muzzle rise, which is why WHY SO HEAVY?

there are cutouts atop the Why a shooter would want
P320-XFIVE’s slide. While more weight in a compe-
it is .3-inch longer than a tition pistol might seem
standard P320, the slides obvious to many, but a
actually weigh the same. quick explanation is in
The front sight is steel order. Action pistol compe-
and has a green fiber-optic tition is all about points per
insert, which is dovetailed second, so a pistol needs
into place. The rear sight to allow you to shoot as fast
is adjustable and made of and accurately as possible.
steel, and it’s integral to A heavier gun softens recoil
the slide’s cover plate. The and reduces muzzle rise.
P320-XFIVE SXG comes Texture on the P320-XFIVE SXG is comprehensive with LOK grips Handguns will cycle before
panels, backstrap, and machine checkering on the frontstrap. A high
optic-ready with the slide grip is possible due to the beavertail, triggerguard undercut, and you can ready your finger
cut to fit optics using a magazine funnel. to press the trigger a sec-
DeltaPoint Pro footprint. ond time, but less muzzle
G&A’s sample was supplied with the SIG Sauer ROMEO3 rise means less disturbance to your sight picture, mean-
Max ($700, sigsauer.com), which, along with this pistol, was ing you can get back on target quicker. This is especially
designed with input from Max Michel. It’s available with a important if you’re running a red-dot optic; less muzzle
3- or 6-MOA dot. G&A tested the latter. rise means less time that the red dot is out of the window.
Both the slide and the SXG grip module are machined Features that would not be desirable in a carry gun —
from stainless steel and given a matte bead blast finish. extra length and weight — are exactly what a competitive
The barrel is carbon steel and given a nitride finish. The shooter wants on the P320-XFIVE SXG.
slide features serrations at the front and back, angled and As part of its competition lineage, the team at G&A
flat-bottomed. immediately noticed that the P320-XFIVE SXG has a
106 G&A | DECEMBER 2024 | SIG SAUER P320-XFIVE SXG 9MM

noticeably lighter-than- a 14-pounder and

average recoil spring. a 16-pounder that’s
This pistol uses a 1911 marked red. You can
spring system, so when tune this gun to your
you want or need to ammo and your shooting
change the recoil spring, or grip style. A 16-pound
any spring meant for a recoil would be consid-
full-size, 5-inch 1911 will ered factory standard for
fit the XFIVE. Honestly, a full-size 9mm.
it’s a big deal. Veteran The SXG grip module
competition shooters features an accessory rail
know that light recoil with one slot, allowing
springs are what you you to mount a light if
want in a competition you desire. The rail also
gun. First, the ammuni- adds non-reciprocating
tion used in action pistol weight out near the
Three, 21-round magazines are supplied with the P320-XFIVE SXG, each
matches — whether having an textured basepad that extends beyond the bottom of the magwell muzzle, which can also
USPSA, IPSC or IDPA for confident speed reloads. reduce felt recoil.
— is as light as possible
while still meeting the declared Power Factor. You want TOUCHPOINTS
the gun to reliably cycle light ammunition. Beyond that, The P320-XFIVE SXG sports the standard P320 controls,
competitors have learned that lighter recoil springs keep including a bilateral slide-stop lever where both levers
the muzzle flatter during recoil. Lighter recoil springs equal properly work as a slide release. The takedown lever on
less muzzle bounce. the left side is flat and low profile. The magazine release
The P320-XFIVE SXG includes a 12-pound recoil spring is steel and checkered, and it does not stick out further
installed, but two additional recoil springs are provided, than the grips. Due to the size and profile of the grip, most
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108 G&A | DECEMBER 2024

RECALL NOTICE
HORNADY BLACK®
350 LEGEND 150 GR. SP

PERFORMANCE
DO NOT USE HORNADY® 350 LEGEND
BEST AVG
b*5$Ζ163Ζ5(32Ζ17+251$'< VEL. GROUP GROUP
BLACK®$0081Ζ7Ζ21 LOAD (FPS) ES SD (IN.) (IN)
The item number and lot number can be
found printed on the box label.

Notes: *Handload with 3.2 grains Titegroup. 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 chronograph set at 12 feet in front of the muzzle.

people shouldn’t need to shift their firing grip to use the

magazine release.
The G10 grips on this pistol are great. These thin, low-
profile grip panels are made by LOK Grips for SIG Sauer.
They are G10 and have aggressive texturing. The back-
strap under the web of your hand matches the grip panels.
On the front of the grip module, there is a small section
of checkering in the stainless steel. Between the weight
of the gun and the aggressiveness of the grip, the P320-
XFIVE SXG will not shift in your hands when shooting.
Inside the triggerguard there is SIG Sauer’s new blade
trigger. It is steel and black, with a wide flat face. It fires
close to 90 degrees. G&A’s sample had a long rolling
break, with a total pull weight of 4¼ pounds. Honestly,
it doesn’t rise to the level of a true competition-grade
trigger, but it is far better than a standard P320 trigger. It is
a reminder that the P320-XFIVE SXG is not a custom gun.
Rather, it is a factory gun with some unique features that
make better suited for competition. The steel magazine
well provided a generous opening and a smooth surface
to guide mags in with speed. It is removable, if you prefer.
At the range, the P320-XFIVE SXG proved reliable and
more than accurate enough for competition. We did some
shooting with the optic, but accuracy testing with the
standard sights. The narrow front sight was about 8-MOA
wide, whereas most front sights are 12- to 15-MOA wide.
It is a big, heavy gun, so recoil was as soft as one would
expect — especially with a dedicated USPSA 9mm han-
dload. SIG Sauer’s Team Captain Max Michel and other
competitors have been winning local, state, and national
matches with various models of the P320 for years. That
trend is sure to continue with the P320-XFIVE SXG.
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110 G&A DECEMBER 2024

PROOFHOUSE Bravo Company Recce-18 MCMR Precision 5.56 NATO

SHOT FIDELITY
BRAVO COMPANY MANUFACTURING (BCM)
has long built high-quality AR-15s and M4-style
firearms. BCM is led by U.S. Marine Paul Buffoni,
who founded the business building AR-pattern
BRAVO COMPANY MFG.
rifles that adhered to U.S. military technical spec- RECCE-18 MCMR PRECISION
ifications, but it wasn’t long before he improved Direct impingement,
on those designs and created faithful tributes TYPE gas operated,
semiautomatic
to models such as the Mk 12 series and Recce.
CARTRIDGE 5.56 NATO
BCM’s approach is “brilliance in the basics.”
CAPACITY 20 or 30 rds.
Guns & Ammo tested an ideal representation
18 in., 1:8-in. twist,
of an AR-15 developed for general use and preci- BARREL
stainless steel
sion shooting. It sports quality components with 34.25 in. (collapsed),
LENGTH
thoughtful details included. For example, the 18- 37.25-in. (extended)
inch, 410 stainless-steel, medium-contour barrel WEIGHT 6 lbs., 14 oz.
has a rifle-length gas system, which maximizes STOCK
BCM Mod 1 SOPMOD
Compartment
velocity potential from the 5.56 NATO round.
GRIP BCM Gunfighter
The long gas system is easy on the rifle’s internals
11.1 in. (collapsed),
and produces the least amount of felt recoil. The LENGTH OF PULL
14.1 in. (extended)
upper and lower receivers are machined from Type III hardcoat anod-
FINISH
aluminum forgings, 7075-T6, which are then Type ized (aluminum)
III hardcoat anodized. The receivers mirror the SIGHTS None
classic mil-spec design, while components such SAFETY Two-position selector
as the MCMR handguard are more functional and MSRP $1,980
can better accommodate a shooter’s needs. Bravo Company Mfg.,
MANUFACTURER 877-272-8626,
bravocompanymfg.com
 DECEMBER 2024 G&A 111

The MCMR forend maintains the BCM handguard mounting

system, which indexes and secures the handguard to the
barrel nut using a steel screw and opposing set screw to
prevent loosening. Two tabs on the handguard also index
the handguard to the upper receiver and prevent rotation
that could lead to misalignment of the top rails.

The BCM Mod 1 stock is a wide-body version of the SOPMOD

featuring storage. To access the rear storage compartment, use a
tool such as a punch or bullet tip to press a crossbolt-style pin.
Multiple ambidextrous sling mounting options are also included.
 112 G&A | DECEMBER 2024 | BCM RECCE-18 MCMR PRECISION 5.56 NATO

FREE
FREE
FREE
YES!

The lower receiver includes a mil-spec 7075-T6 receiver extension, BCM QD end plate and
castle nut. The QD end plate features a socket for a sling with a quick-disconnect swivel.

©2024 LCC, Inc. THE FURNITURE the stock’s comb that allows the sling
limits are subject to change.

The newest components on the to be threaded through for simplified

Yours FREE!

Due to fluctuations in the

coin market, prices and

Recce-18 MCMR Precision are the sling attachment.

handguard and the adjustable The storage in the Mod-1-SOP-
Date our choice.

stock, both designed and made MOD-Compartment stock — along

by BCM. The stock is the Mod with the storage available in the BCM
JUST $9.95!

1-SOPMOD-Compartment, and it is Gunfighter grip — can be useful for

one the most useful stock designs keeping a spare battery, bolt, or other
available. It fits both standard AR-15 small items handy. The extra storage
and longer AR-10 receiver extensions. of the stock is located in a shape that
Sling attachments include quick- fixes many gripes with the SOPMOD
Silver Half Dollar

detach (QD) sockets on both sides of stock. The military’s SOPMOD stock
the stock, as well as on the receiver has a toe that comes to a point.
end plate. The location allows for Seen from the side, the stock (just
sling use while shooting off either forward of the buttpad) has a toe that
shoulder. The QD sockets are high is shallow and pointed. Toes such as
near the extension, so the sling won’t on the SOPMOD don’t ride a rear
choke the shooter when slung for the support bag well, so it’s harder to
You’ll also receive a handpicked trial selection of fascinating coins from our

right shoulder and then transitioned coax the best accuracy from the rifle.
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The polymer BCM triggerguard is enlarged to accept gloved fingers, and has no sharp edges.
The BCM PNT trigger and hammer are nickel finished with Teflon particles embedded.
 275 +
1 DESIGN | 2 SIZES
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114 G&A | DECEMBER 2024 | BCM RECCE-18 MCMR PRECISION 5.56 NATO

The free-floating 18-inch barrel is chambered for 5.56 NATO and fea- The BCM Asymmetric MK2 charging handle has a large, single-sided
tures a 1-in-8-inch twist and M4 feed ramps. It’s machined from 410 latch. The design features exhaust channels that divert gas away
stainless steel, and given a medium contour and Mod 2 flash hider. from the shooter’s face.

The BCM Mod 1 grip fills the gap between the lower receiver and The BCM lower receiver is machined from a 7075-T6 aluminum forg-
frontstrap. It features a straight, checkered frontstrap with finger ing that is Type III hardcoat anodized. The bolt catch lever, safety
stop, and reduced angle that improves comfort during prone use. selector and trigger are all placed in their familiar locations.

meant for fast shooting at the sling out of the way

close range, but stocks like when the rifle is stowed
the SOPMOD are not ideal for travel, but allows the
for use on precision rifles. shooter to grab the sling
The Mod 1-SOPMOD-Com- and rip it away for rapid
partment stock has a wider deployment. It’s a small but
toe to create a storage useful detail, and one of the
compartment. Accessing many tricks troops learned
the compartment is done during the War on Terror.
by pushing a captured pin The handguard is the
laterally. The buttpad is BCM MCMR-15 with an
hinged. The compartment M-Lok-compatible modular
Carpenter 158 steel is used to make BCM’s bolt carrior group, which
is large enough to accept is also chrome-lined. The bolt carrier group is also magnetic particle rail. The handguard utilizes
cleaning gear, spare parts, inspected (MPI) per USGI specifications for quality control. the mounting system from
a small rag or tools, or a the KMR handguard. Most
couple of fun-size bags of M&Ms critical for maintaining AR handguards slip over the barrel nut and have screws
morale on a hard range day. The flat spot on the toe mea- that provide tension at the bottom of the handguard, just
sures about 1½ inches long, making it an almost perfect forward of the upper receiver. The issue with that arrange-
support point for a rear bag. ment is the barrel nut is the first component to get hot
BCM also included the Vehicle-Borne Operational Sling because it surrounds the barrels chamber. The barrel gets
Tab, a small protrusion forward of the toe. The tab allows hot and the heat moves from the barrel nut to the hand-
the shooter to S-roll the sling and secure it in place with a guard where it attaches. Once the handguard gets hot and
rubber band, painter’s tape, or a Velcro strap. This keeps starts to expand, the tension provided by the screws is
116 G&A | DECEMBER 2024 | BCM RECCE-18 MCMR PRECISION 5.56 NATO

anticipated. The trigger pull was smooth and light enough

that the crosshairs didn’t move off the point of aim when
shooting groups.
The smallest group during testing came with 69-grain
Federal Gold Medal Match (GMM), producing a dimin-
utive .38-inch five-shot group. It was much smaller than
expected of an AR, especially one without a match trigger.
A lot of the Recce-18 MCMR Precision rifle’s accuracy
comes from its barrel. Not surprisingly, it has an 18-inch,
button-rifled barrel with a 1-in-8-inch twist rate. It is made
from 410 stainless steel and has a mid-weight contour to
complement the rifle-length gas system. It is fitted with
BCM’s flash hider. The combination results in a soft-
shooting AR that’ll put most five-
diminished. The handguard PERFORMANCE shot groups of match ammunition
won’t rattle apart, but it BEST AVG. into about .8 inches at 100 yards.
VEL. GROUP GROUP
can move around, causing LOAD (FPS) ES SD (IN.) (IN.) It’s a great barrel for anyone want-
a wandering zero for laser 2,709 39.5 12.7 .38 .62 ing a precision AR for ringing steel,
aiming devices or align- 2,760 54.8 18.2 .66 .79 punching small holes in paper, or
ment issues for night vision 2,982 86.3 27.4 .81 .93 blasting coyotes and vermin.
devices mounted on the Notes: Accuracy is the average of five, five-shot groups at 100 yards. BCM also includes a handful of
Velocity is the average of five shots measured with a Garmin Xero C1 Pro.
handguard. features on just about all of their
The solution BCM crafted rifles that make using with them
for the KMR was to use a steel barrel nut that is more a little more pleasant. For example, the MK2 charging
resistant to thermal expansion and locating the crossbolts handle is BCM’s own creation. It has a large fence that sits
that attach the handguard to the barrel nut to the area immediately behind the upper receiver, too. This prevents
between the barrel nut and the rail that runs along the gas from exiting the upper receiver and blowing into the
top of the handguard. The folded material that creates shooter’s eyes; this is especially important when shooting
the rail is where expansion occurs when the handguard suppressed. At the bottom of the rifle is a polymer trig-
heats. Putting the crossbolts between the handguard and gerguard that fills the gap between the lower receiver and
the rail limits the amount of movement created by thermal the grip’s frontstrap. It makes long-range sessions more
expansion and helps immobilize the handguard. All of comfortable for the firing hand.
this especially matters if a shooter needs to mount a laser Cosmetically, BCM creates a great product. On inspec-
aiming device to the handguard. tion, we found no parting lines or forging marks anywhere
on the receivers. Most AR-15’s have
AT THE RANGE a seam near the trigger, but only
There were high hopes for the Rec- smooth, evenly anodized surfaces
ce-18 MCMR Precision when it was covered the Recce-18.
time for range testing. The BCM PNT G&A’s range time with the Recce-18
trigger assembly features a standard MCMR Precision proved that BCM
semiautomatic trigger and hammer makes reliable, smoothly operating
given a polished nickel finish that’s rifles. Carbines with shorter barrels
embedded with Teflon particles to are the order of the day for close-
reduce friction of the interface. BCM range work and self-defense, but the
uses investment casting to make Recce-18 MCMR Precision is ideal for
these triggers and hammers, not all other rifle tasks. Most importantly,
the metal injection molding more it produced a fun day at the range
commonly found in rifle of dubious ringing steel, impressing friends, and
provenance. The sear engagement shooting out bullseyes.
surfaces are ground and hand pol- Perhaps you could buy a sling,
ished for increased smoothness and mount a quality scope, set up a tripod
reduced friction. The disconnector is and shooting saddle, and invest in
stamped from 1070 steel and ground a few spare magazines and match
to a precise size. The effort provides ammo. As it ships, though, the Rec-
a clean reset. The result is a trigger ce-18 is a high-value performer that
that allowed more accuracy than requires no functional upgrades.
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The fine print is subject to change at any time.

&

ON JULY 1 retired English

man announced
his wildly successful
channel, was expe- look positive. Only well-established
challenges. Thanks to channels and creators maintaining a
Google’s retroactive “terms of service” large enough audience can afford to
change, the majority of his videos seek greener pastures.
were declared in violation of the site’s Though Guns & Ammo does have
community guidelines. Not only would a modest YouTube channel, it is only
his ability to monetize these videos be HICKOK45 beholden to the brand’s audience and
restricted, but his channel could be Greg Kinman, also known as “Hickok45,” is Outdoor Sportsman Group (OSG). We
taken down permanently. a YouTube creator who enjoys plinking steel, create videos for gunsandammo.com
shooting up watermelons, and demonstrat-
Historically, the firearms guidelines ing firearm safety on his backyard range. and MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) streaming
on YouTube restricted content that Consider giving his videos a watch! service, which contains the complete
involved modifying firearms to bypass catalog of Guns & Ammo media, as
safeties, instructions on how to build was able to negotiate for its videos well as content made by publications
a firearm, and generally anything else to be reinstated if they removed the including Peterson’s Hunting, Shoot-
you would find within “The Anarchist’s sponsorship links. ing Times, Firearms News, Rifle-
Cookbook.” In recent years, however, As a private entity, Google is con- Shooter, Handguns, and more. We’re
the restrictions have grown tighter, sidered within its rights to ban con- always improving the experience,
most notably banning any videos tent they don’t want on its platform. most recently making a video section
that are intended to advertise or sell While firearm content hasn’t been on gunsandammo.com for a smoother
firearms and related accessories. completely banned on YouTube, the user experience that lets us navigate
Further, any livestreams that contain presence of videos featuring firearms to a topic quickly.
a person holding a firearm, loaded or is not welcome. Many have said the Know of any channels or creators
otherwise, are forbidden. It was the writing is on the wall. Prominent that provide solid firearm-related
ban on advertising that threatened YouTube gun channels have sought content? Email us at gaeditor@out-
Mr. Kinman’s channel. Simply putting alternate forms of revenue, whether doorsg.com for recommendations.
a link to a manufacturer’s website in it be through crowdfunding, selling
the video description was enough to merchandise, or producing content on TOP COMMENTS
retroactively put them in violation of firearms-oriented streaming and video
the rule. Luckily, the Hickok45 channel platforms. For aspiring content cre-
ators though, the prospect does not

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

Judge the actions of politicions, not their words.

ONLY
KAMALA HARRIS is a Bay Area liberal signed legislation banning certain trigger devices.
of her childhood in Canada. Though she We can all agree that reducing violence is a noble
about being a “gun owner,” it shouldn’t public policy goal. Given Minnesota’s response to the riots
that she’s not exactly a great supporter of during the summer of 2020, though, it is hard to argue
Amendment. Her running mate, Minnesota that Governor Walz’s priority is law and order. A police
Tim Walz, has a different story. As a native station and 1,000 businesses were burned to the ground
Nebraskan who served in the National Guard, he plays while Walz “failed to act,” according to a Minnesota
the part of the “aw-shucks” Senate Committee report
rural everyman when it issued in October 2020. So
comes to gun rights. much for a commitment to
“Look, I know guns,” public safety.
Walz said. “I’m a veteran. No matter how much
I’m a hunter. I was a better Governor Walz touts his
shot than most Republicans personal gun ownership or
in Congress, and I have the time afield as a hunter, he
trophies to prove it. But I’m has demonstrated through
also a dad. I believe in the his words and actions that
Second Amendment, but he is willing to support
I also believe that our first additional restrictions on
responsibility is to keep our the rights of gun owners.
kids safe.” I’m not writing this col-
Allow me to translate: umn to tell readers how to
“My guns are fine, but I get vote, however, on the issue
to decide whether yours are.” In my opinion, that makes of gun control, the contest is undeniable. Then-President
him an elitist. Personally, I’ll take an anti-gun true believer Trump appointed U.S. Supreme Court Justices who have
over a person who claims to be one of us and then votes fundamentally changed the Court’s view of the Second
otherwise. Amendment. With those acts alone, he influenced the
When Walz was elected to Congress, he did so with effectiveness of gun-control efforts for a generation.
NRA’s endorsement. In 2016, I included him in gunsan- If the Harris-Walz ticket is successful in November 2024,
dammo.com’s list of “Top 20 Politicians for Gun Owners” the best that gun owners can hope for is that the Repub-
as an example of one of the few Democrats continuing to licans manage to take control of the U.S. Senate or main-
support gun rights in Washington D.C. Since then, though, tain the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.
he has changed his position. A Democrat trifecta would be a disaster for gun rights.
Walz’s opinion on gun control turned after the Park- Though it is possible that a new anti-gun law could be
land High School shooting in 2018. Now, he is in favor of struck down by the Supreme Court, the process to undo a
ILLUSTRATION: A. F. BRANCO

banning so-called “assault weapons,” and he has signed gun ban could take years.
numerous anti-gun measures into law. In 2023, Governor When it comes to elections, it’s important to judge
Walz signed a bill creating a “Red Flag” program and candidates on the issues and their record, not whether
mandatory background checks on transfers of handguns, they speak our language. Don’t be fooled by a politician
as well as many semiautomatic long guns. This year, he wearing a camouflage hat and toting a shotgun.
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