LEUPOLD BX-4 10x42 TIPPED BULLETS SECUREIT:

RANGEFINDING BINO IS THERE A DIFFERENCE? AGILE GUN STORAGE

guns andammo.com

OCTOBER 2024
FIRST LOOK

SMITH & WESSON

RELEASES THE
BODYGUARD 2.0
AS A 10- AND
12+1-RD.
.380 EDC
MICRO.
P. 46

BROWNING X-BOLT 2 SPEED

GUN TESTS
NIGHTHAWK
CUSTOM
PRECISION HUNTER
1911 Lady Hawk 9mm HALF-MOA ACCURACY OUT OF AN
P. 78
MOSSBERG OVIX-CAMO’D MOUNTAIN RIFLE. P. 56
Patriot LR Hunter .300 WM
P. 98
JACOB GREY
TWC 9 9mm
P. 118
SPRINGFIELD
ARMORY
CA-Legal Hellcat OSP 9mm
P. 126 P. 108 P. 39 P. 17
EMARY KURTENBACH POOLE
Salvaging a Mitchell’s Gun Notes: Drop-In Rook Armor: Body
Mauser K98k project. barrels compared. armor for civilians?
GUNS & AMMO Oct Obe r 2 024 | VOLUME 68, NUM BER 10 | P UBL ISHED MONTH LY

CO N T EN TS

The subscriber cover SMITH & WESSON’S

NEW AND IMPROVED
features the Browning
X-Bolt 2 Speed SPR,
just one model of the
next generation of
Browning’s innovative BODYGUARD 2.0.
bolt-actions. It was
tested with the BY JAMES TARR
Leupold VX-5HD
3-15x44mm. P. 56

REBOOTING
THE SYSTEM COVER PHOTOS: MICHAEL ANSCHUETZ AND MARK FINGAR; ABOVE PHOTO: MARK FINGAR

56
OF THE LAND
66
TIPPED OFF
78
SILVER LADY
90
NOT TOO MANY,
98
TAKEN AFIELD
108
MAKING THINGS
The Browning Tipped projectiles Nighthawk NOT TOO FAST Mossberg’s Patriot RIGHT
X-Bolt 2 Speed have risen in pop- Custom’s Part 2: Hunter LR is a Taking a Mitchell’s
SPR is a sequel that ularity. Let’s discuss Lady Hawk is an Cartridges great hunting Mausers K98k
bests the original the benefits and accurate, reliable designed for speed rifle available in a and correcting
on the range and in drawbacks. misnomer of an and accuracy. variety of cartridges. its inaccuracies.
the field. by aaron carter EDC 1911 in 9mm. by craig by antonio by dave emary
boddington acitelli
by eric r. poole by donna
boddington

reader blowback � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 10 Gun Notes by Joe Kurtenbach � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 39

editorial by Eric R. Poole � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 17 Proofhouse Jacob Grey TWC 9 9mm�� � � � � � � � � � � � � � 118
Gun room by Garry James� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 19 Proofhouse Springfield Armory Hellcat OSP Compliant� � 126
Handgunning by James Tarr� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 27 connect by Antonio Acitelli � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 135
Gun tech by Richard Nance � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 31 Spent cases by Keith Wood � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 136
rifles & Glass by Tom Beckstrand� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 35
6 G&A | OctOber 2024

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WE FOCUS ON THE PROCESS,
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TO GET STARTED
CALL 866.471.6871 OR
VISIT SILENCERCENTRAL.COM
10 G&A OctOber 2024
READER WRITE US! “Letters,” Guns & Ammo, 2 News Plaza, 3rd Floor, Peoria, IL 61614, or email us at gaeditor@outdoorsg.com.
B LOWB ACK Please include your city and state of residence. Letters may be edited for brevity and clarity.

Instead, panic caused the MAY ’85

Great Depression to worsen
and last longer. My advice
is to buy no more than you
normally use and wait for
domestic production to
increase and new facilities
to get online, just like was
done to make primers.
Joseph Solimando
Hamburg, Pennsylvania
PHOTO: MICHAEL ANSCHUETZ

ARISAKA JAM exception. I usually don’t BLANK CHECKLIST

I have a sporterized have anything to add, but I enjoyed Keith Wood’s
Arisaka that only feeds “Hang Fire” (August 2024) column, “10 Guns I’d
ammo properly if I load was different. Mr. Wood Love to Own” (May 2024).
two rounds or less. With identified the problem of Of course, Elmer Keith’s
three or more, the rounds the gunpowder shortage, revolver would be on my
jam on the feed ramp. I but the solution requires a list, but what I agreed with
bought Norma round-nose change of worldview. If we most was the Rigby Mauser
7.7x58mm ammunition. stop pretending to be the given to Jim Corbett. I was
The rifle is missing the arsenal of the free world, captivated while reading
magazine box, so I bought cut off Ukraine, Israel, and about his adventures as a
one online from a reputa- the rest, we will not only Professional Hunter in the
ble source. The follower have plenty of gunpowder, high school library. Thank-
spring does not appear but we will stop adding to fully, G&A is still home to
to have any defects. The our $34 trillion in national good writing, and I enjoy have one .275, I’d be hard
bolt is a tad loose unless debt. Americans would finding it in the mailbox pressed to bypass Walter
cocked, but test firing was be a lot safer if we started each month. My blank “Karamojo” Bell’s .275.
normal. There are no other minding our own business. checklist? Any .44-caliber Knowing the stories of how
issues with the rifle. Any Patrick H. Sellers from Skeeter Skelton would he employed his against
thoughts? Glenmoore, Pennsylvania be at the top. I seem to dangerous game inspires
Bill Adkins remember almost all of his awe. Alas, I must settle for
Email Reasonable people can work mentioned something my Winchester Model 70 in
disagree as to whether we in .44, but that could just 7x57mm, which has been
The first thing that comes should be providing arms be the clouds of time. A my go-to deer rifle for the
to mind is that the follower for these conflicts. Since we Winchester Model 70 in last 45 years.
spring might be installed produce almost no nitro- .270 Winchester from Jack Doug Felton
backward. I have seen this cellulose domestically, the O’Connor would be high Lithia, Florida
issue before. If the spring shortages hit us regardless. on my list, as well. Finally,
is in backward, the nose of — K. Wood I would want a nice Parker 30-RD. CARBINE
the follower can drop too double in 16 gauge. MAGS
low and it will misfeed. NO HOARDING! Richard Jarvis My father was an ordnance
— D. Emary I read Keith Wood’s article Elberton, Georgia welder during World War
about a powder shortage in II. He related this story to
GUNPOWDER the August 2024 issue. To THE WANT LIST me in my teens: He and
SHORTAGE do so in a popular national I really enjoyed Keith his fellow techs put two
Since the days of Jeff Coo- gun magazine is sure to Wood’s column, “10 M1 Carbine magazines
per, I’ve been reading the cause more hoarding and Guns I’d Love To Own” together and created
last page first. It’s always price increases. We saw this (May 2024). I’m just not mags that held 28 rounds.
been a quick and infor- with primers not long ago. sure about his choice of He landed 20 days after
mative read. Keith Wood’s In 1929, Herbert Hoover Jim Corbett’s .275 Rigby. D-Day, so these mods were
“Spent Cases” column is no told the country to hold on. Given the option to only made after that date. When
 ¨

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 reader blowback | OctOber 2024 | G&a 13

were 30-round magazines to do one thing: Leave off numerous firearms are many situations, a manu-
created for the M1 Carbine, that damn crossbolt safety! imported from Turkey, facturer acquires several
and did my father and his Get rid of that and I’d buy whose interests can be components from separate
fellow techs create the first one tomorrow. I’d stick it questioned. What are suppliers and countries,
high-capacity magazines for in the gun safe right next American dollars support- sometimes assembling
the M1 Carbine? to my Henry, which has no ing when purchasing fire- them at a facility in the U.S.
Paul Lericos crossbolt safety. See? It can arms manufactured in Tur- with a selection of in-house
Granbury, Texas be done! key? I would like to see the or domestic-made assem-
Bruce Sprain country of origin included blies. This topic also applies
The M1 Carbine entered Glenwood, Iowa on products reviewed to many optic products
service with straight, 15- by Guns & Ammo. Some that feature computer
round magazines. Contracts RISING PRICES companies do a great job chips, electronics, or glass
for the 30-round magazine I agree with Mr. Van ensuring that the informa- from Asia and Europe.
appeared in April 1945, Baxter’s letter, “Guns for tion remains undisclosed Unfortunately, the sources
paralleling the develop- Elite,” in the August 2024 unless you buy it. of manufacturing are not
ment of the M2 Carbine. issue. Something to further Brian Fahlberg always clearly identifiable
It is believed the 30-round ponder: How complicit Beresford, South Dakota or simple to describe with
magazines were designed are some gunwriters in the verifiable information. We
in late 1944 for the October rising prices? (I’m thinking Your letter is not the first will continue to work on
introduction of the select- of Joseph von Benedict and we’ve received requesting sourcing and streamlining
fire M2. You could be right. Tom Beckstrand.) a country of manufacture this information.
Your father and his fellow Dave Thompson description in the speci- — E. Poole
soldiers may have been the Golden, Colorado fication charts. As some
first to create such maga- readers have noticed, we 9MM VS. .38
zines for the Carbine. ORIGIN MATTERS have occasionally added I don’t often take exception
— D. Emary In the July 2024 issue, an “Importer” line to many to someone’s opinion, but
Joe Kurtenbach wrote reviews since my editor- Mr. Prather’s comments on
LEVER PERFECTION “Triggered,” featuring the ship began in late 2013. “Pistol vs. Rifle” (August
Smith & Wesson’s Model Canik TTI Combat. I firmly However, the effort has 2024), reminded me of the
1854 is a beautiful firearm believe in supporting our been inconsistent. As you phrase, “He knows not of
(April 2024). If S&W wanted home country first, when mentioned, some manu- what he speaks.” The 1986
to compete with — and possible. The economic facturers are not forthcom- FBI Shootout in Miami
even outsell — Marlin and imported options can be ing about the source of presented many errors that
Winchester, they need only quite compelling, but products they import. In are still relevant to learn

SPECIAL NEWSSTAND-ONLY
SHOOTING PUBLICATIONS
Coming to newsstand soon, or buy it now at OSGNewsstand.com
 WWW.RITONOPTICS.COM 14 G&A | OctOber 2024

from. Readers can find the FBI report

at http://vault.fbi.gov/, then search
“Miami 1986.” There are 11 parts, and
you can draw your own conclusions
regarding tactics and bullet design. If
the .38 is such a great police round, as
Mr. Prather suggested, why aren’t there
any police agencies still issuing it? The
.38 Spl. was the control round for the
FBI Protocol Tests, and it did poorly. As
far as the 9mm not having “stopping
power,” the fact that criminals and the
innocent have been shot with every cal-
iber and gauge is ignored. There is no
“magic bullet.” The reader was correct
about one thing: A rifle is better than
a pistol in a gunfight. Then again, the
pistol you have with you is better than
a rock and harsh language.
Ted Barbour
Charlotte, North Carolina

SPINNING BULLETS
Regarding Mr. Schmidt’s comments
regarding Lehigh Bullets (August 2024),
this is a gentle reminder that there is
no “Dremel effect” of bullets going
through flesh — no matter how fast
they are going. You can do a bit of
moderately involved math, but the sim-
ple answer is if the bullet is only rotat-
If you’ve been waiting to enter the world of pistol-mounted optics, ing 1 turn in 10 inches in the pistol bar-
the excuses are gone. Riton has a full assortment of red dot solutions. rel, it can only turn once in 10 inches
Open and closed emitters, common footprints, and prices that of flesh. Tissue damage is related to
eliminate any excuse you have to be tied to your iron sights. linear velocity, not the bullet’s rotational
velocity (i.e., “spin rate”).
Jack Thorne
Email

Linear velocity is a prime contributor

S EE T H E D I FF ER EN C E to the amount and rate of expansion
of an expanding-bullet design. On the
subject of Lehigh bullets, the flutes on
the nose of the bullet are what cause
the temporary cavity. The spin of the
bullet does help to displace material
CALIBER radially, much like the impeller blades
on a pump impeller. The shape of the
.223 Wylde /.223 Rem/ 5.56 NATO
flutes plays heavily into the displace-
ment of tissue with these bullets.
The outward curvature of these flutes
at the rear helps displace material
radially. The terminal performance
RECOIL MAGAZINE of these bullets is both a function of
“2023 BEST FIREARM OF SHOTSHOW!” linear velocity and spin of the bullet.
— D. Emary
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law regulates body armor under 18 USC Section 7.62x54R. It weighs 4 pounds as a medium-cut and 3½
are prohibited from purchasing or possess- pounds as a small cut. The “C” plate is a medium-duty
armor, but body armor is legal in most states. Level 4 plate rated against more shots of the 7.62x39 BZ
questions of constitutionality, New York is the API round. The “D” plate, also called the “MAKO,” is a
only state that restricts its citizens from purchasing body heavy-duty Level 4++ plate weighing between 4½ and

ballistic testing on swimmer-cut designs, flexible minimalist M855A1. It was developed for a federal agency
armor made of composite materials, and slick carriers for solicitation. It’s only a half-inch thick and weighs
plain-clothes protection personnel. That technology has just 3 to 3½ pounds. The current-issue government plate
shifted to benefit private citizens. We may eventually see is twice as thick and isn’t rated to stop the M855A1. It’s the
wearable armor that’s as easy to live with as a button-down lightest and thinnest Level 3++ that stops M855A1. For
shirt. If you can imagine a need to own ballistic protection, those of us interested in possessing a quality layer of per-
don’t allow your representatives to ban armor out of fear sonal protection, one that could be concealed and capable
PHOTO: MICHAEL ANSCHUETZ

that bad guys are going to commit crimes while using it. of reinforcing a plate carrier, the Bass Reeves is it. Use it
Rook Armor CEO Dr. Anire Okpaku, MD, has completed to complement a bedside battle belt or create an emer-
third-party testing of a proprietary ceramic that has revo- gency ballistic protection plan for the family. For reference
lutionized a body armor’s strength-to-weight ratio. Rook to scale, the small SAPI plate measures just 8.5-by-11.5
Armor offers its “B” plate, which is an ultra-lightweight inches, which is the size of a piece of printer paper. Learn
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“I have heard similar stories about other names

being found on the rifles’ receivers and various
parts, including that of toymaker Mattel ...”

GARRY.JAMES@
OUTDOORSG.COM

M16A1s. I know Frigidaire any information. Semper Fi!

was a subsidiary of General E. H.
Motors, and GM was a Marion, Virginia
sub-contractor for Colt in
FN MLE. 1930 (VENEZUELAN CONTRACT) SPORTERIZED, 8MM MAUSER, <60%: $200
the manufacturing of M16s A: An interesting tale, and
around that time. Being a one on which I devoted a
part of an aviation unit, I’m considerable amount of
sure our rifles were not the research — to no avail. Not
most up-to-date equip- being the world’s greatest
ment, so perhaps mine was authority on AR-15s/M16s, I
a near-obsolete example. also checked with a couple
On leaving Iwakuni, I kept of collectors who knew
VENEZUELAN MAUSER SPORTER my rifle card as a souvenir. more about the subject
Q: Hello, I have attached pictures of a rifle that was given When I returned for other than myself, and they also
to my son. Is there any chance you could tell me what it is? deployments, I was issued agreed: It sounds unusual.
S. K. an M16. Unfortunately, I I have heard similar stories
Email cannot locate those pic- about other names being
tures or my rifle card. Are found on the rifles’ receivers
A: From the photos, I can tell your son’s gift is a sporter- you aware of this AR-15 or and various parts, including
ized Model 1930 Venezuelan Short Rifle. This was a Model “XAR-15” model in Marine that of the toymaker Mattel
1898 Mauser variant manufactured for Venezuela’s army Corps inventory? Would it being a particular favorite.
by Fabrique Nationale in Liege, Belgium. The chamber is have been unusual for the All turned out to be apoc-
likely 7x57mm, however, before your son shoots the piece it Corp to have kept such a ryphal. Still, I am not going
is essential he takes it to a gunsmith to determine whether rifle for issue as late as ’78? to put myself up as the last
the gun has been rechambered to some other round. I’m For being an “X” model, word on this subject. If any
afraid the modification of the rifle is rather amateurish. I was it a prototype or exper- of Guns & Ammo’s read-
don’t believe I’ve seen a pistol grip configuration quite imental model? I appreciate ers can enlighten us on a
like that one! Value on the gun is rather low, $150 to $200,
assuming it shoots decently. AUCTION BLOCK

FRIGIDAIRE AR-15? about it, though. It was

Q: In June 1978, as a young stamped “XAR-15” and
corporal, I was deployed “Frigidaire Corp.” It had
to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, a three-prong, open-type
for my first year-long flash hider. I had never seen
WestPac. I was an engine one like it, especially an “X”
mechanic in VMFA-122, an model. I felt it was unique,
F-4J Phantom squadron so I returned to the armory
attached to MAG-15. Soon days later with my cam-
after arriving, I went to the era. I took pictures of the
armory to check out my rifle markings, figuring no one
and give it a good inspec- would believe me unless
tion and cleaning. There they saw it. Other Marines
was something different in the squadron were issued
20 G&A | OctOber 2024 | Gun room

to make a score in Emperor

Maximilian’s Mexico, is a lot
of fun with Lancaster giving
one of his most over-the-
ARMERIA SAN GIORGIO, 16 GA., 85%: $900
top performances. There
is a scene where Cooper
and Lancaster demonstrate
“Henry” rifles — which were
modified Model 1892 Win-
chesters — to Maximilian
(George Macready) that’s a
standout. “The Last Hunt”
is a superb film, now sadly
somewhat forgotten. The
two stars, Stewart Grainger
and Robert Taylor — the
latter giving a superb, chill-
possible AR-15-Frigidaire I’ve attached can help with is not high on the popu- ing bad-guy performance
connection, I will be glad to the details. I’d estimate larity list. I’d say $750 to — both being hunters, actu-
entertain their comments. that it rates 75 percent $1,000 would be plenty for ally did some of the bison
condition-wise. it, assuming it is as nicely culling shown in the film.
“UNDERLEVER” K.C. K. made as it appears in your
SHOTGUN ID Cumberland, Maryland photos. NICKELED LUGER
Q: I’d like some help with RESTORATION
finding out some specif- A: You have an Italian- MORE ON Q: My father-in-law
ics about a shotgun I’ve made single-shot 16-gauge MOVIE GUNS picked this Luger up as a
recently added to my with simple under-barrel Q: Thank you for the movie 19-year-old infantryman in
assortment of 16 gauges. catch. This style of gun was reviews and hardware in the Battle of the Bulge. He
“Boehler Blitz” and popular in Europe and has them. How about writing had it nickeled when he
“Armeira Sangiorgio” are been available in varying on “Vera Cruz” (1954), got to Berlin. Is there any
stamped on the barrel. I’ve quality from around the turn which played fast and loose value to it, and can it be
tried researching these on of the 20th century. “Boe- with its guns but was a restored?
the internet, but couldn’t hler Blitz” is a high-grade great film? Perhaps review J. H.
find any particulars. I’d like Austrian steel. The maker is “The Last Hunt” (1956), Email
to know the origin, approx- likely Armeria San Giorgio, where period ammuni-
imate date of manufacture, a small shop of Gardone, tion was loaded and the A: Your photos indicate
purpose for this model, Italy. I’d date it from the audience sees actual bison your father-in-law brought
and any other color you 1950s. Quality looks decent, being culled. Both are back a World War I-vintage
can add. I hope the photos though this style of shotgun great entertainment. P.08 “Luger” manufactured
B. T. W. by Erfurt. This gun would
HOLLYWOOD HARDWARE Creswell, North Carolina have originally been blued.
Fortunately, the markings
A: I’m so glad you enjoy seem to be fairly decent.
“Hollywood Hardware.” With some effort and not
Having been born in Hol- a little expense, the piece
lywood to actor parents, could be restored to some-
I was imbued with Tinsel- thing approximating its fac-
town and became an avid tory look. However, its value
movie buff. I agree with would not be all that much
your assessment of the two affected as it would still be
movies. They are a couple a refinished gun. I can’t see
of my favorite westerns. this piece, in either config-
“Vera Cruz,” centering uration, being worth more
around a couple of soldiers than a few hundred dollars.
of fortune — Gary Cooper It would mainly be consid-
and Burt Lancaster — trying ered a “shooter.”
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22 G&A | OctOber 2024 | Gun room

BUFFALO BILL
COMMEMORATIVE
WINCHESTER
Q: During the 1960’s, Win-
chester introduced a “Com-
memorative” .30-30 rifle
that was an exact duplicate
of the one Winchester made
for William F. Cody, aka
$895
“Buffalo Bill.” A message
from Winchester stated the
rifle was duplicated exactly me that Winchester made to gift it to my son later this produced in equal quantities
as the original, all the way two Buffalo Bill Commem- year. He has quite a col- totalling 112,923. There was
down to the octagon barrel. orative firearms, a rifle and lection of firearms. He will also a Buffalo Bill “1 of 300”
I made a purchase of one of a shorter carbine version. covet the rifle I’m sure. With presentation-grade model,
these rifles and have had it He said Winchester made the information provided, of which, not surprisingly,
in my possession ever since. 25,000 rifles and less I would solicit your opinion some 300 were manufac-
The rifle is in the original carbines. The serial number on the subject. tured. Like the large majority
package and has never on mine is 11636. I asked if H. L. of items marketed from the
been shot since leaving the there would be a high value Morrison, Colorado outset as “collectibles,”
factory. I recently visited placed on my rifle being in including plates, artwork,
the famous Cody Firearm its original packaging and A: The Buffalo Bill Com- stuffed animals, etc., once
Museum in Cody, Wyoming, never fired by me. He said memorative Model 94 Win- the initial feeding frenzy for
where I met with the cura- the value could only be to chester was made in 1968 them settles, they eventu-
tor. After telling him about a collector, and he declined in two versions, a rifle and ally find their true level in
the purchase, he informed to place a value on it. I plan carbine. I believe they were the marketplace, which is

T C
MOUNT HL-X
50,000 C NDEL | CK-C T SWITCH
T EDUND | EMOTE
ESSU E SWITCH

L .COM/ T C HL-X-
©202 , INC. VED.
 gun room | OctOber 2024 | g&A 25

generally much less than the

buyer originally hoped they
would eventually bring. This
is the case with many of the
Winchester 94 commemora-
tives, the Buffalo Bill version
being a prime example.
MAUSER K98K, 8MM MAUSER, <60%: $300
Originally sold in 1968 for
$129.95 — with $5 going to
the Buffalo Bill Museum — SPORTERIZED
the rifle and carbine today, WWII MAUSER
in unused shape with box Q: Attached are the
and all the paperwork — a photos of my father’s
condition required for these 1944 Mauser carbine
guns to bring any kind of with a 19.25-inch barrel A: This is an easy one! Your of the alteration has been
money at all — both the length. I tried to capture dad has a Mauser-made done to the stock, so if
carbine and rifle sell in the the smaller details for (“byf” marked) German K98k someone could come up
$850 to $900 range, which your reference. You can 8mm military rifle manufac- with the proper wood, metal
is a modest increase in see the “44” stamp, as tured in 1944. Unfortunately, buttplate and barrel bands, it
value, even with “$129.95” well as other stamps and someone sporterized it, could be somewhat restored
adjusted for inflation. They markings. Based on these thus removing any collector to its World War II-era mili-
are, however, something of photos and descriptions, value or interest it might tary configuration. However,
a hard-sell. More often, they are you able to provide a have had. Worth on the the fact that the replacement
are sought after by Buffalo value for this? piece is in the $250 to parts would not be original
Bill enthusiasts rather than G. L. $350 range, primarily as a to the gun would still go
hardcore gun collectors. Email shooter. Fortunately, most against it value-wise.

FASTEST PUMP ON THE PLANET.

WINCHESTERGUNS.COM
WINCHESTER IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF OLIN CORPORATION.
H AN D G U N N I N G

Musings from the bunker.

THAN ZERO
THE 9MM in favor of the .45 are pistol with no external safety, besides the small lever on the
feet of a floundering religion. I’ve found trigger, 3 pounds is likely too light for most. A lot of truly
o amount of empirical data can sway their faith. Even accidental discharges have occurred with striker-fired guns,
ost otherwise grounded, sane, and intelligent gun usually when something gets wedged inside the trigger-
completely lose the ability to think rationally when guard while reholstering. Carry whatever you are comfort-
talking about sex, politics, or religion. A handgun’s “stop- able with and can use safely and effectively. Once a pistol’s
ping power” is some weird mix of at least two of those. trigger-pull weight creeps above 5 pounds — regardless of
••• skill level — it will affect your speed and accuracy.
Glock has had a pistol-caliber •••
carbine (PCC) for decades. They I’ve learned that the New York
built an AR to go after a military Police Department’s (NYPD)
contract. With Gaston Glock current-issue Glock pistols have
dead, and gun sales as sedate standard trigger systems in them.
as they have been, I wonder if NYPD abandoned the N.Y.1 and
we’ll see Glock branch out from N.Y.2 trigger systems that Glock
the single pistol-type design. specifically designed for officers
Perhaps, it will simply continue to assist in transitioning from
to ignore the desires of the revolvers to pistols. Even if you
American commercial market. know what you’re doing with a
••• handgun, it’s almost impossible
“There are no such thing as to shoot a Glock having a 10- to
blue states,” someone recently 12-pound trigger spring fast
wrote, “only blue counties.” That’s almost correct, and cer- and/or accurately. It is estimated that more than 80 percent
tainly the political boundaries have shifted significantly. For of all law enforcement officers only practice or shoot when
example, Democrat-icon President John F. Kennedy was a they are required to qualify by their organization, usually
Catholic, pro-life, arguably pro-gun, and pro-military com- once or twice a year. How good are you at something you
bat veteran. He started the U.S. Army Special Forces, was only do every 6 months? The NYPD leadership decided that
a member of the NRA, and hated communists. By modern a triggerpull so heavy that it couldn’t get pulled by mistake
standards, wouldn’t he be a right-wing Republican? was more cost-effective than investing in additional training
••• hours to reduce negligent discharges among its 35,000
Simply needing permission from authorities before you officers. What changed? The heavier triggers were cheaper
can legally buy a firearm is a violation of — and infringe- on the front end but turned out to be more expensive on
ment — on the Second Amendment. The Bill of Rights is a the back end. Innocent bystanders shot during conflicts
restraining order on the federal government. with police sued the department. On August 24, 2012, for
••• example, outside of the Empire State Building, two officers
Yes, a red-dot sight will assist a person in shooting a engaged a gunman and fired 16 rounds. They killed the
handgun more accurately, especially at a distance. So will a gunman but also injured nine bystanders. Three were directly
quality trigger pull! When I see people mounting red dots hit by police gunfire. The shooting lasted 15 seconds.
atop pistols with horrible triggers, I just shake my head. •••
ILLUSTRATION: A. F. BRANCO

••• As of April 2023, the NYPD’s duty load for 9mm is the
What is a “good trigger pull” for a carry gun? Guns & Speer 124-grain +P Gold Dot. The hollowpoint design was
Ammo’s Lt. Col. Jeff Cooper once wrote regarding a Model introduced in 1991 and is a street-proven product. An exec-
1911, “Three pounds, crisp, is the word.” A 1911 has both utive from Speer told me, “I keep trying to get [police] to
a grip safety and a thumb-safety lever. For a striker-fired change to a newer bullet, but it’s hard to argue against this
28 G&A | OctOber 2024 | hAndGunninG

one. Every bad guy they shoot with it stops doing bad.” as cheap in the future as it is now. You should be stocking
••• up. Magazines, too.
Whether it’s guns, cars, or movies, most people don’t •••
make good reviewers because they are unable to sepa- I am seeing 3D-printed guns doing an end-run around
rate whether they subjectively liked it from whether it was bad gun laws, and they will only grow more common. You
objectively good. Something isn’t bad just because you can’t stop the signal.
don’t like it. Personally, I don’t much care for revolvers or •••
musicals, but I know a good one when I see it. SIG Sauer has conducted its Everyday Carry (EDC) Champi-
••• onship. For a second, I was really excited to attend. Compet-
I have spent a lot of time tracking down pithy, interest- itors are put in one of two divisions, depending on the size of
ing quotes for chapter headings in my various novels. The their daily carry gun. The largest calibration box will accept
quote that sticks with me the most — because of how anything the size of SIG Sauer P229 or smaller. So, I didn’t
true it is and the unlikely source — came from Tommy Lee go. I haven’t carried a gun that tiny for my primary EDC since
Jones’ character “K” in the original “Men in Black” (1997) President Ronald Reagan was in office. Currently, I EDC a
movie: “A person is smart. People are dumb, panicky, lightly customized Gen5 G17, loaded with Federal 147-grain
dangerous animals, and you know it.” HSTs in a Safariland Model 5198 OWB holster. I conceal it by
••• wearing a very stylish Hawaiian shirt.
Watching the younger generation, I’m seeing an inter- •••
esting trend: Twenty- and 30-something shooters raised on It was former SWAT cop and gunwriter Gary Paul John-
Glocks and other polymer pistols are discovering the older ston who — at least 30 years ago — came up with the
designs, including the Beretta 92, CZ 75, 2nd- and 3rd- 1* symbol that a lot of cops embrace. It means they’ve
generation Smith & Wesson autos, and classic revolvers. got “one [butt] to risk” — their own. As a private citizen
That’s the exact opposite progression of how people my carrying a gun, I think >0 would be a better representative
age got into guns. of my own concealed-carry philosophy, explaining why I
••• carry a gun: What are the chances something bad is going
As expensive as ammunition has gotten, it will never be to happen to me today? Greater than zero.

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GUN TECH

SecureIt Agile Stack

AN ARMORY
BIOMETRIC TECHNOLOGY provide fast is 100-percent burglar-proof. Even a heavy safe can be
safes, faster than a key or dial. The aim carried off with enough people, unless it’s bolted to a wall
out of the wrong hands. Traditionally, or floor. Since a safe should be secured with bolts anyway,
heavy, expensive to ship, and cum- why not get a safe that’s lightweight and easy to position?
me to offers the lightweight, modular Patented Slide-Lock Technology consists of eight
Stack to V-shaped locking rails that
SecureIt CEO Tom Kubiniec slide over corresponding
has more than 20 years of tabs on all four corners inside
design and manufacturing each safe. The rails are then
experience making storage bolted in place for stability.
solutions for military armories. The shorter Model 40 safe
With some 2,200 military, law bolts atop the Model 52
enforcement and government using supplied hardware.
clients, SecureIt is the largest When stacked, external
small-arms storage supplier to dimensions are 92 inches in
the U.S. military. height, 201/4-inches in width,
In conjunction with U.S. by 151/4-inches in depth. It’s
Army Special Forces, Kubiniec imperative to bolt the safes to
developed what became the wall studs to prevent tipping.
brand’s patented CradleGrid You could also bolt the Model
Technology, which serves as the foundation of 52 to the floor to increase stability and security.
the company’s unique safe designs. CradleGrid The Agile Stack can store up to 12 long guns.
consists of a louvered grid panel that accommo- The CradleGrid back wall enables users to
dates accessories. customize the safe without tools. Its upward ori-
The Agile Stack combines the Model 52 and ented louvers support CradleGrid accessories,
the Model 40 fast-access safes. Its modular- which slide down into place. It couldn’t be sim-
ity means that it can be shipped flat through pler to arrange or rearrange. Unlike a traditional
UPS or FedEx, which is cheaper than having a safe with drywall lining, the CradleGrid back wall
traditional safe delivered. You can also put the provides natural ventilation. This helps prevent
Agile Stack together in the room you want it trapped moisture from potentially damaging
in, as opposed to having to move a completely firearms or other valuables the way moisture in a
assembled safe. completely enclosed safe can. Included with the
Weighing just 195 pounds, the Agile Stack Agile Stack are 12 cradles and six dual stock bases
is significantly lighter than traditional safes, but for long-gun storage. Two bins with dividers and
“light” does not mean “weak.” According to a shelf provide a convenient method of storing
SecureIt Marketing Director Josh Kinser, the smaller items.
Agile Stack is constructed of cold-rolled steel. A rechargeable magnetic light bar is included
“This type of steel is common in the aerospace with each safe. The light bars can be pro-
industry and in automobile racing because of its grammed to illuminate when the door to the
high strength-to-weight ratio,” Kinser said. “The
PHOTOS: ALFREDO RICO

Agile Stack’s 14-gauge steel construction is com- The Agile Stack is an assembly of two SecureIt safes:
parable to 11-gauge steel on a traditional safe.” the Model 52 and Model 40. Both safes are capable of
There may be some worry that a lightweight storing long guns, and offer the same code or biometric
security system. In total, it is lightweight — 195 pounds
safe is susceptible to being carried away by — making it easy to deliver and assemble. It can be
burglars. While a legitimate concern, no safe bolted to the floor or wall studs, also.
32 G&A | OctOber 2024 | Gun tech

Barrel cradles can be adjusted to set the

ideal height for each long gun. They can be
purchased individually as part of a safe kit.

Deep storage bins can hold handguns,

ammunition, magazines, parts or accessories
They are sloted at the front to accept labels.

Up to three, three-to-12-digit codes can be

entered on the keypad. An LED light assists
with typing during low-light visibility.

safe is open, or they can be turned

Door bolts secure the safe. Digital access can
on and off with the push of a button. be overriden with a physical key unique to
White lights or red lights are available, each safe should the keypad ever fail.
the latter being better for preserving
night vision. customize the interior safe configura-
The keypad is powered by a 9-volt tion, but you could even combine two
battery, which is not included. A Agile Stacks to form a “quad stack,”
USB-C power port allows the keypad with double the capacity.
to function when the battery is weak Although a two-person assembly is
or dead. A touch-activated light recommended, I put Guns & Ammo’s
illuminates the six-button keypad. The safe samples together myself. I did
illuminated keypad feature can be need help lifting the Model 40 atop
disabled for stealthy access consider- the Model 52, but the only tools
ations. required to complete the assembly of
The keypad will accept codes the safes — not including secure bolts
ranging between three and 12 digits. to the floor and wall — were a 10mm
Additionally, the biometric scanner wrench and a Phillips screwdriver.
allows the safe to be opened with Modular, secure, and easily accessi-
your fingerprint. With the correct code ble, the SecureIt Agile Stack is a con-
entered, or authorized fingerprint sup- venient and practical firearms storage
plied, a turn of the handle enables the solution that can morph and grow to
door to be opened. fit your needs. Accessories can
The SecureIt secret is out. be purchased on the SecureIt
There has been a lot of demand website. See more at
for these safes. Not only can you secureitgunstorage.com.
 Available in
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R I F L E S & G LASS

Leupold BX-4 Range HD TBR/W 10x42mm

DELIGHT
are hot among firearms facture? The need for an internal display. This is accom-
The initial explosion of interest plished by placing a transparent screen inside the optical
emitting diode (LED) to
reflects the light back to
e. The screen is problematic,
light by adding a layer to
that reduces the light
The better the screen
viewing information, the
The reality is that most range-fi that is blocked. A fast way
the screen attributes is by
for blue tint, which has been
bject of debate among optic
Blue tint seems to always
complaints, but no one
it’s necessary.
everyone uses the same
the amount of blue tint
across most range-finding bino how efficient the screen is at
costing less than $3,000 — exc g the displayed information.
Leupold. and very blue screen
I spoke to Eric Overstreet, great battery life and makes
Leupold’s product manager for isplay easy to read. Reduce
tint and more battery
been with Leupold for 17 years is required to display the
tion, or the information has to
binocular projects. This is the fi There’s no way to cheat the
see production.” Leupold engineered the
HD so that the screen can
too” product. The heart of any while still appearing
with great battery life. This
$3,000 range-finding binocular when a company staffs
of engineers, some with at
for bulbous protrusions on the of patience.
the BX-4 Range HD
t, the only way I could detect it
and it comes from a different Asian manu- was to point the binoculars at a white sign,
facturer. Second, Leupold has more optical engineers on and then close my left eye, and then right. Bouncing back
staff than any U.S.-based manufacturer, and those engi- and forth between viewing the sign through the individual
neers improved the BAK-4 until it met Leupold’s optical barrels showed the slightest blue tint on the right barrel, far
PHOTOS: MARK FINGAR

standards. The BX-4 Range HD has a unique prism. It was less than what’s found with binos using another domestically
apparent to me that the effort was worth it as I looked popular prism. Anyone wanting to spend less than $3,000
through these range-finding binoculars. and use range-finding binoculars for extended observation
What makes range-finding binoculars hard to manu- sessions, or a person that requires optimal optical perfor-
36 G&A | OctOber 2024 | rifles & GlAss

Eye relief measured 17mm. Both ocular lenses feature oversized eyepieces with Remove the cap to change the CR2 bat-
finger-adjustable textured rubber eyecups. Counter-clockwise to extend, clockwise to tery. One battery powers approximately
collapse the distance, they are intuitive to rotate into position. 3,000 uses of the rangefinder.

input. This makes them great for competitive rifleshooters,

but often an overwhelming choice for hunters. Hunters
want to hunt; they don’t usually like fussing with gear and
menu functions.
There is a learning curve associated with using new
equipment. Leupold’s solution is both simple and ele-
gant. The TBR-W system was incorporated from Leupold’s
rangefinders, which segregates ballistics solutions into
groups. There is no need to know the sight height, ballistic
coefficient (BC), and muzzle velocity, and then true the
solver. That’s not an overly difficult problem to solve, but
it does require familiarity with those terms and some time
The 42mm objective lenses wear Leupold’s Guard-ion lens coat- to learn how to access it all. Leupold only requires the
ing. Light transmission tests at 80 to 81 percent. shooter to zero at 200 or 300 yards, and then record how
far the bullet drops from the zero at
mance at first and last light should LEUPOLD 600 yards. I just zero at 200 yards,
examine the BX-4 Range HD. If you BX- 4 RANGE HD 10X42MM range a small target at 600 yards, and
simply want robust ballistic control and POWER spin the turret until rounds impact the
information, or extended range-finding OBJECTIVE target. Converting how many MOA or
capabilities in lieu of optical perfor- LINEAR FOV mils are dialed to inches is easy. Take
mance, look to another brand. CLOSE FOCUS that measurement of drop in inches at
Leupold excels at observation- DISTANCE 600 yards and look at Leupold’s pro-
heavy tasks such as hunting. Leupold’s ANGULAR FOV vided table to see what ballistic group
rangefinders provide fast and accu- LENGTH to assign to the binoculars. Once
rate ranges with simple and effective WEIGHT complete, the binos will accurately
ballistic solutions. Leupold took its EYE RELIEF tell you what to dial on the scope out
range-finding technology and put MSRP to 800 yards when used within plus-
it into its BX-4 HD binoculars. The MANUFACTURER or-minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit and
beam divergence on the BX-4 Range plus-or-minus 2,000 feet of elevation,
HD is 1.2 mils by .4 mils, tighter than The BX-4 Range HD also accounts
many of the more expensive European options. Tight for angles when computing the firing solution. It will also
beam divergence is important because more than half of compute wind holds at the selected range, assuming a
the beam has to be on the target to obtain an effective 10 mile-per-hour wind at full value. Estimating wind holds
measurement. Reflectivity matters, too, of course, but with that information is simple and spelled out in Leupold’s
beam divergence is the other critical component. So, you supplied user manual.
can expect better performance on smaller targets when There are several rangefinding binoculars available,
using Leupold binoculars. Leupold also states that we but Leupold waited until it could offer something unique.
should be able to range as far as 2,600 yards on reflec- They succeeded. The BX-4 Range HD binoculars offer
tive targets and 1,600 yards on treelines with the exceptional optical performance without causing
range-finding technology built in. eye fatigue. Using them provides you with simple
Other range-finding binoculars offer more com- and effective range information — as well as ballistic
plex ballistic solutions and greater control of data solutions — at a competitive price.
G U N N OT ES O

Testing Ballistic Advantage pistol barrels

and D&L Sports .45 ACP ammunition.

GLOCK MAKES AN EXCELLENT FIGHTING PISTOL. build. I installed matching iron sights on the Gen4 to keep
Lightweight, durable and reliable, in terms of a mass- the guns on even footing. No optics were used and no
production and a duty-proven sidearm, there may be none other modifications were made.
better. They are not, however, “perfect.” The most obvious I also requested two aftermarket test barrels from
shortcomings are its sub-par standard sights and a trigger Ballistic Advantage (ballisticadvantage.com). The barrel
system I’d derisively describe as “mil-spec.” Those who maker catalogs a wide selection of 9mm barrels for G17,
have enjoyed Uncle Sam’s largesse in the form of mil-spec G19, G26, and G34 pistols. Ballistic Advantage offers
coffee and toilet paper will understand my meaning. barrels compatible with Gen3 to 5 pistols. Options include
The gun’s longevity and popularity have given rise to an a variety of fluting patterns, threaded muzzles, and metal
aftermarket unrivaled in the finishes ranging from
firearms world. Motivated black to iridescent. I kept
do-it-yourselfers can even things simple for this test,
assemble “Glock” facsim- selecting non-fluted, non-
iles without using a single threaded barrels in PVD
factory part. light gray ($175) and QPQ
One component that black ($175).
has received particular I tested the guns with
attention of late is the three types of 9mm ammu-
barrel, especially in early- nition: Armscor 124-grain
generation (Gen1 to 4) pis- FMJ; Federal Premium
tols. Typical accuracy was Gold Medal Action Pis-
notably “service-grade,” tol 147-grain FMJ; and
say, 3- to 5-inch groups at Hornady Critical Defense
25 yards. Acceptable for a 115-grain FTX. Five, five-
defensive sidearm, factory shot groups were fired
Glocks are not likely to with each ammo type at 25
win a bullseye match. The yards to record group sizes
company responded with and muzzle velocities. The
the Marksman barrel as process was replicated for
part of its Gen5 suite of both guns, each with its
Evaluation guns included factory-stock Glock 19s. Shown here is the
upgrades. The new barrels Gen5 MOS slide with OEM barrel, and the Ballistic Advantage Glock OEM barrel and a Ballistic
were purported to feature 19 Gen 3-5 premium barrel with light gray PVD finish. Advantage barrel, totalling
an enhanced rifling pattern 60 five-shot groups.
for improved accuracy. First comparing the Gen4 and Gen5 G19s with OEM
I’ve wondered about the efficacy of aftermarket barrels barrels, the Gen5 had the edge. Group sizes were .38-inch
in guns like the G19. The G19, a compact, 9mm pistol, has smaller, on average, although velocities were 10 to 25 feet-
long been the brand’s most popular offering. It’s widely per-second (fps) slower, across the board. Given that the
regarded as the pistol to have, if you can only have one. Gen5 upgrade represented a full-pistol overhaul, it’s tough
How much improvement is possible through a barrel to isolate the effect of the Marksman barrel, but I’m willing
swap? After all, we’re talking about 4 inches of metal pipe. to accept that Gen5 guns do offer enhanced accuracy.
To test barrel performance, I sourced two new G19s, Testing the Gen4 OEM barrel against the Ballistic
a Gen4 and a Gen5. The Gen5 was an MOS optic-ready Advantage barrel, results were more apparent. With
pistol that came from the factory with high-visibility night the aftermarket barrel installed, group sizes shrank by
sights made by Ameriglo, likely a leftover from a contract an average of .53 inch at a cost of about 25 fps. That
40 G&A | OctOber 2024 | Gun notes

represented a difference between THE .45-IEST?

sub-31/2-inch groups with the Ballis- Guns & Ammo reported the resur-
tic Advantage barrel, typically, and gence of .45 ACP this year, and I
approximately 4-inch groups with made note of D&L Sports General
the stock component. In practice, it Service Pistol (GSP) ammunition (Gun
could mean reliably hitting a USPSA Notes, April 2024), featuring a 200-
headbox at 25 yards or not. That’s grain round-nose semi-wadcutter bul-
something to think about. let (RNSWC). The three fathers of the
The results weren’t so lopsided with final recipe include Elmer Keith, Jeff
the Gen5 gun, lending more laurels to Cooper, and custom gunsmith Dave
the Marksman barrel. Ballistic Advan- Lauk: Keith for his semi-wadcutter
tage edged out the stock barrel, but designs; Cooper for his extensive
D&L SPORTS .45 ACP GSP 200-GRAIN RNSWC
only by .09 inch, and the two ran knowledge of the .45, and practical
neck-and-neck for velocity. From a practical standpoint, experience in defense and hunting; and Lauk for making
there was no discernable difference. the concept a reality through bullet engineering, thorough
Testing proved aftermarket barrels can enhance accuracy testing and load refinement.
potential, particularly for the older-generation models. The original idea stemmed from the penetration and
As Ballistic Advantage’s catalog illustrates, they are also wounding potential of a solid projectile with a sharp
appealing for allowing shooters to adapt their gun’s wadcutter-style shoulder. Forgoing mechanical expan-
appearance to reflect a personal style. sion entirely, such a bullet, in .45 caliber, reliably drives a
Ultimately, there are a lot of factors that impact pistol near-half-inch channel through the target. For four-legged
shooting performance. To achieve the most bang for your quarry or two-legged threats, it’s likely to cause critical
buck, prioritize training and range time. Then, with sound damage and provide entry and exit wounds, even consid-
fundamentals, consider swapping the sights and tuning ering standard pistol velocities.
the trigger to enhance those areas of interface. Becoming Improving upon the standard flat-nose semi-wadcutter,
a better shooter is the surest path to greater accuracy. D&L’s GSP bullet was designed with a rounded nose for

Available in the following cartridges:

BERGER ELITE HUNTER AMMO

6mm Creedmoor | 6.5 PRC

6.5 Creedmoor | 300 PRC
338 Lapua Mag
Whether on the firing line or in the field, Berger
Ammunition offers unprecedented performance in
today’s most popular calibers. With results that rival
precision handloads, our nation’s elite operators,
competitive shooters, and hunters trust Berger to
Shoot Better.
42 G&A | OctOber 2024 | Gun notes

D&L Sports GSP 200-grain RNSWC bullets after barrier testing. From above, left: Bare gel; heavy clothing; steel; wallboard; plywood; and
automobile safety glass. Note: Only the steel and glass barriers had any noticeable impact on the coated-lead projectiles.

sure feeding in semiautomatic pistols,

particularly the 1911. Its an all-lead
bullet that is finished with a heat-set
INTRODUCING layer of Hi-Tek Supercoat. This metal
finish is meant to reduce smoke and
lead fouling for a clean shooting
experience and less wear on the bar-
rel. Its final 200-grain weight gives the
load a nominal velocity of 900 fps and
360 foot-pounds of energy — on par
with traditional .45 ACP loads.
THE NEXT GENERATION To thoroughly test the new ammu-
nition, I fired 1,500 rounds through
a variety of .45 ACP-chambered fire-
HSM brings you an extraordinary new arms; mostly 1911s, but also striker-
hunting cartridge: Tipping Point2! fired guns. Guns & Ammo’s standard
evaluation of five, five-shot groups at
25 yards was also conducted using
five 1911s from different makers.
An Exciting NEW! Throughout testing, there were no
Addition to the HSM issues. I found the ammunition’s
Roster of Superior performance to be exceptionally
consistent. Note, though, velocity
Hunting Cartridges! drops considerably with shorter bar-
Accuracy is our rel lengths.
Business. Although the load has an old-
school mentality, I was also curious
about its performance based on
The magic in this new cartridge is TIPPING POINT2 is available in modern standards. To that end, I
sent some ammunition to friends at
the Hornady® SST® (Super Shock the following calibers:
Hornady to be shot through barriers
Tip) bullet. Designed to deliver according to the FBI’s Test Proto-
tremendous shock on impact while col. Hornady holds the FBI service
expanding quickly and reliably, ammunition contract, and regularly
qualifies its loads using the Bureau’s
particularly at higher velocities.
prescribed evaluation.
Flat shooting and deadly accurate, The results show the GSP bullet
it’s an ideal bullet for whitetails, to be an impressive penetrator, and
as well as most North American relatively barrier blind. In no instance
did D&L’s load fail to penetrate
game animals. The SST® creates a
deeply enough. Too, it did a good job
devastatingly large of retaining its mass and only suffered
wound channel. substantial deformation against steel
and auto glass, which I expected.
44 G&A | OctOber 2024 | Gun notes

PERFORMANCE: D&L GSP 200-GR. RNSWC BARRIER TEST: D&L GSP 200-GR. RNSWC
BEST AVG.
VEL. GROUP GROUP DEPTH
FIREARM (BARREL LENGTH) (FPS) ES SD (IN.) (IN.) BARRIER DESCRIPTION (IN.) NOTES

Notes: Accuracy is the average of five, five-shot groups fired at 25 yards from a
Ransom Rest Multi-Cal. Steady Rest. Velocity is the average of 10 shots measured by a
Garmin Xero C1 chronograph offset 6 inches from the muzzle.

On the other side of the penetration coin, however, the

bullets almost always passed through the 22-inch gelatin
block. Overpenetration is considered a “failure,” according
to FBI standards.
Overall, I submit that this do-it-all load is a resounding
success given its design intent. When considering .45 ACP
ammunition that feeds and functions reliably, puts clean
holes in targets, and can be used for pistol-range game- For more information about the history and design of D&L
getting, the D&L GSP 200-grain RNSWC meets the mark. Sports GSP ammunition, visit dlsports.com. To order, go to
Priced at $120 for a box of 200, 60 cents per round, it’s shootcoloradowest.com. For additional information about
also an exceptional value. Just be mindful of your target, Hornady ammunition, go to hornady.com, and visit
and what is beyond, especially if you consider carrying it hornadyle.com/resources/fbi-test-protocol to learn more
for personal defense. about the FBI barrier-test standards.

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46 G&A | OctOber 2024

REBOOTING
THE SMITH & WESSON’S NEW AND
IMPROVED BODYGUARD 2.0.

SYSTEM
BY JAMES TARR | PHOTOS BY MARK FINGAR
OctOber 2024 | G&A 47
48 G&A | OctOber 2024 | REBOOTING THE SYSTEM

IF YOU’D FORGOTTEN

introduced the original single-

seemed to die off after the initial push.
Personally, I thought the pistols were
a little busy, and I had no use for the
models equipped from the factory with
lasers. There was nothing wrong with
the guns, but they didn’t get lasting
traction with the public. However, the
new-for-2024 Bodyguard 2.0 — still
LENGTH
a .380 ACP — S&W appears to have
HEIGHT
addressed everything less than perfect framed striker-fired pistol, which
WIDTH
with the previous generation, real or comes with one flush 10- and one
imagined. When I saw the announce- WEIGHT longer 12-round magazine with a grip
ment of the pistol and the pictures, I FRAME extension. With the flush magazine in
was unenthusiastic. As soon as I got FINISH place, it weighed 11.4-ounces accord-
one in my hand — hoo, buddy. S&W ing to my digital scale. It is 4.1 inches
SIGHTS
is going to have trouble keeping up tall and 5.6 inches long with a 23/4-inch
with the orders on this one! TRIGGER barrel. This pistol is very thin, too.
Before I dive into the details of this At its thickest point — the magazine
SAFETY
pistol, I want to say this: It’s smaller release — it measures 1-inch thick,
than it looks in photos. It is surpris- MSRP exactly. The grip is only .89-inches
ingly small! In photos, it looks like a thick, the slide is .75 inches.
Shield, or even a full-size M&P, sim- MANUFACTURER Currently, there are two models of
ply because of its proportions, which the Bodyguard 2.0, the only difference
is why I was unenthusiastic. In truth, in SKUs is whether or not you prefer
a Shield is significantly larger than the Bodyguard 2.0. As one with a manual thumb safety (TS). I am opposed to
for what I feel will be the Bodyguard’s main competition manual safeties that you can’t flick off with your shooting
— the Glock 42 ($479) — the Bodyguard 2.0 is smaller hand naturally as part of the draw, which means I’ve never
in every dimension, and lighter while holding 40 percent liked the flat/stiff safeties on S&W’s Shield. You get that
more ammo. As far as I’m concerned, that’s a good thing. same safety with the Bodyguard 2.0 TS model. What was
Backup .380 pistols should be small. If you’re the least bit sent to Guns & Ammo for evaluation was the No Thumb
interested in it, I urge you to head down to the local gun Safety (NTS) model. Both are priced the same.
store and get one in your hand. Decide for yourself. The Bodyguard 2.0 almost has the same proportions as
Smith & Wesson’s new Bodyguard 2.0 is a polymer- a full-size M&P, and you’ll find it has the same duty-grade
 ENVIRONMENT
INVENTORY
MODS
AVAILABLE MODS:
Chassis Color
STAT 50 Unique 65 PRC 20”
Length 40.75” 7 PRC 20”
Weight 7lb 2 oz Bipod Mount 300 PRC 20”
Action 7075 Al 65 PRC 24”
Scope
Material Type 3 Anodize 7 PRC 24”
Mag Detachable Long Range Package 300 PRC 24”
Suppressor
SAVE BACK
50 G&A | OctOber 2024 | REBOOTING THE SYSTEM

Both the slide and barrel

are stainless steel given S&W’s
Armornite finish; “Armornite”
is S&W’s version of black
nitride. The slide has quite
a matte finish, which helps
make it grippy. Also helping
with that are the generous
directionally-angled slide ser-
rations. They cover the front
Tru-Glo day/night sights are standard on the Bodyguard 2.0, having a bright orange ring around and back of the slide, and
a tritium insert in the front sight. The rear presents a wide U-notch and is serrated. wrap up over the corners on
the top. As S&W described in
its marketing materials, they are “aggressive without being
sharp.” Not to be overlooked, a sizable cutout at the rear of
the barrel hood serves as a loaded chamber indicator.
There are a few things about this pistol that fascinate
me, but one is that is uses a standard tilt-barrel design, just
like the M&P big brothers. Many .380 ACPs use a straight-
blowback operating system. Blowback guns are simpler
and all you need for the .380, which is a less powerful car-
tridge. In a straight blowback pistol, those recoil forces are
counteracted almost entirely by a (stronger) recoil spring.
S&W obviously wanted potential Bodyguard 2.0 buyers
to be able to cycle the slide. A significant portion of them
Front and rear slide serrations are machined with a forward angle will be women or people with weak grips. In fact, one of
pattern. The top of the slide between the sights is flat. the first questions I got about this pistol was how hard was
the slide was to rack. The
features and controls, even recoil spring on the Body-
though it no longer has an guard isn’t feather light, but
“M&P” in the name. my wife was able to cycle it
The front sight is a wide easily the first time.
day/night from TruGlo. Here’s a pro tip: If you’re
There is a high-visibility having a bit of an issue
orange ring around a working the slide, don’t
tritium insert. I was able push-pull, push-push, as
to see it regardless of the it’
s easier. Position the pistol
lighting conditions. in front of you, parallel to
The rear sight is plain your chest, but pointed in
black, but serrated at a safe direction. With one
the rear with a healthy hand on the grip naturally,
U-shaped notch. The The trigger features a flat face that fires the pistol after the and the other gripping the
notch puts a lot of daylight safety has been compressed and 41/2 pounds of pressure applied. slide, push your hands
around that big front sight toward each other to rack.
when aiming. Interestingly, the front of the rear sight has a It’s twice as easy as any other technique.
vertical segment, so you can rack the slide one-handed on Let’s address the trigger and triggerpull. The Bodyguard
a hard surface using that if needed. 2.0 has the standard safety lever on the trigger to keep it
No, the Bodyguard 2.0 isn’t optics ready, at least not drop-safe, but the flat lever atop the flat trigger does look
these initial models. Due to the thin nature of the slide, I different. When pressed, it fires at 90 degrees.
don’t see it happening until someone comes out with an The old-school way of thinking was that a long/heavy
even smaller optic. I’m not a fan of red-dot optics on carry trigger pull on a “pocket” gun functioned as a safety. The
guns, but on a deep concealment micro-compact meant for folks at S&W did not take that approach, and I’m grate-
use at conversational distances, it seems to be an especially ful. The triggerpull on the Bodyguard 2.0 was excellent.
dumb idea; it’s a perfect example of “redoubling one’s It’s as crisp as a striker-fired triggerpull gets, with a total
efforts after losing sight of your goals.” Just stop it! That weight of 4¼-pounds on G&A’ s sample. That may make
big orange dot on the front sight is your dot. Use it. some of your heads explode, and I get that, because even
52 G&A | OctOber 2024 | REBOOTING THE SYSTEM

The Bodyguard 2.0 features a high-grip undercut at the rear of

the triggerguard, positioning the pistol low in the hand.

though we tell people over and over that pocket guns —

even when in pockets — should be in holsters that cover
the triggerguards, some people will just drop them into
pocket, sometimes filled with keys and coins, or purses
filled with, well, everything. Don’t do that; don’t be that
guy (or gal) who puts a hole in the top of their thigh or the
bottom of their purse because something got wedged into
the triggerguard of your gun.
From an ergonomics standpoint, the Bodyguard 2.0
is a home run. First, it looks great, with proper propor- The grip is molded with M2.0-like texture at the frontstrap and
tions. It looks like a larger gun, which is why photos just backstrap sections, as well as on the extended magazine spacer.
don’t seem to do its small
size justice. Yet, while In addition to the frame
very small, the grip is big being molded so you can
enough that most people choke way the heck up on
will be able to get all their it, it was smartly textured.
fingers around the gun even The front and back of the
using the flush magazine, frame have aggressively
and everyone else will textured areas, whereas
be able to if they use the the sides of the frame —
extended magazine, which, likely to be pressed against
for its size, is amazing. your body — are nearly
The distance between smooth. There are textured
the bottom of the trigger- areas on either side of the
guard of the Bodyguard frame above the front of
2.0 and the bottom of the Texturing appears on grip surfaces and on controls, including the the triggerguard, for your
flush magazine is just more magazine-release button, finger index and takedown lever. support-hand thumb.
than 2.1 inches. I wear size Another nice touch is
Medium gloves and can get three-quarters of my pinkie on the steel takedown lever; it sports aggressive texturing that
the gun with the flush magazine in place. This is possible, matches that on the frame. If you look closely, you’ll see
in part, because the triggerguard of the Bodyguard is a the front of the grip has a gentle outward bulge to fill your
bit smaller, and is undercut at the back. My older son has hand just a little more, but it is still skinny and small.
massive meat paws, and with the flush magazine his pinkie The steel magazine release is textured and sticks out
was left hanging, but he could still get all of his fingers from the frame, but not any further than the slide stop.
around the gun with the extended magazine in place. The magazine release is reversible, for you lefties. The
The rear of the frame is shaped very high with a bit of a Bodyguard 2.0 has a single-sided slide stop, though. It
beavertail, allowing your hand to sit as high as possible. In is possible to drop the slide using this lever as a “slide
fact, this gun might have the lowest bore of any semiauto release,” but it is admittedly small. You might be better
I’ve ever tested. The top of the slide is less than a finger’s served just working the slide.
width from the top of my trigger finger when laid straight When you disassemble the Bodyguard 2.0, you’ll see
along the frame. that it has a dual-spring recoil system. The .380 ACP is no
54 G&A | OctOber 2024 | REBOOTING THE SYSTEM

Recoil was not bad. During

my first range session I put 150
rounds through the Bodyguard
2.0 in 20 minutes, which got the
front of the slide too hot to touch.
Besides the heat, my hands did not
feel sore or abused. For a gun of
this size and weight, this is a huge
win. With a gun this light, you
will notice the difference in recoil
between various loads.
The pistol points very naturally,
and I love the big front sight.
The great trigger helps, too, but
I discovered that if you’re not on
the gun, paying attention to the
ever-important sight alignment
and trigger control, the fact that
Disassembly and reassembly of the Bodyguard 2.0 is a familiar affair. With the magazine it’s light and small means that a
removed and slide locked back, the takedown lever rotates down for fieldstripping. little error will produce a large
group. There’s a reason why some
perform accuracy testing with guns this size at 15 yards.
(G&A’s protocol for almost all pistol tests is 25 yards.) At
7 yards, between the low bore and good trigger pull, I
could do mag dumps and keep all my hits in the center
zone of an IDPA target.
I experienced a few issues while shooting, but no real
problems. Let me explain:
1. With some types of ammunition, I wasn’t able to load
the magazines to capacity; the magazine springs were very
strong. This will probably sort itself out in time.
2. The pistol was reliable with every type of full-met-
al-jacket (FMJ) and jacketed hollowpoints (JHP) tested
except the Barnes TAC-FPD. It’s interesting, as Barnes’
hollowpoint has a rounded,
PERFORMANCE
powerhouse, but this is a nearly FMJ profile. At least
BEST AVG.
9.8-ounce pistol without VEL. GROUP GROUP one round out of every
LOAD (FPS) ES SD (IN.) (IN.)
a magazine in it. Markings magazine would hang up on
on the inside of the gun the feed ramp. That’s not a
showed the polymer frame gun problem, that’s an ammo
was made at the facility in incompatibility problem. The
Springfield, Massachusetts, cavity of Federal’s Hydra-Shok
but other parts of the pistol Deep looks like the jagged
Notes: Accuracy is the average of five, five-shot groups at 15 yards from a sandbag
was manufactured and rest. Velocity is the average of 10 shots measured with an Oehler Model 35P chro- mouth of a piranha, and yet
nograph set 12 feet in front of the muzzle.
assembled at S&W’s new the Bodyguard ate those up.
Maryville, Tennessee plant. 3. At least half the time, the
The magazines are black and steel, containing bright slide didn’t lock back on empty magazines; there’s only so
orange polymer followers. There are numbered index holes much room on a little gun. My thumb pressed down on
on the right side of the magazines at “6”, “8”, “10” and the slide stop. The magazine followers were not defective.
“12”. The grip extension on the 12-round magazine was In summary, I love this pistol. I think Smith & Wes-
textured to match the frame texturing. son has a huge win on their hands. I will be buying my
I headed to the range the day after I picked up the Body- sample. It’s got great features, and that includes maximum
guard 2.0, both excited and curious. Simply based on its capacity for minimal size. My personal opinion: I wouldn’t
size and weight, I assumed recoil with the Bodyguard 2.0 recommend it as a primary, simply because it’
s a .380. As a
would be snappy. I was curious as to how the unusually backup gun or a concealed-carry pistol — when you can’t
low bore and tilting barrel would affect handling. carry anything bigger — it’s a winner.
 20 - GAUGE
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O
 G&A 57

OF THE
LAND
THE BROWNING X-BOLT 2
SPEED SPR IS A SEQUEL THAT
BESTS THE ORIGINAL ON THE
RANGE AND IN THE FIELD.

BY ERIC R. POOLE | PHOTOS MICHAEL ANSCHUETZ

ALBERTA HAS BEEN GOOD to me. In 2017, I used

the then-new Winchester XPR in .300 Winchester
Magnum to take a monster mule deer from across a
wheat field (Guns & Ammo, December 2017). That
dark, heavy-antlered and thick-bodied buck weighed
almost 300 pounds, attracting a lot of interest among
the area’s outfitters. I’ve since returned to hunt elk and
wolves, as well, with great success. Despite the prepa-
ration required to navigate Canada’s restrictive gun
laws, Alberta is an attractive destination for hunters
interested in experiencing the northern wilderness.
I drove through Montana to Alberta in Novem-
ber 2023 to field test the Browning X-Bolt 2 Speed.
(It was later introduced at the 2024 SHOT Show.)
Besides acquiring a Wildlife Identification Num-
ber (WIN) and paying the $8 Canadian one-time
fee — a prerequisite to purchase hunting licenses
in Alberta — a hunter must also fill out a one-page
form to enter Canada with a firearm. (Pistols are not
allowed.) The cost is $25, as of this writing, in Cana-
dian funds, which is payable when entering the coun-
try. Form RCMP 5589/CAFC909 can be downloaded
and printed from the RCMP website. Making this
hunt unique was the invitation to stalk mule
deer with the Blood Tribe in the Kainai
Nation, where I was guided by Way-
lon Weaselhead. During our hunt
for mule deer, he educated me
about tribal laws and the
history of the land and
his people.
58 G&A | OctOber 2024 | of the lAnd

Carried over from the original X-Bolt design, the flush-fit rotary The radial ported muzzlebrake
four-round magazine holds cartridges by the shoulder, protecting mitigates felt recoil. The barrel
bullets from deformation during recoil. can be suppressed.

Browning for $80, and in various

Cerakote colors including Smoke
Bronze. X-Bolt Target models include
a factory-installed optic rail on a lin-
ear four-screw pattern with a torque
setting of 25-inch-pounds.
The X-Bolt introduced several
innovations for a centerfire bolt-action
rifle, including its polymer rotary
magazine that holds each cartridge by
The X-Lock riflescope mount- the case’s shoulder. This protects bullet
ing system features four The bolt-unlock button rises when the tang safety is
screws per base for accurate engaged (above, left). It’s used to unload or inspect the tips against deformation from con-
placement and more security. chamber. Under the bolt shroud is the striker tab status. tacting the front wall of the magazine
during recoil. Another innovation
FOUNDATIONAL BROWNING X-BOLT 2 SPEED was to the safety system, resulting in
The X-Bolt was introduced in 2008, TYPE a bolt-override button connected to
a design of Browning Arms Company CARTRIDGE the trigger. Pressing the button allows
manufactured by Miroku Corp. in CAPACITY the bolt to open, even if the safety is
Japan. Barrel lengths ranged from BARREL
engaged. The X-Bolt series also offered
20 to 26 inches. Browning annually a threaded radial muzzlebrake to mini-
OVERALL
introduced variations of the X-Bolt LENGTH
mize felt recoil. These features were
that managed to hold the interest of WEIGHT
carried over into the X-Bolt 2.
those who wear branded merchandise
and drive a truck with the Buckmark STOCK NEXT IN LINE
displayed on the rear window. At the 2024 SHOT Show, Browning
LENGTH OF PULL 5
The “X” moniker refers to the revealed the X-Bolt 2. It was teased
scope-ring-base mounting system FINISH on the cover of “Backcountry Hunter”
that utilizes four drilled-and-tapped (Spring 2024), and quickly featured
TRIGGER
holes for each ring atop a flat-top in “Petersen’s Hunting” (April-May
receiver instead of two holes per SIGHTS 2024) and “Shooting Times” (July
ring centered on a round receiver. MSRP 2024). The X-Bolt 2 continued the
X-shaped thread protectors inspired IMPORTER
X-Bolt’s innovations. As of this report,
the name for the platform, as well as there are 13 hunting and two long-
the X-pattern tightening of the base range versions supporting 14 car-
screws when torquing to 18-inch-pounds. The mounting tridges: .243 Winchester, .270 Win., .28 Nosler, .30-’06
pattern provides additional security for a scope, protection Springfield, .300 PRC, .300 Win. Mag., .300 WSM, .308
against bases loosening due to recoil, or stripped threads, Win., 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 6.8
inadequate torque, and human error. Aluminum rings Western, 7mm PRC, and 7mm Remington Mag. Stock
with integrated X-Bolt pattern holes are available from types include five camo models, four carbon fiber, three
 WHERE COMPACT DESIGN MEETS
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60 G&A | OctOber 2024 | of the lAnd

Envoking the design of legacy Browning rifles, the The Vari-Tech stock is adjustable for length of pull
gold-plated metal-alloy DLX trigger is a multi- and comb height, complete with Inflex recoil pad.
ple-lever design adjustable down to 3 pounds.

composites, one made of walnut, and one

from McMillan. Finish options are blued
and Cerakote. Prices span $1,100 to $4,070;
the most expensive spec is the X-Bolt 2 Pro
McMillan with carbon-fiber stock, carbon-
fiber barrel and Browning’s Recoil Hawg muz-
zlebrake. The most affordable is the X-Bolt 2
Micro with a 20-inch barrel in .243 Win., 6.5
Creedmoor, or .308 Win., which has a matte
blued finish and black Vari-Tech stock. Sling swivels are standard at the forend and near
The X-Bolt 2 continues to feed from a toe, but holes can be drilled for attaching rails.
four-round capacity detachable rotary mag-
azine, which is flush with the bottom metal ber. The flutes don’t alleviate barrel heat as
underneath when inserted. Spare magazines some surmise, but they do complement the
are available ($63 to $73, shop.browning. lightweight profile. Measuring 18 inches, the
com). The X-Bolt 2 will also be offered with barrel is long enough to stabilize the bullet
an extended Browning “Plus” detachable-box and harness most of the velocity potential
magazine, holding six rounds for standard across the broad spectrum of .308 Win. and
cartridges and five for magnums and WSM, 6.5 Creedmoor loads. A longer barrel could
and an aftermarket Xtra Capacity MDT AICS provide faster velocities, but the trade-off
magazine. Magnum- and WSM-chambered is increased weight and overall length. Out
rifles have rotary magazines that only accept of the box, the X-Bolt 2 Speed with fluted
three rounds. Rifles in other cartridges, Sporter barrel weighed 6 pounds, 7 ounces.
including 6.5 Creedmoor, will have rotary It’s easy to carry, quick to mount on the
magazines that accept four rounds. The poly- shoulder, and maneuverable in the field.
mer MDT AICS magazines hold 10 rounds The muzzle is threaded M13x0.75 and
($70, mdttac.com). equipped with the familiar radial muzzle-
Guns & Ammo was sent the X-Bolt 2 brake. With the muzzlebrake removed, it
Speed SPR in 6.5 Creedmoor for evaluation. could be adapted to accept a suppressor or
Opting for the fluted sporter-weight barrel, it features the given a thread-protector cap. It also accepts the Browning
Vari-Tech composite stock with Browning’s OVIX camo Recoil Hawg Sporter muzzlebrake ($136, browning.com).
finish and a Smoked Bronze Cerakote finish. Spec’d with Muzzlebrakes are effective at all but eliminating felt recoil,
an 18-inch .308 Win. or 6.5 Creedmoor barrel, it has a but they can generate noise and redirect the concussive
manufacturer-suggested retail price (MSRP) one cent shy blast to the sides of the muzzle.
of $1,500. The X-Bolt 2 Speed doesn’t have many direct The X-Bolt 2 benefits from an updated short-action
competitors point-for-point, but in terms of price ver- receiver and bolt. The bolt continues the quick-to-cycle
sus features, its rivals are the Savage 110 High Country three-lug configuration resulting in a 60-degree lift. A ben-
($1,279, savagearms.com) and the Springfield Armory efit is that it provides clearance between a low-mounted
Model 2020 ($2,173, springfield-armory.com). scope and a shooter’s fingers. When the bolt is cocked, a
The X-Bolt 2 configuration retains components such as red-painted cocking indicator is revealed to the shooter’s
the fluted Sporter-contoured barrel with a polished cham- peripheral attention beneath the scope. The cocking indi-
62 G&A | OctOber 2024 | of the lAnd

The bolt was updated for the Browning X-Bolt 2, which features With three lugs, the bolt lift is short at 60 degrees, easily clearing
spiral fluting and a three-lug design. The bolt handle is ergo- most scopes. The knob is new for the X-Bolt 2, and the receiver
nomic and includes the bolt-unlock button for additional safety. was reconfigured to smooth bolt operation with no bind.

cator retreats when fired, hidden under the bolt shroud. ART OF THE STOCK
The thumb safety switch on the tang is still here, as well The action is bedded to the composite stock, barrel free-
as the bolt-release lever at the left-rear of the receiver. The floated. With the stock removed, the bedding is impressive
tang-safety works in conjunction with the bolt-unlock — almost old school. We rarely see composite stocks with
button. Again, the bolt-unlock button allows the user to bedding compound and fitment such as on the X-Bolt 2.
unlock the bolt for loading or unloading the action with Called the “Vari-Tech Composite Stock,” it wears Browning
the safety engaged. OVIX camo. The Vari-Tech is adjustable for length of pull,
Within the alloy triggerguard is a gold-plated trigger comb height and grip angle. The stock on the X-Bolt 2
that tickles the heartstrings of those who grew up shooting features a new and thicker Inflex recoil pad. The textured,
Brownings. G&A’s sample featured the Browning DLX rubber-overmolded grip is interchangeable, and two grip
version, producing an average pull weight of 3 pounds, 15 profiles are offered: Sporter and Vertical. To change the
ounces. The DLX Trigger uses an internal three-lever sys- grips, remove the barreled action for access to a No. 1
tem to manipulate the sear, which allows the user to adjust Phillips-head screw inside the rear of the stock.
the trigger’s characteristics to eliminate creep, take-up and At the front and rear of the X-Bolt 2 Speed are con-
overtravel. There are variances, though; it can be adjusted ventional sling-swivel studs, but unique to the Vari-Tech
to about 3 pounds, but the triggers are usually preset to stock’s forend are X-pattern reinforcement ribs that
3½ pounds. Target model triggers are factory set to 2½ provide the composite material with rigidity. At the cros-
pounds and can be adjusted between 2 and 3.3 pounds. spoints, there are holes that can be drilled through using
Adjusting the trigger requires a 5⁄64-inch (2mm) hex a 13⁄64 drill bit to create pass-through holes for attaching a
wrench. To remove the two screws that hold the bottom piece of rail or M-Lok, for example. The hole will accept
metal to the stock and action, use a 5⁄32 (4mm) hex wrench. a 10-32 threaded nut insert, Grovetech part number
AFTER YOU
THE PRICE WILL
MAKE EVEN LESS SENSE
64 G&A | OctOber 2024 | of the lAnd

accuracy for three, three-shot groups fired in succes-

sion. Afterward, the barrel became too hot to touch. If
I attempted to shoot after a three-shot groups, accuracy
loosened to about 1¼-inches at 100 yards. This rifle
was designed for hunting, so I wasn’t surprised or dis-
appointed. Ten minutes of patience at ambient room
temperature was enough of a cool-down to resume group
shooting.
I expect this level of accuracy out of custom rifles, but
I didn’t expect it out of an X-Bolt! In my opinion, the
X-Bolt 2 Speed is more refined than lower-cost alter-
natives — but the price reflects this. With the X-Bolt
2 Speed, you are getting no more accuracy than what
Using a Browning X-Bolt 2 Pro McMillan SPR Carbon Fiber in 6.5 you should be getting for the money. It’s not the blued,
CM, Campbell tagged an epic mule deer buck. wood-stocked rifle for the nostalgic type of gun guy, and it
wouldn’t impress your
490221 or similar. PERFORMANCE dad or grandfather until
Insert the appropri- BEST AVG. you sat them behind it
VEL. GROUP GROUP
ate bolt or fastener to LOAD (FPS) ES SD (IN.) (IN.) on a shooting bench.
secure the piece of rail Browning BXS 120-gr. BT Solid 2,762 30 13 .2 .44 (There was no felt recoil
and tighten it to draw with the radial muzzl-
in the nut. (Be sure Norma Whitetail 140-gr. BTSP 2,686 25 10.6 .68 .86 ebrake, so you could.)
the fastener is not too It’s not a rifle with a
long so that it doesn’t Federal Fusion 140-gr. BTSP* 2,774 35 15.4 .79 1.13 “soul,” but it is stylish
contact the barrel!) Notes: *Shot 2 inches right of the other groups. Accuracy is the average of five, three-shot groups and a functional tool for
at 100 yards. Velocity is the average of five shots recorded by Labradar set adjacent to the muzzle.
The stock is relatively the modern hunter. It’s
easy to adjust. Using about as good of a rifle
the provided hex wrench, comb height can be increased as a production rifle can be. You can complete the look of
to better position your eye behind the center of the scope’s the X-Bolt 2 Speed by wearing OVIX concealment-pattern
ocular lens. To access the small screw between the stock clothing from Browning, or pairing it with OVIX accesso-
and the recoil pad, wiggle the hex wrench in the small ries such as a sling $30 and scope-rifle soft case ($80).
hole above the top recoil-pad Phillips-head screw. With
it loosened, there are six positions available for approx- RETURNING TO ALBERTA
imately 1 inch of total adjustment available. Know this: Weaselhead and I glassed and hunted the land of the
When you raise the comb, you eliminate your ability to Kainai Nation for a trophy mule deer. Our expectations
readily boresight the scope to the barrel or clean the barrel were skewed by the early success of another hunter in
from breech to muzzle. If you want to camp, Browning’s Shaundi Camp-
boresight the scope, I suggest doing it bell. She used an X-Bolt 2 Pro
before fitting the stock. McMillan SPR to take an incredi-
I did find it easy to remove the ble buck at more than 300 yards.
recoil pad with a No. 2 Phillips-head Stalking northern prairie for five
screwdriver first. With the recoil pad days, we only saw younger mulies
removed, use a No. 1 Phillips screw- — hundreds of them — and some
driver to loosen the smaller screws mature whitetails. Elusive and
to remove the rear sliding stock “end hidden, we uncovered the carcass
section,” as Browning calls it. You of a shooter buck at the bottom of a
can access the comb adjustment or river’s canyon; it was a reminder that
increase/decrease the length of pull every living thing dies, but the land
by adding or removing black plastic remains. On this trip, I learned that
spacers between the end section and the Blood Tribe does not view land
the stock. (Four spacers are pro- as property that can be owned. Land
vided.) Reassembled properly, the is shared, cultivated and protected
stock is rattle-free. for all of its inhabitants. Though
I did not harvest a mule deer, I
“Here’s the buck we’re after,” said Wea-
RANGE & FIELD selhead of the Blood Tribe. He proudly was ready to make a shot with this
The X-Bolt 2 Speed held sub-MOA wore and displayed the Buckmark. broadened perspective.
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66 G&A | OctOber 2024
 OctOber 2024 | G&A 67

TIPPED
OFF
TIPPED PROJECTILES
HAVE RISEN IN POPULARITY.
LET’S DISCUSS THE
BENEFITS AND DRAWBACKS.
BY AARON CARTER | PHOTOS BY MARK FINGAR
68 G&A | OctOber 2024 | tipped off

essary to “see” a spitzer-shaped (i.e,

spire-point) bullet, which debuted in
the closing years of the 19th cen-
tury, or a tipped projectile. The term
“tipped” encompasses much. Some
authorities include pointed soft-point,
exposed-core bullets, though most
firearms enthusiasts would argue it
refers to projectiles with a separate tip
made from a material different from
that which the bullet is constructed.
For the purpose of this article, we’ll
use the latter.
According to the “NRA Firearms
Sourcebook” (2006), there are two
types of tipped bullets, but only one
has said name. The authoritative
source reports, “Capped bullets are
three-piece designs with a separate
Terminal Ascent features Federal’s Slipstream Tip with a hollow-core and AccuChannel metal nose cap on the ogive. During
Groove. The tip initiates expansion of the bonded, nickeled jacket and core. handling and feeding, the cap protects
the lead core; on impact, the cap col-
WHEN IT COMES to stretching the responded. Nonetheless, after reading lapses, allowing the core to expand.”
distance, all prospective pluses are the information that follows, you’ll An example of this design was Win-
worth pursuing. Be it the rifle, optic, know what bullet is right for you. chester’s Silvertip, which featured a
rest, bipod, or ammunition, subtle shiny aluminum cap.
changes can have a major impact IDENTITY & HISTORY Conversely, the aforementioned
on the outcome of a match, or even “The real voyage of discovery consists book notes, “a tipped bullet is nor-
striking steel at extra-long ranges for not in seeking new landscapes but mally of three-piece construction with
amusement. As businessman and in having new eyes,” noticed French a sharp, pointed, metal, or polymer
motivational speaker Tim Grover once novelist and literary critic Valentin tip crimped in a hole in the jacket
remarked, “If you think the price of Louis Georges Eugène Marcel Proust. nose. Some recent designs have a
winning is too high, wait ’til you get Imagine, then, the “new eyes” nec- cavity beneath the tip, while others do
the bill from regret.” In other words,
chase every opportunity to increase
success or risk failure.
The rifleman’s only physical con-
nection with the target is the bullet.
So, why wouldn’t they want the best?
But, what is “the best?” The popular
trend for match-type projectiles is the
addition of a separate tip, be it made
from a lightweight metal or polymer.
As you’ll see, this is hardly new tech-
nology. It’s not a universal practice,
either.
In the subsequent sections, I
provide a synopsis of the history of
tipped bullets as well as detail the
advantages and drawbacks. The
latter is based upon correspondence
with engineers and ballisticians at
established bullet makers, company
literature, and using ballistic calcu-
lators. Concerning communications, SIG Sauer offers its Elite Hunter Tipped projectile, featuring a controlled expansion tip
not all companies I reached out to and tapered ogive. Sierra makes the black copper jacketed bullets to SIG Sauer’s specs.
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70 G&A | OctOber 2024 | tipped off

and Barnes to name but a few. Why?

The advantages they offer. But all isn’t
as it seems.

THE TRADEOFFS
A metal or polymer/plastic point
added to a projectile provides numer-
ous benefits, including resisting tip
deformation (as opposed to exposed
lead-alloy), aiding the initiation
of expansion upon impact, and
improved aerodynamic shape and
qualities to name a few. The latter is
chiefly cited as the key reward reaped.
In fact, Sierra’s website states, “The
The aluminum tip of Hornady’s A-Tip Match projectile is precision machined for reduced major advantage of adding a tip to
drag. The shaft is longer than polymer tips, shifting weight and stabilizing the bullet. the bullet is the reduction of drag,
[thereby] producing a more favor-
not.” Its benefits are many and will be HORNADY ELD TIP able ballistic coefficient (BC).” For a
covered in detail shortly. The origins stalwart company that only recently
of tipped bullets are chock full of started making tipped projectiles,
conjecture. However, there is consen- that’s insightful. Let’s crunch some
sus that, at least in the United States, numbers to illustrate the gains.
Remington’s Bronze Pointed Expand- Sierra Bullets offers both acetal
ing Bullet, or “Bronze Point,” came resin tipped and non-tipped versions
first. Its advertisements date back to of many of their bullets, including
the 1920s. the .30-caliber, 168-grain projectile.
Hornady’s Heat Shield tip has a flat meplat
Although the Bronze Point was and resists deformation in flight caused by The vaunted 168-grain hollowpoint
admired by most hunters, it certainly aerodynamic friction. boattail (HPBT) MatchKing has a
had its detractors, too. Whether or BC of .462 at 2,600 feet per second
not it was pleasing to all doesn’t mat- website. In 1984, the Nosler Ballistic (fps), and above, and .447 from 2,100
ter. More importantly, the projectile Tip (Hunting) was introduced with a fps to 2,600. Meanwhile, the newer
cleared a path for others to follow. hallmark, sharp, color-coded polymer Tipped MatchKing of the same caliber
“In the early ’80s, Nosler set out to tip that’s been replicated ceaselessly. and weight has a BC of .535 at 2,050
design a bullet that would combine Since the debut of the Nosler Ballis- fps and above. Marked differences
the accuracy of a match bullet, the tic Tip, nigh all large-scale bullet man- numerically, but let’s see what that
reliable expansion and penetration of ufacturers, have added tipped pro- translates to downrange.
the Solid Base [streamlined, thick- jectiles to their lineups. For instance, Using the established velocity of
based hunting bullet], and the ability amongst American makers alone, 2,650 fps from a .308 Winchester
to resist recoil-induced deformation they’re offered by Nosler, obviously, as the standard, when zeroed at 200
in the magazine,” explained Nosler’s Hornady, Sierra, Speer, Swift, Federal, yards, the original MatchKing will

“CX” stands for “Copper alloy eXpanding,” the name chosen by Announced in 2024, ELD-VT is a low-drag, varmint bullet. High
Hornady for its monolithic hunting bullet. With a machined cavity, velocity was paired with reduced weight. Though the tip initiates
the solid copper offers weight retention and deep penetration. expansion, the cavity produces rapid fragmentation on impact.
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the Trijicon RMR HD features a top-loading battery,
larger window and ideal illumination from a forward-
mounted light sensor that reads the target and provides
an optimal aiming point. It also offers a new reticle
that allows you to switch between a complex reticle
or single crisp dot.
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72 G&A | OctOber 2024 | tipped off

component that costs money to pro-

duce or purchase and adds assembly
complexity [cost] to the jacketed
bullet; plus, it requires very precise
(but never perfect) alignment within
the jacket and lead core. In the case
of match bullets, performance simply
means accuracy, consistency, and
repeatability.”
Bryan Litz, chief ballistician for
Berger Bullets, shared similar opinions
as Lake. “Among the drawback of
plastic tips is dispersion,” shared Litz.
“Bullets spin at around 250,000-plus
rpm, so in order to shoot sub-MOA
groups, the balance has to be impec-
cable. Adding the tip component
introduces imbalance, which can
Gold Medal Berger is known for its high BC, and long-drawn copper jacket surrounding harm precision. Also, when used in
lead antimony. On impact, the open-tip design is crushed to initiate expansion. gas guns, the tips can break off when
rounds feed through the magazine
drop 51.6, 204.4, and 395 inches at than their non-tipped counterparts. and fly completely different, not to
500, 800, and 1,000 yards, respec- Given the advantages, one would mention the broken tip jamming the
tively. At the same distances, the think all makers of open tip match gun.” Compelling arguments, right?
Tipped MatchKing drops 48.7, 187, (OTM) or HPBT bullets would replace Well, here is a counter:
and 352.8 inches — striking dissimi- them with tipped variants. They’re As reported on Hornady’s web-
larities. Whereas variances in trajec- not, and there are solid reasons site, “With a polymer tip, the meplat
tory can be counted for (i.e., dialed behind their decisions. (diameter of the tip of a bullet) is the
in) easily, reading the wind and cor- “So long as a manufacturer can very same from bullet to bullet and lot to
rectly adjusting for it can be perplex- precisely control the ogive shape, lot. A molded polymer tip shape is
ing for all but the most experienced meplat diameter and shape, and the the same every time. The meplat of an
long-range marksmen. Therefore, less bullet overall length (which we can), HPBT [or OTM], however, is inconsis-
deflection is desirable. adding a tip to a match bullet adds tent. Drawing the jacket material up
The traditional MatchKing deflects complexity, cost, and the possibility to a perfect and consistently shaped
22.1, 64.1, and 108.1 inches at 500, of additional accuracy-damaging tip every time is virtually impossible.
800, and 1,000 yards, while the variables to a bullet,” commended Some match shooters use a meplat
Tipped MatchKing drifts 18.6, 52.9, Nosler’s Director, Innovation Division, trimmer to even out the rim of HPBT
and 88.7 at the same distances. More- Mike Lake. “The tip is an additional meplats for consistency. This trim-
over, the former approaches the speed
of sound — about 1,100 fps at sea SIERRA MATCHKING HPBT

level — at 1,100 yards, while the latter

reaches it at 1,250 yards. This is one
example of a tipped projectile outper-
forming a non-tipped version within
the same company’s offerings.
For comparison sake, the BCs
of several competing non-tipped,
.30-caliber, 168-grain bullets are: .507
(Berger VLD Target); .515 (Berger
Hybrid Target); and .450 (Hornady
HPBT Match). Hornady’s tipped,
.308-inch, 168-grain A-Max and ELD
Match bullets have BCs of .475 and
.523. Heed the especially high BCs of
the Bergers. Keep in mind, too, that Sierra MatchKings are an open-tip-match (OTM) design that enjoys a legendary reputa-
tipped bullets are generally lengthier tion for accuracy. These bullets have a heavy copper jacket design and lead core.
 DOWNLOAD
THE FREE
BALLISTIC APP
©2024 Federal Ammunition

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74 G&A | OctOber 2024 | tipped off

ming perfects the shape of The company recently

the tip but removes mass announced Drag Variabil-
from the bullet.” ity Reduction Technology
As Hornady would for- (DVRT), which is “a pat-
tuitously discover, poly- ented bullet tip design that
mers vary. Back in 2012, increases the uniformity
Hornady’s engineers were of bullet drag from shot to
designing an all-practical- shot.” How? According to a
range hunting bullet. As recent press release, “Spe-
they were concluding cifically, the meplat must be
testing, the Doppler radar flat — not pointed — and
revealed that, shortly after the diameter of the flat
exiting the muzzle, the meplat is a specific ratio to
bullet was developing drag, the bullet diameter.” Again,
which negatively affected uniformity is paramount
the bullet along the rest of to top performance at long
Introduced in 1940, the Winchester Silvertip was a controlled-ex-
its flight path. Such wasn’t pansion bullet with a soft nose covered by aluminum. The current range. Hornady reported
the case with the compa- Ballistic Silvertip is a Nosler-Wincheser collaboration. that the technology had
ny’s HPBT Match bullets been implemented into
but was replicated on the tipped affected. To thwart this, Hornady the Heat Shield tip design and A-Tip
A-Max projectiles. The culprit was changed polymers to a tip with match bullet while awaiting patent
the polymer tips, but it wasn’t across greater heat capacity and a melting approval. It is now found in the
the board. Hornady observed that the point about 21/2-times greater than company’s A-Tip Match, ELD-X, ELD
tipped varmint bullets and variants that of the previous material. Enter Match, ELD-VT, and CX bullets.
with sub-.550 BCs shed velocity too Heat Shield Technology. However, How much more do tipped bullets
quickly for the bullet to be adversely Hornady wasn’t done. cost? On its website, Sierra Bullets
 tipped off | OctOber 2024 | G&A 75

lists 100 .30-caliber, 168-grain Match- expand, so retaining speed is critical. the target and then deliver controlled
Kings for $54. The same quantity of A higher BC helps. “Also, when used terminal performance in a manner so
Tipped MatchKings runs $59. What on varmint bullets, the plastic tips can as to deliver an ethical game harvest
about on sale? Checking online, increase the BC compared to just hav- in a variety of variables, such as shot
retailer MidwayUSA, at the time of ing a wide open metal tip,” said Litz. placement, angle of impact, animal
this writing, listed 100 of Hornady’s Lake concurred, reporting, “In physiology, or foreign materials on the
tipped, 168-grain ELD-Match and hunting bullets, we feel the tip is animal at the point of impact, etc.”
elder A-Max bullets for $42 and $56, extremely important. With a tip, Hornady’s website noted, “Without
respectively, while the non-tipped hunting bullets can present a very a polymer tip (or an exposed lead
Match HPBT sell for $40 for the same aerodynamic profile all the way to tip, which is not as aerodynamically
quantity. Suffice it to say, expect to
pay more for tipped, match-type
projectiles.
Whereas Nosler, who ushered in
the widespread use of polymer tips,
has no tipped options in its Custom
Competition line, they also don’t
Unquestioned
appear to be interested in adding
them for the aforementioned reasons. performance
in the field.
Berger Bullets isn’t, either.
“Berger is dedicated to precision
above all else,” explained Litz. “We’ve
mastered the process of forming
match bullets with closed tips; refer-
Exceptionally accurate.
ence our line of Long Range Hybrid Extremely precise.
Target (LRHT) bullets. These designs
achieve the same drag reduction
as plastic tips without introducing
a third component and associated
imbalance. Also, we know plastic tips
break off in gas guns and consider
that an unacceptable result of using
Berger Bullets.” That’s certainly much
food for thought.
Litz concluded with, “If we can find
a genuine need that’s not being met
with the construction of our current
bullets, and if we can offer a tipped
bullet that doesn’t have the known
problems of existing tipped bullets,
we’ll certainly consider it.”

HUNTING:
WHERE TIPPED BULLETS EXCEL
This article primarily focuses on
match-style projectiles, but it’s worthy
of note that tipped bullets shine for
hunting, and companies share in
this belief. According to Litz, “One
advantage is terminal performance. By
using a plastic tip, the opening in the 3-12X44 Welcome two new configurations to the Conquest V4 family, the
3-12x44 and 3-12x56 with Ballistic StopTM. They join the class
metal jacket can be larger, which ini- leading V4 lineup offering legendary ZEISS glass and highly intuitive
tiates expansion more reliably and at reticles. The Conquest V4 delivers a superior optical system that
ensures first shot impact – exactly where you want it.
lower velocities.” Remember, projec-
tiles meant for hunting have a lower 3-12X56
Scan to learn more:
velocity limit at which they’ll reliably
76 G&A | OctOber 2024 | tipped off

Remington loads the bonded Swift Scirocco bullet. The pure copper jacket is progres-
sively thickening towards the boattail base, resulting in high weight retention.

efficient), there is no mechanism for outside edge of the tip. An HPBT

expansion. Upon impact, the tip is offers no ‘fine-tuning’ for expansion.
slammed back into the frontal cavity It is totally dependent on what the
and forces expansion. Without a target media makes it do.”
mechanism for expansion (tip), the “Life is filled with difficult deci-
target dictates what the bullet does. sions, and winners are those who
We can control exactly how fast or make them,” wrote American author
slow a bullet expands with the tip Dan Brown. Indeed, selecting between
size, cavity size and shape below the tipped and non-tipped bullets once
tip stem, and the relationship of the seemed so simple, didn’t it? It’s not.
transition from jacket material to the So, choose wisely.

Speer’s Impact bullet features a green Slipstream Polymer Tip and bonded construction.
Bonding is achieved chemically, rather than mechanically to maintain weight and energy.
78 G&A | OctOber 2024
 OctOber 2024 | G&A 79

NIGHTHAWK CUSTOM’S LADY HAWK IS

AN ACCURATE, RELIABLE MISNOMER
OF AN EDC 1911 IN 9MM.
BY DONNA BODDINGTON | PHOTOS BY MARK FINGAR
80 G&A | OctOber 2024 | silver lAdy

Nighthawk developed
the Lady Hawk for
small-handed users.
The silver finish is
simple, and isn’t even
marked “Lady Hawk.”

NIGHTHAWK CUSTOM
LADY HAWK

TYPE

CARTRIDGE
CAPACITY
HERE I GO AGAIN writing about about as
handguns, and this time it’s on BARREL
much as pos-
another handgun that was designed sible without
with women in mind. I sometimes OVERALL compromising
LENGTH
feel overwhelmed when writing about the design.
WIDTH
my experiences with handguns, but I The so-called
HEIGHT
sure do enjoy shooting guns, as well “Moon Hawk”
WEIGHT
as the arduous — and sometimes laser-engraved grips are the Ultra Thin
difficult — process of recording my GRIP panels from AlumaGrips, which are
thoughts. There’s a learning curve, much easier for my smaller hands to
SIGHTS
for sure, but I am certainly up for the control. Introduced in 2008, the Lady
challenge. Besides, it’s not bad to get Hawk is not new to the market but it’s
TRIGGER
a point of view from a person who is the only 1911 pistol said to have been
not as advanced, nor quite as techni- SAFETY
designed with female shooters. The
cal, as more seasoned gunwriters. To MSRP
Lady Hawk and Lady Hawk 2.0 are
be fair, I am married to a respectable both available in 9mm and .45 ACP.
and ridiculously prolific gunwriter, MANUFACTURER For the last several months, I have
so I should have picked up some been testing the 9mm version, and it
knowledge, guidance and coaching has been a dream to shoot. Announced
along the way! Clearly, I am not saying I’m a gunwriter yet, at the 2018 SHOT Show, the Lady Hawk 2.0 adds cosmetic
but you never know. features that appeal to a female audience. Though the Lady
I have been having a great time going to the range these Hawk I’m shooting lacks the opal grips of the 2.0, I like the
days. I really appreciate the differences in shooting vari- clean, simple look of this handgun just fine.
ous models and types of The pistol came in a
pistols. The Lady Hawk, simple soft case. The main
by Nighthawk Custom pocket was fitted for the
(nighthawkcustom.com), is pistol and two magazines,
the latest gun that I’ve been while a roomy outer pocket
fortunate enough to get my stores accessories and
hands on. A Lady Hawk 2.0 ammo. Two magazines were
with an optional DLC finish supplied; one 10-round
and rose-gold accents was mag with finger extension,
released in 2024 ($5,399), and one flush-fitting nine-
but I had already ordered round magazine.
the original Lady Hawk, The magazine with finger
which starts at $4,399. extension was neutral for
These models are built on me; my hands are not big
a 1911 Commander frame Nighthawk Custom has always delivered its pistols in a conve- enough to find it useful, so
that was slimmed down nient carry case. The new case features a fitted foam insert. my grip and hand position
ALL TERRAIN HUNTER (ATH) SERIES
82 G&A | OctOber 2024 | silver lAdy

The beavertail safety supports a high grip while protecting the The serrated and curved aluminum trigger shoe is standard
hand from hammer bite. These parts are hand blended to perfec- length. The trigger pull was tested at 3 pounds, 9 ounces. Within
tion by single gunsmith. Note the lack of a bilateral thumb safety. reach is the mag-release button and slide-lock/-release lever.

The frontstrap and mainspring housing are thinned for the Lady Rear serrations are confidence-inspiring while the single-side,
Hawk, and Nighthawk’s Ultra-Thin Alumagrips combine for a extended thumb safety lever is easy to operate. When down, the
small-hand circumference. Texture is accomplished with scallops. safety contour is a perfect overlay to the frame’s backstrap arch.

were the same when shooting with either magazine. this one from the start. Even my skilled husband, Craig,
Nighthawk Custom’s slogan is “One Gunsmith, One Gun.” commented, “I’ve never touched a 1911 with a slide so
From the first part machined to dehorning and test firing, easy to put into battery.”
after a gun is completed, the gunsmith marks his initials As I am still getting comfortable working the slide on
under the left grip panel. Every pistol is guaranteed for the most pistols, more female-centric and “easy-to-rack”
lifetime of the gun, regard- pistols are being brought to
less of who owns it. These market. Finding handguns
are heirloom quality guns to shoot is becoming less
that could be passed down of an issue for me. It’s good
to kids and grandkids. to see manufacturers taking
note of female customers.
MANIPULATION Whether we like to admit
The average lady — includ- it or not, we often have
ing me — often has issues smaller hands and less
producing enough hand hand strength than our
strength to easily rack a male counterparts.
1911’s slide. Not so with The Lady Hawk is a sleek
the Lady Hawk! The first and attractive pistol, but it
quality I noticed about it also offers more in terms
was how smooth and effort- of handling, accuracy, and
Female-marketed firearms sometimes feature an easy-to-rack
less it was to rack the slide. slide. The name is a misnomer, though; anyone with small hands comfort. Due to it being
I had no problem working or a weak grip can appreciate the Lady Hawk’s handling. made from steel, it’s heavier
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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,
©2023 O.F. Mossberg & Sons, Inc. use, transport, and carrying of a firearm. Not all products are available in all states or jurisdictions.
84 G&A | OctOber 2024 | silver lAdy

Fieldstripping the Lady Hawk for maintenance reveals tight hand-

fitting between the slide and frame, as well as with the barrel,
slide and bushing. The provided bushing wrench was useful.

Nighthawk offers ambidextrous safety levers, but I

didn’t order an ambi for this gun and really I don’t want
one. Though I am left-handed, it was easy to access and
operate the thumb safety. At least part of my household
was Marine Corps-trained, and there are no other 1911s in
the house with left-hand safeties; it seems more sensible to
have them all set up the same.
The controls were easy to access, too, even though the
Lady Hawk has a larger frame than I usually shoot with.
The beavertail grip safety lever was one of my favorite
The 9mm magazines are distinguished by a groove that helps to
align the single-stack arrangement. Two mags are included, one aspects of this gun. It’s slick and fits the web between
standard and one extended. Both protrude beneath the frame. thumb and index finger extremely well, which helped me
obtain a secure and comfortable grip. It also supported
than most polymer-framed pistols I’ve been shooting. Even better recoil control.
so, I was comfortable with it from the start. Weight obvi- The trigger pull was crisp and light, greatly aiding
ously assists with muzzle control, which in turn helped me shootability. The lightweight, skeletonized aluminum
stay on target for quicker follow-up shots. trigger seemed slightly extended. With the slim grip, my
finger placement on the trigger was perfect, just into the
THE EASY BUTTONS first pad. On a Lyman Digital Trigger Gauge, it tested at
The Lady Hawk is in the Commander configuration, 3.04 pounds for an average of 10 pulls. There was little
meaning that it has a 4¼-inch barrel in a shortened slide variance.
assembly, and a full-size frame (at least top to bottom).
A smaller Officer-size frame is also available. The pistol 9MM VS. .45
maintains the familiar skeletonized hammer and trigger, as Obviously, the standard 1911 chambering is .45 ACP. In
well as a flat mainspring housing and extended grip safety. my humble opinion, it takes more practice and discipline
The front- and backstrap are well-scalloped, offering the to master the .45. From what I gather, one of the reasons
Lady a secure grip despite it being thin. the U.S. military switched from the .45 ACP to the 9mm
86 G&A | OctOber 2024 | silver lAdy

Heinie Slant Pro Straight Eight tritium night sights are standard on Lady Hawk models.
Nighthawk also offers its Interchangeable Optic System (IOS) that features sights on a
dovetailed-and-pinned coverplate or a mounting plate with an integral rear plus optic.

in 1985 was in search of less recoil, ENLIGHTENED

to improve shootability among a Lately, I have been shooting a lot
greater number of troops. Craig was of double-action 9mms, mostly the
a Marine during the switch from .45 Glock-types, pistols made by SIG
to 9mm and experienced that entire Sauer, and others. I’ve been embar-
transition period. Although he bit- rassed and frustrated by the difficulty
terly opposed the change to the M9, I have in racking the slides of other
he admits with amusement, “Pistol 1911s. So far, exercise hasn’t helped.
qualification scores went up dramati- The easy slide operation of the Lady
cally with the 9mm.” Hawk has opened my eyes to the won-
However, 1911s in 9mm are not derful world of shooting a 1911. I was
new or uncommon. The first 9mm immediately impressed by the easier
1911 was likely debuted by Colt in and more accurate single-action trigger
The deep crown on the barrel guards the
1950, but Nighthawk made it better. rifling inside the muzzle to protect its versus one of the striker-fired types.
For the Lady Hawk models, Night- accuracy. Aesthetically, it looks good too. However, the exposed “cocked-and-
hawk trimmed the frame circumfer- locked” hammer was a learned experi-
ence and installed thin AlumaGrips. The Commander ence. With the thumb safety down, the trigger only required
frame was not reduced, but the grips, frontstrap, and a 3-pound pull. (Nighthawk advertises that the trigger job
mainspring housing are thinner, a reduction of about .02- is set between 3½ and 3¾ pounds.) The grip safety was and
inch per side. The grip and frame overall width measures is John Browning’s safety hedge, but it’s a pistol design that
about 1.18 inches, while suggests one should have
most Commanders mea- training and practice if one
sure about 1.3 inches. The intends to choose it as an
difference is readily felt. everyday carry gun. It’s not a
Though the Lady Hawk fit pistol that I would consider
my hands perfectly, Craig carrying yet.
commented that, for his On the range, the Lady
larger hands, he could Hawk was just fun to shoot.
“use a bit more pistol to There was little recoil, it
hang onto.” For me, I was produced wonderful accu-
also happy that Guns & racy, and was comfortable
Ammo’s test pistol was from the start. The iron
lighter kicking than one of sights are Heinie Slant Pro
his .45s. Straight Eight tritium night
88 G&A | OctOber 2024 | silver lAdy

nice, though; nearly 70 degrees with

almost no wind.
Interesting, I noted the sun was drop-
ping to my left. Side light is never the
best for using iron sights, but the clouds
kept coming and going, often between
groups. It was interesting to notice how
the point of impact shifted between
shots under sunshine and those fired
under a shadow. It may be the nature
of shooting with metallic sights; if you
can’t see them the same way every time,
you won’t shoot the same.
The Hornady Critical Defense load
produced the best accu-
racy for me, averaging 2.19
PERFORMANCE
sights. These have a bold, inches for five, five-shot
BEST AVG.
white bead forward, and VEL. GROUP GROUP groups. I considered the
LOAD (FPS) ES SD (IN.) (IN.)
a small bead centered price variation between the
below the rear notch. I loads as I shot them. The
found it straightforward Blazer and American Eagle
to stack the beads to align loads were inexpensive —
Notes: Accuracy is average of five, five-shot groups from a rest at 15 yards. Velocity is the
the sights. I did all of my average of five shots from each load recorded by a Labradar chronograph placed adjacent about $19 per box of 50, or
to the muzzle.
shooting using the iron .37 cents per round for the
sights, but G&A’s sample Blaser, and $23 per box of
featured the upgraded Interchangeable Optic System (IOS) 50, or .42 cents per round for the American Eagle, both fea-
slide, which includes the Nighthawk iron-sight plate and sight turing full-metal-jacket (FMJ) hardball bullets. The Critical
cut. It’s ready to accept a red dot if I ever decide to use one. Defense round should be regarded as a premium handgun
Craig and I put more than 500 rounds through the load; a box of 25 rounds retails for $30, about $1.20 per
Lady Hawk, requiring several trips to the gunshop for round. I expected it to produce the best groups, and it did.
a resupply of quality ammo. Fortunately, there were no It’s worth mentioning that, although accuracy was
9mm ammo shortages, and there was not one stoppage significantly poorer in this pistol when shooting Blazer
at the range. We were also impressed that there were no 115-grain rounds — don’t judge the Lady Hawk on the
malfunctions despite the fact that the ammunition types accuracy potential of shooting Blaser ammunition — the
varied widely. Some of it was bought for practice because consistency of it was noteworthy; extreme spread (ES)
it was the cheapest, other loads because it was available. of just 16 feet-per-second (fps). It also offered the lowest
Bullet weights varied from 90 to 124 grains, velocities were standard deviation (SD) of just 5.53. Also worth mention-
standard to +P, and bullets ranged hardball to hollowpoint. ing, three of the loads had single-digit SDs, which isn’t
The Lady Hawk digested all. something we see often. Critical Defense was almost as
consistent, having an ES of just 18 fps and an SD of 6.53.
ACCURACY & AMMO As far as accuracy, any rifled barrel likes what it likes;
Out of the box, the sights were (and are) dead-on at 15 another pistol might produce reversed results.
yards using standard 9mm 115-grain loads. The point of The Nighthawk Lady Hawk doesn’t have to be styled
impact shifted considerably when switching to 124-grainers with rose gold accents and opal grips — as the Lady
and +P loads, and recoil increased noticeably. Most of my Hawk 2.0 is — to be a pistol suited for a woman. The
shooting was conducted on metal plates, and nothing’s all-stainless original doesn’t even have the moniker “Lady
been more satisfying than hearing steel ring. I didn’t man- Hawk” label marked on it. If you are a man with small
age ammo well and ran out of a couple of brands before hands, and you’re interested in shooting comfortable,
chronograph testing and shooting for groups. Though I easy-to-rack, and accurate 1911s, no one would be the
had tested it for reliability, note that Blaser’s and Federal’s wiser. The stainless-steel version is still a beauty as far as
American Eagle 115-grain FMJ loads, as well as Hornady’s I’m concerned. It shoots well out of the box and feels like
Critical Defense 115-grain FTX were exhausted. Addition- grasping the hand of an old friend.
ally, due to my experience and skill level, I had to depart Night Hawks are priced higher than most 9mm autos,
from G&A’s test protocol. Rather than try and shoot groups but I think it’s worth it. Will I end up buying it? I’ve
from 25 yards on a sandbagged benchrest, I shot groups at thought about the answer to that question quite a bit. I’ll
15 yards over a padded Caldwell pistol rest. The day was have to see what the boss says.
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 OctOber 2024 | G&A 91

NOT TOO
MANY,
NOT TOO
FAST
PART 2: CARTRIDGES DESIGNED FOR
SPEED AND ACCURACY.
BY CRAIG BODDINGTON

A PROPRIETARY SYSTEM was widely .300 Wby Mag. Others, including the .224,
respected by the British gun trade, whereby .240, 6.5 Weatherby RPM, .270, 7mm,
the company that introduced a cartridge .338, Wby RPM, .340, .378, .338-378,
became the sole source for both firearms .375, .416 and .460 Weatherby Magnums,
and ammunition of that caliber. It made remain single source from Weatherby only.
ammunition more expensive and proved When a cartridge is standardized by the
disastrous as firms went out of business. Sporting Arms & Ammunition Manufac-
For several years, Kynoch stopped turers’ Institute (SAAMI, saami.org), it
making sporting cartridges when dis- becomes fair game to be produced by
continued by Imperial Metal Industries all manufacturers. Despite dilution of
(IMI) in 1970. In the U.S., smaller sales potential, an introducing firm is
gunmakers developed proprietary ambivalently pleased when a compet-
cartridges or wildcats — Lazzeroni, for itor loads its cartridge. It’s more than
example. Norma Precision, a Swedish a compliment; it’s a tacit “stamp of
manufacturer, has long been loading approval” and acceptance.
Weatherby-branded ammunition. Handloaders can solve most prob-
During Roy Weatherby’s lifetime, the lems, and there are many smaller
majors respected his propriety. Today, loading businesses. However, in
various firms load the most popular times of shortages — such as we are
Weatherby Magnums. Federal’s Cus- experiencing now — single-source
tom Shop (federalpremium.com), cartridges are worrisome. Of some 20
for example, offers loads for the .257 cartridges that appeared during the
Weatherby Magnum and 6.5-300 Second Magnum Craze (2000-2020),
Weatherby Magnum, and Barnes few have gone beyond single-source
offers the .300 Weatherby Magnum. production, even most of those that
Hornady supports the .257, .300 and I consider most popular: 6.5x284
.30-378 Weatherby Magnums, while Norma, .270 Winchester Short Mag-
Remington (remington.com) loads num (WSM), .300 WSM, .300 Rem-
a 180-grain Core-Lokt bullet for the ington Ultra Magnum (RUM) and
92 G&A | OctOber 2024 | NOT TOO MANY, NOT TOO FAST

With the .375 H&H as the benchmark, the .375 Ruger was Browning’s Scott Grange and Boddington pose with the first
designed in 2007 to produce similar performance but in a stan- game animal taken with the .270 WSM. It was a Utah mule deer
dard-length action. harvested on September 11, 2001.

.375 Ruger. This is another byproduct of what I titled “Too longer, though, a lot of creative builders and shooters are
Many, Too Fast” (Guns & Ammo, September 2024). A looking for a faster 1-in-8-inch twist.
competing ammunition company wants to sell ammo, but Winchester’s 6.8 Western is largely about a barrel’s rifling
with so many new cartridges to pick from, which ones? twists and heavier bullets. It was based on the .270 WSM
case, shortened to fit into short actions with long bullets.
POPULARITY CONTEST Previous .277 cartridges, including the .270 Winchester,
The .300 WSM is the most widely available on my “most .270 WSM and .270 Wby Mag., specify a 1-in-10-inch
popular magnum” list, probably followed by .270 WSM. twist, with 150-grain bullets being the max. The 6.8 West-
The .375 Ruger has been wonderfully successful, but ern calls for a 1-in-8-inch twist. It came out of the starting
above .30 caliber, sales drop like a rock according to each gate with bullets from 162 to 175 grains, weights that
brand’s annual reports. Besides Hornady, only Buffalo Bore never existed in .277-caliber rounds because the existing
(buffalobore.com), DoubleTap Ammunition (double- rifling twists couldn’t stabilize them. The new .27 Nosler
tapammo.com), and Swift (swiftbullets.com) load the calls for 1-in-8.5-inch twist.
.375 Ruger. The 6.5-284 Norma is loaded by Double- Early 6.5mm cartridges used heavy 156-grain
Tap, the Federal Custom Shop, Gunwerks (gunwerks. military bullets, so twists were traditionally fast. The
com), HSM (hsmammunition.com), Norma (norma- 6.5x55mm Swede, for example, was originally barreled
ammunition.com) and Nosler (nosler.com). The .370 with a 1-in-7.5-inch twist rate. The old .264 Win-
SAKO Magnum is primarily sourced from Federal and chester Magnum was usually barreled 1-in-9, while
various retailers that import SAKO-manufactured the 6.5 PRC calls for a very fast 1-in-7-inch twist,
ammunition (sako.global), also loaded in Europe as easily stabilizing the longest, heaviest 6.5mm bullets.
the “9.3x66mm.” Most .30-caliber cartridges call for a 1-in-10 twist,
Let’s look at more recent cartridges. Nosler makes stabilizing bullets up to 220 grains. As we know,
cartridges, bullets, cases, and rifles. It developed the long-range and match .30-caliber bullets are now
.26 Nosler first, announcing it in November 2013. much heavier. The .300 PRC was SAAMI specified
It was followed by the .28 Nosler (2015), .30 Nosler at 1-in-8-inch twist, specifically to accommodate the
and .33 Nosler (2016), .22 Nosler (2017) and .27 new longer bullets.
Nosler (2020). Nosler may not care if some rounds
remain single-source, and most still are. The .27 Nos- WILL THE PRCS LAST?
ler was captured by COVID, so the jury is still out on Named from the competitive Precision Rifle dis-
that cartridge. The .28 Nosler struck a chord, though. cipline, “PRC” is an acronym for “Precision Rifle
So far, it is the most popular of the line, also loaded Cartridge.” Whether short or long, fat unbelted cases
by Browning, Federal, Gunwerks and Hornady. are “in” because of the burning efficiency from a
PHOTO: MICHAEL ANSCHUETZ

Some new cartridges are changing the concept of wider propellant column. Due to the research and
ideal rifling twists. Twists are getting faster to development costs, most cartridges are based
accommodate the trend toward longer, heavier The .300 RUM was on an existing case, witness the cartridge
very low drag (VLD) bullets. The .28 Nosler was introduced in 1999. It families based on the .375 H&H and .30-’06
is one of the largest
SAAMI-specified with a 1-in-9-inch twist rate, a .30-caliber magnums Springfield cases. For fat cartridges, the .404
versatile twist for 7mm cartridges. As bullets get produced. Jeffery case is the most common foundation
 Ed Brown Fueled® M&P®’s feature our exclusive
CUSTOM ACCURACY RAIL to perfectly mate the slide
and the barrel surfaces for improved lockup and accuracy

edbrown.com
94 G&A | OctOber 2024 | not too mAny, not too fAst

for development. The WSM case Creedmoor is a fine cartridge, but

is off a few thou, but similar. The its greater gift is that it got us past
PRC cartridges are based on the the old “curse of the 6.5mm.” It
.375 Ruger case. A Hornady- allowed more of us to appreciate
Ruger engineering collaboration, the downrange advantage of the
the .375 Ruger case is pure 6.5mm bullet. With a 140-grain
brilliance. The .532-inch rim and bullet at roundabout 3,000 feet
base diameter are the same as per second (fps), the 6.5 PRC
belted magnums — but with does pretty much what the .264
no belt. It offers more powder Win. Mag. did in 1958. How-
capacity, is compatible with ever, the .264 is nearly obsolete.
belted magnum bolt faces, and The 6.5 PRC has a modern fat,
feeds well from belted-magnum unbelted case design, and can
boxes. be housed in a short action.
Introduced in 2007, the However, long-range shooters
.375 Ruger case spawned three wishing to use the longest, heavi-
progenies in 2008: .416 Ruger, est bullets may prefer to put it in
full-length; shortened; .300 a standard-length action. Either
Ruger Compact Magnum way, it is absolutely an elk-
(RCM); and .338 RCM. Designed in 1891, the capable round producing
The .416 Ruger is amaz- 6.5x55 Swede has a mild recoil. Designed for
ing, too, approximating spacious case design accuracy, it quickly gained
capable of accept-
.416 Rigby ballistics in a ing long and heavy a fine reputation, and it
standard-length action. bullets. is chambered in many
The .300 and .338 RCMs platforms.
are effective little cartridges, designed Initially, a Hornady-only cartridge,
for short actions. None of the three are the 6.5 PRC is also loaded by Barnes,
especially popular, but the parent case Berger, Browning, Federal, Gunwerks,
remains useful. Introduced in 2017, Norma, Nosler, Remington, Sierra,
the 6.5 PRC was based on the .375 Weatherby, and Winchester. I’m sure
Ruger case shortened to 2.030 inches. more loads will continue to appear
The 6.5 PRC has been called the from other makers. My spin: The 6.5
“big brother” to the 6.5 Creedmoor, PRC is the best and most versatile of
but I describe it as “everything the our 6.5mm cartridges, and I think it’s
Creedmoor isn’t.” The popular 6.5 here to stay.

Boddington and PH Cliff Walker with a nice Selous Reserve buffalo. It was taken with an
experimental version of the Remington Model 700 chambered to .375 RUM. The 7mm,
.338, and .375 RUMs debuted in Tanzania’s Selous Reserve in 2000.
 OctOber 2024 | G&A 95

PHOTOS: MARK FINGAR

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MUST VISIT: MOBILE DEVICE!

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The 6.5 PRC (above, left) and .300 PRC

(above, right) share the .375 Ruger case as
the basis for each design.

Much of my assessment is based on

field experience. In 6.5mm factory
cartridges, the 6.5 PRC has little
competition. Slower cartridges have
energy levels questionable for game
larger than deer. Faster 6.5mms are
wonderful but can produce over-bore
capacity, with reduced barrel life and
limited propellant selection. The 6.5
PRC is a winner.
The .300 PRC is in a different
position. Using the full-length .375
Ruger case at 2.580 inches, it can be
housed in a standard-length action but
long-range shooters using the heaviest
.30-caliber bullets may prefer a full-
length (.375 H&H) action. It is a big
brother to the 6.5 PRC, but it comes
into a crowded field. There are lots of
excellent, long-established .30-caliber
magnums. Designed for today’s
heavier, high-ballistic-coefficient (BC)
bullets, velocity is credible, about
2,800 fps with a 225-grain bullet. It is
faster than the .300 Win. Mag. and the
short magnums, but not as fast as the
longer cartridges. Mind you, it’s fast
enough, and it brings full-up magnum
.30 recoil, which not everybody needs
or wants. The .300 PRC’s timing was
96 G&A | OctOber 2024 | NOT TOO MANY, NOT TOO FAST

A fine Newfoundland moose was taken with the .338 RUM when it Boddington and frequent hunting partner John Lazzeroni kneel
was new in 2000. RUMs are excellent, but from .300 up they pro- with two big hogs taken with Lazzeroni cartridges. In the 1990s,
duce more recoil than many shooters are comfortable with. Lazzeroni’s fast cartridges spurred the larger manufacturers.

awful. Commercially introduced in 2019, Hornady was popular fast .30s. Between .264 and .308, that marvelous
its single source until recently due to the pandemic. As of .375 Ruger case still has potential. I don’t think the PRC
2024, it is being offered by Barnes, Berger, Federal, Gunw- family is done growing. The 7mm PRC was introduced in
erks, Hornady, Norma, Remington and Weatherby. 2023, earning G&A’s Ammo of the Year honors. Nearly
30 rifle makers have committed to supporting the 7mm
MORE CARTRIDGES TO COME? PRC, including custom shops such as Best of the West,
If I had a crystal ball, the 6.5 PRC is here to stay and will Horizon Firearms and Seekins Precision, and major brands
become more popular. The .300 PRC, with its .30-caliber such as Mossberg, Ruger, Savage, and Springfield Armory.
recoil and competitive cartridge alternatives, is also here Americans love .30s, and we have a current passion for the
to stay, but the .300 PRC is unlikely to overtake the most 6.5mm, but we also love our .270s and 7mms.
98 G&A | OctOber 2024
 OctOber 2024 | G&A 99

TAKEN
AFIELD
MOSSBERG’S PATRIOT HUNTER
LR IS A GREAT HUNTING RIFLE
AVAILABLE IN A VARIETY OF
CARTRIDGES.
BY ANTONIO ACITELLI | PHOTOS BY MARK FINGAR

MOSSBERG’S flagship bolt- as the LR Hunter’s stock, rail and

action rifle, the Patriot, enjoys a barrel come together to make
respected reputation for its stout this model of rifle more suitable
action design, straightforward for use in expansive areas such
controls, and ease of use. Intro- as those in Texas and Western
duced in 2015, Mossberg has cre- states. Using shared core com-
ated variations of the rifle that fill ponents between each variant,
different pursuits. The Patriot LR the Patriot platform also has the
Hunter is, as the name suggests, benefit of lowered costs. With a
meant for “long-range” hunts. retail of $847, it is quite afford-
With this in mind, features such able.
100 G&A | OctOber 2024 | TAKEN AFIELD

standard Patriot model. While it may look like a standard

injection-molded stock, it actually has a Monte Carlo
wood core that’s been polymer-coated
and finished with a spray-on web-like MOSSBERG
For comparison, a dedicated precision
pattern. The grip is not quite stan- PATRIOT LR HUNTER rifle without any attachments usually
dard, either. The angle and frontstrap TYPE averages 11 to 14 pounds. This makes
is a bit steeper and more pronounced, the Patriot LR Hunter a sort of hybrid
though not quite to the extent of a CARTRIDGE between a long-range performer and
standalone grip. The forend must an ergonomic hunting rifle.
CAPACITY
have been designed with a benchrest An already proven component, the
in mind. Not only does it bag well, it BARREL push-feed action is a simple Mossberg
sits on stabilizing field supports such design extant since 2015. The fluted
as rocks or a fence post quite easily. OVERALL bolt uses dual vertical locking lugs
LENGTH
Dual swivel studs accommodate both and has a 90-degree throw. It’s easy, if
WEIGHT
bipods and slings without issue. A a bit long to lift, and somewhat slower
thick recoil pad covers the butt of STOCK to cycle than a three-lug 60-degree
the rifle, which was appreciated. The bolt design. Some scope-height
stock’s profile is rather linear, transfer- LENGTH OF PULL mounting considerations may be
ring recoil straight back and into the FINISH required. The oversized bolt handle
shoulder to significantly reduce muz- TRIGGER provides a solid grip, and is curved
zle rise. Aluminum bedding pillars SIGHTS enough to not interfere with most
interface the action and the stock. MSRP scope set-ups. A one-piece rail above
Weight-wise, the LR Hunter is sim- MANUFACTURER the action is included to accept Picat-
ilar to other contemporary hunting inny-type scope rings or mounts.
rifles. The longer barreled versions For the .300 Win. Mag. model,
weigh 71/2 pounds, and 61/2 pounds for the shorter models. the fluted, carbon-steel barrel measures 24 inches and
My setup for an exotic Texas hunt was chambered in .300 contains a 1-in-10-inch twist rate. When chambered in 6.5
Winchester Magnum and featured a Leupold VX-5HD PRC, the barrel keeps this length but sports a 1-in-8-inch
3-15x44 ($1,300, leupold.com). The thread cap was twist. The .308 Win and 6.5 Creedmoor versions have a
removed to attach a Silencer Central Banish Backcountry 22-inch barrel, which shaves off roughly a pound from the
suppressor ($1,099, silencercentral.com). Total weight total weight figures. Aside from changes in length, there is
measured 10 pounds, 4 ounces. While those numbers not much difference between models, which highlights the
appear typical for a deer rifle, Mossberg expressly made “hunter” aspect of the rifle’s design philosophy. A heavier
the Patriot LR Hunter a rifle for longer-range capability. match barrel, which would provide greater stability and
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102 G&A | OctOber 2024 | TAKEN AFIELD

The stock is not adjustable, but a fixed Monte Carlo-type comb

better aligns the shooter’s eye behind the scope. A thick recoil
pad assists in absorbing the recoil impulse.

heat management for continuous shooting, would also add

more weight. Such a rifle would have more in common
with a Precision Rifle Series gun rather than something
that could be tolerated afield. The end of the barrel is
threaded 5⁄8x24 to accept a muzzlebrake or suppressor. It
arrives with a knurled thread cap tightened against a gen-
erous shoulder for use with direct-thread muzzle devices.
Mossberg included its Lightning Bolt-Action (LBA)
trigger with the Patriot LR Hunter.
The LBA trigger was introduced in Spiral fluting is an appealing aesthetic
2008 and can be adjusted from 2 treatment to the Patriot bolt. Two opposing
locking lugs means that the bolt offers a
to 7 pounds, though the process 90-degree lift. The target knob will reason-
involves removing the stock. A blade ably clear most optics in medium rings.
safety featuring a lightning bolt
icon runs through the middle of the species of large game influenced my
trigger to help prevent unintended choice for a rifle in .300 Win. Mag.;
discharges. My rifle’s trigger pull I’d rather go with “overkill” than be
measured 2 pounds, 4 ounces. I kept underpowered for big game and a
the trigger as-is for range testing and unique opportunity. Federal Premium
the field test. was sourced for its 200-grain Termi-
The flush-fit polymer magazine nal Ascent load, which I both tested at
holds three rounds of .300 Win. Mag., the range and used on the hunt.
and was long enough to provide some I replaced the thread protector with
space between the nose of factory a Silencer Central Banish Backcountry
ammunition and the front of the magazine. because, well, why make so much noise? Silencer Central’s
direct-thread cans allowed them to be removed or attached
TEXAS’ SCIMITAR ORYX at will with little impact shift. This was my first suppressed
I evaluated the Patriot Hunter LR on a scimitar oryx hunt hunt, and I was blown away by how much difference a
in West Texas. This species of oryx was declared extinct can improves the experience. Not only was the bark of the
in their native home of North Africa in 2000. Luckily, a .300 Win. Mag. reduced, but felt recoil was lowered. The
breeding stock owned by ranchers in Texas exploded in Backcountry is also lightweight at 7.8 ounces.
population, owing to the income generated from chartered Spotting the white hides of oryx at long distance is
hunts such as mine. As of 2024, well over 14,000 scimitar simple enough. Getting close is a different matter, usually
oryx can be found in the state, and they’ve been success- requiring a lengthy stalk through patches of shrubs. The
fully reintroduced to their original habitat in Africa. oryx has excellent eyesight that lets them spot a predator
The ranch had a population of some 200 oryx on from hundreds of yards. More than once I observed oryx
roughly 80,000 acres. This rifle drove home the message through my binoculars only to see them staring right back
that a shooter doesn’t need an expensive rifle to suc- at me.
cessfully hunt exotic game in the U.S. Going after this Terrain in West Texas can be deceptively flat. While
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104 G&A | OctOber 2024 | TAKEN AFIELD

The Patriot LR Hunter features a rail that extends to the barrel The threaded barrel features an enlarged shoulder to support
nut to accept scope rings or mount. A crossbolt and recoil lug muzzle devices such as a direct-thread suppressor or brake.
secures the action to the stock. When not in use, reinstall the knurled thread protector.

The Lighting Bolt Action (LBA) trigger is adjustable from 2 to 7 Detachable flush-fit long-action magazines for the Patriot hold
pounds. The safety blade with lightning bolt logo prevents the three rounds of .300 Win. Mag. One magazine ships with each
trigger from being manipulated unless the safety is pressed flush. rifle. Spare magazines are available at mossberg.com. $41

at a distance it appears PERFORMANCE AT THE RANGE

BEST AVG.
as smooth as a desert, it’s VEL. GROUP GROUP While early sight-in tests
LOAD (FPS) ES SD (IN.) (IN.)
really a series of small hills and the shot taken during
packed closely together. the hunt gave some credi-
This hunt was the perfect bility to the “Long Range”
test of how well the Patriot moniker, I confirmed it
Notes: Accuracy is the average of four, five-shot groups at 100 yards on a benchrest
LR Hunter carries. Using using a Caldwell Lead Sled. Velocity is the average of 10 shots recorded by a Shooting
when I returned home with
a sling, the weight did not Chrony ProChrono DLX chronograph placed 3 yards in front of the muzzle. more extensive testing.
impede progress during any Apparent when rounds
of the stalks. On the hunt’s went downrange was that
second day, I found success. A bull was ranged at about the fluted barrel heats up quickly. After five rounds, the
220 yards, uphill. Thanks to a nearby cow he was trying to barrel could not be touched. Shooting five more made it hot
court, his attention was diverted away from my guide and enough to melt an ice cube in a second. Consulting some
me. However, a lack of cover prevented us from getting colleagues, I learned that the short-action versions of the LR
closer. My choice of cartridge paid off. The hefty bullet put Hunter in .308 Win. and 6.5 Creedmoor don’t really share
him down quickly. The Backcountry proved its worth as this trait. Manage your patience when shooting a .300 Win.
well, as the surrounding oryx did not even notice as the Mag. through the thin barrel. The oscillation of a magnum
bull went down. They only decided to clear out after we load in a thin barrel is more pronounced with the Patriot LR
moved out of cover to inspect the harvest. Hunter. Realistically, I don’t expect any hunter to fire more
In all, six hunters in camp successfully took an oryx. than two or three shots in quick succession in the field.
I noted that at least one oryx had been taken with every However, when sighting this rifle in, you’ll want to allow
possible cartridge available for the Patriot LR Hunter. time to let the barrel cool between groups.
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106 G&A | OctOber 2024 | TAKEN AFIELD

FURTHER TESTING and it remained controlled in my

I continued to use the Banish Back- hands, despite my sweaty palms.
country during subsequent tests. On The first group of shots was consis-
average, I noted a 3-inch downward tently the best for every ammo type
shift in the point of impact when tested. Even with time given to cool
using a suppressor versus unsup- the barrel between groups, it never
pressed, given the same type of seemed to reach the same tightness as
ammo. Regarding felt recoil, the Back- the initial spread. While the test rifle
country noticeably lessened the kick was able to achieve some sub-1-MOA
of the magnum and made for smaller groups, it widened to around 2 MOA
groups when shooting without a sta- by the end of each ammo box.
bilizer such as a lead sled. Admittedly,
I was not expecting such a lightweight LONG-RANGE STARTER KIT
suppressor to mitigate the sound of a The Patriot Hunter LR makes for a
magnum cartridge, but the report of great big-game rifle with the added
each shot was cut significantly. benefit of being capable of reaching
The LBA triggerpull remained A scimitar oryx bull was taken in West the same large game out to 250 yards
excellent. It was a standout feature Texas using the Mossberg Patriot LR and beyond. I don’t know if some
Hunter in .300 Win. Mag. Range was 220
when testing the Patriot LR Hunter. yards. Even when suppressed, the rifle will qualify 250 yards as “long range,”
The trigger possessed no creep and was not burdensome to ruck with. but that’s what the name suggests. I
let off cleanly. There were no feed- speculate that the 6.5 Creedmoor ver-
ing issues with the Patriot action, and the bolt extracted sion would be a fantastic “first gun” if you haven’t hunted
rounds consistently. It was also easy to load the magazine much yet. Given the reasonable price, ease-of-use, and
while it was still seated in the rifle, allowing me to shoot predictable performance, the Patriot Hunter LR is a solid
five-shot groups without having to re-settle on the target. option for prospective big-game hunters. (And consider
The sweltering heat helped me test the stock’s web texture suppressing it.)

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108 G&A | OctOber 2024

MANY FORMS OF THE K98K RIFLES EXIST. bolt, but I view them as essentially an as-issued
Most examples in the U.S. were imported during rifle possessing evidence of its imported history.
the 1950s and ’60s, and many arrived in as- All-matching Bring-Back K98k rifles — without
produced condition with all matching numbers. import markings — are commanding increas-
The best of these ended up in collectors’ hands, ingly high prices — between $2,200 and $3,000
which command a premium at auction today, — depending on condition, manufacturer, date
some fetching between $3,000 and $5,000. codes, markings and features.
Another source of the K98k is the “Bring The most readily available K98k rifles today
Back,” rifles imported by soldiers as war tro- are the Russian-capture examples, which range
phies. These non-import-marked rifles seemed between $700 and $2,000. From 2000 to 2008,
scarce for decades, but as our remaining World tens of thousands of Russian-capture K98k rifles
War II veterans pass away families are dissolving were imported. These are rifles that were cap-
their collections. Many Bring-Back rifles feature tured by the Russians during and after World
all-matching numbers except for a mis-matched War II. After the war, they were disassembled,
bolt assembly. Numbered bolt parts often became inspected, reblued, and stocks often received a
mismatched during German soldier cleaning heavy coat of varnish before parts were reassem-
parties, where bolt parts were mixed. Bolts were bled. Most were stored in war reserves or sup-
also mismatched when U.S. soldiers boarded a plied to Soviet-satellite countries. There was no
ship to return home after the war. Soldiers were effort to reassemble these rifles with the matching
required to drop the bolt from their captured serial-number parts. Parts were simply selected
souvenirs into a bucket to prevent an accident. from a bin to reassemble a complete K98k. These
When disembarking, soldiers selected a bolt rifles were inexpensive and generally in very
from the bucket. Serious K98k collectors tend to good condition. Many have great bores and make
look down on Bring-Backs with a mis-matched excellent shooters.
 OctOber 2024 | G&A 109

MAKING
THINGS
RIGHT
TAKING A MITCHELL’S MAUSER K98K
AND CORRECTING ITS INACCURACIES.
BY DAVE EMARY | PHOTOS BY MARK FINGAR
110 G&A | OctOber 2024 | MAKING THINGS RIGHT

and

number.

MAUSER K98K
TYPE
CARTRIDGE
A great variety of interesting Mauser CAPACITY able K98k Bring Backs
K98k are available, including those BARREL
increasingly rare, opin-
with early “K” and “G” date codes and ions have softened, and prices have
OVERALL
some marked “SS”. Unusual variations LENGTH
increased.
are considerably more expensive than WEIGHT
I came across a Mitchell’s Maus-
the $250 they sold for 15 years ago ers K98k at a reasonable price and
STOCK
through Century Arms. Researching decided to take it on as a project. I
and restoring a K98k to an as- FINISH don’t want to offend owners of these
produced configuration is a doable, TRIGGER rifles, but if you own a Mitchell’s
educational, and enjoyable activity. SIGHTS
Mauser you probably have an excel-
Russian-capture examples are a great lent candidate for a restoration proj-
SAFETY
starting point for a person wanting ect. Mitchell’s Mausers deceptively
IMPORTER
to get into the hobby of collecting suggested that its rifles were “Collec-
MANUFACTURER
K98k rifles, and project guns can tor grades in Original Military-New
occasionally be found through J&G Condition with Original Accessories.”
Sales (jgsales.com) for as little as $400. This was not true. Mitchell’s Mausers used
SARCO (sarcoinc.com) still offers parts and Russian-captured rifles and sanded the
MITCHELL’S MAUSERS AD, GUNS & AMMO, JULY 2015

accessories. stocks to a smooth finish, removing every

By “restoring,” I am referring to dating marking. Markings on the metal parts were
the production period of a rifle and deter- often polished off, and serial numbers
mining the correct type of hardware. You were re-stamped to match the receiver,
can remove the heavy varnish on a stock, fraudulently suggesting they were origi-
which often exposes the original markings. nally built this way. Bolts and bolt shrouds
$
399
A point of caution: Don’t attempt to polish Accessories Included
were polished to a bright steel finish. I am
$299 to $799

out the serial numbers or re-number parts. ! not the foremost expert on the K98k, but
This is fraudulent, destroys markings and I have owned and handled a number of
its history. The effort is easily detectable by 714.596.1013
original-condition rifles; the bolts were all
fax 714.848.7208 www.Mauser.net

a collector who has an idea of what they’re blued. Mitchell’s Mausers seemed to blue
looking at. these guns and describe them as “new” with no deference
to historical accuracy.
THE MITCHELL’S MAUSERS PROJECT The K98k I started with has the following receiver
The Mitchell’s Mauser K98k is infamous. Based in Califor- markings: “bcd 4” and serial number “9773e” on the left
nia from 1997 to 2016, the firm acquired large quantities side of the receiver. It is a Gustloff Werke rifle made in
of Mausers at wholesale, and refurbished them to look like 1944. Decoding the serial number suggests it was num-
new. Collectors frowned on ber 59,768 produced at
these rifles because there Gustloff in 1944. Gustl-
was little preservation of off made 348,081 rifles
historical markings, they in 1944. With reference
were priced as high as to Richard Law’s “Back-
some collector rifles, and bone of the Wehrmacht”
advertisements could be (1993), the numbers were
interpreted as misleading. determined from original
Mitchell’s Mauser bolts were often polished (above, left), remov-
With Mitchell’s Mausers out ing mismatched part numbers. The project’s bolt was bead documentation captured
of business, and afford- blasted and reblued, simulating late-war production quality. after World War II, as well
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112 G&A | OctOber 2024 | MAKING THINGS RIGHT

The Mitchell’s Mausers receiver dates the K98k to 1944. The rear and “H”-type front bands (above, left) were incorrect. Due to war-
time production issues, milled parts were depleted. The front and rear bands became stamped-and-welded parts (above, right).

as an extensive compilation block, the 59,768th rifle

of manufacturer and serial produced by Gustloff in ’44.
numbers from collectors. It is worth noting that there
Gustloff was not using were parts and produc-
five-digit serial numbers tion interruptions due to
for most of 1944. If they American daylight bombing
had been the “e” block of in 1944. Dividing 348,081
serial number, it would guns by 12 months results
have been made in the in roughly 29,000 guns
500,000-to-600,000-gun produced per month. This
range; Gustloff only pro- gun was likely built in
duced 348,081. March 1944.
The highest number As it was put together
observed from Gustloff by Mitchell’s Mausers,
in 1944 was “99899”. the receiver, bolt, shroud,
This suggests that Gust- triggerguard, floorplate and
loff started using five- follower were polished and
digit serial numbers renumbered. The trigger-
after approximately the guard and floorplate were
250,000th gun in 1944; no milled and had all markings
letter is mentioned in the polished off and re-stamped
five-digit serial-number gun to the receiver’s serial num-
block. It would correspond ber. The upper and lower
The Mitchell’s Mausers import marks on the barrel were left
to the four-digit serial intact to maintain this project’s true history. However, in addition bands and band spring
number “y” block as the to correcting the front band, a steel sight hood was installed. were milled but not renum-
last four-digit serial-number bered. The rear sight was
block of 1944 for Gustloff. I go through this to give you marked on both sides for range settings. The stock was
insight as to how the serial numbering worked on the sanded smooth, and all external markings were removed.
K98k. Germans did not use “j” in serial-number blocks, It was re-stamped with the receiver serial number on the
which leads to the subject rifle’s serial number of “9773”, left side of the buttstock and in the barrel channel. No
block “e”, placing its manufacture at the end of the 50,000 external part on the gun is correct for the time frame it was
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114 G&A | OctOber 2024 | MAKING THINGS RIGHT

Mitchell’s Mausers sanded and removed markings from components, including the rifle’s bottom metal. They were remarked to match
the last four digits of the receiver’s serial number. The project rifle was corrected with a stamped “byf”-marked floorplate.

The “bcd” marking indicates that the receiver was manufactured by Gustloff-Werke. Above “bcd” is a Waffenamt stamp, a German
inspection proofmark that also appears on the left-side of the receiver and barrel. The “4” denotes “1944” production.

produced. This gun was not in its original condition or

configuration.
With the production date circa March 1944, the project
gun would have likely been produced with stamped parts,
including the triggerguard with lock screws — remember
the elimination of lock screws was adopted in late 1944
— floorplate, follower, front and rear bands, and band
spring. It is a little early for this rifle to have received
Kriegsmarine features.
I visited several part
suppliers to find the correct
stamped parts for this I also purchased a
project. I had to purchase a stamped and welded upper
stamped triggerguard with and lower band, along with
lock screws, floorplate and a stamped band spring. I
follower. Of note, the floor- replaced the rear sight with
plate was phosphate coated. a sight that was unmarked
The triggerguard and floor- on the back side. I got the
plate were stamped with bolt blued and had it lightly
Waffenampt “135”, mean- bead blasted to remove the
ing it was manufactured by The rear sight was corrected with an replacement that lacked high polish. At this point in
Mauser Oberndorf. Mauser marks on the back side. the war, German manufac-
Oberndorf supplied a large turers were not interested
number of stamped parts to other makers, so this detail in producing a quality finish, and the bolt and shroud were
was a bit of luck in the parts I received. There are several increasingly rough. The stock was stained a light tan color,
online sources that list the manufacturer assigned to each and it looked OK when compared to other original stocks, so
Waffenampt. (The website eaglerelics.com has an extensive I left it alone. As the war neared its end, stocks were rough
list of waffenampt codes.) and left the factories unstained.
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 116 G&A | OctOber 2024 | MAKING THINGS RIGHT

II

a nice example of a late-war rifle featuring correct, all- reveals the changes made during the Third Reich’s
stamped parts. It has the action of a Mauser K98k, and demise. Pursuing an understanding of these rifle’s pro-
with these issues corrected I’m proud to shoot it at the duction history provides a unique perspective concern-
range and use it as a conversation piece to share its history. ing the progression of the war and its effect on Germany.
A project such as this would also make an excellent rifle Researching and restoring a K98k to its correct configu-
for a reenactor. ration for the production era restores some of the history
The K98k was a very important battle rifle with a sto- to these rifles. No, these projects will never be whole,
ried history. They will continue or have the value of an all-
to become more expensive as MAUSER K98K PARTS matching Bring Back or quality
Sources for Mauser 98 or K98k are available online.
more of us become interested Parts for Guns & Ammo’s “Project Mauser” were purchased from: import, but these can become
in World War II history and APEX Gun Parts, apexgunparts.com, 719-481-2050 an accurate representation that
Liberty Tree Collectors, libertytreecollectors.com, 207-285-3111
the remaining supply dries up. Numrich Gun Parts, gunpartscorp.com, 866-686-7424 describes these rifles the way
SARCO, Inc., sarcoinc.com, 610-250-3960
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118 G&A OctOber 2024

PR O OF H O U S E Jacob Grey TWC 9 9mm

THE NEW GUY

Jacob Grey seemingly appeared out of stack form. The TWC 9 offers 17-plus-1
nowhere. In 2024, the brand received rounds.
attention as the company entered The TWC 9 is manufactured on state-
the market with the TWC 9, a double- of-the-art CNC machinery, but the
stack 9mm 1911 with a billet-aluminum pistol is advertised as being “hand built
frame. “Jacob Grey,” the man, founded one at a time, inspected and tested.”
Jacob Grey Precision Machining in As of 2024, there is only one model of
2012, manufacturing parts for the TWC 9. It has a 41/4-inch barrel, how-
aerospace industry. Before that, Grey ever, it is available with iron sights or
was building custom 1911s. He has with the ZeroTechOptic Thrive HD
now used the manufacturing power of red-dot optic and extra maga-
his aerospace machine shop to create zines as a package. This is
tight-tolerance firearms, both AR-15- what Guns & Ammo
pattern rifles and the TWC 9. received for
“TWC” stands for “Throwback evaluation.
With Capacity,” a nod to the vener-
able legacy of the Model 1911, but
also an acknowledgment that it lacks
capacity when compared to newer
semiautomatics in the original single-
 OctOber 2024 G&A 119

Aerospace-quality
billet aluminum was
machined and given
a hardcoat anod-
ization. The grip’s
design features one
stainless-steel fas-
tener per side, and is
specific to the TWC
9. Diamond-pattern
cuts are cut to the
front and backstrap,
and the flared mag-
azine has scaling on
the sides.

JACOB GREY
TWC 9
Recoil operated,
TYPE
single action, semiautomatic
CARTRIDGE 9mm
CAPACITY 17+1 rds.
BARREL 4.25 in., bull, 416R stainless steel
LENGTH 7.75 in.
HEIGHT 5.75 in.
WIDTH 1.4 in.
WEIGHT 2 lbs., 2.6 oz.
SLIDE 416R stainless steel, machined
FRAME Aluminum, billet, machined
Black anodized (aluminum),
FINISH
black nitride (stainless steel)
SAFETY Grip safety lever, thumb safety lever
XS Sights, day/night (front),
SIGHTS
black notch (rear); optics ready
OPTIC ZeroTechOptic Thrive HD
TRIGGER 4 lbs., 4 oz. (tested)
Five 17-rd. mags., optic plates,
ACCESSORIES
cable lock, soft case
MSRP $2,500 ($2,900 w/ optic as tested)
Jacob Grey Firearms, 888-877-7212,
MANUFACTURER
jacobgreyfirearms.com
120 G&A | OctOber 2024 | JACOB GREY TWC 9 9MM

A three-line serrated topstrap leads to the dovetailed XS Sight, The stainless-steel bull barrel
featuring an orange ring surrounding a tritium insert. The sight is features an integral ramp for
suppressor compatible and will co-witness with most red-dot sights. supporting the feeding of 9mm
ammunition. The muzzle features
a blended crown, protecting the
This contemporary-styled 1911 has a two-piece lower 1-in-10-inch-twist rifled bore.
half, unlike John Browning’s original design. Classic 1911s
have a solid metal frame, and then proprietary grip panels the remains of STI. This
are secured to the outside of that framework, adding thick- magazine has a stainless-
ness and contour. The grip section of the TWC 9 is alumi- steel body and numbered
num and it is attached to the actual serialized “frame” at index holes at the rear for
the top of the grip, upon which the slide rides. Stainless five, 10 and 17 rounds.
steel screws lend a quality-looking contrast. Two magazines are
The modular construction allows the grip modules to supplied with each iron-
interchange, making it feel like a new gun. Various com- sighted pistol, however, the
peting designs have polymer grip modules and/or steel factory red-dot-sighted pistol comes as a package. For an
frames, but both the grip module and the frame of the additional $400, the pistol receives a red-dot optic and five
TWC 9 are aluminum. Jacob Grey Firearms made its bones 17-round magazines. With either model you get a nylon
machining aluminum for the aerospace industry, so unique soft case.
to this pistol is that all of the major components on these The slide is 416 stainless steel finished with a corrosion-
pistols were machined from billet. The total weight of Guns resistant black nitride. Installed onto the black-anodized
& Ammo’s test sample — with the red dot mounted and finished frame, the TWC 9 has a businesslike appearance.
an empty magazine inserted — was 34.6 ounces, which is The slide has a flat top with subdued serrations and
similar to other aluminum-framed pistols this size. angled cuts running the length of the slide. There are
Another company, Staccato, currently holds the trade- crosshatched slide serrations at the front and rear, which
mark for the name “2011”, but Jacob Grey’s “double-stack add style and aggressive texture. That said, as the TWC 9
1911” TWC 9 is built to is a 9mm, the recoil spring
2011 specs, including using is not exactly stout. With
a 2011-pattern magazine, the hammer back, the slide
in this case a 17-round, is quite easy to rack. That’s
Staccato 2011-style maga- a reminder: As a 1911, the
zine made by Check-Mate TWC 9 is a single-action-
Magazines. When Strayer- only (SAO) operating
Tripp International (STI) and system. If the hammer isn’t
Strayer-Voigt (SV) battled cocked, the pistol will not
for 2011 supremacy, maga- fire. Many people consider
zines were interchangeable “cocked-and-locked” the
but had slightly different only way to carry a 1911:
styles. The current Stac- Hammer back and the
cato/Check-Mate maga- thumb safety engaged. You
zines follow the SV style, can draw and fire the TWC
The lower grip, frame, trigger assembly, and grip safety are CNC
which is ironic given that machined from 7075 aluminum. The choice of alloy originated from 9 with one hand, in one
Staccato was created from Grey’s prior experience manufacturing for the aerospace industry. smooth motion.
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122 G&A | OctOber 2024 | JACOB GREY TWC 9 9MM

Multiple steel plate options are available to mount most pistol optics In addition to the frame and grip, the checker-textured flat trigger
to the TWC 9. When an optic is not preferred, a coverplate features is also machined from billet aluminum. The single-action trigger
the same suppressor-height, serrated black rear sight. sported a clean press. G&A’s test sample measured 41/4 pounds.

The TWC 9 has a 41/4-inch stainless-steel bull barrel that’s With the ZeroTechOptic Thrive HD optic mounted, the
flush with the muzzle of the slide. It has a pronounced sights reach nearly to the center of the window.
crown, providing additional aesthetic contrast. The barrel If you’ve never heard of ZeroTech Optics, it is an Austra-
has an integral ramp and a notch in the barrel hood, lian optic company. The Thrive HD ($250, zerotechoptics.
functioning as a loaded chamber indicator. Barrel lockup com) has an aluminum frame, a glass lens and 3-MOA dot.
is perfect. There was no movement when the barrel hood It uses a Shield RMSc footprint, Shake Awake technology
was pressed down, and the action locked up tightly as the to extend battery life (listed as up to “150,000 hours”),
slide moved into battery. There was just the tiniest bit of with 10 brightness settings. When looking through the
play between the slide and the frame, which is what you lens, there is minimal tint, magnification or distortion. It
want on a handgun that was designed to be carried; that weighs just .7 ounces with the CR2032 battery installed.
tolerance allows the gun to run longer when dirty. The front of the frame has a cutout designed to match,
The steel recoil-spring guiderod is a two-piece type in appearance, the relief cut in the bottom of the slide. The
that is disassembled from the front using a provided hex TWC 9 has a full-length frame, with a four-slot Picatinny rail
wrench. This is necessary to disassemble the top end for on the bottom for mounting lights and accessories.
cleaning. Jacob Grey also provides a wrench to fit the The trigger is an aluminum design with a flat, finely
screws holding the grip module to checkered face. Jacob Grey’s specs
the frame, although you shouldn’t call for the TWC 9 to have a 31/2-
need to separate the two for normal pound triggerpull. Our sample had
maintenance. the tiniest amount of takeup in the
Every TWC 9 is sold optic-ready. triggerpull ahead of the shot. The
Guns & Ammo was told that most of total triggerpull weight on G&A’s
the guns sold are the standard optic- sample was tested at a heavier 41/4
ready models. This package, featuring pounds.
the ZeroTech optic installed, was a The grip safety is a machined
website exclusive. aluminum part, but the other controls,
The TWC 9 ships with a coverplate including the slide stop, maga-
and two optic plates, one meant zine release, and thumb safety, are
for RMR-pattern optics and one for made of steel. The thumb safety has
RMSc-pattern sights. Plates are steel extended bilateral levers that are
and have integrally-machined rear no wider than the screws at the top
sights. The rears are tall, suppressor- of the grip. The same is true of the
height sights, narrow, plain black, and serrated magazine release. The thumb
serrated. safety demonstrated positive clicks up
The front sight is a tall day/night and down, which is what you want.
sight made by XS Sights. It pairs a The XS Sights night sight and rear sup- The aluminum grip module is not
pressor-height sight co-witness with most
high-visibility orange ring with a tri- red-dot optics. The TWC 9 package includes as aggressively textured as some
tium insert that glows in low/no light. a ZeroTech Optic Thrive HD. $250 of the double-stack 1911s on the
124 G&A | OctOber 2024 | JACOB GREY TWC 9 9MM

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

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

matte sides of the grip module created no issues at all.

At the bottom of the grip module is an integral mag-
azine well for additional support and quick magazine
changes. It adds a minimal amount of width, perhaps an
The grip panels secured directly to the serialized frame, and feature
a diamond-shaped texture pattern. Backstrap checkering extends eighth of an inch. Inside, there is a generous bevel that
from the grip safety bump down the mainspring housing. makes speedy reloads easy.
At the range, the TWC 9 most notable takeaways were
market, but it is suited for those willing to carry this size its soft-recoiling behavior and accuracy. Several additional
of pistol as a concealed-carry piece. The TWC 9 features volunteers made quick work while shooting through an
diamond-shaped texture applied to the frontstrap and to impressive volume of test ammo. The TWC consumed all
the rear of the grip module. The steel mainspring housing of it without a problem.
is checkered 30 lines per inch (LPI), as is the bump at the The TWC 9 is not priced like a full custom gun. It is in
bottom of the grip safety lever. Not surprisingly, due to the the upscale, mid-range price point for a double-stack
texture, full-length grip, weight, and the fact that this pistol 1911, but it offers near-custom features, looks and per-
is chambered in 9mm, G&A’s staff found that the TWC 9 formance. Jacob Grey is a name that seems destined for
stayed securely in our hands while shooting. The smooth success.
126 G&A OctOber 2024

PR O OF H O U S E Springfield Armory Hellcat OSP CA Compliant 9mm

 OctOber 2024 G&A 127

ON THE ROSTER
UNTIL MAY 7, 2024, the selection of semiautomatic or 12-round magazine initially. The rivalry continues
handguns in The Golden State was frozen in time. The as other brands introduce similar size and capacity
2013 “microstamping” amendment to the Califor- striker-fired options, while the Hellcat Pro can feed
nia Unsafe Handguns Act (UHA) was the cause. It from a 17-round magazine; the P365-FUSE can be
required the firing pin on semiautomatic handguns configured with a 21-round magazine. The latter
to imprint the make, model, and serial number of versions are slim, but no longer a micro.
the handgun on the cartridge case. The technology As of 2024, there are three Hellcat types: Hellcat
required to impart this information on the firing pin ($599 to $843), Hellcat RDP ($778 to $983), and
was not tenable. In 2023, the amendment was tempo- Hellcat Pro ($649 to $1,050). Base models feature
rarily suspended, opening the door for new models a 3-inch barrel, and are offered with or without the
to be added to the DOJ Handgun Roster. Two of the Optics Sight Pistol (OSP) optic cut. The RDP models
models making the list were the Springfield Armory feature a 3.8-inch threaded barrel with compensator.
Hellcat with 3-inch barrel and Hellcat Pro with 3.7-inch The Pro models offer a 3.7-inch barrel.
barrel. Both are 9mm, optic-ready, micro-compacts.
CA-DOJ HURDLES
THEN & NOW Before Hellcats could be approved for sale to Cali-
Guns & Ammo editors Eric Poole and David Faubion fornia residents, Hellcat models had to meet state
debuted the Hellcat in September 2019. It pop- requirements. The Hellcat passed a California safety
ularized the “micro” segment and one-up’d test, which requires a prominent loaded-chamber
the SIG Sauer original P365 by offering an indicator and a magazine disconnect. Of the three,
increased magazine capacity with 11- only the Hellcat OSP and Hellcat Pro OSP were
and 13-plus-one magazines, as well approved for sale in California. Threaded handgun
as a 15-rounder soon after. The barrels are illegal in California, so the RDP did not
P365 fed from either a 10- make the cut.

SPRINGFIELD ARMORY
HELLCAT OSP (CA COMPLIANT)
Recoil operated, striker fired,
TYPE
semiautomatic
CARTRIDGE 9mm
CAPACITY 10+1 rds.
BARREL 3 in., CHF
LENGTH 6 in.
HEIGHT 4.2 in.
WIDTH 1 in.
WEIGHT 1 lb., 1.2 oz.
GRIP Polymer, Adaptive Grip Texture
FINISH Melonite (steel)
Tritium/luminescent (front),
SIGHTS white-outline U-notch (rear);
RMSc/SMSc footprint
PHOTOS: ALFREDO RICO

TRIGGER Gen2; 7 lbs., 3 oz. (tested)

Trigger lever, striker block,
SAFETY loaded chamber indicator,
magazine disconnect
MSRP $633
Springfield Armory,
IMPORTER 800-680-6866,
springfield-armory.com
 128 G&A | OctOber 2024 | SPRINGFIELD ARMORY HELLCAT OSP 9MM

WN a Genuine 1921
OMorgan Silver Dollar

Unique to the California-compliant models The slide has subtle serrations, both front
is a visual and tactile loaded chamber indi- and rear, that resemble claw marks. The
cator with red on both sides and “LOADED Adaptive Grip Texture also fills the scallop
WHEN UP” along the topstrap and barrel. for the finger index and face of the guiderod.

Passing a safety test infers an objec- status that a case is in the chamber.
tive process, but California scrutinizes Also, the words “Loaded When Up”
firearms to the extreme. In order for a are printed atop the barrel and slide.
test lab to qualify for certification, the Both models include 10-round
California DOJ requires that the lab’s magazines, California’s legal capacity
Over 100 employees must not have a financial limit. One is a flush fit, and the other
Years Old...
involvement with any manufacturer, features the extended-grip basepad.

N ow you can own a 1921 Morgan

silver dollar from the last year these
90% silver classics were minted for
importer, wholesaler, distributor,
or dealer of handguns. “Financial
A magazine disconnect prevents the
pistol from firing if the magazine is
) involvement” is a nebulous term. removed.
– SAVE 65%! With over ¾ of an ounce The UHA is extremely specific about
©2024 LCC, Inc.

of 90% silver, genuine Morgan dollars features such as the loaded chamber CALIFORNIA KITTY
like these are a vanishing legacy of
America’s past. Order today and get indicator; the standard Hellcat peep Guns & Ammo received a sample of
FREE shipping to your home! hole atop the barrel/slide does not the California-compliant Hellcat OSP
You’ll also receive a handpicked meet state requirements, so this fea- for review. What makes the Hellcat
trial selection of fascinating coins from
our No-Obligation Coins-on-Approval
ture was subject to a design change. OSP an ideal concealed-carry pistol
Service, from which you may purchase any California-model Hellcats have a small is the 6-by-41/4-by-1-inch dimensions
or none of the coins – return balance within lever with the sides painted “danger and 23-ounce weight when fully
15 days – with option to cancel at any time.
red” when protruding above the slide. loaded. Its height and length are
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E-Mail _____________________________________ California-compliant magazines are limited The grip is slim and contoured to instinc-
to a 10-round capacity. Two are provided, tively locate the thumb above the magazine
Littleton Coin Company
one with a flat basepad for optimal conceal- release and two fingers below the trigger-
1309 Mt. Eustis Rd. Littleton NH 03561-3737
ment and another with a grip extender. guard. Texture completely covers the grip.
 OctOber 2024 | G&A 129

Few optic-ready firearms exist on the California DOJ-approved hand-

gun roster. The Hellcat OSP models include a coverplate that can be
removed to accept RMSc/SMSc mounting standard.

loaded weight is lighter than a 2-month-old kitten. Unlike

a kitten, the Hellcat can be carried comfortably in any
o’clock position without printing in a quality inside-the-
waistband holster. If you off body carry, it fits in a small
purse or fanny pack.
It’s size and weight complement the great frame design,
which is contoured at the touchpoints giving the hand and
fingers index points to nestle into. The web of the hand
rides deep in the extended beavertail, facilitating a firm
grip and helping to mitigate recoil. The backstrap’s arc
fills the palm well for retention. Two subtle grooves on the
frontstrap supports the fingers in place. The firing hand’s
contact inspires confidence, enhanced by the brand’s
Adaptive Grip Texture.
Perhaps an overlooked detail that notably supports con-
trol is the concave contour above the magazine release.
Additional contouring rear of the dust cover on both sides
of the frame. Theses shallow divots serve as indexing
points for the thumb and index fingers, and aid in attaining
a consistent grip each time the pistol is drawn.
Enhancing its grip-ability is Springfield Armory’s pro-
prietary Adaptive Grip Texturing. Found throughout the
frame, the texture looks like a medium-grit sandpaper, but
the surface feels smooth. When the hand presses firmly
into the grip, the subsurface texture featuring staggered
pyramids provides traction.
The steel slide is a billet-machined component finished
in Melonite. The slide incorporates double serrations on
the front and rear. The serrations are shallow but effective
at locking the finger’s pads in the raised and recessed
areas. You will not lose traction when aggressively racking
the slide. The slide’s edges have been contoured to pre-
vent snagging on a holster.
Inside the slide is a 9mm, 1-in-10-inch twist, hammer-
forged barrel supported by a captive double recoil spring
with full-length guiderod.
Under the frame, the dustcover features a short,
130 G&A | OctOber 2024 | SPRINGFIELD ARMORY HELLCAT OSP 9MM

single-slot accessory Although having the

rail. Though this is not a capability to run an optic is
proprietary rail, it is limited a selling point, good iron
to mounting subcompact sights on a defensive pistol
lights such as the Night- are a necessary default.
stick TCM-5B ($210.90, Electronics can fail; the last
nightstick.com), Stream- thing you want to be doing
light TLR-7 Sub ($225.75, is searching for a dot that’s
streamlight.com) and Sure- not there. The Hellcat uses
Fire XSC ($359, surefire. the company’s own Tactical
com). Rack U-Dot sights, showing
The magazine release us that Springfield Armory
is also reversible for those understands this. The sights
who are left-handed, and are visible in daylight or
The hammer-forged 9mm barrel measures 3 inches and is Melonite
the gun’s center of balance finished, sporting a 1-in-10-inch twist. Like European-made firearms, night, and are easy to align.
is the triggerguard cut. the serial number appears on the frame, the slide and the barrel. The rear sight is a U-notch
with a distinctive white,
SIGHTING IN half-circle. The front sight is a luminescent yellow circle
Since California’s handgun market has been in a time warp, with tritium center. Setting the ball in the semi-circle is as
red-dot-ready pistols are rare. Springfield Armory was easy as putting a round peg in a round hole.
smart to send the OSP model to California for evaluation. A good sight system gets you on target quickly, but the
California residents who are gun owners are clamoring trigger plays an important role in placing shots accurately.
for them. OSP models use the Shield SMSc footprint, but The Hellcat’s OSP trigger has a flat-face profile, dispers-
the optic is not included. The optics cut is deep enough ing the pressure of the trigger across the finger’s pad
to allow the stock sights to co-witness if the red dot is evenly. Bisecting the shoe is a safety lever which is flush
notched for them, which most are. when pressed. This detail eliminates a pressure point that
132 G&A | OctOber 2024 | SPRINGFIELD ARMORY HELLCAT OSP 9MM

lever, thereby preventing the slide from locking back as

the last spent case is ejected. This was the issue with the
Hellcat OSP.
When performing reloads, we also found the location of
the magazine release was well placed. There was no need
to rotate the pistol inward for the thumb to depress the
magazine release. This made for smoother reloads and a
quick return to the target.
Shooting the Hellcat OSP within 10 yards was fun and
accurate. The red dot and stock sights will get you on
target quickly. The pistol recovered quickly. When it was
time to perform G&A’s accuracy protocol for handguns at
25 yards, there was a bit of a struggle due to working the
7-pound, 3-ounce, trig-
PERFORMANCE
becomes annoying after a ger pull. The magazine
BEST AVG.
day’s shoot. VEL. GROUP GROUP disconnect required
LOAD (FPS) ES SD (IN.) (IN.)
The triggerpull weight is by California can affect
the only kink — due to the triggerpull weight.
magazine disconnect — in Although the trigger was
an otherwise great pistol. consistent, pressing it
G&A’s sample produced a smoothly required effort.
3
7 pound, 3 ounce pull. This In our evaluators’ opin-
Notes: Accuracy is the average of five, five-shot groups fired at 20 yards from a bagged
is heavy. It’s not spongy benchrest. Velocity is the average of 10 shots recorded by a Garmin Xero C1 Pro chrono- ions, the groups at 25
graph placed adjacent to the muzzle.
feeling, just heavy. With the yards were too large for
slack taken out, the trigger defensive purposes. The
wall felt firm and consistent. accuracy test was therefore shot at 20 yards. This proved
to be the ideal distance for grouping G&A’s sample. Most
TESTING varied from 2 to 4 inches, although Federal’s 124-grain
G&A’s first trip to the range was to get familiar with the Punch did produce an impressive 1.3-inch group.
Hellcat OSP. A Shield Sights’ Advanced Mini Sight Com- No defensive pistol test is complete without carrying
pact (AMSc) was mounted (shieldsights.com). The AMSc is it concealed. For the Hellcat OSP, an N8 Tactical Xecu-
an enclosed mini red dot that co-witnessed to the factory tive IWB holster ($30, n8.crossbreedholsters.com) with
sights. One of the unique features to the AMSc is that it the Xecutive Mod Wing ($7). The Mod Wing rotates the
accepts any of three battery sizes: CR2025, CR2032, or grip towards the body. With a slightly over-sized t-shirt,
CR2050. the Hellcat was easily concealable. It was carried in the 3
With the optic zeroed. the first shots at the 10-yard o’clock position for 30 days. The pistol was so light and
target formed a small group. The pistol has a little more small that it was comfortable to carry while doing chores
recoil than a 4-inch-barreled 9mm, but it is not too snappy. such as mowing the yard. The Mod Wing did its job at
The muzzle pops straight up making it easy to drive back keeping the grip tight against the body. It did not dig into
down to the target for a follow-up shot. a vehicle’s driver’s seat or office chair when seated.
Two key components
that make the Hellcat so SUMMARY
shootable are the frames’ The perfect concealed
ergonomics and texture carry pistol is a reliable gun
design. The grip is not that is easy to shoot. It is
too thin or thick, and it also light and small enough
is contoured enough to that it won’t hinder a
provide excellent purchase person from carrying it any-
with your hand. The gun where, anytime. The Hell-
feels just right in the hand cat OSP is almost perfect.
and requires no additional If the sample you evaluate
fidgeting to maintain a grip. across a gun counter has
With micro-compact a decent trigger, we have
pistols, it is not unusual for no reservation in recom-
A short length of rail accepts aftermarket accessories. A rechargeable
the shooting hand’s thumb Viridian C5L Micro featuring instant-on activation, a 650-lumen mending it to our friends in
to lay against the slide lock LED, and green laser, was used during the evaluation. $229 California.
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C ON N E C T

Digging up the past.

which leg-
in this
Edi-
discovered an
The May among reviews of micro-compacts
1985 issue of Guns & Ammo featured GUNS OF THE GREATS at the time of its release. After many
Mid-20th-century gunwriters and their fire-
the then-new SIG Sauer P226 on the arms were heroes and legends to generations readers pointed this out, we spun
cover, and in the same issue con- of American outdoorsmen. back around and redirected our atten-
tained an interview with the also-then- tion to reviewing it. I’m sure there
new NRA Executive Vice President and it can be educational — some- are other examples of guns, ammo,
G. Ray Arnett. Thirty-nine years later, times with colorful language — to and accessories we have missed.
here we are again. The September ’24 revisit their preferred subjects. More products are introduced today
issue featured an interview with NRA Certain firearm types simply refuse than during the 1950s. Are there any
EVP and CEO Doug Hamlin, while SIG to leave the public and military subjects we need to revisit or review?
Sauer’s P365 FUSE graced the cover. spheres, as well, no matter the age. Have a favorite writer whose work was
As Mark Twain’s saying goes, “History The iconic Model 1911 is the fore- inspirational? Email us at gaeditor@
doesn’t repeat itself, but it certainly most example of this, now 113 years. outdoorsg.com with your thoughts.
rhymes.” John M. Browning’s fundamental
The similarities in these topics designs are not only alive, but they TOP COMMENTS
inspired me to think about some continue to be of interest to readers.
of the historical trends, guns, and Lt. Col. Justin Dyal recently penned
authors Guns & Ammo has included a well-received article featuring the
in its 66-year history. Craig Bod- U.S. Marine MEUSOC 1911, reflecting
dington penned a piece for gunsan- on his personal experience and the
dammo.com, describing several great pistol’s development during service.
contributors to the magazine through Reviewing G&A’s history also
the years and their preferred firearms. helped us identify the blind spots we
Gunwriters Elmer Keith and Jeff Coo- may have had. The Diamondback
per were essential to establishing the DB9 is a subcompact pistol that
early reputation of this publication, imparted a great impression on many
readers, but coverage was minimal

SOUND OFF
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 SP E NT CAS ES

Everyone has a first gun.

LINE
SAY, “You never forget your first.” The first time that Later, I had it rechambered to .280 Ackley Improved,
the trigger on a live round was with Dad’s Brown- and it became my first custom rifle. I’ve used it to take a
.22 rifle. It was a beautiful Belgian-made number of game animals, including my first pronghorn
and it still resides in its factory box with papers. antelope and first black bear. It has been through three
when the time comes for it to be passed down, barrels as of this writing, and I have a new .264 blank
I won’t have to fight sitting in the chuck
my brother for it. of my lathe. The plan
The first gun I is to rechamber it to
could call my own a 6.5-06 wildcat car-
was a Smith & Wes- tridge called the 6.5
son Model 422, a ASP in honor of my
simple blowback-op- friend and gunmak-
erated .22 pistol. I ing mentor D’Arcy
think I bought it new Echols (echolsrifles.
for $187.50 at a gun com), who designed
show in Fort Pierce, that cartridge.
Florida. Though it My first dangerous
wasn’t particularly game rifle was a
accurate or oth- G-series Winchester
erwise special, I Model 70 cham-
prized it as if it were bered in .375 H&H,
a Purdey. I used it which was manufac-
plenty, but I proba- tured in New Haven,
bly put more wear Connecticut. I spent
on the bore from cleaning than I ever did shooting it. I hours making a stock for it out of a semi-inlet, farming
sold that gun a few years later, one of the very few that out the checkering to a professional. It actually turned
I’ve ever let get away. out well for a first effort, and I used it to take my first
My first Model 1911 was a Series 80 Gold Cup, a gun I Cape buffalo in 2011.
still own. As a teenager, I had dreams of shooting USPSA As a kid who read too many books about hunting
competitions with it but I never got the courage to enter a Africa, I dreamed of owning a double rifle, but there is
match until years later. I shot my first match somewhere in no such thing as a cheap double that’s worth its salt.
Kansas using a borrowed Beretta 92 that Ernest Langdon Finally, at an auction, I was able to purchase a Damascus-
(langdontactical.com) had worked over. I didn’t embarrass barreled Westley Richards chambered in .577 Express. It
myself, thankfully, and I went on to shoot local matches is a cordite-era gun made during the transition between
pretty regularly until the kids came along. My go-to gun blackpowder and Nitro Express cartridges. Its Metford-
for Production class was a boring-but-practical G34 Gen 3. rifled bores require paper-patched cast-lead bullets, so
ILLUSTRATION: A. F. BRANCO

My first hunting rifle was a Remington 700 BDL that feeding it taught me another time-honored skill. West-
I bought at Walmart in the 1990s. It was chambered in ley’s records indicate that the gun was part of a pair that
30-’06. A local gunsmith taught me to handload for it, shipped to India back in 1891. If only it could speak.
and I used one of those 150-grain Sierra GameKings and When it comes to guns, we all have our firsts. I’d love to
a charge of Hodgdon’s IMR 4064 to take my first deer. hear about yours. Email us gaeditor@outdoorsg.com.