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GUNS & AMMO AUGUST 2016 | VOLUME 60, NUMBER 8 | PUBLISHED MONTHLY

CONTENTS

Guns & Ammo’s

subscriber cover
features the new
DDM4 V7 from
Daniel Defense.
Can you say
M-LOK? p. 44
BY BRAD FITZPATRICK
SOMETHING OLD,
SOMETHING NEW
AND SOMETHING
LONG OVERDUE�

ABOVE: SEAN UTLEY, COVER PHOTOS: MICHAEL ANSCHUETZ

44 LIGHTWEIGHTS
G&A Exclusive: The V7 and V11
62 THE RIGHT TOOLS
Taking the guesswork out of long-
74 VUDU
A bold move from EOTech.
82 COLT’S 1903
HAMMERLESS
John Browning’s superb .32/.380
SLW are Daniel Defense’s new news. range shooting with Steyr’s SSG 08 by tom beckstrand Model M pistol was a big hit with
by jeremy stafford and U.S. Optics’ new LR-17. just about anyone who ever used it.
by chris mudgett by garry james

Reader Blowback � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 6 Rifles & Glass by Tom Beckstrand � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 35

Editorial by Eric R� Poole � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 13 Range Bag Viking Solutions Gong Target � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 40
Gun Room by Garry James � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 15 Proofhouse Barrett REC7 GEN II DI� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 96
Handgunning by Patrick Sweeney � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 23 G&A Almanac � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 102
The Carry Rig Elite Survival Covert Operations Backpack� � � � 27 Spent Cases Lt� Frank Luke Jr� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 104
Gun Tech by Chris Mudgett � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 32

GUNS & AMMO Magazine, Copyright 2016 by Outdoor Sportsman Group. All rights reserved.
CAUTION: Some advertisements may concern products that are not legally for sale to California residents or residents in other jurisdictions.
Guns & Ammo (ISSN# 0017-5684) August 2016, Volume 60, Number 8� Copyright 2016� Published monthly by OUTDOOR SPORTSMAN GROUP, 1040 6th Ave�, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10018-3703� Periodical postage paid at New York,
NY, and at additional mailing offices� POSTMASTER: Send address change (Form 3579) to Guns & Ammo, P�O� Box 37539, Boone, IA 50037-0539� Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: 500 R� 46 East, Clifton, NJ 07011� Canada Post
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gunsandammo.com
An Outdoor Sportsman Group publication
PuBLIsHER Chris Agnes

EDITORIAL ENDEMIC AD SALES

EDItOR Eric R. Poole NatIONaL ENDEMIC saLEs MaNagER
MaNagINg EDItOR Chris Mudgett Jim McConville (440) 791-7017
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6 G&A august 2016
READER WRITE US! “Letters,” Guns & Ammo, 2 News Plaza, 3rd Floor, Peoria, IL 61614, or email us at gaeditor@outdoorsg.com.
BLOWBACK Please include your city and state of residence. Letters may be edited for brevity and clarity.

of things that are inappro- DECEMBER ’68

priate to rifle cartridges For many years during the
like chambering them in 1960s and ’70s, the Decem-
ber issue of G&A featured
guns like a T/C pistol. And rifles and pistols chambered
perhaps a short barrel for the .22 Long Rifle. In
might be handier to use 1968, author John Lachuk
offered a .22 buyer’s guide
in brush or the jungle, but for every need and budget.
he immediately went after “Choosing a rifle is compli-
long range shooting. That cated only by the abundance
of excellent guns available,”
barrel should be at least 20 Lachuk wrote, adding, “From
to 22 inches in length. After a standpoint of economy
screwing up the barrel, he and safety, a single shot is
the best first gun.” After dis-
lengthened it by attaching cussing various makes and
a muzzlebrake. Make up models, he wisely concluded,
BEFORE & WHATEVER your mind, Mr. Poole! You “A .22 rifle is probably the
shortest bridge yet devel-
The latest from Mr. Poole is having an unloved Remington do not need a short barrel oped across the much-dis-
700 totally rebuilt. At the end of a great article of going to shoot 400 to 500 yards. cussed ‘generation gap!’” So
through the steps, he ruins it by saying, “I consider it a rifle And just because you can much remains true.
that’s been successfully rescued.” That’s like saying, “I have afford it doesn’t make it
George Washington’s hatchet, but all I did was replace the right.
handle, and the head. But it’s still his hatchet.” Doug Davis
Will Hall Garland, Texas
Email
The math never lies. Con-
YOU BUTCHERED guns. Now I am appalled sider this: Given that a 168-
A 700! that he butchered that 700 grain bullet from a box of
I read Eric Poole’s article on in .308 by handicapping Federal Gold Medal Match
his new toy, a used Rem- the cartridge with a too averages 2,528 feet-per-
ington 700, because it had short barrel. I am aware second (fps) out of a 16-inch
nothing to do with black that people will do all sorts barrel like the one used in

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capacity, imagine the possibilities you can achieve in long range
shooting/hunting/silhouettes/defense and combat shooting.
Visit us at fkbrno.com to see how we’re redefining the pistol.
8 G&A august 2016 | reAder blowbAck

Eric Poole’s 700 project, a significant difference. range sessions easy on the
while the same bullet from It’s about a 5 percent shoulder. Suggesting that
a 20 inch barrel measures difference, and no one can you don’t need a short
2,621 fps. The difference in call wind that accurately barrel to shoot 400 to 500
elevation drop at 600 yards anyway. The effect that the yards doesn’t make much
with the 16-inch barrel is difference in muzzle veloc- sense. I say that a 16-inch
42.9 inches and 40.6 inches ity has between a 16-inch barrel is a great field rifle
from a 20-inch barrel. At and a 20-inch barrel is out to 800 yards.
800 yards, the bullet from negligible out to 800 yards — T. Beckstrand
a 16-inch barrel drops 83.4 — the distance for which
inches, while the same Poole’s 700 was built. REMEMBERING
bullet from a 20-inch barrel If you were to reach for FRED GARLOW
drops an average of 79.2 1,000, a 16-inch becomes I personally knew Fred, or
inches. a bigger disadvantage. At “Freddy,” Garlow, Buffalo Park. My parents’ ranch
With a ballistic calcula- 600 to 800 yards, he has a Bill Cody’s grandson. I had was called “The Lazy K.C.
tor, you can get a rifle on very handy bolt action that forgotten much about him Ranch” and was nearly
in the supersonic range, swings and points well and until I read Spent Cases 5,000 acres. It was a Dude
which the 16-inch-bar- is relatively light weight at the back of the June Ranch in the summer, and
reled Remington 700 is at and quick to reload. It is 2016 issue. My father a hunting operation in the
800 yards — even at sea also match accurate and owned a large ranch in spring and fall. We had
level. The calculator can easily transitions between Wapiti, Wyoming, which is people from all over the
correct for the difference the use of a muzzlebrake located just 22 miles west United States come to hunt,
in elevation, even though and a suppressor. The of Cody, Wyoming, up the and even had the president
there isn’t much. Wind is brake makes fast shoot- North Fork River as you of Spain hunting there one
the real killer, but even at ing much easier and also are headed toward the fall! Wapiti, Wyoming, at
these distances, there isn’t makes high round-count east gate of Yellowstone the time, consisted of one

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 august 2016 G&A 9

very small post office, and one log

cabin schoolhouse with 14 students
in grades one through eight taught
by only one teacher. I attended that
school for four years between 1961
and 1965. The student body con-
sisted of the ranchers’ and forest
rangers’ children. The school bus was
a four-door station wagon. Mr. Garlow
was telling people, at that time, that
he was Buffalo Bill’s grandson, but
the residents of Cody, Wyoming —
approximately 5,700 of them — met
his claims with much skepticism.
I met Freddy Garlow at the Sleeping
Giant Ski Lodge, which was located
farther up the North. Garlow gave ski
lessons on the weekends to anyone
wanting them, and even taught my IT’S LIKE 9-1-1 FOR GUNS
mother, Frances Lockwood. It was In 60 seconds, Gun Medic blasts out anything
very apparent that Garlow had a that could hinder cycling, and leaves a trace of
fancy for the ladies. It was eventually oil behind. It lets you keep shooting now, and do
proven that Garlow was Buffalo Bill a thorough cleanup later. New from Hoppe’s, the
Cody’s grandson, and I remember him first name in protection for over 110 years.
gaining more attention afterward. He
was even identified as such during the
4th of July parade down Main Street
(Sheridan Avenue) in Cody, as well as
during the Cody Nite Rodeo in the
summer. I am a subscriber to Guns
& Ammo magazine, and have been
for many years. For stories like this, I
think G&A stands as the best monthly
shooting magazine anywhere.
Richard T. Lockwood www.hoppes.com
Tubac, Arizona

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STILL WAGGING
I have read Guns & Ammo for almost
40 years and still think it is the best
all-around gun magazine on the
market. I look forward to Eric Poole’s
editorial each month, and I particu-
larly enjoyed his piece in May about
the “Tail Wagging” holster. I, too,
have experienced this phenomenon
 10 G&A august 2016 | reAder blowbAck

— more than once, I must at several examples online by various Old West
confess. The first time was holster makers, I decided I could do a better job
buying a Model 1911 U.S. myself. I have always done a little leatherwork,
Cavalry Model .45 Holster and built a few holsters and belts and saddles in
from El Paso Saddlery. The my spare time. I have enclosed pictures of my
quality was so fine that I final product. After building the belt, I decided I
bought a pre-World War needed the pistol to accompany it, thus leading
II-vintage Colt 1911-A1 to to the purchase of a Cimarron Arms, U.S. Cav-
put in it! Eventually I sold alry Model Single Action Army in .45 Colt with a
the holster, deciding it just 71/2-inch barrel, almost exactly as those issued to
hung too low for practical- the cavalry during the Custer era. After get-
ity, but I kept the pistol. ting the pistol, I also built a period holster and
The most recent occurrence added a deer antler knife with fringed leather
relates to a belt and holster. sheath to the rig. Thanks for letting me tell my
I have always been a fan story. Keep up the good work.
of U.S. Cavalry Arms and chris Haynes
Equipment, and one of email
my favorite time periods
in history is the post-Civil
War Indian wars. One of the
items of equipment that has
always fascinated me is the
commonly used cartridge
®

belt known as the Fair

Weather Christian Belt or a
prairie belt. It was made by
having a company saddle
stitch canvas or leather
loops onto a pattern 1851
waist belt with a rectangular
brass eagle belt plate. It is THE FORGOTTEN MODEL 61
a very striking piece and I really enjoyed Craig Boddington’s feature on
a great example of field Winchester’s 150th birthday. It was well written
expediency, as well as an and loaded with history. But how could he leave
example of the govern- out the sweetest little pump .22 ever made? The
ment’s War Department not Model 61! It screams John Moses Browning. I
keeping up with technology have one made in 1954 — the same vintage as
of the age. I ran across a me — and it is such a joy to shoot. It gobbles up
book, “They Died With any ammo I throw in it and never jams. There’s
Custer,” and the cover art just something about the heft and the feel that
features a chilling painting expresses its uncanny accuracy. Younger folks
of Custer’s Last Stand. I who have never seen one are amazed when they
don’t have the book handy get a turn with it, saying they’ve never shot so
at the moment, and I well offhand with open sights. It is a true Win-
cannot recall the artist, but chester classic. Keep up the good work!
it is a very period-correct larry leino
painting, right down to Green bay, wisconsin
the rivets in the belt. The
soldiers in the painting are LEVI STRAUSS IS ANTI-GUN
wearing this style of prairie I just finished reading Jeremy Stafford’s article
STEEL FRAME belt. Well, when I saw this on Benghazi’s guns and gear in the February
Full size painting for the first time, 2016 issue. I appreciate the descriptions of gear
Barrel: 4.43”
I decided I had to have used by those contractors, but I take exception
Calibers: 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP
a correct rendition of a to the inclusion of Levi’s jeans. Levi Strauss is
www.magnumresearch.com prairie belt. After doing an unapologetic financial supporter of PAX, an
some research and looking anti-gun organization committed to increased
 august 2016 G&A 11

gun control legislation. I grew up

wearing Levi’s but discontinued doing
so, long ago, when Levi Strauss made
known its anti-gun position. It is my
conviction that Guns & Ammo and all
other Second Amendment-concerned
publications should be relentless in
identifying and informing or remind-
ing their readers of any products
offered by businesses promoting or
otherwise supporting an anti-gun
position. Purchasing these products
provides them with the financial and
media resources to continue their
efforts to further restrict and ultimately
eliminate private gun ownership. I
thoroughly enjoy reading Guns &
Ammo magazine each month. Thanks
for your excellent publication and
your continuing efforts to preserve our
Second Amendment rights.
Chris Costeines
Cincinnati, Ohio

ISN’T THIS METHOD EASIER? NAVY ARMS

In regard to Patrick Sweeney’s June A LIGHTNING LIKE NO OTHER
2016 Handgunning column where
he discusses one-hand magazine
loading, I say, why make a simple job
hard? I had an Irwin Arms semiauto
.30-caliber carbine that was a beast to
For full details go to www.navyarms.com.
reload. My answer was this:

1. Take a piece of wood 8-inches

long and ¾-inch wide and ¼-inch STOP ANYY TH
THRE
THREAT...
HR DEAD IN ITS TRACKS!
thick. 14 Calibers
2. Cut a V-notch in the bottom. A 36 Barrels
3. Insert it into the [magazine] and ND R
M
BO

AL interchangeable
ALL
S

push the follower to the bottom.

4. Hold it in place and drill a 3/16- As seen
inch hole through the magazine. oon Glenn
5. Then, insert a small nail, a wire, Beck
Be TV
or whatever works, through the
hole.
6. Remove stick.
7. Load [cartridges] while holding
[the magazine] between your CCalifornia
knees. models
8. After loading, hold your thumb Shoots Call now 817-573-44or
oc hu re
45 now
aavailable.
over the top of the magazine. both 45acp & 9mm for a FREE br
go to BondArms.com
9. Pull out the nail (or whatever you
used to keep the spring down). Made in
Texas by
You are now loaded. Happy shooting. Texans.
Rev. Larry Johnson
Petersburg, Tennessee
 L W RC I ™ | T H E MO ST R E L I A BL E , MO ST D U R A BL E , F I N E ST
H A N D L I NG S HOR T- ST ROK E P I ST O N C A R B I N E S I N T H E W OR L D

I t ' s T i m e t o

ST E P Up

2016 Shooting
ooting Illustrated
Goldenen Bullseye
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EDITORIAL august 2016 G&A 13

What is Mil-Spec?

ERIC R. POOLE
MISNOMERS @GUNSANDAMMOMAG

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GUN ROOM august 2016 G & A 15

“Unless a gun is a real basket case,

I prefer to clean it up, replace worn or broken parts
and not fool with it much further.”

IDENTIFICATION G A R RY J A M E S
& VALUES G A R RY. J A M E S @
OUTDOORSG.COM

The grips appear to be

wood with “FN” at the top.
The finish is nickel. The gun
shoots great and all the
serial numbers match on
each part. I would estimate
the gun to be in about 60
to 70 percent condition.
BSA SHIRLEY NO. 4 “JUNGLE CARBINE” CLONE, .303 BRITISH: $200 – $250
Can you tell me when this
gun was made?
TRANSITIONAL JUNGLE CARBINE FN BROWNING E.
Q: I recently acquired this rifle. I have been told it is a .25 PISTOL Atlanta, Georgia
BSA Shirley transitional model. If you could ascertain its Q: I recently purchased an
authenticity, supply any information and possible value, FN 1905/1906 .25 caliber A: You have a Fabrique
it would be most appreciated. The rifle, bolt and maga- pistol. The serial num- Nationale Model 1905
zine have the same serial number, V39XXX. The action, ber is 923XXX. The slide (also called “1906,” “Vest
bolt head, safety lever and floorplate also carry the same markings are, “FABRIQUE Pocket” and “Baby”)
stamp “M / 47C”; the floorplate only shows the “7 C.” NATIONALE D’ARMES de Browning .25 “Vest-Pocket”
The bore on this rifle is excellent at least. Thank you and GUERRE HERSTAL BEL- pistol. This popular little
looking forward to your input. GIQUE/BROWNING’S PAT- semiauto, designed by
D.P. ENT DEPOSE” in two lines. John Browning, was man-
Email ufactured from 1906 into
the 1940s. Over a million
THE AUCTION BLOCK
A: While BSA Shirley A spectacular Holland & Holland 4-bore double rifle, one from were built. The same pistol
did make No. 5 “Jungle the property of the Nizam of Hyderabad, sold for a phenomenal was also marketed by Colt
Carbines,” the facility also $258,750 including premiums at the March 15, 2016, James D. beginning in 1908 and was
Julia auction. The rifle, which weighs 20 pounds, 11 ounces, is in
produced standard No. excellent condition and cased with all accessories. It was built in made until 1945. I can’t find
4s. From your photos, it 1884 for the Nizam and is fully engraved with foliate designs and a specific listing of 1905/06
appears as though some- game scenes. The bores of the Damascus barrels are in pristine serial numbers by date, and
condition, and the action is tight. It is truly a spectacular piece.
one took a standard No. 4 For more information about this and future auctions, contact apparently there was some
and tried to turn it into a James D. Julia, Inc., jamesdjulia.com, 207-453-7125. sequence interruption. I’m
Jungle Carbine. There are guessing your piece was
no lightening cuts in the probably made in the late
action, the forend is too ’30s or early ’40s. The grips
long, the stock has been sound strange. They should
obviously refinished and be hard rubber, though
the standard buttplate has earlier models (ones not
been left in place — among actually in your serial num-
other anomalies. Sorry ber range) had horn. That
I can’t give you a more could be what you have.
agreeable answer, but you
still probably have a good ENFIELD SNIPER
shooter there. Value-wise, CASE PARTS
it’s probably worth in the Q: I really enjoyed your
$200 to $250 range. article about the Enfield
16 G&A august 2016 | Gun room

no. 4 (t) sniper rifle, and

HAVE AN HEIRLOOM? Curious
about a vintage firearm? Email it encouraged me to dig
Garry at garry.james@outdoor mine out of the garage and
sg.com, or send a description
with detailed photos to Gun give it a going over. The
room, Guns & Ammo, 2 news rifle itself is in very good
Plaza, 3rd Floor, Peoria, IL
61614. Please include your condition — original scope,
name and state of residence. etc., but the case does
Due to the volume of requests need a little TLC. The finish
each month, personal replies
are not possible. The most is scuffed, though most of
interesting or unusual queries the original markings are
are answered in Guns & Ammo
magazine. there. The leather handles
are missing and the hinges
are pretty well rotted away.
Also, I need a scope cover. LARGE-BORE INDIAN “KAROL” GUN
Do you know where I can
find the handles? INDIAN CAMEL GUN
D.B. Q: I was traveling in India this year in the state of Jaipur.
Atlanta, Georgia I was visiting a site of a former palace and came across
an old gun that was mounted to a camel saddle. It
A: Yep, sure do. Jon Moore looked as if they would maybe shoot it while attached
in England makes replace- to the camel or take the camel’s saddle off then shoot?
ment transit case leathers The gun was big and heavy enough that it would be
as well as a selection of difficult to shoulder. The Indian people are not really big,
proper-style Enfield No. 4 so this seems to make sense to me. I guess my interest
(t) scope covers. He also is whether this was shot while the camel was saddled
offers slings, covers, etc., or taken off then fired. Camels seem very skittish and
RECOMMENDED for a number of other styles would not take well to that loud bang! Can you also
and makes of military and tell me more about the matchlocks and their place in
READS
sporting rifles. I replaced history? I found this fascinating and interesting.
“A Collector’s Guide to the
Savage 99 Rifle and its Pre-
the handles on my transit M.R.
decessors, the Model 1895 case with a pair of his repro- South Jordan, Utah
and 1899,” by David Royal, ductions and they really
Schiffer Publishing, 2016, look nice (I did save the A: Jaipur is one of my favorite places in India. As well as
176 pages. originals, though — for old many other fascinating things to see, there is an astronom-
I have always felt the Savage
Model 99 to be the most time’s sake). You can check ical observatory that looks like something out of the
elegant of lever actions. out his products at “Arabian Nights.” So much for reminiscing, now to busi-
From its inception around mooreleather.co.uk and ness. The photo you sent looks like a heavy, large-bore
the turn of the 20th century
through the decades it has contact him at jon@moore- Indian “Karol” gun (normally used by infantry) that’s been
been produced, it has been leather.co.uk. By the by — roped to a camel saddle in order to appeal to the tourist
offered in a dizzying variety don’t mess with the transit trade. It’s far too heavy and unwieldy to be fired from the
of styles and a good number
of calibers. This new full- case exterior — maintain as saddle. On the other hand, it does look like a nice piece,
color, large format book much of the original paint just by itself. Matchlocks were generally the first type of
takes you through the rifle’s and markings as possible. arm with an ignition system that would allow the musket or
history and throws in some
background on its progeni- For a painted finish, such rifle to be properly shouldered and aimed. They predated
tors, the Model 95 and 1899. as that one, I like to clean the wheel locks, etc., though because of their cheapness
Beautifully mounted and it and preserve it with OZ and simplicity they were often in use at the same time as
researched, the publication
covers the various models, Cream Polish. You can find more sophisticated ignition systems — especially in Asia.
variations and accessories it through a number of
and gives the reader handy sources on the internet.
by-the-year serial number
breakdowns, finishing up English caliber .38 revolver my research does not show
with some wonderful period DOUBLE-TRIGGER made by “T. Tranter” and this octagon barrel pistol in
photographs of the 99 in the TRANTER has the normal trigger plus the double trigger format
field. For lever-action buffs,
this book is a must-have, Q: Attached are some pho- the secondary cocking except with a non-octagon
though it will also nestle tos of a pistol my grandfa- lever which a lower finger barrel pistol. The condi-
nicely into any general fire- ther obtained back in the uses to help rotate the tion is very nice, no rust,
arms library. $60
early 1900s, and it is an double-action-only cylinder. and the checkering on the
 THE ADVANTAGES OF ALUMINUM ARE HUGE
Up to 700 lbs. lighter
Most towing power*
Best payload capacity**
Highest gas mileage†
5-star safety rating††

*Class is Full-Size Pickups under 8,500 lbs. GVWR based on Ford segmentation. When properly equipped with available
3.5L EcoBoost® V6, 4x2. **Class is Full-Size Pickups under 8,500 lbs. GVWR based on Ford segmentation. When properly
equipped with available 5.0L V8, 4x2. †EPA-estimated rating of 19 city/26 hwy/22 combined mpg, available 2.7L EcoBoost
V6, 4x2. Actual mileage will vary. Class is Full-Size Pickups under 8,500 lbs. GVWR based on Ford segmentation.
††
Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s New Car Assessment
Program at www.safercar.gov.
Try to avoid water higher than the bottom of the hubs and proceed slowly. Refer to your owner’s manual for detailed
information regarding driving through water.
 18 G&A august 2016 | Gun room

wood is superb. I think guard and a more standard

Tranter and his brother trigger that tripped the
both made guns and may sear. Originally made in
have sold many of them to percussion, the double-trig-
the Confederacy. I believe ger arrangement proved
this one was made right so popular that it was
after the Civil War, but carried into the cartridge
I’m not sure. Any help on era, even after Tranter had
SMITH CORONA 1903A3 SPORTER, .30-’06: $300 - $400
the background and value come out with a perfected
would be most appreci- single-trigger design. Yes,
ated. a good number of Tranters that was also more-or-less in very good condition.
E.M. did make their way into contemporaneously used in I’ve attached a photo. Any
San Antonio, Texas the United and Confeder- other arms such as the Lan- info would be appreciated.
ate States during the Civil caster four-barrel pistol and Your column is the first one
A: William Tranter was an War. Among others, Rebel Kynoch “Schlund” revolver. I read when the new issue
arms designer contempo- cavalry Gen. Jeb Stuart arrives.
rary with Robert Adams, even owned one, given to 1903A3 SPORTER D.D.
Philip Webley, George Daw, him by Heroes von Borke, a Q: I recently purchased neskowin, oregon
etc. His first revolver, which Prussian officer who was on a 1903A3 Sporter by
owed much of its appear- Stuart’s staff. Your .380- Smith Corona, serial no. A: Thanks for the nice
ance and some mechanicals caliber cartridge revolver 36735XX, in 30-’06. I am words. Glad you enjoy the
to Adams’ Model 1851 with its short barrel and wondering what year it was column. Your Smith Corona
revolver, was different in spurless hammer was made made, if it is safe to shoot, sporterized 1903A3 looks
that it used a dual trig- sometime in the 1870s. and what would the value like a very nice job — obvi-
ger system — a spur that It retains the old-style be for this rifle. I only spent ously put together by a
extended below the trigger- double-trigger, a feature $300, and it seems to be competent gunsmith. The

SERIOUS SECURITY
How important A E G
is your personal
security? B
Leave the house prepared I
C
for anything. EDC (Every Day
Carry) gear from Brownells. F H

A. #100-016-863 SOG Knives SlimJim Assisted Folder

B. #100-012-272 Fox Labs OC (Pepper) Spray
C. #100-016-761 ProTac® 1AAA Flashlight
D. #100-018-414 Magpul - Tejas Gun Belt “El Original”
E. #105-300-029 Oakley SI Flak Jacket XLJ™ Sunglasses
F. #100-017-828 Dale Fricke Archangel Holster for Glock® 43
G. #780-002-772 Ruger ARX 9mm Luger +P Self-Defense Ammo
H. #100-018-990 Glock® G43 9mm Pistol
I. #100-017-579 Glock® G43 6-Rd Magazine
 A N A M E R I C A N L E G E N D C O N T I N U E S

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20 G&A august 2016 | Gun room

exotic firearm (I picked it interested in almost every

up for $75 when the local single article and can’t wait
cops were all switching to until next month’s issue!
Glocks), it is nonetheless a I’ve re-upped for an addi-
great shooter. It is very well tional two years!
worn with holster wear. J.T.
I’m just trying to decide Poughkeepsie, New York
whether it would be better
to leave it as it is, or should A: Thank you for your very
I treat this old veteran to nice comments about G&A.
a new bluing and overhaul I’m so glad you’re enjoying
from the Colt factory? And it, and our editors do their
if I do, does the color I use darndest to keep things
COLT DETECTIVE SPECIAL, .38 SPL.: $275
matter to the value? It’s a interesting and up-to-date.
hard decision to choose Frankly, I think your Detec-
original rifle was built in original state, but I can’t tell between the old school tive Special has a lot of
1943. From what I can see, what the customizer might original blue, a gorgeous character. If it was mine, I’d
I’d say you did just fine have done to it. If you have nickel or Colt’s unique leave it alone. Anything you
paying $300 for your rifle. any question at all, take the royal Blue. I’d love to hear do to embellish it will more
It’s probably even worth rifle to a competent gun- your thoughts. than likely cost more than
another C-note more. As far smith for a good going-over. P.S. I’ve only been a you’d ever eventually get
as whether or not it’s safe subscriber to your maga- out of it. Unless a gun is a
to shoot, I cannot give that DETECTIVE SPECIAL zine for the last year, but real basket case, I prefer to
evaluation by looking at REFURBISH I’ve become addicted clean it up, replace worn or
photos. The ’03A3 action is Q: While I know my Colt to it! unlike most other broken parts and not fool
certainly a good one in its Detective Special is no magazines, I find myself with it much further.

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HANDGUNNING august 2016 G&A 23

Yesterday’s cartridge, today’s performance.

PAT R I C K S W E E N E Y
.38 SUPER REMAINS
THE .38 SUPER pre-dates the 9mm Parabellum. Well, the But the .357 Magnum took a lot of its thunder, and after
parent case, anyway. When John M. Browning developed World War II, any interest in 1911s centered on .45 ACP.
his Model 1900 pistol, he also designed a round for it: Also, Colt had forgotten how to make them accurately by
the .38 Auto. In the year 1900, 130 grains of .38 full metal then. This was so upsetting to Bullseye shooters of the
jacket (FMJ) at 1,050 feet per second (fps) was hot stuff. time that Jim Clark Sr. built his business on converting
The .38 S&W and .38 Colt only accelerated a 150- Colt .38 Supers to .38 Special.
grain bullet to 700 fps on a good day. (Yes, the The situation became so dire that by
catalogs said it was faster but they were being the 1970s, Colt was making only a few
a bit optimistic.) The .38 Special managed thousand Supers per year.
750 fps out of a 158-grain bullet, but They even
only from a full-size gun. Browning’s combined
other cartridges — he was almost the entire
as prolific with ammunition as he Model O
was with firearms — such as produc-
the .32 ACP and the .380 tion — .45,
Auto, were definitely .38 Special,
more in line with 19th 9mm and .38
century ballistic Super — into one
performance production line.
than 20th.
No, the And then it changed. Things really
.38 Auto was heated up when two IPSC competitors,
hot stuff then, Robbie Leatham and Brian Enos, began
and it only got showing up at and winning matches
hotter when Colt with .38 Supers. (Not that they hadn’t
revisited it. been winning before, mind you.) The
When he finished his pistol design Colt Custom 02580CM two big advantages were capacity
work a decade later, the M1900 Type: Recoil operated, and control. The Super held one to
semiautomatic
pistol had morphed into the M1911, Cartridge: .38 Super two more rounds per magazine than
and the cartridge of choice was now Capacity: 8+1 rds. a .45 did, and in the early days, that
the .45 ACP. But late in the Roaring Barrel Length: 5 in. could be insurmountable. And the
Overall Length: 8.5 in.
Twenties, Colt offered a resurrected Super, running at a higher pressure
Weight: 2 lbs., 7.4 oz. (tested)
version: the .38 Super Colt. The same Finish: Bright polished stainless than the .45, fed their compensators
case now boosted its 130-grain FMJ Grips: Rosewood, checkered more gas, and thus controlled muzzle
(no one thought handgun bullets Sights: Fixed 3-Dot, white; blade rise in recoil. Fed hot loads where
(front); U-notch (rear)
could be designed for controlled Trigger: 5 lbs., 14 oz. (tested)
each made Major, a competitor with
expansion) to over 1,300 fps. Yowza! Safety: Series 80 a Super was going to beat one with a
And Colt made them accurate, too. If MSRP: $2,100 .45 every day of the week.
you thought an early Colt Match 1911 Manufacturer: Colt’ s Manufacturing Co. As long as we were using sin-
PHOTOS: MICHAEL ANSCHUETZ

800-962-2658, colt.com
was a hot collector’s piece, a Match gle-stack guns, this was a simple
Super is even more so, since there situation, and we partially addressed
were fewer of them. the disparity by using magazines that held 11 rounds of
What’s the big deal? The round could slice through .45 ACP. But then the hi-cap guns entered the picture,
the prehistoric body armor of the time, and it even did a and for a few years it was really ugly in IPSC. You see,
good job on the heavy-gauge sheet steel of automobiles. the .38 Super is pretty much the same length as a .45
24 G&A august 2016 | hAndGunninG

ACP. So a hi-cap Super and heave a sigh of relief.

has essentially the same But Colt still makes the
frame size as a hi-cap .45. Government Model and
However, a hi-cap 9mm the Super, and they have
can have a smaller frame. A learned a thing or two
lot of shooters found that since the days when they
attractive, and there was a were the whipping boys.
whole lot of back-and-forth I have an interesting con-
over what pistol, frame or glomeration of Supers in
caliber would dominate the the safe, mostly built for
ranges. At one point, there competition.
were no less than seven Colt recently sent me a
different more-or-less .38 bright stainless Govern-
Super cartridges vying for ment Model in .38 Super
dominance on the IPSC for evaluation. I figured if
ranges. I’m going to be wandering
In the end, the .38 Super from my usual choices, why
Introduced in the 1920s, the .38 Super +P is far from new. The
camp won against the 9mm V-Crown load offers an excellent 125-grain hollowpoint. $23/box (20 not go for the bling? Gone
camp for two very good rds.) The FMJ load is distinguished by brass cases. $28/box (50 rds.) are the days of unreliable
reasons: The Super camp 1911s. This one reliably
figured a way to make the frames small enough to be fed all the ammo I had to feed it, including some reloads
comfortable to grip and shoot, and a 9mm Major load is that you might think would be too light. It had a very nice
insanely hot. (As in, it’s comparable to rifle pressures.) trigger. As far as accuracy goes, it wasn’t a match gun, but
Now that things have settled down, we can look back it was certainly accurate.
 handgunning | august 2016 g&a 25

COOPER ON
With the FBI going back a lot of hassle. It is more
HANDGUNS
to the 9mm Parabellum, “From a restroom wall: ‘There accurate than most of the
you might think that the are no victims, only volunteers. shooters using it, and if you
Super will drift even further You volunteer by looking uncer- happen to be a reloader,
tain and afraid. You volun-
away from the mainstream. teer by being, as grasseaters here’s a fun fact: The .38
You might, but SIG Sauer invariably are, unprepared to Super is about as easy to
doesn’t. They’ve intro- confront the hazards of life.’” load as the .38 Special, and
— Jeff Cooper, December 1994
duced a .38 Super into even with full-power loads,
their line of ammunition. the brass lasts forever. I’ve
With a book velocity of 1,230 fps, the V-Crown load is hot- got a bin of Super brass from the competition days, brass
ter than 9mm ammo. In real life, the Super is even more that saw nothing but Major loads. They’ve been loaded so
so. I’ve chronographed a metric ton of 9mm ammo, and many times the headstamps are practically illegible, and
getting a 124/125-grain bullet up past 1,200 fps is rare. many of them have the nickel plating worn off, but they
Most of the time, they languish down in the low 1,100s. still work just fine.
The Super, since it is usually launched from a 5-inch barrel I have wondered, from time to time, what the fate of the
in a 1911, tends to be in the high 1,200s, often over 1,300 .38 Super would have been if John Browning and Colt had
fps. Even from a Commander-size pistol, the Super beats gone back and taken another look at the .38 Auto after
the pants off of 9mm loads. the 1911 was finalized. A Model 1912 in .38 Super with a
The days of cars with running boards and bootleggers 130-grain projectile at 1,300 (or more) fps? Or a 150-grain
are long gone. The music, fashion, technology and social at 1,100 fps? As tough as the 1911 base gun has proven
customs of the pre-Depression era are now simply quaint to be, we can only imagine what Elmer Keith could have
historical curiosities or embarrassing news clips. But the done, boosting 150s up past supersonic velocities? Oh
performance of the .38 Super still holds up. It still delivers well, they didn’t. But we still have the .38 Super, and thank
more speed than other handgun cartridges, and without goodness for it.

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 august 2016 G&A 27

What’s in your pack? T H E C A R RY R I G

The gray Cordura, bright-orange zippers and dual water

bottle pockets do an admirable job of disguising the
contents of this pack. A black version with gray zippers
is also available. $225

ELITE SURVIVAL COVERT OPERATIONS

RIFLE BACKPACK
TEN YEARS AGO, the closest thing to a discreet rifle that is designed to carry a rifle and support equipment.
bag came in the form of either a guitar case (for an actual The backpack portion of this system is what separates it
guitar) or a black ballistic nylon soft case with squared off from other transport bags in its class. It actually carries like
PHOTOS: MICHAEL ANSCHUETZ

corners that looked like, you guessed it, a rifle bag. Today, a real backpack, one that can be hauled for long periods
several more options are available that do a mediocre job of time and with surprising comfort. We would happily use
of looking the part, but they leave a lot to be desired when the bag for day hikes or even as an overnight pack; it is
it comes to functionality. supportive and rides well.
The Covert Operations Rifle Backpack acts just as its The back panel is heavily padded and vented with
name implies. It is a normal looking, albeit long, backpack lumbar support. The removable waist strap is padded and
28 G&A a u g u s t 2 0 1 6 | t h e c A r ry r i G

Right: The vented

backpanel offers a
great comfort and
support for extended
journeys on foot with
a loaded pack.

Far Right: Elite

Survival offers its own
MOLLE-compatible
pouch suite, inclusive
of tear-away medical
pouches, pistol
and rifle magazine
pouches and several
general purpose
pouches designed
to carry any other
support items.

features a pair of zippered pockets on each wing, just like

many of today’s casual-style backpacks. These pockets will
fit a small rangefinder, energy gel/bars or even a couple of
spare pistol magazines.
A sternum strap keeps the heavily padded S-shaped
shoulder straps in the optimal position for prolonged
carry. The sternum straps buckle doubles as an emergency
whistle, similar to those found on many high-end moun-
taineering packs. A pair of mesh water bottle pockets fit
standard 32-ounce Nalgene-type water bottles and com-
plements each side of the pack by adding to its unassum-
ing appearance.
The lockable main compartment is fully lined with loop
Velcro to attach hook-backed pouches or other accessories
for complete customization. The backpack comes with a
pair of adjustable tie downs and a muzzle sleeve to secure
a long gun. The compartment is designed to house either
a disassembled carbine for secure storage or an assem-
bled short-barreled rifle (SBR) for fast access. The sides 30-Day carry Elite Survival says engineers designed the
and bottom of the pack are completely padded, ensuring Covert Operations Rifle Backpack as a method to store
the firearms remain protected at all times. an AR-type carbine, but I opted to carry SIG Sauer’s new
The forward panel of the main compartment features an 11½-inch barreled MCX pistol chambered in 5.56 NATO.
additional pocket ideal for a full-size handgun, magazines I tucked a two-point adjustable sling into the stabilizing
or sunglasses. brace, added a Trijicon MRO and SureFire’s M300 Mini
The middle compartment’s rear panel is lined with PALS Scout Light, then simply folded the brace to the side and
webbing and will accept any MOLLE-backed pouches. All slid the pistol right into the main compartment. It all fit with
PALS webbing is covered in loop Velcro ready to accept plenty of room to spare. There was even enough space to
hook-backed pouches or a combination of the two. accommodate a 30-round magazine.
The front compartment is an administrative-style pocket SIG Sauer’s MCX is a relatively lightweight platform.
with a variety of slot pockets and compartments designed When loaded and as described, it weighs about 8 pounds.
to organize keys, cellphones, business cards or other When carried within the pack by itself, it is hardly notice-
sundries. able. Once I added two more loaded magazines, an indi-
The outer portion of this compartment features a daisy vidual medical kit, a pair of binoculars, a couple of spare
chain that is mostly for looks. However, small carabiners handgun mags, a Gore-Tex shell jacket and couple of
can be clipped onto it. Two quick-detach (QD) buckles are bottles of water, I was just shy of 20 pounds. The pack han-
fitted on either side of this compartment and adhere to dled the weight like a champ and remained comfortable
the back panel. If the bag is weighed down, these straps whether I threw the pack on one shoulder as I exited my
can be tightened to prevent any of the compartments from house in the morning or carried it on both shoulders for an
sagging and appearing full. It’s a nice touch. extended trail walk. Unknowing passersby only smiled.
 EST.

UBERTI 1959
They won the West 150 years ago. They win matches
& turn heads at the range today. Own one or both in
your favorite caliber & barrel length–keep the legend
alive. Available in .45 LC, 44/40 WCF & .357 Magnum. Uberti.com
30 G&A a u g u s t 2 0 1 6 | t h e c A r ry r i G

Elite Survival Covert Operations Rifle Backpack 9 in.

Materials 500 Denier Cordura; #10 YKK zippers; mesh, QD buckles

Carry Type Off Body
Retention Type Velcro straps (optional)
Adjustability Shoulder straps with load lifters; waist and compression straps
MSRP $225
Gun Fit Disassembled AR carbine; AR pistol; various short barrel rifles
Accessory Rail Accommodations Yes
Positions to Carry Shoulder straps or carry handle (top only)
Average Time to Attach 5 seconds (both shoulders plus waist strap)
Comfort Rating 5/5
Concealment Clothing None needed
Average Draw-to-Fire Time 5.5 sec.

25 in.
Manufacturer Elite Survival Systems, 866-340-2778, elitesurvival.com
Draw-to-fire time is the average of five clean draws from the pack utilizing a barricade as cover producing an A-zone hit on a
stationary target positioned at 75 feet.

Drawing my firearm from the rear compartment was pretty black fabric and gray
straightforward: Swing the pack off of your shoulder(s) and zippers is also avail-
place it at your feet, pack straps facing your body. Pull the able. I received plenty
zippers apart to expose the gun, grab the forend with your of criticism from my
non-firing hand and draw it from the pack, charging it with tactical-minded friends
your firing hand as it is leveled. Depending on your distance about my color choice,
from the target, the SIG Sauer MCX can be fired with its which just means the
brace folded to the side or in its extended position. bag is doing its job.
If gray with orange zippers isn’t your style, a model with — Chris Mudgett
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• Adjustable AccuTrigger™
• Oversized Bolt Handle

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 32 G&A august 2016 GUN TECH

Turning night into day.

CHRIS MUDGETT
GAEDITOR@
OUTDOORSG.COM

SfiflfiFiflfi’flfinfiwfiXC1fiiflfi
dfiflignfidfififlfififififififififififi
flflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflfl
fliflfiflfiflfiinflfifidingfififlfifi
flflflfififlflfiGfiflflkfi19fiflndfi
SIGfiSflfififl’flfiP320fiCflflflflfi
fifldfififl.fiTflfififiigflfififlflfl-
dfiflfiflfi200fififififinflfiflflflfi
1½fiflflfiflflfiflndfiflfinflfiflflflfi
flflfiflfiflingfififiAAAfibflfifififlfl.fi
$300

ILLUMINATING INNOVATION
SUREFIRE’S ENGINEERING PROWESS has set the bench- 1980s, we have seen the company popularize the so-called
mark for professional-grade tools. SureFire light systems “combat light” that fits in the palm of your hand and
dominate Department of Defense (DoD) and U.S. govern- features an activating button located on the tailcap (as
ment small arms. SureFire has been the standard by which opposed to the older button behind the bezel).
similar products have been compared since the Global Thanks to SureFire, 60 lumens is now considered the
War on Terrorism kicked off in 2001. SureFire’s illumination minimum amount of light required to temporarily blind an
tools continue to dimensionally miniaturize, while becom- adversary. SureFire’s products have advanced, resulting
ing lighter, brighter, more technologically advanced and, in in handhelds that offer more than 500 lumens, including
some cases, smarter. the 12-battery Beast flashlight and the crew-served fire-
SureFire traces its lineage back to the Newport Corpo- arm-mountable High Intensity Discharge (HID) HellFighter
ration founded by Dr. John Matthews in 1969 and Laser series, which is capable of
Products, which produced one of the first pistol mounted illuminating targets positioned
lasers, designed for a Colt Trooper revolver. Since the 1 mile away.
Fast forward to 2016 and
SureFire now offers 600-lumen
pistol lights powered by a pair
Fflflfiflfiflflfl,fiflflflflfififlflfiflfldfififlfi of 3V lithium batteries, 5,000
flflflflflfififiififlfiflfiflflflflfiflidfiflflfi
orfiflflfiflfinflflfiflflfl.fiSfivfiflflfifi lumen rechargeable handheld
flflbflidflfiflflvfifibfifinfiflflfldfiflfid,fi lights, lights that adjust inten-
wfliflflfiflflfifififlflflflfififlnfiflflflflfi sity based on reflectivity and
flfiflflflfiflflifln.fiSfiflfiFiflfififlflfivfidfi
TflfifiSfiflfiFiflfifiP2XfiFfiflflfi TflfifinfiwfiM600Vfi(“Vflfifliflfi”)fiIRfiSflflfififi fifliflfiwififlfiififlfiWflflCflfifl,fi miniaturized SideKick pocket
Infifififiibfiflfifiiflfiflfiflfiflflfifi Ligflfifiiflfiflfififlw-flflflfifififififlflfifidfiflignfidfiflflflfi wfliflflfiflfiflflfiflflfiflfiflflfiflnfifldflflfififlfi lights that throw 300 lumens of
fiigflfifififlflfififlfififlfiflfiiflflfififlfi fiflngfigfinflfinfifidingfibflfiflfiwflififififiigflfififlndfi flflflfiSfiflfiFiflfififlflfindfiflfifl-
fldjfiflfiflfiififlfiflfififlfififififivfififi LED light. SureFire also makes
nigflfifivifliflnfiififififiinflfiiflnfiflflflflbifiifiififl.fiIfifi flflfiflflflflfl.fiTflfifiWflflCflfiflfi
bfifiwfifinfi15fiflndfi600fi wififlflfiflndflfififlfififlflnflfiflnfififlflflflkfiflflfiflfiflflififi fiinifiifififlfififififififififliflfififlndfi suppressors, ear protection,
fifififinflfidfiflfindingfiflnfi flndfiififlflfififlndfiflflflfiflflfi350fififififinfl.fiRflfiflfififi fiflflflflfiififiingfiflflnflfiflflifln,fi muzzle devices and — my per-
fiflfififlfiflfinfififlflfiflfiflfiflfifidfi fiflfifibfififififififlfififlfifiinflflflflfidfi(IR)fiflfififiingfiflndfi wflififififlfidfiflingfififififififififlflflflfi
fiigflfififlflflfifififlfifififlflgfififi sonal favorite — dual illumi-
flnfiinviflibfifififlflflfifiigflfifi—fi120fifiWfiflflfiIRfi fiflfifififlflfififlflnfififlflfififlflfiflnfiA2fi
flflfifl.fiDflfibfifi-flfiiflkfiflflflfi ififififiinflfiiflnfi—fiiflfiflflfldfiflfidfiflflflfififlfifiwififlfi bifldflflgfi.fiIfiflfiflfiflflflflfiflnflfifiiflfi nated lights optimized for use
flfififififlflwfifl.fi$230 nigflfifivifliflnfidfiviflfifl.fi$420 flbflflfifififififlfiflfiflfiing.fi$150 with night vision.
PML7048-1
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®
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© 2016 Trijicon, Inc.

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RIFLES & GLASS august 2016 G&A 35

Gun Storage Solutions

U.S. Optics LR-17 3.2-17x44mm

HOW TO STORE TOM BECKSTRAND

MORE GUNS
I CAN’T BE THE ONLY ONE that has played gun-safe Velcro that comes in the kit to fit the underside of the top
Tetris, trying to fit as many guns as possible inside. When shelf in the safe. Staple, tack and/or glue it in place. Rein-
safe manufacturers advertise how many guns can fit in stall the top shelf. Put a polymer rifle rod into the muzzle
their various models, they must make those estimates of the rifle, insert it in the safe, stand it vertically and push
with straight-stocked iron-sighted semiautomatic and the rod up into the Velcro. The rifle or shotgun will now
lever-action rifles. Once a safe starts housing bolt-action stand vertically, occupying minimal space.
rifles, AR-15s and/or rifles with scopes, any manufacturer Staggering one row to fit in the gaps of the row behind
estimates should be cut in half for a realistic idea of what it allows for several rifles and shotguns to fit efficiently
the average consumer will be able to fit without touching. inside. The traditional method of putting guns in safes
Experience and creative thinking have taught me some uses floor area inefficiently because the rifle has to lean
alternative techniques for fitting more guns in my safe. back into a supporting notch. As soon as a gun gets set
Alternating one muzzle up and one muzzle down will get at an angle, it consumes twice as much space as if it were
a few more in the box. Laying a few AR-15s with stocks standing completely vertical. The Gun Storage Solutions
collapsed across a full rack is also a technique, but this has method means there’s no longer any need for guns to lean
to be done carefully to avoid scratching and dinging the into a notch, so the safe floor opens up considerably.
guns. Sadly, most rifles and shotguns
BEFORE AFTER
get their scratches while in the gun
safe from trying to store them or from
putting them in and taking them out.
An ingenious and inexpensive idea
is rifle rods from Gun Storage Solu-
tions. The concept is simple. Empty
your safe, to include the notched
shelves that the rifle forearm/barrel is
supposed to sit in. Cut the sheet of

Gun Storage Solutions

Rifle Rod Kit (fits 10 rifles): $40 to $140
Handgun Hanger: $13 to $30
Multi-Mag Gun Magnet: $30
Manufacturer: Gun Storage Solutions
855-647-8673
storemoreguns.com

Rifle rods
can be
attached
to the sup-
plied hook-
and-loop
shelf liner
and safely
put inside
the barrel
PHOTOS: MARK FINGAR

to stand
the rifle
vertically
and maxi-
mize usable
space.
36 G&A august 2016 | rifles & GlAss

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flflflflflflflbflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflHflflflflflflflflflflflflbflflflflflflflflflflfl flflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflTflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflfl
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flflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflbflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflfl’flflflflflflflflUflflflflfl flflflflflflflflflfl,flflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflbflflflflflflflflflflflflflflfl
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flflflflflflflflflflflflflfl flflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflTflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflzflflflflflflfl
GflflflSflflflflflflflSflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflbbflfl-flflflflflflflflflflflflflflfl flflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflbflflflflfl-fl-flflflflflflflflflfl-flflfl-flflflflflflfl
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BACK-OVER ORIGINAL OVER-UNDER BACK-UNDER

Four styles of Handgun Hangers

help organize pistols above or
below a shelf. In addition to
maximizing the use of limited
space, each gun becomes easier
to access. Multi-Mag gun mag-
nets are another clever solution.
flULTI-flAGflGUNflflAGNETS

RDPflflILflRETICLE U.S. Optics LR-17 3.2-17x44mm

Power: 3.2-17X
Objective: 44mm
Tube Diameter: 30mm
Elevation Adjustment: .1 mil per click
Windage: .1 mil per click
Reticle: RDP Mil (tested)
Length: 16.5 in.
Weight: 34 oz.
Eye Relief: 3.5 in.
MSRP: $2,835 (tested)
Manufacturer: U.S. Optics
714-582-1956
À LA CARTE usoptics.com

U.S. OPTICSflflflflflflCflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflzflflflflflflbflflflfl-
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flflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflbflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflbflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflfl flflflflflflàflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflOflflflflflflflfl,flflflflflflfl
flflflflflflflflflflflflflflbflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflfl- flflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflfl
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UflSflflOflflflflflflflflflbflflflflflflflflBflflfl,flCflflflflflflflflfl,flflflflflbflflflflflflfl Iflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflflfl3fl2-17Xfl
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BUILT FOR LIFE.
 38 G&A august 2016 | rifles & GlAss

is the EREK elevation adjustment system. Unlike elevation

turrets from most manufacturers, the EREK system is low
profile and large diameter.
The low profile keeps the turret out of the way and
the large diameter puts a lot of real estate between each
elevation mark on the turret. I’ve found myself frequently
double- and triple-checking some turrets to ensure I have
the correct elevation dialed because the marks are small
and close together. I never had to double-check the EREK.
It is easily visible, even when looking through the scope. The eyepiece of the LR-17 is smaller than on many other optics in
The turret housing in the center of the scope is larger than this category, allowing this scope to be mounted significantly lower.
normal because U.S. Optics uses knobs for windage, parallax
adjustment and illumination. The modularity of the three side of the webpage. For example, a 3.2-17X scope has
knobs enables U.S. Optics to build exactly what the cus- options for scope color, elevation turret type, windage
tomer seeks without including options that aren’t desired. turret type and reticle lighting, to include color, reticle type
When ordering a U.S. Optics scope, the customer and eyepiece housing.
chooses from a series of drop-down menus on the right Most scopes come with standard black anodizing, but

© 2016 Kel-Tec CNC Industries, Inc.

 rifles & glass | august 2016 g&a 39

U.S. Optics’ #1 windage knob has 48 clicks within one revolution.

Tenth-mil adjustments are marked. Full and half mils are numbered.
The Turret Parallax Adjustment Locator system (TPAL) helps to
achieve sharp image resolution through the magnification range.
ditional mil-dots to the latest “Christmas tree” type reticles
they are available in five colors and all are Cerakoted. are offered. The number of reticle options might appear
Cerakote is a ceramic coating that is incredibly hard and intimidating to some, but the freedom to create a scope
wear resistant. perfectly suited to an individual’s needs is alluring to many.
The elevation and windage knobs are customizable. Ele- Finally, U.S. Optics has an option to place a level in the
vation turrets can be EREK or standard, and they come in bottom of the field of view as the shooter looks through the
mils and MOA. Windage turrets can be capped, exposed, scope. Undoubtedly, many have seen levels hanging off the
standard or large diameter to offer more adjustment per sides of scope maintubes and wondered if they ever get
revolution. Windage turrets will match elevation turrets in hung up on seatbelts, tree limbs and clothing. (They do.)
either mils or MOA. For those committed to long-range shooting and who need
Reticle options are illuminated or not. The illumination a level, U.S. Optics now offers a way to have it inside the
color and 14 reticle options covering everything from tra- scope. If only more manufacturers had these options.

Load a dozen 12-gauge rounds in its dual-tube magazines and you know the Kel-Tec® KSG® is
one bad tactical shotgun. But chamber another, fire and in a fraction of a second, everything
else is old school. Innovation. Performance. Kel-Tec. See more at KelTecWeapons.com
40 G & A a u g u s t 2 0 1 6

RANGE BAG Swinging gratification.

The Viking Solutions gong target with steel-beam stand

is quick to set up and disassemble in the field. Also
offered is a model that allows shooters to use a 2x4 for
a center beam, which means that we can increase the
width of the frame and attach additional steel plates or
hang paper targets. See more at vikingsl.com.

VIKING SOLUTIONS GONG TARGET

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PHOTOS:fiMICHAELfiANSCHUETZ

fifififififibfifififigfifigfififififififi(fihfiwfififibfivfi)fiwfififififififififiucfifififfififi G&A’fifififififififig,fifihfifigfifigfi
fihfifififififififihfififiwfififififificfififififififififiufi-fif-fihfi-bfixfifififigfifi.fiIfififififi fifififififfifififififififififififififiw.
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wfifihfifihfififiqufivfifififififihfifififififififififfiAR500fififififififi(Bfififififififi475- $55-$100
 6 ELASTIC MAG
COMPARTMENTS
DEVELOPED BY ELITE OPERATORS FOR
INSTANT ACCESS TO ESSENTIALS

RIPSTOP TECHNOLOGY
BREATHABLE RIPSTOP WITH TEFLON
SHIELD SHEDS THE ELEMENTS

ARTICULATED KNEES
FOR NATURAL RANGE OF MOTION

In 1990, a Navy SEAL was navigating a minefield when his pack failed. As his
gear tumbled to the ground, he vowed that if he got out of there alive he would
make gear the right way. That vow is at the core of our strategically designed
apparel, constructed to perform at mission-ready level. To never fail you.

See the new line at BLACKHAWK.com © 2016

THE ALL-NEW BLACKHAWK! PURSUIT PANTS

44 G&A august 2016

LIGHTWEIGHTS
G&A EXCLUSIVE: The V7 and V11 SLW
are Daniel Defense’s new news.
WORDS BY JEREMY STAFFORD | PHOTOS BY MARK FINGAR
 august 2016 G&A 45

Daniel Defense M4 V7
Type: Direct impingement,
semiautomatic
Cartridge: 5.56 NATO
Capacity: 30 rds.
Barrel: 16 in.
Overall Length: 32.25 in. to 36 in.
Weight: 6 lbs., 3 oz.
Finish: Hardcoat anodized
Grips: Daniel Defense,
soft touch overmold
Sights: None (optional)
Trigger: 5 lbs., 11 oz.
MSRP: $1,600
Manufacturer: Daniel Defense
866-554-4867
danieldefense.com

Daniel Defense M4 V11 SLW

Type: Direct impingement,
semiautomatic
Cartridge: 5.56 NATO
Capacity: 30 rds.
Barrel: 14.5 in.
Overall Length: 31.5 in. to 34.75 in.
Weight: 6 lbs., 1 oz.
Finish: Daniel Defense
Tornado Cerakote
Grips: Daniel Defense,
soft touch overmold
Sights: None (optional)
Trigger: 5 lbs., 13 oz.
MSRP: $1,860
Manufacturer: Daniel Defense
866-554-4867
danieldefense.com
46 G&A august 2016 | liGhtweiGhts

each model
and variant is
laser etched
on the upper
receiver.
Daniel Defense
“tornado”
Cerakote is
a gray color,
distinguishing
it from the
standard anod-
ized black.
while fit and
finish shouldn’t
really matter
on a fighting
rifle, they are
usually a good
indicator of
quality.

LONG KNOWN AMONGST SERIOUS USERS for lightweight the flared magwell is taste- the DD pistol grip’s inte-
rails and a dedication to serious working platforms, Daniel ful and functional, speeding gral triggerguard mini-
Defense is keeping with consumer trends as can be observed with up reloads without excess mizes discomfort during
bulk. extended range sessions.
its new DDM4 V11 SLW and DDM4 V7.
Nowadays, making a lightweight rifle is not difficult. In fact,
anybody with a credit card and access to YouTube can assemble a
pile of no-name parts and head to the range. But like so much else
in life, the devil is always in the details. How does the rifle balance?
How does the rifle perform? Will it succumb to hard use? Daniel
Defense takes these questions and crushes them. Its rifles are not
only lightweight; they are extremely efficient, balancing accuracy,
shootability and ruggedness.
I recently spent time with the latest
from Daniel Defense, the DDM4 V11 SLW
and DDM4 V7. I was impressed enough
that I’m now buying one of them. With
Daniel Defense’s reputation in the AR
community, I would have been surprised
if they were not superb. While I have a
deep enough professional background to
appreciate all black rifles, there is a special
place in my heart for rifles that are specif-
ically designed for the man in the arena, the castle nut is properly
to paraphrase former President Teddy the automatic bolt carrier staked, while the end plate
group is magnetic particle features a single QD sling
Roosevelt. And these are it. inspected, high pressure tested swivel socket.
Before I contrast the differences between and manufactured from proven materials.
the platforms, let’s go over similarities. The
build quality is superb and time proven. The bolts are magnetic familiar Daniel Defense-pattern glass-filled polymer with contact
particle inspected (MPI) and manufactured from the appropriate areas of a soft-touch polymer. While I really like the shape and
158 Carpenter steel. The bolt carrier groups are automatic style — ergonomics of the DD furniture, I could do without the soft touch
meaning that they are fully shrouded — and properly staked. The on my stock, as it occasionally and annoyingly grabs my facial
uppers and lowers are milled from forged 7075-T6 aluminum and hair. That said, the pistol grip included a generous triggerguard
are extremely precise with little play between them. The lowers and soft touch on the grip, which make the design one of the best
are built with Daniel Defense’s proprietary flared magazine well, around. Also, the included rear quick-detach (QD) sling-swivel
which, while subtle, definitely aids in the reloading process. Both sockets on the stock make it easy for me to forgive an occasional
trigger groups are at the top-end of the familiar service variety, beard tug. The selector on both models was clean and tight, lock-
insofar as they are relatively smooth and break fairly cleanly and ing into each position smoothly, and the lower receiver extension
consistently with slight overtravel. The furniture is the now- (buffer tube) was tight and properly staked at the castle nut.
 LAR-15 LIGHTWEIGHT XL AR1765X
LAR
with RRA Tactical CAR Stock
w
MSRP: $1400*
M

INTRODUCING THE
INT
XL LENGTH CARBON FIBER
Free Float Handguard LAR-15
LA
A LIGHTWEIGHT XL
With it’s unique carbon fiber handguard and
RRA’s performance tuning, the new 6.1 pound
LAR-15 Lightweight XL will lighten your load
without sacrificing top-notch performance.

LAR-15
AR 15 LIGHTWEIGHT
E G XL QUICK SPECS: CALIBER: 5.56MM NATO CHAMBER FOR 5.56 & .223
WEIGHT: 6.1 POUNDS LENGTH: 35.5”

* Prices are subject to change.

e VISIT: WWW.ROCKRIVERARMS.COM PERFORMANCE TUNED.
48 G&A augustttttt | liGhtweiGhts

M4 V11 SLW
Built from the ground
up as a lightweight
fighting rifle, the M4
V11 slw cuts weight,
not corners. the light-
weight KeyMod-com-
patible rail continues
the legacy of efficient
DD rails and adds mod-
ularity without weight.

PERFORMANCE
Finally, barrels on both models rifle that utilizes the KeyMod
BEST AVERAGE
are manufactured from 4150 VELOCITY GROUP GROUP accessory attachment system
LOAD (FPS) ES SD (IN.) (IN.)
CV ordnance steel and chrome and a skeletonized, mid-length
Black Hills 77-gr. OTM 2,653 29 13 1.2 1.4
lined. When it comes to select- 12-inch SLiM rail to shroud a
Federal 77-gr.
ing and assembling the right Gold Medal BTHP Match
2,629 22 10 1.2 1.4 14½-inch lightweight-profile
components, Daniel Defense is HPR 75-gr. BTHP Match 2,712 26 12 1.3 1.5
barrel to keep the weight to a
tough to beat. Hornady 75-gr.
minimum. The V7 is a slightly
2,803 37 17 1.5 1.6
And now for the differ- Superformance Match BTHP heavier carbine than the V11
ences. While similar at first Notes: Accuracy is the average of five, five-shot groups fired at 100 yards on a sandbag SLW because it incorporates
glance, these rifles are actually rest. Velocity is the average of five shots using a Oehler Model 35P chrono at 15 feet. a 15-inch M-LOK-compatible
substantially different. First, rail and a medium contoured
the V11 was finished in Daniel Defense’s proprietary Tornado 16-inch barrel. Everything in the world of tactics is a compro-
gray Cerakote. The color is striking and is complemented with mise, and building rifles is no different. The lighter weight V11
black furniture for a visually appealing and suitably low-pro- carbine sacrifices a bit of rail estate, a little velocity and longevity
file package. The V11 also has a standard aluminum dustcover, in exchange for increased portability. The V7 gives you additional
while the V7 wears a polymer one. Daniel Defense informed rail space, slightly increased robustness and velocity in return for
me the polymer resists deformity better, lasts longer and is 11 a slightly heavier total package. As the late Pat Rogers was fond of
grams lighter, so it is the way forward on all new DD rifles. The saying, “The mission drives the gear train.” Figure out what your
V11 SLW is optimized to be an extremely lightweight fighting needs are and go from there.
THE NEW
T3X COMPACT
TACTICAL RIFLE
A multipurpose rifle that
adapts to any situation.

10-round steel magazine

Vertical angled grip for prone

shooting as fitted standard

Durable aluminum trigger guard and

a magazine release lever that enables
rapid magazine changes

Picatinny rail, Teflon® bolt and 20”

semi-heavy barrel contour with
5/8x24 muzzle thread

Introducing
the family of
Tikka T3x Rifles.
Offering a model for every
shooting style and guaranteeing
1 MOA out of the box.

Available at select Beretta Dealers

and sporting goods retailers

Visit www.Tikka.fi
50 G&A august 2016 | liGhtweiGhts

M4 V7
the M4 V7 is not as
svelte as the V11, yet
it remains lightweight.
the handguard features
the M-lOK attachment
system and is longer
than the V11’s, pro-
viding extra mounting
space for accessories
and added control of
the muzzle when firing
rapidly at close range.

PERFORMANCE
In practical use, there are why, but the V11 just felt
BEST AVERAGE
some detectable differences. VELOCITY GROUP GROUP better to me. It was livelier in
LOAD (FPS) ES SD (IN.) IN.)
Because the barrel on the the hand, and I found myself
Federal 77-gr.
V11 is lighter, there is a slight Gold Medal BTHP
2,629 33 15 .9 1.3 defaulting to it when push-
increase in muzzle rise during Black Hills 77-gr. OTM 2,681 26 12 1 1.3
ing myself through training,
shooting. In slow fire, it is HPR Match 75-gr. BTHP 2,744 26 12 1.1 1.3
especially on steel or when I
almost imperceptible; how- Hornady 75-gr.
wanted to go fast.
2,848 33 15 1.1 1.4
ever, during faster strings of Superformance BTHP There’s another myth
fire it becomes evident. Besides Notes: Accuracy is the average of five, five-shot groups fired at 100 yards on a sandbag floating around in regard to
the heavier, longer barrel, the rest. Velocity is the average of five shots using a Oehler Model 35P chrono at 15 feet. lightweight guns (and light-
V7 has an additional 3 inches weight barrels in particular).
of handguard mounting space, allowing us to extend our forward “Lightweight barrels are less accurate than their heavier counter-
hand for additional control. parts.” This is a mixed bag of truth and straight-up ignorance.
In my shooting drills, the V11 shined. Internet expertise For a shot or two, maybe even three, there is no difference in
dictates that a heavier barrel will track more smoothly, but the accuracy. However, since a lightweight barrel is thinner, it does
lighter V11 was faster on target and transitioned between targets heat up faster. This can increase dispersion over the course of a
more quickly and smoothly. Even on the shot timer, my time to string of shots. Lighter barrels are also more prone to harmonic
target was about .05 seconds faster with the V11 than the V7. imbalance and more sensitive to contact with handguards. In a
Besides that, I don’t have many quantifiable reasons to tell you free-floated AR platform, I would expect intrinsic accuracy to be
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52 G&A august 2016 | liGhtweiGhts

roughly identical, especially if

both barrels were made with
equal attention to quality. With
the V11, I noticed that groups
would open up just a bit with
the fourth and fifth shots of
a five-shot string. It wasn’t
much — anywhere from 1⁄8- to
3⁄8-inch, but it bears mention-
ing. Because I’m of the curious
type, I ran a little experiment. I
shot a couple of five-shot groups, waiting a minute between each Your needs should drive your gear. The V11 SLW is the finest
shot. In that time, that little bit of dispersion disappeared and lightweight rifle I’ve ever tested, and I’m not giving it back. I’m
groups shrank to about 1½ inches at 100 yards. The V7, with its not entirely convinced that KeyMod is a panacea, but I’ll have
heavier profile barrel, was not affected in the same way. It shot time to push the gun hard and sort that out. The V7 is one of
consistently with my baseline Black Hills 77-grain load at right the best examples of a general
around 1¼ inches. Because the V7 has an extra 1½ inches of purpose rifle, and if I could KEYMOD MOUNT
barrel, its velocities were anywhere from 30 to 50 fps greater with afford both, I’d keep it as well. Every fighting rifle
any given load. It’s been my experience that heavier bullets like Daniel Defense makes the right should have a white light
the ones tested usually bleed less velocity than the lightweight fighting gun for us regardless attached for positive
target identification in
screamers. There is probably someone reading this right now, of our mission. From short reduced lighting condi-
yelling, “Only a minute and a half at a hundred?” Cool your jets, barreled rifles (SBR) to desig- tions. DD has engineered
turbo. I shot both guns from prone over a pack with an optic that nated marksman rifles (DMR), a reversible off-set mount
specifically for SureFire’s
made sense for the intended purpose of the carbines: the Trijicon DD has us covered. M300/M600 Scout Light
TR-24G optic in a LaRue series. The lightweight,
mount. If I really wanted to rugged design is com-
.300 BLK SUBSONIC OAKLEY SI EYEPRO patible with all KeyMod
juice the results, I would have Daniel Defense is joining If you love the color forends, in addition to
bolted the guns to a bench the one-stop-shop club. It of a DD Mil Spec + or DD’s own SLiM rail. It is
and used a high magnification now offer rifles, pistols, Tornado colored DDM4, constructed of 6061-T6
optic mounts, furni- check out the DD website aluminum and is Type III
optic with a more precise ture and now a line of for exclusive Oakley SI hardcoat anodized. $45
reticle. But that wouldn’t be ammunition. A 220-grain sunglasses. Three models
fair to G&A readers who want subsonic .300 Blackout finished in Cerakote are
load is the initial offering available: Gascan, Det
a serious work rifle. under DD’s First Choice Cord and Fuel Cell. Each
As I mentioned before, the brand. It has sourced only has unique details and a
barrels are cold-hammer forged, the finest components, to tasteful DD logo etched
include Lapua’s Scenar-L in the lower left lens. The
chrome plated and 4150 CV OTM bullets. Standby for Det Cord even has a piece
ordnance steel. They are meant G&A’s test results. of Picatinny rail on each
to provide good accuracy with $50/box (30 rds.) O-logo. From $150
long lasting cycles of fire, and
they do this in spades. The
Mil-Spec for accuracy out of a
carbine is 4 MOA, and both of
these rifles do less than half of
that. That’s a win.
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 august 2016 G&A 55

WORDS BY BRAD FITZPATRICK | PHOTOS BY SEAN UTLEY

PLINKERS
SOMETHING OLD,
SOMETHING NEW
AND SOMETHING
LONG OVERDUE.

IN 1856, four years into their corporate partnership, Horace Smith and
Dan Wesson developed the world’s first cartridge revolver. Known as
the Model 1, this repeating handgun revolutionized firearm design and
secured Smith & Wesson’s place as one of the nation’s premier firearm
manufacturers ahead of the Civil War. Much of the Model 1’s success was
due to the fact that it utilized the self-contained cartridge Smith and
Wesson developed two years prior. In fact, the S&W Model 1 was the first
successful rimfire handgun design. Nearly 160 years after the debut of the
Model 1, S&W is still rolling out new rimfires worth getting excited about.
56 G&A august 2016 | plinkers

SMITH & WESSON

SW22 VICTORY
.22LR

Smith & Wesson SW22 Victory

Type: Blowback operated,
semiautomatic
Cartridge: .22LR
Capacity: 10+1 rds.
Barrel: 5.5 in.
Overall Length: 9.2 in.
Weight: 2 lbs., 6 oz. (unloaded)
Grips: Black polymer
Finish: Satin stainless
Trigger: 4 lbs., 5 oz. (tested)
Sights: Adj. fiber optic (rear),
fiber optic (front);
Picatinny rail (supplied)
MSRP: $410 to $460
Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
800-331-0852
smith-wesson.com
 plinkers | august 2016 G&A 57

It’s a transformer.
SMITH & WESSON’S NEW SW22 Vic- The frame, barrel and bolt are all con- second, averaging just 1.1 inches at that
tory is an innovative approach to the semi- structed of stainless steel, and all the exte- same distance. None of the ammo used
automatic rimfire pistol concept utilizing a rior metalwork is given a satin stainless averaged more than 2 inches at 25 yards
a blowback action. Blowback certainly isn’t finish. The polymer grips are textured and from a bagged rest. Pretty impressive,
new to the world of rimfire semiauto- have well-positioned finger cutouts that but the Victory showed a clear prefer-
secure the gun in hand. The grip profile is ence for the round-nosed lead bullets.
slightly rounded, which helps stabilize the The jacketed Aguila SuperExtras suffered
gun and comforts the feel more than tradi- a few misfeeds, and the gun had more
tional slab-sided grips. Inside the grip we issues with Remington’s truncated-cone
insert a 10-round magazine. The Victory Viper load. Otherwise, function was more
comes with two of them. than acceptable. Both magazines had a
Not only are the Victory’s sights fully tendency to pop the top cartridge into an
adjustable for both windage and eleva- upright and dysfunctional position when
tion, the front and rear sights feature the spring was released, so we had better
fiber-optic tubes that glow intensely, luck pressing the cartridges down one at a
even under midday light and as dusk time without fully compressing the spring.
approaches. Smith & Wesson includes a The plastic trigger tested 4 pounds on a
5-inch plastic Picatinny rail with integral Lyman gauge where takeup was light, but
rear sight. With just one screw, swapping a bit of creep was present. Besides many
out the fiber optic rear for an optic rail is other user-adjustable features, the Victory
straightforward and simple. has an adjustable trigger stop. The gun’s
Want to get deep into Bullseye shoot- controls — a metal-reinforced rear safety,
ing? Volquartsen Firearms already has slide stop and textured magazine release
a lineup of high-end aftermarket target button — are all well positioned and easy
barrels that are ready to go. to use, and if you’ve shot a few semiauto
The SW22 is currently available in rimfires, operation will be intuitive.
three configurations: stainless steel with The 39-ounce SW22 is well balanced
or without a threaded muzzle and one and points naturally. It has an excellent
given Kryptek’s Highlander camo pattern. grip angle. It’s very accurate. However, if
All share the same black polymer grips. you want to wring every bit of accuracy
Prices span $409 to $459. from this pistol, it’s easy to do by swapping
At the range, the Victory proved to be barrels, adding an optic and adjusting the
matics, except that the Victory differs both accurate and fun to shoot. Of the five trigger. Even in its most basic form the
from its long-established competition: loads tested, one, Lapua’s Midas, managed SW22 Victory is a well-thought-out pistol
Browning, Colt, High Standard and Ruger. to average under .8 inch for five shots that finally makes cleaning a blowback .22
The SW22 is actually easy to disassemble at 25 yards. The Aguila load was a close a breeze.
for maintenance. Taking the pistol apart
requires the removal of just one hex-head PERFORMANCE
screw. There’s no need to follow online LOAD VELOCITY (FPS) ES SD BEST GROUP (IN.) AVG. GROUP (IN.)
tutorials or try to keep up with loose com- Lapua Midas +40-gr. LRN 944 39 12 .52 .79
ponents. The Victory is everything we love Aguila SuperExtra 40-gr. SP LRN 994 58 15 .96 1.10
about .22 pistols and fixes the one thing Lapua Pistol King 40-gr. LRN 946 47 13 1.03 1.14
we hate about them — routine mainte- Federal Target 40-gr. LRN 1,025 54 16 1.03 1.18
nance. It’s a design that is long overdue. Federal AutoMatch 40-gr. LRN 1,092 55 17 1.22 1.31
Like other blowback guns, the Victory’s notes: Accuracy is the average of four, five-shot groups fired from 25 yards using a fixed rest. Velocity results are the
receiver is fixed. There’s no moving slide, average of 10 shots recorded by a ProChrono digital chronograph placed 10 feet in front of the muzzle.

and the action is cycled by the rear-

ward pressure of the fired cartridge. The CHALLENGE TARGETS .22LR DUELING TREE
blowback operation has been perfected Shooting at reactive steel targets is a great way to enjoy a new rimfire.
over the decades, most notably in Ruger’s The Challenge Targets dueling tree is available through brownells.com
Mark I/II/III line. Like the Ruger guns, the and provides an opportunity to mix precision with speed while trying to
Victory has a fixed barrel — in the SW22’s outshoot a partner. Just knock all of your plates onto their side. The tar-
case, it is a 5½-inch pipe with a bull pro- get is also a great way for young pistoleros to learn how to track sights
and shoot multiple targets, while adding a small amount of stress. $190
file that lends well to accuracy.
58 G&A august 2016 | plinkers

SMITH & WESSON

MODEL 17
.22LR

Smith & Wesson Model 17 Masterpiece

Type: Double action, revolver
Cartridge: .22LR
Capacity: 6 rds.
Barrel:6 in.
Overall Length: 11.25 in.
Weight: 2 lbs., 8 oz.
Grips:Laminate wood
Finish:Blued
Trigger:5 lbs., 6 oz. (SA);
11 lbs., 7 oz. (DA) (tested)
Sights: Micro click adjustable (rear);
pinned Patridge (front)
MSRP: $990
Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
800-331-0852
smith-wesson.com
 plinkers | august 2016 G&A 59

The original fun gun.

IN 1899, Smith & Wesson introduced has changed only slightly, and this new
the .38 Hand Ejector Military & Police gun features a recessed target crown and
revolver, a popular and lasting design that smoother trigger. The bore diameter is a
helped place the brand at the forefront of bit larger than the original, and there is
20th century handgun development. The now a key lock above the cylinder release
gun was built using what would become latch. However, for the majority, the new
known as Smith & Wesson’s K-Frame, gun is a doppelgänger of the original.
and that K-Frame begat one of the most S&W’s new Model 17-9 has a reputa-
popular rimfire revolvers ever, the K-22. tion to fulfill, and any gun that goes by
In the 1950s, Smith & Wesson started the nickname “Masterpiece” had better
assigning their handgun model numbers perform as advertised. Like all Smith &
and the K-22 became known as the Model Wesson K-Frames, the 17 is hefty at 40
17. Although it’s undergone a series of ounces unloaded, but that’s because of
minor changes over the years, the Model the prodigious amount of forged steel that
17 was — and is — one of the greatest goes into the manufacturing of this gun.
.22s of all time. It was never cheap, but it Cylinder movement is tight and smooth.
was always built to such a high standard Like earlier models, the 17-9 has a black,
that many shooters were willing to invest micro-adjustable rear metallic sight with
in one and prepared to hand it down to a vintage rectangular profile. The front is
the next generation. a Patridge-style post pinned to a ramp,
At $990, the new Model 17 Masterpiece and the top of the barrel sports S&W’s
still isn’t cheap, but these are only made characteristic serrated rib (though the
by S&W’s legendary Custom Shop — fit- rib on the new gun is slightly narrower
ted by hand, one at a time. For many of us than the original). The frame and cylinder very good. The best groups averaged just
that grew up with K-22s or M17s, this is are still forged of carbon steel, and the over an inch at 25 yards, and the Model
an opportunity to reacquire a revolver that metalwork is an excellent blue. The grips 17’s wide sights — which you might imag-
has become very hard to find in original bear cross-directional checkering, as does ine are something of a handicap — are
form. The new Model 17, stamped “17-9,” the wide target hammer. Its purpose is capable of enabling good shooting.
is pretty faithful to the original, but there summarized with a 6-inch barrel giving Lapua’s Pistol King ammo was the
are a few differences. the 17-9 an overall length of 11 inches. most accurate and turned in groups that
The primary aesthetic difference is Having grown up shooting the K-22, I measured an inch. CCI’s 36-grain Mini
that the 17-9 now wears laminate wood was prepared to be critical of the Model Mag load was a close second, and its
grips whereas the older versions had 17, but for the most part I was impressed. jacketed hollowpoint design and high
walnut. The design of the rear iron sight Function was flawless, and accuracy was velocity would make it a great round for
dispatching small game. Since this gun is
PERFORMANCE (almost) mechanically identical to the last
LOAD VELOCITY (FPS) ES SD BEST GROUP (IN.) AVG. GROUP (IN.) generation, there’s little chance you’ll have
Lapua Pistol King 40-gr. LRN 856 25 7 .90 1.02 any issues with this revolver regardless of
CCI Mini Mag 36-gr. LRN 1,130 56 19 .98 1.15 how many thousands of rounds you put
Winchester Super-X 40-gr. LRN 1,051 58 18 1.10 1.27 down the barrel. With a 5- to 6-pound
Federal Target 40-gr. LRN 941 49 18 1.43 1.63 single-action trigger pull, it is a tad heavy,
Remington Viper 36-gr. PTC 1,137 68 25 1.55 1.89 but I expect that over the long term the
notes: Accuracy is the average of four, five-shot groups fired from 25 yards using a fixed rest. Velocity results are the trigger will lighten as the revolver is used.
average of 10 shots recorded by a ProChrono digital chronograph placed 10 feet in front of the muzzle. The Model 17 trigger was the cleanest in
the group of S&W’s new rimfires, with
SINCLAIR INTERNATIONAL TARGET STAMPS no creep or overtravel. The wide hammer
Sinclair International, a subsidy of Brownells, has come up
spur — my original K-22 didn’t have
with a brilliant target solution — stamps! All that’s necessary one — is a hit, but I think the laminate
is an index card, paper plate or a piece of blank paper, an ink grips are a miss. It’s not that they aren’t
pad and these stamps. The stamps themselves are designed functional or durable, but I wish it still
to replicate benchrest targets and are available in 100- and wore a proper set of walnut. Other than
200-yard target sizes. G&A staff found that they make great
pistol targets as well. The smaller the point of aim, the
those nitpicks, this new 17-9 is a fantastic
smaller the group size. $10 plinker and a “Masterpiece” for the next
generation beyond me.
60 G&A august 2016 | plinkers

SMITH & WESSON

M&P15-22 SPORT
.22LR

Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 Sport

Type: Blowback, semiautomatic
Cartridge: .22LR
Capacity: 25 rds.
Barrel: 16.5 in.
Overall Length: 30.7 in. (collapsed):
to 33.75 in. (extended)
Weight: 4 lbs., 14 oz.
Stock: Six-position adj., polymer
Finish: Matte blue
Trigger: 4 lbs., 13 oz. (tested)
Sights: Magpul MBUS
MSRP: $450
Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
800-331-0852
smith-wesson.com
 plinkers | august 2016 G&A 61

Pew pew. Pew. Pew, pew, pew, pew, pew, pew, pew-pew, pew, pew, pew-pew-pew, pew, pew
MOST GUN REVIEWS start at the range absolute minimum. It’s just 5 pounds. the end of my time with it, I was pretty
so that writers can gather tangible data And with a collapsed length of only 30.7 familiar and could anticipate when the
needed for a thorough evaluation. I took a inches, it’s pretty short! Functionally, it’s hammer would drop.) The M&P15-22
detour with the new M&P15-22 Sport. To very similar to an AR-pattern rifle except had a preference for hot loads, and the
me, dropping this rifle on a pair of sand- with the operating system. Centerfire slowest loads, which also happened to be
bags and crunching numbers made about M&P15s in the Smith & Wesson stable the most accurate, had a few failures when
as much sense as plucking out single-note rely on a gas impingement system, while the returning bolt bit down on an empty
tunes on a Fender Stratocaster. Sometimes this rimfire repeater utilizes the tried- case that didn’t eject properly. With higher
when you have an axe, you have to grind. and-true blowback design. This .22LR velocity loads, there were no issues.
A bag of leftover fruit provided the version has a functional charging handle, The only other qualm I had was that
targets I needed for tactical apple alley, a two-position safety that mimics its larger the sliding buttstock rattles on the buffer
and I even threw a few plastic pop bottles bretheren, a shell deflector and genuine tube (which is really a molded extension
downrange for old time’s sake. Then, with Magpul MBUS folding sights. The 10-inch of the upper). It’s just a personal annoy-
a magazine topped-off with Federal Auto polymer handguard with modular M-LOK ance and has nothing to do with proper
Match ammo, I went to work. design surrounds the carbon steel barrel, functioning. Other than that, it was easy
Ostensibly, we need a legitimate reason to and there’s plenty of room for mounting to quickly fall in love with this rifle. If I
buy a new gun. If that’s how you feel, you optics up top. For the range portion of the come to buy it, I imagine myself spending
could make the case that the M&P15-22 is test, I pulled a Burris Veracity 2-10X scope a lot of time hunting vermin and small
a great training tool, and that’s no stretch. from another AR and within a few minutes game and running carbine drills. Chances
The controls are the same as they are on the had it mounted on the M&P15-22 Sport. are I’d just keep shooting apples and pop
company’s 5.56 centerfire M&P15s, and That’s one other great benefit to owning bottles, which is fine because everyone
one could use this rifle for low-noise, low- a rifle like this: The multitude of AR needs a rifle for that.
cost, low-recoil training. It’s a great gun for accessories that have flooded the market
introducing new shooters to the sport with will also work with this rifle. A .22 being
special thanks to the adjustable stock. If you tested at 50 yards doesn’t really require
need a tough gun to dispatch small critters that type of high-end glass, but it sure
and vermin, then the M&P15-22 certainly made it simple to drill holes in paper.
qualifies for duty. Plus, by popping the rear Accuracy ranged from merely good to
pin and tipping the upper forward, the superb. There were a handful of nearly
action can be quickly accessed for cleaning. ½-inch groups turned in using the Lapua
The real reason to buy this gun, though, Center-X ammo, and Federal’s Target loads
is that it makes a trip to the shooting provided nearly that level of accuracy. The
range a whole lot of fun. The polymer trigger broke at just under 5 pounds, but
upper and lower keep weight to an there was a bit of creep. (Although, by

PERFORMANCE
LOAD VELOCITY (FPS) ES SD BEST GROUP (IN.) AVG. GROUP (IN.)
Lapua Center-X 40-gr. LRN 1,010 37 11 .59 .75
Federal AutoMatch 40-gr. LRN 1,205 72 28 .66 .82
Aguila SuperExtra 40-gr. LRN 1,117 62 24 .92 1.05
CCI Mini-Mag 36-gr. LRN 1,218 56 22 1.21 1.41
Winchester Super-X 40-gr. LRN 1,135 51 25 1.3 1.43

notes: Accuracy is the average of four, five-shot groups fired from 25 yards using a fixed rest. Velocity results are the
average of 10 shots recorded by a ProChrono digital chronograph placed 10 feet in front of the muzzle.

WINCHESTER M-22 40-GR. PRN

Winchester’s new M22 ammunition is designed specifi-
cally for use in .22-caliber AR platforms. The black-plated
40-grain bullet allows for reliable feeding in standard-capac-
ity mags and reduces barrel fouling. The ammo is loaded
with clean buring powder and features non-corrosive prim-
ing for consistent ignition. If you want to spend less time
cleaning and clearing malfunctions and more time shooting,
pick up a 1,000 bulk pack on your way to the range. $60
62 G&A august 2016
 august 2016 G&A 63

TAKING THE GUESSWORK OUT OF LONG-RANGE SHOOTING

WITH STEYR’S SSG 08 AND U.S. OPTICS’ NEW LR-17.

THE RIGHT TOOLS

W ORDS BY CH RIS M U DG ETT | P HOTOS BY ALFRE DO RICO
64 G&A august 2016 | the riGht tools

Steyr SSG 08
Type: Bolt action
Cartridges: .243, .308 Win., .300 Win.
Mag. (tested), .338 Lapua
Capacity: 8 rds. (.300 Win. Mag.)
Barrel: 23.6 in.
Overall Length: 47.7 in.
Weight: 12 lbs., 2 oz.
Stock: Adjustable, folding
Grip: Modular
Length of Pull: 14.25 in.
Finish: Mannox
Trigger: 3 lbs. (tested), single-stage
Sights: None
Safety: 3+1 position wheel selector
MSRP: $6,000
Manufacturer: Steyr Arms, 205-417-8644 We can attest to steyr Arms’ sub-MoA accuracy guarantee.
steryrarms.com every group was closer to half-minute measurements.

GUNS & AMMO WAS INVITED to attend the first open level of precision at more reasonable distances, those in the 300-
enrollment course at the U.S. Optics Academy. Located in Apple to 800-yard range, where I expected we’d spend the majority of
Valley, California, the facility offers the ability to train and our training time.
engage targets from 100 yards to well beyond 1,500 yards. I set Long-range marksmanship is a rewarding discipline and there
out to find a platform that would get me to that distance in a is a reason why the majority of serious long-range practitioners
chambering that wouldn’t cost me a fortune reload their own ammunition. They are
in ammunition. minimizing variables. The performance of
The .300 Winchester Magnum was my factory-loaded ammunition can vary greatly
cartridge of choice for this course. The .300 in your rifle and from lot to lot. This is one of
Win. Mag. is the blurred line when we need those impossible-to-control elements that can
to increase ahead of the .308 Winchester to wreck a day on the range troubleshooting only
rival long-range monsters such as the .338 to find out the problem is with the ammo.
Lapua or .50 BMG. Fortunately, companies like Black Hills
The recoil of the .300 Win. Mag. is stout Ammunition (BHA) feel the same way we
but manageable in the right rifle, and the do. It ensures consistency in its match-grade
Black hills Ammunition has a
round is very capable of smacking targets at well-earned relationship with top rounds. I spoke with Jeff Hoffman, owner of
the far end of the range. It also offers a high shooting professionals. BHA, who picks up the phone almost as
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66 G&A august 2016 | the riGht tools

Not only is the

stock fully adjust-
able, but it also
folds for easy
transport. the
aluminum hinge is
hard eloxal-coated
and is attached
to the receiver by
four torx screws.
it’s certainly not a
weak point.

G&A reached out to Mike Nischalke of Steyr-Mannlicher, who

is also a former editor of Shooting Times, and he made reference,
albeit under his breath, to “Counter-Strike.” This is a video game
that features the Steyr SSG 08, which is a modern precision rifle
used by several elite European entities to include Einsatzkom-
mando Cobra (or EKO Cobra), Austria’s premier counterterrorism
special operations unit. After explaining the U.S. Optics Acad-
emy’s course requirements, Nischalke agreed to lend us an SSG
08. I say “lend” because the rifle costs $5,995.

Stock The stock on the SSG 08 model is a work of shooting art.

regularly as his customer service operators do — which is all the The engineers at Steyr did their research and worked extensively
time. Hoffman reaffirmed my choice in the .300 Win. Mag. and with intended end users to get it right the first time. The length of
recommended the 210-grain variant, which uses Berger’s VLD pull is completely adjustable by adding or removing sections of
bullet, a low-drag projectile that is resistant to wind deflection. polymer spacers or “blocks,” as Steyr refers to them. The elastomer

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68 G&A august 2016 | the riGht tools

like every feature

on the ssG 08, the
safety wheel is well
designed, tactile
and intuitive to
use. the spring-
loaded tab must
be depressed
before the safety
wheel can be rolled
forward to the fire
position.

the familiar Ar-style pistol grip offers interchangeable rubber

inserts for tuning both front- and backstrap shape and size.

(i.e., rubber) recoil pad is also height adjustable, providing the

shooter with perfect placement within the shoulder pocket.
This is beneficial if the user is wearing body armor, a chest rack
or heavier clothing that puts more distance between the torso
and the ground, allowing the rifle to be ideally mounted to the
body. The cheek piece is vertically and horizontally adjustable
and can be modified on the fly. Laser-etched witness marks are

INSTRUCTOR
SPOTLIGHT
TYLER HUGHES, director of operations and
instructor for Max Ordinate Academy, is a
10-year combat veteran of the U.S. Marine
Corps. He served in both Operation Iraqi
Freedom and Operation Enduring Free-
dom. He completed five tours overseas and
held many billets in the infantry to include
scout-sniper team leader, and scout-sniper
platoon sergeant. His military training and
expertise includes reconnaissance, Infantry
Squad Leaders Course, Close Quarters Battle
Security Instructor Course, Helicopter Rope ton, California, where he was the marksman-
Suspension Techniques Master Course, ship and operations/tactics instructor. Marine
Scout-Sniper Basic Course (where he was the scout/snipers are arguably the best snipers
honor graduate), Scout Sniper Team Leaders in the world. The scout/sniper community is
Course (earning the Top Shooter award), small with few earning the hog’s tooth — a
Urban Sniper Course, Mountain Sniper 168-gr. 7.62mm bullet on 550 cord. Hughes
Course, and Advanced Sniper Course. Before belongs to an even smaller group in the
leaving the military, Hughes was selected to Marine Corps who have completed all scout/
serve as an instructor at the Marine Corps sniper courses and schools. Visit maxordi-
Scout/Sniper School (West) at Camp Pendle- nate.com to start training.
 august 2016 G&A 69

The single-stage trigger is adjustable for

user preference; this sample measured
exactly 3 pounds out of the box with no
creep or overtravel.

The U.S. Optics LR-17 features large

adjustment turrets. The windage knob
can be capped. The reticle is illuminated
for use in reduced light by a three-button
turret ahead of the windage knob.

visible for repeatable comb height, which

can be used to address specific shooting
scenarios. At the rear of the stock is an
adjustable, gravity deployed monopod
that, with a push of a button, extends and
can be minutely adjusted like a screw with
the support hand thumb and forefinger. A
hinge at the front of the stock allows it to
fold to the left, making for easier trans-
portation.
The single-stage trigger is adjustable
from 3 pounds, 8 ounces, to 2 pounds,
and it breaks like a glass rod with no
creep. The detachable double-stack
polymer magazine swallows an incredi-
ble eight rounds of .300 Win. Mag. and
features a unique two-stage magazine
securing system. The first stage locks the
magazine in, but the bolt can be oper-
ated without stripping a round out of the
magazine, allowing us to individually load
rounds by hand while maintaining a full
mag. Pressing the magazine upward again
seats it, making it ready for auto loading.
The action is topped with a 20 MOA
Picatinny rail, on which we mounted a
U.S. Optics LR-17 3.2-17x44mm with an
R&D Precision (RDP)-designed illumi-
nated milliradian (mil) reticle in the first
70 G&A august 2016 | the riGht tools

Picatinny rail sections are easily attached

to the forend, as is steyr Arms’ quick-
release adjustable bipod system.

focal plane (FFP). The RDP reticle features

a fine center crosshair for precise engage-
ment of small targets or extreme distance
shooting. The vertical axis below the hor-
izontal line has a total of 15 mils divided
into half-mil increments. The right and
left sides of the horizontal axis are divided
into 1-mil increments, for a total of 15
mils. A large elevation turret allows for
easy and quick dialing, while the windage
turret can be capped. While at the U.S.
Optics Academy, I learned how to accu-
rately call wind and hold the correction
using the reticle instead of dialing.
The forend allows the user to position
two short pieces of Picatinny rail at 3- and
9 o’clock to conveniently mount laser
rangefinders, visible or infrared (IR) lasers,
or other accessories. Two quick-detach
(QD) sling swivel cups allow for proper
sling placement, also. The .300 Win. Mag.
model carries a 23.6-inch, 1:10 RH twist,
cold-hammer forged heavy barrel that is
free-floated for accuracy.

Bipod When you set an SSG 08 on a

shooting mat or bench with its bipod legs
extended, the rifle loads itself. The bipod
is Steyr’s creation, and there is no doubt
it was designed for rapid deployment. At
extension, the legs align themselves at the
5 o’clock position, instead of the tradi-
tional 6 o’clock arrangement. This means
the rifle’s bipod is already dug in and
leaning forward on setup, allowing us to
slide behind it and prepare to fire. Bipod
loading helps prevent the rifle from mov-
ing around during recoil and adds a level
of consistency to our shooting position,
reducing shooter input. It also allows us to
put our weight against the rifle without it
 the right tools | august 2016 g&A 71

PERFORMANCE
VELOCITY BEST AVERAGE
LOAD (FPS) ES SD GROUP (IN.) GROUP (IN.)
Black Hills 210-gr. OTM 2,805 41 18 .52 .71
Notes: Accuracy is the average of five, three-shot groups fired from 100 yards utilizing
a bipod and monopod. Velocity is the average of five shots measured by a ProChrono.

moving forward. Each bipod leg is adjustable for height and cant.
Steyr Arms guarantees its SSG 08 package will produce sub-
MOA accuracy — and accurate it is.
My best group at 100 yards was .52 inch center to center. This
was the level of accuracy I experienced from the SSG 08 after
firing many groups and concluding my initial performance test- this 10-shot group
was fired during a
ing. It was further proven throughout training at the U.S. Optics stress event: shoot
Academy. one round, run 15
On my initial range trip, I took the time to adjust the stock yards to retrieve
a single round of
to my preferences through trial and error. Going forward, all I ammo, run back to
needed to do was uncase the gun, unfold the bipod legs, press the rifle, load, fire
the monopod button and slide behind the gun. Each time, I and repeat.
found that the SSG 08 fit my body. I used my thumb and fore-
finger to tailor the monopod’s height, placed my crosshairs on pounds, 2 ounces. Equipped with optic, bipod, sling and loaded
the target, pressed the trigger and watched round after round magazine, my setup was pushing 19 pounds.
impact exactly where I wanted them with boring regularity. This All that weight reduced felt recoil and provided a stable,
was completely repeatable. The only variance was how much surefooted rifle. It allowed me to make first-round hits from 200
elevation I dialed or held, and my wind corrections. This rifle yards out to 1,000 yards, with the exception of 800 yards, which
is a bench shooter’s dream. However, it may be a field shooter’s took four shots due to a wild wind that bounced from wall to
nightmare. An empty rifle without the hefty bipod weighs 12 wall as it came through the canyon my class was shooting into.

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72 G&A august 2016 | the riGht tools

the oversize bolt is readily grasped to cycle rounds without tak- the adjustable bipod made shooting from high angle and
ing eyes off target and is easily disassembled for maintenance. uneven, sloped positions steady.

The new U.S. Optics Academy was designed with the purpose The Steyr SSG 08 is a superb choice for use from a fixed firing
of expanding the knowledge and experience with the U.S. Optics position, such as a shooting bench or prone position. Although
scope line. If you purchase a U.S. Optics scope, their instructors the rifle was designed to fold up and be easily transported, the
will teach you how to effectively use it. Students gain a complete weight of the platform is not fun to lug around uncased in the
understanding of their chosen reticle, while gaining an education field. The ergonomics are second to none and rival any custom
or reinforcement of marksmanship fundamentals. No prior train- example currently available. Once the gun is configured to a per-
ing is required to enroll in the Long Range Precision Rifle I son’s body type and preferences, it is quick to set up and fire with
Course, and it is acceptable to show up with another brand of extreme precision at long distances without much shooter input.
optic. For more information, visit usopticsacademy.com. This is one example of a rifle that anyone can shoot well.
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74 G&A august 2016

A bold move from EOTech.

VUDU
Words By Tom Beckstrand | Photos by Mark Fingar

NO SCOPE DEMOGRAPHIC has experienced more change and more detailed and precise than the older wire reticles and are
advancement than variable-power optics. Red dot sights have much more durable. There’s no wire to break, nor is there any
flourished, holographic sights appear to have come and gone, way for the reticle to come loose from its lens.
and fixed-power scopes are dead (unfortunately). Variables dom- The Vudu line also has illuminated reticles in all of their
inate. Nowadays, 1-6X scopes are more common on ARs than scopes. The illumination system EOTech uses is called “etched
any other type of sight, 2.5-10X models sit atop everything from fill.” This system uses a reflective fill that sits in the etched reticle.
hunting rifles to modern scout rifles (“Recce”), and 3.5-18X or Red LED light gets projected across the reticle lens, bathing
greater optics retain solid control over the precision market. everything in light. The light that hits the reflective fill gets
EOTech surprised the firearms industry this year at the 2016 bounced back to the shooter’s eye, illuminating everything that
SHOT Show by entering the variable-power optics market with has the reflective material.
three models in the power ranges listed above. These new scopes The advantage of the etched fill system is that reticles can be
are not cheap, and they appear to target the upper end of the sophisticated and it’s still possible to illuminate them. The 1-6X
optics performance spectrum. It was an unexpected shift in direc- Vudu that I tested had the SR-1 reticle, one of the best designs
tion, but the three scopes that represent EOTech’s opening salvo found in any 1-6X scope. This reticle has a small mil-based cross-
appear to be quality optics worthy of the price they command. hair in the center that is clearly visible at 6X but becomes a tiny
little cross at 1X. Surrounding the center crosshair is a large circle
Mechanical Features The entire Vudu line features etched reti- very similar to the one found in EOTech holographic sights. At
cles, meaning that each is laser-engraved on the lens that carries 6X the circle isn’t visible, but at 1X it surrounds the center of the
it. This is the first indicator of a quality optic. Etched reticles are reticle and is clearly visible.
 VUDU 3.5-18x50mm, $1,630

VUDU 2.5-10x44mm, $1,550

VUDU 1-6x24mm, $1,300

augustttttt
G&A
75
76 G&A august 2016 | vudu

EOTech Vudu 3.5-18x50mm

Power: 3.5-18X
Objective: 50mm
Tube Diameter: 34mm
Elevation Adjustment: .1 mil per click
The etched fill illumination system Windage: .1 mil per click
means that both the center crosshair and Reticle: Horus H59
Length: 14.84 in. 3.5 8X
the large aiming circle that surround it -1 8x50 at 1
H O R U S H59
illuminate when turned on. The downside Weight: 2 lbs., 1 oz.
Eye Relief: 3.7 in.
of the etched fill system is that it’s hard cap takes a few seconds and two hands. A
MSRP: $1,630
to make it daylight visible in all lighting Manufacturer: EOTech small Allen wrench loosens three screws
conditions. A ton of light gets projected at 888-368-4656 on a ring that surrounds the turret screw.
eotechinc.com
the reticle lens and only a small portion Loosen the three screws, spin the ring
of it reflects back to the shooter’s eye, so until two steel stopping pins contact each
to make it truly daylight visible takes a lot of illumination. The other and retighten the small Allen screws that hold the ring. Put
pre-production scopes tested for this article had reticles that were the turret cap back on and hand-tighten the screw head, and the
visible in all but the brightest direct daylight, but EOTech still scope and zero-stop are ready to go.
plans on amping up the circuitry to make them daylight visible in I zeroed the 3.5-18X, set the zero-stop, and then did a tracking
all conditions. test to see if what I dialed on the elevation turret matched what
Each Vudu scope has a simple way to slip both the elevation the bullets were doing to the target. It’s important to perform
and windage turrets to zero once the scope is sighted-in. The tracking tests that span more than 15 MOA or 5 mils because
1-6X uses a cartridge case rim to loosen a center screw that holds manufacturing errors frequently won’t manifest themselves until
the turret cap in place. Once removed, the turret rotates freely the elevation turret has covered a large portion of its range of
and can be reset to zero with no trouble. The 2.5-10X and the motion. I tested tracking through 10 mils of elevation travel from
3.5-18X are even easier: The screw heads are the same diameter the rifle’s zero. I had no bias in either the test rifle’s receiver or in
as the turret, so bare hands are enough to remove the screws to the mount. I ran out of target board at 10 mils, but that’s enough
adjust the turret caps. elevation adjustment to get a .308 Win. out past 1,000 yards at
Setting the zero-stop requires an Allen wrench, but it is still close to sea level.
a simple process. Once the scope is zeroed, removing the turret The Vudu tracked perfectly across the 10 mils that I tested.

The turrets can

be removed
and zeroed
without the use
of any tools.

The battery
compartment
sits atop the
side focus knob
on the 3.5-18X.

The High
density glass
has excellent
contrast and
resolution.
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 78 G&A august 2016 | vudu

EOTech Vudu 2.5-10x44mm

Power: 2.5-10X
Objective: 44mm
Tube Diameter: 30mm
I fired one round at the target at each
Elevation Adjustment: .1 mil per click
ascending mil until I hit 10, and then Windage: .1 mil per click
I fired another shot at each descending Reticle: MD2-MOA
2.5
mil until I was back to zero. Most of the Length: 14.06 in. -10 0X
x44 t1
M D2-M O A a
time the two rounds were touching, and Weight: 1 lb., 11 oz.
Eye Relief: 3.7 in.
in all cases the elevation for both rounds (how much light divides into the color
MSRP: $1,550
were exactly where they should be. Other Manufacturer: EOTech spectrum). This glass is heavy and hard
scopes I’ve tested in this price range 888-368-4656 for the manufacturer to work with, but
eotechinc.com
frequently struggle with this test, but the performance gains make it worth the
EOTech aced it. effort. These two Vudu scopes are also
the first time the market has had access to this type of glass in a
Optical Performance The Vudu 2.5-10X and 3.5-18X have what scope priced this low.
EOTech describes as “XC High-Density glass.” That is significant I tested the 3.5-18X Vudu alongside a scope that costs over
when discussing image quality for any scope. High-Density (HD) twice as much and has a reputation for excellent image qual-
glass contains additional elements that greatly reduce dispersion ity. Although there was a difference in the field of view (the

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80 G&A august 2016 | vudu

EOTech Vudu 1-6x24mm

Power: 1-6X
Objective: 24mm
Tube Diameter: 30mm
other scope had a 56mm objective lens
Elevation Adjustment: .1 mil per click
compared to the 50mm of the Vudu), I Windage: .1 mil per click
struggled to see any difference in image Reticle: SR-1 1- 6 x
2 4 S R -1 a t 1 X
quality. I conducted this informal test in Length: 10.63 in.
bright daylight and both scopes exhibited Weight: 1 lb., 4 oz. the price of admission and is much more
Eye Relief: 3.5 in.
similar performance for resolution and than just marketing jive. The longer focal
MSRP: $1,300
contrast, never mind the significant differ- Manufacturer: EOTech length (the distance from the turrets to the
ence in price. 888-368-4656 objective lens) indicates some sound engi-
eotechinc.com
I also checked the side-focus capability neering and a desire to maximize perfor-
of the 3.5-18X Vudu. Of the three new mance without driving up the price.
scopes, it is the only one with this feature. I was able to remove While the Vudu line isn’t the cheapest option among existing
all parallax from the scope on targets out to about 600 yards; magnified optics, it carries a lot of performance and features for
beyond that, any adjustments had little effect. the money. Investing in a brand-new product can be intimidating,
I attribute the Vudu’s fantastic optical performance to the HD but the Vudu appears to be an excellent value that is backed by a
glass and the longer focal length. The HD glass is definitely worth lifetime warranty.
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 82 G&A august 2016

COLT’S
1903
HAMMERLESS
John Browning’s superb
.32/.380 Model M pistol
was a big hit with
filmmakers, civilians,
the military and desperados
— just about anyone
who ever used it, in fact.
words by garry james | photos by jill marlow
LEAD PHOTO: MICHAEL ANSCHUETZ
 august 2016 G&A 83

The Colt 1903 was

easily blanked up
for movies and
looked great. (far
left) Rick Blaine
(Humphrey Bog-
art) trains his pistol
on Captain Louis
Renault (Claude
Raines) in “Casa-
blanca” (1942).
Colt’s 1903 Pocket
Hammerless was
popular in all
strata of society as
witnessed here by
author Mark Twain
(center left) bran-
dishing his 1903.
George S. Patton
(center right) in his
inimitable style,
had the grip of
his Hammerless
emblazoned with
three stars of a
lieutenant general.
Notorious bank
robber John
Dillinger (right)
favored a Colt
Hammerless. It
is said Dillinger
was carrying a
.380 when he was
shot down at the
Biograph Theater
in Chicago in 1934.
 84 G&A a u g u s t 2 0 1 6 | c o lt ‘ s 1 9 0 3 h A m m e r l e s s

the .380 version of the 1903 appeared

in 1908, hence it is known as the model
1908, though this was never an official colt
designation. externally, it’s a ringer for
the .32. Basically, both pistols were simply
called “colt Automatic Pistol Pocket model,
hammerless.”

markings on the .380 (left) were

somewhat different than those
on the .32 (right, next page),
but there was no question either
pistol was made by colt.

THROUGHOUT ITS 42-YEAR production career, one of John While by today’s standards Colt’s all-steel Pocket Hammerless
Browning’s most enduring automatic pistol designs has been might seem a bit large and hefty for a pistol chambered in .32 or
referred to as many things — the Model 1903, Model 1908, .380, during its heyday it was considered to be both handy and
Model M (the factory frame designation), Pocket Hammerless effective, even when pitted against such world standards as the
and General Officer’s Pistol, to mention the most often used. It 1910 Browning and the line of Walther PPS and PPKs.
was reliable, easy to carry and easy to draw. Over 700,000 were When referring to the pistol generically, I’ll use the terms
built and sold between 1903 and 1945. “Pocket Hammerless” or “Model M,” and when talking about

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 c o lt ‘ s 1 9 0 3 h a m m e r l e s s | a u g u s t 2 0 1 6 G&a 85

the 1903 colt is one of the world’s great

pocket pistols. over 700,000 were made
in .32 (shown) and .380 between 1905 and
1945. this one was built in 1920.

the .32 we’ll call it the Model 1903 and the .380, Model 1908. by that firm. As well as Browning’s initial pistol, it was the first
(Although the latter is not technically an official designation.) semiautomatic pistol to have a slide and to be chambered for
Despite its early introduction date, the Model M was not the the 7.65mm (.32 ACP) round. Today the 7.65 is not considered
first of Browning’s pocket pieces. His premier piece, a great pistol much of a stopper, but when it appeared, it was highly regarded.
in its own right, was the Belgian-made Model 1900 FN Brown- It was popular enough to allow the 1900 to be initially adopted
ing. Based on his 1897 patents, the gun was slightly tweaked by by the Belgian government and to be chambered in scads of
Fabrique Nationale’s designers and then successfully peddled European, American and Asian handguns. The 1900 proved to be

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86 G&A a u g u s t 2 0 1 6 | c o lt ‘ s 1 9 0 3 h A m m e r l e s s

While a good number of 1903s

were lend-leased to the British
in World War II, the Brits also
bought a number in 1921
because of the difficulties in
Ireland.

thousands of .32-caliber 1903s

were purchased by the U.s.
military in World War II and
used for a variety of purposes.
they were generally Parkerized
and had U.s. ownership marks.
this one was made in 1942.

Above: this particular example,

though it has a World War II-vintage
suncorite finish, exhibits all of the
proper British proofs and government
marks for the period. It is also dated so highly regarded that it was retained in FN’s catalog for about a
“4.21.” colt pockets were popular dozen years, with some 700,000 being produced.
with many militaries and police.
Though Colt had made its reputation on revolvers, just before
the turn of the 20th century, company executives realized the
auto pistol was going to be important and began looking at
designs and chumming up with promising inventors — includ-
ing John Browning.
In 1900, Colt came out with its first auto pistol, a recoil-oper-
ated repeater chambered in a rimless .38 cartridge. The company
tried to interest the U.S. government in the piece, but it had
some flaws and the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy purchased only
the 7.65mm (.32 AcP) spanish
about 250. Production ceased after 3,500 were made.
“ruby,” of which thousands Undaunted, Browning refined his design and a new pistol
were built for military and appeared, the 1902 (Sporting) Automatic Pistol, also in .38
civilian use by several makers
during and after World War I,
Rimless. Still, it left something to be desired, so Colt/Browning
was based on the colt 1903. reworked the ’02 Commercial into the Model 1902 (Military)
Automatic Pistol. Though receiving lukewarm interest from the
military, the gun became a good seller with the general public
and 47,100 were manufactured from 1902 to 1929.
It was decided that an attenuated version of the 1902 could be
88 G&A a u g u s t 2 0 1 6 | c o lt ‘ s 1 9 0 3 h A m m e r l e s s

Depending upon when a model 1903/08 was made, different grips of hard rubber and/
or checkered walnut were standard issue. exotics, such as ivory or pearl, could be
special ordered.

marketed as a pocket pistol, so a year later

the Model 1903 (Hammer) auto appeared.
Also chambered in .38 Rimless, this seven
shooter, at 31 ounces, was not particu-
larly light weight, and as it was really not
much more than a bobbed version of the
boxy full-size service pistol, its advantages
as a hideout gun were somewhat com-
promised. It did have the advantage of a the 1903 safety/
reasonably effective chambering, however. slide hold-open
lever was well
That same year, Colt brought out a serious competitor to its placed and easy
exposed-hammer hideout pistol, the “Pocket Model, Hammer- to flick on and off
less.” This superb, sleek little .32 eight-shot blowback became an with the thumb
of the right hand.
instant hit. Though touted as “hammerless,” the pistol actually the pistol also had
employed an internal hammer in the frame, which struck a firing a grip safety and,
pin on the roof of the slide. Weighing almost 10 ounces less than in later versions, a
magazine safety.
the 1903 (Hammer), it was compact (5 inches overall) and had
rounded edges that made it easy to tote, draw and manipulate.
The pistol had both a grip safety and manual safety catch/
slide hold-open. The magazine employed a heel catch and sights
were simple — a fixed front rounded blade and drift-adjustable
notch rear. Standard finishes were either blue or nickel, and grips
were of hard rubber emblazoned with a rampant colt, checkered
walnut being offered later on.
The barrel length was originally 4 inches, but this was altered
to 3½ inches in 1908. In fact, over its lifetime, the Pocket Ham-
merless experienced a number of changes, now recognized by
collectors as five distinct sub-variations.
Type I (up to 1908) had a separate barrel bushing and a sights were basic:
a drift-adjustable
4-inch barrel. Type II (1908 to 1910) retained the separate barrel notch rear and a
bushing but had a 3½-inch barrel and .380 chambering was fixed blade front.
introduced. Type III (1910-1926) introduced the integral barrel
bushing. Type IV added a magazine safety. Type V were World
War II-vintage pistols, the majority of which were Parkerized.
90 G&A a u g u s t 2 0 1 6 | c o lt ‘ s 1 9 0 3 h A m m e r l e s s

though termed a
“hammerless,” the
1903 has an internal
hammer, which
strikes a firing pin
when the trigger is
pulled. the rearward
movement of the
slide cocks it.

The 1903 had the advantages of simplicity, easy

disassembly and extreme reliability. Perhaps its only
drawback was the rather anemic .32 ACP chamber-
ing. This was corrected in 1908 when Colt offered
the gun in the more powerful .380 ACP round, a
cartridge specifically developed by John Browning for
this pistol. Curiously, the .32 remained the more pop-
ular of the two, and more than twice as many 1903s the model m was first cham-
would eventually be made than 1908s. The .380 bered in .32 AcP (above left)
and later in .380 AcP (above
magazine held seven rounds, one round less than the right). Both rounds were
1903 magazine, and perhaps this is one reason for its designed by John Browning.
lesser interest.
The Pocket Hammerless was a prepossessing little arm, and it
was immediately recognized that it would provide a superlative
canvas for some of Colt’s artisans. Over its career, many highly
embellished examples of the pistol were produced, with fancy
engraving and finishes, gold inlay and exotic grip material being
shown to excellent advantage.
Civilian sales for the pistols were brisk, though some law
enforcement agencies also procured them. Two of the Pocket
Hammerless model’s more ardent admirers were the gangster Al
Capone and the bank robber John Dillinger. Because it was so
photogenic and easy to convert for shooting blanks, the pistol
was featured in scores of movies.
Too, the Pocket Hammerless’ charms were not lost on the
military. As early as World War I, the British purchased several
thousand from Colt, following this procurement with another
batch in 1921 because of the troubles in Ireland. Thousands were
also lend-leased to the UK during World War II. Officially and
 august 2016 G&A 91

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The Colt 1903/1908 is possessed of a heel

magazine catch [1]. Takedown is simple.
One first checks and makes sure the
pistol is unloaded. The magazine is then
removed [2] and the slide moved to the
rear about 1 inch (as shown some models
had marks to indicate proper distance) [3].
The barrel is then rotated counterclock-
wise [4], and the slide moved forward off
the frame [5]. The barrel and guiderod/ Made In

spring assembly are then removed [6], [7].

Reassembly is in the reverse order. The U.S.A. Windham Weaponry, Inc. / 999 Roosevelt Trail / Windham, Maine 04062
92 G&A a u g u s t 2 0 1 6 | c o lt ‘ s 1 9 0 3 h A m m e r l e s s

the author found the new General

officer’s Pistol, like the originals, to be
a sweet shooter. reliability was superb
and groups were quite good. Colt 1903 General Officer’s Pistol
Type: Blowback operated,
semiautomatic
Cartridge: .32 ACP
Capacity: 8+1 rds.
Barrel: 3.75 in.
Overall Length: 6.5 in.
Weight: 1 lb., 8 oz.
Grips: Walnut, checkered,
gold medallion
Finish: Parkerized
Trigger: 6 lbs., 9 oz. (tested)
Sights: Fixed blade (front);
drift adj. U-Notch (rear)
MSRP: $1,395
Manufacturer: U.S. Armament Corp.
717-721-4570
usarmamentcorp.com

COLT 1903 HAMMERLESS GENERAL OFFICER’S PISTOL

FOR THOSE WHO LAMENT the demise of to thwart any nefarious characters who well-known owners, such as Dwight D.
the Colt Pocket Hammerless in 1945, salva- might try to pass one of these pistols off as Eisenhower and George S. Patton, will be
tion is at hand. U.S. Armament Corp., here- the real article. Each one of these pistols donated to select firearms advocacy organi-
tofore probably best known for its superb will be accompanied with particulars of zations to be sold at auction as fundraisers.
copy of the .45-70 Colt Bulldog Gatling Gun, the general. Guns with the serials of more The author had a chance to give one of
has come to the rescue and is now these pistols a good going over.
producing, under license to Colt, It is superbly built, certainly up
what they term the Colt Model 1903 to the standard of the original,
“General Officer’s Pistol.” and shoots like a dream. Offhand,
A ringer for the original, this 25-foot groups using Remington
beautifully crafted little .32 is a 71-grain FMJ ammunition hit
faithful rendering of a parkerized about 2½ inches above the point
World War II-vintage U.S. issue of aim and provided regular 2½-
Model M. The barrel measures to 2¾- inch groups with a best
3¾ inches, weight is 24 ounces five-shot string coming in at 1½
(unloaded), overall length 6½ markings on the new 1903 inches — just about the same as I
inches and sights a simple drift-ad- (below) are virtually identical can manage with my 1942-vintage
justable rear and fixed rounded to the original’s (above) with Parked government issue 1903.
blade front. Magazine capacity is the exception of a special All in all, the U.S. Armament
eight rounds. “GoP” prefixed serial number.
Grips are checkered walnut, dec-
orated with gold Colt escutcheons
— the only departure from the
wartime pistol, which had silver
escutcheons. This has been done
purposely so that one can tell at a
glance that they’re encountering
one of the new 1903 incarnations.
The General Officer’s Pistol licensed by colt, U.s. Arma-
comes wrapped in period-style ment’s new 1903 “hammer-
brown waxed paper, packed in a less” General officer’s Pocket
plain brown cardboard box with a Pistol — with the exception of the U.s. Armament 1903
copy of the original Colt instruc- its gold grip escutcheon — is comes wrapped in waxed
tions. The serial number range has a ringer for an original U.s.-is- paper in a plain cardboard
a special “GOP” prefix. sue .32 (above). box, like the originals.
Some 3,500 of these nouveau
1903s will be made —
1,500 Parkerized, 1,500 PERFORMANCE (.32 ACP) 1903 is a more than creditable
blued, and a special run of recreation.
VELOCITY BEST AVERAGE
500 specially marked with LOAD (FPS) ES SD GROUP (IN.) GROUP (IN.)
The suggested retail price of the
the serial numbers of guns General Officer’s Pistol is $1,395.
originally issued to actual Prvi Partizan 71-gr. FMJ 864 55 21 2.3 3.03 It is currently available from
generals, retaining the Notes: Accuracy is the average of five, five-shot groups fired at 25 yards from a sand- Midwest Gun Exchange (574-257-
“GOP” prefix, of course, bag rest. Velocity is the average of five shots recorded by an Oehler 35P chronograph. 0020; midwestgunexchange.com).
 c o lt ‘ s 1 9 0 3 h a m m e r l e s s | a u g u s t 2 0 1 6 G&a 93

unofficially, the Model M found itself in the hands of military sor, the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) between January 1942
men the world over. Japanese officers were particularly fond of and December 1945. The guns were stamped “U.S. PROPERTY”
the little pistol, and many were purchased through officers’ clubs. on the right side of their frames. A Parkerized finish was com-
Rather back-handedly, the Pocket Hammerless had a somewhat mon, though some were also issued blued. Other than that, the
larger participation in the Great War than might be expected, as pistols were much the same as one would purchase off a dealer’s
Browning’s design was adopted by Spanish makers as early as shelf, standard markings and checkered walnut grips.
1914 and incorporated into thousands of 7.65mm pistols, known In 1944, it was decided that the Pocket Hammerless in .380
generically as “Ruby” after one of the companies’ — Gabilondo would make an apt general officer’s pistol, and it soon began to
y Uresti — brand name. Thinly-disguised 1903 copies were also be issued. Probably the two most famous examples are the ones
made in China and Japan. issued to Dwight D. Eisenhower and George S. Patton.
While foreign purchases and knock-offs accounted for much A special holster/belt rig was designed for the “General Officer’s
military employment of the Pocket Hammerless, during World Pistol.” Initially, it consisted of a brown leather belt finished off
War II the U.S. military made copious use of the handy little pis- with a gold-plated, round locket-style buckle decorated with
tol. Some 20,000 in both .32 and .380 were issued to specialized laurel leaves and an American eagle. The holster was a simple
personnel and various agencies — most notably the CIA’s precur- utilitarian-style with a retaining strap secured by a snap. There
94 G&A a u g u s t 2 0 1 6 | c o lt ‘ s 1 9 0 3 h A m m e r l e s s

the key to
the popularity
of the 1903
was its sleek
silhouette and the 1903 provided an excel-
mechanical lent platform for embellish-
simplicity. ment as witnessed by this
special-order engraved exam-
ple with pearl grips. Photo
courtesy of James D. Julia, Inc.

was also a double magazine pouch. In 1950, the setup, as a con-

figuration remaining essentially the same, had its color changed
to black.
The Model M in .380 was issued to generals until the supply
ran out in 1950, after which time .32s were substituted until the
As well as the 1903 hammerless, Pocket Hammerless was finally replaced all together in 1972 by
colt offered a model 1903 Pocket the .45-caliber Rock Island M-15.
hammer model. Also designed by Officially, production ceased in 1945, though guns were
John Browning, it was based on the
earlier model 1900 auto pistol and available for a time until supplies ran out. But that, as they say, is
was entirely different than the ham- not the end of the story. The Pocket Hammerless lives on in U.S.
merless. caliber was .38 AcP. Photo Armament’s recently introduced 1903. Colt has officially licensed
courtesy of James D. Julia, Inc.
the design for manufacture once again.
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96 G & A a u g u s t 2 0 1 6

PROOFHOUSE Barrett REC7 GEN II DI

EMBRACING DIRECT IMPINGEMENT

THE BARRETT NAME is synonymous with .50-caliber The most easily quantifiable measure of any rifle is the
rifles and long-range precision. The past several years accuracy, and the barrel accounts for 80 percent of the
have significantly broadened the Barrett product line, see- accuracy. The test REC7 Gen II DI rifle had an excellent bar-
ing additions in multi-caliber and AR-pattern piston-driven rel, and accuracy reflected. Only one type of ammunition
rifles. The latest Barrett development is an AR-pattern had an average group greater than 1 inch for five shots at
rifle more in tune with the original Eugene Stoner design, 100 yards, with three turning in best groups under 1 inch.
the REC7 Gen II DI. It’s no secret how Barrett achieved this level of accu-
The “DI” stands for direct impingement. Gas flows racy out of a direct impingement AR. This type of rifle has
through a port in the top of the barrel, down the gas tube been around for a long time, and savvy manufacturers
and into the upper receiver where it cycles the bolt carrier know how to make them perform. Barrett uses a match
group. While the basic design goes all the way back to barrel that has an almost-heavy barrel contour from
the late 1950s, the REC7 Gen II DI incorporates modern the gas block back to the receiver. This portion of the
touches and materials that make it an ideal hard use/gen- barrel sits under the handguard, so some disassembly is
eral purpose or designated marksman rifle. required to examine it.
 august 2016 G&A 97

PHOTOS: MARK FINGAR

The gas block
has a threaded
nut that holds it
in place, making
removal faster and
easier than more
traditional pinned
designs.

The handguard
attaches to the
barrel nut with two
threaded bolts. The
barrel nut does not
have teeth through
which the gas tube
must pass, so it
doesn’t need to be
timed.

The entire bolt car-

rier group has been
coated in nickel
boron. This finish
cuts dependency
on oil for reliable
operation and has
excellent corrosion
resistance.

Barrett REC7 GEN II DI

Type: Direct impingement,
semiautomatic
Cartridge: 5.56 NATO
Capacity: 20 or 30 rds.
Barrel: 18 in., 1:7-in. twist
Overall Length: 34.25 in. (collapsed);
37.5 in. (extended)
Weight: 7 lbs., 8 oz.
Stock: Magpul CTR
Grip: Magpul MOE
Length of Pull: 10.25 in. (collapsed);
13.5 in. (extended)
Finish: Cerakote
Trigger: ALG Defense ACT
Sights: None
Safety: Two-position selector
MSRP: $1,900
Manufacturer: Barrett Firearms,
615-896-2938, barrett.net
98 G&A august 2016 | BArrett reC7 GeN II DI

Barrett’s muzzlebrake in unobtrusive and effective. The two-port

design is loud but it’s not punishing.

The handguard has the KeyMod attachment system that offers mount-
ing options without the sharp and uncomfortable edges to grip.

Barrett went with a mid-weight contour for the barrel

forward of the gas block. This saves a few ounces, while
retaining all the performance
that comes with quality heavy
barrels. The chamber work
for the REC7 Gen II DI is
done in-house by Barrett
to ensure it conforms to
their specs. If 80 percent of
a rifle’s accuracy is the barrel, half
of that comes from good chamber work. The
accuracy results on this rifle indicate Barrett also
does excellent chamber work.
The match barrel Barrett uses has
a 1:7-inch twist rate, so even the
heaviest bullets will stabilize. This
twist rate is a good choice when
shooting long-range with either
5.56 NATO and .223 Remington. The
18-inch stainless barrel has a rifle-length gas system.
Gas system length is important because it dictates
how fast the bolt cycles. Always shoot the longest
gas system that works reliably on the rifle. Long
gas systems operate at lower pressures, so bolts
move slower and, as a result, last longer. This
is especially true when attaching a suppres-
sor to a DI rifle. Suppressors create addi-
tional pressure on DI guns that increase
bolt velocity. Rifles that see regular suppressor
 Barrett reC7 GeN II DI | august 2016 G&a 99

The Magpul
MOE
grip is a
simple and
effective
selection.

The Magpul triggerguard fills in the gap between the frontstrap and the
triggerguard. This makes a day at the range much more comfortable. The Magpul
MOE stock
has
use and high round counts should avoid carbine-length multiple
sling
systems and always try for mid-length or rifle-length. attachment
Unique to this Barrett is a gas block that is user main- points and
tainable. Most gas blocks are held in place with pins or set minimizes
bulk.
screws. Putting them in place isn’t difficult, but removing
them can be. It’s important the block doesn’t leak or move
once installed.
Barrett’s gas block indexes on a cut in the barrel, ensuring
the gas port is lined up, and then a threaded nut holds the
gas block in place. Semipermanent epoxy can be used to
ensure the nut doesn’t loosen. The advantage of the Barrett
 100 G&A august 2016 | BArrett reC7 GeN II DI

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design is that the gas block can easily be removed for

gas tube maintenance. While gas blocks rarely have any
problems, gas tubes can burn through (on automatic fire)
or wear to the point of leaking gas where the gas tube con-
tacts the carrier key in the upper receiver. Replacing the gas
tube is easier when it can be removed with the gas block.
The REC7 Gen II DI comes with a free-floated barrel
and 15-inch handguard. The first step in building an
accurate AR-pattern rifle is to free-float the barrel and
ensure the handguard makes no contact with it. Barrett’s
rifle teams their excellent barrel with an octagonal hand-
guard that gives the shooter plenty of room for support
hand placement and any other accessories they might
need. Barrett uses the KeyMod attachment system on
the forend, a method much easier on the hands than
traditional Picatinny rails.
The handguard attaches to the upper receiver by
fitting over a large and long barrel nut that has two
grooves machined into it. The grooves allow two screws
to pass through the bottom of the handguard and, once
tightened, provide adequate tension to attach the hand-
guard to the rifle. It is a simple design that lets the owner
easily remove the handguard for maintenance.
The bolt and entire bolt carrier group have been fin-
ished in nickel boron, a hard and slick finish. AR-pattern
rifles push hot gas into the upper receiver that can dis-
place lubricants after several hundred rounds. Having a
hard finish that also has a high lubricity coefficient means
 august 2016 G&A 101

that the rifle will reliably run longer.

The tough nickel boron finish is
also more resistant to the carbon that
forms around the bolt’s tail. Deposits
that form over several hundred rounds
can be difficult to remove without a
lot of scraping. The nickel boron is
naturally slick, so carbon deposits
have a harder time sticking to it and
are easier to remove.
The REC7 Gen II DI has another
tough finish — Cerakote — over the
upper and lower receivers and the
handguard. Cerakote is a much better
finish than anodizing because it is
harder to scratch (it puts a protective
ceramic coating over the rifle), and it
doesn’t absorb oil. Anodizing holds
oil, so dust will stick to it. While it
doesn’t affect the function of the rifle,
dirty rifles get everything that touches
them dirty.
Cerakote also gives the owner color
options. The cosmetic debate over *Round-barrel models only .38/.357 MAG. .44 MAG. .45 COLT .454 CASULL*
rifle color centers around opinion, but
the fact remains that lighter colored
rifles don’t get as hot when left in the
sun. A black rifle left in the sun for a HARD WORK REAPS GREAT REWARDS.
BEAUTIFULLY AUTHENTIC AESTHETICS MATED WITH
couple of hours can be uncomfort-
MODERN ENGINEERING, FOR A RIFLE THAT WORKS
able to shoot. The REC7 Gen II DI is
HARD AND LOOKS GREAT DOING SO. 20" AND 24"
available in five colors including black,
OCTAGON-BARREL MODELS AVAILABLE IN BLUE,
three of which are light enough to CASE-HARDENED, OR STAINLESS, WHILE 16" AND 20"
remain cool in sunlight. The rifle we ROUND-BARREL MODELS ARE FINISHED IN BLUE OR
tested wears Flat Dark Earth (FDE). STAINLESS. PICK ONE UP AT YOUR ROSSI DEALER
Magpul furniture is also standard TODAY AND GET THE JOB DONE RIGHT.
for the REC7 Gen II DI. The rifle ships
with the Magpul CTR stock, MOE grip
and an MOE triggerguard. Both the
SAFETY NOTE: Always wear ear and eye
stock and the grip are simple designs protection when shooting firearms.
that function well, while retaining no (Images shown are for marketing purposes only and
are not intended as safe firearm handling examples.)
excessive bulk or weight. The trigger-
guard is a small part, but it does the
critical job of filling the gap normally
found just forward of the frontstrap CARBON FIBER 1000 YARD
and behind the triggerguard. That
gap, if left open, can peel the skin off
BARRELS PHONE 561 5848500 ACCURACY
the side of the middle finger after a THS
GUNSEMUIP TO
hard day at the range. The REC7 Gen
II DI won’t have that problem.
This latest Barrett rifle tips the
SAV

20% 40% WEIGHT

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OR
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DETA
scales at 7½ pounds and is an excel- .308, 6.5 CM
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lent example of a high-quality general
Carbon Fiber Wrapped Stainless Steel Barrels AR10/15
purpose AR. It has every essential and
meaningful upgrade that we expect to
find without any unnecessary compli- THE ONLY CARBON FIBER-WRAPPED BARREL IN USE BY THE U.S. MILITARY
cation or expense. www.ProofBarrels.com
102 G & A a u g u s t 2 0 1 6

G&A ALMANAC

AIRING THE
WEEK OF television

5 THINGS 2016

TO CHECK 27
IN YOUR JUNE

CONCEALED This week Guns & Ammo TV highlight revolvers and

Patrick Sweeney takes a close inspection of Kimber’s
CARRY AMMO new double-action K6s wheelgun.

Those who are devoted to the concealed carry lifestyle spend

hours training and inspecting holsters and firearms. How many take
2016
time to inspect ammunition? G&A handgun editor Patrick Sweeney
walks us through five considerations we need to be aware of when
inspecting our concealed carry ammo.
4
JULY
Check it out at gunsandammo.com/carry-ammo-check
Smith & Wesson’s iconic Model 41 was the gold stan-
dard when it came to .22 pistols, and that tradition
continues with the new SW22 Victory model.

FIND THE CURRENT ISSUES OF OUR OTHER

FAVORITE MAGAZINES ON NEWSSTANDS:
2016

11JULY
SIG Sauer‘s MPX 9mm is a headliner this week. G&A
editors go through its features in the “At The Range”
segment.

2016
SHOOTING TIMES HANDGUNS FIREARMS NEWS
• On the Cheap:
T/C’s new $399 Bolt Action
• Revised: Kimber Stainless II
• Everyday Carry Essentials
• Daniel Defense’s new Integrally
Suppressed ISR
18JULY
• Shooting Sticks 101 • Americanized: Walther PPS • Stamped Subgun Shootout
$4.99 (U.S.) $4.99 (U.S.) $3.99 (U.S.) Hornady raised the bar on long-range rifle bullet
accuracy, using Doplar Radar in developing its ELD
and ELD-X line. Watch and find out how.

CALL 2016
800-260-6397
OR VISIT 25JULY
outdoorsg.com
TO ORDER NOW! G&A reviews a new shotgun accessory kit from Black-
hawk that converts a pump-action field gun to one
that’s dressed for personal defense.
SHOOT 101 PETERSEN’S HUNTING
• 20 Must-Read Shooting Tips • Crossbow Buyer’s Guide AIR Monday 1:00 p.m.
• A Look at Hoppe’s Gun Medic • Build A Mobile Hunting Camp TIMES Monday 6:00 p.m.
• The Ultimate Rimfire • Muzzleloading: Chasing ARE Tuesday 12:00 a.m.
$8.99 (U.S.) Antelope EASTERN Thursday 2:00 p.m.
$4.99 (U.S.)
104 G & A august 2016

SPENT CASES

‘THE STAND’
LT. FRANK LUKE JR. was the first airman to receive the airplane and crawled 50 yards down to a creek for cover.
Medal of Honor. He was an American fighter ace, ranking German infantry tracked him down and demanded his sur-
second only to Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker in number of aerial render. Luke responded by drawing his Colt Model 1911
victories with 18. Luke successfully brought down 14 heavily from its holster and fired at his enemies before succumb-
defended German observation balloons and four airplanes in ing to his wound moments later. Reports that his body was
just 10 sorties between Sept. 12 and Sept. 29, 1918. found the next day with an empty pistol and seven dead
In the late afternoon of Sept. 29, Luke took out two Germans around him became the source of legend and
German ballons near Murvaux, France, during the first controversy. However, the last great mystery of World War I
phase of the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. The weather was was solved by author Stephen Skinner who spent 15 years
ILLUSTRATION: RUSSELL SMITH

poor and a low ceiling of cloud cover kept Luke near the investigating the site and interviewing witnesses. Skinner’s
ground as he flew. After circling the village and turning findings were published in his book “The Stand: The Final
back toward the Allied lines, he was struck in the upper Flight of Lt. Frank Luke, Jr.”
right chest by anti-aircraft fire. Immediately, Luke landed The SPAD XIII flown by Luke is one of five surviving
the SPAD XIII in a field next to the Cote St. Germain, a hill examples and is on display at Phoenix’s Sky Harbor airport.
west of Murvaux. Luke managed to struggle free of the The plane retains 80 percent of its original parts.
 NEVER COMPROMISE
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 Kimber Micro .380 & Micro 9mm.
light. compact. powerful.

The Micro and Micro 9 families put

power and Kimber dependability
in a classic, compact package.
Additional .380 models join the
Micro CDP with features to meet
any need or aesthetic.

Starting at 13.4 oz., Micro

pistols feature a thumb
safety, smooth single action
trigger and are Lasergrip
compatible.

The Micro CDP ofers Kimber

3-dot tritium night sights,
Carry Melt™ treatment on
frame and slide, and front
strap checkering.

New for 2016, the Micro

Stainless 9mm takes
compact and powerful
to the next level. With 6
round or extended 7 round
magazines, Micro 9 sets the
bar for classic, compact and
elegant protection.

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(888) 243-4522
MADE IN A MERIC A WHAT ALL GUNS SHOULD BE kimberamerica.com

©2016, Kimber Mfg., Inc. All rights reserved. Information and specifcations are for reference only and subject to change without notice.