American Rifleman 2018-04 by Manuel Adrian Galindo Yañez

TOP PICKS: 2018 GOLDEN BULLSEYE AWARDS April 2018

The World’s Oldest And Largest Firearm Authority

SIG SAUER MICRO-COMPACT P365

Official Journal of the National Rifle Association AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

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OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA 132nd Year of Publication

Contents APRIL 2018 VOLUME 166, NO. 4

NRA

EXPERTS IN THE FIELD

features

Photo courtesy of Blackhawk

The NRA, the foremost guardian of the traditional American right to “keep and bear arms,” believes every law-abiding citizen is entitled to the ownership and legal use of firearms, and that every reputable gun owner should be an NRA Member.

Firearm Preemption Laws Protect Our Rights. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 18 Chris W. Cox

Without state firearm preemption laws, city and county ordinances would create legal traps for law-abiding gun owners.

No Compromise Necessary? SIG’s P365 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 48 Joe Kurtenbach

The SIG Sauer P365 changes the rules when it comes to how many on-board rounds of ammunition a micro-compact pistol can carry.

Build Your Own Precision Bolt-Action Rifle .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 52 Brian C. Sheetz

It used to be that a precision bolt-action had to be custom-ordered, but these days it is a legitimate DIY proposition—one that can be deeply rewarding.

Colts In The Cockpit .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 58 Anthony Vanderlinden & Luke Mercaldo

Think the idea of arming pilots is new? Think again. Every time you board a plane, you trust the pilots with your life. There was a time that pilots trusted the Colt Pocket Hammerless.

Blackhawk Suppressors: All Kinds Of Quiet .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 62 Kelly Young

Comprised of seven very different models, each filling a specific role, Blackhawk’s new line of sound suppressors is ready to meet virtually any need.

2018 NRA Golden Bullseye Awards .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 72

MEMBER PROGRAMS: (800) 672-3888

Illustration by David Labrozzi

Photo courtesy of A. Vanderlinden

Now in its 16th year, the NRA Publications Division’s Golden Bullseye Awards represent the best in innovation and value within the firearm industry.

Photo by Forrest MacCormack

Photo by Layne Simpson

Staff Report

A M ERICA REMEMBERS ® P RES ENT S

COWBOYS OF THE WILD WEST TRIBUTE RIFLE For many of us, there is nothing more American than the iconic image of a cowboy on horseback, wide-brimmed hat pulled tight, sitting tall in the saddle against the endless expanse of the open plains. That picture embodies the very spirit that defines our nation – a spirit of freedom and independence, as well as the opportunity to set our own course for the duration of our lives. Q The The heroic cowboys of the wild frontier captured our imagination in books, and as the subject of many of receiver our favorite television shows and movies. We thrilled to their tales of action and adventure. We envied their is polished independence and rugged self-reliance. They would ride into town and then head back to their ranches, or head and decorated out on the trails seeking new adventures and opportunities. in 24-karat gold and nickel, and the In the 1800s, “cowboys” were the men who worked cattle in the American west. Their job was to illustrations are featured drive massive herds to market across hundreds of miles of treacherous terrain. They faced danger and in 24-karat gold with a injury or death at every step. If it wasn’t lightning storms and stampedes, it could be rattlesnakes or blackened patinaed background rustlers. Through it all, the cowboys kept the cattle moving. to highlight the detail. In addition, In honor of the legendary days of the Old West, America Remembers presents The the hammer, lever, forearm cap, and Cowboys of the Wild West Tribute Rifle. The Tribute features artwork by Mort Künstler, an buttplate are also polished and decorated acclaimed Western artist. For many years, Mort studied and created artwork celebrating in stunning 24-karat gold. The official the days of the Old West. Working closely with Mort, we selected six of his favorite signature of Mort Künstler is laser-carved into paintings featuring action scenes of cowboys at work in the Old West. the buttstock. For this Tribute, we selected the classic Model ’73 rifle, arguably America’s most famous Western rifle. Often called “the rifle that won the West,” the Model ’73 has been admired for decades as an engineering landmark, representing Q The right side showcases a trio of scenes, starting light-weight utility and long-ranged power. Since its days of action on the Western frontier, the Model ‘73 has with a thrilling scene from Wild Horse Mesa. One become a classic – widely desired and highly collectible. Each Cowboys of the Wild West Tribute Rifle is a of Künstler’s most popular western paintings, Wild handsome recreation of the immortal Winchester Model 1873 rifle produced for us by the master craftsmen Horse Mesa captures the chaos and beauty of a wild horse of A. Uberti, the world’s premier maker of historical firearm recreations. Each rifle is a working firearm roundup. According to some reports, as many as two or three in caliber .45 LC with a blued, 20” octagonal barrel with a tubular magazine. million wild horses roamed the open spaces of the American West. Künstler’s painting captures a lone rider at full gallop rounding up Craftsmen commissioned specifically for this Tribute by America Remembers capture Mr. horses in a huge cloud of dust. Beside the image is a banner displaying Künstler’s original artwork in precise detail, with the artwork featured in 24-karat gold and a recreation of Mort Künstler’s signature, your assurance that this edition nickel. You will find Künstler’s own stylish signature laser-carved into the stock. is authorized and approved by Mort Künstler. Also featured is Crossing the River. You can see a wagon master in buckskins on horseback leading a family of settlers in their covered wagon across a river. Crossing a river in a wagon train was often a dangerous maneuver, so everyone in this painting is anxious to safely complete the crossing. Also featured is Thundering Herd. A cowboy on horseback gives chase to a fleeing bison, followed by a full-blown buffalo stampede.

O N LLY Y 5 0 0 AVA ILA BLE

Only 500 of the Cowboys of the Wild West Tribute Rifles will ever be produced. Reservations will be accepted in the order they are received. We will arrange delivery of your working Tribute through the licensed firearms dealer of your choice. If you are not completely satisfied, you may return your Tribute within 30 days in original, unfired condition for a courteous The Tribute rifle is issued under license from Künstler Enterprises, Ltd. ©201. Mort Künstler, Inc. refund. To prioritize your order and confirm availability, call us toll free at 1-800-682-2291. You may also visit us online at www.AmericaRemembers.com. Your Tribute will be individually numbered, and a matching numbered Certificate of Authenticity will accompany your Tribute. This Tribute will transport you back to an era when courageous men on horseback were masters of their domain. It’s an era that lives on in the paintings of Mort Künstler, and his paintings magnificently capture the danger and excitement of cowboy life on the Western frontier. This is a special era in American history, and an era that brings back so many favorite memories for many of us. Order today to guarantee your position in this exclusive edition Q Left side of the receiver features, Riding Point Point,, as a lone cowboy leads a herd of cattle on a trail drive. The center image is celebrating the American cowboy. a scene from Lightning Stampede, illustrating the chaos kicked off by a sudden thunderstorm. Cowboys on the trail dreaded thunderstorms, because bolts of lightning and cracks of thunder could send a nervous herd into a panic. The final image featured is Dangerous Crossing. Everything seems calm, but the thing about life on the trail was that nothing was as easy as it looked. Künstler said that he was struck by the careful way horses crossed the water. One wrong step could spell disaster for the horse or rider. Taken together, each of the Tribute’s scenes inspired by Künstler’s work paints a vivid picture of life for cowboys on the frontier.

CALIBER: .45 LC

BARREL LENGTH: 20 INCHES

I wish to reserve ___ of the “Cowboys of the Wild West Tribute Rifle,” at the introductory issue price of $2,495.* My deposit of $195 per rifle is enclosed. I wish to pay the balance at the rate of $100 per month, no interest or carrying charges. Certificate of Authenticity included. *All orders are subject to acceptance and credit verification Thirty-day return privilege. prior to shipping. Shipping and handling will be added to T Check T Check enclosed for $_____________ . each order. Virginia residents please add sales tax. T Charge T Charge payment of $ _____________ to: T VISA T MasterCard T AMEX T Discover ©AHL, Inc.

Name ___________________________________________________ Address _________________________________________________ City/State/Zip ____________________________________________ Daytime Telephone No. ( ________ ) _________________________________

America Remembers®

10226 Timber Ridge Drive • Ashland, Virginia 23005 • www.americaremembers.com No. __________________________________________ Exp. ___________ To place your reservation toll-free call 1-800-682-2291

NRA PUBLICATIONS OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA

Wayne R. LaPierre, Executive Vice President

official journal

correspondence

reports

technical

The Armed Citizen . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Special Reports Standing Guard .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. President’s Column .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Political Report .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ILA Report .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Regional Report/Member Info & Benefits .. .. Programs & Services .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..

10 12 14 16 84 86 88

The Keefe Report .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 8 Readers Write .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 22 Favorite Firearms. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 46 News & Notes .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 24 Products & Projects .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 28 Handloads: .17 Hornet.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 34 Questions & Answers . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 36 A Collector Or A Shooter? WD-40 As A Firearm Lubricant?

Loading Bench . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 38 Handloading The .44-40 Win.

Dope Bag .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 78 Hudson H9 9 mm Luger Pistol Hatfield SAS 12-Ga. Shotgun

I Have This Old Gun .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 96 Valmet Model 76 Rifle

THE COVER: SIG Sauer’s engineers designed the company’s latest carry gun around its magazine. The P365, made in New Hampshire, comes standard with a 10-round magazine despite its microcompact size. And a 12-rounder—shown here riding in a SIG-branded BlackPoint Tactical magazine pouch—ups the round count without being obtrusive. For more on the P365, turn to Managing Editor Joe Kurtenbach’s report beginning on p. 48. Photo by Forrest MacCormack. Design by David J. Labrozzi.

TOP PICKS: 2018 GOLDEN BULLSEYE AWARDS April 2018

The World’s Oldest And Largest Firearm Authority

SIG SAUER MICRO-COMPACT P365

Blackhawk Suppressors Official Journal of the National Rifle Association AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

R1804_COVER.indd 1

Printed in the United States of America

2/8/18 10:20 AM

Doug Hamlin Executive Director Evelyn Q. Kessler Deputy Executive Director Marshall J. Flemion Managing Director, Integrated Marketing Terri A. Wolfe Executive Assistant Rachel Carr Sales & Fiscal Assistant

EDITORIAL John R. Zent Editorial Director Mark A. Keefe, IV Editor In Chief Brian C. Sheetz Senior Executive Editor Ann Y. Smith Senior Executive Editor, Digital Joe Kurtenbach Managing Editor Kelly Young Associate Editor Christopher Olsen Assistant Editor Kristen Voss Assistant Editor, Digital Maureen A. Denfeld Editorial Assistant Bruce N. Canfield, Aaron Carter, Wiley Clapp, Rick Hacker, B. Gil Horman, Jeff Johnston, Jeremiah Knupp, Jim Wilson Field Editors

ART

Susan K. Kilday Creative Director David J. Labrozzi Art Director Karen Haefs Assistant Art Director Peter Fountain Photography Director Forrest MacCormack Photographer Jesse Snyder Associate Photographer

American Rifleman (ISSN 0003-083X) is published monthly by the National Rifle Association of America, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030-9400, (703) 267-1000, for the benefit of its members. Membership dues (U.S. and possessions) $40 a year, $100 for 3 years, $140 for 5 years. $3.75 per year is designated for a magazine subscription. For foreign postage add $5 a year in Canada and $10 elsewhere. For membership inquiries only, call (877) 672-2000. Copyright 2018, the National Rifle Association of America. All rights reserved except where expressly waived. Periodicals Postage paid at Fairfax, VA, and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to American Rifleman, c/o National Rifle Association, P.O. Box 420648, Palm Coast, FL 32142-0648. TO CHANGE YOUR ADDRESS or to report a damaged or undelivered magazine, write: American Rifleman, c/o National Rifle Association, P.O. Box 420648, Palm Coast, FL 32142-0648. Or to make changes to your account online go to: NRAmemberservices.org. Do not return damaged copies. Change of address should include both new address and a mailing label bearing the old one. In case of duplication send both labels.

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NRA PUBLICATIONS PUBLISHING OPERATIONS

Guns Of The Tet Offensive

Advanced American firepower, coupled with traditional G.I. ingenuity and courage, held the line during the Tet Offensive 50 years ago. See more Guns of the Tet Offensive at americanrifleman.org/Tet.

2018 SHOT Show

If you were expecting new gun introductions for 2018 to be lackluster, think again. Just back from SHOT Show 2018, our editors discovered plenty to be excited about. Get all the show coverage at americanrifleman.org/shotshow2018.

Bang For Your Buck

No longer does a quality chassis bolt gun require a second mortgage. Go to americanrifleman.org/precision to check out some of this year’s value-driven tactical bolt-guns that can help you get into the precision rifle game.

Tune in Wednesday nights to the Outdoor Channel for the best firearm show on television. Now in its 16th year, American Rifleman TV brings you a Feature, a “Rifleman Review” and an “I Have This Old Gun” segment in each show. To preview upcoming episodes, visit americanrifleman.org.

Inside H&K’s Grey Room March 28 Legacy Of Service: Trijicon’s ACOG; Ruger American Ranch Rifle in 7.62x39 mm; Luxembourg’s SOLA Super Submachine Gun

April 4 Is It Real or MILO?; Smith & Wesson M&P45 Shield Pistol in .45 ACP; Beretta Model 1934 Pistol

April 11 Heckler & Koch: The Grey Room, Part 1; Taurus T4SA Carbine in .223 Rem.; Colt Official Police Revolver

April 18 Heckler & Koch: The Grey Room, Part 2; Colt Cobra Revolver in .38 Spl.; Ruger Mini-Thirty Rifle

Michael J. Sanford Managing Director, Publishing Operations Michelle E. Kuntz Director, Production James C. Handlon Director, Marketing/Advertising Debra Oliveri Senior Production Coordinator Adam Wilson Production Coordinator Samantha Brown Senior Advertising Coordinator Cheryl Doden Advertising Coordinator Director, Eastern Sales Tony Morrison (860) 767-9801 Southeast Sales Executive Stan Yates (850) 619-8148 Eastern Sales Executive Rachelle Trout (910) 262-0913 Detroit Advertising Sales Ken Glowacki (703) 267-1300 Director, Western Sales Courtney Olson (303) 520-4025 Western Sales Executive James O’Neill (530) 401-8607 Midwest Sales Executive Tim Hamill (231) 360-6434 Western Direct Sales Executive Debbie O’Connell (805) 501-9138 DIGITAL OPERATIONS Michael Pedersen Director, Digital Operations Tom Rickwalder Senior Digital Producer Steve Dulco Digital Producer Carolyn Raithel Digital Advertising Trafficker MEMBERSHIP INQUIRES: (877) 672-2000 WARNING: All technical data in this publication, especially for handloading, reflect the limited experience of individuals using specific tools, products, equipment and components under specific conditions and circumstances not necessarily reported in the article and over which the National Rifle Association (NRA) has no control. The data have not otherwise been tested or verified by the NRA. The NRA, its agents, officers and employees accept no responsibility for the results obtained by persons using such data and disclaim all liability for any consequential injuries or damages. See asterisked (*). * NO ADVERTISED ITEM IS INTENDED FOR SALE IN THOSE STATES, OR IN THOSE AREAS WHERE LOCAL RESTRICTIONS MAY LIMIT OR PROHIBIT THE PURCHASE, CARRYING OR USE OF CERTAIN ITEMS. CHECK LOCAL LAWS BEFORE PURCHASING. MENTION OF A PRODUCT OR SERVICE IN ADVERTISEMENTS OR TEXT DOES NOT NECESSARILY MEAN THAT IT HAS BEEN TESTED OR APPROVED BY THE NRA. OFFICIAL NRA POSITIONS ARE EXPRESSED ONLY IN STATEMENTS BYLINED BY NRA OFFICERS OR IN ARTICLES IDENTIFIED AS SUCH. THE EDITORS ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR UNSOLICITED MANUSCRIPTS OR PHOTOGRAPHS.

The New Audit Bureau of Circulations

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THE KEEFE REPORT

cryptic invitation from Weatherby arrived in my inbox early in January. It read: “This news only happens once a generation.” Managing Editor Joe Kurtenbach speculated that the California company might be moving out of, well, California. I thought it was something a little more mundane, perhaps a new Vanguard version in flat dark earth (FDE). Either that or Connor Weatherby was taking over from his dad, Adam, who took over for his dad, Ed, a few years ago. Turns out Connor is only 16, thus unlikely to take over. And Adam is just getting going. I’ve known the folks at Weatherby since my very beginning with American Rifleman, and, despite my quips about FDE and the Weatherby order of succession, I suspected the announcement would actually be big. Turns out Kurtenbach was right— Weatherby is moving to Sheridan, Wyo. Here’s what company President Adam Weatherby, grandson of Roy— who founded the company in 1945— had to say on Jan. 23: “We are truly pleased to announce our relocation to the state of Wyoming. Governor Mead and his team at the Wyoming Business Council have outdone themselves in their recruitment of the Weatherby headquarters. We are looking forward to operating in a state that truly supports the Second Amendment and provides some of the best big-game hunting in the world. Their tax-friendly environment, low cost of living and growing workforce will undoubtedly help us grow as we look toward the future. This relocation will be one of the largest undertakings we have done since my grandfather founded this business in 1945, but I believe it will prove to be one of the most significant chapters in Weatherby’s history.” Weatherby said it wanted a place where the company could retain a great workforce and where employees could live an outdoor lifestyle. “Wyoming is a great place to do business and is excited to welcome Weatherby to Sheridan,” said Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead. “For over 70 years, Weatherby has been an

APRIL 2018

innovator in firearms design and manufacturing. The company will add to our manufacturing base and fit well with our diversification objectives.” And it’s not like Weatherby hasn’t moved before. The company, of course, started out in South Gate, Calif., but then expanded in 1951 to a new storefront on Firestone Blvd. Then it moved north to Atascadero in the mid-1990s. More recently, the company moved to the neighboring town of Paso Robles. To those critical of Weatherby for leaving California, I would suggest that California left Weatherby a long time ago. It’s sad that the state has changed so much. Weatherby defined the California-style rifle. The ideas of founder Roy Weatherby on speed and power—the Weatherby Magnum cartridges—are only part of the story. There are rifles with high-polish blue, the big, roll-over combs, rosewood fore-end tips, fancy inlay and long barrels. Weatherby reflected the flash and glamour of Hollywood shooters and hunters of another era, with notables such as John Wayne, Gary Cooper, Roy Rogers and Slim Pickens stopping by the shop. In addition to Gov. Mead, NRA-ILA Executive Director Chris Cox was also on hand at the 2018 SHOT Show to wish Weatherby well and applaud the move to a pro-gun state with a progun governor. Some of Weatherby’s offices will move to Sheridan this year. Full production will start in 2019. And the guns will be the first in a new chapter for Weatherby—the Sheridan Weatherbys. Sincerely,

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

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THE ARMED CITIZEN

C IF YOU HAVE A FIRSTHAND “ARMED CITIZEN” EXPERIENCE, CALL NRA-ILA PR/ COMMUNICATIONS AT (703) 267-3820.

Studies indicate that firearms are used more than 2 million times a year for personal protection, and that the presence of a firearm, without a shot being fired, prevents crime in many instances. Shooting usually can be justified only where crime constitutes an immediate, imminent threat to life, limb, or, in some cases, property. Anyone is free to quote or reproduce these accounts. Send clippings via e-mail to armedcitizen@nrahq.org, or by mail to “The Armed Citizen,” 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 220309400. For bonus features, visit “The Armed Citizen Blog” at americanrifleman.org. Share this column online at nrapublications.org.

oncealed-carry permit holders in South Carolina stopped an angry man from assaulting employees and customers at a car dealership, proving that good citizens with guns can, indeed, help curtail crime. The suspect, who was apparently unhappy with the service at the Stateline auto sales business, showed up at the establishment with a pipe wrench in hand. He reportedly made death threats to at least two of the employees, then shouted, “Watch this!” and smashed windows and the bodies of three vehicles to further intimidate nearby people. At that, two customers who had permits to carry drew their guns, telling him to stop wreaking havoc. They held the vandal at gunpoint until the police arrived. The police used a stun gun to subdue the suspect and a scuffle ensued, but he was arrested and charged with five felonies, including attempted murder. One dealership employee testified at a bond hearing that the defendant had backed him into a corner, waving the wrench in a threatening manner, before unleashing a tirade of verbal threats and damaging the cars. (The State, Columbia, S.C., 1/14/18)

hree miscreants against one bystander are not good odds, but a gun can level the playing field for the would-be victim, as a recent break-in near Atlanta shows. Three burglary suspects gained entry to a man’s residence during a Georgia home invasion in early January. While the homeowner investigated a noise he heard around 3 a.m., he spied the three intruders, at least one of whom was armed. Gunfire was exchanged, but the armed citizen was more accurate, killing one of the thugs. The other two exited the house and fled in a car. The resident was shot in the leg during the gunfight. (Gwinnett Daily Post, Gwinnett, Ga., 1/9/18) Houston woman who woke up and saw a strange man standing in her bedroom early Jan. 1 didn’t think he was there to wish her a Happy New Year. She grabbed the handgun she keeps by her bed for defensive purposes. When the meddler stepped toward her as she aimed the gun, she fired. The police did not charge the resident of the home. (chron.com, 1/2/18, Houston, Texas)

ndianapolis prosecutors have determined that a woman, who was arrested in connection with a shooting death, won’t face murder charges because she was ruled to have acted in self-defense. Officials originally sought the armed citizen in connection with possible murder charges because she wasn’t at the scene when the police showed up. After she learned that she was a person of interest in a death investigation, the woman turned herself in. Witnesses, under later questioning, informed police that they had seen a fight that, at one point, resulted in the woman being pinned against a fence. Gunshots were heard after that point. (IndyStar.com, Indianapolis, Ind., 1/18/18)

APRIL 2018

oliticians in Chicago might have a noted antipathy toward guns, but one city resident is alive today because he stood by his Second Amendment-protected right staunchly enough to get a carry permit. A 58-year-old man was accosted by an armed thug on the street one day. The bad guy allegedly pulled a gun and demanded his would-be victim’s valuables. Instead, his quarry drew his lawfully carried handgun and shot his assailant. The 23-year-old robber later died. Police found the gun the dead man apparently used at the crime scene. (Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago, Ill., 1/10/18)

or those who say armed citizens don’t prevent crime, tell them about an Ohio case that illustrates just that. A resident heard a tapping noise early in the morning that he figured was someone trying to get into his home, so he grabbed his gun and met the intruder at the front door. At the mere sight of a gun, the interloper turned tail and ran. After the armed citizen called the police, they investigated and tracked down the suspect and charged him with aggravated trespassing. (Sandusky Register, Sandusky, Ohio, 1/16/18)

hen a man in Merced, Calif., kicked in the door of a home of a man armed with a shotgun, it proved to be a deadly mistake. The intruder apparently had been out drinking and thought he was forcing his way into the home of an acquaintance with whom he had a beef. It was after 10 p.m., and the homeowner fired a shot in selfdefense, investigators said, after the stranger approached the armed citizen, even though the gun was at the ready. The alleged burglar was taken to the hospital where he later died. (Merced Sun Star, Merced, Calif., 1/4/18)

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STANDING GUARD

Our Colleges are Breeding Grounds for Socialists Who Will Take Our Guns

By Wayne LaPierre

Executive Vice President

AMERICA'S EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS USED TO BE BASTIONS OF FREEDOM, WHERE HONEST DEBATE AND DISCUSSION WERE ONCE ENCOURAGED. NOT TODAY.

Like us on Facebook at the National Rifle Association. For related articles, go to nrapublications.org.

merican freedom faces no greater threat than from our academic institutions, where the most basic fundamental principles upon which our nation was founded are aggressively attacked by extreme socialists posing as honest professors. The socialist takeover of our college campuses is part of a massive wave of socialism that, if left unchecked, threatens all of our firearms freedom and all of the American liberty that we cherish and have fought hard to defend. America’s educational institutions were once bastions of freedom—especially the freedom of speech—where honest debate, disagreement and discussion were encouraged. Not any longer. Now, most colleges and universities have essentially banned free speech. Anyone who disagrees with the socialist ideals of the academic elites are silenced, shamed and turned away. Safe Speech Zones … Crayon Coloring Spaces … Pet a Puppy Zones. These are tools by which young people are coddled into the submission of socialism. In far too many classrooms, the U.S. Constitution is ignored, the Second Amendment discarded or bizarrely twisted to fit the socialist agenda of teachers. Principles upon which America has become the greatest nation in the world—constitutional freedom, free-market capitalism and individual responsibility—have been replaced with Marxism, socialism and a perverse culture of politically correct societal collectivism. Socialists have hijacked our schools and colleges and are determined to hijack our youth—the new generation of American voters—in a coordinated effort to seize control of our country and impose their brand of liberal socialism upon the entire nation. To achieve their dream, young Americans are taught national shame over exceptionalism, socialism over capitalism, and government control over self-destiny. The collective good—socialism—over individualism. Competition is discouraged, scores aren’t kept, everyone gets a trophy and our young people are left unprepared for the real world. Worse, they’re left at the mercy of the socialists who tempt feeble minds with vapid promises of free safe spaces, free college, free health care, free immigration, free sanctuary cities and free money. You and I know these hollow promises lead to the end of our society, as we know it. We APRIL 2018

know that, at the end of the day, the wave of socialism we face threatens all of our freedoms and could very well destroy our nation. The history of socialism proves it, from Soviet socialism, to Cuba, to Maoist Communism, to Venezuela. Every time, in every nation in which the scourge of socialism rises to power, its citizens are repressed and their firearms are seized. Taken. Despite that fact, the extreme socialistic academic elites are brainwashing our youth like never before. The Communist Manifesto ranks among the three most frequently assigned texts at American universities, and Karl Marx is the most assigned economist. According to a study of college faculty voter registration, liberal professors vastly outnumber conservatives by a 33.5-to-1 ratio. With the support of such an extreme, liberal faculty, chapters of Young Democratic Socialists of America jumped from 12 at the end of 2016 to 47 by June of 2017, and then to nearly 100 by the end of last year. In fact, on many campuses, students can earn academic credit for promoting socialist causes at school. Make no mistake. Their goal is not just to create a campus of socialism. They lust for a nation of socialism. And their playbook is wide open. First, they’ll use their tenure to continue to choke off free speech and write off American capitalism. They’ll warp every young mind they can get their hands on, to pervert the American values we hold dear in order to create a brand new, socialist voter to send to the polls. Next, these socialist elites will do everything they can to urge young voters to reject the success of President Donald Trump and elect an extreme, liberal, pro-socialism Congress in 2018. If their socialist takeover is successful, they’ll do everything they can to render Trump ineffective, with an end-goal to replace him with a screaming socialist in 2020. And then they’ll come for us … for our freedom and for our guns. That is the tsunami of socialism that threatens every law-abiding gun owner and freedom-loving American in this country. It is the same disaster threatening every young American in college right now—a grave threat against which all NRA members must stand and fight.

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

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PRESIDENT’S COLUMN

A Time to Come Together, A Time to Unify

T By Pete R. Brownell President

NRA OFFICERS Pete R. Brownell President

Richard Childress First Vice President

Carolyn D. Meadows Second Vice President

Wayne LaPierre Executive Vice President John Frazer Secretary

Wilson H. Phillips Jr. Treasurer Josh Powell Executive Director, General Operations Christopher W. Cox Executive Director,

Institute For Legislative Action

he 147th NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits is just around the corner, taking place at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, May 3-6, in Dallas, Tex. In true Texas fashion, this event promises to be the biggest and best NRA meeting yet. I would like to personally invite you to join us in the Lone Star State for what is the largest, annual pro-Second Amendment celebration in America. It is time for us to gather as the NRA family, to meet old friends and to make new ones that will last a lifetime. I’m looking forward to spending time with all of you—people of all ages, races, cultures and backgrounds who are sincere believers and participants in freedom. Constitutional freedom is not a right we take lightly. It is what makes America unique; defending and protecting it is what the NRA is all about. And, it’s the very essence of our annual event—which is a melting pot for freedom. We all belong to many national, state and local organizations that share one ideal in common, our love of freedom—specifically the Second Amendment. Firearms owners, hunters, law enforcement, union members, gun collectors, competitive shooters, home defense/ concealed-carry advocates, political activists … no matter our individual interests or varied affiliations, we are all NRA members. More than ever, we must recognize we are all more alike than different. We must mass and focus our collective firepower for the mutual benefit of all. There is no better organization to facilitate this unity than your NRA. This is an all-out exhibition of our Second Amendment lifestyle with all of your favorite guns and gear, top-rate musical entertainment, fun for the kids and family, raffles to win firearms, training seminars, celebrity autograph sessions, and the chance to chat with your favorite pro-Second Amendment

personality. Most of all, it is a chance to meet with your NRA leaders and friends who share your values. It’s also an opportunity to better understand exactly what the NRA is doing for you and your Second Amendment. More specifically, the Annual Meetings play a key role in focusing our collective energy to take the political fight to our states and towns, which is exactly where mid-term elections will be fought. We must do everything to unify our power to ensure continued pro-gun majorities in both houses of Congress at the federal level and in each state house.

THE ANNUAL MEETINGS PLAY A KEY ROLE IN FOCUSING OUR COLLECTIVE ENERGY TO TAKE THE POLITICAL FIGHT TO OUR STATES AND TOWNS, WHICH IS EXACTLY WHERE THIS YEAR’S MID-TERM ELECTIONS WILL BE FOUGHT. Last year President Donald Trump graced us with his presence. Rest assured, Wayne LaPierre and Chris Cox will again present distinguished guests who are joining with the NRA to help us defend freedom. You can get all the details, including ticket information, hotel reservations and a full schedule of events by visiting www.nraam.org. Now is the time to attend the NRA Annual Meetings! Let’s show the world our commitment to freedom is stronger than ever. Your presence counts, and I look forward to seeing you in Dallas.

NRA Annual Meeting Exhibit Hall Hours May 4 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. May 5 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. May 6 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

For news about your NRA, visit: nra.org and nranews.com Share this column online at nrapublications.org.

Special Events May 3 National NRA Foundation Banquet & Auction May 4

Women's Leadership Forum Luncheon & Auction APRIL 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

May 4

NRA-ILA Leadership Forum

May 4

NRA-ILA Dinner & Auction

May 4

NRA Country Jam

May 5

NRA Saturday Evening Concert

May 6

National Prayer Breakfast

May 6

Women's New Energy Breakfast

May 6

NRA Youth Day

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POLITICAL REPORT

The Future of American Freedom Depends on Keeping Pro-Gun Majority in U.S. House

T By Chris W. Cox NRA-ILA Executive Director

YOUR MEMBERSHIP DUES ARE NOT ENOUGH. If you want to DEFEND your right to own and carry a firearm …

If your FREEDOM to hunt and shoot is important to you … Then you need to SUPPORT the NRA Institute for Legislative Action. We are the only arm of NRA specifically charged with defending your Second Amendment freedoms on Capitol Hill, and in state legislatures and courtrooms across America. Visit nraila.org/donate to support NRA-ILA today!

NRA-ILA: (800) 392-8683 NRA-ILA website: nraila.org For related articles, go to nrapublications.org.

he framers of the Constitution specifically designed the U.S. House of Representatives to give the population of each state direct representation in Congress. House members not only represent their states, they represent the particular concerns of their districts within those states. This is why so many representatives remain staunchly pro gun, even in states where anti-gun politics dominate densely populated areas (and therefore the politics of the state as a whole). California, Illinois, New York and Washington are examples of reliably anti-gun votes in the U.S. Senate that nevertheless feature robust areas of gun culture that contribute pro-gun votes in the House. While the ins and outs of America’s electoral system might conjure memories of high school civics classes, knowing the details will do more than help you dominate trivia contests. They are fundamental to protecting your most cherished rights. Members of the House face re-election every two years, so they have a high level of accountability. Needless to say, every other House election coincides with a presidential election, and a strong presidential candidate at the top of the ticket can benefit other candidates by bringing voters to the polls. Off-year elections, however, favor the party whose voters are most engaged and energized. The number of voting U.S. representatives is currently fixed by law at 435, but congressional districts are reapportioned among the states every 10 years based on their populations as determined by a census. The states themselves also have some flexibility in re-drawing electoral districts, a process that typically occurs after the results of the census are announced. Both political parties will do all they can to protect the districts they hold. And unless there is evidence of unconstitutional discrimination in the drawing of districts, the U.S. Supreme Court has signaled that this is the prerogative of the political process, not the courts. Members of the House have certain special roles within America’s constitutional system. These include initiating bills for raising revenue and choosing the president in the event of an Electoral College tie. What does this all mean to gun owners concerned about their rights? APRIL 2018

In short, it means everything. Maintaining a pro-gun majority in the House of Representatives is essential if we’re going to not only advance our rights but also to keep the hard-fought gains we’ve made. And make no mistake, anti-gun activists will launch an all-out effort this November to do whatever it takes to win back control of the House from the current pro-gun majority. Anti-gun members of Congress are counting on the progressive base’s visceral hatred of President Donald Trump and his agenda for big turnouts at the polls. Their reaction to the president’s unifying and inspiring message at the State of the Union in January was a clear indication of their determination to resist him simply for the sake of resistance and to avenge their stunning electoral defeat in 2016. In a CBS News poll of viewers, 75 percent said they approved of the State of the Union speech, while 80 percent said they felt the president was trying to unite the country, rather than divide it. Two-thirds said the speech inspired pride. Yet as lawmakers chanted “U.S.A.! U.S.A.!” following a litany of memorials dedicated to American sacrifice, courage and heroism delivered by the president, anti-gun Congressman Luis Gutiérrez, D-Ill., fled the chamber in undisguised contempt. And he was not alone. An MSNBC pundit dismissed the president’s invocation of church, family, police, military and the national anthem as “tropes of 1950s-era nationalism.” Even The Washington Post admitted that the reaction of many members of Congress was “embarrassing.” That certainly applies to the repeated scowls from House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y. The choice for gun owners this November is simple. We can sit idly by and watch the vengeful “resistance” prevail. Or we can re-elect the pro-gun incumbents who rolled back Obama’s Social Security gun ban, voted to protect the Second Amendment rights of veterans, sent national reciprocity legislation to the Senate and stopped opportunistic gun control in its tracks. For those of us who care about our fundamental freedoms and the rule of law, we must stand and fight—there is no other option.

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

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Illustration by David Labrozzi

ILA STORY

By Chris W. Cox NRA-ILA Executive Director

Firearm Preemption Laws

Protect Our Rights WITHOUT STATE FIREARM PREEMPTION LAWS, CITY AND COUNTY ORDINANCES WOULD CREATE LEGAL TRAPS FOR LAW-ABIDING GUN OWNERS.

any gun owners are aware of the preemption laws are the only things standing success that we’ve enjoyed with the in their way. expansion of Right-to-Carry laws across Michael Bloomberg-backed Everytown for the country. Starting in 1986, when there Gun Safety has already made it its mission to were only nine states with Right-to-Carry laws, dismantle preemption laws across America. In Florida led the way in adopting a “shall-issue” an Everytown report on violence in American system for issuing concealed-carry permits. cities, the group fails to mention many cities’ Now, there are only eight states that do not have failure to prosecute those who commit violent Right-to-Carry laws, and every state has some crimes with guns or the lenient sentencing type of system in place for issuing carry permits. on those few who are prosecuted. Instead, While the story of Right-to-Carry is well known, Everytown blames firearm preemption laws many are not aware of the equally important for “barring cities from passing local gun laws, success that we’ve had advancing firearm which hamstring them from taking any action preemption laws in state legislatures. These of their own.” Which is, of course, nonsense. laws generally preclude local governments from Cities are free to “take action” and enforce enacting any additional regulation on firearms the many state gun laws on the books. or ammunition beyond state law. Without Enforcing laws that prohibit violent felons from firearm preemption, gun owners would be possessing firearms and that provide enhanced subjected to a patchwork of hundreds or even sentences for offenders who use firearms to thousands of different sets of laws in every state. commit violent crimes would be a good start. Such a system, where a simple trip to the But, prosecuting dangerous criminals is hard grocery store could involve three or four different work and blaming crime on law-abiding gun regulatory regimes, is a potential trap for every owners is easy. Anti-gun local politicians in gun owner in America. states with strong preemption laws would relish In fact, without firearm preemption, our wins on the authority to restrict gun owners in the same Right-to-Carry would be hollow victories. If every way that Bloomberg himself enjoyed during his city, town, village or county could restrict or inhibit long term as mayor of New York City. law-abiding gun owners’ ability to carry a firearm New York is one of the few states that for defense of themselves and their families, then lacks strong firearm preemption, so New carrying a firearm would no longer be a right. York City has been free to enact a slew of its Anti-gun activists are acutely aware that own gun control laws. Just a few of the most preemption laws are all that stand in the way of egregious ordinances include a prohibition their agenda in our nation’s cities. Many of our cities on all rifles and shotguns capable of holding are controlled by politicians who would like nothing more than five rounds, punitive licensing fees more than to enact gun controllers’ long wish list of and an absurd requirement that gun owners ineffective and overbroad gun ordinances. Firearm who have complied with the city’s onerous

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

APRIL 2018

ILA STORY processes must still receive special permission before transporting their firearms. Worst of all, even those few who are able to get a carry permit elsewhere in the state cannot carry in New York City without a special permit from the NYPD. When it comes to carrying a firearm for self-defense, the city’s laws represent a prime example of the abuses that a discretionary permit system leads to. While lawabiding gun owners cannot exercise their constitutional rights, those who are willing to pay a “gun license expediter” often find that not even a disqualifying criminal history will stop the NYPD from issuing them a carry permit, assuming the price is right. Just last year, several NYPD officers and a license expediter were charged for their corrupt practices in administering and manipulating the city’s licensing system. This type of official corruption is the necessary result of a discretionary “may-issue” permitting system that does nothing more than facilitate the discriminatory issuance of a permit that is required to exercise a constitutional right. You might think that the city’s practices would be an embarrassment to the gun control movement, but Bloomberg and his front group Everytown use the Big Apple as their shining example of how a city can regulate our rights. Firearm preemption laws are the only thing preventing this “shining example” from being copied by cities across the country. And now, the very concept of firearm preemption is under attack. In January, a bill was introduced in Washington state to eliminate firearm preemption. The proposal would have completely repealed the state’s 1983 preemption statute. While the bill was defeated through the hard work of NRA-ILA and pro-gun activists in Washington, it serves as a warning of what anti-gun activists would like to accomplish: a complete reversal of our progress on preemption. It’s not difficult to understand the impact of this bill if it had passed. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, as of 2012 Washington State had close to 2,000 local governments—including counties, cities and towns. King, Pierce and Snohomish counties, three of the most densely populated counties, had anywhere from 86 to 157 units of

local government within each county. Once each locality has the authority to build upon state laws and adopt its own rules, law-abiding citizens who cross an arbitrary jurisdictional line to work, shop, visit or travel will have to comply with whatever mix of firearm and ammunition restrictions the local lawmakers view as politically expedient. Even with the current preemption law in place, the city of Seattle tried to enact restrictive gun control ordinances. One example was the city’s decision to implement a ban on firearms in public “parks” like community centers, sports fields, playgrounds, performing art venues and others owned or managed by the city. Washington state gun owners successfully sued and overturned the policy for violating the preemption law. These types of egregious abuses of gun owners’ rights are exactly what started the movement for firearm preemption laws in the first place. The Village of Morton Grove, Ill., banned all handguns in 1981. The move came just five years after a nearly identical law had been adopted in the District of Columbia. The District’s situation as a federal enclave was unique, but Morton Grove’s handgun ban proved to state legislatures across the country how far localities would go to trample on our firearms freedom. By the mid-1980s, many states had already adopted preemption laws. Our work on preemption was already well under way when the Right-to-Carry movement took off. While more than 40 states now have expansive firearm preemption laws, NRA-ILA has been hard at work improving the laws already on the books by ensuring the laws protect both firearms and ammunition, clearly cover firearm accessories and create a private enforcement mechanism to stop preemption violations. It may seem unbelievable that local governments would knowingly violate state law just to infringe upon the rights of their constituents. However, it’s been such a widespread issue that NRA’s model firearm preemption law now includes a provision to provide gun owners and organizations like NRA the option to take local governments to court for their unlawful ordinances. To provide incentives for localities to APRIL 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

repeal their offending laws rather than go to court, NRA’s model law also provides that local governments that lose these cases are responsible for the challengers’ legal fees and costs. One such law was recently put to good effect in Ohio. The Ohio Legislature adopted its firearm preemption law in 2006. It provides for uniform laws throughout the state for firearms, their components and their ammunition. The statute additionally grants those who successfully challenge local ordinances the right to recover costs and reasonable attorney fees for bringing the action. The city of Cleveland first launched an unsuccessful lawsuit to have the preemption statute invalidated. The Ohio Supreme Court rebuffed that effort in 2010. Nevertheless, in 2015, Cleveland brazenly enacted a slate of local gun control laws that in many cases exceeded state law. It was the very sort of action prohibited by the state preemption law. The lower courts sided with gun owners and invalidated the offending ordinances, and, at the end of January, the Ohio Supreme Court refused to hear the city’s appeal of those decisions. Now all that remains is for the lower court to award those who challenged the ordinances their costs and fees. In the future, perhaps Cleveland officials can find a better use of taxpayer funds than defending unlawful gun control laws. Preemption is generally a battle at the state and local level, but the fight for national concealed carry reciprocity has many similarities. Rather than invalidating local gun controls, national reciprocity ensures that states that do not recognize the Second Amendment are nonetheless preempted from enforcing their unconstitutional laws against law-abiding concealed carriers. That’s why NRA continues to push national reciprocity as our number one legislative priority. That effort culminated in the best reciprocity bill yet passing out of the U.S. House last December, but we must keep up the pressure to advance reciprocity in the U.S. Senate. Whether the fight is at the local, state or federal level, the NRA will continue to pursue preemption as one of the best ways to protect our firearms freedom.

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READERS WRITE

Another First For Mr. Browning The articles “Mr. Browning’s Gun” (October 2017, p. 64) and “Readers Write” (December 2017, p. 24) sparked my memory of my time in the 187th Airborne Battle Group of the 101st Airborne Division in 1960. Back then, Sp4 George Rosh and I were chosen to test an air-cooled Browning from a Bell HU-1A helicopter. We did the live test fire—for the first time—from the helicopter with some success. This should help prove Mr. Browning’s genius was unsurpassed. People interested in Mr. Browning’s legacy may also enjoy the attached photo. TOM TORRANCE, NEW YORK

Good And Useful On Levers

LEVER-ACTION

Traditional lever guns are often dismissed for being less accurate than bolt-actions. With the right loads and a few simple tips, however, they are more than up to the task of putting meat on the table. BY JOHN HAVILAND

ost hunters consider traditional lever-action rifles to be less accurate than bolt-action rifles, and let it go at that. Altogether, there is no way the lever-action, with its rear locking lugs, two-piece stock and a tubular magazine tied to its barrel, can compete with the boltaction’s rigid lockup and one-piece stock. But even though the bolt-action may have the accuracy edge, lever-actions are still plenty precise for many hunting applications. To confirm that I wasn’t just trying to convince myself of that, I talked with Eric Lundgren, the product manager for Remington and Marlin rifles. He shot his first deer many years ago with a lever-action Marlin Model 336 chambered in .30-30 Win. “I’ve been a 336 junky ever since,” he said. “In fact, I killed my first 10 deer with the 336, and still occasionally hunt with the rifle.” Lundgren said Marlin engineers have managed to produce great accuracy when testing Marlin lever-actions. It all depends, however, on a couple of important factors. One of those factors is the bullets fired through those firearms. Often, the big, round-nose, flat-base bullets commonly shot in lever-actions do not possess quite the accuracy potential of the sleek, boattail designs commonly fired in bolt-action rifles. Another factor is sights. “The open sights on lever-actions are rugged,” Lundgren said. “But I’m 51, and can’t see them as well as someone who is 21.” Marlin tests its Model 1894 lever-action chambered in .44 Mag. for accuracy at 50 yds., aiming with the carbine’s open sights. “We expect the guns to shoot 2" groups at that distance,” he said. Conversely, Marlin tests the accuracy of its Model 336 and 1895 rifles at 100 yds. and mounts scopes on them to remove eyesight issues from the accuracy equation. “Our new Model 1895GSBL .45-70 shoots groups between 1½" and 2" at 100 yds.,” he said. “Bolt-action rifles may be a bit more accurate, but not all that much.” When Marlin’s New Haven, Conn., plant closed in 2010, the company moved, lock, stock and barrel, to Remington’s factory in Ilion, N.Y. Not only were there some missteps moving machines from New Haven to the Remington facility at Ilion, most of the New Haven employees did not make the move, and so their rifle-making knowledge and talent was lost in the shuffle. Some of the re-installed equipment was 60 years old and produced poor-quality parts when it was finally running at the Ilion plant. To add to the misfortunes, no three-dimensional drawings of Marlin rifle parts had ever been made. Longtime fans of Marlin rifles lamented.

Thanks for the very good and useful article “Get A Grip On Lever-Action Accuracy” by John Haviland (February 2018, p. 60). I have owned a Marlin Model 336 in .30-30 Win. and a GET A GRIP ON LEVER-ACTION ACCURACY Model 1894 in .357 Mag. Both were capable of 1" groups, the .30-30 at 100 yds. and the .357 at 75 yds. I currently have a Model 92 SRC Rossi in .357 Mag. capable of 1" groups at 50 yds. with the iron sights. As stated in the article, a major factor in lever-action accuracy is quality ammunition. I reload to the exact weight powder charges each time using a powder dribbler for finishing the weight. Speed is nothing if the bullet misses. Almost all rifles have preferred loads, and a little care in finding the right brand or bullet weight/style will pay big dividends in accuracy. My current .30-30 is a Savage Model 340C that shoots 1" and tighter groups with Remington 150-gr. bullets. It will do the same with 130-gr. Hornady spire-point handloads. I tried some 150-gr. spire points in the .30-30 and got even tighter groups, but the cartridges would not fit in the magazine with seating at the cannelure. I have yet to try Hornady’s FTX bullets, but they are up next. Thanks again for the excellent article. Hope to see more like it on hunting-type guns. TIM KIRKLAND, VIA EMAIL 60 60

Built On A Solid Foundation

FEBRUARY 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

Photos by author

FEBRUARY 2018

SPRINGFIELD XD-E: ANY WAY, EVERY DAY December 2017

I was very pleased with Editor In Chief Mark Keefe’s article “Making The Grade: The Return Of The Fox” (December 2017, p. 44) on the Savage Arms re-entry into the side-by-side shotgun market and especially the reference to the association with Connecticut Shotgun Mfg. (CSM). About five years ago, I looked into adding a 20-ga. shotgun to my collection of hunting firearms, and I was looking for something that didn’t look like the standard over-and-under. I decided that I wanted a side-by-side with a straight stock, splinter SIG Gambles Big And Wins fore-end and double triggers to get that classic look. I had just received CSM’s catalog and was delighted to see the company was a source for an American-made firearm that fit my criteria. Shortly thereafter I purchased an RBL (Round Box Lock) Launch Edition from inventory. It looks very much like the Fox A Grade, and it was about the same price before custom fitting. I have been extremely pleased with the CSM RBL, and it has supplanted my Beretta 12-ga. 686 for most of my upland game hunts. Based on my experience, I expect that the Fox A Grade with the enhancements specified by Savage will provide a very satisfying hunting firearm at a relatively affordable price for the American upland hunter. JAMES HEIMER, TEXAS The World’s Oldest And Largest Firearm Authority

Fox

The Return of the

Official Journal of the National Rifle Association

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

R1712_COVER 2.indd 1

“Readers Write” affords members an opportunity to comment on material published in American Rifleman. Single-topic letters are preferred and may be edited for brevity. Send letters to: Readers Write, NRA Publications, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030-9400 or e-mail us at publications@nrahq.org.

APRIL 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

10/16/17 10:16 AM

FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS

OF NO ONE The new 5.56mm RDB Survival™ is bred for whatever Mother Nature dishes out. It’s the bullpup done right, but shorter and more compact for easier carrying in rugged terrain. With patented downward case ejection, an adjustable stock and the best factory bullpup trigger ever. The new RDB Survival. For those who follow no beaten path. Innovation. Performance. Kel-Tec. See more at KelTecWeapons.com. ©2018 Kel-Tec CNC Industries, Inc

REPORTS | OPENING SHOT

Practical Rimfire Challenge

xecuting a well-placed shot from the 300-yd. mark is a fairly simple proposition with most modern center-fire rifle chamberings. But the same shot, with a rimfire rifle? That’s another story. At that range, drops for the .22 Long Rifle begin to approach 20 ft., and full-value wind drifts can be counted in tens of yards, rather than inches or feet. Add to the scenario multiple target engagements, a shot timer and the physical stresses of positional shooting, and you have yourself a match. Such scenarios are becoming increasingly more common across the country. One such location, nestled within the small, mountain farming community of Glengary, W.Va., is Peacemaker National Training Center (peacemakernational.com/PRC), home of the Practical Rimfire Challenge (PRC). In PRC, competitors test their ballistic know-how throughout nine stations of steel targets—at distances far beyond even the Olympic competition-shooting threshold. For a first-hand view of PRC, visit americanrifleman.org/EleyPRC and follow Assistant Editor Kristen Voss as she makes her way through the competition. This year marks the second annual season of PRC and a new title sponsor—Lapua Ammunition (lapua.com). Five scheduled events (March 31, May 19, June 9 and Sept. 1) will comprise this year’s PRC season at Peacemaker with the finale set for Nov. 3, 2018.

APRIL 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

Photo by Christopher Olsen

Survival of the Sharpest When it’s you against nature, there’s only one tool you need: the tempered steel Stag Hunter from Stauer—now ONLY $49!

hat first crack of thunder sounded like a bomb just fell on Ramshorn Peak. Black clouds rolled in and the wind shook the trees. I had ventured off the trail on my own, gambled with the weather and now I was trapped in the forest. Miles from camp. Surrounded by wilderness and watching eyes. I knew that if I was going to make it through the night I needed to find shelter and build a fire... fast. As the first raindrops fell, I reached for my Stag Hunter Knife. Forget about smartphones and GPS, because when it comes to taking on Mother Nature, there’s only one tool you really need. Our stunning Stag Hunter is the ultimate sidekick for surviving and thriving in the great outdoors. Priced at $149, the Stag Hunter can be yours today for an unbelievable $49! Call now and we’ll include a bonus leather sheath!

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REPORTS | NEWS & NOTES

Weatherby Saddles Up For Wyoming

n 1945, Roy Weatherby started a company that would grow on the foundation of family, fast bullets and strong rifles. Over the course of more than 70 years, Weatherby Inc., of Paso Robles, Calif., has grown to become an iconic American firearm company, despite modern anti-gun efforts pursued by its long-time home state. Recently, Weatherby announced it will be moving its headquarters and manufacturing to Sheridan, Wyo.—a move as surprising as it was unavoidable. Analysts project this move, scheduled for 2019, will bring 70 to 95 jobs and more than $5 million in payroll to the Equality State. According to Weatherby Chief Executive Officer Adam Weatherby, “We wanted a place where we could retain a great workforce, and where our

employees could live an outdoor lifestyle. We wanted to move to a state where we can grow into our brand. Wyoming means new opportunities. We are not interested in maintaining; we are growing.” weatherby.com

Kimber Announces Alabama Facility

Wilson Combat Purchases Chip McCormick Custom/Shooting Star

imber Mfg. Inc., has grown steadily over the course of its 21 years, building high-quality bolt-action rifles and M1911-style handguns. With its primary manufacturing currently conducted in New York and New Jersey, Kimber has announced it will be opening a facility in Troy, Ala. “We will be building a large, automated, state-of-the-art design, engineering and manufacturing facility in Troy to support Kimber’s growth plan and strategy,” said Greg Grogan, Kimber’s chief operating officer. And certainly the city of Troy is excited, as expressed by Mayor Jason Reeves, “This is a dream come true for the City of Troy and for me personally; a firearms manufacturing company with such a stellar brand as Kimber, creating jobs and capital investment for the community.” Kimber announced the new facility will be fully operational in early 2019. kimberamerica.com

hip McCormick Custom/Shooting Star Industries (cmcmags.com), best known for M1911 magazines, has been purchased by Wilson Combat. “Bill Wilson and I have been good friends, shooting competition competitors and friendly business competitors since the early 1980s,” said Chip McCormick, president and CEO of Chip McCormick Custom. “When I made the decision that I wanted to simplify my life and retire, there was no one that I felt more comfortable selling the company to than Bill Wilson and Wilson Combat.” For more than 40 years Wilson Combat has offered high-performance, custom firearms and accessories. Although Wilson Combat is based in Berryville, Ark., CMC/Shooting Star will remain in Texas, and consumers should expect no service interruptions. wilsoncombat.com

Crimson Trace Makes Shopping Easier

rimson Trace Corp. (CTC) not only expanded its offerings for 2018 with laser and light products, it also updated its easily accessible database of holsters designed for pistols equipped with CTC products. Available online, the “CTC Holster Resource Guide” is a searchable PDF document that can help guide customers to a holster for their specific light/ laser/firearm combination. Additionally, Blade-Tech and CTC collaborated to offer holsters at a discounted price when purchased with a CTC accessory. Visit crimsontrace.com to check for a holster and laser combination that fits your lifestyle.

75 Years Ago

THE COVER—The Canadian soldier on this month’s American Rifleman is scanning English skies for his first sight of Axis craft and is one of thousands of “Tommies” who have stood ceaseless vigil over the “tight little isle” against the day of Adolph Hitler’s threatened invasion. His Bren gun, a Czechoslovakian invention, is the standard light “MG” of the British. Our photograph is by William Vandivert, the cameraman responsible for Life magazine’s brilliant coverage of the Battle of Britain. [April 1942]

APRIL 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

EARN UP TO

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REPORTS | PRODUCTS & PROJECTS

Leupold Goes Thermal

he consumer market has seen it time and time again, with products such as Jeep, penicillin and even the personal GPS unit: Innovations in specialized markets often occur as a result of war. It wasn’t all that long ago (2013) that the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) announced major advancements in sensor technologies related to thermal imaging, virtually eliminating the monstrous, vehicle-mounted contraptions used at the time in favor of pocket-size units operating on sensors the size of a smartphone camera lens. Private-sector companies, including Leupold & Stevens, Inc. (leupold.com), are now able to utilize these tax-dollarfunded DARPA advancements and hand that technology directly to the consumer market. One such product available from Leupold is the LTO-Tracker. When Leupold released the sub-$1,000 ($909) device, I just had to have a closer look. Why? Because, like 300 million other folks in the world who have color-receptor deficiencies, I am visually impaired. Though not debilitating, my color blindness still makes it difficult to properly match a tie with a shirt or blood trail an animal. Nonetheless, I have learned to overcome the problem with the aid of color wheels, “selfies” sent to mom at zero-dark-thirty and, once, calling a good buddy at 11 p.m. to track a wounded deer. With the LTO-Tracker, the latter may have not been necessary. For an over-the-counter price closer to $600, the unit offers a lot of technology. In fact, its digital, temperature-sensing, handheld Seek thermal sensor was developed by defense contractor Raytheon. Further, Leupold makes use of Chalcogenide glass in the LTO-Tracker—chosen for its ability to transmit across a wide range of the infrared electromagnetic spectrum. The body is made of aluminum, uses a 30 mm tube and exhibits the classic gold ring that usually adorns Leupold optics. The 240x204 pixel, direct-view, digital color screen provides a frame rate of 30 Hz. The unlimited eye relief is a practical feature—especially when stumbling through brush in total darkness. The LTO-Tracker has a wide, 21 degree field of view with a sensor detection range of between -40° F and 572° F. I fabricated a basic tripod mount utilizing a chunk of bulk Picatinny rail that I tapped 1/4x20 TPI and attached a 30 mm scope ring. Having the unit affixed to a tripod was handy during a late-evening coyote hunt. Three buttons on the unit’s top operate its various functions, and just behind them is a knurled ring that provides access to the unit’s battery compartment. Leupold claims battery life for the single CR123 battery is 10 hours of continuous use. I found it to be closer to seven hours, and that included heavy use. I suspect the difference can be attributed to the “off-brand” battery I used. At 6X magnification, I found determining fine detail to be difficult at distance (past 100 yds.), but handy nonetheless. I was able to discern quickly between cold and hot objects, even at distances beyond its intended use. The LTO-Tracker excelled at finding freshly shot game in a grassy field— “seen” from a distance of slightly more than 200 yds. Finding game in dense brush may prove difficult, and one will notice quickly that some objects in nature hold heat longer than others. Misconceptions regarding thermal units and their ability to “see through” items run strong, and my testing proved that dense foliage, brush and humidity are, along with time of day, limiting factors—something true of all thermal imaging products. The Leupold LTOTracker provides a real value, and its size makes it easy to keep in a field bag. I find myself using the unit more than I ever thought possible in situations like deciphering which wheel bearing went bad on my car or where exactly the air leaks are on my home windows. The technology that trickles down from defense contracts seems to be a win-win situation for consumers, and the LTO-Tracker is a great example of that. —CHRISTOPHER OLSEN, ASSISTANT EDITOR

APRIL 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

No handgun in history has flourished and continued to earn as many accolades as the iconic John Browning-designed 1911 pistol.

Until now. Les Baer Custom has been the unchallenged leader in rewriting firearms history by bringing the time honored 1911 pistol into the twenty-first century. Starting with Browning's classic design, we have introduced state-ofthe-art manufacturing methods, real hand assembly, and top of the line accessories and other enhancements to ensure that all forty plus models and permutations are high performance, superior quality history makers. And, with multiple barrel lengths and frame sizes, several popular finishes and a choice of five calibers, there's a Les Baer custom 1911 for virtually every purpose, regardless what kind of history you want to create. Some of our most popular models include:

Baer 1911 Premier II©, 5" or 6" .45 ACP, 9mm, .38 Super, .40 S&W The flagship of our 1911 line.

New! Baer 1911 Premier II© Hunter, 6"

New! Baer 1911 Thunder Ranch Special, 2nd Generation, 5"

Baer 1911 Ultimate Tactical Carry Model, 5"

10mm A superb big game powerhouse.

.45 ACP Product improved version of one of our most popular favorites.

.45 ACP, 9mm, .38 Super Serious, practical defense pistol.

Baer 1911 BOSS .45, 5"

Baer 1911 Black Bear, 4 1/4"

.45 ACP A high performance, visually stunning tribute to the 1970s muscle car that inspired it: The Boss 429 Mustang.

9mm Perfect compact carry size with shortened slide. 9mm chambering for increased capacity over standard 1911s.

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Baer 1911 Stinger, 4 1/4" .45 ACP, 9mm, .38 Super Small, efficient and full featured. Comes with night sights.

Performance. It’s Everything. 1804 Iowa Drive • LeClaire, Iowa 52753 Ph: 563-289-2126 • Fx: 563-289-2132 Email: info@lesbaer.com

REPORTS | PRODUCTS & PROJECTS

Hornady 6.5 mm PRC 147-Gr. ELD Match

he 6.5 mm PRC (Precision Rifle Cartridge) from Hornady provides a ballistic upgrade over the company’s popular 6.5 mm Creedmoor chambering. This new cartridge is sized to fit in short or medium actions with a standard magnum bolt face (0.532"), and features a long cartridge case neck and the same 30-degree shoulder as used by the 6.5 mm Creedmoor. Tipped ELD Match bullets with an astonishing 0.351 (G7) ballistic coefficient are loaded into uniform and consistent cases with carefully matched powder to provide for a match-grade ammunition with a velocity of 2910 f.p.s. Pairing velocity with aerodynamic bullets should make this new cartridge a top performer in its field. Price: $37. Contact: Hornady Manufacturing: (800) 338-3220; hornady.com.

Caldwell Mag Charger Universal Pistol Loader

he Mag Charger Universal Pistol Loader from Caldwell Shooting Supplies puts an end to thumbing rounds into a magazine, and instead requires only a simple squeeze. Two rotating lugs and a rear tensioning screw facilitate a snug fit for magazines large or small, single- or double-stack, designed for cartridges from 9 mm Luger to .45 ACP—and most .380 ACP. After dropping a fresh round into the loading port, just squeeze the lever to press the cartridge into the magazine’s feed lips and then fully seat it to the rear. Price: $48. Contact: Battenfeld Technologies; (573) 445-9200; btibrands.com.

Explore our digital network for at-a-glance access to Second Amendment news, gear, gun reviews, videos and more.

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SHOOTING

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REPORTS | PRODUCTS & PROJECTS

TruGlo Tritium Pro Handgun Night Sights

eaturing a bold, white front dot and a U-notch rear sight, TruGlo’s Tritium Pro Handgun Night Sights are an aftermarket upgrade for many of the popular semi-automatic pistols available today. The steel sights possess embedded tritium vials—one in the front, two in the rear—to create a glowing three-dot sight arrangement for use in low-light conditions. Another feature is the rear sight’s aggressive, forward-cant ledge, which is intended to facilitate emergency one-hand manipulations of the slide by providing a “hook” that can engage the edge of a belt, holster or other surface. Price: $108. Contact: TruGlo, Inc.; (888) 887-8456; truglo.com.

Javelin Bipod Quick Fit Adaptor

aining popularity among hunters, shooters and ultra-light rifle enthusiasts, the carbon-fiber Javelin Bipod from Spartan Precision Equipment offers a new take on field-expedient shooting supports. Featuring pegged, telescoping legs and a cant-adjustable head unit containing a powerful magnet, the bipod previously required minor stock-smithing to mount, or embed, its attachment port. Spartan’s latest adapter fits instead to most common under-stock sling swivel studs—no alterations required—and comes with three rubber adaptor plates for a snug, customized fit. Price: $125. Contact: Spartan Precision Equipment; javelinbipod.com.

Kolpin DryArmor Rifle Case

he Kolpin DryArmor Rifle Case is a soft-bodied case for scoped rifles up to 47"-long that utilizes fully welded 900D three-layer laminated TPU fabric for 100-percent waterproof protection. At the butt end of the case is a TIZIP Master Seal 10 waterproof zipper that opens quickly for rifle access and stowage. Internally, 5 mm closed-cell EVA foam serves as mid-layer impact protection along with a 10 mm closed-cell Polyethylene foam inner layer for shock absorption. A reinforced muzzle cap and polycarbonate armor plates further enhance the case and the protection it offers. Additionally, Hypalon is used to reinforce wear locations. A padded shoulder strap with anodized aluminum carabiners, along with a padded carry handle, make toting easy. One exterior pocket provides room for accessories. The

DryArmor Rifle Case floats and is available in tan and woodland camouflage colors. Price: $180. Contact: Kolpin Outdoors Inc.; (877) 956-5746; kolpin.com.

SIG Sauer M1911 “We The People” BB Pistol

he M1911 “We The People” BB pistol from SIG Sauer is a tribute to the Second Amendment and the most storied handgun in history—the M1911. A distressed finish with patriotic embellishments throughout make this a one-of-a-kind plinker. Powered by CO2 and built from metal, the pistol provides for a realistic M1911 experience with a reciprocating slide. Magazine capacity is 17 rounds of .177-cal. (4.5 mm) BBs, and the muzzle velocity approaches 340 f.p.s. The stock panels provide positive purchase by use of 50 raised stars, 25 on each side, symbolizing each state of the union. The slide’s sides feature the tribute marks “WE THE PEOPLE” and “1776.” Atop the slide are the 13 stars of the “Betsy Ross” flag along with a set of fixed, combat-style sights. Price: $120. Contact: SIG Sauer; (603) 610-3000; sigsauer.com.

APRIL 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

Handcrafted Doxie is the long “paw” of the law!

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Handcrafted figurine from Hamilton! A golden sheriff’s badge shines with pride upon his vest!

Now, say “howdy” to this proud pup for yourself! Entirely crafted and painted by hand, it’s the extra accents that’ll keep this Dachshund furrever in your heart. From his big brown eyes to the tip of his handcrafted “furry” tail … from his bolo tie to his vest and hat …not a single detail is missed. He’s even sporting a little extra “fur” with his twisted moustache!

FREE PREVIEW and money-back guarantee! Limited to 95 casting days, “Sher-ruff S. Paws” is hand-numbered and includes a Certificate of Authenticity. Reply now for a FREE PREVIEW and put him on patrol in your home. Satisfaction guaranteed — or your money back!

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09-06404-001-E24801 *Add $8.99 for shipping and service; see HamiltonCollection.com. Deliveries to FL and IL will be billed appropriate sales tax. For information on sales tax you may owe to your state, go to HamiltonCollection.com/use-tax. All orders are subject to product availability and credit approval. Allow 6 to 8 weeks for shipment.

PRODUCTS & PROJECTS

SureFire Tactician

esigned for everyday carry, the SureFire Tactician flashlight (E2T-MV) derives its versatility from a pair of dual-mode features. First, the light is capable of producing 800 lumens for long-range viewing or tactical/defensive situations, or it can be dialed backed—with a quarter-turn of the bezel—to just five lumens for more mundane tasks and extended battery life. Secondly, the Tactician has two modes of operation: press the tailcap for momentary-on or twist it for a constant beam. The flashlight is 5" long, weighs 3.5 ozs. and features the durable aluminum construction for which SureFire products are known. Batteries, a pocket clip and wrist lanyard are included. Price: $149. Contact: SureFire, LLC; (800) 828-8809; surefire.com.

HANDLOADS

RNADY HO RECIPE

.17 Hornet

he .17 Hornet is the quintessential mid-range varmint cartridge— regardless if you’re hunting east or west of the Mississippi River. The tabulated results clearly illustrate why; only 12.2 grs. of Accurate 1680—that’s 573 shots per pound of propellant—is needed to propel the volatile, 20-gr. V-Max bullet to 3726 f.p.s. And, when zeroed at 200 yds., the tiny projectile impacts 1" high at 100 yds. and only drops 6.1" at 300 yds., where it still has 210 ft.-lbs. of energy remaining—plenty to ruin the day of the largest coyote. Trajectory-wise, that’s slightly better than the .223 Rem. when loaded with the 55-gr. V-Max, and the .17 Hornet has a mild report and nil recoil, too. Even in a full-value, 10-m.p.h. wind, the .223 Rem. offers only slightly less deflection than the .17 Hornet out to 300 yds. —AARON CARTER, FIELD EDITOR

BULLET: HORNADY 20-GR. V-MAX 1 7 H O RN E T PROPELLANT/CHARGE: ACCURATE 1680/12.2 GRS. PRIMER: WSR CASE: HORNADY CASE TRIM-TO LENGTH: 1.340" CARTRIDGE OVERALL LENGTH: 1.710" VELOCITY @ 10' (F.P.S.): 3726 ENERGY (FT.-LBS.): 617 ACCURACY: 0.78"* USES: HUNTING (VARMINTS, PREDATORS), RECREATION, PRACTICE NOTES: 22"-BARRELED SAVAGE MODEL 25 WALKING VARMINTER TOPPED WITH A WEAVER GRAND SLAM 4-16X 44 MM RIFLESCOPE *AVERAGE OF FIVE CONSECUTIVE, FIVE-SHOT GROUPS AT 100 YDS. WARNING: Technical data and information contained herein are intended to provide information based upon the limited experience of individuals under specific conditions and circumstances. They do not detail the comprehensive training, procedures, techniques and safety precautions that are absolutely necessary to properly carry on similar activity. READ THE NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER ON THE CONTENTS PAGE OF THIS MAGAZINE. ALWAYS CONSULT COMPREHENSIVE REFERENCE MANUALS AND BULLETINS OF PROPER TRAINING REQUIREMENTS, PROCEDURES, TECHNIQUES AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY SIMILAR ACTIVITIES.

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APRIL 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

A Collector Or A Shooter?

I recently started hunting and ATV riding in Colorado and want to carry a large-caliber and capable gun with me for defense. I have one gun that fits the bill easily, it is a likenew, commemorative New Model Super Blackhawk chambered for .44 Mag. Stamped on the gun’s barrel is “Made in the 200th Year of American Liberty.” I am concerned with the potential for spoiling any additional value this commemorative edition has by firing it.

Given the nature of your question and the queries I have made, the pistol does not appear to gain significant additional value due to its markings. One source says Ruger marked virtually all of its 1976 production this way. If it were my gun, I would not hesitate to use it. But to obtain more information on its collector value, if it has any, I would suggest you contact the Ruger Collectors’ Ass’n at its website: rugercollectorsassociation.com. —CHARLES W. PATE, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

WD-40 As A Firearm Lubricant?

Some 70 years ago, or so, I was introduced to Hoppe’s No. 9 solvent and related products. A fellow shooter mentioned that I should try an alternative method for cleaning semi-automatic pistols: fieldstrip, spray parts with WD-40, drip dry, wipe and reassemble; no cleaning rods, patches or brushes required. Does this sound right to you?

I have used WD-40 as an aid to professional firearm cleaning for many decades. It is relatively inexpensive, readily available, breaks down dirt and softens rust, helping with its removal. But, in my opinion, it does only a fair job as a preservative. Again, in my opinion, it is not an effective lubricant for firearms for myriad reasons, but particularly in the case of assemblies that are not disassembled under normal maintenance, such as bolt assemblies, cylinder assemblies and trigger assemblies. I find that WD-40 gets between close-fitting components and then turns into something resembling varnish, essentially gluing the parts together. When that happens, the tendency is to spray the offending components with more WD-40 to loosen them up. All is well until the next time the gun is fired. If a quick method of cleaning appeals to you, there are other aerosol products better-suited for firearms and moving parts, such as Gun Medic Quick Fix from your trusted brand, Hoppe’s (hoppes.com/gunmedic). —JOHN W. TREAKLE, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR From the thousands of questions and letters on guns, ammunition and their use that American Rifleman receives every year, it publishes the most interesting here. Receiving answers to technical and historical questions is a privilege reserved to NRA members. Questions must be in the form of letters addressed to: Dope Bag, NRA Publications, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030-9400; must contain the member’s code line from an American Rifleman or American Hunter mailing label or membership card; must be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed, legal-size envelope; and must be limited to one specific question per letter. Non-members may submit a question with a membership application. We cannot answer technical or historical questions by telephone, e-mail or fax, and we cannot place even an approximate value on guns or other equipment. Please allow eight to 10 weeks for replies. “Questions & Answers” is compiled by staff and Contributing Editors: Bruce N. Canfield, Michael Carrick, Garry James, Charles Pate, Charles E. Petty, John M. Taylor and John Treakle.

APRIL 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

LOADING BENCH

Handloading The .44-40 Win. I

ntroduced in the Model 1873, the .44 Winchester Central Fire, as it was originally called, was the first center-fire cartridge to become available in a Winchester lever-action rifle. Winchester also chambered experimental single-action revolvers to what we call the .44-40 Win., but what really got the attention of those who desired a handgun chambered for the same cartridge as their 1873 was its availability in Colt’s Frontier Six Shooter beginning around 1879. The .44-40 Win. later became available in the Winchester Model 92 as well as various rifles built by Remington, Marlin, Colt, Stevens, Ballard and others. A huge hit among hunters, it remained popular in deer camps long after the .30-30 Win. and other smokeless cartridges were introduced. Originally loaded with 40 grs. of blackpowder, the .44-40 pushed a 200-gr. lead bullet from a 24" barrel at about 1300 f.p.s. The case has a bottleneck shape with a 4 degree shoulder angle. One of those grand old survivors that will never die, the .44-40’s health got even better when the

game of cowboy action shooting came galloping hard across America starting in the 1980s. Almost overnight, domestic and foreign companies began offering rifles and revolvers chambered for it. Most were singleactions and copies of lever-action and slide-action rifles of yesteryear. Adding to the appeal, at least for me, is the Henry Repeating Arms New Original Henry (April 2014, p. 66). Original barrel groove diameter for the .44-40 Win. was 0.427", but SAAMI today has it at 0.4285". It varies considerably, not only among rifles from different manufacturers, but among those from the same manufacturer as well. Winchester Model 1873 dimensions seem to be the most generous, with the barrels of some reportedly measuring as large as 0.434". Foreign-made replicas of that rifle usually range from 0.426" to 0.429". The barrels of rifles being manufactured today often measure

BY LAYNE SIMPSON

0.429" across opposing grooves, same as for the .44 Rem. Mag. Bullets weighing 200 to 205 grs. in ammunition loaded by Black Hills, Hornady, Remington and Winchester measure 0.427" or close to it. While all were a bit undersize for the 0.429" groove diameter of the New Original Henry test rifle, the two loads with cast bullets delivered excellent accuracy at 50 yds. This came as quite a surprise since lead-alloy bullets usually deliver their best accuracy when sized the same as or 0.001" to 0.002" larger than the barrel-groove diameter. Jacketed bullets proved to be a different matter; the 0.427" bullet of

The author brought years of experience and a variety of equipment to bear on reloading for the .44-40—a cartridge that dates back more than 150 years. Diligence paid off, as accuracy of some groups for loads fired from a New Original Henry hovered near 1.5" at 50 yds. APRIL 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

Photos by author

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LOADING BENCH .44-40 WIN.

0.443" 0.428"

0.525" 0.469"

0.471"

4°

0.457" 0.444" 0.927" 1.017"

1.305"

1.590" Data courtesy of Hornady

the Remington ammunition delivered poor accuracy whereas the two 0.4295" Sierra bullets punched much smaller clusters. The SAAMI maximum diameter at the case mouth of a loaded round is 0.443", and minimum-dimension chambers severely limit how much bullet diameter can be increased before a round becomes difficult to chamber. Outside case mouth diameter for factory ammunition loaded with a 0.427" bullet runs from 0.439" to 0.441", and increasing bullet diameter to the more readily available 0.429" takes cartridge mouth size to the limit and sometimes beyond. A Cerrosafe casting of the chamber will reveal how much room is in there. Handloading offers the option of using various bullet diameters in the .44-40 Win., but keep in mind that some of the recommended powder charges published in the past are considered excessive today. Only upto-date sources should be used. Since rifles chambered for the old-timer during the past 145 years have varied considerably in the level of pressures they were designed to handle, technicians who compiled data for Lyman’s Reloading Handbook and Cast Bullet Handbook separated rifles and recommended data into two categories. Among those included in Group 1 are the Winchester

1873 and Colt Lightning (and their foreign-built reproductions) as well as various Ballard and Stevens rifles. The New Original Henry from Henry Repeating Arms featured in this report is a Group 1 rifle. Loads using 200-gr. bullets are in the 1200 to 1300 f.p.s. velocity range, and pretty much duplicate original blackpowder performance. They are held to a maximum chamber pressure of 13,700 copper units of pressure (c.u.p.). Soon after Winchester introduced the Model 92, a high-velocity loading with a 200-gr. bullet at 1500 f.p.s. became available. Written on the box was a warning against its use in the Model 1873. Group 2 loads in the Lyman manuals are for stronger actions such as the Winchester 92 and Marlin 1894. Maximum pressure is 22,000 c.u.p., with some velocities actually exceeding that of the old Winchester high-velocity load. While Lyman’s maximum loads are deemed safe for use in a Group 2 rifle in serviceable condition, case life may be short. The first rifle in .44-40 Win. I handloaded for, a Spanish copy of the Winchester Model 92 called El Tigre, performed best with a 200-gr. bullet at 1400 to 1500 f.p.s. Case life and effectiveness on deer were quite good. The .44-40’s biggest weakness, and one that can make it a challenge to reload, is a neck wall thickness of only

Shown resting on the New Original Henry are (l. to r.): the bottleneck .44-40 Win. and the straight-wall .44 Mag. and .44 Colt cartridges. The former’s comparatively thin case walls make its mouth susceptible to collapse during the crimping operation.

APRIL 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

0.007" to 0.008", or about half the thickness of .44 Mag. and .45 Colt cases. Should cases in a batch vary, trimming all to the exact same length is the first step in preventing case collapse during the mouth-crimping operation. If the inside neck diameter of resized cases is considerably smaller than bullet diameter, cases may collapse during bullet seating. For this reason, inside neck diameter of the cases in factory ammunition is only slightly smaller than bullet diameter. Whether a Lyman M die or the same type of die made by RCBS or Redding is used, an expander diameter of 0.427" is ideal for the 0.4295" Sierra bullets in virgin Starline cases, while 0.426" works as well with lead-alloy bullets measuring 0.429". This leaves case neck tension a bit lighter than when loading the .44 Mag., but it is enough when the mouth of the case is properly crimped against the bullet. Even when using an expander of the correct size, it is not uncommon for the thin wall of the .44-40 Win. case to allow a seated bullet to end up slightly canted away from the axis of the barrel. In addition to a negative effect on accuracy, the base of a tilted bullet can bulge the case wall enough to interfere with chambering. Should this be a problem, the Competition Bullet Seating Die from Redding can be a solution. A close-fitting, spring-loaded seating stem travels downward into the body of the die to align bullet and case prior to bullet seating. In the old days, loading enough blackpowder to fill the case to the base of a seated bullet did more than

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LOADING BENCH deliver as much velocity as possible from the cartridge. It also prevented the bullet from being seated deeper in the case when the cartridge was subjected to magazine spring pressure under recoil while resting in the tubular magazine of a rifle. Most smokeless powder loads do not fill the case, so in order to prevent bullet movement, some ammunition manufacturers (Remington and Winchester in particular) roll a cannelure into the case adjacent to the base of the bullet. Since cannelure location varies for different bullets, it is absent on cases made by Starline. I suppose one could be applied with a tool available from Corbin, but the bullet movement problem is more easily solved by properly crimping the mouth of the case. The Factory Crimp Die from Lee Precision is one option, but I prefer a different method. After a bullet is seated, use the roll-crimp feature of the seating die to only lightly push the mouth of the case into its groove in the bullet and then follow with a taper-crimp die.

Loads developed by the author and fired through his New Original Henry rifle delivered excellent accuracy with various bullet diameters, including 0.429" bullets cast in Lyman and RCBS molds, Sierra jacketed bullets measuring 0.4295" and Hornady swaged-lead bullets measuring 0.430".

I have used RCBS Cowboy dies along with a taper crimp from the same company with great success. Another option is the Profile Crimp Die from Redding. It combines the two types of crimps into one operation. There is another reason for using both roll and taper crimps. A heavy roll-crimp accepted by the .44 Mag. case will buckle the thin .44-40 case. The secret, through trial-and-error success, is to apply as much roll crimp as cases can withstand without buckling or bulging outward and then

back it up with a taper crimp. The Hornady Cowboy bullet does not have a crimp groove, so apply just enough roll crimp to remove the bell from the mouth of the case and seat it firmly against the side of the bullet, and follow with a taper crimp. In addition to being less expensive than jacketed bullets, those cast at home can be as accurate. The 0.427" swaged bullet in Hornady’s Cowboy ammunition is capable of delivering excellent accuracy, and its hardness of around 7 on the Brinell scale allows

.44-40 WIN. LOAD DATA & SHOOTING RESULTS (50 YDS.)

BULLET BRAND

BULLET TYPE

BULLET WEIGHT (GRS.)

BULLET DIAMETER (INCHES)

COL (INCHES)

PROPELLANT BRAND/TYPE

CHARGE WEIGHT (GRS.)

HORNADY

COWBOY

180

0.4290

1.585

UNIQUE

7.5

VEL@12' (F.P.S) 1294

GROUP SIZE (INCHES) 2.16

SIERRA

JHC

180

0.4295

1.595

ALLIANT 2400

16.0

1257

1.44

SIERRA

JHC

180

0.4295

1.595

IMR-4227

17.0

1241

1.56

RCBS

#44-200-CM

205

0.4290

1.590

UNIQUE

8.0

1133

1.88

RCBS

#44-200-CM

205

0.4290

1.590

IMR-4227

15.0

1240

1.55

RCBS

#44-200-CM

205

0.4290

1.590

PYRODEX RS

25.0*

1286

1.92

SIERRA

JHC

210

0.4295

1.593

ALLIANT 2400

15.0

1216

1.59

LYMAN

#426266

212

0.4290

1.595

TRAIL BOSS

6.3

1022

3.54

LYMAN

#426266

212

0.4290

1.595

TITEGROUP

6.3

1137

2.49

LYMAN

#426266

212

0.4290

1.595

UNIVERSAL

7.5

1062

2.32

ALLIANT 2400

16.0

LYMAN

#426266

212

0.4290

1.595

1272

1.57

REM.**

SOFTPOINT

200

0.4270

1.575

REMINGTON

1083

3.88

CAST**

LEAD-ALLOY

200

0.4270

1.585

BLACK HILLS

1027

1.94

SWAGED**

LEAD-ALLOY

205

0.4270

1.575

HORNADY

982

1.79

*PYRODEX RS VOLUMETRIC MEASUREMENT EQUIVALENT IS 35.0 GRS. **FACTORY LOAD NOTES: PROPELLANT CHARGES ARE MAXIMUM AND SHOULD BE REDUCED BY 10 PERCENT FOR STARTING LOADS. STARLINE CASES AND CCI 350 PRIMERS WITH 2400 AND IMR-4227 AND FEDERAL GM150M PRIMERS WITH THE OTHER PROPELLANTS WERE USED. ACCURACY RESULTS ARE BASED ON FIVE CONSECUTIVE, FIVE-SHOT GROUPS AT 50 YDS. FROM A SANDBAG REST. VELOCITIES MEASURED BY AN OEHLER MODEL 33 CHRONOGRAPH AT 12 FT. FROM THE MUZZLE OF THE 24" BARREL OF A NEW ORIGINAL HENRY RIFLE BUILT BY HENRY REPEATING ARMS. TEMPERATURE: 68° F. BARREL GROOVE DIAMETER WAS 0.429". ABBREVIATIONS: COL (CARTRIDGE OVERALL LENGTH), JHC (JACKETED HOLLOW CORE) REM. (REMINGTON).

APRIL 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

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APRIL 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

it to obturate to fill the grooves of a 0.429" barrel. While the 205-gr., 0.427" bullet is still available in loaded ammunition, for reloading, it has been replaced by a 180-gr. version of 0.429" diameter. I used a Lyman Mag 45 furnace to melt lead alloy for this project and cast bullets of wheel weight metal with a BHN hardness of 10. Molds were RCBS #44-200-CM and Lyman #426266—two-cavity types dropping bullets that weighed 205 and 212 grs., respectively. Both measure 0.429". That diameter is correct for the barrel of the 1860 Henry, so the bullets were run through a 0.429" die in a Lyman 4500 Lube Sizer only to fill their grooves with Lyman’s Alox lubricant. A Lyman No. 649 top punch worked fine with both bullets. Cast bullets also work nicely in Group 2 rifles but since jacketed bullets expand, they are better for use on deer and other game. Winchester and Remington 200-gr. jacketed soft-nose bullets used to be available, but I have not seen them for sale in quite a long time. A problem with most other bullets is their cannelures are located for the .44 Mag. and in the .44-40, overall cartridge length will exceed the 1.60" maximum. The front of the cannelure must be no farther away from the nose of the bullet than about 0.290". Others might be out there, but the Sierra 180- and 210-gr. jacketed hollow cavity (JHC) bullets are the best options I have

Dies that allow for a light roll crimp, followed by a taper crimp, will prevent collapsing the .44-40’s case walls and keep bullets from being pushed deeper into their cases by recoil and magazine spring forces.

come up with. Cannelure location is perfect for the .44-40, and accuracy leaves nothing to be desired. As seen in the test results chart, accuracy from a rifle/cartridge combination that dates back over 150 years can be quite good. With the exceptions of a magazine follower in safety orange and the .44-40 Win. chambering in lieu of the original .44 Rimfire, the test rifle from Henry Repeating Arms of New Jersey is precisely the same as the one created by Benjamin Tyler Henry when Oliver F. Winchester was still in the business of making shirts. It is, without doubt, one of the most fun rifles I have ever shot, not to mention it boasting a rate of fire unmatched by any other rifle used in the American Civil War, including the Spencer. WARNING: Technical data and information contained herein are intended to provide information based upon the limited experience of individuals under specific conditions and circumstances. They do not detail the comprehensive training, procedures, techniques and safety precautions that are absolutely necessary to properly carry on similar activity. READ THE NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER ON THE CONTENTS PAGE OF THIS MAGAZINE. ALWAYS CONSULT COMPREHENSIVE REFERENCE MANUALS AND BULLETINS OF PROPER TRAINING REQUIREMENTS, PROCEDURES, TECHNIQUES AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY SIMILAR ACTIVITIES.

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APRIL 2018

FAVORITE FIREARMS

y favorite firearm is a Savage Model 99 Takedown chambered in .303 Savage and made in 1919. I have only had this Savage for a year, but it is my favorite because of the community of family and friends that took care of the rifle until it unexpectedly came home to my father, and now to me. My grandfather, known as J.W., worked as a coal miner near his home in northwest Pennsylvania and later as a plumber when the mines played out. The history of the purchase is lost, but my grandfather, who was never wealthy, managed to buy—or most likely trade— for this rifle at some point. It was his pride and joy. My father, Bud, remembers his father taking the Savage out hunting whitetail and carefully caring for it in the off-season. When the Great Depression financially decimated many working families, my grandparents were no exception. With a wife and three sons to take care of, my grandfather had

to sell his prized rifle to a lumberman and successful mill owner known in the community as “Push.” Push died in 1988, and we know now that when his wife died a few years later, my grandfather’s Savage passed on to their son, Clyde. It just so happened that my father worked for Clyde as an equipment operator in his coal-mining business until his retirement in 1987. One summer day in 1991, Clyde came to see my dad and handed him the Savage saying, “I thought this should come home.” Thinking his dad’s Savage was long gone, my father was speechless at the time but grinned ear-to-ear with tears in his eyes when he later told me what had happened. Throughout all those years, the Savage had been used but not abused. It still had the original Marble Arms tang

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The Journey Home

sight, crescent buttplate, stock and fore-end that Savage so conveniently identified by serial number. Best of all, it had not been drilled and tapped. Clyde passed away in 2008, and my dad in 2012. Last summer, it was time to settle my family’s estate, and I inherited J.W.’s Savage. It is now, and always will be, my favorite firearm. DANIEL SHAFFER, PENNSYLVANIA

Nearly every shooter has a favorite firearm. If you would like to share the experience of owning yours with other American Rifleman readers, or on americanrifleman.org, send a sharp color photograph of the gun, accompanied by its story in fewer than 400 words, with your name, address and daytime telephone number to: Favorite Firearms, American Rifleman, National Rifle Association, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030-9400. Photos and submissions cannot be returned and may be edited for clarity and brevity.

APRIL 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

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APRIL 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

No Compromise Necessary?

SIG’s P365 We always hear that everyday concealed carry is an exercise in compromise: size, weight, chambering and capacity are all factors that influence the handling and concealment qualities of a given gun. Now, SIG Sauer is changing the equation by offering a micro-compact pistol boasting a full-size, full-power payload.

BY JOE KURTENBACH, MANAGING EDITOR t’s all about the magazine. We started with the magazine, and then designed everything around that,” remarked SIG Sauer President and CEO Ron Cohen of the company’s new P365—a striker-fired, semi-automatic pistol chambered for 9 mm Luger and intended for everyday concealed carry. I caught up with Cohen during SIG’s range event in advance of the 2018 SHOT Show in Las Vegas, which was my first opportunity to put hands on the gun and put rounds downrange. Attendance at the event was limited to premier media representatives, and the buzz among my peers was wonderment at how the company had managed to pack more capacity—10 rounds of 9 mm Luger in the standard, flush-fit magazine—into a microcompact firearm that is dimensionally similar to Smith & Wesson’s Shield, Springfield Armory’s XD-S, Ruger’s LC9s and the Glock 43. Each of those, for reference, holds seven 9 mm cartridges in their standard magazines, save the Glock, which carries six. Cohen was quickly echoed by SIG’s Pistol Product Manager Phil Strader, “We actually developed a magazine from the ground up. This is our magazine, our magazine design. It’s patent-pending, and we found a way we can get 10 rounds in this tiny, little, short mag.” Prior to holding the gun, I expected to encounter a pistol that was slightly larger and wider than the aforementioned competitive models. What I found, instead, was a gun that, if anything, was smaller and lighter than others in the field. Strader continued, “We were able to keep the same width, 1" width, a much smaller-contour grip, and actually keep the size of the gun on par, actually below, the industry average. We took four major competitive guns … averaged their heights, their weights, their lengths and we’re shorter, lighter and thinner than almost every gun in the market.” Photos by Forrest MacCormack

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

APRIL 2018

SIG P365

Regarding major components and disassembly/reassembly procedures, SIG’s P365 is similar to other striker-fired pistols. One difference, though, is that its slide lock/ release must be pressed upward in order to fully rotate the spring-tensioned takedown lever.

In the spirit of “trust but verify,” I had a P365 sent to the office posthaste, and like any championship contender, the gun wasn’t going to make it into the ring without first submitting to a thorough weigh-in. At 18.6 ozs., with an empty magazine, it is definitely among the lightest guns in the category. Too, in terms of width it is on par with the competition, though, like the competition, the gun is actually closer to 0.9" across the slide, and just a few hundredths over 1" at the controls. The P365 offers the same 3.1" barrel as the Shield and the LC9s, and it’s shorter than the G43 (3.4") and XD-S (3.3"), though I think the difference is ballistically negligible. Overall length and height for the P365 are 5.8" and 4.3" (with the flush-fit 10-round magazine), respectively, meaning the gun will, indeed, fit inside a smaller box than its competitors. However, the most noticeable difference, in my opinion, is how narrow the grip frame is. The circumference measures just 4.9" at its narrowest and right around 5" at the widest portion—both noticeably smaller, visually and tactically, than the micro-compact I’m best acquainted with, the Shield, at about 5.3" around. How, then, did SIG pack more ammunition into a gun that is as small or smaller, in every dimension, than its direct competitors? “Pixie dust,” quipped Strader.

The P365 comes with two 10-round magazines, one flush-fitting, the other with a grip extension. An extended 12-round magazine is also sold separately and greatly enhances handling.

APRIL 2018

Semi-Double-Stack

Without doubt, SIG Sauer designed a micro-compact worthy of the name, but the hook, of course, is that despite its slim, trim and featherweight dimensions, the P365 gives up nothing in terms of magazine capacity—indeed, it outmatches its peers by a relatively wide margin. So how did SIG designers do it? At the most basic level, the P365 makes use of a double-stack magazine in a category populated by single-stacks—though, in both cases, such simplistic designations are not totally accurate. Take, for example, Smith & Wesson’s M&P Shield, now a stalwart in the micro-compact category, and perhaps the most popular 9 mm rendering to date. Despite its magazine often being classified as a singlestack or single-column design, the cartridges within are not actually vertically aligned, as in, say, an M1911 magazine. Instead, it is a semi-staggered stack, and the slight left- and right-offset frees up just enough real estate to accommodate seven cartridges, where a straight vertical stack might only have fit six. The trade-off is a magazine that is slightly wider than a single-stack, but since the parent gun still comes in at around 1" wide—the “standard” for the micro-compact category—it’s hardly an issue. The P365 goes to the opposite end of the spectrum, in that it is very close to being a true double-column arrangement. Here again, though, we see a slight adjustment to the design, in this case a tighter, more vertical staggering than in standard double-stacks. To compare, the doublecolumn magazine of SIG’s larger P320 is 0.86" wide, which allows two 9 mm Luger cartridges to very nearly sit side-byside. The P365’s magazine is narrower at 0.81" wide, causing the cartridges to stack in a more staggered formation. Also, the uppermost portion of the P365 magazine—about 1" below the feed lips—is more aggressively “funneled” AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

SIG SAUER P365

MANUFACTURER: SIG SAUER, INC., 72 PEASE BLVD., NEWINGTON, NH 03801; (603) 610-3000; SIGSAUER.COM 5.8"

3.1"

4.3"

ACTION TYPE: RECOILOPERATED, CENTER-FIRE SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL CHAMBERING: 9 MM LUGER RIFLING: SIX-GROOVE, 1:10" RH TWIST TRIGGER: DOUBLE-ACTION-ONLY; 6-LB., 2-OZ. PULL SLIDE: STAINLESS STEEL, NITRON FINISH FRAME: POLYMER

X-Ray3 Day/Night Sights rely on a big, green, single dot (top) for use in bright environments, and a glowing, tritium-powered, three-dot arrangement (above) in low-light conditions. V-shaped grooves at the frame’s front form a proprietary accessory rail (inset, facing page).

WIDTH: 1.06" WEIGHT: 18.6 OZS SIGHTS: SIG X-RAY3 DAY/NIGHT MAGAZINE: 10-ROUND DETACHABLE BOX

ACCESSORIES: OWNER’S MANUAL, EXTRA 10-ROUND MAGAZINE WITH GRIP

EXTENSION, LOCK MSRP: $600

SHOOTING RESULTS (7 YDS.)

9 MM LUGER CARTRIDGE

VEL. @ 15' (F.P.S.)

ENERGY (FT.-LBS.)

GROUP SIZE (INCHES) LARGEST AVERAGE SMALLEST

AGUILA 115-GR. FMJ

1054 AVG. 17 SD

284

0.84

1.56

1.06

NOVX ARX 65-GR. +P PCF

1571 AVG. 16 SD

356

0.74

1.46

1.00

than the P320 magazine, ensuring 1136 AVG. SIG V-CROWN 355 0.68 1.32 0.94 the top two cartridges form a single, 124-GR. JHP 27 SD vertical stack for reliable feeding. AVERAGE EXTREME SPREAD 1.00 Each P365 will ship with two 10-round NOTES: MEASURED AVERAGE VELOCITY FOR 10 SHOTS FROM A 3.1" BARREL OVER AN units, one flush-fitting and one with a OEHLER MODEL 36 CHRONOGRAPH AT 15 FT. ACCURACY RESULTS FOR FIVE CONSECUTIVE, small, 0.45" grip extension. Even more FIVE-SHOT GROUPS AT 7 YDS. FROM A SANDBAG REST. TEMPERATURE: 78° F. HUMIDITY: 10%. interesting is the 12-round magazine, ABBREVIATIONS: FMJ (FULL METAL JACKET), JHP (JACKETED HOLLOW POINT), sold separately, that increases the grip PCF (POLY/COPPER FLUTED), SD (STANDARD DEVIATION). height by 0.65" and effectively gives upping the onboard ammunition was a good start, but with the gun twice the capacity of its competitors, putting it a suggested retail price of $600 (likely closer to $500 at “danger close” to competing with larger, double-stack comthe gun shop counter) the P365 would still have to offer pacts. The innovative hybrid design—Strader referred to it shooters some compelling characteristics to justify the as “semi-double-stack”—accomplished two major priorities investment. In the features department, it delivers. for SIG Sauer’s design team: it facilitated an overall width Starting from the top, the P365 has a very good set very close to the 1" mark, and it measurably increases the of sights. SIG’s X-Ray3 Day/Night Sights feature a bright, capacity over current competitive models. fluorescent green front dot with a central tritium vial, paired with a black, horizontally serrated square-notch It’s no secret that the American commercial firearm rear, also equipped with tritium inserts. The result is a industry is still getting used to the new, post-Obama norfast, single-dot arrangement in bright conditions, and a mal. One area that continues to be a bright spot is the mar- glowing three-dot sight picture in low light. The X-Ray3 ket for small, personal-defense semi-automatics, and the sights have been used before on SIG Sauer’s Legion series P365 is, no doubt, SIG’s best attempt to capture a share. of pistols and other upgraded models such as the P320 However, it was not that long ago that a new Shield could X-Carry. They are very good sights, very easy to use, and, be purchased for just $250, after rebates, so SIG’s engineers considering similar aftermarket sights cost $100 or more, were going to have to really deliver a feature-filled firearm they add real value to the P365. continued on p. 82 that would also be efficient to manufacture. Significantly

Beyond The Mag

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

APRIL 2018

HOW-TO

Build Your Own

Precision Bol

APRIL 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

Photos by Forrest MacCormack

lt-Action Rifle Precision bolt-action rifles used to be exclusively in the realm of custom riflesmiths, but these days they’ve become a legitimate DIY proposition—one that can be deeply rewarding. BRIAN C. SHEETZ, SENIOR EXECUTIVE EDITOR hooters bring all sorts of preferences, prejudices and preconceived notions to our ideas about rifles and related equipment—and nowhere are they more apparent than in the realm of precision bolt-actions. Every nuance is overanalyzed, and discourses abound regarding the best action types, barrels and cartridges. Such firearms have long been the province of professional gunmakers whose methods for achieving the ultimate in accuracy are typically cloaked in mystery. And while many shooters still seek out their expertise and advice, more and more have decided to go it alone and build their own rifles. That proposition has become increasingly attractive given the wide availability of components for such builds. Despite being from disparate companies, they are usually manufactured with computer-aided techniques to tolerances that result in near-perfect compatibility. Added to that are the Remington Model 700’s status as the de facto dimensional standard in actions along with an explosion of Precision Rifle Series and similar competitions. The result is a cottage industry awash in stocks, barrels and triggers that afford the home gunsmith a unique opportunity to assemble them on a legally transferred receiver into an accurate, powerful, long-range rifle. Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the entire process is that it requires no machining or gunsmithing skills on the part of the builder. For years, I had considered having a custom rifle built—going so far as to discuss it at length with more than one gunmaker—but I finally decided on the do-it-yourself (DIY) route because I was convinced it was the only way to end up with exactly the result I envisioned. And although the project covered here resulted in one specific build with unique specifications and capabilities, its larger purpose is to illustrate how simple it is for anyone with a modicum of mechanical ability to put together a precision rifle. After deciding on the role you want the rifle to fulfill, and establishing your budget, make a list of design considerations, select the parts, acquire a few tools, garner some advice and, finally, assemble and test the gun. AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

APRIL 2018

PRECISION RIFLE

3a 7

"Design" The Rifle

For this build, I envisioned a long-range precision rifle chambered for the .300 Winchester Magnum cartridge and capable of half-minute-of-angle accuracy for hunting or tactical applications. That first decision dictated a long action, and since I also preferred controlled-round feed, because of the positive manner in which it handles cartridges, the field of available candidates shrank quickly. I also wanted detachable-box-magazine capability to conveniently switch loads and to have as much on-board capacity as possible. An interchangeable bolt head and barrel would even allow other chamberings for different roles such as competition. After researching many of the actions and components available on the market and examining several finished rifles in person, I set goals of an overall weight in the neighborhood of 13 lbs. and a total build cost of $4,000. And though such numbers may shock users of typical hunting rifles, I believed they were justified considering that I wanted the rifle to be comfortable to shoot—not unlike the much lighter-caliber and heavier PRS-style guns—and I believed its switch-chambering/switch-barrel capability lent it a value comparable to multiple dedicated platforms. The foundation of any rifle build is the receiver, which determines what the gun is capable of and how it functions. In the case of a DIY build, it also determines its compatibility with aftermarket components. The most obvious path in that respect, whether for short- or long-action cartridges, are actions matching the venerable Remington Model 700.

APRIL 2018

Made in the millions, the Model 700’s simple cylindrical receiver format has spawned a wide aftermarket of components and accessories and, more recently, advanced clones that are dimensionally faithful to that popular model in key areas, including: outer diameter, overall length, action screw spacing and recoil lug location. Those similarities allow compatible builds to bed seemlessly into any Model 700-compatible stock—assuming it has a barrel channel that can accommodate the profile selected for the build. Yet another important feature is the Model 700’s simple two-pin method of attaching a trigger/safety assembly, which allows it to accept fire-control assemblies from a host of manufacturers. Best of all, whether such a receiver is threaded for factory Remington barrels (11⁄16x16 TPI) or small-shank Savage barrels (11⁄16x20 TPI), it can utilize the clever and proven locknut method of attachment and headspacing—in the former case, referred to as a “Remage.” My choice of action (1) stemmed from a chance encounter at the SHOT Show a couple of years ago. As I passed by a small booth in the law enforcement section, a simple banner with the word “Mausingfield” caught my eye. When I stopped and began listening in on a conversation between the designer of the curiously named action, Ted Karagias, and a potential customer, it quickly became apparent that the hybrid of Mauser and Springfield features was deserving of further investigation. Karagias is a mechanical engineer and owner of American Rifle Co. (ARC) in Mukilteo, Wash. (americanrifle.com). With a career AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

Precision rifles are comprised of relatively few components, but each contributes significantly to how the gun feels and functions. In this case, that includes: capable glass, a stout barrel, a super-smooth action, a steady rest, detachable magazines and a crisp trigger.

that includes designing equipment for the production of commercial aircraft such as Boeing 787 airliners, his experience more than qualified him to develop a bolt-action rifle, whose engineering he deftly explained in a thorough yet understandable manner. As we discussed the merits of various designs, I realized we had a shared appreciation of several major points, including: the effectiveness and dependability of the Mauser’s claw extractor; the controllability and reliability of the Springfield’s fixed ejector; the commonality and versatility of Remington’s Model 700 format; and the cleverness and efficiency of Savage’s locknut-style of barrel attachment and headspace adjustment. And while it was clear that accuracy doesn’t take a back seat in the ARC philosophy, it was also apparent that Karagias thought of it as secondary to an even more important quality for a hard-use rifle destined for the field: dependability. As we talked, I handled an in-the-white Mausingfield action that struck me as simultaneously beastly and beautiful. Its bolt glided into position and seemed to virtually close itself as my hand moved its uniquely shaped knob forward. The massive extractor, generous ejection port and rear-mounted, fixed-blade ejector all conveyed a sense of AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

class and strength akin to the finest military and sporting bolt-actions. Explanations of its finer features, such as the easily interchangeable bolt heads—with toroidally cut lugs that do not require hand lapping to achieve even contact within the receiver—convinced me I had found the action on which I would build my dream rifle. By the time it arrived some months later, the entire receiver and bolt assembly benefitted from an attractive diamond-like carbon (DLC) surface treatment—the same wear-reducing finish used for tooling cutters, Formula One race cars and razor blades—while the steel optics rail, which is mechanically keyed to the receiver and fastened by way of five 8x36 TPI screws, was salt-bath-nitrided. While the receiver is the foundation of any precision rifle, the barrel (2) is the heart of its accuracy. Upon Karagias’ recommendation for an off-the-shelf, pre-fit barrel, I decided to shop the Criterion barrels website (criterionbarrels.com). The company is well-regarded for its button-rifled OEM and aftermarket barrels and is a default source for many shooters seeking a quality barrel that won’t break the bank. Its prime distributor for Savage small-shank barrels is Northland Shooters Supply (NSS) in APRIL 2018

PRECISION RIFLE Bismarck, N.D.(northlandshooterssupply.com). Owner James Kessler provided expert advice for this project, methodically guiding me through the various considerations for such a barrel, including: twist rate, length, profile, material, muzzle threading and, of course, chambering. Having already settled on .300 Win. Mag.—in my mind, an unassailable classic long-range hunting and tactical cartridge—I had only to specify the other particulars. Stainless steel was an easy choice because of its weather resistance and ease of maintenance. And I opted for a 1:10" twist rate in anticipation of shooting mostly 190-gr. bullets common in factory loads. As to length, I chose 26" as a compromise between maximizing the cartridge’s ballistic potential and minimizing the gun’s length. Perhaps most important was the barrel’s profile, which I knew, if heavy enough, would help ward off the ruinous effects of heat and harmonic disturbances on accuracy—particularly during long strings of fire. In the end, I chose what Criterion classifies as a Varmint contour, which lies between its Light Varmint and Bull profiles. It measures 1.040" at the breech and 0.812" at the muzzle. Because a muzzle brake or suppressor were likely accessories, I requested 5/8x24 TPI threads, a common specification for .30-cal. barrels. One additional consideration that occurred to me at the last minute was that I wanted to have a short section near the muzzle turned to a true cylindrical profile in order to fit a clamp-on front base for the use of iron sights (see sidebar at americanrifleman.org/precisionriflebuild). Kessler helpfully further suggested that I try Northland’s own trued barrel nut (2a), action wrench and barrel nut wrench along with Forster headspace gauges and one of his most popular accessories: the highly effective and easily installed American Precision Arms (americanprecisionarms.com) Little Bastard muzzle brake (2b). There are several well-regarded makers of fiberglass or carbon-fiber rifle stocks for precision-rifle builds, but such units can be quite expensive compared to injection-molded or laminate types. The Hunter 700 Long Action stock (3) (magpul.com) makes use of molded-polymer exterior components and an internal, cast-aluminum chassis to effect

APRIL 2018

an ergonomically sound and comfortable interface with the shooter, and a mechanically solid base for the action, respectively. The chassis’ hard points form pillars for the action screws and a recess for the recoil lug. In this case, the contours of the exposed portion of the stock’s internal aluminum chassis mated perfectly with those of the Mausingfield, and its ejection port and bolt handle recesses also matched up nicely. The buttstock can be adjusted by way of interchangeable cheekpieces of various heights and length-of-pull spacers to accommodate different optics and shooter builds, respectively. It bucks the trend of vertical pistol grips found on many precision-rifle stocks with a grip angle that is more relaxed, allowing for a comfortable hand position and an excellent approach to the trigger. Of course, it also accepts the company’s numerous accessory components, and, in this case, I added: an M-LOK QD Sling Mount (3a), a six-slot aluminum M-LOK rail section at 6 o’clock on the fore-end for attachment of the bipod (3b), a QD Sling Mount Kit (3c) for the buttstock and a Zero-Rise Hunter-SGA Cheek Riser (3d), which, because I tend to affect a high cheekweld, affords proper alignment with the scope while allowing removal of the bolt from the receiver. Riflescopes, too, have seen development spurred by the popularity of precision rifle shooting, and world-class optics are in greater abundance and at a higher state of development than ever before, so picking from among the many excellent brands is not an easy task. As I began to shop, I attempted to resist the attraction of specific labels, leaning instead toward proven features and value informed by past experiences. I did, however, have a sense as to the appropriate magnification range given the cartridge and the rifle’s intended use: somewhere from 4X to 6X at the low end and 15X to 25X at the high end. Further, I had already decided on a model with first-focal-plane optics, adjustment values in mils and a compatible mil-dot-type reticle—to estimate range at any magnification by observing objects of known size—along with easily adjustable turrets with zero stops. In the end, I ordered a Leupold VX-3i LRP 6.5-20X 50 mm (4). Its weight, price and reputation for optical and mechanical quality all seemed

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

Feed the beast

agpul’s bottom “metal” unit, the Bolt Action Magazine Well (6), is made mostly of polymer, but, of course, fits seamlessly into its Hunter 700L stock. A metal, paddlestyle release between the trigger guard and magazine opening and metal inserts for the action screws ensure that the unit can withstand the application of proper action screw torque and the constant insertion and removal of both polymer and steel magazines. And while the included polymer, single-feed PMAG 5 AC L magazine (6a) fits and functions well, I wanted to try the steel single-feed units from Accuracy Int’l. The two five-rounders provided by the company and two 10-rounders provided by Mile High Shooting Accessories (milehighshooting.com), all functioned flawlessly, although the AI magazines’ follower prevented the bolt from going forward on an empty magazine—just like a military Mauser. —BRIAN C. SHEETZ

compatible with the project’s goals. Using ARC’s M10 scope rings (4a)—which combine the properties of both vertically and horizontally split designs—the scope mounted up nicely on the Mausingfield’s rail, which I had requested to include 30 minutes of angle to allow for plenty of elevation adjustment when shooting at long range. Among the many high-quality trigger assemblies for Model 700 clones, the Trigger Tech Special and Primary (5) stood out for their unique mechanical design, which positions a roller between the trigger and sear engagement surfaces. Along with an intermediate “ticker” lever, it provides a frictionless release that does not rely solely on polished or treated engagement surfaces to yield a consistently clean and smooth break. Because the Mausingfield features a bolt release at its left rear, I ordered the Primary model without a release, but with an integrated two-position, right-hand safety. Other bits and pieces, while less costly, were still carefully considered, and, it could be argued, make a significant difference in how well the outfit functions as a whole. For instance, the Atlas BT47-LW17 bipod (7) attaches easily to the Picatinny rail on the stock’s underside. And the Magpul MS1 Padded Sling allows for a variety of carry and shooting positions. Once all the parts are on-hand, assembly of the rifle simply involves (l. to. r.) setting the headspace and torquing the barrel nut, pinning the trigger to the receiver, and securing the barreled receiver and bottom “metal” to the stock with the action screws.

Assemble The Whole

I took on this project because I became fascinated with the idea that a true precision rifle could be assembled in a process that involved no machining or specialized skills. Even more surprising, though, was that when it came time to put the rifle together, far less effort was required than I could ever have foreseen. Actual assembly took only a matter of minutes and required just a few tools. The main steps were: attaching the barrel to the receiver; attaching the trigger to the receiver; securing the barreled action into the stock; and mounting the scope. The first involved securing the receiver in the action vise (the jaws of which I padded beforehand so as not to mar the finish) before running the barrel nut fully onto the barrel’s threads. At that point, I coated the barrel’s threads with an antiseize compound and then simply screwed the barrel into the receiver. The critical point here is to have the proper “Go” and “No-Go” gauges standing by to place onto the continued on p. 90 COUNTING THE COSTS

COMPONENT

WEIGHT

PRICE

AMERICAN RIFLE CO. MAUSINGFIELD ACTION WITH 30-M.O.A. RAIL

2 LBS., 6 OZS.

$1,600

CRITERION VARMINT BARREL

4 LBS., 8 OZS.

$300

NORTHLAND SHOOTERS SUPPLY (NSS) & TRUED BARREL NUT

1.3 OZS.

$28

AMERICAN PRECISION ARMS GEN II LITTLE BASTARD MUZZLE BRAKE

4.2 OZS.

$160

2 LBS., 11 OZS.

$280

5 OZS.

$80

1 LB., 6 OZS.

$1,300

SQUARED

MAGPUL HUNTER 700L STOCK MAGPUL BOLT ACTION MAGAZINE WELL & PMAG 5 AC L MAGAZINE LEUPOLD VX-3I LRP 6.5-20X 50 MM RIFLESCOPE ARC M10 SCOPE RINGS

5 OZS.

$180

ATLAS BT47-LW17 BIPOD

15 OZS.

$340

MAGPUL MS1 PADDED SLING

7 OZS.

$60

N/A

$57

NSS ACTION WRENCH

N/A

$60

NSS BARREL NUT WRENCH

N/A

$18

13 LBS., 5 OZS.

$4,463

FORSTER “GO”/”NO-GO” HEADSPACE GAUGES

TOTALS AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

APRIL 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

HISTORICAL

Colts In The Cockpit

Arming Pilots—From Airmail To Commercial Aviation Think the idea of arming pilots is new? Think again. Every time you board a plane, you trust the pilots with your life. And there was a time that pilots trusted the Colt Pocket Hammerless. BY LUKE MERCALDO & ANTHONY VANDERLINDEN n the aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001, there was public demand to arm commercial airline pilots. But it was opposed by both pundits and politicians, and punctuated by one public figure who commented that airline pilots were a “bunch of cowboys.” But that opinion was based on ignorance and propelled by a political agenda rather than historical precedent. Fortunately, artifacts exist to remind us of a time when pilots were respected and depended upon to defend their aircraft. One such example is a Model 1908 Colt Pocket Hammerless pistol, formerly owned by Captain John “Jack” Elon Starr, a pilot who carried the Colt while conducting his flight duties with United Air Lines during and after World War II. Compared with current aviation firearm protocols, the issuance and training during World War II may appear lacking. In 1942, a flight manager unceremoniously issued Captain Starr his Colt pistol with the warning, “Jack, don’t hurt yourself with it.” Issuing firearms to pilots was not simply a wartime practice, but a continuance of an established tradition that began with the first airmail pilots in the 1920s. Pilots have been armed from the beginning of the airline industry. The demobilization of the U.S. armed forces after World War I created a surplus of aircraft and trained pilots. During that time, early aviation pioneers took advantage of affordable surplus aircraft while the U.S. Post Office Dept. (USPOD) sought a better way to expedite the mail. The U.S. government wanted faster and more dependable ways to deliver the mail, bringing about the development of new air routes.

The first airmail routes were established in 1918, and the first coast-to-coast route was inaugurated by the USPOD in 1920. Those early routes were exclusively flown by USPOD employees. Within a few years though, the government handed over the responsibility of flying the mail to commercial aviation companies. In keeping with the long-standing tradition of protecting the U.S. mail, in February 1922, H.D. Ingalls—assistant superintendent of the Central Division of the Air Mail Service—authorized a dispatch that read: “All pilots on transcontinental flights will be furnished with side-arms for the purpose of protecting the mail.” Which “side-arms” were not specified. Pilots flying the transcontinental airmail did so in open-cockpit biplanes over wild territory with limited

Captain Jack Starr’s mementos (l.) including his student pilot logbook, flight school class photograph from United Air Lines flight training school, a photo of Starr flying as a new co-pilot, his United Air Lines captain’s hat, his Colt Model 1908 pistol and issue holster, flight logbook, United Air Lines pilot wings and uniform lapel pin. Axel R. Swanson (r.) of Universal Air Lines was photographed standing next to his de Havilland DH-4 biplane ready to fly the mail—with a holstered Colt pistol on his hip. Photos courtesy of authors

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

APRIL 2018

AIR COLTS

navigational aids. If it became necessary to land at some remote place before reaching one of the refueling landing strips, the pilot was the sole protector of the mail. The U.S. mail was important for citizens and commerce, carrying not only letters and documents, but also currency and payrolls. American commercial aviation, as we know it today, began with the establishment of the airmail routes in 1926. It was a result of the Air Mail Act of 1925 (Kelly Act), which forced the USPOD to use commercial operators. Several new air carriers were formed to bid on the newly created “Contract Air Mail” (CAM) routes. Although the USPOD ceased flying the mail, it still regulated airmail rates and how the mail was carried, including the 1922 requirement that pilots be armed—a directive followed until the late 1940s. As airmail became more widely accepted, more CAM routes were established and the airmail carriers acquired larger aircraft to handle the ever increasing cargo. Seeking additional revenue, airmail carriers began selling tickets on their flights to adventurous passengers. What started with open-cockpit biplanes transformed into airlines operating multi-engine aircraft with full-service cabins. Congress, seeking to lower the cost of airmail, enacted the Air Mail Act of 1930. The new law forced many small air carriers to merge in order to survive economically. As a result, United Aircraft & Transport Corporation (UATC) acquired four airmail carriers (Varney Air Lines, National Air Transport, Pacific Air Transport and Boeing Air Transport), adding to its conglomerate of aircraft manufacturing companies and becoming an aviation monopoly.

APRIL 2018

Captain Starr’s United Air Lines-issued Colt Model 1908 pistol was property-marked “United Air Lines.” In this group photograph taken at the entry door of a Boeing 247 airliner, the pilot (center) is clearly armed with a handgun.

In February 1934, a scandal involving corruption with contract bidding was uncovered. Consequently, President Franklin D. Roosevelt cancelled all commercial contracts and assigned the Army Air Corps to fly the airmail routes. The Army pilots’ unfamiliarity with the routes, the use of aircraft not designed for cargo and the fact that they were often flying in extreme weather led to numerous accidents and deaths. As a result, airmail rates skyrocketed—accidents elevated costs—and highlighted the need for commercial competition, resulting in the Air Mail Act of 1934. This law brought about renewed bidding on CAM routes and required aviation holding companies like UATC to break up—no longer could one company produce aircraft and run an airline. As a result, in 1934, UATC and its four airlines were restructured into one airline named “United Air Lines.” The United Air Lines name was already in use years earlier by the department that oversaw these four airlines. United Air Lines initially armed its pilots by outfitting their aircraft with handguns and ammunition in sealed packages under the pilot seats. That practice lasted through the 1930s. The number of handguns bought by United Air Lines was determined solely by fleet size. Additionally, select ground personnel were also armed—in some cases with shotguns. AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

The criteria that United used to select sidearms or vendors is unknown. Pages from United Air Lines Pilots’ Regulations manuals from 1936 and 1937 don’t clarify the matter. They state that a “revolver with a full clip, no bullets in the barrel, would be mounted and sealed under the left (captain) seat in the cab” (cockpit). The seal could be broken for emergencies or when making landings at places other than regular stops. Although called a revolver, it seems likely that the piece was actually a semi-automatic pistol, due to the reference of a “loaded clip.” The Model 1908 Colt Pistol was a John Browning design developed by Colt in response to its need for a pocket pistol in .380 ACP. It was easily stored or worn and was dependable, making it an ideal choice for United. This selection, however, didn’t exclude United Air Lines from purchasing or issuing other handgun models. Captain Starr’s Colt was purchased by United Air Lines in 1933 at the Hibbard, Spencer, Bartlett & Co. hardware store in Chicago, Ill. Other known United Air Lines-marked pistols are also Model 1908 Colts, but were purchased at Salt Lake City Hardware, Salt Lake City, Utah, from 1929 through the early 1930s. The pistols are marked with either “Property of United Air Lines” or “Property of U.A.L.” According to Colt records, the pistols were part of small deliveries, and in one case, a delivery of six pistols. During World War II, a good portion of United’s aircraft and crews flew for the Air Transport Command—flying soldiers and supplies to Alaska and the Pacific Theater. United pilots flying these routes were issued military .38 Spl. revolvers and uniforms similar to those worn by Army officers with the

This page from a United Air Lines instruction manual, dated 1937, gives explicit instructions concerning the requirement that firearms are to be supplied by the airline for the protection of the mail “whenever same is in our custody.” AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

exception of unique stripes and emblems. Pilots were required to wear the revolvers when flying military missions. Period photographs show pilots with what appear to be Colt Official Police or Commando revolvers. In June 1941, Jack Starr completed his initial training at the United Air Lines-Boeing Pilot Training School located in Tracy, Calif. That prepared him for an intensive one-month training program at Boeing’s School at Oakland, Calif., prior to being qualified to fly as co-pilot on United’s B247 and DC-3 aircraft. The B247 and DC-3 were used to carry the U.S. Mail and to fly military routes. After Starr completed training, he started “flying the line,” and nine months later he qualified as captain and was issued his Colt. A few years after the end of World War II, the U.S. Postal Dept. rescinded the order for airmail carriers to arm their pilots. That did not mean, however, that pilots could not be armed. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), allowed any airline to arm its pilots if an acceptable implementation plan was submitted. That was the protocol for more than 50 years—up until the 9/11 attacks. Sadly, none of the U.S. airlines wanted to arm their pilots in modern times. In United’s case, its supply of pre-war pistols was offered for sale to employees around 1947—when Jack Starr purchased his Colt. Captain Starr had a long career at United, flying the Boeing 247, Douglas DC-3, DC-4 and DC-6, after which he transitioned to jets, flying the Boeing 720 and McDonnell Douglas DC-8, and finishing his airline career as a captain on the Boeing 747. After retiring in June 1977 from United, he continued flying as a corporate pilot for the Baltimore Colts football team. The terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, changed the airline industry forever. In response to the attacks, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, was formed. The TSA resisted the concept of arming pilots, but was forced by Congress to create a program to train and deputize pilots as federal law enforcement officers. This was put into law in 2002 as the “Arming Pilots Against Terrorism Act.” Under the act, a pilot who volunteers and completes training is deputized as a federal flight deck officer (FFDO). The pilots who volunteer to be an FFDO submit themselves to psychological evaluations, interviews, background checks and intensive training at a federal law enforcement training center. The cost involved in the training is partially covered by the pilots themselves. After graduation, each pilot is issued a Heckler & Koch USP Compact LEM (Law Enforcement Modification) .40 S&W pistol with holster and magazine pouch. Thousands of volunteer pilots are now armed through the program, establishing a high level of protection for our U.S.-based airlines. Acknowledgments: Carlos Vergara, Captain Jeffrey Joel Starr, Captain H.M. Bohl, United Airlines Archives, Retired United Pilots Ass’n (RUPA). APRIL 2018

SUPPRESSORS

APRIL 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

Photos by Forrest MacCormack

BLACKHAWK SUPPRESSORS ALL KINDS OF QUIET Comprised of seven very different models, each filling a specific role, Blackhawk’s new line of sound suppressors is ready to meet virtually any suppressed need. BY KELLY YOUNG, Associate Editor

eyond the obvious effect of muffling a fired cartridge’s report—helping to mitigate the destructive potential of the high-frequency sound waves inherent to using a firearm— suppressors also provide an abundance of other practical benefits that recommend their usage, whether it be on the practice range, in the field or during the heat of the fight. They also reduce recoil, obscure a discharging firearm’s

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

flash to help preserve nighttime vision and, in many cases, even improve the host gun’s barrel harmonics, thereby boosting accuracy. For all these reasons and more, the “silencer” represents the ultimate tactical accessory, which makes Blackhawk’s new line of suppressors the ideal product expansion for a company that has offered a broad range of quality tactical accessories for the past 20 years.

APRIL 2018

BLACKHAWK

Suppressor Facts

We are currently living during the “golden age” of firearm suppressors. Today, 42 states have laws on the books allowing private silencer ownership, and 40 of those states also permit the use of suppressor-mounted firearms while hunting—figures that continue to climb with nearly every new legislative session. According to the ATF’s “Firearms Commerce in the United States, Annual Statistical Update 2017,” a total of 1,306,023 suppressors, or “cans” as they’re commonly referred to, currently reside in private hands, a sharp, 44.7-percent rise from the 902,805 reported by the same document in 2016. Despite the protracted bureaucratic rigmarole associated with acquiring one and the disinformation spread about them by the entertainment industry and the news media, each year new records are set for both the number of suppressors being purchased by the public and the number of manufacturers producing them—records that will, in all likelihood, be broken again next year. Of course, all this competition means nothing but good news for the American suppressor consumer, as it results in more quality options on the market, more innovation at the engineering level, lower prices and more mainstream exposure for what is a tragically misunderstood and maligned segment of the firearm industry. Rather than wading tentatively into these highly competitive waters, in late 2016, Blackhawk cannonballed into the realm of silencers by introducing a full suite of seven offerings— models running the gamut from the diminutive, rimfirecompatible Pulse to the immense Wrath, rated to shrug off a regular diet of the potent .338 Lapua Mag. cartridge. Although they share a few design and aesthetic cues— such as cylindrical body tubes and hexagonal exterior patterning—in addition to a lifetime limited warranty, each member of the Blackhawk family of cans was engineered from inception to fill a specific role. The Pulse is the lone rimfire silencer of the group; the rest are all intended for use with center-fire pistols and rifles. The Barrage is the line’s dedicated .223 Rem.-chambered rifle unit. The Mini Boss pulls double-duty as not only a lightweight .35-cal. (9 mm) semi-automatic handgun suppressor, but, due to its full-automatic rating with both subsonic and supersonic .300 Blackout loads, it is also a capable host with firearms chambered for that rifle cartridge as well. And while both are .30-cal. rifle suppressors rated to handle up to the .300 Win. Mag., the larger, more economical, direct-thread Carnivore is better-suited for use on low-rate-of-fire hosts such as bolt-action rifles, while the more compact, quickdetach-compatible Gas Can is most at home aboard selfloaders. Hearing loss is permanent and cumulative—the stereocilia of your inner ear, once damaged or destroyed, will not heal or grow back—so any damage to your ear that you suffer, you get to keep forever. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has determined that sound impulses in excess of 140 decibels (dBs) can cause hearing

loss after only a single exposure. Given the fact that the great majority of firearms operate at volumes above that threshold, and in many cases far above that threshold, and that silencers, in most instances, can single-handedly serve to bring a firearm’s report down to within the 140-dB safehearing envelope, the utilization of suppressors by those who shoot firearms frequently is simply common sense. In fact, it’s hard to believe our heavy-handed government hasn’t yet mandated their use, as it has Hiram Percy Maxim’s other invention that operates under the same principle—the automobile muffler. Far from actually silencing a firearm, suppressors work to moderately abate a firearm’s report by providing the hot propellant gases produced by the ignition of a cartridge extra space within which to expand. Rather than exiting the muzzle all at once, successive and separate chambers inside the accessory (segregated by a series of baffles) temporarily capture and redirect the gases as the bullet passes, allowing them to transition into the open air over a longer period of time and at a lower temperature. And since our ears interpret a gunshot as a single, loud impulse, spreading out the duration of that sound also reduces its peak intensity and its capacity to cause harm to the delicate structures of the human ear. During the past six months, I’ve had the opportunity to extensively test three very different models from the new Blackhawk line: the Pulse, the Gas Can and the Mini Boss—and was even able to use a Gas Can, affixed to a Savage MSR15 Recon, for some prairie dog hunting on the Great Plains of Wyoming. American Rifleman’s protocol for evaluating the effectiveness of a suppressor is to use a sound meter to measure the average volume (in dBs) of a five-shot, unsuppressed group through the host gun (using either a bare muzzle or the included QD mount, as appropriate to the silencer model), at both the firearm’s muzzle and the shooter’s ear, compared to the average of five suppressed shots at the same two locations. The silencer is allowed to cool down for three minutes between each shot, and all three Blackhawk cans were run through this battery with both a subsonic and a supersonic ammunition load. As it was designed to be easily

Blackhawk entered the suppressor market in late 2016 with a full slate of offerings at the ready—from the lightweight, rimfirecompatible Pulse to the immense, .338 Lapua Mag.-rated Wrath.

APRIL 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

Photo courtesy of Blackhawk

BLACKHAWK PULSE

MANUFACTURER: BLACKHAWK (DEPT. AR), 9200 CODY, OVERLAND PARK, KS 66214; (800) 379-1732; BLACKHAWK.COM 6.08"

OVERLAND PARK, KS

PULSE

SUPPRESSOR TYPE: RIMFIRE RIFLE CALIBER: 0.22" MAXIMUM RATING: .17 WSM BODY MATERIAL: 7075 ALUMINUM BAFFLE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL

.22LR

1.02"

MOUNTING TYPE: DIRECT THREAD; 1/2X28 TPI WEIGHT: 5.3 OZS. ACCESSORIES: OWNER’S MANUAL, DISASSEMBLY WRENCH, THREAD SPACER MSRP: $390

RANGE RESULTS: BLACKHAWK PULSE

.22 LONG RIFLE CARTRIDGE

UNSUPPRESSED (DBS) @ EAR** MUZZLE*

SUPPRESSED (DBS) @ EAR** MUZZLE*

CCI QUIET-22 40-GR. LRN

134.7 AVG. 2.5 SD

132.8 AVG. 2.0 SD

116.4 AVG. 7.4 SD

113.2 AVG. 2.2 SD

FEDERAL HUNTER MATCH 40-GR. HP

143.4 AVG. 0.6 SD

136.2 AVG. 1.7 SD

125.4 AVG. 1.9 SD

120.9 AVG. 2.6 SD

NOTES: MEASURED AVERAGE PEAK SOUND LEVELS FOR FIVE SHOTS USING A LARSON DAVIS LXT1 SOUND METER ON AN INDOOR RANGE. FIRED FROM AN 18"-BARRELED RUGER AMERICAN RIMFIRE TARGET. TEMPERATURE: 81°. BAROMETRIC PRESSURE: 29.92 INHG. HUMIDITY: 10%. ABBREVIATIONS: DBS (DECIBELS), HP (HOLLOW POINT), LRN (LEAD ROUND NOSE), SD (STANDARD DEVIATION). *MICROPHONE OFFSET 90 DEGREES FROM THE MUZZLE, AT A DISTANCE OF 24". **MICROPHONE OFFSET 90 DEGREES FROM SHOOTER’S EAR, AT A DISTANCE OF 6".

RUGER AMERICAN RIMFIRE TARGET/PULSE

disassembled by the user, the Pulse was cleaned thoroughly between the two loads using an ultrasonic cleaner; the Gas Can and Mini Boss, which are not meant to be broken down for maintenance, were not cleaned prior to switching loads. Whenever possible, prior to firing my initial shots through a silencer, I use a suppressor alignment gauge, in this case SureFire’s Bore Alignment Rods (surefire.com; $80), to ensure that the holes in the accessory are concentric with the barrel of the host firearm. If not properly synchronized, the potential exists for a projectile to strike a baffle or the end cap prior to exiting the suppressor—a potentially catastrophic occurrence. I highly recommend their use; you’ve likely been waiting for close to a year for your silencer to arrive, you can take the extra 30 seconds to ensure that it’s not going to immediately blow up in your face.

Pulse

Blackhawk’s Pulse is a direct-thread, .22-cal. rimfire suppressor measuring just over 6" long and 1" in diameter, and weighing only 5.3 ozs. Suitable for both pistol and rifle use, the unit’s body tube and end cap are made of 7075 aluminum, while the internal baffles are stainless steel and the attachment mount is carbon steel. Rimfire suppressors do not need to be as hardy as their center-fire AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

counterparts, as the pressures that they must endure are nowhere near as high as those produced by center-fire cartridges, which allows them to be made durably while still keeping the weight down. Magnum rimfire rated, meaning it can handle the relatively powerful .22 WMR and .17 WSM rimfire cartridges, the Pulse is also rated for full-automatic use with .22 Long Rifle—the chambering that it will most frequently be asked to digest. Rather than go through the process of designing its own attachment mounts and adapters, Blackhawk opted to partner with market leader SilencerCo for those components, and the direct-thread mount on the Pulse is cut to 1/2x28 TPI—a thread pitch that has pretty much become industry standard for .22-cal. muzzle accessories. The silencer is intended for use on hosts with threaded areas that don’t exceed 0.400", however, a thread spacer is supplied for use with firearms with longer threads. Direct-thread suppressors can be installed by simply aligning the silencer’s threads with the teeth on the barrel and then hand-tightening until snug. This attachment method is ideal for suppressors that will have a dedicated host and that are not expected to frequently bounce around from firearm to firearm. However, for proper alignment, most direct-thread silencers—the Pulse included—require being tightened firmly against a 90-degree shoulder for stability. Rimfire ammunition, in general, runs very dirty, which makes frequent maintenance of a rimfire silencer a must. For this reason, Blackhawk made the Pulse extremely easy to disassemble—just twist off the attachment mount and APRIL 2018

BLACKHAWK GAS CAN

MANUFACTURER: BLACKHAWK (DEPT. AR), 9200 CODY, OVERLAND PARK, KS 66214; (800) 379-1732; BLACKHAWK.COM 6.3"

OVERLAND PARK, KS

GAS CAN

SUPPRESSOR TYPE: CENTER-FIRE RIFLE CALIBER: 0.30" MAXIMUM RATING: .300 WIN. MAG. BODY MATERIAL: 7075 ALUMINUM BAFFLE MATERIAL: INCONEL, STELLITE MOUNTING TYPE: DIRECT-THREAD AND QUICK-DETACH; 5/8X24 TPI

7.62MM

1.62"

WEIGHT: 15.3 OZS. (QUICK-DETACH); 13.2 OZS. (DIRECT-THREAD) ACCESSORIES: OWNER’S MANUAL, DISASSEMBLY WRENCH, TIMING SHIMS, ROCKSETT MSRP: $1,050

RANGE RESULTS: BLACKHAWK GAS CAN

.300 BLACKOUT CARTRIDGE

UNSUPPRESSED (DBS) @ EAR** MUZZLE*

SUPPRESSED (DBS) @ EAR** MUZZLE*

HORNADY 208-GR. A-MAX

166.6 AVG. 1.6 SD

159.0 AVG. 1.2 SD

127.1 AVG. 2.7 SD

121.2 AVG. 2.9 SD

SIG SAUER 125-GR. OTM

171.1 AVG. 0.6 SD

165.1 AVG. 0.6 SD

136.0 AVG. 3.1 SD

133.7 AVG. 1.0 SD

NOTES: MEASURED AVERAGE PEAK SOUND LEVELS FOR FIVE SHOTS USING A LARSON DAVIS LXT1 SOUND METER ON AN INDOOR RANGE. FIRED FROM A 16"-BARRELED STAG MODEL 3TL. TEMPERATURE: 81°. BAROMETRIC PRESSURE: 29.92 INHG. HUMIDITY: 10%. ABBREVIATIONS: DBS (DECIBELS), OTM (OPEN TIP MATCH), SD (STANDARD DEVIATION). *MICROPHONE OFFSET 90 DEGREES FROM THE MUZZLE, AT A DISTANCE OF 24". **MICROPHONE OFFSET 90 DEGREES FROM SHOOTER’S EAR, AT A DISTANCE OF 6".

A locking collar (top, arrow) ensures that the Gas Can does not loosen from its host during use. Baffle strikes can be avoided by using a suppressor alignment gauge like SureFire’s Bore Alignment Rod (above) prior to firing your first shot.

STAG MODEL 3TL/GAS CAN

slide the baffle stack from the tube. If further take-down is necessary, the included Universal Suppressor Tool can be used to remove the end cap. The eight, conical, asymmetric baffles snap together while in use, but should be separated for cleaning. The company recommends the Pulse be thoroughly cleaned after every 1,000 rounds fired, and that hydrocarbon-based solvents, rather than ammoniabased cleaners, be used in order to prevent damage to the aluminum components. The Pulse made several trips to the range during our testing, with a Ruger American Rimfire Target chambered in .22 Long Rifle serving as the host. As demonstrated by the sound-mitigation results on p. 65, the signature of the subsonic CCI load dropped from 132.8 dBs at the shooter’s ear to 113.2 dBs—an impulse low enough to allow our testers to clearly hear their hits striking the steel backstop downrange—while the much speedier Federal supersonic load was brought to a hearing-safe level of 120.9 dBs. The

APRIL 2018

installation of the can shifted the subsonic load’s point of impact up and left only about a half-inch at 50 yds., however, the group jumped approximately 4" straight up with the supersonic load. After every 50-count box of ammunition put through the rifle I checked to see whether the Pulse had started to loosen from its threads, yet only very rarely was re-tightening required. Long a staple for suppressed shooters, the rimfire silencer is often the first NFA purchase undertaken by those new to the process due to the relative affordability of both the accessory itself and the ammunition fired through it. My time behind the Pulse has revealed it to be an effective, lightweight and durable option for those interested in taking the rimfire suppressor plunge—particularly given its modest $390 price tag.

Gas Can

A .30-cal., center-fire rifle suppressor, the Gas Can may just be the most versatile offering in Blackhawk’s new line. Shipping from the factory with both a direct-thread mount and a fast-attachment-compatible muzzle brake—both threaded 5/8x24 TPI, the most frequently encountered pattern for .30-cal. muzzle accessories—users will have options AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

BLACKHAWK regarding how to employ the unit. And its .300 Win. Mag. rating (including a full-automatic rating with 5.56x45 mm NATO and .300 Blackout) means that the silencer is suited for use with any center-fire cartridge of .30-cal. or smaller with a lower operating pressure and a smaller case capacity than Winchester’s powerful magnum—a truly expansive assortment of chamberings. Measuring 6.3" long with a diameter of 1.62", the Gas Can weighs in at 15.3 ozs. with the included quick-detach mount and 13.2 ozs. with the direct-thread adapter. Fastpitch threads on the exterior of the muzzle brake allow for one-handed installation of the suppressor to a host rifle in only seconds, and a locking collar at the base of the mount assures a snug connection. And, of course, the purchase and installation of additional companion muzzle devices to other firearms allows the can to be swapped between hosts in a matter of seconds. Built to handle serious pressures, the Gas Can’s tube and end cap are made of 7075 and 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum, respectively, and its mounts are a combination of carbon and stainless steel alloys. The suppressor’s blast baffle (the first in the stack and therefore the one subjected to the greatest dose of heat and pressure) is composed of Stellite, a cobalt-chromium alloy renowned for its resistance to wear and temperature, while the subsequent seven circumferentially welded baffles are made of Inconel, an extremely corrosion-resistant nickel-chromium alloy. A notch cut into the interior of each baffle forces the centerline gases of a fired cartridge to jet toward the edge of the baffle, slowing the gas as much as possible prior to its exit from the suppressor. Most center-fire rifle suppressors do not disassemble for maintenance, as there is little need, and the Gas Can is no exception—rather, silencers of this type operate at such high pressures that they can be thought of like selfcleaning ovens. What little amount of residue is left by the initial shot is swept from the accessory by the following one, and so on and so on. However, occasional cleaning of the mount may be necessary, and this can be accomplished with a standard gun-cleaning solvent and a brush. For our range work, the QD muzzle brake was installed to the end of a .300 Blackout-chambered Stag Model 3TL semi-automatic carbine, and the Gas Can was affixed to its host by that means. Through hundreds of rounds of testing, during numerous trips to the range, I did not experience any issues with the silencer loosening from its mount. The Stag also cycled reliably while running the subsonic ammunition, both expelling spent cases and chambering fresh ones without fail, however, the action consistently lacked the energy needed to lock back on an empty magazine. Hornady’s subsonic A-MAX measured 159.0 dBs unsuppressed at the ear, yet experienced an impressive 37.8-dB reduction when fired through the can, for a reading of 121.2 dBs. While not quite as effective with SIG’s supersonic match load, the Gas Can did bring the deafeningly loud report of 165.1 dBs down to a hearing-safe level of AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

133.7 dBs. Point-of-impact shift with the subsonic load was negligible enough at 100 yds. that it was impossible to rule out the possibility of shooter error, and the supersonic load’s group shifted upward approximately 2" at the same distance. The .30-cal. rifle silencer has become one of the suppressor industry’s hottest-selling segments, largely due to its extreme flexibility and the inherent value offered by that adaptability. Suitable for use with the plethora of autoloading carbines chambered for the .223 Rem. (with the right mount), .300 Blackout and .308 Win. cartridges on today’s market, as well as with rifles chambered for a vast assortment of popular hunting cartridges—from the .243 Win. and the 6.5 mm Creedmoor to the 7 mm Rem. Mag. and the .300 Win. Mag.—in testing, the multi-platform Gas Can proved itself to be a fine example of its type.

Mini Boss

The Mini Boss is a multi-host, .35-cal. pistol suppressor that, in addition to semi-automatic handguns and pistolcaliber carbines, is also rated for use aboard .300 Blackoutchambered rifles—with both subsonic and supersonic loads—a rare capability among cans of its class. It is also the company’s shortest silencer, standing just 5" long with a 1.62" diameter and a weight of 12.4 ozs. Rated for 9 mm Luger +P loads, in addition to its utility with the .300 Blackout, the unit can also be used with .380 ACP firearms. Constructed similarly to the Gas Can, the body tube and end cap are aerospace aluminum, the attachment mounts are steel and the internal baffles are a combination of Stellite, Inconel and stainless steel. Attachment of a directthread mount allows for use of the Mini Boss with fixedbarrel carbines, while the installation of a piston makes the can ready to accept tilt-barrel self-loading pistols as a host. The silencer ships from the factory with a 5/8x24 TPI direct-thread mount for immediate use with .300 Blackout guns, however, a piston is not included at the time of purchase and must be bought separately. The added weight of a suppressor hanging off the end of a locked-breech handgun’s barrel will typically cause it to malfunction, and a piston (also called a booster or a Nielsen device) is necessary to ensure reliable functioning. Threading directly onto the host pistol’s barrel, the Nielsen device temporarily decouples the silencer’s weight from the barrel when a cartridge is fired, allowing the gun to cycle normally. However, since different firearm manufacturers often thread their barrels using varying thread patterns, the utilization of the Mini Boss with multiple firearms may require multiple pistons and/or directthread mounts. Blackhawk offers a full line of adaptors for this purpose. Despite its suitability with 9 mm Luger, for the purposes of cleaning, the Mini Boss has more in common with center-fire rifle cans, as its baffles are welded to the perimeter of the tube and are, therefore, not removable. Required maintenance is limited when used with rifle ammunition, however, the company recommends cleaning the piston after each firing APRIL 2018

BLACKHAWK

BLACKHAWK MINI BOSS

MANUFACTURER: BLACKHAWK (DEPT. AR), 9200 CODY, OVERLAND PARK, KS 66214; (800) 379-1732; BLACKHAWK.COM 5"

OVERLAND PARK, KS

MINI BOSS

The Mini Boss ships with a direct-thread mount and a piston assembly, however, a piston cut to the thread pitch of the host gun will need to be purchased separately.

SUPPRESSOR TYPE: CENTER-FIRE PISTOL CALIBER: 0.35" MAXIMUM RATING: 9 MM LUGER +P (.300 BLACKOUT) BODY MATERIAL: 7075 ALUMINUM BAFFLE MATERIAL: INCONEL, STELLITE, STAINLESS STEEL

MOUNTING TYPE:

DIRECT THREAD;

9MM

1.62"

5/8X24 TPI (INCLUDED)

OR PISTON (SOLD SEPARATELY)

WEIGHT: 12.4 OZS. ACCESSORIES: OWNER’S MANUAL, DISASSEMBLY WRENCH

MSRP: $800

session equipped to an autoloading pistol—and this simply requires RANGE RESULTS: BLACKHAWK MINI BOSS unscrewing the piston assembly from the rear of the unit. SUPPRESSED (DBS) @ 9 MM LUGER UNSUPPRESSED (DBS) @ CARTRIDGE EAR** EAR** MUZZLE* MUZZLE* At the range, affixed to a Heckler & Koch VP9 Tactical, the Mini Boss 167.4 AVG. BROWNING BXP 152.6 AVG. 137.6 AVG. 135.7 AVG. suppressed the subsonic Browning 147-GR. HP 1.5 SD 0.6 SD 4.6 SD 2.7 SD load’s report from a dangerously 169.4 AVG. WINCHESTER SUPER CLEAN 154.9 AVG. 144.2 AVG. 139.0 AVG. loud 152.6 dBs at the ear to a much 90-GR. FMJ 0.9 SD 0.5 SD 3.6 SD 1.6 SD more tolerable level of 135.7 dBs. NOTES: MEASURED AVERAGE PEAK SOUND LEVELS FOR FIVE SHOTS USING A LARSON DAVIS Meanwhile, the sound reading for the LXT1 SOUND METER ON AN INDOOR RANGE. FIRED FROM A 4.7"-BARRELED H&K VP9 TACTICAL. light-for-caliber, 90-gr. Winchester TEMPERATURE: 81°. BAROMETRIC PRESSURE: 29.92 INHG. HUMIDITY: 10%. ABBREVIATIONS: DBS (DECIBELS), FMJ (FULL METAL JACKET), HP (HOLLOW POINT), SD (STANDARD DEVIATION). load was 154.9 dBs unsuppressed and *MICROPHONE OFFSET 90 DEGREES FROM THE MUZZLE, AT A DISTANCE OF 24". **MICROPHONE a hearing-safe 139.0 dBs when fired OFFSET 90 DEGREES FROM SHOOTER’S EAR, AT A DISTANCE OF 6". through the can. Gas blowback was an occasional issue, however, the piston worked perfectly as intended— functioning of the semi-automatic pistol was 100-percent. H&K VP9 TACTICAL/MINI BOSS The presence of the suppressor installed at the end of its barrel obviously moved the handgun’s center of mass forward, but—due to the unit’s short stature—it was not so much as to make shooting the gun awkward. Ask anyone you know who owns one or who has spent a The silencer shifted the point of impact decent amount of time behind one, and, to a person, they’ll of the subsonic load about two inches tell you—silencers spoil you. By comparison, they make to the left at 25 yds., and the superunsuppressed fire seem all the more abrasive and jarring. sonic load’s group moved about two Which brings us to the suppressor’s final practical benefit, not inches up and one inch left. Blackhawk mentioned above: fun. The muffled report, reduced recoil and recommends that the shooter manually re-tighten the supdiminished flash all combine to make a suppressed firearm pressor to its host periodically, and I found a quick check markedly more pleasant to shoot—and an enjoyable gun is after every couple of magazines to be a prudent policy. Care both easier to shoot well and more likely to be trained with should be taken to avoid potential burns, however, as all often. And improved proficiency with your firearm through silencers heat up considerably during use—even more so durincreased familiarity is the greatest tactical benefit of all. ing high-volume firing atop semi-automatic hosts. Each of the three Blackhawk suppressors that I’ve had the Many suppressor owners understandably skip over the opportunity to put through their paces have demonstrated .35-cal. pistol cans in favor of the added versatility of a themselves to be durable, capable performers, priced competi.45-cal. model that can typically also handle 9 mm Luger tively at their respective MSRPs. And by wisely choosing to hit and .40 S&W in addition to .45 ACP. However, for those the market with a full line of models at the ready rather than whose primary handgun is a 9 mm, the compact dimensions just a few introductory SKUs, the company has ensured that, of the Mini Boss and its ability to digest all .300 Blackout regardless of your gun and regardless of your application, loads make it worthy of special consideration. Blackhawk has a viable suppressor option available to you.

Final Thoughts

APRIL 2018

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FIREARM INDUSTRY

APRIL 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

Illustration by David Labrozzi

And the envelope, please … . Now in its 16th year, the NRA Publications Division’s Golden Bullseye Awards, selected by American Rifleman’s editors, represent the best in innovation and value within the firearm industry. BY AMERICAN RIFLEMAN STAFF ollowing a series of record-breaking years in firearm sales, many wondered what 2017 would bring in terms of innovation and product introductions for firearms, optics, ammunition and accessories. When it came time to select the coveted 2018 Golden Bullseye Awards, American Rifleman’s editors discovered they had as much to ponder as ever in their decision-making. Selections have been made, and NRA Publications will present its annual Golden Bullseye Awards and Golden Bullseye Pioneer Award at the 2018 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Dallas, Texas. “We are pleased to announce the winners of the 2018 Golden Bullseye Awards,” said Doug Hamlin, executive director of NRA Publications. “This year’s winners exemplify what NRA members want in their shooting and hunting equipment—outstanding performance, innovative design and value. We congratulate those who have created the industry’s best new products and look forward to recognizing them in Dallas.” Whereas the Golden Bullseye Award acknowledges the finest products available in the shooting sports, the Golden Bullseye Pioneer Award specifically honors outstanding personal achievement. The Pioneer Award spotlights the exemplary achievement and cumulative body of work of an individual, or members of a family, team or partnership, responsible for the development and introduction of shooting equipment that has made a profound, positive and enduring impact on the way Americans shoot and hunt. The winners of the 2018 Golden Bullseye Awards are covered in brief below, but you can read the full reviews at americanrifleman.org.

Handgun Of The Year

Ruger Mark IV “Now almost 70 years old, the Ruger .22 pistol has outlasted, perhaps even killed off, various High Standards, the beloved Colt Woodsman and countless others. Was the Ruger perfect? No, but it offered a combination of accuracy, ergonomics and price that couldn’t be beat. And while its operation has changed little through the years, it has evolved.” So wrote Editor In Chief Mark Keefe in “Mark IV: The Ruger Evolution” (April 2017, p. 50). The new guns feature a CNC-machined lower receiver (except for the polymer-frame 22/45s, of course), bilateral safeties and an improvement that addressed the one knock against the design that originally launched Sturm, Ruger & Co. “The biggest news on the Mark IV is that it is easy, I

Photos by Forrest MacCormack

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

APRIL 2018

mean incredibly easy, to take down—and put back together. ... It’s in the reassembly that the service to humanity really kicks in on the Mark IV. Simply line up the receiver on the frame screw, allow it to pivot down, then line up the bolt stop with its circular recess through the bolt and receiver, then press the receiver and frame together until it clicks. Easy, peasy.” Meaningful improvement on greatness in gun design is uncommon, but the Ruger Mark IV made one of the all-time best handguns even better, and that makes it deserving of Handgun Of The Year.

GOLDEN BULLSEYE 2018

Rifle Of The Year

Patriot Ordnance Factory Revolution “Over the years, there have been numerous attempts to hot rod the 5.56x45 mm NATO-chambered AR-15 platform in an effort to push its ballistics closer to those of its big brother, the AR-10,” wrote a staff editor in our “Dope Bag: Data & Comment” review of the POF-USA Revolution (January 2018, p. 96). “Frank DeSomma, owner and

founder of Patriot Ordnance Factory, instead decided to give people exactly what they had been asking for—an AR-15-size platform chambered for the .308 Win. cartridge. Called the Revolution, POF-USA’s newest piston-driven rifle weighs a scant 7 lbs., 4 ozs., and possesses all of the fast-handling characteristics of an AR-15, while boasting the hard-hitting energy of an AR-10.” After reporting on each of the Revolution’s downsized improvements and subminute-of-angle accuracy, we summed up with: “POF-USA’s Revolution possesses all the accuracy of a heavier, harderkicking, bolt-action rifle in a trim, lightweight, autoloading package. Its numerous innovations and well-executed manufacture make it an appealing option for anyone in the market for a .308 Win.-chambered semi-automatic rifle.” Obviously, Rifle Of The Year is a tough call for the Rifleman editors, but the Revolution made it easy on us for 2018.

Ammunition Product Of The Year

22 Nosler Nosler’s objective with the 22 Nosler was to create the “most powerful .22-cal. cartridge that would reliably function in the AR platform,” wrote Field Editor Aaron Carter in his article “Relevant Innovation: The 22 Nosler,” (July 2017, p. 48). Carter pointed out, “Read ‘most powerful’ as ‘fastest’—velocity and energy are interrelated.” Mandating that the new cartridge reliably function in the AR-15, the goal was appreciable velocity gains over the .223 Rem.—think of .22-250 Rem. ballistics out of a .223-size action. In Carter’s words, “Nosler seized the day.” The 22 Nosler’s case is unique, measuring 1.760" in length (the same as the .223 Rem.) tapering from 0.420" ahead of the extractor groove to 0.400" at the shoulder. Due to its increased girth, the 22 Nosler has an appreciably more capacious case. “There’s extra room for propellant, which permits higher

velocities. With an increase in velocity comes a flatter trajectory and less wind deflection—boons to varmint hunters and competitors alike—all while boosting on-target energy levels,” Carter wrote. “Nosler achieved its goal with the 22 Nosler. The cartridge is ballistically superior to the .223 Rem. and 5.56x45 mm NATO in all measures—trajectory, wind deflection and on-target energy. Long-range varminters, as well as those who use an AR in .223 Rem. for whitetail deer and feral hog hunting, will benefit greatly. So too will competitive shooters. I can foresee the 22 Nosler appearing on the firing lines at the National Matches in the not-too-distant future.” That confluence of capabilities earned the 22 Nosler the title of 2018 Ammunition Product Of The Year.

Accessory Of The Year

Magpul X-22 Backpacker Stock In our “Dope Bag: Data & Comment” review of the Magpul X-22 Backpacker Stock (September 2017, p. 94), our evaluator was, to say the least, impressed with the accessory company’s move into the sporting stock segment with a model that possesses not only excellent ergonomics, but great versatility—all for $110. “Most notable about the X-22 Backpacker, however, is a set of unique design features that transforms the gun into a self-contained survival rifle … A storage compartment in the pistol grip is sealed with an O-ring-equipped cap and can be used for a spare parts or fire-starting supplies. A compartment under the cheekpiece, which hinges at its front after pressing a button at the stock’s heel, stores two factory 10-round magazines and additional ammunition or supplies.” We summed up with: “The X-22 Backpacker stock for the

APRIL 2018

10/22 Takedown represents excellent value in a highquality, well-designed accessory for one of the world’s most reliable rimfire actions, transforming it into one of the best self-contained survival rifle designs. It would be an ideal upgrade for a rifle stored in an off-road vehicle or aircraft … . Given its sound ergonomics and available accessories, the new stock will not only lend its host 10/22 Takedown a new lease on life, it may help preserve the life of its user in the process.” And that’s why the Magpul X-22 Backpacker Stock is our Accessory Of The Year. AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

Women’s Innovation Product Of The Year

Ruger American Compact Pro When Ruger expanded its American pistol line with a compact model in 2017, the gun manufacturer hoped it would be as warmly received as its full-size model had been two years earlier. In fact, the new pistol went on to gain enormous popularity with the concealed-carry crowd, even by those who questioned whether the market needed another 9 mm Luger polymer carry gun. And while Ruger didn’t set out to market the pistol specifically to women, we included it in the second American Rifleman Ladies Pistol Project, an intensive exercise that involved the firing of 24 semi-automatic pistols by 55 women to ascertain preferred carry-pistol features. Survey results provided unequivocal data pointing to the Ruger American Compact Pro (no manual safety), as one of the top favorite new pistols of

2017, having met all of the criteria that the women identified as preferable, including: chambering (9 mm); semiautomatic; striker-fired; barrel length (3.25" or greater); weight (20 oz. or greater); and trigger pull (6 lbs. to 7 lbs.). Ultimately the U.S.-made pistol edged out its closest competitor to win the 2018 Golden Bullseye for Women’s Innovation Product Of The Year for its value to the consumer (real-world price of under $500) and its fully bilateral features, which our left-handed shooters appreciated. (See the complete results of both American Rifleman Ladies Pistol Projects at americanrifleman.org/ ladiespistolproject and americanrifleman.org/LPPII).

Shotgun Of The Year

Benelli Super Black Eagle 3 “While several companies have made a run at the Italianbased firm’s stranglehold on the waterfowl market in recent years after its inertia-action patent expired, it’s my hunch that Benelli will reassume its waterfowl and do-all shotgun dominance with its SBE3,” wrote Field Editor Jeff Johnston in “Lord Of The Wings: Benelli’s SBE3” (November 2017, p. 50). “With new features that offer real advantages over previous models, combined with upgrades in reliability, recoil mitigation, handling and aesthetics, I think the SBE has re-established itself as the ultimate waterfowl gun.” Those improvements contained lessons from the 3" Ethos, including a two-piece shell latch and a spring-and-ball

detent to eliminate the “Benelli click.” Add to that the 3½" SBE3’s slender and fast-handling receiver, better aesthetics than the SBE II and the company’s Comfort Tech 3 stock system that reduces recoil up to “48 percent more than the competition.” The author wrote that, on a hunt in New Zealand, “Temperatures ebbed below freezing while rain and sleet pelted us like prisoners. I purposely did not clean the SBE3 once during a week of hunting, but rather abused it with mud and more than 1,000 shots.” And the SBE3 ran without a hitch. Johnston called the SBE “a superior shotgun that’ll last generations.” We agreed, and named it Shotgun Of The Year.

Optic Of The Year

EOTech Vudu 1-6X 24 mm “EOTech hopes to parlay the accuracy and rugged construction of its 1X holographic sights into its new Vudu series, a lineup of precision-driven, variable-power riflescopes,” a staff editor wrote in a “Dope Bag: Data & Comment” review of the EOTech Vudu 1-6X 24 mm riflescope (August 2017, p. 84). “The Vudu line … blends features favored by tactical- and precision-oriented shooters, which makes sense given EOTech’s legacy and the sights’ intended applications.” In testing, evaluators appreciated the scope’s solid construction, excellent optical quality and easy-to-use controls. “That brings us to what is by far the most distinctive feature of the Vudu 1-6X—the reticle. … EOTech took [the first-focal-plane] configuration a step further and designed a reticle that is extraordinarily versatile. At the AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

1X setting, users will see the familiar Speed Ring reflex reticle so common to EOTech’s holographic sights—a proven design for close-quarters reflex shooting. As magnification is increased, the center dot of the reticle grows and the outer ring expands to the edge of the viewing area. At the 6X setting, the outer ring is gone all together and what remains is a BDC-style (bullet drop compensating) reticle. … It’s a really slick design ideally suited for both shortand extended-range work.” With such a glowing assessment, the EOTech Vudu 1-6X 24 mm garnered the title of 2018 Optic Of The Year. APRIL 2018

GOLDEN BULLSEYE 2018 Tactical Gun Of The Year

Springfield XD-E “So, what if a pistol were available that allowed the user to select from among several modes of carry in order to most safely and effectively get off that critical first shot? And what if it fired by way of an exposed hammer and featured a manual safety that also served as a decocker, making its condition at any given moment readily apparent? Even better, what if it required noticeably less force to rack its slide than many other designs? Finally, what if it were a relatively light, thin, powerful model from an established manufacturer’s successful family tree?” That is exactly what Springfield Armory did with the XD-E as described by Senior Executive Editor Brian C. Sheetz in “Any Way, Every Day: Springfield’s XD-E Is Ready” (December 2017, p. 48). The new pistol holds seven-plus-one rounds in .45 ACP and nine-plus-one in 9 mm Luger, but allows no fewer than four different methods for delivering the first shot thanks to its external hammer and safety/decocker. “Although both striker-fired designs and those with a shrouded hammer may be equipped with

indicators as to their state of readiness, there’s nothing quite like an exposed hammer, such as that used on the XD-E, to confirm immediately what condition the gun is in since it must be either forward and at rest, or rearward and cocked,” wrote Sheetz. “In any case, both the hand and the naked eye can confirm the pistol’s condition—even from a distance—since the exposed hammer and manual safety’s positions are tactilely and visually apparent.” For allowing the operator to make his or her choice on how to carry this versatile new single-stack every day, we conferred the Springfield XD-E the title of Tactical Gun Of The Year.

2018 Golden Bullseye Pioneer Award

Richard Fitzpatrick, Founder, Magpul Industries While serving in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1991, Richard Fitzpatrick pondered reinventing a common work-around troops had used for decades to ease handling of M16 magazines. Rather than the duct tape and parachute-cord loops that afforded soldiers under stress a better grip on their magazines, Fitzpatrick tried gluing rubber tubing together as a substitute, but it never worked well enough to suit him. A few years after leaving the Marine Corps, a solution emerged in the form of a dual friction band. He patented the idea and used his savings to pay for a small injection mold based on a simple drawing. Having gone all-in financially, Fitzpatrick knew he would not be able to fund engineering changes if the mold was incorrect. Luckily, the first samples came back perfect. The inventor named the loop the “Magpul” for “MAGazine PULL.” Though it generated considerable interest, many of its first sales were discretionary unit purchases within the U.S. military, along with direct sales via the company website and through dealers at trade shows. Competitive shooters and soldiers who had the opportunity to try it found Fitzpatrick’s solution was just what they needed. In short order, Magpul—adopted as the company name—attracted customers clamoring for what has been a seemingly inexhaustible stream of new products that likewise improve functionality and value. A short list includes: the Self-Leveling Follower and MIAD (Mission Adaptable) Grip (2004); PMAG synthetic AR-15/M16/M4

APRIL 2018

magazines, now the industry standard (2007); MOE (Magpul Original Equipment) stocks, grips, foreends, rails, etc.; and the Magpul Masada ACWS rifle, subsequently licensed for commercial release as the Bushmaster ACR (2008); EMAG (Export Magazine), to fit foreign military rifles such as the HK416 and SA80 (2009); and the PMAG 30 Gen 3, a versatile magazine compatible with many rifles, from the AR-15 platform to models previously using EMAGs (2012). Today the company makes a tremendous array of stocks and accessories, plus personal kit including the Everyday Wallet and iPhone Field case. Known for its Foundations, a series of clearly stated principles, ethics and operational philosophies, Magpul lived up to its creed after the Colorado legislature passed sweeping gun-control measures in 2013. Included was a restriction on the future sale and ownership of magazines capable of holding more than 15 rounds. continued on p. 93

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

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DOPE BAG

HUDSON H9 T

outed by the company as “the marriage between a 1911 and a striker-fired gun,” the Hudson Mfg. H9, introduced in 2017, incorporates what the company considers to be the best design elements of both styles of guns with a number of innovations of its own. The H9 is a full-size, steel-frame, striker-fired, semi-automatic 9 mm Luger pistol that fires from a locked breech and feeds from 15-round detachable box magazines. Its M1911 lineage is immediately recognizable in the grip area and magazine release, however, it forgoes the hammer-fired ignition system of “old Slabsides.” The H9 uses a short-recoil operating system, with its barrel hood locking into the slide’s ejection port. But to keep the gun’s bore axis as low in the hand as possible, Hudson dispensed with the M1911-style barrel link in favor of a cammed lug located forward of the trigger. The design makes for a very consistent lock-up into battery, but it precludes the placement of the recoil spring in the conventional location directly under the barrel. Instead, the H9’s flat-wire recoil spring is positioned forward of the trigger guard and low inside the dustcover, lending the gun its

distinctive appearance and helping to reduce torque and muzzle rise. Hudson machines the H9 frame from 4140 steel, and it houses the frame insert, or chassis, which contains the slide rails, ejector, bilateral slide stops, sear and disconnector. When in place, the frame insert also captures the recoil spring guide. Hudson serializes the insert, and that means it could be moved to a different frame. In the likely event that Hudson manufactures a compact or lightweight frame in the future, H9 owners will be able to switch their chassis between grip frames. The frontstrap of the frame is machine-checkered for a positive grip. Hudson uses G10 material for both the H9’s stock panels and its backstrap, the latter of which is checkered and has a relief cut into its bottom in the event the user wants to add a lanyard to the pistol. To speed reloads, Hudson flares the opening to the magazine well. A relief is cut at the front of the frame and the magazine’s base pad to give the shooter the ability to pull a stuck magazine from the gun. Along with the bilateral slide stops, the magazine release is reversible, making the H9 southpaw friendly. Our test sample did not include manual thumb APRIL 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

safeties, however, Hudson will soon be offering them for the H9; rightside-only, left-side-only and bilateral options will be available. One of the M1911-pattern features that Hudson wanted to include on the H9 was a great single-action trigger, which is a difficult feat on a strikerfired gun. Our test gun’s trigger broke crisply at 4 lbs., 8 ozs., with just a little take-up and almost no overtravel. Like most striker-fired guns, the H9 possesses a trigger safety. Unlike the others, however, the safety pivots at the trigger’s bottom and is barely noticeable when firing the gun. The safety shoe is as wide as the trigger itself, rather than the blade-style inserts other manufacturers use. The H9 is a very aesthetically pleasing gun; all of the contours in the frame and slide seem to flow, and the transitions between parts are tastefully blended. Cocking serrations are machined into both the front and the rear of the slide, and its flat top surface has been serrated. All of the H9’s edges have been beveled for painless carry, and the juncture of the trigger guard and frontstrap has been undercut for a high hold grip. Normally we see these types of features on high-end custom guns. Hudson didn’t skimp on the

HUDSON H9

MANUFACTURER: HUDSON MFG. (DEPT. AR), 10986 N.W. HK DODGEN LOOP, TEMPLE, TX 76504; (254) 791-5220; HUDSONMFG.COM 7.63"

H9’s sights either. The front sight is a Trijicon HD sight that has a tritium lamp surrounded by a fluorescent orange ring that makes the sight visible in nearly any lighting condition. The black rear sight is serrated to reduce glare and has a U-shaped notch. With the H9’s one-slot accessory rail resting on a Millett BenchMaster, it was easy to keep the gun’s sights aligned as we pressed its trigger straight back. It is a non-pivoting trigger, like the M1911, and it needs to only travel 0.115" for the striker to release. We were all impressed with the H9’s accuracy; our average group sizes ranged from just under 1" to about 1.5". During the field portion of our evaluation, we found the H9 to be extremely flat-shooting; muzzle flip and torque seemed inconsequential. The placement of the H9’s recoil spring and its low bore axis proved to be very effective during rapid fire. We fired more than 400 rounds during our evaluation using a variety of ammunition with different bullet nose profiles, weights and overall lengths. The H9 fed, fired, extracted and ejected them all without failure. Hudson Mfg.’s H9 pistol is an impressive first offering from a brand new company. The gun possesses an exemplary degree of fit and finish, as well as superb accuracy and commendable reliability. In an industry full of “me too” products, it is refreshing to see a newcomer turn some heads with its innovation and quality manufacture.

9 x 19

H01000

5.23"

4.28" CHAMBERING: 9 MM LUGER ACTION TYPE: RECOIL-OPERATED, SEMI-AUTOMATIC CENTER-FIRE PISTOL SLIDE: 4140 STEEL, BLACK NITRIDE FINISH

FRAME: 4140 STEEL,

BLACK NITRIDE FINISH; G10 STOCK PANELS RIFLING: 1:10" RH TWIST MAGAZINE: 15-ROUND

SIGHTS: DRIFT-ADJUSTABLE; TRIJICON HD FRONT, BLACK U-NOTCH REAR TRIGGER: SINGLE-ACTION; 4-LB., 8-OZ. PULL WIDTH: 1.24" WEIGHT: 34 OZS. ACCESSORIES: OWNER’S MANUAL, LOCK, TWO EXTRA MAGAZINES

MSRP: $1,147

DETACHABLE BOX

SHOOTING RESULTS (25 YDS.)

9 MM LUGER CARTRIDGE

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ENERGY (FT.-LBS.)

AGUILA 115-GR. FMJ

1209 AVG. 6 SD

373

0.61

1.17

0.95

FEDERAL HYDRA-SHOK 147-GR. HP

952 AVG. 11 SD

296

1.28

1.65

1.43

NOVX ARX 65-GR. +P PCF

1797 AVG. 14 SD

466

0.72

1.28

0.96

AVERAGE EXTREME SPREAD

GROUP SIZE (INCHES) LARGEST AVERAGE SMALLEST

1.11

NOTES: MEASURED AVERAGE VELOCITY FOR 10 SHOTS FIRED OVER A PACT PROFESSIONAL XP CHRONOGRAPH AT 10 FT. ACCURACY RESULTS FOR FIVE CONSECUTIVE, FIVE-SHOT GROUPS AT 25 YDS. FROM A MILLETT BENCHMASTER. TEMPERATURE: 82° F. HUMIDITY: 46%. ABBREVIATIONS: FMJ (FULL METAL JACKET), HP (HOLLOW POINT), PCF (POLY/COPPER FLUTED), SD (STANDARD DEVIATION).

Hudson dispensed with the M1911’s barrel link in favor of a cammed lug on the barrel’s underside that lies forward of the trigger guard. That meant relocating the flat-wire recoil spring (l.) to a position low in the dustcover. Takedown is accomplished by pressing a recessed, semi-circular pin (arrow) on the frame’s right to release a flush-fitting lever (inset) on the left side that can then be rotated downward in order to release the slide. AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

APRIL 2018

HATFIELD SAS A

workhorse shotgun priced for the masses, the Hatfield SAS is a 12-ga., 3", gas-operated semi-automatic that wears a walnut stock, a 28" vent-rib barrel with interchangeable choke tubes and an anodized aluminum finish. Sold principally through Walmart, the SAS has a sticker price of $300, prompting skeptics to question how Hatfield could build such an inexpensive autoloader and whether it can possibly work reliably at that price point. In a nutshell, the SAS borrows some traits from other proven guns, and the company saves costs by manufacturing it at a facility in Antalya, Turkey. For example, the shotgun’s trigger group appears to be much like that found on Benelli semiautomatics—down to its magazinerelease button that moves a shell onto

the carrier from the four-round tube magazine upon demand. The trigger’s frame is polymer, while the working components, including the hammer, trigger safety, shell carrier, shell carrier spring, sear and magazine-release button, are, surprisingly, made from stainless steel. The trigger unit is held into the SAS’s machined 7075 aluminum receiver via one steel pin. The receiver shape looks and feels much like a Remington Model 1100. Three superficial machined groves run across its length and continue a short distance across the walnut buttstock and fore-end in an attempt to add aesthetic value. Both the fore-end and pistol grip feature waffle-style checkering. A 31⁄8" ejection port expels both 2¾" and 3" shells. An oversize bolt-release button is located on the receiver’s right side.

Rather than having action bars directly connected to either part, the SAS’s bolt and carrier (below) ride freely within the receiver. Upon firing, a piston welded to the left side of the thrust bushing (arrow) strikes the bolt carrier, forcing it rearward.

APRIL 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

The bolt, bolt body and action are unique to this design. Hatfield calls its action a “gas-inertia system;” it’s a shortpiston system in which gas from the fired shell enters two ports located in the barrel’s gas ring to force back the bolt, much like most other gas actions on the market. What’s different about the SAS is that rather than having action bars directly connected to the bolt or carrier, the SAS’s 3" stainless steel bolt and 35⁄8" stainless carrier ride freely within the receiver so that they have little inertia and friction to overcome. Upon firing, a 2" piston welded to the left side of the gas check ring (Hatfield calls it a “thrust bushing”) strikes the bolt carrier. This starts the bolt backward approximately 2" before being opened fully by its own momentum. Then, as the spring in the buttstock returns the bolt into battery, it forces the

DOPE BAG HATFIELD SAS

IMPORTER: HATFIELD GUN CO. (DEPT. AR), 1247 RAND ROAD, DES PLAINES, IL 60016; (847) 768-1011; HATFIELDGUNCOMPANY.COM 48.5" 2.5"

1.5"

28"

14.4"

ACTION TYPE: GAS-OPERATED, SEMI-AUTOMATIC SHOTGUN GAUGE: 12; 3" CHAMBER

thrust bushing back into a cocked position, ready for the next cycle. Three removable choke tubes come with the shotgun: improved cylinder, modified and full. At the end of its 28" barrel, the SAS employs a red fiber-optic front bead for the purpose of sighting. The Hatfield comes with two gas check rings that can be easily switched by simply removing the fore-end and barrel, then sliding them on or off the magazine tube. One is for heavier loads; it allows more gas to bleed from the shell without directing it into the gas ports. The standard ring features two metal O-rings that provide a tighter seal so that more gas is directed into the ports, thereby working the action even with light loads. Although shotshells 11⁄8-oz. and above are recommended, during field testing our evaluators were curious whether the SAS would reliably cycle 1-oz. target loads. Throughout the first box of shells, the shotgun would fire but fail to load another shell fully into battery approximately 40 percent of the time. However, after adding oil to the dry gun, another 25 shells were fired through it. The second box of 1-oz. shells experienced three failures to cycle, the third box encountered only one and the fourth box suffered none. Meanwhile, heavier

MAGAZINE: FOUR-ROUND TUBULAR SIGHTS: RED FIBER-OPTIC BEAD TRIGGER: 8-LB., 1-OZ. PULL STOCK: TURKISH WALNUT WEIGHT: 7 LBS.

loads functioned perfectly. It is the opinion of the testers that the sample SAS simply required a break-in period before reaching optimal functionality. Oil it, shoot a couple boxes through it and clean the shotgun if issues are encountered right out of the box. The Hatfield’s in-the-hands feel was surprisingly pleasant. Recoil mitigation was excellent for a 7-lb. gun. On the negative side, its oversize crossbolt safety has enough play that, if twisted slightly, loses an 1/8" of travel and its tactile, positive click. Regardless, it remains functional. For roughly $200 over the counter, a buyer gets a lot of shotgun in the SAS. All around, the Hatfield was a higher-quality product than we expected. Fit, finish, wood quality, function (after the break-in period) were well above par for its price, and our test sample was a good-fitting, decent-handling semiautomatic that would be suitable for upland birds, ducks or clay games— and might also make a fine behindthe-seat gun as well.

METAL FINISH: ANODIZED 7075 ALUMINUM RECEIVER; STAINLESS STEEL BOLT, TRIGGER, SAFETY, SHELL CARRIER ACCESSORIES: OWNER’S MANUAL, CHOKE TUBES (IMPROVED CYLINDER, MODIFIED, FULL) MSRP: $300 SHOOTING RESULTS (40 YDS.)

WINCHESTER SUPER X 12-GA., 23⁄4", 1 OZ. NO. 6 AVERAGE PELLET COUNT: 224 MEASURED VELOCITY @ 3 FT.: 1240 F.P.S. AVERAGE OF 10 PATTERNS = POINT OF HOLD

17 38 36

19 16

MODIFIED (0.706") 21" INNER CVIRCLE: 30" OUTER RING: TOTAL HITS:

109 48 157

(48.6%) (21.4%) (70%)

Somewhat surprisingly, the Hatfield SAS’s bolt-release button, which lies just below the bolt handle on the right side of the aluminum receiver, is made from stainless steel. The American Rifleman has used the phrase “Dope Bag” since at least 1921, when Col. Townsend Whelen first titled his column with it. Even then, it had been in use for years, referring to a sack used by target shooters to hold ammunition and accessories on the firing line. “Sight dope” also was a traditional marksman’s term for sight-adjustment information, while judging wind speed and direction was called “doping the wind.” WARNING: Technical data and information contained herein are intended to provide information based on the limited experience of individuals under specific conditions and circumstances. They do not detail the comprehensive training procedures, techniques and safety precautions absolutely necessary to properly carry on similar activity. Read the notice and disclaimer on the contents page. Always consult comprehensive reference manuals and bulletins for details of proper training requirements, procedures, techniques and safety precautions before attempting any similar activity. AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

APRIL 2018

SIG P365 continued from p. 51

The slide, though slim, features bilateral cocking serrations fore and aft. Forward cocking serrations are becoming more common on personal-defense and competition-style pistols because they facilitate “press-checking” the firearm—that is, double-checking the gun’s condition, loaded or unloaded, by partially retracting the slide to visually observe the chamber. This is usually done by gripping the gun near the front of the slide to ensure the support hand does not block the view of the chamber. A rectangular window at the rear of the P365’s barrel assembly serves as a visual loaded-chamber indicator, rendering the presscheck unnecessary, but the forward cocking serrations still make good sense because the gun and slide are so small. Large-handed shooters, or anyone trying to manipulate the slide under duress, may experience incidental contact with the forward serrations, and the angled cuts will provide improved purchase. Moving on to the polymer frame, the left side of the P365 features three familiar controls: takedown lever, slide lock/release and magazine release. The takedown lever is directly above the trigger with the slide lock just to the rear, and the triangular magazine release is in its usual position at the bottom, rear junction of the trigger guard and frame. The magazine-release button is actually reversible for use by lefties, and it’s smooth engagement surface contours down and in, toward the trigger guard, following the natural lines of the frame. The arrangement is quite stylish and certainly helps maintain the P365’s slim dimensions. In fact, all aspects of the frame are cut and contoured to improve ergonomics and utility, and to minimize width. Bilateral recesses behind the trigger provide the strong-hand digits an easy approach to the trigger and a natural thumb rest; the frame is undercut beneath the trigger guard and paired with a relatively deep beavertail to facilitate a high grip; four textured panels (front, rear and both sides) improve purchase with gritty, but not aggressive, molded stippling; and the magazine well features bilateral cutouts to aid magazine removal. There is even an integral accessory rail for the addition of a light or laser sight, however, I expect opinions to be split on this feature since, rather than using a standard Picatinny-style rail, the P365 sports a proprietary arrangement of bilateral V-shaped grooves designed The P365’s controls include the left-sideonly take-down lever and slide lock/release, and a user-reversible (left- or right-side) magazine release. All the controls are contoured so as not to snag or hinder concealment.

APRIL 2018

to allow accessories from SIG’s electro-optics division to be clamped on. I suppose such design decisions are a privilege enjoyed by “the complete systems provider.”

Realities And Remedies

As I stated at the top, my first opportunity to shoot the P365 was at SIG Sauer’s pre-SHOT Show media event in January. At the time, I was among the agog, eager to see the little SIG with the big magazine. On the line, shooting the P365 was a treat. The sample gun ran like a champ for not just me but dozens of shooters. Recoil was a bit snappy, but that was to be expected from such a small, lightweight pistol. Overall, the gun looked great, felt great and shot great. I couldn’t wait to get one back on the NRA test range, and before I had even returned from Las Vegas, a P365 had arrived at the office for evaluation. As soon as I was able, I was on the range and ready to ride the wave of excitement that the gun had generated at SHOT. Unfortunately, what I got instead was a total wipeout. On the very first magazine, the gun failed to go fully into battery when I released the slide—this should have been a sign. Over the course of approximately 150 rounds, this issue never corrected itself, despite cleaning and lubrication, and occurred on nearly every fresh magazine and occasionally during firing. I wanted to blame debris, my grip, anything, but the fact is, the gun just didn’t work. In addition, the first P365 I received was topped with SIGLite Night Sights—as was universally advertised at the gun’s launch—which are fine tritium-powered sights that top many SIG pistols. Unfortunately, even my brief range session had managed to kill the tritium vial in the front sight, dead. You see, the slide on a small 9 mm pistol reciprocates much faster and with more force than a larger, heavier gun, so while the SIGLites had proven their mettle with military and law enforcement agencies—taking down trash the world over—the recoil of the diminutive P365, a gun designed for civilian carry and personal defense, proved too much for the steel-clad sights. Luckily, that is not where this story ends. Calls to SIG revealed that we had received the wrong gun. The glorified paperweight I’d first tried to shoot was actually a pre-production model that should never have been released from the factory. In SIG’s earnest attempt to get your American Rifleman an evaluation pistol, a mistake had been made—with the best of intentions, but poor execution. Thankfully, the company quickly made things right. A new gun arrived, built to spec and sporting new, and more robust, X-Ray3 Day/Night Sights—seems SIG engineers found the same weakness I had, and quietly corrected it. What follows is a performance evaluation of the P365 using a sample gun pulled straight off the production line.

On The Range

With a production sample P365 in hand, I went straight to work at the range, and was immediately relieved when it fed, fired and ejected five magazines worth of mixed 9 mm Luger cartridges—ranging in weight AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

strikes. The bottom line, in my opinion, is that the P365 definitely requires training and practice to perfect its use. Good, steady, two-handed grips are possible to achieve, and I was able to run the gun with 100 percent reliability, but it required an adjustment of my preferred hand position. For those who intend to carry the P365, or any micro-compact, make sure you are comfortable and confident with its characteristics and manual of arms. With formal testing completed, and being more familiar with the handling qualities of the gun, I was able to spend some time just shooting. I did informal strings of fire, timed drills, precise shots from various distances and some work from the holster using a BlackPoint Tactical AIWB rig (blackpointtactical.com) furnished by SIG. Throughout, the gun performed admirably. And how about that 12-round magazine? The larger grip is a revelation when it comes to controlling the gun and making fast follow-on shots—a trait especially apparent as I performed two high-speed, six-shot Bill Drills. Did I mention that I didn’t have to reload in between? It’s hard not to be impressed by the gun’s capacity. Sure, it’s a bit snappy with heavier loads, and it requires a little practice to shoot quickly, but for such a little gun to hold so much ammunition and still “disappear” into a concealment holster beneath a loose T-shirt, it really challenges the perception that concealment requires compromise.

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from 65 grs. to 147 grs.—without issue. Velocity testing of three selected loads continued without incident, and accuracy testing was extremely satisfying (full results on p. 51). For a pistol with less than 5" of sight radius, the P365 continually shot ragged-hole five-shot groups at 7 yds., and was easy to keep “in the black” at 15 and 25 yds. The X-Ray3 sights are easy for the eyes to acquire, from the draw and after recoil, and are sighted to a combat or center hold—the part of the target that is covered by the front sight is exactly where the bullets impact. I will warn readers, though, that the P365 does have some idiosyncrasies. This is a small gun, and there is very little real estate to hang on to. I typically use a high, aggressive, thumbs-forward grip when I shoot, and there just was not room to accommodate that style of grip. Early on, in fact, the meat of my support hand accidentally engaged the left-side controls and caused a couple of problems before I corrected my grip. As with any gun of this type, it doesn’t take much to engage the slide lock/release during a multi-shot string, and the most common side effect is a failure of the gun to lock open on an empty magazine. The P365’s slide lock can also be pressed upward, causing additional friction as the slide reciprocates and, in the worst case, can prevent the slide from returning fully to battery, resulting in failures to fire and identifiable by light primer

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INSIDE NRA | ILA REPORT

Cherry-Picking Statistics: How The Violence Policy Center Manipulates Data

LATEST LEGISLATIVE NEWS FROM INSIDE THE NRA INSTITUTE FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION

These two charts illustrate the same data. The top one is what the Violence Policy Center presented, but it represents a shorter trend line and a smaller range of deaths. The bottom chart shows a longer time frame, and portrays a completely different representation of the trend in firearm deaths.

ast January, the Violence Policy Center (VPC) shared its analysis of 2016 fatal injury statistics, which are released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and are available for public analysis on the CDC’s website. VPC’s analysis came with the misleading headline: “U.S. Gun Death Rate Jumps 17 Percent Since 2008 Supreme Court District of Columbia v. Heller Decision Affirming Right to Own a Handgun for Self-Defense.” That appears to suggest causation, as if the Heller decision somehow has driven people to commit crime. The chart in the “analysis” is even more disingenuous than the headline. A casual look at the chart gives the impression that the firearm death rate has skyrocketed—the marker went from near the bottom of the chart in 2014 almost all the way to the top! The axis runs from 10.0 to 12.5; this technique is commonly used to make numbers seem more dramatic. Take a look at the same data points—the overall

firearm death rate in the U.S.—on a chart with a more honest axis. Notice that the sharp increase presented by the Violence Policy Center is flatter when the axis hasn’t been manipulated to suit an agenda. Readers will also notice that this chart is not arbitrarily set to only post-Heller years but goes back to 1990; the longer trend line reveals some truths that the VPC would like to ignore. Total firearm-related death rates were higher through nearly all of the 1990s than they were in 2016. One should also notice that the total firearm-related homicide rate continued a marginal and pre-existing downward trend after Heller, moving from 4.28 per 100,000 population in 2006 to 3.45 per 100,000 in 2014—a trend that directly contradicts the misleading headline touted by the VPC. The anti-gun community has long used manipulated and misleading “studies” to advance its cause. This bit of junk science is just the latest attempt to misinform the media and the public.

Firearm Death Rate in the United States 2009-2016

(Per 100,000 people)

2009

(Per 100,000 people)

2016

Overall Firearm Death Rate 1990-2016

10 ILA Grassroots: (800) 392-8683 NRA-ILA: (703) 267-1170 NRA-ILA website: nraila.org

5 0

1990

2002 APRIL 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

2016

Source: CDC Fatality Statistics

C Chris DeStefano

hris DeStefano is a Grammy Awardwinning singer/songwriter and record producer. He has written huge hit songs for, among others, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Jason Aldean, Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson. He even re-worked the theme song for NBC’s Sunday Night Football. NRA Country’s Vanessa Shahidi recently asked DeStefano a few questions about his life.

Photo Courtesy of Chris DeStefano

VS: What is your favorite personal firearm? CD: I used to carry a SIG P320, but one day I was out at the range with a good friend. He had me run some of the drills with his Glock 19, and my shot groups were much more consistent and accurate. From then on, I knew I needed to be carrying a G19, so now I have one and I’ve put some work into it: ZEV Tech trigger, night sights, a tungsten guide rod and a weighted grip plug. All of that adds some weight ... but it also helps with recoil management. VS: Tell us about a memorable outdoor experience you’ve had.

CD: Where I grew up in New Jersey is why it’s called the Garden State. My friends and I learned about the outdoors together. I would go camping with one particular friend and explore the backwoods in our area. One time we started a bonfire, not realizing some of the wood was covered in poison ivy. That was a big mistake—ha! That was when we were 9 or 10. He grew up and became a Navy commander, and we’re still friends to this day. VS: Give us the inside scoop on what you’re working on musically. CD: I’m currently producing music with Morgan Evans. His current single “Kiss Somebody” is climbing the charts and people are really excited about him. Watch for him to become a big star. NRA Country is a lifestyle and a bond between the country music community and hard-working Americans everywhere. It’s powered by pride, freedom, love of country, respect for the military and the responsibilities of protecting the great American life. Visit nracountry.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

IN MEMORY NRA-ILA CONTRIBUTIONS

January 1, 2018 – January 31, 2018 Reuben Ledra, Schenectady, NY (from: Judith Ledra); Fred J. Daniels Jr., Carson City, NV (from: Renate E. Daniels); Scott Nesmith, Williamsport, MD (from: Nellie V. Nesmith); Leslie H. Baker, Allentown, PA (from: Angela & Jason Bashaw, Ryan, Jessica, Evan, & Vivian Baker); Raymond F. Wilbur, North Haven, CT (from: Maryon & Richard Lindholm); Vernon Berning, Buffalo, MN; Allen Thies, Columbia Heights, MN; Robert Klink, Stillwater, MN; Mark Lee, Monticello, MN; Clair Eigen, Comfrey, MN; Walter Beinke, North Mankato, MN; Alvin Olson, St. Paul, MN; Frank Aiple, Stillwater, MN; Keith Kallstrom, Brooklyn Park, MN; James Cheever, Edina, MN; Cedric Scofield, St. Paul, MN; George Harrison, Minneapolis, MN; Raymond Saign, Richfield, MN; Wayne Cowette, Minneapolis, MN; Donald Heimerman, Woodbury, MN (from: Wolf’s Den Gun Shop); Daniel Y. Champion, Orange City, FL (from: Seminole County Gun & Archery Association Inc.); Roberta Wasielewski, Marshalltown, IA (from: Dale P. Nelson).

ILA CONTRIBUTIONS

(The following have contributed $1,000.00 or more to the NRA Institute for Legislative Action: January 1, 2018 – January 31, 2018) Antoine Jackson, Charlotte, NC; Delmont Sunderland, Huntingdon, PA; Bert Isen, Albany, NY; Bob Jervis, Blacklick, OH; Marcus D. Hiles, Grand Prairie, TX; Bud’s Gun Shop, Lexington, KY; Kel-Tec CNC Industries Inc., Cocoa, FL; Scheels, Fargo, ND; Denise Welker, Fulshear, TX; Charles F. Berger, Fort Worth, TX; J.T. Wright, El Paso, TX; Kirk J. Bradley, Sanford, NC; Forsyth Rifle & Pistol Club, Forsyth, MT; David Levy, Fort Washington, PA; A. Roy Wrather, Covington, TN; Theodore D. Tomlinson, Sheridan, WY; Russ R. Richards, Helendale, CA; Gary E. Beaver, Bullhead City, AZ; Ken D. Klebe, Willow City, ND; Bernard A. Rosenberg, Tomball, TX; James Shoureas, Boca Raton, FL; Dawn Casper, Plymouth, IN; Josef J. Priller, Melbourne, FL; J. Jerome Moiso, McArthur, CA; Weatherby Collectors Association Inc., Washington, MO; Cape Radiology Group Care, Cape Girardeau, MO.

2o18 Truth About Gun Owners (TAG) Poll The anti-gun media and the gun-ban lobby are flat-out LYING about you and your freedom.

IT’S TIME TO and STAND FIGHT! Tell Congress the TRUTH about where you stand! Complete Your 2O18 TAG Poll Today.

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APRIL 2018

85 1/4/18 4:42 PM

INSIDE NRA | REGIONAL REPORT CENTRAL 2018 NRA ANNUAL MEETINGS • MAY 4-6 • DALLAS, TX

For hotel accommodations at the NRA Annual Meetings, visit nraam.org

TRAINING

Michigan Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.

michrpa.org

Crime Prevention

riends of NRA events celebrate American values with fun, fellowship and fundraising for The NRA Foundation. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in games, ra es i e an si ent a ti ns an more. Your attendance contributes to grants t at r te ﬁrear e ati n safety and marksmanship. To learn more about events in your area, visit friendsofnra.org, contact your local ﬁe re resentati e r sen an e ai t friends@nrahq.org.

Central Regional Director—Chad Franklin

cfranklin@nrahq.org

IA, NE—Tim Bacon

tbacon@nrahq.org

Northern IL—Mike Huber

mhuber@nrahq.org

Southern IL—Donald Higgs

dhiggs@nrahq.org

IN—Craig Haggard

chaggard@nrahq.org

KY—John LaRowe

jlarowe@nrahq.org

MI—Allan Herman

aherman@nrahq.org

Northern MO—Travis Scott

tscott@nrahq.org

Southern MO—Bryan Hoover

bhoover@nrahq.org

WI—Scott Taetsch

staetsch@nrahq.org

he NRA’s Refuse To Be A Victim® program provides information on crime prevention and personal safety. To learn more about the program, visit refuse.nra.org. The most up-to-date schedule is available on the internet by visiting nrainstructors.org, by sending an email to refuse@nrahq.org or by calling (800) 861-1166. APR. 7—JOLIET, IL

(Seminar) Edward Martin (815) 280-1555

APR. 15—APPLETON, WI

(Seminar) Gail Feher (920) 202-3080

APR. 22—SALINE, MI

(Seminar) Brian Craig (734) 637-8000

APR. 30—ST. LOUIS, MO

(Seminar) Kevin Cummins (636) 207-1900

STATE ASSOCIATIONS

ining NRA-a ﬁ iate state ass iations supports NRA’s mission in your state.See stateassociations.nra.org/ for more information. Illinois State Rifle Ass’n. Inc.

isra.org

Indiana State Rifle & Pistol Ass’n. Inc.

isrpa.org

Iowa State Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.

iasrpa.org

League of Kentucky Sportsmen Inc.

kentuckysportsmen.com

Missouri Sport Shooting Ass’n.

missourisportshooting.org

Nebraska Marksmanship Ass’n.

nemarksmanship.org

Wisconsin Firearm Owners, Ranges, Clubs & Educators

wisconsinforce.org

AREA SHOOTS

or more information, send an email to Shelly Kramer at mkramer@nrahq.org or call (703) 267-1459. For a complete listing, see shootingsportsusa.com.

PISTOL

Marshalltown, IA Barnhart, MO Borden, IN

SMALLBORE RIFLE

Lansing, MI Marshall, MO

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APR. 7-8 APR. 27-28 APR. 28 APR. 15 APR. 28-29 APR. 8 APR. 8 APR. 14 APR. 21 APR. 29 APR. 7-8 APR. 15 APR. 15 APR. 15

GUN SHOWS

ates and locations of gun shows are subject to change, so please contact the show before traveling. Discounted NRA membership are sold through NRA recruiters. *Some shows may offer free admission to people who sign up for new memberships or renewals. To become an NRA Recruiter call (800) 672-0004. APR. 6-7

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APRIL 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

Phillips Municipal Building, Ray Kangas Productions (715) 372-4654

Waukesha County Expo Center, Bob and Rocco’s Gun Shows (608) 752-6677

APR. 6-8

MARSHALLTOWN, IA

APR. 6-8

MASON, MI

Central Iowa Fairgrounds, Marv Kraus Promotions (563) 608-4401

Ingham County Fairgrounds, Sport Shows Promotions (517) 676-4160

APR. 7

OXFORD, MI

APR. 7

PRUDENVILLE, MI

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ROCK ISLAND, IL

APR. 7-8

KOKOMO, IN

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TIPTON, IN

APR. 13-14

QCCA Expo Center, The Cloe Group LLC (815) 263-2810

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COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA

APR. 21-22

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APR. 21-22

CROWN POINT, IN

APR. 13-15

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APR. 21-22

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DES MOINES, IA

APR. 22

Ivy Tech Conference Center, Central Indiana Gun Shows (765) 993-8942 Tipton County Fairgrounds, Tipton Gun Shows LLC (765) 675-6886 Amery Hockey Arena, Amery VFW #7929 (715) 220-0119

Hallsville Fairgrounds, Midwest Arms Collectors LLC (660) 956-6004 Iowa State Fairgrounds, Trade Show Productions (888) 552-1486

APR. 13-15

TOMAH, WI

Monroe County Wisconsin Fairgrounds, Marv Kraus Promotions (563) 608-4401

APR. 14-15

SOMERSET, KY

APR. 14-15

FOND DU LAC, WI

APR. 14-15

GRAND RAPIDS, MI

APR. 14-15

LAFAYETTE, IN

Center for Rural Development, R.K. Shows Inc. (563) 927-8176

Fond du Lac County Fairgrounds, Central Wisconsin Gun Collectors Ass’n. (920) 833-6668

Westfair Fairgrounds, Marv Kraus Promotions (563) 608-4401 Kalamazoo County Fairgrounds, Sport Shows Promotions (517) 676-4160

Lake County Fairgrounds, Central Indiana Gun Shows (765) 993-8942

Kankakee County Fairgrounds, The Cloe Group LLC (815) 263-2810

Comfort Inn, P.J.’s Promotions LLC (989) 798-8709

APR. 15

ST. CHARLES, IL

Kane County Fairgrounds, Kane County Sportsman’s Show (815) 758-2773

APR. 15

FORT WAYNE, IN

Allen County Fairgrounds, Midwest Gun Traders Inc. (260) 749-6509

APR. 20-21

IRON RIVER, WI

Iron River Community Center, Ray Kangas Productions (715) 372-4654

APR. 20-22

ANTIGO, WI

Antigo Ice Arena, Bob & Rocco’s Gun Shows (608) 752-6677

SIOUX CITY, IA

Sioux City Convention Center, Marv Kraus Promotions (563) 608-4401

APR. 28

WHEATON, IL

APR. 28-29

MONROE, MI

APR. 28-29

NOVI, MI

APR. 28-29

GAYLORD, MI

DuPage County Fairgrounds, Zurko Promotions (715) 526-9769 Monroe County Fairgrounds, Sport Shows Promotions (517) 676-4160 Suburban Collection Showplace, Michigan Antique Arms Collectors (248) 556-6590 The Ellison Place, P.J.’s Promotions LLC (989) 798-8709

APR. 25

SULLIVAN, WI

APR. 28-29

INDIANAPOLIS, IN

APR. 27-29

ASHLAND, WI

APR. 28-29

SANDWICH, IL

APR. 27-29

BARABOO, WI

APR. 29

Concord House, Ed Szafranski Gun Shop (920) 648-3322 Ashland Civic Center, Ray Kangas Productions (715) 372-4654 Sauk County Fairgrounds, Marv Kraus Promotions (563) 608-4401

4 Mile Show Place, Sport Shows Promotions (517) 676-4160

Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds, Central Indiana Gun Shows (765) 855-3836

MOUNT PLEASANT, MI

APR. 27-29

Marion County Fairgrounds, Central Indiana Gun Shows (765) 993-8942 Sandwich Fairgrounds, The Cloe Group LLC (815) 263-2810

WHEATON, IL

DuPage County Fairgrounds, Pioneer Valley Sportsman’s Ass’n. (630) 365-2808

MEMBER INFORMATION & BENEFITS

MEMBERSHIP ACCOUNT INFORMATION: (877) 672-2000 NRA Headquarters: (703) 267-1000 • INTERNET ADDRESS: nra.org MEMBER SERVICE

(800) 672-3888

NRASTORE.COM

(888) 607-6007

5-STAR MEMBER BENEFITS NRA Endorsed Insurance Programs

(877) 672-3006

LifeLock

(800) 978-1725

NRA Wine Club

(800) 331-5578

NRA Hearing Beneﬁts

(866) 619-5889

North American Moving Services

(800) 699-0590

NRA Endorsed Check Program

(888) 331-6767

INSTITUTE FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION Grassroots/Legislative Hotline (800) 392-8683

OFFICE OF ADVANCEMENT/ GIFT PLANNING (877) NRA-GIVE THE NRA FOUNDATION (800) 423-6894 NRA INSTRUCTOR/ COACH FIREARM TRAINING (703) 267-1500 EDDIE EAGLE GUNSAFE PROGRAM (800) 231-0752 REFUSE TO BE A VICTIM (800) 861-1166 RECREATIONAL PROGRAMS (703) 267-1511 NRA AFFILIATED CLUBS (800) NRA-CLUB RANGE SERVICES (877) 672-7264 COMPETITIVE SHOOTING (877) 672-6282 LAW ENFORCEMENT (703) 267-1640 FRIENDS OF NRA (703) 267-1342 NRA MUSEUMS/ GUN COLLECTOR PROGRAMS (703) 267-1600 SHOWS & EXHIBITS (866) 343-1805 MEDIA RELATIONS (703) 267-1595

The “NRA Regional Report,” a service for NRA members, appears in every issue of American Riﬂeman, American Hunter, Shooting Illustrated and America’s 1st Freedom. The Regional Report is an up-to-date listing of NRA conducted and/or sponsored events scheduled in your region for the current month. Call to verify event dates and locations before traveling.

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

APRIL 2018

INSIDE NRA | REGIONAL REPORT EAST 2018 NRA ANNUAL MEETINGS • MAY 4-6 • DALLAS, TX

For hotel accommodations at the NRA Annual Meetings, visit nraam.org APR. 21—GILL, MA

riends of NRA events celebrate American values with fun, fellowship and fundraising for The NRA Foundation. To learn more about events in your area, visit friendsofnra.org, contact your local ﬁe re resentati e r sen an e ai t friends@nrahq.org.

East Regional Director—Bryan Hoover

bhoover@nrahq.org

ME, VT, NH—Brian Smith

bsmith@nrahq.org

NJ, MA, RI, CT & Southern NY— Bryan Hoover

bhoover@nrahq.org

New York—Bryan Hoover

bhoover@nrahq.org

Northern OH—Marc Peugeot

mpeugeot@nrahq.org

Southern OH—David Graham

dgraham@nrahq.org

Eastern PA, DE—Kory Enck

kenck@nrahq.org

Western PA—Tom Baldrige

tbaldrige@nrahq.org

Eastern VA, Eastern MD, Washington, DC—David Wells

dwells@nrahq.org

Western VA, Western MD, WV— Jim Kilgore

jkilgore@nrahq.org

TRAINING

Crime Prevention

he NRA’s Refuse To Be A Victim® program provides information on crime prevention and personal safety. To learn more about the program, visit refuse.nra.org. The most up-to-date schedule is available on the internet at nrainstructors.org. APR. 7—ASHAWAY, RI (Seminar)

Lyd Neugent (401) 377-8184

APR. 7—TOWANDA, PA (Seminar)

Clinton Walters (570) 265-1701

APR. 7—MOUNT AIRY, MD (Seminar)

Jesse Lim (301) 253-6390

APR. 10—PEEKSKILL, NY (Seminar)

Steven Donahoo (914) 455-4099

APR. 15—WATERVILLE, ME (Seminar)

Steven Lawrence (207) 441-7058

(Instructor Development Workshop) George Holmes (413) 863-9165

APR. 24—PEEKSKILL, NY (Seminar)

Steven Donahoo (914) 455-4099

APR. 24—BRISTOL, CT (Seminar)

Michael Ptaszynski (860) 582-4388

APR. 28—PEEKSKILL, NY

(Instructor Development Workshop) Steven Donahoo (914) 455-4099

APR. 28—BRADFORD, PA (Seminar)

Martin Henneman (814) 366-1879

APR. 29—AIRMONT, NY (Seminar)

Joseph Izrael (845) 356-5018

STATE ASSOCIATIONS

ining NRA-a ﬁ iate state ass iations supports NRA’s mission in your state.See stateassociations.nra.org/ for more information. Connecticut State Rifle & Revolver Ass’n.

attend one of NRA’s Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor Development Schools. APR. 2-6—SMITHTON, PA (Patrol Rifle) APR. 9-13—FREDERICK, MD

(Tactical Shooting)

APR. 16-20—BETHLEHEM, PA

(Patrol Rifle)

APR. 23-27—SUMMIT POINT, WV

(Tactical Shooting)

APR. 23-27—FREDERICK, MD

(Handgun/Shotgun)

APR. 23-27—BETHLEHEM, PA

(Tactical Shooting)

APR. 30-MAY 4—MONROEVILLE, PA

(Handgun/Shotgun)

APR. 30-MAY 4—ALLISON PARK, PA

(Patrol Rifle) Contact Timothy Cole at (703) 267-1626 or at tcole@nrahq.org.

Police Competition

Maine Rifle & Pistol Ass’n. Inc.

RA Police Pistol Combat competition is intended to be used as an e tensi n an ﬁ er s training See PPC Rulebook (Rule 2.4) for eligibility requirements.

Maryland State Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.

APR. 14—LEBANON, PA (Approved)

csrra.com

Delaware State Sportsmen’s Ass’n.

dssa.us

mainerpa.org msrpa.org

Goal (Massachusetts)

goal.org

Gun Owners Of New Hampshire Inc.

gonh.org

Ass’n Of New Jersey Rifle & Pistol Clubs Inc.

anjrpc.org

New York State Rifle & Pistol Ass’n. Inc.

nysrpa.org

Ohio Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.

orpa.net

Pennsylvania Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.

pennarifleandpistol.org

Contact Tiffany King at (703) 267-1621 or at tking@nrahq.org.

AREA SHOOTS

or more information, send an email to Shelly Kramer at mkramer@nrahq.org or call (703) 267-1459. For a complete listing, see shootingsportsusa.com.

PISTOL

Wappingers Falls, NY Westbury, NY New York, NY Canton, OH Millville, NJ

APR. 1 APR. 7-8 APR. 8 APR. 15 APR. 28

Canonsburg, PA

APR. 7-8

Rhode Island 2nd Amendment Coalition

SMALLBORE RIFLE

Vermont Federation Of Sportsmen’s Clubs Inc.

HIGH POWER RIFLE

ri2nd.org vtfsc.org

Virginia Shooting Sports Ass’n.

myvssa.org

West Virginia State Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.

wvasrpa.org

LAW ENFORCEMENT

i an ri ate ﬁ ers intereste in ing ﬁrear instr t rs s APRIL 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

Miller, NJ Chandlersville, OH Winslow, NJ York, PA Delta, PA Montpelier, VA

APR. 7 APR. 8 APR. 15 APR. 22 APR. 28 APR. 28

Irwin, PA McDonald, PA Fairless Hills, PA Montpelier, VA

APR. 7 APR. 7 APR. 15 APR. 21

SILHOUETTE

GUN SHOWS

FREDERICK, MD

APR. 7-8

FISHERSVILLE, VA

Frederick County Fairgrounds, Silverado Gun Shows (301) 874-5012 Augusta Expo, Showmasters Gun Shows (540) 951-1344

APR. 7-8

MORGANTOWN, WV

Ruby Community Center, Showmasters Gun Shows (540) 951-1344

APR. 7-8

MASSILLON, OH*

Knights of Columbus, Stark Gun Collectors (330) 833-2483

APR. 7-8

NEWPORT, ME

Newport Recreation Center, Big Pine Gun Club (207) 341-1356

APR. 7-8

FOXBOROUGH, MA

Olive & Mint Function Facility, New Mart Promotions (914) 248-1000

APR. 7-8

LEBANON, PA

Lebanon Valley Exposition Center & Fairgrounds, Eagle Arms Productions (610) 393-3047

APR. 14-15

MENTOR, OH

APR. 21-22

CENTRE HALL, PA*

APR. 14-15

WASHINGTON, PA

APR. 21-22

PHILADELPHIA, PA

APR. 14-15

WIND GAP, PA

Holiday Inn Northeast Cleveland, L.G. Firearms Productions (216) 338-1271 Washington County Fairgrounds, ARH Sport Shop (724) 948-3571

Plainfield Township Volunteer Fire Co., Eagle Arms Productions (610) 393-3047

APR. 15

APR. 20-22

CHANTILLY, VA*

APR. 28-29

SALEM, VA

APR. 21-22

MANSFIELD, OH*

APR. 28-29

WELLINGTON, OH

APR. 21-22

MONTPELIER, OH

APR. 28-29

SCHNECKSVILLE, PA

APR. 21-22

SYRACUSE, NY

APR. 28-29

HAMBURG, NY

APR. 21-22

EASTON, PA

APR. 28-29

HILLIARD, OH

APR. 28-29

MAUMEE, OH

APR. 28-29

SENECA, PA

APR. 28-29

CARLISLE, PA

Dulles Expo Center, Showmasters Gun Shows (540) 951-1344

Richland County Fairgrounds, Heritage Gun Shows (330) 806-1110 Williams County Fairgrounds, D&K Enterprises (419) 737-2801

NYS Fairgrounds Expo Center, New York State Arms Collectors Ass’n. (607) 748-1010 Charles Chrin Community Center, Lehigh Valley Knife Shows (610) 258-5063

APR. 21-22

SHARONVILLE, OH

Sharonville Convention Center, Bill Goodman’s Gun & Knife Shows (502) 538-3900

FISHKILL, NY

APR. 21-22

WALLINGFORD, CT

APR. 7-8

GIRARD, OH

APR. 21-22

ALLENTOWN, PA

APR. 7-8

WILMINGTON, OH

APR. 7-8

LIMA, OH

Still Wood Inn, Ye Connecticut Gun Guild (860) 456-4652

Allentown Econolodge, Eagle Arms Productions (610) 393-3047

Roberts Centre, C&E Gun Shows, (540) 953-0016

Allen County Fairgrounds, Tri-State Gun Collectors (419) 647-0067

APR. 8

MATTYDALE, NY

Veterans of Foreign Wars, Niagara Frontier Gun Shows (716) 542-9929

APR. 14-15

TIMONIUM, MD

Timonium Fairgrounds, Appalachian Promotions (717) 697-3088

APR. 14-15

CONCORD, NH

Everett Ice Arena, New England Events (603) 230-9014

APR. 14-15

CIRCLEVILLE, OH

Pickaway County Fairgrounds, J.S. Shows Ltd. (614) 523-7767

APR. 14-15

MEDINA, OH

Medina County Fairgrounds, Conrad & Dowell Productions (330) 948-4400

SIDNEY, OH

Shelby County Fairgrounds, River Valley Classic Gun Show (937) 418-2179

MANASSAS, VA

APR. 7-8

Metroplex Expo Center, Ohio Gun Shows, (330) 759-1674

APR. 28

APR. 28-29

MONROEVILLE, PA

Ramada Fishkill, NEACA Inc. (518) 664-9743

Philadelphia National Guard Armory, Appalachian Promotions (717) 697-3088

MOUNT BETHEL, PA*

Mount Bethel Volunteer Fire Co., Mount Bethel Volunteer Fire Co. (404) 429-0072

APR. 7-8

Monroeville Convention Center, Showmasters Gun Shows (540) 951-1344

Centre County Grange Fairgrounds, Outdoor Sportsman’s Club (814) 238-0153

Prince William County Fairgrounds, Southeastern Guns & Knives (757) 483-5385

Salem Civic Center, C&E Gun Shows (540) 953-0016 Lorain County Fairgrounds, Bill-Mar Productions (440) 986-5004 Schnecksville Fire Co., Appalachian Promotions (717) 697-3088

Hamburg Fairgrounds, Niagara Frontier Gun Shows (716) 542-9929 Franklin County Fairgrounds, J.S. Shows Ltd. (614) 523-7767

Lucas County Recreation Center, Maumee Valley Gun Collectors (419) 893-1110 Old Cranberry High School, Front Sight Firearms & Training LLC (814) 673-0881 Carlisle Expo Center, Eagle Arms Productions (610) 393-3047

APR. 28-29 MANCHESTER CENTER, VT

Hunter Park, NEACA Inc. (518) 664-9743

MEMBER INFORMATION & BENEFITS

MEMBERSHIP ACCOUNT INFORMATION: (877) 672-2000 NRA Headquarters: (703) 267-1000 • INTERNET ADDRESS: nra.org MEMBER SERVICE

(800) 672-3888

NRASTORE.COM

(888) 607-6007

5-STAR MEMBER BENEFITS NRA Endorsed Insurance Programs

(877) 672-3006

LifeLock

(800) 978-1725

NRA Wine Club

(800) 331-5578

NRA Hearing Beneﬁts

(866) 619-5889

North American Moving Services

(800) 699-0590

NRA Endorsed Check Program

(888) 331-6767

INSTITUTE FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION Grassroots/Legislative Hotline (800) 392-8683

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

APRIL 2018

INSIDE NRA | REGIONAL REPORT MIDWEST 2018 NRA ANNUAL MEETINGS • MAY 4-6 • DALLAS, TX

For hotel accommodations at the NRA Annual Meetings, visit nraam.org

Midwest Regional Director—Tom Ulik

tulik@nrahq.org

AR—Erica Willard

ewillard@nrahq.org

CO—Brad Dreier

bdreier@nrahq.org

KS—Tom Ulik

tulik@nrahq.org

NM—Michael Guilliams

mguilliams@nrahq.org

OK—Darren DeLong

ddelong@nrahq.org

To learn more about the program, visit refuse.nra.org. The most up-to-date schedule is available on the internet at nrainstructors.org. APR. 4—MONTROSE, CO

(Seminar) Larry McWhirter (970) 249-2771

APR. 13—SAN ANTONIO, TX

(Seminar) Alison Adams (210) 508-0317

APR. 18—MONTROSE, CO

(Seminar) Larry McWhirter (970) 249-2771

APR. 19—AUGUSTA, KS

(Seminar) Gregory Rupp (316) 651-7877

LAW ENFORCEMENT

i an ri ate ﬁ ers intereste in e ing ﬁrear instr t rs s attend one of NRA’s Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor Development Schools.

APR. 9-13—MESQUITE, TX

(Patrol Rifle)

Northern TX—Kevin Post

APR. 9-13—GARDEN PLAIN, KS

Southern TX—Liz Foley

APR. 9-13—SAN ANTONIO, TX

Western TX—Jack Cannon

APR. 23-27—GARDEN PLAIN, KS

kpost@nrahq.org

efoley@nrahq.org

jcannon@nrahq.org

TRAINING

Crime Prevention

he NRA’s Refuse To Be A Victim® program provides information on crime prevention and personal safety.

(Patrol Rifle)

(Handgun/Shotgun)

(Tactical Shotgun) Contact Mary Shine at (703) 267-1628 or at mshine@nrahq.org.

Police Competition

RA Police Pistol Combat competition is intended to be used as an e tensi n an ﬁ er s training

See PPC Rulebook (Rule 2.4) for eligibility requirements. APR. 14—ALBUQUERQUE, NM

(Registered) Contact Tiffany King at (703) 267-1621 or at tking@nrahq.org.

STATE ASSOCIATIONS

ining NRA-a ﬁ iate state ass iations supports NRA’s mission in your state.See stateassociations.nra.org/ for more information. Arkansas Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.

arpa-online.org

Colorado State Shooting Ass’n.

cssa.org

Kansas State Rifle Ass’n.

ksraweb.org

New Mexico Shooting Sports Ass’n. Inc.

nmssa.org

Oklahoma Rifle Ass’n. Inc.

oklarifle.com

Texas State Rifle Ass’n.

tsra.com

AREA SHOOTS

or more information, send an email to Shelly Kramer at mkramer@nrahq.org or call (703) 267-1459. For a complete listing, see shootingsportsusa.com.

PISTOL

Terrell, TX Manor, TX Amarillo, TX Denver, CO

SMALLBORE RIFLE

China Spring, TX Houston, TX

HIGH POWER RIFLE

Friendswood, TX Terrell, TX Brazoria, TX Van Buren, AR Arcadia, OK

SILHOUETTE The 1911 Sidekick Fighter knife from Silver Stag, a skillfully hand-crafted fixed-blade knife, is the perfect tool for deer camp or self-protection. The 6-inch hollow-ground and jeweled high-carbon D2 steel blade and leather sheath, with vertical and horizontal carry options, feature Friends of NRA logos. VZ Grips are customized to match the Gun of the Year, a Kimber NRA Custom II "Defending Freedom"1911, creating a duo that you won’t want to put down. When you do, the display case’s black foam interior with cutouts for the gun and knife will ensure it is stored securely beneath a lid engraved with the Friends of NRA logo. Available only at Friends of NRA events.

APRIL 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

Hobbs, NM Manor, TX Randolph, KS Aurora, CO Houston, TX Bryant, AR Sand Springs, OK

APR. 8 APR. 15 APR. 20-22 APR. 28 APR. 7 APR. 7 APR. 14 APR. 14 APR. 21 APR. 28 APR. 28 APR. 7 APR. 8 APR. 15 APR. 21 APR. 22 APR. 28 APR. 28

GUN SHOWS

TULSA, OK

APR. 7-8

PASADENA, TX

APR. 14-15

DEMING, NM

APR. 28-29

FORT WORTH, TX

APR. 7-8

SAN ANTONIO, TX

APR. 21-22

BELTON, TX

APR. 28-29

KINGSLAND, TX

APR. 7-8

MIDLAND, TX

APR. 21-22

MESQUITE, TX

APR. 28-29

TULSA, OK

APR. 7-8

AZLE, TX

APR. 21-22

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX

APR. 28-29

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK

APR. 7-8

TRINITY, TX

APR. 21-22

SAN ANTONIO, TX

APR. 28-29

ORANGE, TX

APR. 21-22

TYLER, TX

APR. 28-29

BRYAN, TX

APR. 21-22

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK

APR. 28-29

DENVER, CO

APR. 28-29

WICHITA, KS

Tulsa Fairgrounds, Tulsa Gun Show Inc. (918) 492-0401 Pasadena Convention Center, High Caliber Gun & Knife Shows (281) 489-1741

San Antonio Events Center, Saxet Trade Shows (361) 289-2256*

Horseshoe Pavilion, Silver Spur Trade Shows (806) 253-1322 404 Main Place, Whipp Farm Productions (817) 929-1816

Trinity Community Center, Trinity Lions Club (936) 594-0372

APR. 7-8

PUEBLO, CO

Colorado State Fairgrounds, Tanner Gun Shows (720) 514-0114

APR. 7-8

ALAMOGORDO, NM

Otero County Fairgrounds, Western Frontier Gun Shows (575) 430-8681

APR. 14-15

MOUNTAIN VIEW, AR

Stone County Fairgrounds, Timbo Volunteer Fire Department (870) 213-5106

APR. 14-15

MESQUITE, TX

APR. 14-15

ENID, OK

APR. 14-15

KERRVILLE, TX

Southwestern New Mexico State Fairgrounds, Western Frontier Gun Shows (575) 430-8681

Bell County Expo Center, Real Texas Gun Shows (713) 724-8881

Big Town Events Center, Premier Gun Shows (817) 732-1194 Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds, Saxet Trade Shows (361) 289-2256*

Austin Highway Event Center, Austin Highway Events (210) 242-3683

Harvey Hall Convention Center, Lone Star Gun Shows (214) 635-2009 Oklahoma State Fair Park—Modern Living Building, Oklahoma Gun Shows (918) 955-1092

APR. 27-29

WACO, TX

A&S Antique Auctions Co., Texas Gun Collectors Ass’n. (210) 391-6860

Will Rogers Center—Amon Carter Exhibit Hall, Premier Gun Shows (817) 732-1194

Kingsland Community Center, Wild Weasel Productions (830) 992-5291 Tulsa Fairgrounds, Oklahoma Gun Shows (918) 955-1092 Oklahoma State Fair Park, Grand American Arms Shows (405) 614-9464

Orange County Expo Center, Real Texas Gun Shows (713) 724-8881 Brazos County Expo Center, High Caliber Gun & Knife Show (281) 489-1741

Denver Mart, Tanner Gun Shows (720) 514-0114 Century II, R.K. Shows Inc. (563) 927-8179

Mesquite Rodeo Convention Center, Premier Gun Shows (817) 732-1194

Chisholm Trail Expo Center, Oklahoma Gun Shows (918) 955-1092 Hill Country Youth Event Center— Agriculture Barn, Texas Gun & Knife Ass’n. (830) 285-0575

APR. 14-15

LLANO, TX

John L. Kuykendall Arena & Events Center, Eagle Outfitters (210) 371-3001

APR. 14-15

TOMBALL, TX

Tomball VFW, Real Texas Gun Shows (713) 724-8881

APR. 14-15

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO

Colorado Springs Event Center, R.J. Promotions (816) 676-1200

APR. 14-15

ALBUQUERQUE, NM

Expo New Mexico, Silver Spur Trade Shows (806) 253-1322

MEMBER INFORMATION & BENEFITS

MEMBERSHIP ACCOUNT INFORMATION: (877) 672-2000 NRA Headquarters: (703) 267-1000 • INTERNET ADDRESS: nra.org MEMBER SERVICE

(800) 672-3888

NRASTORE.COM

(888) 607-6007

5-STAR MEMBER BENEFITS NRA Endorsed Insurance Programs

(877) 672-3006

LifeLock

(800) 978-1725

NRA Wine Club

(800) 331-5578

NRA Hearing Beneﬁts

(866) 619-5889

North American Moving Services

(800) 699-0590

NRA Endorsed Check Program

(888) 331-6767

INSTITUTE FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION Grassroots/Legislative Hotline (800) 392-8683

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

APRIL 2018

INSIDE NRA | REGIONAL REPORT SOUTH 2018 NRA ANNUAL MEETINGS • MAY 4-6 • DALLAS, TX

For hotel accommodations at the NRA Annual Meetings, visit nraam.org

STATE ASSOCIATIONS

South Regional Director—Al Hammond

ahammond@nrahq.org

AL, MS—Gene Newman

gnewman@nrahq.org

Northern FL—Bret Eldridge

peldridge@nrahq.org

Southern FL—Tom Knight

tknight@nrahq.org

GA—Neely Raper

nraper@nrahq.org

LA—Chad Bowen

cbowen@nrahq.org

Eastern NC—Garland “Tra” Storey

gstorey@nrahq.org

Western NC—Doug Merrill

rmerrill@nrahq.org

TN—Mike Webb

mwebb@nrahq.org

SC—Freeman Coleman

fcoleman@nrahq.org

ining NRA-a ﬁ iate state ass iations supports NRA’s mission in your state.See stateassociations.nra.org/ for more information. Alabama Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.

jmoses1936@gmail.com

Florida Sport Shooting Ass’n.

fssaf.wildapricot.org

Georgia Sport Shooting Ass’n.

gssainc.org

Louisiana Shooting Ass’n.

louisianashooting.com

Mississippi Gun Owners Ass’n.

msgo.com

North Carolina Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.

ncrpa.org

Gun Owners of South Carolina

gosc.org

Tennessee Shooting Sports Ass’n. Inc.

tennesseeshootingsportsassociation.org

TRAINING

Crime Prevention

(Seminar) Kathleen Rioux (404) 375-6953

APR. 14—TRUSSVILLE, AL

(Seminar) Buford Gates (205) 616-2373

APR. 14—WHITE, GA

(Instructor Development Workshop) Carl Hirt (770) 334-8285

APR. 14—RURAL HALL, NC

(Seminar) C Richard Talbert (336) 969-4867

APR. 19—NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC

(Seminar) William McLeod (843) 280-5623

APR. 20—CRESTVIEW OR MOSSY HEAD, FL

(Seminar) Connie Harrison (850) 333-0046

APR. 27—BUFORD, GA

(Instructor Development Workshop) John Bain (678) 283-2504

AREA SHOOTS

or more information, send an email to Shelly Kramer at mkramer@nrahq.org or call (703) 267-1459. For a complete listing, see shootingsportsusa.com.

PISTOL

Dawsonville, GA Arden, NC Haw River, NC Columbia, TN Brooksville, FL

SMALLBORE RIFLE

Orlando, FL Cusseta, GA Ridgeville, SC Brunswick, TN

HIGH POWER RIFLE

Hope Mills, NC Covington, GA Puryear, TN Ridgeville, SC Palm Bay, FL Hoover, AL Gonzales, LA

APRIL 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

Hoover, AL Brandon, MS Chuluota, FL Arden, NC Jackson, TN Brunswick, GA Quitman, LA

APR. 6-8 APR. 7 APR. 15 APR. 22 APR. 22 APR. 7 APR. 8 APR. 21 APR. 21 APR. 7 APR. 7 APR. 7 APR. 14 APR. 21 APR. 29 APR. 29 APR. 7 APR. 7 APR. 8 APR. 14 APR. 15 APR. 21 APR. 21

LAW ENFORCEMENT

i an ri ate fi ers intereste in e ing firear instr t rs should attend one of NRA’s Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor Development Schools, designed t en an e t e instr t rs firear knowledge and handling skills, as well as prepare them to develop effective training programs, instruct in a professional manner, and conduct practical training exercises. Restricted t a en r e ent fi ers n

(Tactical Shooting)

APR. 9-13—HOMESTEAD, FL APR. 16-20—LUCEDALE, MS

(Tactical Shooting)

(Handgun/Shotgun)

APR. 30-MAY4—OZARK, AL

(Select-Fire)

APR. 30-MAY 4—COLUMBUS, MS

(Handgun/Shotgun)

Contact Rudis Amaya at (703) 267-1636 or at ramaya@nrahq.org.

GUN SHOWS

WEST PALM BEACH, FL

APR. 21-22

PANAMA CITY, FL

APR. 21-22

LAFAYETTE, LA

APR. 21-22

GREENVILLE, SC

APR. 28-29

MIAMI, FL

APR. 28-29

MELBOURNE, FL*

APR. 28-29

TALLAHASSEE, FL

APR. 28-29

FLORENCE, SC

APR. 28-29

KNOXVILLE, TN

APR. 28-29

CONCORD, NC

TD Convention Center, S.C. Arms Collectors Ass’n. (803) 463-9377

(Tactical Shotgun)

APR. 16-20—PARCHMAN, MS

APR. 21-22

Lafayette Event Center, Classic Arms Productions (985) 624-8577

APR. 9-13—LOVEJOY, GA

(Handgun)

TAMPA, FL

Bay County Fairgrounds, North Florida Gun & Knife Shows (407) 275-7233

(Handgun/ Shotgun)

APR. 16-20—FLORENCE, AL

APR. 21-22

South Florida Fairgrounds, Sport Show Specialists (321) 777-7455*

(Handgun/Shotgun

(Handgun/Shotgun)

MEMPHIS, TN

Florida State Fairgrounds, Florida Gun Shows (407) 410-6870

APR. 2-6—COLUMBUS, MS

APR. 16-20—NEW SMYRNA BEACH, FL

APR. 14-15

Agricenter International Park, R.K. Shows Inc. (563) 927-8176

APR. 2-6—LOVEJOY, GA

(Patrol Rifle)

CHARLOTTE, NC

Park Expo, Dixie Gun & Knife Show Classic (919) 781-1287

APR. 16-20—FLORENCE, AL

APR. 14-15

APR. 7-8

COLUMBIA, SC

Jamil Shrine Temple, S.C. Arms Collectors Ass’n. (803) 463-9377

APR. 11-12

BROOKSVILLE, FL

Hernando Sportsman’s Club House, Hernando Sportsman’s Club (352) 799-3605

APR. 14-15

FORT MYERS, FL

Lee Civic Center, Florida Gun Shows (407) 410-6870

APR. 14-15

LAKELAND, FL

Lakeland Center, Lakeland Rifle & Pistol Club (863) 665-0092

APR. 14-15

PENSACOLA, FL

Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds, North Florida Gun & Knife Shows (407) 275-7233

Miami-Dade Fairgrounds, Florida Gun Shows (407) 410-6870

Melbourne Auditorium, Sport Show Specialists (321) 777-7455 North Florida Fairgrounds, North Florida Gun & Knife Shows (407) 275-7233

Florence Civic Center, Mike Kent & Associates (770) 630-7296 Knoxville Expo Center, R.K. Shows Inc. (563) 927-8176 Cabarrus Arena & Events Center, C&E Gun Shows (540) 953-0016

FORT PIERCE, FL

APR. 7-8

PALMETTO, FL

Havert L. Fenn Center, Patriot Productions (866) 611-0442

Bradenton Convention Center, Florida Gun Shows (407) 410-6870

APR. 7-8

JACKSONVILLE, FL

Greater Jacksonville Fair and Expo Center, North Florida Gun & Knife Shows (407) 275-7233

APR. 7-8

FAYETTEVILLE, NC

Crown Expo Center, C&E Gun Shows (540) 953-0016

MEMBER INFORMATION & BENEFITS

MEMBERSHIP ACCOUNT INFORMATION: (877) 672-2000 NRA Headquarters: (703) 267-1000 • INTERNET ADDRESS: nra.org MEMBER SERVICE

(800) 672-3888

NRASTORE.COM

(888) 607-6007

5-STAR MEMBER BENEFITS NRA Endorsed Insurance Programs

(877) 672-3006

LifeLock

(800) 978-1725

NRA Wine Club

(800) 331-5578

NRA Hearing Beneﬁts

(866) 619-5889

North American Moving Services

(800) 699-0590

NRA Endorsed Check Program

(888) 331-6767

INSTITUTE FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION Grassroots/Legislative Hotline (800) 392-8683

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

APRIL 2018

INSIDE NRA | REGIONAL REPORT SOUTHWEST 2018 NRA ANNUAL MEETINGS • MAY 4-6 • DALLAS, TX

For hotel accommodations at the NRA Annual Meetings, visit nraam.org

AREA SHOOTS

or more information, send an email to Shelly Kramer at mkramer@nrahq.org or call (703) 267-1459. For a complete listing, see shootingsportsusa.com.

PISTOL

Sloughhouse, CA Escondido, CA Phoenix, AZ

SMALLBORE RIFLE

South El Monte, CA

HIGH POWER RIFLE

Phoenix, AZ Boulder City, NV Clovis, CA Ventucopa, CA Castaic, CA

Southwest Regional Director— Jason Quick

jquick@nrahq.org

SILHOUETTE

AZ—Winston Pendleton

wpendleton@nrahq.org

Mid CA—Jason Quick

jquick@nrahq.org

Central CA—Paul Rodarmel

STATE ASSOCIATIONS

Gonzales, CA Sloughhouse, CA San Fernando, CA Tucson, AZ Mesa, AZ

Northern CA—Dan Wilhelm

TRAINING

Southern CA—Mike Davis

Arizona State Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.

prodarmel@nrahq.org dwilhelm@nrahq.org mdavis@nrahq.org

ining NRA-a ﬁ iate state ass iations supports NRA’s mission in your state.See stateassociations.nra.org/ for more information. asrpa.com

Eastern CA—Cole Beverly

California Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.

NV—Steve Wilson

Nevada Firearms Coalition

UT—Jim Reardon

Utah State Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.

cbeverly@nrahq.org swilson@nrahq.org jreardon@nrahq.org

crpa.org

nvfac.org

usrpa.org

APR. 1 APR. 8 APR. 15 APR. 7-8 APR. 6-8 APR. 8 APR. 15 APR. 15 APR. 21 APR. 7 APR. 7 APR. 14-15 APR. 15 APR. 21

Crime Prevention

(Instructor Development Workshop) Gerard Violette (480) 244-6315

APR. 14—MENIFEE, CA

(Instructor Development Workshop) William Flory (951) 928-2794

APR. 27—YUMA, AZ

(Instructor Development Workshop) Gerard Violette (480) 244-6315

LAW ENFORCEMENT

APRIL 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

well as prepare them to develop effective training programs, instruct in a professional manner, and conduct practical training exercises. Restricted t a en r e ent ﬁ ers n APR. 23-27—SAN CLEMENTE, CA

(Patrol Rifle) Contact Mary Shine at (703) 267-1628 or at mshine@nrahq.org.

GUN SHOWS

LAS VEGAS, NV

Eastside Cannery Casino, Western Trails Gun & Knife Shows (702) 222-1948

APR. 7-8

SANDY, UT

Mountain America Expo Center, Crossroads of the West Gun Shows (801) 544-9125

APR. 7-8

SAN BERNARDINO, CA

National Orange Show Events Center, Crossroads of the West Gun Shows (801) 544-9125

APR. 7-8

KINGMAN, AZ

APR. 21-22

PHOENIX, AZ

APR. 14-15

PRESCOTT VALLEY, AZ

APR. 21-22

LANCASTER, CA

APR. 14-15

BAKERSFIELD, CA

APR. 21-22

WILLOWS, CA

APR. 14-15

DALY CITY, CA

APR. 28-29

VALLEJO, CA

APR. 14-15

LAS VEGAS, NV

APR. 28-29

VENTURA, CA

Mohave County Fairgrounds, Pioneer Country Events Gun Show (928) 692-0937

Prescott Valley Events Center, Western Collectibles & Firearms (928) 848-0070 Kern County Fairgrounds, Central Coast Gun Shows (805) 481-6726

The Cow Palace, Crossroads of the West (801) 544-9125

World Market Center Las Vegas, Crossroads of the West Gun Shows (801) 544-9125

SAN JOSE, CA

Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, Code of the West Gun Shows (530) 676-8762

APR. 7-8

APR. 14-15

GARDNERVILLE, NV

Douglas County Fairgrounds, American Dream Gun Show (775) 835-9677

Arizona State Fairgrounds, Crossroads of the West Gun Shows (801) 544-9125 Antelope Valley Fairgrounds, SoCal Gun Show (619) 997-4154

VFW Post 1770, Chico Gun Show (530) 591-3379

Solano County Fairgrounds, Code of the West Gun Shows (530) 676-8762 Ventura County Fairgrounds, Crossroads of the West (801) 544-9125

MEMBER INFORMATION & BENEFITS

MEMBERSHIP ACCOUNT INFORMATION: (877) 672-2000 NRA Headquarters: (703) 267-1000 • INTERNET ADDRESS: nra.org MEMBER SERVICE

(800) 672-3888

NRASTORE.COM

(888) 607-6007

5-STAR MEMBER BENEFITS NRA Endorsed Insurance Programs

(877) 672-3006

LifeLock

(800) 978-1725

NRA Wine Club

(800) 331-5578

NRA Hearing Beneﬁts

(866) 619-5889

North American Moving Services

(800) 699-0590

NRA Endorsed Check Program

(888) 331-6767

INSTITUTE FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION Grassroots/Legislative Hotline (800) 392-8683

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

APRIL 2018

INSIDE NRA | REGIONAL REPORT WEST 2018 NRA ANNUAL MEETINGS • MAY 4-6 • DALLAS, TX

For hotel accommodations at the NRA Annual Meetings, visit nraam.org

LAW ENFORCEMENT

West Regional Director—Brad Kruger

bkruger@nrahq.org

Northern AK—Josh Toennessen

jtoennessen@nrahq.org

Southern AK—Greg Stephens

gstephens@nrahq.org

i an ri ate ﬁ ers intereste in e ing ﬁrear instr t rs s attend one of NRA’s Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor Development Schools.

Police Competition

RA Police Pistol Combat competition is intended to be used as an e tensi n an ﬁ er s training See PPC Rulebook (Rule 2.4) for eligibility requirements.

APR. 21—MARYSVILLE, WA

(Approved) Contact Tiffany King at (703) 267-1621 or at tking@nrahq.org.

STATE ASSOCIATIONS

ining NRA-a ﬁ iate state ass iations supports NRA’s mission in your state.See stateassociations.nra.org/ for more information.

ID—Steve Vreeland

Alaska Outdoor Council Inc.

MN—Eric Linder

Hawaii Rifle Ass’n.

MT—Joe Crismore

Idaho State Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.

ND, SD—Doug DeLaRoi

Minnesota Rifle & Revolver Ass’n. Inc.

OR, HI—Mike Carey

Montana Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.

WA—Michael Herrera

North Dakota Shooting Sports Ass’n.

WY—Brad Kruger

Oregon State Shooting Ass’n.

svreeland@nrahq.org elinder@nrahq.org jcrismore@nrahq.org ddelaroi@nrahq.org mcarey@nrahq.org mherrera@nrahq.org bkruger@nrahq.org

alaskaoutdoorcouncil.org hawaiirifleassociation.org idahosrpa.org mrra.org

mtrpa.org ndssa.org ossa.org

South Dakota Shooting Sports Ass’n.

sdshootingsports.org

Washington State Rifle & Pistol Ass’n. Inc.

wsrpa.org

Wyoming State Shooting Ass’n. Inc.

wyossa.com

AREA SHOOTS

or more information, send an email to Shelly Kramer at mkramer@nrahq.org or call (703) 267-1459. For a complete listing, see shootingsportsusa.com.

PISTOL

Wadena, MN Sherwood, OR Palmer, AK Boise, ID Honolulu, HI

SMALLBORE RIFLE

Lewistown, MT Grand Forks, ND Missoula, MT

HIGH POWER RIFLE

Bothell, WA Rexburg, ID Snohomish, WA Ravensdale, WA

APRIL 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

SILHOUETTE

Sherwood, OR Soda Springs, ID Missoula, MT Eatonville, WA Lander, WY

APR. 7-8 APR. 21 APR. 28 APR. 28 APR. 28-29 APR. 6-8 APR.14 APR. 14-15 APR. 7 APR. 7 APR. 7 APR. 21 APR. 7 APR. 7 APR. 7 APR. 8 APR. 15

GUN SHOWS

CARSON, WA

American Legion Post 137, Cascade Sportsman’s Club (509) 951-6733

APR. 7-8

HASTINGS, MN

Hastings Armory, Crocodile Productions (763) 754-7140

APR. 7-8

EUGENE, OR

Lance County Fairgrounds, Collectors West (800) 659-3440

APR. 7-8

SPOKANE, WA

APR. 14-15

CENTRALIA, WA

APR. 20-22

BILLINGS, MT

APR. 21-22

ST. PAUL, MN

SouthWest Washington Fairgrounds, Wes Knodel Gun Shows (503) 363-9564 Billings MetraPark, Sports Connection (406) 633-9333

Minnesota State Fair—Education Building., Minnesota Weapons Collectors Ass’n. (612) 721-8976

APR. 21-22

ASTORIA, OR

APR. 21-22

BURLINGTON, WA

Clatsop County Expo Center, Collectors West (800) 659-3440 American Legion Hall, Falcon Productions (360) 770-1575

APR. 22

PORTLAND, OR

Jackson Armory, Oregon Arms Collectors (503) 254-5986

APR. 27-29

GREAT FALLS, MT

APR. 28-29

BLOOMINGTON, MN

APR. 28-29

CANBY, OR

APR. 28-29

KLAMATH FALLS, OR

APR. 28-29

PUYALLUP, WA

APR. 28-29

RICHLAND, WA

Montana Expo Park, Weapons Collector Society of Montana (406) 861-6048 Bloomington Armory, Crocodile Productions (763) 754-7140 Clackamas County Fairgrounds, Collectors West (800) 659-3440 Klamath County Fairgrounds, Jefferson State Shooting Ass’n. (541) 887-0064

Western Washington Fairgrounds, Washington Arms Collectors (425) 255-8410 Shilo Inn, Sports Connection (406) 633-9333

Spokane County Fair & Expo, Wes Knodel Gun Shows (503) 363-9564

APR. 13-14

GRAND RAPIDS, MN

APR. 13-15

BUTTE, MT

APR. 14-15

CAMBRIDGE, MN

Grand Rapids National Guard Armory, AC Expos (218) 290-0274 Butte Civic Center, Sports Connection (406) 633-9333

Armed Forces Reserve Community Center, Crocodile Productions (763) 754-7140

APR. 14-15

NAMPA, ID

Ford Idaho Center, Lewis Clark Trader (208) 746-5555

APR. 14-15

PORTLAND, OR

APR. 14-15

RAPID CITY, SD

Portland Metropolitan Exposition Center, Collectors West (800) 659-3440 Rushmore Civic Center, Dakota Territory Gun Collectors Ass’n. (701) 361-9215

MEMBER INFORMATION & BENEFITS

MEMBERSHIP ACCOUNT INFORMATION: (877) 672-2000 NRA Headquarters: (703) 267-1000 • INTERNET ADDRESS: nra.org MEMBER SERVICE

(800) 672-3888

NRASTORE.COM

(888) 607-6007

5-STAR MEMBER BENEFITS NRA Endorsed Insurance Programs

(877) 672-3006

LifeLock

(800) 978-1725

NRA Wine Club

(800) 331-5578

NRA Hearing Beneﬁts

(866) 619-5889

North American Moving Services

(800) 699-0590

NRA Endorsed Check Program

(888) 331-6767

INSTITUTE FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION Grassroots/Legislative Hotline (800) 392-8683

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

APRIL 2018

INSIDE NRA | PROGRAMS & SERVICES

n the wake of the heinous criminal attack that left 17 dead at the high school in Parkland, Fla., the political left and its big-media allies reacted with predictable tried-and-failed hysteria: Blame NRA. Stoke public guilt. Ban guns. Ban freedom. What they failed to do is mention the one national initiative that has succeeded in bringing greater security to school systems in several states, thus establishing a model that will work on a much wider scale if given fair opportunity. NRA’s National School Shield was established 2012 to address how, in these dangerous times, to foster a safe environment for America’s approximately 55 million elementary and secondary school students. “We must immediately harden our schools. Every day, young people are being dropped off at schools that are virtually wide-open, soft targets for anyone bent on mass murder,” said NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre. “It should not be easier for a madman to shoot up a school than a bank or jewelry store or some Hollywood gala.” Recognizing there is no one-size-fits-all approach, National School Shield (NSS) provides expertise in many facets of school security by educating community, law enforcement and school leaders on best practices in security infrastructure, technology, personnel, training and policy.

A cornerstone of the National School Shield program is the Security Assessor Training, which seeks to facilitate a partnership between schools and local stakeholders by teaching them how to analyze a school’s physical security, communications systems and overall preparedness. At the conclusion of this training, participants are adequately primed to conduct vulnerability assessments that assist their schools in recognizing existing strengths as well as potential vulnerabilities. Since the first NSS Security Assessor Training was held in Tennessee in 2015, 16 additional training courses have been completed in Idaho, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Alaska, Kansas, Montana, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, Virginia and Washington. As this vital program spreads, millions more children will attend safer schools, and NRA members can assist this lifesaving outreach by calling attention to it. “Any American school that needs immediate professional consultation and help with organizing and defining [security] solutions should contact the National Rifle Association’s School Shield program,” said LaPierre. “They’re our kids. They’re our responsibility. And it’s not just our duty to protect them—it’s our right to protect them.” For more information about the National School Shield program, including more information about the Security Assessor Training, please visit us online at www.nationalschoolshield.org.

Photo by NRA Staff

National School Shield— NRA’s Commitment to Protect America’s Children

NRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Joe M. Allbaugh, Oklahoma; William H. Allen, Tennessee; Thomas P. Arvas, New Mexico; Scott L. Bach, New Jersey; William A. Bachenberg, Pennsylvania; Bob Barr, Georgia; Ronnie G. Barrett, Tennessee; Clel Baudler, Iowa; J. Kenneth Blackwell, Ohio; Matt Blunt, Virginia; Dan Boren, Oklahoma; Robert K. Brown, Colorado; Pete R. Brownell, Iowa; Dave Butz, Illinois; Ted W. Carter, Florida; Richard R. Childress, North Carolina; Patricia A. Clark, Connecticut; Allan D. Cors, Florida; Charles L. Cotton, Texas; David G. Coy, Michigan; Larry E. Craig, Idaho; John L. Cushman, New York; R. Lee Ermey, California; Edie P. Fleeman, North Carolina; M. Carol (Bambery) Frampton, South Carolina; Joel Friedman, Nevada; Sandra S. Froman, Arizona; James S. Gilmore III, Virginia; Marion P. Hammer, Florida; Maria Heil, Pennsylvania; Graham Hill, Virginia; Steve Hornady, Nebraska; Susan Howard, Texas; Curtis S. Jenkins, Georgia; David A. Keene, Maryland; Tom King, New York; Timothy Knight, Tennessee; Herbert A. Lanford Jr., South Carolina; Willes K. Lee, Hawaii; Karl A. Malone, Louisiana; Sean Maloney, Ohio; Robert E. Mansell, Arizona; Carolyn D. Meadows, Georgia; Bill Miller, West Virginia; Owen Buz Mills, Arizona; Craig Morgan, Tennessee; Grover G. Norquist, Washington, D.C.; Oliver L. North, Virginia; Robert Nosler, Oregon; Johnny Nugent, Indiana; Ted Nugent, Texas; Lance Olson, Iowa; Melanie Pepper, Texas; James W. Porter II, Alabama; Peter J. Printz, Montana; Todd J. Rathner, Arizona; Kim Rhode, California; Wayne Anthony Ross, Alaska; Carl T. Rowan Jr., Washington, D.C.; Don Saba, Arizona; William H. Satterfield, Alabama; Ronald L. Schmeits, New Mexico; Esther Q. Schneider, Texas; Steven C. Schreiner, Colorado; Tom Selleck, California; John C. Sigler, Delaware; Leroy Sisco, Texas; Bart Skelton, New Mexico; Dwight D. Van Horn, Idaho; Blaine Wade, Tennessee; Linda L. Walker, Ohio; Howard J. Walter, North Carolina; Heidi E. Washington, Michigan; Allen B. West, Texas; Robert J. Wos, Florida; Donald E. Young, Alaska. Communications intended for any member of the NRA Board of Directors should be addressed to: (Name of Board member), NRA Office of the Secretary, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030; or nrabod@nrahq.org; or (703) 267-1021. Please include your name, contact information and NRA membership I.D. number, as only communications from NRA members will be forwarded.

APRIL 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

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Home Security

SimpliSafe – 1-888-957-4675 www.simplisafe.com/nra

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APRIL 2018

PRECISION RIFLE continued from p. 57

face of the bolt. When the bolt will fully close with the Go gauge chambered in place of a cartridge, but will not close with the No-Go gauge attached in the same manner, proper headspace has been established—and it must be maintained as the barrel nut is tightened. That will require a suitable wrench, which, for Savage-style nuts, typically consists of a short, stamped-steel plate with teeth that match the nut’s splines. The wrench’s other end will have a square 1/2" hole designed to engage a torque wrench.

American Rifle Co.’s controlled-round-feed Mausingfield action features a uniquely shaped bolt knob, an integral recoil lug and a scope rail whose underside is keyed to the receiver’s top surface.

There’s no universally agreed upon torque value, but something in the order of from 45 to 100 foot-pounds (ft.-lbs.) is cited, depending on the source. Again, unlike most gun fastener values, which are in inch pounds (in.-lbs.), the barrel is secured with quite a bit more force. With the barrel firmly in place, I double-checked the headspace and then moved to the next step. Placing the receiver on a bench block, I used a light hammer and pin punch to tap pins that had been included by ARC with the Mausingfield through the trigger housing, securing the trigger assembly in place. Then it was time to set the entire action into the stock. Holding the bottom assembly in place, I torqued the two action screws to 65 in.-lbs. It was the first time I had held the nearly complete rifle in my hands, and the gun’s muzzle-forward balance and overall weight came as a surprise. As was often the case during the course of this build, I began to question my decisions. Had I gone for too heavy a barrel? Would it be possible to tote such a behemoth up a steep mountain on an elk hunt? As is often the case, though, such second-guessing receded as I went back through the mental checklist of why I had chosen each component in the first place. I realized I simply needed to become familiar with the new rifle’s characteristics and proficient in its use—in short, I would have to become one with the gun. continued on p. 92

How To: Fix Your Fatigue and Get More Energy According to patients at the Center for Restorative Medicine, a discovery has completely transformed their lives. Founder and Director Dr. Steven Gundry is a world-renowned heart surgeon, a best-selling author, and the personal physician to many celebrities. But his breakthrough could be the most important accomplishment of his career. Dr. Gundry has unveiled a simple — yet highly effective — solution to issues that plague millions of Americans over 40: low energy, low metabolism and constant fatigue. “When you’re feeling low energy, that’s your body screaming HELP!” Dr. Gundry’s radical solution was inspired by a breakthrough with a “hopeless” patient who had been massively overweight, chronically fatigued and suffering from severely clogged arteries.

Dr. Gundry’s team released a comprehensive video presentation , so that the public can be educated as to exactly how it works. Watch the presentation here at www.NewEnergy28.com

Within just a few hours, this video had gotten thousands of hits, and is now considered to have gone viral. One viewer commented: “If this works, it’s exactly what I’ve been praying for my whole life. I’ve never seen anything like this soluThe secret to his breakthrough? “There tion before…the truth about my diet was are key ‘micronutrients’ missing from shocking and eye-opening.” your diet,” Dr. Gundry said, “If you can replenish them in very high dosages, the It makes a lot of sense, and it sounds results can be astonishing.” great in theory, but we’ll have to wait and see what the results are. Knowing Dr. This unorthodox philosophy is what led Gundry, however, there is a great deal of Dr. Gundry to create an at-home method potential. for fatigue — which has since become remarkably successful with his patients. See his presentation here at www.NewEnergy28.com “They’re reporting natural, long-lasting energy without a ‘crash’ and they’re IHHOLQJ VOLP ¿W DQG DFWLYH ´ KH UHYHDOHG yesterday.

PRECISION RIFLE continued from p. 90

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My first shots through the gun on the NRA Test Range went without a hitch. About a dozen or so rounds, with fastidious cleaning of the bore between each of the first few, confirmed that the rifle was functioning as it should. One three-shot cluster, measuring right at a half-minute of angle, hinted at the rifle’s accuracy potential. A few weeks later, on a cold February day at 340 Defense range in Summit Point, W.Va., I confirmed my zero on a (6") steel plate at the 300-yd. line, then switched to paper targets at the same range to print a few groups. Sub-minute accuracy for five shots proved elusive as I familiarized myself with the rifle’s various idiosyncrasies using a limited variety of factory ammunition. Even so, three shots typically measured slightly less than one-half minute of angle, or 1.5" at 300 yds. I was quite pleased that the rifle was showing such promise and relieved that the project I had turned over and over in my mind for so many months had successfully reached the end of its first phase. As the second phase, working with various loads, progresses, expect to see a report posted at americanrifleman.org/ precisionriflebuild. Bear in mind that this is not the kind of project to be undertaken on a whim. Even if you elect to build a lightweight short-action rifle using a much less expensive receiver, the build is still likely to cost more than many highly accurate, off-the-shelf rifles and will still take its toll on your wallet and your time. But, in the end, few such projects will result in as much personal satisfaction as being able to hit a distant target with a precision rifle conceived in your own mind and assembled and wielded by your own two hands.

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AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

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That would have meant the company’s signature product line could no longer be sold in its home state. Though it came at a time when Magpul was preparing to break ground on a new facility, the company joined other like-minded firearm-industry firms in refusing to yield to the loss of freedom. In an article, “The Magpul Way” (September 2015, p. 66), Fitzpatrick recalled, “The magnitude of what was being proposed forced us into the political arena almost immediately. The decision to uproot and leave Colorado was not made lightly. There were a lot of conversations internally about this, and a lot of sleepless nights; but, in the end, we all agreed that holding true to our principles was the only thing that felt right, whatever the outcome or threat to the business.” Before the restrictions went into effect, Magpul undertook a massive effort to produce and distribute as many standard-capacity magazines as it could. A number of PMAGs were given away for free; many more were sold at sharply discounted prices, with all proceeds going to recallelection campaigns targeting chief anti-gun politicians, two of whom were ultimately voted out of office. When the magazine ban went into effect, Magpul as a company made good on its word. Following a detailed search, manufacturing, distribution and shipping operations relocated to Cheyenne, Wyo., while the corporate office moved to Texas. Despite all that, the company has maintained a presence in its home state, vowing, “Magpul will … support efforts to restore rights taken away from lawful gun owners in Colorado.” Richard Fitzpatrick retired from day-to-day operations in March 2017, but continues to be involved as a major shareholder and member of the Magpul board of directors. His ingenuity and leadership created a pipeline of product innovation that played a key role in fueling consumer excitement around tactical rifles and training, resulting in a sales phenomenon that benefitted the entire firearm industry.

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GUN: MODEL 76 MANUFACTURER: VALMET, FINLAND CHAMBERING: .223 REM. MANUFACTURED: 1976 TO 1986 CONDITION: NRA EXCELLENT (MODERN GUN STANDARDS) VALUE: $2,000

any consider them to be the Cadillacs of Kalashnikovs. The Valmet line of AK-type rifles are not only the first civilian AKs imported into this country, they also set the bar high in terms of quality and features. Finland was one of the first countries outside the Iron Curtain to adopt a Kalashnikov-based service rifle. Smuggling Soviet-licensed AK-47s out of Poland in the mid-1950s, the Finns went to work refining the design to their own tastes. The result, called the Rk 62, was adopted as Finland’s service rifle, and more than half a century later the rifles are still soldiering on with the Finnish Defence Forces. The Rk 62 was produced by two companies, Valmet and Sako. The state-owned Valmet was formed when several heavy industrial factories merged to form Valtion Metallitehtaat (State Metalworks), a name shortened to ValMet. Along with rifles, Valmet produced tractors and aircraft. By the late 1960s, Valmet was looking to export firearms to expand its market. Though the company only succeeded in selling rifles to the governments of Qatar and Indonesia, it also exported semiautomatic-only Valmets to the European and American civilian markets. Seven models of the Valmet AK were imported into the United States by four companies. These included the Model 62, a semi-automatic version of the Rk 62, a stamped-receiver Model 71 that mimicked the AKM, and the Model 78 with its RPKesque long barrel and bipod. Valmet also exported two unique AK designs. The Model 82 bullpup was developed for Finnish airborne troops, and the Valmet Hunter was an AK action mated to a hunting-style stock. The Hunter was chambered in .223 Rem., .243 Win., .308 Win. and .30-’06 Sprg., and it came with a scope mount on its receiver dustcover. The most prolific Valmet import was

the Model 76, which was chambered in .308 Win., 7.62x39 mm and .223 Rem., the latter being the preferred cartridge, as the Russian round was uncommon in the United States at the time. The Model 76 could be had with milled or stamped receivers and either a fixed wood or plastic stock, or a folding tube stock. The Valmet Model 76 was produced from 1976 to 1986. In 1987, the firearms side of Valmet was privatized and merged with Sako. In 1989, AK-type Valmet models were banned by name from U.S. importation. The high-quality fit and finish of the Valmets and their refined features, such as night sights and wooden furniture, kept the rifles popular with shooters and collectors. Two things that hinder Valmet owners are the lack of spare parts and magazines. Although 7.62x39 mm Valmets use standard AK magazines, the .223 and .308 Valmet magazines are proprietary and not interchangeable with any other AK magazines on the market. As a result, original Valmet magazines in these chamberings are very pricey, with pristine examples going in the $150-$300 range. The Valmet Model 76 pictured was imported by Valmet, Inc., of Elmsford, N.Y. and has the “beer keg” logo on the left side of the receiver. Allegedly, these rifles were made for the Indonesian Coast Guard and then diverted to fulfill American civilian demand. This rifle is in excellent condition and still has its original box, sling and manual. As stamped-receiver, fixed-stock rifles in .223 Rem. are the most common Valmets, the rifle is valued at $2,000. Less common Model 76s, such as those with milled receivers, folding stocks or those chambered in 7.62x39 mm can approach five figures. Are they the best AKs ever made? Valmet collectors are voicing their opinions with their wallets. —JEREMIAH KNUPP, FIELD EDITOR

American Rifleman does NOT accept submissions for the I Have This Old Gun column. Topics are assigned to Field Editors in advance. Due to the volume of mail received, our writers are not able to answer individual questions. Please consider instead sending your correspondence and questions through our Dope Bag/Q&A service, which is available to all NRA members in good standing. Details appear in the Q&A section.

APRIL 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

Photos by Holly Marcus

HISTORY WORTH REPEATING New Royal Canadian Mint coin ignites interest in legendary Indian gold.

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American Rifleman 2018-04

Articles inside

Loading Bench

technical Questions & Answers

President’s Column

Special Reports Standing Guard

Readers Write

The Armed Citizen

News & Notes

Political Report

Products & Projects

The Keefe Report