American Rifleman 2018-06

F E D E R A L’ S N E W . 2 2 4 V A L K Y R I E June 2018

The World’s Oldest And Largest Firearm Authority

Official Journal of the National Rifle Association AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

Washington’s Pistols

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

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.

NRA

Photo by Mark Sage and Ric Lambert

EXPERTS IN THE FIELD

Contents JUNE 2018 VOLUME 166, NO. 6

features

Their End Goal: #BanThemAll. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..18 Chris W. Cox

Don’t be deceived by the message of ”sensible gun laws.“ Today’s gun control advocates show their true colors, making a direct play toward their real goal—to ban them all.

AccuFit: The New Shape Of Savage . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..44 Kelly Young

Savage’s new AccuFit stock allows shooters to easily customize the rifle’s dimensions to suit their individual needs—and takes the company in a new direction visually.

National Treasure: The Lafayette/Washington Pistols .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..50 Mark Sage

A pair of pistols presented by the Marquis de Lafayette to George Washington remains a symbol of these two friends who possessed a mutual love of liberty.

The Easy Road: The S&W M&P380 Shield EZ. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..56 Mark A. Keefe, IV

Designed for ease of operation, Smith & Wesson’s M&P380 Shield EZ pistol is a gun that solves a lot of issues for potential pistol owners. And, yes, it is easy to use.

Inside The .224 Valkyrie . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..60 Aaron Carter

Is Federal Premium’s brainchild the new go-to long-range cartridge for the AR-15-size semi-automatic platform? Read on.

“Come And Get Us!”: The Hotchkiss Model 0f 1914 Heavy Machine Gun 66

MEMBER PROGRAMS: (800) 672-3888

60

66

National Archives photo

56

Cartridge illustration

by David Labrozzi

A century ago, Americans entered combat in France, and the Doughboys’ most-used machine gun during the Great War was the French Hotchkiss Model of 1914.

Photo by Forrest MacCormack

44

Photo by Forrest MacCormack

Tom Laemlein

n Complementing the overall design are the 24-karat gold-plated hammer, trigger, side plate screws, extractor rod, cylinder release and cylinder release screw, along with the handsome, finger-grooved select walnut grips.

n The right side of the frame features the hand-chiseled word “Liberty.” An inlaid medallion features the American flag and Lady Liberty from the Statue of Liberty.

A banner framing the artwork reads “America, Land of Liberty.”

O

ur national pride transcends mere patriotism. Say the words land of liberty and one country comes to mind: the United States of America. Say the words freedom, or home of the brave, and think of the greatest democracy in existence today. Today, the Statue of Liberty stands as a symbol of our great country, and as an on-going reminder of our cherished freedoms. For generations, it has been a beacon of democracy to the world.

When our independence was secured over Britain, America’s forefathers envisioned our great country and drafted the essential documents outlining our new nations freedom: the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. At the heart of those inspired documents, the Founding Fathers laid a foundation guaranteeing freedom to every American citizen and limiting the role the government would play in shaping that freedom.

n The Tribute is hand-engraved with an ornate American style scrollwork with a classic diamond patterned background on the frame, barrel and cylinder. Laserengraved on the cylinder are the words, “USA, Land of the Free, Home of the Brave,” with each letter laser-engraved crisply into the stainless steel.

Display Case Available An optional custom-built, wooden display case is available for purchase. ©AHL, Inc.

A Hand-Engraved Masterpiece Now America Remembers is proud to introduce a handsome patriotic firearm in Tribute to our great country – The Land of Liberty Tribute Revolver. Because stainless steel provides a most dramatic canvas for elegant, hand-chiseled decoration, we chose the Smith & Wesson Model 627 Pro Series revolver in .357 Magnum for The Land of Liberty Tribute.

Since short barrel handguns are currently so popular with collectors, this 4-inch barreled beauty was selected as the perfect choice to capture the strength and resilience of American Freedom, and the determination of all our citizens to retain the freedoms we have enjoyed for more than 200 years.

Each Pro Series Model 627 features chamfered charge holes for quick loading during competition, a precision crown muzzle and a bossed mainspring. Each revolver features a smooth double action with single action pull, and includes an interchangeable front sight and an adjustable rear sight in order to provide for target alignment.

The limited production revolver is custom-engineered for competitive shooting and fires eight shots rather than the usual six, a new innovation in the world of shooting, hunting and self-defense firearms – 30% more firepower than a six-shot revolver. With eight shots of .357 Magnum, it epitomizes power in a compact firearm.

Each of these museum-quality masterpieces will be hand-engraved. Engravers with years of experience hand-cutting artwork on firearms have been commissioned specifically for this historic project by America Remembers. The process by which these Tributes are designed, combining highly skilled hand-engraving on the frame and barrel with precise laser-engraving on the cylinder, is extensive and cannot be rushed, so please realize the lead time for this fine engraving could take considerable time. In addition, each Tribute Revolver will be mirror-polished by experienced firearm polishers.

Secure Your Tribute Today – Only 300 Available Order now and we will arrange delivery of your working Land of Liberty Tribute Revolver through the licensed firearms dealer of your choice. As always, you will receive your Land of Liberty Tribute Revolver with our 30-day guarantee of satisfaction. If you are not 100% satisfied, you may return your Tribute to us in original unfired condition for a complete and courteous refund (Not available in California).

To prioritize your order and confirm availability, call us toll-free at 1-800-682-2291.

You can also mail us your order, or order online at www.AmericaRemembers.com.

The Land of Liberty Tribute Revolver is a truly unique presentation firearm honoring America – the Land of Liberty. Display this Tribute, and it will be an on-going reminder that America is the land of the free, and the home of the brave.

Barrel Length: 4” ✭ Caliber: .357 S&W Magnum ✭ Edition Limit: 300

I wish to reserve ___ of The Land of Liberty Tribute Revolver, a working revolver, at the current issue price of $2,995.* My deposit of $195 per revolver is enclosed. I wish to pay the balance at the rate of $100 per month, no interest or carrying charges.

Certificate of Authenticity included. Thirty-day return privilege. q Check enclosed for $_____________ . q Charge payment of $ _____________ to: q VISA q MasterCard q AMEX q Discover

*All orders are subject to acceptance and credit verification prior to shipping. Shipping and handling will be added to each order. Virginia residents please add sales tax.

No. __________________________________________ Exp. ___________

Display Case I wish to reserve the optional, luxuriously lined, custom-made display case with locking glass lid. My payment of $149* is enclosed or add to credit card.

Name ______________________________________________________________ Address ____________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip _______________________________________________________ Daytime Telephone No. ( ___________ ) __________________________________

America Remembers® 10226 Timber Ridge Drive ✭ Ashland, Virginia 23005 www.americaremembers.com 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

EDITORIAL

12 14 16 74 76 78

The Keefe Report .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 8 Readers Write .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 22 Favorite Firearms. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 40 News & Notes .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 24 Products & Projects .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 30 Handloads: 7 mm Rem. Mag. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 38 Questions & Answers . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 42 Liverpool Jones Browning Bring-Back

Dope Bag .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 68 Kel-Tec KSG-25 Shotgun Ravin R20 Sniper Package Crossbow Bushnell Enrage Reflex Sight Nikon Monarch 7i VR Rangefinder

I Have This Old Gun .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 88 French Year XIII Cavalry Pistol

THE COVER: While most companies are trending toward even smaller, more powerful pistols, Smith & Wesson decided to take a different road and focused instead on ease of operation with its M&P380 Shield EZ. The recoil-operated .380 ACP pistol features a grip safety, and it doesn’t take a gorilla to rack the slide. For a full report, turn to Editor In Chief Mark Keefe’s story beginning on p. 56. Photo by Forrest MacCormack. Design by David J. Labrozzi.

F E D E R A L’ S N E W . 2 2 4 V A L K Y R I E June 2018

Official Journal of the National Rifle Association AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

Washington’s Pistols

Printed in the United States of America

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 Executive Editor Kelly Young Managing 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 Larry Quandahl Firearms Inventory Manager

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.

The World’s Oldest And Largest Firearm Authority

R1806_COVER.indd 1

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

4/12/18 10:45 AM

YOU CARRY, JUST IN CASE SHOULDN’T IT BE AN HK ... JUST IN CASE? Preparation is about attention to detail – like forging the short, 3-inch barrel of the HK VP9SK from the same steel we require in the HK416 carbine used by the world’s most elite fighting units.

To those who dismiss this as unneeded “over-engineering,” our response is simple: So what?

VP9SK (9 mm) with extended 10 round magazine

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NRA PUBLICATIONS PUBLISHING OPERATIONS

SIG’s X-Files Our latest range report puts the newest variation of an already popular pistol—SIG Sauer’s P320 X-Carry—to the endurance test.

Check out the progress at americanrifleman.org/gear.

Old-School Defense You don’t get much more “old school” than a lever-action rifle, but there’s good reason to consider one of these carbines for a home-defense firearm. Check out americanrifleman.org/levers to learn more.

The Collection At VMI The Virginia Military Institute’s collection of early firearms showcases how American ingenuity influenced firearm development around the world. Get an inside look at americanrifleman.org/vmi.

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 The 6.5 mm Creedmoor May 22 Hot Ticket: Hornady’s 6.5 mm Creedmoor; Springfield XD-E Pistol in .45 ACP; Remington-Rand M1911A1 Pistol

May 29 Reloading Today; EAA Witness P Match Pro Pistol in 9 mm Luger; Sterling L2A3 Submachine Gun

June 5 Legacy Of Service: Trijicon’s ACOG; Ruger American Ranch Rifle in 7.62x39 mm; Luxembourg’s SOLA Super Submachine Gun

June 12 Is It Real Or MILO?; Smith & Wesson M&P45 Shield Pistol in .45 ACP; Beretta Model 1934 Pistol

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 Senior Accounts Receivable Coordinator Director, Eastern Sales Tony Morrison (860) 767-9801 NE Sales Office Manager Alycia Clemons 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 (703) 267-1300 Western Sales Executive James O’Neill (703) 267-1300 Midwest Sales Executive Tim Hamill (703) 267-1300 Western Direct Sales Executive Debbie O’Connell (703) 267-1300 www.nramediakit.com 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

T

he magazine you are holding, American Rifleman, is not only the oldest continually produced firearms magazine—its roots date back to 1885, and Arthur Corbin Gould’s The Rifle—it also has the largest circulation. Every month, more than 2 million NRA members receive it either in their mailboxes or on their desktops. And that number is growing again, every day.

As a magazine that covers the full gamut of interests for firearm enthusiasts, shooters, collectors and Second Amendment activists, we cover topics that other magazines often do not.

Exhibit A is Mark Sage’s excellent “National Treasure: The Lafayette/ Washington Pistols” starting on p. 50.

But we also spend a lot of our pages reporting on what’s new.

With the size of our audience, we typically prefer to wait until a new gun, load or optic is fully in production before reviewing it—it makes little sense to tell millions of NRA members about a commercial product that is not commercially available. When we do review a firearm, we use long-established testing and evaluation protocols. For example, handguns are typically tested with three different loads, featuring different bullet weights and from different manufacturers. We specify testing distances—pocket pistols are shot at 7 yds., compacts at 15 yds. and full-size handguns are shot at 25. We fire five consecutive, five-shot groups for accuracy, as well as function fire the gun with as many different loads and bullet profiles as we can manage. If we have an issue, we report it.

There is good reason for our policies. In our April issue, Executive Editor Joe Kurtenbach reviewed the new SIG Sauer P365 (p. 48). Due to some confusion on my part, the first pistol that we test fired was not actually a production model—our mistake.

We experienced some issues with the gun, and reported them. Subsequently, a second gun, fresh off the production line, arrived in our offices. That P365 exhibited no functional issues at all, and earned high marks from Kurtenbach. We reported that as well.

Another example can be found in this month’s review of the Smith & Wesson M&P380 Shield EZ (p. 56).

8

June 2018

That gun, we found, required a little breaking in before it was 100 percent reliable with all ammunition. Despite some early hiccups, after about 200 rounds and a good cleaning, our EZ would reliably cycle any .380 ACP we fed it. We test, we learn, we report.

But what if a gun simply doesn’t work? Well, we try not to put ourselves in that situation. For example, we waited on the Remington R51 until it was fully in production. Then, we found out there were some serious functional issues with the production version and again held off. It took Remington a while to get the gun right, but when it did, we reported on it—two years after the initial launch.

Another example where waiting proved beneficial was when Double Tap Defense (not to be confused with Heizer Defense) wanted to fly into our offices with photo samples and a functioning prototype. The company had been actively promoting its new design in these pages and elsewhere, but we needed an actual production gun for review. After we declined, the company instead flew to the offices of another gun magazine, and it appeared on that magazine’s cover with a full feature story—a cover and six pages on a gun that, at the time, no one could buy.

Senior Executive Editor Brian Sheetz, who has occupied the office next to mine for more than 20 years, describes us as the “publication of record.” I like to think of this magazine as the first draft of firearm history. So it is incumbent upon us, as the editors, to make sure we get it right, especially when it comes to new guns.

Sincerely,

american rifleman

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THE ARMED CITIZEN

®

J 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.

ust seeing an armed citizen with an AR-15 in his hands was enough to cause a knife-wielding assailant to stop his assault on a pregnant woman in Kendall County, Ill. “He was half a breath away from getting his head blown off, and he knew that,” the protective neighbor said after he used America’s most popular semi-automatic rifle to thwart the attack. The mother-to-be had ordered a pizza and had gone outside to wait for the delivery driver. While she was standing by, a tenant from her apartment complex started a heated discussion with her. As the argument escalated, the woman’s husband came out to see what was going on.

The assailant pulled a knife and stabbed the husband, nicking the woman with the same swipe of the blade. Shouting, including a threat to kill the woman’s baby, ensued. That caught the attention of a neighbor who works as a private security officer. He looked to see what was going on, saw blood in the hallway and grabbed his AR-15. Upon seeing the rifle, the assailant bolted. Police arrived soon thereafter and tracked down the suspect. (The Beacon-News, Aurora, Ill., 3/1/18)

A

story-telling criminal thought he could turn the tables after an armed citizen foiled his attempted carjacking, but it didn’t take long for law enforcement officers to see through his charade. In Fulton County, Ga., an armed thug blocked a woman’s car in her driveway when she was trying to take her grandson to a medical appointment. “He said, ‘Whose car is this? Give me the keys,’” the grandmother told a Fox5 reporter. Rather than complying, the woman started screaming. Fortunately, her son heard her calls for help and came out with a gun. He fired at the bad guy multiple times, hitting him at least once. The assailant drove off to a fire station, where he spun a yarn about being the victim of an interstate shooting. The police doubted his tale and arrested him. No charges were filed against the armed citizen. (Fox5, Atlanta, Ga., 3/14/18)

E

arly morning noises outside of his home woke up a Ferndale, Wash., resident. The homeowner armed himself before going outside to investigate the source of the disturbance. The armed citizen noticed a broken window in his garage, and then he saw a stranger. The interloper threw himself to the ground after noticing that he had been discovered. The homeowner called 911 and held the suspect at gunpoint until the authorities arrived. (discoverferndale.com, Ferndale, Wash., 3/5/18)

S

ome criminals might believe that a numerical advantage is enough to come out ahead during a home invasion, but that doesn’t always hold true when the victims exercise their Second Amendment right.

Three thugs kicked down a back door during a daylight break-in at a Baker, La., home one day, thinking the odds were in their favor. It was a three-against-one situation, and they used metal pipes to beat the resident. But the stalwart citizen proved that one with a

10

JUNE 2018

gun can take on three, wounding one of the aggressors critically and sending the others scurrying off. Police were seeking the others. (beproud.com, Baton Rouge, La., 3/6/18)

W

hen a Clear Brook, Va., resident saw an intruder’s hands reaching through his bedroom window, he fired his 12-ga. shotgun, killing the interloper. Deputies found the suspect dead in the yard after they responded to a 911 call when the homeowner reported the shooting. (The Winchester Star, Winchester, Va., 3/5/18)

I

n South Carolina, an alleged burglar who broke a window and tried to enter a Greenville County home was shot by the armed homeowner. Police documents say the suspect was armed with a knife and threatened the lives of the people in the home before one of them shot in self-defense. The trespasser, who was charged with burglary and related crimes, is reported to have been released from jail on parole several weeks before the incident. (foxcarolina.com, Greenville, S.C., 3/20/18)

H

ouston police were investigating a case in which a woman used a gun to fend off three attackers who ambushed her in her driveway. The resident arrived home in the overnight hours. Three masked men jumped her as soon as she exited her car.

The woman’s mother, who was in the house, noticed the scuffle and called 911. The victim somehow got away from her assailants and took refuge inside the house. That wasn’t enough to deter the troublemakers, who tried to force their way into the home after her. Once inside, the woman grabbed a gun she kept in the home for defensive purposes.

As the suspects pushed through the door, the woman fired, sending the men scurrying off. (khou.com, Houston, Texas, 3/27/18)

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standing guard

Calls to Repeal Second Amendment Resurface in Mainstream Media

O

By Wayne LaPierre

Executive Vice President

DO NOT BE FOOLED BY ANY OF THE LYING POLITICIANS WHO SAY THEY SUPPORT THE SECOND AMENDMENT— ONLY TO THEN VOTE FOR EVERY KIND OF GUN CONTROL THEY CAN CONJURE.

Like us on Facebook at the National Rifle Association.

For related articles, go to nrapublications.org.

12

ur enemy has revealed its true self, and there is no doubt about its ultimate goal: They want to repeal the Second Amendment.

Let that sink in and feel it in your heart.

Repeal the Second Amendment.

Think about your America, your country, your family, your values and your freedom.

Repeal the Second Amendment.

“Repeal of the Second Amendment” is how anti-gun activists and marchers “should seek more effective and more lasting reform,” wrote former U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens. “They should demand a repeal of the Second Amendment.”

Demand a repeal. He said it straight out.

This comes as no surprise to America’s law-abiding gun owners or NRA members.

We pay attention. We know their agenda.

Just last fall, New York Times columnist Bret Stephens also called for the repeal of the Second Amendment. Some people thought that was a first. But I’ve been warning gun owners for decades that anti-gunners' ultimate goal has been, and remains, the complete destruction and elimination of all of our Second Amendment freedom.

Back in 1993, when the Clinton administration passed the failed Brady Bill waiting period, anti-gun lobbyist Richard Aborn mocked the NRA’s warning that the measure was just the nose of the camel under the tent of freedom, saying the rest of the camel of gun control was soon to follow.

The year prior, in 1992, then NBC President Michael Gartner wrote in USA Today, “There is no reason for anyone in the country, for anyone expect a police officer or a military person, to own, to have, to use, a handgun.

The only way to control handgun use in this country is to prohibit the guns. And the only way to do that is to change the Constitution.”

In 1994, USA Today ran an opinion piece declaring, “There is no individual right to bear arms in the Bill of Rights.”

The New York Post ran another op-ed in 1994, claiming that “law-abiding Americans have no unconditional right to firearms access.” This came a decade before the San Francisco Barrister ran an opinion piece by anti-gun activist Dennis Henigan, in which he falsely declared that “the idea that the Bill of Rights guarantees each individual a right to own a gun … is a constitutional illusion.”

In 2000, the Austin American Statesman opined flatly, “There is no Constitutional guarantee for private ownership of firearms.”

In the aftermath of Justice Stevens’ June 2018

call for repeal, publications from Esquire to Vanity Fair to publications with liberal columnists across the country were eager to jump on the bandwagon. Larry King got on board. MSNBC’s Joy Reid joined in. A Miami Herald op-ed said eliminating the Second Amendment is “not a crazy idea.”

Karen Carter Peterson, the chairwoman of the Louisiana Democratic Party and vice chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee, tweeted out her full support to “Repeal the Second Amendment.”

The spate of this spring’s gun control marches were loaded with all kinds of signs and chants calling for everything from destroying the NRA to obliterating the Second Amendment entirely. Even so, many liberal pundits and activists have attempted to deny their true agenda to repeal our freedom.

Do not be fooled by any of the lying activists and politicians who say they support the Second Amendment—only to then support and vote for every kind of gun control law they can conjure.

Banning an entire class of firearms owned by millions of law-abiding Americans is not support for the Second Amendment. Neither are all the calls for banning law-abiding young adults between the ages of 18 and 21 from purchasing a firearm, nor are calls to ban ammunition and magazines, and neither are calls to impose onerous taxes on the firearms and gear America’s 100 million gun owners lawfully purchase and enjoy in the exercising of their personal freedom.

All of those proposed regulations to restrict our individual freedom add up to the one final step they want most of all—total destruction and elimination of the Second Amendment in their utopian society where individual freedom exists no more.

NRA members recognize that very real threat to our freedom. We know the stakes of the coming election, when every ounce of our Second Amendment liberty is on the line.

Every election counts and every NRA member and gun owner nationwide must be counted.

That is how we once again, as we have in so many elections, save our country and the freedoms upon which it was founded.

The stakes could not be higher. The Second Amendment is truly on the line. Freedom is gravely at risk. For all of our freedoms, we must and we will, stand together. Stand and fight to preserve our rights and our nation!

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president’s column

NRA Fills Needs for Millennials

I

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

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

14

n recent months, the mainstream media and well-funded opposition groups have done their best to demonize the NRA and its industry partners. In particular, these groups have organized campaigns targeted at millennials in an effort to indoctrinate them into believing that the NRA works against their interests.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

The NRA, through its many advocacy programs, fights for principles that are intuitively appealing to millennials. By working to preserve the Second Amendment, the NRA provides options in self-defense, hunting and sport shooting.

Today’s millennials grew up in a time marked by incredible changes in technology, society and interconnectivity. They’ve grown up in an on-demand world, with options in every conceivable area. Consequently, these young adults easily navigate between diverse choices and, indeed, tend to want more of them. In all aspects of life, millennials have rejected the concept of single-track solutions, preferring instead an unprecedented freedom to build the kind of lives they want.

Why, then, would it make sense for millennials to reverse this trend when it comes to the protection of life and liberty? Shouldn’t they believe that free individuals have the right to develop their own personal-defense plans and acquire defensive tools based on their wants and needs? Why, in this world of seemingly limitless choices, do our opponents advocate a limited, inflexible, one-sizefits-all approach to security?

Actually, millennials support the NRA’s position, with 66 percent of 18- to 29-yearolds agreeing that concealed carry makes the country safer, according to a 2015 Gallup poll. Through the NRA’s legislative efforts, publications and education initiatives, these young adults can access tools for selfdefense and training resources to build their knowledge in the area of personal protection.

Today’s young adults also focus on sustainable, locally sourced food products they can cook and harvest themselves. This push for healthy, natural meals began in the “Farm-toTable” movement and has since expanded beyond the farm and into the field, as more 20- and 30-somethings find that hunting is an affordable method of harvesting high-quality meats. Indeed, aspects of popular culture and recent industry insights spotlight this element of the millennial lifestyle.

In 2016, the award-winning documentary, “An Acquired Taste,” followed young millennials in the San Francisco Bay area who learned to hunt as a method of getting in touch with June 2018

the source of their meals. A 2017 report by Southwick Associates indicated that harvesting meat was more of a priority for millennial hunters than any other age group, with food acquisition noted as priority No. 1 for nearly 43 percent of hunters born between 19802000. Of course, as NRA members know, the preservation of the Second Amendment is critical for hunters to access what they need to bring food to the table, and the NRA has consistently advocated for hunters' rights across the country.

In addition to hunting and personal defense, younger generations also have a demonstrable interest in the shooting sports, fueled by an open-mindedness toward firearms. In many states, competition shooting among young adults has grown in popularity, with thousands of millennials joining programs in clay-target leagues, rifle competitions and pistol shoots.

The explosion in sport shooting among millennials is evidenced by the evolution of scholastic competition groups like the USA High School Clay Target League, which grew from 30 participants on three teams in 2007 to 20,109 participants divided into 615 teams in 2017. This trend continues even in the halls of liberal academia, with pistol and rifle classes filling up at Harvard and MIT within minutes of being offered. Collectively, hundreds of these groups have received millions of dollars through NRA-funded grants and have participated in NRA-sponsored competitions.

Consistently, young adults continue to be active in key interests made possible by NRA support of the Second Amendment. How, then, can we demonstrate to them that the NRA is their rightful home? Connect with them, demonstrate that you are proud to be an NRA member and show them all that the NRA has to offer for their lifestyles.

This rising generation needs to see that millions of NRA members fight for their right to protect themselves and their families, their right to hunt and their right to participate in the shooting sports. Have the courage to show that you are an NRA member in the face of the media’s assault on our liberties. By doing so, millennials will see that our defense of liberty is their fight, too.

For information about the NRA’s Basic Pistol Course or the Hunter Safety Course, go online to firearmtraining.nra.org; for information about our Competitive Shooting options, check out competitions.nra.org.

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political report

Banning Guns at the Ballot Box

W

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.

16

hen gun control activists put firearm transfer bans on the ballot under the guise of “universal” background checks in Washington, Nevada, and Maine, they argued that this was just “common sense” and they weren’t trying to ban guns. While we knew this was false at the time, the current push for anti-gun ballot initiatives in several states is proving that point.

In Oregon, citizens are allowed to petition to put on the ballot an initiative that would let voters directly establish state law. To that end, gun-ban proponents in the Beaver State have filed Initiative Petition 43, which seeks to establish a ban on some of the most commonly owned rifles, handguns, shotguns and magazines. The firearms and magazines being targeted are those that most gun owners consider to be the best options for personal protection.

Likely hoping to exploit the raw, emotional response to the horrific tragedy that occurred in Parkland, Fla., this initiative seeks to ban all semi-automatic rifles that fall under its broad definition of “assault weapon.”

It goes even further than the failed federal “assault weapon” ban of 1994, which banned firearms based on having two randomly selected cosmetic features. Initiative Petition 43 would dictate that one cosmetic feature, such as a folding or telescoping stock, warrants a rifle or shotgun being banned.

The initiative would also reinstate the failed federal restriction on detachable magazines with a capacity of more than 10 rounds.

Those in possession of these magazines, or newly banned “assault weapons,” would have to surrender them, remove them from the state, transfer them to a licensed dealer, destroy them or register them within 120 days of passage of the initiative.

While the provisions regarding rifles, shotguns and magazines are bad enough, the measure’s treatment of handguns is egregious and is in direct violation of the Supreme Court’s decisions in District of Columbia v. Heller and McDonald v. City of Chicago. The initiative would ban virtually any semi-automatic handguns commonly used for personal protection.

The initiative’s language would ban any “semi-automatic pistol … that has the capacity to accept more than 10 rounds of ammunition.” Because nearly all of the most commonly available pistols used for self-defense have magazines available with capacities over 10 rounds, the initiative would amount to a near absolute ban on semi-automatic pistols.

Twice the Supreme Court has held that this type of broad prohibition on handguns is June 2018

unconstitutional, yet gun control proponents continue to seek such laws in direct contravention of our constitutional rights.

Unfortunately, Oregon is not the only place where gun-ban advocates are trying to use state initiative procedures to ban guns.

In Florida, anti-gun members of the Constitution Revision Commission attempted to promote adding numerous gun restrictions to the state Constitution, including their version of an “assault weapons” ban, as well as most semi-automatic rifles. Fortunately, this effort failed, but the proponents are already talking about pushing a ballot initiative in 2020.

THE FIREARMS AND MAGAZINES BEING TARGETED IN OREGON ARE THOSE THAT GUN OWNERS FAVOR FOR PROTECTION. Gun control proponents will likely claim that their public polling shows overwhelming support for these measures, but as we saw in Washington, Nevada and Maine, when voters are informed of the actual implications of these initiatives their support is not so “overwhelming.” Even though proponents of the initiatives significantly outspent the NRA (thanks to near limitless funding from Michael Bloomberg-backed Everytown for Gun Safety), the initiatives in Washington and Nevada passed by narrower margins than expected and voters in Maine rejected Everytown’s initiative.

Many states have voter-driven initiative processes, so we should not be surprised if similar efforts appear across the country.

Thanks to millions in funding from Bloomberg and other wealthy gun-control supporters, Everytown for Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action will keep pushing attacks on the Second Amendment by trying to confuse voters at the ballot box. Of course, the mainstream media will continue to support these efforts through misleading news and inflammatory, inaccurate reporting.

While we will never be able to match the tens of millions that Everytown spends to put gun control proposals on the ballot, we have something gun control advocates can only dream of: the 5 million members of the NRA and 120 million American gun owners.

Together, we can defeat them by voting “no” at the ballot box.

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By Chris W. Cox NRA-ILA Executive Director

DON’T BE DECEIVED BY THE SOFT MESSAGE OF ”SENSIBLE GUN LAWS.“ TODAY’S GUN CONTROL ADVOCATES SHOW THEIR TRUE COLORS, MAKING A DIRECT PLAY TOWARD THEIR GOAL—TO BAN THEM ALL.

Their

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JUNE 2018

Photo by Shannon Finney/Getty Images

I

n typical collectivist fashion, The New York Times editorial board recently labeled an entire generation as gun control supporters and demanded that, “It’s time, once again, for America to listen to its children.” While touting her latest bill to ban commonly owned semi-automatic firearms—Senate Bill 2095 (S. 2095)—Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., declared, “We owe it to these students to listen.” The Washington Post editorial board blared, “Students walking out of school taught the nation a lesson.”

All Americans, and especially gun rights supporters, should pay careful attention to what gun control advocates, both old and new, are actually saying. Doing so offers little in the way of intelligent policy, but it offers valuable insight into what the ulmitate goal of gun controllers really is.

Swept up in what the Los Angeles Times called an antigun “moment that must be seized,” in recent months some gun control supporters have felt free to reveal the full measure of their ambition. Instead of confining themselves to the poll-tested talking points of the past and hiding behind terms like “common-sense gun laws” and “preventing gun violence,” they are now emboldened to advocate for their real goal.

As recently as 2016, anti-gun politicians and gun control advocates were assuring the public that they weren’t seeking a ban on commonly owned semi-automatic firearms. A June 16, 2016, Politico article contended that gun control supporters and their allies in Congress “want to emphasize measures that have broad support … rather than trying to take America’s most popular rifle … off the shelves.” A spokesperson for Michael Bloomberg’s gun control apparatus went so far as to tell the news outlet, “The [semi-automatic] ban isn’t part of the Everytown for Gun Safety’s platform.”

In 2018, however, every radical gun control measure the American people have rejected for more than a half-century is being openly advocated. Gun bans, gun registration, gun

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

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19

ila story owner licensing, ammunition background checks, waiting periods, gun confiscation—even the repeal of the Second Amendment—have all been put forward.

This ambitious push was on full display at the March For Our Lives on March 24 in Washington, D.C. Demanding that politicians re-enact a version of the Clinton administration’s failed semi-automatic ban, one of the more prominent teen gun control supporters took to the podium to proclaim, “Welcome to the revolution. … The people demand a law banning the sale of assault weapons. The people demand we prohibit the sale of high-capacity magazines.” Another made clear that the gun control supporters are not interested in any sort of “reasonable” or “common-sense” compromise with gun owners, telling the audience, “When they give us that inch … we will take a mile. We are not here for bread crumbs. We are here for real change.” Another speaker went further, telling the cheering crowd, “I have a dream that enough is enough. And that this should be a gun-free world. Period!”

A survey of the anti-gun crowds told a similar story. Attendees waved signs that said, “Repeal the 2nd Amendment,” “I wish Obama had taken your guns,” “Yes, in fact, I am here to take your guns,” and “Ban all guns.” Other marchers took umbrage with the mere fact that gun owners would organize to use the democratic process to defend their fundamental rights. Anti-NRA signs stated that “The NRA is a terrorist organization.”

Moreover, the unrestrained rhetoric extended to gun control supporters’ accounts of the event. While organizers claimed that 800,000 had participated in the D.C. march, CBS placed the number at a mere quarter of that total, citing an analysis of aerial photos from a digital imaging firm.

Public transportation data bolsters the lower figure. Metro reported that just over half the number of people rode the D.C. train system as rode it the day of the 2017 Women’s March, which, according to The New York Times, had about 470,000 attendees. In response to the gun control march organizers’ inflated total, Metro Spokesman Ron Holzer told The Washington Post, “Our ridership did not reflect that.”

Even the notion that it was a

20

youth march proved false. Research

by University of Maryland Sociology Professor Dana R. Fisher found that a mere 10 percent of attendees were under 18. The average age of participants over the age of 18 was about 49.

Whatever the scope and character of the gun control march, the prohibitionist message of those gathered was not lost on former Associate Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens. Three days after the event, The New York Times published an opinion piece that Stevens wrote headlined “Repeal the Second Amendment.” As you probably remember, Stevens wrote the dissenting opinion in the Supreme Court’s landmark Heller decision, arguing that the Second Amendment does not protect an individual right to keep and bear arms.

In his op-ed, Stevens lauded the “civic engagement” of the gun control advocates and contended that the “demonstrations demand our respect.”

Stevens went on to urge the anti-gun advocates to move past their piecemeal approach to dismantling the Second Amendment and to start working toward a “more effective and more lasting reform.” According to Stevens, “They should demand a repeal of the Second Amendment.”

Recognizing the ultimate goal of these gun control supporters, the former Supreme Court justice concluded, “[T]hat simple but dramatic action would move Saturday’s marchers closer to their objective than any other possible reform.” Leaving little mystery as to where the Old Gray Lady stands on the matter, Stevens’ piece followed a 2015 New York Times frontpage editorial that called for the confiscation of certain categories of semi-automatic firearms. More recently, Times columnist Bret Stephens has twice called for the repeal of the Second Amendment.

Polls have consistently shown that the individual-rights interpretation of the Second Amendment enjoys broad public support. However, recent polling from the Economist and YouGov found that 21 percent of Americans (and nearly 40 percent of Democrats) favor a repeal of the Second Amendment.

Stevens’ proposal has created significant debate within the gun control community—not about substance, on which they clearly agree, but about tactics.

On the one hand, there are those who welcomed Stevens’ candor.

Jack Holmes of Esquire wrote a piece June 2018

american rifleman

titled, “More Democrats Should Be Calling for the Repeal of the Second Amendment.” Some soon obliged.

Louisiana Democratic Party Chair Karen Carter Peterson tweeted, “Repeal the Second Amendment” with a link to Stevens’ column. Democratic Executive Committee Member for Miami-Dade County Christopher M. Norwood penned an op-ed for the Miami Herald that called on Florida to “[lead] the charge” for repeal.

Knowing the damage such honesty could inflict on their political prospects, other gun control supporters have attempted to move the conversation away from repeal. Aaron Blake of The Washington Post called Stevens’ piece “supremely unhelpful” in that it “lent credence to the talking point that the left really just wants to get rid of gun ownership” and threatens “the recovery of the Democratic Party.”

Gun control supporter and President of the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law Michael Waldman, wrote in the Los Angeles Times that Stevens’ piece “gives cover” to the allegedly “false notion that gun control advocates want to ‘take our guns.’” Waldman called any attempt to repeal politically “unwise” but also “unnecessary,” in that, according to his interpretation, the Second Amendment doesn’t really prevent firearm restrictions anyway.

Gun rights supporters should find it telling that even those gun control advocates who have publicly opposed Stevens’ position have done so entirely as a matter of political strategy, rather than out of any legitimate concern for our Second Amendment rights.

Despite what they might say about tactics, they don’t disagree with Stevens on substance.

Modern gun control advocacy was born out of a desire to abolish the private ownership of handguns. That has never changed. Avid gun rights supporters who judiciously follow the gun debate have long understood anti-gun activists’ efforts to lay the infrastructure for confiscation and either repeal the Second Amendment or render it a nullity. The gun rights community now must use gun control advocates’ recent honesty to warn our family, friends and other freedomminded individuals of the future our opponents are seeking for America.

We can’t afford to sit on the sidelines and watch our freedoms disappear.

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Cockpit Colt I really enjoyed reading “Colts In The Cockpit” (April 2018, p. 58) by Anthony Vanderlinden and Luke Mercaldo, and learning a little history about my dad’s Colt .380 hammerless and holster. That gun spent about 40 years in and out of his night stand, and another 40 years in and out of mine. I couldn’t resist taking the attached photo of the excellent-condition Colt and its holster. The holster is a little different than what appears to be a newer one in the article. The markings on it indicate it was made by Brauer Bro.’s Mfg. Co. of St. Louis (and noted as Moose Brands Sporting Goods Model H2 A32 and patent No. 1696708). My dad passed away in 1979 and, unfortunately, I never had the chance to ask him more about how or when he acquired the gun, but, because of the excellent condition, it likely was new at the time. Thanks for continuing to include articles like this one, covering bits and pieces of our firearms heritage.

KEN STAUFFER, VIA EMAIL

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Reading Justin Dyal’s very informative article “Last Of Its Kind: The USMC Model 1909 Colt” (January 2018, p. 74) reminded me of a curious angle on the Corps’ adoption of this gun. When researching for an article on the M1909 that I wrote for the Marine Corps’ historical quarterly, Fortitudine, in the mid-1990s, I found that, while Colt refused to consider any of the Army’s requested minor changes to its “New Service” revolver, the company readily agreed to make a major manufacturing change for the Marine Corps’ small order of 1,300 guns— one-tenth the amount of the Army order!

Although the Corps did “land the landing force” on several occasions in the 1909-1913 time period, the only fighting was in the first Nicaragua campaign of 1912. Otherwise, the M1909s stayed in their holsters, and the last photograph that I ever saw of the guns in use was with the Marine Guard at the Portsmouth Naval Prison in 1913.

Colonel Robert Debs Heinl’s acquisition of a number of these revolvers from Haiti, while he was military advisor to “Papa Doc” Duvalier’s government in the late 1950s and early 1960s, is the basis for the most extensive collection of extant M1909s, now in the collection of the National Museum of the Marine Corps. While the regulations of both the Gendarmerie d’Haiti and the later Garde d’Haiti specified “.38 Caliber Revolvers,” the Corps also furnished this native constabulary with the more powerful M1909s.

KEN SMITH-CHRISTMAS, VIA EMAIL

Custom Built

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I just wanted to reach out to Senior Executive Editor Brian C. Sheetz for the excellent, well-written article “Build Your Own Precision Bolt-Action Rifle” (April 2018, p. 52). I have personally built an AR-15 in .223 Wylde and wanted to attempt a build around either the .224 Valkyrie or 6.5 mm PRC cartridge. Thanks for all the tips and, yes, your info was exactly what I needed for my next boltaction build. Thank you so very much, you have done a great job. I cannot wait to see any handload developments and match-grade factory ammunition testing in the future with your rifle build. Thanks again; let’s see more articles like this one.

JEFF WRIGHT, VIA EMAIL

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.

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Photos by Forrest MacCormack

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“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.

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REPORTS | NEWS & NOTES

Remington Files For Bankruptcy

I

n March of this year, Remington Outdoor Company, Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in order to help the 202-year-old company maintain operations during its restructuring. A Remington release stated, “The RSA (Restructuring Support Agreement) provides for the reduction of approximately $700 million of Remington’s consolidated outstanding indebtedness and the contribution of $145 million of new capital into Remington’s operating subsidiaries, markedly strengthening the Company’s consolidated liquidity, balance sheet, and long-term competitiveness.” The resulting restructuring is said to remove Cerberus Capital Management’s ownership of Remington Outdoor Company, Inc., which will be divided proportionally amongst lien holders. Remington’s Anthony Acitelli stated, “We will emerge from this process … positioning Remington to compete more aggressively and to seize future growth opportunities. We look forward to serving our customers, our partners throughout the industry, and our many fine employees, now and long into the future.” remington.com

BATFE NFA Branch Set To Shorten Paperwork Lag

T

he Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives NFA Branch plans to spend $13.2 million and add 25 new positions during Fiscal Year 2019 for additional equipment, software updates, contract support and NFA system modernizations. The enhancements are expected to reduce processing time for NFA applications to within a 90-day timeframe. atf.gov

Citigroup Tries Its Hand At Gun Control

I

n a move sure to anger its freedom-loving account holders, Citigroup, Inc., recently imposed a new set of restrictions limiting how and when its retail sector clients can sell firearms. A statement released by the company on March 22, 2018, announced that, in order to maintain a banking relationship with Citigroup, corporate clients would need to adhere to three new “best practices”: no firearm sales to anyone who hasn’t passed a background check; no firearms sales to individuals under 21 years of

age; and no sales of bump-fire stocks or “high-capacity” magazines. While few firearm manufacturers bank with Citigroup, the firm said it is willing to lose the business of those that do if they refuse to comply with its new restrictions. “We know our clients also care about these issues and we have begun to engage them in the hope that they will adopt these best practices over the coming months.

If they opt not to, we will respect their decision and work with them to transition their business away from Citi.”

John R. Nosler Takes The Reins At Nosler, Inc.

F 50 YEARS AGO

ollowing in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, John R. Nosler has been promoted to president and chief operating officer of Nosler, Inc. Founded in 1948 by his grandfather, John A. Nosler, the family-owned business was at first built around a single bullet—the Partition—but is now known for producing a broad assortment of premium ammunition, components

and rifles. “It’s a great pleasure to have John step into this guiding role that my dad and I have both held,” said his father, Chief Executive Officer Bob Nosler.

“I am glad to see the continuity from generation to generation that has kept our vision focused forward but mindful of our past.” nosler.com

BULLETIN The specter of total registration of privately owned firearms and their owners by the FBI arose for the second time in 22 years when Sen. Edward W. Brooke (Mass.) proposed it as an amendment to the Omnibus Crime Control Bill. Senator Brooke urged that identifying data on firearms, together with the name, address, age and social security number of the owner, be filed and made available on request to local law agencies. The Brooke proposal went

26

JUNE 2018

far beyond the Administration-Dodd-Kennedy gun control program, which, however, Sen. Brooke said he would support.

A similar registration measure by Sen. Albert Hawkes (N.J.) was offered in 1946 on the assumption that millions of homecoming World War II veterans might create a slaughter in the streets with war trophy firearms. That bill died in committee.

For many years thereafter, firearms homicides decreased sharply.

[June 1968] AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

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reports | news & notes

Training Rifles Of Third Reich Germany

I

n Training Rifles Of Third Reich Germany lifelong collector Robert Simpson has compiled a remarkable treatise on the amazing variety of .22-cal. and sub-caliber conversion units manufactured to train German youth and armed forces prior to World War II. Drawing on his comprehensive personal collection of more than 1,200 examples, and the collaboration of 10 other authors and collectors, Simpson has shed light on a subject that many readers would be surprised to know was so detailed and involved.

Restrained from producing militarycaliber rifles and related arms under the stipulations of the Treaty of Versailles, the leadership of the new German Reich in 1933 began almost immediately to re-arm and train nearly 4.5 million paramilitary members in marksmanship proficiency. Turning to

a series of rifles in .22 caliber that had the weight and feel of standard military rifles, there were about 20 models and manufacturers of some of the finest bolt-action .22s produced in the 20th century. Manufacturers, such as Anschütz, Mauser and Walther, would continue in the post-World War II era to produce the rifles of choice for Olympic athletes from nations across the globe.

Training Rifles Of Third Reich Germany is profusely illustrated with high-quality, vivid-color photographs supplemented by hundreds of related posters, training manuals, factory letters and period photographs of the arms in use. Chapters on training schools and marksmanship classes, as well as pages upon pages of accoutrements, sub-caliber devices and even marksmanship medals, combine to

make this a remarkable compilation of all things related to the subject matter.

But the book also serves future aspiring authors with a blueprint on what type of research, illustrations and accessories make for a complete study of the subject at hand.

An extensive bibliography and index round out one of the finest works in print of its type. I heartily recommend this volume to anyone with even a passing interest in .22 rifles, as well as those interested in this little-studied chapter in the wide variety of the arms of the Second World War. Price: $90.

Contact: Brad Simpson Publishing; (309) 342-5800; simpsonltd.com.

—PhiliP Schreier, Senior curator, nra MuSeuMS

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June 2018

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www.magpul.com ©2018 Magpul Industries Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Magpul holds a Trademark on all of its product names and logos. The chair is against the wall and John has a long moustache.

REPORTS | PRODUCTS & PROJECTS

Bushnell Ballistics App

A

joint effort between Bushnell and Applied Ballistics has resulted in a handy, free application for mobile devices. Available through Google Play or Apple’s App store, the Bushnell Ballistics App helps users to shoot better by providing custom, realworld ballistic data. The program provides 150 Bushnell scope and 30 reticle options to select from, and caters to non-endemic users, too, with selections for general mil- or m.o.a.-based optics. Once pertinent ammunition and ballistic information has been entered, users can create custom range cards out to 800 yds. The Solution tab within the application contains email-ready DOPE changes based on user selections, along with hold-over and subtension data for first- and second-focal-plane optics. Additionally, Bushnell allows for use of the application while off-grid. bushnell.com

10-Round Magazines For M1911s

W

hen sizing the M1911 up against the popular, polymer-frame, striker-fired semi-automatics of the day, the M1911 earns top marks in many categories—including for its trigger, handling characteristics and the power of its most-popular chambering, the .45 ACP. When it comes to capacity, though, the old warrior definitely trails behind double-stack designs. Still, the M1911 remains

a top choice of competitive shooters, some elite military and law enforcement units, and many personal-defense practitioners. And those who stick with “Old Slabsides” have found extended, 10-round magazines to be a reliable means for closing the capacity gap. Several well-regarded manufacturers offer extended-capacity options, including Mec-Gar, Chip McCormick Custom and Wilson Combat.

Despite being an Italian manufacturer, Mec-Gar (mec-gar.com) is one of the primary magazine producers for the American firearm industry and builds magazines for many U.S.-based gunmakers. Among nearly a dozen offerings for .45 ACP-chambered M1911s, Mec-Gar offers both blued- ($31) and nickel-finished ($34) 10-round magazines featuring carbon steel bodies, steel followers, music wire springs and welded buttplates. Interestingly, the company also produces 11-round-capacity options.

A highly regarded competitor and M1911 magazine master, Chip McCormick (cmcmags.com) has long been interested in improving the reliability and durability of the traditional design. When it came to 10-round boxes for the M1911, McCormick was particularly interested in remedying the feed-lip deformation that resulted from the upward momentum and increased mass of 10 .45 ACP cartridges being repeatedly slammed home into an empty gun—as in competition and training. His solution was the Railed Power Mag (RPM), a laser-welded stainless steel magazine that replaces the traditional, single-layer feed lips with rolled, two-ply rails. The Chip McCormick Custom (CMC) 10-round RPM ($36) uses a steel follower, a wraparound base pad and 19 coils of McCormick’s Rocket Wire spring.

Another notable in the realm of M1911 pistols, upgrades and accoutrement, Bill Wilson and his company Wilson Combat (wilsoncombat.com) also offer several options in the 10-round .45 magazine category, including the 1911 Elite Tactical Magazine. The Elite Tactical has a stainless steel tube with extended viewports, a stainless steel spring, a lubricious polymer follower and a full-wrap extended base pad. Offered in stainless ($41) or with a black fluoropolymer finish ($44), the magazine also uses dual-wall rails, just like the Chip McCormick magazine, and that shouldn’t be a surprise. Wilson and McCormick have been friendly competitors, at the range and in business, for many years, and CMC actually builds the Elite Tactical Magazine for Wilson Combat under license. Of course, M1911 enthusiasts can expect the crossover to increase, as Wilson Combat recently acquired Chip McCormick Custom, officially uniting the enterprises.

—JOE KURTENBACH, EXECUTIVE EDITOR

30

JUNE 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

MEC-GAR

CMC MAGS

WILSON COMBAT

*10 roun magazines will be shippe to customers in states with magazine capacity restrictions.

INCLUDES ALL M1A™ MODELS - INCLUDING MATCH RIFLES

WWW.SPRINGFIELD-ARMORY.COM // 800.680.6866

REPORTS | PRODUCTS & PROJECTS

Rifle Caddy

R

ifle Caddy offers quick access and secure transport, where legally allowed, for two rifles and accessories. The 12"x10½" unit attaches to a vehicle console with 3/4"-wide, nylon webbing. Colors available are black (base), hunter green, desert tan and camouflage. Rubber inserts are available for an additional $5 to protect wood stocks. Price: $35. Contact: Rifle Caddy; (250) 765-6543; riflecaddy.com.

Zodi Extreme S/C Hot Shower System

W

hether exhausted from success or deflated by failure, outdoorsmen lead a tough life in the field, and nothing rejuvenates the spirit quite like a hot shower.

Zodi Outback Gear offers several solutions, but one of the simplest is its Extreme S/C, a selfcontained unit consisting of a stainless steel tank that holds 3 gallons of water warmed atop an included heater stand designed to accommodate 1.5-lb. propane cylinders. A hand-operated pump pressurizes the fluid, which flows through a 6-ft. hose with a button-activated shower head.

As a bonus, the heater can be pressed into service as a cooker. Price: $180. Contact: Zodi Outback Gear; (800) 589-2849; zodi.com.

Vedder Cobra Quick Release Gun Belt

B

uilt from extra stiff, dual-layered nylon webbing, the Cobra Quick Release Gun Belt from Vedder Holsters is rigid enough to accommodate even the heaviest of handguns without sagging, and the design of the belt’s buckle allows it to be doffed and donned repeatedly without re-adjusting the fit. Just set the 1.5"-wide belt to the wearer’s correct waist size via a section of hook-and-loop fasteners, and then remove it using the Cobra buckle without losing the desired length. Available in seven different sizes, the Cobra Quick Release Gun Belt works with waists ranging from 26" to 53", and is offered in black or coyote brown. Price: $60. Contact: Vedder Holsters; (352) 729-6749; vedderholsters.com.

Mosin-Nagant Timney Trigger

T

imney Triggers’ Featherweight Deluxe is made in the U.S.A. and provides an adjustable upgrade to Russian-designed, military-surplus Mosin-Nagant rifles. Each aluminum housing is hand-fit with internal parts and set to customer preferences at a pull-weight ranging from 1 lb., 8 ozs., to 3 lbs. The supplied 5/64" Allen wrench is used to adjust pull weight—each counterclockwise turn removes roughly one 1 lb.—and sear adjustments are also provided. A trigger-blocking safety is included and requires modification to the gun’s stock for placement.

Price: $113. Contact: Timney Triggers; (866) 484-6639; timneytriggers.com.

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JUNE 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

At a High School Conference at the Reagan Ranch...

ur Teenager Can Walk in esident Reagan’s Footsteps and Learn Conservative Ideas You can send your teenager to visit Ronald Reagan’s California ranch to learn about the 20th Century’s greatest president. What better way to celebrate freedom than by walking in President Reagan’s footsteps and learning about the ideas he championed?

At a Young America’s Foundation High School Conference at the Reagan Ranch, the student in your

life will expand his or her knowledge of economics, American history, personal responsibility, and President Reagan’s lasting accomplishments through a series of innovative lectures, discussions, and briefings.

For dates and information, and to register a student for this invaluable, historical experience, please contact Young America’s Foundation’s conference director at 800-USA-1776.

4HE�2EAGAN�2ANCH�#ENTER��s�� �3TATE�3TREET��s��3ANTA�"ARBARA �#ALIFORNIA� ��s�� 53! .ATIONAL�(EADQUARTERS��s�� �#OMMERCE�0ARK�$RIVE �3IXTH�&LOOR��s��2ESTON �6IRGINIA� ��s�� 53!

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—— Use offer code “NRA18” to save 15% ——

For information and to apply for this and other conferences, please visit YAF.org or contact Conference Director Jolie Ballantyne at 800-USA-1776 or jballantyne@yaf.org

REPORTS | PRODUCTS & PROJECTS

Tactical Walls MODWall Operator Package

T

actical Walls’ MODWall is an endlessly reconfigurable storage/display system, and the Operator Package starter kit allows users to quickly populate their walls with guns and gear by offering together two wall panels and several of the system’s many modular mounting options. In addition to two 22"x48" high-density polyethylene panels designed to install easily to 16"-on-center wall studs, the Operator Package includes two Hide-A-Magnet mounts, two flashlight mounts, one helmet hanger, one vest hanger, one large shelf, two semi-automatic pistol mounts (choice of either right- or left-facing) and two semi-automatic rifle mounts (choice of AR-15, AR-10 and AK patterns). The panels can be trimmed to fit using a wood blade if necessary, and all required mounting hardware is included. Price: $330.

Contact: Tactical Walls; (540) 298-8906; tacticalwalls.com.

Maglite ML300LX

M

aglite’s ML300LX LED-powered flashlight runs off two D-cell alkaline batteries and provides up to 69 hours of runtime while set to its 58-lumen ECO mode.

The advanced focus system of the ML300LX lets users adjust its maximum output of 524 lumens from a spot beam to a broad flood with a quarter-turn of the bezel. Four power settings are selectable with an electronic switch, including a strobe function. The aluminum body is matte-finished in five available colors: black (shown), Crimson Red, Coyote Tan, Urban Gray and Foliage Green. The flashlight weights 20 ozs. with batteries. Price: $74. Contact: Mag Instrument Inc.; (909) 947-1006; maglite.com.

Federal Premium Heavyweight TSS

L

oaded with tungsten, an eco-safe material heavier than lead and effective for hunting wild turkey at extended ranges, Heavyweight TSS (Tungsten Super Shot) from Federal Premium Ammunition provides shooters with something lead simply cannot. The shot does not deform upon setback, and it flies impressively true and patterns tightly downrange. Heavyweight TSS has a lethal effective range surpassing the company’s previous line of Heavyweight No. 7 shot.

Since the tungsten material is harder than steel, Federal provides a unique shot wad that fully encapsulates the payload for barrel protection and pattern consistency. Current Heavyweight TSS offerings are: 12-ga., 3" (1¾ oz.; No. 7); 12-ga., 3½" (2¼ oz.; No. 7, 9); 20-ga., 3" (1½ oz.; No. 7, 9); and .410 bore (7/8 oz., No. 9). Price: $30 to $50 for five rounds. Contact: Federal Premium Ammunition; (800) 379-1732; federalpremium.com.

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JUNE 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

The PlasmaCAM ® machine makes it easy for you to cut intricate metal projects. Call with this code R43J5 for your free demo video to see what you can do with this amazing machine!

“While shopping, my wife saw an expensive metal table she liked. I offered to make her one, but with my own design & style. Even with little metalworking experience, I imported my sketch and cut out the metal table - all in one piece and with no other materials. The table came out just how I imagined! Plus, several people want to buy my table design. Now I can make my ideas into unique & profitable projects using the PlasmaCAM ®!”

-Dennis Cordova, Amateur Metalworker

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reports | products & projects

Gerber Center-Drive w/ Bit Set

G

erber’s Center-Drive w/Bit Set is a versatile multi-tool that allows for instant, one-handed access to its driver, 3.25"-long knife blade and spring-loaded pliers. Utilizing standard bits, the magnetic driver is positioned along the center axis of the tool, allowing for maximum torque and superior balance. Other tools incorporated into the Center-Drive include carbide wire cutters, a pry bar and nail puller, a serrated blade, an awl, a file and onboard storage for an extra bit. Packaged with the Center-Drive is a 12-piece (three hex, three flat, two Phillips, two Torx and two square) bit set, and the two both store within an included MOLLE-compatible fabric sheath. Price: $115. Contact: Gerber Gear; (800) 950-6161; gerbergear.com.

McLean DRS Sling

T

he McLean Dynamic Retention Sling (DRS) comes in black, DRS Tan, Multicam and Ranger Green. Comprised of nylon web and stamped “Proudly Made In The U.S.A.,” the DRS provides rifle retention and the freedom to move about—a pull of the patented trigger snap hook releases the firearm from two points of retention to one. A steel cam buckle on the body loop allows for swift adjustments. Price: $75. Contact: McLean Corp. USA; mcleancorpusa.com.

CCI 17 HMR VNT

T

he CCI 17 HMR VNT load features a polymer-tipped 17-gr. bullet from Speer. Velocity is pushed to a factory-rated 2650 f.p.s., and combined with the thin-jacketed, lead-core Speer projectile, shooters can expect to see increased terminal performance on game and flatter ballistic tables.

CCI’s 17 HMR VNT load is well-suited for shooting at extended ranges. Price: $18 (box of 50).

Contact: CCI Ammunition; (800) 379-1732; cci-ammunition.com.

Where Can I Get . . . ?

F

or those wishing to convert a direct-gas-impingement AR to piston operation, Superlative Arms offers its Retrofit Piston Kit that is designed to keep the action clean of carbon residue and heat.

The kit includes a 416 stainless steel, Melonite-treated, 30position-adjustable gas block and operating rod to fit one of four, standard gas system lengths—pistol, carbine, mid and rifle. Excess gas is bled out of the system through the product’s patented Bleed Off Port at the front of the piston block assembly, which is designed to eliminate gas erosion and carbon build-up—the system can be set to use only the amount of gas necessary to reliably function the rifle. An ionbonded bolt carrier group and installation tools are included. Price: $289.

Contact: Superlative Arms LLC; (727) 849-6880; suparms.com.

Barrel-Mounted 10-slot Picatinny oPtic rails For M14-style riFles With standard-ProFile Barrels AMS MAchine; (910) 215-5980; amsmachine.net exPloding airgun golF Ball targets PyrAMyd Air; (888) 262-4867; pyramydair.com Folding, PackaBle single-shot shotguns MidlAnd ArMS; (304) 274-0004; shootmidland.com

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June 2018

arMorer-grade MgW sight Pro sight Mover BrownellS; (800) 741-0015; brownells.com lightWeight tactical/uniForM riPstoP Pants ProPPer; (800) 296-9690; propper.com red dot clean-Burning clay target ProPellant AlliAnt Powder; (800) 379-1732; alliantpowder.com

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CeCe Mazyck

I AM A VETERAN AND THIS IS MY VICTORY. “My victory was finishing my education.” After 38 jumps, CeCe was injured in a parachute accident. Her veterans benefits allowed her to follow her dream and earn a degree. Every year, DAV helps more than a million veterans of all generations—connecting them to the health, disability, and education benefits they’ve earned.

Help support more victories for veterans. Go to DAV.org.

REPORTS | PRODUCTS & PROJECTS

[June 1943]

75 Years Ago HANDLOADS

7 mm Rem. Mag.

RECIPE

JUNE 2018

AG

M

H

7MM

38

BULLET: BARNES 145-GR. LONG-RANGE X BULLET PROPELLANT/CHARGE: ALLIANT POWER PRO 4000-MR/ 63.0 GRS. PRIMER: FEDERAL 215 NA OR D CASE: HORNADY CASE TRIM-TO LENGTH: 2.490" CARTRIDGE OVERALL LENGTH: 3.290" VELOCITY @ 10' (F.P.S.): 3122 REM ENERGY (FT.-LBS.): 3,138 ACCURACY: 1.05"* USES: HUNTING (ALL NON-DANGEROUS BIG-GAME SPECIES) NOTES: 24"-BARRELED COLT LIGHT RIFLE TOPPED WITH A LEUPOLD VX-1 3-9X 40 MM SCOPE. *AVERAGE OF FIVE CONSECUTIVE, FIVE-SHOT GROUPS AT 100 YDS.

Y

T

he prospect of long-range shooting opportunities motivates hunters to purchase rifles chambered in 7 mm Rem. Mag. Its external and terminal ballistics at extended distances, though, depends on far-sighted decision-making.

The recipe below was prudently planned to maximize the effectiveness of the cartridge at prodigious distances—even in areas prohibiting lead-projectile loads. Using a nearmaximum charge of Alliant’s Power Pro 4000-MR propellant, the aerodynamic, all-copper (sans tip) Barnes Long-Range X Bullet attains a sizzling 3122 f.p.s. from a standard 24" barrel. And, thanks to its 0.486 G1 ballistic coefficient, when zeroed at 250 yds. the bullet will impact 2.2" high at 100 yds., and 13.5" and 30.1" low at 400 yds. and 500 yds., respectively, thereby minimizing scope adjustments (or compensation). It’s ideal for hunting deer-size game in open areas. Elk aren’t immune, either; at 500 yds. the bullet still possesses 1,558 ft.-lbs. of energy. To be frank, within the realm of 7 mm Rem. Mag. pursuits, there’s not much this load cannot do.

—AARON CARTER, FIELD EDITOR

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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FAVORITE FIREARMS

M

y father served in World War II. He never talked a lot about his military service, but I know that he saw action in Germany and was also in the Philippines. We have a photo of him from the war with an M1 carbine slung over his shoulder, and a similar rifle would play an important role in his life after the war, as well.

After dad was discharged from the Army, he tried his hand at farming, but would eventually join the Vermont Fish and Game Department as a warden. Dad started his career with a borrowed handgun as his sidearm, which he carried until the State of Vermont issued handguns to the wardens.

Dad still needed a rifle, so, as a Life member of the NRA, he purchased a Remington M1903A3 chambered in .30-’06 Sprg. But he also decided that he needed a lighter gun for carrying when he was snowshoeing

or snowmobiling. The NRA helped out again, and in September of 1963 dad paid $20 for a Winchester M1 carbine, chambered, of course, in .30 Carbine. He changed the military sights to a Lyman peep, refinished the stock and cut down the magazines to comply with Vermont’s hunting laws.

During his 30-plus years as a game warden, my dad would use both of these guns to carry out his duties.

Before his death, at age 89, my dad divided his guns between his three sons, and I was given the M1 carbine.

It would probably be very easy for me to get some sights, magazines and a stock to restore the gun to its original

condition, but I know I never will.

Dad’s M1 carbine is in the same condition as it was the day I watched him educate a pack of wild dogs not to chase deer. It’s in the same condition it was back when I used it as a 10-yearold to complete my first successful hunt. I remember the day, in the early 1970s, it came back with a burn on the stock as a result of getting too close to the exhaust on a snowmobile patrol.

Dad’s M1 carbine will still be in the same condition when I, one day, give the rifle to my son. I hope he loves it as much as my dad and I have.

STEVEN ROWELL, VERMONT

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.

SECURE YOUR LEGACY of FREEDOM safeguard america’s Future with a constitutionally centered will

NRA’s Planned Giving Guide will show you how.

No one likes to face the need to write a will, but not having one means some portion of your estate could go to the government… and possibly fund government programs in the future that are hostile to the Second Amendment.

Request Your Complimentary Guide Today.

Every day, NRA’s Office of Advancement helps NRA members like you discover estate planning tools that can help you meet your financial goals, minimize taxes, and support NRA and other causes you cherish.

To receive your guide:

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R I F L E

Call: 1-877-672-4483 Email: PlannedGiving@NRAHQ.org Web: www.NRAPlannedGiving.org

A S S O C I A T I O N

JUNE 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

of

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questions & answers

Liverpool Jones

Q

I bought a double-barrel muzzleloading percussion shotgun at an estate sale. It has an overall length of 41½". The barrels are 25½" from the muzzles to the breechblocks. The locks are engraved and marked “R. Jones.”

On the trigger guard, also engraved, are the markings “No 5349.” On the barrel rib, 2" in front of the hammers, are markings that read “S.G. Howard St, Liverpool.” The buttplate is steel and is not engraved or checkered. The pistol grip is straight, and the large area around the pistol grip is checkered. The screws are original, as the heads are engraved. The ramrod is tapered, and I am sure it is original; both brass tips are in place. Can you tell me about this maker and my gun?

A

Robert Jones of Liverpool, England, is the maker.

His firm was in business from 1826-1917 at various addresses in Liverpool. The “S.G. Howard St, Liverpool”

on the barrel rib should be 3 Great Howard Street, Liverpool.

He was at that address from 1855 to 1870. So your gun would have been made some time during that period.

—MiChaEl F. CarriCk, ConTribuTing EdiTor

Browning Bring-Back

Q

I have a Browning 9 mm that is a German bring-back firearm from World War II. I don’t know anything about what I have other than the fact that it is chambered in 9 mm Luger, and its barrel, frame and slide are each stamped 491XXX . Can you please help by providing some information about this mystery gun?

A

Thanks to your very nice photos, I can see that you have a Browning High Power pistol. Also, the serial number contains the letter “ ,” which is in the German Fraktur lower-case script, and looks somewhat like the English letter “b.” On the left side of the pistol is an acceptance mark “WaA 140.” This is called the Waffenamt mark, and it indicates your pistol was made somewhere between January 1944 and August 1944. There is a lot of information available on these firearms today— The Belgian Browning Pistols: 1889-1949 by Anthony Vanderlinden is one such resource to consider. You are fortunate to have the holster and spare magazine, as they add significantly to the firearm’s value.

—MiChaEl F. CarriCk, 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

42

June 2018

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. american rifleman

NRA member photos

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RIFLE

AccuFit

The New Shape Of Savage

44

JUNE 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

Photos by Forrest MacCormack

Savage’s new AccuFit synthetic stock allows shooters to easily customize the rifle’s dimensions to suit their individual needs—and takes the company in a new direction visually.

BY KELLY YOUNG, Managing Editor t 5'9" and of medium build, I am by no means a large man, but I’m not especially small either, and my arms are neither particularly long nor short for my frame. In contrast, a good friend of mine, who is also a shooter, stands 6'8" and his knuckles nearly drag on the ground as he ambles. On the other side of the equation, an acquaintance that also works in the industry is just barely tall enough to ride Space Mountain and has arms so short that clapping must present a struggle. Yet, absurdly, many gun manufacturers seem to believe that the three of us ought to share the same rifle. Human beings are not AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

one-size-fits-all, and their firearms shouldn’t be either.

Tactical rifles and semi-automatic handguns have addressed this issue, to a degree, with collapsible buttstocks and interchangeable backstrap systems, respectively—and the benefits of properly fitting the firearm to its shooter have long been known within shotgunning circles—but most hunting rifles on the market today offer no provisions whatsoever for customizing the gun’s dimensions to better suit the user’s shape. And those that do are few and far between and often employ external knobs that can snag or work themselves loose at the most inopportune of times.

JUNE 2018

45

SAVAGE ACCUFIT

Savage’s new AccuFit synthetic stock allows shooters to customize the rifle’s length of pull and comb height—utilizing a system of replaceable spacers and risers—in minutes using only a Phillips head

screwdriver. Nine models will make use of the new stock; eight (such as the 110 Storm shown) will replace a rifle already cataloged by Savage, while one is a new offering.

Custom stock makers do exist who can, if given an exacting list of measurements, craft a rifle to your precise physical shape and shooting style, but this avenue of fit comes with exorbitant price tags and lengthy wait times. At best, most high-volume gun manufacturers have adopted a two-sizes-fit-all philosophy, offering a “compact” option (which typically only varies in its truncated buttstock and barrel lengths) in addition to their full-size models.

It is into this cookie-cutter atmosphere that, earlier this year, Savage Arms released nine rifles featuring the company’s new AccuFit synthetic stock design that allows shooters to customize both the firearm’s length of pull (LOP) and comb height (CH) easily with only a Phillips head screwdriver— while still maintaining the snag-free aesthetic of a hunting arm. The line includes a broad variety of models spanning a myriad of applications, from compact stalking models such as the Scout and the Wolverine, to heavier, long-barreled variants such as the Predator and the Long Range Hunter.

Eight of the nine AccuFit introductions replace a model previously cataloged by Savage (check the table on p. 58 to see which guns are being retired), while the Wolverine is a brand new design chambered exclusively for the thumping .450 Bushmaster—a rifle intended for those areas that stipulate the use of a straight-walled cartridge while hunting. Features, finishes, available chamberings and barrel lengths differ between the nine new offerings—with the

Storm and Tactical models also being produced in left-hand actions—but beneath the hood each variant is built on Savage’s classic Model 110 action, and benefits from both the manufacturer’s AccuStock and AccuTrigger upgrades.

“Proper gun fit is comparable to a fine suit of clothes, improper gun fit to a cheap suit. Movements are natural and comfortable with the former, constrained and awkward with the latter.” Those words first appeared in American Rifleman back in 1971, and are no less accurate today. A stock that is overly long for the shooter can make the rifle awkward to handle and slow in the hands; a stock that is too short, or that does not facilitate a proper cheekweld, can batter the shooter with excessive recoil. Proper fit also speeds target acquisition, allowing the hunter to more rapidly and consistently get crosshairs on the quarry and take the first shot. The goal is to be perfectly aligned within the scope’s eye box when the rifle is naturally brought up to your shoulder at the optic’s highest magnification setting— it’s almost impossible to get optimal accuracy out of your rifle if your eye is constantly fighting with the scope.

AccuFit’s modularity is achieved by way of a system of polymer spacers and risers that allow the user to fine-tune the rifle’s shape to any combination of five different LOPs and five different CHs. Each gun ships from the factory with the straight comb and the longest spacer installed, however, four extra comb risers and three additional

46

JUNE 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

SAVAGE MODEL 110 STORM

MANUFACTURER: SAVAGE ARMS (DEPT. AR), 100 SPRINGDALE ROAD, WESTFIELD, MA 01085; (413) 568-7001; SAVAGEARMS.COM 42" TO 43" 1.75" TO 1.50" 1.25" TO 0.75" 22" 12.5" TO 13.5"

CHAMBERING: .30-’06 SPRG. ACTION TYPE: BOLT-ACTION, CENTER-FIRE REPEATING RIFLE

RECEIVER: 416 STAINLESS STEEL STOCK: ACCUFIT; SYNTHETIC

MAGAZINE: FOUR-ROUND DETACHABLE BOX BARREL: 416 STAINLESS STEEL, BUTTON-RIFLED TRIGGER: SINGLE-STAGE, ADJUSTABLE ACCUTRIGGER; 3-LB., 8-OZ. PULL SIGHTS: NONE; DRILLED AND TAPPED FOR

WEIGHT: 7 LBS., 2 OZS. ACCESSORIES: OWNER’S MANUAL, ACCUFIT SPACERS, RISERS AND SCREWS, CABLE LOCK, EAR PLUGS MSRP: $849

OPTIC MOUNTS

SHOOTING RESULTS (100 YDS.)

.30-’06 .30-’’’06 SPRG. CARTRIDGE

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

ENERGY (FT.-LBS.)

FEDERAL PREMIUM 175-GR. EDGE TLR

2690 AVG. 19 SD

2,812

0.96

1.70

1.26

NOSLER 125-GR. BT

3025 AVG. 44 SD

2,540

0.71

1.64

1.30

REMINGTON CORE-LOKT 180-GR. PSP

2632 AVG. 26 SD

2,769

1.40

2.22

1.81

AVERAGE EXTREME SPREAD

GROUP SIZE (INCHES) LARGEST AVERAGE SMALLEST

1.46

NOTES: MEASURED AVERAGE VELOCITY FOR 10 SHOTS OVER A CALDWELL G2 CHRONOGRAPH AT 15 FT. ACCURACY RESULTS FOR FIVE CONSECUTIVE, FIVE-SHOT GROUPS AT 100 YDS. FROM A SANDBAG REST. TEMPERATURE: 79° F. HUMIDITY: 10%. ABBREVIATIONS: BT (BALLISTIC TIP), PSP (POINTED SOFT POINT), SD (STANDARD DEVIATION), TLR (TERMINAL LONG RANGE).

spacers of differing dimensions (the fifth and shortest LOP is accomplished by omitting a spacer altogether) are included in the box. As a result, length of pull on the AccuFit-equipped rifles can be set to between 12½" and 13½" in 1/4" increments, and drop at comb can be adjusted from 1¼" to 3/4" in 1/8" increments. Due to the downward-sloping angle of both the spacers and the recoil pad, the rifle’s drop at heel measurement will likewise vary depending on the spacer insert selected.

Each riser clips into the AccuFit stock using seven forward-sweeping tabs and is held in place at the rear by the selected LOP spacer. The spacer is then sandwiched between the stock and the rifle’s soft rubber buttpad, with a pair of screws running through the spacer and the recoil pad in order to secure both to the firearm. Four screw lengths are included with each gun (the one installed in the rifle plus three others), and the thickness of the spacer insert being used determines which set of screws will be utilized to attach the pad. The use of the longest insert (No. 4) requires the 2" screws, insert No. 3 necessitates 1¾" screws, insert No. 2 makes use of 1½" screws and the included 1¼" screws are appropriate for both insert No. 1 and when using no spacer at all. According to Savage, AccuFit’s spacer inserts are not intended to be stacked together.

Making changes to the AccuFit system is simple: First, remove the recoil pad and spacer using a screwdriver. Next, apply rearward pressure on the comb riser in order to free it. Select a new riser and slide it into place. Lastly, choose the appropriate spacer, and secure it and the recoil pad to the stock using the proper-length screws.

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

Making changes to the system is extremely simple. Start by removing the two screws from the butt of the recoil pad; this will allow the buttpad and the spacer to come free.

Next, apply rearward pressure on the comb riser until the locking tabs clear their recesses in the top of the stock, and then lift the riser out. Now, select a new riser, place it into position and slide it forward until the front edge is flush with the stock. Choose the appropriate LOP insert and screw length, and then re-install the spacer and the buttpad. The only complicating factor in the process is that the recoil pad is made of such soft rubber that not only can it be slightly difficult to locate the head of the screw with the tip of the screwdriver, but the material grips your tool and adds resistance as you try to tighten or loosen the screws. These are minor issues, but they do slow down what is an otherwise foolproof operation.

Last fall, I had the opportunity to use one of Savage’s new AccuFit models—the Model 110 Storm chambered in .30-’06 Sprg.—during a pronghorn hunt in Wyoming. Topped with Cabela’s Instinct HD 3-9X 40 mm riflescope and firing Federal Premium’s 175-gr. Edge TLR load, I was able to successfully harvest a delicious speed goat, off-hand, from a distance of 207 yds. While zeroing-in our scopes prior to the hunt, it took about five minutes of trying different spacer and riser combinations in order to find my ideal fit; I personally found the most comfortable shape was attained by shortening the gun’s LOP by one setting and raising the comb up one increment from the factory configuration.

Fit is an important component of accuracy, yet I believe many shooters today are making do with ill-fitting guns JUNE 2018

47

savage accufit

and may not even realize it. Upon subsequently receiving the rifle back home for a more thorough technical evaluation, I had two others try out AccuFit for themselves. Using the same rifle with the same scope mounted in the same position, after experimenting with the various inserts, all three evaluators ultimately settled on a different fit configuration than the others—which pretty clearly illustrates why a system like AccuFit is such a good idea, and why the prevalent one-size-fits-all approach is so lacking.

But the arrival of AccuFit heralds more than just the introduction of a new feature, it also signals a shift by Savage toward more modern styling of its bolt-action line and a move by the company away from its convoluted and often puzzling model designation scheme. Regarding the former, the manufacturer’s existing synthetic stock molds were approaching the end of their service lives, so Savage took their imminent replacement as an opportunity to revamp the Model 110’s cosmetics and ergonomics. Among the tweaks made to the platform’s design are: a re-contoured pistol grip with more drop at the wrist to better accommodate smaller-handed shooters; a more squared-off trigger guard; a subtly re-shaped bolt knob; and a less rounded, flatter-bottomed fore-end more conducive to resting the rifle on a pack or a sandbag.

Forgoing more traditional checkering, purchase-enhancing overmolded rubber inserts have also been added to the pistol grip and fore-end of most of the new AccuFit models. Those rifles that feature a wider beavertail fore-end—such as the Tactical and the Varmint—bear etched-in texturing but not the soft-touch inserts. While the rubber inserts seem to be an AccuFit-specific feature at this point, for 2018, in addition to the AccuFit variants, Savage is also updating several of its other existing models with the rest of the changes mentioned above. The overall result of the alterations is a much sleeker looking, more angularly contoured rifle that some purists may struggle to warm up to. I personally prefer the new profile; there’s nothing wrong with a 21st century gun looking like a 21st century gun, and the changes are distinct enough to visually distinguish the new Savages from the hoi polloi of the contemporary bolt-action market.

Concerning Savage’s former penchant for employing MODELS REPLACED BY ACCUFIT

Old

New

11/111 FCNS

110 HuNter

16/116 WeatHer Warrior

110 Storm

10/110 Predator

110 Predator

10 FCP-Sr

110 taCtiCal

11/111 loNg raNge HuNter

110 loNg raNge HuNter

12 FCV

110 VarmiNt

11 SCout

110 SCout

48

16/116 Bear HuNter

110 Bear HuNter

—

110 WolVeriNe (all-NeW) June 2018

alphabet soup in the naming of its gun models, moving forward the company is adopting a much more streamlined system of product identification—no decoder ring necessary. The old system was thricely confusing, bear with me: One, previously, short-action firearms were denoted by a two-digit model number and long-action and magnum guns were differentiated by a three-digit model number, so, an American Classic rifle was considered a Model 14 if chambered in .308 Win., but a Model 114 if chambered in .30-’06 Sprg. or .300 Win. Mag. Secondly, using the prior naming convention—and speaking in very broad terms with numerous exceptions to these guidelines in evidence within the product lineup—law enforcement and precision niche guns received the Model 10/110 designation; hunting rifles with black actions were numbered as 11/111s; varminter and benchrest competition models were made 12/112s; the 14/114 was a wood-stocked hunting gun; and the 16/116 monikers were bestowed on hunting rifles with stainless steel receivers and barrels—despite all of the above sharing essentially identical actions. Thirdly, Savage would occasionally, but not always, name its models after features that the gun possessed, using a long string of letters to signify those characteristics. For example, in the case of the 11/111 FCNS (one of the models being replaced), customers would need to carry a cheat sheet around to know that “F” stands for “synthetic stock” for some reason, that “C” curiously indicates that the rifle feeds from a detachable box magazine and that “NS” is short for “no sights.”

Confused yet? So was everyone else, which is why Savage is mercifully abandoning all that complexity in favor of a pattern that everyone should be able to follow.

Henceforth, all new center-fire rifle models based on the company’s Model 110 action—regardless of the length of that action and the application of the firearm—will simply be called Model 110s. Future releases will also avoid the acronym gobbledygook of the past. For those already familiar with Savage’s product lineup, existing models not being replaced or updated with the new stock design will not undergo a name change yet, but all forthcoming models will use the new naming conventions—so the task of fully putting the manufacturer’s intricate code system to rest may still take years or decades.

Savage Model 110 Storm First designed in 1958, Savage’s Model 110 today stands as the longest continuously manufactured boltaction rifle in America, and the new AccuFit-featured Model 110s—like the Storm evaluated here—represent the latest evolution of this esteemed line. The 110 Storm replaces the 16/116 FCSS Weather Warrior in the company’s catalog, and as such, is an all-weather hunting rifle that matches a 416 stainless steel barreled action with a gray synthetic stock. Both right- and left-hand models of the Storm are offered, with 15 chamberings available for american rifleman

righties and nine for southpaws—from short-action cartridges like .223 Rem. to magnums like .300 Win. Mag. The Storm’s action is a push-feed system with a twolug, floating bolt head that permits just enough movement to ensure 100 percent engagement of both lugs within the receiver during lockup. Although the design remains unchanged, the action is actually set slightly deeper into the stock of the Storm than it was on the Weather Warrior, resulting in a cleaner look and a lower bore axis. The rifle cocks upon opening, has a jeweled bolt body and utilizes a 90-degree bolt throw that is easy to manipulate from the shoulder. A sliding-plate extractor located in the right lug of the bolt pulls the cartridge from the chamber and a plunger-style ejector extends from the left side of the bolt face to subsequently expel the extracted case from the rifle. No sights come with the gun, however, the receiver is drilled and tapped for the installation of scope mounts.

Sling swivel studs on the Storm are located similarly to those on the Weather Warrior—metal units screwed into the stock at the fore-end and the bottom of the buttstock.

Savage has used both top- and bottom-mounted boltrelease buttons over the years, and the control used on the Storm is an example of the latter type, located just forward of the trigger guard. The rifle’s tang-mounted, three-position safety allows the gun to be fired when pushed fully forward, locks the trigger but permits the bolt to cycle while in the center position, and secures both the bolt and the trigger when pulled to the rear setting. Our test rifle, a right-handed model chambered in .30-’06 Sprg., feeds from a detachable, four-round-capacity, center-feed magazine.

The 30-’06 Sprg. Storm’s 22" stainless steel, buttonrifled barrel, like all Savage rifles, is threaded into the receiver at the minimal headspace value for the cartridge and then secured in place by way of a locknut. A sheet of paper slipped between the barrel and the fore-end confirmed that the barrel is indeed free-floated all the way to the locknut. The Storm’s thin, sporter-contour barrel ends, appropriately enough, in a standard, sporter-style crown.

As mentioned above, the new AccuFit rifles also make use of Savage’s AccuStock and AccuTrigger features. The former is a rigid, one-piece, milled-aluminum bedding block that spans the entirety of the rifle’s action and much of its fore-end, and is permanently epoxied to the stock. Rather than the stock engaging the action only at the action screws and only in one direction (downward), AccuStock allows for three-dimensional engagement along the action’s entire length—a cost-effective method of bedding proven to yield superbly repeatable accuracy. By extending its tongue forward of the action and into the fore-end, the system also adds sturdiness to that part, greatly diminishing the potential for the synthetic fore-end to flex enough that it comes into accuracy-robbing contact with the barrel.

Savage’s AccuTrigger is a user-adjustable design that allows for minimal trigger-to-sear contact while remaining safe from the risk of accidental discharge due to being dropped or jarred. The bottom of the AccuRelease blade bisects the trigger shoe, while the top blocks the movement of the sear—it is only by completely depressing the trigger that the rifle is capable of firing. While the AccuTrigger is a single-stage trigger, the slight resistance provided by the AccuRelease safety gives it the feel of a faux two-stage system. The trigger pull on the Storm is adjustable between 2 lbs., 8 ozs., and 6 lbs., and the average pull weight on our test gun measured 3 lbs., 8 ozs.; trigger breaks were crisp, take-up was nil and overtravel was minimal.

Accuracy testing of the Storm followed the standard American Rifleman protocol of shooting five consecutive, five-shot groups at 100 yds. using three loads: Federal’s 175-gr. Edge TLR (the ammunition used previously on the pronghorn hunt); Nosler’s 125-gr. Ballistic Tip; and Remington’s 180-gr. Core-Lokt. Each rifle is an individual, so your results will undoubtedly vary, but the single best group (0.71") was shot using the Nosler load, while the best five-group average (1.26") was produced with Federal’s Edge TLR, and both of these managed at least one subm.o.a. cluster. Across the three ammunition types, our test gun yielded an average extreme spread of 1.46", which is plenty accurate for hunting big game.

I’ve now used the Model 110 Storm a good bit, both in the field and at an indoor range, and have experienced no failures of any kind. Operation of the action has been smooth—there’s a decent amount of side-to-side and up-and-down wobble when the bolt is held all the way back—but it had no impact on the reliable cycling of the bolt. Upon first handling the gun, I was concerned that the AccuFit’s overmolded rubber grip inserts might not hold up well to rough use, but at this point they seem to be no worse for wear, although only time will tell whether they can stand up to many years of field use. Recoil of the .30-’06 Sprg. cartridge through a 7-lb. bolt-action is right on the outer limit of what I consider to be enjoyable, particularly during prolonged testing from a bench, but the Storm’s thick rubber recoil pad kept the shooting experience on the right side of that line.

All in all, I found very little not to like about Savage’s AccuFit, in general, and the Model 110 Storm, in particular. Savage’s newest feature allows you to achieve optimal fit with your hunting rifle in a manner that is simple, unobtrusive, reversible and continued on p. 87

Savage’s nine new AccuFit-equipped rifle models, including the 110 Storm, benefit from both the manufacturer’s AccuStock (above) and AccuTrigger (r.) upgrades.

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

JUNE 2018

49

historical

A pair of saddle pistols presented by the Marquis de Lafayette to George Washington remains a symbol of these two friends, who, though so different in age and background, possessed a mutual love of liberty.

BY MARK STEVEN SAGE

50

June 2018

american rifleman

An 1824 painting by Rembrandt Peale, courtesy of National Gallery of Art

••

The Lafayette/Washington Pistols

n Aug. 16, 1824, an American merchant ship sailed from France into New York Harbor with the last living major general from the American Revolutionary War on board—Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette. The marquis had been cordially invited by then-President James Monroe, accompanied by a formal request from Congress to visit the United States as “The Nation’s Guest.” Perhaps, as Lafayette was sailing across the Atlantic, he pondered what his reception might be in the country for whose democratic form of government he had fought so hard and sacrificed so much. After all, the American Revolution was nearly half a century old and he was now in his 70s.

If Lafayette was concerned at all whether Americans remembered or cared about him, he needn’t have been.

We do not hear much about Lafayette these days, but at that time, he was already well-beloved and recognized in the public’s eye as a bonafide hero of the American Revolutionary War. But the aging marquis had no idea just how popular he had become and how meaningful his visit to the United States would be—and that he would be reunited with the two pistols he had given to his close friend, George Washington.

As the merchant vessel neared land, dozens of ships

were anchored in the harbor with flags flying, and church bells rang with tens of thousands eagerly waiting on the shores to welcome him. Thirty thousand people greeted him on lower Manhattan; 50,000 on Broadway stood and watched as he was escorted to city hall. Veterans from the war stood by, some in their old, ill-fitting uniforms, and hailed him as he passed; and at every stop, the aging general would take time to shake hands with them. Wherever he traveled in the months ahead, including battle sites, the multitudes showed up in huge numbers to see him.

Some waited in line all night long just for the privilege. In Boston alone, 200,000 packed the streets during his visit to help celebrate the anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill.

Noted historian Harlow Giles Unger wrote, “What began as a four-month tour would stretch into a thirteen-month triumphal procession over six thousand miles, through all twenty-four states, from New Hampshire to South Carolina, across the south to New Orleans and up the Mississippi by steamboat to St. Louis. Crowds of fifty thousand to one hundred thousand turned out to see and cheer him in every city; even small towns drew throngs of ten thousand or more from miles around. From St. Louis, he traveled through Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, and western Pennsylvania, then up to Buffalo and Niagara Falls, before returning east.”

The Lafayette/Washington pistols were made to be carried on horseback in holsters secured to the pommel of a saddle. They are reputed to have been carried by Washington at Valley Forge, Monmouth, Yorktown and, later on, during the Whiskey Rebellion when Washington was president.

Photo by Mark Sage and Ric Lambert

americanrifleman.org

June 2018

51

On May 25, 1825, while traveling through Tennessee on his nation-wide journey, the marquis stopped by to visit Andrew Jackson at The Hermitage, Jackson’s plantation home. While there, Jackson brought out a beautiful pair of matched pistols, presented them to Lafayette and asked if he recognized them. Picking them up, the marquis smiled and remarked that, indeed, he did recognize them. He had given them as a gift to his “paternal friend,” George Washington in 1778 at the height of the American Revolutionary War. Recently, accompanied by Larry Spisak, Judith Hudnall and Gene Shadley, I enjoyed the privilege of examining and photographing those pistols.

In 2002, at Christie’s Americana Auction House, the Lafayette/Washington pistols were sold for a whopping $1,986,000 to a local Pennsylvania foundation. The foundation purchased them in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the French and Indian War—and in recognition of the critical role that Washington played, not only in that war, but in the birth of our democracy. In the spring of 2004, the foundation donated the pistols to the Fort Ligonier Museum in Ligonier, Pa., to be on display as part of the museum’s “Washington Collection.”

The Marquis de Lafayette was born Sept. 6, 1757, into an extremely wealthy family entrenched within one of the highest echelons of the French nobility. His childhood was visited at times with sorrow. Lafayette’s father was killed in battle when he was only 2 years old, and his mother died in his 12th year. So it was his grandmother who would have the most important influence on his upbringing. She was not like others in the French nobility who disdained and mistreated the peasant class. Unger wrote of Lafayette’s grandmother, “She was a woman of the highest character, respected throughout the province, universally venerated for her kindness and generosity. Hers was an islet of liberty in a sea of feudal oppression. Lafayette grew up with a deep affection for the adoring peasantry … he loved the land and loved the people, trusted them and respected them.”

During Lafayette’s teenage years he received training as a soldier, married at 16 and became a captain in a company of the Noailles Dragoons when he turned 18. The young

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Painting, Washington-Custis-Lee Collection, Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Virginia

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marquis had already been exposed to Enlightenment philosophy (as were many of our Founding Fathers) and embraced it as a Freemason around the age of 17, espousing their beliefs in the right to life, liberty, religious freedom and property. His connection with Freemasonry would serve him well all of his life, and he became a very dedicated member of the fraternity. Lafayette also became acquainted around this time with the struggle between England and her Colonies, and quickly aligned himself with the American cause, deciding to travel to America The portrait of the Marquis de Lafayette by Charles Wilson Pealle (above) was done later in Lafayette’s life. The Lafayette/Washington pistols (below) came to Fort Ligonier in this walnut pistol case; however, there is no clear evidence of when the case was made.

american rifleman

Photo by Mark Sage and Ric Lambert

A Pair • National Treasures

Recognized & Enshrined

Sumter; and the Walker Colts once owned and used by Texas Ranger Capt. Samuel Hamilton Walker.

The current home of these exquisite and nationally renowned pistols is Fort Ligonier, southeast of Pittsburgh in Westmoreland County, Pa. Constructed in 1758, Fort Ligonier was visited by General Washington shortly after it was completed during the conflict now known as the French and Indian War. It was abandoned

to fight for liberty. So, on April 20, 1777, at 19 years of age, and a strapping 6'1" tall, the Marquis de Lafayette sailed to America, presented himself to the Continental Congress and asked for a commission as an officer in the Continental Army, pledging his life and sacred honor to the cause of American independence—and to serve at his own expense. He would do so throughout the war, even to the point of outfitting his troops with uniforms, supplies and arms, spending up to half of his considerable wealth in the process.

The Marquis de Lafayette was introduced to George Washington at a dinner party in Philadelphia on July 1, 1777. He was 19—Washington was 45. As a French officer who had volunteered to serve in the Continental Army, the young marquis had been given a commission by the Continental Congress. Washington was apprehensive at first about the young officer who could not even speak English and had never seen actual battle. Soon, however, the commanding general was won over by Lafayette’s dedication to the American cause, his unbounding enthusiasm, bravery, loyalty—and that he was a fellow Freemason. Over the course of the war, Lafayette would become like a son to him.

In Washington, Lafayette saw a dynamic leader, a man of sterling character and the father (and mentor) he never had. Together, during the fiery and trying crucible of the American Revolution, they would make invaluable contributions to the causes of liberty and democracy—the very foundations of our government and, in the process, forge a life-long, affectionate friendship.

Photo by H. David Wright

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in 1766. Restoration began in 1946 and Fort Ligonier was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.

The Lafayette/Washington pistols are on display as part of “The Washington Collection,” which includes an original 11-page written summation of the French and Indian War composed by our first president. For more, go to fortligonier.org.

—PhiliP Schreier, Senior curator, national FirearmS muSeum

A pair of contemporary pommel (or saddle) holsters. Holsters like these were most often carried by officers and mounted troops.

Extensively researched by Christie’s Auction House, the pistols Lafayette gifted to George Washington are the most thoroughly documented of those known to have been owned by our first president. They are exquisite surviving examples of sidearms produced in the 18th century exhibiting both old-world craftsmanship and high-end art.

Produced by French gunsmith Jacob Walster (who worked circa 1761-1790) in the city of Saarbruck, France (now in Germany), both are mounted in polished steel furniture. In rather an ironic twist, there exists another pair of pistols marked “Walster” in the collection of the Royal Family in June 2018

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Photos courtesy of Fort Legionier

I

n 1998, the NRA Gun Collectors Committee established a subcommittee to evaluate firearms of note that might be considered a cut above any others and worthy of “National Treasure” status. These arms would be recognized by a gold medal, suitably inscribed, to accompany the firearm henceforth.

In September 2017, the committee selected the Jacob Walster-made pistols—once the property of the Marquis de Lafayette, President George Washington and President Andrew Jackson—to receive National Treasure medal No. 4. The medal was presented on March 18, 2018, at the Maryland Antique Arms Collector’s show.

Previous National Treasure recipients include: a Henry rifle presented to Abraham Lincoln; a cased Colt 1851 Navy belonging to Maj. Robert Anderson, the hero of Fort

washington’s pistols

Windsor Castle, allegedly purchased by King George III— England’s king during the American Revolution.

The architecture and basic layout of the pistols reveal careful design, skillful execution and creative expression. Virtually identical, they are stocked in fine European walnut, stained in a color that has mellowed over the years into a kind of a honey (or perhaps butternut) color, and are skillfully and tastefully graced with raised and incised carvings in rococo styling with both gold and silver inlays.

Made circa 1775-1777, the total length of each pistol is 17½" with a smooth bore barrel of about .57 caliber. Yet when I hefted them, they did not seem heavy at all, and the balance and pointability were excellent. This is due, in part, to the graceful curve of the butt of the pistols that terminates with a bulbous knob capped with a pommel buttcap (with side stirrups). Also, the 11½" wrought-iron barrels are tapered from breech to muzzle, starting out octagonal for about a third of the barrel’s length and then flowing round to the muzzle, thereby reducing weight and improving balance. Both barrels are profusely engraved and finished off with applied silver and gold. Engraved on one of the pistol’s lock flats is the name “Walster,” on the lock of the other is “Saarbruck.” Both locks appeared to be in working condition.

The pistols themselves might be characterized as “saddle pistols,” meaning they were made to be carried on horseback, in holsters, either singly or as a pair, fastened at the front end (pommel) of the saddle with the butt ends normally pointed forward. Pommel holsters were made of heavy leather and generally had a protective top flap made of leather cloth or fur, and were standard equipment for most mounted officers and cavalry. The original holsters for the pistols have not survived, but a presentation case of

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black walnut was made to house and protect the heirlooms.

It is thought that Washington carried the pistols at Valley Forge, Monmouth, Yorktown and, later, during the Whiskey Rebellion during his presidency.

The Lafayette/Washington pistols have an interesting chain of ownership, including by our seventh president, Andrew Jackson. After the president’s death in 1799, the pistols went to William Augustine Washington, Washington’s nephew. At a later date William give them to his son-in-law, William Robinson. Then, in 1824, William Robinson presented them to Andrew Jackson through Virginia Congressman Charles Fenton Mercer. It was while the pistols were in Jackson’s possession that the Marquis de Lafayette was able to verify that they had indeed been given to Washington by himself.

Robinson’s note to Andrew Jackson, dated Jan. 8, 1824, from Sudley, Va., reads: “Sir: be pleased to accept the pistols which were presented by the Marquis de Lafayette to General George Washington and worn by him in the service of his country. It fell to my lot to become, as one of the legatees of Gen. Washington, the proprietor of this interesting property and I cannot better dispose of it, than by transferring it to the successor of Washington in the military character of America. With perfect respect, I have the honor to be your fellow citizen and most obedient servant, Wm. Robinson.”

Congressman Mercer presented the pistols, along with William Robinson’s note to Jackson with these recorded words: “General: allow me to fulfill the request of a friend and constituent, Mr. William Robinson of Sudley, one of the legatees of General George Washington, by delivering to you, the arms that he [Washington] wore during the many vicissitudes of that Revolution which conducted him to the

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summit of renown and our country to independence. They were the gift of his distinguished pupil, Lafayette and associate, the name [referring to Lafayette] of the steadiest friend of Liberty in the Old [world], with the memory of her most brilliant and extraordinary champion in the New World … .”

During Lafayette’s visit to Jackson’s home, Auguste Levasseur—Gen. Jackson’s personal secretary—was present. He is quoted in writing as saying: “[T]hose arms which General Jackson wished to particularly direct our attention to were the pistols which he presented to General Lafayette and inquired if he [Lafayette] recollected them.

After examining them attentively for several minutes, he replied that he did in fact recollect them as those that were offered in 1778 to his paternal friend Washington, that he experienced great satisfaction in seeing them again and that he rejoiced to see them in the hands of a man so worthy of such an inheritance.”

Jackson kept them in his possession until his death, and in his will bequeathed them to Lafayette’s son in France, George Washington Lafayette. Upon George’s death, the pistols passed on to his son, Edmond Lafayette, and when he died they went to Antonin de Beaumount, Edmond’s nephew. Edmond’s will states in part: “I bequeath with all title to my nephew Antonin de Beaumont, the pistols that belonged to Jackson, the Defender of New Orleans. The pistols came from General Washington, which were then bequeathed by Jackson to my father George de Lafayette.”

Madame Edmond Hennocque, Antonin’s daughter, became the next owner in the early part of the 20th century. In 1958, she sold the pistols to noted antique arms dealer in France, Charles Marcel, and he in turn sold them

Photo by Mark Sage and Ric Lambert

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to Charles Dresser, a French private collector. After Dresser’s death they were sold by public auction in Paris in 1983 to a private party, and this man owned them until they were auctioned in 2002.

The Lafayette/Washington pistols are a national treasure in my opinion. Though they are inanimate objects, they are a living reminder of the time period and the struggles of our nation’s birth—and of the deep bond of friendship between two heroes of our American Revolutionary War. Further, the pistols are a grand testament to the quality and artistic expression of gun builders in the 18th century.

Finally, the Lafayette/Washington pistols should re-awaken our appreciation for Lafayette both as a soldier and as a diplomat. As an officer and soldier in the Continental Army, Lafayette proved his dedication and bravery. He was present at the battle of Brandywine, (he was wounded there) and a number of other important engagements including Valley Forge, Chester, Germantown, Gloucester, Saratoga, Monmouth and Yorktown. His troops loved him; he was a soldier’s type of general who did not look down on his men, asked their opinion on matters and even fought next to them.

One of his greatest contributions to the American Revolutionary cause was not on the battlefield but as a diplomat. He was a very effective lobbyist, sending a ceaseless flow of letters to French political and military persons

continued on p. 84

The .57-cal. pistol barrels are made of wrought iron (common for the time period) and taper octagon-to-round from the breech area to the muzzle. Both pistols are tapered from butt end to muzzle, and balance well in hand. The ramrod appears to be made of ebony, while the ramrod tip is horn.

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cover story

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Photos by Forrest MacCormack

Designed from the ground up for ease of operation, the S&W M&P380 Shield EZ pistol solves a lot of issues that have been barriers to entry for potential pistol owners. And, yes, it is easy to operate.

BY MARK A. KEEFE, IV, Editor In Chief hy would I want a gun as big as a 9 mm Shield that’s only a .380?” Those words were from one of my colleagues upon seeing the Smith & Wesson M&P380 Shield EZ. “That’s simple,” I replied. “This gun’s not for you.” It’s not that Smith & Wesson wouldn’t be happy to make another sale, but a burly, decidedly opinionated, veteran gun writer was not necessarily who the company had in mind when it developed this pistol.

“When we set out to design the M&P380 Shield EZ pistol, our goal was to deliver an allaround, easy-to-use personal protection pistol— from loading and carrying to shooting and cleaning,” said S&W’s Jan Mladek. “We focused on key areas that customers told us were important— the ease of racking the slide and loading the magazine—allowing consumers of all statures and strengths the opportunity to own, comfortably practice with and effectively utilize this exciting new pistol.”

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What the M&P380 Shield EZ does is make it easy for those without a lot of hand strength or manual dexterity to efficiently operate the pistol. All guns are an engineering challenge, a combination of features, price and parameters given to designers and engineers who are then expected to craft a solution. Judging from what Mladek said the goal was, my hat is off to the firm’s engineers.

With the Smith & Wesson M&P380 Shield EZ, the compromise for ease of use is in the power of the chambering, .380 ACP, which has been around since 1908. Even with modern improvements in bullet technology, many self-defense experts still put the .380 on the bottom rung of cartridges with acceptable defensive firepower, however, in my opinion, it does make the cut. This gun is actually a little bigger than the 9 mm Luger M&P Shield— it’s 6.7" long with a 3.52" barrel and just under 5" in height. The magazine, which is very easy to load, has a capacity of eight rounds.

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SMITH & WESSON The combination of the .380 ACP chambering and recoil operation in a package that is compact, but not too compact, sets the EZ apart. For decades, most .380s were blowback-operated, and slide mass and recoil-spring tension were necessary to keep the gun closed to allow pressures to drop to a safe level. This started to change with George Kelgren’s Kel-Tec P-32 in .32 ACP, which, of course, was followed by the Ruger LCP and others. But those were little guns.

Some other .380s have been easy to manipulate, but not because of recoil operation. A friend and colleague, the former art director for American Hunter, bought a blowback Beretta Model 86 Cheetah in .380 because it had a tip-up barrel, and she had trouble working slides. I will be very interested to put this gun into her hands.

But it’s not just women who have difficulty “running the gun,” which I call being able to safely and competently manipulate all the controls on a pistol. No, there’s another group out there that grows every day, and that is the aging armed citizen. NRA’s Dr. Joe Logar, national manager of the Adaptive Shooting Program, gave a jam-packed presentation at the NRA Carry Guard Expo last year on that very subject, and I think he is really onto something. A large percentage of our population—an estimated 21 million Americans—suffers from arthritis, and that means they

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sometimes are no longer able to do things with their hands that previously would’ve been a cinch. Too, there are other shooters looking for a pistol solution, as described by NRA’s Adaptive Shooting Program: “According to the most current census data, there are approximately 74 million individuals that identify as disabled. This population is growing as the Baby Boomer generation ages and as injured soldiers return from overseas. As a group, they are generally underrepresented in the shooting sports, personal protection and hunting communities.” And the EZ just may be worth a look for quite a few of them, too.

The new gun borrows from the M&P22 Compact, which is made at the firm’s Springfield, Mass., plant. This is not to be confused with the M&P22 made for S&W by Walther in Germany. The M&P22 Compact is about a 90-percent-size version of the M&P and makes for a gun with an 18-degree grip angle and excellent ergonomics. It also borrows from the center-fire M&P M2.0 stylistically in its slide lines and scallops. It has a hand-filling polymer frame—made at S&W’s Precision Components in Deep River, Conn.—with all the texturing one would expect, enough to hold onto but not enough to abrade the skin.

The recoil-operated pistol has a barrel hood that locks into the slide’s action port at its front. But this gun’s slide is very, very easy to retract. Part of that comes from its

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

SMITH & WESSON M&P380 SHIELD EZ

MANUFACTURER: SMITH & WESSON (DEPT. AR), 2100 ROOSEVELT AVE., SPRINGFIELD, MA 01104; (800) 331-0852; SMITH-WESSON.COM 6.7"

single-coil recoil spring, which gives the gun just enough energy to go back into battery without requiring the strength of an orangutan to work CAUTION: Capable of Firing with 3.52" the slide. According to S&W’s engiMagazine Removed neers, the EZ requires less than half the force needed to rack the slide on a 9 mm Luger Shield. This really is the 4.9" feature that sets the EZ apart.

Another feature the EZ has, although it spoils the lines of the ACTION TYPE: SIGHTS: WHITE, THREEgun somewhat, is a grip safety (as RECOIL-OPERATED, DOT; DRIFT-ADJUSTABLE incorporated in the New Departure SEMI-AUTOMATIC REAR, POST FRONT revolvers or “lemon squeezers” by CENTER-FIRE PISTOL TRIGGER: SINGLE-ACTION; Smith starting in 1887). It is pinned CHAMBERING: .380 ACP 4-LB., 7-OZ. PULL SLIDE: STEEL WIDTH: 1.45" at the bottom and prevents the gun FRAME: POLYMER WEIGHT: 18.5 OZS. from firing unless depressed with a RIFLING: FIVE-GROOVE; ACCESSORIES: OWNER’S firm grip—actually, it helps one get a 1:10" RH TWIST MANUAL, LOCK, EXTRA proper high grip in my opinion. But MAGAZINE: EIGHT-ROUND MAGAZINE DETACHABLE BOX MSRP: $399 the grip safety does more than just act as a safety. If not depressed, the passive firing safety, which proSHOOTING RESULTS (15 YDS.) trudes down from inside the slide, is ENERGY GROUP SIZE (INCHES) .380 ACP VEL. @ 15' not lifted up by its frame-mounted CARTRIDGE (FT.-LBS.) LARGEST AVERAGE (F.P.S.) SMALLEST plunger, and the firing pin cannot move forward if hit by the hammer.

979 AVG. FEDERAL HST 211 2.89 4.62 3.75 99-GR. JHP 10 SD Also, the grip safety is linked to the disconnector, which acts as the 1008 AVG. HORNADY XTP 203 1.92 2.93 2.39 90-GR. JHP 10 SD go-between, a “connector” if you will, for the trigger bar—running along 950 AVG. SIG SAUER ELITE 200 1.42 3.11 2.34 the inside right of the frame—and the 100-GR. FMJ 21 SD sear. When the grip safety is depressed, AVERAGE EXTREME SPREAD 2.83 the disconnector lifts the trigger bar.

N OTES: MEASURED AVERAGE VELOCITY FOR 10 SHOTS FIRED OVER A CALDWELL BALLISTIC PRECISION Then, movement of the trigger pushes CHRONOGRAPH AT 15 FT. ACCURACY RESULTS FOR FIVE CONSECUTIVE, FIVE-SHOT GROUPS AT 15 YDS. the trigger bar rearward, which allows FROM A SANDBAG REST. TEMPERATURE: 67° F. HUMIDITY: 31%. ABBREVIATIONS: FMJ (FULL METAL the “connector” to trip the sear and let JACKET), JHP (JACKETED HOLLOW POINT), SD (STANDARD DEVIATION). the hammer go forward.

Although most other pistols in the M&P family are although there is a discernible push by the trigger return striker-fired, the EZ has an internal hammer under the spring. There is also an overtravel stop molded into the slide, much like “lemon squeezers” had them inside their inside of the trigger guard. Trigger reach is about 21⁄8", and even the smallest-handed folks around the office had no frames. And the EZ’s hammer is set low in the frame, trouble properly placing their fingers on the trigger. requiring less effort to cock.

The slide is of well-finished stainless steel with the firm’s Trigger operation is single-action, as the hammer is proprietary black Armornite finish with scallops cut at the fully cocked by slide movement. The trigger-pull weight front and rear. Its top is 0.885" wide (but 0.995" at the rails) and length are the same for every shot. Our sample broke at the front, then it is stepped to 0.96" at its rear, giving the at 4 lbs., 7 ozs., for an average of 10 pulls. Reset is short, thumb and forefinger something to grab onto when racking the slide. Finally, there are ears cut into the very rear of The M&P380 Shield EZ is the slide—bringing that dimension to 1.07"—providing the designed to be easy to operate. operator even more to hold onto while retracting the slide.

The recoil-operated gun has an The breechblock is machined separately and is slid in from easy-to-retract slide with ears the front, dovetailed into the slide then fixed by a transverse at the rear for better purchase roll pin. The pin bears no load, it just keeps things located (inset, l.). Its magazine has properly. It also retains the internal extractor on the breech tabs on either side of the folface’s right and serves as the pivot point for the loaded-chamlower, much like a .22. The ber indicator. The fixed ejector is on the frame’s left. Shaped breechblock is dovetailed into

continued on p. 80

the slide, then pinned into place.

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AMMUNITION

INSIDE THE

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AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

Cartridge illustration, David Labrozzi.

Background illustration, “The Ride of the Valkyrs,” John Charles Dollman (1851–1934).

Is Federal Premium’s brainchild the new go-to long-range cartridge for the AR-15-size semi-automatic rifle? Read on.

BY AARON CARTER, FIELD EDITOR or ardent, long-range enthusiasts and competitors, as well as the cartridge developers who seek to satiate them, the persistent dilemma is in striking a balance between the trinity of ballistics, perceived recoil and platform compatibility. Though many have pursued it, the proverbial Holy Grail has proven elusive—especially for the semi-automatic AR-style rifle. It’s essentially an uncompleted puzzle. Last year, Nosler introduced its solution, the 22 Nosler (July 2017, p. 48), and now Federal has its own.

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

Prior to the 2018 Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show, Federal Premium captured the attention of the media and consumers alike with releases about its new cartridge, the .224 Valkyrie. Billed as “the new choice for both long-range target shooters and hunters,” and described as “an all-new cartridge that transforms the MSR15 platform, unleashes shooters’ long-range potential and shatters the boundaries of ballistic performance,” the cartridge appeared poised to end the search for the elusive ballistic solution. Does it live up to its hype?

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.224 VALKYRIE

Limitations & Developments For cartridge developers, AR-style platforms epitomize the idiom, “throw a (monkey) wrench into the works.”

One-off creations notwithstanding, ARs are proportionately sized to accommodate two families of cartridges, the .223 Rem./5.56x45 mm NATO (AR-15) and .308 Win./ 7.62x51 mm NATO (AR-10). A distinct exception is the quasi-AR-15-size 7.62x51 mm NATO-chambered Patriot Ordnance Factory Revolution (January 2018, p. 96). To feed reliably from the 5.56 mm NATO magazine, cartridges housed in the AR-15 mustn’t exceed the SAAMI-outlined maximum cartridge overall length (COL) of 2.260", while those in the AR-10 are restricted to 2.810".

The long-range capabilities of the .308 Win., its offspring and the newer 6.5 mm Creedmoor, are well-established.

However, an AR-10—the Revolution notwithstanding— in any of said chamberings is, at times, unduly heavy, and the cumulative effects of recoil from such cartridges can prematurely induce shooter fatigue and negatively

affect accuracy. On the other hand, an AR in .223 Rem./5.56x45 mm NATO or similar-COL-length cartridges is typically lightweight with minimal recoil, but offers lackluster external ballistics for long-range target engagements. Federal decided a new cartridge was needed.

In developing the .224 Valkyrie, Federal used the 6.8 mm SPC/.30 Rem. case as the foundation. The 0.422"-wide case rim remains unchanged. Moreover, the case is short; it measures a scant 1.60", or 0.160" shorter than that of the .223 Rem. There’s a reason, though, which will be detailed momentarily. A 30-degree shoulder beginning 1.2033" from the base results in a lengthy 0.2689" neck— an asset for aligning and securing streamlined, heavyfor-caliber bullets. The case tapers from 0.4207" ahead of the extractor groove to 0.4031" at the beginning of the shoulder, thereby requiring it to be fed from a 6.8 mm SPC AR-15 magazine. However, the Valkyrie case’s shorter length reduces capacity to 31.5 grs. of water when filled. Despite its small size, the case’s short overall length maximizes usable space by allowing elongated projectiles, such as the 1.155"-long Sierra 90-gr., hollow-point boattail (HPBT) MatchKing, to be seated farther outside the case without exceeding the 2.260" COL. The maximum average pressure (MAP) is kept to 55,000 p.s.i.

.224 Valkyrie: The Next Big Thing?

L

ast year, I found myself trying to get into the prone position behind the new .224 Valkyrie cartridge. It had been a while since I’d shot prone at 1,000 yds., and at first, I just wasn’t as steady as I could’ve been. I’ll tell you what was steady, though—the .224 Valkyrie’s performance. I was at the Valdina Ranch in Texas, ostensibly to shoot doves with my longtime friend Drew Goodlin,

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who runs center-fire rifle products for Federal Premium Ammunition, but he and the rest of the Federal crew had a surprise for me one morning.

The .224 Valkyrie, from a 24" barrel, propels a high-BC 90-gr. Sierra MatchKing to 2700 f.p.s at the muzzle, and it stays supersonic out to 1,300 yds.

There were several guns there, including a couple from Savage, but the first I shot was a LaRue Tactical with a 1:7" JUNE 2018

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twist that has been used by Federal’s “skunk works” guys during development of the cartridge.

Some years ago, the Saudi Royal Guard Regiment adopted an LWRCI rifle chambered in 6.8 mm SPC. When a military unit of that size buys a new rifle and a relatively new cartridge, it needs ammunition—lots of it. The ammunition side of that contract was fulfilled by Federal Premium Ammunition, and Federal not only filled the contract, but the company learned how to make 6.8 mm cases. As a matter of fact, the factory in Anoka, Minn., became very, very good at it.

Being good at making 6.8 mm SPC cases translates to efficient, affordable manufacture. Because the .224 Valkyrie is based on the 6.8 case, those efficiencies remain and Federal is able to produce ammunition at a fairly low cost.

How low? How about American Eagle at less than $14 for a 20-count box.

While the 6.8 mm cartridge has been somewhat on the wane, the AR

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From l. to r.: .308 Win., 6.5 mm Creedmoor, 22 Nosler and .224 Valkyrie. Notice the similarities between the .224 Valkyrie and the 6.5 mm Creedmoor—both use shorter cases and long, high-BC projectiles to achieve improved long-range performance.

platform in something other than 5.56 mm NATO has been an area a lot of companies have been focusing on.

Heard of .300 Blackout, have you? The most recent, of course, is the 22 Nosler.

I watched Drew and others nail the 1,000-yd. targets time after time, after time. There were also some other very experienced long-range shooters there who dropped the .224 Valkyrie on target so often that it became almost monotonous. And then I stepped back up, focused on the fundamentals and started ringing steel, too.

How much do I think of this new cartridge? At a Texas airport on my way home I called another longtime friend at one of the biggest gun manufacturers in the country, and told him to “get off the fence.” This is the next big thing, because it should be. I have a short-action Remington Model 700 in .223 that needs to be re-barreled anyway, and its next one will be stamped “.224 Valkyrie.”

—MARK A. KEEFE, IV, EDITOR IN CHIEF

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.224 valkyrie The design isn’t without fault, though; light- to midweight bullets—due to their shorter overall lengths, and when seated for sufficient tension—will have sizable jumps to the lands. For example, when loaded with the 0.865"long Nosler Ballistic Tip Varmint bullet (in the Federal Premium offering), the COL is 2.168", or 0.092" shorter than the maximum COL. In the American Eagle load, the 75-gr. total-metal-jacket (TMJ) bullet is loaded to a COL of 2.135"—a full 1/8" short of the maximum COL. Take into account the leade, too, and that’s quite a jump. In some rifles, it can negatively affect accuracy.

High-ballistic-coefficient bullets are the forte of longrange marksmen, and that’s where the .224 Valkyrie was designed to deliver. The flagship offering for engaging targets at distance is the Gold Medal Sierra MatchKing load, which features the 90-gr. HPBT MatchKing. With a remarkable 0.563 BC and 2700-f.p.s. starting velocity (in a 24" barrel), the bullet remains supersonic out to 1,300 yds.

That is important because the transonic zone (where the projectile transitions from supersonic back to subsonic speeds) can cause it to lose stability, thereby negatively affecting accuracy.

Additionally, a faster time to target flattens the trajectory, lessens wind deflection and increases energy, though the latter is a moot point for a target load.

What’s not debatable is a noteworthy reduction in recoil compared to popular long-range loads in both AR-style rifles and bolt-actions, such as the 6 mm Dasher, 6XC, 6 mm Creedmoor, .243 Win., .260 Rem., 6.5 mm Creedmoor, 6.5 mm Grendel and .308 Win., among many others. Since the recoil impulse of a gun is influenced by bullet weight, propellant charge and muzzle velocity, by lessening the former two, perceived recoil is lessened; however, thanks to the high BC of the 90-gr. HPBT MatchKing, external ballistics aren’t sacrificed. You’re getting better ballistics and less recoil.

By The Numbers How does the .224 Valkyrie perform at long range? When zeroed at 100 yds., the 90-gr. HPBT MatchKing—propelled to 2700 f.p.s.—will impact 345.8" low at 1,000 yds., and in a 10-m.p.h. full-value wind, it’ll deflect 80.5" off course. The same bullet isn’t offered in .223 Rem. factory loadings; however, according to Western Powders Reloading & Load Data Guide, Edition 6.0, A-2520 propellant—loaded at 54,416 p.s.i.—will send the same 90-gr. HPBT MatchKing projectile to 2586 f.p.s.

At that velocity, the MatchKing will drop 382.4" and veer off course 85.8", which is more than the Valkyrie. Loaded in the higher-pressure 5.56x45 mm NATO cartridge, the same projectile reportedly hits 2701 f.p.s. with a pressure of 60,052 p.s.i.— virtually identical to the .224, so performance will be similar.

The .224 Valkyrie also stacks up favorably with other chamberings common to the AR platform. Take the .308 Win. for example; the Federal Premium Gold Medal MatchKing .308 Win. load propels the 0.505-BC, 175-gr.

HPBT MatchKing to 2600 f.p.s., and with a 100-yd. zero it drops 406.7" at 1,000 yds. Wind deflection is 98.5". Also in .308 Win., the Gold Medal Berger load features a 0.552-BC, 185-gr. Juggernaut open-tip-match (OTM) bullet driven to 2600 f.p.s., and at the same distance it impacts 382.4" and is pushed to the side 87.4". Of course, with a larger cartridge comes an attendant increase in recoil and platform cost.

To fulfill the needs and budgets of varied shooters, Federal offers three other loads to complement the 90-gr. HPBT MatchKing. The least expensive option, the target and fursaving American Eagle load, propels a non-expanding, 75-gr.

TMJ bullet to 3000 f.p.s. It produces 1,499 ft.-lbs. of energy at the muzzle. For hunting deer-size game and feral pigs, there’s a 90-gr. soft point option in the Fusion line. Thanks to a muzzle velocity of 2700 f.p.s.—from a 24" barrel, as are the others—and 0.450 BC, it generates 1,457 ft.-lbs. of energy at the muzzle and maintains 500 ft.-lbs. beyond 600 yds. With a 200-yd. zero, it’ll drop 8.5", 24.7" and 50" at 300, 400 and 500 yds., respectively. There’s also a 60-gr. Nosler Ballistic Tip Varmint bullet loaded to 3300 f.p.s.

Alliant Powder currently lists several .224 Valkyrie recipes using the Sierra 90-gr. HPBT MatchKing and Nosler 60-gr. Ballistic Tip Varmint bullets on its website.

According to Alliant Powder, when seated atop a maximum charge of Reloder 15 (28.6 grs.)—for a COL of 2.170"—the bullet will achieve 3252 f.p.s from the .224 Valkyrie. But the .224 Valkyrie can top that speed; switching to Alliant 2000-MR will allow it to achieve 3395 f.p.s., which is faster than the factory load. That’s significantly zippier than the .223 Rem., as well. Alliant 2000-MR can also help the 90-gr.

HPBT MatchKing hit 2763 f.p.s. in the .224 Valkyrie.

Range Results And Final Thoughts Testing of the .224 Valkyrie began with an evaluation of accuracy using the American Rifleman protocol of five consecutive, five-shot groups at 100 yds. All four offerings from Federal were on hand for the test. As for the rifle, it was an 18"-barreled Savage Arms MSR15 Valkyrie topped with a Leupold VX-3 8.5-25X 50 mm Long Range scope in a Weaver MSR 1-Piece Scope Mount. For supports, I used a Caldwell 7-Rest and a sandbag.

The first load tested, Federal Premium Gold Medal Sierra MatchKing 90-gr. HPBT MatchKing, proved to be the most At launch, Federal is offering its newest cartridge in four configurations: a 60-gr. varmint load; a 75-gr. practice load; a 90-gr. hunting load; and a 90-gr. long-range match load.

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american rifleman

SHOOTING RESULTS (100 YDS.)

.224 VALKYRIE CARTRIDGE

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

ENERGY (FT.-LBS.)

AMERICAN EAGLE 75-GR. TMJ

2873 AVG. 37 SD

1,375

GROUP SIZE (INCHES) SMALLEST LARGEST AVERAGE 1.40

2.33

1.80

accurate by a significant margin. In 2589 AVG. FEDERAL FUSION 1,339 1.53 1.96 1.75 90-GR. SP 19 SD fact, it produced a 0.34", five-shot group, as well as averaged 0.81" for 2565 AVG. FEDERAL PREMIUM GMSM 1,315 0.34 1.09 0.81 all 25 shots. As an aside, once testing 90-GR. HPBT 15 SD at 100 yds. was completed, I used this 3128 AVG. FEDERAL PREMIUM NBTV 1,303 1.15 1.90 1.51 same load at 200 and 300 yds. with 60-GR. BTV 29 SD parallel outcomes; at 200 yds., the AVERAGE EXTREME SPREAD 1.47 average for three, five-shot groups NOTES: MEASURED AVERAGE VELOCITY FOR 10 SHOTS FROM AN 18" BARREL OVER A COMPETITION was 1.21", and at 300 yds. the mean ELECTRONICS CHRONOGRAPH AT 15 FT. ACCURACY RESULTS FOR FIVE CONSECUTIVE, FIVE-SHOT GROUPS for 15 shots was only 1.76". One fiveAT 100 YDS. FROM A CALDWELL 7-REST AND SANDBAG. TEMPERATURE: 43° F. HUMIDITY: 50%. shot group at 300 yds. measured a ABBREVIATIONS: BTV (BALLISTIC TIP VARMINT), GMSM (GOLD MEDAL SIERRA MATCHKING), scant 0.90"—impressive!

HPBT (HOLLOW POINT BOATTAIL), NBTV (NOSLER BALLISTIC TIP VARMINT), SD (STANDARD DEVIATION), SP (SOFT POINT), TMJ (TOTAL METAL JACKET).

Regardless of the reason—bullet jump, rifling rate of twist, etc.— the results of the other three loads .224 VALKYRIE weren’t as rousing as those of the 0.422" 30° MatchKing load. The 60-gr. Ballistic 0.2245" Tip Varmint, for example, averaged 1.51" for its five, five-shot groups.

Although acceptable for perforating paper, such accuracy may be insufficient for long-range shoots on 1.2033" prairie dogs and ground squirrels. The 1.3307" value-priced, American Eagle 75-gr.

1.600" 2.000" (MIN.) — 2.260" (MAX.) TMJ load had a mean of 1.80"—good for the wallet but less than ideal for use at extended range. Lastly, the Fusion 90-gr. soft-point better than the .224 Valkyrie. It’s clearly superior to the round averaged 1.75" for 25 shots, which is acceptable for .223 Rem. Its use in an AR will also surely endear it to the ranges at which the .224 should—realistically—be international shooters who cannot own such a rifle in a used on deer-size game. military chambering (i.e. .223 Rem./5.56x45 mm NATO).

Keep in mind that the results were influenced by a Additionally, the bolt-action aficionado stands to gain a single rifle, and it’s unreasonable to judge a cartridge (or lot from the cartridge, too. Effectively, its an efficient, load) based solely on its performance in an isolated test. low-recoil precision cartridge with significant reach as a The accuracy exhibited by the 90-gr. HPBT MatchKing load factory option. No longer will the shooter need to purchase says much about the cartridge’s potential. It’s there, and no a semi-custom or custom rifle to seriously compete, and doubt will perform even better out of a true precision rifle. brass will be easy to secure. This will be a turnkey solution Despite shooting hundreds of rounds in a single day for getting started in competition. during sight-in, accuracy testing and chronographing, my Currently, a variety of .224 Valkyrie-chambered rifles shoulder wasn’t the least bit affected, nor was I mentally are available from Ashbury Precision, Barrett, CMMG, fatigued; recoil is remarkably minimal given the cartridge’s CMT, LWRCI, Larue, JP Rifles, Masterpiece Arms, Mossberg, external ballistics. For the serious competition shooter, Savage Arms and Stag Arms, among others. Suggested that’s no small gain. retail prices for 20-count boxes of the ammunition range Since the Savage Arms MSR15 Valkyrie featured an from $13.95 (American Eagle) to $31.95 (Gold Medal 18" barrel—as opposed to 24" tubes utilized by Federal Sierra MatchKing). Real-world pricing, though, is signifiPremium ballisticians—velocities were, as expected, lower cantly less. MidwayUSA lists 100-count bags of Federal than published numbers. According to a Competition .224 Valkyrie brass for $29.49.

Electronics ProChrono Digital chronograph placed 15 ft. from When it comes to the creation of a long-range-capable, the muzzle, the 90-gr. BTHP MatchKing averaged 2565 f.p.s. low-recoil cartridge for the AR-15 platform, Federal Premium for 10 consecutive shots, and it had a standard deviation of appears to have solved the puzzle.

15. The 90-gr. SP, 60-gr. Ballistic Tip Varmint and 75-gr. TMJ loads had means of 2589, 3128 and 2873 f.p.s., respectively.

WARNING: Technical data and information contained herein are intended to provide information based upon the limited experience of individuals under Of course, this decrease in velocity will increase the amount specific conditions and circumstances. They do not detail the comprehensive of drop at distance. At 37 and 29, the standard deviations of training, procedures, techniques and safety precautions that are absolutely the 75- and 60-gr. loads were notably high. necessary to properly carry on similar activity. READ THE NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER ON THE CONTENTS PAGE OF THIS MAGAZINE. ALWAYS CONSULT In the end, anyone seeking streamlined, heavy-forCOMPREHENSIVE REFERENCE MANUALS AND BULLETINS OF PROPER caliber projectiles for competition, plinking or varminting TRAINING REQUIREMENTS, PROCEDURES, TECHNIQUES AND SAFETY in an AR-15 platform with minimal recoil will find none PRECAUTIONS BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY SIMILAR ACTIVITIES. AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

JUNE 2018

65

HISTORICAL

“Come And Get Us!”

The Hotchkiss Model Of 1914 Heavy Machine Gun

The most commonly issued machine gun to the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) was the gasoperated French Model of 1914 Hotchkiss in 8x50 mm R Lebel. The height of the “Omnibus” tripod (above) was one of the Doughboys’ few complaints. The other was weight—111 lbs.

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A century ago, the American Expeditionary Force entered heavy combat in France, and the Doughboys’ most-used heavy machine gun during the Great War was the French Hotchkiss Model of 1914.

BY TOM LAEMLEIN

century ago, American troops faced Germans in the trenches and fields of France. The United States had entered the war a year before, in April 1917, as a fresh-faced member of the Allied cause—full of energy but lacking many of the essential tools of war. Later in 1917, elements of the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) arrived in France, but they did so without machine guns. Sufficient guns were not yet available in the United States, and, to complete their equipment as a modern fighting force, it was decided the Doughboys would be equipped with American-made rifles, but light and heavy machine guns would be purchased from the French or British, depending on where the units were sent. Most American troops received French automatic arms.

Through no fault of their own, the Doughboys were issued the French Fusil Mitrailleur Modele 1915 CSRG (Automatic Rifle, Model 1915) or “Chauchat”—the most widely manufactured automatic arm of the Great War. How American troops made the flawed Chauchat work for them is a story that has already been told (October 2012, p. 70).

The flip side to that story was the issue of the excellent French Model of 1914 Hotchkiss heavy machine gun, which served as the AEF’s primary heavy machine gun. Chambered in the 8x50 mm R Lebel cartridge, the

Mitrailleuse Automatique Hotchkiss Modele 1914 proved to be accurate, reliable and adaptable. Its design was based on principles set out by an Austrian cavalry officer, Baron Adolf Odkolek von Ujezda, and it was acquired and then refined by a Paris firm founded by an American, Benjamin Hotchkiss.

An account from Co. D, 109th Machine Gun Btn., 28th Division, describes the training: “June 16—Got off train at Esbly [France] and hiked to trucks. Rode to Trembly and hiked back five kilo, to Roissy … . Here Hotchkiss Machine Guns were issued, and … many of the companies at this time received a severe training under French instructors.”

The way of the machine gun is both art and science.

The Doughboys had a lot of catching up to do in order to be competitive with the Kaiser’s experienced men, and that was described in the History of the 101st Machine Gun Battalion: “By the end of December practically every man was thoroughly familiar with the handling of the Hotchkiss gun. Before the month of January was over, it might be said that the Battalion was well trained.

They were far from veteran troops, but at least each man understood his gun, which is the essential for a machine-gunner.

“Every effort was made to find a place where indirect fire could be carried on, but it was impossible to locate a range near Mont where there was no danger of ricochets landing in some nearby village.

“At last, towards the end of January, all the machine guns of the Division were assembled at an old French artillery range on the outskirts of the Divisional area, and a chance was given to fire an overhead barrage. The machine guns of the Division, 168 in number, were put into action with an interval of five yards between each gun. Each Company Commander was given a map showing his gun position and the target assigned to his company, and told to calculate the necessary data.

“At a given signal all guns opened fire at once.

Observers gave reports for the proper adjustment of the fire. It was a remarkable sight. continued on p. 81

Photos courtesy of Armor Plate Press

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

JUNE 2018

67

DOPE BAG

KEL-TEC KSG-25 C

ocoa, Fla.-based Kel-Tec CNC Industries, Inc., forever changed the accepted idea of defensive shotguns with the debut of its highly distinctive, dual-magazine, pumpaction, 12-ga. KSG. Its successful launch lent credence to expanding the line, which the company promptly did with the KSG-NR, KSG Tactical and KSG-25, the latter of which is reviewed here.

Like most line extensions, the core characteristics of the KSG-25 stem from the original design. Somewhat unusual in the shotgun world, the KSG-25’s bullpup configuration results in a shorter overall length, even with an almost unheard of 30.5" barrel.

Despite that, the KSG-25’s overall length is 38.25", which is slightly shorter than most defensive shotguns.

Safe for use with lead and steel shot, the fixed cylinder-choke barrel

must be 30.5" in length to enable the dual magazines tubes—located side by side beneath the barrel—to accommodate 12, 2¾" shells each. Combined with a round in the chamber, that’s 25 (hence the model designation) 12-ga. shells with which to resolve a problem. Alternatively, each tube can hold 10, 3" or 20, 1½" shells for all-up totals of 21 or 41, respectively. The Henry axiom, “... load on Sunday and shoot all week,” seems especially applicable.

Loading the tubular magazines requires that the slide be forward.

Additionally, the three-position magazine selector switch, located forward of the ejection port, must be moved to the same side as the magazine that you want to load (i.e., left for the left magazine). In doing so, the other magazine is blocked. This action permits the magazines to be filled with differing loads, such as buckshot and slugs, with the shooter switching between them as necessary.

Pressing downward on the bilateral action-bar lock, which is situated in front of the trigger guard, frees the slide (fore-end assembly) to travel rearward, thereby lowering the carrier (ejecting downward a hull if one had just been fired) to accept an awaiting shell. Pushing forward on the slide chambers the round. Mounted to dual action bars, the slide is,

unsurprisingly, made from polymer, and beneath it there’s an integral, 6" MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail to which a Magpul Rail Vertical Grip (RVG) is affixed. It can be removed, but the RVG aids in cycling the action forcefully for proper functioning.

Beyond the fire controls already described, the KSG-25 has a crossboltstyle safety and single-stage trigger housed in the polymer lower unit.

Unlike most shotguns, the squareshaped safety travels from left to right to move from safe to fire. For right-hand shooters accustomed to using the trigger finger to disengage a crossbolt safety, it’ll take time to adjust to using the thumb. Left-hand shooters will need to use the trigger finger. Moving the button results in an audible “click” that resonates through the gun.

Consistent with the heavy triggers and long linkages typical of bullpups, the KSG-25’s trigger pull measured 6 lbs., 6 ozs.; however, it’s still lighter than the pull weight of many shotguns. Additionally, there’s considerable travel, though the reset is short.

Reaching the polymer trigger shoe from the pistol grip—ergonomically similar to that on the PMR-30, RFB and RDB—is easy for shooters of various hand sizes. Recesses in the side of the pistol grip provide space to hold the

Viewed from the underside through its ejection port, which is behind the pistol grip, the KSG-25’s twin magazine tubes are visible along with the three-position magazine selector that allows loading of the tube at which its serrated end is positioned.

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KEL-TEC KSG-25

MANUFACTURER: KEL-TEC CNC INDUSTRIES, INC. (DEPT. AR), 1505 COX ROAD, COCOA, FL 32926; (321) 631-0068; KELTECWEAPONS.COM 38.25" 1.75"

1.63"

PATENTS PENDING

12 GAUGE 3" 3

30.5"

12.87"

ACTION TYPE: PUMP-ACTION SHOTGUN GAUGE: 12; 3" MAGAZINE: DUAL TUBULAR MAGAZINES; CAPACITY OF 10 (3"), 12 (2¾") OR 20 (1½") SHELLS, EACH

two assembly pins during disassembly.

Spanning from the muzzle plate assembly rearward to the sleeve plate is an aluminum heat shield with Magpul M-LOK slots. Meanwhile, extending from the sleeve plate to the sight base itself, forward of the polymer heat shield, is a 30-slot aluminum Picatinny rail. Atop the rail is a windage-adjustable Magpul MBUS rear sight, which works in conjunction with an elevation-adjustable post front affixed to the muzzle plate assembly.

Bilateral sling attachment points are found on the muzzle plate assembly, and a sling ships with the gun.

Although chambered in 12-ga., 3", the KSG-25’s stock is fitted with a 3/8"-thick, semi-hard rubber recoil pad.

Minimally tacky, the pad doesn’t easily snag when shouldering the gun, nor does it reduce recoil very effectively.

Evaluation of the KSG-25 began with patterning at 25 yds. using Hornady Critical Defense 2¾" 00 buckshot and the MBUS. Despite its cylinder-choke barrel, the KSG-25 kept all 80 pellets within the 30" outer ring of the patterning papers, and 75 within the 21" inner circle—ideal for self- or home defense.

With patterning completed, we transitioned to function testing and rapid-fire drills. As it’s chambered to

SIGHTS: PICATINNY RAIL WITH MAGPUL MBUS TRIGGER: SINGLE STAGE; 6-LB., 6-OZ. PULL STOCK: BLACK POLYMER METAL FINISH: BLUED STEEL AND BLACK

WEIGHT: 9 LBS., 4 OZS. ACCESSORIES: OWNER’S MANUAL, SLING, CHAMBER FLAG

MSRP: $1,400

ANODIZED ALUMINUM

handle 12-ga., 1½" to 3" shells, we proceeded to feed it a variety of target, heavy field, buckshot, slug and steel loads in lengths ranging from 2" to 3". In exhausting multiple partial and full boxes of each, we discovered that the shotgun must be cycled vigorously for reliable functioning, and on several occasions cycling damaged—or removed—a portion of the brasswashed steel head of the shell. Twice we had a shell lock up the action, requiring finesse to remove them.

Upon closer inspection, it was noted that two tabs integral to the molded polymer buttstock halves (one per side) had been broken. They appear to keep the shell centered on the carrier.

The gun was sent to Kel-Tec, which promptly serviced and returned it.

Accompanying the gun was a letter stating, “chamber service, adjusted swedge, replaced buttstock and carrier, [and] recommend high-brass ammo.”

A subsequent range session revealed that Kel-Tec had successfully remedied the problem, as the gun cycled much smoother than before, and there was no damage to hulls, either.

The MBUS were a nice addition to the KSG-25. Moreover, we liked the gun’s downward ejection, as well as the

SHOOTING RESULTS (25 YDS.)

HORNADY CRITICAL DEFENSE 12-GA., 2¾", 00 BUCKSHOT AVERAGE PELLET COUNT: 8 MEASURED VELOCITY @ 3 FT.: 1590 F.P.S. AVERAGE OF 10 PATTERNS = POINT OF HOLD

0

0

0 2

2

2

2 0

CYLINDER (0.729") 21" INNER CIRCLE: 30" OUTER RING: TOTAL HITS:

8 0 8

(100%) (0%) (100%)

ability to switch between magazines (should they be loaded with complementary loads, such as slugs and buckshot). The positioning of the magazine selector and left-to-right movement of the safety will take time to get used to, but, overall, the KSG-25 is a marvel in its own right.

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

JUNE 2018

69

DOPE BAG

RAVIN R20 SNIPER PACKAGE R

avin Crossbows of Superior, Wis., forever changed popular perceptions about crossbow design and performance with last year’s introductions of the R15 and R9. For 2018, the company replaced those two models with three new, improved offerings: the R10, the R20 and the R20 Sniper Package. The latter is reviewed here.

Ravin advertises rifle-like accuracy out to 100 yds. with its ultra-compact crossbows—one reason we chose to review such a non-firearm in the “Dope Bag.” While that claim is bold, it proved true in our tests and is credited to the company’s Helicoil technology.

When drawn, the cables are coiled away from the cams in helical grooves, thereby maintaining cam levelness and balance for increased accuracy and reduced vibration (and thus noise) when shot. The design also enables the cams to rotate 340 degrees. This is important because high speed— 430 f.p.s. with a 400-gr. bolt—is possible without a long power stroke (it’s 13") or unwieldy axle-to-axle (ATA) width; in fact, the at-rest ATA width is 10.5" and, when cocked, that number decreases to 6". That makes the R20 ideal for use in tree stands and blinds.

Cams and cables alone aren’t enough to achieve such an impressive level of accuracy—consistent string alignment is needed, too. Ravin addresses that with its unique Trac-Trigger Firing System which, when slid forward,

70

attaches to the center of the string.

Contained within an aluminum track with minimal side-to-side play, the design retracts the string in a repeatable, uniform manner, providing straight-line nock travel.

The Trac-Trigger also features a bilateral, two-position, paddle-style safety and anti-dry-fire system. Both are automatically engaged upon the Trac-Trigger clasping the string at the archway bracket. The system engages the trigger when fully withdrawn, and, according to a digital trigger pull gauge, the skeletonized, single-stage, anodized aluminum unit broke at 2 lbs., 9 ozs., with no discernible creep or overtravel.

The innovative Versa-Draw Cocking System makes cocking the R20 simple and easy. Once the rear grip is adjusted (for left-hand shooters), the head of the cocking handle is inserted into the recessed hole on either side of the stock. A magnet holds it in place. Next, tension is released on the cocking system and the handle is removed. Then the spool thumb release button is pressed, freeing the TracTrigger to slide forward and clutch the string, at which point an audible click is heard. Afterward, the cocking handle is reinserted and rotated clockwise until the Trac-Trigger is fully rearward. The draw force needed to cock the R20 is a paltry 12 lbs. It can be easily de-cocked, too.

Unlike established designs, in which JUNE 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

the bolt traverses the top of the barrel (or rail) during firing, the Ravin R20 employs the Frictionless Flight System.

Essentially, the bolt is touching the crossbow in only two places—on the string and on the dual rollers of the rest.

Benefits of the design are improved accuracy and increased string and cable life.

Although all Ravin crossbows feature a rail onto which an optic can be mounted, only the R20 Sniper Package includes the Jack Plate Adjustable Elevation Mount. Secured to the standard rail by two bolts, the included Vortex Strike Eagle 1-8X 24 mm scope—also exclusive to the R20 Sniper Package—attaches directly to the plate.

On the rear of the Jack Plate is an aluminum/steel dial onto which rangemarking tape is added for making shots at distance. The left side has a rotating lever to silence movements, make them audible and lock the dial.

Crafted from two halves bolted together, the skeletonized polymer stock has an ergonomically shaped pistol grip with finger grooves and texturing to enhance purchase.

Similar texturing is on the extrawide fore-end, and a series of finger grooves are found on each side, too.

The top of the fore-end flares outward 19⁄16" from each side to prevent fingers from reaching the flight path of the string. Forward of the fore-end and integral to the lower unit is a 4¼" section of rail with a screw hole

RAVIN R20 SNIPER PACKAGE

MANUFACTURER: RAVIN CROSSBOWS, LLC (DEPT. AR), 69 N. 28TH ST., SUITE 500, SUPERIOR, WI 54880; (715) 718-3574; RAVINCROSSBOWS.COM 34.5"

onto which the mounting bracket is secured for holding the included three-bolt quiver and cocking handle.

Measuring approximately 1¾" wide and topped with soft, textured rubber, the comb ensures perfect eye-to-scope alignment, while a bubble level on the archway bracket helps the shooter avoid canting. Lastly, the R20 lacks a traditional foot stirrup; instead, it has limb bumpers that are placed against the ground when cocking.

The R20 Sniper Package we received for evaluation was an early unit displayed at the 2018 Archery Trade Association (ATA) Show. There were only subtle differences between it and those now available to consumers, and all the alterations involved the Jack Plate Adjustable Elevation Mount.

Our crossbow had substituted mounting screws and a mocked-up tape. We opted to forgo the plate and mounted the scope directly to the rail.

Breaking with American Rifleman protocol, for accuracy testing we opted to follow archery standards and shoot three consecutive, three-shot groups from a sandbag rest at distances ranging from 30 yds. to 50 yds. The accuracy achieved by the R20 impressed even the most ardent crossbow testers and hunters among our staff. The averages at 30, 40 and 50 yds. were 0.47", 1.13" and 0.95", respectively. The tightest group measured a scant 0.28" (at 30 yds.), while one at 50 yds. was 0.78". We’ve yet to test (or see) a crossbow with such potential. Without the Jack Plate we were unable to shoot out to 100 yds.; however, it’s obvious that the R20 is plenty accurate for such shots.

Chronographing the R20 with a Competition

1.5"

0.69"

12.75" ACCESSORIES: OWNER’S MANUAL, JACK PLATE ADJUSTABLE ELEVATION MOUNT, VORTEX STRIKE EAGLE 1-8X 24 MM SCOPE, RAVIN RISER LEVEL, THREE-ARROW QUIVER, DRAW HANDLE, SIX PACK OF 400-GR. MATCH-

TRIGGER: SKELETONIZED, ALUMINUM, SINGLE-STAGE; 2-LB., 9-OZ. PULL STOCK: PREDATOR CAMOUFLAGE OR GUNMETAL GREY POLYMER

GRADE BOLTS WITH FIELD TIPS

WEIGHT: 7 LBS., 2 OZS.

MSRP: $2,650

SHOOTING RESULTS

VEL. @ 5' (F.P.S.)

ENERGY (FT.-LBS.)

30 YDS.

428 AVG.

163

0.28

0.59

0.47

40 YDS.

428 AVG.

163

0.84

1.47

1.13

50 YDS.

428 AVG.

163

0.78

1.16

0.95

400-GR. RAVIN BOLT (W/FIELD TIP)

GROUP SIZE (INCHES) LARGEST AVERAGE SMALLEST

NOTES: MEASURED AVERAGE VELOCITY FOR FIVE SHOTS OVER A COMPETITION ELECTRONICS PROCHRONO DIGITAL CHRONOGRAPH AT 5 FT. ACCURACY RESULTS FOR THREE CONSECUTIVE, THREE-SHOT GROUPS AT RANGES FROM 30 YDS. TO 50 YDS. FROM A SANDBAG REST. TEMPERATURE: 49° F. HUMIDITY: 48%.

Electronics ProChrono Digital at 5 ft. revealed that, using the supplied Ravin 400-gr. bolts by Black Eagle Arrows with 100-gr. field points, the crossbow achieved 428 f.p.s. with a standard deviation of 0. That’s right, all five consecutive shots were exactly the same velocity, which translates to 163 ft.-lbs. of energy. With the right broadhead, the R20 should be capable of taking most game animals. A substantial target is required to stop a bolt from the R20— even at 30 yds. it would occasionally completely penetrate a newer crossbowspecific target.

When shouldered, the R20 feels like a well-balanced rifle; in no way does it give the impression of being a crossbow. Its trigger stands out among those in the crossbow world,

even besting the triggers of many fine firearms. We found the R20 to be exceptionally user-friendly as well.

After reading the manual, novices and experts alike will be able to safely use the crossbow.

Quality is the R20’s hallmark, but it comes at a price. However, those with the funds will find the Ravin R20 Sniper Package to be a crossbow that rivals the accuracy of many modern firearms at close distances. It’s a lot of fun to shoot, as well.

The R20 measures just 10.5" wide uncocked. Its safety and anti-dry-fire system engage automatically as the mechanism clasps the string (inset).

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

JUNE 2018

71

DOPE BAG

BUSHNELL ENRAGE

MANUFACTURER: BUSHNELL OUTDOOR PRODUCTS (DEPT. AR), 9200 CODY, OVERLAND PARK, KS, 66214; (800) 423-3537; BUSHNELL.COM 4.5"

2.75"

E

BUSHNELL ENRAGE

ngaging non-static targets swiftly at close range demands an easyto-use optic offering immediate acquisition. Forget traditional riflescopes; regardless of magnification level or eye relief, they play “second fiddle” to red-dot optics for target acquisition and for tracking moving targets— particularly in low-light conditions.

For 2017, Bushnell added several reddot sights to its lineup, including the Enrage, which is reviewed here.

Although it fits in the Bushnell “AR Optics” line, the unmagnified Enrage is intended for use beyond the realm of the modern sporting rifle.

Accompanying the optic are two sets of Allen head screws that, when paired with the reversible base and included spacer, enable it to be mounted at different heights to minimize clearance issues and for preservation of cheekweld on a range of long guns.

It can be used on certain handguns, too. The mount is touted as fitting both Picatinny- and Weaver-style rails; however, we found it attached properly only to the former. The locking nut/ knob includes cutouts so that a slotted

screwdriver or coin can be used to supplement hand tightening.

When compared to other red-dot sights, dimensionally the Enrage occupies the middle ground; the 9.8-oz. unit measures 4½" long, 23⁄8" wide and 2¾" tall (with spacer). Removing the top and right turret caps enable elevation and windage adjustments, respectively, to be made. Clicks are audible and tactile, and valued at 1/2 m.o.a.

The 16-position rheostat, which features eight brightness settings and an “off” position between each, is on the Enrage’s left side. Movements of the rheostat are consistent and solid; there’s no undesirable mushiness.

Powering the unit is a single CR2032 battery that, according to Bushnell, provides double the life compared to its older models, and when used at mid-level settings, is comparable to other companies renowned for the efficient energy use of their red-dot sights. Housed within multi-coated glass, the prefocused, 2-m.o.a. illuminated dot is sized ideally for instant target acquisition at close range, and yet is small enough for acceptably precise bullet placement at moderate distances as well. Eye relief is “infinite,” as such, diligence in maintaining a suitable eye-to-optic distance is not required.

The Enrage is advertised as waterproof, fog-proof and shock-proof, and we sought to substantiate those

WIDTH: 2.375" WEIGHT: 9.8 OZS. BATTERY: ONE CR2032 RETICLE: 2-M.O.A. RED DOT MAGNIFICATION: 1X EYE RELIEF: UNLIMITED ELEVATION ADJUSTMENT RANGE: 100 M.O.A. WINDAGE ADJUSTMENT RANGE: 100 M.O.A. CLICK VALUE: 0.5 M.O.A. ACCESSORIES: OWNER’S MANUAL, SPACER, REPLACEMENT SCREWS, HEX KEY MSRP: $240

assertions during our testing. First up was “shooting the square”—using a T/C Contender with an 18" SSK Industries .338 Whisper barrel—to confirm the value and repeatability of the clicks. Due to the close proximity of clicks and imprecision of a 2-m.o.a. dot for aiming, this was a trying test.

Nonetheless, movements appeared to be accurate and repeatable.

A Benelli Super Black Eagle II 12-ga. shotgun and four boxes of assorted 2¾" and 3" magnum waterfowl, buckshot and turkey loads were utilized to determine that the Enrage is shock-proof. Once zeroed, there was no discernible deviation in the pattern core—except when the Enrage’s dual base screws loosened halfway through. Re-tightening the screws solved the issue. Thread-locking compound is recommended.

Lastly, we challenged the Enrage to survive submersion in water after a short stint in the freezer. Though it fogged temporarily, which was expected, no signs of water defeating the seals was evident—it is waterproof.

Our battery of testing, as well as mounting it atop a range of firearms, illustrated to us that the Enrage is wellsuited for a variety of tasks as diverse as home protection, competition and pursuing spring gobblers.

Turrets on the top and right side of the Enrage are used to make elevation and windage adjustments, respectively, to the optic’s 2-m.o.a. reticle. Meanwhile, a 16-position rheostat, providing eight brightness settings and an “off” position between each, is found on the unit’s left side.

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JUNE 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

NIKON MONARCH 7i VR

MANUFACTURER: NIKON INC. (DEPT. AR), 1300 WALT WHITMAN ROAD, 2ND FLOOR, MELVILLE, NY 11747; (631) 547-4200; NIKONSPORTOPTICS.COM 3.9"

NIKON MONARCH 7i VR

L

aser rangefinders are incredibly useful tools for riflemen, but they can be difficult to aim precisely at long distances—especially when under pressure while in the field. If the crosshairs are off-target by just a fraction, it might indicate the distance to another object. What’s more, most modern rangefinders are so light, and the magnification level so high, that any slight hand shake is rendered as a seismic shift by the reticle.

Nikon has remedied this problem by incorporating the same technology present in its premium VR (Vibration Reduction) camera lenses into its new Monarch 7i VR rangefinder. Yet company engineers have managed to include this technology in an optical package that is compact and lightweight with a price tag comparable to other rangefinders.

When the “On/Range” button is depressed, two angular velocity sensors detect pitch (up and down movement) and yaw (left and right movement) every 1/1000th of a second, and this data is instantly sent to an onboard microprocessor that, in turn, sends directions to two voice coil motors that move the floating lens system to gyroscopically counter the external movements placed on the unit in real time. The laser remains calibrated with the crosshairs, despite hand shake, so that the user can be assured of an accurate reading.

During testing, a truck parked at an unknown distance down the street was ranged. Just looking through the rangefinder without turning it on, testers could easily see the truck thanks to the 6X glass, but details were difficult to observe due to hand shake. However, as soon as the range

button was depressed, testers could easily read the license plate of the truck, 114 yds. distant. The plate was too blurry to read before due to hand shake, but the VR technology smoothed the hand shake so that it wasn’t jumpy and the words could be read. As such, it would be much easier to judge a buck’s rack or a wind flag from afar. And it even allows ranging an object from a moving vehicle.

Make no mistake, this technology doesn’t make moving objects still or slow them down; rather, it makes it seem as if your hand is suddenly stabilized by a sandbag so that the crosshairs are steady, helping you to center the reticle on small targets, and therefore glean an accurate reading.

Vibration Reduction technology aside, the 7i VR has still proven to be a capable rangefinder. We found it to be accurate to within half a yard at distances closer than 700 yds., and to within one yard at distances between 700 and 1,000 yds. The 6X monocular also features ID technology that automatically compensates for uphill or downhill shots. The 7i VR also has what Nikon calls Tru-Target technology; by holding down the “Mode” button then pressing it twice more to toggle through modes, the user can opt to range a dominant object that is partially obscured, perhaps by short grass.

The unit is shock-proof and easy to grip with its rubber armor. Notably, it’s also waterproof to one meter. We dropped it into a bucket of water, then

3" 6x21 7.5° WATERPROOF MODE

WIDTH: 1.9" WEIGHT: 7.1 OZS. MAGNIFICATION: 6X 21 MM BATTERY: ONE CR2 RANGE: 1,000 YDS. EYE RELIEF: 18 MM ACCESSORIES: OWNER’S MANUAL, WRIST STRAP, CASE MSRP: $399

on grass from eye-level five times, and it still remained operational and accurate. These verification tests made us feel much better about this unit that has a “floating” erector lens and micro-electronics housed within.

Yet, for as advanced as the unit is, it isn’t perfect. An illuminated reticle for use in low-light conditions would be very beneficial, and the lenses are polarized to help observe targets in humid conditions, and are therefore incompatible for use while wearing polarized sunglasses.

Hopefully these issues will be remedied in future models. Regardless, the Nikon Monarch 7i VR’s quality and imagestabilizing technology make it worthy of serious consideration.

Depress the top-mounted “PWR ON” button to activate the 7i VR’s Vibration Reduction technology.

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

JUNE 2018

73

inside nra | ila report

Anti-Gun Bill Claims No Right to Bear Bullets LATEST LEGISLATIVE NEWS FROM INSIDE THE NRA INSTITUTE FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION

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

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I

n late March, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., introduced the Ammunition Background Check Act of 2018. Wasserman Schultz claimed the act would close an “absurd loophole” by “requiring all buyers of ammunition” to undergo the same sort of background checks that currently apply to the purchase of a firearm from a licensed dealer.

The bill would require background checks on both dealer sales and private sales of ammunition that occur at a gun show or are facilitated with an online or print advertisement.

Far from being a “loophole,” however, the absence of a federal ammunition background check reflects the fact that point-of-sale record keeping for ammunition purchases has already been tried, tested and discarded as a failure. The Gun Control Act of 1968 originally required ammunition dealers to be licensed and to record sales, similar to the requirements that still pertain to the sales of firearms by licensed dealers.

In 1982, .22-cal. rimfire ammunition was exempted from the record-keeping requirements, followed in 1986 by the repeal of both the licensing and record-keeping requirements as they pertained to ammunition dealers. An official from the ATF, testifying on the 1986 bill, characterized the proposed repeal as a “positive” development, noting that the then-existing requirements had “no substantial law enforcement value” and that “their elimination would remove an unnecessary record-keeping burden from licensees.”

Needless to say, federally prohibited persons experience little difficulty defeating background check requirements for firearms through straw purchasers, theft, illegal purchases on the secondary market or borrowing firearms from criminal associates. Firearms bear markings and unique serial numbers, however, which at least allow investigators to trace them back to the original retail purchaser to generate leads that might help explain how guns came to be diverted to criminal use.

Requiring similar markings for every round of ammunition sold, however, would be prohibitively expensive. And without such markings, ammunition would be virtually impossible to account for after the first retail sale. This explains why the original record-keeping requirements were considered useless and why re-imposing ammunition controls would be a waste of time.

Simply put, criminals could violate the requirements easily and with impunity.

Meanwhile, law-abiding dealers and purchasers would be saddled with gratuitous paperwork June 2018

and all the problems inherent to the current background check system, including delays, false positives, and the laborious and lengthy process of correcting erroneous or incomplete information. The Act would also effectively ban direct online ammunition sales, the most affordable option for those who use large amounts of ammunition in training and competitive shooting. The bill might also make sharing or borrowing ammunition at a range or on a hunt effectively illegal.

No doubt, the “designed to fail” nature of the scheme would only tee up calls to close further “loopholes,” including calls to encode or serialize every round of ammunition and to impose registries and caps on ammunition purchases. It would also likely re-impose dealer licensing for ammunition sellers, with all the expense that entails.

Ammunition background checks are such a bad idea, in fact, that even the most anti-gun jurisdictions have generally avoided them. One Northeastern state enacted a law to require them, to much fanfare, but then quietly abandoned the effort without ever actually implementing the requirements. Out West, another state is trying to figure out how to implement its own recently enacted law, with absurdities such as mandatory fingerprinting of non-residents seeking to buy ammunition while visiting the state.

Showing ignorance not just of the subject matter of her bill but also of the Bill of Rights, Wasserman Schultz insisted at a press conference, “You do not have the right to bear bullets.” This erroneous assertion is in keeping with a growing antipathy toward the Second Amendment among many members of the party for which she was formerly National Committee chairwoman—39 percent of whom favor the repeal of the amendment. It also aligns Wasserman Schultz with Hillary Clinton, the party’s defeated 2016 presidential nominee, who infamously claimed, “The Supreme Court is wrong on the Second Amendment.” Wasserman Schultz, of course, resigned from her chairwoman post in disgrace when emails made public by Wikileaks showed that she used the Democratic Party apparatus to conspire against Bernie Sanders and in favor of Clinton during the presidential primaries.

Little surprise Wasserman Schultz now seeks redemption among her party peers through the introduction of opportunistic and ill-considered gun control legislation. Her backward-looking bill, however, would only burden legitimate firearm-related commerce while doing nothing to hinder criminals.

american rifleman

IN MEMORY NRA-ILA CONTRIBUTIONS

ILA CONTRIBUTIONS

(The following have contributed $1,000.00 or more to the NRA Institute for Legislative Action: March 1, 2018 – March 31, 2018) Mathew J. Reno, Gillette, WY; Steven Shawley, Scottsville, VA; Mark Irwin, Milford, IA; Benjamin J. Seib, Delray Beach, FL; Kenneth R. Wood, Winston, OR; James Jones, Waycross, GA; Francis M. Bushnell, Waco, TX; Eric Nunes, Wesley Chapel, FL; Michael P. Ricatto, Kew Gardens, NY; Neil H. Joseph, St. Petersburg, FL; Richard M. Beltram, Randolph, NJ; Roger L. Brotman, North Kingstown, RI; Gerald Fabiano, Newton, NJ; L. L. Ellison, Bellevue, WA; Randy Young, Canonsburg, PA; B. R. Engelking, Mountlake Terrace, WA; Richard Allen, La Luz, NM; Ervin A. Baumann, Midland, TX; John G. Wright, Austin, TX; R. E. Janes, Vista, TX; John Kelly, Kingsport, TN; Bruce Busby, Doss, TX; Philip T. Chaplin, Strafford, NH; Vincent E. Rigoni, Napa, CA; David L. Rossi, Jacksonville, FL; Stewart Mungo, Columbia, SC; Mark B. Sorensen, North Platte, NE; Todd L. Johnson, Duluth, MN; Robert A. Dietz, Houston, TX; Terry Duperon, Saginaw, MI; Thomas O. Freeland, Ocean Springs, MS; Wesley R. Bury, Goodland, KS; Frank P. Reidelberger, Palatine, IL; Perry Diloreto, Carson City, NV; Diana K. Huff, Decatur, IL; Albert S. Zambone, Vineland, NJ; Richard Statman, Pittsburgh, PA; James A. Remington, Henrico, VA; Herbert F. Clark, Simpsonville, SC; James Matthews, Sarasota, FL; Stephen P. McCarroll, San Antonio, TX; Susan E. Close, King Ferry, NY; Bill L. Walker, Frisco, TX; Peter G. Walker, Atlanta, GA; Nimish Patel, Toronto, OH; Dirck Tenbroeck, Westville, FL; Carson McCurdy, Jerusalem, OH; John G. Gammon, Allen, TX; Robert E. Renaud, Carlisle, PA; Michael R. Stanley, North Hollywood, CA; Bob Jervis, Blacklick, OH; James Martin, Chambersburg, PA; Scott A. Dickson, Pleasanton, CA; Matthew Wilson, Bell Buckle, TN; William F. Davis, King, NC; Barry C. Holland, La Porte, TX; Stephen Felker, High Shoals, GA; Michael E. Bannister, Bloomfield Hills, MI; Ric Henry, Decatur, GA; William Harvie, Santee, CA; Pete Masterson, Ridgefield, WA; Thomas Harrison, Green Bay, WI; Philip T. Cagle, Houston, TX; E. E. Strickland, Moncks Corner, SC; Adam J. Farquhar, Fort Worth, TX; Jackie Love, Tallahassee, FL; Matthew B. Evans, Winchester, MA; Alexander P. Anagnos, Manchester, NH; Maudi E. Fleming, Fort Worth, TX; Raymond T. Rupel, Centennial, CO; Gary Clinard, Las Vegas, NV; Phillip S. McDuffee, Austin, TX; Mircea Savu, Chalfont, PA; Matt Maxwell, Riverside, CA; Patrick R. Sampson, Aurora, CO; Robin Galloway, North Wilkesboro, NC; Kelly McAlpine, Irvine, CA; Anne T. Draper, Littleton, CO; Rock Island Auction Co., Rock Island, IL; J. A. Curtis, Sun City Center, FL; Gary Magnum, Stevensville, MD; Cold Steel, Inc., Ventura, CA; Alice C. Malcom, Porum, OK; Michigan Sporting Dog Association, Fife Lake, MI; Arthur B. Choate, Coral Gables, FL; James E. Hall, Midland, TX; Brook Morris, Irvine, CA; Mark Loyd, St. Louis, MO; Ira J. Ehrlich, Gainesville, FL; Randy Glasebrook, Albuquerque, NM; Colleen Clark, Milwaukee, WI; Jim Moyer, Hemphill, TX; Carl T. Haley, Franklin, TN; Gateway Rifle & Pistol Club, Jacksonville, FL; I-Five Concepts LLC, Omaha, NE; Monterey and Great Pacific Corporation, Palo Alto, CA; Turner’s Outdoorsman, Cucamonga, CA; D. P. Nobile, Valencia, CA; Robert T. Moore, Fairfax, VA; Gene Welch, Batesville, MS; David Levy, Fort Washington, PA; Patrick A. Masters, San Antonio, TX; J. F. Strohmeyer, Naples, FL; Dale A. Felderhoff, Muenster, TX; George Adamski, Elk River, MN; Susan L. Straub, Prospect, KY; Arkansas Gun & Cartridge Collectors, Carlisle, AR; Bob Garthwait Jr., Waterbury, CT; Horton S. Spitzer, Wilson, WY; James R. Hamilton, Oakton, VA; Andrea Menard, Colfax, WI; Hibbing Rifle & Pistol Club, Hibbing, MN; Wells Rifle & Pistol Club, Wells, MN; Buds Gun Shop, Lexington, KY; Francis M. Bushnell, Waco, TX; Glenn Perry, Midvale, UT; Poo-An Siauw, Northridge, CA; William Scott Jensen, Mayfield, KY; David C. Olds, Bakersfield, CA; Jason M. Feltner, Clarksville, TN; Thomas R. Jokerst, Chesterfield, MO; David S. Shimm, Beckley, WV; Larry Hudgens, Lindale, TX; Jeremy Wahl, Greenbush, MN; R.E. Janes Lago, Vista, TX; Kay Murphey, Fort Worth, TX; R. D. Knight, Almont, MI; G.M. Satterstrum, Crawford, CO; Jon R. Thomas, Odessa, TX; Bob Schjerven, Highland Village, TX; Robert G. Huenemann, Hollister, CA; James H. Wallace, Jackson, TN; Philip H. Fry, Ortonville, MI; B. W. Loughridge, Albuquerque, NM; Charles V. Rossi, San Jose, CA; Bruce Bostick, Sacramento, CA; Donald Corbett, Roseville, CA; William O Barrett, San Antonio, TX; Wayne C. Perelman, West Palm Beach, FL; John R. Herbst, West Falls, NY; Stan Ramey, Albuquerque, NM; Rodney R. Hoffman, Hartford, WI; Wayne Lee, Woodruff, WI; Raymond Buisker, Fitchburg, WI; Walter C. Stonesifer, Hanover, PA; Dowe Tillema, Land O Lakes, WI; Bruce Bydal, Warrington, PA; Robert Sypolt, Venice, FL; Ken A. White, Hygiene, CO; E. Davis, Cotulla, TX; Lanier Frantz, New Castle, VA; James A. Brown, Abingdon, VA; John R. Davis, Akron, KY; Mark R. Livesay, Stafford, TX; Elton L. Wylie, Hamilton, TX; Martha R. Mugge, West Lafayette, IN; Brian J. Maguire, West Linn, OR; Paul A. Vitale, Port St. Lucie, FL; Donald Campbell, Troy, AL; Daryl C. Staehle, Arlington, WA; Frank A. Deganahl, Amelia Island, FL; Jon Leonhardt, Albuquerque, NM; Rick Hermanson, Lake Tapps, WA; Charles D. Kirk, Hampstead, NC; William L. Walker, Kansas, OK; Kenan J. Clougherty, Hartsville, SC; Robert Hugard, Westborough, MA; Bruce Halle, Marana, AZ; Nicholas J. Sutherland, Santa Fe, NM; William F. Jones, Knoxville, TN; Mark Seymour, Cincinnati, OH; Michael D. Lusk, Naples, FL; Steven W. Morse, Ann Arbor, MI; Johnsie F. Daisley, Mentor on the Lake, OH; Paul H. Harrop, Tallulah, LA; Michael W. Goodman, Randolph, NY; John Collum, Greenville, MS; Michael R. Gilpatrick, San Jose, CA; Kaye S. Tipton, Nolensville, TN; J. Jerome Moiso, McArthur, CA; Nat Turbeville, Richmond, VA; Alan Mossberg, Tierra Verde, FL; Martin D. Ellison, Bellevue, WA; Michael L. Minaides, Bridgewater, NJ; Leon Rivkin, Glen Head, NY; Michael Theriot, Port Arkansas, TX; James Shoureas, Boca Raton, FL; Robert P. Young, Canton, OH; Brian E. Emerich, Fallbrook, CA; Dominick Agron, Dingmans Ferry, PA; Frederick Emmott, East Palo Alto, CA; Jesse Montanez, Santa Ana, CA; Maria Kacik, East Palo Alto, CA; John D. Dovydenas, Portland, OR; Douglas Lochmiller, Franklin, NC; Seth Thomas, Little Rock, AR; Brenda A. Dado, Amsterdam, NY; David Smith, Durand, MI; Lawson A. Lard, Highlands, NC; Leland Lasater, Tyler, TX; Netty Chow, Buena Park, CA; William J. Orr, Round Rock, TX; Rod Harbin, Birmingham, AL; Patrick Bennet, Danville, IL; Dennis Klebba, Norton Shores, MI; Kyle Bailey, Tampa, FL; Colleen Murray, Chandler, AZ; Richard W. McEver, Plant City, FL; Milton Grove Sportsmen’s Club, Elizabethtown, PA; Cape Radiology Group, Cape Girardeau, MO. AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

JUNE 2018

Nate Hosie

Photo Courtesy of Nate Hosie

March 1, 2018 – March 31, 2018 Reuben Ledra, Schenectady, NY (from: Judith Ledra); Jesse Pennington, Grayson, KY (from: Mary Jane Pennington); Eddie Hammond (from: Eddie and Verna Schmidt); Dave Koester, Modesto, CA (from: Modesto Rifle Club); Glenn Kaiser, Modesto, CA (from: Modesto Rifle Club); Frank Kuchensky, Modesto, CA (from: Modesto Rifle Club); Robert Mugge, West Lafayette, IN (from: The Mugge Family); Tim Middleton, Dansville, NY (from: Springwater Rod & Gun Club Inc.); Chuck Wood, Bovina, NY (from: Springwater Rod & Gun Club Inc.); David Ronald Carroll (from: Colleen Clark); George McDonald (from: Bonita Iverson); Leonard J. Smythe, Bluffton, IN (from: Dunes Rifle & Pistol Club); Richard W. Lemon, Ennis, MT (from: Mary Ann Lemon); George Alves (from: Warren and Vickie Alves); Page Moss, Huntsville, AL (from: Cliff Farlow); Paul Ruzich, Johnston City, IL (from: Egyptian Rifle & Pistol Club); John Bittle, Marion, IL (from: Egyptian Rifle & Pistol Club); Clifton Rutledge, Marion, IL (from: Egyptian Rifle & Pistol Club); Vernell Pulley, Marion, IL (from: Egyptian Rifle & Pistol Club); Harold E. Galloway, Las Cruces, NM (Beverly Galloway); James Dobstaff, West Seneca, NY (from: Hamburg Rod & Gun Club); Rodney Johnson, San Diego, CA (from: Jean Johnson); Ronald M. Funk, Medina, OH (from: Elizabeth L. Funk); Brooks Cargile, Corpus Christi, TX (from: George Gibbons).

is

N

ate Hosie is a man of many talents.

As a star on Headhunters TV, he can hunt turkey like no other. But he’s just as at home on a stage as he is in a deer stand, as he demonstrated when he performed at the Great American Outdoor Show in February. Hosie personifies what NRA Country is all about: enjoying the great outdoors; supporting our military and being proud of our great nation. He shared the story behind one of his songs, “The Woods,” with NRA Country.

“If there is one thing I have learned in my years of hunting, it is that every hunt is a success, regardless of if you punch a tag. Being in God’s creation—being in the woods—is a success in itself and something I love and truly appreciate. I find inspiration for music all around me in life, but I definitely find it when I’m in nature.

I actually wrote a song from a deer stand that means a lot to me. Simply titled “The Woods,” the song talks about the peace I’ve found in the woods growing up; how the woods is where I took my first buck, my first longbeard, but also the first place I ran to the day I lost my granddad, who taught me to hunt. The chorus goes: The wind going through the trees, the sun shining on the leaves the silence as it screams is deafening to me.

Some folks, they’ll never understand but these trees helped make me a man and brought me peace when nothing else could.

That’s why I love the woods.

I’m excited to be recording the song soon and to share it with my fans and NRA members across our great nation.

Happy hunting everybody!”

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.

For more information visit nracountry.com, follow on Twitter @NRACountry, and NRA_Country on Instagram.

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INSIDE NRA | REGIONAL REPORT CENTRAL 2019 NRA ANNUAL MEETINGS • APRIL 26–28 • INDIANAPOLIS, IN

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

F

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 field representative or send an email to 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—Tim Besancenez

tbesancenez@nrahq.org

WI—Scott Taetsch

staetsch@nrahq.org

TRAINING

Crime Prevention

T

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.

JUNE 2—LAKE VILLA, IL (Seminar)

Steve New (847) 603-1548

kentuckysportsmen.com

Michigan Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.

michrpa.org

Missouri Sport Shooting Ass’n.

missourisportshooting.org

JUNE 9—CLINTON, IN

Nebraska Marksmanship Ass’n.

JUNE 13—VILLA PARK, IL

Wisconsin Firearm Owners, Ranges, Clubs & Educators

JUNE 16—ELMHURST, IL

GUN SHOWS

(Seminar) Jennifer Christman (812) 240-3777 (Seminar) John Rzeszut (630) 336-5003 (Seminar) Patrick Jones (773) 983-1526

JUNE 17—APPLETON, WI

(Seminar) Gail Feher (920) 202-3080

JUNE 19—LAFAYETTE, IN

(Seminar) Leonard Halascsak (765) 423-9388

JUNE 26—ST. LOUIS, MO

(Seminar) Kevin Cummins (636) 207-1900

STATE ASSOCIATIONS

J

oining NRA-affiliated state associations 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

nemarksmanship.org

wisconsinforce.org

D

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.

JUNE 1-2

WAUKESHA, WI

JUNE 1-3

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA

JUNE 1-3

BRIDGETON, MO

JUNE 1-3

INDIANAPOLIS, IN

JUNE 2-3

OZARK, MO

JUNE 2-3

NOVI, MI

JUNE 2-3

ALEXANDRIA, IN

JUNE 8-9

STEVENS POINT, WI

Waukesha County Expo Center, Bob & Rocco’s Gun Shows (608) 752-6677 Hawkeye Downs, Trade Show Productions (888) 552-1486

Machinist’s Hall, Midwest Arms Collectors LLC (660) 956-6004

Indiana State Fairgrounds, World Class Gun Shows (405) 340-1333

Christian County Elks Lodge—Ozark, Elks Lodge #2777 (417) 693-2090

The Suburban Collection Showplace, Sport Shows Promotions (517) 676-4160

Kimber Custom II .45 ACP and Silver Stag Knife with Display Case*

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

The 2018 Friends of NRA Gun of the Year set brings together two perfectly paired pieces in a custom display case designed to showcase the Kimber Custom II “Defending Freedom” 1911 and the Silver Stag 1911 Sidekick Fighter knife with matching stocks and Friends of NRA embellishments.

76

League of Kentucky Sportsmen Inc.

Arnott Lions Community Park, Ray Kangas Productions (715) 372-4654

JUNE 8-10

EVANSVILLE, IN

JUNE 9-10

KANKAKEE, IL

National Guard Armory, Tri-State Gun & Knife Collectors (812) 521-9367 Kankakee County Fairgrounds, The Cloe Group LLC (815) 263-2810

JUNE 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

JUNE 9-10

CROWN POINT, IN

JUNE 29-JULY 1

MASON, MI

CRIVITZ, WI

JUNE 29-JULY 1

COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA

JUNE 16-17

KANSAS CITY, MO

JUNE 30-JULY 1

LEXINGTON, KY

JUNE 16-17

COLUMBUS, IN

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

JUNE 16

Crivitz Village Hall, Netzel-Zenz American Legion (715) 854-2672

KCI Expo Center, R.K. Shows Inc. (563) 927-8176

Bartholomew County Fairgrounds, Straight Shooters Enterprises (812) 498-3833

JUNE 16-17

KOKOMO, IN

JUNE 22-24

PECATONICA, IL

JUNE 22-24

DES MOINES, IA

JUNE 23-24

BELLEVILLE, IL

JUNE 23-24

SPRINGFIELD, MO

JUNE 23-24

GRAND RAPIDS, MI

JUNE 23-24

INDIANAPOLIS, IN

Ivy Tech Conference Center, Central Indiana Gun Shows (765) 855-3836

Winnebago County Fairgrounds, Marv Kraus Promotions (563) 608-4401 Iowa State Fairgrounds, Trade Show Productions (888) 552-1486 Belle-Clair Expo Center, ECA Hunting & Trade Shows (618) 495-2572

Ozark Empire Fairgrounds—E-Plex, R.K. Shows Inc. (563) 927-8176 4 Mile Show Place, Sport Shows Promotions (517) 676-4160

Stout Field National Guard Armory, Tri-State Gun & Knife Collectors (812) 521-9367

JUNE 23-24

LAFAYETTE, IN

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

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

Lexington Center, R.K. Shows Inc. (563) 927-8176

AREA SHOOTS

F

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

Indianapolis, IN Leroy, IL Negaunee, MI Barnhart, MO Borden, IN

SMALLBORE RIFLE

Borden, IN Marshall, MO Waterman, IL

JUNE 9 JUNE 9 JUNE 18 JUNE 29-30 JUNE 30 JUNE 3 JUNE 9-10 JUNE 10

HIGH POWER RIFLE

Marshall, MO Montezuma, IA Harlan, IN Beloit, WI Chillicothe, IL Paducah, KY Alliance, NE Kalamazoo, MI

SILHOUETTE

Paris, MO Louisville, NE Ashland, KY Friendship, IN Alma, MI

JUNE 2 JUNE 3 JUNE 9 JUNE 10 JUNE 16 JUNE 16 JUNE 30 JUNE 30 JUNE 3 JUNE 17 JUNE 22-24 JUNE 23-24 JUNE 24

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

June 2018

77

inside nra | regional report east 2019 NRA ANNUAL MEETINGS • APRIL 26–28 • INDIANAPOLIS, IN

For hotel accommodations at the NRA Annual Meetings, visit nraam.org JUNE 16—ROCKVILLE, MD

F

(Seminar) Ronald David (301) 828-5879

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 field representative or send an email to friends@nrahq.org.

F

East Regional Director—Bryan Hoover

PISTOL

bhoover@nrahq.org

ME, VT, NH—Brian Smith

bsmith@nrahq.org

NJ, MA, RI, CT & Southern NY— Craig Decker

cdecker@nrahq.org

New York—Bruce McGowan

bmcgowan@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

T

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.

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.

Canton, OH Newstead, NY Scarborough, ME Eleanor, WV Manassas, VA Harrisburg, PA Millville, NJ

JUNE 3 JUNE 10 JUNE 17 JUNE 17 JUNE 23-24 JUNE 24 JUNE 30

SMALLBORE RIFLE

Merango, OH Annville, PA Oxford, NJ Millville, NJ

JUNE 3-4 JUNE 7-10 JUNE 9-10 JUNE 24

HIGH POWER RIFLE

Scarborough, ME Bridgeville, DE Shacklefords, VA Chandlersville, OH Winslow, NJ Massena, NY Lexington Park, MD Lyndeborough, NH York, PA

JUNE 3 JUNE 9 JUNE 9 JUNE 10 JUNE 17 JUNE 17 JUNE 23 JUNE 24 JUNE 24

SILHOUETTE

Montpelier, VA Factoryville, PA Owego, NY Bradford, PA Roanoke, VA Holderness, NH Milroy, PA

JUNE 9 JUNE 10 JUNE 12 JUNE 13 JUNE 17 JUNE 23 JUNE 24

LAW ENFORCEMENT

JUNE 18-22—LONDON, OH

(Handgun/Shotgun)

JUNE 18-22—ALLENTOWN, PA

(Tactical Shooting)

JUNE 18-22—UPPER MARLBORO, MD

(Handgun/Shotgun)

JUNE 25-29—OAKDALE, PA

(Tactical Shooting)

JUNE 25-29—VALHALLA, NY

(Select-Fire) Contact Tiffany Cole at tcole@nrahq.org or (703) 267-1626.

TUITION-FREE ARMORER CLASSES**

(Register at: le.nra.org)

JUNE 7—FAIRFAX, VA

(Glock Armorer)

Police Competition

N

RA Police Pistol Combat competition is intended to be used as an extension of an officer’s training.

See PPC Rulebook (Rule 2.4) for eligibility requirements.

JUNE 9—LEBANON, PA (Approved) JUNE 23—FREDERICK, MD (Approved)

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

STATE ASSOCIATIONS

J

oining NRA-affiliated state associations supports NRA’s mission in your state.See stateassociations.nra.org/ for more information.

Connecticut State Rifle & Revolver Ass’n.

csrra.com

Delaware State Sportsmen’s Ass’n.

dssa.us

Maine Rifle & Pistol Ass’n. Inc.

mainerpa.org

Maryland State Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.

msrpa.org

Goal (Massachusetts)

goal.org

JUNE 2—ASHAWAY, RI

P

ublic and private officers interested in becoming firearm instructors should attend one of NRA’s Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor Development Schools.

Gun Owners Of New Hampshire Inc.

JUNE 2—COOPERSBURG, PA

JUNE 4-8—CLARION, PA

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

JUNE 11-15—LEESPORT, PA

Ohio Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.

JUNE 11-15—COATESVILLE, PA

Pennsylvania Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.

(Seminar) Lyd Neugent (401) 377-8184 (Instructor Development Workshop) Harvey Ritter (267) 246-7018

JUNE 9—FURLONG, PA

(Seminar) Robert Morris (215) 598-3534

76

(Patrol Rifle)

(Tactical Shotgun) (Patrol Rifle)

June 2018

american rifleman

gonh.org

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

anjrpc.org

nysrpa.org orpa.net

pennarifleandpistol.org

Rhode Island 2nd Amendment Coalition

ri2nd.org

Vermont Federation Of Sportsmen’s Clubs Inc.

vtfsc.org

Virginia Shooting Sports Ass’n.

myvssa.org

West Virginia State Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.

wvasrpa.org

GUN SHOWS

D

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.

JUNE 2-3

FISHKILL, NY

JUNE 2-3

WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA

JUNE 2-3

WIND GAP, PA

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

Eastern States Exposition, MidHudson Promotions (914) 248-1000 Plainfield Township Volunteer Fire Co., Eagle Arms Productions (610) 393-3047

JUNE 8-10

CHANTILLY, VA*

JUNE 9-10

CLINTON, NY

JUNE 9-10

SHARONVILLE, OH

JUNE 9-10

DALLAS, PA

Dulles Expo Center, Showmasters Gun Shows (540) 951-1344 Clinton Arena, NEACA Inc. (518) 664-9743

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

Luzerne County Fairgrounds, Jaeger Arms Promotions (570) 470-6404

JUNE 9-10

MORGANTOWN, PA

JUNE 9-10

LEESPORT, PA

Morgantown Center, Eagle Arms Productions (610) 393-3047

Leesport Farmers Market, Appalachian Promotions (717) 697-3088

JUNE 15-17

STURBRIDGE, MA

JUNE 16-17

HARRISBURG, PA*

Sturbridge Host Hotel & Conference Center, New England Antique Arms Society (978) 827-6709 Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex, C&E Gun Shows (540) 953-0016

JUNE 17

ALEXANDER, NY

Alexander Fireman’s Recreation Hall, Niagara Frontier Gun Shows (716) 542-9929

JUNE 22-23

WASHINGTON, PA

JUNE 23-24

RUTLAND, VT

JUNE 23-24

YORK, PA

JUNE 23-24

MEDINA, OH

Washington County Fairgrounds, ARH Sport Shop (724) 948-3571

Royce Arena—State of Vermont Fairgrounds, NEACA Inc. (518) 664-9743 York Fairgrounds, Appalachian Promotions (717) 697-3088

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

JUNE 30-JULY 1

ALLENTOWN, PA

JUNE 30-JULY 1

THOMPSON, PA

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

Thompson Volunteer Fire Co., Jaeger Arms Promotions (570) 470-6404

JUNE 30-JULY 1 FREDERICKSBURG, VA

Fredericksburg Expo & Conference Center, Southeastern Guns & Knives (757) 483-5385

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

June 2018

77

inside nra | regional report midwest 2019 NRA ANNUAL MEETINGS • APRIL 26–28 • INDIANAPOLIS, IN

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

F

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, raffles, live and silent auctions and more. Your attendance contributes to grants that promote firearm education, safety and marksmanship. To learn more about events in your area, visit friendsofnra.org, contact your local field representative or send an email to friends@nrahq.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

Northern TX—Kevin Post

kpost@nrahq.org

Eastern TX—Liz Foley

efoley@nrahq.org

Southern TX—Tyler Ward

tward@nrahq.org

Western TX—Jack Cannon

jcannon@nrahq.org

STATE ASSOCIATIONS

J

oining NRA-affiliated state associations 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

76

TRAINING

JUNE 2-3

FORT WORTH, TX

T

JUNE 2-3

TAYLOR, TX

JUNE 2-3

DENVER, CO

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 by visiting nrainstructors.org, by sending an email to refuse@nrahq.org or by calling (800) 861-1166.

JUNE 14—AUGUSTA, KS

(Seminar) Gregory Rupp (316) 651-7877

LAW ENFORCEMENT

P

ublic and private officers interested in becoming firearm instructors should attend one of NRA’s Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor Development Schools.

JUNE 4-8—GARDEN PLAINS, KS

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

Police Competition

N

RA Police Pistol Combat competition is intended to be used as an extension of an officer’s training.

See PPC Rulebook (Rule 2.4) for eligibility requirements.

JUNE 9—ALBUQUERQUE, NM

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

GUN SHOWS

D

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.

JUNE 2-3

BRAZORIA, TX

JUNE 2-3

SAN ANTONIO, TX

JUNE 2-3

BURLESON, TX

West Brazos Columbus Club Hall, Wink Bowling (979) 292-9007 San Antonio Events Center, Saxet Trade Shows (361) 289-2256*

Burleson Event Center, Whipp Farm Productions (817) 929-1816 June 2018

american rifleman

Will Rogers Center, Lone Star Gun Shows (214) 635-2009

Williamson County Expo Center, Real Texas Gun Shows (713) 724-8881 Denver Mart, Tanner Gun Shows (720) 514-0114

JUNE 9-10

WACO, TX

JUNE 9-10

DALLAS, TX

JUNE 9-10

DENTON, TX

JUNE 9-10

PASADENA, TX

JUNE 9-10

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK

JUNE 9-10

LONGMONT, CO

Extraco Events Center, Premier Gun Shows (817) 732-1194 Dallas Market Hall, Dallas Arms Collectors Ass’n. (972) 369-6062*

North Texas State Fair & Rodeo—Fair Building, Whipp Farm Productions (817) 929-1816 Pasadena Convention Center, High Caliber Gun & Knife Show (281) 489-1741*

Crossroads Event Center, Buchanan Event Co. (405) 844-6055 Boulder County Fairgrounds, P.E. Gun Shows (970) 779-0360

JUNE 16-17

TULSA, OK

JUNE 16-17

MESQUITE, TX

JUNE 16-17

CONROE, TX

JUNE 16-17

KINGSLAND, TX

JUNE 16-17

SAN ANTONIO, TX

JUNE 16-17

TYLER, TX

JUNE 23-24

FORT WORTH, TX

Tulsa Fairgrounds, Oklahoma Gun Shows (918) 955-1092

Big Town Event Center— Exhibition Hall, Premier Gun Shows (817) 732-1194 Lone Star Convention Center, High Caliber Gun & Knife Show (281) 489-1741*

Kingsland Community Center, Wild Weasel Productions (830) 992-5291

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

Harvey Hall Convention Center, Lone Star Gun Shows (214) 635-2009 Will Rogers Center—Amon Carter Exhibit Hall, Premier Gun Shows (817) 732-1194

JUNE 23-24

GATESVILLE, TX

JUNE 23-24

CHICKASHA, OK

Gatesville Civic Center, Whipp Farm Productions (817) 929-1816 Grady County Fairgrounds, Heartland Militaria Show LLC heartlandmilitariashow@gmail.com

JUNE 23-24

NACOGDOCHES, TX

Nacogdoches County Exposition Center, G&S Promotions (918) 659-2201

JUNE 23-24

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK

JUNE 23-24

BENTON, AR

Oklahoma State Fair Park— Expo Hall #2, Oklahoma City Gun Show Inc. (800) 333-4867

Benton Event Center, Kerry Murphy Promotions (501) 580-3737

JUNE 30-JULY 1

LEWISVILLE, TX

JUNE 30-JULY 1

PASADENA, TX

Premier Event Center—Lakeland Plaza, Premier Gun Shows (817) 732-1194

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

JUNE 30-JULY 1

AZLE, TX

JUNE 30-JULY 1

BELTON, TX

JUNE 30-JULY 1

BUCHANAN DAM, TX

404 Main Place, Whipp Farm Productions (817) 929-1816

Bell County Expo Center, Real Texas Gun Shows (713) 724-8881 Hill Country Hall, Wild Weasel Productions (830) 992-5291

JUNE 30-JULY 1

HOUSTON, TX

JUNE 30-JULY 1

SPRINGDALE, AR

George R. Brown Convention Center, High Caliber Gun & Knife Show (281) 489-1741 Encore Event Center, R.K. Shows Inc. (563) 927-8176

JUNE 30-JULY 1

LOVELAND, CO

Outlets at Loveland, P.E. Gun Shows (970) 779-0360

AREA SHOOTS

F

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 Whitewater, KS Midland, TX Houston, TX Byers, CO

SMALLBORE RIFLE

China Spring, TX Houston, TX Pine Bluff, AR Whitewater, KS Amarillo, TX

HIGH POWER RIFLE

Hotchkiss, CO Rosharon, TX Donna, TX Brazoria, TX Arcadia, OK Capitan, NM Van Buren, AR Hutchinson, KS

SILHOUETTE

Clay Center, KS Byers, CO Albuquerque, NM Columbus, TX New Braunfels, TX Sand Springs, OK Miller, KS Bryant, AR

JUNE 10 JUNE 23 JUNE 23 JUNE 24 JUNE 30 JUNE 2 JUNE 2 JUNE 9 JUNE 9 JUNE 9-10 JUNE 9 JUNE 10 JUNE 10 JUNE 16 JUNE 22 JUNE 22-24 JUNE 23 JUNE 30 JUNE 3 JUNE 3 JUNE 3 JUNE 9 JUNE 10 JUNE 16 JUNE 16-17 JUNE 23

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

June 2018

77

inside nra | regional report south 2019 NRA ANNUAL MEETINGS • APRIL 26–28 • INDIANAPOLIS, IN

For hotel accommodations at the NRA Annual Meetings, visit nraam.org JUNE 25-29—COLUMBUS, MS

Florida Sport Shooting Ass’n.

JUNE 25-29—JASPER, AL

Georgia Sport Shooting Ass’n.

JUNE 25-29—SHREVEPORT, LA

Louisiana Shooting Ass’n.

JUNE 25-29—LITHIA, FL

Mississippi Gun Owners Ass’n.

(Tactical Shooting)

F

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 field representative or send an email to friends@nrahq.org.

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

LAW ENFORCEMENT

P

ublic and private officers interested in becoming firearm instructors should attend one of NRA’s Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor Development Schools.

JUNE 4-8—OZARK, AL

(Patrol Rifle)

JUNE 4-8—PEARL, MS

(Handgun/Shotgun)

JUNE 11-15—TUSCALOOSA, AL

(Tactical Shooting)

JUNE 11-15—FLORENCE, AL

(Handgun/Shotgun)

JUNE 11-15—HOLLY SPRINGS, MS

(Patrol Rifle)

JUNE 18-22—TUSCALOOSA, AL

(Patrol Rifle)

JUNE 18-22—PASS CHRISTIAN, MS

(Handgun/Shotgun)

76

(Handgun/Shotgun) (Handgun/Shotgun)

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

Police Competition

N

RA Police Pistol Combat competition is intended to be used as an extension of an officer’s training.

See PPC Rulebook (Rule 2.4) for eligibility requirements.

JUNE 9—LEXINGTON, SC (Approved) JUNE 16—MONCKS CORNER, SC

(Approved)

JUNE 23—COLUMBIA, SC (Approved) JUNE 23—MEMPHIS, TN (Approved)

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

TRAINING

Crime Prevention

T

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.

JUNE 11—BUFORD, GA

(Seminar) John Bain (678) 283-2504

JUNE 11—BUFORD, GA

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

JUNE 23—WHITE, GA

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

STATE ASSOCIATIONS

J

oining NRA-affiliated state associations supports NRA’s mission in your state.See stateassociations.nra.org/ for more information.

Alabama Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.

jmoses1936@gmail.com June 2018

american rifleman

fssaf.wildapricot.org gssainc.org

louisianashooting.com 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

AREA SHOOTS

F

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

Lakeland, TN South Congaree, SC Dawsonville, GA Arden, NC Brooksville, FL

SMALLBORE RIFLE

Orlando, FL Cusseta, GA Florence, MS Glen, MS Ridgeville, SC Brunswick, TN Pinson, AL

HIGH POWER RIFLE

Hope Mills, NC Covington, GA Pinson, AL Ridgeville, SC Lakeland, TN Brooksville, FL Gonzales, LA

SILHOUETTE

Hoover, AL Quitman, LA Pascagoula, MS Rutherfordton, NC Gaston, SC BRUNSWICK, GA Jackson, TN Hiawassee, GA Jacksonville, FL

JUNE 2 JUNE 16 JUNE 17 JUNE 23 JUNE 24 JUNE 2 JUNE 3 JUNE 9 JUNE 9 JUNE 16 JUNE 16 JUNE 23 JUNE 2 JUNE 2 JUNE 9 JUNE 9 JUNE 10 JUNE 16 JUNE 24 JUNE 2 JUNE 2 JUNE 9 JUNE 16 JUNE 16 JUNE 16 JUNE 17 JUNE 23 JUNE 23

GUN SHOWS

D

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.

JUNE 9-10

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA

JUNE 9-10

COLUMBIA, SC

Gwinnett County Fairgrounds, R.K. Shows Inc. (563) 927-8176

South Carolina State Fairgrounds, Mike Kent Shows (770) 630-7296

JUNE 16-17

FORT PIERCE, FL

JUNE 23-24

MONTGOMERY, AL

JUNE 23-24

DELAND, FL*

JUNE 23-24

PENSACOLA, FL

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

JUNE 2-3

STUART, FL

JUNE 2-3

TAMPA, FL

JUNE 2-3

LAFAYETTE, LA

JUNE 2-3

FAYETTEVILLE, NC

JUNE 23-24

PERRY, GA

JUNE 2-3

LADSON, SC

JUNE 23-24

KENNER, LA

JUNE 2-3

KNOXVILLE, TN

JUNE 23-24

HICKORY, NC

Martin County Fairgrounds, Great American Promotions (865) 453-0074 Florida State Fairgrounds, Florida Gun Shows (407) 410-6870

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

Crown Expo Center, C&E Gun Shows (540) 953-0016 Exchange Park Fairgrounds, Mike Kent Shows (770) 630-7296

Chilhowee Park & Exposition Center, R.K. Shows Inc. (563) 927-8176

Alcazar Shrine Center, Collectors & Shooters Co. (334) 322-8818 Volusia County Fairgrounds, Sport Show Specialists (321) 777-7455 Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds, North Florida Gun & Knife Shows (407) 275-7233

Georgia National Fairgrounds, Eastman Gun Shows (229) 423-4867

Pontchartrain Center, Great Southern Gun & Knife Shows (865) 671-4757 Hickory Metro Convention Center, C&E Gun Shows (540) 953-0016

JUNE 30-JULY 1

BIRMINGHAM, AL

JUNE 9-10

FORT WALTON BEACH, FL

JUNE 9-10

FORT MYERS, FL

JUNE 9-10

LAKE WORTH, FL

JUNE 30-JULY 1

BOSSIER CITY, LA

JUNE 9-10

MELBOURNE, FL*

JUNE 30-JULY 1

RALEIGH, NC

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

Lee Civic Center, Florida Gun Shows (407) 410-6870 Scottish Rite Masonic Center, Gun Show Team (561) 288-8425

Melbourne Auditorium, Sport Show Specialists (321) 777-7455

Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex, Great Southern Gun & Knife Shows (865) 671-4757

JUNE 30-JULY 1 FORT LAUDERDALE, FL

War Memorial Auditorium, Florida Gun Shows (407) 410-6870

Civic Center, Classic Arms Productions (985) 624-8577 North Carolina State Fairgrounds, 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

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

June 2018

77

INSIDE NRA | REGIONAL REPORT SOUTHWEST 2019 NRA ANNUAL MEETINGS • APRIL 26–28 • INDIANAPOLIS, IN

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

AREA SHOOTS

F

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.

F

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, raffles, live and silent auctions and more. Your attendance contributes to grants that promote firearm education, safety and marksmanship. To learn more about events in your area, visit friendsofnra.org, contact your local field representative or send an email to friends@nrahq.org.

Southwest Regional Director— Jason Quick

jquick@nrahq.org

AZ—Winston Pendleton

wpendleton@nrahq.org

Central CA—Paul Rodarmel

prodarmel@nrahq.org

Eastern CA—Cole Beverly

cbeverly@nrahq.org

Mid CA—Sheila Boer

sboer@nrahq.org

Northern CA—Dan Wilhelm

dwilhelm@nrahq.org

Southern CA—Mike Davis

mdavis@nrahq.org

NV—Steve Wilson

swilson@nrahq.org

UT—Jim Reardon

jreardon@nrahq.org

PISTOL

Sloughhouse, CA Redwood City, CA

JUNE 3 JUNE 17

SMALLBORE RIFLE

South El Monte, CA

JUNE 2-3

HIGH POWER RIFLE

TRAINING

Crime Prevention

T

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.

JUNE 9—PARADISE, CA

(Seminar) Ricky Gabler (530) 518-9881

JUNE 16—REDLANDS, CA

(Seminar) O Zeller Robertson (909) 609-4515

JUNE 29—PALMER, AK

(Instructor Development Workshop) Michael Abramovich (623) 628-2169

JUNE 30—BLACK CANYON CITY, AZ

(Seminar) Patrick Clevenger (602) 705-2839

Carson City, NV Clovis, CA Nevada City, CA Bakersfield, CA Wendover, UT

JUNE 2 JUNE 10 JUNE 23 JUNE 23 JUNE 23-24

SILHOUETTE

Tucson, AZ Cupertino, CA Mesa, AZ San Fernando, CA Phoenix, AZ Lakeport, CA

JUNE 2 JUNE 9 JUNE 17 JUNE 17 JUNE 23 JUNE 23

STATE ASSOCIATIONS

J

oining NRA-affiliated state associations supports NRA’s mission in your state.See stateassociations.nra.org/ for more information.

Arizona State Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.

asrpa.com

California Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.

crpa.org

Nevada Firearms Coalition

nvfac.org

Utah State Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.

usrpa.org

GUN SHOWS

Kimber Custom II .45 ACP and Silver Stag Knife with Display Case*

D

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.

The 2018 Friends of NRA Gun of the Year set brings together two perfectly paired pieces in a custom display case designed to showcase the Kimber Custom II “Defending Freedom” 1911 and the Silver Stag 1911 Sidekick Fighter knife with matching stocks and Friends of NRA embellishments.

76

*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.

JUNE 2-3

SHOWLOW, AZ

Showlow City Campus Gym, Arizona Collectibles & Firearms (928) 310-8544

JUNE 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

JUNE 2-3

COSTA MESA, CA

JUNE 2-3

LAS VEGAS, NV

JUNE 2-3

Orange County Fair & Event Center, Crossroads of the West Guns Shows (801) 544-9125*

JUNE 9-10

NEVADA CITY, CA

Nevada City Elks Lodge, Chico Gun Show (530) 521-5296

JUNE 16-17

TUCSON, AZ

SANDY, UT

JUNE 16-17

FRESNO, CA

JUNE 9-10

DALY CITY, CA

JUNE 23-24

MESA, AZ

JUNE 9-10

LAS VEGAS, NV

Orleans Hotel & Casino, Western Trails Gun & Knife Shows (702) 222-1948 South Towne Expo Center, Rocky Mountain Gun Shows (801) 589-0975 The Cow Palace, Crossroads of the West Gun Shows (801) 544-9125 Las Vegas Convention Center, Midwest Arms Collectors LLC (660) 956-6004

Tucson Expo, AZ Gun Radio (650) 520-6002

Fresno County Fairgrounds, Central Coast Gun Shows (805) 481-6726

Mesa Convention Center, Crossroads of the West Gun Shows (801) 544-9125

JUNE 30-JULY 1

FLAGSTAFF, AZ

Fort Tuthill County Fairgrounds, Arizona Collectibles & Firearms (928) 310-8544

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

June 2018

77

INSIDE NRA | REGIONAL REPORT WEST 2019 NRA ANNUAL MEETINGS • APRIL 26–28 • INDIANAPOLIS, IN

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

STATE ASSOCIATIONS

F

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, raffles, live and silent auctions and more. Your attendance contributes to grants that promote firearm education, safety and marksmanship. To learn more about events in your area, visit friendsofnra.org, contact your local field representative or send an email to friends@nrahq.org.

West Regional Director—Brad Kruger

bkruger@nrahq.org

Northern AK—Josh Toennessen

jtoennessen@nrahq.org

Southern AK—Greg Stephens

gstephens@nrahq.org

ID—Steve Vreeland

svreeland@nrahq.org

J

oining NRA-affiliated state associations supports NRA’s mission in your state.See stateassociations.nra.org/ for more information.

Alaska Outdoor Council Inc.

alaskaoutdoorcouncil.org

Hawaii Rifle Ass’n.

hawaiirifleassociation.org

Idaho State Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.

idahosrpa.org

Minnesota Rifle & Revolver Ass’n. Inc.

mrra.org

Montana Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.

mtrpa.org

North Dakota Shooting Sports Ass’n.

ndssa.org

Oregon State Shooting Ass’n.

ossa.org

South Dakota Shooting Sports Ass’n.

sdshootingsports.org

MN—Eric Linder

Washington State Rifle & Pistol Ass’n. Inc.

MT—Joe Crismore

Wyoming State Shooting Ass’n. Inc.

ND, SD—Doug DeLaRoi

LAW ENFORCEMENT

elinder@nrahq.org jcrismore@nrahq.org ddelaroi@nrahq.org

OR, HI—Mike Carey

mcarey@nrahq.org

WA—Michael Herrera

mherrera@nrahq.org

WY—Logan Duff

lduff@nrahq.org

wsrpa.org

wyossa.com

P

ublic and private officers interested in becoming firearm instructors should attend one of NRA’s Law Enforcement Firearms Instructor Development Schools, designed to enhance the instructors’ firearm knowledge and handling skills, as well as prepare them to develop

JUNE 25-29—HAMILTON, MT

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

AREA SHOOTS

F

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

University Place, WA Honolulu, HI Sherwood, OR Great Falls, MT Bismarck, ND Palmer, AK Lake Elmo, MN

SMALLBORE RIFLE

Grand Forks, ND

HIGH POWER RIFLE

Rawlins, WY Red Wing, MN Butte, MT Bothell, WA Okanogan, WA Rexburg, ID

Kimber Custom II .45 ACP and Silver Stag Knife with Display Case* The 2018 Friends of NRA Gun of the Year set brings together two perfectly paired pieces in a custom display case designed to showcase the Kimber Custom II “Defending Freedom” 1911 and the Silver Stag 1911 Sidekick Fighter knife with matching stocks and Friends of NRA embellishments.

76

effective training programs, instruct in a professional manner, and conduct practical training exercises. Restricted to law enforcement officers only.

SILHOUETTE

Soda Springs, ID Sherwood, OR Lander, WY Trail City, SD Butte, MT Pe Ell, WA Lewiston, ID Moffit, ND

JUNE 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

JUNE 9-10 JUNE 10 JUNE 16 JUNE 16-17 JUNE 17 JUNE 23 JUNE 23 JUNE 2-3 JUNE 9 JUNE 9-10 JUNE 10 JUNE 10 JUNE 16 JUNE 30 JUNE 2 JUNE 2 JUNE 10 JUNE 17-18 JUNE 21-22 JUNE 23 JUNE 23 JUNE 23

GUN SHOWS

JUNE 15-17

LUSK, WY

JUNE 16-17

PORTLAND, OR

JUNE 16-17

CENTRALIA, WA

HELENA, MT

JUNE 16-17

BRAINERD, MN

CARSON, WA

JUNE 22-24

ROCK SPRINGS, WY

JUNE 2-3

NAMPA, ID

JUNE 23-24

POST FALLS, ID

JUNE 2-3

GRANTS PASS, OR

JUNE 23-24

MCMINNVILLE, OR

JUNE 2-3

REDMOND, OR

JUNE 23-24

PUYALLUP, WA

JUNE 8-10

CHEYENNE, WY

JUNE 23-24

DULUTH, MN

JUNE 23-24

YAKIMA, WA

D

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.

JUNE 1-3

Lewis & Clark County Fairgrounds, Sports Connection (406) 633-2206

JUNE 2

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

Ford Idaho Center, Lewis Clark Trader (208) 746-5555 Josephine County Fairgrounds, Collectors West (800) 659-3440

Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center, Wes Knodel Gun Shows (503) 363-9564 Laramie County Fairgrounds, Wyoming Sportsmans Gun Shows (307) 760-1841

Niobrara County Fairgrounds, Wyoming Sportsmans Gun Shows (307) 760-1841

Portland Metropolitan Exposition Center, Collectors West (800) 659-3440

SouthWest Washington Fairgrounds, Wes Knodel Gun Shows (503) 363-9564 Brainerd National Guard Armory, Russ Bowers Gun Shows (218) 845-2530 Sweetwater County Events Complex, Up In Arms Gun Shows (208) 420-2295 Greyhound Park & Event Center, Lewis Clark Trader (208) 746-5555 Yamhill County Fairgrounds, Collectors West (800) 659-3440

Western Washington Fairgrounds, Washington Arms Collectors (425) 255-8410

Duluth Entertainment Convention Center, Greysolon Arms (218) 724-8387

JUNE 8-10

BIG TIMBER, MT

JUNE 9-10

PARK RAPIDS, MN

JUNE 9-10

SPOKANE, WA

JUNE 29-JULY 1

JACKSON HOLE, WY

TWIN BRIDGES, MT

JUNE 30-JULY 1

CANBY, OR

Civic Center, Weapons Collectors Society of Montana (406) 932-5969

Hubbard County Fairgrounds, Osage Sportsman’s Club (218) 255-4259 Spokane County Fair & Expo, Wes Knodel Gun Shows (503) 363-9564

JUNE 15-17

Madison County Fairgrounds, Up In Arms Gun Shows (208) 420-2295

Yakima Convention Center, Big Top Promotions (425) 422-5114

JUNE 24

PORTLAND, OR

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

The Virginian Lodge, Wyoming Sportsmans Gun Shows (307) 760-1841 Clackamas County Fairgrounds, Collectors West (800) 659-3440

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

June 2018

77

Y.E.S. 2018 Boasts Some Distinctions

I

n the spirit of working to preserve our Second Amendment right and other uniquely American freedoms for future generations, the NRA has long recognized the importance of introducing teens to the values we hold dear. One of the more visible ways that the Association has done that is through its Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.) program, a summer outreach effort for high school students.

As the NRA prepares for the 22nd summer of the program, it’s worth noting that this year will include a couple of firsts. One is that the program finally has a Rhode Islander as a participant.

The more noticeable is that it has been expanded to two one-week sessions, so 93 students—almost twice as many as in past years—can be served.

“This program has always been a

home run for the NRA, as we introduce some of the finest young adults across the country to some of the principles we fight for,” said Joseph P. DeBergalis Jr., deputy executive director of the NRA’s General Operations Division and a vocal advocate of expanding the program.

“It’s such an invigorating experience when you see these young adults—the future leaders in our country—come together to experience so many of the things that make America great.”

The week includes field trips to the Marine Corps Base at Quantico and Washington, D.C., where they get to witness the foundations of the republic in action, whether by visiting the halls of Congress, by learning the story behind the Constitution and Bill of Rights, or by taking in the monuments, museums and war memorials.

And, of course, they will get to spend time on the range and getting information so they can gain a better understanding of why we place so high an importance on our right to keep and bear arms. The goal is to groom them to be solid NRA ambassadors, DeBergalis said, with the key point being that we need future generations of Americans who will be able to conduct educated, responsible debates about such topics as preserving our freedom.

This year’s participants boast an average GPA of 3.7, with most of them taking advanced or college-level courses, and many excel in their communities as well as the classroom. The teens will visit the D.C. area in July, and soon thereafter, applications will be open for next year’s class. For more information, visit yes.nra.org.

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; 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; 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.

78

JUNE 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

Photo by NRA Staff

INSIDE NRA | PROGRAMS & SERVICES

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SMITH & WESSON continued from p. 59

like a football at its front end, the splined polymer recoil spring guide rod contains the captive recoil spring and the recess for it at the slide’s front has a corresponding shape.

There is not a single chassis inside the EZ, but rather separate sub-assemblies for the fire-control unit and locking block linked by the trigger bar. Slide travel is guided by 0.65" long steel guides on either side of the locking block and by a pair of 0.50" guides at the rear.

Speaking of easy, the slide lock is not under a great deal of spring tension, either, so it’s fairly easy to depress, and even those with small hands should not have to break their grip in order to depress it. For lefties, I’m sad to report that it is not bilateral. That said, the magazine release is reversible, and detailed instructions can be found in the manual.

You can have your EZ with or without a manual safety.

The bilateral manual safety version tested for this article had levers on both sides that prevented the sear from being released by the disconnector. Too, the safety levers were very easy to press both up and down, again, one of the design concepts for the gun. The gun is 1.45" wide with the levers or 1.14" wide without them. Some of our shooters, though, found that, if they gripped the frame with a proper high grip, the firing-hand thumb would engage the safety under recoil. Obviously, this could be very frustrating. The solution, if you want the belt-and suspenders piece of mind provided by a manual safety, is to put the thumb overtop its fairly wide, grooved paddle. Ride it like an extended M1911 safety, just as Col. Cooper taught us. Also, Smith has increased the tension on the safety since our sample arrived to reduce unintended activation. Owners of guns made before April 4 are eligible for a voluntary, no-cost upgrade.

The magazine borrows some design aspects from rimfire handgun magazines. It is a steel, eight-round-capacity, singlecolumn detachable box, but to make loading easier (are you starting to see a theme here?) there are tabs on both the left and right sides (the left protrudes a little farther) that allow the orange plastic follower to be easily pulled down.

When it comes to fieldstripping, again, the EZ lives up to its moniker. Remove the magazine, retract the slide to make sure the chamber is empty, engage the slide lock, turn down the takedown lever on the frame’s left, then let the slide go forward. You don’t need to pull the trigger. Simply turn the slide upside down and remove the recoil spring and guide rod, then the barrel. Reassembly is a snap, too.

The metal-injection-molded rear sight is dovetailed into the slide, and it has two dots on its rear face. To adjust it for windage, retract the slide then loosen the set screw in the bottom, allowing the rear sight to be moved in either direction. Then simply tighten the screw, and you are in business. The front sight also has a white dot, and it has a retaining screw on the underside of the slide as well; it is replaceable but not adjustable.

Throughout this gun, Smith & Wesson designers intended to address every major concern that those without a lot of upper body strength have when it comes to manipulating a pistol. I’m not sure who gets the gold star for the name EZ but, indeed, this gun is easy to use.

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JUNE 2018

Last year, American Rifleman’s Ladies Pistol Project (September 2017, p. 72) determined that many women would really prefer to use a semi-automatic pistol rather than a revolver. For many women, this pistol might reinforce that sentiment by further facilitating slide manipulation and encouraging confidence while handling. Had the EZ been available then, I think it would have placed highly on the ladies’ list.

Remember, this gun is engineered to a specific set of design parameters. As with any defensive or carry gun, potential owners need to make sure the ammunition they intend to use works reliably in their particular gun. In the gun’s first 200 rounds of function firing, there were four stovepipes with Inceptor 56-gr. ARX and two instances of the SIG Sauer V-Crown failing to feed. There was one failure to feed, a stovepipe, the last live round in a magazine, with 95-gr. American Eagle FMJ. After cleaning and lubrication with Lucas Extreme Duty Gun Oil, there were no further failures through more than 400 rounds of additional testing. In short, after breaking in, the EZ ran like a sewing machine, digesting everything— including the same loads in the same magazine as noted above. Accuracy results are tabulated on p. 47.

In the hand, the gun barely moved, making it especially desirable for those who are recoil-sensitive. Frankly, it felt more like a .22 WMR or .32 ACP than a .380 ACP. An NRA member I spoke to last year carries a .22 WMR S&W revolver because she could not comfortably shoot small .380s without hitting the threshold of her recoil sensitivity. This pistol, especially when combined with Inceptor’s soft-shooting ARX load, might allow her to comfortably carry a more effective defensive chambering.

Quite a few ladies in our department are very interested in the EZ. As is one older gentleman from the second floor struggling with arthritis. Smith & Wesson is really on to something here. Instead of designing a gun specifically around the prevailing winds—smaller size and more power—Smith made the choice to offer a gun that your typical experienced pistolero might not consider. Remember that burly gunwriter? He’s not buying one for himself—but he is buying one for his mom—as am I. The disconnector (arrow) links the trigger bar and the sear. When depressed, the grip safety lifts the disconnector up, allowing movement of the trigger bar to release the sear and drop the hammer.

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By 1917, the M1914 Hotchkiss machine gun had become the standard French heavy machine gun. American troops arrived as Hotchkiss production was in full swing, and the AEF acquired more than 5,200 M1914s before the end of the war. The air-cooled M1914 was unique in an era dominated by watercooled machine guns, such as the Maxim, Vickers and Schwarzlose. The gas-operated Hotchkiss fires from an open bolt, and its barrel is particularly heavy. The distinctive donut-shaped cooling rings on the barrel were noted to be particularly effective in dissipating heat.

The Hotchkiss was a relatively simple design, reliable and easy to manage. Without the tripod, the gun itself had only 32 parts—and has no screws or pins. The barrel was relatively easy to change when overheated. Reliability comes at a price, though, and with the Hotchkiss that price was its weight.

The gun and its tripod totaled 111 lbs.

All told, Doughboy complaints about the Hotchkiss machine gun were few.

The “Omnibus” tripod was deemed too heavy and much too tall. American units often modified their Hotchkiss tripods to lower them. The other big complaint focused on the ammunition feed-strip system. The loading strips came in either 24- or 30-round configurations,

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The Hotchkiss M1914 was normally used with 24- or 30-round feed strips. The gun’s maximum cyclic rate was approximately 450 rounds per minute.

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and while they were simple enough to load, the system inhibited extended firing. During 1918, a 250-round, “semiarticulated” metal ammunition belt was introduced. These were predominately used with Hotchkiss guns mounted in French tanks (which were used by the Tank Corps of the AEF), or in anti-aircraft units using the Hotchkiss.

The unit history of the 101st Machine Gun Btn.—part of the 26th Yankee Division—provided some interesting details on their use of the Hotchkiss M1914 guns:

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Ordnance equipment: machine Gun: French hotchkiss Model 1914 caliber: 8 MM WeiGht Of equipment: Machine gun - 53 lbs. tripod Mount - 58 lbs. aMMunition case, loaded with 12 strips (288 cartridges) - 28 lbs. number Of rOunds machine Gun ammunitiOn fired by the battaliOn: 1,112,228 number Of machine Guns replaced: 52 number Of Guns hit in actiOn: 7 number Of barrels replaced because Of Wear: 8

Looking at wartime reports and unit histories, the Hotchkiss machine gun is rarely mentioned. Ultimately, this is a sign of the gun’s great reliability. It was always there, ready for action, and the Doughboys trusted it.

As much as we like to celebrate John Moses Browning’s genius design—the U.S. Model of 1917 machine gun—the water-cooled, recoil-operated Browning gun spent little time in combat during World War I. The French Hotchkiss was the primary heavy machine gun employed, and the Doughboys put it to good use in some very bad situations.

Laurence Stallings’ book The Doughboys (Harper & Row 1963) provides a look at the grit and courage of the American troops, and their quickly acquired skills with machine guns. In his chapter on the “Lost Battalion”— nine companies of the 77th Division in the Argonne Forest, October 1918— Stallings describes how the German commanding officer sent a captured American corporal back to his unit with a note requesting that Maj. Charles Whittlesey surrender the battalion.

“Wrote the German: ‘[It] would be quite useless to resist anymore, in view of present conditions. The suffering of your wounded men can be heard over here in the German lines, and we are appealing to your humane sentiments to stop.’”

“Whittlesey sent no reply to the note, but the grapevine carried news of it along the foxholes of the bench road above the little brook feeding the Aisnes, and a chorus began when a wounded man rose on one elbow and shouted down the valley, ‘You Heinie bastards, come and get us!’

It was the German commander’s first news of the unknown Doughboy commander’s reaction. Scores joined in, and wounded trees on the torn slope soon rocked with obscenities.

“The German’s humane sentiments now changed. He attacked with flame throwers on the right flank where there was one remaining Hotchkiss gunner, who fired pointblank on the assault teams, kindling the Flamenwerfer men into human torches.

“Forty years afterward, Walter Baldwin, who was a corporal on the bench road that day, could recall the figure of his captain, Holderman, where he stood erect using a pair of rifles as crutches, giving the gunner cover fire with his Colt .45. The captain, suffering from his previous four wounds, the stick of a potato-masher grenade still in his back, got his fifth wound about the time he got his fifth German.”

After the war, the Hotchkiss machine guns were not retained.

American troops were equipped with the Browning Model of 1917. As the M1914 was let go, so too went many of the memories of its service in American hands.

American boys had seen Paris. They had also seen the trenches, the Marne, Château-Thierry, the Meuse and the Argonne. They had met the Kaiser’s men, and fought them with American rifles and pistols, and a reliable French heavy machine gun called the Hotchkiss. They had come to Europe and fought the good fight in the Great War. They were forever changed, and America along with them. americanrifleman.org

June 2018

83

washington’s pistols continued from p. 55

of importance, describing the American war effort and encouraging them to aid the Continental Army. The French press printed his stories, helping sway public opinion toward the American war cause. Although others influenced the French court, Lafayette’s efforts were essential to garnering political and military support to the American Revolutionary cause, without which American victory would not have been realized.

Perhaps the depth of friendship between Washington and Lafayette can be appreciated in the letters they exchanged as Lafayette was getting ready to leave for France after the war had ended.

Washington wrote, “I owe it to your friendship and to my affectionate regard for you, my dear Marquis, not to let you leave this country without carrying with you fresh marks of my attachment to you and new expressions of the high sense I entertain of your military conduct and other important services in the course of the campaign.”

Lafayette responded, “Adieu my dear General. I know your heart so well that I am sure that no distance can alter your attachment to me. With the same candor, I assure that my love, respect, my gratitude for you are above expression. That at the moment of leaving you I felt more than ever the strength of those friendly ties that forever bind me to you … .”

At the conclusion of Lafayette’s American tour, in 1825, a huge silent crowd gathered at the White House to say goodbye to the marquis. The newly elected president, John Quincy Adams, (son of Founding Father and second president John Adams) addressed Lafayette: “We look upon you always as belonging to us, during the whole of our life, [and] as belonging to our children after us. You are ours by more than [the] patriotic self-devotion with which you flew to the aid of our fathers at the crisis of our fate; ours by that unshaken gratitude for your service which is a precious portion of our inheritance; ours by that tie of love, stronger than death, which has linked your name for endless ages of time with the name of Washington … . Speaking in the name of the whole people of the United States, and at a loss only for language to give utterance to that feeling of attachment with which the heart of the nation beats as the heart of one man, I bid you a reluctant and affectionate farewell.”

After Lafayette composed himself, he simply replied, “God bless you, sir; and all who surround you. God bless the American people, each of their states and the federal government. Accept this patriotic farewell of a heart that will overflow with gratitude until the moment it ceases to beat.”

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84

June 2018

american rifleman

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The rifle’s tang-mounted, three-position safety allows the gun to be fired when fully forward, locks the trigger but allows the bolt to cycle when in the middle position and secures both the bolt and the trigger when held to the rear.

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FRENCH YEAR XIII CAVALRY PISTOL Gun: Pistolet de cavalerie modelé an Xiii Manufacturer: Maubeuge arsenal caliber: .67 (17 MM) Manufactured: 1813 condition: nra Very good (antique gun standards) Value: $1,000

N

ot content with doing away with a monarchy, establishing a republic, instituting the “Reign of Terror” and making “guillotine” a household word, the French Revolutionary government, in an effort to sweep away religious and royalist connotations, decided that a complete revamping of the calendar was also in order.

Months, consisting of three weeks of 10 days each, were given pastoral names based on items in nature (as were the days of the week), and the old Gregorian dates were jettisoned in favor of a new system whereby, from Sept. 22, 1792, years were to be started all over again at 1. This system persisted until Jan. 1, 1806, when, for political reasons, Napoleon I reinstated the old system as his empire had now replaced the Republic.

Still, many things named before the change retained their original designations, including the Pistolet de cavalerie modelé An XIII (Cavalry Pistol Model Year 13), which was adopted in 1805.

The French had a tradition of building well-thought-out longarms and handguns. Design was normally excellent, as was general quality. In fact, due to French assistance during the American Revolution when many Yankee soldiers were equipped with French arms, a fledgling United States decided to model its first handgun, the Model 1799 North & Cheney, after the French Model 1777 Cavalry Pistol, and its Model 1795 musket was based on the French Model 1763/66.

French arms development under the monarchy— and later during the revolutionary period and the

empire—continued apace, with many varying arms being designed for a number of different services and purposes.

In 1786, a pistol, based on a cavalry/dragoon pistol that had been introduced some 20 years earlier, was adopted for the navy. It differed from its predecessor in having an unusual undercut fore-end and similarly configured heavy brass barrel band. Other furniture was also of brass, and the gun was equipped with a sturdy belt hook. The lockplate incorporated a reinforced cock and brass flashpan.

Eventually, other handguns were also adopted and entered the system, including a sturdy cavalry pistol that appeared in An IX (Year 9). The gun’s grip was somewhat altered from previous styles, though it retained an olderpattern double-strapped barrel band.

As good as the An IX pistol was, authorities felt they could do better and, thus, the An XIII was born, which incorporated features from its immediate predecessor, as well as the Model 1786 Navy pistol.

The Year 13 was a no-nonsense piece of work. Caliber was .67 (17 mm). Mountings involving the barrel band, sideplate, trigger guard and buttcap were brass. The lock, smoothbore 8" barrel, rear grip reinforcement, trigger and extended trigger plate were of steel. The piece weighed 2 lbs., 13 ozs., and measured 14½" overall.

Between 1806 and about 1819 some 301,690 An XIII pistols were manufactured at Maubeuge, Charleville, St. Étienne, Versailles, Mutzig, Turin and Essen arsenals. It became a mainstay of Napoleon’s cavalry troops and continued in French service, generally converted to percussion, until almost the midpoint of the 19th century.

Manufactured at Maubeuge, the Year 13 we are looking at here, though worn in spots, is complete and still in good, serviceable condition. Markings, to include an 1813 barrel date, lockplate arsenal designation and inspectors’ stamps, are sharp and readable. As such, it’s worth $1,000—not a bad price for a gun with such an interesting history.

—Garry James

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June 2018

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Photos by Jill Marlow

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