American Rifleman 2018-12 by Manuel Adrian Galindo Yañez

HEAD-TURNER: 7.5X27 MM FK BRNO December 2018

The World’s Oldest And Largest Firearm Authority

Official Journal of the National Rifle Association

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

RUGER’S M77 50 YEARS & COUNTING THE GUNS OF LAWRENCE OF ARABIA

REMINGTON

DOUBLE STACKS

Facing own a charging grizzly isn’t the time to realize you bought the wrong 10mm. The new XD(M)® 10mm is proven through a 10,000 roun torture test of Fe eral® Premium Hy ra-Shok® ammunition with every roun ocumente on vi eo. Power an performance when your life epen s on it.

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OCT 1 - DEC 31 2018 | ALLXDGEARUP.COM

5.25” 10mm 4.5” 10mm

CONTENTS

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

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

DECEMBER 2018 VOLUME 166, NO. 12

features

Photo by John Zent

EXPERTS IN THE FIELD

The Battles Ahead: The 115th Congress Comes To A Close, But The Fight For Our Rights Continues After The Election .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 18 Chris W. Cox

For gun owners, the 115th Congress will go down as a time of extreme partisan rancor and discord. Gun control was once again at the top of the Democrats’ agenda, and bitter confirmation and election battles hardened attitudes throughout our nation’s capital.

Remington Doubles Down .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 40 Wiley Clapp

America’s oldest gunmaker has expanded its line of R1 M1911 pistols to include double-stacks. So, how are the big guns from Big Green? Two examples tell the story.

Ruger’s Rugged Flagship: The Model 77 Turns 50 . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 44 John Zent

A half-century on, it’s no coincidence that the upstart bolt-action that took on the big boys remains one of the most respected rifles in the field.

The Arab Revolt And The Guns Of Lawrence Of Arabia .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 50 James Stejskal

T.E. Lawrence fought an unconventional campaign in the Arabian Desert during the Great War. But he had American help—the M1911 pistol and the Lewis light machine gun.

Head-Turner: The FK Brno Field Pistol .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 56

MEMBER PROGRAMS: (800) 672-3888

Photo by Forrest MacCormack

Photo courtesy of James Stejskal

A 95-gr. bullet moving at more than 2000 f.p.s., isn’t news—unless it’s fired from a handgun. Meet the new, beautifully machined FK Brno Field Pistol and its 7.5x27 mm cartridge. We’ll warn you, though, it’s spendy.

Photo by Forrest MacCormack

Photo courtesy of SIG Sauer

Keith Wood

PROTECTI ON

TACTI C AL

SPO RT

COMPLETE FOCUS™ Since 1994, Crimson Trace® has deﬁned and built the laser sighting category through design, innovation and performance. With an obsession to create best-in-class electro-optics, Crimson Trace is proud to further enhance the experiences of shooters, hunters and rugged outdoor enthusiasts.

L A SER S • L IG HTS • SIGHTS • SCOPES crimsontrace.com

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 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Political Report .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. President’s Column .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ILA Report .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Regional Report/Member Info & Benefits .. .. Programs & Services .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..

10 12 14 16 66 68 70

The Keefe Report .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. . 8 Readers Write .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 22 Favorite Firearms. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 38

News & Notes .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 24 Products & Projects .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 28 Handloads: .270 Wby. Mag. . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 35

Questions & Answers . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 36 Cattle Brand Colts

Dope Bag .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 62 Sabatti Saphire Syn .308 Win. Rifle Magpul Pro 700 Rifle Stock

American Rifleman Volume 166 Index .. .. .. .. 76 I Have This Old Gun .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 80 Browning B-SS Shotgun

Printed in the United States of America

HEAD-TURNER: 7.5X27 MM FK BRNO December 2018

The World’s Oldest And Largest Firearm Authority

REMINGTON

DOUBLE STACKS

THE COVER: Para-Ordnance Mfg. was the innovator of the widebody M1911 pistol, first offering its doublestack frame in 1985. Bought by Freedom Group (now Remington Outdoor Co., Inc.) in 2012, the future of double-stack M1911s was uncertain. The guns are back—including the Tactical Double Stack Threaded in .45 ACP on this month’s cover—and they bear the Remington name. For a look at the Remington doublestacks, turn to Field Editor Wiley Clapp’s report beginning on p. 40. Design by David J. Labrozzi. Photo by Forrest MacCormack.

Official Journal of the National Rifle Association

RUGER’S M77 50 YEARS & COUNTING THE GUNS OF LAWRENCE OF ARABIA R1812_COVER.indd 1

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

10/16/18 3:25 PM

Doug Hamlin Executive Director Evelyn Q. Kessler Deputy Executive Director Marshall J. Flemion Managing Director, Integrated Marketing Terri A. Wolfe Executive Assistant Rachel Carr Publications Operations Coordinator Larry Quandahl Firearms Inventory Manager

EDITORIAL

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

ART

Mark S. Weaver 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) $45 a year, $100 for 3 years, $150 for 5 years. $3.75 per year is designated for a magazine subscription. For foreign postage add $5 a year in Canada and $10 elsewhere. For membership inquiries only, call (877) 672-2000. Copyright 2018, the National Rifle Association of America. All rights reserved except where expressly waived. Periodicals Postage paid at Fairfax, VA, and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to American Rifleman, c/o National Rifle Association, P.O. Box 420648, Palm Coast, FL 32142-0648. TO CHANGE YOUR ADDRESS or to report a damaged or undelivered magazine, write: American Rifleman, c/o National Rifle Association, P.O. Box 420648, Palm Coast, FL 32142-0648. Or to make changes to your account online go to: NRAmemberservices.org. Do not return damaged copies. Change of address should include both new address and a mailing label bearing the old one. In case of duplication send both labels.

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America Remembers® 10226 Timber Ridge Drive • Ashland, Virginia 23005 www.amflricarflmflmbflrs.com To placfl your rflsflrvation toll-frflfl call 1-800-682-2291

NRA PUBLICATIONS PUBLISHING OPERATIONS

The AR-10 Story Fewer than 10,000 original AR-10s were produced, but despite production ceasing in 1961, Eugene Stoner’s lightweight battle rifle had a profound impact on the world of small arms design. Read the AR-10 story at americanrifleman.org/AR10. Tread On Me Is there a place in our somewhat-sluggish marketplace for yet another AR-style rifle? SIG Sauer’s new “M400 Tread” has Mark Keefe saying “yes.” Find out why at americanrifleman.org/tread. Improving Handgun Marksmanship Want to improve your handgun marksmanship? Then go to americanrifleman.org/shootbetter to learn the five things you should do every time to become one with your handgun.

Tune in Wednesday nights to the Outdoor Channel for the best firearm show on television. Now in its 16th year, “American Rifleman Television” 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.

Lest We Forget November 21 Over There! Soldiers, But Not Equal—African-Americans In World War I; Smith & Wesson M&P380 Shield EZ Pistol In .380 ACP; Norwegian Model 1914 Pistol

November 28 Over There! ”No Finer Troops”—Americans Under British Command; Remington RP45 Pistol In .45 ACP; Mauser Gewehr 98 Rifle

December 5 Over There! Lest We Forget; Winchester SX4 Shotgun In 12 Gauge; Mauser Model 98A Rifle

December 12 The European American Armory Story; Ruger Precision Rimfire In .22 Long Rifle; British Model 1856 Enfield Carbine

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 Sarah Harrison Advertising Operations Assistant 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 Northeast Sales Executive J. P. Carter (980) 229-3493 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 (805) 501-9138 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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t was only a matter of time. There are some things that people just do not relish doing for themselves anymore. Even before Mike Rowe’s “Dirty Jobs” aired, one of my first clues was when a truck marked “pet waste management” turned up at my next-door-neighbor’s house. His dog simply did not seem large enough to require the services of a professional. Recently, I saw an online ad for a mobile gun-cleaning service (is Google trying to tell me I have dirty guns?), in which a guy in a van with a complete gun-cleaning apparatus pulls into your driveway and cleans your guns for you. Considering the state of one friend’s gun collection, this service would make for an interesting Outdoor Channel pilot with elements of “Intervention,” “Hoarders” and “Dirty Jobs.” While I must confess that I find gun cleaning to be one of the least appealing aspects of a day at the range—others relish it—one can learn something from cleaning guns. It depends on the gun, of course, but if you are doing a basic fieldstrip or disassembly of a handgun or rifle, or even just swabbing out the barrel of a shotgun, while you are cleaning you’re doing something else—that is inspecting it. Here is something that we really should not have to tell people. If a crack develops in a critical part of a firearm while you’re shooting it, you should stop shooting. If there is an obviously worn or broken part, you should stop shooting it then, too. Thanks to another friend’s sage advice, I always inspect fired cartridge cases, too. I recently received a “Product Safety Bulletin” and a note from a friend at Ruger. “You will soon see a ‘Product Safety Bulletin’ published for the Ruger American Pistol. The bulletin is pretty clear: On highround-count guns, we are requesting our customers inspect their slides for abnormal wear or cracking and sign up for a free retrofit if they observe any.” This shouldn’t be a difficult concept. The idea of cleaning a gun after a range session includes giving it a DECEMBER 2018

once-over to look for worn or broken parts. The bulletin applies to Ruger American Pistols chambered in 9 mm Luger with serial number prefixes “860” and “862,” and owners can find out more at Ruger.com/APRetrofit. “Those of us who shoot more than a box or two of ammo every now and then understand the importance of a periodic, careful inspection,” he continued. “In my personal opinion, not doing so would be akin to driving our cars for thousands of miles without ever checking the tire pressure.” One of NRA’s Gun Safety Rules, right off gunsafetyrules.nra.org, is pretty clear. You should inspect your firearm before you shoot. “Be sure the gun is safe to operate. Just like other tools, guns need regular maintenance to remain operable. Regular cleaning and proper storage are a part of the gun’s general upkeep. If there is any question concerning a gun’s ability to function, a knowledgeable gunsmith should look at it.” Over the decades here, I have had many guns break or fail—typically little things like springs or pins— but I have seen cracks develop in receivers and slides and even had a pistol seize solid after shearing a locking lug. Needless to say, I immediately stopped firing the guns. It is my assumption that, even if one subcontracts out gun cleaning, those in the gun-detailing business would bring such matters to the owner’s attention. Sincerely,

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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.

eing a good Samaritan sometimes carries a risk of retaliation, but one Washington teenager didn’t let that threat keep her from coming to someone’s aid during an attack. The teen had checked on her neighbor after an earlymorning domestic assault. The adult woman’s ex-boyfriend allegedly had threatened her with a knife, which prompted a call to police. In response, he vandalized a car and ran before the authorities arrived. The neighboring teen and her mother checked on the victim a couple of hours later. When they returned to their home, they discovered the power was off. Since it had been on across the street, the teenager suspected something was amiss, so she retrieved a .22-cal. pistol. After entering the home, the teen heard a noise and noticed her neighbor’s ex standing in the doorway, armed with a knife. The fact that the teen had a gun wasn’t enough to keep the man from taking a few swipes at her with his knife, but when she fired the gun, it sent him running. She missed her target, but the assailant was later arrested and faces charges associated with the attack. (The News Tribune, Tacoma, Wash., 9/7/18)

hen a knife-wielding man caused a Greyhound bus to crash, an armed citizen ensured an arrest. The suspect breached the secured area of the bus, allegedly attacked the driver and spun the steering wheel, causing the bus to go off the road. After it stopped, the assailant crawled out a window, despite attempted intervention by one or more of the passengers. Outside, though, an armed bystander told the fleeing man to freeze and held him at gunpoint until the police arrived. (Denver Post, Denver, Colo., 8/21/18)

resident of Elmira, N.Y., who used a shotgun to fend off an intruder, will not be charged, police said. The armed citizen fired at the stranger, who gained entry to the home early one morning. Pellets from the 12-ga. shotgun hit the suspect in the shoulder and upper chest. The interloper was taken to a hospital for treatment, and he checked himself out against the advice of doctors. (Star Gazette, Elmira, N.Y., 8/28/18)

urglars at a pawn shop in a Detroit suburb found out that a closed store isn’t always easy pickings. The would-be thieves drove a pickup truck through the glass storefront early one morning only to find out that an armed employee was sleeping inside. After the truck crashed through the window, one suspect exited to start looting the store. The worker emerged and fired twice, sending the crooks scurrying off in their truck. (Detroit Free Press, Detroit, Mich., 8/23/18)

& Wesson Spoken Here.” That’s what “Smith a sign posted at a Utah home says. But that didn’t serve as enough of a warning to stop a bad guy from kicking down a door and trying

DECEMBER 2018

to take advantage of the elderly residents. The disadvantage attributed to their age was offset by the fact that they had a firearm and knew how to use it. One of the residents shot the suspect a couple of times, but even that wasn’t enough to make him cooperate with the police, who arrived after the entry. The perpetrator stripped and confronted the law officers, only to be shocked with a Taser, wrestled to the ground and handcuffed. (fox13now.com, Salt Lake City, Utah, 8/22/18)

lorida has its share of good people who carry guns, and Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd says that should serve as a fair warning to anyone with criminal intent. “You have a right to protect yourself,” he said. Judd publicized his views after an Uber driver shot and killed someone who had been following the car and making threats. The tailgater and his girlfriend had words at a bar earlier that evening. He left angry, but stuck around outside until he saw someone he mistook for his girlfriend get in the ride-sharing car. He followed the driver for a while, then passed the hired car and stopped, blocking its way. The stalker approached the Uber, yelling threats and claiming he had a gun. The Uber driver, in fear for the lives of himself and his fare, pulled his lawfully carried gun and fired. (abcnews.com, Tampa, Fla., 8/29/18)

n armed citizen came to the aid of a Walmart shopper who was accosted by a 14-year-old. The teen threatened the woman with a knife and demanded she have sex with him. A nearby man who was carrying stepped in to help, holding the suspect until police arrived. (news4jax.com, Jacksonville, Fla., 9/12/18)

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We Won with Trump, Gorsuch and Kavanaugh, but the Fight is Not Over

By Wayne LaPierre

Executive Vice President

THE BATTLE FOR THE WHITE HOUSE IS ALREADY BEING WAGED. ONLY A STRONG, GROWING, ENERGIZED NRA CAN DEFEND OUR PRESIDENT.

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

s you are holding this magazine in your hand, I want to congratulate you and thank you. You are a member of the National Rifle Association of America. You believe in your freedom, and, as an NRA member, you’ve done so much more. You’ve backed up your love of personal liberty with your membership, your contributions to the NRA, your conversations about what we all stand for, and with a determination to never back down and never surrender our constitutional freedom. In the last two years, two pro-Second Amendment judges have been appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court. Two! Because of you and millions upon millions of likeminded NRA members who fought so hard in 2016 to elect one of the most pro-Second Amendment presidents in history. You helped put Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh on the bench. You helped change the direction of the highest court in the land for future generations of law-abiding gun owners. You no doubt witnessed the spectacle of the latest Supreme Court hearings. I dare say that no one would claim it to be one of the finest moments in the history of the U.S. Congress. But, when debate ended and the dust cleared, a conservative, constitutional originalist, pro-Second Amendment judge was sworn in as a justice on the Supreme Court. Our freedom won, and your support helped make that victory possible. The haters of our liberty went nuts. They marched. They protested and got themselves arrested as some sort of badge of honor. But despite their attempts to cast their protest as some sort of organic display of citizenship, we know the truth. We know the professional signs were not made at home. No doubt, some of the protesters may have been honest, motivated citizens. But we also know that paid protesters flooded Capitol Hill and disrupted congressional offices, even to the point of near violence. One of these so-called citizen-activists made a brief name for herself by confronting a U.S. senator in an elevator and yelling at him in front of cameras of the agenda-driven national news. In the days after, Ana Maria Archila was seen on national television, playing the role of celebrity activist, and hammering away in opposition to the Kavanaugh appointment to the bench. Archila told the media that she spoke to senators as a woman and on behalf of socalled “survivors.” December 2018

But eventually, truth rises to the surface. It turns out that Ana Maria Archila is the 39-year-old co-executive director of the “Center for Popular Democracy,” a clearly and actively anti-President Trump organization. The hypocrisy of the elites is sickening. In an effort to transform America into their utopian socialist state, they have thrown hundreds of millions of dollars to buy elections around the country … paid professional protesters to storm into the streets … and partnered with most of the national news media to manufacture outrage to the point of potential violence. All of it aimed at changing our country and destroying the Second Amendment forever. And the battle over our freedom has intensified. Already, Sens. Kamala Harris from California, Elizabeth Warren from Massachusetts and Cory Booker from New Jersey have been among those to hit the campaign trail in their heated race to seize the White House in 2020. Even Hillary Clinton is rumored for yet another run for president, and she has been raising millions of dollars. Billionaires Michael Bloomberg and Tom Steyer might both get into the race. They all hate your freedom and despise your Second Amendment, and they long to seize and destroy your firearms. It’s just that simple and just that true. Just as true is the reality that you—and your fellow NRA members—make up the only force that can keep their hands off our guns. The battle for the White House is already being waged. Only a strong, growing, energized NRA can defend our president, preserve our pro-freedom Supreme Court and save our country. I need you right now to renew your membership, upgrade your support for your NRA, talk to your colleagues, neighbors and friends and sign them up as members of our great organization. Start doing that today and never stop for the next two years. You have proven to be among America’s greatest patriots. You helped elect a proSecond Amendment president. You helped get not one, but two, freedom-respecting justices appointed to the Supreme Court. You defend liberty every day. I cannot thank you enough for your incredible support. But I need your continued support, and renewed commitment—now more than ever—to ensure that your NRA remains where it stands today, as “Freedom’s Safest Place!”

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Brett Kavanaugh Sworn in as Supreme Court Justice

S 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.

upreme Court Associate Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh. Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? But the journey from nomination to confirmation was anything but good. In fact, it was quite an embarrassing spectacle. America watched in shock as the Left did everything it could to tear down an honorable man with a stellar judicial track record spanning more than a decade on the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. In the end, though, Kavanaugh was successfully confirmed on Oct. 6. Had the Kavanaugh confirmation been completely derailed, the Supreme Court would have remained with only eight justices until a new nominee could be confirmed. And those eight justices are evenly split when it comes to the Second Amendment. In other words, four respect the original intent of our Founding Fathers and support our individual right to keep and bear arms, while the other four support virtually unfettered restrictions on law-abiding gun owners. Without Kavanaugh’s confirmation, Second Amendment-related cases heard by the Supreme Court would have likely received a 4-4 split decision, leaving intact previous rulings. Thus, an anti-Second Amendment ruling handed down by a lower court would remain in effect in the jurisdiction covered by that court. Because many firearm-related cases could soon be taken up by the Supreme Court, Kavanaugh’s confirmation came not a moment too soon. One such case, New York State Rifle & Pistol Association (NYSRPA) v. City of New York, challenges the constitutionality of Title 38 of the Rules of the city of New York. The lawsuit states that the rules infringe upon the Second Amendment by denying the right to possess and carry a firearm for personal defense, as well as by prohibiting residents from practicing at a firearms range or participating in shooting events located outside the borders of the city of New York. The rules were upheld by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit earlier this year, and an appeal to the Supreme Court has been filed. Another important case, Rogers v. Grewal, challenges New Jersey’s “may issue” carry permit system, which requires permit applicants to show a “justifiable need” before they will be issued a permit to carry a concealed firearm. Rogers argued the “justifiable need” standard for carry December 2018

permits was declared unconstitutional in Wrenn v. District of Columbia in 2017, so New Jersey’s standard should also be held as unconstitutional. Wrenn, however, was decided in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, and New Jersey falls under the purview of the 3rd Circuit. The Rogers case was dismissed due to the precedent in another case ruled on by the 3rd Circuit in 2013, Drake v. Filko, where the court held that the “justifiable need” standard was found to be constitutional. Rogers is on appeal to the Supreme Court, which will hopefully take up the case due to the conflicting rulings at the circuit court level. Finally, there is Worman v. Baker, which challenges the constitutionality of the Massachusetts law that bans countless semi-automatic rifles and standard-capacity magazines. A federal judge has already ruled against the challenge, using a tortured misreading of the landmark Heller case, and the case could very well make it to the Supreme Court next year. During his confirmation hearing, Kavanaugh had an exchange with antigun Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., that made clear just how important it was to the pro-gun community that he ascend to the Supreme Court. Feinstein questioned Kavanaugh’s dissent in a case that upheld a D.C. “assault weapon” ban, where he argued that such firearms are “in common use” and therefore protected under the Supreme Court’s Second Amendment precedent in Heller. Feinstein made the ridiculous claim that “assault weapons” might be commonly owned but are not in common use. Kavanaugh calmly pointed out that so-called “assault weapons” are, in fact, in common use, explaining that they are in the homes of millions of law-abiding Americans, and that there is no legal distinction between ownership and use. It is because of such views that the NRA—and all law-abiding gun owners— needed Kavanaugh on the Supreme Court. We should all be thankful he was willing to endure the unprecedented personal smear campaign launched against him by those who will clearly do anything in order to oppose our constitutional freedoms.

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PRESIDENT’S COLUMN

Giving the Gift of Freedom

I LtCol Oliver L. North, USMC (Ret.) President

NRA OFFICERS Oliver L. North President

Richard Childress First Vice President

Carolyn D. Meadows Second Vice President

Wayne LaPierre Executive Vice President John Frazer Secretary Craig Spray 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.

n December 1961, I raised my right hand and made a solemn oath “to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.” That vow, made before a U.S. Marine recruiter, is a promise I still keep as President of our NRA. But, I need your help to carry out that mission. Here’s why: Our constitutionally protected rights and freedoms are being threatened like never before by three tyrannical billionaires: George Soros, Michael Bloomberg and Tom Steyer. They claim to be “Gun Control Advocates.” They’re not. They are the secret financiers and puppeteers behind the Disarm America Movement. We see their dark money funding an all-out assault on the sacred pillars of our heritage and way of life: our flag; our national anthem and our Second Amendment. Their mega-dollars are behind calls for open borders, sanctuary cities, crushing ICE and the vicious smears against Justice Brett Kavanaugh in their failed effort to keep a pro-Second Amendment justice off the Supreme Court. They fund vile slurs and outright threats against our president, call for mob action against members of his administration, incite hatred toward the men and women in law enforcement—and they openly cheer when a police officer is gunned down in cold blood. In January, the Disarm America politicians they helped elect in November, will introduce in the 116th Congress, more disarmament bills than we have ever seen before: They will push for ammunition and magazine bans, gun-registration schemes, a ban on all semi-automatic firearms and repeal of the Second Amendment. They won’t rest until every American citizen’s gun is confiscated. The Disarm America Movement is the best-funded, most sophisticated assault on our God-given liberties in American history. In bloody battles as a U.S. Marine, I learned the only way to rout a determined enemy is to stand and fight. And the only organization with the strength and resolve to defeat the Disarm America Movement is the NRA. My wife Betsy and I have “skin in this fight”—our 17 grandchildren. We want them to grow up in a country where the Bill of Rights is intact. That’s why I am reaching out to you now. Today, the NRA has close to 6 million members. But we need reinforcements if we’re going to win the battles ahead. I’m counting on you to help me recruit new members who want to be part of the

DECEMBER 2018

oldest civil rights organization in America. We need every American citizen who wants to preserve our God-given liberty to serve on the front lines of freedom—by joining the NRA. You can help me accomplish my mission of doubling the number of NRA members. Imagine an NRA of 10 to12 million patriots! The NRA is the only Force For Freedom standing in the way of their plot to transform America into a “progressive,” socialist, disarmed dystopia. We must double our ranks with patriots who know: “We The People” are supposed to govern our nation— not wealthy oligarchs who despise us as “deplorables” and denigrate us as people “who cling to our Bibles and guns.” That's why joining the NRA is so important. I’m asking every NRA member receiving this to click here to sign up three new members to help:

Click Here to Sign Up New Members Today! Defeat the “Disarm America Movement” before they strip away freedoms bought with the blood of American patriots. In this holiday season, the reduced fee memberships on this card make a wonderful gift. Betsy and I are giving memberships as Christmas presents to friends, family members and neighbors who know: Preserving the Second Amendment of our Constitution is crucial to retaining the other nine Individual Freedoms in our Bill of Rights; ■ Individual Rights come with personal responsibilities; ■ NRA members are Proud of our Country & unafraid to show it; ■ We believe the U.S. Constitution is the Law of the Land; ■ We’re Committed to Civic Duty & Willing to Protect our Freedoms; ■ We stand with hands over hearts for our Flag & National Anthem. Please, use the cards on the next page to sign-up relatives, friends or colleagues and return the cards with the appropriate membership payment. There is no better present than the gift of American Freedom!

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ILA STORY

DECEMBER 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

By Chris W. Cox NRA-ILA Executive Director

The Battles Ahead: F

or gun owners, the 115th Congress will go down in history as a time of extreme partisan rancor and discord. Gun control was once again at the top of congressional Democrats’ agenda, and bitter confirmation and election battles hardened attitudes throughout our nation’s capital. As I write this, much remains unsettled about the political landscape we will face in the coming two years. But this much is certain—more intense battles regarding the Second Amendment loom in front of us. Perhaps one of the most significant will concern the presidency itself. Democrat activists and mega-donors— most notably billionaire hedge fund manager Tom Steyer— are publicly calling for the impeachment of President Donald Trump. Needless to say, they do not have any legitimate grounds for this demand. But there are well-funded efforts entirely dedicated to digging into the history of the president and his associates, hoping to find any pretext to try to remove him from office. And the army of anti-Trump “resistance” figures in the media will gladly amplify, or distort, any unflattering narrative to generate momentum for that cause. While the actual removal of our duly elected president is unlikely, these efforts will continue to distract the public from the very real and very significant accomplishments of the Trump administration and they will continue to energize his opponents. Autumn of 2018 will be remembered for what has been to date the ugliest Supreme Court confirmation battle in U.S. history. It is possible that more vacancies will arise during Trump’s tenure in the White House. Those coming confirmation proceedings are likely to be just as contentious, if not worse. Judge Brett M. Kavanaugh of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit was considered a

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natural choice to succeed Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, for whom Kavanaugh once clerked on the U.S. Supreme Court. Jusice Kennedy was appointed by President Ronald Reagan and was considered a moderate (although that alone meant he was out of step with today’s increasingly activist judiciary). Kavanaugh’s intellect, jurisprudential credentials and fundamental fairness on the bench were widely hailed by legal experts and scholars across the political spectrum. In addition, his support for the original meaning of the Second Amendment earned him our strong support. It was only when Kavanaugh’s confirmation vote was imminent—after weeks of the most thorough vetting that any Supreme Court nominee had ever received from both the Senate Judiciary Committee and a reflexively hostile media—that a massive character assassination campaign began in earnest. A series of increasingly outlandish accusations were leveled against Kavanaugh, a man who has spent three decades in high-profile public service and had successfully undergone six FBI background investigations with no questions having ever arisen about his character. These vague and unsubstantiated allegations succeeded in repeatedly delaying a final confirmation vote and dragged a good and well-respected member of the federal judiciary through the mud. When the Supreme Court’s new term began in October, Kennedy’s replacement was still not seated, leaving no tie-breaking vote between the court’s evenly divided conservative and liberal blocs. Fortunately, the White House and the Republican majority in the Senate saw past the super-heated rhetoric and theatrics and resolutely stayed the course, steering Kavanaugh’s nomination to a final successful vote. Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., in particular, deserve credit for their determined leadership. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, also served as a crucial voice for reason and due process, outlining in a pivotal speech

DECEMBER 2018

Photo: Petesphotography / iStock.com

The 115th Congress Comes to a Close, But the Fight For Our Rights Continues After the Election

ILA STORY Whatever the state of play looks like after the November elections, we can count on more difficult battles in the upcoming two years. That’s why it will be more important than ever that NRA members work together to stop these egregious restrictions and pass laws that expand our firearms freedom.

the reasons why the accusers had not who have never been convicted or made their case, and underscoring the even accused of a crime could lose necessity of fundamental fairness and their right to keep and bear arms the presumption of innocence. And we under additional legislation that will all witnessed an impassioned speech almost certainly be reprised in the on Kavanaugh’s behalf by Sen. Lindsay upcoming Congress. Graham, R-S.C. One such bill would categorically If things could get that heated over prohibit young adults of prime military the replacement of one moderate age from acquiring their own firearms. justice with an accomplished and fairAnd you can safely bet that if young minded successor, it is hard to imagine adults (ages 18 to 20) were deemed what it would look like if Trump were too unsafe to be trusted with firearms, to nominate the replacement for one it would only be a matter of time of the court’s avowedly liberal justices. before similar measures would target Trump’s political enemies waged total the elderly as well. Gun control advowar against Kavanaugh. They will cates are already floating the idea in likely try to do the same or worse journal articles and newspaper stories against any other Supreme Court that age-related changes in cogninominees Trump gets to name during tion make firearm ownership among his tenure. seniors especially dangerous. The outlook for future firearm-related legislation is simiBut outright bans are not the only way to keep people larly belligerent and partisan. from exercising their rights. A bill that would impose Many congressional Democrats who once supported punitive “sin” taxes on firearms and ammunition has been Second Amendment rights have abandoned their own conintroduced in Congress, and others have actually passed in stituents to tack sharply left in order to endear themselves local jurisdictions in Illinois and Washington state. to big-money donors and party elites. Others consider Rep. Danny K. Davis, D-Ill., who sponsored the fedanti-gun extremism a necessity to survive what looks likely eral tax bill, wasn’t shy about explaining its goals. In an to be a crowded primary field for the 2020 Democrat interview, Davis had this to say in response to criticism that presidential nomination. Egged on by youthful gun conhis bill would disproportionately impact the rights of the trol activists who rose to national prominence after the poor and reduce their access to constitutionally protected Parkland, Fla., tragedy in February, gun control advocates firearms and ammunition: have become increasingly ambitious and impatient to enact sweeping prohibitory measures. “Well, I’d be just as pleased if neither group [i.e., poor For most of Barack Obama’s second term, the variand non-poor] were able to get them. So what I’m sayous players in the “mainstream” gun control movement ing is it doesn’t pose an issue for me because I would had grudgingly coalesced around the idea of “universal” like to outlaw them altogether. I’m saying, I’d like to background checks as a panacea against violent crime. The make it to where nobody except military personnel idea never made much sense, given the off-paper means would EVER have access to these weapons.” by which most violent criminals obtain the firearms they use to victimize others, as well as the apathy of the Obama State courts in Illinois and Washington apparently agree Justice Department toward prosecuting those who violate and have upheld the discriminatory taxation measures current background-check laws. But the idea resonated in passed in those states. polls and focus groups and at least superficially seemed Indeed, the worst thinking on gun control often origi“moderate” to many who are not steeped in the details of nates in the states and localities, with some ideas finding gun control politics. their way into the national debate. California is leading After Parkland, however, they became more extreme this charge with state-mandated design requirements (like and more honest about their true goals. Today, broad bans “microstamping”) that effectively ban the sale of semion firearms and groups of law-abiding people are the new automatic pistols developed after the law took effect in baseline standard, along with punitive taxation and “safety” 2013. Ammunition is also in the crosshairs, with a ban on requirements that effectively ban modern pistols. mail-order sales and the phase-in of background-check and Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., for example, once understood record-keeping requirements. just how extreme a proposition it is to ban firearms like the Of course, the NRA will never stop pushing to gain ubiquitous AR-15, known by pro- and anti-gun forces alike ground as well. Pro-gun reforms—including national Rightas “America’s Rifle.” As recently as 2013, he voted against to-Carry legislation, the Hearing Protection Act, and the a broad ban on semi-automatic firearms, even as he also Sportsmen’s Heritage and Recreational Enhancement Act— voted to expand the scope of federally required firearm will remain at the top of our proactive agenda. background checks. Now, Warner is co-sponsoring one of Whatever the state of play looks like after the the most expansive bans on semi-automatic firearms and November elections, we can count on more difficult battles magazines ever introduced in Congress. Bet on that bill to in the upcoming two years. That’s why it will be more be re-introduced in the 116th Congress. important than ever that NRA members work together to And it’s not just the hardware that is protected by the stop these egregious restrictions and pass laws that expand Second Amendment that’s at risk. Millions of Americans our firearms freedom.

DECEMBER 2018

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Steven Fjestad’s article “General Grant’s Magnificent Set Of Lost Remingtons” (September 2018, p. 58) was very informative, but knowledgeable readers will take issue with his comment that cotton transported to the North during the Civil War from Louisiana and other cotton-producing states then in rebellion resulted in enriching Gen. Grant personally. Fjestad states, “This lucrative arrangement generated massive amounts of revenue for both the Union and Cutler/Wagley, and no doubt, Generals McPherson and Grant.” While I cannot speak of any graft that went McPherson’s way, the statement is an unsubstantiated libel of Grant, whose life has been exhaustively researched by many very able biographers, including Bruce Catton, H.W. Brands and, lately, Ron Chernow. None of them found an iota of evidence that Grant ever profited personally from the cotton trade during the Civil War. During the winter of 1862-63, Grant did everything in his power to stamp out the trade. He believed that every dollar sent South for cotton helped the Confederacy purchase arms with hard currency in England and Europe, prolonging the war. Grant was told by the administration to cooperate with treasury agents, and, as a soldier, he obeyed orders. Still, it must be clearly stated, there is absolutely no historical evidence that careful biographers have been able to find that he personally ever made a dollar from the cotton trade, which he loathed. Grant’s postwar acceptance of presentation revolvers was very much in character. In those days, before modern ethical standards, Grant was presented with many gifts by a grateful citizenry, which he accepted. It is illustrative of his character, however, that the revolvers were never fired, displayed or sold, even after the collapse of his trading firm in the 1880s after his partner absconded with the firm’s funds, leaving Grant destitute. Stephen p. CoontS, Idaho The Grant biographers you mentioned were certainly referenced during the development of this article. So were several Civil War books from the University of Louisiana, in addition to articles about the cotton trade from the Louisiana Historical Society. A lot of original research also went into the formulation of this article, including reviewing many original abstracts, archives, Civil War records and news stories that stated both McPherson and Grant worked very closely with Cutler and Wagley. Both men certainly benefited greatly from the successful and Unionprotected cotton shipments up the Mississippi from New Orleans. While we could find no evidence that either McPherson or Grant did receive direct financial compensation from Cutler, Wagley or possibly other outside parties who may have had a financial interest, each did receive a presentation set of highly decorated revolvers. Connecting the close dots between these “thank you gifts” and financial compensation may have been too much of a stretch in the article, and I apologize for any misinformation that may have resulted. The sentence under the subtitle “The Perils of the Cotton Baggers” should have been changed to read: “This lucrative arrangement generated massive amounts of revenue for both the Union and Cutler/Wagley, and Generals McPherson and Grant may also have benefited financially.” It cannot be either proven or disproven that either general received some compensation for the expedited cotton shipments. This potential financial remuneration is my own opinion based on this recent research. I certainly apologize for any potential misrepresentation this may have created regarding the integrity of Generals Grant or McPherson. American historians realize and agree that without them, the Civil War may have had a completely different outcome. —S.p. FjeStad, author & publISher, blue book publICatIonS, InC. “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 email us at publications@nrahq.org.

December 2018

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Silence, Respect, Dignity And Perseverance

uring a recent ceremony at the hallowed Arlington National Ceremony Chapel, SIG Sauer presented the Old Guard (the U.S. Army’s 3rd Infantry Regiment) with four ceremonial M17 pistols— built on the same specifications as the U.S. Army’s M17. Each gun is uniquely engraved with a different name, reflective either of a core tenet of the Sentinel’s Creed (“Dignity” and “Perseverance”), or the solemn request to the public when they visit Arlington (“Silence” and “Respect”). The guns have wood inserts from the U.S.S. Olympia—the ship that carried the remains of the Unknown Soldier from France to Arlington in 1921—and 21-round extended magazines, representative of both the 21-gun salute and the 21 steps it takes for Tomb Sentinels to walk by the Tomb of the Unknown. For more, go to americanrifleman.org/tombm17.

DECEMBER 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

Photos courtesy of SIG Sauer

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.

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reports | news & notes

FBI Miami Firefight: Five Minutes That Changed The Bureau

n April 11, 1986, FBI agents of the Miami Bank Robbery Squad engaged Michael Platt and William Matix—robbers and murderers, both—in a gun battle that left four men dead and five others wounded. The shootout was a catalyst for change within the FBI, and law enforcement at large, with regards to training, tactics and gear selection—particularly firearms, ammunition and defensive measures, such as body armor. These changes, and the volumes of accumulated research and data, have also made their way into the civilian commercial market, and are reflected among today’s personal-defense offerings. In his book, FBI Miami Firefight: Five Minutes That Changed The Bureau, former FBI Special Agent Edmundo Mireles—the man who, despite being grievously wounded, definitively

ended that violent encounter— recounts his experience on that fateful day, reveals the events that led to the shootout and discusses some of the enduring repercussions. Firefight is a deeply personal narrative that was co-authored by Mireles’ wife, Elizabeth, who is also a former FBI agent. In the 175-pp. paperback, she penned several chapters that describe her experiences on April 11 and how she coped with her husband’s wounding, persevering through his recovery. But the book is also a thoroughly researched piece of literature. Mireles does not rely simply on his recollection, instead he combines his memory with decades of research, which includes not only the ballistic and forensic evidence—some of which is provided for the reader in color photographs and diagrams—but also interviews with his fellow agents and

December 2018

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the police officers who were involved, the statements of witnesses and even the recorded radio traffic between the agents in the field. In so doing, Mireles delivers a captivating account of one of the most studied shootouts in modern history, while also presenting the true facts of the event and dispelling some of the common myths, such as the oftencirculated idea that the FBI agents were “out-gunned” by the arsenal of Platt and Matix. Mireles disproves this notion, but also explains how a few twists of fate did give the criminals a deadly advantage. This firsthand accounting of that seminal event will be of great interest to all firearm enthusiasts, from law enforcement and military personnel, to industry professionals, historians and armed citizens. Price: $15. Contact: Edmundo Mireles Jr.; edmireles.com. —Joe Kurtenbach, executive editor

Crimson Trace Rolls Out Red Dots Also On The Shelf GUNFIGHT!

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regon-based Crimson Trace appears to be broadening its purview. The company recently expanded its catalog to include a new line of red-dot sights for pistols and long guns, to complement its traditional laser-sight lineup. With a diverse pool of consumers in mind, Crimson Trace has geared the new products around 3-gun competitors, hunters, recreational shooters and those in the personal-defense marketplace. Toward that end, the new optics will feature a variety of configurations and reticle options suitable for a vast array of firearms. Other features will include night-vision compatibility, adjustable brightness, waterproofing and shock-resistance. All the new sights are additionally backed by Crimson Trace’s “Free Batteries for Life” program. The new line incorporates five models starting at $249, including (l. to r.) the CTS-1200, CTS-1000 and CTS-1100. According to the company’s website, a full line of magnified riflescopes is in the works as well. crimsontrace.com

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Range Bag Project

he shooting accessory market is filled with bags devoted to range use, but few maintain the organization of their contents while providing the handy features and space necessary to make the most of your time at the range. The G.P.S. M/L Range Bag (1., $129) from G-Outdoors (goutdoorsproducts.com) offers great features, and it’s not like the one granddad used. 1.

Built of 600-denier polyester, the M/L Range Bag features heavy-duty lockable zippers, and offers a seemingly endless amount of pockets, each pre-labeled with the company’s Visual I.D. Storage System. Outfitting the bag was fun and fast—it took about 15 minutes to have my entire range kit assembled and organized neatly, with room to spare. 2.

I can now fit my iPad Pro with ballistic software, which I keep protected in the waterproof DAKA medium pouch (2., $23) from Magpul (magpul.com). Along with the iPad, I can pack other devices such as a rechargeable 250lumen Stylus Pro USB Penlight (3., $97) from Streamlight (streamlight.com) and a portable battery pack such as the waterproof Venture 30 Power Bank Micro/Lighting unit (4., $100) from Goal Zero (goalzero.com), which provides 7,800 mAh of power at the ready. When it comes to essential gear, ear 5.

and eye protection are at the top of the list. The M/L Range Bag provides labeled access for both, and to outfit my kit I decided to go with Axil (goaxil.com) for a set of rechargeable Ghost Stryke electronic ear buds (5., $150), to not only provide for hearing-safe sound suppression, but also for its 6X hearing enhancement capability. Venturegear Drop Zone safety glasses, with four lenses and a storage case (6., $43), from Pyramex (pyramexsafety.com), help protect my eyes. And in case of a serious

accident, the Micro Trauma Kit NOW! (7., $129) from Blue Force Gear (blueforcegear.com), just might save my life. I also included the Replaceable Edition Shooting/ Hunting set (8., $40) from Fix-ItSticks (fixitsticks.com), which provides 16 bits and stick drivers in a compact package. A 10-pack of A-Zoom snap caps (9., $24) from Lyman (lymanproducts.com) facilitate function and dry-fire practice, and the all-in-one SPD Range Rod for pistols (10., $23) from Brownells

(brownells.com) helps to measure groups, clear bore obstructions and clean pistol barrels and cylinders. With space for five medium-size pistols, spare magazines, loose ammunition and rows of MOLLE—along with hook-and-loop sections inside and out—nothing gets left at home. It is obvious that G-Outdoors has researched what shooters need today, and it is reassuring to know exactly where I put my ear pro—so long as I remember to follow the labels. —CHRISTOPHER OLSEN, ASSISTANT EDITOR 9.

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REPORTS | PRODUCTS & PROJECTS

PepperBall LifeLite

utwardly mimicking the appearance of a large flashlight, PepperBall’s LifeLite surreptitiously offers non-lethal protection for use in those scenarios where lethal force is not justified. A CO2-powered launcher capable of firing the company’s 0.70" spherical projectiles to distances up to 60 ft., LifeLite comes with both 10 inert practice rounds and five live capsules filled with a synthetic irritant that can cause excessive tear/mucus production, coughing, pain and temporary blindness. Along with a 350-lumen lighting element, LifeLite also features a red laser sight—which is automatically activated by sliding the top-mounted safety forward—to assist with aiming the launcher at range. Two CR123 batteries, three CO2 cartridges and a lanyard are also provided. Price: $299. Contact: United Tactical Systems; pepperball.com.

Spuhr Ideal Scope Mount System

he Swedish-made Spuhr ISMS is a one-piece optic mount machined from 7075 hard-coat anodized aluminum with integrated rings split at 45 degrees and a built-in bubble level. Available in various heights and angles, the precisely machined unit features fine grooves in the rings’ interiors that can be used to hold glue or rosin when mounting scopes subject to extreme recoil or vibration. It also features threaded holes that interface with optional mounts designed to accommodate piggybacked micro reflex sights or Picatinny rails for attaching other accessories. A leveling- and thread-protrusion gauge is included. Price: $470. Contact: Mile High Shooting Accessories; (877) 871-9990; milehighshooting.com.

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reports | products & projects

Phoenix TBD Shooting Bag

he Tony Bag of Donuts (TBD) shooting bag from Phoenix Shooting Bags is a simple, adjustable and lightweight rifle or handgun rest. From western Coues Deer hunters to long-range target specialists to indoor pistol plinkers, the TBD accommodates all shooters, and is available in five colors, from neon green to Kryptek camouflage. Due to its roll-top design, the firmness of the micro-fill interior can be adjusted by rolling the bag’s top to compress the filler and securing its position with the included Fastex-style buckle to match conditions during use. Bag weight is 7.1 ozs. Price: $54. Contact: Phoenix Shooting Bags; phoenixshootingbags.com.

Velocity Marksman Performance Choice Trigger

he Marksman Performance Choice (MPC) Trigger from Velocity Triggers gives AR-15-style arms a factory-set 3-lb. trigger pull with a customized feel thanks to a personalized trigger shoe. Options for the shoe’s profile include curved, straight and straight with a finger stop, and purchasers may also select the texture pattern and color. The trigger is a one-piece, drop-in unit that utilizes tension screws to eliminate pin walking. A DLC coating applied to the MPC Trigger enhances lubricity for smooth travel, while also providing corrosion protection to its ferrous metal components. Trigger take-up is non-existent, the single-stage break is crisp, and reset is short. Installation requires the grip and safety lever to be removed and re-installed following trigger assembly. Price: $190. Contact: Velocity Triggers; (602) 595-5931; velocitytriggers.com.

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Blackhawk Fury Prime

ightweight but intended for rough duty, Blackhawk’s Fury Prime utility gloves feature thermoplastic elastomer back-of-hand protection and a padded palm with hexagonal silicon texturing for enhanced purchase. Stretch gussets in the wrist make putting the gloves on and taking them off a cinch, and chevrons stitched into the tip of the thumb and index finger allow for use with electronic touch screens. Available in Black, Coyote Tan and Urban Gray. Price: $39. Contact: Blackhawk; (406) 284-3840; blackhawk.com.

Rossi is issuing a voluntary safety warning on .38 Special and .357 Magnum revolvers made between the years 2005 and 2017 that may have a condition that could cause, under certain circumstances, the revolver to fire if dropped. This Safety Warning covers .38 Special and .357 Magnum revolver models R351, R352, R461, R462, R851, R971, and R972 with serial numbers beginning with the letter Y, Z, or A through K. Rossi is developing inspection and repair solutions. Rossi will make every effort possible to ensure Rossi Revolvers will be inspected, serviced if necessary, and returned to customers in a prompt, timely fashion.

ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN: Stop using your revolver immediately. Go to WWW.ROSSISAFETYNOTICE.COM where you can enter your serial number and read our instructions. Or call 855-982-8787 for assistance. If you no longer have this revolver, please inform current owner of this notice.

Lakewood Scoped Rifle Case

We appreciate your business and value you as a customer. Issues underlying this Safety Warning are currently pending before the court in a proposed class action lawsuit pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida styled Burrow v. Forjas Taurus, S.A., civil action file no. 1:16-cv-21606-EGT.

op-loading by design, the Scoped Rifle Case from Lakewood Products secures most traditional scoped rifles within its soft-sided, yet reinforced, shell without the need to “expand” for access to firearms. Its design helps remove the potential for scratching expensive vehicle interiors, while providing a look more indicative of a musical instrument case. Approved by the TSA and weighing 10 lbs. empty, the case measures 49"x4"x11" overall and includes four D-rings, a shoulder strap and carry handles. A handy pocket provides space for accessories. Camouflage patterns are available. Price: $199. Contact: Lakewood Products; (800) 872-8458; lakewoodproducts.com. AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

DECEMBER 2018

REPORTS | PRODUCTS & PROJECTS

Walker Defense Research NERO 556 Tactical Muzzle Brake

ts unique shape and the process of its manufacture—3D printed from heatresistant nickel/chromium-based Inconel metal alloy—make the Neutralizing Energy, Remain at Origin (NERO) 556 Tactical muzzle brake by Walker Defense Research an unusual, yet effective, entry in the crowded arena of muzzle devices. The U.S.-made brake, which is designed to reduce felt recoil, minimize muzzle climb and manage felt concussion, is currently manufactured for 5.56x45 mm NATO (.223 Rem.)-chambered firearms. It is threaded 1/2x28 TPI, comes with one crush washer and is Black Cat PVD-coated and serially numbered. Price: $180. Contact: Walker Defense Research, LLC; (602) 680-3310; walkerdr.com.

Pitbull Tactical Universal Mag Carrier

ngineered to be compatible with most center-fire semi-automatic pistol magazine designs, the Universal Mag Carrier from Pitbull Tactical is sized for convenient concealment either inside or outside a waistband. Able to accommodate virtually any single-column magazines at least 0.5" in width, a silicone flex band surrounding the carrier allows it to expand for use with double-stack magazines as well. Weighing just 1.6 ozs. when empty, the Universal Mag Carrier is intended for use with 1.5" belts. Price: $20. Contact: Pitbull Tactical; (866) 452-4708; pitbulltactical.com.

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DECEMBER 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

REPORTS | HANDLOADS RECIPE

.270 Wby. Mag.

BULLET: NOSLER 130-GR. E-TIP PROPELLANT/CHARGE: RELODER 22/70.5 GRS. PRIMER: FEDERAL GM215M CASE: WEATHERBY CASE TRIM-TO LENGTH: 2.539" CARTRIDGE OVERALL LENGTH: 3.230" VELOCITY @ 10' (F.P.S.): 3209 ENERGY (FT.-LBS.): 2,972 ACCURACY: 1.12"** USES: HUNTING (ALL NON-DANGEROUS SPECIES)

NOTES: 24"-BARRELED WEATHERBY MARK V SYNTHETIC TOPPED WITH A BUSHNELL ELITE 3200 5-15X 40 MM SCOPE **AVERAGE OF FIVE CONSECUTIVE, FIVE-SHOT GROUPS AT 100 YDS. WARNING: Technical data and information contained herein are intended to provide information based upon the limited experience of individuals under specific conditions and circumstances. They do not detail the comprehensive training, procedures, techniques and safety precautions that are absolutely necessary to properly carry on similar activity. READ THE NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER ON THE CONTENTS PAGE OF THIS MAGAZINE. ALWAYS CONSULT COMPREHENSIVE REFERENCE MANUALS AND BULLETINS OF PROPER TRAINING REQUIREMENTS, PROCEDURES, TECHNIQUES AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY SIMILAR ACTIVITIES.

ATHE R

270

wing to Weatherby’s characteristic extra-long leades, when chambered in one of its namesake cartridges, the company’s rifles—especially in cases of advanced throat erosion—can be persnickety with ammunition at times. Sound familiar? Go leadless. Such proved to be the case in a wellused, Japanese-made Mark V Synthetic in .270 Wby. Mag. that I employed for this piece. By using Nosler’s 130-gr. Expansion Tip (E-Tip) gilding metal bullet, I was able to shave 0.24" off the 25-shot average of the lead-core projectile from a previous installment of this column. The benefits don’t stop at accuracy, either; since the copper-alloy projectile retains 95 percent of its pre-expansion weight during upset, it’ll penetrate deeper than comparable lead-core bullets, providing insurance on less-than-ideal shots. And, since the .270 Wby. Mag. has the most voluminous case among the factory .27-cal. cartridges, even with the 1.322"-long projectile in place, there’s ample space for propellant to push it fast and take advantage of its 0.459 G1 ballistic coefficient. —AARON CARTER, FIELD EDITOR

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Cattle Brand Colts

I saw a unique Single Action Army at a gun show recently. It was gold-plated and completely engraved with cattle brands. All the owner of the gun could tell me was that it was a “cattle brand Colt.” Can you tell me about this type of engraving or its history?

Generally, a cattle brand Colt refers to a Single Action Army (SAA) that has been given full-coverage engraving that depicts a multitude of cattle brands, usually on a punch-dot background. Full cattle brand coverage is also found on other types of firearms, including double-action revolvers and semiautomatics, as well as on shotguns and rifles. However, due to its western motif, it is primarily associated with singleaction revolvers. Cattle brand guns reportedly originated sometime during the 1930s with Texas engraver Cecil Coe “Cole” Agee (1901-1955). Although he also engraved guns with the more commonly seen scrollwork patterns, Cole Agee’s unique West Texas cattle brand designs were extremely popular with lawmen, western movie stars and collectors, and, due to their scarcity, are highly desirable today.

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questions & answers

Unfortunately, it is not known how many cattle brand Colts Agee engraved (estimates range from as few as 15 to as many as 50), as he rarely signed his work. I know of only four Agee-engraved guns that have been authentically signed, two of which are shown in the late Jink Howard’s privately printed book, Cole Agee: Texas Engraver, and none of them “signed” in the same manner. However, as an identifiably distinctive style, Agee was known for often engraving the inside curve on the SAA grip strap, an area most engravers leave blank. Naturally, all of Agee’s cattle brand SAAs are First Generation Colts, as Second Generation guns didn’t exist back then. Agee was not above substituting Christy barrels or cylinders on single-actions to be engraved, and was also known to change calibers. Many of Agee’s cattle brand guns were gold-, silver- or nickel-plated and often sported carved ivory steer-horn stocks. Around 1950, Agee began teaching his cattle brand technique to another engraver, Weldon Bledsoe, who continued the cattle brand patterns after Agee’s death, creating approximately 300 to 400 First-, Second- and Third-Generation cattle brand Colt single-actions well

into the 1980s (Agee is sometimes said to have used the “2 lazy 2 P” brand as his signature, but this is more often found on Bledsoe-engraved guns). Bledsoe, in turn, passed the technique on to David Wade Harris (dwharris.com), who, along with a number of other master engravers, carries on the cattle brand style that Cole Agee made famous. —Rick HackeR, Field editoR From the many 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 for NRA members. Questions must be in the form of letters addressed to: Dope Bag, NRA Publications, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030-9400; must contain the member’s code line from an American Rifleman or American Hunter mailing label or membership card; must be accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed, legal-size envelope; and must be limited to one specific question per letter. Non-members may submit a question with a membership application. We cannot answer technical or historical questions by telephone, email 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.

favorite firearms NRA archives photo

The Prodigal Gun

hile I was an undergraduate in the early 1970s at Arizona State University in Tempe, Ariz., a good friend and classmate of mine invited me to hunt dove and quail with him and his brother, so I purchased an Ithaca Model 37 Featherlight 12 gauge from my professor for $100. The gun just felt right, and I was able to knock down some birds right away. We continued to hunt every season for several years. In 1975, I became a graduate student and lived in an off-campus apartment with my hunting friend. One day we returned to the apartment to find the front door kicked in. The robber had taken my friend’s television and my shotgun. I filed a report with the Tempe police.

After graduate school, I moved to Chicago in 1980, found employment, married and bought a house. I continued to enjoy shotgun sports over the years with a Remington 870, a Browning Gold Hunter and a Browning Citori—but nothing was quite like that Ithaca. In 2016, my wife and I retired to Phoenix, Ariz., and in October of that year my wife received a phone call from the Tempe Police Dept. asking to speak to me about a stolen gun. I called the detective, and he explained that someone had tried to pawn the shotgun, and it had popped up in the database. I asked if there was a real chance I would get my shotgun back, and he said, “Yes. And it’s not in bad shape as far as I can tell.” He told me he

had to do some more interviews, that the shotgun would have to go to the lab for testing and that he would be back in touch. It took more than a year, but I was eventually notified that I could pick up my shotgun from the department after I had passed a background check. Other than some minor nicks and scratches, and missing a grip cap, it was in good condition. I asked my gunsmith friend to clean it up and test it, and he even managed to source a slightly damaged grip cap for the gun as a replacement. I picked up my restored Ithaca in May of 2018, and I still can’t believe that—43 years later—my favorite firearm has finally returned home. Wayne Palmquist, arizona

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 220309400, or email it to americanrifleman@nrahq.org. Photos and submissions cannot be returned and may be edited for clarity and brevity.

December 2018

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COVER STORY

REMINGTON Doubles Down

DECEMBER 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

Photos by Forrest MacCormack

America’s oldest gunmaker has expanded its line of R1 M1911 pistols to include something it has never had before—double-stacks. How are the big guns from Big Green? Two examples tell the story. BY WILEY CLAPP, Field Editor everal years ago, I enjoyed the privilege of writing up a new entry in the great M1911 race. It was Remington’s version of the classic M1911 American service pistol, the R1. Remington, the senior arms maker in the republic, dating to 1816, had just begun offering several versions of its M1911 made in Ilion, N.Y. The shooting samples that came to me were all decent guns, and several were quite accurate (February 2011, p. 52). Remington then acquired Para-Ordnance in 2012, a company well known for wide-frame M1911s and expandedcapacity, double-column magazines. Founded in the 1980s, Para-Ordnance originally offered its innovative frame and magazine as a kit that a shooter (or his pistolsmith) could pair with a standard M1911 slide to fully double the platform’s magazine capacity of .45 ACP cartridges from the then-standard seven rounds to 14. The idea was well-received, especially by competition shooters. After a brief re-introduction as Para USA (February 2014, p. 54), Remington ultimately closed Para’s Pineville, N.C., plant and dropped the brand all together—promising, instead, a forthcoming line of Para-inspired pistols under the Remington name. Since then, Big Green has had a tumultuous run, and many shooters wondered if they would ever see a Remington-branded double-stack in .45 ACP. Luckily, Remington decision makers saw the intrinsic value in Para’s double-stack M1911 frame, and the company’s line of R1 M1911-style pistols has broadened to include 24 variations, of which five are now double-stacks. Configured to meet specific needs, the guns are made in Remington’s Huntsville, Ala., facility and are offered in a variety of size, length, sight and control options, as well as three chamberings—9 mm Luger, .40 S&W and .45 ACP. From the new line of double-stacks, we decided to focus on just two guns—one for going into harm’s way, the Tactical Double Stack Threaded in .45 ACP, and a race gun for the hardcore competitor, the Tomasie Custom Double Stack in .40 S&W. Before we get into the specifics of the two guns, remember that the R1 line is based on the seminal M1911, meaning they are single-action, recoil-operated semi-automatics and use John Browning’s swinging link. It’s a tried-and-true system originally designed to feed from a single-column magazine. The challenge for Para, and now Remington, was developing a reliable

double-stack magazine and a receiver that positions it correctly for feeding—all while keeping it in a package small enough to fit into an average-size hand. As did Para-Ordnance before, Remington has done these things, and I encountered no functional magazine problems in preparing this report. But make no mistake about it, these are big, heavy pistols that are more difficult to hide on one’s person than, say, a single-stack Commander. They are great home-defense pistols and great for the range for sure, but way too big for most shooters to tuck into the hip pocket for a midnight trip to the convenience store. Also, any of these new double-stacks might be a good option for the armed professional, particularly those who go uniformed. More on this when we get to shooting. First, let’s look at the Tactical Double Stack Threaded. It comes out of the big, square Remington box ready for serious defensive use—or merely a trip to the range. It is not a small gun, measuring 9" long and 5¾" high and weighing 41 ozs. empty. As such, it would require a seriously sturdy belt and holster rig to be carried.

Among the five variants of the R1 1911 Double Stacks are the Tactical Double Stack Threaded in .45 ACP (opposite, top) and the Tomasie Custom Double Stack in .40 S&W (opposite, bottom). The Tomasie (above) is purpose-built for competition with a full-length recoil-spring guide rod and a lightened slide, while the Tactical (r.) is suppressor-ready with a threaded 5½" barrel and elevated sights. AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

DECEMBER 2018

REMINGTON 1911 R1 TACTICAL DOUBLE STACK THREADED

MANUFACTURER: REMINGTON ARMS CO. (DEPT. AR), 870 REMINGTON DRIVE, P.O. BOX 700, MADISON, NC 27025-0700; (800) 243-9700; REMINGTON.COM 9"

MATCH TACTICAL REMINGTON ARMS CO.

1911

HUNTSVILLE, AL, USA RHD000000

5.5" 5.75" CHAMBERING: .45 ACP ACTION TYPE: RECOIL-OPERATED, SEMI-AUTOMATIC CENTER-FIRE PISTOL FRAME: STEEL RIFLING: 1:16" LH TWIST MAGAZINE: 15-ROUND DETACHABLE BOX

SIGHTS: SUPPRESSORHEIGHT, TRITIUM DOT TRIGGER: SINGLE-ACTION; 3-LB., 14-OZ. PULL WIDTH: 1.37" WEIGHT: 41 OZS. ACCESSORIES: OWNER’S MANUAL, CABLE LOCK, EXTRA MAGAZINE

MSRP: $1,299

The Tactical Double Stack Threaded, in .45 ACP, has a 15-round-capacity, doublecolumn magazine with witness holes.

frontstrap, there’s a crisply executed panel of checkering that works very ENERGY GROUP SIZE (INCHES) .45 ACP VEL. @ 12' well as an aid to keeping the pistol CARTRIDGE (FT.-LBS.) LARGEST AVERAGE (F.P.S.) SMALLEST anchored in the hand. This also applies to the pistol’s stocks. They’re G10 with a 854 AVG. BLACK HILLS 372 1.97 3.02 2.33 230-GR. JHP 14 SD combination of checkering and angular grooves. Made by VZ Grips, they lend a FEDERAL GOLD MEDAL 808 AVG. 333 1.75 2.88 2.08 230-GR. FMJ MATCH 10 SD modern aspect to the pistol’s otherwise businesslike appeal. SIG SAUER 844 AVG. 364 2.11 2.76 2.41 Controls are pure M1911 style with 230-GR. V-CROWN 17 SD the magazine catch, slide lock and AVERAGE EXTREME SPREAD 2.27 grip safety in their typical locations. NOTES: MEASURED AVERAGE VELOCITY FOR 10 SHOTS OVER AN OEHLER MODEL 35P The all-important thumb safety is CHRONOGRAPH AT 12 FT. ACCURACY RESULTS FOR FIVE CONSECUTIVE, FIVE-SHOT GROUPS AT bilateral, extended and clicks on 25 YDS. FIRED FROM BENCHED SANDBAGS. TEMPERATURE: 78° F. HUMIDITY: 19%. ABBREVIATIONS: and off crisply. That is important FMJ (FULL METAL JACKET), JHP (JACKETED HOLLOW POINT), SD (STANDARD DEVIATION). for a gun that will likely be carried Both the slide and frame are stainless steel and finished cocked-and-locked, ready for defensive use. in black with a tough ion bond physical-vapor-deposition The other gun, the Tomasie Custom Double Stack, is even (PVD) finish. The slide’s rear has six serrations per side, and more specialized. Competitive handgun shooting enjoys steadily there are three front serrations, too. On this R1, the barrel increasing popularity, and Team Remington is right there with is not the traditional 5" variety. Remington is aware that Team Springfield, Team Ruger and others. At the helm is Travis making a gun of this kind suppressor-ready is essential Tomasie, a man with extensive experience in pistol shooting, (the parent company owns AAC, after all), and therefore particularly the action-shooting games. From his beginnings in chose a 5½" match-quality barrel with .578x28 TPI threads. Seattle through service with the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit The 1911 R1 Tactical Double Stack Threaded also comes and IPSC championships, he has been at the top. As most handwith a thread-protector at the muzzle. gunners are aware, modern handgun games involve multiple Standing much higher on the slide than G.I. guns from a targets at various ranges and scoring that rewards speed. It’s century ago, the dovetailed sights have a single tritium dot specialized shooting for sport, and highly specialized equipon the serrated rear face at the bottom of the notch as well ment is needed. To fulfill that need, Remington had Tomasie as one in the rear face of the post front. The extra height specify a 1911 R1 Double Stack that has the features most raises the sighting plane well above the slide; it’s just enough needed by the action-shooting competitor. to clear the upper edge of most varieties of modern suppresThe basis for the Tomasie Custom Double Stack is the sors. The Tactical’s ledge-style rear unit can also be used to same stainless steel receiver we have already covered. It assist one-handed manipulations of the slide. differs in the sense that it is a .40 S&W and uses a magazine The pistol’s receiver has a rail on the dustcover for lights or with a capacity of 18 rounds. Also, the frame is designed laser-sighting systems. It is flat on the bottom, with a single for speedy draws, not tactical use, and therefore dispenses cross slot, and does not extend all the way to the muzzle, with the dustcover rail. There is checkering on the frontstrap making it less obtrusive than some. The checkered mainspring and mainspring housings, as well as the controls. Tomasie’s housing is flat, not the arched style of the M1911A1. On the version does have a non-traditional feature in the form of an SHOOTING RESULTS (25 YDS.)

DECEMBER 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

REMINGTON 1911 R1 TOMASIE CUSTOM DOUBLE STACK

MANUFACTURER: REMINGTON ARMS CO. (DEPT. AR), 870 REMINGTON DRIVE, P.O. BOX 700, MADISON, NC 27025-0700; (800) 243-9700; REMINGTON.COM 8.5" MATCH LIMITED REMINGTON ARMS CO.

RHD000000

HUNTSVILLE, AL, USA

1911

5.0" 5.75"

The Tomasie Custom Double Stack’s flared, oversize magazine well has a white polymer insert that lends lubricity for fast changes.

CHAMBERING: .40 S&W ACTION TYPE: RECOIL-OPERATED, SEMI-AUTOMATIC, CENTER-FIRE PISTOL FRAME: STEEL RIFLING: 1:16" LH TWIST MAGAZINE: 18-ROUND

SIGHTS: FULLY ADJUSTABLE MATCH SQUARE NOTCH, RED FIBER-OPTIC FRONT TRIGGER: SINGLE-ACTION; 3-LB., 14-OZ. PULL WIDTH: 1.37" WEIGHT: 41 OZS. ACCESSORIES: OWNER’S MANUAL, CABLE LOCK,

oversize magazine well. Made of blackanodized aluminum, the well surrounds the butt with the stocks in place. It is EXTRA MAGAZINE fastened to the pistol by its interior DETACHABLE BOX MSRP: $1,650 shape and a longer-than-usual mainspring housing pin. It’s interesting to note that the interior of the magazine well is white polymer, which makes SHOOTING RESULTS (25 YDS.) for an easy-to-find contrast against ENERGY GROUP SIZE (INCHES) .40 S&W VEL. @ 12' the dark magazine and a lubricious CARTRIDGE (FT.-LBS.) LARGEST AVERAGE (F.P.S.) SMALLEST raceway for reloads. It adds bulk to the gun, but speed to magazine changes. 1152 AVG. BLACK HILLS 457 2.22 2.90 2.47 155-GR. JHP 21 SD Action shooting emphasizes speed, but also requires a strong dose of SIG SAUER 1072 AVG. 421 1.95 2.46 2.19 old-fashioned accuracy to go with it. 165-GR. V-CROWN 16 SD Tomasie’s Custom Double Stack uses a red 993 AVG. WINCHESTER RANGER 394 1.87 2.66 2.39 fiber-optic front sight and a fully adjust180-GR. SXT 15 SD able BoMar-style rear. Sight picture with AVERAGE EXTREME SPREAD 2.35 this system is crystal-clear. Accuracy is NOTES: MEASURED AVERAGE VELOCITY FOR 10 SHOTS OVER AN OEHLER MODEL 35P CHRONOGRAPH not a function of the sights, but only AT 12 FT. ACCURACY RESULTS FOR FIVE CONSECUTIVE, FIVE-SHOT GROUPS AT 25 YDS. FIRED FROM sights like these allow the shooter to BENCHED SANDBAGS. TEMPERATURE: 78° F. HUMIDITY: 19%. ABBREVIATIONS: JHP (JACKETED HOLLOW deliver the accuracy inherent in the POINT), SXT (SUPREME EXPANSION TECHNOLOGY), SD (STANDARD DEVIATION). gun—and the ammunition—to the exact spot he or she wants. They are mounted on a slide specially demands a lower rear sight (or higher front sight). made for the Tomasie Custom project. The traditionally I have already mentioned the Tactical pistol’s weight, round M1911 slide is replaced by a flat-top, tri-cut assembly, which is 41 ozs.—empty. Sixteen rounds of 230-gr. ammuwhich features angled faces and gives the top of the gun a nition weighs 12 ozs. and brings the on-tap, fully loaded faceted appearance. On both of the angled flats, between the weight to 53 ozs. That’s a lot of power, but the weight is ejection port and front sight, a series of five ovoid ports run equally impressive. As a counterpoint to the weight arguclear through the slide to the barrel. They are not ports in ment, recall that heavier guns don’t kick like lighter ones. the sense of venting gas upwards; they should lighten the As expected, the first shot from a fully loaded Tactical has slide a bit, increasing slide velocity, but I suspect they are much less bump than firing the last one. mostly cosmetic. The great sights and superb trigger made the Tomasie pisThe trigger pull on both pistols I reviewed was very good tol a delight to shoot, but I had several failure-to-chamber at just under 4 lbs., but the Tomasie was a little more crisp. malfunctions. I firmly believe that the extremely tight fit That fine pistol showed signs of close attention in the slideprocedures used in building the pistol caused the slide to be to-frame fit and, more importantly, barrel-to-slide fit. slow in closing. It might be cured by several thousand cycles At the range, I initially set up to fire a typical American with an over-lubed gun and dummy rounds. But just shootRifleman handgun protocol, using the Ransom Rest. I had ing the daylights out of the gun will likely break it in. the correct inserts, but found that the addition of a bilateral The Para-Ordnance name might not be in common use at safety rendered them useless, so it was a hand-held shoot. the gun counter these days, but its double-stack legacy lives The Tactical Double Stack went first, with results tabulated on through the 1911 R1 Double Stack widebodies being marked nearby and showing respectable accuracy. I also spent some with the Remington name on the factory floor in Huntsville. time with informal shooting and gun handling. At 25 yds., Remington has some fine new guns here, and they deserve the the Tactical grouped a foot high, which is an issue that I attention of shooters everywhere who value the advantage of would like to see the manufacturer address. Usually, that fewer reloads thanks to the extra rounds on-board. AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

DECEMBER 2018

bolt-action

December 2018

american rifleman

Photos by Forrest MacCormack

A half-century on, it’s no coincidence that the upstart bolt-action that took on the big boys remains one of most respected rifles in the field. BY JOHN ZENT, Editorial Director

[JANUARY 1969]

ow’s this for oddball coincidence? For last year’s bear hunt in our 49th state, I took a rifle then in its 49th year of manufacture. If you can find any significance in that, please let me know. As far as I can see, it simply means that the Ruger Model 77 has reached a big, round milestone here in 2018—uncommon longevity for any consumer product, let alone a firearm. It was my first time using the Ruger in Alaska, and I have to wonder why, since on eight trips spread over 25 years, there were guides in nearly every camp relying on M77s, including on a Dall sheep hunt just a few months back. That seems worthy of our attention, since the men and women who work in those camps tend to have more than average gun sense and must balance value with everyday performance under conditions far more trying than most of us face. While I’m not arguing that my limited observations apply to Alaskans as a whole, later in this article I will share evidence from a well-positioned source suggesting that this may indeed be the case. Even so, sales to Alaskans aren’t what has kept Ruger in the M77 business for a half-century. This seminal bolt-action—in many incarnations—has proven itself around the globe, including wherever you hunt and shoot. Ruggedness and real value have always ranked high in our American character, and those two stubbornly appealing traits allowed an upstart rifle from an ambitious gunmaker to compete with a pair of national treasures.

How An Upstart Tackled The Icons

On the heels of its .44 Mag. (1959) and 10/22 (1964) semi-automatic carbines, plus the classy No. 1 single-shot (1966), Ruger was still fairly new to the long-gun business when it introduced the Model 77 in 1968. From what was a modest launch—an economical ($160) short-action offered AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

Three distinct M77 generations (opposite, l. to r.) are exemplified by: a first-year production push-feed action with innovative Ruger integral scope bases; a Mark II Magnum with true controlled-round feed and an integral barrel rib; and a current Hawkeye with the fine LC6 trigger. DECEMBER 2018

Veteran Alaska guide Dave Fischer isn’t alone in relying on the discontinued Mark II All-Weather Stainless as his working rifle. Ruggedness and affordability made the AWS an all-time favorite among residents, guides and hunters visiting the 49th state.

Photo by author

in .22-250 Rem., .243 Win., 6 mm Rem. and .308 Win.— the subsequent half-century of production has progressed through three distinct generational periods. During the run it has been rendered in scores of model variations spanning rimfire, center-fire and muzzleloader platforms, and nearly 60 different chamberings ranging from .17 HM2 to .458 Lott. Perhaps the Model 77 never quite caught up in terms of lore and overall sales to the Winchester Model 70 and Remington Model 700, but its history suggests that Ruger strived to outdo the big boys in its sheer number and variety of innovative applications. American Rifleman’s initial coverage from February 1969 hailed Ruger’s new entry “based on the Mauser turnbolt” and praised its “clean, simple” looks, “excellent handling,” lockup and assembly strength, and fast lock time. The reviewer explained how to access and adjust the single-stage trigger’s pull weight, but cautioned readers not to tamper with sear engagement and overtravel screws. He also noted that the receiver, bolt and other action parts were investment castings, and that the

trigger guard/floorplate was “made of lightweight alloy,” ways in which the Ruger differed from the steel forgings offered in competing models. Like the Model 70, it sported a flat-bottomed receiver secured to the stock by three guard screws, but instead of all three exerting the customary vertical tension, Ruger angled its forward screw toward the muzzle. The resulting rearward pull effectively strengthened the receiver recoil lug’s interface with the stock shoulder. This innovation has remained an M77 hallmark throughout its entire 50-year run. Another brainstorm was the “rugged” integral scope mount machined into the receiver, whose value was wisely leveraged by including a set of rings with each rifle. This generation is typically identified as the “tang-safety M77,” referring to its sliding, two-position toggle. In 1970, Ruger rolled out what it then called the “Model 77 Magnum,” an action a scant 3/8" longer but which would reliably cycle standard-length cartridges. Accordingly, offerings such as .25-06 Rem., .270 Win., 7 mm Rem. Mag. and .30-’06 Sprg. were added to the roster, surely making the Ruger far more competitive in big-game circles. Eventually the base model would be known as the 77R, but hardly a year has gone by without design tweaks or major line extensions, a reflection on a corporate philosophy to aggressively pursue new materials, technology, styling and changing shooter preferences. The M77 has been an early adopter of numerous newly developed or resurrected factory chamberings, some proprietary to Ruger, some not. A partial list includes: .17 HMR, .17 HM2, .17 Hornet, .204 Ruger, 6 mm PPC, 6.5 mm Creedmoor, 6.8 mm SPC, .300 RCM, .338 Federal, .338 RCM, .35 Whelen, .375 Ruger, .416 Ruger, .450 Bushmaster and .458 Lott. At one time or other nostalgia buffs could find .22 Hornet, .220 Swift, .250 Savage, 6.5x55 mm Swedish, .284 Win., .350 Rem. Mag. and .416 Rigby. And where else could one get a bolt-action carbine scaled to shoot revolver cartridges such as .357 Mag. and .44 Mag.?

The Model 77’s angled front guard screw pulls the barreled action rearward to increase tension with the stock’s recoil shoulder (above). Considered its best design yet, Ruger’s LC6 trigger is standard on current Hawkeyes (r.).

DECEMBER 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

Wide-ranging variants would come to include: the heavy-barreled M77V Varmint (1969); the big-bore M77 RSC (1976), with deluxe wood and steel bottom metal; the M77 International (1982) with full Mannlicher-type stock; and the just-6-lb. M77 RL (1983). The 77/22 rimfire (1984) exhibited a unique mid-bolt lockup, along with the line’s first three-position safety, and it fed from a detachable rotary magazine that would carry over into iterations like the 77/22 Hornet and pistol-caliber models. Though early American Rifleman reporting prominently cited the Mauser lineage, it never really stated that the original M77 was incapable of its forerunner’s most desired feature—controlled-round feed. Though fitted with a fulllength (4.647") claw extractor, the bolt face was partially recessed and housed a plunger-type ejector. The beveled claw didn’t hook over the case rim until the cartridge push-fed into chamber tension. The resulting lack of controlled feeding was discussed by numerous gun writers over the years, but not in these pages until Field Editor Finn Aagaard and NRA Technical Editor Pete Dickey made note of it in the early 1990s.

Correcting Course—The Mark | |

happy justification for lugging the big Ruger. In fact, dangerous game was partly responsible for the re-design. Not only did the Mark II function as a true Mauser 98 derivative, it adopted the Model 70-style sideswing, three-position safety that allows bolt operation with the safety engaged. Though the base M77R’s lines were originally drafted by stockmaker Lenard Brownell, father of the “American classic” look, the Mark II was praised for the even sleeker proportions of its hand-checkered walnut stocks. Additional updates included a stainless steel bolt and re-shaped bottom metal. Gone, however, was the original’s adjustable trigger, and some commenters predictably called the replacement “lawyerized.” Where the first-gen M77’s intro was quite conservative,

[JULY 1975]

By that time, however, a serious makeover had occurred, and the resulting second-generation Ruger M77 Mark II sported a flat bolt face slotted at four o’clock to work with a blade-type ejector, and now the non-rotating, full-length claw did indeed give riflemen the coveted controlled feed that had been missing from mass-produced American-made bolt guns since Winchester dropped it in the mid-1960s. It was at this point—my first trip to the north country—that I began seeing Ruger turnbolts at work in Alaska. A fellow hunter brought one for his combo grizzly/ sheep hunt, and though I can’t recall with certainty, I’m guessing it was one of the new Mark IIs. That’s because the man was almost brand new to hunting, and his gear was noticeably fresh and high-end. So it stands to reason he was toting the “improved” design—in .338 Win. Mag., no less. When we trooped out to the camp’s shooting bench, it was impressive how well this beginner—who, at most, went 5'5"/140 lbs.—shot the powerful rifle. We were paired up for the first few days, and though plucky, he struggled climbing the steep mountains. Neither of us got a ram that week, but I heard later that he killed his bear, no doubt a

Despite their Mauser-style extractor, early “tang-safety” Model 77s didn’t provide true controlled-round feed, but nonetheless became known for strength, value and a stream of specialized models.

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

DECEMBER 2018

RUGER Grizzly guide Paul Lenmark may have painted the barrel of his Model 77 AWS, but clearly wasn’t worried about planting its synthetic stock in the snow.

the Mark II stormed the market with options. In short order one could get: left-handed stocks; carbine-length 18½" or 20" barrels; lightweights weighing 6 lbs. or less; factory open sights; and target versions combining heavycontour 28" barrels, laminated stocks and the new, proprietary Target Grey metal finish. Coming later was Ruger’s first of repeated takes on the Cooper-concept Scout rifle: Dubbed the Mark II Frontier, it teamed a 16½" barrel with a cantilever base that facilitated forward scope mounting. Also new, and reportedly a pet project of CEO Bill Ruger himself, was the Mark II Magnum (RSM), a robust safari model with all the trappings Mr. Ruger had once admired in swanky Griffin & Howes and other mid-20th century

Photo by author

Hawkeye Guide Gun RUGER M77

MANUFACTURER: STURM, RUGER, (DEPT. AR) 1 LACEY PLACE, SOUTHPORT, CT 06890; (203) 259-7843 ; RUGER.COM 41" TO 42.5" 1.0"

0.75"

20"

12.75" TO 14.25"

ACTION TYPE: BOLT-ACTION, CENTERFIRE REPEATING RIFLE

CHAMBERING: .375 RUGER

he latest Model 77 purpose-built for harsh climes and heavy game is the Guide Gun, a Hawkeye treatment optimized for ruggedness. It replaced the Hawkeye Alaskan in 2013, essentially swapping the former’s Hogue OverMolded synthetic stock for a beefy laminate that bumps up the weight by a couple ounces. It has a cushy rubber buttpad, all the better for tempering the kick from chamberings ranging from .30-’06 Sprg. to .416 Ruger. Half-inch spacers (three included) can be userinserted to increase the length of pull from 12.75" to 14.25". The Green Mountain stock blends green, black and brown layers for a stylized camouflage effect to go with the combined feel of wood and stability of synthetic. Like others, Ruger is now relying mostly on laminated

RECEIVER: STAINLESS STEEL STOCK: GREEN MOUNTAIN LAMINATED WOOD; THREE 1/2" SPACERS INCLUDED BARREL: MEDIUM-HEAVY CONTOUR; 1:12" RH TWIST; MUZZLE THREADED 5/8X18 TPI MAGAZINE: HINGED FLOORPLATE, THREEROUND CAPACITY

stocks for its high-end extreme-duty rifles, and typical of laminates, the checkering on our sample Guide Gun was not fancy but actually provided a superior grip. The Guide Gun’s stainless-steel metalwork features a 20" hammerforged, magnum-contour barrel that likewise is accessorized. It ships with Ruger’s proprietary Radial Port muzzle brake installed, which can be easily be swapped for a matched weight or thread protector, both supplied as accessories. Also included is a set of 1" Ruger rings. A barrel-mounted rear express sight pairs a shallow-V blade with an interchangeable white bead at the muzzle. Also present is a barrelband sling attachment to team with the stock’s twin studs. The exterior bears Ruger’s durable, DECEMBER 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

SIGHTS: ADJUSTABLE V-BLADE REAR; INTERCHANGEABLE FRONT BEAD; INTEGRAL SCOPE MOUNTS

TRIGGER: SINGLE-STAGE; 3-LB., 8-OZ. PULL WEIGHT: 8 LBS., 2 OZS. ACCESSORIES: OWNER’S MANUAL RADIAL PORT MUZZLE BRAKE (INSTALLED), MATCHED WEIGHT AND THREAD PROTECTOR

MSRP: $1,279

medium-gray Hawkeye Matte, a coating that’s a couple shades lighter than the firm’s earlier Target Grey finish. Its hinged floorplate is secured from accidental dumping by a release latch embedded within the trigger guard, and it comes engraved with the Ruger logo. It’s an attractive touch that also appears on the nearby grip cap. The biggest plus of the Hawkeye generation is its LC6 trigger, and our loaner’s fully met expectations, breaking consistently at 3 lbs., 8 ozs., with negligible creep. For a hunting rifle, especially one intended for dangerous game, it strikes an able balance between responsiveness and the spine needed for high-stress action. We felt it enhanced our efforts at the range, where our .375 Ruger test rifle averaged 1.3" groups with Hornady Superformance 270-gr. Spire-Point.

77/22 RIMFIRE

M77 INTERNATIONAL

express rifles. Chambered in .375 H&H Mag., .416 Rigby or .458 Lott, the RSM dazzled in hand-checkered Circassian walnut accented with an ebony fore-end tip, and it weighed from 9 lbs., 8 ozs. to 10 lbs. Finn Aagaard called it “ … almost too big for the .375 H&H … perfect for the .416 Rigby and other largecased rounds.” Perhaps its most impressive feature was the quarter rib machined integral to the barrel and fitted with two folding sight leaves, an addition that Ruger biographer Larry Wilson wrote pushed production time to seven hours. The churn for new variants also produced the most recognizable and prolific of the Mark II generation—the All-Weather Stainless (AWS). In production from 1990 until 2006, this series deserves prime attention in the context of Alaska. Both tough and cheap (originally $531 MSRP), it clicked with guides, resident hunters and Lower-48 visitors alike. I daresay you know it: bright metalwork flashing from a molded black Zytel stock. The sides of continued on p. 72

Fittingly, I took the Ruger to Alaska for a coastal brown bear hunt, where the unavoidable exposure to salt water can cause overnight corrosion. Despite some hard knocks and a couple of drenchings, only the sling-attachment studs showed any rust, and while the stock took punishment from barnacleencrusted boulders, it came home with only minor dings. Scoped and fully loaded, the Guide Gun weighed nearly 9 lbs., 12 ozs., and so it was just as well that the hunting was confined to grassy shorelines where bears feed in early spring. Despite its weight, the rifle balanced and

AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

shouldered smoothly, and, of course, the bulk helped considerably to temper the recoil. The Guide Gun traces its rugged nature back to the Mark II All-Weather Stainless of the 1990s, and like it, is right at home in Alaska and wherever the elements conspire against lesser rifles. Sitting a couple rungs up the pricing ladder, the Guide Gun will never match its forerunner’s folk-hero status. But thanks to the latest stock-making and metal-finishing technologies, along with multiple customizing features and a fine trigger, it’s actually a better rifle for owners seeking long-term returns on their investment.

DECEMBER 2018

Emir Faisal gave this Short, Magazine Lee-Enfield, Mk III (r.), to T.E. Lawrence after it had been captured by the Turks at Gallipoli. It was engraved with “Part of our booty in the battles for the Dardanelles” before being presented to Faisal by Turkish leader Enver Pasha. Lawrence subsequently presented it to King George V. Lawrence (l.) who also had a penchant for Colt semi-automatics.

Photos courtesy of author

HISTORICAL

T.E. Lawrence fought an unconventional campaign in the Arabian Desert during the Great War. But he had American help—the M1911 pistol and the Lewis light machine gun.

Imperial War Museum

BY JAMES STEJSKAL f you have ever seen David Lean’s majestic film “Lawrence of Arabia,” you probably remember the scene (or the movie poster) that shows Lawrence leading an attacking swarm of Arab rebels. His piercing blue eyes are filled with hate and bloodlust, while he carefully aims his revolver, a .455-cal. Webley Mk VI, at the enemy. It is a riveting image that captures the popular essence of “Lawrence”—except that it is not Lawrence, it is actor Peter O’Toole. For many, that image is more readily recognizable as “Lawrence” than the man himself. But just as O’Toole doesn’t resemble Lawrence, the Webley is not the pistol that “Aurens” carried. Let’s go back to July 1917 in what would become today’s Jordan, and take a look at what arms Lawrence really carried. The Bedouin raiders had been in the field for nearly two months and were nearing their target: the port city of Aqaba. Capturing it would permit the Arab Revolt to move north to act as flank security for General Edmund Allenby’s army as he moved forward into Palestine. The Arabs’ British advisor was Thomas Edward Lawrence, soon to be known as “Lawrence of Arabia.” He was the only foreigner on this mission, and knew the move would put the Arabs in position to capture Damascus, the final objective of the revolt. Following a route designed to deceive their Ottoman-Turkish enemies, the raiders reached Aba el Lissan on July 2, 1917, where they found a Turkish battalion blocking their way forward. The Turks were poorly positioned and camped in a valley near a well; they had just arrived in the area and appeared to be inexperienced based on their lack of security. Either that or maybe they felt safe in their own territory. Bedouin raiders would never attack a 600-man Turkish infantry unit—or would they? AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

DECEMBER 2018

LAWRENCE OF ARABIA

As the Arab Revolt became more successful, modern arms were supplied by the British, including the Short, Magazine Lee-Enfield. Lawrence himself is depicted on the right. Spent brass from the campaign (below) still litters the desert floor today.

Led by Auda Abu Tayi, one of the fiercest raiders of the Howeitat tribe, 550 Arabs moved into position above the enemy before dawn, occupying the high ground that surrounded the valley. As the sun rose, they began to shoot down upon the Turks. Often armed with antiquated .577/450 Martini-Henry, Lebel and Berthier rifles (both chambered in 8x50 mm R), they fired and fired again. Through the day, the air and ground on which they lay grew hot. Their rifle barrels, hotter still, blistered their hands, and many suffered from sunstroke, requiring that they be withdrawn from the line and placed in the shade to recover. The Turks responded with ineffective rifle and howitzer fire. With the sun in their eyes, their sights couldn’t find targets and the cannon shells flew over the hills,

DECEMBER 2018

exploding in the void beyond and hurting no one. In the afternoon, Lawrence was also overcome by the heat and lay down in the shade trying to drink water from a small hollow in the hill. Auda found and challenged him, saying, “All talk and no work!” Lawrence cheekily answered that Auda’s men “shoot a lot and hit little,” prompting an enraged Auda to respond “Get your camel if you want to see an old man’s work!” Then Auda rallied his men and charged down the hill directly into the midst of the Turks. Lawrence jumped onto his camel to follow and plunged down the hill with the howling fighters. The first indication that something was wrong was when Lawrence’s camel went tumbling heels over head down the long slope of the hill. He flew over the animal’s head and hit the ground hard, knocking himself unconscious. Seconds later he awoke to find himself in the middle of a gun battle. And, for some reason, he was reciting a poem while Turkish soldiers fired their German-supplied 1903 Mauser rifles at the screaming Bedouin rebels. The Arabs replied with their old rifles, most of which they had carried long before the British arrived. Swords flashed as Turkish officers tried to defend themselves in the onslaught. The Turk soldiers turned and ran or died fighting the raiders. Lawrence thought he would be impaled on a Turkish bayonet as the fight swirled about him. He was defenseless, as he had lost his own gun when he was thrown from the camel. Then a shadow passed over him and Lawrence turned to see Auda Abu Tayi grinning at him from his mount. Auda’s cloak had been pierced by numerous bullets, his binocular destroyed and his sword scabbard bent where it was AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

Photo courtesy of the Great Arab Revolt Project

lawrence of arabia

Lawrence often carried a Lewis light machine—stripped from a B.E.2c fighter—in a scabbard on his camel. Shown here in its aircraft flexible gunnery configuration, Lawrence’s gun did not have a radiator, and was fitted with a wooden buttstock.

struck by a Turkish Mauser bullet. The battle was over. Lawrence glanced across the field and saw many Turks dead or dying, while others were being pursued over the next ridge line. They too would soon fall. He would have preferred more prisoners, but there was little he could do at that point. He looked at his camel. She had been a splendid beast, but he was even more dismayed when he discovered the wound that felled her was to the back of her head. In the fever of the charge, he had accidentally shot his own mount with his pistol—probably a .45-cal. Colt Model of 1911 or Government Model. Lawrence could mourn the loss only briefly, as there was work to be done. The captured Turkish arms were gathered up, and the prisoners of war were marched west, down the valley. Lawrence and his brothers in arms were on the way to Aqaba. With the help of American journalist Lowell Thomas’s book and lantern show, Lawrence became famous. With President Woodrow Wilson’s authorization, Thomas had gone searching for a story that “would encourage the American people’s support” of the war. He first went to France where there was nothing inspirational. Then it was off to the Middle East, where he found Lawrence. Captivated by “the uncrowned King of Arabia,” Thomas created a show that was seen by more than 3 million people and wrote a book called With Lawrence In Arabia, launching Lawrence’s fame and making him one of the first media “superstars.” It must be said, however, that Thomas spent only a couple days with Lawrence, and much of his story is embellished. Before his fame and stardom, Lawrence accomplished much in the Arab Revolt that helped Allenby to defeat the Turkish army in Palestine and Syria. Lawrence was a guerrilla advisor, one of a number of officers assigned to the “British Military Mission to the Hejaz” who worked with the army of Grand Sharif Hussein ibn Ali al-Hashimi, Emir of the Holy Cities of Medina and Mecca, Protector of the Hajj, and de facto ruler of the Hejaz. Hussein had long wanted to rid “Arabia” of its Ottoman oppressors, and got his opportunity when he saw he could ally himself with England against them. In June 1916, Hussein launched his uprising. In the early months it was unclear if it would survive. Only with an influx of foreign aid in the form of arms, food and gold—along with a few British and French advisors and Royal Navy gunfire support—did the revolt begin to gain traction. Lawrence was the principal liaison and advisor to Emir Faisal, Hussein’s third son and the commander of the Arab Northern Army. Faisal and Lawrence worked well together. Lawrence’s linguistic skill and cultural acumen, along with a deep empathy for the Arab cause, brought him americanrifleman.org

trust that was accorded to no other British officer in equal measure. And it was Lawrence’s counsel (as well as bags of gold sovereigns) that helped Faisal to build an alliance of tribes that would enable the advance north to Damascus. But Lawrence was an enigma—an amateur officer who eschewed British military traditions and discipline, and who loathed its seemingly mindless adherence to rules, regulations and conventions. Yet, when needed, he embraced its leadership, organization and resources to achieve the ends he desired. Lawrence realized early that his small guerrilla army stood little chance of success defending fixed positions or attacking larger, better-equipped and -trained formations of the Ottoman-Turkish military. After Gallipoli, the Allies realized their enemy would not be a “pushover,” as many had thought. He advocated that better arms should be given to the Arabs, but what they ended up with were leftovers—old British military surplus rifles, antiquated cannon and obsolete aircraft withdrawn from the front in France because they were too slow. It was only after Aqaba—and with Allenby’s blessings—that the Arabs began to get better arms in large quantities. The advisors improvised, but none more so than Lawrence. He had already shown a technical aptitude and desire for modern arms and gear. As a young archaeologist in the region some years earlier he had purchased and become quite proficient with a Mauser C96 and a Colt Model 1903 Pocket Hammerless pistol. Lowell Thomas would have us believe Lawrence carried “a Colt revolver of an early frontier model.” In his book, Thomas wrote that Lawrence told him a story about a thief who jumped him: “He sat on my stomach, pulled out my Colt, pressed it to my temple and pulled the trigger many times. But the safety-catch was on. The Turko-man was a primitive fellow and knew very little about revolver mechanisms. He

Unlike in the film “Lawrence of Arabia,” the real T.E. Lawrence carried a .45 Colt M1911 pistol, which was acquired from American Emily Rieder. At Aba el Lissan, Lawrence accidentally shot his own camel in the head with it. December 2018

LAWRENCE OF ARABIA

Rolls-Royce “Admiralty Pattern Armoured Cars” provided mobility and firepower in the desert. Fitted with Vickers/Maxim belt-fed machine guns, they were used to attack Turkish forts and railroad stations.

threw the weapon away in disgust, and proceeded to pound my head with a rock. Since then I’ve always had a profound respect for a Colt and have never been without one.” Lawrence with a revolver was perhaps Thomas’s romantic idea and an image that would be readily understood by Americans. After all, cowboys carried revolvers. But while Lawrence was romantic where political and social ideals were concerned, guns were another matter altogether. Furthermore, Colt revolvers did not have safety catches. In actuality, Lawrence obtained two Colt pistols from America in September 1914 from Emily Rieder, who he knew from the nearby American Mission School. He sent one of the pistols to his brother Frank, who would later be killed leading his men on the Western Front. The letters he exchanged with his brother and father that discussed ammunition and takedown procedures make it clear that Lawrence carried a Colt .45 M1911 semi-automatic pistol. There is only one photograph known that depicts Lawrence with a pistol and, although the photo is grainy and the image small, it appears to show him in 1917 with a Colt semi-automatic. He also said he preferred the pistol because “only an expert could use a rifle” while mounted. The pistol was not his only gun. Emir Faisal gave him a British .303-chambered Short, Magazine Lee-Enfield or “SMLE.” The successor to the longer and heavier “Long Lee” Lee-Enfield Rifle, the SMLE was the most famous British infantry rifle of the 20th century. Indeed, it was a venerable rifle, with Lee-Enfields serving the Empire in every one of its military confrontations from the Great War to the Suez Crisis of 1956/1957 and into the 1960s. Even after the No. 4 was replaced by the L1A1 Self-Loading Rifle (SLR), it could be found in variants such as the L42 sniper rifle, and was still in service with the Canadian Rangers as late as 2016.

DECEMBER 2018

Lawrence’s rifle had been captured from the British by the Turks at Gallipoli in 1915, and could be traced to the Essex Regiment. Ottoman leader Ismail Enver Pasha gave it to Faisal before the Arab Revolt began—perhaps as a warning to stay loyal to the regime. Faisal, in turn, gave the rifle to Lawrence in 1916, who kept it through the end of the war. It was engraved, and, when Lawrence presented it to King George V after the war, he explained that its inscription read “Part of our booty in the battles for the Dardanelles.” Another chilling reminder of the nature of war was left on its stock: five notches signifying the men Lawrence shot with the rifle until he sickened of keeping tally of the killings. The rifle can be seen in the Imperial War Museum in London. But the SMLE was not his only long gun, and he carried different arms throughout the campaign. Lawrence was fascinated with another American design: the Lewis light machine gun. The Lewis was developed by Col. Isaac N. Lewis, and was based on an earlier gun by Sam Maclean. Lewis improved and lightened it for ease of use. Although it initially failed U.S. Ordnance Dept. tests, it was adopted by the Belgians and British prior to World War I. The British version was made by Birmingham Small Arms Co. in .303 British, under license from Armes Automatique Lewis SA in Belgium. The SMLE fired a 174-gr. bullet at 2440 f.p.s. (Mk VII cartridge) and had an effective range of 500 meters. Lawrence carried the “Air Lewis” version of the gun that he apparently appropriated from one of the Royal Flying Corps’ obsolete B.E.2c fighter aircraft and fitted with a wood stock. The gun had no cooling jacket, lightening it significantly. The Lewis was also chambered in .303, and fired around 550-600 rounds per minute. He carried it in a special leather scabbard tied to his camel saddle, and favored it over his other arms. He thought that all of AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

Gillman Family Collectiion

his raiders should be so equipped, making them a camelmounted, mobile machine gun corps. Limited supply and the lack of the requisite training necessary kept that idea from fruition. Lawrence’s guns were not limited to his personal pistol, rifle or machine gun. He combined those with other means to accomplish the mission. After all, having good arms means nothing if your tactics are bad. Lawrence summed up his ideas in a number of articles, but is best known for his autobiography, Seven Pillars Of Wisdom. In it he writes, “The few active rebels must have the qualities of speed and endurance, ubiquity and independence of arteries of supply. They must have the technical equipment to destroy or paralyze the enemy’s organized communications.” He did not invent guerrilla warfare, nor did he need to teach it to the Bedouins; they were well-versed in “hit-andrun” operations long before the British came along. What he did was to take advantage of their skills and provide them the means to harass the Turks and destroy their supply lines without being destroyed themselves. He also provided the gold that permitted Hussein and his sons to unite the disparate tribes into a formidable force to fight a common enemy. They would never win the war alone, but they did serve as an important auxiliary force that distracted, diverted and often fixed the Turks to one position,

preventing their deployment to locations where they were needed more. With dynamite, gun cotton and gelignite, the British advisors taught the Arabs how to destroy railway lines using the same techniques Boer Commandos had used against the British in South Africa. In fact, the first demolitions used the same ignition system: a cut-down MartiniHenry rifle action. Placed under a railroad track, a cartridge ignited the explosives when the trigger was actuated by a passing train. Beyond ideas and explosives, another innovation was exploited by Lawrence. It was what we today call the “technical”—a civilian vehicle weaponized for military purposes. One was a simple Talbot truck that was used as a mobile gun platform. Organized as the Royal Field Artillery (RFA) 10-pounder Motor Section, the unit consisted of two trucks (plus others to offer support) that each carried a Breech Loading 10-pounder Mountain Gun. An antiquated gun weighing 900 lbs., it was chambered for a 2.5" shell and had an effective range of 3,400 meters. The relatively short range was a problem, as the Turks they faced used German or Austrian guns that had a longer reach. The guns were normally offloaded and fired from the ground, but they could also be fired directly off the rear beds of the continued on p. 74

HANDGUN

DECEMBER 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

Photos by Forrest MacCormack

A 95-gr. bullet moving at more than 2000 f.p.s., isn’t news—unless it’s fired from a handgun. The new, beautifully machined FK Brno Field Pistol and its 7.5x27 mm cartridge push the design and performance envelope. We’ll warn you, though, it’s spendy. BY KEITH WOOD

t looks like something a villain in a Bond film might carry, with its distinctly Eastern European lines and futuristic flair. Its smooth black finish is accented by bright red stocks, and its slide is long and sleek. This isn’t something out of a Hollywood prop house, however, it is the FK Brno Field Pistol—a real handgun that shoots a new cartridge, one whose ballistics blur the lines between what handguns and rifles are capable of. Though exotic in appearance, the Field Pistol is a practical tool that was designed to fill a real-world niche. It is being marketed for sporting use, but its origins stem from wartime necessity. A private security company operating in the Middle East needed a secondary firearm that could fill the performance gap between its 5.56x45 mm NATO carbines and 9 mm Luger handguns. It needed a handgun that could be used effectively in the 50- to 100-meter engagements that were commonplace in its area of operations, and there was nothing on the market that met its specific needs.

HEAD-TURNER

The FK Brno Field Pistol AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

DECEMBER 2018

FK BRNO

The FK Brno’s Butterfly Sight rear aperture incorporates a shallow V, and an extended beavertail prevents hammer bite. The Czech-produced gun follows the slide-inframe format of its CZ 75 progenitor.

The firm released a set of requirements that the new firearm had to meet the following parameters: a 4" maximum shot group at 100 meters, a caliber no less than 7.2 mm, a velocity of 1475 f.p.s. at 100 meters and a recoil threshold that did not exceed that of an M1911 chambered in .45 ACP. The intent was that this new cartridge would fit into an available pistol design that would be equipped with a folding stock. In order to meet these requirements, FK Brno put its design team to work, and the 7.5 FK cartridge was born. The 7.5 FK is a bottleneck design, 35 mm in overall length according to CIP (Europe’s version of SAAMI) specifications. The cartridge could be aptly described as the 7.5x27 mm, as that’s the case length. It is important to note that there is no parent cartridge to the 7.5; it is a case design all of its own. The 95-gr. solid-copper hollowpoint bullets clear the muzzle at an advertised 2000 f.p.s., resulting in 844 ft.-lbs. of energy. At 100 meters, the bullet is still traveling at 1525 f.p.s. and producing 491 ft.-lbs. To accomplish this, the 7.5 FK operates at 50,570 p.s.i., which is higher than nearly any handgun cartridge on the market today with the exception of the .454 Casull. This thing is hot. By the time the cartridge was operational, the private security company was no longer interested since that overseas contract had ended. Still, FK Brno saw promise in the project and adapted it for civilian sporting use. Of all of the design requirements set out by the initial client, the only one that could not be met was that the cartridge could fit into an existing handgun design—the pressure generated by this cartridge is nearly on par with the .223 Rem., and required a firearm designed specifically to accommodate it. FK Brno calls the Czech Republic home, so perhaps it should come as no surprise that the company chose the CZ 75 design as the father of its new handgun. This nation has a long history of firearm innovation and a thriving shooting community, and the CZ 75 is one of its proudest moments. Often called the “original wonder-nine,” the CZ 75 was one of the first successful double-stack and double-action 9 mm handguns. More than 1 million examples have been produced over the past 43 years, in numerous variants.

DECEMBER 2018

One of the CZ 75’s most distinctive design elements, inherited by the FK Field Pistol, is the manner in which the frame and slide interface. Instead of the slide riding on the outside of the frame, it rides on the inside, resulting in a slick profile and a slightly narrower overall width than that of most other semi-automatic pistols. Company designers experimented with numerous locking mechanisms and methods of operation—including roller-locking, gasoperated, delayed-blowback and rotating-barrel designs— before settling on the final version. The FK uses a linkless, tilt-barrel locking mechanism, similar to the FN/Browning High Power and its derivatives, albeit with a twist. The manufacturer claims that the manner in which the barrel unlocks and the slide cycles attenuates the pistol’s muzzle rise by directing the center of mass rearward instead of upward. More on that later. The quality of construction, along with the fit and finish displayed by this firearm, are far above what the U.S. market has grown accustomed to. Drawing back the slide on this handgun results in a silky smooth sensation; you can feel the precision. The entirety of the handgun, but for components such as springs and stocks, are machined from solid billets of steel alloy; there are no stampings, castings or metal-injection-molded parts in this pistol. The parts are black-nitrided, which is more of a treatment than a finish. Black nitriding hardens the surface of steel significantly and provides excellent protection against both wear and corrosion. The barrel is warrantied for 20,000 rounds and the primary components of the pistol are guaranteed for life. The FK Field is a single-action and feeds from steel, 15- or 10-round, tapered, detachable box magazines. There is a framemounted safety located on the left side of the handgun— upward is the “safe” position. The safety can only be engaged when the hammer is cocked, similar to most single-action handguns. The magazine release is on the left side of the frame, just behind the trigger guard. The trigger, equipped with an overtravel adjustment screw, broke consistently at 3 lbs., 8 ozs., on our test model but exhibited repeatable creep. This was the one disappointing element of an otherwise impressive firearm, particularly one at this price point. Functionally, the FK Field operates in a manner similar AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

FK BRNO FIELD PISTOL

IMPORTER: FK BRNO USA (DEPT. AR), 5200 N.W. 43RD ST., SUITES 102-140, GAINESVILLE, FL 32606; (352) 745-7002; FKBRNOUS.COM 9.5" CIP N

AB00000 IFC-MWC-OK

CIP N

AB00000

to that of many semi-automatics. The bottleneck cartridges are fed from the detachable box magazine to a ramp 6" integral with the barrel. After firing, the barrel and slide travel rearward together 5.4" MAGAZINE: 15-ROUND before the barrel is cammed downward DETACHABLE BOX at its hood, taking it out of battery SIGHTS: FIXED-BEAD FRONT, MANUFACTURER: FK BRNO U-NOTCH REAR DRIFT(CZECH REPUBLIC) and allowing the force of the shot to ADJUSTABLE FOR WINDAGE CHAMBERING: 7.5 FK move the slide fully to the rear. There OR BUTTERFLY SIGHT REAR (7.5X27 MM) is no barrel bushing. The slide-mounted TRIGGER: SINGLE-ACTION; ACTION TYPE: extractor and frame-mounted ejector 3-LB., 8-OZ. PULL RECOIL-OPERATED, remove the spent case, and the recoil WIDTH: 1.34" SEMI-AUTOMATIC WEIGHT: 46 OZS. CENTER-FIRE PISTOL spring and guide rod-mounted counterACCESSORIES: FRAME: 4340 STEEL weight move the slide back into battery. OWNER’S MANUAL, SLIDE: 4340 STEEL The frontstrap of the frame is lightly LOCKING HARD CASE, BARREL: 4340 STEEL serrated, and a sweeping beavertail LOCK, EXTRA MAGAZINE RIFLING: FOUR-GROOVE, MSRP: $7,500 1:10.62" RH TWIST protects the shooter from the rounded Commander-style hammer. The stocks on our test gun were made of machined SHOOTING RESULTS (25 YDS.) aluminum, anodized to a bright red, which helps give the handgun its disENERGY GROUP SIZE (INCHES) 7.5 FK VEL. @ MUZZLE CARTRIDGE (F.P.S.) (FT.-LBS.) SMALLEST LARGEST AVERAGE tinctive appearance. The slide features angled cocking serrations toward the 2007 AVG. FK BRNO 850 0.76 1.31 1.01 HIGH TERMINAL EFFECT 14 SD front and at the rear. Due to the length 95-GR. COPPER HP of the slide, performing a press-check using the forward slide serrations allows N OTES: MEASURED AVERAGE VELOCITY FOR 10 SHOTS FIRED NEXT TO A LAB RADAR CHRONOGRAPH AT THE MUZZLE . A CCURACY RESULTS FOR FIVE CONSECUTIVE , FIVE - SHOT for a healthy safety margin behind the GROUPS AT 25 YDS . FROM A BENCH REST . T EMPERATURE 92° F. H UMIDITY : 40%. muzzle. The FK Field Pistol is designed ABBREVIATIONS: HP (HOLLOW POINT), SD (STANDARD DEVIATION ). to accommodate an innovative folding stock, available as an accessory, but attaching one in the United States would require registering effective fighting tool at intermediate distances. the handgun with BATFE as a Short Barreled Rifle. The sights were properly regulated to the point of Three sighting options are available on this handgun: a aim, and we found them to be very fast to use on practitraditional post and notch, a reflex sight mount for optics cal targets. Accuracy was good, though not exceptional. such as the Trijicon RMR, and a proprietary Butterfly Sight. Five-shot groups of 2" at 25 yds. is a good benchmark for Our test model was equipped with the latter, which comhandgun accuracy, and this handgun shot consistent groups bines a red front bead with a rear aperture. The rear sight just over that standard. After several trips to the range, I is skeletonized to allow the shooter a maximum view of the was perplexed: Here was a pistol built to exacting tolerances target, and its top is shaped in an express-style “V” that that showed every sign of being very accurate, yet it was can be used as a secondary aiming point for long-range producing only so-so groups. It just didn’t add up. Then it shots. The rear sight is secured via two hex screws and is hit me. There’s a reason aperture rear sights are rarely used drift-adjustable. Elevation changes are accomplished using on a handgun—the aperture is too far from the eye to be an interchangeable front sight blades. effective optic. Clearly, the Butterfly Sight was engineered After thoroughly examining the gun, it was time to go to with the folding buttstock in mind. A set of traditional the range. At the time of this writing, the only 7.5 FK ammusights was included with our test gun and, within minutes, I nition currently available in the United States was the proprimounted the two-dot, U-shaped rear sight into the doveetary 95-gr. monolithic copper hollow point. The good news tailed slide. Five-shot groups shrunk in half immediately. was that the company sent me a full case of it to play with. With the traditional handgun sights installed, the FK Field For starters, let’s talk about recoil. Despite the velocity and became a 1" pistol at 25 yds. At 41, my eyesight is just operating pressure of the 7.5 FK cartridge, recoil was unexbeginning to change, and I’m confident that, with a reflex pectedly light. I give some of that credit to the pistol’s overall sight, I could push those groups even tighter. mass, particularly the weight at the muzzle. What was more The FK met its advertised velocity with an average of interesting, though, was the feel of the recoil impulse: The 2007 f.p.s. at the muzzle. I actually had to put the LabRadar design of the gun’s proprietary recoil/locking system, which chronograph into “Rifle” rather than “Handgun” mode in incorporates a cylindrical counterweight, directs the pistol’s order to achieve an accurate reading. The Field Pistol was recoil straight back, minimizing muzzle rise. It was easy to see 100 percent reliable throughout our testing, never displaying how, with the shoulder stock attached, the gun could be an continued on p. 65 AMERICANRIFLEMAN.ORG

DECEMBER 2018

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DOPE BAG

The Saphire Syn, shown here with a Burris Fullfield II 3-9X 40 mm scope (l.) in Burris Signature Zee rings, is suppressorready and comes with a thread protector.

SABATTI SAPHIRE SYN F

or many riflemen, the name “Sabatti” conjures images of exquisitely crafted and equally expensive double rifles destined for the Dark Continent, and they wouldn’t be wrong. Nevertheless, the company also manufactures an array of arms for various sporting pursuits beyond the “Big Five,” one example being the subject of this review—the Saphire Syn. Manufactured in Italy, the Saphire melds tradition and modernity. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the 25", cold-hammer-forged, 4140 steel barrel. Shooters who fancy open sights will rejoice at the inclusion of a driftadjustable notch rear and post front, while non-purists can attach optics via the integral Picatinny rail segments atop the 7075 aluminum alloy receiver. Having both on hand can save a hunt. The muzzle is available with either a 1/2x28 or 5/8x24 TPI thread pattern, depending on the chambering, for adding a brake or suppressor, and a thread-protecting cap is provided for times when one isn’t used. The Saphire features Sabatti’s unique Multi Radial Rifling (MRR). According to the company website, “Two different radiuses alternate in order to positively grip the bullet geometrically without submitting it to extreme stress. The specific rifling geometry of the forcing cone in MRR barrels makes it possible for the chamber neck and freebore to

guide the bullets into the rifling more precisely and steadily than with the traditional rifling system.” Advertised benefits include higher velocities, tighter groups, fewer fliers, fewer copper deposits, easier cleaning and less barrel wear. The Saphire Syn’s barrels are interchangeable, and so long as the cartridges are in the same “group”— matching the bolt head size and action length—it’s a straightforward swap. An example is switching from 6.5x55 mm Swede to 7x57 mm Mauser or .30-’06 Sprg. But, for exchanges outside of the group, the magazine, magazine box and bolt head might require replacement. Barrels and tools needed to perform the switch are available upon request. Since lockup occurs between the bolt’s trio of lugs and the hardened, tempered, NiCrMo steel barrel extension, the receiver itself is only lightly stressed, so it has been machined from a block of aluminum alloy, rather than the more typical tubular steel. Projecting downward from the receiver’s front is a hearty recoil lug measuring 1¼"x1" and through which the front action screw passes. The single-stage trigger is mounted at the rear of the receiver, though a set trigger is an option, too. The sample rifle’s trigger broke with a 4-lb. pull. There was no discernible creep or overtravel. DECEMBER 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

Although the test rifle’s safety was a two-position side lever that locks the trigger and sear, as well as prevents the bolt from cycling for loading and unloading, reportedly a threeposition safety will be available soon. Detents are both audible and tactilely positive. The bolt-release button is on the left, rear of the receiver. Feeding the Saphire is a detachable, singlestack, all-metal, three-round-capacity magazine, which is freed from the gun by pressing forward on the magazinerelease button located within the trigger guard. One magazine is provided. Consistent with other facets of the Saphire Syn, the full-diameter, threelug bolt offers user customization. For instance, while the one–piece butterknife bolt handle was factoryinstalled, the sample rifle was also shipped with a standard handle and two knobs, including a large, tactical type. Benefits of the full-diameter bolt include smoother, bind-free cycling, while the three-lug design reduces bolt throw and speeds cycling. Extraction is by way of a sliding-plate extractor, and a plunger-type ejector sends cartridges wide of the gun. A well-designed synthetic stock completes the gun. The angled, elevated comb quickens eye-to-sight and eye-to-optic alignment, while the large cheekpiece enhances cheekweld and increases comfort. To improve

SABATTI SAPHIRE SYN

IMPORTER: ITALIAN FIREARMS GROUP (DEPT. AR), P.O. BOX 62052, BOULDER CITY, NV 89006; (800) 450-1852; ITALIANFIREARMSGROUP.COM 44.88" 2.5"

1.88"

CIP

25" 14.25"

MANUFACTURER: SABATTI (ITALY) ACTION TYPE: BOLT-ACTION, REPEATING CENTER-FIRE RIFLE

purchase, the fore-end has a reduceddiameter upper portion and checkering, while the pistol grip only has the latter. The entire surface has a slightly tacky feel. There are dual sling swivel studs (with swivels provided), and the butt has a cushy recoil pad. Consistent with American Rifleman protocol, we tested the sample Saphire Syn, chambered in .308 Win., from a sandbag rest at 100 yds. using three loads and firing five consecutive, five-shot groups with each. Two hunting loads and a match load were selected for the test. To give the rifle a fair shake, we opted to forgo the open sights; instead, we mounted a Leupold VX-3i 4.5-14X 40 mm scope in Weaver Tactical rings. The full results are tabulated nearby; suffice it to say that the Saphire performed well. The Hornady Precision Hunter ammunition edged out the Nosler load, and the single smallest group— measuring a scant 0.57"—was created using Grand Island’s finest. During testing, there were no failures of any kind, and despite the barrel being hands-off hot for the majority of the test, it still grouped well. The excellent trigger assuredly played a role as well. Interestingly, despite the barrel In addition to a butterknife bolt handle, a replacement handle and two knobs ship with the gun.

CHAMBERING: .308 WIN. RECEIVER: 7075 ALUMINUM ALLOY STOCK: SYNTHETIC BARREL: COLD-HAMMER-FORGED 4140 STEEL, BLUED; 5/8X24 TPI THREADED MUZZLE RIFLING: MULTI RADIAL RIFLING (MRR); 1:11.25" RH TWIST

MAGAZINE: THREE-ROUND DETACHABLE BOX SIGHTS: DRIFT-ADJUSTABLE NOTCH REAR AND POST FRONT; PICATINNY RAILS TRIGGER: SINGLE-STAGE; 4-LB. PULL WEIGHT: 7 LBS., 6 OZS. ACCESSORIES: OWNER’S MANUAL, SAMPLE TARGET, EXTRA BOLT HANDLE AND TWO KNOBS

MSRP: $1,230

SHOOTING RESULTS (100 YDS.)

.308 WIN. CARTRIDGE

VEL. @ 10' (F.P.S.)

ENERGY (FT.-LBS.)

FEDERAL GM 168-GR. MK BTHP

2626 AVG. 17 SD

2,572

0.94

1.69

1.24

HORNADY PH 178-GR. ELD-X

2600 AVG. 11 SD

2,672

0.57

1.44

1.07

NOSLER TG 168-GR. E-TIP

2723 AVG. 10 SD

2,766

0.69

1.57

1.09

AVERAGE EXTREME SPREAD

GROUP SIZE (INCHES) LARGEST AVERAGE SMALLEST

1.13

NOTES: MEASURED AVERAGE VELOCITY FOR 10 SHOTS OVER A COMPETITION ELECTRONICS CHRONOGRAPH AT 10 FT. ACCURACY RESULTS FOR FIVE CONSECUTIVE, FIVE-SHOT GROUPS AT 100 YDS. FROM A SANDBAG REST. TEMPERATURE: 72° F. HUMIDITY: 89%. ABBREVIATIONS: BTHP (BOATTAIL HOLLOW POINT), ELD-X (EXTREMELY LOW DRAG-EXPANDING), GM (GOLD MEDAL), MK (MATCHKING), PH (PRECISION HUNTER), SD (STANDARD DEVIATION), TG (TROPHY GRADE).

heat, bullet impacts didn’t rise with each subsequent shot, rather they simply enlarged outwardly. For a .308 Win.-chambered rifle, the Saphire Syn’s 25" barrel is atypical, but the extra velocity it afforded was most welcome. In fact, the loads approached or equalled the factorypublished numbers, which would translate to superior external and terminal ballistics in the field. Moreover, in shooting the test rifle more than 125 times in a single sitting, we discovered the skill with which the stock and recoil pad were designed, as we didn’t feel any discomfort. Not that

the .308 Win. generates particularly harsh recoil, but this is not a heavy rifle, and the cumulative effect can add up. We didn’t find anything about the rifle we’d change, though it did take time to get used to the magazine-release button/detachablebox magazine combination. In most hunting rifles, a similarly positioned magazine-release button releases a hinged floorplate, so you’ll need to retrain your brain to grab the freed magazine. The Saphire Syn is evidence that Sabatti isn’t a one-trick pony. It’s also evidence that quality and thoughtfulness with regard to design transcend price, as the model offers a lot of rifle for the money. It could aptly be termed a “gem.”

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

DECEMBER 2018

DOPE BAG

MAGPUL PRO 700 RIFLE STOCK T

he popularity of precision rifle shooting for competition has spurred development of equipment that has heavily influenced the tactical and hunting markets as well. Rifles for such pursuits are almost exclusively bolt-actions based on the Remington 700 pattern, and stocks are typically of conventional style in fiberglass or carbon-fiber, or of chassis style in machined aluminum. Magpul has entered the market with a stock that marries a billet-aluminum skeleton to molded polymer outer panels. Similar in construction to its previously released Hunter series stocks, the new Pro 700 stock is a much more adaptable and feature-rich design. Said to be four years in development, the Pro 700 is currently available only in shortaction length, but doubtless a long-action version will be forthcoming. A fixed version of the stock is also available, and optional accessories to fit both include a Night Vision Mount and adapters to convert the fixed stock into a folder and vice versa. Our sample weighed in at 5 lbs., 7 ozs., and came with two grips and a single five-round PMAG magazine. The stock’s construction consists of a machined aluminum bedding chassis—with a V-shaped cross section, a recoil lug recess and action screw passages where it meets the receiver—and bolted-on, injection-molded polymer panels. At its rear, the chassis is bolted to the caststeel hinge assembly, which is reversible, and a fully adjustable buttstock capped with a rubber pad. Flush-fitting, integrated aluminum rails with machined M-Lok slots run nearly the entire length of the fore-end at the 3-, 6- and 9-o’clock positions. A cast-steel plate recessed for the bolt handle can be swapped out, simply by removing two button-head machine screws, with a similar fitting on the reverse side that contains a non-rotating, push-button sling swivel socket. That feature allows the stock to be re-configured for either left- or right-hand actions. The hinge mechanism, as well, is reversed by simply removing four Allen head cap screws and turning it end-for-end. Its recessed, serrated, 1/2"-square release button is easily depressed with the thumb, and spring-loaded pins tension, but do not lock, the stock in the folded position. In either case, a recess in the buttstock clears the bolt handle and knob, allowing it to lie completely flat against the front portion of the stock. Fully extended, the stock

DECEMBER 2018

We found that the Magpul Pro 700 stock’s hinge mechanism locks up tight when extended, with no play, and releases easily with the press of a recessed button (arrow).

locks up firmly. At its minimum length of pull, it measures 32.7" overall and is 1.86" at its widest point. Folded, it measures just 23.5". We found the stock’s adjustments to be easy to effect and capable of accommodating a variety of shooters’ differing physical features. They include: tool-free buttstock comb-height and length-of-pull adjustments, the latter being 13.25" to 15.125", by way of grooved metal knobs; three fore-and-aft cheek riser positions; and a choice of clamshellstyle grips attached with dual cap screws—one of which is nearly vertical and the other angled in a style similar to that of an AR. Several staffers with completely different builds were able to attain a comfortable hold on a scoped Remington Model 700 barreled action fit into it. The stock’s integrated AICS-pattern polymer magazine well accepts most such units, including Magpul’s five- and 10-round PMAGs, and an enlarged trigger guard and generous bilateral magazine-release paddle at its front accommodate even gloved hands. No accuracy testing was conducted, as it was decided that the stock’s generous barrel channel and precision-machined aluminum bedding block are unlikely to negatively affect a properly torqued action. We did note that the block’s recoil-lug recess is quite generous and may benefit from an application of bedding compound for a precise fit with specific actions. While its price and weight are not insignificant, the Magpul Pro 700 is well-made and takes full advantage of the company’s expertise in design and manufacturing, offering the discriminating user a full range of adjustments and capabilities. MSRP: $1,000. Contact: Magpul Industries Corp.; (877) 462-4785; magpul.com.

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

fk brno continued from p. 59

The 7.5 FK cartridge (7.5x27 mm) operates at relatively high pressures and features a bottleneck case design and a 95-gr., copper hollow-point bullet. It averaged 2007 f.p.s. at the muzzle.

any hint of a hiccup or malfunction. With the bullet cruising downrange at rifle velocity and the long steel slide cycling to the rear, this big, beefy handgun was pure fun to shoot. Only 1,001 of these firearms are destined for the U.S. market, and they are distributed by FK Brno USA in Gainesville, Fla., which also serves as the U.S. warranty and service center. A drop-in 10 mm Auto conversion barrel is planned and should use the same magazines as the 7.5 FK but with a capacity of 13 rounds. A 5"-barreled polymer version of the 7.5 FK Field Pistol is in development, with a goal of a significantly lower price point than the current model. For the moment, only the High Terminal Effect 95-gr. copper hollowpoint load is available in the United States, but 110-gr. soft-point and 110-gr. JHP loads should be on the market soon. Both loads will reportedly be less expensive than the High Terminal Effect ammunition, and will be loaded in the U.S. in generous quantities. Loading dies are in development, so, for now, custom dies would be the only immediate source for handloaders. With a retail price of $7,500, the FK Field Pistol is not a handgun for everyone. Still, its unique and interesting design elements, and ballistic potential, make it unlike most other handguns. It is a head-turner at the range, a performer in the field and a worthwhile addition to any serious handgun collection. Czech designers pushed the envelope when they developed the venerable CZ 75, and they’ve pushed it even further with the FK Field Pistol, a firearm that muddies the traditional borders between handgun and long arm performance.

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December 2018

INSIDE NRA | ILA REPORT

Gun Control Twist: 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

un control advocates often use some version of the phrase “if it saves one life” in order to justify their ineffective proposals. A few weeks ago, the anti-gun editorial page of the Chicago Sun-Times offered a different take. Fearful that the Right to Carry was getting too much good publicity in the wake of an Illinois concealed-carry permit holder’s heroic actions, the Sun-Times editorial board felt it necessary to lecture its readers, “One brave rescue of a Cicero cop doesn’t justify concealed guns.” According to a report from the Sun-Times, on Sept. 13, Cicero Police Officer Luis Duarte and his partner were attempting to pull over a vehicle when the driver sped off. Officer Duarte and his partner gave chase and were able to immobilize the suspect’s car. Trapped, the driver retrieved a gun and fired at the officers, striking Duarte four times. As the officers and the suspect exchanged gunfire, a nearby motorist—and Right-to-Carry permit holder—exited his vehicle and came to the aid of the officers, firing at the gunman. After the incident, Cicero Police Superintendent Jerry Chlada praised the armed citizen, noting, “We were lucky enough to have a citizen on the street there who’s a concealed-carry holder, and he also engaged in gunfire.” Cicero town President Larry Dominick offered similar appreciation for the carry permit holder, stating, “He got out and started helping the police, which is something I’ve got to be proud of.” All of this commendation for the selfless act of an armed hero proved too much for the Sun-Times. Lamenting the support the incident

might provide for the Right to Carry, the editors argued that “one brave deed does not justify bad public policy.” First, the Right to Carry is not bad public policy. Right-to-Carry permit holders have proven themselves to be exceptionally law-abiding. Second, instances of private individuals using firearms to defend themselves and others go well beyond the anecdotes that make the press. In his most recent analysis of the data on defensive gun uses, Florida State University criminologist Gary Kleck determined that Americans use firearms for self-defense about 1 million times per year. Decades of anti-gun messaging has told the American public that if a gun control measure “saves just one life” any infringement on the rights of law-abiding gun owners is justified. For example, Chicago-related claims occurred in the 1990s. In 1994, the Cook County Board of Commissioners passed a ban on commonly owned semi-automatic firearms. Upon passage, Commissioner John P. Daley told the Sun-Times, “If this legislation saves one life, so be it.” In 1998, Mayor Richard M. Daley touted the Windy City’s frivolous lawsuit against the gun industry and other gun control measures in an op-ed for the Sun-Times. Demanding action, the mercurial mayor wrote, “One life lost is one too many.” Coupled with the messaging of their antigun allies, the Sun-Times appears intent on creating a can’t-lose scenario for gun control. This holds that if even one life may be saved by a particular gun control measure, it must be adopted. However, if a measure permitting access to firearms for self-defense might save one life, it is not adequate justification to condone such freedom. Gun rights supporters should give this latest evolution in gun control rhetoric the same consideration as its traditional iteration: none.

IN MEMORY NRA-ILA CONTRIBUTIONS September 1 – September 30

Howard E. Johnson, Georgetown, ID (from: Myrtle Johnson); Thomas H. Olson, formerly of Nebraska (from: Marjorie E. Olson); Ronnie Paradise (from: Barry & Ellen Brown); Strett Whitting (from: Joan Whitting); John Evans Jr., Bloomville, OH (from: John & Sharon Ward, Jim & Betty Montz, Gilbert & Leila Wurm, Sandy & Larry Kuntz, Joe & Beth Simon, Angie & Andy Shaffer, Gary & Diana Mason, Jim & Joyce Lintner, and Marilyn Lintner); Joseph Bruce Galbraith, Du Quoin, IL (from: Karen Galbraith and Judith Cook); Emil “Bud” Schaerer, Chattanooga, TN (from: Marie McDonald); Brian Dougherty, Aberdeen, NJ (from: George & Martha Denka and the Maysferry Hunting Club); Linda Harris, Brentwood, NH (from: Thomas Shealy and Neal Williams); Jack F. Demetruk, Stephenville, TX (from: Victor Tinsley); Willard & Geneva Fredericks (from: Sergo Delia); James J. Krause, Aguila, AZ (from: Kathryn Krause).

DECEMBER 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

Illustration by David Labrozzi

Saving One Life “Does Not Justify” Right to Carry

Anti-Gun Researcher Refutes His Own Anti-Gun Conclusion

NRA SWEEPSTAKES Win Guns!

Win Gold!

Photo courtesy of CJ Solar

Wintemute seems to really be suggesting that we need better background checks. This is different than “comprehensive background checks.” Wintemute is using these two ideas interchangeably, it seems. His own study referenced in this article is focused on “comprehensive background checks” for private sales. He cites the mass shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas, as evidence of his conclusions. But that shooting had nothing to do with “private sales.” That shooter was able to purchase a firearm because the U.S. Air Force did not share prohibiting information. Later Wintemute moves to “permits to purchase,” which would require law-abiding citizens to get government permission to purchase a firearm. Wintemute claims “many studies have found permit-to-purchase laws to be effective,” but the Rand Corp. determined that licensing requirements have uncertain effects on violent crime because the evidence is inconclusive.

Photo by tktktkt

r. Garen Wintemute’s latest contribution to “the prevention of firearm violence” comes in the form of a Perspective column published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Wintemute is the director of the UC Davis Violence Prevention Research Program and the UC Firearm Violence Research Center. He proposes a twopronged solution to stop mass shootings. The solution? So-called “comprehensive background checks” and emergency protective orders, which “allow courts to have firearms removed temporarily from people who pose an imminent hazard to others or themselves but are not members of a prohibited class.” Wintemute examines six mass shootings, where the perpetrators all passed background checks. Wintemute acknowledges his research found “no evidence of an association between the repeal of comprehensive background check policies and firearm homicide and suicide rates in Indiana and Tennessee.”

CJ Solar

J Solar was recently named one of the “New Artists You Need to Know” in Nashville, Tenn., and we couldn’t agree more. He’s not only an incredible songwriter, having written hits for Justin Moore, Jerrod Niemann and others, but he stands out as an artist, with Southern rock and country music influences pumping through his veins. A road warrior who has toured with Lynyrd Skynyrd, Solar also appreciates a day in the woods. NRA Country’s Vanessa Shahidi recently caught up with Solar and asked him about his love for the great outdoors. VS: Tell us about your favorite hunt. CS: Last year the band and I went to play a Christmas party in Pennsylvania. They took us deer hunting the morning of our show. We all took a deer and put meat in the freezer. It was a great bonding moment and a memory I’ll never forget. VS: Your current single, “American Girls,” is great. Tell us about it. CS: “American Girls” has been such a fun song to release. We’ve had a great year playing it all over the country. We’ve got a video for it that was super fun to make and hopefully gives viewers a laugh! VS: Does your love for the outdoors affect your music or songwriting? CS: Yeah. I have a few songs released where I mention country life and doing things outdoors, like “Just Another Day in the Country.” It’s definitely a big part of my life, and I look forward to every chance I get to soak up a little bit of nature!

NO PURCHASE OR CONTRIBUTION NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE OR CONTRIBUTION WILL NOT IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. The NRA Sweepstakes is open to legal residents of the 50 United States and Washington D.C., age 21 years or older at time of entry. Sweepstakes begins at 9:00 AM Eastern Time (“ET”) on 8/15/18 and ends at 11:59 PM ET on 6/15/20. To enter and view complete Official Rules, including monthly deadlines, which govern this Sweepstakes, visit www.NRA.org/Guns-And-Gold. Subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws. Void where prohibited by law. Sponsor: National Rifle Association of America.

Enter Today for Your Chance to Win!

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Learn more about CJ Solar and his new music at cjsolar.com NRA Country is a lifestyle and a bond between the country music community and hard-working Americans everywhere. It’s powered by pride, freedom, love of country, respect for the military, and the responsibilities of protecting the great American life. Visit nracountry.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

DECEMBER 2018 9/24/18 2:55 PM

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

TRAINING

Iowa State Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.

iasrpa.org

Crime Prevention

riends of NRA events celebrate American values with fun, fellowship and fundraising for The NRA Foundation. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in games, 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.

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

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MI—Allan Herman

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Northern MO—Travis Scott

tscott@nrahq.org

he NRA’s Refuse To Be A Victim® program provides information on crime prevention and personal safety. To learn more about the program, visit refuse.nra.org. The most up-to-date schedule is available on the internet by visiting nrainstructors.org, by sending an email to refuse@nrahq.org or by calling (800) 861-1166. DEC. 8—MEREDOSIA, IL

(Seminar) Steven Hall (217) 248-4397

DEC. 8—MEREDOSIA, IL

(Instructor Development Workshop) Steven Hall (217) 248-4397

DEC. 8—LAFAYETTE, IN

(Seminar) Leonard Halascsak (765) 423-9388

DEC. 11—ST. LOUIS, MO

(Instructor Development Workshop) Kevin Cummins (636) 207-1900

DEC. 15—CLINTON, IN

(Seminar) Jennifer Christman (812) 240-3777

STATE ASSOCIATIONS

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

Southern MO—Tim Besancenez

Illinois State Rifle Ass’n. Inc.

WI—Scott Taetsch

Indiana State Rifle & Pistol Ass’n. Inc.

tbesancenez@nrahq.org staetsch@nrahq.org

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League of Kentucky Sportsmen Inc.

kentuckysportsmen.com

Michigan Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.

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Missouri Sport Shooting Ass’n.

missourisportshooting.org

Nebraska Marksmanship Ass’n.

nemarksmanship.com

Wisconsin Firearm Owners, Ranges, Clubs & Educators

wisconsinforce.org

AREA SHOOTS

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

PISTOL

Flushing, MI

DEC. 1

HIGH POWER RIFLE

Freedom, IN

DEC. 2

SILHOUETTE

Effingham, IL

DEC. 15-16

GUN SHOWS

ates and locations of gun shows are subject to change, so please contact the show before traveling. Discounted NRA membership are sold through NRA recruiters. *Some shows may offer free admission to people who sign up for new memberships or renewals. To become an NRA Recruiter call (800) 672-0004. DEC. 1-2

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DEC. 1-2

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DEC. 1-2

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DEC. 1-2

LAFAYETTE, IN

DEC. 1-2

OSHKOSH, WI

El Hasa Shrine Temple, R.K. Shows Inc. (563) 927-8176

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

Indiana National Guard, Tri-State Gun Shows (812) 521-9367

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

DECEMBER 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

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

Sunnyview Expo Center, Bob & Rocco’s Gun Shows (608) 752-6677

DEC. 1-2

YORKVILLE, IL

DEC. 22-23

FARMINGTON, MO

DEC. 1-2

SPRINGFIELD, MO

DEC. 22-23

SOMERSET, KY

DEC. 7-9

WAUKESHA, WI

DEC. 22-23

NOVI, MI

DEC. 7-9

FORT DODGE, IA

DEC. 22-23

EVANSVILLE, IN

DEC. 28-29

GREEN BAY, WI

DEC. 28-30

WATERLOO, IA

DEC. 28-30

LOUISVILLE, KY

DEC. 28-30

LEBANON, IN

DEC. 28-30

EVANSVILLE, IN

Conservation Club of Kenosha County, Conservation Club of Kenosha County (847) 688-0634

DEC. 29-30

MASON, MI

DEC. 21-22

MIDDLETON, WI

DEC. 29-30

KOKOMO, IN

DEC. 21-23

ALTOONA, IA

DEC. 29-30

ST. CHARLES, MO

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

Farmington Community Civic Center, R.K. Shows Inc. (563) 927-8176

Ozark Empire Fairgrounds, R.K. Shows Inc. (563) 927-8176

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

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

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

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

DEC. 8-9

Vanderburgh 4-H Center, Central Indiana Gun Shows (765) 993-8942

KANKAKEE, IL

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

DEC. 8-9

Brown County Shopko Hall, Bob & Rocco’s Gun Shows (608) 752-6677

PEKIN, IL

Avanti’s Dome, ECA Hunting & Trade Shows (618) 495-2572

DEC. 8-9

NEOSHO, MO

DEC. 8-9

PACIFIC, MO

National Cattle Congress— McElroy Auditorium, Midwest Arms Collectors LLC (660) 956-6004

Newton County A&M Fairground, R.K. Shows Inc. (563) 927-8176

Eagles Club, Midwest Arms & Armor Society (314) 631-2799

DEC. 8-9

MONROE, MI

DEC. 8-9

CROWN POINT, IN

DEC. 8-9

FREMONT, NE

Monroe County Fairgrounds, Sport Shows Promotions (517) 676-4160 Lake County Fairgrounds, Central Indiana Gun Shows (765) 993-8942 Christensen Field, Midwest Arms Collectors LLC (660) 956-6004

DEC. 9

FORT WAYNE, IN

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

DEC. 9

ST. CHARLES, IL

Kane County Fairgrounds, Kane County Sportsman’s Show (815) 217-2266

DEC. 14-15

COLUMBIA, MO

DEC. 14-16

WAVERLY, IA

DEC. 14-16

FRANKLIN, WI

DEC. 15-16

KALAMAZOO, MI

Kalamazoo County Expo Center, Sport Shows Promotions (517) 676-4160

DEC. 15-16

RICHMOND, IN

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

DEC. 18

BRISTOL, WI

Madison Marriott West, Bob & Rocco’s Gun Shows (608) 752-6677

Adventureland Park, Midwest Arms Collectors LLC (660) 956-6004

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

Boone County Fairgrounds, Gun Slinger Promotions (260) 624-5996 Evansville National Guard Armory, Tri-State Gun & Knife Collectors (812) 521-9367

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

Ivy Tech Conference Center, Central Indiana Gun Shows (765) 993-8942 Saint Charles Convention Center, R.K. Shows Inc. (563) 927-8176

Columbia Elks Lodge, Pro-mo-tions (573) 338-1524 The Centre Hall, Marv Kraus Promotions (563) 608-4401

Milwaukee County Sports Complex, Bob & Rocco’s Gun Shows (608) 752-6677

DEC. 14-16

MISHAWAKA, IN

The Mishawaka Event Center, Gun Slinger Promotions USA (260) 624-5996

DEC. 15-16

KANSAS CITY, MO

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

DEC. 15-16

PEOTONE, IL

Will County Fairground, The Cloe Group LLC (815) 263-2810

DEC. 15-16

COLLINSVILLE, IL

Gateway Center, ECA Hunting & Trade Shows (618) 495-2572

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 Wine Club

(800) 331-9754

ManageYOURiD

(888) 759-7866

Medical Concierge Network

800) 351-6094

Global Rescue

(800) 381-9754

NRA Travel Center

NRA.HotelPlanner.com

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

December 2018

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 Western VA, Western MD, WV—Michael Swackhamer

mswackhamer@nrahq.org

East Regional Director—Bryan Hoover

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

STATE ASSOCIATIONS

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

Gun Owners Of New Hampshire Inc.

gonh.org

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

anjrpc.org

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

nysrpa.org

West Virginia State Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.

wvasrpa.org

TRAINING

Crime Prevention

(Seminar) Lyd Neugent (401) 377-8184

DEC. 2—REEDVILLE, VA

(Seminar) Robert Heller (804) 410-5905

DEC. 9—KITTANNING, PA

(Seminar) Raymond Henderson (724) 525-0496

DEC. 10—WESTMINSTER, MD

(Instructor Development Workshop) Ed O’Carroll (703) 475-4598

DEC. 15—PEEKSKILL, NY

(Seminar) Steven Donahoo (914) 455-4099

Ohio Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.

orpa.net

Pennsylvania Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.

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

DEC. 17—ATLANTIC CITY, NJ

(Instructor Development Workshop) Ed O’Carroll (703) 475-4598

DEC. 24—PEEKSKILL, NY

(Seminar) Steven Donahoo (914) 455-4099

DEC. 29—HAGERSTOWN, MD

(Seminar) Ronald David (301) 828-5879

DEC. 31—PEEKSKILL, NY

(Seminar) Steven Donahoo (914) 455-4099

GUN SHOWS

ates and locations of gun shows are subject to change, so please contact the show before traveling. Discounted NRA membership are sold through NRA recruiters.

DECEMBER 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

*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. NOV. 2-4

FOREST HILL, MD

Jarrettsville VFW, Jarrettsville VFW (410) 688-3229

DEC. 1-2

CLARENCE, NY

DEC. 1-2

ALLENTOWN, PA

Clarence Events Building, Niagara Frontier Gun Shows (716) 542-9929

Allentown Fairgrounds Agriplex Building, Forks of the Delaware Historical Arms Society (610) 438-9006

DEC. 1-2

ASHLAND, OH

DEC. 1-2

MANASSAS, VA

Ashland County Fairgrounds, Norris Gun Shows (419) 651-7795 Prince William County Fairgrounds, Southeastern Guns & Knives (757) 483-5385

DEC. 8-9

FLATWOODS, WV

Days Inn Conference Center, R&R Gun & Knife Shows (304) 575-6895

DEC. 9

MOUNT BETHEL, PA

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

DEC. 14-16

OAKS, PA

DEC. 15-16

MONTPELIER, OH

Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks, Eagle Arms Productions (610) 393-3047 Williams County Fairgrounds, D&K Enterprises (419) 737-2801

DEC. 1-2

DALE CITY, VA

DEC. 15-16

WELLINGTON, OH

DEC. 1-2

COLUMBUS, OH

DEC. 15-16

CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH

DEC. 1-2

LIMA, OH

DEC. 15-16

FREEPORT, NY

Dale City VFW, Showmasters Gun Shows (540) 951-1344

Ohio Expo Center, C&E Gun Shows (540) 953-0016 Allen County Fairgrounds, Tri-State Gun Collectors (419) 647-0067

DEC. 1-2

TALLMADGE, OH

Summit County Fairgrounds, Ohio Shows (330) 539-4247

DEC. 1-2

MONROEVILLE, PA

Monroeville Convention Center, Showmasters Gun Shows (540) 951-2344

DEC. 7-8

RIPLEY, WV

DEC. 8-9

SHARONVILLE, OH

Coopers Auction Service, Cabin Fever Gun Knife & Coin Shows (304) 942-7609 Sharonville Convention Center, Bill Goodman’s Gun & Knife Shows (502) 538-3900

DEC. 8-9

HARBORCREEK, PA

Harbor Creek Fire Department Social Hall, L&R Sporting Events (716) 792-9972

DEC. 8-9

HARRISBURG, PA

DEC. 8-9

WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA

DEC. 8-9

LANCASTER, OH

DEC. 8-9

MEDINA, OH

Huron County Fairgrounds, Bill-Mar Productions (440) 986-5004

Emidio’s Expo Center, Heritage Gun Shows (330) 805-1110* Freeport Recreation Center, Long Island Antique Historical Arms Society (631) 722-3248

DEC. 15-16

DAYTON, OH

Montgomery County Event Center, Bill Goodman’s Gun & Knife Shows (502) 538-3900

DEC. 15-16

MARIETTA, OH

DEC. 15-16

SPRINGFIELD, OH

DEC. 15-16

WARREN, OH

Washington County Fairgrounds, Front Sight Promotions (740) 667-0412

Clark County Fairgrounds, C&E Gun Shows (540) 953-0016 Trumbull Plaza, Ohio Shows (330) 539-4247

DEC. 15-16

DOSWELL, VA

Meadow Event Park, Southeastern Guns & Knives (757) 483-5385

DEC. 15-16

FAIRMONT, WV

DEC. 22-23

YORK, PA

DEC. 22-23

SALEM, VA

DEC. 28-30

CHANTILLY, VA

DEC. 29-30

ALLENTOWN, PA

DEC. 29-30

ZANESVILLE, OH

Marion County National Guard Armory, Showmasters Gun Shows (540) 951-1344 York Fairgrounds, Appalachian Promotions (717) 697-3088

Salem Civic Center, C&E Gun Shows (540) 953-0016 Dulles Expo Center, Showmasters Gun Shows (540) 951-1344*

Allentown EconoLodge, Eagle Arms Productions (610) 393-3047 Muskingum County Fairgrounds, Front Sight Promotions (740) 667-0412

AREA SHOOTS

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

PISTOL

New Castle, DE Wappingers Falls, NY Augusta, ME

DEC. 1-2 DEC. 2 DEC. 16

HIGH POWER RIFLE

Charlottesville, VA New Tripoli, PA Grafton, VA

DEC. 1 DEC. 9 DEC. 15

SILHOUETTE

Suffolk, VA Sudlersville, MD Montpelier, VA

DEC. 2 DEC. 15 DEC. 15

Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex, C&E Gun Shows (540) 953-0016

Eastern States Exposition, MidHudson Promotions (914) 248-1000 Fairfield County Fairgrounds, J.S. Shows Ltd. (614) 523-7767

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

DEC. 8-9

SHARONVILLE, OH

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

DEC. 8-9

FREDERICKSBURG, VA

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

DEC. 8-9

FISHERSVILLE, VA

Augusta Expo, Showmasters Gun Shows (540) 951-1344

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 Wine Club

(800) 331-9754

ManageYOURiD

(888) 759-7866

Medical Concierge Network

800) 351-6094

Global Rescue

(800) 381-9754

NRA Travel Center

NRA.HotelPlanner.com

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

americanrifleman.org

December 2018

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 DEC. 8-9

HUMBLE, TX

DEC. 8-9

AMARILLO, TX

DEC. 8-9

ARANSAS PASS, TX

DEC. 8-9

BOERNE, TX

DEC. 8-9

CONROE, TX

TOMBALL, TX

DEC. 8-9

KERRVILLE, TX

DEC. 1-2

WICHITA FALLS, TX

DEC. 8-9

ORANGE, TX

DEC. 1-2

DENVER, CO

DEC. 8-9

TYLER, TX

DEC. 1-2

AZTEC, NM

DEC. 8-9

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK

Western TX—Jack Cannon

DEC. 1-2

ALAMOGORDO, NM

DEC. 8-9

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK

GUN SHOWS

DEC. 1-2

LOS ALAMOS, NM

DEC. 8-9

CONWAY, AR

DEC. 8-9

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO

*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.

DEC. 8-9

LOVELAND, CO

DEC. 1-2

FORT SMITH, AR

DEC. 8-9

COFFEYVILLE, KS

DEC. 1-2

JACKSONVILLE, AR

DEC. 8-9

DEC. 1-2

FAYETTEVILLE, AR

DEC. 1-2

HOUSTON, TX

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.

Midwest Regional Director—Tom Ulik

tulik@nrahq.org

LEWISVILLE, TX

DEC. 1-2

SAN ANTONIO, TX

DEC. 1-2

ABILENE, TX

DEC. 1-2

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX

DEC. 1-2

GLEN ROSE, TX

DEC. 1-2

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

San Antonio Events Center, Saxet Trade Shows (361) 289-2256* Taylor County Expo, Silver Spur Trade Shows (806) 253-1322

Al Amin Shrine Pavilion, Al Amin Shriners (361) 696-1585

AR—Erica Willard-Dunn

ewillard@nrahq.org

CO—Brad Dreier

Somervell County Expo, Whipp Farm Productions (817) 929-1816

bdreier@nrahq.org

KS—Tom Ulik

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

tulik@nrahq.org

NM—Michael Guilliams

mguilliams@nrahq.org

Wichita Falls Multi-Purpose Center, Texas Collectors Gun Show (940) 867-1309

OK—Darren DeLong

ddelong@nrahq.org

Eastern TX—Liz Foley

efoley@nrahq.org

Denver Mart, Tanner Gun Shows (720) 514-0114

Northern TX—Kevin Post

kpost@nrahq.org

Southern TX—Tyler Ward

Aztec Senior Center, Aztec Lions Club (505) 334-6688

tward@nrahq.org

jcannon@nrahq.org

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.

Kay Rogers Park Expo, High Caliber Productions (479) 522-0169

Old Walmart Shopping Center, Hanging Judge Promotions (479) 858-9079 White County Fairgrounds, G&S Promotions (918) 659-2201

George R. Brown Convention Center, Premier Gun Shows (817) 732-1194

DEC. 1-2

Otero County Fairgrounds, Western Frontier Gun Shows (575) 430-8681 Knights of Columbus, Los Alamos Ammo (505) 500-6415

Humble Civic Center, Premier Gun Shows (817) 732-1194

Amarillo Civic Center, Texas Gun & Knife Ass’n. (830) 285-0575 Aransas Pass Civic Center, J&M Gun Shows (432) 438-1090

Kendall County Fairgrounds, Liberty Gun Shows (210) 412-3190 Lone Star Convention Center, High Caliber Gun & Knife Show (281) 489-1741

Hill Country Veterans Center, Hill Country Veterans Center (830) 315-3101 Orange County Expo Center, Real Texas Gun Shows (713) 724-8881

Harvey Hall Convention Center, Lone Star Gun Shows (214) 635-2009 Crossroads Event Center, Buchanan Event Co. (405) 844-6055 Oklahoma City State Fairgrounds, R.K. Shows Inc. (563) 927-8176 Conway Expo Fairgrounds, G&S Promotions (918) 659-2201

DEC. 14-16

TULSA, OK

DEC. 15-16

PASADENA, TX

DEC. 15-16

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX

TOPEKA, KS

DEC. 15-16

BELTON, TX

DEC. 8-9

ALBUQUERQUE, NM

DEC. 15-16

BURLESON, TX

DEC. 8-9

ALLEN, TX

DEC. 15-16

FREDERICKSBURG, TX

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

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

Shriner Barn, Badshot Gun Show LLC (405) 503-3665 Kansas Expocentre, R.K. Shows Inc. (563) 927-8176

Expo New Mexico, Silver Spur Trade Shows (806) 253-1322 Allen Event Center, Premier Gun Shows (817) 732-1194 December 2018

american rifleman

Washington County Fairgrounds, Xander's (405) 614-9464

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

Bell County Expo Center, Real Texas Gun Shows (713) 724-8881 Burleson Event Center, Whipp Farm Productions (817) 929-1816 Gillespie County Fairgrounds, Silver Spur Trade Shows (806) 253-1322

DEC. 15-16

FORT WORTH, TX

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

DEC. 15-16

HOUSTON, TX

George R. Brown Convention Center, High Caliber Gun & Knife Shows (281) 489-1741

DEC. 15-16

JEFFERSON, TX

DEC. 15-16

SAN ANTONIO, TX

DEC. 15-16

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK

Jefferson Visitor Center, T&K Promotions (903) 431-0043

Austin Highway Event Center, Austin Highway Events (210) 242-3683 Oklahoma State Fair Park, Oklahoma City Gun Shows Inc. (918) 955-1092

DEC. 15-16

SHAWNEE, OK

Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center, G&S Promotions (918) 659-2201

DEC. 22-23

MESQUITE, TX

Big Town Event Center, Premier Gun Shows (817) 732-1194

DEC. 22-23

MCALLEN, TX

McAllen Convention Center, Saxet Trade Shows (361) 289-2256*

DEC. 22-23

KERRVILLE, TX

Hill Country Youth Event Center, Texas Gun & Knife Ass’n. (830) 285-0575

DEC. 22-23

LLANO, TX

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

DEC. 22-23

PASADENA, TX

DEC. 22-23

LOVELAND, CO

DEC. 22-23

FORT SMITH, AR

DEC. 29-30

FORT WORTH, TX

Pasadena Convention Center, High Caliber Gun & Knife Show (281) 489-1741

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

AREA SHOOTS

DEC. 13—AUGUSTA, KS

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 Denver, CO Manor, TX

DEC. 9 DEC. 15 DEC. 16

SMALLBORE RIFLE

Pine Bluff, AR Houston, TX

DEC. 1 DEC. 1

HIGH POWER RIFLE

Carthage, TX New Braunfels, TX Rosharon, TX Brazoria, TX Arcadia, OK

(Seminar) Greg Rupp (316) 651-7877

DEC. 15—COLORADO SPRINGS, CO

(Seminar) Paul Pucci (719) 353-8414

DEC. 15—SAN ANTONIO, TX

(Seminar) Ken Lewis (210) 737-7233

DEC. 16—COLORADO SPRINGS, CO

(Instructor Development Workshop) Paul Pucci (719) 353-8414

STATE ASSOCIATIONS

DEC. 1 DEC. 1 DEC. 9 DEC. 15 DEC. 29

DEC. 2 DEC. 2 DEC. 8 DEC. 9 DEC. 16 DEC. 22

Colorado State Shooting Ass’n.

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

SILHOUETTE

Bellaire, TX Byers, CO Houston, TX Manor, TX Erie, CO Aurora, CO

TRAINING

cssa.org

Kansas State Rifle Ass’n.

ksraweb.org

New Mexico Shooting Sports Ass’n. Inc.

nmssa.org

Oklahoma Rifle Ass’n. Inc.

Crime Prevention

oklarifle.com

(Seminar) Daniel Graeber (817) 220-8999

Texas State Rifle Ass’n.

tsra.com

LAW ENFORCEMENT

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

DEC. 3-7—SAN ANTONIO, TX

(Handgun) Contact le@nrahq.org or (703) 267-1628.

Fort Smith Convention Center, R.K. Shows Inc. (563) 927-8176

Will Rogers Center, Premier Gun Shows (817) 732-1194

DEC. 29-30

KINGSLAND, TX

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

DEC. 29-30

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK

Oklahoma State Fair Park, Oklahoma Gun Shows (918) 955-1092

DEC. 29-30

LITTLE ROCK, AR

Little Rock Fairgrounds, R.K. Shows Inc. (563) 927-8176

DEC. 29-30

DENVER, CO

Denver Mart, Tanner Gun Shows (720) 514-0114

DEC. 29-30

WICHITA, KS

Century II, R.K. Shows Inc. (563) 927-8176

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 Wine Club

(800) 331-9754

ManageYOURiD

(888) 759-7866

Medical Concierge Network

800) 351-6094

Global Rescue

(800) 381-9754

NRA Travel Center

NRA.HotelPlanner.com

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

americanrifleman.org

December 2018

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

South Regional Director—Al Hammond

ahammond@nrahq.org

AL, MS—Bobby Berthelot

bberthelot@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

DEC. 10—BUFORD, GA

DEC. 1-2

VERO BEACH, FL

DEC. 15—CORRYTON, TN

DEC. 1-2

TAMPA, FL

LAW ENFORCEMENT

DEC. 1-2

DELAND, FL

DEC. 1-2

FORT WALTON BEACH, FL

DEC. 1-2

NAPLES, FL

DEC. 1-2

LAKE CITY, FL

DEC. 1-2

BOSSIER CITY, LA

DEC. 1-2

MANDEVILLE, LA

DEC. 1-2

PHILADELPHIA, MS

DEC. 1-2

GREENVILLE, NC

DEC. 1-2

FAYETTEVILLE, NC

DEC. 1-2

LENOIR, NC

DEC. 1-2

AIKEN, SC

DEC. 1-2

LAKE CITY, SC

DEC. 1-2

FRANKLIN, TN

DEC. 1-2

GRAY, TN

DEC. 8-9

HUNTSVILLE, AL

(Instructor Development Workshop) John Bain (678) 238-2504 (Seminar) Fred Styciura (732) 551-8263

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

DEC. 3-7—AVONDALE, LA

(Tactical Shooting) Contact le@nrahq.org or (703) 267-1636.

STATE ASSOCIATIONS

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

Florida Sport Shooting Ass’n.

fssaf.org

Georgia Sport Shooting Ass’n.

gssainc.org

Louisiana Shooting Ass’n.

louisianashooting.com

SC—Freeman Coleman

Mississippi Gun Owners Ass’n.

TRAINING

North Carolina Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.

fcoleman@nrahq.org

Crime Prevention

(Seminar) Joseph Baker (404) 410-2383

msgo.com ncrpa.org

Gun Owners of South Carolina

gosc.org

Tennessee Shooting Sports Ass’n. Inc.

tennesseeshootingsportsassociation.org

GUN SHOWS

ates and locations of gun shows are subject to change, so please contact the show before traveling. Discounted NRA membership are sold through NRA recruiters.

DEC. 9—MOORESVILLE, NC

*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.

DEC. 9—WHITE, GA

DEC. 1-2

MUSCLE SHOALS, AL

DEC. 10—BUFORD, GA

DEC. 1-2

DOTHAN, AL

(Seminar) Karen Fisher (704) 237-4487 (Instructor Development Workshop) Carl Hirt (770) 334-8285 (Seminar) John Bain (678) 238-2504

North Alabama State Fairgrounds, VPI Gun Shows (256) 381-0506

National Peanut Festival Facility, Collectors & Shooters Co. (334) 322-8818 December 2018

american rifleman

Indian River County Fairgrounds, Patriot Productions (866) 611-0442 Florida State Fairgrounds, Florida Gun Shows (407) 410-6870

Volusia County Fairgrounds, Sport Show Specialists (321) 777-7455* Northwest Florida Fairgrounds, North Florida Gun & Knife Shows (407) 275-7233

Italian American Club, Florida Gun Expo (305) 922-3677 Columbia County Fairgrounds, Cliffhangers (386) 325-6114

Bossier City Civic Center, Classic Arms Productions (985) 624-8577 Castine Center, Jean LaFitte Promotions (337) 302-5535

Neshoba County Coliseum, Big Pop Gun Shows (601) 498-4235 Greenville Convention Center, S&D Show Promotions (252) 745-5647

Crown Expo Center, C&E Gun Shows (540) 953-0016 Caldwell County Fairgrounds, Gem Capitol Shows (828) 524-2064

Western Carolina Fairgrounds, Great American Promotions (865) 453-0074 The Ragsdale Old Building, South Carolina Arms Collectors Ass’n. (803) 463-9377

Williamson County Ag Expo Center, Mike Kent Shows (770) 630-7296

Appalachian Fairgrounds, R.K. Shows Inc. (563) 927-8176 National Speleological Society Conference Center, VPI Gun Shows (256) 381-0506

DEC. 8-9

MOBILE, AL

DEC. 8-9

PALMETTO, FL

DEC. 8-9

EUSTIS, FL

DEC. 8-9

JACKSONVILLE, FL

Greater Gulf State Fairgrounds, Collectors & Shooters Co. (334) 322-8818

Bradenton Convention Center, Florida Gun Shows (407) 410-6870 Lake County Fairgrounds, Sport Show Specialists (321) 777-7455*

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

DEC. 15-16

KENNER, LA

DEC. 29-30

HICKORY, NC

DEC. 15-16

RALEIGH, NC

DEC. 29-30

SPARTANBURG, SC

DEC. 15-16

WAYNESVILLE, NC

DEC. 29-30

KNOXVILLE, TN

Pontchartrain Center, Great Southern Gun & Knife Shows (865) 671-4757 North Carolina State Fairgrounds, C&E Gun Shows (540) 953-0016

Haywood County Fairgrounds, Gem Capitol Shows (828) 524-2064

DEC. 15-16

GREENVILLE, SC

DEC. 15-16

MEMPHIS, TN

DEC. 15-16

WHITE PINE, TN

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

DEC. 8-9

MIAMI, FL

DEC. 8-9

MARIETTA, GA

DEC. 8-9

LAFAYETTE, LA

DEC. 22-23

CLEWISTON, FL

DEC. 8-9

JACKSON, MS

DEC. 22-23

SARASOTA, FL

DEC. 8-9

CHARLOTTE, NC

DEC. 22-23

DULUTH, GA

DEC. 8-9

WILMINGTON, NC

DEC. 8-9

COLUMBIA, SC

Miccosukee Gaming Resort, Florida Gun Expo (305) 922-3677

Cobb County Civic Center, Eastman Gun Shows (229) 423-4867

Lafayette Event Center, Classic Arms Productions (985) 624-8577 Mississippi State Fair Commission, Great Southern Gun & Knife Shows (865) 671-4757

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

American Legion Building Post 10, S&D Show Promotions (252) 745-5647 South Carolina State Fairgrounds, Mike Kent Shows (770) 630-7296

DEC. 8-9

KNOXVILLE, TN

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

DEC. 15-16

HOOVER, AL

DEC. 15-16

FORT MYERS, FL

Hoover Metropolitan Stadium, Collectors & Shooters Co. (334) 322-8818

Araba Shrine Temple, Fort Myers Antique Arms Collectors (954) 294-2526

DEC. 15-16

FORT MYERS, FL

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

DEC. 15-16

BROOKSVILLE, FL

DEC. 15-16

TALLAHASSEE, FL

Hernando County Fairgrounds, 2 Guys Shows (727) 776-3442

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

DEC. 15-16

WEST PALM BEACH, FL

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

DEC. 15-16

ATLANTA, GA

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

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

Walters State Great Smoky Mountains Expo Center, R.K. Shows Inc. (563) 927-8176 John Boy Auditorium, Florida Gun Expo (305) 922-3677

Robarts Sports Arena, 2 Guys Shows (727) 776-3442 Infinite Energy Forum, Eastman Gun Shows (229) 423-4867

DEC. 22-23

LEBANON, TN

DEC. 29-30

LARGO, FL

Wilson County Exposition Center, R.K. Shows Inc. (563) 927-8176 Minnreg Hall, 2 Guys Shows (727) 776-3442

DEC. 29-30

MELBOURNE, FL

DEC. 29-30

FOREST PARK, GA

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

Atlanta Farmers Market, Gem Capitol Shows (828) 524-2064

Hickory Metro Convention Center, C&E Gun Shows (540) 953-0016 Piedmont Interstate Fairgrounds, Great American Promotions (865) 453-0074

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

AREA SHOOTS

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

PISTOL

Jacksonville, FL Brooksville, FL

SMALLBORE RIFLE

Gaston, SC Orlando, FL Cusseta, GA Palm Bay, FL Ridgeville, SC

HIGH POWER RIFLE

Hope Mills, NC Covington, GA Donaldsonville, LA Gaston, SC Brooksville, FL Hoover, AL

SILHOUETTE

Hoover, AL Orlando, FL Roxboro, NC Gaston, SC Brunswick, GA Pearlington, MS

DEC. 16 DEC. 23 DEC. 1 DEC. 1 DEC. 2 DEC. 8 DEC. 15 DEC. 1 DEC. 1 DEC. 1 DEC. 9 DEC. 15 DEC. 30 DEC. 1 DEC. 9 DEC. 15 DEC. 15 DEC. 15 DEC. 15

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 Wine Club

(800) 331-9754

ManageYOURiD

(888) 759-7866

Medical Concierge Network

800) 351-6094

Global Rescue

(800) 381-9754

NRA Travel Center

NRA.HotelPlanner.com

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

americanrifleman.org

December 2018

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

Southwest Regional Director— Jason Quick

jquick@nrahq.org

AZ—Winston Pendleton

wpendleton@nrahq.org

Central CA, Southern NV— Steve Wilson

swilson@nrahq.org

STATE ASSOCIATIONS

AREA SHOOTS

Eastern CA, Western NV— Cole Beverly

Mid CA—Sheila Boer

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.

PISTOL

cbeverly@nrahq.org sboer@nrahq.org

Northern CA—Dan Wilhelm

dwilhelm@nrahq.org

asrpa.com

California Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.

crpa.org

Southern CA—Mike Davis

Nevada Firearms Coalition

UT, Eastern NV—Jim Reardon

Utah State Rifle & Pistol Ass’n.

mdavis@nrahq.org

jreardon@nrahq.org

nvfac.org

usrpa.org

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. Sloughhouse, CA Phoenix, AZ

HIGH POWER RIFLE

Seeley, CA Escondido, CA Yuma, AZ Bakersfield, CA Thousand Oaks, CA Castaic, CA

SILHOUETTE

Cupertino, CA San Fernando, CA Avenal, CA Tucson, AZ Yuma, AZ Phoenix, AZ

DEC. 2 DEC. 16 DEC. 2 DEC. 2 DEC. 9 DEC. 15 DEC. 15 DEC. 30 DEC. 8 DEC. 8-9 DEC. 9 DEC. 16 DEC. 22 DEC. 23

TRAINING

Crime Prevention

DECEMBER 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

an email to refuse@nrahq.org or by calling (800) 861-1166. DEC. 7—GLENDALE, AZ

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

DEC. 8—VICTORVILLE, CA

(Seminar) Steven Faris (760) 455-0989

GUN SHOWS

BULLHEAD CITY, AZ

DEC. 1-2

VALLEJO, CA

DEC. 1-2

FAIRFIELD, CA

DEC. 8-9

PASO ROBLES, CA

DEC. 8-9

BEATTY, NV

Paso Robles Event Center, Central Coast Gun Shows (805) 481-6726

Beatty Community Center, Nye County Gun Shows (702) 835-9254

DEC. 8-9

DEC. 15-16

Specialty Event Center, Mountain Aire Promotions (209) 215-5599

DEC. 1-2

FRESNO, CA

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

DEC. 8-9

CASA GRANDE, AZ

Pinal County Fairgrounds, Arizona Gun Shows (602) 448-1706

DEC. 8-9

MADERA, CA

Madera Fairgrounds, Mountain Aire Promotions (209) 215-5599

DEC. 8-9

DEL MAR, CA

Del Mar Fairgrounds, Crossroads of the West Gun Shows (801) 544-9125

YUMA, AZ

Yuma Civic Center, Yuma Territorial Promotions (928) 920-0837

DEC. 15-16

VENTURA, CA

Ventura County Fairgrounds, Crossroads of the West Gun Shows (801) 544-9125

Bullhead City Chamber of Commerce, Bullhead City Kiwanis Morning Club (559) 765-8388

Solano County Fairgrounds, Code of the West Productions (530) 676-8762

RENO, NV

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

DEC. 15-16

LAS VEGAS, NV

DEC. 15-16

ANTIOCH, CA

DEC. 15-16

TUCSON, AZ

DEC. 15-16

LAS VEGAS, NV

DEC. 22-23

ROSEVILLE, CA

World Market Center Las Vegas, Crossroads of the West Gun Shows (801) 544-9125 Contra Costa County Fairgrounds, Mountain Aire Productions (209) 215-5599 Tucson Expo, AZ Gun Radio (650) 520-6002

Las Vegas Convention Center, Midwest Arms Collectors LLC (660) 956-6004 The Grounds, Code of the West Productions (530) 676-8762

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 Wine Club

(800) 331-9754

ManageYOURiD

(888) 759-7866

Medical Concierge Network

800) 351-6094

Global Rescue

(800) 381-9754

NRA Travel Center

NRA.HotelPlanner.com

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

americanrifleman.org

December 2018

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

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

MN—Eric Linder

elinder@nrahq.org

MT—Joe Crismore

jcrismore@nrahq.org

ND, SD—Doug DeLaRoi

ddelaroi@nrahq.org

OR, HI—Mike Carey

mcarey@nrahq.org

WA—Michael Herrera

mherrera@nrahq.org

WY—Logan Duff

lduff@nrahq.org

TRAINING

LAW ENFORCEMENT

DEC. 22—APPLETON, WI

STATE ASSOCIATIONS

Crime Prevention

(Seminar) Gail Feher (920) 202-3080

Police Competition

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.

DEC. 15—MARYSVILLE, WA

(Approved) Contact LEcompetitions@nrahq.org or (703) 267-1632.

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

DECEMBER 2018

AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

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.

DEC. 8-9

sdshootingsports.org

Washington State Rifle & Pistol Ass’n. Inc.

wsrpa.org

Wyoming State Shooting Ass’n. Inc.

AREA SHOOTS

Boise, ID Eatonville, WA Machias, WA Sherwood, OR

DEC. 1 DEC. 9 DEC. 16 DEC. 22

GUN SHOWS

CARSON, WA

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

DEC. 1-2

STILLWATER, MN

Stillwater Armory, Crocodile Productions (763) 754-7140

DEC. 1-2

CANBY, OR

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

DEC. 1-2

KLAMATH FALLS, OR

DEC. 1-2

RAPID CITY, SD

DEC. 1-2

MONROE, WA

DEC. 1-2

SPOKANE, WA

DEC. 7-9

BOZEMAN, MT

DEC. 15-16

POST FALLS, ID

DEC. 15-16

PORTLAND, OR

DEC. 15-16

REDMOND, OR

DEC. 15-16

PUYALLUP, WA

DEC. 15-16

BRAINERD, MN

DEC. 16

PORTLAND, OR

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

DEC. 16 DEC. 22

SILHOUETTE

CASPER, WY

Greyhound Park & Event Center, Lewis Clark Trader (208) 746-5555

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. Honolulu, HI Boise, ID

DEC. 14-16

Central Wyoming Fairgrounds, Up In Arms Gun Shows (208) 420-2295

wyossa.com

PISTOL

ST. PAUL, MN

Saint Paul River Centre, Minnesota Weapons Collectors Ass’n. (612) 721-8976

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

DEC. 8-9

COEUR D’ALENE, ID

DEC. 8-9

POCATELLO, ID

Kootenai County Fairgrounds, Sports Connection (406) 633-2206 Mountain View Event Center, Lewis Clark Trader (208) 746-5555

DEC. 8-9

DICKINSON, ND

Astoria Hotel & Event Center, Dakota Territory Gun Collectors Ass’n. (701) 361-9215

DEC. 8-9

GRANTS PASS, OR

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

DEC. 8-9

RICKREALL, OR

Polk County Fairgrounds, Polk County Fairgrounds & Event Center (503) 623-3048

Western Washington Fairgrounds, Washington Arms Collectors (425) 255-8410 Brainerd National Guard Armory, Russ Bowers Gun Shows (218) 845-2530 Jackson Armory, Oregon Arms Collectors (503) 254-5986

DEC. 22-23

SALEM, OR

DEC. 28-30

BUTTE, MT

Oregon State Fairgrounds, Collectors West (800) 659-3440 Butte Civic Center, Sports Connection (406) 633-2206

DEC. 8-9

CENTRALIA, WA

DEC. 29-30

MEDFORD, OR

DEC. 8-9

MOUNT VERNON, WA

DEC. 29-30

BLOOMINGTON, MN

Southwest Washington Fairgrounds, Wes Knodel Gun Shows (503) 363-9564 Fredonia Grange Hall, Falcon Productions (360) 770-1575

Medford Armory, Wes Knodel Gun Shows (503) 363-9564 Bloomington Armory, Crocodile Productions (763) 754-7140

Klamath County Fairgrounds, Jefferson State Shooting Ass’n. (541) 887-0064 Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City Firearms Ass’n. (605) 209-1166

Evergreen State Fairgrounds, Washington Arms Collectors (425) 255-8410 Spokane County Fairgrounds, Wes Knodel Gun Shows (503) 363-9564

Gallatin County Fairgrounds Gillette Promotions (406) 580-5458

DEC. 7-9

LARAMIE, WY

Albany County Fairgrounds, Wyoming Sportsmans Gun Show (307) 760-1841

DEC. 8

VANCOUVER, WA

Elks Club, Arms Collectors of Southwest Washington (360) 263-7511

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 Wine Club

(800) 331-9754

ManageYOURiD

(888) 759-7866

Medical Concierge Network

800) 351-6094

Global Rescue

(800) 381-9754

NRA Travel Center

NRA.HotelPlanner.com

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

americanrifleman.org

December 2018

inside nra | programs & services

NRA 2018 Competitive Shooting Season Highlights

he 2018 shooting season featured world-class shooting and some memorable moments. Here are a few highlights. Shooting legend Doug Koenig—who posted a perfect 1920-180X—was the overall winner at the NRA World Action Pistol Championship, leading Team USA to first place at the Green Valley Rifle and Pistol Club in Hallsville, Mo. Adam Sokolowski, a sergeant first class with the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, made history in the Bianchi Cup by sweeping all three divisions—Production, Metallic and Open—as he shot his way to a perfect 1920-176X. If you’re more into comebacks than perfect scores, the National Matches at Camp Perry, Ohio, should meet that standard. Jonathan Shue overcame a 13-point deficit to edge Sokolowski by two points. The NRA National High Power Rifle Championship saw Sgt. 1st Class

Brandon Green finish on top at Camp Atterbury, Ind. His score of 2394-147 allowed him to take home the Mumma Trophy for the third time. He didn’t rest on his laurels, though; later he made history by becoming the first U.S. military marksman to capture the Governor’s General Prize during the Canadian Fullbore Rifle Championships. A collegiate shooter—Elizabeth Gratz, who is on the West Virginia University rifle team—showed off her skills at the NRA Smallbore Rifle Championships, posting a score of 11799-698X during the 11-day event. Behind the scenes, the NRA Competitive Shooting team worked to bring the sport’s registration and record books more accessible. The technological changes include using RANGELOG to simplify match registration and offering a re-designed website that makes it easier to take advantage of resources to improve their game.

Photos by Jim Powell

NOTICE: MINUTES AVAILABLE Copies of the minutes from the May 7, 2018, Board of Directors meeting are now available. To receive a copy, send your request to: NRA Secretary, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax, VA 22030 along with $12.70 to cover the printing and postage.

NRA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Joe M. Allbaugh, Oklahoma; Thomas P. Arvas, New Mexico; Paul Babaz, Georgia; 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; Dean Cain, California; 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 Cushman, New York; Edie P. Fleeman, North Carolina; Carol Frampton, South Carolina; Joel Friedman, Nevada; Sandra S. Froman, Arizona; Julie Golob, Missouri; 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, Virginia; Carrie Lightfoot, Arizona; Duane Liptak Jr., Texas; 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; Il Ling New, Idaho; Oliver L. North, Virginia; Robert A. 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; John C. Sigler, Delaware; Leroy Sisco, Texas; Bart Skelton, New Mexico; Kristy Titus, Oregon; 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; 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.

December 2018

american rifleman

RUGER

continued from p. 49

the butt were recessed, flattened and embossed with the Ruger eagle. Fluted, rubbery stock panels fore and aft were attached with shiny screws and could be had in black or, more rarely, a contrasting pine-green color. Several AWS spinoffs emerged, including rimfires in .22 Long Rifle and .22 WMR. The rifle wasn’t pretty, but seemed intuitively suited to the extreme jobs for which it was destined. If ever there was a stock that could see double-duty as a canoe paddle, pry bar or bludgeon, this was it; no one would worry about scratching or denting it. If it chipped or cracked, guys would do a rough fix with Bondo or wrap it in duct tape and get back out there. In my company, one fellow used his (unloaded, of course) along with a big Ka-Bar-like knife to dredge a shallow trench between our pup tents after a rainy, futile day searching for sheep in the Wrangells. Many miles from camp, Noatak River grizzly guide Paul Lenmark levered a snowmobile track back in place with his AWS stock. When we were glassing, Paul would simply plant his rifle grip-deep and muzzle up in the hard-packed snow, where it stood ready for duty. Who knows exactly how many of the kitschy AWS rifles ended up in Alaska, but one indication comes from Jim West, whose Wild West Guns is both the state’s biggest gun store and a popular television series. West told me about winning a bid for hundreds of guns confiscated from criminals by the Alaska Troopers, a large percentage of which were Ruger AWSs. Selling them via online auction, he said the used rifles routinely brought about twice their original asking price. “They may be ugly,” said West, “but people up here love ’em.” If ever there was a dedicated pairing, it’s that rifle in that place, and I’d venture that .338 Win. Mag. was Alaska’s preferred cartridge—loaded for bear with the line’s most powerful chambering.

DECEMBER 2018

The Hawkeye Upgrade

In an echo of the early ’90s, Ruger caught riflemen by surprise with its 2007 announcement that the Mark IIs would give way to yet another successor generation, the M77 Hawkeye. The maker called it a “refinement,” initially offered in two versions. The HM77R paired matte-blue alloy steel with a walnut stock even trimmer than the Mark II’s. There was also a Hawkeye AWS, matte stainless housed in a nowconventionally shaped black synthetic stock. Standard equipment included a single-piece bolt and steel floorplate, a feature previously supplied only on deluxe variants. Practical improvement came from the company’s new, widely appreciated LC6 trigger. It was clear Ruger was aiming for an image upgrade with the Hawkeyes. Though upscale variants were on the docket throughout most of the M77’s long run, they were counterbalanced by affordable models retailing for around $500, like the 77R and AWS. In keeping with one of Bill Ruger’s founding principles, the M77, first and foremost, had been an everyman’s rifle. But that kind of economy was fading with the coming of the Hawkeye, and whether anyone knew it at that juncture, it was an omen of bolt-action evolution to come. It wouldn’t surprise me if the ever-astute Mike Fifer, then Sturm, Ruger CEO, understood that emerging “smart manufacturing” would soon allow the profitable production of a new wave of cut-rate bolt rifles epitomized by the Ruger American Rifle. If so, then no doubt Fifer also knew that a costlier build like the M77 would have to make it as an upper-tier product. Hence today’s growing Hawkeye family, with 10 variants presently cataloged, most of which sell north of $1,000. True to company practice, the base model is augmented by compact and varmint numbers, AMERICAN RIFLEMAN

and there are a handful of specialists. The Hawkeye African showcases proprietary .375 and .416 Ruger rounds developed by Hornady, while the FTW Hunter was designed as the ultimate North American big-game rig in conjunction with the highly regarded FTW Ranch/ Sportsman’s All-Weather, All-Terrain Marksmanship school. New for 2018 is the Long-Range Target in .300 Win. Mag., one of few dedicated M77 match rifles. Its 26" heavy-contour barrel is paired with a laminate stock wearing a textured paint job, a two-way adjustable comb and is shaped to engage various kinds of rests. Accurizing touches include 5R rifling and tight bore-andgroove and headspace tolerances. Several other Hawkeyes also sport laminated-wood stocks, including the FTW, Predator, Guide Gun (see sidebar) and most of the highcapacity Scout Rifle options. While walnut remains a common Hawkeye treatment, synthetic stocks are rare among the current lot. As we review a meaningful halfcentury, it’s also fair to wonder about the M77’s future. At the same time rank-and-file hunters are embracing bargain bolt-actions, a renaissance in precision riflery—for match shooting, long-range hunting and military/ LE service—has pumped up sales of bolt guns starting at roughly $1,500. However, the lion’s share are built on Remington 700-pattern actions, leaving proven players like the Ruger, Winchester Model 70 and other Mauser offspring mostly on the sidelines. How much does actual performance account for this trend, how much can be attributed to the influence of military issue, and how much can simply be chalked up to the thrift and ease of fabricating round-bodied receivers? Of course, the 700-type action is capable of stellar accuracy, but so are flat-bottomed receivers. Perhaps the matter will be addressed in part by the new Long-Range Target, but however it works out, Mr. Ruger’s bolt-action stands among his most enduring creations.

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LAWRENCE OF ARABIA continued from p. 55

trucks, making the Talbots one of the first mobile gun platforms. The guns were first employed in attacks on Tel al Shahm and Wadi Rutm along the Hejaz Railway, in early 1918, and most successfully in the August 1918 battles at Mudowwara, where the section supported the Imperial Camel Corps’ successful attack that captured the large fortress. Probably the most unique “technical” used in the campaign was the 1914 Admiralty Pattern Armoured Car. Based on the Rolls-Royce 40/50 “Alpine Eagle” model (later known as the “Silver Ghost”), it was powered by a six-cylinder 7,428-c.c. engine producing about 75 b.h.p. with a four-speed transmission. Each had two tons of 3/8" steel armor, along with extra spring leaves and dual rearwheel assemblies to carry the weight. The cars had a rotating turret with a Maxim or Vickers .303 machine gun. The gun could be quickly dismounted for ground use on a tripod when necessary. The Vickers/Maxim was fed with a 250-round belt and had a sustained rate of fire of 450 to 500 rounds per minute. It was accurate to around 2,200 meters, although it was often used at longer ranges. Even with all the extra weight, the armored version could hit 60 miles per hour. But, at around 4 miles per gallon, gas mileage wasn’t their best feature. The cars were used primarily to attack strongpoints—forts and rail stations—as well as to provide overwatch when demolitions teams set charges on rail lines and bridges. Unarmed Rolls-Royces, called “tenders,” accompanied the armored cars and carried personnel, fuel, water and the demolition materials needed to support each mission, as the armored cars had little room to carry supplies. It was the tenders that were used for

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long-range reconnaissance; four days’ worth of supplies meant the raiders could reach areas with a speed not otherwise possible. Moreover, the Rolls-Royces rarely had breakdowns, and, when they did, it was usually because the vehicles’ suspensions were subjected to extremes far beyond factory expectations during crosscountry driving. The Rolls-Royces, and even some Ford Model T cars, were very effective in the campaign and inspired the use of armed raider jeeps in World War II by units such as the Long Range Desert group and the Special Air Service. Of course, Lawrence—ever the odd man out—often used an older 1909 Rolls-Royce tender he had himself appropriated from a British diplomat in Cairo. He was photographed in the car, nicknamed “Blue Mist,” in Damascus at the end of the war. That image has survived as one of the most iconic of Lawrence. While the Arab Revolt did not single-handedly win the war in the Middle East, it did assist Allenby to win his campaign. Lawrence had a talent for employing the Great War’s new technologies: semi-automatic pistols, airplanes, electric detonators, machine guns and motorcars. The equipment used by T.E. Lawrence and his colleagues against the Turks was innovative, as was his untraditional approach to the employment of intelligence, aerial reconnaissance and mobile gun platforms. His methodologies were game-changers and would heavily influence what would later be known as special operations in the British military, not to mention guerrilla leaders such as Mao Zedong and Võ Nguyên Giáp.

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2018 annual index | american rifleman—volume 166 Handguns, Description & Performance A Colt’s Python Primer, July, p. 56 A Fighter And A Hunter: Standouts From Les Baer, Sept., p. 42 CMP M1911s: The Inside Story, Aug., p. 36 Head-Turner: The FK Brno Field Pistol, Dec., p. 56 Kahr Firearms: Steering Its Own Market, March, p. 66 No Compromise Necessary? SIG’s P365, April, p. 48 Remington Doubles Down, Dec., p. 40 Round Up: New Guns & Gear 2018, May, p. 76 Smaller Size, Larger Audience: Heckler & Koch’s VP9SK, Jan., p. 64 Smith & Wesson’s M2.0s Go Compact, Aug., p. 38 Springfield’s 9 mm XD-S Mod.2: Portable, Proven, Optimized, Oct., p. 48 The Easy Road: The S&W M&P380 Shield EZ, June, p. 56 The Golden Age Re-Visited: Rock River Poly 1911s, Nov., p. 70 To The Rescue: Springfield’s 911, May, p. 62 Trusty Companions: Ruger’s PC Carbine & Security-9 Pistol, Feb., p. 42 Shotguns, Description & Performance A Pleasant Surprise: Sovereign Shotguns By Barrett, Feb., p. 50 Box-Fed: Remington’s 870 DM & Mossberg’s 590M, July, p. 60 Round Up: New Guns & Gear 2018, May, p. 76 Rifles, Description & Performance AccuFit: The New Shape Of Savage, June, p. 44 American Rifleman Guide: Precision Rifle Series, March, p. 56 Big-Gun Feel, Little-Cartridge Fun: Ruger’s Precision Rimfire Rifle, Sept., p. 50 Build Your Own Precision Bolt-Action Rifle, April, p. 52 Building Momentum: A First For Franchi, July, p. 44 Galil ACE: IWI Brings The AK Into The Modern Era, Jan., p. 56 Get A Grip On Lever-Action Accuracy, Feb., p. 60 Peace Dividend: Winchester, Nov., p. 49 Round Up: New Guns & Gear 2018, May, p. 76 Ruger’s Rugged Flagship: The Model 77 Turns 50, Dec., p. 44 The Evolution Of The Beanfield Rifle, May, p. 88 The Kimber Rifle Story, March, p. 48 The Modern Savage Rifle, Oct., p. 58 The X-Bolt: 10 Years Later, Nov., p. 50 True Pair: Two New Long-Range Rifles From Savage, Jan., p. 68 Trusty Companions: Ruger’s PC Carbine & Security-9 Pistol, Feb., p. 42 Ammunition & Reloading 70 Years Of The Nosler Partition, Aug., p. 50 Breaking With Convention: NovX Ammunition, May, p. 68 Chain Breaker: Hornady’s 6.5 mm PRC, Nov., p. 58 From The Bench: A Closer Look At Norma Ammunition, March, p. 34 From The Bench: SIG 365 Ammunition, Nov., p. 44 From The Bench: Winchester Long Beard XR 20 Gauge, Sept., p. 74 Handloading The .44-40 Win., April, p. 38 Hodgdon: The Inside Story, Oct., p. 42 Inside The .224 Valkyrie, June, p. 60 Nine Lives Of The 10 mm Auto, Aug., p. 56 Round Up: New Guns & Gear 2018, May, p. 76 Sequel: The 6 mm Creedmoor, Jan., p. 78 Handloads Frugal Firepower: .243 Win., Jan., p. 48 The Total Package: 7 mm-08 Rem., Feb., p. 34 6.5 mm Creedmoor, March, p. 32 .17 Hornet, 20-gr. V-Max, April, p. 34 12 Gauge Target Load, May, p. 40 7 mm Rem. Mag., June, p. 38

December 2017

.30-’06 Sprg., July, p. 34 9 mm Luger, Aug., p. 33 .17 Hornet, 25-gr. V-Max, Sept., p. 39 10 mm Auto, Oct., p. 39 .308 Win., Nov., p. 40 .270 Wby. Mag., Dec., p. 35 Optics & Accessories Blackhawk Suppressors: All Kinds Of Quiet, April, p. 62 Round Up: New Guns & Gear 2018, May, p. 76 Thermal And Night Vision Revealed, Sept., p. 64 Biography & History America’s Snipers In The Great War, Oct., p. 52 Colts In The Cockpit, April, p. 58 “Come And Get Us!”: The Hotchkiss Model Of 1914 Heavy Machine Gun, June, p. 66 Dan Combs: Oklahoma Highway Patrol’s Fastest Man With A Gun, Nov., p. 74 FN Mausers And The Fight For Israel, Nov., p. 66 General Grant’s Magnificent Set Of Lost Remingtons, Sept., p. 58 Last Of Its Kind: The USMC Model 1909 Colt, Jan., p. 74 Locally Made: The Vietnamese K-50M Submachine Gun, Feb., p. 56 Magnificent Mausers: An Exploration Of Unusual Pistols And Carbines, March, p. 72 National Treasure: The Lafayette/Washington Pistols, June, p. 50 “One Of The Great Decisions”: The U.S. Model Of 1917 Rifle, Aug., p. 42 “Superior”: The U.S. Model Of 1918 Browning Automatic Rifle, Sept., p. 70 The Arab Revolt And The Guns Of Lawrence Of Arabia, Dec., p. 50 “The Best Rifles In The War”: The Model 1903 In World War I, July, p. 48 The Cavalry’s Last Charge: The 1921 M1903 Prototype Carbine, May, p. 72 The Right Ingredients: Cimarron Firearms, Oct., p. 64 “They Never Seemed To Learn,”: The Genesis Of Sniping, Part 6, Soviet Sniping, 1939-1945, March, p. 62 Winchester’s Rimfire Rout, Feb., p. 41 I Have This Old Gun Browning B-SS Shotgun, Dec., p. 80 Charles Gourlay Coach Gun, Oct., p. 96 Colt Model 1855 Revolving Carbine, May, p. 120 FN Browning Model 1922, Sept., p. 100 French Year XIII Cavalry Pistol, June, p. 88 Pattern 1856 “Enfield” Cavalry Carbine, Nov., p. 96 Ruger “Old Model” Single-Six (Contoured Loading Gate), Jan., p. 112 Sauer 38H Pistol, March, p. 96 Sedgley Springfield Sporter, Feb., p. 80 Smith & Wesson Model 1, July, p. 88 Smith & Wesson “Wolf & Klar” .44 Hand Ejector, Third Model, Aug., p. 84 Valmet Model 76, April, p. 96 Legislation & Laws The Battles Ahead: The Fight For Our Rights Continues After The Election, Dec., p. 18 Chipping Away At Our Rights, Jan., p. 18 Don’t Let District Courts Squeeze Our Rights, July, p. 18 Don’t Let Your State’s Governor’s Mansion Become A Gun-Free Home, Nov., p. 18 Firearm Preemption Laws Protect Our Rights, April, p. 18 Gun Owners Framed To Take The Fall For A Crime They Did Not Commit, May, p. 18 Have Gun—Will Travel, Feb., p. 18 Lend A Hand To The Fight, Aug., p. 18 Online Gun Sales Narrative Torpedoed, March, p. 18 Their End Goal: #BanThemAll, June, p. 18 american rifleman

To Uphold Heller, We Need Kavanaugh On The Supreme Court, Sept., p. 18 What Happens If Our Opponents Take The U.S. House?, Oct., p. 18 NRA Official 2018 NRA Golden Bullseye Awards, April, p. 72 American Marksman: 2017 NRA National Matches, Jan., p. 84 A Show Of Strength: 2018 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits, July, p. 38 Assist In The Nomination Of Directors, July, p. 76 Carry Guard Expo: A Center For Education And Exhibition, Sept., p. 42 Making History In Dallas! NRA-ILA’s 2018 Leadership Forum, July, p. 42 NRA Plans For Annual Meetings As Big As Texas, March, p. 46 Oliver North Takes The Helm, Aug., p. 48 There Can Be Only One: The NRA World Shooting Championship, May, p. 48 Dope Bag/Technical Review Alien Gear ShapeShift Starter Kit, May, p. 96 Browning Buck Mark Field Target Suppressor Ready, March, p. 78 Bushnell Enrage Reflex Sight, June, p. 72 CMMG Guard, July, p. 70 CVA Accura Plains Rifle Package, Feb., p. 66 CZ USA Sharp-Tail Coach, Nov., p. 80 Franchi Affinity 3, Sept., p. 82 Glock 19X, Aug., p. 68 Hatfield SAS, April, p. 80 Henry Long Ranger, March, p. 80 Hi-Point 1095TS Edge, Oct., p. 72 Hudson H9, April, p. 78 Kahr S9, Feb., p. 64 Kel-Tec KSG-25, June, p. 68 Kimber Camp Guard 10, Jan., p. 92 Magpul Pro 700 Rifle Stock, Dec., p. 64 Mossberg MVP Precision, Nov., p. 76 Nemesis Arms Valkyrie, May, p. 94 Nikon Monarch 7i VR Rangefinder, June, p. 73 POF-USA Revolution, Jan., p. 96 Ravin R20 Sniper Package Crossbow, June, p. 70 Rock Island Armory XT 22 Magnum, Nov., p. 78 Ruger GP100 Seven Shot, Sept., p. 78 Sabatti Saphire Syn, Dec., p. 62 Sauer 100 Classic XT, Aug., p. 66 SIG Sauer P225-A1 Nitron Compact, July, p. 68 Springfield M1A Loaded 6.5 Creedmoor, Aug., p. 64 Standard Mfg. 1911 Case Colored #1 Engraved, Oct., p. 76 Steyr Zephyr II, Oct., p. 74 Tract Toric 3-15X 42 mm Riflescope, Feb., p. 68 Trijicon Reap-IR Thermal Scope, March, p. 82 Walther Creed, May, p. 92 Weatherby Vanguard Modular Chassis, Sept., p. 80 Winchester Super X4, Jan., p. 94 In Memoriam Harry Selby, Hunter And Rifleman, Dies At 92, May, p. 24 R. Lee Ermey, July, p. 79 Warren L. Cheek, May, p. 102 Q&As A Collector Or A Shooter? April, p. 36 A Manual For My Semi-Automatic (Winchester Model 190), Feb., p. 36 A Gun Of Many Names, Jan., p. 50 Belgian Inheritance, July, p. 35 Browning Bring-Back, June, p. 42 Cattle Brand Colts, Dec., p. 36 Leads On Leading, March, p. 44 Liverpool Jones, June, p. 42 Mid-Range Trajectory, Jan., p. 50 Mystery Miroku, May, p. 45 “Old-Style” Chokes, Oct., p. 40 americanrifleman.org

Open-Bolt Mechanics, May, p. 46 Pre-War Stock Pistol, July, p. 36 Rifle Or Musket?, Nov., p. 41 Shootin’ Blanks, Jan., p. 52 The Deringer Line, March, p. 43 Two Wars, Different Trenches?, Sept., p. 40 WD-40 As A Firearm Lubricant?, April, p. 36 What In The World Is G10?, Aug., p. 34 Why Nickel Boron?, May, p. 44 Feature Authors Antaris, Leonardo M. Magnificent Mausers: An Exploration Of Unusual Pistols And Carbines, March, p. 72 Boddington, Craig Sequel: The 6 mm Creedmoor, Jan., p. 78 Brown, Gurney A Colt’s Python Primer, July, p. 56 Brune, Evan Carry Guard Expo: A Center For Education And Exhibition, Sept., p. 42 Canfield, Bruce N. “One Of The Great Decisions”: The U.S. Model Of 1917 Rifle, Aug., p. 42 “Superior”: The U.S. Model Of 1918 Browning Automatic Rifle, Sept., p. 70 “The Best Rifles In The War”: The Model 1903 In World War I, July, p. 48 The Cavalry’s Last Charge: The 1921 M1903 Prototype Carbine, May, p. 72 Carter, Aaron Breaking With Convention: NovX Ammunition, May, p. 68 Chain Breaker: Hornady’s 6.5 mm PRC, Nov., p. 58 Hodgdon: The Inside Story, Oct., p. 42 Clapp, Wiley Remington Doubles Down, Dec., p. 40 Smaller Size, Larger Audience: Heckler & Koch’s VP9SK, Jan., p. 64 Dyal, Justin Last Of Its Kind: The USMC Model 1909 Colt, Jan., p. 74 The Golden Age Re-Visited: Rock River Poly 1911s, Nov., p. 70 Fjestad, S. P. General Grant’s Magnificent Set Of Lost Remingtons, Sept., p. 58 Hacker, Rick The Right Ingredients: Cimarron Firearms, Oct., p. 64 Haviland, John Get A Grip On Lever-Action Accuracy, Feb., p. 60 Horman, B. Gil Big-Gun Feel, Little-Cartridge Fun: Ruger’s Precision Rimfire Rifle, Sept., p. 50 From The Bench: SIG 365 Ammunition, Nov., p. 44 The Modern Savage Rifle, Oct., p. 58 Trusty Companions: Ruger’s PC Carbine & Security-9 Pistol, Feb., p. 42 Johnston, Jeff Kahr Firearms: Steering Its Own Market, March, p. 66 The Kimber Rifle Story, March, p. 48 The X-Bolt: 10 Years Later, Nov., p. 50 Keefe, Mark A., IV A Pleasant Surprise: Sovereign Shotguns By Barrett, Feb., p. 50 The Easy Road: The S&W M&P380 Shield EZ, June, p. 56 Winchester’s Rimfire Rout, Feb., p. 41 Knupp, Jeremiah Galil ACE: IWI Brings The AK Into The Modern Era, Jan., p. 56 Nine Lives Of The 10 mm Auto, Aug., p. 56 Valmet Model 76, April, p. 96 continued on p. 79

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Kurtenbach, Joe Building Momentum: A First For Franchi, July, p. 44 No Compromise Necessary? SIG’s P365, April, p. 48 Smith & Wesson’s M2.0s Go Compact, Aug., p. 38 Springfield’s 9 mm XD-S Mod.2: Portable, Proven, Optimized, Oct., p. 48 Laemlein, Tom “Come And Get Us!”: The Hotchkiss Model Of 1914 Heavy Machine Gun, June, p. 66 Locally Made: The Vietnamese K-50M Submachine Gun, Feb., p. 56 Mercaldo, Luke Colts In The Cockpit, April, p. 58 Morgan, Martin K.A. CMP M1911s: The Inside Story, Aug., p. 36 Parker, John and Rocketto, Hap American Marksman: 2017 NRA National Matches, Jan., p. 84 Pegler, Martin “They Never Seemed To Learn,”: The Genesis Of Sniping, Part 6, Soviet Sniping, 1939-1945, March, p. 62 Plaster, Maj. John L. America’s Snipers In The Great War, Oct., p. 52 Reese, Kevin Thermal And Night Vision Revealed, Sept., p. 64 Sage, Mark National Treasure: The Lafayette/Washington Pistols, June, p. 50 Schmidt, Keith R. Dan Combs: Oklahoma Highway Patrol’s Fastest Man With A Gun, Nov., p. 74 Sheetz, Brian Build Your Own Precision Bolt-Action Rifle, April, p. 52 Trusty Companions: Ruger’s PC Carbine & Security-9 Pistol, Feb., p. 42 Simpson, Layne 70 Years Of The Nosler Partition, Aug., p. 50 Handloading The .44-40 Win., April, p. 38 The Evolution Of The Beanfield Rifle, May, p. 88 Stejskal, James The Arab Revolt And The Guns Of Lawrence Of Arabia, Dec., p. 50 Towsley, Bryce From The Bench: A Closer Look At Norma Ammunition, March, p. 34 True Pair: Two New Long-Range Rifles From Savage, Jan., p. 68 Vanderlinden, Anthony Colts In The Cockpit, April, p. 58 FN Mausers And The Fight For Israel, Nov., p. 66 White, Richard To The Rescue: Springfield’s 911, May, p. 62 Wilson, Jim A Fighter And A Hunter: Standouts From Les Baer, Sept., p. 42 Wood, Keith American Rifleman Guide: Precision Rifle Series, March, p. 56 Head-Turner: The FK Brno Field Pistol, Dec., p. 56 Young, Kelly AccuFit: The New Shape Of Savage, June, p. 44 Blackhawk Suppressors: All Kinds Of Quiet, April, p. 62 Box-Fed: Remington’s 870 DM & Mossberg’s 590M, July, p. 60 From The Bench: Winchester Long Beard XR 20 Gauge, Sept., p. 74 Zent, John Ruger’s Rugged Flagship: The Model 77 Turns 50, Dec., p. 44

i have this old gun …

BROWNING B-SS SHOTGUN Gun: Browning grade i B-SS Shotgun Manufacturer: Miroku, Japan GauGe: 12; 26" BarrelS (iC/M) Serial nuMber: XX52a72 Manufactured: 1972 condition: 98 perCent — nra eXCellent (Modern gun StandardS) Value: $1,150 to $1,450

ention Browning shotguns, and thoughts often drift to the celebrated Citori over-under or the iconic Auto-5 semi-automatic. But from 1971 until 1987, Browning imported one of the best valued, most solidly built side-by-sides available in America—the B-SS (“Browning Side-by-Side”). Unfortunately, at the time, hunters were turning away from classic side-by-sides in favor of pump-actions and semi-automatics. Moreover, in 1987, the government announced that lead shot was going to be banned for waterfowl hunting, beginning in 1991, thus forecasting the demise—for all practical purposes—of existing doubles for anything but upland hunting. That’s not to say the B-SS was passé. Far from it. Expertly made in Japan by Miroku (guns made after 1977 were assembled in Korea using Japanese parts), and with its highly polished and hand-fitted action, it was sometimes viewed as “the working man’s Model 21.” Indeed, originally priced at $257.50 (which jumped to $354.50 five years later), the B-SS was a relative bargain—rock solid in appearance, construction and performance. Initially offered as a 12-ga. Grade I, a 20 gauge priced at $275 came out a year later. Barrel lengths were 26", 28" or 30", with a choice of full/full, modified/full or improved cylinder/modified combinations of fixed choke. Attractive 20-line-per-inch checkering graced a black walnut, pistol grip stock and beavertail fore-end that were paired with richly blued polished steel, featuring hand-engraved embellishments. Automatic ejectors, an automatic safety and a silver, single, non-selective trigger were standard. In 1977, a single, selective trigger was introduced, the trigger color was changed to gold and a straight-stocked Sporter, priced at $369.50, was introduced. Also new was a Grade II variant with a more profusely engraved French Gray receiver. By that time, the price of the standard B-SS had risen to $359.50. An even more expensive sidelock version, with splinter fore-end and double triggers, was brought out in 1983. Today, the B-SS is acknowledged not only as the value it always represented, but also as a potential collectable. There is already a slight premium for 20-ga. guns, and sidelocks in excellent condition can bring $4,000 and up. Six years ago, this early, near-mint, 12-ga. Grade I boxlock B-SS, even with a tiny chip in its buttplate, sold for $825 at Lock, Stock & Barrel online auctions (lsbauctions.com). Today it is easily valued at $1,150 to $1,450. —Rick HackeR, Field editoR American Rifleman does NOT accept submissions for the I Have This Old Gun column. Topics are assigned to Field Editors in advance. Due to the volume of mail received, our writers are not able to answer individual questions. Please consider instead sending your correspondence and questions through our Dope Bag/Q&A service, which is available to all NRA members in good standing. Details appear in the Q&A section.

December 2018

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American Rifleman 2018-12

Articles inside

Ruger’s Rugged Flagship: The Model 77 Turns 50

Remington Doubles Down

The Arab Revolt And The Guns Of Lawrence Of Arabia