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PHOTOS: NEWSSTAND AND SUBSCRIBER COVERS AND LEFT, MARK FINGAR

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Ed Brown commemorates Jeff Cooper — again.

Wilson Combat gives us a long slide with the new EDC X9L.

A long-lost pistol tells a tale of war and friendship.

Barnes Bullets takes the 6.5 PRC into elk-capable territory.

by eric r. poole

by keith wood

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Reader Blowback � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 9 Editorial by Eric R. Poole � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 13 Gun Room by Garry James � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 15 Handgunning by Jeremy Stafford � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 21 The Carry Rig Blackhawk 3-Slot Leather Pancake � � � 25

68

Gun Tech by Richard Nance � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Rifles & Glass by Tom Beckstrand � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Bullet Board by Dave Emary� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Proofhouse CZ 1012 Bronze 12 ga. � � � � � � � � � � � � � Spent Cases by Keith Wood � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �

29 31 37 74 80

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WRITE US! “Letters,” Guns & Ammo, 2 News Plaza, 3rd Floor, Peoria, IL 61614, or email us at gaeditor@outdoorsg.com.

Please include your city and state of residence. Letters may be edited for brevity and clarity.

9

REA DER BL OWBA CK

PHOTO COURTESY OF NATIONAL ARCHIVES

JANUARY ’13

January 23, 1946: President Harry Truman joined hands with four servicemen he had decorated with the Medal of Honor including (left-to-right) then-Sgt. John McKinney, Lt. Daniel Lee, Lt. Donald Gray and Cdr. Joseph O’Callahan.

AMERICAN PROFICIENCY Private John R. McKinney was a soldier who received the Medal of Honor during the World War II campaign to recapture the Philippines from Japanese forces in 1945.

In his single-digit years, he hunted rabbits to feed the family with a rented, single-shot .22 rifle that was eventually sold to him. At Luzon, he faced combat for the first time as his company occupied a spit of land on the coast.

The spit ended with a passage from the sea to the lagoon on the other side. He woke up in the morning hearing shooting and seeing a disposal-minded Japanese officer with a Samurai sword enter his tent. The officer was killed instead. Pvt. McKinney walked outside the tent with his rifle and some ammo and started killing the enemy. His audible signature presented no threat, so he continued to work and picked up rifles among the dead and wounded as he did not bring enough ammunition with him. The Banzai attack was eventually over. It was difficult to say what Pvt. McKinney had done, but it was estimated that he dispatched between 50 and 100 of the enemy. He was the classic firearm-proficient civilian that was thrust into live fire. He only suffered a cut from the Samurai sword.

Rifle marksmanship is not a skill; It is a bundle of geek with thick glasses in separate skills, each one grades seven through 12, I requiring a separate time to attended my school’s rifle learn including the mastery club, which was subsidized of using sights and manipby the Civilian Marksmanulating the trigger withship Program (CMP). I liked out disturbing the sights. the challenge of making Proficient people will not small groups of holes on willingly fire a miss. paper. I fired a box of As an underweight, .22 cartridges each week small, pencil-necked purchased at a subsidized

price. I could afford no equipment and had none.

I was an extremely slow learner, but was not discouraged as others passed by me in progress. I liked the process of self-struggle even though improvement was glacial. By the age of 15, I would not fire a miss.

Let us consider the unasked question array: How many gun owners are there? How many of those practice shooting? How many of those are proficient? How many of those that enter the military are proficient? If guns are gone, how long will it take for our nation’s proficiency with firearms to vanish? How will this absence of proficiency affect the military? How will the lack of proficiency affect the non-military population that constitutes the militia? The interest in banning black rifles such as the AR-15, especially the use among young students of proficient gun owners, will end up causing more casualties when future generations are called on to defend this nation.

Darryl Davis Shoreline, Washington

TERRIFIC THOMPSON It all started with your January 2013 issue of Guns & Ammo. Inside, I read Garry James’ feature on the Auto-Ordnance Thompson 1927-A1 in .45 ACP and

Author Garry James reviewed the new Auto-Ordnance Thompson Model and recounted the history of the namesake’s original configurations from the 1920s through World War II. He concluded that for those wanting to own a “Chicago Typewriter” as close to the real thing without having to purchase an “original period piece worth five figures,” this was it. His conclusion remains true today.

added it to my collection, which already contained a 1927-A3 in .22LR. I contacted Auto-Ordnance to purchase another drum mag and was told “lots of luck” in finding one. The customer service representative was able to help me by selling a .45 ACP mag with a .22-caliber magazine inside of it. All I had to do was to remove the adaptor used to hold the .22 mag and slide the .45 in like in a 1927-A1. My regret is that I only purchased one and they no longer produce this item. Still, I would enjoy more information on my Auto-Ordnance 1927-A3 in one of G&A’s issues.

Bob Calgaro Bridgeville, Pennsylvania

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Feb ru a ry 2 0 2 0 | r eA d e r b lowb A ck

EXACT SAME In Garry James’ September 2019 “Gun Room” column, he discussed the Peerless bolt-action rifle in .22LR. The safety is a little different, but I am sure that it is the same rifle as my Springfield Model 53-B. They were made between 1935 and 1948. These cock-onopening single shots are very accurate.

Jeff orr Umpqua, oregon

HOW MUCH? Regarding the present officers of the NRA, I joined the association roughly 70 years ago to protect our rights and the Second Amendment. Since then, I have been an instructor in most of NRA’s classes including law enforce-

ment. I am also a chief range officer and a training counselor, and a benefactor member. These facts are pointed out only to show that I have worked my tail off to help others with safety and competence through NRA classes. I have noticed that in all of the NRA books and magazines through the years, I have never seen anything regarding the money we pay our officers. I was curious and called the NRA trying to get the information on wages.

I have been insulted, put down and told that what the officers are paid is none of my business. I was also made to understand that those I could speak to were there to prevent calls like mine from going further. I suppose the officers have

more important things to do than to talk with me, but I never got any farther while trying for 3 years. Something smells.

Joe M. ramsey Milton Freewater, oregon First, let me thank you.

You have been one of the volunteers that has made the NRA such a strong force. As someone who has invested time and money into the organization, you have a right to know where your dollars are being spent. According to various media reports, CEO Wayne LaPierre’s annual salary is around $1 million, which does not include other compensation. In 2015, LaPierre reportedly earned a total of $5.1 million that included a $4 million

special-employee retirement payment. Josh Powell, NRA’s executive director of General Operations, earns nearly $800,000.

Several other officers are paid in excess of $500,000.

In fairness to these individuals, I must note that these are tough jobs in high costof-living areas.

— K. Wood

TESTING RAINDROPS About 6 years ago, I had done the experiment that Tom Beckstrand and Dave Emary discussed for Beckstrand’s column “A Single Drop” in the December 2019 issue. I was thrown out of many sniper forums for heresy! I have a video at youtube.com/ watch?v=UusiTSu1tSU. It isn’t comprehensive, but a

re ade r bl o w back | Feb ruary 2020

response to naysayers.

Steve caldwell carrollton, ohio We watched the video and concluded that your test technique is sound. It confirms what we observed with high-speed video. Scientifically, it is a nice piece of work!

— D. Emary

MADE WHERE? In Eric Poole’s article “Hellcat” featuring Springfield Armory’s attempt at a better SIG Sauer P365, I cannot tell from the pictures where the gun is manufactured. Was it made in the U.S. or another country? It is important to me where the firearms I buy are made. carl rusch email

Like Springfield Armory’s other polymer-framed pistols, the Hellcat is manufactured in Croatia.

— E. Poole

.357 MAG FOR DEER? The .357 Magnum has always been considered inadequate as a whitetail deer cartridge, but lately articles have suggested that it is effective for deer at modest ranges. What would you consider a .357’s maximum range in a handgun or in a rifle (unscoped) for whitetails? And broadside shots only?

John kaviuk International Falls, Minnesota The .357 Magnum is definitely adequate for deer.

In a handgun, I would opt

for a long barrel for higher muzzle velocity and longer sight radius. I would not use a bullet lighter than 158 grains. I would not hesitate to take a 50- to 75-yard shot with a revolver. A rifle opens up a wider range of performance. With 158- to 180-grain bullets in a rifle, you should have better accuracy and terminal performance for shots to 125 yards. Shots should be kept on a direct path to the vital organs. I would not depend on a lot of penetration to reach vitals.

— D. Emary

CARRY ON Glenn Garrett’s letter “Tone It Down” in the September 2019 issue has me wondering, has he picked up a newspaper or turned on the

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11

TV lately? Our great country has turned into a battleground! Many people don’t feel safe in their own home, in a mall or even a church.

My wife and I are NRA members and carry concealed handguns. We also train every Friday. I like Guns & Ammo’s articles on urban combat and speed loading.

These remind me of lessons, and that we need more armed people among the soft targets to deter these nuts and make them think twice before terrorizing the innocent. Please, continue to publish article about ways to keep ourselves safe. I can’t be the only one who likes these articles. Don’t think these critical incidents can’t happen to you! lynn Siegel Port St. John, Florida

STILL MAKING HISTORY.

COLT.COM/PYTHON

E DITORI AL

February 2020 G&A

13

The .308 Winchester is still a winner.

DEER HUNTER AS A YOUNG MAN, I met disappoint after watching the 1978 war drama “The Deer Hunter,” starring Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken and John Savage. I enthusiastically picked up a copy on VHS after mining through a discount bin of used video tapes. I flipped over the box to read the summary and was impressed by the picture of De Niro carrying a Remington 700 BDL — a left-hand model mind you.

Filled with intrigue, I thought I had spent my hard-earned dollars on an Academy Award-winning film about an epic whitetail adventure. Oh, how wrong was I. I’m often distracted from the tried-and-true while testing new introductions such as rifles chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor and .300 PRC, but I’ve found my way back to the .308 Winchester. It’s a versatile cartridge whose case has been used as the parent for the .243 Winchester, 7mm-08 Remington, .260 Rem., 6.5 Creedmoor and .338 Federal, among others. After 35 years of shooting, my conclusion is if you could only own rifles in one caliber, a strong argument can be made for the .308 given modern bullet technology.

I’m on a lifelong quest to try and take a deer in all 50 states, a Grand Slam I invented for myself.

As I continued this pursuit in Kansas last fall, I was reminded why I love the .308.

Last year, I hunted a lot with a selection of new Savage rifles, including a 110 Lightweight Storm topped with a Bushnell Nitro 3-12x44mm. The stainless action and adjustable stock are impervious to weather, affordable and as versatile as the .308. In Kansas, I hiked across a cut, slushy corn field to my stand at the corner and toughed out a bone-chilling drop in temperature for three days. One morning, before the sun crested the trees, I saw antlers begin to creep out. I didn’t trust my eyes and pulled up a pair of binos to accurately

ERIC R. POOLE @GUNSANDAMMOMAG

identify the buck. I started counting to myself, one, two, four, six, eight … until I couldn’t believe I was still trying to count his points. He was a shooter. I thought to myself, You’re wasting time! He is not going to stand there forever!

With his head turned away, I quickly picked up the Savage, zoomed up to 6X and shot a 165-grain Barnes TSX (loaded

by Federal Premium) into his shoulder — or so I thought. It sounded like a good thwack, but he turned and dove behind a tall pine tree. In that same moment, a group of deer took off up and over a hill into the trees. I imagined my buck was among them. Seeds of doubt around my shot grew. Did I get him?

Minutes later, I was horrified to only find a small drop of blood where he’d been hit. For more than an hour, the outfitter and I hiked and retraced each set of tracks until we couldn’t. Deciding to take a break and leave to fetch another searcher, we caught a whiff of the buck’s scent and saw him piled up in a thorn bush just under a pine tree. He had been just a few feet from where was shot. Relief and excitement ensued.

He was a non-typical eight with a drop tine and a total of 16 measurable points — plus trash. It’s the most character I’ve ever found in a deer, especially one taken by a single shot. This hunt serves to remind me that the .308 Winchester is still a capable cartridge, especially now with improved bullet technology. The adventure conFEDERAL PREMIUM BARNES 165-GR. TSX, 20 CT.: $30 tained all of the drama I had hoped to watch in “The Deer Hunter,” one worthy of an award.

GU N ROOM

February 2020 G&A

15

“Maybe one of my sharp-eyed readers more versed in the history of the 101 Ranch than I can provide us with further information.”

IDENTIFICATION & VALUES

GARRY JAM ES GARRY.J AMES@ OUTD OORS G.C OM

are another matter. If you can live with the police registration number, I’d say do so.

GERMAN ÒTIGEÓ RIFLE

DWM P.08 LUGER, 9MM, 60%: $1,000

WORLD WAR I LUGER Q: This Luger has been in the family since a great uncle brought it back from Europe in 1945. The numbers match as seen in the pictures. It was produced in 1918. The holster has a date of 1942 and a Wehrmacht army stamp on the back. Unfortunately, in New York City during the 1960s, when registration first started, the firearm was taken to a police station where, as you can see, they etched “NYC” and the registration number into the side.

My questions are: What is the value of the pistol and holster and how badly did the etching hurt it? I know trying to get it removed would hurt it even more. Now that I’ve moved, I’ve been able to shoot it and was very pleasantly surprised by how comfortable it shot.

J.E. Bolivia, North Carolina A: You have a World War I vintage P.08 manufactured

by Deutsche Waffen- und Munitionsfabriken (German Weapons and Munitions public limited company), also known as “DWM.” DWM manufactured some 190,000 Lugers in 1918.

Condition on your piece appears to be about 60 percent. The electric pencil markings definitely affect the gun’s value, though the

two matching magazines are a plus. The holster is also a good period piece in fair shape, though a world war later than the pistol.

I’d value the whole rig at around $1,100. The electric pencil markings could be removed, though to do it properly would be pricey.

The fact the piece has been worked on would not gain you much in the way of value. Cosmetics, however,

Q: Though I enjoy and use all types of firearms, my preference leans toward blued steel and walnut, thus I turn to your articles first. I have my great grandfather’s caplock rifle. I believe he immigrated from Prussia in the 1860s. I don’t know if he brought the rifle with him or if it was acquired in this country. It is .54 caliber.

The bore is rifled with eight grooves, approximately 1-in-32-inch right-hand twist.

It has an octagonal barrel with a length of 28¾ inches.

The barrel is swamped with maximum distance across the flats being 1.065 inches.

It has one standing and one folding leaf rear sight. It also has an aperture sight. The aperture provides a good sight picture, but there are no graduations to allow repeated adjustments. It has double set triggers.

All furniture appears to be iron with the exception of the brass-tip ramrod that is obviously designed for the pointed bullet that is cast from the mold that accompanied the rifle. The number “97” is stamped on the underside of the barrel, lock plate, trigger plate, breach plug and trigger guard. None of these are visible when the rifle is assembled. An elongated, hexagonal box with the letter “S” inside is stamped next to the 97 on the barrel.

Metal-to-wood fit is tight.

THE AUCTION BLOCK A rare and desirable Elgin Cutlass pistol at the October 22, 2019, Morphy Auctions sale realized a very respectable $12,000 including buyer’s premium. The Bowie blade of this scare U.S. martial sidearm was manufactured by A.P. Ames of Springfield, Massachusetts, and the pistol itself by C.B. Allen, also of Springfield. It is dated 1837 and is one of only 150 that were issued, specifically for the Wilkes South Sea Exploring Expedition of 1838 to 1842. This example is serial number 147. The barrel and blade exhibit a brown finish over minor pitting. The one-piece walnut grip has a small split at the butt, but in general condition is quite good for this type of arm. All-in-all, it is a fine example of a sought-after U.S. martial pistol. For more information about this and future auctions, contact Morphy Auctions at morphyauctions.com or 877-968-8880.

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Feb ru a ry 2 0 2 0 | Gun r oom

Workmanship seems to be good, though tool marks are visible on parts that cannot be seen. The rifle was loaded when I acquired it for at least 60 years (probably for over a century). I was unable to pull the bullet, so I removed the breech plug. There I discovered it had a tige breech. There was a ¼-inch-diameter pillar threaded into the breach plug. It extends ¾ inch into the chamber, parallel to the bore. Through experimentation, I found that I am only able to use 24 grains of Pyrodex before the pillar would be covered and thus unable to upset the bullet.

That seems like a very light load. It is probable that part of the pillar has rusted away over the years. The barrel appeared sound, so I loaded it with 24 grains of Pyrodex. I cast the bullets from pure lead and greased them with Crisco. They pushed easily down the bore and I seated them with five blows from the ramrod.

Velocity averaged 668 feetper-second. Accuracy was horrible with five rounds

in 2 feet at 50 yards with most bullets hitting on their side. Still, it was a blast to shoot something my great grandfather used. Can you provide any information on this rifle as to origin or date of manufacture?

J.H. Email A: An interesting piece, all the more so because it is apparently unmarked.

As the French inventor Louis-Etienne Thouvenin originated the “tige” or “pillar” breech, it’s tempting to believe the gun’s origin would be Gallic, however the tige system was used by other countries including Germany (sporting and military) and Denmark.

The style of bullet you are shooting — I’m assuming a mold came with the gun — along with some subtle design features indicate the gun is probably German.

Shooting a tige rifle can be a bit tricky. Five blows of the ramrod may be a bit excessive depending upon how much force you are using. I only employ three relatively

GASSER (MONTENEGRIN-TYPE), 11MM, 20%: $200

moderate taps when firing my Delvigne-system rifle and get quite good results. Perhaps you are deforming the bullet? You did not include a photo of the tige, so it’s difficult for me to assess whether or not it is intact.

Sometimes the pillar had a slight point. Is one present?

Still, the fact that one is not there does not mean the tige is damaged as most were flat. Is there much corrosion? Date of manufacture of the rifle is somewhere in the late 1840s to early 1850s.

I’d say 24 grains of Pyrodex is something of a fairly light load for a .54 caliber rifle, though you do not want the charge to cover the tige.

HOLLYWOOD HARDWARE

GASSER REVOLVER

There is no more iconic American blade than the legendary Bowie knife. Hollywood has made generous use of this spectacular sidearm, and none is more revered than the version made by Arthur Rhodes and used by Alan Ladd in the 1952 Bowie biopic, “The Iron Mistress.” Like many featured firearms, swords and knives, rubber copies were made and used when the real article would not be appropriate from handling or safety standpoints. Seen here is just such a clone. Even fairly close up, it is difficult to tell it from the real article. The Rhodes Bowie was also used in other films including “Davy Crockett: King of the Wild Frontier” (1955), “The Last Command” (1955) and “The Alamo” (1960). Courtesy of Joe Musso and the National Firearms Museum, Fairfax, Virginia.

Q: A friend of mine recently came into possession of an old revolver and we were trying to determine exactly what it might be. The finish is completely gone and it was quite rusty on the outside. He soaked it overnight in penetrating oil and surprisingly, everything functions. It looks similar to your Austro-Hungarian model 1870 Gasser. It is stamped “L.GASSEr WEIn”, same as the model 1870 Gasser, but there are some notable differences. my friend’s revolver

has a fluted cylinder and shorter barrel. The grips are rounded at the top where the 1870 grips are squared off. The ejector rod for my friend’s revolver slides inside the cylinder when not in use. You pull it forward out of the cylinder and then it cranes over to the right side to put it in position to push out the spent casings. We were hoping that with your knowledge of the model 1870 Gasser you might know what variant or model he has. While we realize this revolver has little if any real value left, it is a cool relic and we are curious exactly what it is. Any information you may have and be able to share would be appreciated.

J.R. North Liberty, Indiana A: I rather fancy Gasser and Gasser-type revolvers as they have a wonderful Ruritainian look to them. In fact, Gassers were used in the 1937 version of the film, “The Prisoner of Zenda.” Now to your friend’s gun. From what I can see in the photos, it appears to be what is known as a “Montenegrin Gasser,” this one actually manufactured by Gasser.

The “Patent Ottakring”

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Feb ru a ry 2 0 2 0 | Gun r oom

they achieved their greatest renown. Caliber was usually 11mm, but other chamberings are also seen.

FRENCH POLICE REVOLVER?

UNKNOWN BELGIAN-MFG. MODEL 1873 (COMMERCIAL), 30%: $400

designation refers to the location of one of Leopold Gasser’s factories, the other being in Vienna —“Wien.”

Most Montenegrin Gassers encountered were copies or hybrids manufactured in Belgium, often bearing spurious markings. There were many variants; some

were top-breaks, others had solid frames. These guns were highly popular in the Balkans and many can be found with some very elaborate decoration. While the first Gassers were used by the Austro-Hungarians, some were sold by Gasser to Montenegro, and it is there

Q: I have a revolver that my grandfather gave me about 60 years ago. He bought it from a European immigrant in Detroit about 85 years ago and was told it was a French police pistol. The only name is on the barrel and it says “Acier Fondu”, which is French for “cast steel.” It has quite a bit of engraving, ivory grips, the inside is jeweled, and it was originally plated. Serial no. is 9XXX, caliber is approximately .38 or 9mm, and it appears to be rimfire.

The famous Liege-Belgium proofmark is on the face

of cylinder. It is a six-shot, double action, with hinged side plate, possibly a Galand-type lock. Perhaps it is made by Francotte & ronge and is similar to Danish model 1880. I would appreciate any information you could provide about the unusual pistol.

J.V. Robards, Kentucky A: The photos you sent show me a pistol that looks much like the French Model 1873 service revolver. The rearward opening loading gate, removable sideplate and ejector rod, along with the gun’s general silhouette lead me to surmise it may be a down-sized Belgian product inspired by the 11mm M1873 — though I will admit the internals are

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somewhat different. As it is Belgian-made, engraved and nickel-plated with ivory grips, I think it is highly unlikely that it is a French police sidearm. I’m quite sure it was intended for the civilian market. There were so many Belgian makers that without some sort of manufacturer’s designation it is very difficult to pinpoint the revolver’s builder.

101 RANCH COLT .38 DA REVOLVER Q: I have recently received this pistol. It is in excellent shape and has engraving on the side “101 ranch Blue Steel Joe round up”.

All numbers matching and I have replaced two broken springs. The rifling is excellent. All I have read about these suggest they had

wood or rubber grips. This one has bone and the Colt logo in in the frame instead of on the grips. I have attached photos and ask if you could give me some information and worth.

J.T. Email A: From what I can see, it appears you have a Colt New Army and Navy (A&N) military revolver that has been “civilianized” some time in its past. The serial number, 14XXX, indicates it was made in 1894. The grips certainly appear to be pearl. The A&N was made featuring several major and minor modifications from 1892 to 1907. Though it was Colt’s first revolver with a swing-out cylinder and the U.S. military’s

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COLT MODEL 1892 NEW ARMY AND NAVY (MODIFIED), .38 COLT, 60%: $300

premier double-action general service revolver, the mechanism left something to be desired and, despite a production run of some 291,000 units, reception of the piece was mixed. Too, the .38 Colt chambering was also criticized as being less than a sure-stopper. The rather crude engraving on the revolver is interesting and undoubtedly goes back a ways. The 101 Ranch in northeastern Oklahoma was the initial site of an early

travelling wild west show similar to Buffalo Bill’s operated by the Miller Brothers from around the turn of the 20th century until the latter 1920s. The Round Up was an annual event at the ranch. One of the originators was Joe Zack, so perhaps that is what the “Joe” refers to in the markings.

Maybe one of my sharpeyed readers more versed in the history of the 101 Ranch than I can provide us with further information.

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February 2020 G&A

21

Drop holsters can be dangerous.

HOLSTER HEIGHT RECENTLY I WAS TALKING to Guns & Ammo Editorin-Chief Eric Poole, and our conversation turned to the writers and pistoleros of yesteryear. We both consider ourselves history buffs when it comes to firearms, so this line of discussion is common. Poole mentioned that he was re-reading Bill Jordan’s “No Second Place Winner,” and recalled that Jordan had some very specific ideas when it came to holster design and positioning. While some of the Jordan’s musings are somewhat dated (and fodder for another article), his thoughts on holster position remain relevant, even today. As the conversation turned from yesteryear to today, Poole said, “I think you have your next column here.”

Indeed. In fact, this article is not going to make me any friends, especially amongst those in my chosen profession as a police officer.

You see, the drop swivel holster used by my department, and the doubleleg-strapped Safariland found in many others, are more than just a means of carrying secure, quick access to a gun. They’ve become a symbol that suggests, “Hey, look at me! I’m a gunfighter!” Except that they’re not. These types of holsters are garbage that need to be sent to the dustbin of holster history, along with holsters that don’t cover the triggerguard and those offering no retention.

Yes, you read that right. Drop holsters are garbage.

J EREMY S TAFFORD

Bold words, I know. And now you want to fight me? The painful truth is always better than a soothing lie, so let me explain why drop-leg holsters are less than optimal for today’s law enforcement officer, soldier, sailor, Marine, and others.

First, let’s talk about the argument that many proponents default to: speed.

Before we even consider drills against a shot timer, let’s just look at the physics of the draw. You are not likely to start the draw with your hand on the gun. The days of resting your hand on the butt of the pistol when speaking to members of the community are long gone. (Besides, it makes you look scared, so don’t do it.) When drawing, the further away the handgun is from your waist line, the further your hand has to move to get to get a grip. Now that you’ve had to move your hand further down your body toward your knee, you’re going to have to bring it back up your body to present the pistol toward the target. Because of that distance, the mechanics of the draw are also going to be compromised with your bigger, less efficient torso movements necessary to get the gun aimed. While it might not seem like much time or distance, a long draw time consumes time in a gunfight, a luxury you’re not going to have much of when someone is trying to kill you.

The next factor to take a hard look at is our ability to control the holster.

There are many times in the course of a fighting person’s career that being able to physically control the holster becomes a matter of life and death, the chief concern during a lifethreatening altercation in which a bad guy attempts to disarm the good guy. I have taught defensive tactics and firearm retention to

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The Safariland Model 6360 ALS/ SLS Mid-Ride Level iii retention duty holster is a popular rig for law enforcement. Available in seven colors, finishes and patterns, it is also available to accept pistols with a red dot (6360RdS shown) and/or those pistols equipped with a light.

MSRP ranges $189 to $245.

thousands of professionals in uniform from all over the world, and there is one incontrovertible truth when it comes to holstered handgun retention: The further away the holster is from the torso, the harder it is for the shooter to maintain control of the pistol. The further away the holster is, the more the arms need to be extended to control it. The further extended the arms are, the weaker they become. Again, physics rears its head. Don’t believe me? Then why do PERFORMANCE running backs hold the football high lost his sidearm. This scene AVERAGE TIME HOLSTER (SECONDS) and tight in the body? That’s right, is not unheard-of when Safariland 6360 ALS/SLS DFL 1.31 because when that arm comes out it’s running with a drop swivel.

Safariland 6360 Sam Browne UBL 1.13 easier to strip the football away.

It happens. But hey, gotta Note: Draw time is the average of a hit in the A-zone from 7 yards.

For smaller statured officers, an look the part, right? often-taught retention technique is to Now let’s take a look wedge an arm under the holster, forcing the butt of the gun at the shot timer. While my old Hoyt drop swivel and the into the abdomen and making it almost impossible to strip boat anchor of a Smith & Wesson 4506 that rode in it are the gun out; this technique is not possible with a drop hollong gone, I still own one drop rig: My High Speed Gear ster. Likewise, the default technique of “capping” the pistol Battle Belt with a Safariland 6360 mounted on a Safariland in the holster becomes much more difficult and less effec6004 Drop Flex Adapter (DFA) with a single leg strap kept tive with a drop holster. Building on the capping technique strapped high and tight (highspeedgear.com; safariland. is the consideration that in the event of a fight over your com). This is the rig I wear when I’m serving warrants, and gun occurs, the primary hand should be able to control the butt of the pistol sits just at the bottom of the belt so the holstered primary firearm on its own while the support that it has clearance from my external ballistic vest and hand does something useful, such as parrying blows to plate carrier. I would prefer to use the Safariland Rigid the face or drawing a backup gun to end the fight quickly.

Universal Belt Loop (UBL) shank, but because of my height Every year people are disarmed and killed with their own and build that set-up makes it impossible to sit without the pistols. Stop thinking that it’s never going to happen to you gun driving up into the vest and becoming inaccessible. and start training like it might.

My uniform holster is the same 6360 attached on the Sam Moving on from the fighting aspect of holster control, Browne with the UBL, which keeps the butt of the pistol let’s take a look at another area of concern for drop holaligned with the top of my belt. There is less than a 3-inch sters: running or climbing. I try not to get into telling too difference in height between the two, but the difference in many cop stories, but this one is particularly relevant. As a the draw times was a noticeable .18 second. My average young police officer working in Los Angeles’ Rampart Divitime from the Sam Browne to an A-zone hit at 7 yards was sion, my partner and I were involved in a foot pursuit with 1.13 seconds. My average time from the DFA was 1.31. a robbery suspect. At the termination of the foot pursuit, The difference of .18 second is an eternity in a gunfight.

I had taken the suspect into custody. I looked down at my If you’re running a drop rig because of external armor, partner’s holster and it was empty! During the chase his make sure that the butt of the pistol is as high up as holster snap had come undone and his Beretta 92FS had possible. If you’re running one because you like the way launched itself, unknown to my partner who’d been runit looks, or because it’s more comfortable to swivel on top ning as fast as he could to catch the bad guy. Luckily, it was of your leg in the car, then please reconsider your choice. recovered about a half-block down in the gutter resulting Your life and the life of the people that you are sworn to in some good-natured ribbing rather than if he would have protect are more important than style.

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Carrying the antiqued look.

25

T HE C A RRY RI G

The Blackhawk 3-Slot Leather Pancake Holster is a proven beltworn rig that’s now available in a handsome Antique Brown. $74

B ACKHAWK 3-SLOT LEATHER PANCAKE AS TEMPERATURES DROP, I begin to reevaluate my concealed-carry options. If I can properly hide the gun and holster, I prefer to fill my hand with a larger platform and increased capacity that is quick to access. The fastest concealed carry style for me to draw from is the appendixinside-the-waistband (AIWB) position using a Level 1 holster that features friction-fit retention. (For AIWB holsters, I prefer a pistol featuring a manual safety.) Next, my fastest draws are a tossup between using a crossdraw holster and those worn over the hip and outside-the-waistband (OWB).

When considering an OWB holster worn over or behind my hip, I can appreciate the security of a Level 2.

There are various ways to achieve Level 2, including push buttons activated by the trigger finger and thumb breaks unsnapped during the grip process. (I recommend thumbbreak holsters over those with a button near the trigger.)

Level 2 holsters prevent a pistol from being launched up and out of the holster should a person sit down and catch the muzzle on the armrest of a chair, for example, but they

also add a level of difficulty for a potential threat that’s intent on ambushing you and grabbing your gun.

Though I understand the virtues of an open-slide OWB holster such as the Yaqui Slide, I prefer closed holsters with an open muzzle that protect the full length of a pistol.

Blackhawk’s pancake holster fits the description.

Most of us familiar with Blackhawk’s leather holsters know of the Italian-made 3-Slot Leather Pankcake Holster in black. The holster isn’t new, but it’s now available in two new brown colors: Antique Brown and Burnished Brown, which was a good-enough excuse for me to revisit the classic and comfortable pancake design for concealed carry.

The original pancake holster was developed decades ago by Roy Baker as a flat, two-slot holster worn close the the body. The style is popular and tested. Blackhawk’s design is different in that it’s adaptable due to the threeslot design that allows us to carry it with zero cant or a 45-degree forward rake. Thinking outside the box, the 3-slot design offers multiple carry angles and positions

G& A

Feb ru a ry 2 0 2 0 | t h e c Arry r iG

Blackhawk Materials Carry Type Retention Type Adjustability MSRP Handgun Fit Accessory Rail Accommodations Positions to Carry Average Time to Attach Comfort Rating Concealment Clothing Average Draw-to-Fire Time Manufacturer

2.48 in.

3-Slot Leather Pancake Leather (two pieces) Outside the waistband (OWB) Level 2; locking snap button and friction fit Yes; cant and belt position $74 Semiautos and revolvers; model specific (SIG Sauer P320 tested) No OWB, 3 to 5 o’clock (right or left hand); AOWB or Crossdraw OWB 45 seconds 5/5 Long jacket or loose-fit; untucked button-down shirt 1.45 seconds Blackhawk, 406-284-3840, blackhawk.com

7.48 in.

26

Draw-to-fire time is the average of five clean draws producing an A-zone hit on a stationary target positioned at 21 feet.

including strong-side hip carry and crossdraw options.

Blackhawk’s approach to the pancake holster features a reinforced thumb break that allows quick access with minimal motion. (It cost me .4 seconds at the range versus an OWB leather pancake holster without a thumb break.)

Blackhawk’s holster is a two-piece design with reinforcement stitching at the contours. The leather is premium and molded to curve around our waist structure. The belt slots pull it tight to the body and increase retention.

This is an ideal platform for larger handguns, but it also

works with smaller guns.

The triggerguard is fully covered for safety, yet cut for a full firing grip.

After 90 days of carry, I can easily recommend this holster. It’s been comfortable to wear and dependable to draw from. Ñ E. Poole

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February 2020 G&A

29

Streamlight TLR-7A High & Low Switch

RICH ARD N AN CE

New from Streamlight is the TLR-7A, a small and mightly light offering 500-lumens of power. Two rear switch options are included simply described as “high” and “low.” (Low switch shown above and right.) $226

I’M A BIT PARTIAL to Streamlight products. I’ve used a 300-lumen TLR-1 ($250) on my duty gun for well over a decade. There’s no shortage of quality gun lights on the market these days, but the TLR-1 has never let me down.

Not only is my TLR-1 reliable, its toggle-activation switch is tough to beat and it’s easy to take off or attach.

The classic TLR-1 is a relatively big light. It’s well suited for a full-sized, openly worn pistol, but for those needing a more compact rail-mounted light, the new TLR-7A is a sensible alternative with two switch options. It’s robust with an anodized machined aluminum housing. Overall, it stands 1.27 inches tall and is 2.58 inches long. It weighs mere 2.4 ounces, which includes the supplied CR123A battery. At the back, the switch housing is constructed of impact- and chemical-resistant polymer. The lens is an impact-resistant Borofloat glass. (Google it!)

The TLR-7A is loaded with technology designed to give the user a tactical advantage. Powered by a single, 3-volt CR123A lithium battery for its 500lumen to 140 meters, the TLR-7A offers a concentrated LED beam of light with a run time of 11/2 hours of continuous operation to the 10-percent output level. A “safe off” feature is

activated by rotating the bezel 90 degrees, which prevents unintentional activation and subsequent loss of battery life while stored. (This is a feature you’ll learn to appreciate.)

The TLR-7A can be operated in three modes. A quick press and release of the switch produces a constant light.

Press and hold the switch for momentary mode. There’s even a strobe option activated by tapping either switch twice within a quarter of a second. Whether you select a high or low switch, it’s intuitive to employ.

Each unit comes with a high switch and a low switch, enabling us to choose based on comfort and accessibility.

This a primary reason to consider this light since gun size, hand size and grip preference can dramatically affect how a shooter interfaces with the gun and the light’s activation switch. As with all TLR lights, the 7A’s activation switch is ambidextrous.

Full size to compact, The TLR-7A comes with M1913 or proprietary, several mounting adaptors, Streamlight includes making it compatible with easy-to-install rail adapters. an array of guns. The unit can be easily mounted to the rail of your handgun without tools and without having to put your hand in front of the muzzle when installing it or changing batteries. For $225.75, the TLR-7A offers a lot of light for the money.

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February 2 02 0 G&A

31

Leupold VX-3i 4.5-14x40mm CDS-ZL

T OM B ECKST RAN D

HUNTING MADE EASY I HUNTED IN COLORADO last fall and was reminded that really good equipment doesn’t have to cost a bunch of money. Lower prices frequently mean fewer features and less capability. That is not the case when reviewing Leupold’s new VX-3i 4.5-14x40mm scope with Wind-Plex reticle. Even if I had a lot of money to spend, this would still be one of my top picks for a hunting optic.

Leupold.com suggests that the retail price of the VX-3i with 4.5-14X magnification starts at “$844.99.” That number is expensive for a hunting scope. However, surfing around the internet reveals that the same scope is available from select retailers for around $560. That doesn’t make it cheap, but it does make it an excellent value.

The VX-3i series have similar optical performance when compared to Leupold’s old Mark 4 scopes — at half the

price. I can see no difference in resolution between the two product lines. I also think the VX-3i scopes have better coatings than the old Mark 4 scopes because there is a slight increase in low-light performance. I compare the VX-3i to the Mark 4 because the U.S. military still issues some Mark 4 scopes and many law enforcement agencies around the country have been using them for decades.

Getting that kind of recognized and vetted performance for under $600 is a big deal, in my opinion.

Added to the enhancements made to the optical performance of the VX-3i scope are some huge improvements made to the mechanical qualities, specifically tracking. This significant improvement is what’s allowed Leupold to put their Custom Dial System (CDS) on the scope.

Manufacturing changes over time. Just as cell phones

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WIND-PLEX RETICLE

and computers are much more capacost of the scope, and is worth the ble and economical than they were a effort. few years ago; So are the computerTo get an accurate CDS turret controlled machines in use by manmade, the following information is ufacturing today. Leupold’s precision necessary: bullet weight, bullet brand, manufacturing gets better every year, bullet type, ballistic coefficient (BC), so the turrets that they make today muzzle velocity, temperature and eleare more precise than even the ones vation. The temperature and elevation they made just 5 years ago. will vary at your hunting location, but The result is a sub-$600 rifle scope as long as the actual conditions are that tracks better than a $1,600 scope within 20 degrees in temperature and made 10 years ago. Since tracking is a 2,000 feet of elevation, the custom scope’s ability to adjust in precise and repeatable increCDS turret will be accurate out to 600 yards or so. ments, this becomes a compelling feature for anyone that The scope I hunted with was one of the first VX-3i modwants to dial an elevation correction. els that features the CDS turret. It was a great companion Not only do the turrets do an excellent job tracking, the to have on a hunting rifle because once Leupold has the owner has a couple of options. Each of these scopes ships necessary information, they engrave a turret that allows with an exposed and locking elevation turret that adjusts in the shooter to dial the distance to the target. The resulting .25-minute of angle (MOA) clicks. All that’s required to hit elevation adjustment will be dead-on. There is no need to (when using a good ballistic calculator) is a quick twist of mess with a ballistic calculator or a range card in the field, the turret. Once the shooter fires, which is nice because animals don’t Leupold VX3i 4.514x40mm a quick spin of the turret will take usually stand around so that you can (30mm) Side Focus CDS it back to the original zero where make the perfect shot. If the target Power: 4.5X-14X it will stop and lock. I can’t think is 250 yards away, spin the turret to Objective: 40mm of another scope that has a quality “2.5” and let her fly.

Tube Diameter: 30mm zero stop and a zero lock that’s Elevation As much as I think the CDS turret Adjustment: .25 MOA per click anywhere near this price range. is a great feature to have on any Windage: .25 MOA per click The scope I’ve been hunting hunting scope, Leupold’s Wind-Plex Reticle: Wind-Plex with sits atop a .270 Winchester, reticle is equally important. The reticle Length: 12.6 in.

Weight: 13 oz. so I took advantage of the CDS subtends along the horizontal axis in Eye Relief: 4 in. system and had Leupold make a 1-MOA increments. From the center MSRP: $845 custom turret for it. Some informaof the reticle, there are 10 MOAs in Manufacturer: Leupold, 800-538-7653, tion is required to get an accurate leupold.com each direction. turret made, but it’s included in the Hunters in the West and Midwest

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34

G& A

Feb ru a ry 2 0 2 0 | r if l e s & G lAss

In addition to the easy-to-read CDS turret with zero stop, the VX-3i is also available with a side-focus knob for parallax adjustment.

The power-adjustment ring is tactile and offers fair amount of resistance for precise magnification stops.

might argue that 10 MOA of wind hold in the reticle isn’t enough. There’s a ton more windage adjustment available if the shooter is willing to dial down from maximum magnification and do some simple math.

For example, the scope I had was a VX-3i 4.5-14x40mm.

At 14X it has 10 MOA of adjustment in each direction. At 7X, that same scope and reticle has 20 MOA of adjustment in either direction. These are second focal plane (SFP) reticles, so when the magnification gets cut in half, the

value of each subtension mark doubles. Further, if the wind is howling, dialing the scope all the way down to 4.5X gives approximately 30 MOA of wind hold on each side of the reticle.

Even with the Wind-Plex reticle, knowing the correct wind hold is either going to take a lot of time, attention and field experience or some savvy use of a ballistic calculator. Any free ballistic calculator app that’ll download to a smartphone can calculate a wind hold given muzzle

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The magnification range comes by a versatile 3:1 zoom ratio erector system that is ideal for a range of field conditions.

Leupoldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Twilight Max Light Management System is applied to the lenses for glare reduction and sharp imagery in low-light situations.

velocity, BC, distance to the target and wind speed. A prepared hunter could have a range card for wind done by calculating wind holds in 5 mile-per-hour (mph) increments out to the furthest distance one is willing to shoot. That is something that could be done before ever leaving the house to head out and hunt.

The ability to have a scope that has a side-focus turret, a vetted optical system with improved coatings, turrets that are repeatable and accurate, zero stop, zero lock and

a reticle that allows for basic wind holds is a relatively new combination. Getting all that for under $600 is unheard of.

(Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be scared off by the $845 suggested retail price.)

Like any Gold Ring scope that Leupold makes, the consumer gains the added comfort of knowing it is made in America and comes with a lifetime warranty thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll likely never require use. In an optics world that sees more and more options available every day, I take comfort in products that offer the performance I desire from a source I trust.

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February 2020 G&A

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Understanding suppressed firearms and ammunition.

GOING SUBSONIC

D AV E EM ARY

SUBSONIC AMMUNITION is not a new thing, but the rise (SOS). SOS in a standard atmosphere at sea level is 1,116 of the .300 Blackout and firearms chambered for it have fps. Above this velocity an object is travelling supersonic. brought subsonic ammunition, firearms and suppressors At supersonic velocities the air can no longer get out of into the limelight. The military has been using subsonic the way and flow around the object travelling through it. ammunition for some time to provide stealth in engageEssentially, air piles up in front of a supersonic object and ments and to improve is compressed to the point close quarters battle (CQB) of producing a shock wave, communication. an abrupt pressure and There has been purdensity change of the air. pose-built subsonic If you have ever shot high ammunition in existence power matches or done any for a long time, but only pit duty, the loud crack you in recent years has it been hear when someone shoots a design criterion for the is the shock wave from the masses. Many of the old nose of a supersonic bullet. blackpowder pistol carThe SOS is strongly tridges and the original dependent on temperature.

40-grain loading of the .22 At 80 degrees Fahrenheit Long were subsonic. Of HORNADY SUB-X, .300 BLACKOUT 190-GR. XTP, 20 CT.: $23 (°F), the SOS is 1,138 fps. course, the original 230At 50°F, SOS is 1,106 fps. grain loading of the .45 ACP was subsonic. There were At 20°F, SOS is 1,073 fps. As you can see, the speed of guns specifically designed and fielded by the U.S. Office sound varies significantly depending on temperature. This of Strategic Services (OSS) and British Special Air Service variation has to be considered by an ammunition manufac(SAS) for special operations in World War II that used subturer when designing subsonic ammunition. Not only does sonic ammunition such as the .22-caliber High Standard variation in temperature have to be considered, but also HDM; the British Welrod bolt-action pistol in .32 ACP and the variation in the muzzle velocity of their ammunition 9mm; and the British De Lisle carbine in .45. The first loads when deciding what velocity specification to load to. that I am aware intentionally developed to be subsonic for use in suppressed firearms was the 9mm 147-grain Subsonic Ammunition Limitations Most of the requirefull metal jacket (FMJ) loading for use in suppressed and ments for subsonic ammunition originate with the military. modified Smith & Wesson Model 39s carried by U.S. Navy The military has been pursuing subsonic ammunition that SEAL teams starting in 1966 and early HK MP5s elsewhere will function normally in all of their standard-issue firearms, entering service that same year. The MP5 chambered a including automatic platforms, for some time. I did a conload operating at 985 feet per second (fps), while the Mark siderable amount of work in the late 1990s and 2000s try144 round was specially developed for the Model 39 and ing to make reliable functioning subsonic ammunition for featured a 158-grain FMJ bullet traveling at 965 fps. Interthe AR-15/M4/M16, M14 and SR-25 platforms. We never estingly, the modified Model 39 was classified as the Mark succeeded in getting anything in the 5.56mm or 7.62mm 22 Mod. 0 and nicknamed “Hush Puppy.” The Model 39 calibers that reliably functioned in these platforms. We was replaced in 1996 by the the HK Mark 23 in .45. The went as far as 300-grain bullets with a jacketed tungsten Mark 144 load was recently recreated and is available core in the 7.62 in an effort to get lower muzzle velocities, commercially from Super Vel under the Hush Puppy name. but we could never truly get reliable functioning from the ($39, supervelammunition.com) M14 or SR-25.

The problem lies in the low charge weights that are What is Subsonic? The term “subsonic” refers to somerequired to produce subsonic velocities. These usually thing that is travelling slower than the speed of sound result in low loading density, erratic performance and

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Fe b ru a ry 2 0 2 0 | b ul l e t bo Ar d FIGURE 1

DRAG COEFFICIENT

insufficient gas volume G7 DRAG COEFFICIENT levels and is, for the most to run the gun. The other part, constant. This means a approach was to use subsonic projectile will lose heavier charges of very velocity very slowly. If a proslow propellants. This still jectile can be designed that didn’t work because the expands and has a couple slow propellants didn’t burn hundred fps velocity range fast enough to produce over which it expands, it much more gas impulse to will give terminal perforthe gas system. It just blew mance over a range that a lot of unburned propelis outside the ability to lant out the muzzle. They accurately shoot it. did not produce any better MACH NUMBER Look at the G7 drag performance uniformity and coefficient curve in Figure they fouled the gas system with carbon very rapidly.

1. As you can see, the drag of the projectile drops rapidly The introduction of IMR (now Hodgdon) Trail Boss after its speed drops below Mach 1. By .9 Mach, 1,005 fps, propellant finally offered a propellant that filled the case, nominally the muzzle velocity for a lot of subsonic ammuproduced uniform performance and subsonic velocities. nition, the drag coefficient has dropped tremendously However, because of the low charge weights, it still didn’t and does not get a lot lower. As an example, look at the function a gas-auto firearm. If you have an urge to experiretained velocity table in Figure 2 for Hornady’s new .300 ment with your own subsonic loads, you won’t be able to Blackout 190-grain Sub-X bullet ($23, hornady.com). The beat Trail Boss for performance as a single-shot round or Sub-X bullet barely loses 130 fps at subsonic velocities in for a bolt action. Experiment with bullet weights to tune 300 yards. The same bullet at a supersonic muzzle velocity your load for best performance. of 2,500 fps loses 660 fps in 300 yards. The Sub-X bullet Muzzle velocity uniformity is critical to the accuracy will expand down to about 900 fps. It offers terminal perperformance of subsonic ammunition. A 100-fps muzzle formance far beyond the effective range of the cartridge. velocity variation, which is not uncommon in subsonic ammunition, is nominally a 10 percent difference in muzzle enter the 300 blackout The 300 Blackout is, for all practical velocity. This would correspond to a 300-fps variation in a purposes, the .300 Whisper developed by J.D. Jones of 3,000-fps cartridge. This muzzle velocity difference from SSK Industries for use in Thompson/Center Contender the slowest to fastest round results in substantial vertical single-shots in the 1990s. It was based on the .221 Fireball stringing on target. case necked up to 30 caliber and was aimed at efficiently With a subsonic round, vertical stringing can become and reliably producing subsonic velocities with heavy quite big at longer ranges. In subsonic ammunition, a 100bullets. The cartridge nominally uses 10 grains of propelfps muzzle velocity variation will result in a 31/2-inch elevalant and provided an excellent round for adapting to the tion point of impact (POI) difference at 100 yards and 12 AR platform for a dedicated, gas automatic, suppressed inches at 200 yards — and that’s not considering anything firearm for reliable functioning subsonic performance. else but muzzle velocity variation.

With a short barrel, short gas tube and a suppressor, the .300 Blackout in the AR-15 platform performs reliably. I terminal Performance Subsonic ammunition has signifihave to add at this point that to get truly reliable subsonic cant limitations when it comes to terminal performance. performance from an AR chambered in .300 Blackout, Because of the low velocity, it is difficult to obtain terminal a suppressor is highly recommended. The very limited performance in anything other than a pistol caliber. Rifleamount of gas available from this cartridge benefits subtype bullets do not have the large frontal area that hollow stantially from a suppressor’s added back pressure to force points and other pistol bullets do. Most of the platforms more gas back into the system. such as the AR-15/M4/M16, M14 and SR-25 have a fixed The .300 Blackout has been a highly successful cartridge feed ramp configuration and do not that has also been responsible for the HORNADY 190-GR. SUB-X function well with a blunt bullet profile current interest in subsonic ammunition, SUPERSONIC vs.

SUBSONIC and large meplat diameter. This puts and the rapid increase in demand for VELOCITY LOSS severe restrictions on what a bullet suppressors. There are other offerings VELOCITY (FPS) designer can do to try to design a bullet available for subsonic ammunition. Let’s RANGE (YDS) SUPERSONIC SUBSONIC that will expand at subsonic velocities. take a look at a few.

0 2,500 1,050 One very interesting aspect of sub100 2,305 998 sonic terminal performance is that once other Subsonic Ammunition Major 200 2,119 956 a bullet drops below supersonic velocirimfire manufacturers offer subsonic 300 1,942 919 ties the drag on the bullet drops to low .22 LR ammunition including Aguila FIGURE 2

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(aguilaammo.com), Beck (beckammunition.com), CCI (cci-ammunition.com), Eley (eleyammunition.com), Federal (federalpremium.com), Gemtech (gemtech.com), Norma (norma-ammunition.com), RWS (rws-munition.de), Remington (remington.com) and Winchester (winchester.com).

These loads are generally advertised as functioning semiauto firearms. I can confirm that Aguilaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 60-grain bullet does run most semiautos. The catch here is that it needs a faster 1:12-inch twist rate to stabilize the long bullet.

Winchester offers an interesting .22 WMR subsonic load.

Anyone who has ever used a .22 WMR knows they can be quite loud. This is a lower powered, but effective, option.

All of the Big Four ammunition manufacturers, as well as Atomic (atomicammunition.com), Beck and Gemtech offer a subsonic loading for the .300 Blackout. Bullet weights vary from 190 grains to 220 grains. Most subsonic .300 Blackout loads use a 208- to 220-grain match bullet. Most will function in a 16-inch-barreled .300 Blackout-chambered AR-15. SBR-length barrels shorter than 16-inches will function more reliably with a suppressor attached.

Atomic ammunition offers 5.56 NATO, .223 Remington, curiously a 6.5 Creedmoor load, .308 Winchester and 7.62x39mm subsonic ammunition. A number of these are offered with heavy-for-the-caliber bullets. Beck Ammunition offers 5.56 NATO, .223 Rem. and .308 Win. subsonic loads.

A number of these use a monolithic copper bullet that has a large hollow point and are advertised as expanding. Both manufacturers suggest specific barrel lengths and suppressors for reliable functioning.

Subsonic Firearms Most AR-15 manufacturers offer uppers chambered in 300 Blackout. These uppers have been optimized with gas port sizes and gas tube lengths that will provide reliable functioning with commercial ammunition. In general, if you want to build an AR-15 in 5.56 NATO/.223 Rem. or AR-10 in 7.62 NATO/.308 Win. you will want to use a short barrel with the shortest gas tube you can find. Due to the limited gas volume produced by these subsonic loads, the closer the gas port is to the chamber and the greater the bullet travel after passing the port and exiting the muzzle, the better the gun will run.

Experimentation can also be done with gas port size or an adjustable gas port.

Summing up The most commonly found subsonic ammunition is .22 LR and .300 Blackout. Subsonic loads in 5.56 NATO/.223 Rem. and 308 Win. are not too difficult to find.

However, expect to have functioning problems with most semiautos with the latter. They have a narrow window of firearms setup where they will function reliably. Recently, expanding-bullet subsonic loads have been introduced that open up some interesting options for short-range hunting and personal defense. If you are interested in subsonic shooting, you now have good commercially loaded ammunition available. For the highest levels of function reliability, I recommend getting a suppressor.

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Feb ru a ry 2 0 2 0

STILL EZ WORDS BY KEITH WOOD | PHOTOS BY MARK FINGAR

SMITH & WESSONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S M&P9 SHIELD EZ IS NOW IN A CALIBER MOST OF US WANT.

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THESE HAVE BEEN UNCERTAIN TIMES for the firearms easy to shoot. The “EZ” nickname perfectly describes these models industry with sales slumping since the 2016 election of President for the intended customer.

Donald Trump. The bright spot for business has been the concealable handgun market. The best sellers have been compact strikerAbout Safety Not everyone who decides to purchase or carry fired semiautos or those with an internal hammer chambered in a gun is an enthusiast. In the case of compact handguns, many 9mm. It is a fact that more Americans than ever are carrying handpurchase their first and only firearm. For a non-enthusiast, one of guns for self-defense, and the market has adjusted accordingly. the primary drivers of firearm choice is safety. While many of us Smith & Wesson (S&W) helped initiate America’s interest in who carry and shoot handguns regularly are comfortable carrying these types of handguns with its 2012 introduction of the M&P a semiautomatic handgun having no manual safety and a round in Shield. This class of 9mm compacts continues to evolve from the chamber, not everyone shares the same confidence. While many that single-stack with each brand fighting to be recognized as the manufacturers have been hesitant to add optional manual safeties to universal choice for concealed carry. Among the newest comes from their striker-fired handguns, S&W has been offering them for years.

S&W in its EZ series that was first introduced to Guns & Ammo’s The Shield EZ has several active and passive safeties to prestaff as a .380 ACP model in late vent an accidental discharge.

2017. Publicly released in JanThere is an optional frameuary 2018, the M&P380 Shield mounted thumb safety lever EZ has been well received, but that’s ambidextrous. This lever most of us have had our fingers is well-located, intuitive and crossed for an EZ in 9mm. easy to engage or deactivate.

The EZ series is not a me-too The thumb safety does not concept. It’s been difficult to lock the slide so the gun can find a defensive semiauto that be loaded with the safety is this easy for people of all engaged. ages and strength to manipThe second safety feature ulate and shoot. The EZ is is one that has been elimiarguably the best design for nated on all but a few modern Designed for safety-conscious shooters, the M&P9 shield EZ shooters with these concerns. handguns: a grip safety. Grip offers active safety measures including an ambidextrous thumb It is easy to load, easy to rack, safeties have been around since safety lever and a grip safety that pivots on its pin at the bottom easy to manipulate safely and of the grip. it is quickly depressed as the hand begins to touch it.

1887 when they first appeared

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the “EZ” name refers to the inherent tasks that are typically a challenge to those with strength or manual dexterity issues. Racking the shield EZ’s slide requires less effort than any other carry-ready 9mm, and loading the single-stack magazine is aided by pulling down the two tabs on each side of the follower.

on the S&W Safety Hammerbe targeted by criminals for less revolver, also nicknamed violent crime due to size, age, the “Lemon Squeezer.” A grip health or gender. Everyone safety also appeared in 1908 deserves the right to selfwhen John Browning intepreservation. For decades, the grated one to the backstrap recommendation has been of the Colt Vest Pocket pistol. the revolver or even a pistol The intent of the grip safety is chambered in .380. However, to prevent the gun from firing with the introduction of the unless the safety is intentionM&P9 Shield EZ, there is ally deactivated with a proper finally a semiautomatic option the front and rear sights are low profile and snag resistant. they grip. The Shield EZ in .380 are simple in that they offer three white dots for sight alignment. in 9mm that virtually everyone ACP and 9mm both use a can physically handle. polymer grip safety lever on the pistol’s backstrap. It disengages as The slide on the Shield EZ is so easy to manipulate that it often soon as the web of the hand presses against back of the grip. From surprises someone who racks it for the first time. Making the our evaluation of both models, it is virtually impossible to grip the Shield EZ in 9mm was a real achievement though that required Shield EZ without actuating the long grip safety, which means that significant engineering apart from the original .380. This is due it doesn’t interfere with using the handgun. The presence of the to the fact that customers expect to run any load through it. safety is not something that we noticed when testing these pistols.

Unfortunately for handgun makers, there is a long list of 9mm The Shield EZ also uses a passive internal mechanism to cartridges with different pressures and bullet weights ranging ensure that the striker does penetrate the firing pin hole unless from Inceptor’s 65-grain ARX lead-free projectile to standard the trigger is pulled. As the trigger is pulled, the transfer bar’s pressure, subsonic 147-grain bullets. S&W addressed this and disconnector sweeps and pushes up on an interrupting safety came up with a unique recoil spring design and slide mass to run plunger, only then allowing the firing pin to pass by it. common defensive and target loads.

These handguns do not feature a magazine safety, which is a At the rear of the slide is aggressive scalloping and flares, or largely loathed feature among gun enthusiasts who are defensive “wings,” to increase the cocking grip surface. One can firmly pinch minded.

On top of the slide is another passive safety device: the loaded chamber indicator. With a cartridge case in the chamber, the indicator protrudes above the slide as a visible and tactile reminder that there is a round in the chamber. Being a lever that can be touched, a the chamber’s status can be confirmed in complete darkness.

To Be EZ “EZ” means that the pistol is easy to load. Hand most handguns to someone of small or weak stature, particularly someone with arthritic hands, and you’ll see them struggle to rack the slide fully. Trying to even load a semiauto handgun is a real issue to many, and some of those same Americans might BUY IT NOW! log on to galleryofguns.com, select this firearm, pay a deposit and it will be at your local gun store in two days. When purchased from galleryofguns.com, Davidson’s guarantees to repair or replace this firearm for life.

low profile controls are the theme including the flush takedown lever and the small, fenced-in slide-lock lever. the magazine release button protrudes with familiar M2.0 texturing, but it’s out of the way. For a high grip, the triggerguard is given an undercut.

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Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield EZ Type: Internal hammer fired, recoil operated, semiautomatic Cartridge: 9mm Capacity: 8+1 rds.

Barrel Length: 3.67 in.

Overall Length: 6.7 in.

Height: 4.85 in.

Weight: 1 lbs., 2.5 oz.

Materials: Stainless steel (slide assy.); polymer (frame assy.)

Finish: Armornite (slide); Matte black (polymer frame) Grip: M2.0 textured polymer, 18-degree angle Trigger: 4 lbs., 4 oz. (tested) Sights: Three white dot; post (front), drift adj. notch (rear) Safety: Manual lever; grip lever; firing pin block MSRP: $416 Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson, 800-331-0852, smith-wesson.com

or grasp the slide on the Shield EZ with no fear that your fingers will slide off before fully racking it. To test the real-world utility of this feature, I asked individuals of varying age and strength abilities to rack the slide; Everyone was able to do so.

Even the Shield EZ’s single-stack magazine was easy to load. On both sides are tabs that allows a shooter to push down on the follower with maximum leverage. Because it’s only a single stack magazine, the spring is also more easily compressed. One could argue for increased capacity, but that would require a more forceful magazine spring, which goes against the goals set out for engineering the EZ. It is the gun’s slim lines that give it its only real disadvantage in this growing category of compact 9mms. Due to the single-column mag, the M&P9 Shield EZ capacity is eight plus one in the chamber, if you desire.

Other compacts are now offering 10 to 15 rounds of 9mm capacity, but they’re not as easy to load and rack as this Shield is either.

In order to be useful for self-defense, the Shield EZ has to be

easy to shoot. Two things are required to make a handgun shootable: a good trigger and serviceable sights, and the Shield EZ has both. The sights are robust, made of steel and installed into dovetails making them drift adjustable for windage. They are quite visible with the front post with white dot measuring .135-inch wide, while the snag-free rear sports a .140-inch notch flanked by white dots. These are non-luminescent sights, so you might want to consider upgrading the sights for self-defense use.

The trigger was crisp rather than spongy as many striker-fired pistols tend to feel. Of course, the internal hammer helps keep trigger pull weight down and we measured a short single-stage draw that released the hammer after 4¼ pounds. There was little discernable creep. The trigger on the M&P9 Shield EZ felt lighter

the dustcover and rails feature s&W’s M2.0 stainless steel reinforcement as well as front scallops for manipulating the slide.

A long, spring-loaded lever serves as a visual and tactile aid to the condition of the chamber. this image shows it unloaded.

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to ready the slide for removal, simply lock the slide to the rear and rotate the disassembly lever down.

With the slide assembly removed, the inner workings reveal the shield EZâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s internal hammer assembly and trigger linkage.

than measured. There is a molded overtravel stop behind it. Trigger reset was fairly short, and both tactile and audible.

Most controls on this handgun are ambidextrous or reversible including the magazine release, which can be configured for right- or left-hand use. The exceptions to this are the slide-stop and takedown levers, which are both located on the left side of the frame and cannot be relocated.

Notably, there is no need to pull the trigger to unload the Shield EZ, which could be considered yet another safety feature. To disassemble, the slide is locked to the rear and the

takedown lever is rotated. The slide can then come forward and off the grip frame, which then allows you to remove the barrel and recoil-spring assembly. No further disassembly is required or recommended.

What has always impressed me about the Shield lineup has been the size. Shields have always struck a balance of being small enough to conceal, but large enough to shoot well. The barrel on the M&P9 Shied EZ measured 3.675-inches long, which puts the overall length at 6.7 inches. This handgun is also slim with a slide width of just under 1 inch. Unloaded it weighs 18½ ounces.

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Recoil and muzzle rise were a bit stout with defensive ammo such as SIG Sauer’s Elite 124-grain V-Crown load, but it wasn’t unmanageable or painful. In contrast, the 100-grain Hornady Critical Defense Lite was very pleasant to shoot and would be my recommendation for shooters who are shy about recoil. Winchester’s 147-grain load fits the bill for those who prefer more bullet weight in a self-defense load. Our sample’s mechanical accuracy potential at 25 yards was not exceptional compared to other defensive 9mm pistol on the market, but we found it more than adequate for its intended purpose. Running drills between 7 and 10 yards, it was no trouble to keep all of the shots grouped within in the A-Zone of a silhouette target.

The Smith & Wesson Shield has been on the short list of great carry guns since its Pardon the Pun Shooting the introduction. With the PERFORMANCE M&P9 Shield EZ was easy. addition of the Shield BEST AVG. VEL. GROUP GROUP Our first shots were hits. The EZ series, this already LOAD (FPS) ES SD (IN.) (IN.) comfortable, textured grip excellent handgun Hornady Critical Defense Lite 100-gr. FTX 1,109 40 11.8 3.3 3.69 frame features a high cut at design is even more SIG Sauer Elite V-Crown 124-gr. JHP 1,127 46 15.3 2.24 2.47 the back of the triggerguard, attractive to a new Winchester Defender Elite 147-gr. JHP 917 25 9.1 2.6 3.11 which allows for a high and segment of potential Notes: Accuracy is the average of five, five-shot groups from a sandbag rest at 25 yards.

Velocity is the average of five shots recorded by an Oehler Model 35P chronograph. secure grip on the gun. The customers. For those combination of the grip and looking for a compact, the short trigger reset made rapid follow-up shots a simple task. lightweight 9mm pistol that’s easy to load, easy to rack and shoot It was obvious that the M&P9 Shield EZ is a gun that will be easy and loaded with safety features, the M&P9 Shield EZ is the pistol for shooters with different experience levels to master. you’ve been asking for.

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WORDS BY ERIC R. POOLE | PHOTOS BY MARK FINGAR

ANOTHER

STEEL ED BROWN COMMEMORATES JEFF COOPER â&#x20AC;&#x201D; AGAIN.

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Ed Brown Jeff Cooper Commemorative Type: Hammer fired, recoil operated, semiautomatic Cartridge: .45 ACP Capacity: 8+1 rds.

Barrel Length: 5 in.

Overall Length: 8.7 in.

Weight: 2 lbs., 6 oz.

Finish: Blued; polished (slide), matte (frame) Trigger: 3 lbs., 11.5 oz. (tested) Sights: Novak Low Mount; gold bead (front); drift-adj. square notch (rear) Safety: Manual, single sided MSRP: $3,170 (pistol only); $3,420 (pistol and Commemorative package) Manufacturer: Ed Brown Products, 573-565-3261, edbrown.com

LT. COL. JEFF COOPER OPENED “Cooper on Handguns” (1974), an out-of-print special issue published by Guns & Ammo, An unarmed man can only flee from evil, and evil is not overcome by fleeing from it. This book will examine one particular form of weapon: the handgun. The handgun is an interesting artifact, and its mastery is a notable accomplishment. Those who master it achieve a peculiar satisfaction, for they partake in some measure of one of the attributes of the gods: The ability to point the hand and smite at a distance. This idea existed millennia before anyone ever saw a pistol. So, it must be an innate human aspiration, independent of technology. It is obviously the basis of the pleasure we take in pistol craft. As the handgun has no evil of its own, it has no skill of its own; however, in a master’s hands, its efficiency is almost unbelievable. As with all instruments, it is the man, not the tool, that makes the difference. The more subtle the tool, the greater the difference. Skill with a shovel makes less difference than with a violin. The handgun lies somewhere between.

Appearing since Guns & Ammo’s first issue in 1958, Cooper penned reviews and thought-provoking commentary. I met him on two occasions at his home adjacent to the Gunsite Academy

in Arizona and was privileged to discuss The Modern Technique, as well as study his collection of small arms and books in his library. My lasting takeaway has been that Cooper was well read with deep interests in classic literature, early automobiles, firearm development in addition to military and world history. His use of the written word reflects that of a master who benefited from a thorough education and a love for reading. Combined with his service as a U.S. Marine officer during World War II and the Korean War, his experiences and understanding of human instinct made him a writer with few peers.

Cooper believed in deductive logic, the process of reasoning to reach a definitive conclusion. This is most apparent when considering his recommendation of the .45-caliber Model 1911A1 as the preeminent defensive handgun. Forever a student, Cooper continued to consider and evaluate new models as they were introduced but felt that all other handguns, though they may be deemed “adequate,” fall short of the 1911’s standard for one reason or another.

When Cooper passed away at the age of 86 on September 25, 2006, the industry mourned with his family and friends. We all did. Ed Brown collaborated with Cooper’s surviving family members to develop an authentic pistol that would honor him with proceeds benefiting the Jeff Cooper Legacy Foundation. Janelle, Cooper’s wife, and Lindy Wisdom, Cooper’s daughter, provided the

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Browns access to his collection of 1911s, as well as to his collection of personal notes. One year after Cooper’s passing, Ed Brown introduced the Jeff Cooper Commemorative 1911 with a ship date of September 25, 2007. Brown announced that after September 25, 2008, “no more will ever be made available for order.”

Never say “never.” More than a decade after the original Ed Brown Jeff Cooper Commemorative went out of production, the company decided to update and produce another low-production Jeff Cooper Commemorative. In truth, the latter is not exactly the original, and the differences are in the details. In 2007, a limited run of leather-bound copies of Jeff Cooper’s must-read, “Principles of Personal Defense,” was included with the gun. For this new commemorative, a leather-bound copy of “The Yankee Fist” was produced by Cooper’s family. This was originally an article that appeared in Guns & Ammo’s February 2003 issue and highlights Cooper’s reflections on the Model 1911. To add, Ed Brown ships the new edition with a leather-bound, red-felt-lined case that appears as if it were a large bible when closed. Inside is a certificate of authenticity, patch, challenge coin, and lapel pin each featuring Cooper’s “JC” pen-and-sword logo.

The new pistol also differs from the original Jeff Cooper Commemorative in that this one wears a brilliantly polished blued slide with a gold-inlaid signature. (Slightly different than the sig-

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nature engraved on the original with matte finish.) The original pistol also sported a three-hole Videki-style aluminum speed trigger, while this new pistol features a long, solid aluminum trigger. Ed Brown’s Chainlink texturing dressed the frontstrap and mainspring housing, while the new pistol has also been cut with 25 lines-perinch (lpi) checkering, perfectly executed.

I’m sometimes asked, “What makes a Model 1911 worth more than a standard Colt?” As a school-trained pistolsmith that once specialized in building custom 1911s, I appreciate time-consuming handwork labor, flawless fitting and attention to detail. For example, on Ed Brown’s 1911s, there isn’t the usual line or two of checkering that hangs outside of the textured box. When you begin to see the flaws in another 1911, you appreciate the man hours invested and intensive training that went into fitting parts and blending crisp edges to every contoured line.

Other Details Like the original, the new Cooper commemorative is complete with cocobolo wood grip panels, smooth except for the JC logo laser engraved on each. Modern Allen-head screws secure each panel to the forged steel frame, which is also machined in-house. I’ve visited Ed Brown’s shop in Perry, Missouri, and remember being taken back by how much of the pistol was made right there from raw materials and forgings. This shouldn’t surprise the custom pistolsmith because we’ve been using Ed Brown’s parts such as the legendary Memory Groove Beavertail Grip Safety ($70) for more than 20 years. For those unfamiliar with the history of Ed Brown, he got his start in the 1970s as a competitive shooter that would perform trigger jobs after competing in matches. He then invented part designs still imitated by other brands today, and supplying improved parts for the 1911 ever since.

Inside Ed Brown’s shop is a unique broach machine that was sourced long ago from a World War II-era U.S. Navy ship. Brown retrofitted it with a long string of cutters that gradually increases

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ed Brown’s barrel and bushing are fitted tightly to the slide.

A checkered plunger locks the bushing in place.

the solid, aluminum trigger is expertly fitted to ed Brown’s frame. there is access to adjust overtravel, but you won’t need to.

two magazines are provided including one with an extended, protective basepad and another flush-fit without the pad. Pads are attached by two screws.

novak lo-Mount sights appear with a 14-carat gold bead at the front and a blacked out ramped rear notch.

the size of a hole. This one-of-a-kind machine is used for the otherwise complicated process of boring a perfect hole to accept a magazine. This machine is an example of the unique tools of the trade that make Ed Brown’s products so precise.

PERFORMANCE Of course, precision is held Recoil is stout when BEST AVG. VEL. GROUP GROUP to the tightest tolerances with shooting +P loads through LOAD (FPS) ES SD (IN.) (IN.) regards to the barrel, slide any 1911, but it’s very Handload 230-gr. FMJ 827 30 11 1.04 1.66 and frame-rail relationship. To manageable for experiWinchester WIN-1911 230-gr. JHP 862 39 16 1.22 1.67 my surprise, the engineering enced pistol shooters and SIG Sauer Elite V-Crown 200-gr. JHP 919 29 11 1.43 1.62 and precision machining is so an all-steel gun like this.

Black Hills Barnes TAC-XP +P 185-gr. JHP 921 41 15 1.59 2.04 good that little hand fitting is I didn’t clean the pistol or notes: Accuracy is the average of five, five-shot groups from a sandbag rest from 25 yards. required during the assembly prep it with oil, and still, Velocity is the average of five shots recorded by an Oehler Model 35P chronograph set 7 feet in front of the muzzle. process. (This is unlike other there were no malfunctions 1911 makers I’ve observed during this evaluation having to marry oversized parts.) There exists the slightest under sloppy skies and over muddy earth. I introduced a peramount of movement at the rear of the slide on Guns & Ammo’s sonal target handload for the accuracy test, which featured mixed test sample and none along the slide rails or between the barrel, cases, Winchester primers, a light charge of Winchester WSF ball bushing and muzzle of the slide. However, unlike other tightly powder and Sierra MatchKing 230-grain full-metal-jacket (FMJ) fitted 1911s that need to be worn in, Ed Brown’s 1911s do not. round-nose (RN) bullets. The powder produced a fair amount of filth throughout the gun, but the tightly built Ed Brown pistol At the Range I suspect most who seize the opportunity to own kept running and shot this load incredibly well. this collectible will keep it ready for display in its leather-bound The bead sight up front isn’t brass; it’s real 14-carat gold. It case. As nice as this pistol is, it seems sacrilegious to shoot it — offers adequate contrast, though isn’t as easy to discern in certain but somebody had to. lighting conditions as fiber optics or the latest night sights with I fired a little more than 500 rounds through the new Jeff Coobrightly colored day-glow rings. This contemporary approach to per Commemorative 1911 with my mind drifting off to memory sights became popular at the end of Cooper’s career, and he was lane. If you’re a fan of Cooper or have trained at Gunsite, you’ll more traditional with his sight choices. I noted that a couple of understand. Blasting through and reloading the two supplied Cooper’s Colt 1911A1s were equipped with this gold bead sight, magazines — Ed Brown mags, mind you — I chuckled as I so Ed Brown’s choice is appropriate for this model. The rear sight remembered shooting steel pepper-popper targets in the Donga is the drift-adjustable Novak ramp with a black square notch. at Gunsite where targets were rigged not to fall as authoritatively This set-up is great for carry and keeps the shooter’s focus on the when struck by the puny 9mm. It’s just another insight into Coofront gold bead rather than superfluous dots at the rear. per’s personality and his favoritism toward the .45 ACP. Cooper didn’t believe in left-handed controls on guns used by

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the high-polished blued slide features traditional square-cut slide serrations on the rear only. Jeff Cooper’s signature is inlayed in gold on the ejection port side.

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the left side of the slide features ed Brown’s right-hand-only extended thumb safety and slide-lock lever. the left slide slab is gold inlayed “DVC,” a latin abbreviation for “accuracy, power, speed.”

someone who wasn’t left-handed, so it’s no surprise to me that forgotten how rewarding it feels to repeatedly win the struggle to this pistol continues the tradition of right-hand-only buttons print small groups. You can’t help but to love a gun that shoots and levers. However, what’s there is Ed Brown’s extended thumb this accurately. safety that is great for pressing down on with your thumb to aid The acronym “DVC” appears on both the original Ed Brown recoil management. However, there’s no risk in unintentionally 1911 and this remake. The letters stand for “diligentia, vis, celeriactivating the thumb safety on any of Ed Brown’s 1911s; to push tas,” Latin for “accuracy, power, speed.” Cooper popularized this it up and engage the slide requires considerable force. When it’s phrase as the goals of learning defensive shooting. Given this time to send the cocked-and-locked hammer forward and engage pistol’s extraordinary accuracy, the .45’s power and the speed of targets, deactivating it requires only moderate effort by contrast. employing a single-action trigger with short reset qualifies this The trigger experience is also incredible. To shoot an Ed Brown pistol as a sidearm Cooper would approve of.

1911 is to remember why we all love the feel of a single-action trigger. The raceway in the frame is like that of a fine watch as Why now? Ed Brown said they wouldn’t make a Jeff Cooper the trigger bow glides through it to push Commemorative again after September 25, 2008, against the sear. There is no binding so I called and spoke to John May, Ed Brown’s that causes stuttering. To fire the pistol sales and marketing director, to ask why they required less than 4 pounds of smooth would reintroduce this model. pressure and there was no hiccup to start, “Do you know how many shooters I speak to who grit in the middle or overtravel at the end. have never heard of Col. Cooper?,” May replied.

Seriously, the trigger felt flawless.

“Too many. The original pistol was designed to A great trigger like this can bring honor Cooper’s legacy and all that he had done for out any pistol’s accuracy potential. In a our industry. We have so much to be thankful for.

Ransom Rest, this is a 1-inch gun at 25 For the next generation to go without his Cooperyards. At the bench at the same distance, I isms, reading his writings or learning The Modern managed to fire a several groups that meaTechnique, we would have forfeited his memory. sured between 1.04 and 1.45 inches. (It It’s important for us to keep Cooper’s history and wasn’t as hard as it sounds.) On average, I teachings alive. A portion of the proceeds from this could free-hand 1.8-inch groups standing project will go to the Jeff Cooper Legacy Foundation the cocobolo grips are smooth perpendicular and bladed to the target as to help continue their work in letting the next genand feature Jeff Cooper’s logo, his if I were shooting in a bullseye match. I’ve initials over a sword and quill pen. eration know what this man meant to all of us.”

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F eb ruary 2020

WILSON COMBAT GIVES US A LONG SLIDE WITH THE NEW EDC X9L.

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CARRY

LARGE EVERYDAY WORDS BY KEITH WOOD | PHOTOS BY MARK FINGAR

WILSON COMBAT has been a leader in the custom gun world since 1977, and after all those years former competitive shooter Bill Wilson’s company still drives innovation in many ways. Perhaps the pinnacle creation debuted in 2016: the EDC X9 9mm pistol. Still available to shooters with discriminating tastes, its compact hybrid design incorporated many Model 1911A1 elements and added modern features such as a high-capacity aluminum frame and a tri-top slide for concealed carry. Reviews of the EDC X9 were positive, even among those who felt that no handgun could be worth $2,895. Still, many of Wilson’s loyal customers wanted to see these features applied to a full-size format. Enter the Wilson Combat EDC X9L. The X9L is a 5-inch-barreled everyday carry (EDC) gun with a capacity of up to 18 rounds of 9mm.

Few handgun designs can match the single-action trigger pull, ergonomics and overall shootability of a really good M1911, and Wilson Combat’s 1911s certainly fit into that category. There is no doubt though that the M1911’s limited magazine capacity is a negative, but with the .45 ACP there is only so much that can be done in that regard without creating an unwieldy handgun. By combining the trigger, safety, hammer and top end of the 1911 with the high capacity aluminum 9mm frame, Wilson Combat created a novel handgun in the EDC X9 series that offers the best of both types.

Compared to the original EDC X9, the EDC X9L has a longer barrel, longer sight radius and greater overall weight, all of which make it potentially easier to shoot well compared to a compact. “There was a lot of customer demand for a full-size EDC and it was always part of the evolution plan for the platform,” Wilson Combat’s founder Bill Wilson told us.

Since the company’s humble beginnings tuning and building custom M1911s for International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) competition, Wilson Combat has become a company possessing an impressive manufacturing capability. Their seven-building complex now includes three complete machine shops and 50 gunsmiths who work on nothing but handguns. Wilson Combat is also capable of making every component of their handguns on-site — including the X series — and only outsources the G10 grips to VZ Grips (vzgrips.com) and the magazines. They even produce barrels, which is rare these days.

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With the optional magwell installed, the pistol includes two 18-round magazines.

Unlike the original edc X9, the X9l uses a fitted bushing.

Building the EDC X9L started with Wilson Combat’s X-frame, which is CNC machined from billet 7075-T6 aluminum. The frame is what sets the EDC series apart, as it incorporates the high-capacity dual-column magazine used by many 9mm handguns while maintaining the ergonomic and familiar controls of the M1911A1. Despite the capacity, the X-frame’s grip is actually smaller in diameter than that of a single-column magazine 1911.

The X-frame doesn’t just hold more rounds than the singlestack, there are other differences. For starters, there is no separate mainspring housing and the grip safety has been deleted, which simplifies the grip contour. The frontstrap and backstraps are machined with an integral diamond pattern that provides plenty of purchase without being abrasive to skin or clothing. Four independent frame rails allow the slide to move with limited friction when compared to the original M1911 format. Wilson calls them “reli-

The trigger is serrated and adjustable for overtravel. reaching it and the magazine release is comfortable.

ability enhanced frame rails.” Frames are available with or without light rails on the dust cover. (G&A’s test model did not wear rails.)

The combination of a built-in magazine funnel and a magazine that tapers to a single column is conducive to fast reloads.

The steel and polymer magazines are an adaptation of the unit found on the Walther PPQ M2 and are produced by Mec-Gar (mec-gar.com). The proprietary 15-round magazines use quarterinch base pads and fit flush with the bottom of the grip frame, while the 18-rounders extend just beyond the bottom with the optional and removeable magazine funnel in-place. The funnel arches upward on both sides of the frame allowing the shooter the ability to strip a magazine from the gun in the event of a malfunction. Specially designed G10 grips attach to the frame using dovetails, so there are no screws, the result is a slim profile despite the gun’s capacity. The frame is also cut high under the

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The barrel is about accuracy. It measures 5 inches, is stainless steel and features a flush-cut reverse crown.

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Sights encourage precision with the rear being adjustable yet snag-free. a serrated topstrap prevents glare to focus on the green fiber optic front.

PERFORMANCE triggerguard, which allows a abuse and the barrel locks up BEST AVG. VEL. GROUP GROUP high grip on the gun. A beaby means of a single top lug.

LOAD (FPS) ES SD (IN.) (IN.) vertail prevents hammer bite.

Though the more compact Horn. Amer. Gun. 115-gr. XTP JHP 1,148 58 19.3 1.11 1.34 In terms of controls, the EDC X9 uses a fluted-cone SIG Sauer 365 Elite 115-gr. FMJ 1,198 47 17.3 2.29 2.5 trigger, slide stop, magazine barrel that deletes the need Federal Syntech Range 124-gr. FMJ 1,129 22 8.4 1.61 1.97 release and manual safety are for a bushing, the X9L uses a Notes: Accuracy is the average of five, five-shot groups from a sandbag rest at 25 yards.

Velocity is the average of five shots recorded by an Oehler Model 35P chronograph. all of the M1911A1-style. Both traditional barrel bushing to Wilson’s Bulletproof slide stop secure it for better fitment at and safety levers are constructed with oversize surfaces, so they the muzzle. Though the bushing may seem antiquated to some, are easy to manipulate in a hurry. I have average-sized hands it has a purpose: Bushings can be replaced to account for wear, and was able to actuate the checkered magazine release without which is important on a gun that will see tens of thousands of shifting my grip on the handgun. Likewise, the serrated trigger rounds. (It is better to wear out the bushing than the frame.) was within easy reach. Our test gun’s trigger fires after a crisp and The EDC X9L uses the standard recoil spring and plug arrangeclean 31/2 pounds. There was some take-up in Guns & Ammo’s ment of the M1911 with no full-length guide rod. Wilson’s polysample. However, the trigger reset was extremely short resulting mer Shock Buff pad provides cushion to the metal components in fast split times between shots. when the slide slams to the rear upon firing. As a result, disasWilson’s use of CNC milling stations is immediately evident sembly of the X9L follows the traditional M1911 steps and will be when examining the X9L. There is complex cross-hatching familiar to any shooter comfortable with that manual of arms. cuts present on both the frame and slide, for example. The The sights on the EDC X9L are tall, visible and excellent. A X-TAC pattern milled into the slide takes the place of front and user-replaceable fiber-optic front sight is framed by an adjustable rear cocking serrations and provides ample grip. Instead of a snag-free black rear with 40 line-per-inch serrations. These cuts traditional rounded top on the slide, a five-sided surface results continue on the rear surface of the slide, cutting glare and looking in a unique but attractive profile that also cuts weight. The slide good doing it. The flat on the slide’s top is serrated 30 lines-peris milled narrower near the muzzle in the style of the Browning inch. The sights are adjustable for both windage and elevation Hi-Power and some of the custom M1911s of yesteryear. Wilson using two Torx and one standard screw, respectively. Rounding out calls them “carry cuts” and it is a good look. Ball-end mill cuts the slide, the ejection port is generously wide to allow for flawless on the slide’s transition to the dust cover adds a custom touch as ejection and the slide-mounted spring-loaded extractor and framewell. The bottom edge of the slide is chamfered to eliminate the mounted fixed ejector get empties out of the gun with authority. sharp edge. All of these cuts aren’t just for aesthetic reasons. The The machining and polishing on the EDC X9L are first rate, result is a low-mass slide that still without a single visible flaw in the manages to temper muzzle rise. various cuts made on the frame While the lower half of the and slide. The barrel locks up EDC X9L has more features of a tight, leaving no wobble when the modern double-stack handgun, hood is depressed. Slide-to-frame the top end is like an M1911A1. fit allows just enough clearance The slide is machined from 416R to ensure reliability. The surface stainless steel, as is the 5-inch finish is Wilson’s Armor-Tuff black match ramped barrel. Neither coating, which is durable but component is coated, which gives only .001 inch thick so it doesn’t the gun a two-tone look. A nearly interfere with the critical fitting imperceptible reverse crown probetween the pistol’s various parts. tects the rifling from real-world I’m a big fan of custom Model

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1911 handguns, so I was excited to shoot the EDC X9L. I have already evaluated the compact original, too. Like that one, the X9L is a soft-shooting pistol with what I can only describe as a slow recoil impulse. Clearly, the 9mm chambering is part of the recoil equation, but I’ve shot other 9mm 1911s and none of them were this easy to shoot. Just as the sights are coming down from the peak of recoil, the gun can be felt locking back into battery.

The X9L is a pistol that is most easy to control.

Accuracy ranged from average to great depending on the load.

Reliability was 100 percent, but for heavy-for-caliber subsonic ammunition tempted the gun’s boundaries.

According to Wilson, “The basic EDC X9 has proven to be the most functionally reliable variant we’ve ever produced.” Thanks to a clean and consistent trigger, excellent sights and a wellengineered frame, the X9L was exceedingly easy to shoot with a blend of speed and precision.

What role does this handgun fill? Virtually any that a 5-inch Model 1911 would, and then some.

“Full size pistols are still our best sellers,” Wilson said. “And a lot of people carry a five. The X9L meets this need and is also a very good pistol for range use and IDPA competition in the ESP division.” (Team Wilson Combat’s Mandy Bachman recently used an X9L to win the High Lady slot at the BUY IT NOW! 2019 IDPA World Championship.) log on to galleryofguns.com, select this firearm, pay a deposit and it will be at your local gun store in two days.

When purchased from galleryofguns.com, davidson’s guarantees to repair or replace this firearm for life.

The X9L is also ideal for all-around defensive use, and would be a fantastic choice for a high-round-count handgun course where a .45 ACP might take its toll on the shooter. A dedicated individual could use it for EDC, and it is a perfectly Today’s suitable duty pistol for officers willing and Pricing! able to pay the tab.

No one needs a gun for self-defense that runs just south of $3,000, but some 9mm 2.5 inch barrel are willing to pay that sort of price for 1958 SPECIAL! a quality firearm built with premium ROUGH $ components. Otherwise, Wilson Combat NECK Get Yours wouldn’t be the successful business it is.

Today!

The EDC X9 and X9L are not guns built to meet a price point, but rather a handgun to be the best that it can be.

45LC/.410 made Wilson Combat nailed it on this one.

3 inch barrel The company’s long experience with the ROWDY 1911 combined with the manufacturLIVE ing capability to adapt and update the EC R U platform really shine with this model. The EDC X9L is built to shoot and is accurate, reliable and ergonomic. It’s a handgun that combines the shootability of the 1911 with less recoil and double the capacity.

You’ve gotta shoot one.

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Wilson Combat EDC X9L Type: Recoil operated, semiautomatic Cartridge: 9mm Capacity: 18+1 rds.

Overall Length: 8.7 in.

Height: 5.25 in.

Weight: 2 lbs., .4 oz.

Material: 416R stainless steel (slide), Aluminum (frame) Grip: VZ Grips G10 Starburst Trigger: 3 lbs., 8 oz. (tested) Safety: Manual thumb lever Finish: Armor-Tuff black Sights: Wilson Combat fiber optic (front); adj. notch (rear) MSRP: $2,995 Manfacturer: Wilson Combat, 870-5453310, wilsoncombat.com

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The author didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get to see his fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s P.08 Luger as a boy, but a family friend retained it for 60 years, returning it to an older Emary in 2006. The tale of how he came to have the Luger is a story of hard combat and an enduring friendship.

F eb ruary 2020

DADâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LUGER

MORE THAN 60 YEARS AFTER T/SGT. ROBERT EMARY RECOVERED IT FROM A FALLEN GERMAN TANKER, A 1937-MANUFACTURED LUGER IS RETURNED HOME.

WORDS BY DAVE EMARY | PHOTOS BY MARK FINGAR

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We’ve all seen perfect, factory-new lugers, but the author’s has the benefit of honest wear and a true story. A trophy pistol of this condition and having a real war story behind it is a prize for any enthusiast.

FROM AN EARLY AGE, I knew my father, T/Sgt. Robert J. Emary, had served in World War II in the U.S. Army. As I became older, my mother explained to me that my father had been a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne and had fought at Bastogne.

At that point in his life, my father talked very little about the war. This started me to reading as much as I could as a second or third grader on World War II history. This early knowledge of my father’s service has had a huge impact on my entire life leading to an early fascination with the military, my own military service and a lifelong interest in history, especially firearms and all things shooting.

I remember as an eight- or nine-year old, reverently looking through the box of my father’s war memorabilia. In that memorabilia was an AG USFET No. 33 official capture paper for a Luger pistol.

As any eight-year-old who had some knowledge of World War II history and guns would think, where’s the Luger? My father’s answer to that question was that he had given it to a friend.

As you can imagine, I was quite disappointed to not be able to see or handle such an incredible piece of militaria. However, this was not the end of the story. Sixty-one years after it was captured and 40 years after my first knowledge of the Luger, it was given to me by my father’s best friend from high school, Gordy.

Background My father graduated from high school in 1942 at the age of 16. He worked for 16 months and then enlisted in the military on his 18th birthday in 1943. He wanted to be a naval aviator, but was rejected because he was told his teeth were too crooked to work with the oxygen masks. After getting this news, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Airborne.

Several days after his enlistment he received a letter from the U.S. Navy saying that he could report for induction. The problem had been resolved, but it was a little too late for the Navy. After basic training and jump school, my father arrived in England shortly after D-Day and was a member of the first wave of replacements after the invasion of Normandy.

He was assigned to the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR), 3rd Battalion, I Company, 101st Airborne. For those of you who are history buffs, this is the same regiment as E (“Easy”) Company in Stephen Ambrose’s book, “Band of Brothers.” My father was a couple companies down the line from E Company.

The Capture I had a long talk with my father in early February 2006, right after I received the Luger from his friend Gordy because I wanted to know the history of where and how he got it. Here is what he said: “That Luger belonged to a Panzer commander.

It was after Bastogne and after we had attacked Foy.

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For reasons unknown, the pistol was carried in a swiss holster with the muzzle end trimmed off rather than the usual hardshell german holster.

This left the muzzle unprotected, but makes the ensemble all the more interesting.

The “s/42” mark indicates manufacture at the Mauser factory in Oberndorf. The 1937 date is correct with the excellent prewar finish having straw colors and bright blue parts. The gun was likely in storage for years before being issued.

We were charging out of some woods when we were attacked by the Panzer, but one of our bazooka teams hit the Panzer. I ran up to the tank and jumped on it.

You know that’s what the procedure was. After you hit one with a bazooka you were supposed to jump on the tank and throw grenades in the hatch. I noticed that the hatch was partially open and I pulled it open to throw a grenade in.

It looked like a side of meat hanging there, it didn’t look like a person. He hadn’t just been hit in the head, his head was gone, his lungs had been sucked out and you could see his rib cage. I thought, Wow! I didn’t see anybody else moving in the tank. Then I noticed he was wearing a Luger. I just cut his belt off and took the belt with the holster and put it in my musette bag.”

My father had given me his 1945 506th PIR (Parachute Infantry Regiment) scrapbook with very detailed maps of the major actions involving the 506th. There were also detailed maps of the actions at Bastogne, day by day. It also contained a period topographic map of the Bastogne area that showed where woods were. From these maps, I was able to locate where and when the action my father described had to have taken place.

Gen. George Patton’s Third Army broke the siege of Bastogne on Christmas Day, 1945. The 101st and attached units began being resupplied by ground on December 27th. Rather than being relieved, the 101st was ordered to hold and then lead the counterattack to push the Germans back.

A part of this effort to push the Germans back was the attack and capture of Foy by 506 PIR E and I companies on January 13 and 14, 1945. At the end of this combat, I Company was down to less than a platoon: 21 men. This is the engagement my father was talking about when he said he captured the Luger after Foy. I Company and the rest of 3rd Battalion were then withdrawn and held in reserve in the woods north of Bastogne near Lake Fazone, which is no longer there.

I Company was not in combat again until January 16, when it participated in a regimental attack that pushed the Germans east of the small town of Wicourt. There were only two wooded areas along I Company’s line of advance. There were woods northwest of Noville, but this area had been taken by 1st Battalion 506th on January 15. In addition, 3rd Battalion’s line-of-advance was just north of Vaux, which would have taken them north of these woods.

There were also woods southwest of Wicourt that I Company had to have advanced through. The action my father described in which he captured the Luger occurred on January 16, 1945, and had to have taken place just north of the woods, southwest of Wicourt, Belgium.

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The author has avoided shooting the luger with the original grips in place, as they are thin and prone to cracking after more than 80 years. reproduction grips of various materials are available.

This action all took place between modern day Belgian highways E25 and N30, between Cobru and Wicourt. The 101st Airborne was relieved by the 17th Airborne Division on January 17, 1945. I company was down to 11 men.

Finally Seeing the Luger In early January 2006 during a conversation with my father, he told me his friend Gordy had called and

The P.08 luger was produced through the 1930s, but was largely supplanted by the P.38 after 1940. As the noose tightened around the Third reich, all sorts of small arms began to appear from storage depots.

asked if my father wanted the Luger back. My father said no. I told my father if Gordy no longer wanted the Luger, I would be happy to buy it from him. About two weeks later, I received a letter from Gordy that briefly gave the history of how he got the Luger from my father, and an incredibly generous offer to give me the Luger.

d ad’ s luger | Feb ruary 2020

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The toggle shows almost no wear. some german tanks had firing slits to allow the crew to shoot at enemy soldiers clambering aboard, but Panzer crewmen had relatively little occasion for shooting pistols in anger.

german arms makers obsessively serial-numbered everything, including small luger parts. Finding a battlefield capture “numbers matching” luger is an accomplishment for any collector. expectedly, this one was missing the spare magazine.

My father and Gordy were best friends in high school. Gordy served in the U.S. Merchant Marines as a crewmember on an anti-aircraft gun and was badly wounded in a kamikaze attack in late 1944. He said in his letter, “As I remember things, I was in the South Pacific in 1944 and I wrote your dad, who was in Europe. I said, ‘If you can, I’d like for you to get me a Luger.’

To my great delight, when we both got home he came to my parent’s house and handed me a package and said, ‘Here’s your Luger.’

“He related to me some of the incident in which he acquired the pistol, and I realized that there is a great deal of sentiment and meaning attached to the gun. Knowing how much my son is interested in certain aspects of my naval experience, I imagine you probably have the same interest in your dad’s service. If you wish, I would be very pleased and honored to turn the Luger over to you so you can have this memento which is really a tribute to your dad.” I was quite overwhelmed and said “Yes,” of course.

I was able to sit down with my father and Gordy in the summer of 2006, and talk to both about some of their war experi-

straw colors on the trigger and takedown lever are usually a sign of prewar manufacture when commercial standards were still in effect. Otherwise, there is little wear anywhere on the specimen.

ences and their life after the war. This was a very special time that I will never forget.

The Luger I received the Luger about a week after the letter from Gordy. I wondered what I would see when I opened the box, and I about fell over when I got it open. Inside the leather holster was a pristine Luger. It looked like it was nearly brand new. The only wear on the gun was some compression of the checkering on the right grip from the holster brass closure button, and some bluing wear at the muzzle.

The gun was all matching with a mismatched aluminumbottom magazine. There was no spare magazine in the holster magazine pouch. The Luger is a S/42 Mauser Orberndorf-1937 manufacture gun. It has a 4-inch barrel with a vivid straw color on the trigger and extractor. It has deep and bright bluing, and what I would consider commercial-quality fit and finish. The barrel is very lightly frosted inside, but shiny.

The holster is very interesting, as it is not the standard German period-issued hard-leather holster. I took the gun to a dealer who specializes in Lugers and was told the holster was a “Swiss” holster. The bottom of the holster had been cut off at some point,

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The luger has had few opportunities to slide out of its swiss-made leather holster in the 60 years it was held by the author’s father’s friend, Gordy.

It functioned flawlessly when recently test-fired.

which allowed the muzzle to protrude from the bottom. This accounted for the bluing wear at the muzzle.

I asked Gordy if the gun ever had a spare magazine and he said, “No, only the one in the gun.” I find this very interesting, as the Panzer commander either acquired the Luger and holster from someone who didn’t need it anymore or was issued whatever the quartermaster could scrape together. At this point in the war, the Germans had not been issuing Lugers as standard equipment since about 1940 when the P.38 was standardized. It’s also

interesting that there was not even a spare magazine available.

The ad-hoc weapons being thrown together probably reflects the desperate supply situation the Germans were in by then.

I have fired exactly five rounds from the Luger. During my visit to the dealer who appraised it for me, he said if I was going to shoot it to use replacement grips; The original grips crack quite often if the guns are shot very much.

I fired five rounds of Hornady’s 90-grain XTP factory ammo through the gun. The rounds chronographed 1,246 feet per sec-

d ad’ s luger | Feb ruary 2020

ond (fps). This load is long discontinued, but it was loaded to a nominal 1,275 fps. This shows the barrel is in quite good shape.

The five-shot group I fired was quite small by my standards at 21/2 inches at 25 yards. The gun functioned flawlessly and had a heavy, but crisp, trigger.

Closing Thoughts My father and his friend Gordy have both passed away. I am deeply thankful that they allowed me the opportunity to share in this piece of history, and have a sense of

In contrast to current military policy that strongly discourages the practice, the u.s. army of World War II worked to facilitate a soldier’s natural desire to bring back their war trophies. unfortunately, most troops today can’t bring home non-gun souvenirs.

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connection to the history that they lived and participated in.

Certain elements in our society are doing everything they can to erase our history. In my opinion, this is an effort to convince people, especially the young, that American history is not a story of accomplishment and honor, but rather one of failure and shame.

If you know veterans of military service from any era, please talk with them. If they are willing to relate their experiences, please write them down. Theirs is a living history that can’t be replaced when they are gone. We need to preserve this history for our own sense of who we are and where we came from. One of the most powerful ways I know of doing this is recording and remembering the experiences of those who lived history and why they did it.

How the pistol’s previous owner came by a swiss-flap holster allows lots of speculation. It was probably a little more comfortable inside a tank, but obviously failed to protect the muzzle.

Note the empty magazine pocket.

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Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s note: Pre-production cartridges are shown. Production cartridges will feature tarnish- and corrosion-resistant nickel-plated cases.

f eb ruary 2020

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THE

6.5 PRC MAGNUM

BARNES BULLETS TAKES THE 6.5 PRC INTO ELK-CAPABLE TERRITORY.

BY JOSEPH VON BENEDIKT

A SINGLE CALF CALL brought elk pouring off the ridge above. close and likely at an angle rather than the ideal broadside preSeveral were bulls, but the forest was thick making it difficult to sentation. Barnes’ 127-grain LRX bullet in the prototype VOR-TX identify the best one. I could only see pieces of elk between tree LR cartridge I was using on this hunt should have the toughness trunks and branches. to drive the necessary depth and destroy vitals.

It was the heat of the rut, and a collision of herd bulls and A gnarly bugle growled from a thicket to my right. Through lonely satellite bulls fired off a ruckus. It was music to an elka narrow gap in the trees, I picked out the heavy shoulder of a addict’s soul. Bugles rasped the morning air, some so close and mature bull. Sure enough, he was quartering to me. A whaledeep they reverberated in my chest. A heavy antlered 5x5 paused tail-looking fork of antler floated high above. That’s all I could right in front of me, a front leg lifted in suspense. A younger see, but it was enough to gamble on. I glued the crosshairs to the bull plunged his muzzle into a pool of water nearby and drank. point of the massive shoulder and squeezed the trigger.

Still, there were bulls I hadn’t seen, and I figured at least one would be a 6x6. I hunkered behind The Cartridge Introduced just a few years ago, Made to match stanmy new Ruger Precision Hunter, reflecting wryly the 6.5 Precision Rifle Cartridge (PRC) is the dards and loaded with the accurate, tough and that its superb long-range accuracy potential was trendiest round in the 6.5mm hunting realm. In deep-penetrating 127wasted on the current situation. Hopefully, the engineering terms, it’s arguably the best 6.5mm grain LRX bullet, Barnes’s elk wouldn’t smell me before I could pick out the hunting cartridge ever designed. It sports a reasonnew 6.5 PRC load is outstanding for all game. biggest bull. ably short, fat case that provides a plethora of For hunters, this new 6.5 At least, I figured, I had the right load in the accuracy-benefitting characteristics.

PRC cartridge is truly chamber. In this thick timber, my shot would be What are they? The short, broad column of adequate for elk.

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feb ru a ry 2 0 2 0 | t h e 6 .5 PR C m AGnu m 6.5x300 WEATHERBY MAG. .26 NOSLER .264 WIN. MAG.

6.5 PRC

Introduced in 2017, the author believes that the 6.5 PRC (left) is possibly the best 6.5mm hunting cartridge ever designed. engineered for accuracy, it provides excellent velocity in a short-action cartridge. Ballistics mirror the .264 Win. mag. (near right). It’s slower than 6.5mm muscle cartridges such as the 6.5-300 Weatherby (right, middle) and .26 nosler (far right), but doesn’t have any of the temperamentality.

gunpowder contained inside enables faster and more even Missing Puzzle-Piece Barnes Bullets has just introduced factory ignition than a traditional long, slender propellant column. As a loaded 6.5 PRC ammunition, adding a much-needed dimension result, it’s more efficient and more consistent. Both are good for to the cartridge. accuracy.

There’s been a missing piece to the 6.5 PRC picture: a factory Also, the shoulder angle is steep enough to provide square loaded, tough, deep-penetrating bullet designed for heavy bodied and concentric alignment without introducing significant feeding game such as elk. Hornady’s factory ammo is loaded with the issues. When paired with min-spec match-grade chambers, more streamlined 143-grain ELD-X bullet, an outstanding extendedconsistency — that word again — results. range deer bullet. However, I’ve observed that the ELD-X someFinally, and critically, the chamber’s throat dimensions are times pancakes on impact and fails to penetrate deep enough for designed to promote bullet concentricity and alignment as the quartering shots on up-close elk, particularly when fired at 6.5 projectile enters and engraves into the rifling leade. Hornady PRC velocities. designed the 6.5 PRC, and much of the black magic that makes The lack of controlled-expansion bullets in factory ammo is no the 6.5 Creedmoor so incrediproblem for handloaders. The bly accurate was incorporated 6.5 PRC world is their oyster when engineers designed the and they can choose which6.5 PRC’s throat. ever projectile they wish to One other characteristic is shoot. For those who lack the worth noting: The 6.5 PRC time or inclination to roll their achieves admirable levels of own ammo, it’s an issue. velocity without pushing the Hopefully, Hornady will soon envelope so far that accuracy, introduce a factory load with a barrel life and the forgiving heavy version of its tough GMX nature of the round suffers. bullet. Until then, the Hornady’s It’s not a muscle cartridge like 6.5 PRC ammo is best reserved the .26 Nosler or 6.5-300 for deer-sized game.

Weatherby. Those cartridges have their place, but are not as Enter Barnes To make the excellent accuracy such as this .39-inch three-shot group is comversatile and forgiving as the 6.5 PRC capable of taking big, mon with Barnes Bullets new LRX. this 100-yard group was fired 6.5 PRC is. using Ruger’s new m77 hawkeye Long Range hunter. heavy bodied bull elk from

t h e 6. 5 PRC magn um | feb ruary 2020

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PHOTOS: WAYNE VAN ZWOLL

friction. Precise equipment and uncompromising quality control adds match accuracy potential to the bullet’s design.

Comparison Test Ahead of this evaluation, Barnes provided me a few boxes of prototype ammunition to test and hunt with.

Lab techs pointed out to me that the final version will offer a bit more velocity. Tested using LabRadar, the prototype load exited a 22-inch barrel of a Ruger M77 Hawkeye Long-Range Hunter at 2,990 feet per second (fps), which isn’t bad at all. That’s about 50 fps more than is generated by both of Hornady’s factory loads, but keep in mind that the monometal bullet is about 10 percent lighter and, therefore, should be faster. Production Barnes ammo is said to be rated at around 3,050 to 3,100 fps when fired from a 24-inch barrel, so it’s fair to expect 40 to 60 fps less from a 22-incher.

To provide a comparison, I fired three consecutive, three-shot groups with the Barnes pre-production load followed by the same with Hornady’s 143-grain ELD-X and 147-grain ELD Match loads. Two of the three loads averaged sub-minute-of-angle (MOA) groups. That’s a good indication of the performance of the relatively light, slender barrel on the Ruger M77 Long Range Hunter. Of the three, the Barnes load was the tightest, turning in a tidy .39-inch best-group measurement and a .67 overall average.

Also impressive were the small standard deviation (SD) numbers posted by all three different loads. All clocked at or less the petals sheered off this Barnes 127grain LRX bullet. It impacted the point of than that magic 10-fps mark coveted by a heavy-bodied bull elk’s shoulder, smashlong-range shooters. That’s an excellent ing a 2-inch section of wrist-size bone. the testament of the consistency in the design remaining shank passed through 8 inches of shoulder muscle before smashing a of the 6.5 PRC.

all the common shot presentations — broadside, quartering away and quartering to — it must be loaded with a controlledexpansion bullet designed for deep penetration. In my book, all other considerations come second. (That includes the fervor for extremely aerodynamic, high-BC bullets optimized for long-range shooting.)

When engineering its 6.5 PRC load, Barnes took a no-nonsense, no compromise approach and chose a bullet known for bone-breaking penetration, good aerodynamics, low-velocity expansion and superb accuracy. While not as heavy as many 6.5mm projectiles, the 127-grain rib, driving through 20 inches of vitals Long Range Expanding (LRX) bullet is a and coming to rest in the opposite ribs. monometal design. As the savvy elk huntBull down! As the echoes of my shot Retained weight measured 90.4 grains, ers amongst us already know, the long, all- about 71 percent of its original mass. rippled away, the forest erupted with an copper bullet’s shank can’t be destroyed avalanche of running elk. Leaping to my no matter how much bone and heavy muscle it encounters. feet, I unsuccessfully searched for a bull moving like he’d been These can be counted on to penetrate deep at any angle. shot. Then, as the trample of hooves quieted into the distance, The LRX bullet is the flagship of Barnes’ lineup. Decades of I heard a final, labored exhale from the thicket. Topping off the experience molded its on-impact characteristics, making for a magazine, I listened to the fading bugles of bulls attempting to bullet that opens properly at long range yet holds together when regroup their harems. impacting up close and fast. Doppler radar guided the engineerI never ranged it, but my shot was certainly inside 70 yards, ing and helped maximize its ballistic coefficient (BC), enabling maybe as close as 50. A heavy-antlered 6x6 bull laid not 15 steps it to flow through velocity-robbing air molecules with minimum from where I’d shot him, killed cleanly and quickly by the deep-

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penetrating LRX bullet. After giving thanks for the winter’s meat perfect storm of challenges that a big-bodied mature bull elk can and taking pictures with friend and fellow writer Wayne van test a bullet with, and it performed splendidly.

Zwoll, we took the bull apart for the pack out.

In addition to Ruger, several rifle companies are on board with Informal forensics told an impressive story: The 127-grain the 6.5 PRC including Begara, Browning, Christensen Arms, MasLRX had impacted a couple of inches above the massive shoulder terpiece Arms, Montana Rifle Company, Mauser, Mossberg, Sauer knuckle. It took out a 2-inch and Savage. I expect other PERFORMANCE section of the wrist-size bone ammunition companies will BEST AVG. of the lower shoulder blade.

VELOCITY GROUP GROUP follow. For now, with Hornady’s LOAD: 6.5 PRC (FPS) ES SD (IN.) (IN.) Angling on toward the vitals, it ideal-for-deer 143-grain ELD-X Barnes 127-gr. LRX 2,995 29 9 .39 .67 passed through a measured 8 and Barnes’ 127-grain LRX for Hornady 147-gr. ELD Match 2,948 28 10 .86 .98 inches of dense, tough shoulelk, hunters that want to field Hornady 143-gr. ELD-X 2,945 20 8 1.17 1.34 der muscle, blew out a 21/2the 6.5 PRC have everything notes: Accuracy is the average of three, three-shot groups at 100 yards. Velocity is inch section of rib, pulverized they need to hunt most hooved the average of nine shots recorded with a LabRadar.

Test Barrel Length: 22 in.; Ambient Temperature: 50° F the lungs and compromised game in the lower 48. the plumbing atop the heart.

Finally, it broke the last rib on the other side of the thoracic cavity where it came to rest. We estimated the bullet produced 30 to 32 inches of penetration. Few indeed are the bullets able to penetrate that deeply and maintain straight-line penetration after impacting that much bone.

Although I’ve come to this bull came to a expect such results from the cow call and prelarger-diameter, heavier versented a narrow shot opportunity, quarsions of the Barnes LRX, and tering steeply to, at certainly hoped to see similar less than 70 yards. stellar performance from the Without a deeppenetrating bullet, 6.5mm 127-grainer, I must the author could not confess that I was impressed. have ethically taken That specific scenario was the the shot.

PHOTOS: WAYNE VAN ZWOLL

hornady’s 143-grain eLD-X (right) bullet in the 6.5 PRC is superb for deer-size game.

Barnes’ new 127-grain LRX (left) features a monometal bullet with controlled-expansion for deep penetration. the LRX is outstanding for use on game up to and including elk.

For 25 years, Kahr Firearms has produced the iconic K9 ® , the compact 9mm pistol that started the revolution of single-stack 9mm handguns to follow. The K9 remains unrivaled as the pinnacle of precision engineered, all steel, single-stacked, 9mm, compact auto-loaders. Many others have imitated the design and concept, but none have matched the K9’s reputation for quality, reliability, and accuracy.

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74 G&A F e br ua ry 2020 PR OOF HOUS E

CZ 1012 Bronze 12 ga.

POWER OF MOTION CZ HAS ADDED to its already extensive lineup of shotguns by offering its first gasless inertia-operated semiautomatic: CZ 1012. The action is based on the Bruno Civolani-designed inertia system that utilizes just three primary parts: bolt body, inertia spring and rotating bolt head. The CZ 1012 operates with a range of 12-gauge loads and requires little maintenance.

When fired, recoil pushes the gun rearward. Inertia causes the bolt body to remain stationary, compressing an internal inertia spring. As the recoil force dissipates, the spring thrusts the bolt body rearward, unlocking the bolt head.

The bolt assembly is free to slide rearward and the spent shell is extracted and ejected. A metal tail at the rear of the bolt compresses the recoil spring in the buttstock, and the stored energy returns the bolt back into the forward position, while picking up the next shell from the magazine and pushing it into the chamber. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a simple system that has been perfected these last 50 years. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to clean and

maintain since gases and debris exit the barrel instead of being channeled through ports in the gun.

The CZ 1012 is manufactured in Turkey by Hatsan Arms Company (hatsan.com.tr) and is currently available in five different configurations: three with Turkish walnut stocks featuring black, bronze or grey anodized aluminum receivers and synthetic stocks versions in black or full-dip camo.

The version that Guns & Ammo tested featured a walnut stock and bronze finish on the aluminum alloy receiver.

Currently, all 1012 models come in 12-gauge with 3-inch chambers, 28-inch barrels with 8mm flat ribs, a single white bead and five extended choke tubes â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified and Full. The 1012 weighs nearly 61/2 pounds depending on stock density.

The control layout is similar to other available inertia guns and feature a bolt release button on the right side of the receiver, a shell drop lever alongside the right front portion of the triggerguard and a crossbolt safety.

Febr uary 2 02 0

The triangular safety button is at the front of the triggerguard rather than the usual location at the rear.

The bottom edge of the shell droplever is canted 90 degrees to make it easier to find and is protected by the guard.

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The CZ 1012’s bolt is charged by a large release. The release button is pressed down and forward to operate, which is a more intuitive action than what is required with the more traditional round button.

PHOTOS: MARK FINGAR

The hourglassshaped operating handle is easy to grab from any angle, and is easy to remove during disassembly than the usual C-shaped handle. This is a style that has migrated from tactical and competition semiauto shotguns.

CZ 1012 Bronze Type: Inertia operated, semiautomatic Gauge: 12 Capacity: 4+1 rds.

Chokes: Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, Full Barrel length: 28 in.

Overall Length: 49½ in.

Sights: White bead (front) Length of Pull: 14½ in.

Drop at Comb: 15/8 in.

Drop at Heel: 2½ in.

Weight: 6 lbs.

Stock: Turkish walnut (tested) Finish: Cerakote bronze (receiver); Black chrome (barrel) (tested) MSRP: $660 Manufacturer: Hatsan Arms Company, Izmir, Turkey Importer: CZ-USA, cz-usa.com, 800-955-4486

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The 1012’s controls offer some intelligent design upgrades compared with other guns in this class. Most noticeable is the hourglass-shaped lightened bolt handle. Unlike traditional inertia guns with a C-shaped bolt handle, the CZ design is easy to grasp and control from any angle, and is easier to pull free from the bolt during disassembly.

The bottom portion of the shell drop lever is angled 90 degrees, which is easier to operate than competing models with a flat profile-lever, and the triangular crossbolt safety is positioned on the front of the triggerguard instead of the more traditional position behind the trigger.

In place of a standard rounded bolt-release button, the CZ utilizes an oblong button that looks like a shoe and widens at the front. When the bolt is locked open, the wide portion of the bolt release elevates from the side of the receiver, allowing the shooter to push forward to close the bolt, which is a more natural action when shooting rather than depressing a traditional button.

A wide-loading port makes it easy to load the magazine without pinching your fingers, and the CZ’s tubular magazine holds four 2¾-inch shells and comes with a plug that limits capacity to two rounds.

The 1012’s Cerakote bronze receiver finish is durable and looks good with the gloss black chrome dip finish on the barrel and the Turkish walnut stock. The stock itself offers a semi-gloss finish and good figure for a gun with a retail under $700.

Length of pull is 141/2-inches with a 15⁄8-inch drop at the comb

Inertia operation is popular in semiauto shotguns these days, and CZ has joined the club with its new 1012.

It offers some distinctive features that help it stand out in an increasingly crowded market including the option for an attractive bronze finish.

The inertia operating system for shotguns features no moving parts forward of the receiver; There is no piston, seals or operating rods, which allows for a trim forend and lets the gun remain clean through thousands of rounds of firing.

CZ 10 12 | Fe bru ary 2020

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and a 2½-inch drop at heel, ideal for a wide range of shooters and target presentations. There’s ample checkering on the forearm and pistol grip, and a finger groove runs almost the entire length of the forearm and offers a comfortable and secure grip.

The wrist of the pistol grip is rather straight for a semiauto gun, but it provides plenty of control. There are angled cuts on the forearm and stock that add a touch of modern style without looking gaudy. As tested, the CZ 1012 Bronze retails for just $659, making it an attractive option for inertia gun enthusiasts.

The shape of the shotgun’s grip is, to some extent, determined by the configuration of the recoil tube that passes through it.

The pistol grip is relatively upright in the style of contemporary competition shotguns.

In the Field With a balance point at the front of the receiver, the CZ 1012 is neither nose-heavy nor whippy. There aren’t any shims included for adjusting length-of-pull or cast, but the CZ 1012 does come with a functional hard-plastic case with a separate case of choke tubes for easy transport and storage. Inertia guns tend to be lighter than their gas gun counterparts, inherent by design, and at 63/4 pounds, the CZ 1012 is a gun that is light enough to carry all day.

We’re fans of the bolt handle design and G&A’s staff also came to appreciate the L-shaped shell release lever and the rocker-type bolt release. The crossbolt safety’s position in front of the triggerguard seems more intuitive than the more traditional behind-thetrigger safety position of other inertia guns. It’s a great location.

We expect that shooters will also appreciate the extended choke tubes. The constriction of each choke is printed on the exterior of the tube, eliminating the need to count notches. The knurled extension allows the tubes to be changed out without a wrench.

Guns & Ammo’s test staff believes the CZ 1012’s blend of modern and traditional styling will appeal to most shooters. The bronze color on the slide is a tasteful addition, and there are even two cutouts machined into the top of the receiver for mounting an optic. The rounded belly of the forearm and the corresponding finger groove allow a natural grip with the non-shooting hand. An angled cut on the right side of the bolt body gives it a rakish modern look and shaves a few ounces of weight. The semi-humpback receiver profile is also a styling plus.

The 1012’s comb profile and natural point-of-impact (POI) — this gun shoots flat as you’ll see in the pattern test results — makes it ideal for sporting clays, skeet and upland hunting. On the skeet field, we found that the 1012 came naturally to the shoulder, and the between-the-hands balance made it easy to track and break targets.

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Fe bru ary 2020 | C Z 1012

Choke tubes are knurled on the outside for easy installation and removal.

They are also clearly marked; You won’t need to count notches. Five tubes are supplied: Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, and Full.

because you simply press the trigger as the bead meets the target.

The trigger itself has a nicely-rounded face and an acceptable amount of take-up for a field shotgun trigger. It fired after 7½ pounds of pressure.

Light inertia guns are easy to carry in the field, but the equaland-opposite aspect of lighter weight is more felt recoil than gas guns. The 1012’s recoil is manageable with light loads, and even with 3-inch magnums, it isn’t abusive thanks in part to a soft and dense recoil pad. The pad features a radiused heel which prevents it from hanging on clothing when firing from a low gun position on targets or in the field.

Some inertia guns won’t cycle light loads, but the CZ had no problems with 11⁄8 ounce AA Winchester target shells. In fact, there were no issues cycling any of the rounds tested. CZ claims that they fired nearly 5,000 rounds without cleaning, and while we didn’t reach that number, G&A’s staff enjoyed several hundred rounds without cleaning the 1012. It never malfunctioned.

Disassembly of the 1012 is simple: With the gun unloaded and the bolt retracted remove the knurled magazine cap, then the barrel and forearm; pull the bolt handle free, slide the bolt assembly forward and you’ve stripped the gun for basic field care.

A wipe down of the parts and a light coat of lubricating oil on the interior parts keeps the gun running.

CZ’s 1012 is a remarkable value, and the design and ergonomics are very good. Any shooter looking for a versatile field gun that will also double as a clay crusher should take a hard look at the 1012. If this initial inertiaCZ 1012 operated offering is any indication CZ might WIN. AA LIGHT TARGET 23/4-1 1/8-8 become a major player in this market.

AVG. PELLET COUNT: 460 AVG. OF 1 SHOTS AT 25 YDS. MODIFIED TUBE

5

8

The CZ 1012 Bronze performed exceptional during Guns & Ammo’s roundtable. It was also evaluated with Aimpoint’s Micro S-1 6-MOA red dot sight designed specifically for use on shotguns. It mounted low on the ventilated rib. $738

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80

S PENT C A SES

G&A February 2020

A recent study says Òno.Ó

K E I T H W OOD

WAITING PERIODS were among the first efforts toward gun control since the passage of the Gun Control Act of 1968. The waiting period concept was intended to give law enforcement time to ensure that a potential gun buyer wasn’t prohibited from owning a firearm and to give hot-headed individuals a few days to cool off. Congress passed the Brady Act, a five-day waiting period on handguns, effective in 1994 and several states followed with laws of their own. Though the Brady Act lapsed with the creation of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NCIS) in 1998, many state-level restrictions remain on the books. But do they work?

A group of researchers studied this topic and published their findings on March 22, 2018, in “The Economic Journal,” a peerreviewed scientific publication of The Royal Economic Society. The study began with a discussion of other research on the effectiveness of waitingperiod laws and other gun control measures, including restrictions on gun show purchases.

The authors stated that “gun shows have no detectable effect on homicides or suicides, and tighter regulation of gun shows does not appear to reduce firearm-related death … a large portion of those who commit homicides obtain firearms through theft or private connections, and thus homicides are unlikely to be significantly affected by purchase delays.”

To quantify this theory, the researchers compared data from states with no waiting periods to states with waiting periods in place.

According to the study, 32 states impose no delay on firearm purchases, with waiting periods in the remaining states ranging from three days to six months.

Some states, Florida as an example, have waiting periods, but waive them for carry-permit holders. Most waiting

periods only apply to handguns with only nine states and Washington D.C. imposing delays on long guns.

The authors of the study specifically examined causeof-death data from the National Center for Health Statistics to determine firearm and non-firearm homicide rates from 1990 to 2013. The authors don’t mince words on the study’s results: “There appears to be no consistent statistically significant relationship between handgun delay policies and homicides.” What about straw purchasers?

The study goes on to state that, “a policy designed to interrupt the legitimate sale of firearms will not have any bite in secondary or illegal markets.”

There is one catch to the data, though, which relates to suicides.

“Handgun delay policies do have a consistently negative and statistically significant effect on firearm-related suicides,” though that effect is only 2 percent. Suicides represent the majority of deaths by firearm in the U.S., and to put those numbers into perspective, “selfinflicted gunshots kill more Americans every day as the worst mass shooting in the country’s history.”

It bears noting that many of the nations with the world’s highest suicide rates including Russia have few, if any, firearms in private hands. Suicide attempts are far more likely to be successful with a firearm than without, though, something that the study points out.

This data establishes what many have said for decades: Waiting periods simply don’t prevent crime. The authors leave us with a final note, one that we can probably all agree upon, “A key element of depolarising the normative debate about gun control and gun violence is establishing a foundation of facts about gun control policies and gun violence.” I think most gun owners would happily have an honest debate about gun-related policies based on fact rather than emotion. I know I would.

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DO WAITING PERIODS PREVENT CRIME?