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A M ERIC AN
SHOOTING JOURNAL Volume 15 // Issue 5 // January 2026 PUBLISHER James R. Baker GENERAL MANAGER John Rusnak EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Andy Walgamott OFFICE MANAGER / COPY EDITOR Katie Aumann LEAD CONTRIBUTOR Frank Jardim CONTRIBUTORS Scott Haugen, Phil Massaro, Mike Nesbitt, Paul Pawela, Nick Perna, Trampas Swanson, Dave Workman SALES MANAGER Paul Yarnold ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Janene Mukai DESIGNER Kha Miner PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Emily Baker WEBMASTER / INBOUND MARKETING Jon Hines INFORMATION SERVICES MANAGER Lois Sanborn ADVERTISING INQUIRIES ads@americanshootingjournal.com
ON THE COVER Lena Miculek, like her famous parents Jerry and Kay, is a very accomplished shooter, but she’s also far more than that. Find out about her other goals in the firearms world, as well as what she likes to do outside of the range, in our Q&A. (LENA MICULEK)
Website: AmericanShootingJournal.com Facebook: Facebook.com/AmericanShootingJournal X: @AmShootingJourn Reddit: r/AMSJ/
MEDIA INDEX PUBLISHING GROUP 941 Powell Ave SW, Suite 120, Renton, WA 98057 (206) 382-9220 • (800) 332-1736 • Fax (206) 382-9437 media@media-inc.com • www.media-inc.com
10 American Shooting Journal // January 2026
VOLUME 15 • ISSUE 5
CONTENTS
FEATURES 28
GUN BUILD: TACTICAL & PRACTICAL – MY CUSTOM 10/22 BUILD What happens when you combine Ruger’s beloved 10/22 carbine platform with precision upgrades from companies such as Luth-AR, Summit Precision, Timney and others? One man’s “true dream rifle.” Trampas Swanson walks us through ordering, assembling and shooting his custom build.
44
BULLET BULLETIN: TAKING WING It hasn’t been all that long since the father-son braintrust of Jeffrey and Jordan Low opened First Breach, manufacturer of premium ammunition, components and more, in an old aircraft factory in Maryland, but their wares impressed our Phil Massaro. He shares what he saw on a virtual visit.
72
ROAD HUNTER: SILHOUETTE DECOY MOVES These ain’t Grandpa’s plywood duck and goose cutouts! Indeed, today’s silhouette decoys have come a long way and are far more versatile than you might think. Scott Haugen shares the many models and ways silos can produce a great day’s shoot when standard floating decoys fail.
85
BLACK POWDER: A NEW CLASSIC IN .38-55 We’re not sure which part Mike Nesbitt liked more – getting his hands on a Cimarron Model 1894 Deluxe or drumming up and casting the black powder loads he then ran through his replica of the legendary John Browning levergun. Either way, sit back and enjoy his take on “the most satisfying rifle I’ve had the pleasure to shoot in a good while.”
20 COVER STORY
JUST LENA
Meet the girl from Shootout Lane – Lena Miculek. The progeny of prolific shooting champion parents Jerry and Kay Miculek has made a name for herself in competition and is also doing her part to help “others become confident, competent firearms owners.” Lena shares her story in our Q&A.
(LENA MICULEK) AMERICAN SHOOTING JOURNAL is published monthly by Media Index Publishing Group, 941 Powell Ave SW, Suite 120, Renton, WA 98057. Display Advertising. Call Media Index Publishing Group for a current rate card. Discounts for frequency advertising. All submitted materials become the property of Media Index Publishing Group and will not be returned. Copyright © 2026 Media Index Publishing Group. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be copied by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying or recording by any information storage or retrieval system, without the express written permission of the publisher. Printed in U.S.A.
americanshootingjournal.com 13
MORE FEATURES 57
LAW ENFORCEMENT SPOTLIGHT: THE STARS WITH THE STRIPES They’re the “street bosses who show up when stuff hits the fan” as well as hold the police department together the rest of the time. A former sergeant himself, Nick Perna sings the praises of those who hold a rank with responsibility heaped on top of responsibility, and somehow still is the “greatest job in law enforcement.”
61
2A TALK: NEW YEAR OPENS WITH GOOD NEWS FOR SECOND AMENDMENT All eyes in the gun world will be fixated on Las Vegas this month as the 48th annual Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show comes to town, but save a little bandwidth for what’s going on in state and federal courts. Longtime Second Amendment advocate Dave Workman has details on the legal front in his new quarterly column!
67
IN MEMORIAM: REMEMBERING JOHN HOLSCHEN A “teacher of teachers” in the firearms training world, but so much more than that as well – John Holschen’s legacy will live on despite his passage last year. Friend Paul Pawela remembers this former member of the Special Forces and an innovative tactical and self-defense trainer like few others.
65 ALSO INSIDE SHOT SHOW 2026 PRODUCT FEATURES 41 Parts & Accessories 55 Ammunition & Reloading 59 Knives 65 Firearms 81 Gear 93 Miscellaneous
DEPARTMENTS 17 19
14 American Shooting Journal // January 2026
Gun Show Calendar Competition Calendar
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PRIMER
GUNSHOW C A L E N D A R
January 10-11
Winston-Salem, N.C.
Winston-Salem Fairgrounds
January 17-18
Columbus, Ohio
Ohio Expo Center
January 17-18
Salem, Va.
Salem Civic Center
January 24-25
Dayton, Ohio
Montgomery County Event Center
January 3-4
Mesa, Ariz.
Centennial Hall
January 3-4
Ontario, Calif.
Ontario Convention Center
January 10-11
Ogden, Utah
Weber County Fairgrounds
January 17-18
Phoenix, Ariz.
Arizona State Fairgrounds
January 31-February 1
Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Motor Speedway
January 3-4
Orlando, Fla.
Central Florida Fairgrounds
January 10-11
Miami, Fla.
Miami-Dade Fairgrounds
January 24-25
Tampa, Fla.
Florida State Fairgrounds
January 31-February 1
Fort Myers, Fla.
Lee Civic Center
January 9-11
Glendale, Ariz.
Glendale Civic Center
January 10-11
Palmdale, Calif.
Elks Lodge #2027
January 17-18
Huntington Beach, Calif.
Elks Lodge
January 24-25
Escondido, Calif.
California Center for the Arts
January 31-February 1
Prescott, Ariz.
Prescott Resort and Conference Center
January 3-4
Knoxville, Tenn.
Knoxville Expo Center
January 3-4
Rome, Ga.
Coosa Valley Fairgrounds
January 10-11
Chattanooga, Tenn.
Alhambra Shrine
January 10-11
Springfield, Mo.
Ozark Empire Fairgrounds
January 16-18
Saint Robert, Mo.
Saint Robert Community Center
January 17-18
Franklin, Tenn.
Williamson County Expo Center
January 24-25
Tulsa, Okla.
Expo Square – Central Park Hall
January 24-25
Lawrenceville, Ga.
Gwinnett County Fairgrounds
January 31-February 1
Central City, Ky.
Central City Convention Center
January 2-4
San Antonio, Texas
Alzafar Shrine Auditorium
January 9-11
Round Rock, Texas
Round Rock Embassy Suites
Tanner Gun Shows
February 14-15
Castle Rock, Colo.
Douglas County Fairgrounds
Wes Knodel Gun Shows
February 22-23
Redmond, Ore.
Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center
C&E Gun Shows cegunshows.com
Crossroads Of The West Gun Shows crossroadsgunshows.com
Florida Gun Shows floridagunshows.com
GunTVShows.com guntvshows.com
RK Shows rkshows.com
Texas Gun Shows gunshowstx.com
tannergunshow.com
wesknodelgunshows.com
To have your event highlighted here, send an email to kaumann@media-inc.com. americanshootingjournal.com 17
PRIMER
COMPETITION C A L E N D A R
USA Shooting usashooting.org
United States Practical Shooting Association uspsa.org
Glock Sport Shooting Foundation gssfonline.com
January 17 January 31 Rocky Mountain Regional PTO San Antonio/Johnson Colorado Springs, Colo. JROTC PTO San Antonio, Texas
January 15-18 USPSA Florida State Championship New Smyrna Beach, Fla.
February 21-22 Western States Single Stack Championship Mesa, Ariz.
January 24-25 Las Vegas Practical Shooting Club Gamblers Challenge Boulder City, Nev.
January 31-February 1 Boondocks Glock Classic Raymond, Miss.
February 7-8 Charleston Glock Challenge Ridgeville, S.C.
January 9-11
January 23-24 NC State Championship Lumberton, N.C.
January 30-31 Rodeo Rapid City SD/ MN Border Wars Rapid City, S.D.
Blizzard Blast
Clarkston, Mich. Cowboy Mounted Shooting Association cmsaevents.com
International Defensive Pistol Association idpa.com
January 10 Colorado Mounted Thunder New Year Shoot Castle Rock, Colo.
January 28 Fort Worth Stock Show Classic Fort Worth, Texas
January 17 South Mountain Showdown Phoenix, Ariz.
January 24 Caliber IDPA Monthly Match Waukegan, Ill.
January 31-February 1 Southern Legends of Statesboro Statesboro, Ga.
January 30-February 1 Florida State IDPA Championship Frostproof, Fla.
January 23-24 Sharpshooters IDPA Championship Greenville, S.C.
To have your event highlighted here, send an email to kaumann@media-inc.com. americanshootingjournal.com 19
Just Just
Lena Lena The girl from Shootout Lane is doing well for herself.
T
INTRODUCTION BY PAUL PAWELA • PHOTOS BY LENA MICULEK
he name Miculek is synonymous with family royalty in the shooting world. Let’s start with Jerry Miculek, a legend in the 3-gun and speed shooting community. Jerry officially holds five sanctioned world records in revolver shooting and over 15 unsanctioned records with firearms ranging from 9mm semiautomatic pistols to the .50 BMG Barrett M107 rifle. He holds over 100 national and world shooting titles, including International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) Revolver World Champion, United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA) 3-Gun National Champion, and 21-consecutive-time International Confederation of Revolver Enthusiasts open division International Revolver Champion. Jerry is married to Kay Clark-Miculek, a legendary shooter in her own right. She is a two-time IPSC Handgun World Shoot gold medalist in the open division lady category, the only woman to hold an IPSC gold medal in pistol, rifle and shotgun categories, the winner of 14 USPSA national titles and has been the top woman in the Steel Challenge World Speed Shooting Championship seven times. Of interesting note, Kay is the daughter of Jim Clark Sr., an NRA Bullseye Pistol national champion, who is also the only person to win both the Pistolsmith of the Year Award and the Outstanding American Handgunner Award.
20 American Shooting Journal // January 2026
a Continuing her own very successful shooting career and helping “others become confident, competent firearms owners” are Lena Miculek’s twin focuses. americanshootingjournal.com 21
THE MICULEK LEGACY carries on with Jerry and Kay’s daughter Lena. Lena has become a giant in the shooting industry, not only as a competitive shooter but also as a firearms educator and a product developer in the firearms industry. She started shooting competitively when she was 8 years old and earned her first world title at 17 (Shotgun World Lady Standard Gold Medal). Now with more than two decades of competition experience under her belt, Lena holds 10 world titles in five different shooting disciplines: rifle only, shotgun only, pistol-caliber carbine (PCC), multigun (pistol, rifle and shotgun) and the NRA World’s Greatest Shooter. Among her other titles are three PCC national titles, 20 PCC championships, over 50 3-gun championships, and hundreds of
championships and high lady titles in various disciplines. American Shooting Journal spoke with Lena about her illustrious career and her family’s legacy in the shooting world.
American Shooting Journal What was it that got you into shooting at such an early age? Lena Miculek I began competing at 8, not because of a great passion or interest (that came much later), but because I didn’t want to be bored at yet another match my parents were shooting. I joined a team for the Sportsman’s Team Challenge and won what seemed, at the time, the largest medal ever made! They even started a Sub Junior category the next year, and my all-girls team went on to win it again and again.
The royal family of the shooting world, Kay, Jerry and Lena Miculek.
22 American Shooting Journal // January 2026
ASJ Was your dad or mom more influential in getting you started? What is one trait or thing each taught you that you’d like to thank them for? LM Both of my parents led by example. I always had an open invitation to join them on the range, ask questions and get support, but they never took on the traditional “instructor” role. They were my role models and training partners. When they went to the range, they were pursuing their own greatness, always willing to share, but always chasing their personal best. My parents’ greatest influences were: My dad’s insatiable curiosity for shooting techniques, mindset and vision set a standard of “customfitted” excellence for me. His humility, kindness and lighthearted spirit
taught me how to endure pressure and expectations. My mom’s unwavering support of even her greatest competitors showed me that being a good person always comes before any title or award. Her level-headed, straightforward and ruthlessly competitive mindset taught me when and how to strike.
Training is a huge part of Lena’s life as she works to stay sharp across multiple disciplines – as well as sometimes just to have fun.
ASJ Did you feel any pressure to do well knowing your parents’ accomplishments? LM I’ve always wanted to do well for myself; making them proud is just a bonus. Early on, people who hadn’t accomplished much themselves often tried to use my parents’ success against me, as if their greatness meant there was no room left for mine. But that was never the mindset in our household. Their achievements were theirs, earned through their own dedication and sacrifices. My accomplishments are mine, a reflection of my own journey and hard work. ASJ How did you feel going into your first competitions? LM My very first match? I only remember the giant medal they gave me for being the youngest competitor they’d ever had. The first one I really remember was the 2012 Superstition Mystery Mountain 3-Gun. I was nervous; those stages were wild compared to the tiny bit of training I’d done. My mom invited me to shoot it for my 17th birthday. The first stage started with a rifle I’d barely used, trying to make holds I didn’t understand, leading into pistol and shotgun chaos. I was overwhelmed, confused and absolutely hooked. By the end, my adrenaline was through the roof; I couldn’t see straight. It was chaos, misses, unplanned reloads, maybe even a blackout moment in the middle, but somewhere in that war I sparked my passion. ASJ What is it about competitive shooting that you like the most? LM That there’s truly a place for everyone. Firearms are for everyone, competition or not. I’ve competed americanshootingjournal.com 23
“
My first nine-to-five was at a clothing boutique. It was nice, but that’s where I learned one big lesson: I’d never spend my time sweeping the floors of someone else’s dream. That realization led me right back to shooting.
”
alongside people from ages 12 to 82 and shared the range with shooters from all over the world. The community and shared pursuit of excellence are what I’ll remember long after the trophies fade.
ASJ How many hours do you train? LM As much as I need and as much
as I can. That might mean shooting all day, every day for months, or weeks of nothing but dry-firing my EDC. I rotate disciplines – competition, EDC, trick shooting or just shooting for fun – so my training is always evolving.
ASJ Are there any hobbies or interests you enjoy away from shooting? LM Absolutely! I’m an adventure enthusiast and a forever student, chasing curiosity wherever it leads. I may be a pro at shooting, but I’m a thriving amateur at dozens of other things: running, scuba diving, hiking, archery, cooking, painting, crafting, sewing, journaling, yoga, Zumba, lifting, bowling, reading, storytelling, mountain biking, snowboarding, design, knife throwing, crocheting, Legos and kayaking. I also love a good two- to fourweek trip exploring new places, eating my way through local spots with a rotating crew of family, friends and, of course, my dog Letty Lue. ASJ What would you be doing if you Her dad’s “insatiable curiosity for shooting techniques, mindset and vision set a standard of ‘custom-fitted’ excellence” for Lena.
hadn’t gone into competitive shooting?
LM By 15, I had my GED and had
already worked dozens of odd jobs
24 American Shooting Journal // January 2026
”
Away from competition, Lena – here with her dog Letty Lue and fiancé Jeremy Boon – enjoys an active life and exploring new places.
Her mom’s “unwavering support of even her greatest competitors showed me that being a good person always comes before any title or award,” says Lena.
– cleaning houses, flipping burgers at events, home renovation, holiday decorating, even doing makeup and flowers for weddings. My first nineto-five was at a clothing boutique. It was nice, but that’s where I learned one big lesson: I’d never spend my time sweeping the floors of someone else’s dream. That realization led me right back to shooting.
ASJ What’s your favorite gun to shoot for fun and competition? LM It changes constantly, but right now I’m having a blast with the 2011 platform. Nearly all my pistol experience has been with polymer models, so this is a fun new chapter. I’m running a pistol my cousins at Hayes Custom Guns built;
they studied under my grandfather, Jim Clark Sr., at Clark Custom Guns, the shop I grew up next to on Shootout Lane. Representing three generations of firearms professionals makes it even more special.
ASJ What’s your favorite memory or experience with your parents? LM Just one? Impossible. They’ve been my parents, training partners, competitors, supporters, adventure buddies, bosses, mentors, teammates and friends. They’re one of the greatest gifts of my life. ASJ After so many accomplishments, what’s next for you? LM I didn’t win world titles by disliking americanshootingjournal.com 25
hard work! These days, my biggest goal is building a life where I get to work alongside the people I love and respect. I have an incredible team of four helping me bring big ideas to life, all chasing my North Star: helping others become confident, competent firearms owners. It’s where everything I’ve done comes together – firearms, creativity, teaching, design. Product development has been an exciting blend of my shooting experience and my love for crafting and problemsolving. Teaching online and inperson challenges me to distill years of knowledge into clear, memorable lessons. And through social media and our Trigger Tribe community, I get to connect directly with others walking their own firearms journeys. It’s deeply fulfilling.
ASJ Is there anything in shooting you
still hope to accomplish before you stop?
LM First off, I’m not going anywhere! I
already have IPSC Team Golds in rifle, shotgun and PCC, so naturally, I’ll need to grab one with a pistol one day. But my bigger goal is to create easy, welcoming pathways for new shooters across every firearms platform I’ve mastered. I want to climb all the way to the top so that I can walk back down and help guide others to start
With more than two decades of competitive shooting under her belt, Lena holds 10 world titles in five different disciplines. Among her other titles are three pistol-caliber carbine national titles, 20 PCC championships, over 50 3-gun championships and hundreds of championships and high lady titles in various disciplines.
their own journey.
ASJ Best moment of your career? Biggest regret? LM The day I launched Rose by Sig Sauer [a firearms education system featuring a 9mm, gunsafe and access to training videos]. My parents and sister were there, teary-eyed, watching me take a huge leap of faith on myself and bring a dream to life. As for regrets? None that outweigh the lessons they taught me.
Team USA – Lena, Jalise Williams, Lanny Barnes and Lynda Turnbull (left to right) – took gold in the PCC Optics Lady event at the 2025 International Practical Shooting Confederation PCC/Mini Rifle World Shoot in the Czech Republic.
26 American Shooting Journal // January 2026
ASJ How much longer do you see yourself competing? LM As long as I find purpose in it. I love winning, but I love the “why” behind competing even more. It’s about personal growth, community, family legacy and building a life fueled by passion, purpose and care for others. ★
TACTICAL & PRACTICAL: MY CUSTOM 10/22 BUILD 28 American Shooting Journal // January 2026
gun BUILD Combining long-loved platform with precision upgrades makes for one man's 'true dream rifle.' STORY AND PHOTOS BY TRAMPAS SWANSON
A
s a lifelong rifle shooter, I have had the good fortune to shoot and even own many amazing rifles spanning categories such as historic, military/ law enforcement and modern sporting applications. From age 4 to the present (age 48), I have hunted with everything from .17 HMR to .45-70 and made a name for myself in law enforcement special operations with 5.56 and .308. In my grandfather and father’s times, they too were known for their rifle skills in the field, particularly with .260 Remington and .270 chamberings. Despite all these years of skill development and accomplishments, the one true shooting passion we all have shared came in the .22 LR platform. Whenever my grandfather Charlie Swanson, my
Author Trampas Swanson’s 10/22 custom build features a Luth-AR MCA-22 rifle stock, Summit Precision barrel and receiver, Timney drop-in trigger and Vortex optics, as well as a Harris-clone bipod from CVLife.
father Rick Swanson and I got together for a day of cooking on the grill – whether it was bear, elk, moose, pig or other – you could be assured that we had our .22-caliber rifles on hand to americanshootingjournal.com 29
gun BUILD
Swanson began his project with an email to Summit Precision that yielded a precision 10/22-style receiver that accommodates all factory and aftermarket parts of a standard Ruger receiver but features better tolerances and an integrated Picatinny rail for mounting a scope.
pass the time. Long before my formal education into riflecraft via SWAT and sniper schools, as well as various specialized civilian trainings with top names in the industry, it all started with a set of iron sights atop a simple .22 rifle for me. I don’t remember very many paper targets from those early days of learning to shoot, but I do remember a lot of targets in the form of acorns, pinecones, playing cards, wooden clothespins and even matchsticks. Grandpa quoted various bits of riflecraft knowledge from books and magazine articles from the greats such as Lieutenant Colonel Jeff Cooper, while Dad constantly quizzed me on range estimation to random targets using commonly known distances such as car lengths and football fields. Right after retiring from law enforcement, I had the opportunity to get my start in the media world writing for a publication called .22 Shooter Magazine, which was captained by my friend and mentor Bill Pryce Thomas. As the name implied, this was a publication that focused completely on the .22-caliber platform with readers spanning the US, Canada and UK. During my tenure there, I was often asked about what my favorite .22 rifle was and if I had any preferred 30 American Shooting Journal // January 2026
upgrades. My answers always seemed to vary depending on what the hot new release was on the current market, but one rifle that always remained was the Ruger 10/22 carbine. As many of our readers know, the Ruger 10/22 semiautomatic carbine is essentially the Barbie of the rimfire world. While the basic synthetic stock and barrel-banded pencil barrel rifle is an amazing starter rifle, its simple design allows for a world of wonderful accessories to be easily added. From Malibu luxury-quality triggers to fancy tactical “dream” stocks, the overall profile and performance of the basic carbine can be greatly changed with one screw and two push pins. Ever since I was 14 years old, I have been changing one aspect or another on various 10/22s that I have owned over the years. Some of these upgrades have impressed others on the range so much, either from looks or performance, that I ended up with cash offers to double my money to take the rifles home for themselves.
PROJECT CONCEPTION
While attending SHOT Show this past January in Las Vegas with our media crew, the discussion about building
the ultimate 10/22 came up. As my teammate Joe Faletra and I walked the exhibition halls, we talked about starting from scratch and finding a topquality virgin receiver – something in the 10/22 style but not specifically a standard Ruger factory-issue. This way, I would not have to remove the standard barrel, trigger group and stock before I could even begin to start building what I wanted. This would also lend itself to perhaps more streamlined, precisionoriented versions of the original Ruger design as well. Joe also pointed out a cool-looking adjustable polymer stock at the LuthAR booth that simply took my breath away. The MCA-22 rimfire rifle stock was slim, sleek and aggressive looking. Along the stock’s forend and wrist, there were vented slots angled like gills that gave the whole design a shark-like tone. The comb and length of pull were both adjustable to offer a truly fitted option to shooters. Joe mentioned he had the same stock on one of his custom Ruger 10/22 rifles and it worked great. To complement such a good-looking tactical stock, I decided I would need an accurate barrel that looked as good as it shot. Having just completed a Ruger Charger pistol build with the folks at
gun BUILD
Fellow firearms training instructor Nora Wilson sighting in while at Gateway Rifle and Pistol Club.
Summit Precision, I decided including them on a rifle project would be the next logical step. This company’s innovative and lightweight carbon fiber barrels are second to none in the industry with their futuristic good looks and impressive accuracy. Shortly after returning home from the trade show, I already knew who my first three emails were going to be sent to. Since I wanted to build a custom precision rifle from the ground up, I needed to start with a receiver and barrel. When I emailed Summit Precision in reference to my 10/22 project idea, their marketing representative informed me about Summit’s precision 10/22-styled receiver. This fit all the factory and aftermarket parts as a standard Ruger receiver but with better tolerances and an integrated Picatinny rail for scope mounting. Two confirmation emails later, the barrel and receiver were set to be on the way to me. With Summit Precision on board, I then emailed Luth-AR with fingers crossed. The sales representative was more than happy to help make this project happen. An interesting fact that I learned was that the MCA-22 barrel comes with a removable channel in the stock. With the channel insert in place, it allows a full appearance when 32 American Shooting Journal // January 2026
using a standard Ruger pencil barrel; when removed, there is plenty of space to free float a bull barrel for a clean, seamless look. This and several other production points really made my day while speaking with the company rep. Afterwards, I received a shipping confirmation within a few days that I would have an MCA-22 stock on the way. To make good use of the stock’s front sling stud and to offer the rifle project better stability when shooting without a sandbag or rest, I decided to purchase a Harris-style bipod from a company called CVLife. Ever since my days as a SWAT team sniper, I have trusted the Harris bipod design. I have tried several more expensive designs and products but never felt as comfortable as with what I had first professionally trained on. The CVLife bipod is an inexpensive clone of the Harris design that I have used for years now since retiring. These bipods are generally found on Amazon for $20 to $30 and come in different configurations to be mounted via a sling stud, Picatinny rail or directly to M-Lok systems. Now, all I needed was a good set of glass for the rifle. As a longtime fan of using Vortex Optics on many of my projects, I knew this would be my final
email on the list. The very next day, my email confirmation from Vortex Optics came through on my scope request. Only a few days later, the Diamondback Tactical 6-24x50 First Focal Plane (FFP) I selected arrived at my office. This would be the third project I have done in which this optic was selected for duty. I love the clarity and crispness that the Diamondback Tactical model has always provided at a great price point. At first glance, it’s easy to assume this optic is overkill, but I assure you, every opportunity I have had to be on gun behind this glass has made a good argument against such knee-jerk reactions.
ON THE WORK BENCH
Within the span of a few weeks, I had all my parts to begin my build. Thanks to using products from such high-end manufacturers, assembly was a breeze. Starting with the stripped receiver from Summit Precision, I lightly lubed the inside and chamber extension area with a thin layer of Modern Spartan Accurizing oil. I then heated with a hair dryer to allow the synthetic oil to penetrate deeper into the pores of the metal. After doing the same with the barrel extension portion of the barrel, I
gun BUILD BUILD SHEET Receiver:
Trigger group: Stock: Optic:
Summit Precision SP-22 stripped receiver ($299.99) Timney 10/22 drop-in Trigger ($299.99) Luth-AR MCA-22 ($189.95) Vortex Optics Diamondback Tactical 6-24x50 First Focal Plane ($649.99)
BARREL SPECS Barrel:
Summit Carbon Fiber ($250) Rate of twist: 1-in-16-inch Muzzle: 11-degree target crown Barrel length: 18.5 inches Barrel material: Lightweight aluminum Bore: Chromoly steel Diameter: .920 inch/1.00 inch at the muzzle Weight: 23.2 ounces
slowly fitted it to the receiver. This was tight but doable by hand without having to drive the barrel home with a mallet. Next, I locked the barrel in place with a retaining V-block from Tandemkross with the two supplied hex head screws. Then it was time to start filling in parts for the receiver. Using the Tandemkross KrossFire bolt, it came complete with firing pin and components already installed and optimized for the 10/22 platform. With the addition of the company’s charging handle and recoil spring, the upper portion of the receiver
was good to go. Using two receiver pins, the Timney drop-in trigger fit in place instantly. Fitting the barreled receiver was just as smooth with a rear and down motion to set it into place. Only one screw is used in the 10/22-style design to retain the action to the stock, which was set firmly into place with a Wheeler Fat Wrench preset to a firm torque. Once the scope was mounted onto the receiver’s integrated rail, it was time to get sighted in.
RANGE TIME
After a very wet week due to seasonal rainstorms, I was finally able to schedule a much needed range trip with the new custom 10/22. I decided to call fellow Swanson Training Group instructor Tabb Bushee and invite him to meet me at Baldwin Pistol School for some initial testing. I chose to pack one of my standard ammunition choices, the Mini-Mag from CCI. This ammunition is a well-known baseline to gather accuracy data before testing with a variety of other options. Only once I was fully satisfied with the reliability and function of the overall project would I feel good about venturing to other loads and manufacturers. Together, Tabb and I spent the following Sunday morning giving the new .22 rifle project a good “breaking in” session. Setting up at 25 yards, I began firing three-shot groups as Tabb tracked
The author doing some initial short-range testing during a “breaking in” session.
34 American Shooting Journal // January 2026
impacts with another optic. As we confirmed each group, we would make the needed correction, and Tabb would hop on the rifle to confirm with the same three-shot groups. This process did not take long at all, considering impacts from the scope just being roughly boresighted were initially only 2 inches low and left of the bull’s-eye. The key value of using a first focal plane optic such as the Diamondback Tactical from Vortex Optics is that zero at 6x through 24x remains the same instead of having to adjust zero for each magnification. Impacts were crystal clear and crisp through the scope without any haze from the early-morning humidity. Once the rifle was zeroed, Tabb and I took turns running 10-shot groups, each holding groups with holes all touching inside the diameter of a dime. These impressive groups of Federal Match ammunition came with the muzzle blast lower than the CCI but seemed to produce slightly tighter groups. At only 70 to 75 feet per second above subsonic levels, this would be a good option for those looking to suppress their rifle and still have the reliability of a supersonic load. By using an older Gemtech Outback II suppressor, the sound was low enough to shoot the rifle comfortably without hearing protection. The crack in the air of the rifle report and slapping of the bolt were the loudest portions of each shot.
gun BUILD comb and length of pull helped both of us get comfortable on the rifle quickly. This same feat was accomplished by fellow instructor Nora Wilson while at Gateway Rifle and Pistol Club. Nora is a good bit smaller than me and the stock still had enough range to size down to her frame as well. After qualifying for her upcoming NRA Rifle Instructor course, I set three playing cards with their edges facing uprange at 15 yards. With less than a full 10-round magazine, Nora was able to split all three cards with ease.
FINAL THOUGHTS
At 100 yards Swanson was able to split playing cards.
Since Tabb and I have both shot a lot of stock Ruger 10/22 rifles with standard factory triggers, we discussed how much we enjoyed the break and felt pull weight of the Timney drop-in trigger. Not only did the trigger break well, but I was also equally impressed by the trigger’s short reset. Due to the extremely ergonomic grip of the Luth-AR MCA-22 stock, the trigger set perfectly aligned with my trigger finger’s reach. This made a good trigger pull weight feel even better. Any true rifleman will tell you the key to accuracy is always consistency. With the crisp 2¾-pound break and constant short reset of the Timney, consistency from shot to shot was spot on. As the morning developed, Tabb and I moved on to offhand shooting, which turned out to be even more comfortable than shooting off the attached bipod. The design of the MCA-22 model stock made it feel insanely comfortable with the contour of my shoulder, cheek and support hand. The protruding freefloating carbon fiber barrel remained as cool as an afternoon breeze through the 36 American Shooting Journal // January 2026
high round count adding up for the day. The lightweight barrel allowed the rifle to balance very well in the hand when shooting from the standing position. As the rifle came to rest aligned with the target, the overall balance made the weight evenly distribute so well that it felt lighter once on target than when carrying at high port. Even unsupported, Tabb and I managed respectable quarter-sized 10-shot groups. Additional range trips provided much more insight into performance as distances increased. My fellow STG instructor Dan Tonto and I worked at 25- and 50-yard distances holding onto tight sub-MOA groups. Pushing out to 100 yards, on two shots, I was even able to clearly see and split playing cards in half at the max tested distance. The Summit Precision barrel really put in the performance of some of my best rimfire target rifles. What was interesting about the accuracy Dan and I achieved was the fact that he and I are considerably different in size. The MCA-22 stock’s adjustable
Once the excitement of a new build subsided, the real evaluation of the rifle could be made. After hundreds of rounds of assorted ammo were sent downrange, my thoughts are clearer on my quest for the tactical/practical 10/22 rifle. Overall, the rifle itself ended up being a true dream rifle: beautiful, amazingly accurate and built to last not just a lifetime but hopefully down through my kids and future grandkids one day. As a certified armorer, I assembled these parts with years of experience at a professional level, but rest assured that this project can easily be built at home by most anyone with simple tools within a short afternoon. As I wrap this article, I’m going to break down each of the four main components, starting with the trigger. As pleased as I am with this project, I already know there will be another soon. When this happens, I have no hesitation with using the tried-and-true Timney Triggers (timneytriggers.com) 10/22 drop-in unit. It has proven over a span of several projects now to be the best product on the market for the rimfire platform, from competition ranges to the woods during squirrel season. My family and I have always trusted Timney products without fail. Next, I’d like to point out that this build would not have been possible without the amazing support of Summit Precision (summit-precision.com). This company eagerly invited us to start with their innovative Summit Precision SP22 receiver along with their impressive
MODERN RIMFIRE PARTS
www.DIProductsInc.com
gun BUILD carbon fiber barrels. The fit, the finish and of course the performance were nothing short of amazing. And together with the bolt, charging handle and spring from Tandemkross (tandemkross.com), the combination provided accuracy, precision and reliability at a level I had not seen in my four decades of shooting rimfire rifles. As far as optics, I have already mentioned the Diamondback Tactical 6-24x50 First Focal Plane scope by Vortex Optics is my go-to precision choice when reaching out to 100 yards and splitting playing cards on their edge. The clearer and crisper you can see your target, the better chance you have of hitting it. Recently companies such as Riton Optics and Hawke Optics have really hit the market with good quality options I have tested as well. For this platform, I am strongly an “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it” guy. My suggestion would be to check out the wide range of optics, from red dots to variable power
38 American Shooting Journal // January 2026
options, that best fit your specific needs at vortexoptics.com due to not only the top quality but amazing customer service. When it comes to the fourth main component of this rifle, the MCA-22 model stock from Luth-AR (luth-ar .com) was really what made this project amazing – from its conception of an idea for a project to what truly made shooting hundreds of rounds downrange fun. I can’t say enough about not only the quality of the product but also the people behind its production. Considering the wide range of adjustments this stock provided, this rifle ended up being perfect for my kids at their current age and size. I will more than likely build a second rifle for them using the same stock and main components as this project very soon. That alone is enough said. Finally, keep in mind that I selected these specific manufacturers out of the entire industry producing hundreds of drop-in and bolt-on parts for the 10/22
platform. I did so because of their strong reputation for quality products and amazing support for educating the 2A community. For this, I greatly thank these companies and their employees for making top-quality parts and firearms for us and our future generations to come. I urge you, the reader, to reach out to these companies via their websites and social media outlets to show your support for all they do within our economy and lifestyle. Until next issue, stay safe and take a kid shooting! ★ Editor’s note: Retiring early from law enforcement, where he worked as a deputy sheriff, primarily serving as a SWAT sniper, Trampas Swanson now travels the US as an NRA and USCCA training counselor and instructor in his 23rd year as a professional firearms trainer. He has also worked for 24-plus US and international publications, ranging from recreational shooting to private military contracting.
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EVOLUTION GUN WORKS
gentrycustom.com A family-owned business, Gentry Custom’s motto is “Where guns are not a hobby, but a way of life.” They believe in gun ownership and gun safety. Gentry Custom is known for the Quiet Muzzle Brake, which will make for a user-friendly rifle. The Quiet Muzzle Brake reduces recoil and muzzle jump so you can get that second shot off if needed, without the large increase of noise to the shooter. Many of the factory rifles have been threaded for a muzzle brake. Gentry Custom offers 5/8 x24 threads and many others. Call them today and they can provide the proper Quiet Muzzle Brake for your rifle. Gentry Custom also offers a three-position safety for the Remington family of rifles and the Mauser 98.
egwguns.com Unlock the full potential of the new Savage Revel rifle with the Picatinny rail from Evolution Gun Works. They precision-machine this base in their Quakertown, Pennsylvania, facility using domestic 6061 T6 aluminum. Their single-piece design offers superior rigidity and alignment compared to factory options. It allows for flexible eye relief adjustments and securely accommodates both Picatinny and Weaver rings. Whether you use a red dot or a scope for small game hunting, trust EGW craftsmanship to hold your zero.
LUTH-AR, LLC luth-ar.com Meet the AR Globe Charging Handle from Luth-AR – an ergonomic upgrade in a class of its own. Replacing the traditional flat latch, the Globe features a sculpted, tactile round interface that naturally fits your finger for fast, positive charging with a fingertip, pinch or full-hand grip. The familiar shape reduces hand fatigue, improves control and minimizes slippage in wet or gloved conditions. Precision-engineered for smooth, reliable interaction with your bolt carrier group, it makes rifle manipulation feel instinctive, faster and more confident. While you’re upgrading your rifle, be sure to order some Black Licorice by Luth-AR – because great gear deserves a great treat. Visit us at booth #42804. americanshootingjournal.com 41
Parts+Accessories
OCTOBER COUNTRY MUZZLELOADING octobercountry.com Back in 1977 when the company was in its infancy, October Country Muzzleloading was a hunting bag. One product. Today, the Idaho-based outfit offers a complete and thorough line of muzzleloaders and muzzleloading accessories, including ramrods, Pushing Daisies patches, Blue Thunder solvent, Bumblin’ Bear Grease, quality leather shooting bags, powder horns and hand-forged shooting tools. All exceptional quality goods for the hunter, shooter, collector and history reenactor enthusiast. October Country products are made in the USA, and are designed and manufactured for muzzleloading, cowboy action and black powder cartridge shooters.
ULTIMAK, INC. ultimak.com The UltiMAK AK optic mount system is legendary for its rock-solid stability, and for offering the lowest rail height that allows for co-witnessing with some optics. There are several models to cover a wide variety of AK types and configurations. Featured here is the model M2-B, which is the most versatile of their AK mounts. If you have a standard-length, standard-barrel AKM, then your AK can use the UltiMAK M2-B. Update your AK to the 21st century with an UltiMAK mount and a quality red dot sight. You’ll never look back!
42 American Shooting Journal // January 2026
MEADOW CREEK MOUNTS meadowcreekmounts.com The Low Profile Direct Rib Mount – Universal from Meadow Creek Mounts is a precision-machined solution for securely attaching optics to vent rib shotgun barrels. Designed for durability and repeatable accuracy, the rib mount clamps firmly without permanent modification, preserving the firearm’s original finish. Its lightweight 7075 anodized aluminum construction maintains balance while providing a rock-solid mounting platform compatible with popular red dot optics. Ideal for competition, turkey hunting, wingshooting, target and tactical applications, Meadow Creek Mounts Rib Mounts deliver a simple, rugged and reliable upgrade for shooters seeking enhanced target acquisition without sacrificing versatility or performance.
DIVERSIFIED INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS diproductsinc.com The CZ 457 is an excellent rifle, and DIP, Inc. now offers a Picatinny rail that allows the use of Weaver- and Picatinny-style rings to attach your scope mount. An added Big Juan bolt knob makes the action easier for both the average and skilled shooter to get a fast grip on the next round. The barricade trigger guard is designed with an oversized flared magazine well for quicker mag changes. DIP, Inc.’s magazine well, well block and release make loading and unloading your magazine feel effortless. The company also offers many other accessories for Anschutz, Bergara, Tikka, Ruger, Savage, Marlin and Henry.
ALUMAGRIPS alumagrips.com AlumaGrips’ Desert Eagle grips have undergone a redesign with improvements that are second to none. First, they removed almost 1/8 inch from the thickness of each grip, then they enlarged the radius on the back edge of the grip to reduce the overall circumference. Finally, they eliminated the need for two screws as well as the plastic insert that traditionally is needed for mounting the grips. Excellence in design and function, that is the goal of AlumaGrips. americanshootingjournal.com 43
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
Hagerstown, Maryland, is home to First Breach, a manufacturer of premium ammunition and components.
44 American Shooting Journal // January 2026
BULLET BULLETIN
TAKING WING
Operating out of an old aircraft factory, First Breach impresses with its premium ammo, components and more. STORY BY PHIL MASSARO PHOTOS BY MASSARO MEDIA GROUP
n little-known Hagerstown, Maryland, housed in what was once an aviation manufacturing facility, you’ll find First Breach – a company dedicated to the manufacture of ammunition and reloading components. If that name doesn’t exactly sound familiar, you’re not alone, but First Breach might just be a more important part of a shooter’s day-to-day life than you realize. My introduction to First Breach came through a phone call with Adam Edelman, First Breach’s director of marketing and business development, to discuss their ammunition. Very quickly I found out that their ammunition – which is excellent stuff, as you’ll shortly see – is only one small aspect of the company. Digging a bit deeper, I found that First Breach handles a number of duties that are integral to the shooting industry, with no signs of slowing down at all. The company was founded by the father-and-son team of Jeffrey and Jordan Low back in 2018. But the path into the firearms/defense industry actually began several years prior. While serving in the Israel Defense Forces in 2014, Jordan Low and his squad were involved in a conflict with Hamas. A missile attack on the building his squad
I
americanshootingjournal.com 45
BULLET BULLETIN was occupying caused it to become engulfed in flames. Low got his squad to safety, at his own peril – the smoke inhalation cost him a six-week stint in the intensive care unit, with over 10 months of additional recuperation needed. Low finished his education, as well as his duty in the IDF, and knew he wanted to pursue a business in the defense industry. As a result, he and his father formed First Breach, named after the translation of the name of Low’s IDF unit.
First Breach is the brainchild of father-and-son team Jeffrey and Jordan Low, CEO and chief operating officer, respectively. (FIRST BREACH)
46 American Shooting Journal // January 2026
FIRST BREACH CURRENTLY occupies roughly 80,000 square feet in that old manufacturing facility in Hagerstown, with plans to expand to nearly 200,000 square feet in the future. They are currently offering their Precision Series ammunition line, which features the .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO, both with a 55-grain FMJ match bullet, and the 9mm Luger, with either a 115-grain or 124-grain FMJ projectile. While First Breach purchases powder and primers (the latter being a temporary situation, until their primer manufacturing plant is online), all the other components are made on site; this includes cases and projectiles. And these components are offered to the buying public on the First Breach website (firstbreach.com). As a connoisseur of ammunition, the first thing I noticed about the Precision Series of ammunition – and I had the 55-grain 5.56 NATO on hand for testing and evaluation – was the consistency. Grabbing for my digital calipers, I appreciated the uniformity of the loaded ammunition. Overall length was extremely consistent, averaging 2.2310 inches, and primer seating depth seemed equally uniform. One means of observing component consistency in a loaded cartridge is to weigh them; there really shouldn’t be too much deviation in weight if the components are consistent. The Precision Series are impressively uniform in the weight department, with the deviation being only a few grains between the loaded cartridges. Loading these up in an AR chambered for the 5.56 NATO, topped with a Leupold Mark 4HD 1-4.5x24mm
BULLET BULLETIN scope, I got three-shot groups averaging just under ¾-MOA at the 100-yard target, with velocities averaging 3,078 feet per second. Extreme spread was just 25 fps, which for a gas gun is more than acceptable. First Breach also sent along some of their 9mm Luger cases and their 124-grain FMJ projectiles. I cobbled together a load using 5.2 grains of
Unique and a Federal GM100M matchgrade small pistol primer, and tested in a Ruger PC9 pistol-caliber carbine. The results were impressive, delivering three-shot groups measuring just over an inch at 50 yards. First Breach also provides cups for companies wishing to draw their own brass cases, suitable for the 9mm Luger, .223 Remington/5.56 NATO,
Brass cups are manufactured at the First Breach plant, for both their own use and for sale to other manufacturers. (FIRST BREACH)
48 American Shooting Journal // January 2026
WELCOME TO AN EXCITING NEW WORLD OF DEFENSE MANUFACTURING
First Forge Technology, Inc. A joint venture between First Breach and IdeaForge
firstforgetech.com
BULLET BULLETIN and the 7.62x39. Their brass cups go through rigorous inspections – using both laser sensors and high-pixel cameras – to ensure uniformity in both dimensions and composition. These cups are available in either 90/10 or 70/30 copper to zinc ratios. Both the Precision Series of loaded ammunition and the First Breach component cases bear the “FB USA” headstamp, and as a reloader I’d be hoarding this brass, as it is certainly of match-grade quality. In the projectiles department, First Breach offers the 55-grain .224-inchdiameter FMJ match bullet, as well as a 62-grain variant, and in 9mm diameter, you have the option of 115-, 124- or 147-grain FMJ component bullets. The First Breach component cases
The well-designed and highly efficient manufacturing floor. (FIRST BREACH)
Rolls of lead wire, destined to become bullet cores. (FIRST BREACH)
Components and loaded ammunition go through rigorous testing and quality checks on high-tech machinery. (FIRST BREACH)
AIRPLANES!
Early in 1941, the Fairchild Engine and Aircraft Corporation opened their second plant, in Hagerstown, Maryland, and by the end of the year America would be at war. Throughout the facility’s active lifetime, it would see a number of influential aircraft produced under its roof. This was the facility in which the PT-19 trainer aircraft was developed – the training aircraft that replaced the biplane for inexperienced military pilots. It was also the location where the Fairchild-Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II – more affectionately known as the “Warthog” – was manufactured. The manufacturing plant where First Breach is located is a part of the former Fairchild plant, and on-site is the Hagerstown Aviation Museum, where one can lay eyes upon a decommissioned A-10 Warthog. I am looking forward to the opportunity to see the First Breach facility as well as visiting the Aviation Museum. 50 American Shooting Journal // January 2026
The A-10 Thunderbolt II – known as the “Warthog” – was once manufactured at the Fairchild Aviation plant in Hagerstown, on the grounds of which First Breach is now located. (FIRST BREACH)
• Red dot optic mounts • No drilling & tapping required • Fits any gun with a rib • Improves sight picture • Optimal optic placement for fast target acquisition • Receiver mounts also available
SUCCESS WITHIN SIGHT
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americanshootingjournal.com 51
BULLET BULLETIN
The .224-inch-diameter 55-grain FMJ from First Breach, as offered in component form and loaded in their Precision Series ammunition line. (FIRST BREACH)
Precision Series ammo is loaded in premium cases, which have been properly annealed. Reloaders will hoard the spent brass cases.
are available in .223 Remington, 5.56 NATO, 9mm Luger and 9mm Luger +P; note that the necks and shoulders of the .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO cases are properly annealed. Handloaded 9mm Luger ammo cases, ready for testing, show the company’s FB USA headstamp.
I HAD THE privilege of taking a video tour of the First Breach facility with
Using a healthy dose of Unique powder, this Ruger PC9 sure liked the handloads author Phil Massaro made with First Breach components.
52 American Shooting Journal // January 2026
CEO Jeffrey Low; it is nothing shy of impressive. From the sorting and scanning of the raw materials – raw brass and lead wire specifically – to the CNC machines used for production and quality control, First Breach is well thought out and efficient. Designed and constructed entirely by the First
BULLET BULLETIN From hunting varmints and furbearing predators to punching paper and ringing steel, there are many uses for a good 55-grain FMJ in either .223 Remington or 5.56 NATO.
First Breach .223 Remington cases, all neatly packaged for shipment to consumers. (FIRST BREACH)
DRONES!
Breach staff, the facility takes full advantage of the old aviation plant, including filling in and reconstructing a freight elevator shaft, and utilizing some adjacent space to create an underground ammo testing range. According to the good folks at First Breach, the 5.56 NATO/.223 Remington and 9mm Luger are the best-selling defensive cartridges on the market, and that’s where they intend to focus their efforts, working
to supply the shooting public as well as numerous governmental agencies. Though I’ve put in a formal request for bringing the venerated .45 ACP into the mix, I was informed that there is no guarantee of plans for that in the near future. Nonetheless, if you need a healthy supply of either 9mm Luger or the .223/5.56mm, give First Breach a try; I was very impressed with their products and would wager that you will be as well. ★
In a joint venture with India’s ideaForge, First Breach has entered into the drone market. The new venture is known as First Forge, and will focus on providing UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) to a multitude of governmental agencies, keeping with the mission statement of First Breach. With over 750,000 flights logged, ideaForge is ranked third among dual-use drones on the global market. So when folks talk about the science of ammunition being rocket science, First Breach has their hands in that market, at least in the fact that they are capable of manufacturing aviation gear. If a company can handle the tight tolerances required by any division of the aviation industry, odds are that they will be able to appreciate the level of detail needed to produce consistent ammunition. The entire staff of First Breach is excited for this new venture, and with good reason – they seem to take their business seriously, and if their drones are like their ammunition, it will be a success. 54 American Shooting Journal // January 2026
AMMO+RELOAD BLACK HILLS AMMUNITION black-hills.com The Black Hills Ammunition 110-grain 7.62x51 Barnes TSX round has a muzzle velocity of 3,000 feet per second from a short 16-inch barrel. It expands immediately upon impact to form a wound cavity over 6 inches in diameter but stops within 20 inches of 10-percent ballistic gelatin, plus it performs the same when fired through a glass windshield with minimal deflection and over 90 percent weight retention. This performance meets the needs of law enforcement for an effective 7.62 round that’s capable in a wide range of scenarios. The same performance makes it a great light-recoil hunting round. Packaged 12 boxes of 20 rounds (240 rounds) to the military ammunition can. Visit us at booth #15227.
FIRST BREACH firstbreach.com First Breach is a match-grade ammunition and component manufacturer offering brass cups, brass casings, full-metal-jacket projectiles, lead projectile cores and lead wire. First Breach manufactures from scratch SAAMI-specification components and complete ammo in .223 Rem., 5.56 NATO and 9mm FMJ at their 200,000-square-foot factory in Maryland. The First Breach manufacturing facility is housed in what was once the fabrication plant for the Fairchild Engine and Aircraft Corporation, which was home of the A-10 Thunderbolt II close air support aircraft. To learn more, contact First Breach at the website above.
americanshootingjournal.com 55
L.E. SPOTLIGHT
Three stripes on the arm of a cop denotes a sergeant, a critical position in all law enforcement agencies with roles that vary from supervising officers to leading from the front.
THE STARS WITH THE STRIPES Here’s to sergeants, the police officers who hold the department together. STORY AND PHOTO BY NICK PERNA
anted: An experienced police officer who can meet the following requirements: • Train and mentor other officers; • Keep the troops, the administration and the public happy, all at the same time; • Fill in for the chief of police between the hours of 5 p.m. and 9 a.m.;
w
• Be willing to give up all seniority and go back to working night shift; • Be willing to accept a lot more personal and professional responsibility in exchange for a slight increase in pay. Sounds great, right? What I am describing is the typical law enforcement sergeant position. A sergeant is the linchpin that holds an agency together. In terms of rank, they are a step above the officers they supervise, and they
work for lieutenants, captains, sheriffs and chiefs of police, as well as mayors, city managers and others. They are first-line supervisors and, more often than not, are the ones calling the shots at chaotic, violent scenes. Despite the liability concerns and the crappy hours, it is, in my opinion, the greatest job in law enforcement. As a military vet going into law enforcement, I saw sergeants like I viewed non-commissioned officers in the Army. NCOs are experienced americanshootingjournal.com 57
L.E. SPOTLIGHT Sometimes, the sergeant needs to be the first one in the door. Everyone’s life is worth the same amount and only cowards send others to do the work they are unwilling or afraid to do themselves. troopers who lead from the front, where, as they say, “the rubber meets the road.” Law enforcement sergeants fill the same role.
I DIDN’T GET my stripes until about 14
years into my career. I had paid my dues as a patrol officer, field training officer, plainclothes detective, SWAT cop and other assignments and was ready to move up in the ranks. New sergeants normally get assigned to midnight shift. Unlike most new sergeants, I got assigned to day shift. The “admin” was concerned that I was a little rough around the edges after working mainly night shifts during my career, so they put me on days. Life is, in many ways, much simpler on night shift. In the wee hours of the night, long after the sun goes down, the awake fall into several simple categories: criminals, victims, cops, folks who work nights (such as taxi drivers, convenience store clerks and so on), and the occasional firefighter, after being awoken from his slumber to handle a call. Being a supervisor on day shift added multiple dimensions to this. At the department itself there was the dreaded admin, along with detectives, records personnel and others. Outside the confines of the department, I had to deal with business owners, local politicians and people that were neither criminals nor victims (though there were plenty of those too). I did my obligatory day shift stint and, as soon as I was allowed to do so, returned to night shift to supervise a patrol team there. This was actually a bigger eye-opener than working day shift. When a big problem presents itself at 2 a.m., long after everyone has gone home (minus me, a team of patrol officers and a skeleton crew of dispatchers), it is
58 American Shooting Journal // January 2026
the lowly sergeant who is left in charge of the city and it is in his or her hands to make potentially life-threatening decisions. If the wrong decision is made, the ramifications can be felt immediately and can get worse when the sergeant has to notify his lieutenant that something went wrong. Make the right call and you are a hero; make the wrong one and you might be out of a job.
SUPERVISING A PATROL team is like driving a car, with the sergeant being the operator and the team being the automobile. Sometimes you are putting on the brakes, like when a young police officer decides to run into a burning building. Other times, you give it the gas, when officers need a little motivation. Some supervisors, generally the weak ones who aren’t willing to take risks, burn a lot of brakes. Good bosses put the pedal to the metal when it is the right time to do so. It is a constant struggle. Too much brake or gas equals failure. There’s a strap on the back of an officer’s external body armor, placed there so if he goes down his fellow officers can drag him out. I generally used it for a different purpose. To slow cops down, you grab it (applying the brakes), and when they need to go faster you use the strap to push them forward (giving it gas). I now have carpal tunnel in my hands, perhaps the net result of grabbing a few hundred straps during my career. Here is the important part, though: everyone needs to know that you are willing to take the same risks that you demand from them. Sometimes, the sergeant needs to be the first one in the door. Everyone’s life is worth the same amount and only cowards send others to do the work they are unwilling or
afraid to do themselves. The risks can be, at times, overwhelming. As a sergeant I supervised a street crimes team, a small group of detectives who worked undercover and in plain clothes. A normal day at work might involve sending an undercover officer into harm’s way to buy drugs from a crook. Another typical mission could be giving money to a criminal (informant) to buy contraband from other crooks. So much can go wrong during these types of operations and, if it does, it is your fault. I did what I could to keep everyone safe, but I always operated from the mantra of “Fortune favors the brave.” No other supervisory rank has as much daily interaction with frontline troops as a sergeant. This means sergeants have a much greater opportunity to train, teach and mentor the next generation of supervisors. Whether you like it or not, you are a role model whom officers study and observe all the time. This means you need to always demonstrate a positive attitude that others can emulate. So, here is to all the hard stripers out there, the street bosses who show up when stuff hits the fan. Go with God – you are doing the Lord’s work. ★ Editor’s note: Author Nick Perna served for more than 24 years with the Redwood City Police Department in Northern California before his retirement in early 2025. He previously served as a paratrooper in the US Army and is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He also has a master’s degree from the University of San Francisco. He is a frequent contributor to multiple print and online forums on topics related to law enforcement, firearms, tactics and veterans issues.
KNIVES EXQUISITE KNIVES exquisiteknives.com Exquisiteknives.com is one of the leading custom knife dealers in the world. With names such as Loveless, Moran, Lake and Walker, you can be assured that Dave Ellis, mastersmith with the American Bladesmith Society, can fulfill your wildest dreams. Dave has been into custom knives since the late 1980s and has forged relationships with some of the top knifemakers. The knife featured here is by good friend Wolfe Loerchner of Canada. It is sole authorship “Wing” Art Folder. Wolfe makes knives using hand tools with old-world craftsmanship and his work has to be seen to be believed. Feel free to reach out to Dave with all of your custom knife needs. Find him on Instagram @daveellis44.
(RICARDO VELARDE)
americanshootingjournal.com 59
2A TALK
“Literally every major gun rights organization in the country is involved, at one level or another, in legal actions against restrictive gun control laws,” writes Dave Workman, a longtime reporter of Second Amendment-related news. (SHUTTERSTOCK)
NEW YEAR OPENS WITH GOOD NEWS FOR SECOND AMENDMENT 'Increasing respect' for gun rights seen in recent court cases. STORY BY DAVE WORKMAN
W
hen the 48th annual Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show unfolds January 20-23 in Las Vegas, the focus will be on business, but a lot of discussion could be about the courts, where lately the right to keep and bear arms, protected by the Second Amendment, is being treated with increasing respect. For example, in December, the Third US Circuit Court of Appeals granted an en banc rehearing in a pair
of consolidated cases challenging New Jersey’s expansive “sensitive places” law. The cases are: Koons v. Attorney General of New Jersey, involving the Second Amendment Foundation, Coalition of New Jersey Firearms Owners, New Jersey Second Amendment Society, Firearms Policy Coalition, and four private citizens: Nicholas Gaudio, Jeffrey Muller, Gil Tal and Ronald Koons, for whom the case is named. Siegel v. Platkin, supported by the National Rifle Association, which is not a plaintiff. This case involves the Association of New Jersey Rifle and
Pistol Clubs and seven private citizens: Kim Henry, Nicole Cuozzo, Timothy Varga, Jason Cook, Christopher Stamos, Joseph Deluca and Aaron Siegel, for whom their case is named. At the Supreme Court, at least two cases had been granted certiorari at this writing. They are United States v. Hemani, a case out of the Fifth Circuit dealing with possession of firearms by persons using controlled substances, and Wolford v. Lopez, challenging Hawaii’s law limiting licensed concealed carry on private property open to the public, unless the property owner grants permission. americanshootingjournal.com 61
2A TALK WITHOUT THE SECOND Amendment, it
would be questionable whether we could even have a SHOT Show, at least on its current grand scale, where new guns and gear are annually introduced; guns to be used by honest citizens for personal protection, competition, hunting, recreational shooting, predator control and all sorts of other legitimate uses. Thanks to the Second Amendment – which doesn’t “give” anybody anything, but rather protects a fundamental right from government – the American firearms industry can thrive, and the people can keep and bear arms. The high court may be on the verge of hearing a case challenging bans on so-called “assault weapons,” and anybody strolling the “miles of aisles” at the SHOT Show will easily conclude this is the most popular rifle platform in the country. And here’s the part about such a case nobody wants to admit out loud: The court would not take such a case just to protect the status quo. If, and
when, the court agrees to review an “assault weapon” case, an affirmative ruling is likely. This year, the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, and that’s no small achievement. When the Founders signed the Declaration of Independence, they defied – and ultimately defeated – the most powerful military on the planet at that time. What arose out of that conflict was a nation that immediately recognized the importance of an armed populace. During the first half of the 20th century, the US saved the world twice in two great wars. Still, the gun prohibition lobby and its allies in Congress and state legislatures are continuing to push legislation designed to erode the Second Amendment, turning a protected right into a governmentregulated privilege. Currently, laws adopted by “blue state” legislatures impose all kinds
The .38-55 is a fine woods cartridge, shown here with old factory ammo.
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of restrictions, including required permits-to-purchase firearms in some states, waiting periods, so-called “enhanced” background checks and gun-free zones. On the plus side, 29 states have adopted permitless (“Constitutional”) carry laws, where no license or permit is required to peacefully carry a firearm for personal protection. Congress was working on a national concealed carry reciprocity law, which would require all states to honor carry licenses issued by all other states. Literally every major gun rights organization in the country is involved, at one level or another, in legal actions against restrictive gun control laws. For example, at last check, the Second Amendment Foundation was involved in more than 55 such cases, frequently in cooperation with NRA, Gun Owners of America, the Firearms Policy Coalition, National Shooting Sports
Foundation (which sponsors the SHOT Show) and/or the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms. In many of these cases, state-level organizations are also involved. None of this would be possible without the Second Amendment. If you’re going to support the Second Amendment movement, make a donation to one or more of these organizations. Their actions constitute the front lines in the fight to restore the Second Amendment to its full measure. This month, as state legislatures once again swing into action, expect more efforts by anti-gunners to adopt gun control laws. The Oregon State Supreme Court is expected to hand down a ruling sometime over the next few months, if not sooner, on the constitutionality of anti-gun Measure 114. The Third US Circuit Court of Appeals has set an en banc rehearing in the challenge of New Jersey’s “sensitive places” concealed carry law on February 11. Meanwhile, watch American Shooting Journal for reports on new firearms and accessories introduced at SHOT Show, and for updates on court and legislative developments. And don’t be surprised if gun rights versus gun control once again becomes a major focus as the campaign season kicks off for the midterm elections. Long story short, 2026 has all the earmarks of being a very interesting year on the gun rights front. ★
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FIREARMS ZERMATT ARMS zermattarms.com The Waltz is Zermatt Arms’ first handgun, engineered from a clean slate without legacy constraints. This steel-framed, strikerfired 9mm was designed to address long-standing compromises found in both traditional steel pistols and modern striker platforms, positioning it directly against modern double-stack 1911 designs. A patent-pending roller-bearing locking block delivers mechanically repeatable lockup for accuracy, reliability and longevity. The straight-pull 2.25-pound striker trigger emphasizes consistency and control. Glock-pattern magazines, a robust proprietary optics mounting system and competitioncompliant variants round out the package. The Waltz 9 – Every Step Deliberate. Visit us at booth #75512.
HI-POINT FIREARMS hi-pointfirearms.com The Hi-Point HP-15 lineup is expanding with exciting new special editions. The M81 Woodland and Desert Storm camo variants feature durable hydro-dipped finishes for a rugged, tactical aesthetic. The striking Gold HP-15 models boast a premium factory-applied Cerakote coating for enhanced durability and style. Rifle versions, chambered in 5.56 NATO, come equipped with B5 Systems stocks and grips, plus UTG folding iron sights. Pistol configurations, available in 5.56 NATO or .300 Blackout, include B5 Systems grips, UTG folding sights, and a Shockwave Blade brace for improved stability. All models are in stock and shipping now – grab yours today! Visit us at booth #14424.
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FIREARMS C. SHARPS ARMS COMPANY csharpsarms.com The Model 1885 Oakley Target Rifle pays homage to the shooting prowess and small stature of the renowned marksman Annie Oakley. Built on the proven C. Sharps Arms Co. Model 1885, this Low Wall rifle is chambered in .22 Long Rifle, has a 24-inch octagon barrel, and is set up for optional front sight and tang peep sights or traditional Winchester- or Malcolm-style tube scopes. The walnut stocks are shortened 1.5 inches to a 13-inch length of pull, and have a narrower profile than their standard rifle stocks. Check out the C. Sharps Arms website to outfit your small shooter with a classic American single-shot that will impress for generations.
66 American Shooting Journal // January 2026
IN memoriam
REMEMBERING JOHN HOLSCHEN A 'teacher of teachers' in the firearms training world. STORY AND PHOTOS BY PAUL PAWELA
Author’s note: The news of the loss of lifelong friend and mentor John Holschen has been devastating. I had planned to write an article about the training I recently attended in Tennessee with him. I first met John in the 1980s at Fort Bragg and followed his career path until the end. I pray for his family. I hope this article reflects how we all felt about this great man. Be with the Lord, Warrior.
F
ew in the tactical training community blended real-world experience, intellectual clarity and a commitment to continuous improvement as seamlessly as John Holschen did. With his passing in 2025, the firearms world lost one of its most respected and quietly influential trainers. This article aims to capture why his work mattered so deeply and how his legacy continues to shape modern defensive training. Holschen came into the firearms world from a serious background. He served in the US Army Special Operations/Special Forces, becoming a qualified Special Forces weapons sergeant and medic. He also trained in combatives and martial arts (various disciplines) and earned credentials in hand-to-hand combat. Rather than resting on that resume, Holschen transformed his experiences into teaching. He was affiliated at one time with InSights Training Center, where he began refining a more integrated approach to firearms,
John Holschen of western Washington state passed away unexpectedly last year. He was 68.
one that combined weapons skills, combatives, medical awareness and tactical thinking. Eventually, he ran his own training center, West Coast Armory North, while traveling to teach classes nationwide. Holschen influenced generations of shooters, especially those who sought to move beyond competition-style shooting toward
real-world readiness.
WHAT SET HOLSCHEN apart wasn’t simply his marksmanship or his combat background; it was his mindset. He resisted the “shoot fast, shoot fastest” mentality typical in competitive shooting, arguing that actual effectiveness required more than speed. He believed in shooting americanshootingjournal.com 67
IN MEMORIAM only when justified and stopping when the threat ended. In his classes – often small, capped at a dozen students – each round fired was intentional and every drill was broken down and explained. His course Applied Defensive Handgun Skills was more than marksmanship; it was about mindset, environmental awareness, decisionmaking under pressure, and safe, practical force-onforce principles for the armed citizen. In a world where many instructors chase the latest trends or social media visibility, Holschen stayed focused on fundamentals but was always willing to evolve, refine and question. He was described by a peer as “one of the few truly innovative trainers in the firearms/self-defense world.” Holschen wasn’t just a teacher; he was also a competitor. He participated multiple times in the National Tactical Invitational (NTI), one of the top tactical pistol competitions in the US. He finished in the top five every year he competed, a total of nine times. Moreover, he was one of only a handful of people who “won” the NTI more than once, a rare distinction that earned him respect among peers and
Holschen with wife Martha and son Jacob.
Holschen focused on fundamentals while avoiding getting stuck in the status quo. A peer described him as “one of the few truly innovative trainers in the firearms/self-defense world.”
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students alike. But unlike many competitors whose legacy ends with trophies, Holschen parlayed his competition experience into a broader mission: turning what he learned competing under pressure into training civilians to survive under real-world stress. The same skills that made him competitive made his teachings practical and dangerous when ignored. For many in the tactical and selfdefense communities, Holschen was a teacher of teachers. He taught at the Rangemaster Tactical Conference (TacCon) every year, a major event for instructors, shooters and range professionals, often attracting attendees
IN MEMORIAM who considered him a must-see speaker. Testimonials from students often highlight how Holschen’s classes changed not just their skills, but their mindset. Others praised his attention to detail; every shot and every drill was purposeful. What made his curriculum enduring was that it wasn’t static. Holschen embraced new research, new tools and new ideas, and above all, he urged students to think for themselves rather than blindly follow trends. As one peer put it, his was the rare voice willing to “go against the tide when the tide was wrong.”
NEWS OF HOLSCHEN’S death came as a shock to many. He died suddenly, the result of a heart attack. For many inside the firearms-training community, the loss isn’t just emotional, it’s structural. Many
A recent dinner event with Holschen and friends, students and family.
Holschen was a close personal friend to author Paul Pawela.
70 American Shooting Journal // January 2026
instructors and students continue to credit him for shaping their approach to armed readiness, tactics and the mental discipline required to survive a violent encounter. Though he’s gone, his teachings live on through the thousands who trained with him, and through the newer generation of trainers who draw from his methods and philosophies. In the often-cluttered world of firearms training, where marketing, ego and hype sometimes overshadow realism, Holschen stood out as a measured, serious and sincere teacher. He didn’t chase fame. He didn’t chase YouTube clicks. He chased relevance: training people to survive, to think and to act when it counted. For many, the passing of John Holschen is deeply personal. For the broader firearms community, it’s a stark reminder of the value of quiet professionalism in an age of loud sensations. As we remember him, we’d do well to carry forward not just his drills but his mindset: to train thoughtfully, responsibly and with humility. ★
Elevating silhouette decoys greatly increases the visibility of a spread.
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ROAD HUNTER
SILHOUETTE DECOY MOVES
Versatile and adaptable, silos can be a productive switchup when floaters aren't pulling ducks into your spread. STORY AND PHOTOS BY SCOTT HAUGEN
M
y first duck hunt near home this season was with good friend Austin Crowson. We were in a slough off a big river. We tossed out three wood duck decoys to the right of our blind, four mallard decoys to the left, and set a Motion Ducks Spreader with four decoys between them. On the other side of the slough – 40 yards from the blind – we secured a dozen Big Al’s mallard silhouette decoys to a tree that had fallen. Two big limbs descended into the water, and each was covered in duck droppings. At home, I’d driven a 10-inch circle-top landscape fabric stake through each silhouette so all we had to do was lightly hammer them into any log. The idea is to elevate the decoys so ducks can see them in the early morning or midday shadows. In stormy, low-light conditions, these elevated decoys are highly visible when floating decoys can barely be seen. On this morning, it was foggy and the silhouette mallards popped. Big Al’s decoys retain their color season after season, and their photo-finish is precise and lifelike; that’s what I like most about them. In less than two hours Crowson and I had our limits of puddle ducks, a mix of mallards, wigeon and wood ducks. One-third of the birds we shot were heading for the jerk cord floaters. The rest dove straight for the silhouettes on the logs. It impressed us both, and solidified just how powerful silhouettes can be in a decoy spread. When I was in grade school, back in the early 1970s, I used to help Dad and Grandad make silhouette goose decoys. I can still smell the freshly cut plywood and paint. Painting them all black was my job. I recall helping them set the flat decoys in fields and having geese flock to them at first light. I was too young to hunt. I was the retriever and I loved it. It planted the americanshootingjournal.com 73
ROAD HUNTER seed for my waterfowling passion that runs strong today. It amazed me how we could create our own skinny decoys and have geese actually come to them. Thousands of geese. I remember having trouble sleeping at night because the incessant calling of geese rang so loudly in my head.
FOUR SEASONS AGO I started using more
silhouette decoys in my duck spreads. I began with five dozen wigeon decoys. Today I have over 75 dozen wigeon, mallard and pintail silhouettes. I first used Big Al’s brant silhouette decoys in Alaska and loved their truelife look and how flock after flock of the little geese came to them. I also hunted over these decoys in Baja,
New this season are Big Al’s Eurasian wigeon silhouette decoys. If looking to spice up your American wigeon spread, and maybe attract a copper top, give them a try; they worked on this hunt.
74 AAmerican Shooting Journal // January 2026
A 10-inch circle-top garden stake run through a silhouette decoy and a little hammer are all you need to elevate your decoy game and get more shooting.
Mexico, where we shot brant limits every morning. Two seasons ago I added two dozen Higdon Outdoors Flats Mallard Motion Silhouettes to my Big Al’s silo spreads. Higdon’s Motion Silhouettes rotate in the wind. They don’t spin in circles; they turn, stop and turn the other way thanks to the strategic positioning of a tiny poststop. The movements look natural and they fool ducks. Late that season I was hunting stale birds, as were many duck hunters throughout the country. Early in the season, floating decoys pulled in ducks. Then, as ducks became harder to fool, I added five dozen Big Al’s silhouettes and routinely killed birds. Then ducks grew leery and wouldn’t commit. Enter Higdon’s Flats Motion Silhouettes. The first time I used them, my eyes were opened as to how effective they are. Amid five dozen Big Al’s mallard silhouettes, I mixed in a dozen Flats Motion Silhouettes. Their lighter color added contrast when mixed with my go-to silos, which captured the attention of ducks. Within an hour, three of us had limits of mallards, wigeon and pintails. Virtually every bird banked into the silhouettes positioned on the shoreline of a pond next to the floating decoys.
ROAD HUNTER I strung the silhouettes down to the water’s edge and brought the floating decoys tight to shore in order to simulate ducks landing in the water and going ashore to graze on fresh sprouting green ryegrass. I also put some silhouettes next to Final Approach Live Floating Mallards on the shoreline to emulate resting birds. The setup looked identical to what I’d seen when scouting, and worked wonders for bringing in ducks.
THE NEXT DAY a buddy and I hunted a
flooded creek. The public waters had been getting hammered, and though we shot ducks, many avoided our one dozen floating decoys, opting for thicker cover a couple hundred yards
away. Mallards and wigeon dumped into a tight corner where a giant cottonwood had toppled. The birds were so relaxed, they were perching on logs floating near shore in the high water. Two days later we were back. We carried MoMarsh Invisi-Man blinds on our backs. My buddy toted a half-dozen floating duck decoys and I carried a dozen Big Al’s mallard silhouettes. It took me only a few minutes with a little hammer to pound the silhouette decoys into various parts of the logs where the ducks had been preening and sleeping. Before shooting light, ducks were dropping into the setup. It didn’t take long and we were packing out limits. Two weeks later, four of us hunted
Higdon Motion Silhouette Stakes are a great way to add movement to a silhouette spread.
76 American Shooting Journal // January 2026
a flooded field on the edge of a river. The public shooting was intense that day and the birds, though thick and interested in our spread, wouldn’t commit. After one too many flybys I hiked to the truck, grabbed two dozen of the Higdon Motion Silhouette Stakes that I’d fitted with Big Al’s wigeon silhouette decoys and sprinkled them amid the 15 dozen Big Al’s stationary silhouettes we already had set out. A 5- to 8-mph breeze was all it took to get the silhouettes moving on the Motion Stakes, and birds loved it. The motion silhouettes were set on the outer edge and scattered throughout the already existing spread. The movement mimicked feeding wigeon. It looked natural and made two of the
ROAD HUNTER hunters – who’d never seen moving silhouettes in action – believers. We got all our ducks that morning.
NOT LONG AFTER, I was hunting again with Crowson. We were targeting wigeon along a flooded creek and only had room for a couple dozen floater decoys and two dozen Big Al’s wigeon silhouettes that sat on a skinny strip of land. Ducks were flying, but when they banked to the left of our spread, they lost interest.
“Let’s put out a couple dozen mallard silhouettes and a dozen of those motion wigeon silhouettes on the far end, where the birds are bailing out,” Crowson suggested. We did, and instantly saw a difference. The wall of silhouettes, complete with a bit of movement, blocked the ducks from filtering away and we shot limits of plump cotton tops along with two whopper drake pintails. Toward the end of the year I went on
what I thought would be a promising solo hunt. The fog was as thick as I’d ever seen. Birds came in before shooting light and seemed to like the floating decoys along with the two dozen stationary silhouettes and a dozen of the silhouettes on the Motion Stakes that were situated on the edge of a tiny pond. When the wind picked up, I figured I’d be done in minutes. The frustrating part was the dense fog wasn’t leaving, just moving around with the changing wind directions, so birds weren’t committing. Ducks weren’t flaring, they just weren’t dropping into the spread. That’s when I decided to pull the moving silhouette decoys. In heavy fog I almost always pull my wing decoys because I think the sudden flash of white and black alerts birds, especially late-season ducks that have seen it all. I went to minimal calling and gently tugging on my Motion Ducks Spreader in the shallow water. The changes paid off.
SILHOUETTE DECOYS HAVE impacted my duck hunting success like I never imagined. My 85-year-old dad, who’s hunted dozens of times over the photo-finish silhouettes, has even been amazed by them. On days when I’m not with him, he’s always setting out a few dozen silhouettes. On our final hunt last season, Dad smiled as we picked up our flat decoys and said, “Wouldn’t Grandpa have loved hunting over these things?” It brought back many fond memories of the Haugens in the patriarch’s shop making decoys. Since those times, decades ago, silhouette decoys have come a long way. And the more you use them, the more you’ll see they have specific roles in an array of decoy spreads. They can also result in good shooting when other options fail. ★
Author Scott Haugen and his dogs Echo and Kona have found consistent success by adding silhouette decoys to the spread.
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Editor’s note: Scott Haugen is a fulltime freelance writer and photographer of 25 years. Follow his adventures on Instagram and learn more at scotthaugen.com.
Gear CAMO FACE PAINT, INC. camofacepaint.com Bobbie Weiner’s Camo Face Paint is the No. 1 supplier of camouflage face paint for the US Government. Bobbie manufactures and packages all face paint here in the USA at her factory. She is celebrating 30 years of supplying the US Government with her many different varieties of camo compacts. Stop by her booth at the SHOT Show and pick up a free sample of her quality face paint. Visit us at booth #20401.
TRUE BLUE GUN LUBE truebluegunlube.com True Blue is the only brand with pre- and post-suppressor/silencer maintenance products in the industry. Their Suppressor Syrup is used and recommended by many suppressor and silencer companies, as well as True Blue dealers. The Soaker Bottle comes prefilled with their Cleaner Concentrate. How-touse instructions are on the back side of the label. Tested. Proven. Trusted.
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gear
UMAI DRYBAG STEAK umaidry.com UMAi Dry brings together the best of old-world artisan meat tradition with sophisticated modern technology, making it easy for you to craft authentic dry-aged steak, charcuterie and salumi in the comfort of your own kitchen fridge. Try their Easy Kits for 5-pound recipes.
TRIPLE K MFG. triplek.com The #541 K-Max Chest holster features a dual over-the-shoulders harness system that provides balance, comfort and maximum retention. Triple K’s innovative chest plate design allows for holster angle adjustment that best meets your style of carry. Adjustable holster angles allow for canted 45-degree, horizontal- or vertical-style carry. MSRP: $340. Visit us at booth #72854.
PROLIX prolixlubricant.com PrOlix is a penetrating solvent/dry lube product that was lab-developed and tested by law enforcement, military and commercial shooters over many years. The citrusbased biodegradable cleaner, pioneered in 1995, is the first successful “all in one” gun care product, now deemed “Bio-Technology.”Their recyclable (strain and reuse) products are made of 89 percent or greater renewable resources, a true commitment to sustainable practices and caring for the environment. As such, the USDA has listed PrOlix as a BioPreferred Product since 2012. The solvent “goes on wet, cleans, bonds, and the lube turns dry to the touch.” It removes carbon, copper, lead, shotgun plastic residues and black powder. PrOlix will not damage wood, freeze or flash off, and it can be used for commercial and industrial applications as well. To complement the PrOlix Cleaner/Lubricant (Dry Tech) line, shooters can use the equally superior “gun-oil and grease replacer” PrOlix Xtra-T Lube for a total care product. PrOlix will be shipping out their products with a new look soon. Along with the new look, due to many requests, their PrOlix TGCP in the 16-ounce-PRO with an adjustable nozzle and trigger-sprayer cap will also change to an easier-to-handle bottle. PrOlix will be at their 40th SHOT Show this month! Visit us at booth #42910.
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V-LINE vlineind.com The Tactical Weapons Locker XD is designed for law enforcement, security and public safety. It is the ideal fit in most SUVs in the back trunk area between the wheel wells. The Tactical Weapons Locker XD is large enough to accommodate several firearms with accessories. Specifications: 14-gauge steel door, 16-gauge steel body, weighs 55 pounds, and measures 42.375 by 18.5 by 81.25 inches. Lock is a five-button Simplex lock with an internal lock cover.
EASY LOADER KENNELS easyloaderkennels.com Easy Loader Kennels are the perfect solution for transporting multiple dogs in their two- and three-compartment kennels. They currently offer three different two-compartment kennels and one three-compartment kennel, each with available accessories. Easy Loader Kennels are made in the USA using USA-sourced materials, and are very durable, lightweight and versatile in many different vehicle configurations. Orders generally ship the same or next business day.
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BLACK POWDER
Author Mike Nesbitt’s Cimarron Model 1894 Deluxe in .38-55 along with a 50-4X group.
A NEW CLASSIC IN .38-55
Running hand-cast black powder loads through Cimarron’s Model 1894 Deluxe. STORY AND PHOTOS BY MIKE NESBITT
T
he rifle I’m going to tell you about this month – Cimarron’s Model 1894 – is the most satisfying rifle I’ve had the pleasure to shoot in a good while. Of course, we could say that I grew up using a Model ’94 Winchester, although that was a .30-30, bought secondhand in the 1950s. But I was rather surprised when Cimarron introduced their “copy” of the old ’94 made by Uberti in Italy because there are still so many old Winchester Model 1894
rifles on the used market. However, just one shooting session with this new Cimarron lever-action wiped all of the surprise from my mind. Cimarron’s Model 1894 is available in four different versions and in two calibers. More versions – and possibly other calibers – might be added as time goes on, but I won’t try to speculate on that. And while the rifle is offered in multiple versions, I will only concentrate on one version for now, and in just one caliber – .38-55 – which I recently tested out using cast bullets and black powder loads. The .38-55 cartridge is quite famous
as a short-range (100 to 300 yards) black powder target cartridge when used in single-shot rifles and has a fine reputation as a “meat maker” when used in repeating or single-shot rifles for deer and black bear hunting. We won’t be doing any hunting here but that doesn’t mean we won’t be thinking about it. All four versions of this new ’94 from Cimarron are available in .38-55 caliber. Those versions include the carbine with the 20-inch barrel. (They also have a Trapper carbine with a 16⅛-inch barrel, but I’ve only seen it advertised as a .3030.) The next configuration is the Short Rifle, which also has a 20-inch barrel americanshootingjournal.com 85
BLACK POWDER Nesbitt added a Marble Arms Peep Tang Sight and a brass beaded front sight to the rifle.
but it is somewhat heavier and octagon shaped. Then there is the ’94 rifle with the 26-inch barrel, and that’s where things got interesting for me. But what really grabbed my interest was the Model 1894 Deluxe sporting rifle with the 26-inch barrel, color casehardened receiver, pistol grip and checkering at the wrist as well as on the forearm. The pistol grip is domed but not capped, as were many of the original deluxe ’94s by Winchester. It certainly does copy some of the old special-order rifles from Winchester and it is a reproduction of a very uncommon piece.
BEFORE GETTING THIS rifle, I had already received an important accessory that would be absolutely needed to go along
with it. Of course, I already had the reloading dies and bullet molds, but those were for .38-55-caliber rifles in general. This rifle from Cimarron needed one specific piece of equipment to achieve the performance I was wanting: a bullet sizing die for the cast bullets I’d be shooting out of it. On the Cimarron website (cimarronfirearms.com) they show the internal specifications for their .38-55 barrels as having a rate of twist at 1 turn in 18 inches, with a bore diameter of .373 inch and a groove diameter of .379 inch. That means the typical .38-55 bullets of .375inch diameter or even .377 would be slightly too small. So a bullet sizing die for .380 inch was purchased, ready and waiting before I got the gun.
The .38-55 is a fine woods cartridge, shown here with old factory ammo.
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Naturally, my intentions are to use this gun with nothing but cast bullets and black powder loads. If I didn’t want to shoot it with black powder, I would not have selected a rifle in a black powder caliber. And I haven’t had the best of luck in trying to switch back and forth, using black powder for some loads and smokeless powders for others. One reason for that is probably because when shooting black powder loads, the barrel gets coated with the lube which would be shot out when used with smokeless loads. The rifle wouldn’t “welcome” black powder loads again until that coating of good lube was replaced. So, for me, this .38-55 is going to remain a black powder rifle even though the barrel is certainly made for use with smokeless powders
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BLACK POWDER
Nesbitt fires the .38-55 with black powder loads.
and jacketed bullets. Another accessory needed for making good black powder loads is a wad punch for making card wads in .380inch diameter. Those wads are placed over the powder inside the case before the powder is compressed. Then the Buffalo Arms’ wad punch for .38-caliber rifles.
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bullets are seated over the wad, which protects the base of the bullet from being disfigured by the granules of powder that will be forced against it while the bullets are being accelerated toward the muzzle. The source for that .380-inch wad punch is Buffalo Arms Company.
For a good black powder load, I fell back on my previous experience with the .38-55 cartridge and loaded Lyman’s No. 375248, which weighs 255 grains when cast with a 16-1 leadtin alloy (I weighed just one of them), over 45 grains of Swiss 2Fg powder. That powder must be compressed in order to make room for the bullet in the case; a card wad, punched from a milk carton, was put over the powder prior to compression. Then the cast bullets, sized to .380 inch and lubed with Vigilante #1 bullet lube, were seated over the powder with the top bearing band within the case to give the cartridge an overall length just short enough to be worked through the ’94’s action. The other ingredients for this load included the Federal large pistol primers, which were used for ignition. Crimping the bullets really isn’t necessary with the case full of black powder, but the “bell” at the mouth of the case, formed by the expansion die, should be straightened back out for easy chambering in the rifle. On
BLACK POWDER Another look at that fine five-shot group, shot with the black powder loads using 45 grains of powder.
my ammo that was done with a CH4D taper crimp die.
THE OLD FACTORY loads for the .38-55
repeating rifles held just 48 grains of black powder and the muzzle velocity was listed at 1,320 feet per second. I was eager to compare my loads with the listing for the old loads. A total of 15 shots were fired over the chronograph with my 45-grain loads while going for groups on targets, and those shots averaged 1,335 fps, 15 fps faster than the old published velocity. That certainly pleased me and my black powder handloads grouped very well. One thing that must be mentioned is this rifle’s trigger pull. All too often the guns from Uberti – some Cimarrons included – have had trigger pulls that are simply too harsh. Not so with this Model 1894. It is advertised as having a 4½-pound trigger pull and while I have not tested my rifle with
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a trigger-pull scale, I’d guess that is about right. It is a very good trigger to shoot with and my compliments certainly do go to Cimarron for insisting that it was made that way.
Shooting offhand, with a gong as the target.
During that first shooting session, the rifle’s bore was wiped after every shot. I’m a believer in “breaking in” a new barrel with black powder loads and the bore gets wiped between
BLACK POWDER
The .38-55 is seen beneath the author’s ’73 in .44-40, showing family resemblance.
shots for just 10 to 20 rounds. As it happened, I fired just 17 rounds that afternoon and the bore was wiped after every shot. Doing that seems to let the bullet’s lube coat the bore, which allows the rifle to be fired in longer strings of shots later on, as well as being easier to clean after the shooting is done. Thus cleaning the rifle after those 17 rounds were shot was very easy. Only one more cleaning patch with some Three Rivers black powder
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solvent (from The Gun Works, thegunworks.com) was needed. That was followed by an oiled patch, which was the only thing needed to prepare the rifle for more shooting, other than loading more ammo. A note about the bullets from Lyman’s No. 375248 is in order. Again, my bullets were cast from a 16-1 lead-tin alloy and one of them was weighed. That bullet balanced my scale perfectly at 255 grains, just as I was hoping it would do.
THIS RIFLE HAS really won my heart. While this review of Cimarron’s Model 1894 Deluxe rifle in .38-55 caliber is a bit incomplete, I certainly plan on doing a lot more shooting with this rifle, which might give me the golden opportunity to write more about it. Please don’t be surprised if that actually happens. I do believe this rifle would easily please other fans of the .38-55, but be sure to remember about the .379-inch groove diameter in the gun’s barrel. ★
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