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NRA SHOW SPECIAL ISSUE

170 MUST-HAVE

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Top 2A Speakers In Dallas

An American Original

DAVE WORKMAN Shooter, Hunter, Journalist, 3-term NRA Boardmember

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A MERIC A N

SHOOTING JOURNAL Volume 7 // Issue 8 // May 2018 PUBLISHER James R. Baker GENERAL MANAGER John Rusnak

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Andy Walgamott OFFICE MANAGER / COPY EDITOR Katie Aumann COPY EDITOR M.D. Johnson LEAD CONTRIBUTOR Frank Jardim CONTRIBUTORS Scott Haugen, Nancy Keaton, Phil Massaro, Mike Nesbitt SALES MANAGER Katie Higgins ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Rick D’Alessandro, Mamie Griffin, Mike Smith, Paul Yarnold PRODUCTION MANAGER Sonjia Kells DESIGNERS Kayla Mehring, Sam Rockwell, Jake Weipert PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Kelly Baker WEBMASTER / INBOUND MARKETING Jon Hines INFORMATION SERVICES MANAGER Lois Sanborn ADVERTISING INQUIRIES ads@americanshootingjournal.com ON THE COVER

Wh Where h e guns are here not a hobby b BUT A

Dave Workman – journalist, gun rights advocate, three-term NRA board member – takes aim with a Model 57 Smith & Wesson chambered in .41 Magnum, one of his favorite handguns. He reflects on a long career in the trenches in this issue’s cover story. (DAVE WORKMAN)

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CONTENTS

VOLUME 7 • ISSUE 8

NRA SPECIAL ISSUE!

25

NRA ANNUAL MEETINGS & EXHIBITS: WHO WILL ‘SPEAK’ TO YOU?

At this month’s big gathering of the National Rifle Association in Dallas, members will hear from a sizzling lineup of speakers. Nancy Keaton spotlights nine Second Amendment leaders taking the podium.

(DAVE WORKMAN)

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REDEFINING WORKMANLIKE

(DAVE WORKMAN)

Dave Workman – journalist, gun rights advocate, outdoorsman, three-term NRA board member – has spent a lifetime around triggers and keyboards. Frank Jardim interviews this humble yet highly productive scribe who once took the city of Seattle to court over an ammo tax – and won!

FEATURES 105 ROADHUNTER: CALLER I.D. There’s a plethora of turkey calls out there, and Scott Haugen knows how to make the best use of each type. Grab your box, mouth and slate calls for a tom-trickin’ tutorial!

153 BLACK POWDER: PAPER REVOLVER CARTRIDGES Mike Nesbitt checks out Buffalo Arms’ new offerings made for .36- and .44-caliber percussion pistols, and he likes what he sees – and how they shoot!

177 BULLET BULLETIN: NEW HEAVYWEIGHT CONTENDERS Phil Massaro takes a look at Federal’s Tungsten Super Shot line of shells and finds that not only are they ready to roll gobblers but they even have a handy extra feature to measure your bird’s spurs!

AMERICAN SHOOTING JOURNAL is published monthly by Media Index Publishing Group, 14240 Interurban Ave South Suite 190, Tukwila, WA 98168. 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 © 2018 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.

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CONTENTS NRA ANNUAL MEETINGS M & EXHIBITS FEATURED PRODUCTS 33 55 67 95 115 117 123 151 159 169 171 182

Industry Handguns Gear Optics & Sights Knives Rifles Gear for Guns Adventure Black Powder Reloading Ammunition Shotguns

Company Profiles 59

Holster Partners: Concealed carry comfort is here with this IWB solution 149 DIP Inc.: Custom rimfire parts for Savage, CZ, Marlin and more are on tap 163 zMAX: Company’s products extend the life of firearms ‘from the inside out’

DEPARTMENTS 19 21

Competition Calendar Gun Show Calendar

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NE W 2017

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PRIMER

COMPETITION C A L E N D A R

May 5-6

May 15-19

Texas State Trap JO San Antonio, Texas

300 Meter National Championships Foley, Minn.

May 13

May 20

PARG Cup Match Redwood City, Calif.

USAS Michigan 3P Indoor Championship Bay City, Mich.

May 3-5

May 17-20

2018 South Carolina State Championship Match Ridgeville, S.C.

2018 Mississippi Classic Byram, Miss.

May 11-13

May 25-27

2018 Oklahoma Sectional Arcadia, Okla.

2018 CK Arms Ohio State Championship Zanesville, Ohio

May 16-20 2018 Berrys USPSA Area 1 Championship Missoula, Mont.

May 5-6

May 19-20

May 19-20

Corn Huskers Classic X Grand Island, Neb.

Northern Lakes Regional Classic XXVII St. Paul, Minn.

Music City Shootout VIII Mt. Pleasant, Tenn.

May 5

May 12

Rendezvous at Gunstock Parish Gilford, N.H.

Pistol Packin’ Mama Piketon, Ohio

May 5

May 18-19

Riders of Destiny Williamstown, Ky.

Utah State Championship Salina, Utah

May 5

May 25-26

AR-OK State Championships Bentonville, Ark.

Colorado State Shoot Castle Rock, Colo.

May 12

May 25-28

Smokin Guns in Bethany Bethany, Conn.

Oregon vs. Washington Border War Goldendale, Wash.

May 4-5

May 12

2018 Maryland IDPA Championship Lexington Park, Md.

The BackStoppers Challenge - Tier 4 Barnhart, Miss.

May 5

May 18-19

Indy CCP Classic - Tier 2 Atlanta, Ind.

13th Annual Great Lakes Regional Munger, Mich.

May 6

May 25-26

2018 IDPA Reloaded Norcal Regional - Tier 2 Sloughhouse, Calif.

Orr Tactical Gulf Coast Regional - Tier 4 Friendswood, Texas americanshootingjournal.com 19

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May 26-27

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Del Mar, Calif.

Reno, Nev.

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Dallas Arms Collectors Gun and Knife Show

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Dallas, Texas

Dallas Market Hall

Florida Gun Shows

May 5-6 May 19-20 May 26-27

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Orlando, Fla. Miami, Fla.

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R&K Gun Shows

May 5-6 May 19-20 May 19-20 May 26-27

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Chattanooga, Tenn.

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THE NRA ANNUAL MEETING:

WHO WILL ‘SPEAK’ TO YOU? This month’s Annual Meetings & Exhibits features a sizzling set of speakers.

Scheduled speakers at the 2018 NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits include (clockwise from top left) Charlie Kirk, Chris Cox, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, North Carolina Congressman Richard Hudson, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, Tomi Lahren, Wayne LaPierre and Mark Geist.

STORY BY NANCY KEATON • PHOTOS COURTESY OF NRA

he buzz leading up to the NRA annual meeting is always electric and exciting. Gathering with like-minded people, seeing and touching new and improved products, and hearing from inspiring leaders makes this one of the most anticipated events each and every year. Free to all NRA members and their families, it is the place to be in Dallas from May 3-6.

Are you a political junkie who wants to hear from elected officials? Do you want to know what their plans are to protect the Second Amendment?

Are you more interested in hearing from conservative commentators? Do you like to hear their opinions, their ideas, and listen to their sarcasm as they point out hypocrisy?

Do you want to hear from the young, up-and-coming influencers? Do you want them to teach you how to start your involvement in the political arena surrounding gun rights?

Maybe you want to hear from the heroes, those who have seen real action, who know the front-line importance of having the ability to defend ourselves and our country.

Or do you want to know what the NRA has planned in the upcoming months to defend and protect our rights?

All of these people and more will be speaking to thousands of attendees flocking to the NRA annual meeting. It may be difficult for you to narrow it down and decide who you want to listen to the most – who may

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speak to your needs, your concerns and your opinions.

Luckily, that’s a good problem. There are many people who would like to attend the meeting but can’t because of cost, distance or ability to take off from work. If you’re fortunate enough to get to go, you’ll have a wide variety of speakers and presentations to choose from.

TUCKER CARLSON Known for his “spirited debates,” the star of Tucker Carlson Tonight on the Fox News Channel is the featured speaker at the Women’s Leadership Forum Luncheon and Auction, where women from all around the country are becoming more and more involved in the fight to stop the assault against our Second Amendment rights.

Forty-eight-year-old Carlson has had stints on MSNBC and CNN, and was cofounder and editor-in-chief of The Daily Caller website. Prior to that, he was also a writer and journalist for many outlets. Showing his willingness to try new things, Carlson was even a contestant on Dancing with the Stars in 2006. He is also an author, having penned a book titled Politicians, Partisans, and Parasites: My Adventures in Cable News.

Carlson often has left-leaning guests on his show, asking them thoughtful questions, sometimes putting them on the spot when he points out the errors in their thinking.

Sarcastic, quick-witted and entertaining, Carlson is sure to have nuggets of wisdom to bestow on the audience. americanshootingjournal.com 25

TOMI LAHREN Most college graduates only hope to make an impact in the world as quickly as Tomi Lahren has. Graduating from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Lahren has a degree in broadcast journalism and political science. She applied for a job at One America News Network and was immediately offered her own show. She then moved on to TheBlaze, owned by Glenn Beck, where her star burned even brighter until she was let go for her controversial statements.

Now a Fox contributor, she has an extraordinary following with 4.5 million Facebook followers. Believing conservatives don’t have to line up with every right-wing stance, her views have caused consternation among both the right and the left. As a young and influential conservative commentator, she’ll relate well to some of the new NRA members who have been joining in droves.

contractor in Benghazi, leading up to the terrible events on September 11, 2012. He is still recovering from his injuries.

MARK GEIST As one of the Annex Security Team members who survived the battle in Benghazi, he coauthored the book 13 Hours: The Inside Account of What Really Happened in Benghazi, detailing his recollections and experiences that fateful night.

Prior to Benghazi, Geist served 12 years in the Marine Corps, then became a deputy sheriff in Colorado, doing the hard work of investigating crimes against children. He moved on to become chief of police in Fowler, Colorado, then a private investigator, bounty hunter and bail bondsman. Finally, in 2004, he began working as a security

GOVERNOR GREG ABBOTT The NRA annual meeting couldn’t happen where it is without hearing from the governor of the great state of Texas. Leading the state since 2015, he previously served as Attorney General under Governor Rick Perry, and was on the Texas Supreme Court. In addition to protecting the Second Amendment, some of his priorities include securing the border, creating jobs, going after internet criminals who prey on children, cracking down on sex offenders who violate their parole, and preventing elder abuse. Abbott believes Texas can lead the way for the nation to get back on track.

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CHARLIE KIRK Another talented, ambitious young person, Charlie Kirk founded Turning Point USA at the ripe old age of 18. Its intent is to expose high school and college students to the ideas of the free market and smaller government. The organization now has over 150 staff and a presence on over 1,200 high school and college campuses around the country.

In case he hasn’t accomplished enough in just a few short years after graduation, Kirk also authored a book, Time for a Turning Point.

For students who want to learn how to fight back against the liberal ideas so prevalent in high schools and colleges, Kirk will be their guy during this event.

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SENATOR TED CRUZ Born in Canada, then moving south, Cruz became the first Hispanic-American senator from Texas when he was elected to office in 2012, with help from the Tea Party as they looked for someone to help change the status quo in Washington, D.C. Prior to running for office, his experiences included serving as a law clerk, policy advisor to President Bush’s 2000 presidential campaign, associate deputy attorney general at the Department of Justice, director of the Office of Policy Planning at the Federal Trade Commission, solicitor general for the state of Texas, and as a private practice lawyer.

His quick rise to prominence and power within the U.S. Senate was phenomenal, throwing a wrench into the usual business in Washington by orchestrating a government shutdown in opposition to Obamacare. He then threw his hat into the ring, running for president in the last election. Although he didn’t win, more Americans outside of Texas got to know him even better. Cruz is in favor of controlling the borders and legal immigration.

REP. RICHARD HUDSON Representing North Carolina’s 8th Congressional District, Hudson is a strong Second Amendment supporter, earning an A+ rating from the NRA. His support of the military and veterans led to an award for his commitment to reuniting military dogs and their handlers. He has also been working to improve veterans’ access to healthcare.

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Hudson is also a member of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, where he earned the sporting clay, trap and skeet championship.

CHRIS COX As Executive Director of NRA Institute for Legislative Action, Chris Cox has the daunting task of overseeing several NRA-ILA divisions. These include Federal Affairs; State and Local Affairs; Public Affairs; Grassroots; Finance; Research and Information; Conservation, Wildlife and Natural Resources; and the Office of Legislative Counsel.

He also represents the NRA to government agencies, the legislature and White House. His prior experience as a senior legislative aide in Congress serves him well in his current position.

Cox is credited with some of the NRA’s best achievements, such as protecting firearm manufacturers from lawsuits, allowing concealed carry in national parks, and preventing citizens from being stripped of their right to keep their firearms during a natural disaster.

Cox is also the chairman of NRA Country, where country music stars and the NRA work together to support the Second Amendment.

Cox and his team have brought in some great country music acts for this year’s event. A special tribute to Charlie Daniels will be held on Saturday, May 5. Travis Tritt, Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, and others will be entertaining excited attendees for this special honor.

americanshootingjournal.com 29

WAYNE LAPIERRE Since 1991, Wayne LaPierre has been doing the tough job of heading up the NRA and responding to unfair, unwarranted attacks.

LaPierre can be counted on to “rally the troops” during his speech to all the NRA members in attendance, reminding everyone of the risk to our freedoms and the need to band together to keep up the good fight.

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LISTEN, LEARN, GET INVOLVED In addition to the speakers, there will be a variety of educational workshops, seminars and meetings. Whether you have a specific interest area or want to learn about new topics from experts, there will be plenty of chances for you at this year’s annual meeting. After you have heard the different ideas and thoughts, it will then be your opportunity to help plan for the future of the NRA. You’ll have a true picture of the work that needs to be done to keep up the fight for our Second Amendment rights. And then you will realize it will be a time for you to get involved and help make a difference.

More speakers will be announced as they are confirmed closer to the event, so be sure to keep an eye on the website. You never know who may end up on the agenda and will be the one who truly “speaks” to you.

Editor’s note: For more information about the NRA annual meeting, check out the website at nraam.org.

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Each year, thousands of hungry folks from around the Pacific Northwest gather in the rolling hills and farmlands of the Palouse in Washington state. The attraction? Hundreds of pounds of homemade sausage, all prepared with Palouse German sausage seasoning. In villages like Uniontown and Colton, people will be enjoying wonderful meals, thanks in part to the spice experts at Spokane Spice. One of their most popular mixes, the semi-sweet Palouse German blend is fantastic, whether fresh or smoked. However you try it, you’re sure to find it delicious! americanshootingjournal.com 33

industry WILDLIFE FOREVER cleandraindry.org

Have you heard? Invaders are threatening your access to fishing, hunting, and the outdoor sports. To keep our public lands open for hunters and anglers, we must stop the spread of invasive species. The Bureau of Land Management, along with Wildlife Forever, are combining efforts to encourage people to clean, drain and dry their outdoor equipment. Invasive species like zebra mussels and spotted knapweed are easily transported on outdoor gear. A simple inspection and following the national guidelines for cleaning equipment, draining boats and ballast, and thoroughly drying gear will help prevent spreading foreign plants and animals. Help protect your favorite places – clean, dry, and drain. Every time.

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Dallas/Fort Worth’s premier indoor shooting range – Shoot Smart – is again raising the bar as they incorporate the V23 Live Fire Shooting System into their menu. The V23 projects reactive video games downrange, and reacts using your firearm. Yes, your firearm. And no, no special equipment necessary. Patrons are welome to use their own firearm, or may rent one to play Battleship, knock over cans, or shoot – ack! – zombies. The V23 feature will be available in May at the Grand Prairie facility at 2440 West Main Street.

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THE REAL TEXAS GUN SHOW therealtexasgunshow.com

The Real Texas Gun Show may not be the largest gun show to come down the pike, but they’re one of the oldest, safest, and most enjoyable to be held in the Lone Star State, bar none. The organizers’ goal is safety and satisfaction, both for the exhibitors and the attendees. This isn’t a flea market; in fact, show organizers limit non-gun- and knife-related products to just 5 percent of the total table space exhibiting at each show. If you want to see – and buy – guns and knives, this is the place to do it. The Real Texas Gun Show. The greatest show on Earth. Or Texas.

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industry DALLAS ARMS COLLECTORS ASSOCIATION dallasarms.com • Booth #9860

Dallas Arms Collectors Association, Inc. is delighted to announce the display “Guns and Gunfights of the Texas Rangers” at the 147th NRA Annual Meeting. This exceptional collection will bring to life 10 original Colt Walkers, as well as many other guns and memorabilia belonging to former Texas Rangers. Also included is a display on Comanche warfare. On hand too will be several retired Texas Rangers, all happy to discuss the history of this great organization and relive tales of the Rangers from years past.

EAGLE INDOOR GUN RANGE eaglegunrangetx.com The Eagle Indoor Gun Range is the premier public indoor range in Texas. Now with branches in Lewisville on West Valley Ridge Boulevard, and in Farmers Branch on Midway Road, Eagle features Careys’ state-of-the-art air filtration system, 24 shooting lanes with Action Targets, and NRAcertified range officers on the bay at all times.

Each lane is 25 yards long, and all are capable of handling rifles and pistols. And check out Eagle’s complete line of rental firearms, too. For the best customer service in the Lone Star State, come to Eagle Indoors.

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Joseph Chiarello & Company, Incorporated, is a family-owned and -operated business founded in 1934, and has specialized in insuring the firearms industry since 1979. Throughout those years, many of their competitors have come and gone, but for more than three decades, Chiarello & Company has stood by the firearms industry. The coverage they provide is an important tool for managing your company’s exposure to risk. Chiarello & Company’s primary focus is on commercial general liability and property coverage. They’re underwritten by the Granite State Insurance Company.

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A lifelong outdoorsman and eastern Washington mule deer hunter, Dave Workman has managed to combine a love of firearms with a career in journalism to report on gun rights and efforts to diminish the Second Amendment. (DAVE WORKMAN)

REDEFINING WORKMANLIKE Dave Workman – journalist, gun rights advocate, former three-term NRA board member – reflects on a life spent around triggers and keyboards.

STORY BY FRANK JARDIM

utside of Washington state, those who vigilantly monitor the machinations of the gunprohibition lobby in its many and varied forms will likely recognize the name Dave Workman.

He’s thrice been elected to the NRA board of directors. He became the communications director of the Citizen’s Committee for the Right

O

to Keep and Bear Arms (CCRKBA. org) in 2000 and is also the senior editor of the print and online editions of The Gun Mag (formerly Gun Week), published by the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF.org).

Before that, he spent 21 years at the now-defunct Outdoor Empire Publishing as senior editor of Fishing & Hunting News.

Workman has earned a reputation as a plainspoken, no-nonsense, let-thefacts-speak-for-themselves journalist.

He’s exactly the kind of guy you wouldn’t want to have an argument with if your rhetorical position was based on lies, bogus data, hypocrisy, or masking a hidden agenda. That makes him the last person any antigun partisan wants to have to answer to, be it in the audience of a press conference, a telephone call, or as the opposing viewpoint on a radio or television broadcast.

Add to this his refusal to participate in political correctness americanshootingjournal.com 39

The “high lonesome” is a refuge for Workman, a place where he says he does some of his best thinking – and can chase his beloved blue grouse. (DAVE WORKMAN)

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or any other Orwellian “newsspeak,” and you realize his popularity is rooted in the same ground that Donald Trump grew the grassroots support that put him in the White House. By extension, you’d assume the media would hate Workman just like they hate Trump. Many of them probably do, but he still gets airtime, and that’s an interesting paradox.

It’s easy to preach to the choir on any issue. The shooting sports world has more broadcast outlets than it ever has before, thanks to subscription television services and the internet. Reaching fellow gun enthusiasts isn’t a problem.

It’s connecting to the nonshooter that is nearly impossible because of widespread liberal media bias against gun ownership.

Workman has successfully done both. He’s not on mainstream media all the time, but the fact that he’s on at all is a noteworthy accomplishment, especially in an urban market like ultra-liberal Seattle. I sat down to talk with him and ask a few questions

about how and why he became what some call an advocacy journalist for the Second Amendment.

American Shooting Journal This may be putting the cart in front of the horse, but how the heck does a guy like you get to be the talking head for the Second Amendment on major network news affiliates in Seattle?

You’ve been on ABC’s KOMO, CBS’s KIRO and NBC’s KING. Dave Workman The main reason is I am a journalist first and always, not a lobbyist. I went to the University of Washington to get my journalism degree because that’s what I wanted to do.

My first job was editor of The Snoqualmie Valley Record. It was a small-town newspaper in western Washington and I stayed there for about seven years. I loved it, but it didn’t pay much. I had a growing family and when an opportunity opened up to be an editor of the Washington edition of Fishing & Hunting News, I took it.

That was one of the key moments in my life. I’d been an outdoorsman since I was a young boy, both hunting and fishing. Taking the job at Fishing & Hunting News combined my work with my play. I stayed there 21 years. During that time I guess you could say I got famous in the state. Most of the editorial was on the sports, but I also made a point of keeping our readers informed about any state or federal legislation that might affect the sports. It was at that time I realized that there was a tremendous ignorance about firearms and shooting sports among mainstream journalists. I made it a point to make myself available to my city colleagues. I got a reputation for giving them the facts so they wouldn’t look stupid. They might agree or disagree, but they knew I wouldn’t lie to them. No journalist worthy of the name willingly gets the facts wrong. That’s how I earned some credibility with my liberal peers in the Fourth Estate. It was earned over a long period of time. I’m also a local, actually fourth-generation

americanshootingjournal.com 41

A prolific author who writes about all things gun – here he is at this year’s SHOT Show – Workman says, “Defense of the U.S. Constitution happens to be an important issue for me. It should be for everyone.” (CRAIG HODGKINS, BOTH)

Washingtonian. My greatgrandfather came out here to homestead in the late 1800s.

ASJ The rise of Fox News and conservative talk radio is evidence that a lot of Americans have simply given up on the mainstream media. Is there any hope that it could shed its antigun bias?

DW Don’t get too hopeful.

I once said that the mainstream media current always flows to the left bank and people seemed to latch onto that idea, but there are still a lot of good journalists out there, especially outside the extremely liberal urban centers, who hold to their duty to objectively and truthfully report the news. Those are the people I’ve got traction with.

You can’t get anywhere with a partisan; they are going to bend the story and facts to suit their bias.

I think there’s a degree of what I call “social bigotry” against gun ownership through the mainstream media.

If you are a young journalist in a major urban area, you are going to be exposed to, and I’d say even conditioned, to have these prejudices. Call it “groupthink” if you want.

High rates of gun ownership are not characteristic of big cities. Instead, that’s where you usually find your most severe gun control laws and your highest crime rates.

The urban-born and -raised journalists usually have no experience whatsoever with firearms other than news reporting on crimes with guns. It takes intelligence to know what you don’t know and courage to take an opposing view from management. A smart person is going to see the disconnect between gun control laws and lowering crime, and there are a lot of smart journalists out there.

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American Shooting Journal // May 2018

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ASJ That sounds a lot like ideological censorship.

DW That’s exactly the purpose of this liberal social bigotry and it’s much bigger than just opposition to the Second Amendment. I won’t let it go unchallenged. Somebody has to speak up for the 80 million lawabiding gun owners in America.

Defense of the U.S. Constitution happens to be an important issue for me. It should be for everyone. We’re talking about the foundational beliefs of our unique representative government. One of the most important aspects of a journalist’s job under our form of government is to hold people accountable for their actions. We’re supposed to comfort the afflicted, and afflict the comfortable.

The gun prohibitionists are getting a free pass to misrepresent the facts and outright lie to the public because they’ve carefully cultivated an anti-gun bias in the watchdog that should be asking them the hard questions. I’ll give you an example from my career.

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Despite his widespread name recognition in the gun world, Workman is very down to earth and doesn’t consider himself very interesting. “But I’ve had the chance to meet a lot of people who are,” he says. (DAVE WORKMAN)

A few years ago, the City of Seattle passed a tax on guns and ammunition and estimated it would raise $300,000 to $500,000 annually that would be used for gun research done by a local hospital. After the ordinance was in place for the first quarter of 2016, I filed a Public Records Act request with the city to get the revenue figures and got stonewalled. They refused to tell me how much revenue the tax had

raised. That’s public information the taxpayers have a right to know, but they did not want to reveal this. I had to sue them in King County Superior Court to get the information.

Eventually it came out that the tax actually raised only $103,000 during the entire first year.

A couple of other reporters wanted the same information and got the same non-answer from the city. So I sued in my role as a working journalist,

americanshootingjournal.com 45

with support from the Second Amendment Foundation, which owns The Gun Mag. It was a textbook First Amendment issue, and we won. It shouldn’t have had to go that far.

ASJ I would think that approaching the gun control debate as an objective professional journalist rather than a partisan should send the message out to all sides that they’d better have their facts straight.

Has that been your experience?

DW The gun prohibitions just can’t do it. The FBI’s Uniform Crime Statistics don’t support them and they know it. The truth is not on their side, so they hide from it and misdirect attention from the facts they can’t misrepresent. I’ve had politicians try to snow me, and one U.S. Senator once hung up on me. I’ve never had anybody in the gun industry do that.

In fact, by contrast, NRA’s Wayne LaPierre, in all the times I’ve interviewed that guy, I’ve never once caught him in a fib. To a reporter, that’s important, because you learn

to rely on somebody’s word. That’s really all any of us have. I don’t get to talk to him as much these days; that’s what getting older does to all of us, I guess. But if I needed to ask him something on the record, I know he’d answer me straight up. Also, a couple of times when he was still NRA president, Chuck Heston sat down with me for a one-on-one. Beat that with a stick! How often does the reporter get to talk to the top man instead of a hired mouthpiece? The gun industry has nothing to hide.

ASJ You and Alan Gottlieb have coauthored seven books together that are packed with facts that everyone who exercises or hopes to exercise their Second Amendment rights should know – Right to Carry: I Carry A Gun Because A Cop Is Too Heavy, America Fights Back: Armed Self-Defense in a Violent Age, Shooting Blanks: Facts Don’t Matter to the Gun Ban Crowd, Assault on Weapons: The Campaign To Eliminate Your Guns and Dancing

in Blood. How much of an impact do you think these books have had outside the shooting community?

DW That’s hard to put your finger on.

I think people in the gun community have appreciated them. We’ve gotten good reviews from readers. Of course, anti-gunners haven’t liked them at all. Actually, I do most of the writing and Alan does the editing. He is an excellent, precise editor and makes good suggestions on our manuscripts.

We work pretty well together.

People who haven’t read one of our books may not realize that they aren’t written just for gun owners.

They’re written for anybody with the ability to think and reason. I’m always a journalist first and foremost.

I lay out the arguments and the facts and the readers can judge for themselves. You’ll never get that from the gun prohibitionist gang. It doesn’t work for their agenda.

I know that our books have changed the opinions of some antigun and neutral people because they’ve told me so. The truth has a

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way of doing that. The tough part is getting the truth to them. I’d like to see every gun owner give one of our books to one of their anti-gun or gunneutral personal friends as a sincere gift. I think that personal, genuine, one-to-one sharing of ideas is a solid, grassroots way to counteract the mainstream media’s disinformation.

ASJ Is there any book in particular you would recommend for that?

DW That’s probably best judged by the gift giver. They’re going to know what arguments will have the most weight with their friend. For people who don’t think the gun prohibitionists are a real lobby, I’d recommend Dancing In Blood: The Gun Control Playbook. That’s a great one for all those hunters and shotgunners who sit on the sidelines of the gun control debate because they figure it doesn’t apply to them. These folks can be really into their particular shooting sport, but never call or e-mail their elected representatives, or worse, talk down modern sporting rifles

Workman takes aim with his Model 57 S&W in .41 Magnum during the 2017 Elmer Keith Memorial Shoot, held in eastern Washington. He was an early proponent of allowing handgun hunting in his home state. Much of his writing has also focused on self-defense. (DAVE WORKMAN)

by saying things like, “What do you need those for?” Maybe they don’t even join the NRA. My opinion on that is, if you are a shooter and you aren’t supporting the NRA, you just plain aren’t thinking things through.

Dancing In Blood might wake those

folks up to see that the threat is real, encompasses all firearms owners and is very organized.

In Dancing In Blood we wrote about a secret and very sophisticated guide used by anti-gun groups to advance their agenda. Every strategy

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we’ve seen the gun prohibitionists use was there in black and white: how to exploit tragedy, diverting attention from the facts with emotional appeals, what words to use and avoid, etc., etc. What was so chilling was that it was the type of thing that costs a lot of money to put together. When I tried to contact one of the authors, I never got to speak with anyone beyond an assistant and my calls were never returned. No surprise there. This document was never meant for public release.

Gottlieb actually discovered this strategy guide by accident when he was looking for something else on the internet. He showed it to me and it was astonishing. I wrote a couple of columns about it at the old Examiner.com and some other online writers picked up on it. If that guide doesn’t sound the alarm for shooters, nothing will.

When we were working on the book, I actually found a couple of other strategy guides that were all very much like the first one. When I write that

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American Shooting Journal // May 2018

something looks like it came right out of the gun control playbook, that’s not just some metaphor.

ASJ You devoted nine years to serving on the NRA board of directors. That’s a lot of time for a working man. What motivated you to run three times?

DW William Jefferson Clinton. I also saw right away his wife was a threat to the Second Amendment. As it turns out, she was an even bigger threat than he was. I ran for the NRA board because I felt it was time that I did my share. It gave me a great perspective on the inside operations of the NRA and I worked with a lot of great people. When you get down to it, everyone on the NRA board is on the same team and they are good people. I was proud of the role I played in sticking up for the hunting and fishing rights of sportsmen. As you may know, all that excise tax paid on firearms and ammunition by manufacturers under the 1937 Pittman-Robertson Act is supposed to go to support wildlife and preserve

their habitats for future generations of sportsmen. The NRA has been instrumental in protecting those funds from misuse.

ASJ I heard you describe yourself as one of the few journalists who sleeps in a tent. With all the work you do editing The Gun Mag for the Second Amendment Foundation, getting the word out for the CCRKBA, writing books with Alan, and contributing articles to American Handgunner online, Gun World, Liberty Park Press, and newspapers, how much time does the outdoorsman’s journalist actually get to spend in the great outdoors?

DW As much as I can. That’s how I recharge my batteries. In the fall, I keep my sleeping bag in the back of my truck. I head up to what I call the “High Lonesome,” and when I’m staring into that campfire, it’s good therapy for whatever ails you.

ASJ What does being an outdoorsman mean to you? Are you

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DW Nah, I’m not a loner, but I spend a lot of time on my own in the high country. I’ve had some good hunting pals over the years, people who are good to spend time with around a campfire. I don’t mind sleeping in a tent. That’s what they’re for. I do some of my best thinking up there. No telephones, no computers. And I’m a nut about hunting blue grouse, the big “fool hens.” But you’ve got to get up there in the high country to find them.

ASJ Surely you must have a noteworthy hunting story. Ever killed a 200-pound wild hog with just a flint knife?

DW Nothing quite so dramatic.

I’ve made some pretty good longrange shots on mule deer, and I was one of the early proponents of handgun hunting in Washington state. That’s when I became a devotee of the .41 Magnum.

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ASJ What have you taken away from all these years as a journalist?

DW I’ve had the good fortune to meet some outstanding people in my career; people who are some of my dearest friends. Bob Nosler, for example, gave me a lesson that I’ve remembered for probably 15 years. We were heading home from an NRA convention and bumped into each other at the airport. That was when I told him about a really strange experience, at least for me.

A guy had come up to me in the exhibit hall to shake my hand and asked if he could have his picture taken with me. That had never happened to me before, and Bob told me that for a lot of people, we’re “celebrities.” They see his name on a box of bullets or my name at the top of a story, and when they get a chance to meet us, that’s important to them because at the end of the day, we work for those people. I’ve never forgotten that.

Even at my age, I’ve got a few heroes and Bob is one of them.

Honestly, I don’t think I’m that interesting. But I’ve had the chance to meet a lot of people who are.

americanshootingjournal.com 53

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GEAR

FEMME FATALE HOLSTERS

FROGLUBE

Welcome to the world of Femme Fatale Holsters. New for 2018, FFH presents the xXxtreme Corset Holster. As with FFH’s original corset holster, luxurious lace and corset elastic combine for a comfortable, discreet, and distinctively feminine daily carry solution. In addition to the standard gun pocket, the xXxtreme Corset features two smaller waterproof-lined pockets, perfect for extra magazines, ID, or licenses. Secured by a three-row lingerie hook-and-eye closure system, the xXxtreme Corset is available in a full range of sizes.

Advanced lubrication technology might be the best and most accurate way to define FrogLube Extreme, a new concept in firearm lubrication.

FrogLube Extreme is the first all-weather 100 percent biobased nonpetroleum firearm lubricating system to hit the market. No petroleum means no sticky mess, and no freezing or gumming in subzero conditions. In fact, FrogLube Extreme has been tested to below minus 40 Fahrenheit with no problems nor decrease in performance. FrogLube Extreme is made using only food-grade ingredients that will not burn or fail, even under sustained fire situations. Throw a bottle in your range bag today.

femmefataleholsters.com Booth #3607

froglube.com • Booth #10737

GUNFUN SHOOTING TARGETS gunfun.com

GunFun Targets is much more than just a catchy, easy-toremember name.

They’re the leading provider of targets for indoor shooting ranges across the country. GunFun serves over 400 ranges coast to coast, and maintains more than 4 million targets in their wide and varied inventory. With some 200 different styles and patterns, GunFun targets are designed, printed, stored and shipped directly from their facility in Huntsville, Alabama. GunFun Targets. The best – East to West.

CYA CONCEALMENT cyaconcealment.com

THE PROFESSIONALS CHOICE

CYA packs feature the highest quality materials in an easyto-carry and quick-to-deploy design. Their combination of form and function is unmatched in the concealment arena. Designed with the end user in mind and with unlimited configurations, CYA packs are the last pack you’ll ever need. Featuring three armor pockets and able to accommodate up to 12-by-14-inch plates, depending on the model, CYA packs are your back-up plan. Pack, vest, ballistic shield, and weapons carrier. CYA packs are tough as nails. They’ll stake their reputations – and lives – on it.

For the past decade, The Professionals Choice has made its presence known in the shooting industry by being the largest and most comprehensive patch manufacturer in the U.S. In 2015, The Professionals Choice was proud to introduce a complete line of cleaning supplies. Now in 2018, their full-service line of firearms cleaning accessories has been expanded to include a pistol and rifle cleaning mat, a silicone wiping cloth, and an extreme weapons grease. Constructed of 100-percent recycled fibers, the cleaning mat absorbs oils and liquids efficiently, making it perfect for either indoor or outdoor use.

RAM HOLSTER ramholster.com The Universal Tourniquet Holster from Ram Holster is a must-have item for all law enforcement officers and tactical duty personnel. If you’re carrying a weapon, you should be carrying a tourniquet. It’s as simple as that, and thanks to this cutting-edge Ram product, your tourniquet is never out of arm’s reach. Made from the industry-standard .080 Kydex, the Universal Holster accepts all GEN CAT and SOFT T tourniquets. Each holster is custom made, one at a time, and includes multiple attachment points, belt clip, TekLok, MOLLE straps, and Malice clips. Bulk law enforcement department purchases welcome.

theprofessionalschoice.net

LIBERTY SAFE

libertysafe.com • Booth #7952 In the spirit of tradition and security, Liberty Safe’s 1776 Series offers UL-listed features and a boost in fire protection. This attractive gun safe comes with a one-hour fire rating, and includes Liberty’s tough 4-inch locking bars, thicker 11-gauge steel body, and an accessory door panel for expanded storage capacity.

Two height models – 64 and 72 inches tall – are available, and both come in a durable gray marble powder-coat finish and Liberty’s 3-in-1 Flex Interior, capable of holding up to 64 long guns. One million different combinations; that’s what you’ll have with the new quick-access SecuRam TopLit electronic lock. Protect your valuables in style with the Liberty 1776 Series. americanshootingjournal.com 67

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CUSTOM METAL PRODUCTS custommetalproducts.com • Booth #4408

Steel target shooters want strength and simplicity, and the X-Ring Plate Rack from Custom Metal Products offers plenty of both. The X-Ring features six 8-inch-diameter AR500 steel targets, each of which is 3/8 inch thick. Inside each of the 8-inch targets is a 4-inch hole, with a second target. Shoot the center, score an X! The X-Ring includes a fully automatic pneumatic reset with a competition-style controller. Easily programmable, the controller sets the timing for the match. Buzzer start, buzzer stop – all you do is shoot. The X-Ring was featured at the 2017 and 2018 Bianchi Cup, and is used by competitors worldwide.

SNAGMAG LLC snagmag.com • Booth #3606 The SnagMag Concealed Magazine Holster doubles your ammo supply, yet doesn’t attract attention to the fact you’re carrying plenty of ammunition for the task at hand. Concealed in plain sight and designed to offer a lightning-fast reload, the SnagMag appears to be a pocketknife. But oh, what a knife! Over 80 pistol models are available for either right- or left-handed shooters. And custom fitting can be ordered at no extra charge. Trusted and used by law enforcement, firearms instructors, and CCW owners everywhere, SnagMag guarantees you won’t be left empty-handed.

TANNERITE SPORTS tannerite.com Tannerite bricks are some of the most sought-after reactive targets ever to hit the market.

Available in ¼-, ½- and 1-pound sizes, these exciting, easy-tosee and -hear targets have revolutionized the recreational shooting industry. Tannerite brand targets confirm you’ve hit your target with a cloud of water vapor and a thunderous boom! No more walking downrange to see if you’ve hit your mark.

Tannerite currently offers several different target kits, one of the most popular includes four targets (specified size), mixing container, premeasured p catalyst y packets, p and earplugs. p g Have more fun when you shoot. Shoot Tannerite!

ALFORD DESIGNS LIMITED paulaalford.com • Booth #4116 Handcrafted in Lynchburg, Virginia, this beautiful collection of fashionable Paula Alford leather bags, purses, wristlets, andd now, men’s leather satchels, is sure to strike the fancy of all those with a passion n for good-looking and functional concealed ed carry. Available in a variety of textures, colors, sizes, and styles, Alford’s holsters are easily detached from the inside of the e purse, bag, wristlet or satchel. And each can be custom-ordered for left- or righthand-draw preference.

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WRIGHT RIGHT LEATHER WORKS wrightleatherworks.com atherworks.com The Cruiser ser from Wright Leather Works iin Fremont, Ohio, is a quick uick and easy-to-use IWB IW clip-style holster that makes for or the perfect grab-n-go grab rig, whenever you’re in a hurry. ry. Built with strong steel hardware and crafted using only ly the finest leather, the Cruiser can accommodate belts up to 1¾ inches wide. Or simply remove the clip, and the Cruiser transforms into a small, lightweight tuckable rig. Five color options including black, mahogany, coffee, walnut, and saddle tan are available. The Cruiser. It’s not a passing fancy. It may be the last holster you buy. Ever.

SEAL 1 seal1.com Firearm maintenance a chore? Doesn’t need to be; not with the CLP Plus Kit from SEAL 1. Tested and recommended by members of the National Tactical Officers Association, the CLP (Clean, Lube, Protect) Plus Kit covers all rifle and pistol calibers from .22 to .45, as well as .410and 28-gauge shotguns, and includes presaturated cleaning patches, 100-percent cotton double-napped cleaning patches, CLP Plus Paste, CLP Plus liquid, presaturated gun wipes, microfiber cloth, nylon tactical brush, and 6-inch wood cotton swabs. This is the newest advancement in gun-care technology.

POCKET OX pocketox.com

Build it once.

Build it right.

Build it here.

That’s the mantra at Pocket Ox, and describes to the proverbial “T” their amazing Bull Mini Hoist.

Over eight years of field trial and product development went into designing tria this revolutionary concept in outdoor convenience. thi The largest production model offered by Pocket Ox, Th the Bull uses 16 pulleys – that’s right, 16! – to create a llift system rated at 2,000 pounds. A full ton! The nice thing is the Bull only weighs 24 ounces, and nic can fit easily into most daypacks. It’s ideal for ATV or ca snowmobile recovery, technical rescue, or hanging sn big game animals.

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gear PRECISION HOLSTERS precisionholsters.com

BOBBIE WEINER’S CAMO FACE PAINT camofacepaint.com Bobbie Weiner’s Camo Face Paint has been the number one choice of the U.S. Military for over 21 years now. In fact, Weiner Enterprises serves all branches of the U.S Armed Forces for their camouflage face paint needs. Odorless, non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and proudly made in the USA, these run-resistant yet washable (soap/water) paints come in a wide variety of colors and kit pattern compacts, including Desert, Multicam, Scorpion, ACU, Jungle, 5-Color, and, for the hunting community, the traditional Woodland pattern.

TECHNA CLIP technaclip.com Techna Clip recognizes the fact that many traditional full-round holsters can be a hassle.

They’re bulky. Uncomfortable. And certainly not concealed. That’s why they came up with the Techna Clip, a minimalist solution for those who carry concealed. Techna Clip easily attaches to your firearm, with no modification necessary, to deliver a secure, lightweight and discreet carry option. Whether in your pocket, waistband, or small of your back, Techna Clip replaces inconvenience with versatility and comfort. Maybe that’s why more than 200,000 Techna Clips are in service today. Now available for the Sig P320.

The Ultra Carry from Precision Holsters presents a patented firearm containment system designed to provide you with a higher level of comfort and confidence. Premium leather backing, a technologically engineered shell, and adjustable belt clips are just some of the features found on the Ultra Carry. The height and cant of the holster are fully adjustable, while the overall functionality allows for a consistent grip and quicker draw.

When you want the best, choose Precision Holsters.

BARREL BUDDY barrelbuddy.com No one likes a dirty barrel, and the only thing worse than a filthy barrel is all the muck and grunge that comes with cleaning it. Well,, kiss those gun-cleaning woes goodbye, thanks to Barrel Buddy.

Barrel Buddy scrubs, collects particulates, absorbs residue, and buffs your barrel spotlessly clean in one easy-to-accomplish step.

True 360-degree compression translates into full-metal contact with th the bore, effectively cleaning rifling like never before. Affordable, portable, and durable, Barrel Buddy distributes solvents and oils evenly after cleaning. It’s available in seven sizes to fit barrels from m .22 caliber to 10-gauge.

MAN GEAR ALASKA mangearalaska.com Man Gear Alaska is a small family-owned and -operated business that still believes it’s possible to provide customers a quality, made in the USA product, while maintaining that one-on-one business relationship with the individual. Holsters are Man Gear Alaska’s forte. Their holsters have been an Alaska standard for over 17 years now. oose from, With more than 32 models to choose each designed to fitt a particular firearm, carry requirements, requirements and lifestyle, Man Gear Alaska holsterss embody the company’s mantra of comfort, convenie convenience, and confidence. Man Gear – made in Alaska by Alaskans.

XSTEEL TARGETS xsteeltargets.com The Texas Star from XSteel Targets may just be the most entertaining target ever designed. Built for heavy every-day use, this competition-grade reactive target can withstand thousands of hits, due in large part to the combination of sturdy construction and CNC laser-cut AR500 steel. The Texas Star stretches 21 inches wide at the arms, with 8-inch-wide paddles. It sits stationary until the first hit – and then you better be on your toes because the more it spins, the more challenging the target becomes! Tested under the most extreme conditions, all XSteel targets are built to last a lifetime.

CLIPDRAW - SKYLINE TOOLWORKS clipdraw.com • Booth #2609

Skyline Toolworks, makers of the original Clipdraw, introduces the latest member of the family – the Clipdraw gun belt clip and trigger sheath bundle for Glocks.

Clipdraw features do-it-yourself installation with no modifications to the firearm necessary. Everything you’ll need is included in the package. Slim and secure, the Clipdraw system eliminates the bulk and print profile of traditional holsters.

Enjoy easy-to-access inside the waistband concealed carry, without the telltale “show.” Accompanying trigger sheath ensures complete protection from accidental discharge while the firearm is being worn. Go concealed. Go Clipdraw.

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STONER HOLSTERS stonerholsters.com Headquartered in Middletown, Ohio, in the heart of the Midwest, Stoner Holsters is your complete one-stop shopping experience for everthing holster. Your EDC fitted with a laser? No worries; Stoner makes a holster for that. Just joined a regional cowboy action shooting league, and need an authentic western-style rig for those weekend fun shoots? Stoner makes a beautiful and functional western belt/holster combo that’s sure to please. If it’s an OWB leather-lined holster you seek, it’s hard to go wrong with their Professional Speed Scabbard (PSS). See Stoner for all your holster and CCW needs.

ATLAS TARGET WORKS

GEARCRAFT HOLSTERS

atlastargetworks.com

gearcraftholsters.com

The term “one of a kind” gets thrown around far too often these days; however, and due in large part to the huge amount of detail put into Atlas Target Works’ line of ultrarealistic animal targets, these steel critters certainly do stand apart from the rest of the pack. Featuring lasercut AR500 steel construction, “hearts” that flip up when hit, and water jet engraved vitals and internals that won’t wear off, these are literally works of art – that you can shoot! Deer, feral hogs, prairie dogs, coyotes, and squirrels are available, along with a long list of steel plates and accessories.

Designed for the appendix-style carry, the Gearcraft IWB Plus from Gearcraft Holsters incorporates the standard IWB configuration, but adds a magazine carrier to the side. Many of the features that CCW enthusiasts have come to expect in a quality holster, such as adjustable gun/magazine retention, are there, as well as unique options like double J-hooks or single belt clips for smaller-frame firearms. Raised sights, optics, or lasers? Gearcraft has something to fit hundreds of popular handgun makes, models, and sighting systems. Always be prepared.

Always go with Gearcraft.

CUSTOM KYDEX HOLSTERS & GEAR

THE ORIGINAL LIGHT & LASER SPECIALISTS www.multiholsters.com 1-734-392-7630 72

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gear IOSSO PRODUCTS iosso.com

Never go back to smelly, messy solvents again!

The Iosso Bore Cleaning System consists of a revolutionary bio-based solvent, premium bore brush, and a triple action oil, which, when used together, will help get your weapon clean and keep it clean, no matter how many rounds go downrange. Perfect for shooters or hunters with allergies or sensitivities to harsh chemicals, the Iosso Bore Cleaning System completely removes carbon, lead, copper, plastic, and other types of fouling quickly and efficiently. And why the blue bore brush? To say it’s made in America!

AMERICAN MOUNTAIN SUPPLY americanmountainsupply.com • Booth #2623

Located at the foot of the Rocky Mountains in Longmont, Colorado, American Mountain Supply has been providing quality craftsmanship and leatherwork for holsters, gun cases, and shooting accessories since 1980.

Today, they’re introducing an exciting new purse with a concealed carry pocket. Available in six fashionable patterns, three tapestry patterns, as well as Muddy Girl, Realtree, and Multicam camouflage, this over-theshoulder-style bag features two slash zipper entries to the concealed carry pocket, along with interior pockets for quick and easy organization. The ambidextrous holster is easily adjustable and removable. And this, like all American Mountain Products, is made in the USA.

SNAGMAG Concealed Magazine Holster

WERKZ LLC werkz.com Having trouble finding a great carry or range holster for your pistol or pistol/accessories combination? The Origin Holster from Werkz is your go-to gear. Whether you’re looking for an IWB holster for your EDC, or an OWB holster for those sunny range days, the Origin is, without question, the very best option. The Origin Series holsters all share the same fine characteristics – wrap-around design; slim profile; passive retention system; modular accessorizing platform; and a lifetime warranty. With 210 different pistol options, 70 lights/lasers, and 30 colors of Kydex to choose from, the good people at Werkz can build what you’re looking for. Exactly.

The SnagMag™ is designed to look like a knife riding in your support-side front pocket along the outside seam.

• Discreet Way to Carry an Extra Magazine • Convenient and Comfortable • Carries Like a Pocket Knife • Designed for a Fast Draw • Lightweight yet Durable Order Now at Snagmag.com

SPECIAL OFFER! Use the Coupon Code: NRAAM2018 for 20% off entire order

LEO and Military Discounts | Limited Lifetime Warranty | email: snagmag@live.com 74

American Shooting Journal // May 2018

CONCEALED CARRY Call (702) 245-6302 or visit www.CovertCarrier.com

© Covert Carrier, Inc.

Carry a Handgun Concealed Without a Traditional Holster, Case or Pouch www.CovertCarrier.com

Makes Concealment Easy!

gear RANGESTORE.NET rangestore.net

RangeStore.net has an ever-expanding line of products for the shooting enthusiast, including Steel Target Paint. Formulated specifically for, as the name implies, steel targets, RangeStore’s Steel Target Paint covers quickly, dries fast, protects valuable targets from corrosion, and is environmentally compliant. Each 16-ounce aerosol can comes with over a pound of paint. Range officers can use the variety of hues to color-code plates or gongs for competition. RangeStore.net also carries a complete line of hearing protection, compensators, eyewear, and cleaners/lubricants.

COVERT CARRIER TAP RACK HOLSTERS taprackholsters.com You want functional adjustability? Then look no further than Tap Rack Holsters’ OWB series. These incredibly rugged holsters are made of .080 Kydex, making them ultraresistant to cracking and warping. Strong?

Absolutely, but it’s Tap Rack’s features you’re going to love. A feed ramp to facilitate reholstering; adjustable draw tension; belt loops that can be inverted to attain a cant ranging from zero to 10 degrees; ride height changes; colors; imprinting; and a durable cordura fabric laminated onto the Kydex, making for a quieter holster without the shine or glare of most high impact plastics. Get exactly what you want with Tap Rack.

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covertcarrier.com The Covert Carrier is a unique concealment device that allows users to carry their small-frame semiautomatic pistol inside the waistband (IWB) below the beltline, without a traditional holster, case, or pouch. The perfect accompaniment to any attire, Covert Carrier slips onto the firearm in seconds with no modification in the “Universal Sleeve” format, or with easyto-do installation instructions in the case of the metal fastener. In use, the firearm becomes virtually invisible. Worn by CCW practitioners nationwide, the Covert Carrier is the gold standard for total handgun concealment.

CONCEALED CARRY

gear PRESENT ARMS presentarmsinc.com

Not everyone enjoys the chores associated with gun cleaning. And let’s face it, some firearms are simply more cumbersome than others. With some, you need that third hand in order to make the job easier. Well, that third hand is available now, thanks to the ARHook from Present Arms.

Secure the hook using the takedown pin, and now the upper and lower receiver are a single yet disassembled unit. Combine the ARHook w with Present Arms’ patented Sentinel Plate late and AR magazine post to create the perfect user-friendly cleaning station. on.

ULTICLIP ulticlip.com • Booth #10460 The Ulticlip XL is the world’s first multi-tool holster clip and locking steel belt loop. No longer are you forced to choose between a holster clip or a belt loop. With the Ulticlip XL, you can have both. The XL’s locking belt loop allows the user to carry a holster, sheath, or accessory IWB/OWB. Featuring wrench sizes that include ¼, 5/16, and 3/8 inch on one end and a flat-blade screwdriver on the other, Ulticlip XL has multiple attachment points allowing it to be used on a wide variety of products. Made of strong 1075/1050 spring steel, the Ulticlip XL can accommodate belts up to 1½ inches wide and 3/8 inch thick.

FURY CARRY SOLUTIONS furycarrysolutions.com The Concealment Series is Fury Carry Solutions’ ons’ most popular holster, and for good reason. The e series features a full sweat guard that keeps the firearm arm off the skin, and aids in protecting the piece from m corrosion. The series’ unique rivet pattern makess the ride height of the holster fully adjustable, while le a 20-degree forward cant increases concealability. y.

All Concealment Series holsters ship with Fury’s standard nylon polymer OWB loops, but each can be e easily converted to IWB. The series is available in both standard and light-bearing configurations, and includes a limited lifetime warranty.

TAP RACK HOLSTERS Hand Built For Hardcore Use (559) 478-5475 www.taprackholsters.com

Tap Rack Holsters is a leading provider of premium, American-made, custom gun holsters. Our products are the result of 40 plus years of combined experience, extreme attention to detail, and countless hours and dollars spent testing various materials and styles. Every Tap Rack Holster is hand-crafted using extreme care and precision, and built to last because we’re dedicated to providing premium quality products our customers can rely on.

DPREMIUM QUALITY DFULLY FUNCTIONAL DLIFETIME WARRANTY DCUSTOM BUILDS DBUILT FOR EXTREME USE DMADE IN AMERICA DBUILT WITH AMERICAN MATERIALS AND PARTS DMADE BY AMERICANS AND VETERANS

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CONCEALED CARRY AMERICAN MADE PRODUCTS | AMERICAN MADE SUPPLIES

CARRY CONFIDENT.

CARRY FURY.

HOLSTERS DESIGNED TO BE LIGHT WEIGHT, HIGH STRENGTH, QUICK, PROTECTIVE AND QUIET!

MADE BY HAND. MADE WITH PRIDE. MADE IN AMERICA. Fury Carry Solutions offers OWB & IWB options for over 100 handguns. Standard & light bearing options are available and include a Limited Lifetime Warranty.

All FURY products are proudly made in the USA.

www.giholsters.com www giholsters com garrett@giholsters.com www.furycarrysolutions.com (865) 551-9058

10% DISCOUNT: CODE SJ318

1107 S Magnolia St. Woodville TX 75979

The American Purebred™ – MULTI PATENTED –

Infinite weapon adjustability in seconds No need to change the optimum comfort zone of the backing pad.

No tools required No mechanical fasteners to lose, loosen or cause discomfort against the body.

Best quality mill spec hook and loop material Each holster features nearly 14 lbs/psi shear strength, equaling over 125 lbs. of shear in free state, or 250 lbs while being worn with belt pressure. A high cycle life that has 2500k + on/off capability, until it loses 20% of shear strength.

Order at www.massholster.com 330-317-9540 4315 Lakeshore Circle NW, Massillon, Ohio 44646

gear MULTI HOLSTERS LLC multiholsters.com In the market for a holster? Let the folks at Multi Holsters show you what you’ve been missing all these years. Need a holster for that special custom carry? Again, the folks at Multi Holsters will get you what you need. Each holster is hand-crafted to the individual firearm.

No more “making this fit” or “making that fit.” These folks take every detail into consideration – belt size, cant, rail, attachments, mounting position, accessories, and more. The end result is a perfect match between you, your body, your carry preference, and your firearm of choice.

COAST

coastportland.com The recognized leader in LED technology, Portland-based Coast introduces their frontloading FL85 headlamp, their ate most powerful headlamp to date.

Weighing only 4.5 ounces, the FL85 is powered by three AAA batteries; however, don’t let the AAA size fool you into thinking this thing can’t light up the world! With over two hours of run-time at 615 Lumens (high setting), the FL85 provides plenty of illumination, no matter the lighting situation. Fitted with a fully adjustable reflective safety strap and built with an IPX4 waterproof rating, the FL85 is ready for any environment and any emergency.

TRIPLE K triplek.com • Booth #3712 Triple K brings innovation to the scoped handgun holster market with the introduction of their new Big Thunder. The Big Thunder is the first production holster to fully distribute the weight of a large-framed handgun evenly across both shoulders and the torso. As versatile as it is comfortable, Big Thunder can accommodate scoped or unscoped handguns, while keeping the piece in the front ready position. Perfect for those who ride horseback or ATVs, the Big Thunder is also ideal for those who hunt from treestands or fans of spot-and-stalk-style hunting. The Big Thunder is now available for the Ruger Blackhawk Hunter, Bisley Hunter, Ruger Mark I through IV with 6.8-inch barrels, and the Freedom Arms Model 83 with 7.5-inch barrel.

AEM PRECISION aemprecision.com Designed by a Montana gunsmith, AEM Precision Ammo Pouches safely and securely hold 10, 20 or 40 short-action, short-action ultra-mag, long-action magnum, or Winchester short magnum cartridges.

Custom sizing is available. Made of 1000D-backed cordura and locked by a simple push-button toggle closure, these durable ammo pouches come in a variety of colors, making differentiating between ammo types and calibers a quick and easy visual. Don’t rattle around in the field. Get a set of AEM Precision ammo pouches today.

FULL LINE OF SOFT SIDED WEAPONS CASES, HOLSTERS, & CONCEALED CARRY PRODUCTS

RedCliff Concealed Carry Purse – P01 This Concealed Carry Purse is available in several patterned fabrics, suitable for right- or left-handed shooters with the ƓUHDUP FRPSDUWPHQW EHLQJ accessible by a zipper on either side. The purse also features a built-in adjustable hook/loop holster, with a fully lined interior.

AMS C Concealed l d Carry C Messenger Bag – M01 This messenger bag features Durable DWR treated 600 Denier Poly fabric that is water resistant, has a non-slip shoulder strap and mesh water bottle holder on the side. You can carry your weapon along with your documents and tablets.

CONTACT US: 800-368-4267 sales@americanmountainsupply.com

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gear GARRETT INDUSTRIES giholsters.com

RICK YOUNG OUTDOORS rickyoungoutdoors.com • Booth #3813

Binocular harnesses are a fantastic idea; that is, until you find your optics down around your beltline and totally inaccessible. Or worse, constantly in the way. Unlike these old school harnesses, the Ultra-Light Bino harness from Rick Young Outdoors features a patented singlepoint adjustment and sturdy shock cord that won’t stretch or sag. The cord hugs your body, transferring the weight of the glasses equally around your shoulders and chest. No more sag.

No more inconvenience. Compact, lightweight, strong, and fully adjustable, this is the last binocular harness you’ll ever have to purchase.

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Built to very precise specifications at their shop in Texas, the good people at Garrett Industries create some of the finest holsters available today. The Silent Thunder GT is fast becoming one of the company’s best sellers, and for good reason. Thin, comfortable, concealable, and durable, the ST GT offers draw retention and ride height adjustment. Each ST GT is made of rugged .060 Kydex, creating a thinner, lowerprofile holster that follows exactly Garrett Industries’ simple formula – the smaller the package, the more comfortable the ride. All of Garrett’s IWB designs follow this rule, making for maximum comfort, flawless one-handed reholstering, concealability, and stability.

CLINGER HOLSTERS clingerholsters.com The Comfort Cling from Clinger Holsters is the easiest-touse, most comfortable holster you’ll ever own. Simply slide it into your waistband and tighten your belt for all-day, all-situation security. The Comfort Cling uses friction rather than bulky metal clips to secure your firearm. Rugged and extremely durable, the Comfort Cling features a unique gel cushioning system designed to be just what the name implies – comfortable. And if you’re thinking a higher price for all this comfort and convenience, think again. At just $19.99, the Comfort Cling is the most affordable clipless holster available.

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gear INTERNATIONAL HANDGUN LEATHER ihlusa.com It’s a timeless classic, and wildly popular, too. International Handgun Leather’s traditional OWB holster, the Combat Classic, has been tending Leath to the ccontainment needs of concealed carry individuals for years, and it continues to get better. The Combat Classic is a full-length pancake style holster, with an open bottom and a muzzle rearward cant. A full length of holster configurations and options are available, including color, slot size, rightcon or lefthand, and thumb break. Each Combat Classic comes precurved, and each is made in America with leather tanned right here at home.

LANSKY SHARPENERS lansky.com • Booth #8742 Lansky Sharpeners, a world leader in innovative sharpening technology, introduces their newest addition, the Roadie 8-in-1 Keychain Sharpener. The Roadie contains more useful features per square inch than any other sharpener. Just clip the carabiner on your pack, and you’re ready to hit the road.

The Roadie includes a carbide sharpener, two screwdrivers, variable hex wrench, bottle opener, box cutter, pry tool, and a line cutter.

Stay ready. Stay sharp with the Roadie 8-in-1 sharpener.

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VACUPACK VACUPA vacupack.com vacupack

For consistent controlled cooking, the Sammic SVP-100 Clip-On immersion circulator allows chefs and shadetree gourmets alike to cook with precise temperatures for a controlled environment that results in perfectly prepared meats, fish, vegetables, and desserts. This small, space-saving unit is ideal for the mobile chef, or for culinary artists who travel and prepare in a concession-style format.

Precise temperature accuracy is guaranteed, with both audio and visual notification session-end settings. True to Sammic quality, the sous-vide meals produced by the SVP-100 will not disappoint.

ZMAX zmax.com/products/firearms Trusted by millions in automobile engines, fuel systems, and transmissions since 1937, zMax brings to the firearms market two new products – Boltlube, and Bore Cleaner and Conditioner. zMax works by soaking into metal to disperse carbon deposits; deposits that cause premature wear and an overall decline in performance. Boltlube provides ideal lubrication, suspends gas residue, reduces friction, and provides easy clean-up. Bore Cleaner/ Conditioner works on all contact surfaces, reducing the build-up of combustion particles and preventing bore fouling.

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gear AXIL- SPORTEAR goaxil.com • Booth #7510

The problem with hearing protection is it’s often incredibly bulky and uncomfortable. Well, the folks at AXIL have taken care of that problem, along with a lengthy list of other issues, with their revolutionary Ghost Stryke Essential hearing protection and enhancement earphones. No more bulky muff-style e hearing protection, thanks to Ghost Stryke’s slim profile and innovative Autoblocker technology that at automatically shuts out sounds at 85 decibels and nd higher. A rechargeable lithium battery offers 122 full hours of protection and hearing enhancement, ment, while the patented in-ear design provides all-day l-day wearable comfort.

MTR CUSTOM LEATHER mtrcustomleather.com • Booth #10939, 6007 The A-2 Dual Purpose Holster from MTR Custom Leather offers the best of both worlds.

Wear it IWB one day, and the A-2 easily converts to OWB carry simply by removing the powder-coated holster clips. Once removed, the A-2 becomes a traditional slotted pancakestyle holster. The spotlight shines on function and design with the A-2. A reinforced mouth prevents collapse when used IWB, and to ensure easy one-handed reholstering. Quality bull hide and hardware make the A-2 as rugged as they come, and its design makes it one of the most versatile.

CELTIC HOLSTERS celticholsters.com • Booth #3205 Don’t let the name fool you! This holster is anything but tiny when it comes to providing full-service satisfaction. The Wee Celtic Deluxe Holster from Celtic Holsters offers wearers the ability to adjust the cant of the firearm while it’s being worn.

And different position options means more comfort. Simply twist the screw to change the draw retention; it’s just that easy. No need to sacrifice concealment, comfort, flexibility, or proper draw style. Not with the Wee Celtic Deluxe.

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Ammo Pouches • 10, 20 & 40 Rounds Held Securely • Available in SA, LA & Custom Sizing • Variety of Colors • Made by Class 7 FFL/SOT

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gear D.M. BULLARD LEATHER MFG LLC dmbullardleather.com Texas’s finest gun leather is made by DM Bullard Leather in Azle. Whether you are looking for that new leather holster, belt or rifle sling, or cowboy rigs, cartridge belts, wallets or knife sheaths, they’re handmade from beautiful 100-percent Hermann Oak Leather in their shop.

Choose from a variety of exotic skins, bull hides and custom hand-tooling in a multiple choice of colors. Visit the website and online store to see all of the different custom-designed leather holsters and belts.

MUSK OX PRODUCERS CO-OPERATIVE QIVIUT HANDKNITS qiviut.com The Smokering, or Nachaq, is designed to be worn either up like a hood, or around the neck as a cowl or accent scarf. Nelson Island, from which the Qiviut Nelson Island Pattern Smokering takes its name, is located approximately 500 miles west of Anchorage on the coast of Alaska. The unique pattern comes from the diamondshaped trim on the edge of their fur parkas, which represents the sea ice forming around in the island in winter, and breaking up into drifts in spring. The Musk Ox Producers Co-op employs the most active knitters in the region, and their skill shows with every stitch.

BUFFALO ARMS COMPANY buffaloarms.com The Buffalo Arms Company is your source for old, obsolete and hardto-find ammo and shooting supplies. Outfitters to the Old West – and people who like to visit there.

CAN CAN CONCEALMENT cancanconcealment.com

The Hip Hugger Classic Holster is the most versatile option in the Can Can Collection.

Holding up to four firearms and three holsters, the Hip Hugger incorporates all of the features found in every Can Can Holster, including holstering tabs, weapon-retention magnets, and nonslip silicone construction.

Designed for either right- or left-hand draw from both front and back holster, the undeniably feminine Hip Hugger is available in a size for every woman and every style of handgun.

Sophisticated, timeless, and in a class of their own, the company’s holsters are the choice for concealed carry women everywhere.

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American Shooting Journal // May 2018

Lightweight, easy setup, portable, very tough polymer!

Target Stand High Impact Polymer Uprights

Polymer target stand and Polymer vertical uprights based on the 1” x 2” fir strip – stand can use standard wood vertical uprights, commonly found at your local lumber store, or the much better performing polymer vertical uprights we manufacture – 10-to-1 better performance over wood.

Law Enforcement gun ranges love our product.

When stand is accidentally shot, you can still remove vertical uprights over metal and stand polymer is tough enough to allow hits and still be functional.

Our target stand is used across many shooting disciplines: recreational, competition, gun range, professional, LE and Military.

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gear OREGON PACK WORKS oregonpackworks.com

ADCO

adcosales.com Booth #10054 Countless shooters have learned over the years that for about $10, they can save themselves from the arduous task of reloading pistol magazines, thanks to the Super Thumb Tools from ADCO. In just four easy steps, magazines go from dead to full, saving time and trouble – not to mention plenty of thumbnails. Now, ADCO has available the Super Thumb Complete Set (STCS). The set includes six individual units, plus two Super Thumb Juniors, and covers a wide range of center fire and target pistol calibers. Get the Super Thumb! Your opposable digit will thank you.

Based in Bend, Oregon Pack Works began aggressively testing their innovative outdoor products in 2009, and formally launched the company pany the following year. The company’s signature packk suspension system – the One is All – is the foundation ation of their line; the perfect system for hunters, search ch and rescue personnel, or for military and tactical operations. With the One is All Suspension System, m, users can create different pack types on the spot.t.

Oregon Pack Works’ proprietary fabric is waterproof, roof, burr-resistant, soft, shear, quiet, and punctureresistant. From Lumbar pack to the Expedition, this is system does it all.

HOLSTER PARTNERS holsterpartner.com The Body Shield is a revolutionary new product that solves the potential problem of being poked and pinched when carrying concealed inside the waistband. Comfort has long been an issue with IWB; well, not anymore, thanks to Holster Partners’ Body Shield. This thin flexible shield provides a comfortablee barrier of protection between you and your firearm.

Simply attach the Body Shield to your existing holster with the hook-and-loop material (included), and voilà – no more irritating pokes and prods. There’s no reason carrying concealed shouldn’t be comfortable. And it can be, thanks to the Body Shield.

GPOTAC 1–8x24i 30mm and 34mm main tubes // Massive mil-rad set and lock turrets // iControl illumination options // Custom mil-spec Horseshoe reticle // 6X, 8X zoom technology // First focal plane // GPObright lens coating technology // Machined aluminum magnification ring //

This line of tactical riflescopes packs incredible high-demand features into every item. Massive mil-rad turrets, mil-spec reticles, fiber optic iControl illumination with auto-off functionality and stunning optical performance will shake shooters to their core. Built with the reticle in the first focal plane on 30mm and 34mm main tubes, these riflescopes allow for an optimal range of adjustment. Feature for feature, spec for spec, you will find no better optic for your demanding needs.

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NRA show BOOTH #7455 www.gpo-usa.com

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// or at to see all GPO riflescopes & binoculars

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Kramer Handgun Leather’s IWB WB #2 defines w what an IWB holster should be. Constructed cted of pr premium horsehide and molded to your specific firearm, the IWB #2 will not collapse when the gun is drawn, facilitating easy one-handed reholstering. Screws – not snaps – secure the belt loops, allowing a full range of adjustments to accommodate a variety of belt widths. The IWB #2 positions the firearm in an FBI forward tilt; ample space permits a full firing grip without shifting finger position. It’s available in black, mahogany, or tan for most semiautomatics and revolvers.

SHOOTING CHRONY, INC. shootingchrony.com

Strength of 5 Carries like 30

Made of 20-gauge steel but weighing less than 2½ pounds, the Shooting Chrony is powered by a single 9-volt alkaline battery (not included) and features a large LCDreadout. When folded, the unit measures a mere 7½ inches long, 4½ inches wide and 2¾ inches high. Every Shooting Chrony comes with a triangular shooting area, adjustable from 8 inches by 8 inches to 14½ inches by 14½ inches, depending on the shooter’s needs and situation. The ultimate in portable ballistic data interpretation, the Shooting Chrony is a must-have for every range bag.

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Lightweight, extremely portable, easy-to-use, and stackable, the polymer target stand from HatPoint Target is one tough customer. Stable under a wide variety of temperature conditions, HatPoint’s polymer target stand uses common 1-by-2-inch fir strips (not included) as vertical supports for any number of different target shapes and designs. Available in a variety of widths ranging from 6 to 24 inches, the stands can be staked solidly, and can withstand multiple impacts. When necessary, the vertical fir supports can be changed quickly, and the target’s back in service.

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The best optics at every price point, guaranteed

Come check out our show specials at NRA Booth 9933

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Optics/Sights ADVANTAGE TACTICAL advantagetactical.com

The PX4 Storm from Advantage Tactical features the company’s newest sight system – the Advantage Tactical Dark Diamond th only iron sight system in which Sight (ATDDS). The ATDDS iss the ht alone, wit an illuminated front sight with the benefit of being able to see the rear sight, will allow for accur accuracy in the dark. The rear ortions of the front sight sight obscures portions sight, creating a diamond pattern. See the diamond, and you’re aligne aligned and on target. The orts the largest front sight in the ind ATDDS sports industry; the diamond dds precision. Want perfection? Get a diamond. dia point adds The Dark mond Sight from Advantage Tactical.

Diamond

SWAROVSKI OPTIK NORTH AMERICA swarovskioptik.com • Booth #9250 Swarovski Optik North America, a subsidiary of the Austrian-based company, announces the new Kahles K525i. This incredibly rugged riflescope was developed for tactical use and long-range shooting situations. With four precise illuminated reticles in the first focal plane and an ergonomic user-friendly design, the K525i offers maximum optical performance, field of vision, contrast, and quality. The patented Twist Guard windage adjustment system and clearly defined turret mechanism make the K525i one of the most innovative and exceptional riflescopes to hit the American market in years.

BUSHNELL SHNELL

bushnell.com ll.com • Booth #7530 Serious hunters, shooters, and outdoor enthusiasts demand serious gear, gear and Bushnell knows this. And because use they th know this, they’ve introduced introduc the Forge series of binoculars inoculars – outstanding anding optics optic for people who love lov the outdoors.

Bushnell starts arts with the finest lens coatings, coatin and then adds the innovative EXO Barrier that bonds onds too the exterior lenses, repelling repelli repp water, oil, dust and debris for ultraclear resolution, esolu olution, even under the worst w conditions. Forge riflescopes are similarly waterproof rprroof of and weatherproof, weatherp providing the industry’s best resolution, brightness and true-to-life ue-to-life ccolor. Buy the best. Buy B Bushnell.

NIKON ON

nikonsportoptics.com ptics.com Engineered too deliver the longest shots with confidence and precision, the 00 will raise eyebrows and expectations among lon new Black FX1000 long-range shooters. Competition-ready tion-ready straight from the box, Black FX1000 integrates Nikon optics into its first focal plane optical system, creating tack-sharp images and dialing functionality tionality at any magnification and distance.

Proprietary new glass-etched hed tactical reticles paired with precise, highspeed turrets allow fast, repeatable atable distance corr corrections and intuitive holdoff points. And for rapid return too zero, the FX10 FX1000 debuts Nikon’s all-new Black Return-to-Zero integral zero-stop -stop in th the elevation turret. Do it right. Do it Nikon.

NIGHTFORCE OPTICS nightforceoptics.com • Booth #4715

Nightforce Optics has introduced two new riflescopes, each offering an 8:1 zoom ratio.

Measuring just 8¾ inches and weighing only 17 ounces, the NX8 1-8 x 24 F1 is the perfect compliment to any lightweight mountain rifle, and any situation where overall weight might be a concern. The NX8 includes a daylight-visible center red dot reticle, and is offered in either MOA or Mil-Radian adjustments. The Nightforce ATACR 1-8 x 24 F1 sports ED glass, daylight visible illumination, .1 MilRadian adjustments, an extremely low profile, and superb clarity and durability. It’s a new look at the Power of Eight from Nightforce Optics. americanshootingjournal.com 95

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optics/sights

MARCH OPTICS marchoptics.com At just under 8½ inches long and weighing only 17 ounces, the Shorty from March Optics is proof positive that great things can – and do – come in small packages! Perfect for your next ultralight tactical build, the Shorty showcases its amazing 1-8x range in a first focal plane design. The true 1x setting allows use with both eyes open, and the diopter adjustable eyepiece brings perfect clarity to the four-level illuminated reticles.

Choose between either a 6-Mil illuminated circle, or concentric rings at 6- and 25-Mils.

Incredible Japanese glass and attention to detail make March scopes a pleasure to use, and the envy of friends and competitors alike.

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GERMAN RMAN PRECISION CISION OPTICS C

RITON OPTICS

German Precision ision Optics, USA, is changing the way hunterss and shooters see things. ny’s flagship riflescopes One of the company’s x50i – sports an – the Passion 2.5-15x50i almost endless list of benefits for tthe user, including Super-zoom 6x techn technology that keeps objects, both near and far, in crystalclear view; iControl fiber optic micro-dot illumination; internal PASSIONtrac quick-zero turrets; GPO bright lens coatings; and double HD objective lens technology. Built tough for the dedicated shooter, German Precision Optics are sure to impress even the most discerning user.

Riton Optics, a veteran-owned company, is now featuring the Mod 5 GEN2 scope, complete with a first focal plane reticle, 6-24x magnification, and the popular Riton Center Crosshair Illuminated Ranging Reticle. This optic features high-quality HD Japanese glass averaging 99.5 percent light transmission. With fully multi-coated lenses, this riflescope is fogproof, waterproof, and shockproof, providing an extremely clear picture in any light or weather conditions. At a price of $499, the Mod 5 GEN2 also features push/pull locking zero reset turrets, a fast-focus eyepiece and side parallax control, and is backed by Riton’s unlimited lifetime warranty.

gpo-usa.com • Booth #7455

ritonoptics.com • Booth #9933

SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

NEW FROM KAHLES:

TWO TOP-QUALITY KAHLES SCOPES DEBUT

ENTER THE ULTRA-SHORT K318I AND THE K525I – A WINNING PAIR

S

pring and summer are the right times of year for mounting new optics on a favorite rifle or a new one, and for 2018, Swarovski Optik of North America has introduced a pair of new scopes from Kahles that are the top of the line for the rigors of the American outdoors.

There is no better time of the year for upgrading one’s rifle optics. Those long, lazy days of summer provide lots of daylight hours for range work, and there is possibly no better way to spend an afternoon and evening than lingering at the shooting bench to precisely adjust a newly installed scope, one careful shot at a time. You’re under no pressure. You take your time.

Our experience with Kahles optics goes back at least a couple of decades. The brand represented quality then, and today they’re even better.

One of these new models is the K525i, with sharp edge-to-edge clarity, ¼-MOA positive click adjustments and a parallax wheel integrated into the elevation turret. This scope boasts the patented

Twist Guard windage that prevents accidental adjustment, illuminated reticles in the first focal plane and large adjustment range.

According to company literature, the K525i is available with four precise illuminated reticles in the first focal plane.

This 5-25x56mm riflescope is available with the following reticles: SKMR3, SKMR, MSR2 or MOAK. All of this is housed in a 34mm main tube. The scope has an overall length of 14.8 inches, and it weighs 34.2 ounces. It boasts an eye relief of 3.74 inches and has a matte black finish.

Designed to meet the challenges of all kinds of terrain, from forests to the wide-open prairies, the K525i will definitely deliver.

ALSO MAKING ITS DEBUT is the Kahles K318i, a 3.5-18x50mm Ultrashort riflescope which has been years in development.

SWAROVSKI OPTIK 2 Slater Road Cranston, RI 02920 (800) 426-3089 www.swarovskioptik.com

This model features a first focal plane reticle, developed for tactical use and longrange shooting.

Like its larger sibling, the K318i has a parallax wheel integrated into the elevation turret, so it is userfriendly for both right- and lefthanded shooters. And continuing the similarities, this little compact also offers the patented Twist Guard windage adjustment protection.

This model features an Allen key for zeroing the turrets that is housed in the cap of the illumination unit.

Weighing 32.59 ounces, the K318i is 12.32 inches long. It has a 34mm main tube and offers 3.62 inches of eye relief.

It is also finished in matte black.

THERE SHOULDN’T BE any doubt about the capability of either Kahles scope model when it comes to absorbing all available light. With their large objective lenses, either will perform even in the dim twilight of dawn or dusk, the time of day when game and predators might be most active.

Designed and built in Austria, Kahles scopes have earned a reputation for precision, reliability and ruggedness.

They are built for years of service in all kinds of conditions, from first light of opening day to the successful climax and a notched tag.

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ROAD HUNTER

CALLER I.D.

Bringing in a mature tom is what spring turkey hunting is all about, and diversifying your calling repertoire can make it happen.

There’s a plethora of turkey calls out there, and here’s how to make the best use of each kind.

STORY & PHOTOS BY SCOTT HAUGEN

W

e’re in the final stretch of spring turkey season and if there’s one thing I’ve learned in more than 25 years of hunting these birds throughout the country, it’s the importance of call diversification. In my turkey vest you’ll find a range of calls. Are they all necessary? No, but at one time or another I’ve used them all in order to call in finicky toms.

It’s not too late to pick up some calls and offer those wily birds something different. If looking to expand your turkey-calling repertoire, consider implementing these calls.

BOX CALLS The box call could be the most popular

turkey call used by hunters across America. Box calls are easy to use and their sounds, very real. I know of many seasoned hunters who prefer box calls due to their quality sound production, and they’re the best call for beginners.

Whatever box call you choose, make sure it’s freshly chalked, or treated, in order to produce the most realistic sounds. I carry two box calls; one all-weather model that produces a range of sweet sounds, and one that’s extra loud for carrying long distances, through mountains and bad weather.

If you can get yelps, clucks and purrs to sound good on a box call, you’ll regularly bring in toms. With the underside of the paddle chalked, pass it over either side of the beveled edges, or the lip of the box, to create sound.

To make simple yelps, hold the

bottom of the base between your thumb and fingers. With the other hand, pinch the paddle handle between the thumb and index finger. With the center of the paddle about half an inch to the side of one lip, lightly drag the paddle across the lip of the box. Stop the dragging motion when the center of the paddle is about half an inch on the opposite side of the lip. This short, 1-inch stroke is a yelp. Apply three to five of these in succession at the rate of about one per second, and you have a series of yelps.

The most commonly heard sound in the turkey woods is the yelp made by a hen. About 80 percent of the toms I’ve called in have come to a hen yelp, a sound that signals a bird’s location and communicates all is safe.

To produce a purr, the turkey’s sound of being content, gently slide the paddle americanshootingjournal.com 105

ROAD HUNTER an inch or two across the lip. With some calls, the weight of the paddle is enough to generate a quality soft purr sound.

Clucks are often used in conjunction with purrs and yelps.

Clucks are made by quickly plucking the paddle over the lip in an upward motion. With the cluck, the paddle only travels about an eighth of an inch over the lip. Clucks are good to use at the end of a series of yelps. They’re attention-getting sounds birds often use to communicate location.

MOUTH CALLS In my selection of diaphragm calls is an array of single-, double- and triple-reed calls, as well as ones with notched, split and stacked reeds.

The purpose is to have models that produce different sounds.

As for working diaphragm calls, just dive in. Don’t be intimidated, as these calls are easy to work, offering the best handsfree calling there is. This can be vital

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Box calls are a favorite of most turkey hunters, and there are countless makes and models to choose from. All working parts are the same, as labeled here.

when nervous toms approach, allowing you to generate realistic sounds with no movement. If you can get yelps and purrs out of a diaphragm call, that’s enough.

Start with a single-reed call when trying diaphragms for the first time, as they are the easiest to blow. Your goal is to simply get a sound, not mimic a

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On a slate call (top), yelps (movement A) are made by dragging the tip of the striker toward you while pushing down, then returning it to the starting position. When making this oval-shaped motion, the striker never leaves the slate. Purrs (B) are created by gently applying pressure on the striker while skipping it over the slate’s surface. Clucks (C) are made by firmly pushing the striker into the slate while quickly moving it toward you, producing a sharp, one-note sound. There’s a wide variety of strikers and pots (bottom) out there that allow a range of turkey sounds to be made.

turkey right away. To generate a sound, it’s all about properly positioning the call in your mouth and applying proper tongue pressure.

Using your tongue, position the call in the roof of your mouth about halfway between your front and back teeth, with the open edge facing forward. On multi-reed calls, place the short reed down. You may need to trim the tape or slightly bend the frame to get a comfortable fit.

When preparing to call, place the top of your tongue against the tape, pinning it to the roof of your mouth. This will create a seal so no air passes over the top of the tape or around its edges. When blowing lightly, you want air moving over your tongue, but beneath the diaphragm, never over it. Sound is generated by causing reed vibration.

The simplest sounds to make with a diaphragm are hen yelps. With the call in your mouth and slight pressure on 108

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the reed with your tongue, lightly blow while mouthing the word “yelp.” Keep with it, repositioning the call as needed in order to get the sound.

Once you get the yelp, try for a purr. Purrs are made by blowing and fluttering the lips, or by blowing and fluttering the tongue. Either way, the goal is to get soft, short, nonthreatening sounds of content.

Clucks are next and can be made by expelling a short, sudden burst of air while saying the word “puck.” Build air pressure in your chest, then quickly release it while mouthing the word “puck.” To end the call, quickly close the lips, cutting off the sound. It’s a short, quick note that is used in combination with yelps and purrs, and is good to apply when a tom is hung-up just out of shooting range.

POT (SLATE) CALLS Pot calls, often called slates, are another friction call and are a must-have for all turkey hunters. These are some of my favorite calls, producing what my ears perceive as the most realistic turkey sounds I’m personally capable of generating.

A pot call consists of three parts: a pot, a calling surface and a striker. The pot serves the purpose of supporting the calling surface and acts as a sound chamber. The calling surface is what the striker is skipped across to produce sound.

Calling surfaces range from slate to glass, aluminum, plexiglass and more. Each surface yields a different sound, and each type of striker produces a unique sound.

Prior to making any sounds on your slate call, rough up the surface with abrasive paper. Drag the tip of your striker across the abrasive paper too, making sure it’s clean. Hold the striker about an inch up from the bottom, like you would a pencil. Tip the top of the striker away from you, so the peg is at about a 45-degree angle to the pot’s surface. This angle should remain the same throughout the calling process.

Yelps are easy to mimic on a slate call. Begin by holding the pot in one hand. Grip it around the outer edges, making sure not to cover the sound chambers in the bottom, whereby muffling the sounds. When making a yelp on a slate, the striker remains in constant contact with the calling surface, even when traveling away from the pot’s center.

Place the tip of the striker on the slate and draw an oval shape. The oval motion should fit on the surface of a dime.

The “yelping” sound is made when the striker is pushed downwards and pulled toward the center of the call, skipping across the pot’s surface. When returning the striker to the starting position, no sound will be generated, as the angle of the striker is wrong to “skip” over the tiny grooves etched in the pot. Each time the striker moves downward, it creates a yelp. Repeat, making the oval three to five times in sequence, and you’ve created a yelp sequence.

By applying more or less pressure on the striker, you’ll get higher- or lower-pitched sounds. What tones 110

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Author Scott Haugen took this earlyseason tom at nearly 4,000 feet. To overcome the windy, cold conditions, he hunted the leeward side of mountains and utilized multiple calls.

you get depend on the pot and strikers being used.

Purrs can be created by moving the striker across the slate’s surface in a straight line. Grip the peg about half an inch higher from where you gripped it to make yelps. This will expose more of the peg, allowing perfect tones to be reached. With slight pressure, draw the tip of the striker straight toward you, from the outer edge of the slate to the middle.

As you draw the striker toward you, it will lightly skip across the slate’s surface, producing purrs.

Clucks can also be made on a slate call. Grab the striker about half an inch from the bottom and firmly press down while pulling it toward you on the slate. The peg should make a quick jump, creating a one-note sound.

When it comes to turkey calls, try a variety. Practice with them so you can call with confidence when on the hunt.

Study and learn turkey communication to aid your calling and you’ll develop the skills to call in toms in many situations.

The result will be more turkey dinners for you and the family.

Editor’s note: For signed copies of Scott Haugen’s popular book Western Turkey Hunting: Strategies For All Levels, send a check for $20.00 (free S&H) to Haugen Enterprises, P.O. Box 275, Walterville, OR 97489, or visit scotthaugen.com. The 208-page book contains over 270 color photos and is the most comprehensive title of its kind.

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KNIVES KERSHAW

kershawknives.com • Booth #9652 Designed by reknowned Belarusian knife maker Dmitry Sinkevich, Kershaw’s new Atmos features the artist’s characteristic clean, practical makeup, but with a touch of detailing. The blade is a slim modified drop point with a top swedge, which has been machine satin-finished on the grinds, and satin-sanded on the flats. A lightweight G10 handle includes a secure, weight-reducing inset liner lock, and a top layer of carbon fiber. A custom oversized pivot point, Kershaw’s KVT ball-bearing opening system, and a reversible deep-carry pocketclip round out the Atmos’ amenities. Whether you’re field-dressing an elk or opening a letter, the Atmos will do it with style.

ZERO TOLERANCE RANCE KNIVES ztknives.com • Booth #9652

Big. Aggressive. Formidable. Solid. Impressive. sive. That’s how best to describe the new 0393 from Zero Tolerance rance Knives. The 0393 combines designer Rick Hinderer’s distinctive inctive style with ZT’s solid construction in a more-than-substantial knife fe that’s surprisingly lightweight and comfortable. The 0393 shines the spotlightt on a harpoon-style version of Hinderer’s spanto blade in CPM 20CV for superior hardness, corrosion resistance, durability, wear resistance, and edge retention.

A titanium handle with G10 overlay, KVT ball-bearing opening system, frame lock, and a reversible pocketclip all make the 0393 a force to be reckoned with.

ONTARIO KNIFE COMPANY ontarioknife.com • Booth #12156 The Spec Plus Alpha Combat from the Ontario Knife Company (OKC) is a full-skeleton, fixed 5.6-inch 57-59HRC blade fashioned from high-carbon steel with a durable phosphate coating. With an overall length of 10.8 inches, the SPA Combat features a patent-pending handle with ergonomically molded synthetic rubber grips that remain firmly planted in your hand, even in wet conditions. A curved blade

design and razor-sharp point spotlight durability and incredible balance.

When your personal space has been compromised, it’s time to react. The SPA Combat is, without question, up to the challenge.

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rifles AMERICAN BUILT ARMS COMPANY abarms.com

As a champion of the Second Amendment, the American Built Arms Company wants every American to have the opportunity to build their own made-in-the-USA bolt-action rifle. Their “Power to the People” program combines two outstanding firearms products – the A*B Arms MOD*X GEN III Modular Rifle System, and the Remington Model 700 SPS Tactical AAC-SD Barreled Action. Thanks to the modularity of the MOD*X GEN III rifle system, any number of aftermarket accessories can be used with the final product, including recoil pads, pistol grips, and hand guards. Long recognized as a superior bolt-action firearm, the Remington 700’s reputation speaks for itself.

Both products are shipped together to your local FFL dealer for pickup. Once in your hands, assembly takes about 15 minutes.

BEST OF THE WEST longrangestore.com Looking for a turn-key shooting system that offers value without the expense of quality or precision? Want a custom rifle that’s out-of-the-box ready? The Best of the West (BOTW) Hunter Elite Lite features a custom BOTW action, proprietary hand-laid fiberglass stock with carbon fiber reinforcements, and a choice of three colors – graystone, foliage, and midnight blue. Caliber offerings for the Hunter Elite Lite include 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5x.284, 7mm Remington Mag, 28 Nosler, and .300 Win Mag. Each rifle is mounted with a Huskemaw Blue Diamond Scope in one of the following models – 3-12x42, 4-16x42, or 5-20x50.

Your rifle will be accuracy validated at true sub-MOA, data collected for the environments you choose, and shipped in a TSA-approved hard case.

TROY worldoftroy.com • Booth #11542 The Troy SOCC – Special Operations Compatible Carbine – is lightweight, low profile, and built to exceed Special Operations field requirements. Chambered in 5.56mm and 7.62mm, the SOCC’s 14½-inch barrel with three-prong flash hider offers a civilian-legal 16-inch overall length. A new slim, snag-free SOCC M-Lok BattleRail, Troy’s multiposition PDW-style Airborne stock with 14-inch length of pull, crisp two-stage trigger, and all new Troy SOCC BattleSights are also featured. Available in Troy’s signature military brown and black, MSRP for the semiauto SOCC is $1,599; full-auto builds are available for law enforcement and military applications.

MKS HI-POINT FIREARMS

SAVAGE ARMS

hi-pointfirearms.com • Booth #7316

savagearms.com • Booth #7530

Hi-Point Firearms continues its long tradition of manufacturing reliable, accurate, quality firearms at an affordable price, with the introduction of the 1095TS. Chambered for 10mm Auto, the 1095TS carbine is now available in black, as well as the new Realtree Edge Camouflage pattern. The 10mm is ideal for whitetails in those states allowing straight-wall cartridges, for home defense, or on the range. Sporting a rugged polymer stock, recoil-dampening butt pad, and protected iron sights, the 1095TS has a threaded barrel (.578x28/.45 Auto) for a suppressor. Hi-Point offers the most affordable 10mm on the market today.

When the stakes are high, settle for nothing less than the precision and adaptability of the new Savage 110 Tactical. Available in .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, and 6mm Creedmoor, the Model 110 Tactical’s AccuFit system lets shooters customize the length of pull for the utmost in consistency, while the AccuTrigger provides a light, crisp pull. A custom rifle right out of the box, the 110 Tactical comes with a suppressor-ready barrel, one-piece scope rail, soft grip fore-end and pistol grip, tactical oversized bolt handle, and 10-round detachable box-style magazine. Both left- and right-hand models are available. americanshootingjournal.com 117

RIFLES LAYKE TACTICAL layketactical.com The LT-9 from Layke Tactical is made of 6061-T6 aerospace billet aluminum, and features a dedicated Glock lower receiver with last-round hold-open, nitride bolt, 7-inch key-mod hand guard, Mil-Spec trigger, KAK Shockwave brace, and a Hogue Grip. Weighing just shy of 6 pounds, the rugged LT-9 sports a Type III hard anodized coat, and can be mated to any Mil-Spec AR-15 upper and bolt catch.

SKINNER SIGHTS skinnersights.com skin ih

BISHOP AMMUNITION AND FIREARMS bishopammunition.com Based on a trued and blueprinted Remington Model 700 receiver, the 458 SOCOM Hunter by Bishop Ammunition and Firearms features a fine Timney 510 trigger, 16-inch heavy stainless steel barrel, multiport muzzle brake, interchangeable barrel system, and seven-round AICS pattern 458 SOCOM-only magazine. With its 300- to 500-grain bullet, the 458 SOCOM is the ultimate brush gun, perfect for wild hogs or any other big game animal found in North America. It’s available in the MDT LSS chassis, Magpul FDE and Black Hunter stocks. Bishop Ammunition and Firearms – when you want the very best afield.

Introduced in 2017 chambered in .44 Magnum, Skinner Sights’ Bush Pilot takedown hunting and survival carbine was an instant success. In response to consumer demand, Andy Larsson of Skinner Sights has taken this package to the next level with the introduction of the Bush Pilot .45-70 Gov’t. Featuring Skinner’s rugged, reliable and extremely accurate peep sights, the new Bush Pilot .45-70 breaks down into a Skinner-designed case that’s 20 inches overall.

The lever-action carbine kit includes essential survival items – Brunton compass, Doan fire starter, flare matches, Ontario Knife Company RAT 7 survival knife sporting the Bush Pilot logo and serial numbered to the rifle, 750-pound paracord, space blanket, and hexamine stove – all of which fit into the Skinner case. Be prepared. Get the Bush Pilot carbine from Skinner Sights.

Absolute Zero Ordnance, LLC “ALWAYS SEEKING PERFECTION”

AZO Patriot “2A Defender” 308 LRP

• with Blackstone™ coated Lower & BCG

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AZO Patriot AR-10/15 Enhanced Lowers • 7075 Billet w/ Custom Graphics • Screw Enhanced Pinning System • Now with spring secured upper to assure the tightest possible fit & best consistency!

38900 FM 1774 Magnolia, TX 77355 118

American Shooting Journal // May 2018

azocustoms.com

346-703-0118

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RIFLES SEE SEEKINS PRECISION, PR LLC seek seekinsprecision.com Booth #3522 Boot

Car Carrying the walletfriendly price tag of $2,200 frie MS MSRP, the PH1 by Seekins Precision is the ultimate Pre bolt-action rifle designed bo with the everyday hunter wit in mind. Now, Seekins ha has remained true to their innovative roots with in the introduction of their th Professional Composites P sstocks. In the interest oof weight reduction and ddurability, the PH1 comes with a carbon fiber w ProComp CH1 stock, as well as a carbon fiber magazine. All components of the PH1, with the exception of the excellent Timney 510 trigger and LimbSaver recoil pad, have been designed and produced right here at Seekins Precision.

ABSOLUTE ZERO ORDNANCE azocustoms.com • Booth #2803

Absolute Zero Ordnance (AZO) is now a platinum dealer for the excellent Masterpiece Arms (MPA) custom precision rifles. One such example – the 6.5 Creedmoor Competition LRP rifle – has a guaranteed 3/8 MOA! These rifles, including the barrels, are completely manufactured in-house by MPA. AZO, as a custom firearms builder, uses the MPA chassis and parts as a base when building rifles to the individual shooter’s requirements.

Carbon fiber barrels, for instance, for weight reduction for those hunting big game under physically demanding circumstances. Absolute Zero Ordnance – only the best builds!

NODAK ARMS, INC. nodakarms.com From the folks at Nodak Arms comes the ND-15 Grunt – an accurate, comfortable, reliable, and affordable entrylevel AR platform that’s as enjoyable to shoot as she is good-looking. Available in 5.56 NATO/.223 Remington, the Grunt sports a 16-inch barrel with M4 contour and feed ramps, and a 1:8 twist; A3 upper with M4 cuts; standard or skeletonized lower; M4 buttstock with six configuration possibilities; CAR hand guard; A2 flash suppressor; and one Mil-Spec Magpul 30-round magazine; and Nodak’s limited lifetime factory warranty. In addition to building custom AR firearms, Nodak offers a wide selection of handguns, shotguns, bolt-action rifles, cleaning gear, and accessories. Need it? Nodak has it.

Top Quality Custom Built AR Weapon Systems at a great price Hand Guns Shotguns Bolt Action Rifles Firearm Accessories Cleaning Gear Gunsmithing

Grunt model

chambered in 5.56 with a 16” barrel

601 104th St SE Minot, ND 58701 | Phone: 701-839-0005 120

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americanshootingjournal.com am ame meric me riiccans an a nssho n hoo h oo o otin ti gj gjo jjo ou urrn urn rna all. al. l.ccom om om 12 1121 21

CUSTOM DESIGN RIFLES MACHINING SINCE 1955

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gun GEAR ARCHANGEL RCHANGEL MANUFACTURING ACTURING archangelmanufacturing.com • Booth #7548 The Archangel Quick Break-Down (QBD) QBD) stock easily converts standard Ruger 10/22 carbine mo models – note: does not apply to Ruger takedown versions ions – into a quick break-down design. The secr secret lies in the patent-pending adjustable steel toggle V-block clamp, l mp, which facilitates rapid barrel removal rem and installation. The innovative folding stock features integrated barrel storage, allowing the rifle to be stored in compact spaces and making it perfect for campers, pilots, and survivalists. rvivalists. Constr Constructed of high-strength carbon fiber and glass-reinforced nylon polymer, the QBD embodies durabilit durability.

VELOCITY TRIGGERS velocitytriggers.com • Booth #11352 New from Velocity Triggers is the MPC Series for AR drop-in triggers. The MPC Trigger features a 3/8-inch-wide shoe that is positioned ½ inch forward of a standard trigger, allowing for faster target acquisition and more precise finger placement. The trigger shoes are interchangeable – one screw does it all – and are available in three shapes or styles: curved, straight, and straight with a finger stop, as well as a radius or a flat with serrations. Five color options are listed, including anodized black or red, or Cerakoted in flat dark earth, OD green, or pink.

BEYER BARRELS beyerbarrels.com These premium-quality aluminumalloy barrels are fully machined to precise, match-grade tolerances from exceptionally hard 7075 aluminum, which is much stronger than mild steel alloys. This provides all the benefits of a thick barrel and improves the heat distribution for better accuracy. These barrels range from 13 to 18 ounces – less than half of traditional steel barrels weighing up to 60 ounces.

Using a dedicated breech collar does away with the .223 adapter and the free bore the bullet travels before it contacts the rifling. The buttonrifled Chromalloy steel liner features precise 1-in-16- or 1-in-9-inch rifling for excellent accuracy. The 1-in-9-inch rifling works well for 60-grain subsonic .22 LR ammo. A variety of finishes are available, including stainless steel, matte black, OD green and custom colors. Ceramic finishes are baked on and resist corrosion, scratches, and surface wear.

Beyer Barrels allow for greater versatility for long hikes, a full day at the range, and increased endurance for youth shooting and ease of use.

NEW ENGLAND CUSTOM GUN SERVICE newenglandcustomgun.com • Booth #8217 A growing demand for tactical mounts and accessories was the driving force behind the design and development of New England Custom Gun’s ERATAC (eratac.de) line of products. These German-made components are of the highest quality, built for the operator and serious sport shooter who demands the absolute best from their equipment. ERATAC’s T1 and T2 scope mounts feature the company’s Universal Interface System, which ch allows the user to accessorize the mount as desired.

Picatinny rails, rings, folding back Ultralight T3 mount are also available. ck up sight systems, and the Ultra

KNIGHT’S ARMAMENT COMPANY knightarmco.com Booth #11333 Developed in 2007, the SR-15 IWS Lower Receiver Assembly set the industry standard for integrating ambidextrous controls in modern sporting rifles. This complete lower receiver is ready for any Mil-Spec upper, making it the ultimate upgrade for any AR-15 enthusiast. Each SR-15 lower features Knight’s Ambi-Magazine Release, bolt release, and safety selector. Standard features include Knight’s KAC2 Stage drop-in trigger, SOPMOD Mil-Spec stock, one 30-round Mil-Spec magazine, two quickdetach sling mounts, and Mag-Block and Lock. Feature-rich, the SR-15 maintains its position as the best-in-class for AR-15 style lower receivers.

DACTECH targetize.com • Booth #6507 Have a desire to shoot better, improve your accuracy, and increase your reaction time? The Targetize rail-mounted motion sensor from DacTech provides you, the shooter, with vital information as to why you shoot the way you do, and then how to improve. The virtual coaching app, developed by ex-military and special forces, gives instant feedback to help shooters understand and visualize shot placement after each shot.

Practice anytime – anywhere – with your favorite firearm while in one of three modes – live fire, dry fire, or CO2. App is available for iOS and Android devices. americanshootingjournal.com 123

gun gear DIVERSIFIED INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS, INC. diproductsinc.com

DEFIANCE MACHINE CHINE defiancemachine.com ne.com Defiance Machine has spent the last nine years redefining g the custom action market. Offering innovation, vation, precision, complete customization, n, and unmatched customer service, Defiance stands e stand as the nation’s premier bolt action manufacturer.

And the new Tenacity stands strong as an example of their excellence in craftsmanship. The Tenacity is machined from the same steels as are the company’s popular Rebel and Deviant actions, and to the same high tolerances. The Tenacity package includes a 20 MOA stainless picatinny rail or Talley lightweight mounts, and recoil lug.

With the Tenacity, it’s not a matter of options; it’s a matter of performance and perfection at an exceptional price.

BARTLEIN BARRELS bartleinbarrels.com If precision is what you’re looking for, then Bartlein should be making your barrels. The Bartlein Team is comprised of experienced reloaders, shooters, and hunters; men and women who know and practice precision on a daily basis. These individuals pride themselves on uniformity, and can, if needed, carry a twist rate out to the fourth decimal point! So if a 1-in-11 twist isn’t working, how about 1-in-11.3642? It’s the difference between good and perfection, and the folks at Bartlein Barrels know how to make the difference. Trust Bartlein for all your barrel needs.

Fabricated right here in the US from aluminum bar stock, the HOWA 1500 Mini-Action rreplacement trigger guard/magazine well from Diversified Products is a one-for-one replacement for the plastic OEM magazine well. The redesigned magazine catch spring increases tension, meaning you’re less likely to accidently drop your factory mag. And coldweather gloves aren’t a problem, thanks to the larger trigger loop integrated into the guard. This is a definite must-have swap out.

R&S PRECISION 1022racerifle.com The At One adjustable rifle stock combines modularity and classic looks into one striking aftermarket stock. The At One is a laminated wood stock, weighing in at less than 2 pounds, 13 ounces, with an adjustable length of pull as well as an adjustable cheek piece, making it extremely versatile. Multiple people can now quickly adjust and shoot the same rifle comfortably.

The At One is available in several colors, and is made for a multitude of different rifles. From hunting to bench shooting, the Boyd’s At One rifle stock will perform exceedingly well and look good doing it!

PRECISION RIFLE SOLUTIONS precisionriflesolutions.com Precision Rifle Solutions offers another component to their already well-known Sniper Shooting Platforms (SSP1 and SSP2) with their Freedom Quick Release Mount (FQRM). The mount works between any tripod manufacturer’s threaded quick-release plate and a section of Mil-Spec Picatinny rail. Made from a solid piece of billet aluminum, the FQRM 1.0 accepts PRS’ small, medium, or large tripods, while the 2.0 Model is designed for the company’s XL model.

ALTAMONT COMPANY altamontco.com • Booth #2504

SPINTA PRECISION spintaprecision.com New from California-based Spinta Precision comes a 4.5-inch cold hammer-forged stainless 9mm barrel inspired from a legend, the Thompson submachine gun. Featuring a 1-in-16 twist, this wildly popular addition to the extensive Spinta Precision line is crafted of strong 416R stainless steel, and is available for those who wish in a 7-inch version. Offering a long line of quality products for the AR community, Spinta Precision was started with the goal to provide AR-platform enthusiasts with high-end components at an affordable price. And shipping is usually complete within 24 hours of the order. No more waiting days for Mister Postman!

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The Altamont Company of Thomasboro, Illinois, is proud to announce they have recently become an official licensed product manufacturer with the NRA. Altamont prides itself on offering an extremely high-quality product at a most affordable price. From beautiful handgun grips to finely engraved screws to custom triggers, rifle stocks, and metal engraving, the craftsmen and machinists at the Atlamont Company have only your interest in mind.

And everything’s made right here in America.

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gun gear ARACHNIGRIP, LLC arachnigrip.com

GENTRY CUSTOM, LLC gentrycustom.com The Gentry Quiet Muzzle Brake reduces felt recoil up to an incredible 85 percent, while directing noise and gases well away from the shooter. Installation does not alter the firearm’s velocity, accuracy, or overall performance.

A quality brake, like the Gentry Quiet Muzzle Brake, helps reduce muzzle jump, allowing for faster, more accurate follow-up shots and less time spent in target reacquisition. Gentry Custom has installed thousands of their brakes, and are happy to do so. Or they can provide guidance, if necessary, to a qualified gunsmith. Available now are 5/8 x24 threads for those factory rifles that support that thread pattern.

Add safety and control to your semiautomatic pistol with the Slide Spider from ArachniGRIP. The Slide Spider is a patented one-piece adhesive grip wrap for semiautomatic pistol slides. The Slide Spider allows the shooter to increase control by way of an improved and more secure hold.

Tactical advantages of the Slide Spider are many, including a better grip on the firearm under adverse, e.g. wet or extreme conditions. A variety of designs to fit most semiautomatic handguns are available; custom imprinting is also an option. Tested by an active military unit, the Slide Spider underwent p extreme environmental challenges and was deemed reliable, even after 20,000 000 ro rounds. ouunds.

KYNSHOT INCORPORATED

kynshot.com

By now, KynSHOT is known for their hydraulic recoil buffers for the AR-15 and AR-10 platforms; however, the company also manufactures and markets the industry’s finest hydraulic recoil buffer for tactical shotguns. Tested and verified to reduce recoil by 75 to 90 percent, the KynSHOT buffer, available now for the Remington Model 870 and Mossberg Model 500/590, is an exceptional upgrade designed to turn an ordinary shotgun into a more efficient, smoother operating tactical or home defense piece. All KynSHOT recoil buffers carry the company’s one-millioncycle warranty.

KynSHOT Precision Recoil Dampers Made in the USA • AR-15 platform • AR-10 platform • AR-15 9mm carbine

Kyn KynSHOT Recoil Dampers Reduce Kick and Muzzle Flip and Improve: • Accuracy • Clustering • Dependability

• Felt Recoil • Service Life • Shoulder Flinching

Stainless steal construction // 1 million cycle guarantee

“KynSHOT is the only hydraulic recoil buffer I recommend.” - Kyle Lamb, Special Ops, SGM (R)

1-716-616-3630 Ext. 508 126

American Shooting Journal // May 2018

Tactical shotgun Visit us at the 2018 NRA Exhibition, Booth 9953

kyntec.com

kynshot.com

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gun gear GEMTECH ECH gemtech.com New from Gemtech, the Shield is a quick-mount k-mount 5.56 suppre suppressor built to handle the most extreme conditions and environments. nmen Engineered for use on short-barrelled full-auto rifles, the Shield provides incredible sound reduction and flash mitigation. And at only 16 ounces, the Shield is one of the lightest suppressors on the market. Made of robust titanium and Inconel, a nickel chromium-based super alloy well-suited for use in extreme environments, especially high heat and pressure, the Shield is one tough customer.

THORDSEN CUSTOMS thordsencustoms.com Thordsen Customs’ line of rifle stocks has long been recognized as the best option for featureless conversions in restrictive states such as California and New York. Until now, no featureless stock has existed for the popular AK-47 platform. Well, the times have changed, and Thordsen is happy to announce the release of their new AK Adapter for their now-famous FRS-15 Gen III Rifle Stock. Adapters are now available in several variations designed to fit any number of AK receivers, including Kalashnikov and Yugoslavian/Serbian variants. Stock kits come in a choice of black, flat dark earth, or OD green. Bring that AK out of the safe and back into service with Thordsen Customs.

WMD GUNS wmdguns.com

JL BILLET jlbillet.com Developed for use with all M-Lok-compatible hand guards and fore-ends, the JL Billet SPIK-R is an innovative barricade support and hand-stop made with the 3-gun shooter in mind. Machined from 6061-T6 aluminum and hard black anodized, the SPIK-R allows shooters a quick and sure transition from barricades to on-the-run gunning. Featuring a carbide-tipped contact point for enhanced bite on hard surfaces, the SPIK-R offers rapid traverse and elevation adjustments, while also acting as a hand-stop, ensuring a solid grip when working targets downrange.

WMD Guns made history in the firearms field with their Beast line of rifles, the world’s first NiB-X coated ARs. NiB-X is a proprietary nickel-boron coating process that permanently provides es the optimal combination of hardness, corrosion ion ns resistance, and lubricity. Now, WMD Guns offers shooters the chance to get NiB-X on almost any rifle, handgun, or shotgun. With WMD’s Individual dual Coating Services program program, you can affordably upgrade single components or entire firearms with NiB-X, Nitromet (Melonite), DLC, or EN Boron Nitride. Ceramics are also available as decorative topcoats. Protect your investment with WMD Guns.

NEW!

Howa 1500 MiniAction Aluminum, replacement trigger guard.

ORDER NOW!

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gun gear LYMAN PRODUCTS lymanproducts.com • Booth #7844

RIO GRANDE CUSTOM GRIPS riograndecustomgrips.com Rio Grande Custom Grips is proud to announce a new line of full-color imaged grips designed to fit the popular Sig Sauer P238. These new grips incorporated the RioGrip texture, a series of recessed ovals that provide a grip with more “bite” than do smooth contour grips, but without the sharp edges, e.g. checkering, that can catch on clothing. Rio Grande Custom Grips sells grips for the legendary 1911 full-size pistols and clones, Taurus PT1911, Beretta 92, 96, and M9 pistols, Blackhawk, Super Blackhawk, and Single-Six revolvers, and the popular 22/45 Mark III.

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Pachmayr, a division of Lyman Products, is proud d to introdu introduce their new GuardianGrip, a revolutionary and innovative design for popular concealed carry revolvers. What makes GuardianGrip so unique is its patented finger extension. Simply press a button, and the spring-loaded finger extension drops out of the grip, effectively converting a two-finger compact grip into a controllable three-finger grip. Constructed of high-strength polymer impervious to weather, moisture, and chemicals, the GuardianGrip is contoured for easy use with speed loaders, and features an open backstrap for greater concealability. Enjoy the concealment of a compact grip, with the control of a full-size. Enjoy the GuardianGrip.

NOWLIN ARMS nowlinarms.com Proven reputation. That’s the key when it comes to the work done by Nowlin Arms of Oklahoma.

Proof? How about eight world championships, and 22 national titles, all won by competitors using Nowlin. And today, you can elevate your own 1911 to this level of performance with Nowlin’s ECM Match Grade barrels. Made from 416 riflequality bar stock, with ultrasmooth ECM rifling, 40 RC hardness, and an 8 RMS bore finish, Nowlin 1911 barrels deliver maximum accuracy. Nowlin’s unique precut barrel locking lug design ensures precise engagement, while centering the firing pin on the primer. Half-inch groups at 25 yards on a machine? That’s the Nowlin difference.

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gun gear CROSS ARMORY crossarmory.com The new Cross Armory Double Stack is an all-state legal magazine attachment that allows you to effectively carry two magazines in one. This innovative design allows for quick, easy installation and removal without causing any harm to the magazine itself.

When reloading, the Double Stack has the advantage of faster reload times, even for the most inexperienced shooters. Simply extract the magazine, flip your wrist, and re-insert. Purposefully designed, the Double Stack angles the bottom magazine forward, providing balance to top-heavy pistols and allowing for improved accuracy.

YHM yhm.net • Booth #10038 The Resonator, the latest exciting addition to the YHM line of products, is a .30-caliber suppressor designed to provide the shooter with an ultraquiet and lightweight, yet affordable alternative to heavier and more expensive units.

Capable of serving on multiple calibers and host firearms, the Resonator uses a tubeless design crafted of heat-treated 17-4 stainless steel, along with a 718 Inconel blast baffle, to create a suppressor rated for full auto and capable of handling all of the challenging conditions today’s shooters might encounter. The new Resonator can accommodate calibers ranging from .17 HMR through the .300 Remington Ultra Magnum.

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TACCOM taccom3g.com The TACCOM competition package for the new Ruger PC Carbine offers five key upgrades for the platform, including a magazine funnel, extended charging handle, solid buttplate, ultralight muzzle brake, and a user-configurable magazine release for “trigger finger” magazine detachment. These five improvements work in synchronicity, making the PC Carbine much more than merely competitive. Simply add the carbine, optics, and a fistful of magazines (SR9 or Glock) to the new TACCOM competition package, and you’re ready to go hot!

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gun gear KICK-EEZ PRODUCTS kickeezproducts.com

TORQUE PRECISION torqueprecision.com The FC (Fully Compliant) Hook from Torque Precision is a fixed magazine compliance device made for use in restrictive states where assault weapon (AW) registration is required based on newly enacted legislation that reclassifies semiautomatic rifles with detachable magazines as AWs. Installation takes less than one minute, and allows owners to convert their Mil-Spec AR-15/10 rifles into fixed magazine rifles that no longer require AW registration. The FC Hook is not a work-around speed device, but rather a compliance device that requires a fully open action and a specific tool to replace any magazine in need of repair.

To tame the bite of today’s high-powered rifles, shotguns, and muzzleloaders, it’s best to choose KickEEZ Magnum Grind-to-Fit recoil pads. Made of solid sorbothane, Kick-EEZ pads are some of the most comfortable and easily modified and customized recoil pads available today. Length of pull (LOP) can also be adjusted quickly, simply by adding one of the 1 3/8-inch pads. Kick-EEZ is a family-owned company headquartered in Woodland, Washington, in the heart of some of the finest deer and elk hunting in the U.S. The Latimer Family knows hunting, shooting, and firearms; most significantly, they know how to reduce recoil to manageable and comfortable levels. Try Kick-EEZ today. Your shoulder will thank you.

MATCH GRADE MACHINE matchgrademachine.com Headquartered in Hurricane, Utah, the highly trained machinists at Match Grade Machine produce some of the finest custom gun barrels available to shooting enthusiasts today.

Specializing in Thompson/Center Contender, T/C Encore, Savage, and Remage barrels, these skilled craftsmen and women take great pride in their workmanship and their industry-wide reputation for excellence. With unprecedented customization options and proven precision, both at the range and in the field, Match Grade Machine barrels are a must-have for anyone looking to wring the most out of the Thompson/Center rifle.

LITTLE CROW GUNWORKS littlecrowgunworks.com Little Crow Gunworks of Spicer, Minnesota, began business as a builder of fine custom rifles. Today, however, the folks in the Upper Midwest carry a fine line of unique reloading and AR-building tools, firearm components, and optics, to include the Ruger American Lock Ring Wrench. The LRW is an all-steel, professional-grade tool for loosening or tightening the barrel lock ring on Ruger’s popular American Rifle. Removing the Ruger’s barrel is easy now, thanks to this well-built specialty tool. See the folks at Little Crow Gunworks for all your reloading and firearms needs.

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• .22 PARTS & ACCESSORIES • TRIGGER GROUPS & BOLTS • .22 BARRELS & OPTICS

WE NOW MANUFACTURE A SOLID BRASS RAZOR RECEIVER! ruger1022receiver.com • 32037 29 Mile Rd • Lenox Twp, Michigan 48050 • 586-646-5671 americanshootingjournal.com 135

gun gear TRACTIONGRIPS tractiongrips.com Headquartered in Georgia, Tractiongrips has been specializing in precision-cut, self-adhesive grip overlays for firearms since 1999. Designed and manufactured right here in the USA, Tractiongrips offers an economical removable alternative to stippling, and is perfect for concealed carry or duty use. Their standard grips are made of a textured rubber material; however, many different types of materials are available, including a custom printed image mage option. Tes Tested and proven by thousands coast to coast, Tractiongrips ctiongrips can help you get a grip.

LUTH-AR L luth-ar.com • Booth #3420 lut Lu Luth-AR, home of the Modular Buttstock Assembly (M (MBA), has just announced their latest addition, the Palm Handguard. This free-floating tube design feat features a triangular profile that conforms to the palm of your hand, giving you a comfortable yet secu secure grip on your AR. The vented version of the P Palm Handguard provides a Picatinny top rail and K KeyMod or M-LOK slots along both upper sides sides, as well as a row of slots on the bottom to accommodate accessories such as a bipod. Made accom of toug tough 6061-T6 hard anodized aluminum, the LuthAR Pal Palm Handguard adds a distinctive good look to an alr already outstanding weapons system.

ELFTMANN TACTICAL elftmanntactical.com The folks at Elftmann Tactical are excited to introduce two new products for the 2018 shooting season. The ELF Ultralight Aluminum Stock is the lightest metal adjustable stock available. Weighing only 5.2 ounces, the Ultralight offers incredible ease of adjustment over the full length of the buffer tube, as well as silent operation – no more noisy clicking into detent holes! The ELF AR-9 Match Drop-In Trigger was designed to perform. Specifically developed for 9mm and .45 PCC platforms, the ELF AR-9 uses aerospacegrade sealed bearings for an incredibly fast and smooth trigger pull. Installation can be done in minutes using your AR’s original hammer and trigger pins; adjustments can be made without removing the trigger from the lower receiver.

Light. Quick. Easy. Effective. Elftmann.

Ultralight rimfire barrels For the Ruger 1022 and 1022 takedown barrels, as well as the AR15 dedicated uppers.

Match chambers and 7075 aluminum

As seen at

Bull barrels, mid weight and factory taper barrels now with VWUDLJKW RU GLDPRQG ÀXWLQJ

Brownells.com & BeyerBarrels.com

To buy direct call Clint at 360 640 1497 Also available at Brownells or other various dealers.

189179 HWY 101 Forks, WA 98331 136

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TACCOM

9mm PC CARBINE ACCESSORIES

WE ALSO CARRY A FULL LINE OF ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR RUGER PC CARBINE. www.TACCOM3G.com 320.221.6179 sales@TACCOM3G.com americanshootingjournal.com 137

gun gear

HANDGUNGRIPS.COM handgungrips.com • Booth #12056

HandgunGrips.com is a family-owned business located in south-central Illinois. With over 45 years of shooting industry experience in design, manufacturing, distribution and retail sales, HandgunGrips.com has a wellrounded team waiting to fill your needs. Their commitment is to offer unique products at affordable prices. Whether you’re looking for magazines, rifles or shotgun stocks, barrels, hearing and eye protection, or other shooting accessories, the professionals at Handgungrips.com can help you find exactly what you’re looking for. Visit their website today.

UNIQUE-ARS

unique-ars.com • Booth #2511 Now available from Unique-ARs, the versatile Unique-Grip customizes the AR platform in a way no other grip does. This innovative accessory conforms perfectly to each shooter’s hand, regardless of size, shape, strength, or right/left dominance, resulting in reduced fatigue and improved performance, both on the range and in the field. Constructed of space-age polymers and weighing only 4.2 ounces, the Unique-Grip installs easily on all mil-spec AR platform rifles. Simply grip it, lock it, and the range is hot.

WHITE OAK ARMAMENT whiteoakarms.com

White Oak Armament is now crafting barrels chambered for the hot new .224 Valkyrie. This new cartridge from Federal is the first to be designed around the Sierra .224 90-grain HPBT Match King bullet. With an advertised velocity of 2,700 fps, the Valkryie provide the long-range performance usually reserved for much larger calibers. At White Oak, they have been involved with high performance long-range wildcat cartridges for the AR-15 platform for over 15 years. Their professionals have the experience to help you get the most out of your new Valkyrie build.

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gun gear PICKETT’S MILL ARMORY pmarmory.com

ULTIMAK ultimak.com

Pickett’s Mill Armory’s 7½-inch AR-15 Pistol/Short-barrel Rifle upper is exactlyy what you need to complete your next build. Chambered in 5.56 and .223 compatible, the 7½-inch compact barrel is easily concealable in a backpack or bag, so as not to draw unwanted attention. Onsite and ready, the KAK flash can direct muzzle flash and concussion away, without affecting velocity in any way. Each upper includes a 7½-inch 5.56 NATO barrel, 9-inch M-LOK or Keymod Free Floating Rail, and KAK Flash Can.

Own an AK? Then you need UltiMAK’s new M17 forward optic mount. Available for C39, C39V2, and RAS-47 AK pistols, the M17 replaces the piston tube and upper handguard assembly with a one-piece aluminum mount that clamps to the barrel. This lightweight, low-profile AK mount is based on the successful M1-B and M2-B UltiMAK AK mounts adapted to the AK pistols by Century Arms. Constructed of hard anodized 6061-T6 aluminum, the M17 allows the use of both tubular optics, e.g. Aimpoint, as well as the original iron sights. Get the new M17 – it’s as tough as the pistol it’s mounted on.

GRIPMAKER gripmaker.com Available as either one- or two-piece configurations, all grips made by The Gripmaker are constructed of extremely durable urethane, a material that’s not only tough, but ages and colors much in the way ivory does. Each one-piece set includes a spacer; Rugers and other makes/models with an escutcheon screw will require the two-piece set. Have an odd-shaped grip frame? Send a tracing, and The Gripmaker will let you know if they have something to fit your particular need. Each set includes detailed fitting instructions, as well as tips on how to “age” your grips prior to use.

TBA SUPPRESSORS tbasuppessors.com • Booth #2417

TRL

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2.5 oz Net Wt. Container Co ontainerr of TRL LLC Patch Lube be and Bore Conditioner. nditio ndition ition n er. e r.

— Made in USA SA — Nice size for the e range. range e.

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The Sicario is the new and improved version of TBA Suppressors’ QAS line of integral silencers for 2018. This two-piece, patent-pending quick-detach integral is not only quieter than its predecessor but disassembles for complete cleaning in under 30 seconds. No more menagerie of parts to manage!

Simply use the factory magazine to disassemble the entire suppressor. The Sicario’s monocore is constructed of 2024 T-351 aluminum and is Type III for long life. And alignment is easy, thanks to the unit’s Fast Attach 28 thread-mount system. Keep the situation tuation silent with the new Sicario.

This one is the perfect erfect ct size for your pock pockket or Possibless bag bag. g.

TIMBER CREEK OUTDOORS timbercreekoutdoorsinc.com • Booth #3203

Mag-Spark

Mag-Spark replacement nipples allows use M of 209 shotgun primers, modern Black Powder o rreplacements, as well as Black Powder re

ttoddlindstro@yahoo.com oddlindstro@yahoo.com Find me on Gunbroker: www.gunbroker.com/All/search?IncludeSellers=1227719 140

American Shooting Journal // May 2018

The Timber Creek AMBI Safety Selector is an easy-to-install drop-in replacement for the OEM safety selector on any Mil-Spec lower receiver.

This ambi-safety comes with one long lever and one short, preventing any contact between the safety and your trigger finger. The modular aircraft aluminum levers, combined with the ability to choose either a 45- or 90-degree short throw, allows you to set the system specific to your shooting style. The AMBI Safety Selector is CNC machined in the USA, and is available in nine color options.

americanshootingjournal.com 141

UNIQUE-ARS

unique-ars.com • Booth #2511 The Rook Muzzle Brake from Unique-ARs works to produce 60 percent less recoil when compared to a traditional A2 birdcage. The innovative asymmetrical side ports use the post-ignition escaping gases to offset recoil, while the upper ports help reduce muzzle jump. No ports on the bottom mean no dust blowback when firing from the prone position. The Rook is available in both ½-by-28 and 5/8-by-24 formats, and both are made of strong 4140 black oxide finish steel.

ARMASPEC armaspec.com

The B2 Skeletonized Extended Mag Release (SEMR) from Armaspec works to extend the length of the OEM release button, resulting in quicker mag dumps without the need to change the grip position.

Compatible with 5.56/.223 and 7.62/.308 receivers, the SEMR installs in minutes using the included Allen style screws and wrench. Armaspec is a U.S.-based manufacturer of firearm accessories, primarily for the AR platform. The company prides itself on providing innovative products that offer a tactical advantage and – as evidenced by the $22 price tag on the SEMR – at an excellent price.

AXC TACTICAL axctactical.com The Extended Mag Release from AXC Tactical is another in a long list of innovations from this Arizona-based company that prides itself on being a leader in the AR parts and accessories market. Designed to improve stability and function, thanks in large part to an oversized paddle and new ergonomic shape, the AXC Extended Mag Release means no more fumbling around trying to drop that spent magazine. Installation is drop-in easy. Get back in the fight fast, with the Extended Mag Release from AXC Tactical.

HUBER CONCEPTS huberconcepts.com Need a custom trigger for your Remington 700?

Something built specifically for the way you shoot? The professionals at Huber Trigger can do it. Built-to-order Huber Triggers are available in single-stage and two-stage designs.

Each allow for multiple customization options including finish, safety, OEM bolt stop release, and pull weight, now starting at 8 ounces for singlestage builds. Better shot timing is guaranteed with Huber Triggers.

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Supporting shooters around the world

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VELOCITY TRIGGERS DESIGNED FOR P R ECISION

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The Marksman Performance ChoiceTM Trigger is designed with a 3/8” wide removable trigger shoe that is ½” forward for faster acquisition.

The shoes are available in: curved, straight or straight with finger stop and 5 different color options. The trigger shoe can also be rotated for a custom fit for your finger position.

The Velocity Triggers

MPC Trigger

TM

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Visit us at: www.VelocityTriggers.com

S T E A LT H ™ R E C O I L S P R I N G

$79.00

The Stealth Recoil Spring™ SRS™ is a self-contained multi-stage drop-in replacement for your standard buffer and spring.

The Stealth Recoil Spring™ is designed to reduce felt recoil as well as keep the buffer spring from rubbing against the inner wall of the buffer tube. The buffer mass is designed to stay under constant tension against the bolt carrier and the O-ring on the head of the buffer mass prevents metal on metal contact. Pat. Pend.

The Stealth Recoil Spring comes in 6 variations.

SRS-Carbine at about 3.3oz equivalent, SRS-H at around 3.8oz equivalent, SRS-H2 at around 4.7oz equivalent, SRS-9 at around 5.6oz equivalent, SRS-H3 at around 5.6oz equivalent, and SRS-308 5.7oz.

www.armaspec.com

americanshootingjournal.com 145

GRIPS

www.tractiongrips.com

Tractiongrips are precision cut, self-adhesive, textured rubber grip overlays, designed and manufactured in the USA.

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Extremely durable urethane Ages (yellows) like real ivory Affordable and versatile

Offering sculpted, simulated ivory hand gun grips and simulated stag design grips for colts and clones, 1911, Ruger, Remington, Smith and Wesson and others.

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GRIPMAKER Available for all guns listed on their website's Availability page, as well as the 1911 Colt, Natural Stag has been their most popular and versatile design for the past 20 years. www.gripmaker.com

Tractiongrips T Tr aacccti t io ti tion on ng grrips ip ps ha ha s be has b been een specializing pec e ia ializi liizi zing n in in American-made, Am meerriiccan an-m mad de, e p pr prec rec e issio ionn-cu nc t,, cu precision-cut, sself-adhesive se lff-aadh dhes e ivve ru ubb beerr grip gri rp rubber ov o ver errla lays lays la ys ffor or ffirearms or irea ir earm arm r ms overlays since 1999. www.tractiongrips.com

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COMPANY SPOTLIGHT

DIP PUTS THE PEDAL TO THE METAL Company offers custom rimfire parts for Savage, CZ, Marlin and more.

PHOTO BY DIP INC.

ot content with the cheap plastic parts that many companies were producing for rimfire firearms, Bob Bland decided to take matters into his own hands. His company, DIP Inc. (aka Diversified Innovative Products), makes drop-in metal rimfire parts and accessories that are both affordable and high quality. Here, Bland tells American Shooting Journal how it all came together.

N

American Shooting Journal Tell us how you decided to get into the firearms industry.

Bob Bland For as long as I can remember, I’ve always had an interest in firearms. Be it hunting with my dad when I was growing up or just target shooting with friends.

A family member started off in the firearms business when I was working construction back in the ’90s. We collaborated on a number of different parts for his business.

In early 2000, I did some advising to someone that was just starting out in business making Ruger 10/22 parts. About the same time, I was making a few replacement parts as a hobby for other rimfire firearms. Shortly thereafter, I became his parttime web administrator and we started sharing a website. In 2008, when the economy went south, I started increasing the number of parts, and by 2010 I closed my construction business and started DIP, Inc.

Diversified Innovative Products makes stocks, trigger guards, rails and other drop-in metal parts for rimfire rifles.

ASJ DIP specializes in custom rimfire parts and accessories. What are some of your most popular products?

BB Because of the economy in 2008, a lot of firearms companies were making more and more parts from molded plastic that easily broke. Working with a number of local machine shops, we are able to make drop-in metal replacement parts affordable (and) that are a superior upgrade for Savage, CZ, Marlin, Anschutz and a host of others. We even make small batches of specialized parts if we have enough requests.

ASJ What do shooters like best about your products?

BB I think that most of our customers like that our products are produced

here in the U.S. because we refuse to outsource anything to other countries, even though I might be able to produce them cheaper.

Oftentimes, as goes the price so does the quality.

ASJ Do you have any new products that you’d like to tell our readers about?

BB We are constantly making new parts and recently purchased two CNC machines so we can produce some prototypes in-house. This will help increase our new product line and hopefully make the R&D much smoother and more efficient.

Editor’s note: Visit diproductsinc .com for more information on the products DIP Inc. offers. americanshootingjournal.com 149

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Adventure RAAHAUGE’S HUNTING CLUB lincraahauges.com

ADVENTURE HUNTS adventurehunts.com

In Swahili, the word safari is translated into English as being a journey or expedition.

Now, the word safari means your next great adventure! Adventure Hunts is known and recognized worldwide for offering unique hunting experiences. Specializing in African destinations, the team at Adventure Hunts caters to the first-time, as well as the seasoned veteran and collector. Looking for big Cape buffalo, leopard, or any of the other Big Five? Let Adventure Hunts take you away to South Africa, Namiba, Mozambique, Benin, Argentina, Spain, Russia, or Alaska.

Now in its 16th year of providing excellent hunting and shooting opportunities for outdoors enthusiasts from coast to coast, Raahauge’s Hunting Club is a full-service, family-owned and -operated day-hunt club headquartered in southern California. This incredible facility features a formal 17-station sporting clays course, along with excellent ringneck pheasant and chukar hunting on over 2,400 acres of beautifully maintained, all-natural upland habitat. Bird hunting is available for day-hunters, bird card holders, and large groups, making Raahauge’s the perfect choice for that outdoor corporate retreat. Open daily, and open to the public.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN ELK RANCH rockymountainelkranch.com

Located in southeast Idaho not far from one of the most picturesque places on the planet – Jackson Hole, Wyoming – Rocky Mountain Elk Ranch provides the setting for the ultimate outdoor experience. Whether you hunt, fish, hike, golf, whitewater raft, or practice photography, let The Lodge at Rocky Mountain Elk Ranch serve as your headquarters for that trip of a lifetime. At center stage is the ranch’s tremendous elk herd. Each year, bulls measuring over 400 inches are harvested by guests staying at The Lodge. Hunts are three days, fully guided, and 100 percent guaranteed, with no license, draw, application or tags required. And nonhunting guests stay free of charge.

WESTERN RANGE CAMPS wrcamps.com Range camps aren’t anything new; in fact, they’ve been around for almost 150 years now. These comfortable but spartan camps are perhaps best known for housing sheepherders high in the mountains or out on the plains. At Western Range Camps, we build camps for recreationists as well. With all the comforts of an RV, these rugged outfits feature a woodburning stove, high insulation factor, and durable all-weather frame.

And with higher ground clearance, Western Range Camps will keep you comfortable, no matter what the weather or logistical situation.

SAFARI CLUB INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION safariclubfoundation.org

Educators, come renew your energy and enthusiasm for teaching with this eight-day professional development workshop held at the American Wilderness Leadership School (AWLS) in Jackson, Wyoming.

The workshop offers hands-on lessons centered around the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, as well as engaging, takehome lessons on conservation education that have been integrated into K-12 math, science, language arts, social studies, and physical education. While at AWLS, educators learn to effectively use the outdoors as a classroom while participating in exciting activities, including an introduction to the shooting sports. americanshootingjournal.com 151

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BLACK POWDER

BUFFALO ARMS COMES OUT WITH PAPER REVOLVER CARTRIDGES

They’re made for .36-, .44-caliber percussion pistols, and shipping box art features historical artwork.

STORY & PHOTOS BY MIKE NESBITT

uffalo Arms Company has started offering combustible black powder paper cartridges for .36and .44-caliber percussion revolvers.

These cartridges are hand-rolled and tapered so they can be inserted into a revolver’s chambers very easily, loading into the front of the cylinder.

And, adding to the “old timey feel” of these cartridges, they are packaged in boxes containing just six cartridges with “period” labels, which are very reminiscent of Civil War times.

When I heard about these paper cartridges for revolvers, I had to give them a try. I received two boxes just a short while later, both for my .36 Colt Navy Model. The small boxes with the early style labels were very fascinating (see photos). To properly describe the paper cartridges, they are made with a nitrated paper, which burns with almost no ash. In fact, the paper is almost as flammable as the powder, so be careful while handling.

For the .36-caliber cartridges, they are loaded with 14 grains of GOEX FFFg powder and topped with a Hornady .375-inch-diameter ball. The paper seams are sealed with sodium silicate, which Buffalo Arms refers to as “water glass,” and the ball is held to the paper cartridge with the same solution.

Fourteen grains of powder is

B

Buffalo Arms’ paper cartridges are boxed in “period correct” boxes of six rounds.

somewhat of a light load for the .36 Navy, but these paper cartridges are also recommended for the shortercylindered pocket models such as the Colt 1862 Police revolver. A common loading for the Colt Navy Model is 20 to 22 grains of powder beneath the .375-inch-diameter round ball. But, believe me, there is nothing wrong with shooting a Navy using these “lighter loads.” Buffalo Arms also makes these paper cartridges for .44-caliber revolvers and those are loaded with 28 grains of GOEX FFFg powder under a .454-inch-diameter Hornady ball. Those .44 loads would have a bit more power.

TO “TEST FIRE” some of these combustible cartridges, I used my third-generation Colt Navy. At the range, the nipples were cleared by snapping caps, and that was done twice because some of the gun’s nipples just didn’t “sound” like they were clear. After the second batch of six caps, the gun was ready for loading.

And loading was very simple – just insert the cartridge and ram the ball down as deeply as it will go. There is no need to tear the cartridge, as you would if loading a musket with a paper cartridge, because the nitrated paper burns almost as readily as the powder.

Besides that, I’m guessing that the paper cartridge ruptures when the load is pushed to the back of the chamber with the rammer.

After all six of the cartridges were loaded in the gun’s cylinder, the mouths of the chambers were sealed with Bumblin’ Bear Grease from October Country. The grease does act as a lube for the ball while going down the barrel, but its primary purpose for being applied to the front of the chambers is to prevent chain fires; that is, having more than one chamber fire when the revolver is shot.

MY TARGET WAS “man-sized” and posted at about 50 feet. I held on the bottom part of the 10-ring and squeezed the trigger. That first shot was actually americanshootingjournal.com 153

BLACK POWDER The cartridges plus caps and grease are all that’s needed for loading.

At 50 feet, firing offhand using a two-hand hold, five shots all scored 9s or 10s.

my best; it scored a 10 at 3 o’clock.

Four more shots followed, getting two more 10s and two 9s, making a rather good group. The shooting was done offhand with a two-hand hold. Very pleasant shooting!

That left me with one shot remaining in the Navy’s cylinder and another shooter at the range that day had a chronograph all set up and in use. I asked the owner if I could fire

one test shot over his machine and he replied that I could, adding, “Just don’t hit it.” That last shot was a good one, completely missing the chronograph, and registering 691 feet per second.

Higher velocities, of course, would be achieved with heavier powder charges, closer to 1,000 fps with a fully loaded Navy. That concluded my shooting with the paper cartridges so far, because the second box was saved for

later use.

And there will be some later use, for sure. I can see myself shooting my Colt Navy percussion revolver quite a bit with these loads. If it turns out that I do a lot of shooting with paper cartridges like these, I’ll learn how to make them myself. And if that happens, another story will follow.

Several years ago, the Colt Model 1851 was a very favored revolver

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American Shooting Journal // May 2018

208-263-6953

americanshootingjournal.com 155

Author Mike Nesbitt has favored the Colt 1851 Navy revolver for many years.

Nesbitt’s .36, a third-generation Colt.

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American Shooting Journal // May 2018

for me. I had one of the first of the second-generation Colts and I shot that sixgun quite a bit. I even hunted with it just a little, trying the .36 out for small game. I shot that gun just enough that my trigger finger wore the nickel plating off of the upper part inside the trigger guard. Then I sold my old .36 Navy after I mistakenly thought I was no longer interested in shooting with a percussion revolver.

Of course, I was wrong. The gun shown with this story is a thirdgeneration Colt purchased used but fairly recently. Now, after trying these combustible paper cartridges, I can see myself doing a lot more shooting with this Navy Model.

Buffalo Arms offers the combustible paper cartridges only for revolvers and they are priced at $14.99 per box of six. That works out to almost $2.50 per shot but if you buy five boxes at a time, the price drops to $13.44 apiece. Once you’re hooked on shooting the paper cartridges, the company also offers the nitrated paper so shooters can “roll their own.” To order, go to buffaloarms .com or call (208) 263-6953.

americanshootingjournal.com 157

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Black Powder SCHUETZEN

schuetzenpowder.com • Booth #7613

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, more than four decades later, the northern 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, leather shooting bags, powder horns, and hand-forged shooting tools.

Their inventory also features custom English sporting rifles, and products specifically designed and manufactured for cowboy action and black powder cartridge shooters.

IOSSO PRODUCTS

Schuetzen is, quite simply, the black powder of choice at all national and international shooting competitions. Available in a wide array of granulations, Schuetzen’s Swiss Black Powder has long been considered the very best by both competitive shooters, as well as field hunters.

Made from hand-crafted buckthorn alder charcoal, Swiss Black is available for everything from cannons and muskets to fine-grain priming powder needs. The workhorse of black powder propellants, Schuetzen Black Powder is produced in-house using a fine blend of charcoals to create an exemplary final result.

TRL LLC gunbroker.com • Booth #7410 Muzzleloader enthusiasts are constantly looking for the perfect patch lube and bore conditioner, and they may have just discovered it in this fantastic new must-have from TRL LLC. Round-ball shooters are going to love the way this new lube/conditioner works to keep powder residue and fouling soft and easily removed between shots. But it’s not just for muzzleloaders, as it has additional applications as a leather conditioner, metal protectant, universal lubricant, and much more.

www.iosso.com

888-747-4332

Made in USA

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GUN CLEANING

GUN CLEANING

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COMPANY SP SPOTLIGHT POTLIG

TO PROTECT AND PRESERVE

zMAX products extend the life of firearms ‘from the inside out.’

PHOTO BY ZMAX

MAX Micro-lubricant has been around for 80 years, and was first used in the automotive industry to clean, penetrate and protect engines. The formula has since been applied to everything from aircraft and locomotives to marine engines and snowmobiles, and of course, to firearms.

“BoltLube and Bore Cleaner and Conditioner are revolutionary products unlike anything else on the market currently,” explained George Elliott, vice president of sales and marketing

z

at zMAX. “Basically, what sets our product apart from anything else on the market is the science behind the product. zMAX molecules are smaller on a molecular level. It allows the product to penetrate the metal in ways other petroleum-based products can’t.

“Due to the smaller molecule size, zMAX penetrates and soaks into the metal, allowing the product to protect and preserve from the inside out.”

As zMAX Micro-lubricant soaks into metal, it reduces carbon build-up, penetrates and conditions metal parts, and it does not gum up firearm mechanisms.

The result is improved performance

S R’ R E L LE UMMB THTU

Bolt Lube and Bore Cleaner and Conditioner from zMAX.

and an extended life of the firearm.

“I use zMAX Micro-lubricant products because I know they work,” said 3 Gun shooter Drew Hedrick. “As a competitive shooter, I have to know my firearms are going to function. When competing with the talented shooters I have the opportunity to shoot with, I can’t leave anything to chance. zMAX helps improve reliability of my firearms. These products also make my firearms easier to clean, leaving more time to go compete and practice.”

Editor’s note: For more information, visit zmax.com.

BRASS MASTER ULTRA VIBE CASE CLEANERS

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“Manufacturers of quality case cleaners, deburring and tumbling equipment since 1959” americanshootingjournal.com 163

Precision Products for the 21st Century Shooter/Reloader Calibrated Bullet Seater Die

Stainless Steel

The body of the die is built like a micrometer with ½ thousands, .0005 increments. The seater stem is machined per customers bullet ojive. Notice how the bullet is contained in the seater stem. There is about 1/4" of ojive contact, making it possible to hold overall length to ½ thousands, .0005. Also helping to keep bullet in line with case.

Super Precision Click Head Priming Tool Su S Introducing the NEWEST Super Precision Click Head Priming Tool from 21st 2 Century Shooting. This Priming Tool moves the primer 1 ¼ thou per click (.00125) for very precise amount of crush. All stainless steel components with billet aluminum handle. CNC machined in house at 21st Century Shooting.

Power Neck Turning Lathe

This is our second in the series of our 21st Century Shooting Case Preparation. A modular system, most all parts are interchangeable. The power head glides on stainless steel guide rails. Power is supplied via button that is build QV\W \PM NMML PIVLTM NWZ ^MZa XZMKQ[M NMML ZI\M <PM ÆWI\QVO design of our neck turner and case driver allows the case mouth (bore) to run on the arbor absolutely concentric.

Therefore allowing O.D. to be turned concentric with I.D.

Enter FBOOK10 and receive 10% off order Made in the USA

260-273-9909 www.21stcenturyshooting.com 164

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reloading ENTERPRISE SERVICES

REDDING RELOADING

Let’s talk slip-resistant pads for a moment, shall we? Sometimes, a small accessory – just a little tweak – can make a major improvement to an existing product. Anneal-Rite cartridge case annealing units from Enterprise Services are that product, and these handy sponge rubber pads make the process of annealing all the more easy, not to mention trouble-free. Simply clean the bottom of the Anneal-Rite unit and bottle holder, apply the pads, and press firm. No more bottles slipping across the table while you’re trying to concentrate on the job at hand.

Redding Reloading of Cortland, New York, has been producing excellent reloading equipment right here in America since 1946. Now, they’re proud to announce the addition of six new premium handgun dies for 9mm, .40 S&W/10mm, .45 ACP, .38 Special/.357 Magnum, .44 Special/.44 Magnum, and .45 Colt. These three-die sets include a titanium-carbide sizing die, newly designed expander containing the unique Redding expander plug coated with titanium nitride, and a setting die with a bullet seating micrometer for unequaled depth control and precision. Go with the black and gold box. Go Redding.

cartridgeanneal.com

redding-reloading.com • Booth #8243

STARLINE BRASS starlinebrass.com • Booth #7457 Starline Brass continues to expand their ever-growing line of high-quality rifle brass, with the addition of the incredibly popular 6.5 Grendel. The 6.5 Grendel was designed for use in the AR-15 platform to offer ballistics similar to the venerable .308 Winchester, but with substantially less felt recoil. The 6.5 Grendel’s short case length allows the use of longer, heavier match bullets, making it an excellent long-range shooting option.

With proper bullet selection, the Grendel is an excellent choice for deersized game, coyotes, and other varmints. Staying true to their reputation, Starline’s new 6.5 Grendel brass is made in America. Get match-grade quality, without the match-grade cost.

UNIQUETEK, INC. uniquetek.com

DILLON PRECISION dillonprecision.com • Booth #10364 Bringing perfection one step closer to reality.

From Dillon Precision comes the SL 900 Shotshell Loader, a time-proven unit with a practically endless list of features, including an adjustable case-activated shot-dispensing system; automatic indexing; automatic powder and priming systems; tilt-out wad guide; aluminum roller handle; and it comes with its dies preadjusted to load the popular AA hulls. With its heavy-duty O-frame design and interchangeable toolhead, the SL900 is a serious machine for the serious shotgunner.

21ST CENTURY SHOOTING INC. xxicsi.com The days of neck turning with a cordless screwdriver are over! Introducing the new 21st Century Shooting Power Neck Turning Lathe! An integral power head glides on stainless steel rails, with power adjustable from 200 to 600 rpm in 50 rpm increments, via a digital speed controller. Given properly expanded brass, ample lube, and the proper titanium nitride arbors, case necks can be turned at 600 rpm without any heat generation! Speed up your case prep process, and have more time for the range. The new 21st Century Shooting Power Neck Turning Lathe is taking reloading into the 21st century!

Any serious reloader has run into this situation: a stuck case. It slows production, and in a worst-case scenario, can damage equipment. The Stuck Case Remover Kit from UniqueTek lets reloaders quickly remove stuck cases from sizing dies without compromising the die body or expander/decap assembly.

The kit uses the power of the press itself to extract the case.

Simply install the kit on any singlestage press ram, and even the toughest situation is remedied with just a downward stroke of the handle. americanshootingjournal.com 167

AMMO/RELOADING

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Enhancements for Dillon Precision Reloading Presses 1. 2X Powder Hopper Tube 2. Micrometer Kit 3. Toolhead Clamp Kit 4. Live Primer Chute 5. XL 650 Cartridge Chute Extension 6. Precision Powder %DIÁH 7. Spent Primer Chutes 8. Turbo Bearing 9. Dillon Die Wrench 10. SOLO ™ SingleStage g Conversion

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11. CNC Toolheads 12. The Bullet Bin 13. Bin-Dam ™ 14. Powder Measure Stand Adapter 15. Drain-n-Change Tool 16. Primer Tube Stand 17. Primer Rod and Holder 18. 550 Primer Track Bearing 19. Shellplate Bearing g Kit

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AMMUNITION AGUILA AMMUNITION

BLACK HILLS AMMUNITION

Velocity meets accuracy with Aguila Ammunition’s 9mm Luger Jacketed Hollow Point. Born out of years of engineering and countless terminal ballistic tests, this defensive and tactical round consistently performs. As is the case with all Aguila ammunition, this 9mm 117-grain JHP is a high-quality round that cycles flawlessly. Weighing a full 7.58 grams, the new 9mm round has a velocity of 1,150 feet per second, and an MSRP of $18.11 per 50-round box. Since 1961, Aguila Ammunition has been known as one of the largest manufacturers of rimfire cartridges in the world, and is quickly gaining a reputation among tactical, handgun, and shotgun shooters, as well as hunters.

For 2018, the folks at Black Hills Ammunition are proud to announce the addition of the wildly popular 6.5 Creedmoor ELD loads to their lineup. The 6.5 Creedmoor is a superb light-recoiling long-range cartridge that exhibits not only impressive accuracy, but excellent on-target ballistic performance.

Black Hills will offer these rounds fitted with either 143- or 147-grain Hornady Extreme Low Drag (ELD) bullets. Testing at the Black Hills facility has demonstrated that these bullets loaded in Black Hills Ammunition are consistently capable of producing one-half MOA performance from a factory (nonmodified) Ruger Precision Rifle. Impressive, indeed.

aguilaammo.com • Booth #3111

RIM ROCK BULLETS rimrockbullets.com

Low-recoil ammunition is without question quite popular among shooters today, and this desire for manageable recoil hasn’t been lost on the engineers at Rim Rock Bullets. To this end, Rim Rock is introducing their new .45 ACP 200-grain Round Nose Flat Point (RNFP) bullet. Manufactured from 15 Brinell hardness lead, these exceptional new bullets are the perfect projectile for those seeking reduced recoil without sacrificing accuracy.

black-hills.com

MEISTER BULLETS meisterbullets.com For over 40 years, Meister has been casting high-quality lead bullets in a variety of handgun and rifle calibers.

Lubed for use with smokeless powders, all of Meister’s bullets are now available (special order only) with a baked-on powder coating. This coating allows the bullets to be used in flawless operation in an automatic feeder, as well as eliminates barrel build-up. The only distributor of the X-Ring primerpowered rubber bullet, Meister also offers a unique, easy-to-use barrel slugging kit for shooters unsure of an older rifle’s true bore size.

NOSLER

FEDERAL PREMIUM

In January 2018, Nosler announced that their popular Reduced Drag Factor (RDF) bullet line would be expanded to include a .22 85-grain hollow point boattail (HPBT) – welcome news to competitive shooters around the globe.

The whole of the RDF bullet line features the highest ballistic coefficients, and smallest, most consistent meplats (bullet tip) of any hollow point match bullet on the market. In a 22 Nosler with a 24-inch barrel, the 85-grain RDF can be loaded to a muzzle velocity of 2,900 fps. This velocity, along with the high ballistic coefficient, makes it the fastest and flattest shooting .22 SAAMIapproved cartridge design for the AR-15 platform. Get downrange – far downrange – fast, with Nosler’s new 85-grain RDF .22.

Conventional ammunition causes metal-on-metal contact between the bullet and the bore – contact that can shorten barrel life and decrease accuracy. Federal’s polymer-encapsulated Snytech bullet prevents this contact, while eliminating copper and lead fouling issues. Combined with clean-burning powders and Federal’s exclusive Catalyst primer, these new rounds will keep guns cleaner longer, allowing you to shoot more and more accurately. A variety of loads are available, including the new 124-grain 9mm Luger, 165-grain 40 S&W, and 230-grain 45 Auto. Congratulations to Syntech, which was the winner of the 2017 National Rifle Association’s Golden Bullseye Award.

nosler.com • Booth #6927

federalpremium.com • Booth #7530

americanshootingjournal.com 171

Ammunition AMMO INCORPORATED ammo-inc.com • Booth #10959

For some shooters, it would be quite helpful to see precisely where they’re shooting before the round impacts the target. Well, thanks to Ammo Incorporated’s Streak Visual Ammunition, it’s possible to do just that. Streak rounds are nonincendiary and do not generate any heat, making them safe for use in environments, e.g. dry surroundings, where traditional tracer rounds are prohibited or could constitute a hazard.

Streak rounds are recommended for indoor range use and nighttime shooting exercises.

MATT’S BULLETS mattsbullets.com

BITE THE BULLET

Recoil can be a terrible thing, and the good people at Matt’s Bullets know and understand this. That’s why they’ve introduced a .38 Special load designed specifically for fans of snub-nosed revolvers. A lightweight 110-grain bullet and a decreased powder charge transform these traditional wrist-busters into a most pleasant shooting experience. There is no substitute for training, and with Matt’s Bullets’ light loads, even the recoil-sensitive can spend all the time necessary on the range honing their skills and becoming more proficient shooters. If you or someone you know dreads shooting that snubby .38, try a box of Matt’s Comfort Plinkers today.

Matt’s Bullets

bitethebullet.co With the most consistent and cost-effective everyday-carry and home defense ammunition on the market today, Bite The Bullet (BTB) uses state-of-the-art machinery to manufacture a better alternative. Now available is BTB’s new 9mm 95-grain Barnes TAC-XP Self Defense HP New Brass. Offering 11 to 16 inches of penetration, an impressive .355- to .775-inch expansion, and a muzzle velocity of 1,300 fps, these new rounds are part of BTB’s wildly popular RX line of self/home defense ammunition. One hundred percent copper, the BTB TAC-XP also comes in an ECO-frangible format designed with a copper polymer projectile.

BTB-RX, the world’s first ammohistamine – for when they need permanent relief.

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Fifty-two years. That’s how long the folks at the Zero Bullet Company have been manufacturing jacketed handgun bullets. And their expertise and craftsmanship shows in their impressive competitive championship wins. Team Zero member, Kevin Angstadt, won the prestigious Bianchi Cup in 2014 using the company’s Number 136 9mm 125-grain jacketed hollow point competition bullet. Kim Beckwith has racked up multiple High Senior awards at the cup with Zero’s .38 Super ammunitions. The National Pistol Championship? Zero’s been there and done that. Same with the Pistol 4-Man Team Championships at Ohio’s Camp Perry. An impressive record, for a company with equally as impressive credentials and products.

AMMO/RELOADING

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HUNTING AMMUNITION

814.938.6820 • iccammo.com

COWBOY .25 .32 .38 .38 .38 .38-40 .44-40 .45LC .45LC .458

85 GR. 78 GR. 120 GR. 125 GR. 130 GR. 180 GR. 180 GR. 160 GR. 200 GR. 350 GR.

RNFP/500 RNFP/500 TC/500 RNFP/500 RNFP/500 RNFP/500 RNFP/500 RNFP/900 RNFP/500 RNFP/100

$28.00 $25.00 $32.00 $33.00 $34.00 $42.00 $42.00 $79.00 $44.50 $26.00

STANDARD .32KEITH .380 9MM 9MM .38 .38 .40 .45ACP .45ACP .45LC .38

125 GR. 95 GR. 115 GR. 125 GR. 148 GR. 158 GR. 180 GR. 200 GR. 230 GR. 255 GR. 148 GR.

SWC/500 RN/500 RN/500 RN/500 DEWC/600 SWC/600 RNFP/500 SWC/500 RN/500 SWC/500 WC/500

$46.00 $31.00 $31.50 $33.00 $41.50 $44.00 $41.00 $44.50 $48.00 $55.00 $40.00

GAS-CHECK .38 .357 .41 .44 .44 .44 .45LC .45LC .458 .500

158 GR. 180 GR. 230 GR. 240 GR. 240 GR. 305 GR. 260 GR. 325 GR. 430 GR. 440 GR.

SWC-HP/100 LBT-WFN/100 SWC/100 SWC-HP/100 SWC/100 LBT-WFN/100 SWC-HP/100 LBT-LWN/100 LBT-LWN/100 LBT-WFN/100

$25.00 $30.00 $32.00 $38.00 $38.00 $45.00 $41.00 $47.00 $24.00 $72.00

This is a good cross reference of the bullets we offer. We have about 144 set of molds with new molds coming. Sixteen employees working 10 hr. a day shifts 4 days a week with 12 casters, 7 auto lubers, and 12 VWDU OXEHUV JDV FKHFNLQJ HYHU\ GD\ :H KDYH EXOOHWV PDGH ZLWK ¿YH different alloys that we order in 40,000 - 60,000 lbs at a time a mixed per our set alloys. Prices subject to change without notice.

Phone Orders Taken Monday-Thursday 8am-5pm MST

BULLET BULLETIN

NEW HEAVYWEIGHT CONTENDERS

Featuring Federal’s Tungsten Super Shot, these shells are ready to roll gobblers, and even feature a ruler to measure your bird’s spurs.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY PHIL MASSARO

ederal Premium Ammunition has always been at the forefront of ammunition development, and that includes innovative new shotshells. New for 2018, Federal has introduced a new line of shotshells featuring their new TSS, or Tungsten Super Shot. The new shot material is an alloy that is predominately tungsten, and according to Federal, is 56 percent denser than lead, and is much harder, which helps resist pellet deformation. Dense shot equals better retained velocity, and retained velocity equals more killing power.

Based on this idea, not only will the conventional shot size recommendations perform better than we’re used to but smaller shot sizes will kill much better than they are supposed to. Smaller shot sizes means more pellets, and more pellets into the kill zone of any game animal means a quicker kill, and less cripples. Federal embraced this idea in their new Heavyweight TSS Shotshell line, and it’s a definite winner.

Now, knowing the guys at Federal – and the serious manner in which they pursue turkeys – the TSS line was designed with gobblers in mind. The Heavyweight TSS line embraces shot sizes usually reserved for upland game and clay birds, namely No. 7, 8 and 9 shot, which is a world away from the traditional line of thought, where the larger shot sizes were offered as the best choice for turkey hunting. The

F

Federal’s Heavyweight TSS shells feature a tungsten alloy and are available for 12-gauge, 20-gauge and .410-bore shotguns.

new TSS line uses the Flitecontrol Flex wad (except in the .410 loads) that appeared in the revamped Black Cloud shotshell line – designed for optimum performance with the ultratight turkey chokes and ported barrels – to keep the shot column together and deliver as many pellets as possible downrange. The wad uses redesigned, rear-deploying brake fins and sidemounted vents to initiate separation at the proper moment, to maximize downrange performance.

Federal produces their Heavyweight TSS in 12-gauge 3½-inchers with a 2¼-ounce load of No. 7 or No. 9 shot; 12-gauge 3-inchers with 1¾-ounce load of No. 7 or No. 9 shot; 20-gauge 3-inchers with a 1½-ounce load of No. 7 or No. 9 shot; and even in .410-bore 3-inchers with 13/16 ounces of No. 9

shot. The 2½-ounce load of No. 7 shot delivers a whopping 423 pellets, so you can see where the Heavyweight TSS will certainly put enough pellets into the vital zone. The shot is held in place via a roll crimp with a clear card wad, and the 12- and 20-gauge Heavyweight TSS hulls even have a printed ruler in 1/8-inch increments, in order to measure your tom’s spurs! Packaged in five packs, a portion of the proceeds americanshootingjournal.com 177

bullet bulletin

No need to pack a tape measure afield when you hunt with these shotshells – they feature a mini ruler with 1⁄8-inch increments to measure spurs.

are donated to the National Wild Turkey Foundation.

THE HEAVYWEIGHT LINE WASN’T the only Federal shotshell to get a facelift; the fabulous 3rd Degree line now

incorporates the TSS as one of the three shot types within the shot column. I’ve used the original 3rd Degree shotshells, and they were extremely impressive. The concept is clever: Federal loads a three-layer

payload to cover all the bases, and the concept works well. The front of the shot column is made of 20 percent No. 6 Flitestopper pellets, the ones that have a small ring around them and sort of resemble the planet Saturn. These

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458 SOCOM Hunter Bolt Action Rifle The Ultimate Brush and Dangerous Game Gun Remington 700 Action Trued and Blue Printed Muzzle Brake Included Cerakote Finish on Action and Barrel Included Locking Hard Case Included 16” Stainless 1:14 Barrel 458 SOCOM Only Magazine 7+1 Capacity Patent Pending Timney 510 Trigger • AR-15 3 Gun Ultra Light Rifle • AR-308/6.5 & 6mm Creedmoor Rifle 178

American Shooting Journal // May 2018

• 1-8x24 3 Gun, 5-25x56 Tactical Scope • 458 Socom and 45 Colt Cowboy Ammunition

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Federal’s Grand Slam loads now feature the company’s Flitecontrol Flex wad “to make an already great product even better,” says author Phil Massaro.

are what I call “lead-knuckleballs,” spreading out in wide pattern early in flight, and that portion of the shot column handles any turkeys that come in really close, when the shot column is usually still very tight.

The middle 40 percent of the shot column is comprised of copper-plated No. 5 shot, which will hold its shape well, and handle the midrange shots perfectly, as it has done for years. It’s the last 40 percent of the 3rd Degree’s shot column that got the upgrade, with Federal now loading the No. 7 TSS Shot to complete the package. This TSS section of the shot column is what will best handle the longer shots at those birds that hang up just at the edge of the effective shooting range; those birds are no longer safe thanks to the TSS shot.

The 3rd Degree turkey loads are available in 12-gauge 3½-inchers with a 2-ounce load; 12-gauge 3-inchers with a 1¾-ounce load; and 20-gauge 3-inchers with a 1 7/16-ounce load.

Packaged in five-packs, a portion of the proceeds are also donated to the National Wild Turkey Foundation.

THE FEDERAL GRAND SLAM TURKEY shotshells – centered around a suitable load of buffered, copperplated lead shot – also get the Flitecontrol Flex wad, to make an already great product even better.

Seems that wad works so well that Federal has seen fit to include it in the top turkey loads, and based on the targets I’ve seen, it works as advertised. The Grand Slam is also locked together with the same roll crimp and clear card wad as the Heavyweight TSS. It’s available in 10-gauge 3½-inchers with 2 ounces of No. 4 or No. 5 shot; 12-gauge 3½-inchers with 2 ounces of No. 4, No. 5 or No. 6 shot; 12-gauge 3-inchers with 1¾ ounces of No. 4, No. 5 or No. 6 shot; 12-gauge 2¾-inchers with 1½ ounces of No. 5 shot; and 20-gauge 3-inchers with 15/16 ounces of No. 5 shot.

With all these choices available, turkey season can’t last long enough!

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SHOTGUNS

shotguns DICKINSON ARMS

dickinsonarms.com • Booth #10362 With dozens of 12-gauge semiautomatic models, barrel lengths, configurations, and colors to choose from, the new Impala Plus line from Dickinson Arms offers something for every shooter. The Impala Plus family includes versions featuring rich, hand-checkered Turkish walnut stocks and fore-ends, as well as lightweight synthetics and camouflage patterns. Want a truly distinctive sporting shotgun? The Impala Plus Elite Series comes in an array of bold stock, fore-end, and action colors. All Impala models are inertia operated, and offer the shooter’s choice of 18- to 30-inch chrome-lined ported barrels.

O.F. MOSSBERG & SONS, INC. mossberg.com • Booth #8847

Built on Mossberg’s legendary pump-action tactical platform, the 590M Mag-Fed 12-gauge uses the world’s first double-stack 10-round shotgun magazine to create a tactical/home defense firearm that’s second to none. The 590M is available in two versions. The base model sports an 18½-inch heavy-walled cylinder bore barrel with a bead sight, interchangeable ACCU-Choke system, and black synthetic stock/fore-end with matte blue finish. The Heat Shield version, also with an 18½-inch cylinder bore barrel, features a cob-style fore-end, protective heat shield, and ghost ring sighting system. Optional five-, 10-, 15-, and 20-round magazines are available.

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SUPPRESSOR GALLERY SRT ARMS Model: Ruger 77/44 Length: 1 inch longer than factory rifle Mount: Integrally mounted Weight: 1 pound more than factory rifle Decibel: 120 decibels absolute with 240-grain subsonic ammo

Materials: 4130 outer tube, 7075 aluminum baffles and caps MSRP: $995 on customer-supplied rifle; add $365 for optional barrel upgrade More info: www.srtarms.com

GEMTECH Model: Aurora II Length: 3.4 inches Caliber: 9mm/.380 ACP Mount: Thread mount (½-28 and 13.5x1mm LH)

Weight: 3.5 ounces Decibel: 135 decibels Materials: 7075-T5 aluminum MSRP: $399 More info: www.gemtech.com

KNIGHT’S ARMAMENT COMPANY Model: Combat Rifle Suppressor Length: 6.52 inches (165mm) Calibers: 5.56 NATO–7.62mm (multicaliber rated) Weight: 15.8 ounces (447g)

Mount: Quick disconnect coupling Materials: Steel and Inconel Sound reduction: 32 decibels on average MSRP: $1,442.70 More info: www.knightarmco.com

TBA SUPPRESSORS Model: Tempest Length: 6.75 inches Caliber: .22 LR Mount: ½x28 Weight: 3.4 ounces

Sound reduction: 42 decibels Materials: Aluminum Finish: Anodized black MSRP: $349 More info: www.tbasuppressors.com

americanshootingjournal.com 1

Centurion Arms - CM4 Calibers: Barrel length: Overall length: Weight: Magazine capacity: Stock: MSRP:

Multi or 5.56mm 10.5 to 16.1 inches Variable Variable 10, 20, 30 and 40 Composite $1,500

CenturionArms.com

Layke Tactical - LT10 Caliber: Barrel length: Overall length: Weight: Magazine capacity: Stock: MSRP:

.308/7.62x51mm 18 inches 36 to 39 inches 8.4 pounds 5 to 25+1 Composite $1,599 to $2,000

LaykeTactical.com

American Built Arms - Power to the People Program Caliber: Barrel length: Weight: Magazine capacity: Stock: MSRP: Note:

.308 (Model 700 SPS Tactical AACSD Barreled Action) 20 inches 8.75 pounds AI Spec magazine (not included) A*B Arms MOD*X GEN III Chassis $899.99 Some assembly required

ABArms.com

Knightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Armament Company SR-15 E3 Mod 2 M-Lok PN: 31900 Caliber: Barrel length: Overall length: Weight: Magazine capacity: Stock: MSRP:

5.56 NATO/.223 Rem 16 inches CHF 1/7 RH Twist 33.5 to 36.5 inches 6.5 pounds 30 rounds Magpul MOE Mil-Spec $2,470.16

KnightArmCo.com

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CDNN Sports - Ruger Precision Rifles Calibers: Barrel length: Overall length: Weight: Capacity: Stock: Sights: MSRP: CDNN Price:

.308, 5.56 NATO, 6mmCreedmoor 20 to 24 inches 39.25 to 46.75 inches 9.8 to 10.8 pounds 10 rounds MSR folding adjustable Picatinny optics rail $1,599.99 $899.9

CDNNSports.com

TROY - Side Action Rifle Caliber: Barrel length: Overall length: Weight: Magazine capacity: Stock: MSRP:

5.56 NATO 14.7 inches, P&W OAL 16 inches 24 inches folded, 34.7 inches extended 5.5 pounds 5, 10 and 30 rounds Billet machined, side folding $899

WorldOfTroy.com

WMD Guns - NiB-X Coated Big Beast Rifle Caliber: Barrel length: Overall length: Weight: Magazine capacity: Stock: MSRP:

6.5 Creedmoor 22 inches (with NiB-X coated barrel extension, 1:8 twist) 44 inches 9.5 pounds 10 rounds standard Luth-AR with adjustable cheek rest and length of pull $2,599

WMDGuns.com Absolute Zero Ordnance AZO Nightmare Long Range Precision P eciisio Pre on n Caliber: Barrel length: Overall length: Weight: Magazine capacity: Stock: MSRP:

6.5 Creedmoor 22 inches without ut compensator, com mp penssattor, ma match atch h grade g de grad 44 to 45.8 inches 9.8 pounds 10 to 20 Luth-AR - ďŹ xed length of pull: 1.8 inches, adjustable $2,200, coatings optional

AZOCustoms.com

BARREL BUDDY Gun barrel cleaning materials See us on page 92

MKS SUPPLY Hi-Point Firearms 1095TS See us on page 121

WHITE OAK ARMAMENT Ruger Precision Rifle barrels See us on page 139

SNAGMAG Sig Sauer P938 magazine in a custom-fit SnagMag See us on page 74

DEFIANCE MACHINE Deviant Elite action See us on page 102

SHELL SHOCK TECHNOLOGIES NAS3 cases See us on p page g 169

KYNSHOT INCORPORATED Hydraulic recoil buffer for tactical shotguns See us on page 126

PRECISION RIFLE SOLUTIONS Tripod with Freedom Quick Release Mount See us on page 143

MATCH GRADE MACHINE Remage barrel nut See us on page 23

UNIQUETEK INC. UniqueTek Stuck Case Remover Kit See us on page 168

ABSOLUTE ZERO ORDNANCE AZ0 .300 Blackout Blackou o t Pig Slayer with nightvision See us on page 118

LYMAN PRODUCTS TacStar carbon fiber AR-15 handguard with sight rail See us on page 44

SELECT FIRE LLC Ruger solid-brass 80 percent complete 10/22 receiver See us on page 135 KNIGHT’S ARMAMENT COMPANY Precision bipod See us on page 120

Guns &

Accessories

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

KNIGHT’S ARMAMENT COMPANY

NIGHTFORCE OPTICS

7.62 QDC Flash Adaptor Kit See us on page 120

ATACR 4-16x50 riflescope See us on page 98

AXC TACTICAL Hive enhanced pistol grip See us on page 38

KYNSHOT INCORPORATED KynSHOT Hydraulic Recoil Buffer See us on page 126

VELOCITY TRIGGERS 3-pound curved trigger See us on page 144

CDNN SPORTS AR-15 556 Rifle Kit - Just Add Lower See us on page 47

LAYKE TACTICAL LT-10 lower receiver See us on page 122

SPINTA PRECISION 4.5-inch 9mm cold hammer forged stainless steel barrel See us on page 31

THORDSEN THORDS T HO ORD DSEN N CUSTO CUSTOM CUS CUSTOMS UST STO TOMS OMS MS FRS-15 Gen III featureless AK-47 stock kit See us on page 15

CENTURION ARMS CMR modular locking accessory system (M-Lok) handguard See us on page 45

ABSOLU ABSOLUTE AB BSO OLUT TE Z ZERO ERO O ORDNANCE, ORDNANCE O OR RD DNANC NA ANC C L CE LLC LC C Patriot model AR-15 lower billet with custom graphics See us on page 118

WMD GUNS WMD NiB-X bolt carrier group See us on page 134

AMERICAN BUILT ARMS COMPANY Urban Sniper stock See us on page 119

SRT ARMS

LUTH-AR

Titanium cans See us on page 48

Palm handguard See us on page 41

PISTOL Gallery ABSOLUTE ZE ZERO ORDNANCE, LLC L www.azocustoms.com w ww w.azocustoms m .c

AZO POLYMER PISTOL See us on page 118

GUNCRAFTER INDUSTRIES

www.guncrafterindustries.com

NO NAME 1911 See us on page 54

LAYKE TACTICAL www.layketactical.com

CUSTOM-BUILT PISTOL See us on page 122

SAR USA

WMD GUNS

SAR9

MODEL 11.1 IN .45 ACP

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See us on page 134

www.sarusa.com

CDNN SPORTS

www.wmdguns.com

NOWLIN

www.cdnnsports.com

www.nowlinarms.com

RUGER NEW BEARCAT 22LR

NEW TITAN MODEL 1911 PISTOL

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See us on page 144